Ruthless Protector: An Age Gap, Mafia Bodyguard Romance

by Kai Lesy

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞,
𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤,
𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛.

Cute.
She thinks a mask can fool me.

I’ve spent five years learning everything about Isla Healy.
How she takes her coffee.
Which lies she tells her father.
The look in her eyes when she’s scared.

So when a man puts his hand on her…
I break it.
I’m in a good mood, so I let him keep the other.

Then she tells me what she wants.
One night. To forget the demon her father sold her to.
I say yes before she finishes.

Five years of looking away.
Tonight, she begs for every inch.

Now she’s carrying my child.
The wedding is days away.
And the man who made me a monster just found her.

She’s mine.
Mine to protect.
Mine to ruin.
Mine to bury bodies for.

I was a monster long before I was her bodyguard.
Now I’m HER monster.


For readers who a scarred, possessive bodyguard, a fierce curvy heiress, and forbidden romance with an age gap. One masked night, a secret baby, explosive family betrayal, and a man who would burn the world down to keep what’s his.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2026

About the author

International Bestselling Romance Author.
Amazon US Top 30 Author.

Kai Lesy thrives on abundance SO naturally menage and reverse harems with a multiple over-the-top alphas is her jam.

Outside of writing her next masterpiece, Kai loves baking an obnoxious amount of cookies, playing with her French bull dog, Hugo, and writing about herself in the third person - because it feels fancy.

All books FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Lucky Lady Reverse Harem Series
1. Single Mom's SEALs
2. Tapped Out Single Mom
3. Three Daddies Under the Mistletoe
4. Christmas with my Best Friend's Brothers
5. Cowboy Daddies
6. Christmas with my Three Best Friends
7. Playing Pretend with my Brother's Best Friends
8. SEAL'd with a Kiss
9. Snow and the Seven Protectors
10. Her Royal Treatmen

Her Glow Up Reverse Harem Series
1. Single Mom's Glow Up
2. Single Mom's Sparkle
3. Baby Makes Seven

Over the Top Galactic Protectors SciFi Series
1. Claimed by Brothers
2. Barbarian Daddies
3. Twins for the Barbarians
4. Triplets for the Barbarians

Dirty Daddies Series
1. Savage Protector
2. Quadruple Daddy
3. Protecting the Nanny

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Ruthless Protector was an action packed book with quite the love story mixed in. I like the blurb of the book so I was excited to read this one but it wasn't one of my favorites by this author. I thought the plot was good throughout the book. It started out kind of slow for me but it did build up with all the action and drama. Even I felt icky reading about Declan, who Islas dad is making her marry. Isla just came off very self absorbed in this book. I mean she is described as a spoiled mafia princess but really she just wants to continue her education. Her treatment of Roman made me so mad when she confronts him about why he became her body guard. She turns him away and says to never come back despite loving him and carrying his child?! He was honest with her and told her why he wanted to infiltrate the black rose syndicate to get to her father but fell in love with her, he told her how his team was abandoned and he was avenging them. She didn't even see it from his point of view or anything. Then she just went home back to the men who are just using her as a pawn. Her brother Connor finally made her realize how wrong she'd been by finding out the truth behind Romans old units betrayal.
I thought the ending epilogues were really sweet and how they both found their happy place in each other and their little family.

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

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shadow that you'll want at your back. Roman is ex-military but now a bodyguard to the daughter of the man he was set on for revenge. What he wasn't ready for was falling in love with his charge. Isla is a mafia princess who's been secretly in love with her bodyguard for years and just wants to live her life. One night of dropped barriers, and a forbidden passion will have both wanting more.

I absolutely LOVE the attention to detail that makes it easy to picture this book like an actual movie in my head. The story was fast-paced, the world building is very well written, it's action-packed and will have you at the edge of your seat waiting to see what's next. The love and spice will have you wanting more.

This is a great read for those who are not just looking for a mafia romance, but so much more. From a forbidden love that comes with a bit of an age gap, not to mention the touch her and die moments. He will do anything to keep her safe. Let's not forget a found family and a swoon worthy HEA that comes with a bit of violence and a little bit of blood.

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

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Protector is a gripping, sharply written dark mafia romance that perfectly balances high-stakes suspense with intense emotional heat.

Centring on a fiercely independent mob princess with the soul of an artist and her brooding, "touch-and-die" alpha bodyguard, the book delivers an addictive age-gap, forced-proximity dynamic. Strung tightly between danger and desire, the explosive chemistry between the leads brings a striking spark to every page.

The story is tautly plotted, layering a dark revenge scheme against the looming threat of a horrific forced marriage. Well-rounded characters and an exceptional writing style keep the momentum moving swiftly through a minefield of unpredictable twists and turns. For readers looking for a dangerous underworld romance that balances plenty of spice with a thrilling narrative, this book delivers a hard-won, deeply satisfying happy-ever-after.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'For readers who love: dangerously possessive silver fox mafia bodyguards, forbidden age-gap romance, and a feisty curvy heiress who drives her brooding protector to the edge of madness. A scarred, ruthless alpha who has secretly obsessed over her for five years. Forced proximity, explosive family betrayal, a night of forbidden passion, secret pregnancy, and a man who would slaughter an entire empire before letting anyone take what's his.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

𝗥͟𝘂͟𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗹͟𝗲͟𝘀͟𝘀͟ 𝗕͟𝗿͟𝗮͟𝘁͟𝘃͟𝗮͟ 𝗗͟𝗮͟𝗱͟𝗱͟𝗶͟𝗲͟𝘀͟ 𝗦͟𝗲͟𝗿͟𝗶͟𝗲͟𝘀͟ :͟
✅ 1. Savage King (2026) - 3 ⭐⭐⭐ read March 18, 2026
𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐖 and 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐇 "𝗟𝗘𝗔" 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦
✅ 2. The Better Brother (2026) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐- read May 08, 2026
𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗩𝗘𝗜 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗞𝗢𝗩 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗬𝗔 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄
✅ 3. Savage Boss (June 1, 2026) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐀
✅ 4. The Hidden Heir (August 17, 2026) - 4.5 ⭐
𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈 "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀
❌ 5. Ruthless Protector (Octobe 30 2026) -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX9NQFJ5?...

𝗦͟𝗼͟𝗺͟𝗲͟𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗶͟𝗻͟𝗴͟ 𝘁͟𝗼͟ 𝗟͟𝗶͟𝘀͟𝘁͟𝗲͟𝗻͟ 𝘁͟𝗼͟ 𝗪͟𝗵͟𝗶͟𝗹͟𝗲͟ 𝗥͟𝗲͟𝗮͟𝗱͟𝗶͟𝗻͟𝗴͟ :͟🎶🎧👩📚☕🍷🧁🍫
https://youtu.be/M74bsKYSzeI?si=jr674...

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome. Fast paced and oh so much drama.

Isla is a Mafia princess with a bodyguard, Roman who secretly loves her but she doesn't know. She is promised in marriage to a Ruthless man when she runs.

Roman is fiercely protective and a wee bit possessive. But more that she is forbidden and he wants no harm to come to her. That's why his feelings cone out once danger approaches.

So well done. These two worked so well together. Chemistry and attraction brings all the feels.

Beautifully written. Plot i couldn't leave alone and characters o wanted to know more about. So good really!!.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hot forbidden romance between a mafia princess and her body guard. Roman has infiltrated her family as a bodyguard as he's on a mission. However, he couldn't help but fall hard for Isla, over the years, and is pining away for her. Isla has a life planned for herself, including more education, but her father has other plans that include marriage to a wretched guy :( She and Roman had such great chemistry but I couldn't connect with Isla when she dismissed his reasons for being there, and she made bad choices from there. And, she was pregnant with his baby ! Thankfully, she gets her eyes opened by her brother and these two do manage to work their way to a fab and steamy HEA. I loved the epilogues and just how sweet they were, giving this story a fab ending.

[Kristi Palling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla and Roman’s story had it all: a fierce protector, forbidden love, and a secret that changes everything. Imagine loving a woman for years and being willing to sacrifice your plans for revenge just to be with her. Roman was such a broken hero, physically and mentally, but his love for Isla gave him something worth fighting for.

And Isla was everything I love in a heroine: strong, stubborn, and fiercely protective of the man she loved. She was even willing to sacrifice herself just so he could live.

There were so many twists and turns, plenty of emotion, and a love that brought light into the darkest parts of Roman. I absolutely loved this story!

[Tressa23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.
A well written, sharply plotted, mafia love story between a mob princess with freedom and art in her veins, her bodyguard with a tortured past that doesn’t stay quiet, and a looming traditional stepford-wife forced marriage to a monster who believes “wife” and “marriage” mean “silent whore” and “personal broodmare”. Good, rounded characters, sharp writing, and a taunt story make for an excellent read.
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 forbidden mafia romance is packed with thrilling twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. Roman is Isla's bodyguard who is seriously in love with her but knows the deal. When her father offers her to a man that is a rival, cruel and will break her will he takes matters into his own hands. Will they find a path to true happiness. This is a touch her and die story that has compelling characters that captivates and had me in their corner.

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

[Kerri Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🥵 **Oh my goodness, can we talk about that SEXY cover?!** And Roman… whew, that man is all kinds of HOT! 🔥❤️ The chemistry between these two was absolutely sizzling! The attraction, the passion, and those steamy moments had me hooked! I loved every minute of their story. Roman definitely knows how to make a girl swoon! This book was packed with heat, romance, and undeniable chemistry. **So dang good!** ❤️🔥📚

[Michelle Odwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla and Roman's story. Roman wanted revenge, so he infiltrated Isla's family and became her bodyguard. Her father told her that she was going to have to marry a man to unite both family and business, not knowing that the groom was trying to take over. Roman was dealing with ghosts of his past. Together they were able to protect each other and get their happy ending.

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

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An alpha male whose whole persona is touch and die. She is his charge and he, her bodyguard. He will protect her while loving her. Together these two will have sparks coming off them. A dark Mafia romance that does have danger, suspense and a happy ever after ending.

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

[Mrs. Whit · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This author was new to me. I enjoyed her writing style. Good mix of plot and spice. A bodyguard x mafia princess with a mix of a revenge plot. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me hooked. Hard won HEA, part of a series, but I haven't read any of the other books (yet...but I will!).

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

[Christina Morantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Absolutely awesome book. I cried, I laughed, I wanted to scream, and most of all, I wanted the happily ever after! This was a very fast-paced read. The love and understanding between the FMC and MMC is very touching.

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

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot? Super intriguing….but difficult to follow at times. The writing style….is intelligent (if that makes sense) but bc of this it comes across a bit choppy on the flow. It’s a different writing style from the other books by KL, IMO. I’m waiting with bated breath on what book comes out next. 4 solid stars!!!!!

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so absorbed in what I was reading while reading Ruthless Protector, I couldn't tell you at all what was going on around me. It definitely had that addictive, captivating quality about it, and I loved that. And once this story got its claws in you, no questions you were hooked. Well worth a read and recommendation to other readers. So very good! 5/5 stars

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that engaged me from the beginning, I enjoyed the storyline and characters, This has action and chemistry, A great read,.

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

[Lynanne Lamothe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military. Mafia. Romance. This book has it all. The characters grip you from the start and it’s hard to put it down.

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

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Protector is an action filled Mafia age gap romance. It's about a Mafia princess and her bodyguard. It had good heat and an overall good story.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla is smart, determined and sassy. Roman is smart, protective, hardworking and deadly man. Their story pulled me in with a dangerous storyline.

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

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark exciting story. Roman and Isla are strong charismatic characters and I loved the interaction between them.

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

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mafia romance brought the heat, the action, the chaos. It was so good. I loved Roman. He was fierce, protective. All alpha male. And the way he protected Isla. Loved her, wrecked her. They were so hot together. I was obsessed with this one. A definite must read.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense read this book was I was on the edge of my seat while turning the pages. I thought it was well written. It has forbidden love, secrets so many twist and turns and lots of action.

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

[G. And · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's strong and weak a woman to be sold. He's the stone who will anchor her to safety. Good characters and story, well written. Recommended