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Zyan: Protector of her Heart
He was off-limits.
She was the one he wanted.
What they shared was forbidden.
Yara knew she shouldn’t have crossed the line with Zyan. He was her boyfriend’s brother. But betrayal cuts deeper than guilt, and the night her world fell apart, he was the only one who could make her forget.
After everything, she left her hometown, leaving behind the chaos they created. But no matter the distance, they were forever apart of each other’s lives.
Now, years later, tragedy brings her back home and straight into Zyan’s arms.
What happens when the feelings Yara tried to bury refuse to die? Will she finally stop running and let herself believe in what her and Zyan could be, or will she let guilt and fear force her to leave it all behind, once again?
She was the one he wanted.
What they shared was forbidden.
Yara knew she shouldn’t have crossed the line with Zyan. He was her boyfriend’s brother. But betrayal cuts deeper than guilt, and the night her world fell apart, he was the only one who could make her forget.
After everything, she left her hometown, leaving behind the chaos they created. But no matter the distance, they were forever apart of each other’s lives.
Now, years later, tragedy brings her back home and straight into Zyan’s arms.
What happens when the feelings Yara tried to bury refuse to die? Will she finally stop running and let herself believe in what her and Zyan could be, or will she let guilt and fear force her to leave it all behind, once again?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2024
158 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 10, 2024
Another goodread
Hello friends, let me suggest a good book. Yes, Zyan, the protector, was a good story with a little bit of drama and a lot of good parts, too. I like a friend to lovers story and throw in a baby in the mix, and I am all in. The story has the cheaters, a female villain, and brothers at odds. Then there was the couple of the hour. You will enjoy this read.
Hello friends, let me suggest a good book. Yes, Zyan, the protector, was a good story with a little bit of drama and a lot of good parts, too. I like a friend to lovers story and throw in a baby in the mix, and I am all in. The story has the cheaters, a female villain, and brothers at odds. Then there was the couple of the hour. You will enjoy this read.
September 22, 2024
I love a happy family, small-town romance vibe, and this book delivered! Zyan is definitely Baby Daddy of the Year—no drama, clear communication for the most part, and he ended up right where he was supposed to be. Our FMC was likable, keeping it cute while trying her best to remain professional in all situations.
However, I felt the Lamia drama wasn’t built up enough. Sure, sometimes people have a hater spirit or feel envious, but I need my antagonists to have some depth. When I read a story, I want to understand the reason behind the hate. Seriously, holding onto a one-sided beef for over ten years just because the man you wanted chose someone else? That feels pretty childish, especially since everyone is grown with kids and careers—let’s leave that high school drama behind!
Zyan was wrong for not saying anything about the paternity test, but honestly, he wasn’t wrong for doing it. The conception was a bit shady, and you can’t be that nice and trustworthy if you’re getting involved with your ex-boyfriend’s brother. Love you, girl, but the suspicion is warranted. I didn’t like that Lamia planted those thoughts, but both Zyan and the FMC needed to communicate better about that night. They danced around it way too much for her to be upset.
I was shocked by Remi’s change of heart, but it was definitely appreciated. He made great points about supporting her, yet the fact that she hid it and took time to think it over felt problematic. The job was terrible, the environment was hostile, and her boss lacked integrity. What was there to contemplate? There isn’t that much love in the city to put up with nonsense day in and day out.
I wish the author had made her conflict more believable. The Jamille guy couldn’t even respond in a timely manner after her rejection and wasn’t professional at all—seriously, who’s watching porn in the daytime at a barbershop? If you’re scared to love Zyan, just say so! Don’t pretend this job is a good opportunity.
However, I felt the Lamia drama wasn’t built up enough. Sure, sometimes people have a hater spirit or feel envious, but I need my antagonists to have some depth. When I read a story, I want to understand the reason behind the hate. Seriously, holding onto a one-sided beef for over ten years just because the man you wanted chose someone else? That feels pretty childish, especially since everyone is grown with kids and careers—let’s leave that high school drama behind!
Zyan was wrong for not saying anything about the paternity test, but honestly, he wasn’t wrong for doing it. The conception was a bit shady, and you can’t be that nice and trustworthy if you’re getting involved with your ex-boyfriend’s brother. Love you, girl, but the suspicion is warranted. I didn’t like that Lamia planted those thoughts, but both Zyan and the FMC needed to communicate better about that night. They danced around it way too much for her to be upset.
I was shocked by Remi’s change of heart, but it was definitely appreciated. He made great points about supporting her, yet the fact that she hid it and took time to think it over felt problematic. The job was terrible, the environment was hostile, and her boss lacked integrity. What was there to contemplate? There isn’t that much love in the city to put up with nonsense day in and day out.
I wish the author had made her conflict more believable. The Jamille guy couldn’t even respond in a timely manner after her rejection and wasn’t professional at all—seriously, who’s watching porn in the daytime at a barbershop? If you’re scared to love Zyan, just say so! Don’t pretend this job is a good opportunity.
September 10, 2024
Yara
This was really good. The plot was interesting and the drama didn’t let up. Yara was a solid chick and Zyan was lucky to finally get a real shot. Remi annoued me at first but I can see he matured. Lamia not so much.
This was really good. The plot was interesting and the drama didn’t let up. Yara was a solid chick and Zyan was lucky to finally get a real shot. Remi annoued me at first but I can see he matured. Lamia not so much.
July 27, 2025
Was Amazing until the End
I loved the journey to Yara and Zyan becoming official. All the secondary characters were hilarious and I just loved Anika so much, especially when it came to those Nasir comments.
My only issue was the ending, Zyan completely lost his damn mind doing what he did and listening to “Lying Lamia” but I guess true love prevailed at the end. I honestly felt like he should groveled and begged more because that would have been a hard situation to come back from (it’s terrible when you know Remi was making valid points).
I loved the journey to Yara and Zyan becoming official. All the secondary characters were hilarious and I just loved Anika so much, especially when it came to those Nasir comments.
My only issue was the ending, Zyan completely lost his damn mind doing what he did and listening to “Lying Lamia” but I guess true love prevailed at the end. I honestly felt like he should groveled and begged more because that would have been a hard situation to come back from (it’s terrible when you know Remi was making valid points).
September 6, 2025
WHAT A PERFECT ENDING 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
IN MY OPINION THE BEST PARTS OF THIS BOOK WAS LEMIA BITTER HEAUX AZZ FINALLY GETTING HER AZZ BEAT FOR THE OLD AND NEW ISH👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🤣🤣🤣. TALK ABOUT A BIH THAT REFUSED TO GROW TF UP AND NEVER TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HELP SHE CAUSED🙄. THEN IT WAS REMI’S GROWTH. I KNOW HE SURPRISED US ALL BUT IT WAS A VERY PLEASANT SURPRISE. I WAS THANKFUL HE FINALLY SAW THE ERROR OF HIS WAYS AND TRULY WORKED ON HIMSELF AS WELL AS TRYING TO REPAIR HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH HIS BROTHER AND I APOLOGIZE FOR HOW HE DID YARA.
SPEAKING OF YARA’S CHILDISH AZZ. THAT GIRL WORKED MY MOTHERFUDGESICKLESTIX NERVES MOST OF THE BOOK 🙄. LIKE SIS KNEW SHE WAS ZYAN’S WEAKNESS AND USED THAT ISH TO HER ADVANTAGE AT TIMES.
AND LET’S NOT FORGET MR SEXY AZZ ZYAN ALLOWING THAT HEAUX TO GET INTO HIS HEAD AND HAV HAD HIM QUESTIONING ISH THAT HE KNOW HE ALREADY KNEW THE ANSWERS TO🙄
OVERALL THESE TWO ARE TRULY MADE FOR EACH ORDER. THEY MOST DEFINITELY MATCHED EACH OTHERS CRAZY, LOL. THE LOVE WAS FELT THROUGH THE PAGES AND TOO ME THERE’S NO BETTER LOVE THAN WHEN TRUE FRIENDS BECOME ONE🤷🏽♀️. ALTHOUGH THEIR BLOW UP COULD’VE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THEY REMEMBERED THAT THEY WERE FRIENDS BEFORE LOVERS, ALL THAT WOULD’VE BEEN DISCUSSED THE PROPER WAY. BUT AT THE SAME TIME THEY NEEDED THAT LOL BUMP IN THE ROAD FOR THEM TO REALIZE THEY SO MUCH BETTER TOGETHER THAN APART🤎
ANIKA WAS AN AGED BONUS TO THEIR JOURNEY AND SHE WAS THE BEST COUSIN/BESTIE EVER❤️
P.S THIS WAS MY FIRST READ BY THIS QUEEN🤦🏽♀️. SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT AND NOW THAT I’VE HAD A DOSE, I THINK I’M GONNA EXPLORE HER CATALOG😁
HAPPY READING 🫶🏽
IN MY OPINION THE BEST PARTS OF THIS BOOK WAS LEMIA BITTER HEAUX AZZ FINALLY GETTING HER AZZ BEAT FOR THE OLD AND NEW ISH👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🤣🤣🤣. TALK ABOUT A BIH THAT REFUSED TO GROW TF UP AND NEVER TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HELP SHE CAUSED🙄. THEN IT WAS REMI’S GROWTH. I KNOW HE SURPRISED US ALL BUT IT WAS A VERY PLEASANT SURPRISE. I WAS THANKFUL HE FINALLY SAW THE ERROR OF HIS WAYS AND TRULY WORKED ON HIMSELF AS WELL AS TRYING TO REPAIR HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH HIS BROTHER AND I APOLOGIZE FOR HOW HE DID YARA.
SPEAKING OF YARA’S CHILDISH AZZ. THAT GIRL WORKED MY MOTHERFUDGESICKLESTIX NERVES MOST OF THE BOOK 🙄. LIKE SIS KNEW SHE WAS ZYAN’S WEAKNESS AND USED THAT ISH TO HER ADVANTAGE AT TIMES.
AND LET’S NOT FORGET MR SEXY AZZ ZYAN ALLOWING THAT HEAUX TO GET INTO HIS HEAD AND HAV HAD HIM QUESTIONING ISH THAT HE KNOW HE ALREADY KNEW THE ANSWERS TO🙄
OVERALL THESE TWO ARE TRULY MADE FOR EACH ORDER. THEY MOST DEFINITELY MATCHED EACH OTHERS CRAZY, LOL. THE LOVE WAS FELT THROUGH THE PAGES AND TOO ME THERE’S NO BETTER LOVE THAN WHEN TRUE FRIENDS BECOME ONE🤷🏽♀️. ALTHOUGH THEIR BLOW UP COULD’VE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THEY REMEMBERED THAT THEY WERE FRIENDS BEFORE LOVERS, ALL THAT WOULD’VE BEEN DISCUSSED THE PROPER WAY. BUT AT THE SAME TIME THEY NEEDED THAT LOL BUMP IN THE ROAD FOR THEM TO REALIZE THEY SO MUCH BETTER TOGETHER THAN APART🤎
ANIKA WAS AN AGED BONUS TO THEIR JOURNEY AND SHE WAS THE BEST COUSIN/BESTIE EVER❤️
P.S THIS WAS MY FIRST READ BY THIS QUEEN🤦🏽♀️. SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT AND NOW THAT I’VE HAD A DOSE, I THINK I’M GONNA EXPLORE HER CATALOG😁
HAPPY READING 🫶🏽
September 11, 2024
Zyan
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. I loved the chemistry between Zyan and Yara. I loved that he was ready to risk it all to be with her and just needed her to be on the same page. I liked how they were able to work through their disagreements and come to common ground and also apologize when they were wrong. I also loved little miss Anya. She was so cute and had such a big personality. I also loved cousin Anika because she was a good friend and gave sound advice to both Yara and Zyan without bias.
I didn’t like Remi at first because he seemed to just want to cause trouble but he definitely redeemed himself by the end of the book. I also didn’t care for Yara’s bratty behavior because it was too much at times, but I liked that she wanted to make sure that they were making decisions without others influence or off only emotion. I could not stand Lamia because she was beyond messy and caused unnecessary problems without taking accountability for her actions.
All in all, this was such a well written story and I would highly recommend this read.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. I loved the chemistry between Zyan and Yara. I loved that he was ready to risk it all to be with her and just needed her to be on the same page. I liked how they were able to work through their disagreements and come to common ground and also apologize when they were wrong. I also loved little miss Anya. She was so cute and had such a big personality. I also loved cousin Anika because she was a good friend and gave sound advice to both Yara and Zyan without bias.
I didn’t like Remi at first because he seemed to just want to cause trouble but he definitely redeemed himself by the end of the book. I also didn’t care for Yara’s bratty behavior because it was too much at times, but I liked that she wanted to make sure that they were making decisions without others influence or off only emotion. I could not stand Lamia because she was beyond messy and caused unnecessary problems without taking accountability for her actions.
All in all, this was such a well written story and I would highly recommend this read.
September 21, 2024
Zyan and Yara had a very good co-parenting relationship and I could feel the love that they had for each other. Unfortunate circumstances with the loss of Zyan’s dad brought them closer and they entered into a relationship. It’s crazy how they were so good at communicating in reference to Anya but was awful in regard to their relationship. I don’t even know why Zyan let Lamia get in his ear much less in his head when he knew that she was intentionally trying to cause problems for Yara and I was cheering for Yara when she tagged Lamia’s head. I’m glad that Zyan and Remi let go of the past and started building on their relationship as brothers. I saw a lot of growth in Remi but nothing but immaturity in Lamia. I’m glad that Zyan, Yara, and Anya got their own HEA. I so wanted Yara to be pregnant though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
Loved it It
I loved everything about this book. ACT never disappoints. I get hella excited when a new book comes out and this one was on par with her catalog. They were stinking cute the whole book lol I was definitely frustrated a few times in the book but everyone got what they deserved. The characters were fully developed and so much fun to read about. I can’t wait for the next AC Taylor 10/10 Do Recommend
I loved everything about this book. ACT never disappoints. I get hella excited when a new book comes out and this one was on par with her catalog. They were stinking cute the whole book lol I was definitely frustrated a few times in the book but everyone got what they deserved. The characters were fully developed and so much fun to read about. I can’t wait for the next AC Taylor 10/10 Do Recommend
October 5, 2024
Zyan was almost the perfect man until he let no good Lamia get in his head. I really want to get a round with a character because she was doing the most. Yara had her moments where she made me mad being childish, but she redeemed herself. I wasn't feeling Remi either, but he was able to show growth that had me liking him. As always, with an A.C. Taylor book, she pulls you in from page one with action. This book had my smiling and cussing, but I loved every minute of it.
October 9, 2024
I usually don’t rate books I’ve DNFd but I was enjoying it up until a little after midpoint. I was getting annoyed with Remi this and Remi that he was starting to get very cartoonishly villainous …I searched the rest of the book and saw that whatever going on with him didn’t get resolved until the very and end and on top of that he faces no repercussions…i just have no desire to keep reading that subplot for another 140 pages
October 26, 2024
Zyan: Protector of Her Heart captures a complex friends-to-lovers story. Yara and Zyan's journey is a valuable lesson in communication and trust, especially in relationships formed under unusual or emotionally charged circumstances. It was satisfying to see them finally overcome these challenges, deepen their bond, and embrace the love that had always been there, just waiting to be acknowledged.
Overall, Zyan: Protector of Her Heart is a well-rounded, emotionally rich friends-to-lovers romance that captures the reality of complicated relationships, showing how love, loyalty, and forgiveness are key to building something lasting.
*Want more detail? See in-depth reviews at empress-media.com*
Overall, Zyan: Protector of Her Heart is a well-rounded, emotionally rich friends-to-lovers romance that captures the reality of complicated relationships, showing how love, loyalty, and forgiveness are key to building something lasting.
*Want more detail? See in-depth reviews at empress-media.com*
November 26, 2025
Zyan can protect my heart any day
I felt the ending of this book had a strong possibility of atleast 2 more chapters. I was not ready for this story to end. Kudos to Ms. A.C. Taylor👏🏾 this is what a book supposed to read like. No ditsy female, no overthinking/over analyzing, and not too much hunching, but just enough to let you know how Zyan gets down🤪😛😉. Overall, good book and will be recommending it.
I felt the ending of this book had a strong possibility of atleast 2 more chapters. I was not ready for this story to end. Kudos to Ms. A.C. Taylor👏🏾 this is what a book supposed to read like. No ditsy female, no overthinking/over analyzing, and not too much hunching, but just enough to let you know how Zyan gets down🤪😛😉. Overall, good book and will be recommending it.
September 15, 2024
Friends to Lovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️
This wasn’t your typical friends to lovers trope. Different elements to the story made the plot stand out more which I appreciated. I did wish the story had a little more spice to it but overall I was satisfied.
If you like a friends to lovers romance I would definitely recommend! 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️
This wasn’t your typical friends to lovers trope. Different elements to the story made the plot stand out more which I appreciated. I did wish the story had a little more spice to it but overall I was satisfied.
If you like a friends to lovers romance I would definitely recommend! 💖
September 23, 2024
Loveddddddd
Zyan and Yara were affectively co parenting. They were never in a relationship but had one night together and it produced a baby.
Truth is they both wanted more but were scared to say something.
Tons of outside forces worked against them but they got it right ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Zyan and Yara were affectively co parenting. They were never in a relationship but had one night together and it produced a baby.
Truth is they both wanted more but were scared to say something.
Tons of outside forces worked against them but they got it right ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 30, 2025
It's a second but first time at love. One night led them to being co-parents but circumstances left them to be friends only. Until tragedy strikes, putting them in a position to be around each other more. Pressed feelings surface but past reminders cause distrust and hurt. But fate with the help of family shows them how good their love is and can be. I enjoyed reading Zyan.
September 12, 2025
Back together?
Zyan and Yara what a wonderful couple. I love how connected these two were. The love was obvious. I love how Zyan and Remi's relationship grew. There was drama but I love how once Zyan and Yara were able to work out their issues. I loved the family and friends of these two.
Zyan and Yara what a wonderful couple. I love how connected these two were. The love was obvious. I love how Zyan and Remi's relationship grew. There was drama but I love how once Zyan and Yara were able to work out their issues. I loved the family and friends of these two.
September 11, 2024
Family
Zyan baby.... She dropped everything to be there for you and for you to let that thot get in your head and almost destroy what your heart wanted... Oh, I can pop you upside your head.
Yara, girl. High five for the snap off, twice.
Zyan baby.... She dropped everything to be there for you and for you to let that thot get in your head and almost destroy what your heart wanted... Oh, I can pop you upside your head.
Yara, girl. High five for the snap off, twice.
September 9, 2025
I loved this so much
I really didn’t know what to expect. This was my first book by this author and I will say even if I did have expectations she blew them out of the water. Completely! All I gotta say is when two people are destined to be together they will be no matter what.
I really didn’t know what to expect. This was my first book by this author and I will say even if I did have expectations she blew them out of the water. Completely! All I gotta say is when two people are destined to be together they will be no matter what.
dnf
October 1, 2024It’s good but Not what I’m looking for right now. May come back later. Soft DNF at 31%
October 7, 2024
Okay
DIDN'T care for the heroine, holding on to stuff that happened in college. This read like a harlequin romance with a serving of 🔥 and 🌶 sex. SORRY😢
DIDN'T care for the heroine, holding on to stuff that happened in college. This read like a harlequin romance with a serving of 🔥 and 🌶 sex. SORRY😢
October 30, 2024
A story about a couple that doesn’t know how to communicate.
December 22, 2024
Chandra's Review
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
I truly enjoyed reading this book it was intriguing, mysterious, loving, and full of action! I would definitely recommend this book to read! 🤗🤗👏🏾👏🏾
March 11, 2025
good read
I really enjoyed this book so many things going on to keep your attention. What a blessing to be such good friends with your baby daddy.
I really enjoyed this book so many things going on to keep your attention. What a blessing to be such good friends with your baby daddy.
July 22, 2025
I love a good love story. this almost had me crying. It was like no matter how msny steps Yara and Zyan took to move forward in their relationship, there was always something that knocked them back. But I'm glad they never gave up on love.
November 4, 2025
Not sure what I was expecting I went in not knowing anything. It was a good read if you like messy.
January 8, 2026
👩🍳💋
This was such a good book!!, I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a minute, I really like the author’s writing style & she definitely delivered with this book.
This was such a good book!!, I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a minute, I really like the author’s writing style & she definitely delivered with this book.
December 29, 2024
I really enjoyed the story. I just think it ended to fast for me.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews