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Worst Enemy Ever - Broken Protector: A Steamy Forced Proximity Billionaire Romance
He’s the enemy I crave. I’m the fire he can’t contain.
I don’t plan on crashing into Elias Grant’s world, but spontaneous combustion is kind of my thing. The moment we meet, the ghosts from my past poke at bruises I pretend aren’t there.
Thugs trash my bar and I instantly malfunction. Elias steps in, controlled and gorgeous, a billionaire hiding cracks he hopes I won’t notice.
Definitely not the man you run to for protection. Which is exactly why I run straight to him.
Once I’m there, though, it feels like standing too close to a lit fuse. Heat under my skin, danger up my spine. One breath away from licking a bad idea.
Then a letter arrives, five words and my pulse face-plants. I’m right back in that nightmare and suddenly his glass fortress feels like the only place I can breathe.
Now the city’s cracking with threats and someone wants me afraid again. Rude.
But the wildfire between us might scorch me long before the danger does.
And matches don’t get do-overs.
Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Things We Never Got Over energy, then you'll love Bella and Elias's story.
The Ride or Die Series follows six women bound by a shared horror, kidnapped and held in the woods, and strengthened by the sisterhood that saved them. Now each woman gets her own love story fierce enough to confront the darkness that shaped her, and just messy, funny, and heart-squeezing enough to remind her she’s still alive.
I don’t plan on crashing into Elias Grant’s world, but spontaneous combustion is kind of my thing. The moment we meet, the ghosts from my past poke at bruises I pretend aren’t there.
Thugs trash my bar and I instantly malfunction. Elias steps in, controlled and gorgeous, a billionaire hiding cracks he hopes I won’t notice.
Definitely not the man you run to for protection. Which is exactly why I run straight to him.
Once I’m there, though, it feels like standing too close to a lit fuse. Heat under my skin, danger up my spine. One breath away from licking a bad idea.
Then a letter arrives, five words and my pulse face-plants. I’m right back in that nightmare and suddenly his glass fortress feels like the only place I can breathe.
Now the city’s cracking with threats and someone wants me afraid again. Rude.
But the wildfire between us might scorch me long before the danger does.
And matches don’t get do-overs.
Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Things We Never Got Over energy, then you'll love Bella and Elias's story.
The Ride or Die Series follows six women bound by a shared horror, kidnapped and held in the woods, and strengthened by the sisterhood that saved them. Now each woman gets her own love story fierce enough to confront the darkness that shaped her, and just messy, funny, and heart-squeezing enough to remind her she’s still alive.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
5 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Daves
12 books25 followersMy life used to circle around my three kids’ schools, sports, and activities. Now that they’re older and don’t need me to bring snacks after the game, I’ve decided to take the next logical step … write steamy romance novels.
I love game nights, Happy Hour, book club, golf, paddle boarding, and hiking near home in the Sierra Nevada foothills, California. I probably drink more than I should, enjoy too much time with girlfriends, and over-indulge in “ME” time. But, I’m lucky that the LOVE of my life for over 30 years sticks around and my kids still call me Momma. Oh, and my dogs love me!
FOLLOW me to stay up-to-date on all new releases. Learn more at SofieDaves.com
I love game nights, Happy Hour, book club, golf, paddle boarding, and hiking near home in the Sierra Nevada foothills, California. I probably drink more than I should, enjoy too much time with girlfriends, and over-indulge in “ME” time. But, I’m lucky that the LOVE of my life for over 30 years sticks around and my kids still call me Momma. Oh, and my dogs love me!
FOLLOW me to stay up-to-date on all new releases. Learn more at SofieDaves.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 11, 2025
Received an ARC of this to review and it was a great start to a series. Bella is a spitfire and strong main female character. So are her friends. The way she uses humor and sarcasm to cope with trauma and bad things happening is way too relatable. Elias was a sexy control freak but I loved his desire to protect her and keep Bella safe. The heat and chemistry between the two was fire from the start. I felt like it could burn me. The action and suspense was good as well and helped keep you engaged. I look forward to what happens in the rest of the series.
December 19, 2025
Dark, Intense and Steamy
The first installment of the Rider or Die series is a fast-paced, dark romantic suspense novel, introducing the first of six women who escaped hell on earth and formed a strong friendship and sisterhood to support and comfort each other. Bella is traumatized but tough and loud, coping with her painful experiences with sarcasm, gallows humor, and recklessness. The male lead character, Elias, is a controlled, protective hero with a difficult past of his own who wants to protect Bella from her enemies and from herself. I liked the verbal sparring, the tension and the sizzling chemistry between them. The plot is very well written, a bit oppressive at times, has enemies to lovers, opposites attract and close/forced proximity tropes, and is full of trauma, drama, fear, twists, action, danger, and spice.
At times, Bella's sarcastic and defiant nature was too much for me. I would also have liked to know what really happened to Bella and her friends in the woods, but I think the whole story will come to light over the course of the series. The dynamics of the group of women were also exciting to follow, and I am already looking forward to the other stories.
When Bella Cruz's bar is robbed, she manages to chase the gang away, but is soon contacted by Elias Grant, infamous nightclub owner and ex-con, whose club has also been attacked.
Billionaire Elias, who was wrongfully convicted and has rebuilt his life, is a control freak and wants to track down their common enemies with the help of the chaotic Bella. But Bella, to whom he feels attracted from the very first moment, does not want to cooperate and is even less willing to obey his rules.
When her bar is set on fire, he persuades her to take refuge in his house, but sassy, complex Bella has no intention of letting a bossy, controlling man dictate her life, and Elias refuses to let her fight her demons alone...
If you enjoy darker, intense romances with strong, defiant heroines, bossy and brooding heroes, emotion, suspense, action, and heat, you’re sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
The first installment of the Rider or Die series is a fast-paced, dark romantic suspense novel, introducing the first of six women who escaped hell on earth and formed a strong friendship and sisterhood to support and comfort each other. Bella is traumatized but tough and loud, coping with her painful experiences with sarcasm, gallows humor, and recklessness. The male lead character, Elias, is a controlled, protective hero with a difficult past of his own who wants to protect Bella from her enemies and from herself. I liked the verbal sparring, the tension and the sizzling chemistry between them. The plot is very well written, a bit oppressive at times, has enemies to lovers, opposites attract and close/forced proximity tropes, and is full of trauma, drama, fear, twists, action, danger, and spice.
At times, Bella's sarcastic and defiant nature was too much for me. I would also have liked to know what really happened to Bella and her friends in the woods, but I think the whole story will come to light over the course of the series. The dynamics of the group of women were also exciting to follow, and I am already looking forward to the other stories.
When Bella Cruz's bar is robbed, she manages to chase the gang away, but is soon contacted by Elias Grant, infamous nightclub owner and ex-con, whose club has also been attacked.
Billionaire Elias, who was wrongfully convicted and has rebuilt his life, is a control freak and wants to track down their common enemies with the help of the chaotic Bella. But Bella, to whom he feels attracted from the very first moment, does not want to cooperate and is even less willing to obey his rules.
When her bar is set on fire, he persuades her to take refuge in his house, but sassy, complex Bella has no intention of letting a bossy, controlling man dictate her life, and Elias refuses to let her fight her demons alone...
If you enjoy darker, intense romances with strong, defiant heroines, bossy and brooding heroes, emotion, suspense, action, and heat, you’re sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
December 21, 2025
Wow, just wow! Sofie Daves has written this so well with all the feels and raw and real emotion portrayed in every page . The heat and instant attraction is palpable too . He’s laced with trouble through and through. Bella Cruz ,Elias Grant is coming for you… Is he her protector or her problem ,it’s all a bit hazy ,but the heat she feels and attraction for him is driving her crazy… She’s receiving threats on her bar and she has friends in her corner the sort who have your back without a by or leave but this guy . Is he out to deceive or on her side? One things for sure ,it’s his place she has to flee to ,to hide but is this his m.o. though ,has she fell into his trap? One things for sure is she’s trapped with him and he’s hot as sin ,it’s going to be really hard not giving in to him….Hot dang this is awesome storytelling ,it has me panting from the start ,be still my beating heart. It’s that dang good without a doubt the best she’s done and each and every Sofie Daves book already have me undone. Superb storyline and executed divinely . Compelling as all heck and phew 😮💨 it gives you the emotional hit. It’s exquisite. Bravo ms Daves . It’s really top tier my dear .Forced proximity ,sitting petting with a billionaire? Sign me up I wanna go there with jingle bells on . Bella you’re a lucky lady and with this billionaire your wishes he’ll grant ,even make you his ,maybe Mrs Grant.
December 26, 2025
This is the start of a new series, Ride or Die Six, and what a way to start.
The underlying theme is 6 girls who found friendship after shared trauma, and how it has shaped them as they work for their HEA.
This is the story of Bella, she is a sassy, strong, independent girl, who masks her pain and fears with humor and sarcasm. She owns a bar that is being targeted by dark forces. The events escalate as the story progresses, and she has no other choice than to team up with the most unexpected and opposite person, Elias - he is an excon turned billionaire who is her total opposite: controlled, colder, restricted-
Well, there is a spark of attraction that is so palpable between them, and having to live and work together to find the force that is attacking them both will be dangerous to them, not because of the material sacrifices, but because each time, their well constructed walls are being broken by their moments, conversations, insights, and hearts can be at danger of being broken as well as the businesses.
BE ready to be taken through a dark web of mystery and intrigue, as well as friendship, passion, trust, understanding, redemption and ultimate love.
A great and addicting read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The underlying theme is 6 girls who found friendship after shared trauma, and how it has shaped them as they work for their HEA.
This is the story of Bella, she is a sassy, strong, independent girl, who masks her pain and fears with humor and sarcasm. She owns a bar that is being targeted by dark forces. The events escalate as the story progresses, and she has no other choice than to team up with the most unexpected and opposite person, Elias - he is an excon turned billionaire who is her total opposite: controlled, colder, restricted-
Well, there is a spark of attraction that is so palpable between them, and having to live and work together to find the force that is attacking them both will be dangerous to them, not because of the material sacrifices, but because each time, their well constructed walls are being broken by their moments, conversations, insights, and hearts can be at danger of being broken as well as the businesses.
BE ready to be taken through a dark web of mystery and intrigue, as well as friendship, passion, trust, understanding, redemption and ultimate love.
A great and addicting read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is a darkness underlying this story, the type that comes with something in a person's past they have dealt with, as best as they can, but that will haunt them, possibly forever. In Bella's case, and for the women in the stories that are to follow, this is owing to a kidnapping.
She come through but not without scars. She's strong though which is why, when a group of thugs break into her bar, she fights back, as do her faithful staff. That lands her in potential trouble with the thugs but also brings Elias into her orbit, or her into his. He too has had trouble with the thugs and it's possible they could work together to protect both their business'. What grows between them is more than that and could give Bella the safety she needs when the threats start again. Does she always make the right decisions? Something each reader can consider as they read.
Sofie Daves has taken her writing into darker places, this is more serious that her previous books, it is also steamy and strong. There is power in the words, there is a hidden power in Bella but there is also power in admitting when we need to lean on someone else.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She come through but not without scars. She's strong though which is why, when a group of thugs break into her bar, she fights back, as do her faithful staff. That lands her in potential trouble with the thugs but also brings Elias into her orbit, or her into his. He too has had trouble with the thugs and it's possible they could work together to protect both their business'. What grows between them is more than that and could give Bella the safety she needs when the threats start again. Does she always make the right decisions? Something each reader can consider as they read.
Sofie Daves has taken her writing into darker places, this is more serious that her previous books, it is also steamy and strong. There is power in the words, there is a hidden power in Bella but there is also power in admitting when we need to lean on someone else.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Worst Enemy Ever - Broken Protector is a captivating read from start to finish. This enemies to lovers, forced Proximity, steamy, billionaire, suspenseful romance is well written with compelling and layered characters. I did binge read it from start to finish as I was intrigued by Elias and Bella’s journey. Their slow-burn, push-pull attraction to one another (although reluctantly given) is full of spark and chemistry. They had to develop a trust while trying to bond through intrigue, ups/downs, life, and unexpected twists and turns. I loved their determination and their grit. I also loved the secondary characters and the Ride or Die six who bonded through tragedy but remained true to each other. This story is a suspenseful romance but full of so much more including heart-felt emotion, juggling trauma and living life, developing trust, acceptance, perseverance, and having those soothing sparks of humor. This author did a great job of drawing this reader into the story’s journey and it was worth the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Bella's live changed five years ago. However she lives by a new motto she deflects with humor or sarcasm. Running her bar helps keep her sane and busy. That is until four masked men walk in and ransack her bar. But as usual she has to fight back, disarming and disabling as best she can. As they flee in walks the most noticeable man she's ever seen. Although she knows exactly who he is, he runs other clubs on the area, plus he's recently been released from prison. Elias knows how intimidating his presence is. He's a no nonsense, rule placing, control obsessed man on a mission. His mission is to protect Bella at all cost. But she's definitely not a damsel in distress. Can he convince her he isn't part of the gang damaging her property. Will she take his offer of a safe place and protection for her five other Ride or Die girl friends. Has their shared past caught up with them. Or is it someone closer to her that's involved. This is the perfect start to this series that totally grips from start to finish. I can't wait for the next installment
December 20, 2025
Bella is a sarcastic, take no poo kind of woman. I love her ways. She deals with life through sarcasm and humor. Sad that's it's truly a defense mechanism after what she went through though. But I love that she won't let anything or anyone get her down.
And when her bar starts to get messed with, she finds out club owner Elias is having the same issue. He thinks they should work together to find the bad guys. She disagrees.
But these two, omgosh. Talk about a love hate relationship lol.
I was laughing and everything in between with these two.
I absolutely loved the twists and turns, and especially these two.
This was an awesome dark romance, true ride or die.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And when her bar starts to get messed with, she finds out club owner Elias is having the same issue. He thinks they should work together to find the bad guys. She disagrees.
But these two, omgosh. Talk about a love hate relationship lol.
I was laughing and everything in between with these two.
I absolutely loved the twists and turns, and especially these two.
This was an awesome dark romance, true ride or die.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a slow burn fast paced story with so much chaos! I loved the balance that Elias brought to Bella's chaos, her inner monologues were just as funny as her outer dialogue. The spice doesn't come until well after 50% of the book but the build up is worth it.
There are unanswered questions about the main character's back stories at the end of the book, after reaching out to the author these will come to be answered in other books in the series (interconnected standalones).
The only reason it is 4 stars instead of 5 is because I am not patient when it comes to unanswered questions lol ;)
I received this as an ARC and am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
There are unanswered questions about the main character's back stories at the end of the book, after reaching out to the author these will come to be answered in other books in the series (interconnected standalones).
The only reason it is 4 stars instead of 5 is because I am not patient when it comes to unanswered questions lol ;)
I received this as an ARC and am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.
December 19, 2025
This is Book 1 of the Ride or Die Six series. It is a FANtastic story!
The plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Thoroughly enjoyed and 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.
The plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Thoroughly enjoyed and 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.
December 19, 2025
I just love enemies to lovers romance and Ms. Daves hit it out of the park with "Worst Enemy Ever!"
If you're like me, I think you'll be hard-pressed to put this down!
This was relatable, aside from the "billionaire" aspect!
The characters were real!
Bella had such strength! Loved that!
And Elias, oh so swoony! Loved him!
I definitely enjoyed this Daves' romance!
If you're like me, I think you'll be hard-pressed to put this down!
This was relatable, aside from the "billionaire" aspect!
The characters were real!
Bella had such strength! Loved that!
And Elias, oh so swoony! Loved him!
I definitely enjoyed this Daves' romance!
December 19, 2025
NOW is the time to read the most EXTRAORDINARY romance book written by Sofie. You’re in for a long night of reading a hard to put down romance book if you start reading before bed. Elias and Bella are the best characters to read in this book. The best part is this is the start of a new series. EEEK I am so EXCITED for book #2.
December 20, 2025
Worst Enemy Ever is the perfect start to this new series. Bella's bar was ransack by four masked men. In walk Elias who is on a mission. Will Bella take him up for a safe place for her and her five other Ride or Die girl friends. Grab a copy of this enemies to lovers, steamy suspenseful romance it is a must read.
Read
December 16, 2025This enjoyable romance has suspense, secrets, danger, violence, betrayal, and defined MCs who are likable, protective, independent, and have boundaries. I liked this entertaining and engaging storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this read! It was such a page turner I absolutely could not put it down and the spice in this book woah! I would recommend this to anyone who likes enemies to lover romance and spicy reads!
December 19, 2025
Elias and Bella shine in this past paced romance. The push and pull between them pull you in as they become closer. Loved how Bella was sassy and Elias had so many layers that added to his protectiveness.
December 20, 2025
I really enjoyed Bella and Elias in this book. It blended the mystery and suspense while also bringing a slow burn romance. I really enjoyed the ending and was hoping for it to be longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a great enemies to lovers book...the characters are complex and the storyline detailed. Keeps you wanting more!!! Which we will get in the next book in the series!
December 20, 2025
I received an ARC from the author of this book. Enemies to lovers spicy romance. Enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!
January 10, 2026
I enjoyed worst enemy ever which was Elias and Bella’s story. Great chemistry. It was an action packed, suspenseful read. And voluntarily leaving this review
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews