Protector

Kings of New York #1

by K.L. Donn

No one is more prepared to protect her than me.

Protector is book 2 in USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn’s Kings of the Underworld series.

Odette Cavanaugh is forbidden. Out of bounds.
Youngest daughter to the formidable Carmine Cavanaugh.
The princess of New York.
But she’s mine.
In every way that matters.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
In need of a protector, I’m assigned to remain by her side.
Odette has no idea what she’s in for.
How obsessed I am.
I’ll show her.
After I take down her enemy.

Malice Sinclair is larger than life.
Deadlier than a bullet.
And my new watcher.
I’m being bullied and my father thinks the answer is the tough guy who has ignored me my entire life.
If Carmine knew his protector had his sights set on me, Malice wouldn’t be waking up in the morning.
The problem is, I’m stupidly falling for the bad boy too.

It’s a Romeo and Juliette situation that is bound to get one of us burned. Except, what if we like it? What if…we follow the flames.

Genres: Dark

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

Krystal writes as USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she has over 50 published books in differing romance genres. She enjoys making her readers cry as they go on a deep journey of love and loss through each book.

Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
 
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.

Reviews

[Zariareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars.

I loved this book and I love the author of these books.
In some part it was rushed which I didn’t like but most of the book was soooo good!!❤️🤩

[Sarah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

KL Donn is and always will be a go to author for me. And Protector is just another reason why.

There was a different vibe to this book in a great way. It felt darker, more intense for some reason. The opening scenes really grab you and get you invested from the start, making it hard to put the book down.

Malice was over the top, obsessed, and just completely unhinged when it came to Odette. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks about it, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks about his feelings for Odette - she’s his and he’s not going to let anyone stand between them once her safety is called into question. I adore his teasing nature when it comes to Odette, she gets to see a different side of him. And he uses that to his advantage to bring out her best. He refuses to let her hide from others or herself, and truly does allow herself to come out of her shell and into her true self and strength.

Odette is an incredibly versatile FMC. She is painfully vulnerable, uncertain, and looking for her place in life. She’s on her own, with her sisters gone and living their own lives and her father grieving the death of her mother. School is a horrid place and her main goal is to keep her head down and make it home at the end of the day. She’s just existing. Until one day the bullying and harassment is too much and Malice becomes front and center in her life. Right where she has desperately wanted him to be for years. His taunting and teasing draws her out of her shell, allows her to be herself and open up to the one man that she has truly desired for years.

Malice and Odette are intense. Their relationship is based off of years of knowing each other and dancing around the sparks firing between them. I loved the safety each of them felt to be the truest version of themselves with each other, no longer holding back and allowing themselves to build a relationship and future together.

[cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait for CJ’s Story!!

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protector is a dark, excellent story by K.L. Donn. The storyline was intense, dangerous, thrilling and provocative and the characters were dynamic and intense. You will be pulled in from the first page as you become immersed in Malice and Odette's journey.

Odette Cavanaugh daughter of Carmine Cavanaugh is having a hard time at school being bullied until it gets to be too much for her as she is exposed and unsure of her life. Her father asks Malice Sinclair to be her protector and bodyguard to help his daughter. He becomes obsessed with her and his task as he won't allow anyone to harm what he views as his. Malice is dark, tough, deadly and a true bad boy. As these two have known each other for years, soon sparks will erupt between them as they have been avoiding what is between them for years. Malice will now make his feelings known as he has always been in love with her as he proves that he will protect her with his life as no one will harm what is his. Can he make Odette see that she belongs to him? Loved the interaction between these two as Odette comes to terms that she has fallen for the man she has desired for years. Malice is bringing out the best in her with his teasing and humor she sees another side to him as she is coming out of her shell becoming confident and stronger. Their relationship and future will be put to the test as deadly forces surround her, can Malice keep her safe? This is a must read, well done K.L. Donn

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.L Donn has done it again and delivered another unforgettable and unputdownable addition to her Kings Of The Underworld Series ) please go in knowing that this is an extremely dark read . But if you’re feeling adventurous well all I can say is you will not be disappointed, in fact you will be completely blown away in all the best ways . Dark , protective and dominant alphas , so much steam you will feel like it’s coming. Off the pages , Odette and Malice were everything I mean everything. When we first meet them they appear to be complete opposites . Odette coming across as a very quite introvert who is just trying to complete school and Malice being someone who comes across as a very strong character, a bit unhinged , a person who does not care what anyone else thinks and when he sets his mind on something ( especially something he wants , nothing will get in his way. .And that just so happens to be Odette . OMG all the emotions I felt while reading and all the sleep I lost . To say that Protector is an emotional rollercoaster would have to be an understatement. It was simply one of the best books I’ve read this year . But then again I’m not that surprised as K.L Donn always seems to exceed my expectations 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Kl Donn hit it out of the park with this book! What a page turner I couldn’t put down! So many twists, turns and surprises!

Odette is the youngest of Carmine Cavanaugh. When she comes home from school one day in not so great condition, Malice makes it his mission to protect her at all costs. Kids at school are not so nice to her. Wait til you find out what almost happens to her. They put her through a lot of crap. Once Malice starts to follow her around school, well let’s just say they better watch their backs. Odette is a very strong, independent woman who is very smart. She has been around Malice since she was little-their fathers have always been friends. Their chemistry at first seems one sided from Malice-he is determined to make her his, but watch as the story goes on! All I got to say is “oh my heavens!”

Can Malice keep Odette from anyone harming her? What lengths will he go to achieve this? Will they get a happy ending? Wait til you find out! Anyone setting eyes on Odette better turn the other way or feel the wrath of Malice Sinclair.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say that KLD is a master at the mafia trope! Actually, she is a master at any trope as I adore every word she has ever written. She even upped her game when it comes to the Kings of the Underworld, which I didn't think was even possible. Odette is Carmine Cavanaugh's youngest daughter and a senior in high school. Its torture going to school, being the target of bullies. Malice has watched over the beautiful girl for almost her entire life and wanted her for his own almost as long. Now she is eighteen and he is done waiting. He is a man obsessed and determined to destroy anyone who tries to hurt his little rabbit. I adore him and his ruthless ways, he was glorious! I loved watching Odette spread her wings under Malice's love and devotion. The man is practically feral and makes her melt anytime he is in the same room as her. Loved their story so much, I had to finish it in one sitting!!!

[Kelly ~Booktrovert~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has no idea just how much she needs me, or what I'll do to keep her.


K.L Donn has always been a go-to author for me and she reminded me why with the second book in the Kings of the Underworld series.

I've noticed that some of her books have been getting a little darker and I'm here for it.

Malice was deliciously OTT, slightly unhinged, and 100% obsessed with his woman Odette. Nothing and no one will get in the way of what is his. When it comes to Odette's safety? Get prepared for the crazy. Odette was a sweetheart and Malice was exactly what she needed. We saw so much growth. I also adored Malice's sweet side but that was reserved for Odette.

I definitely can't wait for the next in the series. I'll be waiting patiently (ish)

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinion.

4 big stars!

[Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malice + Odette’s love story

3.5✨’s Malice is so d@mn crazy, but I lalaloved him. My mans is jealous of the h’s love for her dad AND her love for THIER kids 💀 please make it make sense. This author’s ability to transport me inside her books is uncanny. She’s def not for everybody, but so far so great for meeee. 🩷


⚠️ + Info:
— Dual POV
— Death of a loved one
**Triggers below took place during one scene, and not the entirety of the book**
— Sexual assault by multiple OM
— Extreme bullying + tormenting
— Mobbing
— Attempted rape
**end scene where all of this took place**
— Dual Virgins🍒
— Mutual Pining
— No: sharing, cheating, separation or 3rd act break up
— OMD: none other than the OM who assault h when the book opens
— Murder
— h pushes H away for maybe 2.7 seconds 😂
— HEA: Happily married w/ 4 kids🩷

[Missy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Protector very much!!! I got to tell you KL does such a good job of creating dark and twisted reads. It is a good thing I enjoy them so much then.

With a KL read you know you are going to get a thrilling, dark and intense read with characters that will stay with you long after you stop reading.

Without giving too much away, The Protector is about Odette, who is having a bit of a time at school. Her father steps in and gets her a Protector in Malice. Thus starts out their story. And what an intense one it was. I mean we all need a guy who will do absolutely anything for us, right? Yes!!

Can Malice convince Odette that they are meant to be? That he will protect her at all costs!! Read and find out!! It will so be worth it!

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odette and Malice have known each other their entire lives, and Malice and his brother Holy are very protective of Odette and her family. When she is being bullied by an old problem’s daughter, her father decides to send Malice to school as both her body guard and to give them a chance to act on their feelings for each other.
Well it works well and Malice claims Odette and soon she is coming out of her shell, where she hides to not cause trouble. Along the way they meet new friends and their claim on each other deepens and finally they admit to each other that they love.
There bumps and trouble trying to keep them apart, but they over come it all and have a loving and happy life together.

[Brittney Lathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odette Cavanaugh is in high school. She is 18 years old also her last year. She is getting bullied at school. But she is keeping it all to herself. Until one day things change.

Malice Sinclaire works with his brother and father for Odette's father. But when it comes to Odette he will do anything.

I enjoyed the relationship between them. Malice might be a little over protective. But this alpha man isn't playing about his woman. I enjoyed the relationship between Odette and her two older sisters.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed how the bad people got their comeuppance.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy, yummy, yummy! Loved over the top Malice and the shining hiding tiger in Odette. Even though he is a dark protector, there is lots of perfectly timed funny thoughts, e.g. "death by intelligence", totally loved that you can see humor in Malice. You so want to pull for the underdog and that's what this story did, it pulled me in and brought me to the perfect ending that I wanted. This author knows how to give you want you want. Loved this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love bad boys, and Malice, fit that bill perfectly. I enjoyed how Odette, the seemingly innocent girl, enjoyed his darkness. The story contained danger, steam, and great characters. I even laughed at a couple parts. I really hope we get to see the side characters find their happy endings in the future. Awesome read. I received a review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant dark read.
When Odette returns from school in a bad way Malice knows that he will do anything and everything to protect her. She is his and no one messes with her.
Malice has been in love with Odette for years and now he needs to claim her and defend her.
Will she let him.
I loved how they were together but when deadly force comes for her can he keep her safe.
Absolutely loved the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Barbie-Ann Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I had to take a little time to compose myself and get my thoughts clear in my head before I put them in a review. I loved it from start to finish there is something happening on every page that will make you read it in one sitting. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get there happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and thought it was utterly yummy. Malice and Odette were amazing characters that stole my heart and had me all up in my feels. Their story is lushly dark and sinfully captivating. The combination of intensity, drama, emotion, steam, twists and swoon is decadent and one little bite, and I just could not get enough.

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! Odette may seem quiet, but she is really just laying low trying to finish school. When her bullies take it to far, Malice steps in to be her protector. What she doesn't know is that while she's been pining for him, he's been planning on forever with her.
Of course nothing is ever as easy as it should be. This book will have you hooked from the first page!

[Srivithyaa Vilashine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf at 56% the story felt too rushed for me. There was no emotional intimacy established between malice and Odette. But sex scenes were crafted like it had been established. We didn't get to see any of that. We don't know why malice likes Odette or why Odette likes malice. But the sex scenes were crafted like we've already had those answers. It' was iffy for me for these reasons.

[Amo Dee Ahuriri · Rating 5 out of 5]

KL Donn is and will always be a go to author for me. And Protector is just another reason why. There was a different vibe to this book in a great way. It felt darker, more intense for some reason. The opening scenes really grab you and get you invested from the beginning. Malice and Odette are just 🥵

[Codie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odette and Malice, where to even begin to describe how much I loved their story. Odette has so much inner strength waiting to come out, whilst Malice will do everything to protect and have his girl. These two are complex, captivating and down right sinful. Highly recommend if you want something that will make you lose time as you’ll struggle to put it down!

[Fiona Iles · Rating 5 out of 5]

KL Donn is one of my favourite authors. and this book didn't disappoint. This is the second book in the series and the story of Odette and Malice. It was an intense read, filled with drama. Odette is dealing with so much, but Malice is determined to do everything to defend and protect her and have her as his!

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book starts with a shocking incident and continues through the book. Malice is fierce, protective and deadly. His love for Odette has not bounds. Absolutely loved the HEA ending, Odette went through so much but she persevered.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malice and Odette are like opposite sides of a flame that seem to gravitate towards each other. There's something about these two. I mean between the two of them they're both something to take another look at. I just really loved these characters and their story.

[E.M. Shue · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG KL is at it again. Dark, protective, and dominant. When she does her dark books she gives them something extra every time. This one didn’t disappoint. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but Malice is up there with one of my favorites. He’ll kill for Odette. Who doesn’t want a man like that?!

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just like I love all of this authors books. This story had me glued to my phone until it was finished. There is just something about her alpha males that make me fall quickly and I remember all of them.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderfully dark novel by the talented KL Donn. Once again she had me captivated from the beginning and I devoured this well written book. I am excited for more of this new series by her.

[Mel Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protector is such an amazingly well written story, it broke my heart for Odette but then you know the good stuff is going to come and with this book KL didn’t disappoint. Malice and Odette two people who belong together but just need that little push. An emotional read.

[Tiffany Mahaxay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!!! This book got me screaming in a good way! Malice and Odette 🥵! I love Ms Donn hero! All these men 🔥 are all so possessive of their women! She will NEVER disappoint you! Hurry up and grab her books and fall in love with her men’s.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!! I love the OTT protective main character, Malice!! He is there when she needs someone the most, but then is able to assist her to become whom she was meant to be—a badass!! I can’t wait to read more!!