Fierce Protector

Ruthless Guardians #1

by Via Mari

When my best friend is shot by orders of a rival crime family, I take matter into my own skilled hands to find out why.

All thoughts of vacation turn to the job when I learn the hit came after his refusal to sell the casino in Deadwood, South Dakota to the rivals of my boss.

As a bodyguard to the family of the most ruthless crime syndicate around, I will find the ones responsible and make them pay dearly for what they’ve done.

And I plan to do exactly that, until a woman I saved from a fate worse than death gets dragged right back into the trafficker’s deadly little game.

They should have left town when they had the chance, because no one messes with this town and the woman I’ve already begun to consider mine.


Fierce Protector is the explosive first 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 that features different couples. All have a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Novella, Ebooks

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2024

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fierce Protector is Book 1 of the Ruthless Guardians series. It's a steamy, instalove, OTT, girl gets her protector second chance romance. Cole is a hunky bodyguard for the mafia. Krissy is a woman he previously saved from trafficking but disappeared on him. They had an instant connection the first time, but she had been afraid he wasn't coming back. Now, Cole is back home in Deadwood to see his best friend Kenny, who runs a local casino. Krissy happens to be working there when her past tormentors show up again and end up shooting Kenny and threatening her brother. Cab Cole, keep her safe this time? Will they get their second chance? This couple had insane chemistry. There is a lot of drama, but we end on a happy note.

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

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing. Fierce Protector is the first book in the Fierct Guardians a spin off series from the Ruthless Protectors Billionaire Bodyguard series. It starts with Cole is visiting his best friend Kenny who runs a Casino and meets Krissy again who he had saved from traffickers a few months before and fell in love also. Kenny is shot and Krissy has to meet the guy the next day but Cole wont let her do it alone, so he calls in the big guns to help. In comes Jay, Matt, Damian, and Dereck I love these men so much. this book was just Fantastic and i can't wait to read the next one.

[Debra Johnson]

Prch Amz August 18, 2024

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my best friend is shot by orders of a rival crime family, I take matter into my own skilled hands to find out why.

All thoughts of vacation turn to the job when I learn the hit came after his refusal to sell the casino in Deadwood, South Dakota to the rivals of my boss.

As a bodyguard to the family of the most ruthless crime syndicate around, I will find the ones responsible and make them pay dearly for what they’ve done.

And I plan to do exactly that, until a woman I saved from a fate worse than death gets dragged right back into the trafficker’s deadly little game.

They should have left town when they had the chance, because no one messes with this town and the woman I’ve already begun to consider mine.

This is the first book in the “Ruthless Guardians series”and is a great read. The book has so many twists and turns - from page to page, chapter to chapter, you will not be able to put it down! The story is intriguing from the start and I could not put it down.

A thoroughly enjoyable read from one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. You will fall in love with Cole and Krissy, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. Overall, I would highly recommend this book - you will not be disappointed 🌟

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out strong, with a mafia bodyguard (Cole) returning to Deadwood to see his adopted brother (Kenny) a casino owner who’s being pressured to sell by thugs. The story grabbed my attention. I was still interested when the Woman From The Hero’s Past showed up. Then she started being a cliché without any original twist, beginning with Sneaking Out On The Hero (and giving TSTL as well). I am very curious as to why Kenny didn’t tell any of the eleventy-hundred people he knew who were mafia that another mafia group was moving in to town and trying to shake him down. I’m also curious as to why the same traffickers are so determined to get their hands on Krissy. Do they have an emotional need to possess the One Who Got Away? She’s protected by another mafia family, she has already been rescued once, and an entire casino full of people have seen the one trafficker’s face. Wouldn’t they just cut their losses and gather victims elsewhere? It just makes no sense. And Krissy doesn’t help, with her determination to both keep secrets and act TSTL. I liked Cole, but I found Krissy really annoying. And the sex scenes were underwhelming, to say the least, especially the main event scene.
The book wasn’t the worst, or even the worst one I’ve read this week. But it wasn’t the best, either.

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, in Deadwood, South Dakota, and characters that are dangerous, brooding, violent, captivating, powerful,and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the fierce protector, Cole, who saved a woman from a fate worse than death, she gets dragged right back into the trafficker's deadly little game, a mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, small town feels, bodyguard/protector, connected billionaire, ruthless guardians, a sassy heroine, fierce loyalty, stakes are high, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the fierce protector and an explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is dangerous, suspenseful, and unforgettable.

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. Cole sexy as all get out bodyguard for the mafia he is a nice guys for the most part until he isn’t he can be ruthless, dangerous on a good day, deadly every day when it comes to those he loves and he saves a young women from being trafficked never forgetting her trying to get back to her but his job took him away right after leaving her in safe hands. Krissy was young women saved from being trafficked she doesn’t know who she can trust but the moment she meets the bodyguard she feels safe and when she doesn’t see him for a while she thinks he left her. But he was out doing a job for the family but when he returns to the casino the magnetic pull between them is still just as strong but where does it lead them, do the guys come after her again, can she find stable ground to stand on, and will she find happiness, safety this time?

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a new spin off to her Mafia series, Via brings us more of the bodyguards for the LaRusso’s. Cole’s ex, Arielle, was killed. In Chicago, he helped saved some women from the Bernatelli’s who were trafficking them. Krissy is the one who captured his attention, and he wanted a life with her, but she ran off. Krissy happens to be working in Deadwood, South Dakota at a casino owned by Kenny, Cole’s brother though adoption.

Kenny is shot by a group of men who aspire to help take over the territory for their bosses. One of those men is the one who took Krissy’s brother, and now threatens his life if she does not meet up with him. Cole is not having it! He found her once again, and he is not letting her go. Some of the gang show up from Vegas to help squash this recent problem. Cole will be offered a deal he cannot pass up. Will they stop them in time? Will he be able to save Krissy once again? Will Kenny come out alive? This is the beginning of the Guardians series because what comes next will be an all-out war!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of a new series by Via Mari. I haven’t read her book but as cliche as it sounds, I’ll be getting more of her books asap, as I fell in love with her writing style. Fierce protector is Cole’s story. He is one of an elite team of bodyguards who work “the family”. So needless to say, he’s good at his job. This comes in handy when he returns to his small hometown for a little R&R. He no more than arrives when he recognizes the bartender from a former rescue mission and within a few short minutes, she is cornered by a lowlife and his best friend is shot. Things take off from here and readers are taken on a wild ride of protection, revenge and romance.

This is a quick read that I gobbled up in one night. I highly recommend grabbing up book 1 of the Ruthless Guardians series. As for this read, I can’t wait for book 2 to hit the shelves.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this well developed storyline that takes place in beautiful Deadwood, SD. Cole is visiting his best friend Kenny, when he sees Krissy, the new bartender. He and his team had rescued her from human traffickers 3 months ago, but she left the safe house. He has thought about her all this time. Now, he discovers that someone has been Trying to buy some of the casinos in the area including his friend Kenny’s casino, bar, hotel and restaurant. When mad Dog shows up at the bar, Krissy freezes when she hears his voice. He was the one who had kidnapped her to begin with. Then Mad dog shoots Kenny. Cole helps keep him alive until the EMTs arrive. There’s plenty of danger, suspense and chemistry. Looking forward to more in this series. Quick read but well worth the time.

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

[Michelle Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book crams a lot into a short read and moves along so fast it will leave you breathless. Almost before you can blink, there’s been a shooting, extortion, threats and blackmail drawing Cole and Krissy into a whole heap of trouble. Although Cole and Krissy have a history, he never expected to run into her in his hometown, much less to the find the b*stards responsible for her ordeal in Chicago and the added threat of a power move by a rival family. After she ran out on him back in Chicago though, there’s no way he’s letting Krissy get away again this time. Yet when her brother is in danger, there’s nothing she won’t do to save him. Unlike the Ruthless Protectors series, however, there’s not much room here for character development or for Cole’s dominant side to make more than a brief appearance. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy this book; I was just greedy for more.
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 story was about Krissy and Cole, Krissy was rescued from traffickers. Cole is gorgeous Alpha male, Kenny and Cole are best friends that grew up in Deadwood, Cole went to see how Kenny is doing while looking at his home getting built, unfortunately his best friend gets shot, Cole works for the Larussios family is a ruthless crime syndicate, when Cole finds out who caused it and why Coles boss decided to get involved. With all the action there was no time for chemistry but sparks were igniting for the HEA!.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good start to a new series. Deadwood the town where Cole was as raised. He is loyal, a fierce protector and loves his friends and family. When his best friend is shot and a woman he saved previously is in trouble, he and his friends will stop at nothing to protect them.
Krissy has experienced nothing but tragedy her whole life, not able to depend on anyone. Can she trust that Cole is different.
Cole is so sweet, protective and caring.
Swoon worthy quick read.

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

[Katherine Cannone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Krissy first met under stressful circumstances. There one moment in time sparked feelings that were never able to ignite.
Who would have thought it would all come back together in a small town called Deadwood.
Unknowingly Krissy starts working at a bar that has close ties to Cole. Cole’s return is not a happy one when he finds out Krissy is in trouble again. The sexual tension between them is intense!!

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 Cole and Krissy. The author does a great job developing the story and takes you into their lives with drama, protectiveness and steam and kept me reading with the revenge, action and suspense. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read.

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

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is on vacation and visiting his best friend, Kenny. Kenny refuses to sell the casino in Deadwood, South Dakota and is shot for it by a rival syndicate. Cole runs into Krissy who ran out on him after her saved her. Cole needs to save Krissy again and revenge his friend. Find out what happens in this action packed and steamy story.

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

[Tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow great book and a first time author for me.

When Cole's friend is shot and Krissy, a woman he has feelings for is in trouble, he can't help but step up.

Explosive action, with a lot of revenge and danger that comes their way. The connection is there from past history and the vibe between them is strong.

Great plot that's well done and characters that drag you into the story and don't let up till the end. Very well done!!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book by an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have read everyone of her books which get better and spicier with every book. I enjoy her writing style as well as her ability to pull me into the character's world. I enjoy how her characters are written with alot of heart and heat. There is great growth and chemistry with the characters which made it easy to read. This is a must read story that you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is back home for a visit and check on his house, when his "brother" Kenny says that he has to help the new bartender, the last person that he expects to see is Kristy the women that he rescued a couple of months ago. When Kenny is shot and the reason he is there comes out, he is determined to rescue her and the town.

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

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fierce Protector is book 1 in Ruthless Guardians and is Cole and Krissy's story. Deadwood, S.D. is not the place to be if you want peace and quiet. Cole no sooner gets to town and all heck breaks loose. This story is intense, action filled, and dramatic and the characters are absolutely explosive together. Cole is absolutely a Fierce Protector in every way. Definitely not a book you want to miss out on!

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before this book I hadn't heard of this author, but I've fastly became a fan of her work. Cole's a big believer in family blood or not so when his buddy gets shot by a thug he settles the score his way however along the way he falls for his buddy's bar maid Krissy. This book has a mixed bag of plenty suspense, mafia bodyguard's, blood spilled, revenge, every flipping page has some kind of excitement on it.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first and an exciting read in a new series that packs a lot of punch. Cole and Krissy had already shared a past, albeit a brief one. When Cole finds Krissy again she’s still in a whole lot of trouble and Cole’s best friend and step brother Kenny takes the brunt of the trouble right in the chest. As the drama and rivalries increase so does the danger, upping the ante for Cole and Krissy as they work through their trust issues, hoping to find their well deserved HEA.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole would do anythingbfor the family he protects even if they ste on the other side of the law, but when his hometown vacation becomes another job after his friend is killed he faces a blast from the past in Krissy. Well written the story had action drama suspense desires and you'll be craving more!.

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

[Abigail Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was on the short side of what I typically read. Cole’s best friend ends up getting shot by a rival crime family. He goes to try and get revenge. During that time he learns the reason behind his friend getting shot. Along the way, he rescues a woman from fate far worse than what he has plans for doing to the rival crime family.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intense and exciting first book of Ruthless Guardians is the spin off start of a new series of protective alphas and their incredible women. If you've read her Ruthless Protectors series, you'll be pleased to see some of those characters making appearances in this book. Cole and Krissy's journey is filled with adrenaline rushing action and so much heat!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fierce Protector by Via Mari is a good, and enjoyable spicy small town mafia romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining quick spicy action packed page turning romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Ruthless Guardian series. Cole and Krissy have awesome chemistry and are a great couple. He is such a likable character and is a fearless protector. The action and drama kept me on pins and needles! This is a very enjoyable, spicy, mafia romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages!

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

This is the first book in the series with Cole and Krissy and it doesn't disappoint. It starts out strong and keeps gaining momentum throughout the story. It is filled with thrilling twists and turns that kept me glued to the characters and the plot of the story from start to finish.

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to this series Ruthless Guardians. The story will hold your attention all the way through. The characters are likeable and have great chemistry. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Krissy. Hes a bodyguard to the family and shes a dancer that he saved from trafficking. has trafficking, kidnapping, bodyguard, mafia, betrayal, this is a short sexy dangerous romance. Loved it.

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