Protective Love

The King Series #2

by Mia Sian

I've always been the protector.
It's in my nature.
I was trained for it, and I believed I was somehow destined for it.
After almost dying and then waking up from a month long coma, the imminent threat was gone and everyone had moved on, meaning I was no longer the sole protector of my cousin.
The intruding feeling of loss, along with having to stay in a hospital bed while I recover, would've been painstakingly miserable if it wasn't for her—the beautiful brunette nurse who'd been appointed as my carer.
She piqued my interest immediately, and I found myself wanting to stay put, eager to spend every waking second in her presence, along with wanting to unveil the dark past she's running from, and the secrets she's trying to keep hidden.

Genres: Mafia Romance

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2025

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️/1.5🌶️

This was such a cute slow-burn, light mafia romance, and my first Mia book! 💕

Jaylen and Rory were just adorable. I loved how the second Jay heard Rory’s voice, he was done for and his internal monologues were so 🤌🏼. That's what I want in my MCs!

The plot was nice, the swoony moments had me grinning like an idiot, and the pacing was just right, plus the side characters really intrigued me 👀

Now I have to read Sophia’s story because if it’s anything like this one, I’m going to love it too!

[Rosezita Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story captivated me from the first page. I loved learning slowly about Jaylen & Rory. I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding Rory's past. And Jaylen's first words - can we say WOW! 🔥  This was a fun, fast read, and it kept my interest throughout! I loved not only the protectiveness Jaylen had for Rory but also her protectiveness of him. I also loved that he respected her enough to make her own decisions. This was my first read by this author, but I will read more of her work. 

Thank you to Mia for giving me an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion and review. 

[Steph Peaches · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the King series! This was a story about Jaylen and Rory but I love the heavy appearance of Sophia and Kaleb (from book 1) throughout the story, it flows so well from the first and we get a glimpse at how their relationship has progressed. We get to see that friendship that Jaylen and Sophia lovingly developed continue into this second book. In my opinion, You definitely have to read the first story to really appreciate this second book.

Now, over to Jaylen and Rory’s story… Jaylen is in a coma but very much aware of his surroundings when he hears her, a voice that soothes his precious soul. It picks up from there and we get to see this relationship develop. Jaylens recovery wasn’t rushed, I liked how most of the story took place in the hospital. While it took me a while to work Rory out, I was so taken by gentle Jaylen. The way he just listened to Rory and let her make her own decisions even though he didn’t agree, he never tried to change her or sway her choices. He is a top tier book boyfriend… I can just picture that boyish smile with the dimples!

This book was definitely more of a light mafia romance, a slow burn but my gosh when the spice hits it hits!!!! The story was easy to follow, there was no ‘extras’ to pack the story out. It was simply a couple meet, they fall in love but there’s just one problem that needs tackling, that’s it! I read this book in two sittings, it was so addictive! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Mia Sian for allowing me to arc a second time, I was really looking forward to it and it didn’t disappoint. 💜

Can we have Jericho’s story now please!?!

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so fortunate to read Mia’s debut, a book on my trophy shelf & I have a sneaky suspicion that book two in 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 will be joining it. I adore this story!! It follows Jaylen, one of my favourite characters from #1.

I was immersed in this story of the blond bodyguard/second-in-command of the notorious King family Mafia & his sweet, innocent & smut loving nurse (he feels holds a secret). Attraction is almost instant but they hold back, instead sharing stories & him watching her read. Eventually their restraint breaks with a somewhat unexpected climax! But then Rory’s past catches up with her…

Jaylen’s internal monologues during his recovery were hilarious! For a man who lives to gossip & has series FOMO, lack of communication was very frustrating! The dynamic between the two works brilliantly as well as the side character interactions. I can’t wait to see what the next book in this fabulous series will bring!!

[Romi Tolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC READ REVIEW

What a book this is I was in a heavy reading slump until I got to read this book arc I was immediately hooked from page 1 I was sold on this book Mia wrote this so beautifully and well and wonderfully that you want to keep reading every chance I had I took

if you like hooked from page one then you need to read this rory and jaylen will forever be in my heart what a joy this was

💙 Mafia
💙 stalker ex
💙 nurse fmc
💙 slow burn ( worth it )
💙 forced proximity
💙 he falls first

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me forget I was reading - I love Rory, I love how even though she went through hell she still managed to bounce back, move from Ireland to England and make a new life for herself. She needed jaylen. And she was just wanted jaylen wanted…

“Maybe my new purpose is to be there for her and help her through everything that’s troubling her”

Jaylen and Sophia’s relationship is everything. How she was there with him in the hospital, to every step of the way with helping Rory, to jaylen coming home.

“Hang tight? Is she kidding me? I can’t fucking move”

Miss Mia is now on my list of authors who if they write it, I’ll read it. This books a 4.5 ⭐️ and I will definitely be rereading at some point.

[Nicola (nicolas_books_uk) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaylen and Rory are just so cute together, I just can’t!

I really need more of these two, but also I need more Jaylen and Kaleb; those two are hilarious!!

A 2025 must-read book!

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading Mia Sian which I’ve enjoyed myself.

This book is so well written. It have light mafia touch with slow burn romance. Cinnamon roll MMC who always protects what’s his. Won’t be disappointed with this one. Give it a try

[Danielle Hughes-Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ARC Review - 4.5 Stars ⭐️

Tropes -
🩵 Dark Romance
💙 Protective MMC
🩵 Stalker Ex
💙 Mafia
🩵 He falls first and harder
💙 Slow Burn
🩵 Nurse FMC
💙 Forced Proximity

This book had me hooked from the very first page and right up until the last page. It was definitly a lighter kind of dark romance but still had some more sensitive subjects included, which were executed brilliantly. The slow burn, angst and the chemistry was sizzling between the MC’s. This book was beautifully written by Mia and was a joy to read.

I was captivated by Aurora/Rory’s and Jaylens story. the protectiveness he felt for her from the start and vice versa how protective she was of him too really was breathtaking. Obsessed with this book!! I really loved reading it.

[Emmalee Burford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed with Jaylin is a understatement


Third act “break” she tells him they have to call off their relationship (he doesn’t know this but it’s because she’s scared her ex will hurt him) while apart she still has a driver from his family business (Leo he has a scar on his face and he forms a friendship with Rory) she realizes her ex breaks into her apartment by writing on her mirror and she immediately calls Jaylin him and Kaleb(first book) come
They get shot at and she ends up moving to their house (her and Sophia become besties)

Very confused what’s happening with Jess (Jaylin’s twin sister) and who Scott is but he sounds sketch

The ending is Dom (Jaylin cousin/sophia brother) wedding day where he is dreading marrying the arrangement bride I’m not sure we have met her yet

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This was such a fun, slow-burn mafia romance with the perfect mix of romance, spice, and emotions❤️Jaylen had me laughing with his dramatic internal monologues and falling for his soft, protective side. Rory was strong and guarded, but their connection felt so natural and sweet. I loved the found family vibes and the bread crumbs hinting at future stories 🫣 Which btw, i need the next book immediately 😂🖤 All in all, it was an easy amazing read! Mia has such a great writing style that keeps you hooked and want to read this in one sitting!

[Holli Pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!! I loved the paitent/nurse trope!!
couldn't put it down! can't wait to find out if theres more in the series!!

[Bethany Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪻Protective love🪻
~ARC review~

I just want to start by saying, that this was such an amazing read and experience and that is all thanks to the amazing Mia. Honestly being able to speak to her as I was reading this made this whole experience beyond words can describe.

Now if you are looking for a light mafia read, with spice, banger, angst and thrills? The kings series is for you!!

Now to the really good stuff! I LOVED this storyline, we meet Jaylen our mmc in book 1 and honestly I fell in love with his character! He is such a fun and loveable character that has been portrayed so well in both books but I especially loved getting more of him! Now yes this man, despite being in the mafia gives some series golden retriever vibes and I was here for it from the absolute start! But don’t be fooled by this man because my oh my, will he go to bat for those he cares about and that kicks up a notch when he meets our fmc Rory!
Now baring in mind Jaylen hears Rory before he ever sees her? This man was done for after hearing her voice alone! Rory is the nurse assigned to helping Jaylen recover from an accident and oh boy is this man perceptive, because he can sense from the get go that this girl who puts on a brave face is hiding from something. And he will do whatever it takes to protect her!
I also loved Rory’s character, after the troubles she has faced for the past 5 years, she is ready for a fresh start and to put the past behind her till it is safe for her to get back home! She is strong and absolutely determined that she can protect herself with no one’s help. But the more she gets to know not just Jaylen but the whole king family? She soon learns to realise that she had their love and protection before she ever realised she could let people into her life and help her share the burden!

Honestly I loved how this story progressed, I love the little snippets we are getting from the side characters along the way which opens this series up to the possibility of more to come and girl we need a Leo and a miles book 😉 because you know I am so intrigued! And one thing that makes these books so good? The banter and oh wow the love hate bromance between Kaleb and Jaylen? I freaking love it!
Mia, thank you so much for this opportunity and please… sign me right up for what’s coming next because i am OBSESSED!!❤️

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

💗Light Mafia Romance
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
🥸Sta1ker (not MMC)
💪🏻Protective Cinnamon Roll MMC
❤️‍🩹Comfort/Healing/Recovery
🫂Forced Proximity

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶

This hits the spot for an easy, light toned mafia romance. I would've liked more heft in the characters' emotional states, back stories, angst, etc. There just never felt like any tension or suspense. But this is clearly meant to be light.

A nurse (Rory) in hiding helping the recovering second in command to the local London mafia family (Jaylen).

Jaylen's injuries from a car wreck (as acting bodyguard to his cousin) have left him needing physical therapy after a month long coma. I did want to know more about the injuries he sustained, why the coma, the effects on his body after a month in coma etc. He's also feeling lost as to his place and role in the family since he's been out of commission and Rory helps him to refocus, work on getting better, and lifts his spirits.

He's naturally a vibrant and sunshiny kind of person, so his flirtations were always on the sweet side and I loved him immediately! I could never get a handle on their ages but they act like early twenties. Physicality descriptions were too minimal for me.

Rory's details of being in hiding were not a surprise narratively (on the thin side) but it added the fearful aspect to her, in not wanting to get to close to anyone in case her ex would find and hurt them.

This isn't deeply dramatic or emotionally explorative (and it felt predictable) but it's a great way to dip into mafia if you're curious. Very low stakes, safe read. But too "easy" of a read for my taste and only scratches surface of characters.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

I rolled my eyes way too much, I don't even know why I finished this. Does it deserve a low rating from me when it's my own fault for continuing to read something I wasn't enjoying.

I like OTT dangerous drama and I even like insta-love (when it's an instant spark not when they're declaring love for each other after mere days of meeting) so those things didn't bother me. It was the absurdity of the FMC throwing herself onto the MMC's lap when he's being wheeled back into the room by his sister. FMC is his nurse and he's recovering from a coma. When she gets off his lap, he pulls himself from the wheelchair onto the bed, fluffs his own pillow!! And then settles himself on the hospital bed.

Because nothing says romance like a nurse and her coma recovering patient dry humping until they both come. Then she leaves so she can clean herself up.. what about him?! His nurse just left him with a cum covered gown for someone else to clean up?!? What?!

Why do authors insist on writing intense injuries into their story if they're going to ignore the impact of those injuries just so the characters can have sex?!?! Whyyyy 😭

[Angela Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protective Love is a slow burn but fast paced romance book that has you hooked from page one.

Jaylen is the second in command to Dominic and Sophia his cousins bodyguard. After Jaylen is in a car accident he ends up in a month long Coma. Rory is on the run from her abusive ex and becomes Jaylen's nurse. As Jaylen begins to wake up from his coma, he becomes smitten with Rory. She things he is handsome, but she's cared and on the run so she tries to avoid her feelings.

When Rory's ex finds her she turns to Jaylen for help. He vows to protect her and make her his.

[Marie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

@authormiasian, can I please be Jaylen Kings darling??

I absolutely loved this book. It has it all. The banter between Kaleb and Jaylen was point, I just adore those two together! I just love the men in this series, I mean, Kaleb and Jaylen? What's not to love!! Now very kindly, I NEED the next one because you can't leave this book like that!!

[C. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, it was the perfect second book of the series and Jaylen did not disappoint!
He was the star of the show and his relationship and banter with Kaleb was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Another great book from Mia Sian!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new instant read author for 2025. I loved this book and cannot wait for more from Mia. 💕

[Lova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was really cute and Jaylen is definitely a sweetheart and not your classic rugged and coldhearted mafia mmc which was refreshing and appreciated


3,5⭐️

[chanreads 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very cute lovey dovey book! loved some of the lines & tropes, and the characters are vv likeable & makes me wanna read their books too 😛

[Alice Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start tbh, I fucking adored every second of this book. No matter how many times I read it, I couldn’t get enough. And I’ve this about three times 😭 but every time it consumed it. I couldn’t get enough, I don’t think I ever will.

From page one I was hooked, like genuinely. It’s one of those books that makes you forget about anything and everything that’s hurting you. The characters are truly incredible, well know how much I love Jaylen, he’s my 2nd baby (Kaleb is still number 1) but I love him almost as much. He’s literally Joey and you’ll never convince me otherwise.

Despite everything he still always finds a reason to smile and make those around him smile. Yes him being in a coma hurt, ofc it did, but I loved watching him slowly fall for Rory. And watching her fall for him, was everything and more.

I loved that him and Kaleb still found a way to get in each other’s nerves and it was fucking hilarious. And I can’t not mention the flowers 🥹 cutest shit ever Idc.

I cannot WAIT to learn more about Leo, his scar, and the girl that gave it to him. (More importantly why she did 👀)

If I say anymore I’ll spoil the whole book so I’m gonna stfu for once but go read it cause I need to talk about it!!

I’m ever so sorry for the delay in my review 🤍