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The Rossi Crime Family #3
Guard Me
She was a tiny little lamb that claimed my heart with one fearful look.
I was her captor, the man responsible for breaking her, for preparing her for auction.
She was taken, plucked right off the street and brought to me to be sold at the next auction.
Rescuing her from my men was never part of the deal, and neither was bringing her up to my room.
Yet, night after night I did this, refusing to give up the way she made me feel. When I’m with her I feel less like a monster. I can remember the man I used to be before the mob got to me, before all the bad tainted my soul.
But wanting her is forbidden, and keeping her unthinkable. If they find out what I’m doing they’ll kill both of us.
And still…
I want to save her.
I want to love her.
I want to cherish her.
When the time comes will I be able to let her go? Or will I risk both our lives for a love that I may not deserve?
**This is book four in the series but it can be read as a complete standalone. It is a full length novel (85k+ words) that contains NO-CLIFFHANGERS, NO CHEATING, and has a HEA. It is a dark mafia/crime romance and contains subject matter not suitable for all readers. **
I was her captor, the man responsible for breaking her, for preparing her for auction.
She was taken, plucked right off the street and brought to me to be sold at the next auction.
Rescuing her from my men was never part of the deal, and neither was bringing her up to my room.
Yet, night after night I did this, refusing to give up the way she made me feel. When I’m with her I feel less like a monster. I can remember the man I used to be before the mob got to me, before all the bad tainted my soul.
But wanting her is forbidden, and keeping her unthinkable. If they find out what I’m doing they’ll kill both of us.
And still…
I want to save her.
I want to love her.
I want to cherish her.
When the time comes will I be able to let her go? Or will I risk both our lives for a love that I may not deserve?
**This is book four in the series but it can be read as a complete standalone. It is a full length novel (85k+ words) that contains NO-CLIFFHANGERS, NO CHEATING, and has a HEA. It is a dark mafia/crime romance and contains subject matter not suitable for all readers. **
294 pages, ebook
First published April 2, 2019
1066 people are currently reading
978 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
236 books7,172 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
July 24, 2022
I cannot believe this book
First, I want to start out by saying that I usually love these author’s books—as far fetched as they may be. They are always very well written and even though some are very dark—they are addicting. (The rest of this review will contain spoilers)......
But this one— Ivan the hero is a human trafficker!!! And he has zero remorse or guilt about it. He has girls kidnapped and auctioned off to sickos to be raped, tortured and killed! He develops an obsession with Violet because she reminds of his dead sister. He feels guilty over his sister’s death so he decides to show Violet some kindness before she’s auctioned off to alleviate his guilt. (While the other nine girls they’re holding are treated like animals).
Anyway she develops an attachment to him because he’s doing nice things for her while she’s in hell. (I get that) They’re attracted to one another but he makes it clear that even though he’s being nice to her, he won’t have sex with her because he’s still going to sell her and he needs her to be a virgin. But she still wants him sexually even though she knows he’s still going to auction her off!! WHAT?!?! He tells her that all he can do for her is give her some comfort before the auction. He has no intention of saving her even though he has feelings for her. But yet he has this crippling guilt over his sisters death that was an accident?!? Ok?
He ends up saving her though because he kills a guy that was attacking her and he has no choice but to go on the run and he may as well take her with.
And Violet— I liked her at first and I felt so bad for her situation. But when she was saying how there was good in Ivan because he showed her kindness and “he was just doing his job”—WHAT?!??HE’S A HUMAN TRAFFICKER!!! There’s no coming back from that!!! He had no remorse or guilt for selling hundreds of girls to monsters. But suddenly he’s a good guy because he saved her. He only saved her because he had no choice after he killed Yulie . He had no intentions of saving her before that. He was still going to sell her!!
First, I want to start out by saying that I usually love these author’s books—as far fetched as they may be. They are always very well written and even though some are very dark—they are addicting. (The rest of this review will contain spoilers)......
But this one— Ivan the hero is a human trafficker!!! And he has zero remorse or guilt about it. He has girls kidnapped and auctioned off to sickos to be raped, tortured and killed! He develops an obsession with Violet because she reminds of his dead sister. He feels guilty over his sister’s death so he decides to show Violet some kindness before she’s auctioned off to alleviate his guilt. (While the other nine girls they’re holding are treated like animals).
Anyway she develops an attachment to him because he’s doing nice things for her while she’s in hell. (I get that) They’re attracted to one another but he makes it clear that even though he’s being nice to her, he won’t have sex with her because he’s still going to sell her and he needs her to be a virgin. But she still wants him sexually even though she knows he’s still going to auction her off!! WHAT?!?! He tells her that all he can do for her is give her some comfort before the auction. He has no intention of saving her even though he has feelings for her. But yet he has this crippling guilt over his sisters death that was an accident?!? Ok?
He ends up saving her though because he kills a guy that was attacking her and he has no choice but to go on the run and he may as well take her with.
And Violet— I liked her at first and I felt so bad for her situation. But when she was saying how there was good in Ivan because he showed her kindness and “he was just doing his job”—WHAT?!??HE’S A HUMAN TRAFFICKER!!! There’s no coming back from that!!! He had no remorse or guilt for selling hundreds of girls to monsters. But suddenly he’s a good guy because he saved her. He only saved her because he had no choice after he killed Yulie . He had no intentions of saving her before that. He was still going to sell her!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 6, 2019I purchased this book from amazon......it’s almost like I received an incomplete copy. It ended mid paragraph and then what looked like notes from someone about what should happen next in the story. She is in her cell after the Rossi visit with Ivan to let him know he is going into hiding ......then nothing but two pages of notes. Very odd......is this the same ending for everyone else?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2021
é engraçado (não, o livro não)
o "herói" é um traficante de mulheres. ele sequestra, treina e vende mulheres para doentes e pervertidos que as estupram, abusam e maltratam
mas ei, "é só o trabalho dele"
vcs estão levando esse negócio de redenção longe demais
o "herói" é um traficante de mulheres. ele sequestra, treina e vende mulheres para doentes e pervertidos que as estupram, abusam e maltratam
mas ei, "é só o trabalho dele"
vcs estão levando esse negócio de redenção longe demais
April 26, 2021
I don’t know how to feel about this book. The relationship aspect was amazing they connected so fast and hard for each other. He made her feel safe in his arms and she brought out the protective side in him. The battled together until they found a way out from their situation. He uprooted his whole life to save her from being sold.
The only thing that bothered me was his lack of empathy for the other girls there. Yes he wasn’t actively the ringleader and he wasn’t the one made those decisions he had handed off that responsibility to another person.
But it was hard to see him in a good light sometimes when he didn’t show remorse or just dismisses the whole idea because he wasn’t involved so that was the way it was.
I also had a hard time forgetting about all those other woman or girl in that auction/cells it made it hard to continue reading. knowing that they wouldn’t survive or would be horrible abused.
However the story was very entertaining and it made your heart race. the relationship between the two was the building force that made this book so amazing. That why I gave the book five stars and will definitely read again.
The only thing that bothered me was his lack of empathy for the other girls there. Yes he wasn’t actively the ringleader and he wasn’t the one made those decisions he had handed off that responsibility to another person.
But it was hard to see him in a good light sometimes when he didn’t show remorse or just dismisses the whole idea because he wasn’t involved so that was the way it was.
I also had a hard time forgetting about all those other woman or girl in that auction/cells it made it hard to continue reading. knowing that they wouldn’t survive or would be horrible abused.
However the story was very entertaining and it made your heart race. the relationship between the two was the building force that made this book so amazing. That why I gave the book five stars and will definitely read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
Bewache mich war das erste Buch des Autorenduos. Zu spät habe ich gesehen, dass es sich hier um den dritten Band einer Reihe handelt. Jedoch muss ich sagen das es mich hier nicht groß gestört hat beim Lesen. Vielleicht fehlt mir da ein wenig Hintergrundwissen zu den Charakteren, welche neben den Hauptprotagonisten auftauchten. Dennoch hat mir hier beim Lesen nichts gefehlt.
In der Geschichte von Bewache mich geht es um Violet und Ivan. Violet blutjunge 18 Jahre jung und Ivan der auf der bösen Seite spielt. Der Klappentext gibt euch hier schon eine grobe Richtung um was es in diesem Buch geht. Mehr möchte ich euch hier auch nicht verraten.
Bewache mich, hat mich ans Buch gefesselt. Zeitweise konnte ich es schwer aus der Hand legen. War aber auch anfangs erschüttert das Violet in Ivan ihren Retter sieht, gehört er doch zu den Bösen.
Dennoch konnte mich das Buch von Anfang an überzeugen. Die Seiten bzw. in dem Fall Prozente flogen nur so dahin. Der Schreibstil des Autorenduos hat mir hier gefallen. Er war gut zu lesen und man kam nicht wirklich ins Stolpern.
Die Charaktere wurden in meinen Augen sehr gut dargestellt. Violet ist trotz ihrer Entführung stärker geworden. Auch Ivan konnte mich hier überzeugen.
Bewache mich ist eine Geschichte, die Spannung enthält, knisternde Erotik und eine Prise Liebe enthält. Ein Buch das dem Genre Dark Romance gerecht wird. Da es sich hier im Band 3 handelt, werde ich mir die anderen bereits erschienenen Bücher des Rossi-Clans ebenfalls einmal genauer anschauen.
Ich hatte hier eine angenehme und spannende Lesezeit und kann Bewache mich gern an Leser des Genre Dark Romance weiterempfehlen.
In der Geschichte von Bewache mich geht es um Violet und Ivan. Violet blutjunge 18 Jahre jung und Ivan der auf der bösen Seite spielt. Der Klappentext gibt euch hier schon eine grobe Richtung um was es in diesem Buch geht. Mehr möchte ich euch hier auch nicht verraten.
Bewache mich, hat mich ans Buch gefesselt. Zeitweise konnte ich es schwer aus der Hand legen. War aber auch anfangs erschüttert das Violet in Ivan ihren Retter sieht, gehört er doch zu den Bösen.
Dennoch konnte mich das Buch von Anfang an überzeugen. Die Seiten bzw. in dem Fall Prozente flogen nur so dahin. Der Schreibstil des Autorenduos hat mir hier gefallen. Er war gut zu lesen und man kam nicht wirklich ins Stolpern.
Die Charaktere wurden in meinen Augen sehr gut dargestellt. Violet ist trotz ihrer Entführung stärker geworden. Auch Ivan konnte mich hier überzeugen.
Bewache mich ist eine Geschichte, die Spannung enthält, knisternde Erotik und eine Prise Liebe enthält. Ein Buch das dem Genre Dark Romance gerecht wird. Da es sich hier im Band 3 handelt, werde ich mir die anderen bereits erschienenen Bücher des Rossi-Clans ebenfalls einmal genauer anschauen.
Ich hatte hier eine angenehme und spannende Lesezeit und kann Bewache mich gern an Leser des Genre Dark Romance weiterempfehlen.
July 3, 2020
Style: Mafia Romance
Story: 4/5
Sexual: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Enjoyment: 4/5
Series: Book 3
I think that with each book this series gets better. I love the action and the chemistry between Ivan and Violet, it was an awwwwww reaction for me. Love their love. With that being said, it was still dark so there maybe trigger for some. We also see Damon and Xander appearing in Guard Me.
Now, Roman, Ivan’s brother, I am super hyped to read his story. His anger is like no other and I feel when we get introduced to a new character for the next story, they get darker than the last. The way, Ivan, spoke about him to Violet, at one point about his anger, I laughed because Ivan pretty much summed him up.
Overall, good read and love the characters. On to the next book in the series.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life, its definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
Story: 4/5
Sexual: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Enjoyment: 4/5
Series: Book 3
I think that with each book this series gets better. I love the action and the chemistry between Ivan and Violet, it was an awwwwww reaction for me. Love their love. With that being said, it was still dark so there maybe trigger for some. We also see Damon and Xander appearing in Guard Me.
Now, Roman, Ivan’s brother, I am super hyped to read his story. His anger is like no other and I feel when we get introduced to a new character for the next story, they get darker than the last. The way, Ivan, spoke about him to Violet, at one point about his anger, I laughed because Ivan pretty much summed him up.
Overall, good read and love the characters. On to the next book in the series.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life, its definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
March 29, 2019
OMG i loved Ivan and Violets story from start to finish, There story full of action, suspense plus there chemistry was sizzling HOT 🔥🔥🔥from the moment Violet ran into Ivan. you get no spoilers from me, want to no how there story plays out you just have to ONE-CLICK ON RELEASE DAY. Another awesome addition to the series. A must read,I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy, Well done J.L and Cassandra
The Rossi Crime Family (5 book series)
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The Rossi Crime Family (5 book series)
CONVICT ME (A ROSSI CRIME FAMILY #1) Available Now
✖︎ AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2U0Zi6k
✖︎ AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2VIVKGC
✖︎ AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2H7ofua
✖︎ AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2tTEtOM
PROTECT ME (A ROSSI CRIME FAMILY #2) Available Now
💍 AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2RY5XBD
💍 AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2WqvstF
💍 AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2CPfznC
💍 AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2FTjkML
KEEP ME (A ROSSI CRIME FAMILY #3) Available Now
🎀 AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2H3cZ11
🎀 AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2INz4U3
🎀 AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2GHglr5
🎀 AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2GHYnF2
GUARD ME (A ROSSI CRIME FAMILY #4) #PREORDER
🌹AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2UI7s3R
🌹AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2TNIHqV
🌹AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2O9wxCo
🌹AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2HrB8j2
April 5, 2019
I voluntairly received an advance copy of this book to review. WOW!! Loved this book!!! Another astounding book into the Rossi Crime Family. This story was dark, heartbreaking, suspenseful, sexy and violent about an innocent woman who happens to get taken at a bar on her birthday by men in the slave trade. The story beings with Violet, beaten and placed in a cell as she is being tormented by her captors. Ivan is in charge by never gets himself close to anyone until he happens to save Violet from being raped. When he sees his little lamb his world is turned upside down and nothing will be the same for him again. Now he finds himself drawn to her with the the need to protect her and save her from being sold, the interaction and passion between these two is explosive and develops into a unsurpassed love. Violet turns Ivan's world upside down as he finds himself changing and wonders if he will ever be good enough for her. Now they are on the run as he has to save her from the man who heads the slave opperation, none other the Damon and Xander's father. When Violet tries to convince Ivan that her sister Ella is indeed alive they end up joining forces with the brothers as the sisters finally become reunited. Damon and Xander work together with Ivan as only he knows the hideout location of their father so they can end the terror he has caused at last. With all of the twists and turns and heart stopping action, you will be on edge until the end to see what happens to Ivan and Violet, will they get the happy ending they both deserve? Can't wait for the next book, thank you J.L. Beck/C. Hallman for this wonderful series!
March 30, 2019
Well here’s yet another win in the Rossi Crime Family Chronicles. Good lord but this an emotional rollercoaster of love, hate, fear and joy.
I loved Ivan’s and Violet’s story! Poor Violet just wants to celebrate her 18th birthday with a night out but then she’s abducted into the horrors of sexual slavery, and those horrors are really unsettling. It’s her salvation that she stirs a memory in Ivan that causes him to want to protect her. But, they are both trapped in the dark world of human sexual bondage and escaping it, for him and her, seems like an impossibility. Will they find a way out or will they die trying?
This IS a dark read but it’s such a good one! This entire series is well written, thoughtfully plotted and peopled with wonderful characters. Don’t miss out on this really interesting crime saga!
I loved Ivan’s and Violet’s story! Poor Violet just wants to celebrate her 18th birthday with a night out but then she’s abducted into the horrors of sexual slavery, and those horrors are really unsettling. It’s her salvation that she stirs a memory in Ivan that causes him to want to protect her. But, they are both trapped in the dark world of human sexual bondage and escaping it, for him and her, seems like an impossibility. Will they find a way out or will they die trying?
This IS a dark read but it’s such a good one! This entire series is well written, thoughtfully plotted and peopled with wonderful characters. Don’t miss out on this really interesting crime saga!
April 2, 2019
Wow! What a story. This is a dark mafia standalone, filled with such darkness and heartache that you simply can't put it down. Ivan and Violet's story will take you through ALL the emotions that leave you exhausted. Ivan's job is to contain and control the wowan who are stolen to be sold at auction to their new owners. Violet had just turned 18 went to a club to catch up with friends when she is stolen from the sidewalk and her life becomes a terrifying nightmare. While running trying to escape Violet runs straight into the chest of the man who is her captor. She clings and screams and begs for help. Ivan stares into her eyes, and his world as he knew it shifts forever. I highly recommend this book and series.
April 10, 2019
I have to say J.L. and C. keep surprising me. I am in love with this series. I was a little confused when I started reading this book; it took me a minute to figure out where I was in the sequence of events. However, once I figured out where I was and who was working for who (since we knew that the sons did not do the selling of women) I finally had my wow moment.
Now to the characters. I freaking loved Ivan. If you are going to have to be taken from your life, you should find an Ivan. He is so not a hero but finally becomes one. Moreover, if anyone needs a hero, it is Violet. She is taken from everyone and is about to be auctioned off to some horrible men. When she finds herself in the hands of Ivan, she finds a kindred soul. However, Ivan wants nothing to do with saving anyone. He doesn't think he can keep anyone and that is why Ivan is doing the job he does.
LIfe is about to turn for both of these characters. Moreover, I can't wait to see where everything goes. I am so excited about this series.
February 17, 2021
Wow just wow
Holy shit these authors have done it again! This book is freaking awesome. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat and the sexy scenes were so freaking erotic! I love how this series just feels like one big book. Each story just goes right into another. So glad Kitten and Mouse got the reunion they were looking for. Now i cant wait to read Roman's story. By far my fave series!
Holy shit these authors have done it again! This book is freaking awesome. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat and the sexy scenes were so freaking erotic! I love how this series just feels like one big book. Each story just goes right into another. So glad Kitten and Mouse got the reunion they were looking for. Now i cant wait to read Roman's story. By far my fave series!
June 10, 2019
This was another good read. In this one we have Ivan and Violet. She is taken and is to be sold off. However, if you've read the previous books you would know that. Her sister is Ellie. Ivan helps take care of Violet and of course by the end he is in love with her. The ending was great and I loved the big reunion. I was happy for everyone.
January 12, 2021
Ivan and Violet's story... in the previous book Ella was searching for her sister, now we get to read her story. I had a feeling of déjà vu while reading it, most likely because of the human trafficking trope. Easy to read and quite steamy overall.
March 29, 2019
I love this amazing beautiful broken emotional heart stopping love story. So innocent.So addicted to Ivan and Kitten.So ready for Roman
March 20, 2024
what the actual flying fuck?
Want to read
May 9, 2019
#Erotica #Bargain #Sale #99ct #DarkRomance #EroticThrillers
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#Erotica #Bargain #Sale #99ct #DarkRomance #EroticThrillers
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January 28, 2020
the book was really really good, i loved it <3
yeah sometimes he had been a jerk but you couldn't not fall for him,
i liked her very much also, i'm glad nothing to bad happened to her,we have a few ugly scenes here and there but due to the circumstances i'm glad it wasn't worse.
yeah sometimes he had been a jerk but you couldn't not fall for him,
i liked her very much also, i'm glad nothing to bad happened to her,we have a few ugly scenes here and there but due to the circumstances i'm glad it wasn't worse.
November 21, 2022
It was a good read but it felt a little uncomfortable cause of the situation and the hero being involved in trafficking.
December 18, 2024
3.75 stars
After chapter two: (Sigh) Okay. I like dark romance and I don't mind MMC's involved in despicable activities. It goes with the genre and, when reading dark romance, usually the more ruthless the MMC is, the better. With that being said, I DO expect the FMC not to be completely senseless.
In chapter two, even when it is obvious the MMC is involved in the FMC's predicament, the FMC feels safe in the MMC's arms and wants to cuddle up with him. Excuse me? You're almost completely naked, been kidnapped, are being held in a cell and was just assaulted by two men who work with the MMC. The MMC just referred to you as merchandise and you feel safe with him? Short of brain damage from whatever they gave her to knock her out, there's no excuse for this.
The ruthless MMC has to EARN the FMC feeling safe with him; it can't just be given unwarranted. Otherwise, the FMC just looks like a complete idiot. She has no reason to trust the MMC or feel safe with him. Heck, I wouldn't even mind if the FMC's inner monologue was, "I feel so safe when the MMC is in my presence, but I know that's insane because he's responsible for me being held against my will" or "I don't know why I want to cuddle with him but, somewhere inside me, I do. I will never allow it though because he can't be trusted; he's one of them." I mean, shouldn't there be room for growth in the book?
I'm only continuing this book to see if maybe any of this makes more sense as the story unfolds.
I've finished the book and I'm not sure how to rate it. My experience reading it is quite different from the first half to the second half. The first half has the issues I explain above, but also the development of the relationship is sparse. Why do they have feelings for each other? No clue. The reader is just supposed to accept they do and not question it despite no relationship development on page.
While I wanted the MMC to save the FMC, it really made zero sense why he would when he had no desire to save anyone else. I guess they had an unspoken connection but when dealing with the subject matter in this book, it really needs to be more than that to be believable.
I would give the first half of this book one star just because it made little sense. The second half, however, was entertaining and kept me engaged. I just accepted the two main characters had feelings for each other, despite sex replacing actual relationship development in the first half. The action of the second half unfolded with good pacing and suspense. It was interesting to add the MMC's brother to the mix and I look forward to his book.
The MMC and his brother reconnecting was the best part of the second half. Despite the tension between them, their love for each other could be felt.
Overall, I give this book 3.75 stars. The first half is rough but, the second half is a page turner.
After chapter two: (Sigh) Okay. I like dark romance and I don't mind MMC's involved in despicable activities. It goes with the genre and, when reading dark romance, usually the more ruthless the MMC is, the better. With that being said, I DO expect the FMC not to be completely senseless.
In chapter two, even when it is obvious the MMC is involved in the FMC's predicament, the FMC feels safe in the MMC's arms and wants to cuddle up with him. Excuse me? You're almost completely naked, been kidnapped, are being held in a cell and was just assaulted by two men who work with the MMC. The MMC just referred to you as merchandise and you feel safe with him? Short of brain damage from whatever they gave her to knock her out, there's no excuse for this.
The ruthless MMC has to EARN the FMC feeling safe with him; it can't just be given unwarranted. Otherwise, the FMC just looks like a complete idiot. She has no reason to trust the MMC or feel safe with him. Heck, I wouldn't even mind if the FMC's inner monologue was, "I feel so safe when the MMC is in my presence, but I know that's insane because he's responsible for me being held against my will" or "I don't know why I want to cuddle with him but, somewhere inside me, I do. I will never allow it though because he can't be trusted; he's one of them." I mean, shouldn't there be room for growth in the book?
I'm only continuing this book to see if maybe any of this makes more sense as the story unfolds.
I've finished the book and I'm not sure how to rate it. My experience reading it is quite different from the first half to the second half. The first half has the issues I explain above, but also the development of the relationship is sparse. Why do they have feelings for each other? No clue. The reader is just supposed to accept they do and not question it despite no relationship development on page.
While I wanted the MMC to save the FMC, it really made zero sense why he would when he had no desire to save anyone else. I guess they had an unspoken connection but when dealing with the subject matter in this book, it really needs to be more than that to be believable.
I would give the first half of this book one star just because it made little sense. The second half, however, was entertaining and kept me engaged. I just accepted the two main characters had feelings for each other, despite sex replacing actual relationship development in the first half. The action of the second half unfolded with good pacing and suspense. It was interesting to add the MMC's brother to the mix and I look forward to his book.
The MMC and his brother reconnecting was the best part of the second half. Despite the tension between them, their love for each other could be felt.
Overall, I give this book 3.75 stars. The first half is rough but, the second half is a page turner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2019
Guard Me is a brilliantly heart-pounding and wondrously steamy work of art that will stay with you long after the last page is savored. This story took my heart by storm and never let up. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the hero and heroine as this was a story that I wasn’t prepared for in the least. They led me from their horrific nightmare to a glorious glimpse of the light. My heart was pure mush by the end as they shredded it to almost nothing. This story is a precious experience in the human heart and what all it is truly capable of. Hold on tight because you will not be the same at the end!
Violet finds herself thrown into a world that no one should ever have to endure. She finds herself left with nothing as she desperately clings to her sanity. In the midst of this horrible existence, she is surprised to find a man willing to guard her last vestiges of worth. She clings to him as tightly as she can knowing now that nothing lasts forever. Ivan can’t believe what he finds himself doing for a stranger. This isn’t him, and he has no idea what is producing this huge change in him. All he knows is that he can’t allow Violet to be ravaged by the dregs of his life. As he surprises himself at every turn, he finds that she has crawled into his heart and made herself at home just like a stray kitten. Will fate rip these two apart forever, or will she smile on them and give them what they both need?
I fell hard for the rough and rugged Ivan when he instinctively protected Violet from the ugliness that surrounded him. His heart knew that she was never meant to walk into his world, and so he resigned himself to protect her as much as he could. Violet knew Ivan has no reason to help her, but she was beyond grateful for it. Violet whispered to Ivan’s heart and granted it permission to love again. Watching the monumental change in Ivan left me completely in awe. There is nothing more amazing then watching a man’s frozen heart melt for a woman who is his equal in every way. He doesn’t give up anything, and in fact gains everything when he allows himself to love her.
Beck and Hullman continue to surprise and delight me with each fantastic book in this incredible series! I thought that Damon and Xander were the biggest and baddest guys in this series, but I was so far off the mark. Ivan is like a mountain toppling down whenever Violet gives him her vulnerability and her heart. He is just as cold and hard as the Rossi brothers, but his transformation is no less spectacular. I am honestly on the edge of my seat as I want for the next book to come out! These books are so good that I waiting it like its own death.
Violet finds herself thrown into a world that no one should ever have to endure. She finds herself left with nothing as she desperately clings to her sanity. In the midst of this horrible existence, she is surprised to find a man willing to guard her last vestiges of worth. She clings to him as tightly as she can knowing now that nothing lasts forever. Ivan can’t believe what he finds himself doing for a stranger. This isn’t him, and he has no idea what is producing this huge change in him. All he knows is that he can’t allow Violet to be ravaged by the dregs of his life. As he surprises himself at every turn, he finds that she has crawled into his heart and made herself at home just like a stray kitten. Will fate rip these two apart forever, or will she smile on them and give them what they both need?
I fell hard for the rough and rugged Ivan when he instinctively protected Violet from the ugliness that surrounded him. His heart knew that she was never meant to walk into his world, and so he resigned himself to protect her as much as he could. Violet knew Ivan has no reason to help her, but she was beyond grateful for it. Violet whispered to Ivan’s heart and granted it permission to love again. Watching the monumental change in Ivan left me completely in awe. There is nothing more amazing then watching a man’s frozen heart melt for a woman who is his equal in every way. He doesn’t give up anything, and in fact gains everything when he allows himself to love her.
Beck and Hullman continue to surprise and delight me with each fantastic book in this incredible series! I thought that Damon and Xander were the biggest and baddest guys in this series, but I was so far off the mark. Ivan is like a mountain toppling down whenever Violet gives him her vulnerability and her heart. He is just as cold and hard as the Rossi brothers, but his transformation is no less spectacular. I am honestly on the edge of my seat as I want for the next book to come out! These books are so good that I waiting it like its own death.
April 6, 2019
Guard me
Jl beck and Cassandra hallman have a new book out called Guard me and it’s the fourth book in the series but it can be read alone. I read the first two and couldn’t wait to read this one. They are amazing writers and their books have been amazing so I couldn’t wait to read about Ivan and Violet’s story.
Ivan and Violet’s story is intense and kind of dark but so good. Violet is a sweet innocent girl just out trying to enjoy her 18th birthday. She about to start college and begin her adult life until she gets kidnapped. Her life changes tremendously and all she wants is to get free and see her sister. She’s a fighter though and she sees the best in her unexpected hero.
Ivan is a higher up in a sex trafficking auction and is feared by his men. He might not like his boss but he knows his place and does his job. He knows he’s a bad man and that’s okay to him until he is grabbed by Violet. Violet thinks he is good and that he can save her. He wants her and wants to be what he sees but he knows that’s not him and it’s not easy to take her and run away without severe consequences. Is she worth it? Can he be what she wants? Will they survive the wrath?
This book has it all! It has the suspense, emotion, tears, anger, and sweet love making with some sexy sex scenes as well. It is a bit emotional with the sex trafficking and horror that goes down in real life in those but it makes the storyline more real and I absolutely couldn’t put the book down. I definitely recommend it! Two thumbs up!
Jl beck and Cassandra hallman have a new book out called Guard me and it’s the fourth book in the series but it can be read alone. I read the first two and couldn’t wait to read this one. They are amazing writers and their books have been amazing so I couldn’t wait to read about Ivan and Violet’s story.
Ivan and Violet’s story is intense and kind of dark but so good. Violet is a sweet innocent girl just out trying to enjoy her 18th birthday. She about to start college and begin her adult life until she gets kidnapped. Her life changes tremendously and all she wants is to get free and see her sister. She’s a fighter though and she sees the best in her unexpected hero.
Ivan is a higher up in a sex trafficking auction and is feared by his men. He might not like his boss but he knows his place and does his job. He knows he’s a bad man and that’s okay to him until he is grabbed by Violet. Violet thinks he is good and that he can save her. He wants her and wants to be what he sees but he knows that’s not him and it’s not easy to take her and run away without severe consequences. Is she worth it? Can he be what she wants? Will they survive the wrath?
This book has it all! It has the suspense, emotion, tears, anger, and sweet love making with some sexy sex scenes as well. It is a bit emotional with the sex trafficking and horror that goes down in real life in those but it makes the storyline more real and I absolutely couldn’t put the book down. I definitely recommend it! Two thumbs up!
April 26, 2019
Ivan works for Rossi, and he normally doesn't get involved in certain aspects, but one night that all changes and it changes him. He was taking a stroll when a fragile woman ran into him. But why was the woman out of the cell they had for them. The women stayed in these cells until they were ready for auction. But when he felt her warmth, he wanted to know more and more about this woman and comfort her as much as possible.
Violet wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday with friends, but was ready to go home. But as she was trying to get some air, she ran into men that would change her life forever. She was kidnapped and knew her sister would look for her, but what would she find if and when she found her? She just wanted to be back home. But when she was put in that cell and then the men came in there, she knew she was on borrowed time. But when she ran into a wall of muscle, she felt safe, warm and loved. But this man was one of them, wasn't he?
This story continues with the series but delves into the darker side of Rossi's empire of sex slavery, kidnapping and the auctions. But when Ivan and Violet run into each other and the chemistry they feel sparks, what will happen? Rossi won't approve, but can he keep her safe. This is a dark romance filled with such love, lust, romance, fear, joy, hate, some triggers, wonderful characters and a story that grabs you and won't let go. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for the series to continue. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
Violet wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday with friends, but was ready to go home. But as she was trying to get some air, she ran into men that would change her life forever. She was kidnapped and knew her sister would look for her, but what would she find if and when she found her? She just wanted to be back home. But when she was put in that cell and then the men came in there, she knew she was on borrowed time. But when she ran into a wall of muscle, she felt safe, warm and loved. But this man was one of them, wasn't he?
This story continues with the series but delves into the darker side of Rossi's empire of sex slavery, kidnapping and the auctions. But when Ivan and Violet run into each other and the chemistry they feel sparks, what will happen? Rossi won't approve, but can he keep her safe. This is a dark romance filled with such love, lust, romance, fear, joy, hate, some triggers, wonderful characters and a story that grabs you and won't let go. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for the series to continue. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
August 25, 2022
Recensione a cura del blog Romantic Fairies
Questo terzo volume lo aspettavo sin da quando avevo finito di leggere la storia di Ella e Xander,
Ero tanto curiosa di scoprire cosa le autrici avessero in serbo per Violet .
Partiamo da un punto fermo: questa serie Mafia-romance è spettacolare. Il livello di suspence è altissimo e la tensione che si crea è elettrizzante.
Violet durante una sera in discoteca il giorno del suo diciottesimo compleanno, viene rapita da una banda che tratta traffico di esseri umani. Violet viene rinchiusa in una cella, molestata e torturata dai suoi aguzzini. Proprio quando sta per essere violentata appare Ivan, colui che controlla gli uomini carcerieri ma che non si è mai occupato delle ragazze.
Ad Ivan basta uno sguardo per capire che sente il bisogno di proteggerla e farà di tutto in suo potere per tenerla al sicuro.
Lui è tormentato, oscuro, pieno di segreti. Il suo è un continuo lottare contro se stesso per starle lontano.
Ma riusciranno a salvarsi dal mondo che li circonda? E soprattutto Xander e Ella riusciranno a trovare Violet?
Ancora una volta sono senza parole, colta da mille emozioni. I colpi di scena sono ad ogni angolo e la trama è così ben articolata che non lascia “tirare” neanche un sospiro di sollievo.
Ivan e Violet mi hanno conquistata sin da subito, il loro legame è uno spiraglio di luce nel mondo oscuro e violento che li circonda.
Insomma se siete amanti del genere Mafia romance, questa serie fa certamente per voi. Aspetto con ansia il 4° volume per scoprire la storia di Roman.
Questo terzo volume lo aspettavo sin da quando avevo finito di leggere la storia di Ella e Xander,
Ero tanto curiosa di scoprire cosa le autrici avessero in serbo per Violet .
Partiamo da un punto fermo: questa serie Mafia-romance è spettacolare. Il livello di suspence è altissimo e la tensione che si crea è elettrizzante.
Violet durante una sera in discoteca il giorno del suo diciottesimo compleanno, viene rapita da una banda che tratta traffico di esseri umani. Violet viene rinchiusa in una cella, molestata e torturata dai suoi aguzzini. Proprio quando sta per essere violentata appare Ivan, colui che controlla gli uomini carcerieri ma che non si è mai occupato delle ragazze.
Ad Ivan basta uno sguardo per capire che sente il bisogno di proteggerla e farà di tutto in suo potere per tenerla al sicuro.
Lui è tormentato, oscuro, pieno di segreti. Il suo è un continuo lottare contro se stesso per starle lontano.
Ma riusciranno a salvarsi dal mondo che li circonda? E soprattutto Xander e Ella riusciranno a trovare Violet?
Ancora una volta sono senza parole, colta da mille emozioni. I colpi di scena sono ad ogni angolo e la trama è così ben articolata che non lascia “tirare” neanche un sospiro di sollievo.
Ivan e Violet mi hanno conquistata sin da subito, il loro legame è uno spiraglio di luce nel mondo oscuro e violento che li circonda.
Insomma se siete amanti del genere Mafia romance, questa serie fa certamente per voi. Aspetto con ansia il 4° volume per scoprire la storia di Roman.
April 1, 2019
Guard Me: A Mafia Romance
by Cassandra Hallman, J.L. Beck
This is the fourth book in the series and yes this is a standalone yet some of the characters in this book are intertwined in the previous books. So I would highly recommend reading the first three!
It's Violet's eighteenth birthday and she decides to go a club with a few friends. Once she gets there it's too loud, smoky and the crowd is older than she thought. Deciding to call her sister Ella to pick her up she goes to leave the club. Unfortunately she never gets to make that call because she is kidnapped and wakes up in concrete box. Then her worst nightmare comes true two men (monsters) open her cell door and attack her she fights back with all her strength and escapes only to run into a wall of muscle.
Ivan is in charge of making sure the merchandise (girls) get to the auction site. He works for Mr Rossi Sr. and has never claimed to be a good guy. Then a tiny blonde blue eyed woman slammed into him and now his whole world is being turned upside down.
Ivan and Violet's story is dark, dirty, dangerous, sexy, steamy, suspenseful, powerful, intense and loving.
We get insight on some of favorite past characters and a look at new ones that the next book will focus on. I can't wait to see what happens in book five "Tame Me" with Roman and the girl who looks like a fallen angel that he agreed to take home.
Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
by Cassandra Hallman, J.L. Beck
This is the fourth book in the series and yes this is a standalone yet some of the characters in this book are intertwined in the previous books. So I would highly recommend reading the first three!
It's Violet's eighteenth birthday and she decides to go a club with a few friends. Once she gets there it's too loud, smoky and the crowd is older than she thought. Deciding to call her sister Ella to pick her up she goes to leave the club. Unfortunately she never gets to make that call because she is kidnapped and wakes up in concrete box. Then her worst nightmare comes true two men (monsters) open her cell door and attack her she fights back with all her strength and escapes only to run into a wall of muscle.
Ivan is in charge of making sure the merchandise (girls) get to the auction site. He works for Mr Rossi Sr. and has never claimed to be a good guy. Then a tiny blonde blue eyed woman slammed into him and now his whole world is being turned upside down.
Ivan and Violet's story is dark, dirty, dangerous, sexy, steamy, suspenseful, powerful, intense and loving.
We get insight on some of favorite past characters and a look at new ones that the next book will focus on. I can't wait to see what happens in book five "Tame Me" with Roman and the girl who looks like a fallen angel that he agreed to take home.
Five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 7, 2019
This series is fabulously co-written by two great authors. This is Ivan and Violet’s story. Ivan works for Rossi Senior, a ruthless, heartless, vindictive man who cares for nothing but power. You got to meet him in Keep Me, and see just how sick he is. Violet just turned eighteen when she is kidnapped and drugged. She wakes up in a cell and wonders if she will ever be free. She meets Ivan by literally running into him and begging for help. The look in her eyes and the way she grips him tugs on his heart. He ends up vowing to not let anything happen to her while she is there. There is action, secrets, darkness and twists. These two have a strong connection right off the bat and their feelings for each other change as they spend more time together. Ivan keeps telling Violet that they can’t be together and that he is a bad man. Violet sees more in him that he doesn’t. With the auction coming up soon will Ivan be able to get his kitten to safety? You get to see sone characters from the previous two books, but you don’t need to read them in order to understand this book. I do recommend reading them, because they are so good. I can’t wait for Roman’s story. He is even darker than His big brother, Ivan.
April 14, 2019
The plot for this book revolves around a very dark subject, that of human trafficking and slavery. The authors have done a fantastic job though of making a romance around this subject matter without making the subject matter any less horrific than it is. There is no easy way out for Violet once she is kidnapped to be sold, not even with the help of one of the Mafia bosses, Ivan. This story has so much angst in it that I found myself literally physically sitting on the edge of my seat! It’s a wonderful story that I could not put down till I had finished it and I was sad when it was over as I wanted more! The characters are well rounded, and I couldn’t help rooting for their love and for them to find a way to be together. There are a lot of triggers in this book as it is very dark but it’s worth the time to read it if you enjoy dark romances. I’m loving this series, so far, the authors haven’t written a bad book in it and I hope this continues to the very end of the series. I heard from other readers that there were issues with the book via Amazon but that the issue has been resolved now and the correct book is there for download or to be updated if you already purchased it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2025
I’m honestly torn on this book. Both Ivan and Violet were ok characters, but I was speechless at times too- not necessarily in a good way either. I went from liking Violet and feeling sorry for her bad luck, to thinking she was just plain naive and dumb. Then after Ivan escaped with her she finally got a little backbone with him and, well, she was annoying. I wanted her to have a little fight and not act like she had stars in her eyes with Ivan prior in the book. From the moment she met Ivan when she was almost raped by his men and being held in his basement, she was smitten with him. And yeah aside from him being a human trafficker, Ivan wasn’t a bad guy 🙄 I’m not sure how you could look past that. But how she instantly attacked herself to him and felt safe was really hard to believe since she knew he was responsible for her and other women being kidnapped. And what had me really surprised was the fact that Ivan held so much regret and guilt over his sister’s death, yet he had a hand in trafficking women.
I liked Ivan and how he treated Violet and how protective he became. I liked the man he was after they got away from Rossi and were safe, but in the beginning it was a little hard to fully like him.
I liked Ivan and how he treated Violet and how protective he became. I liked the man he was after they got away from Rossi and were safe, but in the beginning it was a little hard to fully like him.
April 6, 2019
Violets and Ivan’s story is so good it kept me till late because I couldn’t put it down, it had it all murders, kidnapping, abused, bad treatment by the evil guards, hot sex and some love thrown in that in the end could cost them there lives. Ivan works for a kidnapping ring run by Rossi the father of Xander and Damon who they hate with a passion and want him dead because he is just so evil and doesn’t care how he hurts these women because he enjoys it. Ivan just does his job until he runs right into this young girl fleeing for her life by the evil men trying to rape her giving chase as soon as they see Ivan they know they are in big trouble for trying to touching the merchandise. Holding on to this man they called the boss for dear life he saves her from them, now she will always be safe until she is sold at the auction but can Ivan let her go now because he is so drawn to her and the trust she gives him. Can these to lovers become one or will they be torn apart. This is such a great book I recommend this to everyone but not just this one the whole series is a must read. I voluntarily read an arc copy of this book for an honest review.
April 4, 2020
Ivan is much sweeter than Xander, the previous male interest, and I like that J.L. Beck has a range of alpha male interests. As usual, the buildup to Ivan and Violet's relationship was slow but well-written. Violet and Ivan can't deny the instant connection they feel, and Ivan takes care of Violet in the face of possible human trafficking and slavery. J.L. Beck does not glamorize what sex trafficking can look like, and that is the highest praise I can lather on this series so far. The glimpse is raw, messy, and honest, and she doesn't hold back punches. Although Ivan saves Violet physically, Violet saves Ivan in the long run.
Happy Friday! I hope your day is going well. And if it isn't, I hope that tomorrow or sometime soon, it gets better. Because I promise that it will get better. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day soon. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and you have to keep going until you exit the tunnel. Life gets rough, but we always find peace.
Do things that make you happy, and above else, amor omnia vincent.
with love forever,
Reenie
💋
Happy Friday! I hope your day is going well. And if it isn't, I hope that tomorrow or sometime soon, it gets better. Because I promise that it will get better. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day soon. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and you have to keep going until you exit the tunnel. Life gets rough, but we always find peace.
Do things that make you happy, and above else, amor omnia vincent.
with love forever,
Reenie
💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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