As someone who is not a fan of stories that are told in alternating timelines and books that end on a cliffhanger, I wish I would have been aware of both before diving into Protege King, however all things considered, it was still a good read that would have ranked higher on my rating scale had it all been told in present tense.

I did enjoy both narrators--Tatiana Sokolov and Tim Paige--and think that their performances as Alana and Damien was what made me stick with the entire audiobook. Again, nothing against Lisa Renee Jones as the story is beautiful, it is simply not my cup of tea.

If you're a reader who enjoys the angst filled 'will they or won't they end up together,' you'll enjoy Protege King

Typically, I love this author’s books. I really struggled through this one. I just didn’t feel invested in the characters. They were a little childish, and I thought some of the lines were cheesy. The writing and craft of the story was fine. I just think the connection wasn’t there for me. What I did love is the narrators. They did a great job reading this book. Huge thanks to Netgalley and the audiobook publisher for allowing me to listen and review this book.

Already couple things one narration is brilliant. In fact, I would seek out these narrators. That’s how good they are.

As far as the book goes, though, this feels like a prequel. There’s just a lot of time or nothing happens.
I get they were going for a star crossed lovers thing. But for that, it feels like it falls flat on its face. But then her book wouldn’t cooperate. I feel like there was some real loss potential here.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s not the kind of cliffhanger that books typically end on

as an example at the end of fellowship of the ring, Frodo and Mary runoff.
And yet we know the others are still looking for Frodo.
There’s dynamic movement happening between both parties and we know that that’s going on. It gives it real tension.

In this cliffhanger has no intention at all. I don’t feel like I immediately need to go pick up the next book. I’m not sitting around, wondering trying to figure out if Snape is trustworthy.
It’s more like this guy’s dick father just gonna be a dick and I don’t care
It has the gravity of a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter, in a children’s book.
First story goes it’s fine, i’m personally not huge into the asshole playboy character but that’s amazing. I didn’t fully read the synopsis on NetGalley. I just saw the author of other stuff from her.
again, I would take out these narrators.

But I don’t wanna complete this series, I don’t care about these characters. I don’t care about the story.
Really wanted to like this and I just don’t, so 3.5 I would recommend it to others, if you like these tropes. but ultimately not for me.

This book honestly has so much potential. Unfortunately, it's not really a complete book because it only has excessive exposition and rising action followed by a cliffhanger. This results in a book where NOTHING ACTUALLY HAPPENS. There is no true plot revealed to the readers in Protégé King.

This book has so much exposition, in fact, that it inspired me to put down the book and find the Urinetown the Musical song "Too Much Exposition" and sing along to it. Considering it is already about half the length of a typical novel, it can't really afford to have 50% (I checked) exposition. There wouldn't be enough time to actually tell the story - and that's exactly what happened.

You could argue that the exposition was actually part of the story, but there is a distinct difference between the amount of detail being used in the flashbacks vs. the present day narration. The flashbacks continuously left me hoping for more details, but ending up resigned to listening to someone's cliffnotes overview of a 10 year old memory. The present day story was engaging, entertaining, and honestly pretty dang good - despite having my pet peeve trope of the FMC is always in the dark about what is happening in her own dang life.

I will probably listen to the next book when it comes out, just because in the last 1.5 hours or so of the audiobook, I did become invested in this story. However, I really do hope the author reevaluates their publishing style. Readers don't like being barely introduced to the climax of a story and then having to wait until the next book is published to find out what happens.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the early access audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Alana and Damion grew up next door to each other. They were incredibly different people and yet there was always a pull towards each other. Until one day Alana realizes that he isn’t the person she thought he was and breaks her heart more than once. She is done until she is unwillingly and surreptitiously pulled back into his world. Neither of them come from good families, though very different ones. Alana is well meaning and has a strong moral compass, but is also fairly spineless and enables her parents behavior to her own detriment. Damion is not at all likable on the surface and is looking to take control of his fathers empire, has a lot of secrets, but possibly all is not as it seems. Is he a good or bad guy? The book ends on a cliffhanger so now its just a wait to see what happens next. I am looking forward to what comes next. This was my first book by this author, but certainly wont be my last.

This is part 1 of the Wall Street Empire: Strictly Business series. I have to say my biggest problem with the story is the format. It quickly jumps to the past of Damian and Alana as childhood friends/neighbors and jumps of points of them growing up and with a few inserts of present (adult) scenes, which does end in present day (& cliffhanger). I just think a lot of things were glossed over with the main plot of the story as I think it have been more linear. Just that their families are causing a rift within each other. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook though.

Narrated by Tatiana Sokolov and Tim Paige (who only had a few chapters).

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Jones tiptoes through a tale of complicated relationships and heated emotions. Protege King is a tango of hearts that never misses a step. Damion and Alana push every button, play every heartstring and refuse to back down from the drama of attraction. I love the boldness of soul that encompasses, a Lisa Renee Jones novel. The danger is always there but the bruises are well worth the challenge it brings.

"Protégé King" is a captivating and sizzling romance novel that delves into the complexities of love, secrets, and second chances. With its intriguing premise, well-developed characters, and a narrative filled with both steamy passion and emotional depth, this book takes readers on a journey of desire, vulnerability, and the allure of hidden pasts.

The story revolves around Alana Blue, a successful real estate agent working for her family's renowned firm, Blue Enterprises. She's built a life away from her past, particularly her history with Damion West, the boy who once held her heart and then shattered it. Alana is now a star on the TV show "Selling in New York," a career path she didn't initially choose but excels in.

The chemistry between Alana and Damion is palpable from the moment they reunite. The author expertly navigates the emotional minefield of their shared history, building tension and anticipation as they grapple with unresolved feelings and undeniable attraction. The characters' growth and development are central to the narrative, and readers will find themselves invested in their journey as they confront their past and explore the possibility of a second chance.

The pacing of the plot is well-balanced, with the narrative skillfully transitioning between moments of intense passion and emotional reflection. The author's writing style is engaging, evoking both laughter and poignant moments. The book seamlessly blends steamy romance with moments of vulnerability and introspection, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

Beyond the romance, "Protégé King" also delves into themes of family, identity, and the power of forgiveness. The complexity of Alana's character, torn between her past and her present, adds depth and authenticity to the story. The book's exploration of the secrets that shape us and the courage it takes to confront them adds a layer of emotional resonance.

Supporting characters in the novel provide depth and context to the story, adding texture to the world in which Alana and Damion navigate their feelings. Family dynamics and friendships are portrayed realistically, adding authenticity to the characters' lives.

Overall, "Protégé King"is a compelling and satisfying romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy tales of rekindled love and the emotional journey of self-discovery. With its engaging characters, passionate romance, and a narrative that explores the power of forgiveness and second chances, this book delivers a gratifying escape into a world where secrets and desire collide. It's a story that will leave readers with a smile and a renewed belief in the enduring power of love.

A complicated and STEAMY childhood friends to lovers second chance romance told through flashbacks as we see how these next door neighbors went years hurting one another only to come face to face in the present and see if they can finally find their happily ever after. I am a sucker for friends to lovers and enjoyed this new to me author's latest a whole lot! Perfect for fans of KA Tucker and good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Protege King by Lisa Renee Jones is an absolute action-packed and sexy first novella in the Strictly Business series. There is so much packed into such a short amount of pages and I absolutely loved it. Friends-t0-Enemies-to-Forbidden Lovers.

Told from multiple timelines and POVs this novella was so fast-paced and captures your interest from the very beginning. If you want a romance where you are hooked from the very beginning and just fly through until the end, then this is the book for you.

The only reason I can think of for you not to want to read this is if you don't want to get sucked into another series. This is not the type of book where you can just read one book in the series and call it.

*Spoiler*

There is a cliffhanger.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out and see where the author takes it!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for an audio ARC of Protégé King for an honest review.

I already did enjoy reading Lisa Renee Jones but heavy in a while. This was a great way to start again! I loved this start of a series. It was very character driven, which I love. I will likely continue this series.

Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for the advanced copy of Protege King by Lisa Reene Jones, narrated by Tatiana Sokolov and Tim Paige.

Damion West shattered Alana’s heart, leaving their friendship in ruins. Now, as fate would have it, these former childhood friends turned enemies find themselves face to face, forced to reach an agreement.

Damion, ever the arrogant one, believes it's time for Alana to repay a longstanding favor. But will she be able to resist his magnetic pull?

✨Thoughts✨
The story revolves around Alana and Damion as they navigate through a world of misunderstandings and family conflicts. When it comes to romance books, I am all into the drama and insane chemistry. From the very start, I sensed good chemistry between the MCs, which kept me engrossed until the very end.

This was a fast-paced read. However, this book concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly anticipating book two. Thankfully, the next installment will be released on May 7th, 2024.

The narration by Tatiana Sokolov and Tim Paige was superb, adding an extra layer of enjoyment. My only complaint is that this book was very short.

"Book 1" is a bit of a misnomer. More like part one. It ends on a cliffhanger.

I have all kinds of issues, but not regarding the plot at least. Besides being a cliffhanger (which I wish I had known- I would have waited for the next book to be published), I also had some issues with the format. It starts with a short bit in present day, then goes backwards to when Alana and Damion were children. Half of the book is snippets of their past. Of course, as I was annoyed with this development, I had no idea it was only part one. I would have been less frustrated had I not thought half the book was spent on flashbacks.

There is promise- personally, I'd just wait for the story to be complete before reading.

The bright spot is the audiobook narration. Tatiana Sokolov and Tim Paige narrate this dual POV story. Both can always be counted on for solid performances, and honestly seeing their names is what initially led me to this book.

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️/5 🌶️/5
Thank you NetGally for the advanced copy

It was a fast read but honestly really needed much more, If the book was twice as long I feel like it could have gone more in debt with the plot lines vs just the relationship aspect.
It really had so much potential but the cliffhanger of an ending really left too many unanswered questions and untied story plots, I am not sure that I would want to continue reading the series to wait such a long time in between with such an ending.

#NetGalley

Damion and Alana are childhood best friends until Damion goes off to college. From then on Damion and Alana meet up again several times throughout the years but end up estranged. The book starts in the present but then jumps back to the past to explain their past and to get us caught up to the present. This book was a quick, steamy read but I felt it was lacking a ton of communication between the characters. A lot of the back and forth could have been dealt with in the moment instead of it drawing out for years.

In the end it was an entertaining read. It does end on a cliffhanger!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.