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Dark Protector
He says he’s saved me from a fate worse than death. But all I see is a future that was stolen from me.
Six months ago, my father promised me to the Bratva heir. My hand in marriage was meant to bridge the violence between our two families–Italian and Russian, mafia and Bratva–and bring peace.
Then my father died.
Now my godfather is my guardian. He believes the Bratva are ruthless animals, cruel and brutal, and that giving me over to them is signing my death warrant. So on my wedding day, he makes a fateful decision.
He takes me for himself.
Now I’m wed to the man who vowed to protect me. Who I vowed to love, honor, and obey. But there’s no honor in what he’s done. I can’t love a man who ruined my life. And obey him?
Never.
But our marriage bed can’t stay cold forever. And when forbidden desire finds its way into our marriage, I’m left with a choice.
I can hate the man who shattered my fantasy–or fall for my dark savior.
Dark Protector is a full-length standalone that can be enjoyed in one sitting!
Six months ago, my father promised me to the Bratva heir. My hand in marriage was meant to bridge the violence between our two families–Italian and Russian, mafia and Bratva–and bring peace.
Then my father died.
Now my godfather is my guardian. He believes the Bratva are ruthless animals, cruel and brutal, and that giving me over to them is signing my death warrant. So on my wedding day, he makes a fateful decision.
He takes me for himself.
Now I’m wed to the man who vowed to protect me. Who I vowed to love, honor, and obey. But there’s no honor in what he’s done. I can’t love a man who ruined my life. And obey him?
Never.
But our marriage bed can’t stay cold forever. And when forbidden desire finds its way into our marriage, I’m left with a choice.
I can hate the man who shattered my fantasy–or fall for my dark savior.
Dark Protector is a full-length standalone that can be enjoyed in one sitting!
Audible Audio
Published October 7, 2024
190 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books409 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 6, 2024
3,5 stars
Tropes : mafia romance, age gap (22years), forced marriage, father’s best friend
Ending : HEA
Triggers : violence, attempted SA, abuse, 💀 of parents
Spice : 🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OM (an ex fiancee and a guy h flirted with)
Intimacy details: virgin h, rough sex, oral, period sex
Standalone/Series : standalone
Hero : Salvatore Morelli (40)
Heroine: Gia D’Amelio/Morelli (18)
The age gap was quite huge on this one. Moreover she was only 18 and Salvatore was 40 which if I want to be critical, disgusting.
He knew her since she was a kid because he was her father’s right hand man and because her dad died, the whole mafia was inherited to him.
Usually I won’t read any book that have age gap more than 18 years between the MCs but in this one, at least he wasn’t a creep and not secretly in love with her before she was legal.
At first they were at each other throats’. Gia was being hateful towards Salvatore because he ‘stole’ her from her beloved fiancee. Salvatore believed the fiancee was a creep and wouldn’t treat her nicely so he decided to marry her instead.
He intended the marriage to be clinical one or more like a way to protect her rather than being intimate with her like normal marriage would be.
Slowly he started to feel things towards her, mainly lust, which wasn’t what he supposed to feel towards his goddaughter.
Gia was pretty spoiled as a mafia princess and she was so hung up on the ex fiancee and always being difficult towards Salvatore, keep telling him he was old as an insult.
On the wedding night he broke her hymen by fingering her and left her alone after that. They only had sex when it reached 65% of the book I think. He always felt guilty about his feelings towards her and she always pushed him to sleep with her. It seemed sad that Gia basically beg for his attention.
This book was quite draggy, the main focus was the build up of their relationship which 90% instigated by Gia and them arguing.
The ending was okay, their love confession was so so. At least I managed to finish this albeit after quite some time.
Tropes : mafia romance, age gap (22years), forced marriage, father’s best friend
Ending : HEA
Triggers : violence, attempted SA, abuse, 💀 of parents
Spice : 🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OM (an ex fiancee and a guy h flirted with)
Intimacy details: virgin h, rough sex, oral, period sex
Standalone/Series : standalone
Hero : Salvatore Morelli (40)
Heroine: Gia D’Amelio/Morelli (18)
The age gap was quite huge on this one. Moreover she was only 18 and Salvatore was 40 which if I want to be critical, disgusting.
He knew her since she was a kid because he was her father’s right hand man and because her dad died, the whole mafia was inherited to him.
Usually I won’t read any book that have age gap more than 18 years between the MCs but in this one, at least he wasn’t a creep and not secretly in love with her before she was legal.
At first they were at each other throats’. Gia was being hateful towards Salvatore because he ‘stole’ her from her beloved fiancee. Salvatore believed the fiancee was a creep and wouldn’t treat her nicely so he decided to marry her instead.
He intended the marriage to be clinical one or more like a way to protect her rather than being intimate with her like normal marriage would be.
Slowly he started to feel things towards her, mainly lust, which wasn’t what he supposed to feel towards his goddaughter.
Gia was pretty spoiled as a mafia princess and she was so hung up on the ex fiancee and always being difficult towards Salvatore, keep telling him he was old as an insult.
On the wedding night he broke her hymen by fingering her and left her alone after that. They only had sex when it reached 65% of the book I think. He always felt guilty about his feelings towards her and she always pushed him to sleep with her. It seemed sad that Gia basically beg for his attention.
This book was quite draggy, the main focus was the build up of their relationship which 90% instigated by Gia and them arguing.
The ending was okay, their love confession was so so. At least I managed to finish this albeit after quite some time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
gave-up-on
June 2, 2024I tried. There was way too much OM drama for me. Onto the next book 💃🏻💃🏻
July 9, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Finished it. It was really good. Liked how heroine didn't give in so easily, she had a bit of a backbone. Hero was genuinely protective of heroine. Since this is kinda forbidden romance, where hero was her godfather, I would have enjoyed to read a little more about that forbidden love BUT THAT'S JUST ME. I'm a sucker for forbidden romance, though I understand why it was brushed over, I mean heroine at one point saw him as someone who was just there lol.
"Once upon a time, I liked him well enough, even if I didn’t pay very much attention to him. He was my godfather and my father’s best friend, a fixture in our lives, but one that I didn’t give much more consideration to than any other fixture. Like furniture that’s always there, until you forget about it, or a painting you don’t notice any longer."
Also liked how heroine wasn't obsessed with hero from a young age. It seems I always read about heroine lusting over the "hero" when the guy doesn't even pay attention to them. So this was a nice change of read.
Finished it. It was really good. Liked how heroine didn't give in so easily, she had a bit of a backbone. Hero was genuinely protective of heroine. Since this is kinda forbidden romance, where hero was her godfather, I would have enjoyed to read a little more about that forbidden love BUT THAT'S JUST ME. I'm a sucker for forbidden romance, though I understand why it was brushed over, I mean heroine at one point saw him as someone who was just there lol.
"Once upon a time, I liked him well enough, even if I didn’t pay very much attention to him. He was my godfather and my father’s best friend, a fixture in our lives, but one that I didn’t give much more consideration to than any other fixture. Like furniture that’s always there, until you forget about it, or a painting you don’t notice any longer."
Also liked how heroine wasn't obsessed with hero from a young age. It seems I always read about heroine lusting over the "hero" when the guy doesn't even pay attention to them. So this was a nice change of read.
June 4, 2024
Wow what a shocker of a book but so good!!
When her Italian Mafia father dies, Gia who is promised to the Bratva in marriage, is saved by marriage to her Godfather, Salvatore. She rues the day he ruined her life.
To say Gia is angry at Salvatore is putting it mildly. Their relationship is frosty and full of friction from the start and she truly doesn't want to deal with all the marriage holds but knows she can't avoid it.
Their relationship evolves though, as it heats up and eventually we warn to both characters especially Salvatore who is hard to like initially.
Very well written and a true testament to this authors writing ability. Her characters are wild and their decisions have consequences. It's a plot full of action, drama, danger and suspense with a touch of romance.
Very well done and I can't wait for more!! So good!!
When her Italian Mafia father dies, Gia who is promised to the Bratva in marriage, is saved by marriage to her Godfather, Salvatore. She rues the day he ruined her life.
To say Gia is angry at Salvatore is putting it mildly. Their relationship is frosty and full of friction from the start and she truly doesn't want to deal with all the marriage holds but knows she can't avoid it.
Their relationship evolves though, as it heats up and eventually we warn to both characters especially Salvatore who is hard to like initially.
Very well written and a true testament to this authors writing ability. Her characters are wild and their decisions have consequences. It's a plot full of action, drama, danger and suspense with a touch of romance.
Very well done and I can't wait for more!! So good!!
August 4, 2024
It was too short.We don't really find out anything about the characters except that Gia really loves her fiancé and that her father spoiled her and that Salvatore was her father's consigliere and now the capo and also Gia's Godfather (who apparently doesn't know why Gia was arranged to marry into the Russians for peace?). And it made me uncomfortable every time he called her a child or referred to as childish because he does view her in a sexual light. Stop making women at the age where they are at the brink of adulthood. Making Gia 20 or slightly older would serve the same purpose and she could still be naive to the ways of the mafia.
What I did like is that Gia used Salvatore's money with no qualms. It's very annoying when the women are like "I can't use his money because [insert moral reasons], even though he's my husband and a millionaire and I don't work."
What I did like is that Gia used Salvatore's money with no qualms. It's very annoying when the women are like "I can't use his money because [insert moral reasons], even though he's my husband and a millionaire and I don't work."
Read
April 29, 2025I liked this book soooooo much more than the first one in the series. We have an age gap mafia romance with enemies to lovers type vibes. Gia's father dies and has her promised to be married to the Bratva, but her god father is having none of that and saves the day buy marrying her instead to keep her safe. But Gia doesn't see it as him saving they day, she despises him for ruining her wedding. She wanted love and passion and Salvatore sees his marriage to her as his job. And boy does it show. I was angry right along side her. The tension was tensioning hard though. She hated to want him and he refused to let himself have her. This was definitely a wild ride but i enjoyed every second of it.
June 2, 2024
I loved this book! I loved the storyline and the characters so much. I was enthralled in this story, the battle between Salvatore and his honour was un believably gut wrenching! I mean at one point, as I soaked in the tub and I read how Gia wanted a physical relationship with her husband, and he said” this is about duty, not desire” I thought oh hell no! I was quite angry with him! But I continued their story and I am so glad I did! It has so much going for it, and for those of you who enjoy reading about age gap romance, read this! You won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and very gladly leave this review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and very gladly leave this review.
August 16, 2024
This book is really a Prequel to the Dark Temptation series. But you don’t necessarily have to read it first. I didn’t but I have to admit, by the end of the book, a few things in Dark Temptation made more sense.
Gia is so young. She has no idea about marriage or love and has a naive, romantic POV. Salvatore is almost 20 years older and, while focused on protecting her, is stunted when it comes to relationships. Kind of a recipe for disaster. There is a slow burn but I honestly didn’t feel the heat between these two.
The book was good, but not great.
Gia is so young. She has no idea about marriage or love and has a naive, romantic POV. Salvatore is almost 20 years older and, while focused on protecting her, is stunted when it comes to relationships. Kind of a recipe for disaster. There is a slow burn but I honestly didn’t feel the heat between these two.
The book was good, but not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
Gia wants the fairytale marriage!
Gia has been looking forward to her marriage to the Bratva heir, Pyotr since they signed the contract. She feels like this will be a great match, a marriage of equality and love. Too bad her guardian, Salvatore does not trust the Bratva and he is sure they are going to hurt Gia so he stops the wedding and takes her for himself to keep her safe. Will this be a war or a marriage????
Gia has been looking forward to her marriage to the Bratva heir, Pyotr since they signed the contract. She feels like this will be a great match, a marriage of equality and love. Too bad her guardian, Salvatore does not trust the Bratva and he is sure they are going to hurt Gia so he stops the wedding and takes her for himself to keep her safe. Will this be a war or a marriage????
June 6, 2024
Gia was annoying
Okay, I love M James books, they are really good... but this girl was annoying...and so was he at the honeymoon...I cried with Gia I swear!!!! I felt for her!!! I read this book in one sitting and couldn't put it down...I am not sure if I'll read it again soon...cause they both made me so angry...but it's a keeper for sure
Okay, I love M James books, they are really good... but this girl was annoying...and so was he at the honeymoon...I cried with Gia I swear!!!! I felt for her!!! I read this book in one sitting and couldn't put it down...I am not sure if I'll read it again soon...cause they both made me so angry...but it's a keeper for sure
September 4, 2024
Trust
For some reason the Bratva can't be trusted. Power and $$$$ are everything. Women are meant to be used when needed and have no say! Hate that! 18 year olds are full of surprises as Salvatore found out. He got a big surprise! You go girl.
For some reason the Bratva can't be trusted. Power and $$$$ are everything. Women are meant to be used when needed and have no say! Hate that! 18 year olds are full of surprises as Salvatore found out. He got a big surprise! You go girl.
March 8, 2025
The plot had so much promise, but it ended up lacking. Pivotal moments were summarized in a few sentences. I read via audiobook and the narrator was computer-generated. It was difficult to follow during character dialogue because the voice/tone stayed the same.
June 9, 2024
Review
Great story with strong characters and lots of drama. As Salvatore and Gia work towards a future, they are not prepared for the danger that comes but welcome the love.
Great story with strong characters and lots of drama. As Salvatore and Gia work towards a future, they are not prepared for the danger that comes but welcome the love.
July 14, 2024
I loved it.
September 18, 2024
I love this author, and I loved the premise. The protagonist was kind of bratty, and the hero was a bit too . . . soft?
All things considered, a fine read.
All things considered, a fine read.
November 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Really enjoyed
Really enjoyed
December 18, 2024
I love the book but Gia wouldn’t shut up I was even telling the hero to just go ahead and fuck her
August 18, 2025
2*
Was expecting darker but it's all very PC.
Was expecting darker but it's all very PC.
September 27, 2025
oh wow
Oh my god what a rollercoaster of a book this was , with her sheltered life to the way things turn out, will she get all she dreams about
Oh my god what a rollercoaster of a book this was , with her sheltered life to the way things turn out, will she get all she dreams about
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews