Forceful Protector

Ruthless Guardians #2

by Via Mari

Garrett

I’m a man who people don’t want to meet. The wheelman you don’t take home to Mamma, unless you need someone, exactly like me.

When asked to do a job for the crime family, it should be easy. Drive to Deadwood, South Dakota and make certain no one hassles the casino owners who my bosses protect.

Easy enough, except for the fiery, red-headed beauty who will do whatever it takes to keep her family home. At least, until the price becomes far too much for her to pay.

Our rivals should have thought this through because now they’ll deal with the Angel’s Guardian. No one touches Lacy, and they will learn that lesson today.

Forceful Protector is the explosive second book in the Ruthless Guardians series by International Best-Selling Author, Via Mari. You will love these spicy, instalove bodyguard novels set in Deadwood, South Dakota, where the passion is fiery, the loyalty is fierce, and the stakes are high. Each book is a standalone with different couples in each book. All have a guaranteed happily ever after.

ebook

Published May 30, 2024

Reviews

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett and Lucy's story was just amazing I really loved everything about it. Lucy is being threatened by her ex and his father to sell her grandmother's home so they could put a highway thru where her house sits and put up new cassinos and Garrett is in Deadwood to be a wheel man for Cole and the Larussio's. Garrett protects her and the Larussio's bodyguards and Cole help to drive them out of town. Love the cameos from the og guards.

[Eve Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action packed book. Alpha bodyguard and a woman in need of protection. What more could you ask for. Deadwood is heating up. How many bodyguards will show up to help protect it. The "wheelman" of the bodyguards and a stripper...they fall for each other. But her ex is after her. He won't touch her if the bodyguard his way. Must read.

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

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Love how they tie in together with other series
Loved Garrett and Lacys intense emotional heartstopping broken insta love story
All the feels ready for Fearless

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett and Lacy. He works security for one of the most powerful crimes families in the world. He use to boost cars, a wheelman. Hes headed from Chicago to Deadwood to help on a family matter with Cole. Hes at a club in Rapid City to see Kenny and spots a redhead dancing on the pole. When she walks on the floor dressed a man accouts her and he intervines. The man was her ex that wont take no for an answer. He doesnt know why but he needs to protect her. Jake her ex and his dad want to buy Lacys house and she wont sell. She works 2 jobs to pay her dads assisted living bill and Jake kepts having them raise the cost so shes not able to pay trying to get her to sell. While having breaskfast Garrett, Cole and Kenny Lacy serves them and tells Cole to keep his friend away from Jake he has him all riled up and leaves. Cole and Kenny eye each other smile and says we dont need a bodyguard we brought you here to be a wheelman and Lacy is part of why you're here. They think the mafia wars for Deadwoods property is being handled by different people now they think its Jake and his Dad. The mafia is trying a different tactic. Well now hes wheelman for his mafia family and bodyguard to Lacy. Time to get to work. Wow what a story. Excitment, danger, suspense, sexy, and an alpha stubborn man to boot. So much in a short story. Great read.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, 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 along the way. Garrett sexy as all get out security for one of the most powerful crime families goes where is told, but he isn’t a man you want to cross he is dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, and sent to Deadwood to assist when a woman is attacked of course he steps in to assist. Lacy is sweet, loves her family doing what she must to help her family, so she takes a job as a dancer not by choice by out of necessity so while there her ex. Jake decides to attack her or try force into selling her home which he/his dad wants to buy but she refuses to sell, and working two jobs to take care of herself, pay her father’s assisted living bills but her ex. keep forcing them to raise the fees to force her to sell her home to them. Garrett feels the need to protect her but also learn she is the reason why he brought in to protect her and her property but where are they headed, will she trust him enough to tell him all that is going on, will they be able to stop her ex., will her father be okay in the living facility, will she get to keep her home, and will he find happiness with his fiery redhead?

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a man who people don’t want to meet. The wheelman you don’t take home to Mamma, unless you need someone exactly like me.

When asked to do a job for the crime family, it should be easy. Drive to Deadwood, South Dakota and make certain no one hassles the casino owners who my bosses protect.

Easy enough, except for the fiery, red-headed beauty who will do whatever it takes to keep her family home. At least, until the price becomes far too much for her to pay.

Our rivals should have thought this through because now they’ll deal with the angel’s Guardian. No one touches Lacy, and they will learn that lesson today.

Thoroughly enjoyed Garett and Lucy’s story - how could he resist a redhead dancer in cowboy boots! Garrett has arrived in Deadwood to help out is friends Cole and Kenny, from “Fierce Protector”, on work matters. He is also assigned to be Lucy’s personal bodyguard due to threats made to herself and her property - you can imagine the response 😊 The chemistry between these two is off the page! Garrett, the alpha male, Lucy, stubborn and independent - you will be hooked!

A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reader found Book 2 in the Ruthless Guardian’s series to be just as exciting and thrilling as book 1. The author gave us a great storyline with the emphasis on another member of the Larussio Family’s bodyguard team and a former “wheelman” - Garrett. He has been sent to Deadwood, South Dakota as his area of expertise (driving) is needed for a job. While waiting to meet up with Cole and others from his team at their friends resort, Garrett sees a sexy firey red-head dancer, Lacy, that he can’t seem to keep his eyes off of. So when he sees her being man-handled as she exits the stage, he can’t help but step in (even if she doesn’t want or think she needs his help). Little do either of them know she is a part of the case he’s been summoned to help with.

This is a quick read that kept this reader engrossed from start to finish. Alpha males, strong women and loyalty to their circle of friends and family - if that’s your jam, grab this series up asap, you won’t regret it.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forceful Protector is a contemporary romance by Via Mari and the second book of the Ruthless Guardians series.

This is a novella that hits a number of tropes: small town, mafia/crime family, bodyguard, instalove and protector romance. It is set in Deadwood, South Dakota, a town where my only reference to it is the old HBO series with Ian MacShane and Timothy Olyphant.

Garrett has been seen to Deadwood from Chicago. He is an unapologetically morally gray character. When he got in trouble after making his way as a wheelman (aka getaway driver) he found family and brotherhood with a notorious crime family, and now works as a bodyguard. He has no plans to stay in Deadwood longer than he needs to, he is a city guy at heart, but the moment he sees sexy redhead Lacy his life changes.

While there is plenty of danger, and again, morally gray, this is a fun and sexy instalove novella. I found both Garett and Lacy really likable.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forceful Protector is Book 2 of the Ruthless Guardians series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, girl gets her protector romance. Lacy is a sassy and feisty waitress, bartender, and dancer at a local casino. Garrett is a hunky wheel man who works for the mafia. He has come into Deadwood to assist Cole and Kenny (see book 1) with getting rid of a rival mafia family trying to take over their city. Lacy is being threatened by her ex and his father, who are trying to buy her house and work for them. Garrett sees her being harassed at the casino and is immediately drawn to her. He feels the need to protect her and claim her. Will she let him? OMG, the chemistry between these two was dynamite!! Holy explosive hotness!! Can Garrett and his friends help the town? Will he decide to stay with Lacy? There is a lot of action and drama before we get a happy ending for our amazing couple. I loved it and can't wait for the next book!!.

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

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seconed book in this series which is just as great if not better than the first. I higly suggest reading the first book to help your enjoyment of this series and author. I enjoy this author's ability to pull me into the story from the start and keep me engaged to the end. This is a well written story about Garrett and Lacy. Garrett had one job and that was to make sure no one messes with the casino owners. Lacy will do anything to keep her family home but will the price be to high? Things are not as easy as Garrett thought and that is because of Lacy. What happens between these two you don't want to miss. They are are strong, determined characters that heat up the pages and make their story easy to read. I enjoyed their chemistry and attraction which added to their growth throughout. Their story is fast paced and hard to put down. This is a must read story and series. I look forward to seeing who is next in this series. I highly recommend this book.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett is the next guardian to head to Deadwood from Vegas to help Cole and the others protect the town from the latest threats. When he arrives, he goes to Kenny’s casino to meet up with everyone to discover what is going on. Instead, he spies a red head dancing with the bluest eyes. She is harassed by a man making it difficult to do her job. He will have to step in.

Lacy works at the casino as a manager, and recently a dancer to make ends meet taking care of her father. The Eldrige’s are trying to force her to sell her grandparents’ home to make way for new casinos. She will not do it. The son, Jake, has made a huge mess of the situation stalking her, putting his hands on her, and not leaving her alone. When Garrett steps in and takes over, she feels protected. Things will escalate though! Will they be together? Will he stay? Can Garrett and the others overcome this newest threat?

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a year down the track and despite Cole’s efforts in the previous book, the troubles in Deadwood continue. When these mafia boys can’t get what they want one way, they’ll simply try another. Unfortunately, Lacy is caught in the middle. But never fear, Garrett may not ride a white horse, but he comes barreling in in a much sexier red Ferrari, to claim the role of Lacy’s knight in shining armor. Garrett, Cole and company join forces once again to make the Bernatellis rue the day they set their sights on Deadwood. I would have loved to have known what happened to Eldridge Sr in Vegas, and whether it did the trick, but that may be a story for another day. As always, I loved how these men had each other’s backs and how quickly they zeroed in on the women who’d steal their heart every single time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and exciting romance and is Garrett and Lacy's story. Garrett Dean goes to the town of Deadwood to help in a situation, where towns people are being harassed to sell their homes. One of them is an independent young redhead by the name of Lacy. When Garrett and Lacy first see each other the chemistry is there. Garrett has decided to be her protector. This book has excitement, suspense, action and spice.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This book was short and sweet, I really enjoyed reading this story it's about a town called Deadwood and the trouble the locals encounter. The Mafia family sends Garrett to help them out, Garrett has been known for his car racing which will help the family out. Cole owns the Casino has asked for the help and that was the first time he sees Lacy. When Garrett sees Lacy it is an instant attraction she needs protection so Garrett keeps her close with him at all times they make the most of their time together under the sheets, Garrett is only there until things are delt with.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Garrett and Lacy
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Mafia Romance
Length- 13 chapters and Afterword (about 70 pages)
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 They do the thing and name the parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- explicit erotic content, violence
Tropes- Bodyguard, Damsel in Distress, Do-Si-Do with the Mafioso, Instalove, Morally Gray Hero, Small Town, Stripper with a Heart of Gold.
Mewsings
What I liked- this book was short and had some steam.
What I didn’t- this book didn’t make me excited about it. The characters were pretty cardboard and the plot was predictable. The whole Mafia-saving-the-town storyline didn’t seem very feasible to me.

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

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett is sent to Deadwood SD to give Kenny and Cole a hand, Someone is trying to move into Deadwood again and is trying to buy out family residences to build a highway and a casino. Lacy’s ex boyfriend has been harassing and pressuring her to sell to his father, but she refuses to sell her Gramma’s house. When Garrett observes Jake manhandling her, he steps in and protects her. Another exciting storyline and awesome characters. I’m really enjoying this new series and look forward to more.

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

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Garrett and Lacy. The author does a great job developing the story and takes you into their lives with an insta love and sizzling chemistry. She kept me reading with the suspense as well as his protectiveness over her. The story moves quickly and smoothly and is a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are seeking a fast-paced read featuring a strong, protective male lead and a story centered on instant romantic connections, you may enjoy this novel. It follows the journey of a bodyguard who develops feelings for the woman under his protection, offering a heartwarming tale of love without excessive violence.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett is a body guard for the Larussio family. He is sent to Deadwood SD to work for Cole. While waiting to meet him he is enraptured with a firey redhead named Lucy. Lucy is sassy and independent. When he notices she is in trouble he steps in to help.
This is the second book in the Ruthless Guardians series. Prepare for a fast paced thrilling ride. Great start to the series.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Garrett and Lacy’s story. When asked to do a job for the crime family, it should be easy. Drive to Deadwood, South Dakota and make certain no one hassles the casino owners who his bosses protect. Easy enough, except for the fiery, red-headed beauty who will do whatever it takes to keep her family home. At least, until the price becomes far too much for her to pay. It was an interesting read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forceful Protector is book 2 in the Ruthless Guardians series and is Garrett and Lacy's fast-paced, steamy, quick read. A guardian is exactly what Lacy needs and Garrett is definitely up for the task. Lord have mercy these two are combustible together! Garrett steps into something he absolutely wasn't looking for but he got on board real quick. Lacy is a feisty woman. She's independent and fierce and takes care of her own. Forceful Protector is a great short story!

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

He is known as the wheelman, and he is sent to Deadwood to protect the casino owners there but in doing so he connects with Lacey and their path begins. She is trying to protect her family home but needs a miracle and it comes by way of the Wheelman. Garrett's story is next up in this thrilling series, and it kept me all fired up!.

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

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another great story in this Deadwood series! So much to love and enjoy! Garrett has been asked to come to Deadwood to be a wheel man but ends up being a bodyguard to a beautiful redhead named Lacy. She is doing everything she can to save her Grandmas house from people who are up to no good. When Garrett meets Lacy he knows he will do anything to help and protect her. These two have incredible chemistry, so hot my Kindle almost caught on fire. I love Mafia type stories and this one ticked all my boxes.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Forceful Protector, I didn't want to put it down. A definite page turner. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. I recommend reading this book. It is fantastic!.

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

[H. Croukamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett is working for a crime family. He saved Lacy when her ex wanted to drag her out of the club she works in. He was now her bodyguard and they couldn't keep their hands off each other. This is a short, protective, steam story. I loved Lacy and Garrett to great characters. This is definitely a must read.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrets a man that gets the job done, being sent to watch over some casino owners for the crime family, should have been easy except for the appearance of Lacy, who sent a hit heart ablaze! Well written fast paced, steamy protective romance.

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

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Ruthless Guardians series. It’s Garrett and Lacy’s story. Her ex (and his father) are harassing her to sell her house to them. Garrett steps in to protect her. There’s action, drama, suspense and plenty of heat! It’s a short, fast paced story with an HEA. A very good romance.

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Via Mari writes fast-paced intense dark romances and here is another great example of her work. In to the deep end from the opening lines we are treated to a hot, hot and darkly hot protector story. Short but intense!.

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

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Oh My! Garrett is swoon-worthy no wonder Lacy just about melted when she first layer eyes on him. Sent by a mafia family to do a job in Deadwood Garrett ends up with many irons in the fire between the bar and protection of one sexy lady I loved the intense situations in this story it kept me in suspense page after page.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett is in Deadwood, South Dakota to do a job when he sees Lacy is in need of protection. The steamy story is the second in the Ruthless Guardian series. Action packed mafia, bodyguards at its finest.

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