Her Dark Protector

Bonded in Blood #3

by Katelyn Brehm

GINA

For over half a century, he’s watched me from the shadows. With each hour we’re held prisoner, temptation draws me closer to my dark protector.

The Shaughnessys know our secret. They’ve allied with the feds to destroy the Italian Mafia and prove we’re blood demons. To prevent a war and protect our people, we plan our escape.

But Vito Balistreri—the infamous Valenzano enforcer—is an apex predator whose ruthless energy awakens my primal instincts, enticing the deviant parts of myself I buried long ago.

I have to remain in control, because what no one knows is that I’m just as deadly.

VITO

Power. Passion. Restraint. She’s the light in my darkness. I failed her once. I won’t fail her again.

War is brewing, and we’re on the front lines of the first battle. Against the Irish mob. Against the feds. Against anyone who’d persecute our people.

They don’t know it yet, but the men who kidnapped us are already dead. It’s just a matter of time.

I wait for the right moment to strike, because I can’t risk her safety. I’ve loved Gina DeVita for over half her life; I’ll do anything to protect her. Even if she thinks I’m a monster.

******

HER DARK PROTECTOR is the third book in the Bonded in Blood quartet. Each Paranormal Mafia Romance ends with an HEA, but the books are closely interconnected with an overarching series-wide plot.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

Katelyn Brehm writes steamy Paranormal and Mafia Romance with mature characters and contemporary settings deeply rooted in our real world. Kat is a second-generation German-American and native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When she's not reading and writing or working on her vintage Romance cover and stepback collection, she works as an aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Kat lives in Pasadena, California with her husband and two cats, Mini Wheat and Pepper.

Reviews

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I’m not sure how these books keep getting better and better with each one but I am HERE FOR IT. This one is going down as my favourite from the series (so far) and it had me laughing, screaming, crying, and SWOONING. I love Vito and Gina so so much. Their story was beautiful. FULL RTC

_______________________

When Katelyn Brehm asks you to read her book early, you say yes. I had nothing more than a blurb to go off (plus the ending of Vendetta) with Vito and Gina’s story.. and boy oh boyyyyy was I in for a wild ride.

**These books should be read in order to best understand the plot lines. The relationships are their own, but the plot continues on throughout the series so certain parts from previous books will be important to know.

This book picks right back up where book 2 ended, and includes a heartbreaking, lovely past and present timeline to help you understand some of Vito and Gina’s twisted past. This is not a second chance romance, these two have been friends and colleagues for years, never more than that.

Truly this book was exciting, fun, hot hot hot, suspenseful, sad, and just all over a great time to read. I felt every emotion with these two, and they had me on the edge of my seat till the very end.

I just have to add in here that Katelyn can write something like a necessary FEED and make it sound hot. Daddy Vito™️ is SO DELICIOUS. And this man knows just what to say ALL THE TIME. His growly, possessive nature just really was the icing on the bloody demon cake. My FAVOURITE MMC so far! 🥵

A truly beautiful story about accepting yourself, learning to love yourself, and opening yourself up to love others for exactly who they are. For Vito, it was much the same. Accepting who you are and knowing your worth. It was beautiful to experience and read.

I am obsessed with these blood demons. I have been, and will continue to be. I can’t wait to see what KB has in store for me next because it’s promised to be HUGE. I can’t wait. These books will forever be something I took a chance on outside of my usual genre, and I don’t even want to think about having not read / listened to them.

**Please check TWs on this one as some topics may be triggering for you. They are listed on the authors website.

🥊 Secret Bodyguard
🩸 Mafia Princess
🥊 Hurt/Comfort
🩸 Unrequited Love
🥊 Danger Bang 🥵
🩸 Blood Demons (Not Vampires)
🥊 One Bed
🩸 Feeding that feels like F*cking

[Tara ✨booksbeersbattlestargalactica✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me shout it from the rooftops!
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ THIS 👏🏻 WAS 👏🏻 SO 👏🏻 GOOD 👏🏻
Gina and Vito are everything!! I absolutely loved their dynamic and the slow burn, tension filled, desire was palpable. 🤌🏻🥵🫠 The spice in this one was quite exhilarating, very dangerous, and so so sexy. The vibes were dark, intense, and downright addictive. And who doesn’t love a good kidnapping?!? 😝

Huge thank you to Kat for sending me the ARC of Her Dark Protector! I swear every time I read one of your books I think “okay THIS is my favorite”… and then you go and top it again. So obviously this is officially my new fave ♥️ If Kat writes it, I’m going to read it. No questions asked. Never disappointed.

If you like dark romance with:
🖤 ᴍᴀꜰɪᴀ
🩸 ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɴꜱ
🔥 ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
♥️ ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
🌶️ ᴛᴏᴘ ᴛɪᴇʀ ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ
You absolutely should read this one!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Her Dark Protector✨ by Katelyn Brehm
Book 3 in the Bonded in Blood series

Spice Level: 🔥🔥/5

Besties… this one is mafia AND blood demons. Do I need to say more?
I’m so freaking glad I saw @ceelovesbooks recommend this series. I’ve devoured the first two books of the series in one go and was then lucky enough to receive an ARC for this one.
Vito has been Gina’s secret bodyguard for ages (literally) and has always felt drawn to her. Gina was a wild child in her early twenties, but a traumatic incident made her shut down this carefree side of her and she has ever since lived the lie of the boring, buttoned up and sophisticated lady.
The two of them go through a LOT of traumatic events together in this book and that’s pretty much all I’m going to say because I don’t want to spoil anything. All that brings them close together, but Gina has to make the decision if she’s willing to bury her past once and for all in order to have the future she deserves with the man who loves her fiercely.
I totally fell in love with Katelyn’s writing style! The character arc she created for Gina really was a beautiful thing to see and had my heart aching so many times throughout the book. And the spice… omg the spice!! Two blood demons with supernatural strength going at it?! Do I need to say more? I want more more more!
If you’re into mafia romance with a splash of paranormal, this whole series is a must read.
I can’t wait for the next and final book!

I received an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[dark read girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
I’m officially calling it—Vito Balistreri just ruined every other book boyfriend for me. 💀🖤

After the first two books, I thought I knew what to expect, but Katelyn Brehm just went and leveled up everything. This story is freaking intense and so gritty that I forgot to breathe half the time.

We finally get the full story of Vito and Gina, and let me tell you—the 50-year-old tension between them is enough to make you lose your mind. Vito is the ultimate shadow; he’s been protecting Gina forever, but it’s not that "sweet" kind of protection. It’s dark, it’s primal, and it’s a little bit terrifying. He’s a total predator when it comes to her, and I am here for every second of it!

Gina isn’t just a "mafia princess" waiting to be saved. She’s got teeth. She’s spent her life in this dangerous world, and she’s just as deadly and stubborn as the men around her. Seeing her push Vito to his limits was my favorite part.

Tropes you’ll find here:

Mafia (Italian)

Secret Bodyguard

Mafia Princess

Unrequited Love

Hurt & Comfort

Lots of Danger

Paranormal Romance

Blood Demons

The spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️—it’s raw, it’s gritty, and the payoff is everything. I went in blind and came out completely obsessed. If you want a book that’s going to make you stay up all night, this is the one.

Katelyn, thanks for this story. After Vito, I am officially and completely fallen for the Blood Demons world! 🩸🔥

[Debra Ludlow-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the Bonded in Blood series and it just gets better! I am actually unhinged after finishing this. Fully feral. This book set something off in my brain and I’m not even a little bit sorry about it and thank you Katelyn.

Her Dark Protector had me hooked immediately and I was ready to continue the story of the Blood Demons world. This book felt a little different (but in a very good way) and tension is constant and there’s this underlying sense of danger and high stakes that never lets up. It’s a book where I said ‘just one more chapter’ and suddenly it was getting light outside again. Oops!

And the characters?? I’m obsessed.. it’s different this time with two blood demons with a longer history and I love this.

Vito Balistreri is that MMC we all want. His dark, possessive, morally grey to the core and his devotion to Gina is on another level. It’s not soft or gentle… it’s intense, all consuming and very much ‘I will burn the world down for you and not lose a second of sleep over it’ vibes. The way he watches and protects her, how he chooses her over and over again?? Absolutely feral behaviour that had me feral. He doesn’t fight what he feels for her, no he leans into it and it makes every scene with him just so good.

And Gina holds her own in a way I loved. She’s such a strong character in herself and she doesn’t just fall into step! No, she questions, pushes back and makes Vito work (hard) for that connection. Their dynamic feels hard earned and not forced which is even better. They really feel like a power couple!

And their dynamic??? The push and pull, the tension, the constant sense of danger but they want it anyway… it’s everything. Their chemistry is intense from the start and only builds and builds. Every look and moment of closeness feels loaded.

The spice.. definitely on the higher side, as usual open door, emotionally charged and very much that obsessive connection and not just physical attraction. It’s not thrown in randomly and it fits the characters and amplifies their bond even higher.

I also love the world around them and other characters in the series all add to that gritty and dangerous atmosphere where loyalty and power are everything. If you read other books (and you should..in order) you’ll recognise some of them and it makes the story feel immersive and layered and not just focusing on the romance or blood demons alone.

What really stands out is the vibe that’s dark and tense as well as a little suffocating but in the best way. There’s always this sense that something is about to snap, and when it does, it does big time... be ready for the emotions!

If you’re into obsessively devoted, morally grey MMCs with strong FMCs who don’t just fall in line. Dark mafia romance with high tension and spice that actually means something… look no further as this will absolutely ruin you (and you’ll love every second of it).

Anyway, I’ll just be over here thinking about Vito’s devotion and making it everyone else’s problem.. I mean we should share right?

[Itzamary · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ARC REVIEW~

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

In this third book, although it was just as good as the previous ones, it felt very different to me. For me, it has been the best so far I think it hit me on a deeper level. While, like in the others, we still have mafia elements, what stood out the most to me was the acceptance journey of both characters, especially Gina. Also, this story felt more mature at least to me because of the themes it explores.

● For me, Gina had incredible growth. I loved seeing her in that “scolding mom” mode someone who worries about her family and helps everyone but also discovering her past, more rebellious, joyful, and mischievous side. Her acceptance journey made me emotional.

● I loved seeing Vito with Gina and noticing the difference between him with her and him as a consigliere and part of the mafia. Seeing how attentive and protective he always was, constantly helping her accept herself, and doing it all without expecting anything in return. And that moment when he realized he also deserved someone who would love him completely I feel like that was so necessary for his character growth.

I think the timeline of the story was perfect. I was able to understand the plot better thanks to the past perspectives. Maybe I would have liked to know a bit more about Vito’s past, although I don’t think it was necessary. The development of the story was perfect. I felt connected to the story and the characters the entire time. Learning more about the Blood Demons and their abilities was a plus. I think the spicy scenes were perfect not too much, not too little, but definitely hot and sensual.

I love everything about the foundation and the immigrant theme. I think it’s such an important topic that is rarely explored in books. I feel like this book will be a favorite for many not just because of the themes it touches on, but also because of the plot. You get a bit of everything here, and you’ll feel all the emotions. I’ll tell you later which scene was my favorite 😅👙🫣

Remember to always check your triggers before reading. This one felt a bit darker.

✨️Thanks, Kate, for writing all these incredible stories and giving me the opportunity to read and be part of it before everyone else

[Mother Of Dragons 86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

This book completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. Picking up right where the previous book left off. Dark, intense, and emotionally gripping, Vito and Gina’s story is a wild, addictive ride from beginning to end.

What makes this story stand out is their dynamic, this isn’t light vs dark, this is power meeting power. Two blood demons. Two predators. Equals in every sense. The chemistry between them is electric, raw, and impossible to ignore.
And the feeding…

The fact that they had to feed on each other to survive and regain strength added such a unique and intoxicating layer to their relationship. It was intimate, dangerous, and so addictive.
What truly elevated this story for me was the emotional depth. Watching their past and present unfold side by side, especially knowing Vito had been watching over her for years like a shadow, made everything hit so much harder. Every moment between them carried weight, history, and longing.

One of my favorite scenes was when Gina saved Vito from Rory, that moment was unforgettable. Watching her fully unleash the beast within her was powerful and thrilling. But Siobhán’s reaction? Absolutely heartbreaking. And Vinnie… I didn’t expect to feel so much for him, but I really did.

Vito completely stole the show for me. That obsessive, protective devotion, built over years of restraint and silent longing? Irresistible.
The only small drawback was the repeated emphasis on Gina being perfectly composed and elegant, it felt slightly overdone at times, especially during captivity, and some descriptions leaned a bit too wordy.

But overall, this book delivered everything : emotion, tension, passion, and darkness in the best way.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being abducted outside a deli in Boston, Gina finds herself locked in a remote cabin with the man who has been keeping her safe for over half a century. While she revisits memories of their shared past, they struggle to keep the truth of what they are from the Irishmen keeping them prisoner. But Gina hides more than just the secret about blood demons, behind her perfect facade is a darkness she has only let out once before, with devastating consequences.

For over 60 years, Vito has kept his promise to keep Gina safe, but now as they find themselves locked away in a remote cabin, that is easier said than done. She has always been the light in his darkness, the sole focus of his love and devotion, if only she could see who he is beyond what he does for her brother’s organization. While he has always known who she is deep down, she has locked it away, and he knows that in order to escape their current situation, she might need to let her darkness out.

I received an early copy of this book from the author, and just like the others in the series, I loved it! While their blood demon status is an important part of the storyline, I love that it is not the main part, and this book seemed to be more focused on the fact that despite this crucial part of them, they aren’t so fundamentally different from humans. It was clear in the previous books how much Vito has always cared for Gina, but here we got to see how much deeper their connection goes. His love for her knows no bounds, and his ability to love every part of her is the only thing that could force her to be true to herself, and save them both.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

🩸Blood Demons
💥Mafia Drama/Romance
❤️‍🩹Hurt/Comfort
❤️‍🔥He's Been Pining for Decades
⛓️Forced Proximity

Another stellar entry into the cinematic tinged paranormal mafia series! In this one we get such a beautiful way to discover Vito and Gina's past while also having it wrapped up in a ball of increasing drama and tension!

Vito is our dark protector, a confidant and friend to the DeVita family. He would do anything to uphold a promise, to keep Gina safe and to defend his friends. I love this man soooo much! He has such honor, but also respect for himself and knows all parts of him, demon and all, are worth loving too. There are shades of grey and that's ok.

Gina has to come to terms with a lot about herself, her nature, her past....and also come to realize the true feelings her stealthy bodyguard has harbored for her for decades.

I truly loved how we get flashbacks in this, as it kept the momentum pumping in a very kinetic way. And we see Marco and Luca and everyone else again and it just feels like the continuation of a grand family saga, frought with danger, suspense, and excitement! I loved getting hooked into such a strong plot and having the characters always the focus. It felt wholly original...the world, the mafia dealings and the unique history of our paranormally spun main characters. Yet even with that, they feel intensely human with their emotions; real and raw, wounded, and passionate.

Truly loved this couple and their love story that was a long time coming! I'm ready for the final chapter!

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good things going for it: gripping suspense, heart-stopping action (and a little bit of gore), delicious spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️), and of course, an addictive romance to swoon for. But more than that, what I enjoyed most about this book was that it was one man's story about his unconditional devotion to a woman he's loved for so long, and the FMC's own journey to loving her own self fully and unapologetically again.

The book makes us see how Vito, the MMC, has loved Gina right from the first moment they met, and all throughout more than a century without that love ever being made known, much mess reciprocated. We are also made to witness Gina's personal transformation from one version of herself that once brought her unfettered happiness and then ruin, to the version that she carefully curated and controlled so that the parts of herself she found shameful were buried. We see then how Vito's unconditional love and loyalty to her allowed her to finally realize that she can allow her true self to emerge again because all parts of her were important and worth loving. I love how despite the morally gray tones of the entire story, one message stood out: love's triumph over adversity makes it all worth it.

This series has been one amazing book after another. With a teaser on what the next book will be about, I can't wait to find out how the main characters in that book will achieve their own HEA and bring about the peace all blood demons aspire for.

I was granted a free and advanced review copy of this book. I offer this review voluntarily.

[Rikke's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Vito, you got my heart!

I have moved Katelyn’s Bonded in Blood series since the first book. I am so happy to finally see mature (40+) main characters. As much as I love the Romances that feature young love, and love in their 20s, there’s just something different once you pass 40.

Gina is like many women, maybe a bit wild in her youth but then takes on these unspoken expectations and tries to fit herself into a box that doesn’t quite fit and a bit too restrictive - she has good reasons, I completely understand her reaction. But for someone, who was so full of life, seeing them dull it is heartbreaking.

Vito, a man much older and life-weary, who has found purpose in protecting Gina - very bittersweet. I just wanted to give him a huge hug!

I love Katelyn’s world and how rooted it is, the locations and the fact that these first and second generation immigrants are speaking Italian - I think she has done a fantastic job to incorporate it and make it feel natural. I also know immigration is something that is dear and close to Katelyn as she has partnered with Immigration charities in the past - and it’s nice to see immigrants not being villified.

As always, I loved this story and I cried at several points. I can’t wait for book 4, it’s going to be a highly anticipated release for me.

If you’re into paranormal romance, Mafia romance and like mature couples, Katelyn is absolutely an author for you!

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Dark Protector picks up right where His Dark Vendetta ended - dealing with the aftermath of the deli shooting in Cosa Nostra territory, and the kidnapping of Gina and Vito.

Vito has been linked to the DeVita family for decades, as their confidant, consigliere, and friend. He has taken his duty to protect the family, and specifically Gina, seriously. Vito has an amazing amount of self-respect and love for himself, and knows what he is worthy of - blood demon and all.

Gina has been keeping parts of herself locked away for decades, leading to shame about her true identity. She has been the picture of poise and grace, and a loving sister, mother and friend, however she doesn’t extend the same kindness to herself.

During their in captivity, Vito keeps his vow to be her protector, but he also tries to help her find and own all the parts that she’s ashamed of. In time, Gina realizes she can fully embrace herself, and is worthy of love.

This book ... the hold it had on me while reading was intense. I have loved Gina throughout the first two books, and finally seeing parts of her past, helped me to understand her more. And Vito ... this man has my whole heart! I truly enjoyed seeing the story unfold between these two, with their history, and that they were both blood demons. Kat did a fantastic job - and I can’t wait for the audio to go live so I can relive the fear, tension, and those spicy scenes again!

5 stars ... all the way!!! Thank you, Kat for an advanced copy!

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW VITO! 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Damn, I think I’m in love! That man has been pining hard for so many years! And sweet mama Gina…girl I love you but I think she would have benefited from one of her own lectures! 😆

So our couple starts off as captives and our wonderfully handsome Vito is doing all he can to keep their secret and keep the woman he has loved for decades safe. Even though being a captive sucks, I honestly think it was the best thing that could happen to the 2 of them otherwise I feel like they would have continued on in their own obliviousness for forever. It kickstarted a very hard and eye-opening healing journey for our sweet mama Gina. She did kind of need this kick in the ass though. She had so much suppressed trauma that it probably would have eaten her alive eventually and I am so proud of her journey and the progress she made!

I honestly loved this story so much. The tension, the emotion and the plot twists had me hooked through the whole thing and I could not put it down. Where can I get me my own blood demon? 😉 Super excited for the next book. I have a feeling it will be very entertaining! Thank you Kat for letting me be a part of the team and get to enjoy all the blood demon dramatics!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️🌶️

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ARC review⭐
Katelyn, you have done it again!! Each book just gets even better.
I loved Vito and Gina so much. I love how they learned to move past their own past and live in the present and be happy with each other and themselves.
I read this book in 2 days, that's how good it was.
I love how the main characters from previous books are still very present in this book, because I am in love with all of them.

The book started off so strong, with Vito and Gina being held captive after being kidnapped by the Irish. That had me hooked instantly. And the stuff they went through while in captivity, and how they were strong for each other even when they wanted to give up? Ugh, perfection.
I thought it was sooo cute how Vito had been in love with Gina for so long, but he patiently waited for her to come to him and realize that.
And when they finally escaped the house, gah, that action was so intense. I nearly cried when Vinnie died though, he was such a great character 😭
But that ending of this book??! And I was Soo excited to see who the final book will be about!
All in all, this book was absolute perfection and I would recommend this series to everyone who loves dark paranormal romance.

[hopelessenglishlit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Bonded in Blood paranormal mafia romance series and my third ALC/ARC by Katelyn and honestly, she continues to blow me away every single time. Not only do I adore her as a person, but as a writer? Absolute genius.

I went into this series not knowing a single thing about what a “blood demon” was, but by the end of book one, I was completely hooked and craving more.

And let’s talk about this story… I needed Mama Gina and her broody, dark bodyguard’s book. The tension between them has always been there, quietly building in the background, and finally getting their story felt so rewarding. The emotional depth? Insane but expected, considering they’ve known each other for over 50 years 😂. A lifetime of history, loyalty, and unspoken feelings, with Vito basically swearing his life to protecting Gina by any means necessary.

Mama Gina and Vito are such powerful characters, and I think that’s what I love most about mature MMCs & FMCs. There’s something about their strength, their history, and the weight behind their choices that just makes everything feel deeper.

✨ I was definitely up until 3am more than once because I could not put this down. An emotional, intense, and completely consuming read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It is unique and has very interesting characters. With that being said, this 3rd installment picks up right where book 2 left off with Gina and Vito being kidnapped. In this book we get more of background into Vito and Gina. Let me tell you there is so much baggage to unload with these two.

In this book the stakes are higher and the danger is real. Lies, death and mayhem are loaded into this action packed book. Gina endures a lot and she will have to decide if she will embrace the life she wants or the partial life she has created for herself. Vito has some tough decisions of his own to make.

This book is filled with emotions, big and small. The blood, gore and torture are in full swing and you will need to be able to stomach it to read this one. I love Vito's character. He is strong, protective and loyal. He loves fiercely, yet secretly. Gina loves everyone and will sacrifice herself to save anyone. This book is a heart stopping thrill from beginning to end. The war is just beginning and it is about to get wild. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Will the Italians win this war or will blood demons become a thing of the past.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Her Dark Protector by Katelyn Brehm is a dark paranormal mafia romance filled with obsession, protection, tension, and dangerous loyalty.

The relationship between Gina and Vito carried so much intensity throughout the story. Vito’s protective nature mixed with his darker tendencies created such a strong emotional and romantic pull between them.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the constant tension between restraint and desire. Vito has loved Gina for years and would do absolutely anything to protect her, even when she questions who he truly is underneath the monster everyone else sees.

The paranormal elements combined with the mafia atmosphere also made the world feel darker and more immersive while adding higher emotional stakes to everything happening around the characters.

I also liked how both characters carried dangerous sides to themselves, which made the relationship feel balanced rather than one-sided.

Overall, Her Dark Protector is an addictive paranormal mafia romance filled with danger, loyalty, emotional tension, possessive protection, and strong chemistry throughout the story.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was, hands down, my favorite in the series, or at least it is so far. I loved the vibes from start to finish. The slow burn was executed perfectly. Y'all already know I'm a sucker for a slow burn, but this one had the perfect mix of tension, yearning, suspense, and passion. It never missed.

The FMC, Gina, I loved her balance so much. She’s strong, vulnerable, and grown—but still has that fire in her. That combo will always do it for me. Now Vito, the MMC… yeah, he got me. He is officially my favorite MMC in this series. The way he loves Gina? Yes, ma'am. But what really sealed it for me was how he knew he deserved love too. I love a man who stands on that.

And Kat adding the immigration aspect; that just gave the story even more depth.

Overall, this one just hit differently. This one is by far the best book in the series so far. The emotions, the suspense, the romance—everything came together so well.

[Theresa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 2🌶

Wow. This story swept me away! It was amazing and intensein the best way. And the best one yet, if you ask me. This is book 3 of 4 but I don't know how Katelyn is going to top this one for me. This was a wild ride but the emotional aspects are what kept me fully engaged and ignore all real life responsibilities. I never knew I needed a series on blood demons now I cant imagine a world without them.

This book is full of yearning, tension, passion and lots of action and suspense. Vito and Gina are both older and the maturity of their characters made me love them even more. Not to say that they both didnt have vulnerabilities and conflict but they handle it like adults. Its refreshing how much I love this in the series as a whole.

Gina is my soul mate, I felt for her so much and her feelings had me crying so much due to feeling seen and understood. She is strong but vulnerable. She tries to carry her family's whole world on her shoulders.

Vito...wow his love for Gina was everything. The way he cared, protected and gave her space all whole being obsessed is everything I want in an MMC.

I adored this love story and the action, suspense and plot twist kept me on my toes. Im full invested in this world and cant wait for the next book. I never want to to end.

Thank you to Katelyn Brenm for this ARC. These are my honest opinions and feelings.

[Lorra_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t need to be loud to hit hard—and honestly, that made it better.

Gina and Vito’s story is layered with years of tension, silence, and everything left unsaid. You can feel the weight of their history in every interaction.

Gina’s struggle with identity, shame, and expectations felt real. Watching her break out of that and step back into herself was one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

Vito is controlled and calculating, but when it comes to Gina? There are no limits. The restraint makes those moments where it breaks even stronger.

Also… the second he said Tesoro, I was done for.

This series somehow keeps getting better with every book.

Katelyn Brehm really said "oh you liked Marco and Anna? Wait, here are Siobhan and Luca. Now hold my Dry Martini (🍸) here are Vito and Gina! "

BOOM!

Mic drop and jaws rolled on the floor. While she’s sipping her Martini in the corner. We'll done!!

I’m both excited and not ready for the final one.

[Megan Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely gone for this series. I was able to receive an ALC for the first two books and was absolutely out of my mind excited to get this one!

This was everything! Omg the tension and suspense through this was top tier. I enjoyed getting to know Vito and Gina in the other books, but their story was just so good. And it was a different vibe and feeling with them both being blood demons. If I wasn’t already hooked on this series, this one would have done it for me in just the first chapter.

This story gave me all the feels and I am so obsessed. I truly do not know how I will get through waiting for the next one

Thank you to Katelyn Brehm for the ARC!

[Katelyn Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vito and Gina are SO ready to have their story shared with the world!

Her Dark Protector is finished! For those of you who've been craving answers and more background on our favorite Italian and Irish families, this book's for you. Get ready to follow Gina and Vito through centuries as they search for their happy ending to finally find it with each other.

Now it's time to saddle up and start in on the fourth and final book of the quartet! Let's GO!!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional read. Vito has loved Gina since he first saw her, becoming her bodyguard while working for her brother. He dedicated his life to protect her and knew he couldn't have more. Gina used to be wild and carefree but something tragic happened and it changed her. Vito still saw the true Gina underneath, even if she didn't want to let it out. This story is a whirlwind of kidnapping and fighting. It's about rediscovering yourself and learning to love yourself again.

[Claire Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I am obsessed with this series is unreal, mafia blood demons. These characters are so relatable and older, which is so refreshing because I while I love the early 20s MCs it’s nice to read about mature folks. Gina and Vito story is a beautifully done mafia princess x bodyguard romance with decades of past baggage between them. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to ARC read this story.

[Yashira · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

4.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level 🌶️🌶️

Gina and Vito had my heart since the beginning
The chemistry/ love / yearning was incredible not much spice but it wasn’t needed honestly

Mafia Romance always being my favorite but with Blood Demons

Yes Please 👏👏🫶

I can’t wait for 2027

[Kristina Schurmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS STORY! It was so good. I love how you get a complete picture of Gina and Vito's relationship, looking at the past and present. Its like they were always meant to be. These characters were so dynamic and had such amazing chemistry. I did not want to put it down. I read it in a day! I highly recommend this book, series, and author!