FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this story. Atticus and Jenna are a combative couple and there is plenty of angst around the fact that Jenna is pretty much a sister to the other Steele brothers. As the two navigate a new relationship there is also drama over Jenna’s hidden past.

THE STORY: Atticus Steele is the oldest brother and takes his responsibility seriously, especially towards the family’s unofficially adopted daughter Jenna Riley. Atticus’s problem is that he doesn’t see Jenna as a sister. After Jenna’s abduction, Atticus has become even more protective towards Jenna, but Jenna is ready to show Atticus that she doesn’t see him as an older brother but as the man she wants.

OPINION: This was an enjoyable entry in the series. Atticus is definitely an alpha male combining his desire for Jenna with his intense protectiveness. What makes it good is that Jenna is no doormat and is definitely going after the man she wants even as he tries to protect her from everyone — including himself.

Even though the novella is short, the story sets up the characters so that the relationship seems more complex than what we get to see. Because of their existing relationship, their familiarity works well. The book picks up right when their relationship is changing to a romantic one so the quick turn to sex feels just right.

The story is animated by new dangers to Jenna and the revelations regarding her past. That part of the story works but isn’t the focus or purpose of the book.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is a novella length book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ATTICUS is the second book in the Steele Protectors series. The romance here is self-contained, but the characters overlap and Jenna’s story begins in the first book in the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.