My Dark Protector

by Ashley Zakrzewski

Sometimes your past can come back and bite you in the ass…

Teagan Madden has made plenty of mistakes in her teenage years, but now she has put them behind her and is about to graduate from college. That is, until Eric McKinnon shows back up in her life and threatens her. She calls on the only person who has been there for her since they met.

Jaxon Lawson has had his fair share of run-ins with Eric and knows how to deal with him. He steps up to protect her, and they tell everyone they are dating to keep Eric away. Only it seems to make things worse.

When Eric threatens Teagan and blackmails Jaxon… they have a choice to make… but do they make the right one?

420 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2024

About the author

Ashley Zakrzewski is a Romance Author known for her captivating storytelling, sultry plots, and dynamic protagonists. Hailing from Arkansas, her affinity for the written word began early on, and she has been relentlessly chasing after her dreams ever since.

When she isn't crafting stories, Ashley is either pursuing her business degree, blogging, or being a bookworm. Above all else, she loves spending quality time with her amazing husband and beautiful daughter.

You can find more at www.ashleyzakrzewski.com

Reviews

[Mansi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaxon is the perfect sweet caring protective boyfriend you could ever ask for.
I couldn't put down this book because i was hooked their fake dating when jaxon announced everyone that they are dating. Its a slow burn and sometimes their were slow moments but you want to know what happens in the end or whats gonna happen now or next so i was hooked.

Its been a while since i read a light dark, slow burn, fake dating type of book.
Its well by the way so i loved it. One thing i didn't knew or didn't knew it would happen was their was someone who apologised and i think that character is going to get his or her book I won't tell you what character is this so read and talk about it ❤️.

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

[Emily Roskom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Absolutely loved this story, the characters are lovable for page one and it sucked me in. I usually am a fantasy reader so this was a little out of my normal genre and I couldn’t put it down.
Teagan and Jaxon are everything you could hope in friends and the forbidden part of their relationship brings it all together. I love the depth put into all the other characters as well, you feel with them which kept me drawn into the story the whole time.
I would read this again and look forward to getting a paperback copy to add my collection and will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Amy Alessandri · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 100 pages too long. A lot of the dialogue and content was repetitive, frustrating, lackluster and a bit of a struggle to finish. At multiple times I lost interest but wanted to commit to finishing it. I fault myself for expecting a dark romance but there was nothing dark or emotionally grabbing about this story.

It honestly could be described as a Dark Hallmark Romance movie. And that’s not a bad thing! I honestly love the idea of Dark Hallmark… 🖤🎥

I realize I am in the minority with my review as so many people adore this book… I applaud the author for doing something I’ve never done before (publish a book) and you’ll absolutely enjoy this if you’re looking for:

🖤 Surface Level
🖤 Dark Hallmark Vibes
🖤 Protective MMC
🖤 College Aged Characters
🖤 Cheesy Family Banter
🖤 One Sweet, Supportive Father

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story between Teagan and Jaxon. They are the perfect friends to lovers / fake dating troupe. There were a few points that felt a little slow, a bit of a lull, but nothing slow enough that made me put down the book. Definitely worth reading through those lulls, and that ending ??? ***SPOILERS*** I didn’t know I needed Cassandra’s apology, I thought I was happy to hate her character, but OH MY GOODNESS it felt like the perfect ending!

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one's a page-turner, I hope you have some time to just sit and binge-read - because you'll want to! Teagan and Jaxon have a chemistry they can't deny and no fake relationship will tell me different because in this book you could feel the sparks between the characters as they face their obstacles and enemies.

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

[Books and Gems · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

Teagan and Jaxon

— brother’s best friend
— friends to lovers
— fake dating
— slow burn

Teagan finds herself needing help when a man she went on one blind date with won’t leave her alone. She knows if she calls her brothers it will become a huge issue so instead she calls her brother’s best friend, Jaxon.

Jaxon is quick to come to her rescue and is protective of Teagan from the beginning. He’s sweet to her, while also pushing her buttons just enough. He’s the strong and protective type, and he’s willing to do anything to help Teagan.

The storyline was established quickly. All of the friends were supportive, and everyone but Teagan and Jaxon saw their chemistry long before they did. The secret mutual crushes these two harbored were sweet.

I loved Teagan’s sass. I loved their banter and chemistry. Jaxon was so sweet and swoony for Teagan.

This had its slow moments, and there were definitely parts I felt could have been more succinct. I enjoyed the twists and suspense towards the end of the book.

Overall, it was a good read. I wouldn’t really say this a dark romance though. But it was an enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely check out more of this author’s work in the future.

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

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner from the very start of the book! A must read! Teagan and Jaxon are perfect for each other in my opinion. Jaxon is her brother’s friend. Knowing each other for some time, but never getting together. He is her savior when a guy she’s seeing starts to be creepy. Jaxon is there for Teagan when Eric, her ex, has gone mad. He has dealt with him in the past. Wait til you find out in what manner.

This is a fake relationship that may turn into something more. Jaxon and Teagan’s chemistry is definitely electric. They get along so well, but they definitely have their moments where it seems they may give up on their fake relationship. Eric continues to wreak havoc on them, but the way Jaxon and Teagan handle him shows how they won’t let him get to them.

Will they be able to take down Eric for good? Will secrets that spill out destroy what Jaxon and Teagan are beginning to develop? How will the story end? You won’t want to put the book down til all your questions are answered!

[Thetta James · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book was the chemistry between the two main characters. The fake relationship was fun to navigate and although I love character development and setting the stage so to speak, this was slower than what I'm accustomed to with some areas drawn out that could've been a little shorter. Also, while I normally don't like third person reads, this was tolerable and I was able to flow through it really well. Jaxson is every woman's dreamy, alpha male, while Teagan has just the right amount of sass to make them a believable couple. A happy ending is always good after the "storm" so kudos to that. With some twist and turns, a touch of sugar and spice, and a little delve into darkness, I enjoyed this book overall. A solid 4.5 stars.

[Nichole Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want to put this down. Read late into the morning and then finished when I woke.

I loved the relationship and chemistry between Teagan and Jaxon. Jaxon may have had bad boy moments growing up, but I’m not sure I’d classify him as such. He jumped into protective mode immediately after she called him and never once stopped. The secret crushes on each other, that were only a secret to them and no one else, that turned into fake dating, and eventually real dating.

The relationships between everyone else in the book I enjoyed too. Everyone always seemed so close and happy with each other, aside from Teagans mom. Who, thankfully, sort of comes around at the end, just in time for the HEA. And I could imagine the type of life Teagan and Jaxon would have after the end of the book.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In desperate need for help to get an unwelcome guest out of her place, Teagan had called her older brother's best friend, Jaxon for help. He saves her and let's her stay at his place for the night but when they were caught together Teagan makes the mistake of announcing that they were seeing each other to no one's surprise. The more time they spent together the more right it felt.This was a cute romcom situation than dark and it really wasn't a second chance as they had crushes on each other in high school but were not together. It was a little rough at the beginning but it really was a cute story.

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

[Crystal Vandagriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was charming sweet steamy funny witty suspenseful page turner. I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved Teagan and Jaxson. The best friend forbidden fake relationship that turns real is great! Jaxon is a protective heroic complex funny sweet guy. Teagan is head strong witty clever romantic. Recommended for those who love a fake/real brother best friend forbidden romance. Will definitely follow this author and read more books!!!.

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

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a good fake dating trope book and this one showed up. It's the first book I've read by this author, and I'm not going to lie, it was excellent. There's heat, angst, and a very protective main male character. Jaxon would do anything for Teagan. The story is good and you want to keep reading. It's a slow burn so keep that in mind. There were a few scenes that I wanted them to get on with it, but it was still good.

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

[Angie Large · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good and had me wondering what would happen right up to the end. The sweet MMC Jaxon is exactly what everyone would want in a boyfriend ,someone who wants to protect you in any way they can and do anything to keep you happy. It's nice that Teagan does realize that he is a good guy, so there isn't the usual third act break up. This is a more them against the world type of book. It has some spice but is on the calmer end of the spice meter.

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

Right when Teagan's life was about to start her past comes roaring back with a vengeance to tear it apart. She goes to the only person she can trust Jaxson who has dealt with Eric previously. To throw Eric off they take on a fake relationship but when feelings begin to evolve will it turn into the real deal. This story had me from the first page with all of the drama going on to see how Teagan and Jaxon's story ends.

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

[Sunny Lovestories · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me going from "what did you think was going to happen" to "it's ok, honey, this won't last forever as I read about and rooted for Teagan. Like all of us, we are blessed that high school doesn't last forever though some scars and decisions do.
This author is pleasing to read like clockwork. and her romcoms and anthologies are always great romantic weekend reads but I think her true calling might be bad boys in darker romances like this novel.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teagan was getting her life on track when Eric from her past comes back with threats. And Teagan goes to thebonly person she can to protect her, her brother best friend Jaxon, butba fake romance to keep Eric at bay riles him up more, can they overcome what's ahead and will this fake romance turn real? Well written steamy engaging ,friends to lovers off limits danger and more!

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teagan is need of help she calls her brother’s best friend Jaxson, who is also a friend. He helps her deal with a situation. Which turns into her blurting out they are dating to keep her brother from finding out about her situation. There is a few things that happen in the story but their fake relationship turning real was so well done.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting His Fake Girlfriend

Holy smokes Teagan and Jaxon make quite the fake couple. The steamy moments between them as well as the playful banter were exquisite. I did not want to put this book down and wanted more from these two. It was an entertaining plot with some great characters.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.

[jennifer davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chemistry between Teagan and Jaxon is off the charts. Pretending to date to protect her, but you can see it with these two. See them being real. The chemistry burning them from the inside. This story was excellent. I was satisfied with the whole thing. Will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jaxon and Teagan’s story.
This is a well written slow burn romance, with family, friendships, emotions, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, extortion, danger, suspense, intrigue, fake relationship, twists and turns, and love, which leads to an entertaining and spicy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kay Bansback · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall! I like the brother's best friend and fake dating tropes a lot! This is not a dark romance like some books I've read. I personally found the resolution to the issue with Eric to be anticlimactic. I think many people could enjoy this book! Just fell a bit flat for me and my tastes.

[Kimberly Rahr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I wouldn’t say this is a dark, dark romance as I thought it would have been. But still a great good. It was slower than I personally like, but considering it has the fake dating trope, I understand it. Teagan and Jaxon are so cute together and I loved their chemistry.

[arieste323 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this slow burn fake relationship romance. I did not want to put it down. There is a little suspense, angst and steam. I love how sweet and protective Jaxon is of Teagan. A well written 4.5 star read.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have just finished reading ' The Dark Protector, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its an easy to read love story, Characters are life like and believable and the storyline feasible. I would have no. problem in recommending it highly

[Team Starlite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chemistry between Teagan and Jaxon... I love it.

It seems the book is a dark one (because of the title), but it's not that dark. It's a fun fake dating, brothers best friend story I really enjoyed.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my first introduction to this author and I am glad I found her. The twister of 26 letters she uses to make up the words for her story was addicting to read. I like how the author also makes you lose all sense of time while reading her book. Great book to read :).

[Jennifer Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected! I thought I knew where it was going and it definitely went in a different direction! Highly recommend’.

[Sara Cayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good. And a right amount of spice.
End with a HEA.
5⭐️
3.5🌶️

[Max Anderson-Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the fake dating trope, and with a HEA to round it all out! A mild spice for those interested (3/5🌶️) The spread of the heat and spice is well-done as well.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - The story was enjoyable, but I do feel it was drawn out a bit in some areas and not enough information in other areas. Still it was a good read.