I really liked this book. It was a short read and I kept thinking how I needed more and I figured out there are a few more books in the series so now I have to read those because I loved the chemistry and the story. I definitely have to find out what’s next.

Lisa Renee Jones once again delivers a gripping romance with *Protege King,* blending steamy tension, emotional depth, and a touch of intrigue.

The story revolves around Alana Blue, a powerhouse real estate agent and reluctant reality TV star, who finds herself unexpectedly reunited with her first love, Damion West. The chemistry between Alana and Damion leaps off the page from the moment they reconnect. Jones expertly navigates their shared history, layering it with the tension of unresolved feelings and the undeniable attraction that still burns between them.

Alana is a relatable protagonist, balancing vulnerability with strength as she faces her complicated past with Damion. Her inner conflict and professional successes make her a compelling character. Meanwhile, Damion is the perfect mix of cocky, charming, and mysterious, making it easy to understand why Alana—and readers—can’t help but be drawn to him.

The secrets surrounding both families add an engaging undercurrent of suspense, keeping the story dynamic and unpredictable. However, there are moments where the pacing dips slightly, and the emotional stakes could have been explored further. Despite this, the sizzling romance and sharp dialogue make up for these minor shortcomings.

Jones masterfully intertwines themes of ambition, love, and the struggles of self-identity, creating a romance that feels both modern and timeless. *Protege King* is an addictive read, perfect for fans of second-chance love stories with a side of corporate drama and family secrets.

A solid 4-star read that leaves you eager for more of Lisa Renee Jones's captivating storytelling!

Unfortunately I couldn't connect to the book so I dnfed this one!! I really tried to read it but I couldn't

I just know that Damion felt more for Alana than he lets on, or Alana understands. The fact he left her alone I felt was not by his liking. He later hinted at something like that. So the idea that he wanted her as a fake fiancé was laughable. It is going to be very real. We will see in the second book. I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a new trope, but the delivery was superb.

Protege King follows Damion and Alana, both from powerful and influential families. Damion broke Alana’s heart, and years later, is back in Alana’s life as the head of the studio producing the reality TV show Alana stars in. Sparks are reignited, and this time, Damion wants something from Alana.

This book was alright, but I didn't love the author’s writing style.

Really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next chapter! Engaging characters that are interesting and well rounded with enough secrets to keep you intrigued.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. This was a predictable easy read. The characters were not very likable.

A great book to binge read and trust me u will want to binge read this one for sure... Lisa Rene Jones is an amazing Author and I love reading Anything I can get my hands on

It was a short read but a headache. The flashbacks were really confusing for my part.

Other than that, the characters were all unlikeable. The ML is a jerk, and the FL is stupid. I hate both of them.

this book was an easy read. the story sucked you in and it kept you wanting to read more. the characters all had there own story to tell.

The Protege King had me hooked from the beginning. I can't wait for the next book. I loved how Alana and Damion grew during the time they were apart. I loved the connection between the two of them.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Alana and Damion. They have known each other for all their lives. They are best friends. There has been a connection all their lives. They see each other every few years. Alana is staring in a tv series about real estate. Damion has come back from being in Europe to the United States. Damion ask Alana to be his fake fiancé. She says yes. He tells her she is his love. She loves him too.

Alana and Damion were once best friends, the he disappeared for 10 years. Now he has come back into her life and wants her to be his fake fiance, to protect her from his father. But what started out as a deal, has turned into something real.

This was very much does what it says on the tin. A predictable story line with spicy scenes. This was a quick read which required very little concentration - sometimes it’s exactly what you need!

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

Hot and cold relationship but oh so spicy. I actually enjoyed how the book started off with the present day and how Alana reacted to Damion. You read that and you don’t understand why. But then the book continues and gives you the back story of why Alana reacted to Damion. And it makes the spicy present day reading of what’s going on even more spicy because you have that back story of hot and cold and wanting between them. The only thing I didn’t enjoy is how the book ended. You have to get the second just to find out more of what’s going on. You get to the peak of the over all story it seems and that’s when this book ends.

"Lisa Renee Jones introduces a gripping narrative in the first part of Damion and Alana's story, 'Protege King.' The plot unfolds with a dynamic mix of suspense, surprises, and a myriad of events that kept me thoroughly engaged. As the story reached its climax, a jaw-dropping cliffhanger on the final page left me stunned, eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series. LRJ's storytelling prowess shines through, crafting an intricate and must-read tale that skillfully weaves together romance and suspense, making it a compelling recommendation for fans of the genre."

Damion West is the boy next door, best friend, and the guy that broke her heart. He has always been there for her, taken care of her when she needed him, and even paid off a loan that her father had racked up gambling. Alana Blue, has been in love with Damion since she was a kid and doesn't know how to not be even though he keeps breaking her heart.

When Alana gets a request to come to the studio, she shows up expecting to meet with the head only Damion is there. She hasn't seen him in ten years because he has been living in Europe, but now he is back and he is the owner of the studio. He needs a favor from her and that is to be his pretend fiance, only it is more than that. He came home for HER, and to protect her because her life is in danger, because of her fathers dealings. Will they be able to get over the past, and work together to save her, or will her anger and hurt get in the way? I mean maybe she fill finally get everything she has ever wanted and find out how Damion really feels.

I really enjoyed getting to know Alana and Damion. He comes off as a very cold guy but once you get to know him and see him with Alana you see it is his way of protecting himself and hiding his feelings. He has to hide who he is because of his father and his ability to use what he loves most against him. I know we have a lot more to come, which I am waiting for book 2 impatiently, and it looks like things will get a lot more interesting and heat up. I really enjoy these characters and hope we get to see other sides of Damion that we haven't been able to yet. Such a good read, I highly recommend this book.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from NetGalley.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

This book tells the story of Damian West and Alana Blue. Alana was in love with Damian in their youth but he broke her heart. Alana is a cast member of Selling in New York and works for her parent's real estate firm that caters to the rich and famous, one day she gets called into a meeting with none other than Damian West.

This book had a lot of potential however the execution just wasn't there. It would've been better if the reader discovered what happened in the past by having it spread out along with the main storyline. The protagonist Alana is a little shallow and lacks the self-respect she should have for herself. The secrets could've been explained better, and Damian comes off as a spoiled brat. The book could've done with a little more editing.