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The Rival’s Protector

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A Mafia Romance

I’m known as Zoya. But I’m an imposter in my own body. A robot, if you will.
Calm.
Collected.
Obedient.
But it’s a mask, because when you grow up in the Russian mafia under one of the cruelest men to ever exist, you learn how to play the game very quickly.
I thought I had found my break—saving the daughter of one of the most influential mob bosses in Detroit, escaping by her side.
I thought I would be in the good graces of The Silent Family, but of course, just like anything with the mafia, things aren’t that simple. The new boss doesn’t trust me, because I’m still a rival in his eyes. And when he places me under Ryder’s watchful eye, I know it will only get worse.
Ryder, who’s healing from a gunshot wound that my now-dead betrothed gave him.
Ryder, who wants revenge against the Russians more than anything.
But when he looks at me, there’s something in his dark eyes. Something carnal. Something hungry.
He can’t fight the way his body responds to mine, and even with all the odds stacked against us, I don’t know if I can either.
But when old enemies return, will The Silent Family be forced to put their trust in me and see me as one of them?

200 pages, ebook

Published August 12, 2020

5 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

T. Steele

13 books265 followers
T. Steele writes about tortured alphas and the women that bring them to their knees.
She's also always drinking coffee to help her keep up with the chatty characters in her brain. Her nicknames are Taytay, Tdawg, Tmoney, and The Chaos Queen.

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5 stars
59 (72%)
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16 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Evy.
747 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2020
This was again an amazing story!
I couldn’t stop reading but I had to, because of real life and my kids ... and I hated it.
Ryder is so tough but real sweet as well, how he was so protective of Zoya!
Zoya is a strong girl who had endured a lot in the Russian mob family. They make such a sweet couple.
I also loved Luca, I hope he gets his own story!
The poker scene was fantastic!
Really you must read this story, it’s soooooo good!
It has it all, love, suspense, fun!
Really I mean it: read it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for T. Steele.
Author 13 books265 followers
August 4, 2020
Yeah, I like my little book. Ryder’s pretty hot 🤣🤷🏼‍♀️
1,263 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2020
Zoya’s introduction was well written and a great hook. Just one short chapter in and I was already expecting a five star read!
This author did not disappoint and I was already looking forward to reading more about this well created Mafia world.
Graphic, intense, bloody but not gory in a way that crossed any of my invisible lines.
I really liked the way the drama was always around with the storyline primarily focused on the main couple. I loved the way the author used Zoya’s horrible childhood abuses by her father and turned it around in making it a strength.
I’m not sure why, but the fact that she was beautiful and petite made her inner strength and talents even more appealing.The scene at the safe house where she gave Ruby a lesson on guns, bombs, and poison was a great way to start appreciating her with depth.
Her scenes with Ryder were intensely passionate and erotic. Got to say this author showed talent and created a mood that came off as steamy hot instead of cringe worthy or raunchy.
There were moments when I thought, don’t go back to Bella Regazza. Something terrible happened whenever they were there. Every. Single. Time.
I also thought that the Russian’s seemed to be one step ahead in the silent war they were having. Kudos to the author for saving the storyline but turning it all around at the end.
Very entertaining and satisfying from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,785 reviews63 followers
August 5, 2020
This is book 2 in the Silent family series though can be read as standalone, this is Zoya and Ryder story. Having rescued Malcolms daughter Ruby, from the Russians, Zoya is being kept at Malcolms home. Shes not a prisoner but she has no freedom, until she makes a deal with Malcolm to earn her keep but is also handed over to Ryder whose going to be in charge of her, the man who was shot by her ex fiance, Alek who she was given to by her father. Wanting to take control of something in her life she goes to Ryders room and offers her body before he can take it, but he refuses. When tragedy seems to strike the Silent family and a threat of the past comes back with vengeance will the family finally accept Zoya as one of them and will the sparks ignite between Ryder and Zoya. Well written good story line, with action, twists, lust and hot scenes galore!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2020
I love this!! I’m such a sucker for a female main character with a rough background. Zoya really has one not to mention her current situation isn’t ideal lol Zoya is strong, badass and her inner monologue is feisty and funny to me. I love Ryder and Zoya together. When I first read book one I had wanted to know more about Ryder and I wanted to know what the heck was gonna happen to Zoya, so when I found out they were getting a book together I was like heck yah. This book threw me through a bit of a loop and at one point I literally was like “what the fuck”(all in a good way). Overall I love this book and think it’s such a good series.
Profile Image for Rose.
451 reviews12 followers
August 14, 2020
What is it about hearing Russian Mafia that just snags my attention and holds me there? What am I saying, Any Mafia has me snagged. Especially Kick A- ladies of the Mafia.

I was hooked from the beginning. Like I stopped adulting.

I was drawn into this twisted world, which then proves that love can grow anywhere. Especially with two strong characters like Zoya and Ryder. The two of them together are combustible.

I think they fit so well. Ryder..... you just about killed me. Alpha completely. Protective- yes. But do you let your women wither and die? No! You embraced everything that is her. Looooovvveee it!

Zoya, your growth was amazing and so fun to witness. I love when you see a character learn, change, and truly grow into themselves. But for real. I want your moves.

I didn't want this book to end. 100% rereading this bad boy.
Profile Image for Navss (read.yourbooks).
630 reviews24 followers
August 13, 2020
"𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒆,” 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒚. “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒆, 𝒕𝒐𝒐. 𝑮𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎.”

The story is really good! It has action, emotion, chemistry, jealousy and few funny lines too. I absolutely loved how a butterfly was being used as a metaphor.

Ryder is too charming for his own good. Ryder shows himself as a tough guy and he really is, but the soft, possessive, loving side is too much to handle, too much affection♡
Zoya is a badass. She has toughen up because of her past, therefore doesn't trust easily and is wary of men, especially made men.
Zoya and Ryder are like fire together, burning the atmosphere with their passion and jealousy.

I definitely enjoyed reading and would totally recommend this.

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Profile Image for Kim Orcutt.
7 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2020
WOW! The Rival's Protector was awesome! Zoya and Ryder were perfect, they just brought out the best in each other. I can not wait to read more about The Silent Family. I'm hoping Liz and Luca each get their own book. All these characters are wonderful. Love this Author!
Profile Image for Payton.
16 reviews29 followers
August 9, 2020
An awesome sequel to The Hitman's Desire! This book is super steamy and action packed. Zoya is such a strong character with a tragic backstory. And Ryder is the perfect combination of alpha and caring. Their chemistry is off the charts! If you love mafia romances then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,316 reviews38 followers
read-e-books
August 16, 2020
Zoya ❤️ Ryder
Profile Image for Hannah Laff.
18 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2020
This book was amazing! Action, suspense, hot sex, and even some funny lines here and there. T. Steele’s books just keep getting better and better! Ryder and Zoya will always hold a special place in my heart. There relationship was so well written I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
September 11, 2020
I enjoyed Ryder & Zoya's book. Good characters. It was an intriguing & entertaining book. I received an arc copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for  ❤️MaLu_Reads❤️.
422 reviews92 followers
August 21, 2020
The Rival's Protector: The Silent Family Series Book 2 by T. Steele

5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Rival's Protector is the second book in The Silent Family Series by author T. Steele. It is written in dual POV, and mostly from Zoya's POV, it can be read as a standalone, and tells the story of Zoya and Ryder.
The book continues with the events from the pervious book.

Zoya is the Russian princess that saved Ruby, Malcoms daughter. She is now kept in The Silent house, not as a prisoner, but she isn't actually free also.
So now that Zoya is living with The Silent Family, she is away from her abusive family and cruel fiancée. The war between The Silent Family and the Russians is still going, especially when the Russian princess is living with the enemy.

The Silent Family still doesn't trust completely Zoya, so she is under Ryder watchful eye. Ryder is the man, her fiance shoot, in the pervious book.

Although the don't trust each other, Zoya and Ryder are very attracted to each other. The chemistry between them is very strong.

The book was very well written and intense. Being a Mafia romance, it has it all, action, suspense, danger, emotion, family drama, chemistry, and steam.

Profile Image for Cylaine Medina.
60 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2020
“My little butterfly has chosen to live in the dirt with me instead of spreading her wings and flying.”
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📚Book: The Rival’s Protector by T.Steele
✨Raiting : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Pure fire , this book was pure fire , everything about this story kept me hooked since chapter one.
This is book 2 of The Silent Family Mafia series and if you loved book 1 , expect this one to blow you away .
This book had everything we love in a good mafia romance, action , sex , and more sex, romances , blood, drama , a family that will sacrifice everything for each other , and a once in a life time love.
Ryder & Zoya chemistry was out of this world . So steamy & perfect an explosion of emotions.
I love how protective Ryder is with Zoya and how much he empowers her and treats her like the queen she is.
i love when a good alpha male its not afraid to let the woman take control , and he knew exactly what Zoya needed and he let her be her own free self.
I love how much we get to see Zoya grow, she came from a place were torture and beating was the only kind of love she knew , but even scared of the unknown she can’t deny the connection she has with Ryder , and how different he is from what she’s used to.
I love how we get to see them being bad asses , Zoya blows everyone away when she starts to show how talented and amazing she is . But the one under her spell its no one other than Ryder.
They are the perfect combination for each other , they balance each other out but also encourage each other to be better . Their chemistry is amazing , i wish though that would have gotten more of the story because i didn’t wanted to end .
I love that we got to see John & Ruby again , they are my ultimate favorite and its always good too see them around.
This books its a must read , i highly recommended it , its an amazing read.
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I don’t own the pictures only the edits .
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Profile Image for Elysha Brooks.
26 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2020


What a book! STEAMY-HOT-MAFIA. ⠀

After reading The Hitman’s Desire I was desperate to find out what would happen between Ryder and his butterfly. ⠀

This story had me on the edge of my seat with every twist and turn that that book took. I loved every chapter that I read through. Taylor always creates an undeniably sexy book that grips you till the very end. ⠀

Mafia is a fave trope of mine, and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. ⠀

An amazing read full of steamy mouth drooling moments. A must read.
Profile Image for Kenia.
129 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2020
Where do I start!? The relationship between Zoya and Ryder is not one you expect to happen. When you have two insecure (for different reasons) people falling in love you know there’s bound to ***kups along the way. And that’s ok because that’s how you learn to communicate and build a stronger relationship. And they did that they taught each other how to lean and support each other without loosing themselves. And honestly Liz cracks me up. Definitely worth the read!!
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,159 reviews36 followers
August 21, 2020
Zoya has had a rough time from the Russian mafia. She is being held at Malcolm's house after she rescued his daughter from the Russians. Ryder is tasked with handling her after he is shot by her fiance. The two have so much passion they heat up the pages. Another good mafia read.
Profile Image for book.addict.nb.
172 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2020
I love this book! Once again T. Steele does not disappoint with this book. I loved reading John and Ruby’s story in the Hitmans Desire and I loved Ryder and Zoya’s story even more. Ryder is possessive and protective right from the beginning and Zoya feels like she can’t trust anyone. Zoya has been through so much and she is terrified of what her new family could do to her. She has to find a way to prove to them that she is loyal and she has to find a way to trust them.

“So...you’re going to handcuff me to your bed while I sleep? Only sleep?” I ask quietly.

This is a must read book by the amazing T. Steele!

I have received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
August 9, 2020
The Rival's Protector is one heck of a story. If you are wanting a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing what will happen next and shocked at every turn. Pick this book up asap! Here we read about Zoya and Ryder. These two are stubborn and act the same. They always say that opposites attract but these two are of the same mind in many ways. So that theory is thrown out the door. However, Zoya's past is questionable as well as where she comes from. She is Russian and there is a rivalry between the Russians and the Italians. Can she rise above her past and see that the Italians are not like the Russians? Can she overcome her own fear? Her internal battle and physical battle are at war as well. Now, what is the deal with Ryder? He is hot/cold and so straight-faced! You never know what he is thinking. You can feel the attraction that these two have towards each other and it is hot!! This is a great follow up to book one in the series. I cannot wait to read more.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
August 13, 2020
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone. This is Zoya and Ryder’s story. Zoya grew up in the Russian mafia and ends up saving the daughter of a Detroit mob boss, however she is still seen as a rival and ends up being watched by Ryder. Soon sparks are flying between them but what will happen when old enemies track them down? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, intense chemistry and an action-paced story. I really liked it.
Profile Image for brayshaw_love.
379 reviews36 followers
July 22, 2020
If you don't already have this added to your TBR, go do it now, especially if you read "The Hitman's Desire" (which I recommended a few months ago). Better yet, go preorder on Amazon. While they are both standalone books, they take place in the same mafia world. I'm not usually a mafia romance reader, but absousetly loved "The Hitman's Desire", so I jumped at the chance to beta read for her soon to be released "The Rival's Protector", which is a continuation of this story, but focused on other characters from the first book. I loved reading Ryder and Zoya's story. I loved that he worked to build her up and was able to recognize what she needed, sometimes before she was even able to really understand what she needed herself. I loved getting to see John and the ever sarcastic/sassy Ruby in this book too, since I fell in love with their story in "The Hitman's Desire". I loved seeing Zoya and Ryder's growth, not only as a couple, but also as individuals. My heart broke several times for Zoya, as she struggled to overcome her past.

It is a standalone book so no cliffhanger ending, which is always a plus for me. And if you haven't read the first book in her The Silent Family mafia series, I definitely recommend reading that one first.
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
750 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2020
I am completely loving this mafia series. Ryder is a tough alpha male and Zoya the russian tortured goddess who brings him to his knees. This book had such and interesting and rich storyline and of couse the normal guns, blood, tears and torture. Just perfect.
Profile Image for Mary L.
56 reviews
August 14, 2020
Awesome read, highly recommend!! I love Zoya and Ryder both, they are well developed kick ass characters with just the right amount of a sad back story to make you love them so much!!
Profile Image for Cecilia James.
13 reviews
September 17, 2020
Dearest reader,

This was yet another striking story. The author attempted to create a story amidst chaos and uncertainties. Both the protagonists were well written and developed enough. The theme and setting were highly enjoyable. The plot wove around villains, saviours and of course families. Both the protagonists had their own demons to face and they helped one another to defeat them. Sexual setting was appreciable. The only small issue was that I somehow failed to feel that dangerous intensity of mafia presence or their activities. I was looking for more details regarding the subplots. This was my first book by this author. Miss T. Steele definitely has a certain way with words and is looking forward to explore more of her works. I appreciate her efforts and wish her very well.

Love,
CJ
P.S.: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5,537 reviews
August 12, 2020
I love mafia romance. To add that I've just found another new author to my "have to watch" list, I'm elated!

Ms. Steele delivered a page-turning, intense, hot story you expect in this genre!

The mafia characters what you expect, full of life, bold, beautiful, dangerous, sex on sticks...

I cannot wait to read more by this new to me author! I'm in deep trouble. My TBR keeps growing!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
October 4, 2020
I enjoyed getting to know these characters. The author gave us well developed and engaging characters that had me turning the pages. The storyline grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept me turning the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ferbooks.
1,776 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2021
Wow! Fantastic

I cannot say say enough how much I enjoyed reading this book. I could not put it down it is such an amazing read. Talk about steaming hot love scenes, bad ass man and women who is not afraid to put everything on the line to fight for the people they love. There are some dark elements of the story but hay! It a story right? A very nice escape that was thoroughly engaging.
Profile Image for Katlyn Kozell.
39 reviews
April 8, 2024
I received this book for an honest review via Voracious Readers Only.

HEA, enemies to lovers, very steamy, and the characters really have a relationship that makes sense. I love how T. Steele writes relationships.

Does not necessarily need to be read in order, but you'll get spoilers if you read this book first!
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews215 followers
October 24, 2020
Just the absolute best story. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Everything I like to read about and more. Such a great story I will read again and again. A keeper!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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