The Shadow Protector

by Kayla Martyn

For nine years, I've lived as a ghost. No name. No ties. No one to lose.

Then I broke into Harper Wong's apartment—and couldn't walk away.

She's an investigative journalist chasing the truth about her brother's death. I'm after the same guy she's after. I'm supposed to use her to get the information I need. Then disappear.

Instead, danger forces us together. Safe houses. Long drives. Her body pressed against mine in the dark.

After nine years of nothing, I can't stop responding to her. And when she kisses me first—touches me like she wants the man beneath the weapon—I let myself fall.

The mission was always about justice. Now it's about her.

I fell for the one woman I was never supposed to love.

She thinks I was protecting her. The truth? I was using her. If she ever finds out, I won't just lose her love. I'll deserve it.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2026

About the author

Hi romance lovers! 💋

If you enjoy Age Gap, Enemies-to-Lovers, or Forbidden Romance wrapped in high-stakes danger, you’ll feel right at home here. My books are full of heat, heartbreak, and the kind of love stories that will leave you breathless.

I love to write steamy, high-stakes contemporary romance where passion collides with danger. My heroes will risk everything, my heroines never back down, and the sparks between them? Always explosive.

I enjoy showing you strong heroines with minds of their own and all have missions that drive them! Of course, they always find love with handsome, strong men!

Let me know what you think! Love to hear from you!

With love,
Kayla Martyn 💋

Reviews

[Angela Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌶️ 3/5

Okay but I actually loved this.

Ryan has spent nine years living as a ghost — no name, no real life, just missions. He breaks into Harper’s apartment planning to use her for information… and instead ends up falling for her.

Harper is strong and determined, trying to uncover the truth about her brother. The tension between them builds fast — safe houses, secrets, long drives, all of it. You can feel Ryan fighting himself the whole time because he knows he wasn’t supposed to care.

This is more romantic suspense than straight smut (about a 3 for spice), and I liked that the plot didn’t get lost behind the romance.

What really got me was watching a man who hasn’t allowed himself to live for almost a decade slowly start to feel again.

I’m really grateful for the ARC opportunity and happy to share my honest thoughts.

I received a free advance copy and am sharing my honest review.

[Susa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating plot!

Harper Wong is an investigative journalist with the Washington Tribune, specialized in military contractor corruption. Her brother Danny died in a ‘training accident’, but she knows there’s something fishy about it, so she interviews Ekaterina Volkov, who is serving time in a Virginia prison thanks to her cousins Isla and Lucian …
Ryan Brennan, former Delta Force, has been trying to end Colonel Webb’s network for years. When he is given valuable information from his late friend Gabriel, he seems to finally be in the position to take him down …
Ryan and Harper team up, as they can benefit from each other mutually. When Lucian and Isla show up, the story takes a decisive turn and thanks to the help of Rhett Cross and Colt Sullivan they decide to take the Colonel down for good.
Fascinating to read, the plot gets you hook, line and sinker!.

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed "THE SHADOW PROTECTOR" given by the author you can't put down dealing with secrets, grief, danger, being a ghost, missions, safe houses, steam, tension & suspense.
Harper Wong an investigative journalist wants to find out the truth about her brother Danny's death in a training accident, she feels things aren't as they seem, interviews Ekaterina Volkov who's in prison in Virginia because of her cousins Ilsa & Lucian.
Former Delta Force Ryan Brennan has been wanting to take Colonel Webb's network down his friend Gabriel gives him valuable info to finally take the Colonel down with the help of Ilsa, Lucien, Rhett Cross & Colt Sullivan.
I loved the characters & their journey to get a HEA with so much suspense an intense drama you don't want to miss reading.

[Angee Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about Ryan and Harper. Harper is the kind of FMC I love- Strong, independent, and determined. She was trying to find the truth about her brother. Ryan has spent nine years with no name, no real life, and just missions. She broke into Harper’s apartment planning to get information from her. They were thrown together which safe houses, secrets, and long drives. While together, they got closer. The characters have chemistry, romantic suspense, and an endearing love that was really nice. The plot stood out as well. It didn’t get lost in the romance. It was a perfect mix and completely balanced.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent story of two people seeking out the person that murdered Harper’s brother. Ryan spent 9 years being a ghost, only to break into Harper’s place for info, and end up falling for her instead. I loved the suspense on both sides. Not only for the mission, but them as well. Both sides held an intensity. I loved that Harper and Ryan struck together and were a team in every sense of the world. The between them was perfect as it didn’t take away from the main focus for them. This was a really great and suspenseful romance.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Shadow Protector” by Kayla Martyn

-Harper, a determined journalist, and Ryan, a silent operative, are thrown together while chasing the truth behind her brother’s death. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing honest thoughts.

Filled with secrets, suspense, missions, and hidden identities, their partnership grows into a deep, intense romance without overshadowing the plot. A perfectly balanced mix of action, intrigue, and heartfelt connection makes this a gripping and satisfying read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla is a phenomenal author who can write the most compelling romance books. This romance book right here will have you saying just 5 more minutes and then you realize you just finished reading the entire 5/5-star book. Loved how the book not only unfolds but you get hooked into the storyline right away.
You will love reading this book or any others by Kayla. I should know because I have read them all.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero wins the day and finds his lady love! Adults only!

He had to hide and work on bringing a man to justice! A columnist lost her brother! They work together with others to bring the law breakers down! Enjoy!

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Forbidden Protectors series. Harper and Ryan are a great couple. I enjoyed the intriguing plot, the danger, drama, secrets, suspense, emotion and steam. This story kept me turning pages non-stop. A great read.