Furious Protector

by Via Mari

Beckett

When trouble comes to Deadwood, and a certain skill set is needed, I’m the one they call.

I have one thing on my mind when I get to town, and it’s certainly not a relationship of any kind.

Until the blue-eyed blonde catches my eye.

She is a force to be reckoned with on a good day, and the job isn’t as easy as I thought it would be.

When Jules gets caught in the crossfire, she’s going to learn the only protection she will ever need is me.


Furious Protector is the explosive fourth book in the Ruthless Guardians series by International Best-Selling Author, Via Mari. You will love these spicy, instalove bodyguard novels set in Deadwood, South Dakota, where the passion is fiery, the loyalty is fierce, and the stakes are high. Each book is a standalone featuring different couples. All have a guaranteed happily ever after.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it’s been a minute since I last dipped into this world, and let me tell you it didn’t take long before I was hooked all over again. Almost makes me wonder just how many swoon-worthy men the Larussios have stashed away! Enter Beckett, the newest arrival in Deadwood, who barely has time to warm a seat at Wild Deuces before fate (in the form of Jules) walks through the door.
Jules is still carrying the scars of what the Eldridges put her through, and Beckett instantly picks up on her unease. What surprises him most is the fierce, unexpected protectiveness that rises up in him and when some lowlife dares to lay a hand on her, Beckett doesn’t hesitate for a second to step in. From that moment on, sparks fly, fists fly, and before you know it, the Deadwood crew is knee-deep in trouble once again. One of the things I adore about this series is how each book spotlights a different couple, while the overarching drama with the Chicago crime family keeps the stakes high and the danger ever-present. Those mobsters aren’t done trying to muscle their way into Deadwood, but that’s exactly why these men are here—to defend the town, the people, and especially the women who’ve captured their hearts. Beckett might not have come to Deadwood looking for love, but Jules quickly sneaks past his defenses. What really hit me, though, was Jules’s arc—watching her reach that point where she’s done with fear, done with being anyone’s victim, and ready to reclaim her power. With Beckett by her side, she doesn’t just survive, she fights back. As much as I love devouring Via’s longer novels, these shorter romances are such a treat. They’re fast, fiery, and filled with everything I love about her writing: kickass heroines, fiercely devoted heroes, and the kind of love that makes you believe someone would set the whole world ablaze just to keep their partner safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett

When trouble comes to Deadwood, and a certain skill set is needed, I’m the one they call.

I have one thing on my mind when I get to town, and it’s certainly not a relationship of any kind.

Until the blue-eyed blonde catches my eye.

She is a force to be reckoned with on a good day, and the job isn’t as easy as I thought it would be.

When Jules gets caught in the crossfire, she’s going to learn the only protection she will ever need is me.


This contemporary spicy small-town mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed in darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are alpha, exuding power, ruthless protector, morally gray anti-hero, mafia-connected billionaires, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being fearless, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, action and adventure, bodyguards, deception, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, drama, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being a furious protector and mature, explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

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

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Deadwood with another bodyguard headed into town for the new expansion and more power to protect those who cannot protect themselves from The Chicago Crime Family and their cohorts. Beckett is pulling into the bar everyone hangs out at just a couple months out of his deployment.

While sitting there with the others, he notices women coming into the bar and greeting his fellow comrades. One in particular catches his fancy, Jules. She has suffered tremendously at the hands of the Eldridges'. She takes one look at him and notices his protective instincts for her right away. When a man from the crew bothers her, Beckett steps in to make her his personal business.

What follows is more action, heat, and those who are willing to kidnap and blackmail others to put a stop to the Larussio's from claiming more ground, money, and property. These men have come across the others and always lose. Why do they keep trying? Will Beckett stay in Deadwood and marry Jules? Will Jules have him?

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series and the best yet. I enjoy this author's ability to creat characters that are spicey and full of heart. They are engaging and make their story easy to read. This is a well written story about Beckett and Jules. When trouble comes calling Beckett is the one they call. A relationship is the last thing he thought he would find when he comes to town until he meets Jules. When she finds herself in trouble, will she figure out the best person to protect her is Beckett? I enjoyed watching the growth of their relationship throughout. They have great chemistry and attraction which just adds to their story. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I highly recommend.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was not my favorite, but it wasn’t terrible. What I didn’t like about it is that it felt juvenile. Very dumb bad guys with guns and good guys with more brains and guns. It did have the flavor of a Western, which I liked, but was a bit too simple and facile for my tastes.
MMC/FMC- Beckett and Jules
Safety- Y
Heat- open door, not explicit.
Triggers- violence
Tropes- Instalove, Benevolent Mafia vs Ebil Mafia (both just name checked; this is barely a mafia Romance), Small Town, Feisty Heroine, Bodyguard.

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

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

This is another great Deadwood story this time with Beckett and Jules at the helm. Beckett is brought in for protection but when he lands his eyes on Jules his heart is in trouble. This action-packed story has a man that has found his forever woman and said woman is fierce and needs no backing. The stage is set, and their hearts are open will they fall into the heart trap and get their chance for happiness.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett has rolled into town to help with the trouble they are having at the Wild Deuces, it is only supposed to be temporary. Relationships were never his thing or to stay in one place for long. Meeting Jules has him thinking all kinds of things. Will he have time to figure what he wants with her when Eldridge and his men keep coming at them?

This is an action packed, steamy read with plenty of humor.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of the Ruthless Guardians series but can be read as a standalone.

The characters were so very well written and compelling, complex and perfect together. The plot was intriguing, exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and well developed. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Debbie Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series and is the story about Beckett and Jules. Absolutely loved this book. It was full of action, suspense and very steamy. I read it in one night, I just couldn't stop until it was done. Great writing style and fantastic characters. These men in this authors books are what dreams are made of......yummy!

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadwood, South Dakota is where the Ruthless Guardians series takes place and it's also is where the action is when Beckett comes to town and decides that he needs to protect Jules from the Chicago Crime family whom seems to have it out for her, but that's not happening on his watch. There's plenty of action, insta-love and unbreakable friendship.

[Eve Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is book 4 in the series and I couldn't put it down. Deadwood is a battle ground and its coming to a head. Beckett co.es to town to help his friends. then he meets the woman he wants to call his own. Jules works and lives in town. The war draws her in hard and she fights. Will Beckett save her in time?
5 stars. A great way to end the series.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Beckett and Jules. The fourth in the series the fight for Deadwood. Beckett arrives to join his friends in the battle. Will he win the battle for Jules's heart? Love the edge of your seat action and steam.

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

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short, sweet mafia meets small town slow burn romance. Via packs a whole lot of action and love into this short story!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy the exciting journey of Jules and Beckett’s love story!

10/10 recommend.

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

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beckett comes into Deadwood when asked to provide additional protection to the town along with his friends. He is assigned to Jules. He doesn't do relationships and she is reluctant to give into their obvious chemistry. This is a nice, fast paced romance and action story. Hope to see more of this friend group.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett comes to deadwood with a set of skill they need against the crime family, when he spots Jules, hes instantly drawn to her, but this town was just a job he didnt plan to stay will that all change? Well written engaging steamy desires quick protective read

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Glance
It only took Beckett one glance at Jules to know she was the one. Now he just has to convince her that he’s not just going to protect her for a little while but for the rest of their lives. Because he’s all in and she wants him too.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Ruthless Guardians series. Beckett and Jules’ story had me glued to the edge of my seat. The riveting plot kept me engaged all the way to the end. They have an instant attraction that turns into a beautiful love story. A great addition to a great series.

[Heidi Meers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! This book was well written with a good storyline and the characters and everything they experience makes you dream along completely.

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

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the trouble starting up again in town he gets the call to come help out. The last thing he expects is to fall in love, however the first time he meets Jules he know that he is in trouble.

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

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fast paced read with good characters. Loved the bantering between the MMC and FMC. Alpha male only looking to do his job. She is stubborn and wants to be independent no matter the danger.

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

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules and Beckett were so great in this novella. It was such a great story to read. Mafia and small town, how cute is that? It was engaging with the suspense and steam 😉. I really enjoyed reading this.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules turns a leaf from her former victim status to able survivor. With Beckett protecting her, she becomes even more determined. I enjoyed their story.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love Beckett and Jules heartstopping broken beautiful insta love
love this series
can't wait for more

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back in Deadwood and it's been quite the visit! Jules and Beckett's story is filled with the perfect amount of suspense, sizzling heat, and an attention-grabbing plot that held my attention.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett and Jules are so amazing I love this couple alot. so much excitement and action and romance. I really love this series

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! A definite can’t put it down until the last word is read kind of story. I’ve enjoyed this series from the beginning and looked forward to Jules story. She’s had to endure some trouble in her past and it keeps showing up. That is until Beckett comes into the picture to protect her. The attraction is instantaneous and I could feel the lust coming off the pages. Quite a bit goes on in this story to keep you on the edge of your seat. Jules wants to let Beckett into her heart but is he only around for the short term? Their chemistry is sizzling and I rooted for them throughout! A definite must read!