What do you think?
Rate this book
Angels and Assassins #2
The Protector
A vow he made...
After growing up on the streets as a kid in Washington DC, former Navy SEAL, Dez, vowed he would never return after joining the military. And he’d kept the promise—until the death of one of his fellow comrades forces him to go back to the city he’d been convinced was damned.
However, the night before he plans to fly out of the city, he runs into Larke Tapley, a federal prosecutor at a crossroads about leaving her secure job and branching out on her own.
A vow she breaks
The two develop a friendship, remaining in contact while he covers private missions overseas, and she develops a name for herself in the legal world. Over time, the need to see her in person forces Dez to do what he’d vowed never to do... He returns home.
The minute he arrives, there’s a break-in at Larke’s office. He assumes the person has been sent for the bounty still on his head, until the man reveals he has come to kill Larke.
The woman who is now his mission
Dez deems her under his protection, and together, they aim to find two missing girls and dismantle one of the most salacious underground operations of the criminal world. Dez also vows to make the woman who’s been his rock and his reason to live for two years, his.
Forever.
After growing up on the streets as a kid in Washington DC, former Navy SEAL, Dez, vowed he would never return after joining the military. And he’d kept the promise—until the death of one of his fellow comrades forces him to go back to the city he’d been convinced was damned.
However, the night before he plans to fly out of the city, he runs into Larke Tapley, a federal prosecutor at a crossroads about leaving her secure job and branching out on her own.
A vow she breaks
The two develop a friendship, remaining in contact while he covers private missions overseas, and she develops a name for herself in the legal world. Over time, the need to see her in person forces Dez to do what he’d vowed never to do... He returns home.
The minute he arrives, there’s a break-in at Larke’s office. He assumes the person has been sent for the bounty still on his head, until the man reveals he has come to kill Larke.
The woman who is now his mission
Dez deems her under his protection, and together, they aim to find two missing girls and dismantle one of the most salacious underground operations of the criminal world. Dez also vows to make the woman who’s been his rock and his reason to live for two years, his.
Forever.
280 pages, ebook
Published August 5, 2018
453 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 5, 2018
Dez and Larke’s story kept me turning pages well into the night. Suspense, action and romance at it’s finest. A hot alpha and a strong female with off the charts chemistry will take you on a journey that will keep you on edge. I highly recommended IR Romance.
August 27, 2023
Distance makes the heart grow fonder!
Larke and Dez are perfect 👌🏾for each other. These two need perfect time in their lives were changes were being made in each other’s life. But with these changes brought them miles and miles apart from each other. That should’ve ended their story but it didn’t it in doored and blossomed. Once they got back together it was forever ! Danger I am in training I always love it.
Larke and Dez are perfect 👌🏾for each other. These two need perfect time in their lives were changes were being made in each other’s life. But with these changes brought them miles and miles apart from each other. That should’ve ended their story but it didn’t it in doored and blossomed. Once they got back together it was forever ! Danger I am in training I always love it.
August 11, 2018
I love this hero and heroine.
More to follow ... for now ... I'm going to leave you with something the hero said and I'm paraphrasing ...
"If anybody can get to Larke -- that means I'm dead." -Dez
Enough said ... for now ... more to follow ... soon!
READ IT!
More to follow ... for now ... I'm going to leave you with something the hero said and I'm paraphrasing ...
"If anybody can get to Larke -- that means I'm dead." -Dez
Enough said ... for now ... more to follow ... soon!
READ IT!
August 21, 2018
I feel like I've been waiting for this forever!! I loved Gage and Tayler's story, and now Dez and Lark's story have amped things up. Mark is on the hunt for a missing girl and ends up stumbling on a sophisticated trafficking organization that kidnaps and sells young women and girls in modern day sexual slavery. Dez is a man hardened man with a tragic past, determined to not let it overcome him in letting Lark into his life. The two are in a race against time to save trafficked young girls and avoid assassination attempts, all while physically falling deeper in love. There's a lot going on in this story but it's a fast paced enjoyable read.
There were a few inconsistencies, but I loved it and can't wait for more in the series. Even though the book is fiction, that topic was all too real and a widely un-talked about epidemic. Black and brown girls are easy targets for these operations, especially in lower economic neighborhoods. It's an awful reality for millions of women and children. Large crime syndicates even profit from it, the Triad and Yakuza are known to have ties to the Brazilian sex trade. Authorities are always working around the clock trying to cut off the head of a snake only to realize that it's a hydra.
There were a few inconsistencies, but I loved it and can't wait for more in the series. Even though the book is fiction, that topic was all too real and a widely un-talked about epidemic. Black and brown girls are easy targets for these operations, especially in lower economic neighborhoods. It's an awful reality for millions of women and children. Large crime syndicates even profit from it, the Triad and Yakuza are known to have ties to the Brazilian sex trade. Authorities are always working around the clock trying to cut off the head of a snake only to realize that it's a hydra.
July 11, 2023
This was a great suspense filled romance about two people who truly deserved a HEA but it wasn’t easy for them to achieve it. There are mysteries to solve, victims to save, and vengeance to be served. While going through all of that they find what they both have been looking for, home in each other’s arms and the promise of a future neither ever thought possible. I ❤️ this couple!
August 13, 2018
Fast paced, well written and suspenseful! One of the best books I’ve read this year. I couldn’t put the book down. I hope we don’t have to wait long for the 3rd book.
Great work, Ms. Walker!
Great work, Ms. Walker!
Want to read
April 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/27/2019)! 🎁
February 11, 2024
4.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
This book is not for the faint of heart. As Larke is investigating the kidnapping/abduction of Black Girls in D.C. she is also in a hot and heavy penpal relationship with Dez. Dez is a former special operator turned assassin who doesn't know his past but connects with Larke and then holds on to her with a vengeance.
CW: Child Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Torture, Kidnapping, Corruption, Black Women Exploration
Video review available in Week 6: Feb 4 – Feb 10, 2024, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
This book is not for the faint of heart. As Larke is investigating the kidnapping/abduction of Black Girls in D.C. she is also in a hot and heavy penpal relationship with Dez. Dez is a former special operator turned assassin who doesn't know his past but connects with Larke and then holds on to her with a vengeance.
CW: Child Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Torture, Kidnapping, Corruption, Black Women Exploration
Video review available in Week 6: Feb 4 – Feb 10, 2024, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
May 31, 2022
Skimmed a lot
This book started out intriguing but then seemed to lose its steam. The romance storyline was good in the beginning and the end but I skimmed a lot of the middle. The suspense storyline was intense at times but then poof, its over. I did love justice and resolution for Dez ending.
This book started out intriguing but then seemed to lose its steam. The romance storyline was good in the beginning and the end but I skimmed a lot of the middle. The suspense storyline was intense at times but then poof, its over. I did love justice and resolution for Dez ending.
June 1, 2022
Okish (2.5 stars)
The continuity of the story was interrupted for me with way too many POVs that weren’t the main characters.
Lots of narrative meant a lot of skimming.
The overall plot and characters were interesting enough that I’ll try the next book.
The continuity of the story was interrupted for me with way too many POVs that weren’t the main characters.
Lots of narrative meant a lot of skimming.
The overall plot and characters were interesting enough that I’ll try the next book.
November 19, 2022
Read 11/27/2022.
September 14, 2019
Fire!!
After reading the first book, the second with Dez and Larke was excellent. If you are looking for action, suspense and grown and sexy romance... 🛑 ‼️. Don’t go any further! Wonderful read! Serious issues tackled and written with compassion and understanding. Onward to book 3. Well done Ms. K. Alex Walker, well done!
After reading the first book, the second with Dez and Larke was excellent. If you are looking for action, suspense and grown and sexy romance... 🛑 ‼️. Don’t go any further! Wonderful read! Serious issues tackled and written with compassion and understanding. Onward to book 3. Well done Ms. K. Alex Walker, well done!
Read
August 29, 2022Damn Good Read
Here's my Succinct Review
Here's my Succinct Review
August 8, 2018
Whew Chile...
This started out slow and I wasn’t to sure how I would like, but baby this book was everything and more honey.
This started out slow and I wasn’t to sure how I would like, but baby this book was everything and more honey.
August 11, 2018
Great Story!!
This was well worth the wait. I can't wait to read the next story in the series starting Julian and Ari story.
This was well worth the wait. I can't wait to read the next story in the series starting Julian and Ari story.
August 4, 2025
☆ 3.25 stars
Tropes
♡ Alpha MMC
♡ Touch Her And ☠️
♡ Long Distance (for the beginning)
Overall:
Dez and Larke team up to help find missing girls in the D.C. area who have been sold into international sex trafficking rings.
What I enjoyed:
- The description of girls who are sold into sex trafficking was hard to read but entirely necessary.
- Dez's background and the scene with him returning to the diner was well-juxtaposed to who he became.
- There were more interconnected parts to this story than the others in the series that I've read so far, which I've enjoyed.
- The surprise ending!!
What I didn’t enjoy:
- Dez and Larke should have talked about safe sex first to be sure they were on the same page. They've talked for two years, and somehow after they are reunited, they don't talk about something as important as this?!
- What happened to Corey?
- I would have also liked for more description into how everyone's relationship led to each other (i.e. Joni, George, and Corey) - I felt that this was too brief for me to really be invested.
Favorite quotes:
"Dez leaned back, his palm returning to its spot just above her waistband, and said nothing, which made her want to bounce up and down in her chair, clapping like a happy child. This was far from the Dez she'd known. He'd always been soft and gentle with her, but this show of masculinity was something she didn't realize she wanted in her life."
"She smiled. 'You called me Larke.'
'I have to get used to it,' he said. 'This is the last day I'll be able to call you by your maiden name.'"
Current ranking:
1 Gio
2 Dez
3 Gage
Tropes
♡ Alpha MMC
♡ Touch Her And ☠️
♡ Long Distance (for the beginning)
Overall:
Dez and Larke team up to help find missing girls in the D.C. area who have been sold into international sex trafficking rings.
What I enjoyed:
- The description of girls who are sold into sex trafficking was hard to read but entirely necessary.
- Dez's background and the scene with him returning to the diner was well-juxtaposed to who he became.
- There were more interconnected parts to this story than the others in the series that I've read so far, which I've enjoyed.
- The surprise ending!!
What I didn’t enjoy:
- Dez and Larke should have talked about safe sex first to be sure they were on the same page. They've talked for two years, and somehow after they are reunited, they don't talk about something as important as this?!
- What happened to Corey?
- I would have also liked for more description into how everyone's relationship led to each other (i.e. Joni, George, and Corey) - I felt that this was too brief for me to really be invested.
Favorite quotes:
"Dez leaned back, his palm returning to its spot just above her waistband, and said nothing, which made her want to bounce up and down in her chair, clapping like a happy child. This was far from the Dez she'd known. He'd always been soft and gentle with her, but this show of masculinity was something she didn't realize she wanted in her life."
"She smiled. 'You called me Larke.'
'I have to get used to it,' he said. 'This is the last day I'll be able to call you by your maiden name.'"
Current ranking:
1 Gio
2 Dez
3 Gage
June 13, 2024
4⭐️
2.75🌶
Where do I even begin with this book!! It is soo good but also really dark. It took me forever to get through it because it was making me anxious and nervous!!
I love Dez and Larke! I loved their friendship and love for each other. Dez, is that man! He is the whole package and then some. His trauma makes him fight for the underdog, and Larke is right by his side by using her own traumatic past to fight alongside him.
Gano was another reason why it took me so long to read this book. He scared the shit out of me. I literally read/started 3 books in from 73% to the end.
I loved getting to know more of the team, and I can't wait to see the other team members' stories.
If you are triggered by forced slavery, sex trafficking and child abduction, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It is in graphic details what is happening and shook me to my core. I think it also shook me because you know this is the reality of some many women, and we may never know their story.
2.75🌶
Where do I even begin with this book!! It is soo good but also really dark. It took me forever to get through it because it was making me anxious and nervous!!
I love Dez and Larke! I loved their friendship and love for each other. Dez, is that man! He is the whole package and then some. His trauma makes him fight for the underdog, and Larke is right by his side by using her own traumatic past to fight alongside him.
Gano was another reason why it took me so long to read this book. He scared the shit out of me. I literally read/started 3 books in from 73% to the end.
I loved getting to know more of the team, and I can't wait to see the other team members' stories.
If you are triggered by forced slavery, sex trafficking and child abduction, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It is in graphic details what is happening and shook me to my core. I think it also shook me because you know this is the reality of some many women, and we may never know their story.
Read
May 18, 2022Good
This was good. K. Alex Walker, you are one of my favorite authors. This book surprised me. I thought that Ganos was dead. Its not fair. He just kills for the sake of killing, not good. Dez and Larke were so cute together. I love how she trusted him. Did we ever find out about Corey? The statistics you quoted about the amount of Africa Americans being stolen is mind boggling. The interest is less than zero in the public care if they are missing. "Just another one gone" is the sentiment that's portrayed in finding an African American is missing. It is sad how African Americans are thought of. I will end right here, because I am about to start bawling. This is a good book with funny parts. This definitely a recommended read. (Ten stars).
This was good. K. Alex Walker, you are one of my favorite authors. This book surprised me. I thought that Ganos was dead. Its not fair. He just kills for the sake of killing, not good. Dez and Larke were so cute together. I love how she trusted him. Did we ever find out about Corey? The statistics you quoted about the amount of Africa Americans being stolen is mind boggling. The interest is less than zero in the public care if they are missing. "Just another one gone" is the sentiment that's portrayed in finding an African American is missing. It is sad how African Americans are thought of. I will end right here, because I am about to start bawling. This is a good book with funny parts. This definitely a recommended read. (Ten stars).
September 23, 2023
OH MY WOW
WOW! This story will easily steal your heart. It's a powerful combination of secrets and excitement that's so full suspense and romance. I really enjoyed these characters they are so amazing. It's funny how they start taking things slow with just talking to each other.The story is truly delightful When you add in the drama along with tons of emotions plus some intriguing twists and turns then you have a story that's full of feelings and so captivating. The story is great and it's suspenseful the couple is awesome together as they are getting to know each other and falling in love.Their relationship is great and they work well together as their jobs are somewhat related.This story is truly delightful and I Highly Recommend Reading it.
WOW! This story will easily steal your heart. It's a powerful combination of secrets and excitement that's so full suspense and romance. I really enjoyed these characters they are so amazing. It's funny how they start taking things slow with just talking to each other.The story is truly delightful When you add in the drama along with tons of emotions plus some intriguing twists and turns then you have a story that's full of feelings and so captivating. The story is great and it's suspenseful the couple is awesome together as they are getting to know each other and falling in love.Their relationship is great and they work well together as their jobs are somewhat related.This story is truly delightful and I Highly Recommend Reading it.
March 11, 2021
Oldie But Goodie
I’m reading this late as I know this series is about to end. But I loved it!!! Latke and Dez were beyond cute and I loved how their relationship evolved over time through their phone conversations. People
underestimate the value of good conversation which can lead to other things. Anyway not to be long winded, great action, great sexy fun times in the jungle and in caves, crazy FBI agents and hit man on top of out of top notch assassin squad😆😆. This was a great story which shed light on a serious problem in human trafficking and oftentimes the young ladies are not rescued, or even searched for.
I’m reading this late as I know this series is about to end. But I loved it!!! Latke and Dez were beyond cute and I loved how their relationship evolved over time through their phone conversations. People
underestimate the value of good conversation which can lead to other things. Anyway not to be long winded, great action, great sexy fun times in the jungle and in caves, crazy FBI agents and hit man on top of out of top notch assassin squad😆😆. This was a great story which shed light on a serious problem in human trafficking and oftentimes the young ladies are not rescued, or even searched for.
June 5, 2021
Exciting
This second installment was fantastic
It was a page turner and had some twists you didn't expect
The team showed up which was a great surprise
This story is about human trafficking so if this is a trigger for you be aware
A
K. Alex knows how to weave a story to keep you hooked until the last page, you Fall in love with the team of assassins and are happy they have their angels to keep them happy
The excitement, action, unexpected twists, didn't see it coming keeps you hooked and forgetting other things you should be doing
Can't wait to read book 3, matter of fact, I'm ordering when I finish this review
Happy reading
This second installment was fantastic
It was a page turner and had some twists you didn't expect
The team showed up which was a great surprise
This story is about human trafficking so if this is a trigger for you be aware
A
K. Alex knows how to weave a story to keep you hooked until the last page, you Fall in love with the team of assassins and are happy they have their angels to keep them happy
The excitement, action, unexpected twists, didn't see it coming keeps you hooked and forgetting other things you should be doing
Can't wait to read book 3, matter of fact, I'm ordering when I finish this review
Happy reading
August 15, 2022
This 2nd installment was good. The plot interesting and the characters very likable. Was a bit surprised 'cause at the beginning, Larke didn't act like the powerful ex AUSA she was supposed to be. Also, on that boat she suddenly develop skills she was said not to have... The way Dez let his guard down was a bit surprising too. Also having T. showing up in the middle of all this dangerous place a bit unrealistic. The way some things got neatly resolved regarding Dez, but in vague terms regarding race/ethnicities was a bit confusing.
Am afraid the rest of the series is gonna be a bit formulaic from now on.
Am afraid the rest of the series is gonna be a bit formulaic from now on.
May 30, 2023
Dez & Larke
Dez, he is so in love with Larke.
Larke, she is so in love with Dez.
(If I were her, I would have been screaming it at him from DAY 1)
These two balance each other, in so many ways.
Larke- She is Dez anchor, his happy place, his center.
Dez, he is Larke's world.
I am overjoyed, with how their love story played out. I laughed, I cried, I talked to them. I was sad for Dez. However, Larke mad his world better.
(P.S. to the author: Thank you for telling the story of how our Girls/Women Of Color are so overlooked in this seedy underground world of going missing)
Dez, he is so in love with Larke.
Larke, she is so in love with Dez.
(If I were her, I would have been screaming it at him from DAY 1)
These two balance each other, in so many ways.
Larke- She is Dez anchor, his happy place, his center.
Dez, he is Larke's world.
I am overjoyed, with how their love story played out. I laughed, I cried, I talked to them. I was sad for Dez. However, Larke mad his world better.
(P.S. to the author: Thank you for telling the story of how our Girls/Women Of Color are so overlooked in this seedy underground world of going missing)
December 13, 2019
I DNF and skipped around after 100 pages. I read the 1st book first and gave it 2.5. I read the 4th book and loved it. That made me go back and pick this one up. It feel flat for me at 2.5. I don't know why I loved the 4th book but hated the 1st and 2nd. I wont bother reading the 3rd. The story dragged with no romance and the plot felt rushed. It felt more about finding the missing girls than the developing relationship between the two main characters. A good plot should have been able to do both, Especially since they had a 2 year back story that the reader didn't see.
October 12, 2022
Romance Novel Nope
This is a very well written book! However, It’s not a romance story, but a thriller. Lots of intrigue, handsome, intelligent heroes, but very little romance. When I choose a romance book I want it without most of the story involving triggering chapters of young girls being taken and abused. You are a wonderful thriller writer! Try to write a true romance story next time!
This is a very well written book! However, It’s not a romance story, but a thriller. Lots of intrigue, handsome, intelligent heroes, but very little romance. When I choose a romance book I want it without most of the story involving triggering chapters of young girls being taken and abused. You are a wonderful thriller writer! Try to write a true romance story next time!
February 6, 2023
Book 2
Strong entry about another member of the elite team involved in “Private Global Defense”. I enjoyed the twist of a long-term, long-distance friendship that developed into a love match. It would only make sense given the MMC background that he wouldn’t fall in love at first sight. I am looking forward to the development of the new threat as the rest of the team members’ stories are told.
Strong entry about another member of the elite team involved in “Private Global Defense”. I enjoyed the twist of a long-term, long-distance friendship that developed into a love match. It would only make sense given the MMC background that he wouldn’t fall in love at first sight. I am looking forward to the development of the new threat as the rest of the team members’ stories are told.
November 15, 2023
Second time is better then the first time
My second time reading this I’m ashamed to say I did not leave a review for any of them the first time. Unfortunately that was the year I was really sick, I just read and didn’t leave a review to anything. I know now I should have left something, I know the good ones I re-read if I didn’t I will leave a review and let everyone know it’s my second time reading it.
This was good even the second time.
My second time reading this I’m ashamed to say I did not leave a review for any of them the first time. Unfortunately that was the year I was really sick, I just read and didn’t leave a review to anything. I know now I should have left something, I know the good ones I re-read if I didn’t I will leave a review and let everyone know it’s my second time reading it.
This was good even the second time.
January 28, 2024
love this story
This is a heartwarming story about love and faith and destiny. The story also has a lot of action drama and a lot of kick ass moments. And of course the romance and the passion is very evident from start to finish. What I love most about this book is that it read almost like watching a movie. Recommend for anyone interested in a really good story with lots of action and love.
This is a heartwarming story about love and faith and destiny. The story also has a lot of action drama and a lot of kick ass moments. And of course the romance and the passion is very evident from start to finish. What I love most about this book is that it read almost like watching a movie. Recommend for anyone interested in a really good story with lots of action and love.
June 14, 2024
He stared at her. “You’re my fucking world.”
Sooooo, soooo good!!! I can’t believe I waited and waited to read this. I kept thinking, naw, the second book can’t be as good as the first one. Maybe not but it’s pretty close. I loved how everything flowed together, the love, the brotherhood and now a sisterhood. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Swoon worthy, please someone give me a Dez and Larke held her own. I can’t wait to read the next book, I hope it’s as exciting thrilling as the first two.
Sooooo, soooo good!!! I can’t believe I waited and waited to read this. I kept thinking, naw, the second book can’t be as good as the first one. Maybe not but it’s pretty close. I loved how everything flowed together, the love, the brotherhood and now a sisterhood. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Swoon worthy, please someone give me a Dez and Larke held her own. I can’t wait to read the next book, I hope it’s as exciting thrilling as the first two.
January 6, 2022
The Protector
Kidnapped, filtered through system, greedy caregivers, having had enough and put plan in motion …….
Fighter, compassionate, advocate for the oppressed, and a great conversationalist ……..
Always there for one another in good times and bad……
Reliable and trustworthy…….
Long distance that went over and beyond to include forever ….
Kidnapped, filtered through system, greedy caregivers, having had enough and put plan in motion …….
Fighter, compassionate, advocate for the oppressed, and a great conversationalist ……..
Always there for one another in good times and bad……
Reliable and trustworthy…….
Long distance that went over and beyond to include forever ….
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews