Fearless Protector

by Via Mari

Mason

The wedding in Deadwood, South Dakota should be a special time, especially for the bride and groom.

The sexy little bartender serving drinks at the bachelor party and I will get to know each other a whole lot better before this night is through. At least that was the plan.

But the sassy dark-haired beauty wants nothing to do with a crime boss bodyguard like me.

When the Chicago boys strike, it’s up to me to find her before they can use her for what they want in exchange.

Priscilla Jean is going to belong to me whether she has agreed to take a chance on love or not. She’ll see now that when someone messes with her, this town, and her friends, they’ll end up dealing with me.

Fearless Protector is the explosive third 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 featuring different couples. All have a guaranteed happily ever after.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

Reviews

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Ruthless Protector series and this addition is fantastic! While it may be a short story it sure packs quite a bit into it. Mason is a bodyguard who is in Deadwood for a friends wedding. He has no intentions of being in a relationship but when he meets PJ, all bets are off!! But she’s a tough cookie and he will have to prove to her that she is the one for him. He will have to break down those barriers and I rooted for him throughout. They are a perfect match! I enjoyed their witty banter and their chemistry is smoking hot! Absolutely loved it!

[Michelle Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks like Deadwood is the ultimate matchmaking hotspot for the men working for the Larussio crime family! With Lacy and Garrett’s big day just around the corner, Mason rolls into town for the bachelor party, only to be stopped in his tracks by the fiery, dark-haired beauty tending bar. Too bad she serves him nothing but ice-cold rejection before vanishing into the night. PJ has been burned before, and she’s not about to let another man, especially one just passing through, get under her skin. She’s got a spine of steel, a sharp tongue, and a strict no-romance policy. But after one (or five) too many drinks, she’s the one making a move, only to have Mason put the brakes on. Not because he’s not interested—oh, he definitely is—but because he’s the kind of man who won’t take advantage of a tipsy woman, no matter how tempting she is. When PJ’s friend Jules disappears with a man she despises, Mason jumps into action. Those pesky Chicago boys just don’t know when to quit, do they? But let’s be real, going up against the Larussio crew is never a winning strategy. A wicked drop in temperature that ices up the road strands PJ and Mason in the kidnapper’s house overnight, and suddenly PJ starts seeing Mason in a whole new light. Though she’s more than willing to express her gratitude, she makes a quick escape the next morning before things get too real. Too bad for her—Mason’s not the type to let a good thing slip away and plans to set her straight. While I enjoy this spin-off series, I have to admit I preferred the original Ruthless Protectors—those stories had more depth and gave both the action and romance room to breathe. These short stories? They’re fast, furious, and straight to the point—very much a wham, bam, thank you, ma’am kind of deal. But don’t get me wrong, I’ll still be devouring everything Via writes because her stories always get my motor running! 😊
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason

The wedding of one of our own in Deadwood, South Dakota should be a special time, especially for the bride and groom.

The sexy little bartender serving drinks at the bachelor party and I will get to know each other a whole lot better before this night is through. At least that was the plan.

But the sassy dark-haired beauty wants nothing to do with a crime boss bodyguard like me.

When the Chicago boys strike, it’s up to me to find her before they can use her for what they want in exchange.

Priscilla Jean is going to belong to me whether she has agreed to take a chance on love or not. She’ll see now that when someone messes with her, this town, and her friends, they’ll end of dealing with me.

This contemporary spicy small-town mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed in darkness, danger, violence, and grit and characters that are alpha, exuding power, ruthless protector, morally gray anti-hero, mafia connected billionaire, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being fearless, 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, action and adventure, bodyguards, deception, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, drama, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being fearless and mature, explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful 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. Mason sexy as all get out bodyguard to one of the largest crime families is no different from his other bodyguard brothers just as deadly every day sent in for Lacy and Garrett’s big day where he meets the bartender, and he doesn’t like her for some reason but drawn to her. PJ well she is sweet, feisty has no problem with telling you what she thinks no matter who you are but has given on men tired of the lies being let down in a relationship or just rejection so nope no matter how sexy they are she isn’t getting involved and accepting a job as the bartender to a splashy wedding making decent money but dealing with the arrogant bodyguard would be worth it. But after a few drinks she wants to be Mason but he refuses because he wants her when she is her feisty self not drunk but that will have to wait especially after her friend disappears of course he and his buddies aren’t going to stand for that so finding her friend has become their priority but she isn’t getting away from him he has staked his claimed but will she trust him, will she give them a chance, will she understand he isn’t walking away from her, and will they find happiness somewhere along the way of finding her friend?

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one much better than the first book in the series, which I was generous in giving 3 stars. This one is fast paced with an Instalove. PJ is a relatable character with a good amount of fire and sass. She’s also a good friend. I liked Mason too, although he was a little harder to get a bead on. The author gave him a vulnerability that made him seem more human.
The story was decent, and moved quickly, with nobody acting TSTL. The kidnapping plot was exciting without being too drawn out and the reasons behind it made sense, which goes a long way in my opinion. The one thing that I didn’t like was that excuse for a sex scene. If the author didn’t want to go into detail, they should have used a fade to black or been much more euphemistic. As it stands, it doesn’t really work and personally, I’d rather have a fade to black than a poor, halfhearted sex scene. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book.
MMC/FMC- Mason and PJ (when I was a kid in the 1970s, I knew like three girls named PJ.)
Length- Novella
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, good drinks and bad decisions.
Tropes- bachelorette party, Instalove, reluctant heroine, forced proximity, only one bed, sassy heroine, alpha male.

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 third book in this series that I enjoyed reading. This is a series that keeps getting better and better with each installment. This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books as I know that I am in for a steamy journey with the characters. In this book we get to see Mason. A wedding should be a special time that is until Mason sees Pricilla Jean. The problem is that she wants nothing to do with him. This is where their story becomes suspenseful and heats up. What happens between them you don't want to miss. Mason is not giving her a choice to take a chance on love with him, she will be his. I enjoyed both of these characters and what they brought to the story. They are engaging, strong, determined and have great chemistry. Their attraction is off the charts which makes their story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that has great growth throughout. This is a must read, hard to put down story. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to seeing what is next for this series.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is the newest bodyguard sent to Deadwood. Garrett and Lacy are finally tying the knot. It is time for the bachelor and bachelorette parties to commence! PJ overhears the men talking to Mason and takes an unexpectedly dislike to him; even though she thinks he is hot. Mason also has taken a severe liking to her. Mason ends up having to grab Jules and PJ to take them home…only some men from the past make an appearance and things go sideways!

So, what is happening? How many will end up in a brawl, dead, or hurt? Will the marriage happen? Will PJ and Mason get the chance to begin something before it ends? Remember, PJ is very standoffish to those she does not know…you will find out why! A great fast read in a series that gives you everything you crave.

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

Fearless Protector is Book 3 in the Ruthless Guardians series. It's a short and spicy, opposites-attract, reverse grumpy-sunshine, girl gets her hunk romance. PJ is a sassy bartender who doesn't do love. Mason is a hunky bodyguard in town for a wedding. He likes PJ but she shuts him down. But he's not giving up. Things go sideways and he steps up. The chemistry was decent, the banter was snarky, and the ending was happy after the danger and drama.

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

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the short story in the Deadwoods anthology, I was pleased to get the longer version. Mason, the fearless protector main character, is the epitome of a what a true protector is. Pj isn't your typical damsel in distress either. She's quite independent and a spitfire but when things happen beyond her control that she can't fix on her own, Mason is there to lend a hand.
I enjoyed visiting Deadwood again as well as seeing some much-loved characters from other Via Mari books.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearless Protector is book 3 in the Ruthless Guardians series and is Mason and PJ's story. I love PJ, she's gritty and tough as nails and has no qualms making Mason earn her. Mason knows PJ isn't your typical woman and sets out to show her just how special she is. This couple is perfect together in every aspect and their storyline is consuming. This series of short stories seem to get better with each book.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry is off the charts for Mason and PJ and when they give in to their wants and needs things become very steamy. I'm enjoying this series very much these bodyguard's that work for a mafia family will do everything in their power to protect the territory and lady loves that come into their lives. There's intrigue, battles, kidnapping and suspense in this book that will keep you turning the pages.

[Debbie Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Ruthless Protectors series. This is Mason and PJ's story. These books are full of action and keep you turning pages as fast as you can. They have amazing couple and they are very steamy books. Is it possible for Mason and PJ to be together? Will they finally find happiness with each other? You will need to read the book to find out. It is very well written and you will love the characters.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This was a fantastic book to read it demands your attention. In Deadwood lives PJ a pretty female that works at a bar, Mason was passing through when he stops for a drink and that was when he noticed her but as soon as trouble comes he will protect.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason and Pricilla. Hes a mafia bodyguard guarding the groom. Shes a waitress working the bachlor party. He wants her. She doesnt want to get mixed up in that world. But when it comes to making a choice he'll protect her no matter what. Lots of action and the kind of banter between two prople that walk that thin line. Loved the story.

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

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exciting third book in the Ruthless Guardians series. Mason is in Deadwood, South Dakota for the wedding of Garrett and Lacy. At the bachelor party Mason falls for the barmaid PJ. When trouble comes to town can Mason save her? Loved the witty banter!

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

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

Mason has met his match in Priscilla who wants nothing to do with him or the life he lives. It all comes to a head when trouble comes, and she finds herself in the middle of it. Will Mason be able to get the woman he has decided to be his safe.

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

[H. Croukamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is in Deadwoods for a wedding where he saw PJ the bartender. She is a spitfire and not going to let a man get under her skin. Mason knew he wanted her but she wasn't going to make it easy for him. There is some danger in the mix. Will they get a change and will the wedding happen. Grab a copy this is going to be great. A must read.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Ruthless Guardians series. It’s an action packed, exciting story. Mason and P.J are a great couple, once they overcome their reluctance to enter into a relationship. Sparks fly when he becomes her protector from the mafia. It’s an excellent romance with drama, intrigue and plenty of spice. A marvelous series addition.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is in town for a wedding of a team mate, the last thing he expects to in counter is a bomb shell with an attitude. PJ has already been down this road, out of towner city boy, says all the right things only to leave.

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

[Jenni]

PJ can hold her own but there's some things she can't and that's where Mason comes In a boi is he a feirce protector! Well written engaging steamy desires action and more a great addition to the series.

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

[Eve Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in an incredible series. He came for one of his bodyguard coworkers wedding. He meets a sexy bartender and can't wait to get to know her more. Trouble hits and he has to save her from the Chicago mafia boys before they use her for what they want. Action packed. 5 stars.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The City Slicker
Can PJ give her heart to a city slicker just passing through Deadwood? Because she really wants Mason to stick around but can’t go through another heartache. Little does she know he wants the same thing! Now they just have to take care of the trouble that wants to tear them apart.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Via's bodyguards so much Fearless Protector is Mason And PJ 's story. PJ had always had me intrigued so was happy to read her story. It was as action packed as the other books and steamy I really loved her and Mason together.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down turning the pages. I thought it was well written and I can't wait to read more from this author.

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

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

PJ and Mason each have their reasons for staying single. When danger arises, they unite to save her friend, then sparks fly and lives change! I love this series of short, riveting books.

[Marty Porter-Lininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're reading in the cold day or night this book will make you want to turn the fan on, great read