Damian West the boy I grew up with right next door. The boy who broke my heart over and over again has decided to walk back into my life. Alana Blue is the girl I've protected, always protected, she's mine. I love this story of childhood friends who decided to be friends only, no messy breaks or at least Alana thought that's what they agreed to. A captivating story when Damian comes whirling back into her life, sending her world spiraling in this will they, won't they, will he stay this time, and can she really trust him not to disappear this time. A captivating story of their unresolved feelings for each other, miscommunication between them, and their complicated relationship with their parents all intertwine. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Amazing! Captivating! Un-put-down-able! I enjoyed this book so much I’m inventing words for it. Alana and Damion are childhood besties, next-door-neighbors, and fated from the time they were 7. Too scared to ruin their friendship, neither one makes a move…until Damion does as he is leaving for college. But when Alayna realizes that he isn’t actually single, she is horrified to be the other woman and it changes her view of him forever. They have infrequent interactions over the next ten years and every time she is left longing for what could have been and angry at herself for wanting him, and him for making her want him.

But after ten years, Damion decides he’s done waiting. He gave her time to forgive him. Now, he’s taking what he wants. It just so happens to be her. But there is more to this story than meets the eye. And as is the norm with Lisa Renee Jones, by the end of book 1, we still aren’t quite sure what the whole story is. There are just enough hints and teasers to keep you guessing but if past experience with this author is anything to go by, even if you think you know…you don’t. I was pulled into this story from the start and I’m anxiously awaiting book 2 because I NEED to know what happens next!

I really enjoyed this book. I have read a few by Lisa Renee Jones before and couldn’t wait to dive into another one.
As always, the book is really fast paced. I am quite a slow reader but always find myself getting lost in these books and I finished it in 2 days.
I enjoyed the tension between the main characters Damion and Alana. It was nice to see their relationship through different ages in the flashbacks to help you understand their current feelings.
There was a few different twists in the story and it left on quite a cliffhanger so I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

I enjoyed the story but it did seem to be a bit like others by Lisa Renee Jones. I was a bit disappointed with the hero.....and maybe even the heroine. They could have had better discussions that would have solved a lot of misunderstanding

This was a quick read and even if it had good possibilities, delivery is not what I expected,

Pacing started good, but it would be way better if flashback was mixed with the present. Almost all of the flashback were FMCs. With that I want to say that in this book MMC feels like side character, because she has more than 60% of the story.

Stuff with their family’s is a bit too much hidden, and even if there will be more books.

Thank you NetGalley and Lisa Renee Jones for allowing me to read for an honest review.

I enjoyed the plot of this book. There were so many twists and turns in this book. It's fast paced and sexy. All the secrets that are between Alana and Damion have me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more. Both of their fathers had me wanting to claim into the book. I can't wait to continue reading their story.  I am going to have to try any of Lisa Renee King's other books to see if I enjoy them just as much.

Love how the characters interact with each other especially Damion and Alana.

Alana can be naive at times especially when it comes with her parents.

Damion is overprotective of Alana and wants what is best for her.

This book left me wanting. I felt there wasn't much substance to the storyline. At times the story felt hurried with bits missing. So much more could have been put into this tale.
Unfortunately, the book ended with a cliff hanger but I'm not that bothered about picking up any sequels.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an ARC

This was a pretty short and quick read. I thought the blurb of the book was more interesting than the book itself. I was not that interested in the dynamic/relationship between the two main characters. I felt there was some holes in the plot like there was something missing. The book ends on a cliffhanger. I rate this book 2.5/5 stars! Thank you NetGalley and Lisa Renee Jones for allowing me to read for an honest review.

good writing, characters you both love and hate! the writing did feel a bit rushed in some places, i would be intrigued to read the sequel to keep following the story

I enjoyed this book but the story felt very rushed and it ended on a major cliff hanger with no date set for the sequel yet. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read.

The tension is there right of the bat — and the relationship between Alana and Damion is a gasoline fueled fire. Deep and undeniably addictive, I was sucked in quickly. I bawled like a baby throughout the novel as they figure their problems out — just that Damion knows more than he lets on including his darker side.

Alana, who decided to go with Damions fake fiancée plan, only adds fuel to the fire after telling what happened over the ten year span that he left in order to protect her. Dropping out of law school to pay back a loan that she shouldn’t have had to all due to his father.

Drawn together like moths to a flame, we really see the turmoil and Alana’s attempts to trust while remaining at arms reach and rightfully skeptical. While Damion is simply trying to prove himself left and right. But when it comes to that spice… the author absolutely does not disappoint. Top notch and delectable to the max.

I can’t wait for the next book, and to see Damion’s darker side. As well as see characters get what they rightfully deserve. This book is delicious, addictive and keeps you on the edge of your seat with tension you could cut with a knife.

The blurb for this book sounded amazing, and I was excited to receive my copy via NetGalley. Unfortunately, it was such a disappointment. I found the writing lacking. It was disjointed and messy and left plot holes and missing scenes. There were numerous typos and missing words, which made the readability even worse. I didn't care about the characters at all and found the steamy scenes to be dull. I thought Alana was a pushover with no self-respect or convictions. Damion was supposed to be this tough guy, but he was wishy-washy with no real personality. Honestly, I would expect this kind of book from a debut author, who has yet to really find her voice or the techniques that come with practice. I will not be reading the other books in this series, and most likely no more from this author.

Wow! The angst, the tension, the fire! This first installment is a page turner as childhood neighbors become feisty business tycoons. Damien is trying to avoid being in his father’s shadow and far out of reach but enjoys the power and possibilities his name and family business affords him. Alana is desperately trying to save her family’s name and her business savviness has her well on her way. The heat between these two at times is extreme and a good read. It does not be on a cliff hanger (ahhh!)

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

We follow Damion and Alana from when they are children to adults. Alana has a hard time acting on her feelings and puts her heart in a cage not allowing herself to love her best friend Damion. Damion on the other hand has to keep his hands to himself due to the promise he made to Alana which is they are never going to be more than friends in case they broke up and they lose each other. Alana has a few close calls but Damion proves to be a player. My heart broke for her as she was growing and learning to be open with her feelings and certain circumstances made her go back into her shell.
After a few years, Alana meets Damion again and discovers something about her father. She feels the need to pay back her childhood friend and she has her very own television show. She finds out her first love is behind the financial backing. Although Damion tells Alana she doesn’t need to pay him back he does need a favor. Here enters the fake engagement trope we all love and some hate.
This book had me clutching my nonexistent pearls every second wondering what Alana and Damion were going to do next! My heart was aching for Alana in one moment and then racing with anticipation of her interactions with Damion. I felt so giddy when Alana finally and I mean FINALLY lets her heart win but of course, Damion messes it up. Like please let my girl win for once! Then we have a cliffhanger?! Why are you playing with my emotions?? However girlies there is good news… there is a book 2 and best believe your girl is going to binge it!

First, I didn’t really like/love the title. The book itself was good even though I got a bit lost in the past/present flip flop in the beginning. I felt the pace of the book was too fast before we got into the actual details.

What did I like? Childhood friends to lovers? I’m not sure his father was a good enough reason to not take things further in child hood. Anyone close to Damien should have felt the brunt not to mention the bestie being female. Seems like Alana punished herself enough and Damien felt same way but refused to go further.

Would I recommend or buy? I’m hoping part two makes this decision easier. Very little of the father/son dynamic was given which made it hard to really understand why Damien keeps Alana separate from his father. Parts of the story are bypassed despite being hashed out. I feel like it gives the story plot holes and doesn’t help us understand why we hate Damien’s father.

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion.

Title: Protégé King

Rating: ★★★☆☆

In this review, I will provide an honest and detailed analysis of "Protégé King," a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance that offers an enjoyable reading experience, despite not introducing any groundbreaking elements to the genre.

"Protégé King" takes readers on a rollercoaster journey of emotions as it explores the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. The book delves into the complexities of a relationship that transitions from friendship to animosity and eventually blossoms into a passionate romance. This familiar trope provides a reliable foundation for the story, capturing the tension, conflict, and intense emotions that come with such a transformation.

One of the strengths of "Protégé King" lies in its well-developed characters and their compelling dynamics. The author skillfully portrays the evolution of the protagonists' relationship, highlighting their conflicting emotions, unresolved tensions, and undeniable chemistry. This tug-of-war between friendship and enmity creates a sense of anticipation and keeps readers engaged, eagerly turning the pages to see how their relationship unfolds.

The writing style in "Protégé King" is engaging and immersive. The author's prose flows smoothly, effectively conveying the characters' emotional journey. The book successfully captures the push and pull of emotions, allowing readers to empathize with the protagonists and experience the range of feelings they go through. The dialogue is sharp and impactful, adding depth to the story and enhancing the overall reading experience.

However, it is worth noting that "Protégé King" does not bring anything particularly new or groundbreaking to the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. The storyline and themes follow a well-trodden path, without introducing fresh perspectives or innovative twists. While this may not deter readers who enjoy the trope and seek a familiar and satisfying romance, those looking for unique or unconventional narratives might find the book lacking in originality.

In conclusion, "Protégé King" offers an enjoyable and engaging friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance. With well-developed characters, palpable chemistry, and skillful writing, the book successfully delivers on its promise of an emotional and passionate journey. While it may not break new ground within the genre, it provides a satisfying reading experience for fans of this trope, immersing them in a captivating story of conflicting emotions and undeniable love.

Shifting between past and present you are introduced to both who the characters are now and their history together until you come to understand their current drama. Protégé King introduces enough excitement and plot to keep you engaged without sparing the romance! The book leaves you on a cliffhanger for the next in the series in a good way! The book was a bit short but sweet nonetheless.

Loved reading the fabulous and fantastic romance story. When Damion comes back into Alana's life, he needs her to pretend to be engaged to him, but Alana doesn't know if her heart can handle Damion again. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Lisa Renee Jones

This was an addictively intense read. It follows the story of Alana and Damion, childhood friends turned enemies, and their simmering, unresolved feelings that keep you on the edge of your seat. The book is packed with drama, frustration, and sizzling chemistry that had me hooked from start to finish. Jones crafts the story masterfully, blending past and present events to unveil the intricate layers of their relationship. The ending leaves you craving more, eagerly anticipating the sequel, Scorned Queen, which promises even greater revelations and thrilling twists. Don't miss out on this captivating journey!