Shielded Secrets

by Leona White

The moment I see Rurik Baranov step between me and danger, my world shifts.

There's just one massive problem—he's the lethal enforcer of New York's most feared mafia dynasty.

So I do what I've learned in foster try to disappear, to become invisible.

But you can't hide from someone who watches you like a guardian angel in the shadows.

Then he offers me salvation wrapped in his name, his protection, his ring.

"Let me keep you safe," he whispers. "No one touches a Baranov's wife."

It should be just survival—a marriage of convenience to shield me from my past.

I'm too broken, too damaged for someone like him to want more.

One gentle touch of those battle-hardened hands makes me tremble with need.

I can't help falling for my protector.

The corrupt mayor haunts my steps, rival families circle like wolves.

I should run before I bring destruction to his door.

But Rurik wraps me in his strength, shields me from my nightmares.

The Baranovs show me what family means, what belonging feels like.

I want to believe in this love, but loving him might destroy us both.

Because in the Baranov's world, there are no innocent loves. Only dangerous ones.


Author's A scorching age-gap mafia romance featuring forced proximity, marriage of convenience, and a protective alpha hero determined to shield his innocent bride from her deadly past.

Genres: Mafia Romance

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie Review: This was the first book by this new to me author. The blurb drew me in but the story and the romance kept me intrigued until the very end. And now, I absolutely need to go back and read the first 2 books in the series. Because while this can be read as a standalone, I feel there may be bits and pieces of the first 2 stories I could benefit from. Plus, this one has a storyline that will dip into the next one. All around great read. Looking forward to more. 5 Stars.

[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. Kelly and Eva met in college becoming best friends but Eva is from the Baranov family she came with bodyguards so Kelly got to know those bodyguards very well while they were protecting Eva, fast forward and Eva marries her bodyguard leaving Kelly who now misses her best friend, and her bodyguard Rurik whom she sort of developed a crushed on while he while was there protecting Kelly. Rurik sexy as all get out bodyguard for the Baranov family a man who is ruthless, dangerous when needed, deadly if required without hesitation had gotten use to seeing his girl …yep his girl all while protecting his charge the mafia princess but now that the assignment is over he couldn’t get her out of his mind, his dreams, and heads to see her when he stops an assault from happening to her but he knows she is keeping secrets that will get them both in trouble but will she trust him to open up to him, will he help her out, who or what is after her, and can she find her own happiness closer to her best friend?

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non stop action, get caught up with Eva and her dream wedding and Irina. Loved every minute of it.

Kelly, whom was Eva’s roommate when Eva wanted the college experience with bodyguards, Lev & Rurik, whom alway separating herself from Eva in Vik & Irina’s story. Well Rurik is missing a certain college girl but he’s been sticking to the shadows and watching from afar, while Kelly with her rough childhood from being in the foster systems and how so called good people weren’t so good to her, has struggled to live life and keep her head down and just rely on herself. Rurik is her dream man but she knows he doesn’t want her nor thinks she’s good enough for a man like him, doesn’t know that Rurik see’s his future in Kelly but one of her past demons has found her… What will Kelly do??? Will Rurik be the hero she thinks of him as? Will Kelly give Rurik her only gift she could give him with her trust and possible her heart???

[Sammi Chev]

DNF 10% oh my god is this book boring and annoying! Hardly any character interaction just endless narration. The FMC is spectacularly stupid and can’t make a decent decision to save her life. She cries constantly about how lonely she is but refuses to interact with anyone and just straight up drops her one and only friend. And my god how many times in the span of two chapters do we need to be reminded that she was drugged at a party!? We get it move on!! Like this girl exists for nothing other than complaining. She’s just a whiny baby full of trust issues and not even a hint of a personality. 2 whole chapters of nothing but her inner thoughts and I still know nothing about her.

[Soophel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb of this book was really good, but unfortunately it did not deliver for me. The story was all over the place and made it really difficult to connect with the characters.

The FMC was written quite inconsistently, with her doing a complete 180 after one night with the MMC. Before she didn't trust anyone and believed she didn't deserve love, after their night together she completely trusted him and was in looooove.

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

[Denise DeJonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly, a college student was excited to have a roommate named Eva last year. When Eva left college to marry her body guard Lev, Kelly felt alone and guarded. She missed her best friend, but most importantly, she missed the other security guards that the Baranov family had protecting Eva. More importantly, Kelly has missed Rurik, and often fantasizes what a life with him would be like. Kelly’s past has finally caught up with her and she scared.

Rurik, a member of the Baranov “family”, had become accustomed to seeing Kelly everyday last semester, while protecting Eva, a mafia princess. Once that assignment ended, Rurik couldn’t get Kelly off of his mind. He now finds himself back on campus, and vows to see if there arenany sparks between himself and Kelly. Rurik comes across Kelly during an attempted assault, and suddenly there is more violence surrounding some secret Kelly is trying so desperately to keep.

This was a great continuing story of the Baranov Mafia family. While it can be read as a stand alone, it is so much more fun to have read books 1 and 2 first. After I finished reading this, I just felt like there is an opening for another book in this series. I cannot wait!!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Shielded Secrets! This book had the perfect mix of action, romance, and intensity, making it such an addictive read. Rurik and Kelly’s story was filled with tension, longing, and undeniable chemistry—you could feel the pull between them from the very start.

Kelly’s past made her guarded, but Rurik? Rurik was patient, protective, and so much more into her than she ever realized. The way he watched over her, stepping in just when she needed him most, had me completely hooked. And when danger caught up with Kelly, Rurik made it very clear—she was his to protect, always.

This book had everything—high stakes, emotional depth, sizzling romance, and a hero who doesn’t hesitate to claim what’s his. While it can be read as a standalone, I loved seeing glimpses of the Baranov family and past characters. And that ending? It left me dying to see where this series goes next! If you love protective mafia men, strong heroines, and fast-paced romance with a perfect balance of spice and suspense, this one is a must-read!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in The Baranov Legacy Series where Kelly who’s a college student that we meet in the previous story finds herself in trouble from her past. Her old roommate, Eva has found love with her bodyguard, Lev. Kelly works several jobs and studies with little time to socialize. Rurik, Eva’s bodyguard finds himself injured protecting the leader of the family and with his boredom his seeks out Kelly to ensure she’s safe. These two have feelings for each other but never shared them coming from 2 different worlds. When Rurik sees Kelly in trouble their works collide put her under the Baranov protection. The quick sparks between them find them in a relationship that turns to marriage over night for reasons out of their control. The way the Baranov family deals with those out to cause harm show’s Kelly what it’s like to be part of a family for the 1st time in her life, even if there is violence and crimes. What a beautiful ending to the start of their lives! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

I loved reading this book I couldn't put this book down, the story was written well. Rurik Baranov had his eyes on Kelly a college student, while he's injured the family Enforcer is bodyguarding a Mafia princess while she's at college, he missed seeing her. Kelly had a horrible past being in foster care, now she is working hard trying to stay in college. Her life is in danger she has been attacked a few times then Rurik came to her rescue. Their relationship became hot and steamy they only seem to have eyes for each other. Now Kelly's past is catching up to her, will he be able to protect her.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rurik was part of a Mafia family and was very tough. Kelly had seen him around her college campus when he was protecting a Mafia princess. Once she left, Kelly missed seeing him. What she did't know was that he missed her too. When Rurik got shot, he needed something to do non athletic, so he was back on campus keeping an eye on her. She got attacked several times and he saved her. Their relationship progressed quickly and he had to save her more than once. This was a good story that was easy to read.

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

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel extremely disappointed. Ever since Eva's book I've been looking forward to Rurik and Kelly getting there happily ever after. But for me the flow of this book was just all wrong. Normally I would sit down and finish a book from start to finish within a couple of hours but it took me two days with this book because it just could not hold my interest. I felt like it was all over the place. And there still isn't a conclusion with the O'Malley.

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

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

Kelly and Rurik's story had me in their corner right from the beginning. She often saw him on campus, but she really didn't know the man or what he would come to be to her until she learned that he was the one that save her from several incidents. She was drawn to him as he is to her and their connection was really great to see blossoming throughout.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marry for Safety

Rurik has been thinking about Kelly since the moment he met her. However, once his task to guard her roommate was complete, they did not see each other until he saved her from being assaulted. It was a suspenseful story with secrets, marriage, and excitement. I could not get enough and hope the next installment will answer the issue left unresolved at the end.

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

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and thought it was a great addition to the series. Rurik and Kelly's story kept me engaged and hit me with some nice feels. The chemistry between these characters is potent and I was truly rooting for them. Romance, danger, action, intensity, spice and emotion are blended into an enticing mixture that entertains and reads easily.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I loved the story of Kelly and Rurik. This book had romance, steam, adventure, mystery and strong characters. All the necessities of a great mafia story.

There is some violence for the mafia storyline but it is not excessive.

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

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rurik has been missing seeing Kelly while he was on campus and in this one he gets his wish and reunites with Kelly. But of course things are never easy for the Mafia men and chaos and trouble about. Drama, secrets, surprises and all the other characters keep the story fun and entertaining. Had a blast reading the story and returning to the series.

[Brenda A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

The storyline in the writing drew me in at first but then it just got so Bland and boring struggle and started skimming through. Especially after the first sex scene when he took her virginity and was unaware of it. Why make them a virgin if there's no acknowledgment of it after that I just quit reading.

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 13%. Not going to rate. This is actually the second book of the series, would have been nice to know that ahead of time. I tried to read it anyway, but it there were too many references to things that happened in book one and it just got confusing and annoying. Authors: please be sure to let us know when a book is part of a series that needs to be read in order.

[lelia g. johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LGJ

She was alone all her life fending for herself until she met a friend; then fell in love with the friend’s bodyguard. He cared for her just as much. With her life in danger he stood up for her and protected what he believed would be his. Love does endure all even in a mafia family where family comes first to protect and serve.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed shielded secrets which was Rurik and Kelly’s story. It was a scorching age-gap mafia romance featuring forced proximity, marriage of convenience, and a protective alpha hero determined to shield his innocent bride from her deadly past. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Janice Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book

I read this series out of order. Book 1,4,2 and 3. Although they are standalone books, I would have appreciated them more if I read them in sequence. I will say that book 3 was my favorite. It was a sweet love story filled with twists and turns and the characters will stay with the reader long after the last page is read.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rurik and Kelly's story is another hot read in this mafia family series. A protective man determined to keep her safe, he will do anything for his virgin bride.

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

[Dewey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is almost all 1-dimension narration. There's little character dialogue or interaction. The situations are superficial, simplistic, juvenile. I skipped chapters just to get to the end.

[Jack Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I loved everything about this book. Love..Danger.Intrigue. Fast pased.. Characters were absolutely the best. Male alpha and his love were believable

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a solid meh. The author used the word cream, that's a no from me.

[Jackie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that Kelly was a fighter since she was a child and finally got her HEA.

[Paige Whitecotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Great read. Lots happening and lots to keep track of which makes it a fast moving book. Loved Ruriks love for Kelley.

[Veronica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A READ!!!

This storyline, has it all...😉. Mystery, chases, past monsters too!! Love can find anyone, if they let it in. AMAZING!!!

[Cherie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN AMAZING STORY LOVED IT. THIS SERIES IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.
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