Claimed by My Guardian

by Ava Monroe

Sinners And Saints Go Hand In Hand,
But When They Fight, Only One Will Stand.


My parents kept me safe from the monsters lurking in the shadows.
I was their princess, given anything my heart desired.
But nothing they taught me could have prepared me to face this loss alone.
Until a handsome stranger knocks on my door and pulls me into a confusing, but comforting hug.
A savior at my door who promises to take care of me.
I’m absolutely terrified to leave the only home I’ve ever known.
He takes me away, hysterically kicking and screaming.
Leaving me to wonder if I’m really being saved after all.


I’m a sinner, too damned for redemption.
My soul is wicked, tarnished.
I have a dangerous mind, and I don’t suffer fools.
Ruthlessness courses through my DNA.
I’ve used my wit and brutal strength to take down my rivals, to decimate them without mercy.
Obsession rules my heart, so intense and consuming it leaves me weak, begging for more.
Unexpectedly, my innocent, youthful dove flew into a storm, and crashed into my lonely life.
She’s been sheltered, left innocent, vulnerable, and untouched.
Now, Mika is mine to protect, to cherish and to possess completely.
Whether she wants to be or not.

Author’s Claimed by my Guardian is a dark mafia romance. It contains some dark themes, graphic violence, possible triggers and a possessive anti-hero who doesn’t follow the rules.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

About the author

Ava Monroe is the writing team of Magnolia Montgomery and Alana Winters. They became good friends when they met at an author convention. Soon they were talking every day and working together. We hope you love our collaborations because we have so much fun bringing them to you.

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟 2/5 🔥

My pure little Dove is going to be the death of me. She shatters me, haunts my every waking moment, and reincarnates my soul.

Mika was raised extremely sheltered, believing her parents worked for the FBI. On the day of their deaths, she finds out the truth. They worked for the mafia. Specifically, they worked for Arman.

Arman is the leader of the Mafia. He overhears that Mika's parents had a 19 year old daughter and something tells him that she's his. He takes it upon himself to proclaim he's her guardian. The first time they meet, he knows that she will be his wife and the future mother of his children.

With one innocent touch, just one breath of her essence, my heart belongs irrevocably to her. I'm shocked, floundering in the novelty of existing solely to belong to another person- for another person. I'm spinning out of control, needing to know everything about her, be everything she needs.

The intense feelings between them was a highlight of this novella! I love how possessive Arman was. He didn't push her at all to become his- he just let it happen naturally, and I loved that. This novella was also ridiculously funny with several laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed it, even though the spice level was low.

SAFETY:
Ages: 19h, 40sH
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW drama: none
Tropes: mafia, guardian/ward, kidnapping, touch her and die
Triggers: kidnapping/Stockholm syndrome, violence, murder,
HEA?: yes! <3

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick age gap read. A good book for a lunch break. Mika has had a very sheltered life. When her parents pass, she finds out who they really worked for. Arman is the head of the mafia and when he learns of Mika, he declares himself her guardian. Once he meets her, he decides she is going to be his wife.
This book has a lot going on fast. I do wish it were longer.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on and buckle up this is a wild ride, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!. Mika sweet, innocent in so many ways, parents kept her sheltered from their life they really lead so when they are murdered it left her without protection and lost in every sense of the word not knowing what’s up or down. Arman sexy as all get out Don who learns of the existence of a daughter of a made man doing what he feels is right ensure her protection and revenge against the ones who took her parents life he is ruthless, deadly when on the wrong side of him and extremely protective of those he loves. The moment Mika opens the door to him he know she would be his, more determined to avenge her parents death and convince her that she belongs to him but will it be too much considering the life she lead with her parents shielding her from all they did, will she accept his protection, can she ignore the connection she feels for him, and can they find happiness despite the age difference?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Carsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic Age-Gap Mafia Romance!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review

This is my first book I’ve read by Ava Monroe and I am really looking forward to reading more by her. It’s a mafia, angsty age-gap romance that’s fast paced with medium spice. It is a quick read as it is a novella.

Arman is the head of the mafia and is fighting his enemies to keep his territory. When a man he employed to launder money and his wife are murdered, he attends their funeral and finds out they had a daughter no one knew about. He vows at the moment to take her in and protect her. Mika has lived a lonely and sheltered life. Never allowed to leave the safety of her home she finds herself devastated and lost when her parents are murdered. Afraid and even more alone she has no idea how she will make it without them. Then when a handsome stranger shows up vowing to protect and care for her, even though she’s afraid, she goes with him. And their story begins.

This was a very sweet insta-love romance that ends with a HEA. I wish it was longer and that we could get more into their story and the dangers they will face with Arman trying to keep his enemies at bay. And a lot more into their relationship. But even though it was short it was still a fantastic read. Definitely recommend it!!!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia Life Mafia Wife

Read the warnings. “Claimed by my Guardian” is a quick mafia age gap read. The FMC is 19 years old, and the MMC is in his 40s—medium spice.

Arman Valenti (MMC) lives the mafia life. He doesn’t do relationships and hasn’t been in one in years. But, after a hit on another family that works for him, the Lombardis, he attends their funeral.

Arman overhears that the Lombardis has a young daughter, Mika (FMC), that is supposed to be sent to a convent to continue protection. Arman offers to go to her.

Mika has lived reclusively. She has had unique circumstances that have led to her lack of exposure. Mika understood that her parents had a secretive profession. Mika is suddenly left alone and unable to care for herself when her parents pass away.

Arman strangely feels a strong need to take care of Mika and is instantly attracted to her. But, unbeknownst to Mika, Arman has other plans for her. Methods that are unorthodox to keep her close to him. But during their time together, she gains more than a new life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claimed By My Guardian by Ava Monroe was a fun insta obsession/love read. I really enjoyed the characters and the world the author created. Ava Monroe brought wonderfully written characters to life that had depth and were complex. The story itself was very fast-paced and kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the fun, crazy ride that the author took me on. I felt a mix of emotions throughout this book. Vindication is at the top of the emotions list while reading this book. The spice in this book was very much on the hotter side. This author doesn't disappoint when describing characters, their home, and other things lol.

Arman is a total Alpha, possessive, obsessive, and dominating. He always got his way, took care of business, and was the boss in his city. Mika has been sheltered her whole life. She was watched over by her parents her whole life. The angst and push and pull of both characters were like a whirlwind romance. They definitely were not a conventional couple with how they got to where they were meant to be. The journey was a fun ride that will be a reread for me in the future. When I got to the end I was needing more of this couple.- Brooke

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mika is a barely-legal young woman that has been raised in a very sheltered home. Her parents kept her safe when they were alive, but left her as an unprotected target after they die. She may be innocent and naive, but she’s got a sassy personality and isn’t a doormat. She learns her entire life has been a lie and she never really knew her parents. Arman is head of the mafia and decides to whisk Mika away so he can make her his in every single way - mind, body, and soul. Since this is a novella, it doesn’t take too long for things heat up. This is a lower spice book but still enjoyable. This book could have easily been a full length novel! I loved how possessive Arman was and love that Mika didn’t fight too long against her feelings toward him. Great quick read!

Tropes: Contemporary romance, novella, mafia romance, age gap, omyw, Stockholm syndrome, forced proximity, virgin heroine, happily-ever-after
Heat: 3/5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this was a short story, it was packed full with drama, action, torture, feelings and spice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mika has been sheltered by her parents and hasn't been given chance to live independently. Her parents managed all that but this left her with deep anxiety when they both get killed. Despite it all she has managed to educate herself in all things about life. She is very intelligent.
Arman was a ruthless Mafia boss and Mika's parents worked for him.
He decided to take responsibility for her, when he heard she is very sheltered.
But when he saw her it was Instalove and the cave man in him became alive and claimed her to be his.
He took care of her and earned her trust before he could move forward with their relationship, which was really sweet. Mika changed him, she gave him a heart that was a live again.
I loved the epilogue, it was fitting with the whole story.

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝒪𝒽, 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒟𝑜𝓋𝑒. 𝐼𝒻 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓂𝓎 𝓌𝒶𝓎, 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓃𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓈 𝒹𝑒𝑒𝓅 𝒾𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒. 𝒮𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓅𝑜𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓉 🍆.

Poor Mika, her life changes instantly when she learns her parents were murdered. She has been sheltered her entire life and doesn't know much about the work her parents did.

Until Arman Valenti shows up at her door, telling her the truth. Her parents worked for the mafia, and he is the mafia king.

𝐼'𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝓇𝟥𝟥𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝑒𝓍𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝒾𝓉'𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒.

Arman instantly feels a strong connection to Mika and knows that he has to protect her.

𝐼’𝓂 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒽𝑒𝓇, 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁—𝐼’𝓋𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓅𝑜𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂, 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝑜𝓃𝑒.

What she doesn't know is that he can't wait to make her his wife and for her to have his children.

Claimed by My Guardian was a quick, steamy read, and I can't wait to read Claimed by My Stepbrother.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claimed by My Guardian is a novella that packs quite the exciting punch, and I do wish it had been so much longer because I was all in. Mika was seriously sheltered by her parents so she has no clue as to the world she belongs to until they're gone too soon. Arman is our resident Mafia leader who makes himself her guardian but then he sees her, and now he's going to make her his wife. He will burn the world down to protect her, as well as going to get revenge on her behalf for her parents, and on top of all that exciting chaos, the sparks are flying between them. He doesn't force himself on her though, he lets things happen without overwhelming her but the connection they have, it doesn't take too long. This story is fast paced, heat filled, suspenseful, and dark which are all my jam so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Carolyn Greenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arman and Mika

This book had so many good elements to it.It was quirky and totally different than any other Mafia book I have read.( And I have many different Mafia books-- Jane Henry, B B Hamill,Sonja Grey to name a few authors)Arman was so intense,possessive, obsessed but insta-love level of caring for Mika. Mika was totally unique in that she was so completely isolated and raised in a bubble to keep her safe that she wasn't used to interacting with anyone or anything.Arman's men were all characters.The banter and insults back and forth was really funny.Nutso and G Child were massively entertaining,although G Child was totally psycho.There is a lot of violence in this and it is definitely not Mafia- Lite.I will look to see if there are more books in this series and check out other things this author has done.Very unique writing style and I really liked it.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Mated to the Mafia series and focuses on Arman and Mika. Mika had been extremely sheltered and protected her whole life. When her life completely implodes when her parents are killed, she isn’t expecting Arman to be there to pick up the pieces. Arman knows right away that he has met his forever when he meets Mika. He is determined to make Mike his no matter what and to seek revenge for those that killed her parents. I loved that Arman knew exactly what he wanted and did whatever he had to do to ensure that Mika was his and that she was loved and protected. This was a great story and a great intro to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arman and Mika

Arman became the head of the mafia after his parents and sister were killed in a car bombing. While attending a funeral for a husband and wife that worked for him, he hears that they had a daughter that he didn't know about. So now, he's going to take her and protect her. That is, until he sees her. Mika has never experienced the outside world. Her parents were too afraid that she would be targeted. When a stranger shows up at her door demanding she go with him, she is afraid of the unknown. But, Arman is absolutely obsessed with her. He does everything in his power to help her overcome her grief. Arman was actually sweet for a mobster!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

When his family is killed Arman becomes the head of the mafia. He learns of Mika when he is at her parents' funeral. Mika has led a shelter life because of her family being in the mafia. So, when Arman shows up she is wary and still grieving for her parents. Arman wants Mika and plans to claim her as his own. Will she give him a chance? Can they be together?

This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter on. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mika (h) leads an extremely sheltered existence until her parents are murdered and she find out things she never knew about them. Don Arman (H), mafia head, is man of violence and vengeance and will take down those responsible for his people’s deaths. He takes Mike into his life and knows that she will be his and will stop at nothing to fulfill his desire for her. Things heat up between the two very quickly even as Arman pursues her parents’ killers and brings them to particularly gruesome ends. OTT age gap mafia romance with a side of heat and graphic violence.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arman and Mika meet when her parents are killed. They tried to shield her from the life they led and as a result she had no idea what she was going to do until Arman comes and takes her with him and is taken off guard by the connection, he feels towards her. It starts them along a journey, but will it be one that leads them to a happily ever after? This story was captivating and drew me in to it as I connected with Mika and Arman.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 Stars)

Arman is the Don and Mika just so happens to be the sheltered daughter of a pair that worked for the family. When her parents die, Arman learns about Mika's existence and decides to make sure she is protected. He never imagined the girl that opened the door would be the one. But Mika has been pretty much sequestered her whole life and has no clue on how the outside world works. Will it prove to much for her to handle?

Arman and Mika's story was a bit short but gives us a some really good naughty bits. IMO there was a lot of potential with this story that it feels a bit incomplete. We do get some violence and danger, very low drama, I give this 3.5 stars.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Arman and Mika’s story. Mika has been sheltered by her parents, and their deaths leave her vulnerable, and Arman is ruthless and dangerous, and is a mafia Don, who arrives on Mika’s doorstep, take care and protect her. This is a well written dark mafia romance story, with loss, grief, danger, suspense, betrayal, intrigue, secrets, violence, challenges, emotions, and love, which leads to a thrilling and addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mika had been sheltered from the reality of her families criminal ties, but with the loss of her parents she finds herself in the sights of Arman. Arman is a man who has ruled his family for two decades, now someone after his position. When he learns of Mika's existence he immediately goes to collect her but hes not prepared for the instant connection he feels towards her. Well written fast paced, obsessive, captive, age gap, mafia romance.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instalove with him falling first.

I liked this story but I felt like it was missing something. There were things that seemed to be left hanging in my opinion. Mika was super sheltered to a major extreme. I did expect that Arman would have wanted to know more about her life especially once he saw her scar but there wasn’t any mention of it. I liked how the story ended. I recommend reading this book.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claimed by my Guardian by Ava Monroe is the story of Mika and Arman.
Arman is the head of a Mafia which makes him very dangerous and used to getting what he wants. Mika is a shelter women whose parents tried to protect her and keep her from a lot of things. But when they died, its Arman who takes over. Enjoyed this quick hot read.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Arman and Mika’s book. Her parents kept her safe from the monsters lurking in the shadows. I was their princess, given anything her heart desired. But nothing they taught me could have prepared me to face this loss alone. Until a handsome stranger knocks on my door and pulls me into a confusing, but comforting hug. An intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Arman and Mika. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, vengeance, violence and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Sweet read. Mika is clueless to this world she finds herself in. Arman is a brute but so soft and sweet with Mika. I loved the storyline. Great read.

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for SNS

Sweet read. Mika is clueless to this world she finds herself in. Arman is a brute but so soft and sweet with Mika. I loved the storyline. Great read.

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so hot!

[Marilyn Hawkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unbelievable

No depth, unbelievable characters,thin storyline
Great idea ruined by lack of writing skills. A waste of time. Don’t bother reading.

[Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked parts of it

[Fran · Rating 1 out of 5]

JAJAJAJAJ que wea acabo de leer

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy

Sometimes love knows no bounds. I love to think that they saved each other in a way. But the mafia is still the mafia be prepared for some gruesome.