Savior

Changing of the Guards #1

by Aquila Thorne

A mafia boss with a heart... but only for her


Wren Wilson

What would you do if your father gave away your hand in marriage to settle a gambling debt without your knowledge?

Mine did exactly that.

But I didn't get married, I conked the guy on the head, kicked my heels off, and hiked up my skirt. 'Chubby legs don't fail me now' is what I muttered just before I fled the little Woodland Church.

The only problem is that I may have fled the flames but I jumped right into the fire when I threw myself in the middle of a lonely road into the path of an oncoming car.


Declan MacGallan

I was the driver of that car.

Not only did I bring a war to my doorstep from the Scottish Mafia wanting to move into my territory, but by helping her, I invited it into my home.

I've never met a woman so stubborn and opinionated in all my life!

If I didn't have such a physical reaction to her curvy AF body, I would drive her back and leave her where I found her.

She's going to be a problem in more ways than one. She's grown on me like a fungus on a rotten log.

And that's exactly what I'll become. A rotten log when I take over the 'family business' replacing my father as Captain.

I will have to tame her before she becomes my weakest link.


Savior is not your usual mafia romance but a spicy, runaway bride, cinnamon roll, alpha hero.
Many readers will find the FMC to be a relatable, funny character that I hope you will love!

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Crime, Romance, Contemporary, Plus Size

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

Born in Southern Ontario, Aquila was raised on the outskirts of a small town. With nothing to do, she took to reading historical romance novels and vowed to write a book of her own one day. Fast forward 28 years and she did just that with her first Contemporary Romance titled Moonlit Night and a Series to follow. She still lives in that small town where she was born, her escape is within the pages of her writings

Reviews

[Ashley 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
You guys. This was SO good! This is a less dark more sweet kind of mafia romance. There's still PLENTY of mafia elements but I loved the sweetness because you don't see it often. My one and only complaint is I wish it was a little longer to flesh out some of the relationships more but that's just a me thing!
I highly recommend! Please give her a try if you haven't already!

*I received this as an arc from the author for an honest review!

[Mairi Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like instalove, mafia, alpha cinnamon roll and a heroine that's supposed to be sassy with cringey dialogues and even more cringey intimate scenes then go ahead and read it.

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I hated that. TikTok did me so dirty for this one.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this ARC by the author aquila thorne

I have been dying to read this book ever since the final book of pearl lake were Declan made an appearance

From the very beginning, this book has kept me reading like it had some kind of a choke hold on me, and I've loved every bit of it.

I swear the book just got better and better as you read.

This book isn't ur typical mafia book. It will have u falling head over heals for the bad boy. Have u laughing and crying and in all your feelings

Wren is forced to marry some ungodly known man cos her father has gambling debts and owes money to unfavorable people. But Wren has other plans that see her clubbing her intended and running for it lol, she happens to run right into Declan, the head of the Irish Marfia, who almost hits her with his car. Instead, he saves her, and what comes next, none of them see coming.
Their chemistry is undeniable.

Declan is the sweetest man alive. He has many sides to him, worried, scares for wren, to ill kill you if you try anything.
Then the next minute, he's trapping kittens because it's what Wren wanted. lol he's a sweety but so damn sexy 😉. He gives off the I would burn the world for you vibe 😜.

Wren herself is an absolute beauty of a woman with a heart of gold, but also I spit fire full of sassiness.
The candelabra omg if you know you know. Had me laughing and swooning at the same time, lol 😆

This book was an absolute delite to read, the spice in this book was absolute perfection, I loved the way Wren amd Declans story was written and the way she wrote about such relatable problems with out it sounding so gloom an doom.

I can not wait for the next book in the series.

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews)]

DNF @44%

I am not enjoying this and the writing style isn’t for me.

I tried to push through but not anymore.

[Zoe Gillis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this ARC from the author before the release.

I did really enjoy the book, I would give it 3.5 stars. As someone who doesn't read mafia romance novels this one was sweet but with a little bit of spice.

I would want to change a few things if I could.

1. A little bit more from the first scene at the wedding, felt like it needed to be longer. It all happened very quickly.

2. I wish we got to see more of the characters before they met, I want more back story, I want to understand the characters better.

3. I think the scene from the bathroom in the restaurant where they camped out from the snow was a bit unrealistic. I feel like the spice/romance happened too quickly in the book, a slower burn would keep readers on their toes for longer. But that is just my opinion.

Overall the book was easy to read and I enjoyed it, I would read more from this author.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good! It is a book that’s less dark more sweet kind of mafia romance. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still lots of mafia elements. The sweetness was just nice to see in portraying the mafia elements in a different light! I highly recommend!

[morganinpages · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so ridiculous. I honestly was enjoying the book until like 56% and then it started to get so bizarre and weird. Like I honestly could look past the weird dialogue, insta lust, and the half storyline. But I feel like halfway through the book it just became really boring and almost surface level. Also the plot didn’t progress one bit until the end and then Declan was just prancing around the place acting like he knew how to save wren. Like he’s the mafia boss and was a baddie in the beginning and then all of a sudden was acting like a rookie?? Like what was the point of Declan pointing out that an officer was posing as a hooker?? What was the point of him even going to that dive bar and how did a chef of all people know information on where wren was?? Idk this book was just so crazy and random. I def will not be reading more.

[Ms. Amnah · Rating 1 out of 5]

When you keep telling yourself you are not going to fall for any of tiktok traps, yet you do.. don’t know how every time, they convince me to read these stories..yeah..well see how this went.. bad..for me..

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was given an ARC and would love to leave a review

If you’re into mafia type books with splashings of spice to it, you’re in the right place

Short read and kinda like a scene by scene play by play thing with dual POV (which I love)

You get spice, years, family drama and hints of violence

I’m not sure if it’s just me but I would’ve preferred so much more spice lol but as I mentioned it was a short read so we can’t have all that spice packed in one go

There’s heavy focus on the FL/ML with involvement with a few men of the MLs Family


All in all a good read with splashings of spice and a few tears shed here and there

I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to dip their toes in mafia spice but aren’t quite sure they want to jump off the deep end of spice or just wants to ease into spice, this is a good intro

I feel like the ML is such a man that he will do ANYTHING that will make his love happy

[Annie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing !! What a great book. While a bit of a change for this author entering into the Mafia world. No one could have written it better than Aquila Thorne. She has done it again with a book that just grabs you from the start. Declan and Wren meet in a very unorthodox way. But where will this strange meeting lead? The struggles they face along with that path with all the twists and turns will keep you in suspense and eager for what happens next. They are lost in passion one minute to fighting for their lives the next. Will love between the two develop and conquer all? We can only hope as they face one life-threatening obstacle after another. Or will it destroy them for all eternity if they even survive?
A mesmerizing read that has it all.

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pretty good story, Declan and Wren were a funny pair, I liked both very much. Wren did not strike gold with her father, that is for sure, her soon to be husband was horrible, but she made the best of it and made a run for it. Declan was her savior in every sense of the word, he was drawn to her and the feelings grew of course. I have to say, that also almost to the end it was a big surprise, I did not even thought of it one bit, so yes the story was also unpredictable. All in all a really good book.

[Sara Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY WOMAN should read this book!

Shit - every man, too. 😉 I can’t even begin to count the amount of times I laughed the f*** out loud while reading this one! The main female character - best friend. I want to be her best friend. This story had so many REAL every day events and actions in it. Such a relatable character. It gave me hope and confidence that I, too, could be loved by someone like Declan. *swooooon* If I ever need a book to bring me out of a dark personal time - this is one of those I will pick up and read over and over again. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Melodye Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savior is the first in Ms. Thorne's new Changing Of The Guard series. I don't normally read Mafia romances, but this one drew my attention and kept it to the very last word. I enjoyed Wren's struggle to get away from her arranged marriage, Declan's rescue and then keeping her safe, and the humorous moments that had me laughing out loud.
The inclusion of dementia, PCOS, and ED made the characters more realistic. Having family members who have suffered from all of those diseases, I was drawn into the story emotionally as well. I could relate to the scenes and emotions of the book and felt Declan's anguish at his father's diagnosis in my very soul.
I can't recommend this book strongly enough. 10 out of 10 stars from me.

[Amanda Salyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FMC that is curvy and sassy? Yes please! This book was so good and even though it’s a “mafia” book it’s not overly mafia. Just enough to make the MMC have the touch her and die attitude. All of the supporting characters really add to the book and I personally cannot wait to see what comes next for them.

[Kim Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just sucks you in right from the very beginning. There are triggers, so be mindful of that. With that being said, the author sprinkled humor throughout the book that was laugh out loud funny, so it does break up the dark themes going on.
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Declan & Wren’s story was definitely a crazy ride. Who knew picking up a complete stranger would lead to an all out battle but end up with finding…don’t worry I won’t spoil anything! The story line was epic and the spice 👀. If you know you know! Loved it so much! Can’t wait to read the rest!

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savior was a really good book by Aquila Thorne.

From the beginning, it was action filled with lots of plot twists and had me on the edge of my seat. Wren was about to be in an arranged marriage to pay off her dad’s gambling debt but ran off in her wedding. Coming out of the forest, Declan finds her and takes her back to his place to protect her from the “bad guys” who were present at her wedding.

It wasn’t a typical mafia read and I loved that it had a unique storyline that I’ve never read before. Declan is a 5/5. He risked himself to keep her safe, protected and that was HOT. I loved him and Wren together. The story itself was a rather quick read, but didn’t feel rushed at all! I can’t wait to see where Aquila takes this series next!

[Alinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF-Started Strong but went downhill pretty fast

The beginning of this was strong, with good character and world building. I was really enjoying it, then the MMC starting doing/saying totally random out of character things. It became so distracting I simply could not finish the book.
For example, and this was the reason I borrowed the book, the house is on fire and Declan gets the call...
"Don't you dare!" Tears started streaming down my face. "Don't you dare tell me Connor." Wren's gone. His anguish after he says this is just gone as well. Such a missed opportunity but the author.
Now he's been warring with a rival clan, So what does he do? He sits in his burned out kitchen for 24 hours trying to figure out who did it. WTF?! the rival clan has been staking out his house for weeks, he knows this, but NOW he can't figure out who did it.
Then he goes to the barn and talks to his horse and says, "Meet me inside boy." And the horse just trots inside. That right there is Horse sh!t. Especially after having been inside while it was burning. No horse in this planet would do that.
THEN his poor woman is Lord knows where and he lights a fire, waits till it burns down and brands her name on himself.
Then the horse lays down so he can use it as a pillow. Obviously, this author knows absolutely nothing about horses.
Why isn't Declan burning the world down to find Wren???!!!
I couldn't read another word. UGH!!
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS ONE!!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers do not have a read the Pearl Lake series before this book but you will get to see Declan before he takes on the world his father created and left at his feet. Declan MacGallan is now forced to become the captain of one of the most powerful families in Toronto. MacGallans have put in their dues and get their respect. Imagine almost hitting someone with your car in the middle of a snow storm. That is were Declan meets Wren Wilson while in her wedding dress. After running away from her intended, Wren runs straight into Declan's path and safety.

I love Ms. Thorne's book because her characters are good and grown. There is no doubt in readers minds that they are able to make the decisions that they are making. Wren is not a small woman and that does not stop Declan in the least. That's another thing that keeps me coming back for more. Most of her female characters are shaped like woman and that makes them real. After Wren got a away from her forced marriage, a bounty was put out for her. Her husband-to-be and his family was not too happy about the turn of events on their scheduled wedding date.

This book is structured similarly to the Pearl Lake Series. Dual povs with a little over lapping. Readers don't miss a thing and we get both sides of the coin. I loved the Pearl Lake series. I want to know about Connor. I need to him to find his happily ever after as well.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

my first read from this author and so enjoyed. Wren has been told by her father she has to marry a man she has no choose. she is escorted to the church. and when she gets to the alter, she sees her way of escape. She flees the church and runs into the road. Declan stops his car. and helps her into it. the two men who were chasing her gives him a warning. Declan. they have to stay in a hotel for the night with the snowstorm. now Declan is a man with a lot of power and Wren knows who he is. there is an attraction there and he nicknames her Goose. she is now in his protection. now Wren is such a strong character she is so funny her antics and has a heart of gold. The scenes and story are so addictive so looking forward to book 2.

[Noriboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun!
It has a dash of spice, and I appreciated the focus on the two main characters and how their relationship developed outside of their initial physical attraction.
There was lots of banter between the characters, as well as more serious moments about the realities of being a caretaker for a loved one with dementia.
Most of the violence is off page, so it's a bit lighter than most mafia romance that I have read. That being said, most of what I read can be very dark, so my place of reference might be different than yours, so mind the TW.

I enjoyed it!

[All things Sparkly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and it was bad.

The premise of the story was quite good but Declan’s character was just all over the place. A bit like ythe writing which went between past and present tense with really poor grammar. I don’t care enough about Wren, Declan or any of the characters to read any more of the authors books.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Aquila Thorne but it won’t be my last. This is such a good book! I had a hard time putting it down! Love a good sassy curvy FMC And Declan… WOW! I can’t wait to read Salvation!

[Anjali · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
this was so so stupid and it just kept getting worse. it had potential tho😔 i loved that the main characters’ were in their 30s. its so rare in romance books, especially mafia lol.

[Carol S. Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

What a GREAT story! I love all of the characters and can't wait to read more about this Irish family! There is everything I love in a book all wrapped up in this storyline. It keeps you wanting more, too.

[Susie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’ed. In spots it was cute but mostly it was cringe.

[Chai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked reading it! Rating it 3 stars. Feedback below:

*I felt like some scenes could’ve been written longer. It felt rush. Like it was just quickly written. I liked if the scenes were more detailed. Like the spice scenes or when there’s something important going on. It seems like it’s just TELLING me what’s happening instead of SHOWING it so I find it difficult to feel the emotions of the characters and in their current situation. Storytelling needs more more improvement.

* Lack of surprise. When reading, I wanted to be surprised (like make me go Oh sht!) but I didn’t get it here.
* more backstory to the characters would have made it better,too

This isn’t a dark book to me, spice rating is 2.5🌶️

ARC READ. review left voluntarily.

[A.B. Shepherd]

DNF: 4%

Not feeling it ll

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I can't remember the last time I hated a FMC and/of MMC more than how this one was written. This book was very cringy and I nearly DNF'ed it multiple times but it was so short I decided to push through it