Forbidden Protector: A Dark Cowboy Enemies to Lovers Romance

by Elsie Elliott

I’m ordered by my father to watch the Fed investigating my family.
Now she’s in my bed—and I’ll kill anyone who touches her.

Mackenzie Tatum comes to Montana hunting Blackwater crimes.
I’m assigned to make sure she finds nothing.

When someone tries to kill her, I betray my blood to become the bastard keeping her alive.

One snowstorm, one stranded night, one bed—and pretending I don’t want her becomes impossible.
She stitches me up. Sees the man beneath the weapon my family made.

Somehow, I start telling her things no one else gets to hear.
That’s when I learn why she really came.

Her grandfather died on Blackwater land—and she believes my family killed him.
Now his real killers want her gone, and I take the bullet meant for her.

I thought Mackenzie was the first person who saw the man instead of the monster.
But I learn the truth.

I was part of her mission.
Just another tool she planned to use against my family.

And the part that destroys me? I'd do it all again.





★ Enemies to Lovers

★ Morally Grey Family Enforcer

★ Forbidden Attraction

★ Possessive Hero

★ He Falls First

★ Touch Her and Die

★ Forced Proximity

★ High Heat

Forbidden Protector is the second book in the Broken Sky Legacy Series and can be read as a standalone, with its own happily ever after. Each book follows a different Blackwater or Sullivan sibling, and together they unravel one dangerous secret.

Content Dark romance intended for readers 18+. Contains explicit content, graphic violence, murder, suicide, and themes some readers may find disturbing. HEA guaranteed.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2026

Reviews

[Robyn R, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Storytelling

This one took me by storm. I’ll admit I came into this story kinda in the middle. I never read the first book in the series, a mistake I intend to rectify immediately. However, that omission didn’t keep me from thoroughly enjoying this one. My absolute favorite genre, ever, is the contemporary Native American hero and that initially brought me here. It was the story line however that kept me here and turning this book into a 5 star read. Page turning storyline, compelling characters, and a mystery that I need to see to the end, has me giving this a rating that I rarely give. Outstanding writing! Please give this entire series a read.

[Alyssa Schmit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book, and I loooved Knox and Maren's story. But Holt & Mac? Somehow adore them more.

Grumpy, stoic MMC ranch muscle meets FBI agent FMC with a deep grudge in the middle of an ongoing investigation into two rival ranch families. This had drama and intrigue, spice and romance, mystery and suspense, a little bit of heartache, and a whole love of action! This felt like it could have been an entire series all on its own. So much happens in such a short amount of pages, but it's so cohesive and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to Elsie Elliott and Booksprout for the opportunity to ARC read for an honest review.

[Amanda Milne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie knows how to write dark cowboy books and this one - whew what a book!
It kept me captivated as the storyline was very dark but gripping.
The storyline is based on Holt and Mackenzie who shouldn't want each other as they are on opposition sides of the law. But their jobs don't stop them from realizing there is something there!
This book had everything a good dark cowboy book should have - action, emotions, spice 😰😰🔥 and twists.
This is the second book in the Broken Sky Legacy Series.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Protector by Elsie Elliott is an intense, steamy romance that pulled me in with its enemies-to-lovers dynamic and protective cowboy hero. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and I loved the tension that builds as they struggle with their attraction while dealing with secrets, danger, and complicated emotions. The dark, suspenseful elements added another layer to the story and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The cowboy setting also gave the romance a rugged, passionate feel that fit the story perfectly. I especially enjoyed watching the characters slowly break down their walls and discover that sometimes the person you least expect can become the one you need most. Overall, Forbidden Protector is a book that is definitely worth checking out!

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

[RoseVE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teamwork

MacKenzie and Holt are attracted to each other from the moment Holt picks her up at the airport. She is an FBI agent sent to investigate financial issues in Holt's family. His father Gideon knows that and assigns Holt to watch her. It turns into 24/7 attachment when she moves into his house after she was targeted in her hotel. He told her he would keep her safe. This is a story of mystery, old promises, and two people finding healing together. It's a great book. I highly recommend it.

[Keren Cargan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mackenzie is a federal agent and requests an audit job on a family in Montanna. This job has personal ties. Since memorising files from a box her father held from her Grandfather, she knows that her Grandfather's death was not as clean as the certificate makes out.
Holt was always just a tool in his father's business. Never the heir or the spare. Hes known this but having it confirmed cuts deeper than he thought but Mackenzie can read him like he has been trained to read other people. And they had each others measure as soon as he picked her up from the airport.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Protector by Elsie Elliott was a fantastic addition to the Broken Sky Legacy series! Holt and Mackenzie were intense, intelligent, and absolutely perfect together. I loved the suspense, danger, family secrets, and all the twists as Mackenzie investigated her grandfather’s death while Holt became her unexpected protector. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the action kept me hooked from beginning to end. An exciting, addictive read that has me eager for more from this series!

[meg kapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow not the usual cowboy story

What a great read. The writing is subtle and packed with meanings, suspense and some scary moments. I loved Mac & H’s characters. Such strong family pride, stubbornness, & major attraction they both fight to stay focused. Ha!
That seen in the motel was so quietly terrifying it will stay with me for a long time. So subtly creepy!
Looking forward to the next book

[Marie Roessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book more than I thought I would.
It starts out quiet and slow paced but the heat between the main characters gives the emotional boost the story needs.
Holt and Mackenzie appear to be on opposite sides of the law but their chemistry burns down the barriers between them. The plot has many twists and turns to challenge their fragile bond while author Elliott helps us figure out the good guys from the bad.

[DEBBIE GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enemy to lovers, hot chemistry, romance. it has awesome characters and it’s definitely a page turner with danger, ranchers, and a fed. The plot is really good. I enjoyed the story very much.

[Rosa Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rancher wins girl

Wonderful story. Lots of intrigue. Good guys. Bad guys. Secrets. Two people who find each other, stand side by side fighting the bad. Love conquers all. Happily ever after. Highly recommend.
Thank you Elsie Elliot for a great book. Love it.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series and had been waiting for Holt's book since reading Knox's book. Such a great addition to the series with the continued underlying suspense.

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

[Rita Gillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family drama and tense situations with the sexiest scenes I've read in a while. An interesting and exciting read!