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Changing of the Guards #3
Sanctuary
Mia Andrews
As a part-time librarian, I cherish the peace of old books, trying to bury a past I'd rather forget. But that peacefulness shattered one morning with a violent struggle on my porch. I watched in horror as one man ended up dead. Panicked, I fled to the only sanctuary I knew: the newly appointed Captain of the Irish Mafia, I'm just terrified of what he will do when he finds out the truth about who I really am.
Connor O'Brien
I'm just the cook and housekeeper for the MacGallan's. The guy who wore an apron and always has a spatula in hand, with a smile as warm as the bread I bake. The kind of person who is friendly, and loyal, like a Golden Retriever.
Now suddenly, I'm told I have to step up to become the captain of the clan? It feels like a bad dream. And if that isn't enough pressure, there’s a ticking clock—six months for me to find a wife, or the family loses our beloved estate to a cousin no one can stand. I can't let that happen. There’s only one woman who I've talked to in the last year. The woman I held in my arms on the dance floor at Declan and Wren’s wedding, her mousy sister, Mia. Now to convince her to marry me.
As a part-time librarian, I cherish the peace of old books, trying to bury a past I'd rather forget. But that peacefulness shattered one morning with a violent struggle on my porch. I watched in horror as one man ended up dead. Panicked, I fled to the only sanctuary I knew: the newly appointed Captain of the Irish Mafia, I'm just terrified of what he will do when he finds out the truth about who I really am.
Connor O'Brien
I'm just the cook and housekeeper for the MacGallan's. The guy who wore an apron and always has a spatula in hand, with a smile as warm as the bread I bake. The kind of person who is friendly, and loyal, like a Golden Retriever.
Now suddenly, I'm told I have to step up to become the captain of the clan? It feels like a bad dream. And if that isn't enough pressure, there’s a ticking clock—six months for me to find a wife, or the family loses our beloved estate to a cousin no one can stand. I can't let that happen. There’s only one woman who I've talked to in the last year. The woman I held in my arms on the dance floor at Declan and Wren’s wedding, her mousy sister, Mia. Now to convince her to marry me.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
About the author
Aquila Thorne
37 books165 followersBorn 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 17, 2025
The third instalment in Aquila Thorne’s Changing of the Guards series is another engaging, worthwhile read. While it can stand alone, I’d recommend reading the series in order to appreciate the larger plot and character arcs. This book focuses on Connor and Mia—his steady, future-captain presence paired with her refreshing mix of strength, vulnerability, and a deadly past. Their chemistry, along with the tight-knit clan dynamic, adds depth without the heavy violence typical of Mafia romances. With a well-crafted plot, plenty of intrigue, and strong ties to the earlier books, this story keeps you turning pages and sets up even more mystery for what’s to come.
January 24, 2026
I live for these books at this point. From the very first book I fell in love with them. I love that these aren’t your typical dark mafia loaded with the intense situations that are just really deep. These have a lighter note to them and I love them for it. I loved that Connor stepped up to be the Captain. Now he has 6 months to find a wife lol. Good thing he had sweet tooth Mia, Wrens sister. These two are so good together. But honestly, all of the couple matches in these have been great. This one held the perfect balance of intensity, chaos, drama, and spice. I can’t wait to read the next one.
May 26, 2025
As the third intriguing instalment in the "Changing of the Guards" series it is another truly worthwhile read from Author Aquila Thorne. Even as part of a series it could be picked up and read on its own but in my opinion I would highly recommend reading it as part of the continuing series, just to get that overall bigger plot of characters and sense of story.
This instalment covers the primary characters of Connor and Mia and their blossoming relationship and romance to one another and the connections to the other characters that simply make this one exciting series. Mia is such an exciting and refreshing character, one that really balances so well with Connor's, the future 'Captain' of the clan. A strong, resilient woman but still with her own insecurities and flaws but with a deadly background she is one that will truly grab your attention. Another positive attribute of both this story and the previous other two books is the whole strong sense of family unity and devotion of the clan and even though it is classified as a Mafia romance it does not hold the same degree of violence that seems paramount with many of this genre, but still enough to keep readers attention and intrigue throughout.
A well created plot that really keeps you wanting more from each page but so connected to the earlier books and certainly with a conclusion that is going to continue its mystery and intrigue into the future.
This instalment covers the primary characters of Connor and Mia and their blossoming relationship and romance to one another and the connections to the other characters that simply make this one exciting series. Mia is such an exciting and refreshing character, one that really balances so well with Connor's, the future 'Captain' of the clan. A strong, resilient woman but still with her own insecurities and flaws but with a deadly background she is one that will truly grab your attention. Another positive attribute of both this story and the previous other two books is the whole strong sense of family unity and devotion of the clan and even though it is classified as a Mafia romance it does not hold the same degree of violence that seems paramount with many of this genre, but still enough to keep readers attention and intrigue throughout.
A well created plot that really keeps you wanting more from each page but so connected to the earlier books and certainly with a conclusion that is going to continue its mystery and intrigue into the future.
May 22, 2025
Connor and Mia 🥰
Third book in the Changing of Guard series and this one I was waiting for it!!!
Mia Andrews is a librarian, nothing to write about her life. But one day, a man shows up to her doors and kills her landlord. She just nearly escaped him to go ask her half sister Wren if she can go hide and be protect be her family. She said yes! Connor O’Brien is at the reading at the will of his former boss, Tomas MacGallan. What he will learn will change his life forever. And at the same time,Mia’s too.
This book is my favourite!! Connor is now my new book boyfriend 🫠 Like always, Aquila Thorne write characters with so much passion and depth. I fell in love with Connor the second I met him in Savior and even more in Salvation. And Mia. Once again, a strong, fierce and powerful woman. Their chemistry is so complementary. She’s a force of nature, he is the golden retriever kind. They balance each other’s. This series is going to be in my top recommendation list to share! Congrats again Aquina!! Now we have to wait for the next book and not sure I will be able to!!
Third book in the Changing of Guard series and this one I was waiting for it!!!
Mia Andrews is a librarian, nothing to write about her life. But one day, a man shows up to her doors and kills her landlord. She just nearly escaped him to go ask her half sister Wren if she can go hide and be protect be her family. She said yes! Connor O’Brien is at the reading at the will of his former boss, Tomas MacGallan. What he will learn will change his life forever. And at the same time,Mia’s too.
This book is my favourite!! Connor is now my new book boyfriend 🫠 Like always, Aquila Thorne write characters with so much passion and depth. I fell in love with Connor the second I met him in Savior and even more in Salvation. And Mia. Once again, a strong, fierce and powerful woman. Their chemistry is so complementary. She’s a force of nature, he is the golden retriever kind. They balance each other’s. This series is going to be in my top recommendation list to share! Congrats again Aquina!! Now we have to wait for the next book and not sure I will be able to!!
May 26, 2025
This Mafia romance was fast paced and will keep you on your toes with the plot twists! When the former head of the Mafia passed away Connor learns that he is in line to be Captain. The catch though...he has to marry within six months to accept the title and inheritance. Wren takes the chance to play match maker when she gets an emergency phone call from her half-sister Mia.
Will this be a marriage of convenience or will they actually fall in love? Will Connor trust Mia again once he finds out the true reason she's been on the run and has a secret government agency after her? Can he protect her from his family when they find out the truth?
I absolutely love how Aquila Thorne creates a true semblance of family when she brings her characters along through each book. Their lives and stories mix and mingle perfectly!
Will this be a marriage of convenience or will they actually fall in love? Will Connor trust Mia again once he finds out the true reason she's been on the run and has a secret government agency after her? Can he protect her from his family when they find out the truth?
I absolutely love how Aquila Thorne creates a true semblance of family when she brings her characters along through each book. Their lives and stories mix and mingle perfectly!
February 8, 2026
This is when I lost interest, sadly only 16% in.
“It’s decided,” Wren declared, the sound of her smacking her hand onto the table, rattling the dishes upon it. “The three of us are going out for the night! It’s only 6:30 pm, we can catch the next bingo, then hit the bars afterwards. We’re making it a girls’ night to remember!”
Oh really? She just arrived after hours of travel, scared and fearing for her life, then Connor proposes but SURE, let's go to the BINGO HALL, eat their crappy food, then go clubbing. Connor takes her to the bingo hall where they flirt over crappy cheese and nachos and playing Bingo. The rest of the chapter is them playing bingo. Then he buys her the bingo hall.
It is rare but I disliked when an author plugs another of his/her books in the one I'm reading. She does that here. Then Connor reads out loud some of the spicy scene from it. Then they kiss. Cringey. DNF.
“It’s decided,” Wren declared, the sound of her smacking her hand onto the table, rattling the dishes upon it. “The three of us are going out for the night! It’s only 6:30 pm, we can catch the next bingo, then hit the bars afterwards. We’re making it a girls’ night to remember!”
Oh really? She just arrived after hours of travel, scared and fearing for her life, then Connor proposes but SURE, let's go to the BINGO HALL, eat their crappy food, then go clubbing. Connor takes her to the bingo hall where they flirt over crappy cheese and nachos and playing Bingo. The rest of the chapter is them playing bingo. Then he buys her the bingo hall.
It is rare but I disliked when an author plugs another of his/her books in the one I'm reading. She does that here. Then Connor reads out loud some of the spicy scene from it. Then they kiss. Cringey. DNF.
July 24, 2025
This is the third book in this series, but each book can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend reading all the books as they are interconnected and are great reads as well!
I love each book in series and they get better and better with each instalment. We get answers to questions and even more questions to suck you in further!
Never a dull moment. The character development is on point and the blend of suspense, mystery, spice, humour with the fantastic plot twists and pace is just perfect.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for us readers next and look forward to seeing more of our former MCs again!
I love each book in series and they get better and better with each instalment. We get answers to questions and even more questions to suck you in further!
Never a dull moment. The character development is on point and the blend of suspense, mystery, spice, humour with the fantastic plot twists and pace is just perfect.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for us readers next and look forward to seeing more of our former MCs again!
November 23, 2025
Third in the series -- this story is about Connor & Mia. What I like best about this series is that the women are strong characters that bring their own unique individual strengths to the family unit. I would count this as an enemies to lovers troupe because Connor wants nothing to do with Mia initially. And when he finds out about her secret identity, he questions his feelings even more. And Mia, she is conflicted between completing her mission and her feelings for the MacGallan clan. I enjoyed the twists and turns, angst, danger, and family togetherness in this story. There was surprise at the end of the book that leads into book 4, and I cannot wait to read it.
August 8, 2025
There are a few triggers in the book, read the list before you read.
Connors life changed the moment Tomas's will was read. No one knew if it would be for the best but at least he now knew some things. But to finalize it all he had to get married within 6 months,
Mia knew they would come for her. No one walked away without paying a price. She just hoped the Wren wouldn't hate her for what was going to happen. The end would happen, she just hoped everyone would be okay at the end.
Must read .
Connors life changed the moment Tomas's will was read. No one knew if it would be for the best but at least he now knew some things. But to finalize it all he had to get married within 6 months,
Mia knew they would come for her. No one walked away without paying a price. She just hoped the Wren wouldn't hate her for what was going to happen. The end would happen, she just hoped everyone would be okay at the end.
Must read .
September 26, 2025
Book 3 in this series builds upon everything that’s happened in the first 2 books. While it’s the love story of Mia and Connor, the entire family are full participants in this book. The prevailing theme in this book is family is everything. It’s the essential thing that binds Mia &Connor, Wren & Mia, Rory & Declan. It’s in addition to the love each man expresses for their wives.
There’s so much action and adventure, several twists and turns, and love. I loved everything about this book and now can’t wait for the final book in the series. Read this on Kindle Unlimited.
There’s so much action and adventure, several twists and turns, and love. I loved everything about this book and now can’t wait for the final book in the series. Read this on Kindle Unlimited.
May 25, 2025
I am a big fan of this author and series; the story is so addictive! Mia is in trouble and has to run again as she’s being hunted. This time, she turns to her sister Wren, who is married to Declan, the captain of the Clan Irish mafia. The clan has just had the will read, and Conner is the new captain, but he must marry. This is Conner and Mia’s story—it’s full of twists and incredible chemistry between them. I can’t wait for the next installment from this author!
August 5, 2025
Sanctuary
I thought Declan’s story was awesome, then I read Rory’s and that was awesomest, now Connor’s and it was heartfelt and loving and true, his love for Mia is so full of loyalty and promise it made me cry several times knowing he was not going to give up on his wife. From the beginning he showed such devotion and even after he found out about her story he never drifted from her. I’ve fallen deep, lol. Thank for sharing again. Onward
I thought Declan’s story was awesome, then I read Rory’s and that was awesomest, now Connor’s and it was heartfelt and loving and true, his love for Mia is so full of loyalty and promise it made me cry several times knowing he was not going to give up on his wife. From the beginning he showed such devotion and even after he found out about her story he never drifted from her. I’ve fallen deep, lol. Thank for sharing again. Onward
October 23, 2025
Another great story!
Well I didn't expect that Mia was so tough. Conner being put into a position where he has to become Captain, and find a bride in 6 months time isn't what he was prepared for. Mia calling When for a place to stay is perfect timing. Lots of history is revealed, and a mans heart and gut instinct keeps this story , Edge of your seat, intense! Great HEA ending. Trish. A.
Well I didn't expect that Mia was so tough. Conner being put into a position where he has to become Captain, and find a bride in 6 months time isn't what he was prepared for. Mia calling When for a place to stay is perfect timing. Lots of history is revealed, and a mans heart and gut instinct keeps this story , Edge of your seat, intense! Great HEA ending. Trish. A.
November 22, 2025
I don't know what Mia was, but def. Not an assassin. She was pretty weak and to say she was on the top of her class, that was over the top. But otherwise it was an ok story, wished she was a bit more, just more. Connor took the news a bit to well, just oh if that's the case, than ok. Not really believable. It was nice to see how the other couples were doing. All in all a good story, but I liked the one after this one much better.
March 10, 2026
An well written suspense Irish mafia story with twists & turns to keep you enthralled.
Mia & Connor are destined to be together with their magnetic attraction but Mia is hiding a very large secret that has the potential to implode on the entire family.
I wont reveal any secrets because I don't want to ruin the story but it is full of humour, sweet attraction and gentle moments with the spice of vengeance and protection all rolled into one.
Mia & Connor are destined to be together with their magnetic attraction but Mia is hiding a very large secret that has the potential to implode on the entire family.
I wont reveal any secrets because I don't want to ruin the story but it is full of humour, sweet attraction and gentle moments with the spice of vengeance and protection all rolled into one.
May 29, 2025
A great story with page turning and life threatening suspense. Add in a fake marriage and a lot of unanswered questions and you have a story that will keep you anxious and on pins and needles wanting to know what happens next. Love, hate, secrets and battles both planned and unexpected. This is a book you don't want to to miss.
August 13, 2025
My biggest complaint about the book was how Connor kept saying that Mia wasn’t ’drop dead gorgeous’, or ‘anything special to look at’. Even by the end of the book, I can’t recall him changing his opinion. It just felt kind of weird for the author to have Connor keep pointing that out.
✨HFN ✨No cheating ✨No third act breakup
✨HFN ✨No cheating ✨No third act breakup
February 19, 2026
such a fantastic book
I really enjoyed this book, I honestly read it in one sitting.
I was completely mesmerised from the very beginning.
Mia is such an enigma and Conner with his newly found family.
I adored the twists and suspense, also those brutal action scenes were breathtaking.
Overall a beautiful written mafia read.
I really enjoyed this book, I honestly read it in one sitting.
I was completely mesmerised from the very beginning.
Mia is such an enigma and Conner with his newly found family.
I adored the twists and suspense, also those brutal action scenes were breathtaking.
Overall a beautiful written mafia read.
May 27, 2025
OMG Aquila has out done herself on this one. Love this book it took a different turn than what I expected. It has made this book such a good read, will read this again. I couldn't put this book down this one has a lot of action. love love love.
June 24, 2025
Wow! I had a hard time putting this book down, especially once I was about halfway through it. The action, twists and turns kept me saying just one more chapter! This might be my favorite book of the series so far!
October 5, 2025
Well Aquila did it again, she is one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved this book. You feel so many emotions while reading this story. Mia and Connor’s story is so well written and watching them fall in love was breathtaking.
November 16, 2025
I adore Connor!
Connor is the heart of the family! He has more heart and compassion than all of the clan put together. Romantic and steamy. Action-packed with some awesome twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Connor is the heart of the family! He has more heart and compassion than all of the clan put together. Romantic and steamy. Action-packed with some awesome twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next book!
November 17, 2025
Conner and Mia fell for one another but life tries to keep them apart. The danger these two have to face to find happiness will surprise you. This story is an emotional twist and turn read. This is the third book in a series but the series involves different characters but still family/ friends.
November 28, 2025
Mostly enjoyable.
I enjoyed it for the most part. Was a little slow here and there. Skimmed a little here and there. Good ending and opening for next novel which i am very much looking forward to.
I enjoyed it for the most part. Was a little slow here and there. Skimmed a little here and there. Good ending and opening for next novel which i am very much looking forward to.
May 24, 2025
This is the third book in the changing of the guards series and it is my favorite book so far. I’m excited for what is next to come.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 8, 2025
3.5/5
July 29, 2025
enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were awesome and the writing was great. I enjoyed this book a lot
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were awesome and the writing was great. I enjoyed this book a lot
August 3, 2025
❤️❤️
🌶️
📖📖
🌶️
📖📖
December 12, 2025
she was so badass, and he was so obsessed with her <3
January 1, 2026
This book was amazing. Such a quick read. Amazing storyline and characters. Everything lines up in one way or another with the series. Aquila has outdone herself again. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews