I found it difficult to like the hero (Felipe) of this story initially, and the heroine (Francesca) came across as petulant at the start, however, reading further I grew to like them both. Francesca is hell bent on travelling to a turbulent Caribbean island to continue her late, adored older brother's philanthropic work. Her remaining brothers are so worried about her that they insist she travels with a bodyguard - Felipe. An ex special forces soldier who, on being medically discharged following an injury during a mission on which his best friend was killed, has built a multi billion dollar global security firm. There are fireworks from the beginning as Francesca tries to impose her self will and Felipe counters her stubbornness to protect her from herself to keep her safe. The mutual attraction grows...
I won't go into any more detail as it will spoil the story for you. This is definitely a story worth reading. Recommended.

This book was okay. Nothing special, very similar to other stories in this series

With emotions raw after the loss of her brother, Francesca Pellegrini makes a decision to carry on his charitable work to honour his name and the person he was. However, Francesca is obviously thinking more with her heart than her head and doesn't consider the dangers she could be facing. Therefore her trip and the fate of the project comes with a condition.

Felipe, a security tycoon, has strict rules for himself and his team. He doesn't take chances and he doesn't allow relationships with clients. Ever. When he meets grieving Francesca, she isn't what he was expecting, and her naivety with regards to safety and trust infuriates him. Especially when she puts herself in a compromising situation that could affect the future of the project and her career.

When Felipe has to put Francesca under close supervision, temptation forces him to break his rules. And with it, he could be breaking Francesca's heart.

What I really enjoyed about this story is that though Felipe screams alpha - Francesca matches him. Both characters are equals and I loved that. For all of Felipe's control, Francesca has the confidence to push him and question him. As for the author and her writing, Michelle Smart creates a vibrant setting with incredibly likeable characters. And the tension!!! The pace and the tension is there throughout both the plot and the captivating relationship between the characters. Protecting His Defiant Innocent is a stunning read with incredible tension and a satisfying end. Well done Ms. Smart!

This particular storyline caught my eye because I've enjoyed other books with the 'mean and moody bodyguard falls for the stubborn but beautiful client' scenario. I couldn't wait!

It was clear right from the start that Francesca was a challenging character, I loved how feisty she was but most of all I loved her determination to achieve her late brother's goals. As I continued reading she gained a new set of goals, to seduce Felipe - this was so entertaining and I regularly found myself giggling at her tactics. Then things got complicated...

The danger was exciting and had me on the edge of my seat, all the while enjoying the banter between Francesca and Felipe. The combination of sexual tension and action was so good, it made this an unputdownable read for me.

Protecting His Defiant Innocent was a sexy, dangerous and fast-paced read that kept me entertained throughout.

This is the first in Michelle Smart's new trilogy based upon the Pellegrino family. This book is based upon the youngest sister, the defiant innocent (Francesca) who ants to establish a hospital in a poverty stricken, corrupt and war torn country in the Caribbean. memory of her brother who has just been killed in an accident. Felipe Lorenzo is the protector, brought in to protect Francesca as she negotiates buying land etc. Will Felipe keep her safe and break down his own internal barriers which prevent him admitting he loves her or are they destined to go there own separate ways?

Francesca is haunted by her eldest brothers death in a freak accident and wants to complete his dream of building a hospital in the Caribbean Island of Caballero. Security tycoon Felipe Lorenzo is hired to protect her, without whose consent Francesca cannot complete her brothers dream.
Felipe Lorenzo's rules are never to get involved with a client, and never settle down.
Both characters are stubborn and both are haunted by their pasts, will they manage to overcome these ghosts and find a future together? Read the story to find out.
The book was an enjoyable sweet read, where the a story focuses on the 2 main characters.
Looking forward to Natasha and Matteo's story in Claiming His One-Night Baby, coming soon.
This book was received free from NetGalley via Mills and Boon Insiders, but that does not influence my opinions.

I loved this book. There was a great storyline, a romance going on and plenty of action, I just couldn't put it down. Just my type of book for a sunny day read where you can just get lost in the story. Well done Michelle Smart with this great book would recommend

Michelle Smart's 'Protecting His Defiant Innocent' is that perfect combination of coming of age, coming to realize what truly matters in life, and dealing with the potential obstacles along the way, external and internal. (Corrupt governments and meddling family members can be such a drag!)
Fiercely independent Francesca is trying her best to accomplish that which she believes will assuage her grief and guilt, doing something in honor of her brother. Concerned family calls in the cavalry in the form of Felipe to protect and guide her as she tries to achieve her mission, who also carries a heavy burden that he soothes by fully committing himself to every protection job that he takes on. He has no room in his life for the messier side of things, especially feelings that might lead to a relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts, shown through witty dialogue, true concern, and late nights where the darkness is a comfort extended to them both as things are revealed and shared.
I greatly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Francesca and Felipe, her maturity and understanding, his emotional development, both learning from the other, and leaning on them when necessary. One of the main emotional cruxes faced by Francesca could have perhaps dealt with a bit more depth; fleshing it out a bit would have helped both the reader and Felipe understand her frame of reference a bit more, though he was still most caring and not judgmental. Appropriate building of tension in both an action as well as romantic sense had me quickly turning the page to see what might happen next, more than happy to continue on their journey to find their very own version of HEA!
If you enjoy an easy read, with emotional depth, a most engaging rollercoaster ride on the way to true love, and just enough action to have you on the edge of your seat from time to time, then this is the read for you!

A slow burn that didn't really do it for me and by half way through I was beginning to lose interest

The First of a Stunning New Trilogy, 5 stars 🌟 :
Book one of Ms Smart's new Trilogy centred around the Pellegrino family; This book focuses on Francesca, the baby sister of the family, who following the death of her eldest brother wants to build a hospital in his memory on the hurricane hit Caribbean Island of Caballero.
However, in order to accomplish her dream of fulfilling her brother's legacy and building the hospital, Francesca has to get her family's consent which is conditional on Spanish Security expert Felipe Lorenzo's protection of Francesca whilst she is in such an unstable country, which she agrees to reluctantly. What Francesca isn't prepared for is the impact Felipe has when she first meets him. Can Felipe keep Francesca safe or will she break through his defences and break his own rules to live HEA.
The perfect start to Ms Smart's new trilogy, I found this book to be a well written stand alone with enough references to future characters to whet your appetite for more. If you enjoyed this book or just like Ms Smart's writing then book two in the trilogy Natasha and Matteo's story coming in Claiming His One-Night Baby is a must read.
Fyi I received my copy from NetGalley and Mills and Boon via Mills and Boon Insiders, but this does not influence my opinions as all opinions are my own.

I am really sorry but I stopped reading I just couldn't get in to it at all.