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Feretti Syndicate #5
Ruined By Protection
When he touches me I don't see a killer.
I see salvation.Isolation, gaslighting, punishment.
I married a man who smirked while he broke me.
Who threatened to murder my parents.
Now I'm running from his abuse to hide with my cousin, who recently married into the Feretti mafia cosca.
Ensconced in their fabulous mansion I encounter a dangerous phantom - the only man who ever made me feel alive.
For just one unforgettable night.
Matteo Caruso. Dark eyes. Skillful hands. Expert mouth. Ruthless killer
My husband will never let me go but Matteo swears to guard me with his life. And wreak vengeance for every single one of the battle scars decorating my body.
His protection comes with a price I'm not sure I can pay.
But when he touches me, I remember what it feels like to be worshipped instead of owned.
He kills for duty, for loyalty, for family.
But will he also kill for love?
I'm starting to think some prices are worth paying.
But have I escaped one violent monster only to be captured by the possessive obsession of another?*Ruined By Protection is a full-length dark mafia, forced proximity, second chance romance loaded with angst, passion, secrets, lies, twists and most of all, a ton of steam heat. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the fifth book in Feretti Syndicate mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
Feretti Syndicate Reading Order & Tropes 1. Ruined By Revenge (Damiano & Zoe)
Arranged Marriage, Age Gap, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male
2. Ruined By Blood (Enzo & Sienna)
Age Gap, Kidnapping, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, Scarred hero, Who did this to you?, Good Girl/Bad Boy
3. Ruined By Rhapsody (Noah & Evelyn)
Age Gap, Kidnapping, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, Scarred hero, Who did this to you?
4. Ruined By Capture (Alessio & Melania)
Age Gap, Kidnapping, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, OTT Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, Tortured hero
5. Ruined By Protection (Matteo & Hazel)
Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, OTT Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, He Falls First, Who did this to you?
I see salvation.Isolation, gaslighting, punishment.
I married a man who smirked while he broke me.
Who threatened to murder my parents.
Now I'm running from his abuse to hide with my cousin, who recently married into the Feretti mafia cosca.
Ensconced in their fabulous mansion I encounter a dangerous phantom - the only man who ever made me feel alive.
For just one unforgettable night.
Matteo Caruso. Dark eyes. Skillful hands. Expert mouth. Ruthless killer
My husband will never let me go but Matteo swears to guard me with his life. And wreak vengeance for every single one of the battle scars decorating my body.
His protection comes with a price I'm not sure I can pay.
But when he touches me, I remember what it feels like to be worshipped instead of owned.
He kills for duty, for loyalty, for family.
But will he also kill for love?
I'm starting to think some prices are worth paying.
But have I escaped one violent monster only to be captured by the possessive obsession of another?*Ruined By Protection is a full-length dark mafia, forced proximity, second chance romance loaded with angst, passion, secrets, lies, twists and most of all, a ton of steam heat. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
This is the fifth book in Feretti Syndicate mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.
Feretti Syndicate Reading Order & Tropes 1. Ruined By Revenge (Damiano & Zoe)
Arranged Marriage, Age Gap, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male
2. Ruined By Blood (Enzo & Sienna)
Age Gap, Kidnapping, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, Scarred hero, Who did this to you?, Good Girl/Bad Boy
3. Ruined By Rhapsody (Noah & Evelyn)
Age Gap, Kidnapping, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, Scarred hero, Who did this to you?
4. Ruined By Capture (Alessio & Melania)
Age Gap, Kidnapping, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, OTT Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, Tortured hero
5. Ruined By Protection (Matteo & Hazel)
Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, OTT Possessive/Jealous Alpha Male, He Falls First, Who did this to you?
- GenresMafia RomanceRomance
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 27, 2026
3.5 rounded up for GR. Hazel (left her emotionally abusive husband to stay with her cousin) and Matteo.
This one wasn’t as good as Enzo and Sienna’s story, though still fast paced and hard to put down. Blake certainly has an addictive writing style, these books are easy to read and page turners.
Similar editing issues plagued this one as the previous - plot mistakes and inconsistencies that eventually start to take you out of the story. There were too many to name here, and while they’re always minor they do stack up.
I enjoyed this premise though. One night stand to strangers to second chance romance. I really liked Matteo. I didn’t love how he iced Hazel out at their reunion, but I understood he was suspicious. I loved how he struggled with gentleness and romance. I didn’t love the continued references to his man whore ways, but what can you do.
I liked Hazel but didn’t love her. She was easy to root for and I loved her in the first half, but once she started getting judgy and self righteous about “taking care” of Elliot (her abusive ex), she lost points for me. I get not everyone enters this mafia world with open arms and blind understanding, but it started to grate on me that everyone risked safety to protect her and handle her situation to make her safe, she openly admits how horrible he is, and yet she’s judging Matteo for wanting to kill him. She wavered until the last second, and it got taxing.
Also, the angst in this one was way too much. The back and forth, the hurt feelings and miscommunications and unsaid things between them. They’re both hurt that neither is acknowledging their past. They both aren’t ready to trust. They both think the other one only wants something temporary. Hazel gets sent a photo and flips out before ever speaking to him, not stopping to think the time stamp could be faked. He knows she’s pushing him away but instead of calling her on it he just gets icy and walks away. It was too much. They weren’t solid til like the end and I got tired of stressing over their angst and will they won’t they.
A sweet little epilogue and I liked them together, great chemistry, it was just too much angst and too slow a burn (though there was some spice) for a second chance romance.
This one wasn’t as good as Enzo and Sienna’s story, though still fast paced and hard to put down. Blake certainly has an addictive writing style, these books are easy to read and page turners.
Similar editing issues plagued this one as the previous - plot mistakes and inconsistencies that eventually start to take you out of the story. There were too many to name here, and while they’re always minor they do stack up.
I enjoyed this premise though. One night stand to strangers to second chance romance. I really liked Matteo. I didn’t love how he iced Hazel out at their reunion, but I understood he was suspicious. I loved how he struggled with gentleness and romance. I didn’t love the continued references to his man whore ways, but what can you do.
I liked Hazel but didn’t love her. She was easy to root for and I loved her in the first half, but once she started getting judgy and self righteous about “taking care” of Elliot (her abusive ex), she lost points for me. I get not everyone enters this mafia world with open arms and blind understanding, but it started to grate on me that everyone risked safety to protect her and handle her situation to make her safe, she openly admits how horrible he is, and yet she’s judging Matteo for wanting to kill him. She wavered until the last second, and it got taxing.
Also, the angst in this one was way too much. The back and forth, the hurt feelings and miscommunications and unsaid things between them. They’re both hurt that neither is acknowledging their past. They both aren’t ready to trust. They both think the other one only wants something temporary. Hazel gets sent a photo and flips out before ever speaking to him, not stopping to think the time stamp could be faked. He knows she’s pushing him away but instead of calling her on it he just gets icy and walks away. It was too much. They weren’t solid til like the end and I got tired of stressing over their angst and will they won’t they.
A sweet little epilogue and I liked them together, great chemistry, it was just too much angst and too slow a burn (though there was some spice) for a second chance romance.
September 11, 2025
Enjoyed all of the series so far, just disappointed I have to wait now to read the last in the series Lucrezia’s story. Roll on November
March 7, 2026
2,5⭐️/5
Urgh
It started off really well but it just dwindled kinda fast.
I really liked the firsts interaction between our MCs, but after they ended in the same place it didn’t really felt like there was any chemistry left.
The FMC was really annoying at times, she was even saying herself that she acted childishly but she kept acting that way afterwards. I HATE the miscommunication trope, if something’s on your mind regarding a person you’re seeing (or even otherwise) just TELL them. It will save everyone time and problems, because that wholeeee meltdown was really uncalled for. When she could have just asked him instead of reaching her own conclusions. And afterwards if she still didn’t trust him she could have her meltdown.
As for the MMC, I don’t have a lot of things to say I didn’t really click with his character and that’s about all.
For the writing there was a lot of plot hole and inconsistency, an information was given about some things. Just for the characters to turn around and give a different information about that same thing. Eg: it was said that she received the picture at like 4am in one chapter, but then she said that she received it at 7am in the next chapter. Some characters that were “learning” about some information/situation, just for those same things being told to them AGAIN in the next chapters. And it’s like they’re learning about it for the first time ever.
It really wasn’t for me, I thought about giving up 70% in but I stayed because I thought the end would at least salvage it. No such luck, the ending was almost like a checklist that the author was trying to finish before ending the book. “Oh and this happened, next this happened and finally this. Oh and this also”
Urgh
It started off really well but it just dwindled kinda fast.
I really liked the firsts interaction between our MCs, but after they ended in the same place it didn’t really felt like there was any chemistry left.
The FMC was really annoying at times, she was even saying herself that she acted childishly but she kept acting that way afterwards. I HATE the miscommunication trope, if something’s on your mind regarding a person you’re seeing (or even otherwise) just TELL them. It will save everyone time and problems, because that wholeeee meltdown was really uncalled for. When she could have just asked him instead of reaching her own conclusions. And afterwards if she still didn’t trust him she could have her meltdown.
As for the MMC, I don’t have a lot of things to say I didn’t really click with his character and that’s about all.
For the writing there was a lot of plot hole and inconsistency, an information was given about some things. Just for the characters to turn around and give a different information about that same thing. Eg: it was said that she received the picture at like 4am in one chapter, but then she said that she received it at 7am in the next chapter. Some characters that were “learning” about some information/situation, just for those same things being told to them AGAIN in the next chapters. And it’s like they’re learning about it for the first time ever.
It really wasn’t for me, I thought about giving up 70% in but I stayed because I thought the end would at least salvage it. No such luck, the ending was almost like a checklist that the author was trying to finish before ending the book. “Oh and this happened, next this happened and finally this. Oh and this also”
June 29, 2026
♥︎ Maya's Reads ♥︎
Okay, for some context i have had this series saved to read since December 2025. Another thing was that I actually found this series scrolling on Amazon. What caught my attention was the covers, and immediately I knew that they were mafia books, so I took a picture and finally got around to reading them, not knowing there were so many books, but I’m determined to finish this series!! So here it goes…
*Spoilers Ahead*
For this book, Hazel and Matteo aren't my favorite book compared to the others, but I really enjoyed it as a filler book for the purpose of the series. I didn't enjoy this book. The fact that their attraction toward each other was immediate, because for the other ones, it was always the guys being attracted to the girl first, as in this case, they met at a bar and had a one-night stand. I think the fact that Hazel wasn't working as a bartender and essentially had no idea who Mateo was, and was a just complete normie, and how they still were able to have a deep connection from the beginning was great. Another good part for me was the fact that after the one-night stand, she was the one who left, and not the other way around, where the guy leaves this all out for Mateo to get absolutely obsessed with her, which sets us up for the time jump that happened. Was I expecting a time jump to have happened..... NO, but in this case, it was absolutely necessary, or at least for the plot's sake, where we got to see, within those couple of years, that Hazel had gotten married to Elliot, who essentially abused her, but physically, verbally, and mentally, even getting her family dependent on him was absolutely heartbreaking. I'm glad we got to see the story, that Hazel left because she was able to save up money and escape Elliott, and not the fact that Matteo ended up finding her and saving her, like no, she saves herself by calling Evelyn, who is her cousin. And that connection is the reunion for Hazel and Mateo in all honesty. I'm not mad or upset at Mateo's reaction to Hazel being Evelyn's cousin and him investigating her in case she was a spy because that's literally his job. I think the fact that this book for me was or seemed like a filler book it was because like as soon as she got there her purpose he was really to just divorce Elliott, and essentially her finding this found family within her cousins partners friend and family, but I think it took longer for the love story between the characters progress because for this book, I think the plot and the love story between the characters are essentially the same where as other books you can differentiate the to this one they're exactly the same and you can't have one without the other. I think the best part for me would have to be when Hazel after finding out that Elliot had kidnapped Evelyn and used her phone, but let her go only as a toy to fuck with her mind and her outburst to Mateo part because of her being mad receiving the picture that one of Mateo's exes had sent in secret but more so her outburst what one of my favorite parts. I think when it came to this outburst and the fact that she essentially said like you're no better than Elliott, and how Damiano very calmly told her to follow him to the office of them having a conversation and essentially saying you insulting Mateo and what you said not only was a directed towards him, but it was essentially a job to the rest of them when they have done nothing but help and protect her solely just because she's Evelyn's family. I think for me, this outburst in this conversation, really is what got me upset with Hazel because I have sympathy because she is a victim, but her outburst was just uncalled for because these people have done nothing to think about protecting her, but I completely get the trauma that she's suffering during this time too. I think the ending of essentially having planting a trap for eli thinking that Hazel's gonna go back to him and then essentially tricking him and killing him in his home was good plot, but in comparison to the other books, it wasn't the best and craziest plot to me, but it truly made sense towards his character for them to be able to move on with a romantic relationship, Elliot had to go. But aside from my criticisms, I really did enjoy reading this book because it allowed me to see what life of all the other past characters and how they're living through everything and essentially it's insane because you get so attached to characters and it's so enjoyable to see them through another perspective.
★★★☆☆ overall rating
Okay, for some context i have had this series saved to read since December 2025. Another thing was that I actually found this series scrolling on Amazon. What caught my attention was the covers, and immediately I knew that they were mafia books, so I took a picture and finally got around to reading them, not knowing there were so many books, but I’m determined to finish this series!! So here it goes…
*Spoilers Ahead*
For this book, Hazel and Matteo aren't my favorite book compared to the others, but I really enjoyed it as a filler book for the purpose of the series. I didn't enjoy this book. The fact that their attraction toward each other was immediate, because for the other ones, it was always the guys being attracted to the girl first, as in this case, they met at a bar and had a one-night stand. I think the fact that Hazel wasn't working as a bartender and essentially had no idea who Mateo was, and was a just complete normie, and how they still were able to have a deep connection from the beginning was great. Another good part for me was the fact that after the one-night stand, she was the one who left, and not the other way around, where the guy leaves this all out for Mateo to get absolutely obsessed with her, which sets us up for the time jump that happened. Was I expecting a time jump to have happened..... NO, but in this case, it was absolutely necessary, or at least for the plot's sake, where we got to see, within those couple of years, that Hazel had gotten married to Elliot, who essentially abused her, but physically, verbally, and mentally, even getting her family dependent on him was absolutely heartbreaking. I'm glad we got to see the story, that Hazel left because she was able to save up money and escape Elliott, and not the fact that Matteo ended up finding her and saving her, like no, she saves herself by calling Evelyn, who is her cousin. And that connection is the reunion for Hazel and Mateo in all honesty. I'm not mad or upset at Mateo's reaction to Hazel being Evelyn's cousin and him investigating her in case she was a spy because that's literally his job. I think the fact that this book for me was or seemed like a filler book it was because like as soon as she got there her purpose he was really to just divorce Elliott, and essentially her finding this found family within her cousins partners friend and family, but I think it took longer for the love story between the characters progress because for this book, I think the plot and the love story between the characters are essentially the same where as other books you can differentiate the to this one they're exactly the same and you can't have one without the other. I think the best part for me would have to be when Hazel after finding out that Elliot had kidnapped Evelyn and used her phone, but let her go only as a toy to fuck with her mind and her outburst to Mateo part because of her being mad receiving the picture that one of Mateo's exes had sent in secret but more so her outburst what one of my favorite parts. I think when it came to this outburst and the fact that she essentially said like you're no better than Elliott, and how Damiano very calmly told her to follow him to the office of them having a conversation and essentially saying you insulting Mateo and what you said not only was a directed towards him, but it was essentially a job to the rest of them when they have done nothing but help and protect her solely just because she's Evelyn's family. I think for me, this outburst in this conversation, really is what got me upset with Hazel because I have sympathy because she is a victim, but her outburst was just uncalled for because these people have done nothing to think about protecting her, but I completely get the trauma that she's suffering during this time too. I think the ending of essentially having planting a trap for eli thinking that Hazel's gonna go back to him and then essentially tricking him and killing him in his home was good plot, but in comparison to the other books, it wasn't the best and craziest plot to me, but it truly made sense towards his character for them to be able to move on with a romantic relationship, Elliot had to go. But aside from my criticisms, I really did enjoy reading this book because it allowed me to see what life of all the other past characters and how they're living through everything and essentially it's insane because you get so attached to characters and it's so enjoyable to see them through another perspective.
★★★☆☆ overall rating
July 31, 2025
Hazel is a bartender, and Matteo is in town for mafia business. One night they had a connection and ended sharing an amazing night together. Hazel left before he woke up and he didn't know her last name or number to reach out. Hazel moved on and gets married to a psychopath that loves trying to break her. After the last time he hit her share runs to get away and goes to where her cousin Evelyn is in New York. However, nothing could prepare her for finding out the Matteo would be there with her cousin to pick her up. Matteo worries about why Hazel is there and if she is a spy. Its doesn't take long before he learns the truth. Hazel learns that once they family protects you, its forever. Matteo slowly builds things anew between them. Can Hazel claim the life she now wants with her past coming for her? Will her husband find her?
This is an amazing story that once you start it you won't want to put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
This is an amazing story that once you start it you won't want to put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.
July 28, 2025
This is the fifth book in the Feretti Syndicate series and each book features a different couple. This book is Matteo and Hazel’s story and it’s one you don’t want to miss. They met at a bar three years earlier and had an explosive night together. He never forgot that night and their chemistry was off the charts. Her cousin married into the Feretti crime family and she invited her to stay at the mansion to her escape her abusive husband. A second chance for Matteo and Hazel. This book is a dark mafia romance that’s overflowing with steam, danger and drama. Wow, a page turner that’s hard to put down. A standalone with an HEA and no cliffhanger. A great addition to the series. I read a free advance copy via Bad Boy Updates and voluntarily chose to write a review.
July 26, 2025
Book 5 in this series and now it’s Matteo’s turn to feel what the others have felt in previous books Meeting Hazel in a bar and connecting with her and having one heck of an evening together and never forgetting. Then they come into each other’s lives 3 years later when Hazel comes to town to get away from her abusive husband. When she see Matteo at the airport with Evelyn, she’s not sure why he’s there but soon find out. The Feretti family is going to help her and works for the family. That’s all I’m giving away, this series has been a good one to read. Good chemistry, loyalty and a family that is all about the love they have for each other. Great read to put on your list. #badboyupdate
September 9, 2025
This is the 5th DELICIOUS book in the Feretti Syndicate Mafia Series by Sherry Blake and OMG!!! Absolutely LOVE this series! I cannot wait to read the next one that comes out NOV 30th! Matteo... holy hell!! Fierce, Loyal, Protective, HOT!!! Team Matteo all the way for me! Hazel is a bartender that happens to meet Matteo at a hotel bar and the connection is instant! 3 years later though.... the plot thickens! This book was by far my favorite of the series! I don't want to give an spoilers so the only thing I am going to say is.... THIS IS A MUST READ!!! Definitely read this series in order because it makes these books that much better!
March 28, 2026
eh.. okay
I have mixed feelings about this book. Was the storyline compelling and kept me on the edge - yes. Was the MMC my type of OTT jealous/possessive alphahole - hell yes. What I didn’t like was the location of the story. Sure the majority was in NYC but it started in Austin. And the MFC made a comment about being in the south. It was so wrong. Everyone from TEXAS knows that Texas is not the “south” it’s Texas. Is Texas located in the south in the US-yes. But there’s the south then there’s Texas. Everyone knows that and if she was born and raised in Texas, the MFC would have known that.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Was the storyline compelling and kept me on the edge - yes. Was the MMC my type of OTT jealous/possessive alphahole - hell yes. What I didn’t like was the location of the story. Sure the majority was in NYC but it started in Austin. And the MFC made a comment about being in the south. It was so wrong. Everyone from TEXAS knows that Texas is not the “south” it’s Texas. Is Texas located in the south in the US-yes. But there’s the south then there’s Texas. Everyone knows that and if she was born and raised in Texas, the MFC would have known that.
July 28, 2025
4.5 Stars!! This is the fifth book in the Feretti Crime family. This is Matteo's and Hazel's story. Hazel's cousin is married into the Feretti family and invites her to come and stay to get away from her abusive husband. The family has decided to protect her, and Matteo is the one to do it. They had met years earlier and had one night of passion that neither of them has forgotten. This is a good second chance mafia romance with lots of action that keeps you reading to the last page.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
January 13, 2026
Great story!!
This is the fifth book in this phenomenal series and this is Matteo and Hazel's story.
This is a well written story which has found family, friendships, emotions, loyalty, trauma, heartbreak, danger, suspense, intrigue, challenges, manipulation, healing, making choices, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is the fifth book in this phenomenal series and this is Matteo and Hazel's story.
This is a well written story which has found family, friendships, emotions, loyalty, trauma, heartbreak, danger, suspense, intrigue, challenges, manipulation, healing, making choices, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 29, 2025
Hazel and Matteo's journey was a rollercoaster, their journey was bumpy, many ups and downs but these two were strong, fighters and well matched, their connection and chemistry was off the charts, they were good together. I enjoyed their journey, this is a great story, I'd suggest reading. Sherry Blake did a great job on the plot, it's strong and written well. Thank you, Sherry Blake. Great work :)
July 29, 2025
The journey that Matteo and Hazel take is a spectacular story. I have enjoyed reading every book in the Feretti Syndicate series, so I knew I would love this one just as much. Hazel and Matteo get a second chance after Hazel leaves an absolute horrible situation with her husband. Matteo and Hazel are perfect for each other and I loved every one of their interactions. The connection that they share is absolutely amazing and I enjoyed reading through it.
July 29, 2025
This is the fifth book in the series and it doesn't disappoint.
Matteo and Hazel had one amazing night together three years ago but when they meet again she is running from her abusive husband.
The chemistry is still there between them but will she accept his help to protect her.
I loved how they were together but when he tries to get to her by threatening her family Matteo does what he has to to keep them safe.
A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Matteo and Hazel had one amazing night together three years ago but when they meet again she is running from her abusive husband.
The chemistry is still there between them but will she accept his help to protect her.
I loved how they were together but when he tries to get to her by threatening her family Matteo does what he has to to keep them safe.
A must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 30, 2025
Hazel has been with an abusive husband. She finally works up the courage to leave and goes to stay with her cousin who is married to a Feretti. When Hazel gets there she sees a man she had met before, Matteo. Matteo says he will protect her from her husband. Will Matteo be able to protect not only Hazel but her family? Will Matteo and Hazel fall in love?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update
Fantastic Second Chance Mafia romance!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update
Fantastic Second Chance Mafia romance!
July 30, 2025
I devoured this book!! I love this series and Matteo and Hazel's story may be the best yet. They had one night together, then she disappeared from his life. Now he is tasked with protecting her, while trying to keep her at a distance. He was the one good thing that happened in her life, but can she trust him to protect her, while she tries to protect her heart. So many twists and turns, you can't help but love the characters flaws and all. Loved it! I received this ARC from Bad Boy Updates.
November 17, 2025
My heart breaks over domestic violence and women being completely manipulated. After their night together, neither of them can really get over how good it was, but they both move on. I don’t know, it was good, and I liked how everything developed, but somehow the deeper emotional layer was missing. The ending also felt a bit like ‘and then this happened’, too much and too little at the same time. The tension just faded.
May 18, 2026
This book completely pulled me in from the start. Matteo was such a perfect alphahole MMC — ruthless, jealous, possessive, and completely obsessed with Hazel in the best way. I loved every second of it. Beneath all the morally gray intensity, you could still see the softer side he only showed her, which made their relationship even better. And Hazel is such a great balance for him. Their HEA was so satisfying!
July 28, 2025
Hazel and Matteo had an unforgettable intimate night years ago and find themselves reconnected when she comes to stay with her cousin who married into a crime family for protection against her abusive husband. Ruined by Protection is an action-pack drama that kept me engaged until the last page.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
July 30, 2025
Her life with her husband has been hell and her body is covered in scars. She manages to escape and find a place she may finally be safe. Unfortunately the one man who made her body sing in joy rather than pain is there. He is a killer and he wants to kill the man who hurt her. Will he kill for love? See what will happen
August 3, 2025
Love this mafia family who protect everyone in their family, whether blood related or not. Hazel is escaping from her abusive ex. She runs to her cousin, Evelyn in New York. She is taken to the Feretti mansion. Matteo remembers Hazel from 3 years ago and one unforgettable night. Will Hazel's ex find her? Will Matteo admit his feelings for Hazel? Great story!!
August 11, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Matteo and hazel spent one night together in Austin then sneak out now three years later she's in danger from her husband and flees to new York, Matteo will do anything to protect her and being the enforcer for the mafia has it's advantages. Will they get their second chance or is it to late?
January 7, 2026
Matteo is a the man!
I love how Sherry Blake builds a story. It’s creative and engaging and you don’t want to stop reading. The characters she creates pulls you in - Matteo and Hazel are no different. I read this book in one day the first time and I have reread it attest three times. All her books are a good read, but this one is one of my faves! Highly recommended!
I love how Sherry Blake builds a story. It’s creative and engaging and you don’t want to stop reading. The characters she creates pulls you in - Matteo and Hazel are no different. I read this book in one day the first time and I have reread it attest three times. All her books are a good read, but this one is one of my faves! Highly recommended!
June 19, 2026
Skip this one
The heroine was annoying from start to finish. The love story between the two main characters is unrealistic. There are inaccuracies and holes throughout the story that are distracting and it’s like an editor just went in and plugged the holes at the end. I loved all of the stories in this series up until this one. I won’t read further.
The heroine was annoying from start to finish. The love story between the two main characters is unrealistic. There are inaccuracies and holes throughout the story that are distracting and it’s like an editor just went in and plugged the holes at the end. I loved all of the stories in this series up until this one. I won’t read further.
August 1, 2025
Arc review For a honest review in my own words on a book I read . Hazel has two men in her life both are different ,but the same , only one does things to protect .I love this beautiful story your going to love this book
August 19, 2025
Matteo and Hazel
Good, solid story. Matteo and Hazel have a wonderful chemistry. They are able to come together and grow during tough times. You'll enjoy the story. Great series.
Good, solid story. Matteo and Hazel have a wonderful chemistry. They are able to come together and grow during tough times. You'll enjoy the story. Great series.
October 9, 2025
I’ve read all six books in this series in four days - I’m absolutely shattered! This one has to be my favourite. I don’t want to ruin anything but if this is your type of book then this IS your book.
October 10, 2025
What happened to this series? I am seriously only reading them at this point to get to Lucretia’s story. Hazel was insufferable. And there were so many incongruities and pointless scenes. Ugh. Why so long?
October 20, 2025
Loved this book
Omg what a story can't cope. But loved everything about it and can't wait to download the next book and get started . Highly recommend to friends and read the whole series
Omg what a story can't cope. But loved everything about it and can't wait to download the next book and get started . Highly recommend to friends and read the whole series
January 5, 2026
Hazel and Matteo shared a hot night together. Years later she married to someone else but he is worse than she ever could have known. Running from him is dangerous but she has no choice and now Matteo is back!
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