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Sweet Monster Treats #8

Protected by the Orc

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Her orc bodyguard is determined to keep her close!

Holdar doesn’t do commitment. Even his latest security job as bodyguard to a pretty, spoiled - and annoyingly adorable - heiress won’t last, which is just as well. The sooner he gets away from her innocent smiles and tempting curves the better.

Trish is desperate to escape her father’s gilded cage, even though her latest bodyguard is the biggest, most intimidating - and most enticing - male she’s ever met. Then her disastrous attempt at freedom leads her straight into his massive orc arms.

Holdar failed one person in his care, and he’s not about to do it again. He’s determined to keep Trish safe, even if it means returning to Fairhaven Falls and facing the past he wants to forget.

A tiny southern town and the smallest cabin she’s ever seen? A grumpy orc who insists on putting her to work - when he’s not kissing the heck out of her? Trish should be miserable. Instead, she’s never been happier.

But can their relationship be more than temporary? And is she willing to take a chance on an orc who's afraid to commit?

* * ~ * *
"Protected by the Orc" is the eighth sweet and steamy monster romance that makes up the Sweet Monster Treats multi-author, shared-world collection.
Each book is a standalone, containing its own 'Happily Ever After', and can be read in any order -- (but the series is likely enjoyed most when read in order, as characters may appear throughout the stories!)


Be sure to explore all the titles brought to us by three bestselling authors:
• Book 01: "Cookies For My Orc Neighbor" by Michele Mills (2023)
• Book 02: "Candy For My Orc Boss" by Ava Ross (2023)
• Book 03: "Cupcakes For My Orc Enemy" by Honey Phillips (2023)
• Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" by Honey Phillips (2023)
• Book 05: "Single Dad Orc" Ava Ross (2023)
• Book 06: "Twins For The Wild Orc" by Michele Mills (2023)
• Book 07: "Undercover Orc" by Ava Ross [2024]
• Book 08: "Protected by the Orc" by Honey Phillips [2024]
• Book 09: "Arrested by the Orc" by Michele Mills [2024]


* * ~ * *
"Protected by the Orc" is also the seventh book in Honey Phillips' series, Fairhaven Falls.

Be sure to explore all the titles
• Book 01: "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy"
• Book 02: "Trouble for My Troll*
• Book 03: "Fireworks for My Dragon Boss"
• Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc"
• Book 05: "Mistletoe for My Minotaur"
• Book 06: "Valentine for My Vampire"
• Book 07: "Protected by the Orc"

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2024

289 people are currently reading
287 people want to read

About the author

Honey Phillips

176 books1,742 followers

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5 stars
592 (48%)
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385 (31%)
3 stars
198 (16%)
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35 (2%)
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12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,058 reviews29 followers
May 10, 2024
I love the Fairhaven Falls stories!
Especially this one, with Holdar, an orc bodyguard who feels unworthy, and Patricia (KA ‘princess’), a very self-assured young woman. I love her! She goes after what she wants without hesitating. This is such a sweet romance! It’s fun to see these two strengthen their relationship, building it into something perfect for the two of them. Excellent reading!
Profile Image for Katie.
76 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2024
Consent Issues

The lack of consent a couple times distracted me from the story. Especially since this series is set in an idyllic town.

They weren’t in any relationship other than him as a bodyguard to her when he touched her neck and shoulder as she was sleeping. Ick!

They only kissed once and he made it clear he wasn’t interested in more when she gave him a happy wake-up. Ick again!

What’s up with authors thinking women don’t need to get a man’s consent! I see this way too often lately. Turn the genders around and ask if it’s okay. Non-con should actually contribute to the storyline rather than just as superfluous thing to write about.

I never did see any true affection from either main character. She seemed to lust after his muscles (but still go out with others), and he just liked her flaunting herself. Zero depth.
1,198 reviews
February 1, 2025
I was so happy to listen to the next story in the Fairhaven Falls story! We get some check ins and surprise cameos in this one too, just like we get on the others. I will say we didnt get a set-up for the next book like we normally do. I felt like the one before mentioned the ghost so that is probably next up so these are not all in the same order/timeline but that's alright!

I was interested how Holdar was going to let his protective and impenetrable walls come down to fall in love. We haven't met his leading lady until this book (again I see this is mentioned as being in two series so I am a little confused) but I enjoy how they let things progress haha. I will say this felt more rushed/shorter than the others so I didnt jump as hard into the stories as I did some of the previous books by this author. I enjoyed how relentless Trish was haha. She knew what she wanted and Holdar finally gave in haha. I thought this one had a ton of funny moments with their antics, with things not going as planned. I thought the ending was one of the more exciting ones, since people were after her and there are some others in the crossfire. Everything turns ok out (this author never leaves us hanging without an HEA!) and we get another happy couple locked into staying in Fairhaven Falls. I loved getting to see Holdar be adorable with his essential niece at this point, how gentle he could be. You get glimpses of his misbehaving and naughty nature with his mate but he is so stoic most of the time. I do think we didnt get resolution for his trauma before and he doesn't really talk about them. He has nightmares and she soothes him but we don't get at the end them talking about it, him getting help, etc.

I enjoyed the narration in this one like I did the others. The comedic timing was great, the voices were just how I would imagine them. I smiled and giggled throughout and was on the edge of my seat at the end. I hope we get more on audio from this world, it's a nice palate cleanser and happiness boost when I need it!
Profile Image for Jamie Wagnor.
238 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2024
Oh Boy…

I have been looking forward to Holdar’s love story since I read Trogar and Pippa’s but this wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. Truth be told- I didn’t really care for Trish. She was the epitome of the “poor little rich girl”. From the start she was so self-centered and annoying that I actually felt bad that Holdar was going to be stuck with her. She did grow on me a little as the story progressed but only slightly because she really had no substantial character arc.

The running thought in my head was: baby brother got the better mate. Pippa was/is just the better female.

Now I did like seeing the other characters. I really want Eric to get a story (the poor werewolves are so neglected- hell even a vampire got a mate before one of them even got a chance.) I also loved Holdar with Daisy again- though that was seriously lacking. Their little connection in Trogar’s book was some of my favorite parts. And also I liked the resolution of Holdar’s guilt over his brother- though again I wish there was more of it… and less of Trish.

By the end, I was content with the couple- but still couldn’t help thinking Pippa wins and Trish was a distant runner up (to just about everyone we’ve met so far.)

So yeah to sum it up- okay couple- great hero- not so great heroine- Flora was fantastic as always- loved seeing Trogar and Pippa and little Daisy again- Eric needs his turn to shine!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,527 reviews223 followers
May 25, 2024
We're back in Fairhaven with Holdar's story. Well, we're heading to Fairhaven. Which Holdar doesn't actually want to do, but protecting Trish is more important to him than wallowing in misplaced guilt. To be fair on that point, however, Holdar had A LOT of guilt about how things went down with his brother when they were kids. Still, misplaced guilt, since he was a kid himself and did the best he could with the options available to him.

Anywho. Holdar has returned to Fairhaven and the fabulous matchmaking gran Flora is ready for him. Sending him and his sweet charge off to a run-down cabin and (HORRORS!) forcing Holdar to interact with people is where it all begins. And let's face it, these trolls are no match for Flora and her wily ways.

On Trish's end, she's a pampered princess who's an utter sweetheart. She'd almost given up on Holdar noticing her when things took a turn and suddenly the two of them are sharing a small space in a small cabin. It doesn't take long for THINGS TO HAPPEN. But there's still the matter of the people after her and Holdar's gnawing guilt about events that happened many years ago.

A little danger, a small town that welcomes Holdar back no questions asked, a protective grump of an orc, and a lady who is thrilled to find her place in the world AND in her orc's life. GOOD STUFF!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Karen Nastasio.
2,661 reviews19 followers
May 20, 2024
This is another fantastic addition to a brilliant series and I'm glad things worked out for these two in the end. Holdar is an orc bodyguard who has just gotten an new job baby sitting / protecting a spoiled but cute and sassy heiress Trish who pushes his buttons and temps him like no other but he needs to focus on the job not the girl but to keep her safe he takes her back home to Fairhaven Falls where his past issues resurface with his brother Trogar but he is delighted to see Trogar’s wife Pippa and there cute daughter little Daisy again who melts his heart. Trish just wants a normal life but being an Heiress has he Father keeping her in a gilded cage and now she has a new and sexy as sin Orc Bodyguard who she would love to get to know better but he is closed off but. When she try’s to escape she ends up in his arms. Now to keep her safe he takes her to his home in Fairhaven Falls to a cabin and puts her to work thinking she will be unhappy but he is wrong and she is loving everything and the freedom that comes with it and the sexy kisses he gives her isn’t so bad either but he is still holding back and when she helps him heal the issues with his brother and tells him it wasn’t his fault they start to really have a relationship. This was so good and I look forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alyson.
84 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2024
I was enjoying this book - kinda (the FMC is annoying) - until a morning BJ by the FMC on the MMC. No biggie right? Happens all the time in romances… in established relationships. This one is the first sexual contact past some kissing between the two characters. The FMC wakes up first and decides to unzip the MmC while he sleeps - man who has already told her no on several occasions and has not given her consent in any form for anything more then the few kisses. Yes they are “mates” but they haven’t acknowledged that yet.

So….for some reason the author felt that an unconsented blow job is romantic? It isn’t. It is rape. Yeah he woke up and was like woohoo! But it doesn’t matter. They had no consensual sex before them prior to this. If they had an established sexual relationship where he had consented to being with her sexually… maybe. But this.

So what if guys get boners in their sleep it doesn’t mean it gives another person the right to sexually assault them nor have the author make it a romantic step for the couple

I had to stop reading. I can no longer enjoy this book. Consent is important for all characters. Just because it happen to the MMC doesn’t make it any less essential.

I think this is the last book I am reading of the author. They had been edging towards similar acts in the past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,778 reviews19 followers
May 16, 2024
Good

Trish and Holdar

When Holdar finds his latest bodyguarding charge in danger, he takes her home to Fairhaven Falls to keep her safe.
Trish is sweet and maybe a little spoiled, but she finds Holdar and his protective urges rather attractive, and when they find themselves alone together, she’s not about to hold her distance….

We first met Holdar in his brother Trogar’s book; The Single Mom and the Orc. It is preferential to have read that book first, if only to understand a little of both orcs’ history, and why Holdar is such a guarded person (this does cover it, but perhaps a little less detailed).
This is a quick read, and the story is steamy yet sweet. The town will be familiar to those who have read the other books set in Fairhaven Falls, this book merely broadens that horizon, adding some new, rather intriguing characters and setting the scene for future books in the series.
It’s a fun read, and monster romance fans will love this enjoyable story in its cosy setting.
Profile Image for MeaganRyan.
63 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2024
It was beyond good to go back home to Fairhaven Falls! It’s been too long and I’ve definitely missed the place! Such a perfect addition to the Sweet Monster Treats collection, as well. I was so excited to finally see Holdar’s story… and it couldn’t have been better. A cozy monster story that focuses on an Orc who is dealing with his own version of PTSD and the human woman he has sworn to protect. Where some women are hoping for their knight in shining armor, Trish has her own sexy Orc bodyguard (which I’d strongly have to agree is so much better)! Honey has created a story focused on protecting, reunions, healing, and love. While I feel you could read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series… It is truly a beautiful world that Mrs. Phillips has created… and I can’t wait to see what she creates for us next!!
Profile Image for Cristy.
624 reviews12 followers
May 12, 2024
I just love going back to Fairhaven Falls, especially when we know Flora will be up to no good, well, except for her conniving match making skills.

Holdar, an orc bodyguard, is slightly infatuated by his current charge, a human female. When things go array, he knows he needs to keep her safe. Home calls to him.

What I love about this story is that Tricia knows what she wants, and she wants Holdar. She isn't intimidated or embarrassed by him. She sees who he is behind the walls he has erected around himself. Their slow burn relationship is full of excitement and adventure with a little danger thrown in, too 🔥💜.

Another sweet, heartwarming read, Honey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
693 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2024
I love Fairhaven Falls. Every story is unique with the exception of Flora. But she has her own magic to make in each.
I liked Holdar. He does have a past he needs to face. And with Trish's help, she makes his see what he perceived all his life was wrong. I love his protectiveness of Trish. And as he gets to know her, away from her home, he realizes he is wrong in this also.
Trish is just what Holdar needs . She surprised me with her true nature. I love that about her.
Excellent twists, betrayal, steam to the romance, the resolution to the many problems are solved nicely and of course the perfect Flora HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nancy Reads Romance.
1,103 reviews32 followers
May 14, 2024
Even though a lot of monster romances aren't for me, this was a fun, sweet, and spicy book! Honey's little town of FairHaven Falls is quite the paranormal conglomeration. I have grown quite fond of it. Dragons and Vampires may be the reason for that, but I digress.

You need to read this book because...

**Holdar is the perfect body guard! Protective and more.
**FMC Trish is more than she seems in the beginning.
**Love returning to Fairhaven Falls and our fun group there! And Flora!
**This story was perfectly spicy!
**Chapter 14 – I’m not crying. You’re crying.
** Super sweet ending and hints of more to come!

Honey Phillips' fans will not be disappointed! 4 stars and 3 spice emojis!


Profile Image for T Nelson.
1,879 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Paranormal, Bodyguard Romance
Sweet Monster Treats Book 8
Fairhaven Falls Book 7

Trigger/Content warnings
Violence
Drugged drinks
Attempted SA
DV
Attempted murder

Holdar (mmc, orc)
Trish (mfc, human)

Holdar was hired to protect Trish, but someone has it out for her. He manages to get her back to his hometown safely. A couple of days later, trouble follows. Between fighting his attraction for her and keeping her safe, he is also dealing with a boatload of guilt. Will everyone make it out of this alive?

I was looking forward to this story, and it did not disappoint. I've really enjoyed these books. Especially the cross-over with Fairhaven Falls.
Profile Image for Natasha.
66 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2024
I was excited for Holdar to finally have his own book and have a chance at happiness. However, it all felt very rushed to me. I wanted more interaction with Holdar and Trogar making peace with each other. I was glad Grondar made an appearance along with Houston. I hope Eric gets his own book soon because I want to read about him more. I wish we got to see more interaction with Elara as I feel like she is barely mentioned in the books compared to Allison, Charlotte, or Pippa. I do have questions like who is Flora’s surprise guest she plans on housing in the guest cottage and who is her date for the dinner?? Also a pregnancy at the end felt super rushed in my opinion. I wanted to see more of their relationship blossom not just bam! Also it really annoyed me that she called her dad daddy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
653 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2025
Sweet, and cuddle- y !!! Love this place !!!

Another sweet , easy , read about one of my favorite places , Fairhaven Falls !!!!!
In this book , Holdar , an Orc , is a security / Body guard in Atlanta for an influential man and his daughter. Trish is more then a handful, and definitely keeps Holder on his toes !!?
Trish is exhausted with her father and his overbearing issues with security . She can't go anywhere, can't do anything . She has got to get out of here !!! But she knows that Holdar is going to say No !!!!
Hmmm , she will see about that !!!!!
These 2 are so cute together !!!!! He is trying to protect her , and she isn't making it easy.
Isn't that a great beginning ???
I always enjoy a visit to Fairhaven Falls , and hope to come back soon !!!!!
Profile Image for Tonya Ainsworth.
120 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2024
This book is part of the Fairhaven Falls series, all written by different authors but tied together by the town and the characters.
Trish is a bit of a spoiled rich girl not happy that her dad insists on her having bodyguards. Holdar was just assigned as Trish's bodyguard, and at first he finds her spoiled while she thinks he is intimidating. Following an attack Holdar takes Trish to Fairhaven Falls for safety. While living in a small cabin they get to know each other better and start to fall for each other. You have to read the book to find out what Else happens!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
378 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2024
Protected by the Orc

Trish is a treasured rich girl. She has a sense of humour, a strong sense of herself as well as a kind heart and she is willing to try new things. Her dad has provided her with another bodyguard, Holder, as she seems to go through them rapidly. Holder has lasted the longest and she is completely besotted with him. He does not fall for any of her feminine wiles. After a foolish action on her part she is thankfully rescued by Holder. A Tense and dangerous situation develops and Holder takes her away to hideout to keep her safe. An emotion led short story full of feels, fighting and sex.
1,395 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2024
Holdar, a big green orc bodyguard, has a job to protect a beautiful woman who is the daughter of a very rich man. Trish has had bodyguards before but Holdar is very tempting. He takes her to Fairhaven Falls for her protection after her father is attacked. They are in very close quarters in a small and rundown cabin. The sparks start flying immediately and it's not long before Holdar can't stop himself from falling for her. HIs relatives in Fairhaven Falls are happy Holdar is back and do all they can to help him get over his past so he can have a happy future. This is a steamy romance with danger, adventure, fun and love.
Profile Image for Lynn61.
442 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2024
Holdar gets his mate!!

Action packed, super steamy all-around pleaser with Holdar assigned to protect Tricia from the men who want her father. When danger strikes, he takes her to Fairhaven Falls for safety. We get to catch up with his family, including Flora😁!! Holdar is gruff with a hot cinnamon roll center and as you learn more about his past, your heart breaks for him. Tricia is fun, strong, and a perfect match for him. There are all kinds of hot times(and piercings 😉).
Enjoy!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,879 reviews17 followers
May 12, 2024
What started out as a security job for Holdar ended up with him finding his mate Trish. It’s a sweet romance as he fights his attraction to her but love won out. There is danger and he keeps her safe but this is really secondary to their romance. I enjoyed the story, it is well written and entertaining. There are some interesting secondary characters, especially Flora. Looking forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BobbiJo.
719 reviews
May 16, 2024
Back to FairHaven Falls!

I love FairHaven Falls and the stories that come so much!

Honey Phillips gave this story a bit of a darker edge than the others, at least I felt like she did.

Holdar has a bit of a fear of commitment due to childhood trauma and a perceived failing. Trish is a carefree heiress who loves to push his buttons.

It was heartbreaking but sweet to watch Trish help Holdar heal himself and his relationship with his brother.

We get bit of action and a bit of spice.

The spice was sweet and delicious.
Profile Image for Alex Silver.
567 reviews21 followers
May 20, 2024
1.9/5

God that was bad. Honey is so hit or miss and this missed big time.
It was so cringy and rushed and it wasn’t sweet or spicy really. The sweetness was embarrassing and the spice was bland.


Monster (orc). Bodyguard romance. Different peen (huge, green, ornate raised design along the length interspersed with piercings). Spanking. Tortured hero “I don’t want to hurt you. I’m too strong. Barf”. No OWD. Kinda OMD (some loser tries to date rape her at the start). No cheating. No breakup.
Epilogue with marriage and pregnancy 2 months later 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
132 reviews
May 24, 2024
Loved,Loved ,Loved

I absolutely Love FairHaven Falls !! This was a book about Holdar who was a slightly damaged Orc because of a malicious step father and what he believed was a failed promise to his real father upon the birth of his little brother and Trish a wealthy socialite who needed Holdar as a Bodyguard. The attraction was undeniably there between them but He wasn’t going to give into it until he had to go on the run with her to save her life. We see old friends in this book too
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,789 reviews
October 17, 2024
Protector Perfect!!!

Holdar is the perfect protector..of his brother and Trish!!! Trish came across in the beginning as a ditz, but once you got to know her through her inner dialogue and her interactions, you realize she is truly smart and more down to earth than given credit for. Holdar needed Trish's light to guide him, and Trish needed Holdar to help her flex her wings to fly.

This story is a great example that our past does shape our future, and we have to come to terms with it to move forward.
Profile Image for marie stephenson.
101 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2025
Another great read from Honey Phillips

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if Honey Philips writes it, I'm reading it. Trish started out a little too bratty for me but I warmed up to her. She's so spunky and hilarious honestly. The way she taunted poor Holdar, I almost felt bad for the Orc...almost lol. Great story, will absolutely continue the series. The series itself is interconnected only in the sense that many of the characters know each other. Each book is a standalone basically. Five starts!
Profile Image for Malinda.
1,188 reviews58 followers
April 4, 2025
Main Characters:
Holdar & Trish

Review:
I liked Holdar but I wish their was more to Trish. Still an enjoyable read.

Tropes:
-Bodyguard
-Mates
-Monsters
-Novella
-Orcs
-Small Town
-Smut

Quotes:
“It won’t hurt the baby?” “No, sweetheart. In fact, the happier you make the mama, the happier the baby will be.” “Then I will do my best to make you very, very happy.”

“Don’t even think about it. If I catch you pretending to be in trouble when you’re not, I won’t hesitate to spank that cute little ass of yours.”
383 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
Sexy Orc bodyguard needs his tempting client in his life even if he doesn't realize it. In this book we are back in Fairhaven Falls. This time Granny Flora is working her matchmaking endeavors on her eldest grandson. This book was a great story. The whole Fairhaven falls series is very enjoyable. I highly recommend you check this book out and all the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andi Downs.
1,278 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2024
Another enjoyable read by this authors books and love being an ARC reader. This time it features a grumpy Orc, Holdar tasked with protecting a spoiled heiress, Trish. You just know it's going to a fun ride as they deal with her protection. There is humour and of course, heat. :D Plus the backstory on why she needs protection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna Zug.
544 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2024
We head back to Fairhaven Falls with Trish and Holdar to a safe place where he can protect her. But who will protect their hearts?! This is a sweet story returning to a world of Orcs and my favorite: Gran. Honey adds in danger, sneaking away from the bodyguard, family, protection, and love. The characters are richly described and locations are realistic. As you read, you will feel like you are right there in the story. I love a well deserved HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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