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Protecting What's Mine: A Small Town Love Story (Benevolence Book 3) Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 26,985 ratings

If you can’t stand the heat, don’t fall for a firefighter…


Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until she lands in the middle of the accident scene he’s working…and then his backyard. Too bad she’s immune to flirty first responders.

Flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil is on a crash course with burnout. She’s got a scar on her face and a shake in her hands. A temporary job as a small-town family physician is just the prescription. She’ll learn to meditate. Sleep more. Take up gardening.

She definitely won’t take her shirtless, firefighting neighbor’s hot body for a test drive.

But Linc and his tattoos are very persuasive. What’s a harmless little adrenaline-fueled fling between neighbors? It’s all naked fun and games until the shadows from Mack’s past find their way into her present. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?

One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.

Author’s Warning: This small-town happily ever after is smokin’ hot, sweetly hilarious, deliciously suspenseful, and a one-two punch to the feels. One-click for a disaster dog, precocious kids, a good ol’ fistfight, nosy neighbors, high-adrenaline first responder heroics, firefighter bromance, and kitchen sexytimes.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This a story that is gonna make you laugh, give you the warm and fuzzy feelings and it's gonna give you some big ole swoons!! Oh my me the swoons!" ~ BibliophileChloe.com

"Score has such a gift for bringing words alive so you feel like you've been untethered from the minutia of life and transported into a world where the welcoming small town is quirky, unique and charming, the
characters are as real as your family and best of friends, and you're an integral part of all the events playing out in living color." ~ BookAddict Romance

"Every single time I think Lucy Score can't possible give me a hero that makes me swoon harder than the previous one, she ups her game and proves me wrong.
She's done that once again with Linc. I can't recommend it enough. All the stars!" ~ Bookish Stacy

"What a ride!! Lucy wrote such an
amazing story that had me laughing, crying and swooning!" ~ Closet Romance Reader

"The
best thing about this book? SUNSHINE!!! How frickin' adorable was she?! Five-plus stars!" ~ Dog-eared Daydreams

"In typical Lucy Score fashion,
Protecting What's Mine is sweet, heartfelt, deep, and full of amazing connections. There is drama and suspense but done at the exact right time- I promise you will not want to miss this book!" ~ Ga Book LoverX

"I love Score's writing,
its full of laughter and wit with some serious undertones. I fell into Protecting What's Mine easily and sighed in pleasure once I finished. By all accounts Mack and Lincoln shouldn't work, but they do. And let me tell you, it's so much fun watching them fall." ~ Amity Book Blog

"I loved these two together as Mac has a painful past and all Linc wants to do is help her heal.
Full of emotion, hot chemistry and humorous banter this sweet and sexy story doesn't disappoint." ~ Kari's Book Reviews and Revelations

"I'm not gonna lie when Lincoln is with his nieces and nephews
my heart just melts. This book had it all for me; heart, feels, humor, and angst." ~ Nicole's Book Musings

"I never thought I would find a book boyfriend better than Aldo Moretta from Finally Mine. Step aside, Aldo, you've been replaced by Linc. He's everything - tall, hot, handsome, funny, loyal, and a fireman." ~ Not Now I'm Reading

"I kept telling myself "one more chapter" until I got to the epilogue. It was honestly that good.
It was the perfect romantic comedy and I cannot recommend it enough. Pick this five star read up ASAP!" ~ Read With Rach

"Protecting What's Mine is definitely
a must read for anyone who loves small town romance and firefighters." ~ Red Hatter Book Blog

"This is a beautifully written story which is
sweet, humorous, entertaining, emotional, and with witty banter and a tad suspense, which all had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner." ~ Wendy's Book Blog

"
Lucy hooks you right from the beginning. She makes sure to give detailed descriptions of everything and dual point of views which are always a huge plus." ~ Between the Hardcovers

"There's a lot of romance, humor and a little angst as Linc and Mack battle their way towards a happily ever after in this well written romance read, which is totally worth one-clicking as it doesn't disappoint." ~ The Book Whisperer

About the Author

Lucy Score is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism. She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym. She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B083H2B2D8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ That's What She Said Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 476 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1945631559
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Benevolence
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 26,985 ratings

About the author

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Lucy Score
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Lucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.

She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.

She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.

Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-lucys-newsletter-website/.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
26,985 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a fantastic read that hooks them from the first chapter, with wonderful interwoven stories of side characters and fun banter throughout. The book features a swoon-worthy love story with a hot, sexy firefighter protagonist, and customers appreciate its fast-paced action and emotional content that makes them cry happy tears without being angst-ridden.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

489 customers mention "Readability"486 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with many noting they were hooked from the first chapter and describing it as a fantastic love story.

"...And the bonus epilogue was even more perfect!!! I really didn't want this book to end. I just loved Linc and Mack so much...." Read more

"...So this is a very light fun read, if this is what you are looking for." Read more

"...and transported into a world where the welcoming small town is quirky, unique and charming, the characters are as real as your family and best of..." Read more

"...Loved this book so much!!! I mean, I read a 457 page book in 2 days - that's how much I loved it!!!!..." Read more

184 customers mention "Character development"179 positive5 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly appreciating the wonderful interwoven stories of side characters and revisiting familiar ones. One customer specifically mentions enjoying the character development of Linc and Mack, while another notes the clever banter between them.

"...And Linc's sisters are so awesome!! And of course, Aldo, Gloria, and Mrs. Washington. Everyone in this town is so freaking awesome!..." Read more

"...The book is predictable, light, and cute. Secondary characters from previous books..." Read more

"...small town is quirky, unique and charming, the characters are as real as your family and best of friends, and you’re an integral part of all the..." Read more

"...Her books are funny, entertaining, gripping, emotional, and her characters seem real. Ever since I found her books, I just can't get enough!!..." Read more

150 customers mention "Humor"150 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, which features fun banter and comedy woven throughout the story, making them laugh and cry multiple times.

"...The tension between them is delicious, their road to forever is hilarious, heartfelt and riveting, and watching them fall is the best kind of..." Read more

"...This proves to be entertaining on so many levels! Linc and Mack are true adrenaline junkies!! It's why they do what they do...." Read more

"...truly has all the hallmark characteristics of a Lucy book with love, laughter, and all the feels...." Read more

"This was a such an amazingly believable story! I laughed, cried, was happy, sad and everything in between. Lucy never disappoints!" Read more

119 customers mention "Romance"119 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a swoon-worthy love story with a cute couple and hot, sexy firefighter characters.

"...It was so sweet of everyone to celebrate Mack. And Mindy was so sweet to have Linc walk her down the aisle...." Read more

"As usual with Score, this too was a cute and light read...." Read more

"...into a world where the welcoming small town is quirky, unique and charming, the characters are as real as your family and best of friends, and you..." Read more

"...It is action packed, full of all the good vibes a strong community can bring, and has a love story for the ages...." Read more

96 customers mention "Writing quality"93 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as fantastic and easy to read.

"...He's just so patient and understanding...." Read more

"As usual with Score, this too was a cute and light read...." Read more

"...With gifted writing that lures you in and consumes your soul, this phenomenal, enchanting story will grip you in its suspense, keep you laughing out..." Read more

"...As with all Lucy books, the writing in this book is fantastic...." Read more

81 customers mention "Love for linc"78 positive3 negative

Customers love the characters Linc and Mack, finding them swoon-worthy and amazing, with one customer particularly enjoying reading about Linc and his dog.

"...Mack is a terrific surgeon, but she has a lot to learn about small towns...." Read more

"...Linc is epic book boyfriend material. I also loved Mack. I love that they are both deeply layered characters...." Read more

"...characters are the perfect package for family, friends and lots of get togethers that sometimes a little over the top but I wouldn't want it any..." Read more

"...I loved reading about Linc and his dog. Linc was sexy and strong and I loved him! Sunshine was fantastic...." Read more

58 customers mention "Pacing"48 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, appreciating its fast-paced action and steady flow, with one customer noting how it draws readers in from the beginning.

"...The book is predictable, light, and cute...." Read more

"...& giddy all throughout, excited for the suspense, amazed at the words & flow, sad it was over, but happy that it had a good ending, and I can go on..." Read more

"...lucy score writes her characters are so loveable, they pull me right in. She saves me from boredom." Read more

"...The small town of Benevolence is packed with handsome heros, kick-a$$ heroines and charming, funny townspeople...." Read more

57 customers mention "Emotion level"57 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with many describing it as heartbreaking and making them cry happy tears, while one customer notes it's not angst-ridden.

"...With gifted writing that lures you in and consumes your soul, this phenomenal, enchanting story will grip you in its suspense, keep you laughing out..." Read more

"...Her books are funny, entertaining, gripping, emotional, and her characters seem real. Ever since I found her books, I just can't get enough!!..." Read more

"This was a such an amazingly believable story! I laughed, cried, was happy, sad and everything in between. Lucy never disappoints!" Read more

"This was easily the best book I've read all year. I giggled, squealed, cried, cringed, yelled, and swooned...." Read more

Everything I hoped for and so much more!
5 out of 5 stars
Everything I hoped for and so much more!
If you are looking for a book that makes you feel from beginning to end, this is the book for you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not over the top angsty, but it is the perfect combination of community, love, suspense, everyday heroes, and overcoming adversity. Mix that with a dirty talking firefighter and an elusive trauma surgeon, and you have perfection. With each and every book Lucy releases, I feel like I’ve found a new favorite, but this book definitely earns a spot in my top five favorites! It is one I know I will come back to and reread over and over. It is action packed, full of all the good vibes a strong community can bring, and has a love story for the ages. Linc is epic book boyfriend material. I also loved Mack. I love that they are both deeply layered characters. While Linc may seem like a playboy for life, I loved seeing so much depth beneath that surface. I also loved learning more about Mack throughout the story and understanding why she made the choices she did. There was so much about both of them that brought all the feels. As with all Lucy books, the writing in this book is fantastic. Once you start reading, you will be glued to your chair forgetting the world around you exists. At least that was my experience. It had a fantastic conclusion, but I still wanted more, because I love them so much. It truly has all the hallmark characteristics of a Lucy book with love, laughter, and all the feels. While I loved popping back into Benevolence and touching base with some of my other favorite characters, this is a complete standalone. However, I don’t know how you could finish and not want everything you could get from this town.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
    I liked Linc in the previous two books and wanted him to also get his HEA. I also liked Mack in Aldo's book, and I was so happy when I learned this was hers and Linc's story. As with any Lucy Score book, I was so excited to read an amazing and funny story and this book definitely delivered!! I loved this story from the beginning and that it takes place a few years after the first two books. I wanted to know more about Linc and Mack from the beginning. I loved their instant attraction and banter. And Sunshine is such a sweet girl🥰. I loved when Mack saw Aldo running and they hugged and he invited her to the cookout. I also loved learning that he and his family had just come back from Disneyland. I just loved knowing he's living his HEA. And that chapter where Linc was playing with his nieces and nephew was so wholesome. I really like him and Mack. I loved the cookout scene!!! Harper, Luke, Sophie, Ty, Claire, Charlie, and the kids, and James and his bf Manny!!! I really enjoyed reading that chapter and Linc and Mack's scene holding baby Avery!! And I am so happy Luke doesn't hate Linc anymore!!
    I totally get what Mack was feeling when everyone kept showing up at her house to check on her. Socializing for too long is so draining. And I am so happy Linc understands. He was so sweet to come over to her place and bring her food, make her tea, and leave Sunshine with her. And then the BFD showed up and did all of those chores for her. And Linc's sisters are so awesome!! And of course, Aldo, Gloria, and Mrs. Washington. Everyone in this town is so freaking awesome! I loved how things between Mack and Linc slowly heated up and that scene with them both working out and then making out was so hot. I was so sad when they argued and she left.
    The whole situation with Mack's mom and sister was just so sad and infuriating. My heart broke for Mack and I just hate Andrea, Wendy, and Tony so freaking much! 🤬🤬

    I'm happy Mack has people like Violet and her family in her life who love her and care for her. I liked how Mack was able to acknowledge her fault in her and Linc's argument and how they resolved their conflict. And chapter 29 was so hot!!!🥵🥵❤️❤️. I loved it!!! I loved how Russell learned to appreciate Mack and how thier work relationship improved. I love Tuesday and Freida so much, too! I really loved watching (reading?) Linc and Mack fall in love as the story progressed. I was smiling the whole time!! Linc's nieces and nephew are so cute. And Lucia is so sweet!! I absolutely adore how Linc was there for Mack at the right moment, offering her his quiet support. He's just so patient and understanding.

    Reading Linc's side of the story with Karen was so sad. I loved the Halloween party scene at Aldo and Gloria's. It was so sweet of everyone to celebrate Mack. And Mindy was so sweet to have Linc walk her down the aisle. And I was so sad when Linc broke up with Mack😭😭. I can totally understand how she felt and why she refused to let him in but I also understand how he feels and my heart broke when Mack thought about how he felt rejected in the past by Karen and how now she was doing the same. I really felt for them both 😭😭. I was so happy when the guys showed up to talk some sense into both of them and they got back together. And I'm so freaking happy Wendy and Andrea are forever out of Mack's life. That fire scene was so scary!!! But I'm so happy everyone is OK. And the Thanksgiving party was amazing!!! And the epilogue!! Just perfect. I wanted them to live in the old firehouse and Mack bought it!!!!!😁😁😁 The proposal was so perfect and Betsy was fully repaired!!! And the bonus epilogue was even more perfect!!! I really didn't want this book to end. I just loved Linc and Mack so much. And I'm so happy Linc and Luke became friends.I loved this series so much and enjoyed every book. But this one is my most favorite of the three!!❤️❤️🥰🥰😁😁

    Omg, the story about the real Sunshine broke me. Losing my dog was a devastating blow for me and reading about Sunshine's life and how quickly she passed was like reliving that moment.😭😭😭😭😭 I'm so happy Lucy wrote this amazing story and gave her Linc and such a wonderful happy ending. I'm sure the real Sunshine was just as special, sweet, and the bestest just like Linc's Sunshine!❤️❤️❤️
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022
    As usual with Score, this too was a cute and light read.
    There are better books, but this one still delivered and writing a review 2 seconds after finishing the HEA always makes me generous with the “stars” :-)

    Dr. Mack is new in town, and carries a bundle from her past. She is there to change pace, calm down and stitch herself together after an adrenaline filled career in the National Guard.

    Linc is the town’s Chief of Fire Department and falls for her on first sight.
    The book is about him pursuing her.
    As in most of Score’s books he is perfect.

    The book is predictable, light, and cute. Secondary characters from previous books (which I have not read in this series and will probably not read either) make an appearance and further the plot.
    Everyone is perfect, living in marital bliss with cute kids and a flower bed.
    The only complications are the h and H and even that is only around 75% and solved by 82%.

    So this is a very light fun read, if this is what you are looking for.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020
    Everything about this book stole my heart! Score has such a gift for bringing words alive so you feel like you've been untethered from the minutia of life and transported into a world where the welcoming small town is quirky, unique and charming, the characters are as real as your family and best of friends, and you’re an integral part of all the events playing out in living color.

    As if all of that isn’t enough to make a great story, this one starts off with a bang and then continues to build the intensity. Fire chief Lincoln Reed is driving back to Benevolence, MD, and comes upon a multi-vehicle accident before any other first responders. He struggles to save victims, yet he can’t help but notice the new part-time medi-vac doc, Mackenzie ‘Mack' O'Neil. Once Linc is in the emergency department getting his own wounds treated and Mack stops in to check on him, he lets the staff know she's not only family, but she's his future wife. Big words coming from a guy known in town as a player. Besides, Mack came to Benevolence to recover from the burnout of her military career by spending most of her on-duty time in a small family practice, she doesn’t do serious, and she's only there for six months.

    Linc is far more than he seems, truly caring for those in his community, great with kids, and dedicated to his job of helping people and saving lives. In everything he does, more and more of his big heart and compassionate spirit are shown. Mack is a terrific surgeon, but she has a lot to learn about small towns. It isn’t long before she begins to understand that friends and neighbor are their own kind of family and small-town doctors become entwined in their patients’ lives outside of office hours. She learns that it's healthy to sever blood ties when that blood is bad and the caring people in her life would never judge her for a past she had no control over.

    Linc and Mack have a lot in common and really are perfect together. They're both highly motivated and intelligent, which doesn’t stop them from making mistakes and needing a few figurative smacks upside the head, and their friends are happy to provide those when appropriate. The tension between them is delicious, their road to forever is hilarious, heartfelt and riveting, and watching them fall is the best kind of entertainment. With gifted writing that lures you in and consumes your soul, this phenomenal, enchanting story will grip you in its suspense, keep you laughing out loud, and leave your heart with a satisfied smile.
    39 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • debbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm not crying you are
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2024
    Reading lincs story was truly incredible, he really is the hot hero!

    Dr mack (Mackenzie) is a damn super hero. Coming from a past she'd rather forget, but it doesn't want to forget her.

    They come together in such an amazing, crazy and chaotic way that you'd really not expect anything less from Lucy.

    You get the low down on the tension between him and Luke finally lol.

    You will be laughing so much at this book, I screamed a few times and I definitely cried more than once.

    I don't want to ruin this story for you so please I'd highly recommend that you pick it up and read it.

    You will not be disappointed 😀
  • Mrs Mayvor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Härlig bok
    Reviewed in Sweden on February 24, 2024
    Dessa tre böcker som en liten serie har gett mig både skratt och gråt.
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  • Big D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gut.
    Reviewed in Germany on November 22, 2024
    5sterne.
  • Kika
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 5, 2020
    It exceeded my expectations. I'm into light stories, with beautiful people and happy endings but many tend to be commonplace. Protecting What is Mine, though was extremely interesting. There's mystery, action, romance, hot scenes that are not too long or repetitive, fabulous characters, drama (not too much) and a very satisfying ending. I truly recommend.
  • Ana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read!
    Reviewed in Spain on June 24, 2021
    I loved Linc and Mack's story. It is a great end to the Benevolence series. Looking forward to reading more of Lucy Score.

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