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Kingpin's Property #1
The Dark Protector
To be his bride, I must endure a year without his cruel touch.
The man I trusted most has taken advantage of me in the worst way.
He used my innocence against me.
He stole me from my loving parents to make me a pawn in his games.
And the worst part is… He hasn’t touched me once.
While my body burns for his punishing embrace, he’s denied me the thing I want most.
But I have ways of making him do what I want, too.
After all, I’m not just his hostage.
I’m the daughter of the only woman who escaped him.
The Dark Protector is the first book of the Kingpin's Property trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
The man I trusted most has taken advantage of me in the worst way.
He used my innocence against me.
He stole me from my loving parents to make me a pawn in his games.
And the worst part is… He hasn’t touched me once.
While my body burns for his punishing embrace, he’s denied me the thing I want most.
But I have ways of making him do what I want, too.
After all, I’m not just his hostage.
I’m the daughter of the only woman who escaped him.
The Dark Protector is the first book of the Kingpin's Property trilogy. It is not a standalone book.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
211 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Starling
103 books2,653 followersUSA Today bestselling author Isabella Starling describes her books with three words: dark, dirty and forbidden.
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CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/authorisabe...
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://amzn.to/3lhl4R5
VISIT ME ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!
https://twitter.com/authorstarling
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER!
https://subscribepage.com/isabellasta...
And don't forget to join my Facebook group Good Girls Love Bad Boys to be the first to see my new covers, receive ARC opportunities & connect with myself and other readers! We do tons of giveaways and author takeovers too.
Click on the pic below to join!
CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/authorisabe...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 29, 2022
The story is only getting started, and I am already fallen down the rabbit hole.
I was never Xavier’s fan in Dark Vow’s. He was a brutal monster, and I thought he was beyond any redemption. In Kingpin’s property series, he is still brutal, maybe not a monster, and is very protective of his Angel, Tallulah. I see a silver of redemption, and now we read his POV and a different side of him.
At times you can tell how old Tallulah is by her outbursts. She is far from being like her mother. I loved reading her character growth. The girl has her talons out, and I can’t wait to see what she will do next.
The book is full of darkness with mind games and teeters on medium grey on my dark scale. I didn't want the book to end; luckily, it ends in a cliffhanger, and now I just have to wait for the next book.
October 14, 2022
Five dark stars ☆☆☆☆☆
She’s the forbidden fantasy I never thought I’d have. And I won’t stop until I fucking devour her.
Wow... this series is a roller coaster ride and I love every fucking second of it. It's not for anyone who isn't into dark romance, that's for sure lol. Make sure you read the prologue novella first!!
Following the prologue, Xavier is still holding Tallulah captive at his mansion under the guise of keeping her safe from a threat who wants to kill her. What he doesn't tell her is that he actually knows who it is. This book follows the 17th year of Tallulah's life, doing a time skip every 3 months.
"I don’t want a princess, angel. I want a fucking toy.”
Xavier is cruel. He desperately wants her. He craves to protect her, but he also wants to humiliate her. He doesn't give into Tallulah's wishes to touch her because she's only 17... but he does other things. He's a fan of pain and degradation- anytime Tallulah disobeys him, he punishes her in creative ways:
-He parades her handcuffed and naked in front of the guards.
-Takes her to his playroom, ties her up, and allows his guards to look at her some more.
-Takes her to a strip club and forces her to dance in front of everyone.
-Deprives her of the only thing she wants... his touch. Even on the days the weather changes every three months- which is their agreed upon time to allow kissing.
One day, my angel will be so thankful I made her realize just how badly she needs me by degrading her in front of a room full of strangers.
Things I really liked:
-Zeus and Hades, the puppies!!
-His nickname for her. Angel.
-He gave her an UNLIMITED BOOK BUDGET.
-The pain and degradation... what can I say, I love it. I'm a whore lmao.
-The jealousy he feels when other people look at Tallulah, even if he's the one that created the situation for them to look at her naked.
-THE SEXUAL TENSION.
“Kiss me,” I whisper again. “Don’t make me beg anymore. Show me you want it, too.”
Things I disliked (but it's still a solid 5 star for me):
-He allowed a stripper to sit on him and kiss his neck while Tallulah stripped on stage.
-He knows who the threat is (for almost a year!) but he's done NOTHINGGGG.
Onto the next book in the series!!
safety:
virgin heroine (he checks!)
age gap (17h, 30's or 40'sH it's not clear yet)
dubcon/spanking/face slapping/bondage/bdsm/very light blood play/degradation/humiliation/
light OM/OW drama
torture/violence
cliffhanger ♡
She’s the forbidden fantasy I never thought I’d have. And I won’t stop until I fucking devour her.
Wow... this series is a roller coaster ride and I love every fucking second of it. It's not for anyone who isn't into dark romance, that's for sure lol. Make sure you read the prologue novella first!!
Following the prologue, Xavier is still holding Tallulah captive at his mansion under the guise of keeping her safe from a threat who wants to kill her. What he doesn't tell her is that he actually knows who it is. This book follows the 17th year of Tallulah's life, doing a time skip every 3 months.
"I don’t want a princess, angel. I want a fucking toy.”
Xavier is cruel. He desperately wants her. He craves to protect her, but he also wants to humiliate her. He doesn't give into Tallulah's wishes to touch her because she's only 17... but he does other things. He's a fan of pain and degradation- anytime Tallulah disobeys him, he punishes her in creative ways:
-He parades her handcuffed and naked in front of the guards.
-Takes her to his playroom, ties her up, and allows his guards to look at her some more.
-Takes her to a strip club and forces her to dance in front of everyone.
-Deprives her of the only thing she wants... his touch. Even on the days the weather changes every three months- which is their agreed upon time to allow kissing.
One day, my angel will be so thankful I made her realize just how badly she needs me by degrading her in front of a room full of strangers.
Things I really liked:
-Zeus and Hades, the puppies!!
-His nickname for her. Angel.
-He gave her an UNLIMITED BOOK BUDGET.
-The pain and degradation... what can I say, I love it. I'm a whore lmao.
-The jealousy he feels when other people look at Tallulah, even if he's the one that created the situation for them to look at her naked.
-THE SEXUAL TENSION.
“Kiss me,” I whisper again. “Don’t make me beg anymore. Show me you want it, too.”
Things I disliked (but it's still a solid 5 star for me):
-He allowed a stripper to sit on him and kiss his neck while Tallulah stripped on stage.
-He knows who the threat is (for almost a year!) but he's done NOTHINGGGG.
Onto the next book in the series!!
safety:
virgin heroine (he checks!)
age gap (17h, 30's or 40'sH it's not clear yet)
dubcon/spanking/face slapping/bondage/bdsm/very light blood play/degradation/humiliation/
light OM/OW drama
torture/violence
cliffhanger ♡
February 4, 2022
I advise you all to read the wife breaker duet or at least the The cruel Guardian which is prequel of this before starting it.
♣ FIRST OF ALL MY CAST
♠ Xavier
The damaged mind and psychotic traits.
♠Talluha (its been a while lol so i forgot the heroine hair but anna had blonde hair and black so yeah)
The innocent...not so innocent.
I never put them in front cause of spoilers but this book needs it.
♠TRIGGERS : Huge age gap , Taboo , Captive , Manipulation.
♠Review (might be tiny spoilerish)
" For Darkness to merge in you
you have to join it
The facade broke , the shine became less
but....but , I still see you the same
with admire in my eyes which you don't deserve from my eyes."
_ZUINOAN
This is my first Cartel Romance ahem I mean Cartel dark taboo romance book.
Okay so when we see an villain in a book who we hate but he gets a book and not so being creepy me , will read it lol. I had a tiny spot of curiosity for Xavier and Isabella Queen of making us hate a character and then making us love them. not now lol cause its first book in a trio.
Xavier who runs a cartel is godfather of talluha our heroine , who admires him so much.
After getting a threat call and messages , Xavier takes Talluha to his house and makes her stay there despite her being wanting to meet her family as he took her from her house at night. low key kidnapping lol. Anyway there's some manipulation on both sides and story going on. The heroine really likes Xavier despite him being a true villain. It had triggers so beware.
Xavier is hell a lot of possessive guy and Talluha will see his dark side now as he always showed his gentle side to her before but time has change.
Talluha was a tiny psycho herself cause to be with a man like him , you have to had some psycho traits in yourself too but so far I like her character , lets see what happens.
♣ FIRST OF ALL MY CAST
♠ Xavier
The damaged mind and psychotic traits.
♠Talluha (its been a while lol so i forgot the heroine hair but anna had blonde hair and black so yeah)
The innocent...not so innocent.
I never put them in front cause of spoilers but this book needs it.
♠TRIGGERS : Huge age gap , Taboo , Captive , Manipulation.
♠Review (might be tiny spoilerish)
" For Darkness to merge in you
you have to join it
The facade broke , the shine became less
but....but , I still see you the same
with admire in my eyes which you don't deserve from my eyes."
_ZUINOAN
This is my first Cartel Romance ahem I mean Cartel dark taboo romance book.
Okay so when we see an villain in a book who we hate but he gets a book and not so being creepy me , will read it lol. I had a tiny spot of curiosity for Xavier and Isabella Queen of making us hate a character and then making us love them. not now lol cause its first book in a trio.
Xavier who runs a cartel is godfather of talluha our heroine , who admires him so much.
After getting a threat call and messages , Xavier takes Talluha to his house and makes her stay there despite her being wanting to meet her family as he took her from her house at night. low key kidnapping lol. Anyway there's some manipulation on both sides and story going on. The heroine really likes Xavier despite him being a true villain. It had triggers so beware.
Xavier is hell a lot of possessive guy and Talluha will see his dark side now as he always showed his gentle side to her before but time has change.
Talluha was a tiny psycho herself cause to be with a man like him , you have to had some psycho traits in yourself too but so far I like her character , lets see what happens.
February 16, 2022
This was a dark and twisted story that kept me on my toes till the very end! It definitely kept me wanting more but also dying for what’s next the chemistry was scorching and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
January 29, 2022
I’ve read books by this author before and never had a problem with any of them or her writing. However as a Hispanic reader, and understand that there already is under representation of hispanic characters I took great offense with this book.
It’s marked as Kingpin fine whatever but once you read it they’re part of a “cartel” and everyone knows cartel is associated with Hispanic drug traffickers just as mafia is Italian and bravata is Russian. There was no cultural aspect that could back it up as any of the characters being Hispanic.
Including Spanish words does not make them a cartel or Hispanic!!! And if you’re going to have someone call the boss “PADRON” AT LEAST USE GOOGLE AND SPELL IT CORRECTLY PATRON….. I mean you don’t even have to go that far there is a literal tequila named Patron.
It’s marked as Kingpin fine whatever but once you read it they’re part of a “cartel” and everyone knows cartel is associated with Hispanic drug traffickers just as mafia is Italian and bravata is Russian. There was no cultural aspect that could back it up as any of the characters being Hispanic.
Including Spanish words does not make them a cartel or Hispanic!!! And if you’re going to have someone call the boss “PADRON” AT LEAST USE GOOGLE AND SPELL IT CORRECTLY PATRON….. I mean you don’t even have to go that far there is a literal tequila named Patron.
January 29, 2022
This is NOT a standalone. You MUST read the prequel: Cruel Guardian first. And if you have not read the Dark Vows story you should start there. That’s where you meet Tallulah’s parents and Xavier for the first time.
She’s the forbidden fantasy I never thought I’d have. And I won’t stop until I devour her. ~ Xavier Gunn
They called her father the Wife Breaker but I think Xavier deserves a similar moniker after he so expressly states that every move he makes is designed to make Tallulah more willing to obey.
Yet his goddaughter, his ward, has a way about her that makes Xavier a softie. It’s something her mother, Rain, never managed to accomplish. Maybe it’s because he’s older now but I doubt it. I think it has everything to do with how long he’s cared about Tallulah.
Don’t get too excited about an all new changed man, his proclivities haven’t strayed much. Degradation, humiliation, domination, and pain are till very much what make him hard and happy.
“𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆...” 𝑰 𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆, 𝑿𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒑 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏?” ~ 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒉
But in the end, I can’t help but find it hilarious how Tallulah’s bratty ways bend Xavier’s will and resolve at every turn. Even when punishing her he’s giving her what she desires and what ultimately offers her some sense of relief.
😈 cartel vs cartel
😈 forbidden agegap romance
😈 dad’s adopted brother she calls uncle
😈 betrothed to H since h was in the womb
🙃 17yo h who’s his goddaughter he calls “angel”
😈 50+yo cartel leader H
🐶 two cute Rottweiler pups
🪢 predicament bondage
🩸 humiliation, degradation, pain kinks
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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She’s the forbidden fantasy I never thought I’d have. And I won’t stop until I devour her. ~ Xavier Gunn
They called her father the Wife Breaker but I think Xavier deserves a similar moniker after he so expressly states that every move he makes is designed to make Tallulah more willing to obey.
Yet his goddaughter, his ward, has a way about her that makes Xavier a softie. It’s something her mother, Rain, never managed to accomplish. Maybe it’s because he’s older now but I doubt it. I think it has everything to do with how long he’s cared about Tallulah.
Don’t get too excited about an all new changed man, his proclivities haven’t strayed much. Degradation, humiliation, domination, and pain are till very much what make him hard and happy.
“𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆...” 𝑰 𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆, 𝑿𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒑 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏?” ~ 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒉
But in the end, I can’t help but find it hilarious how Tallulah’s bratty ways bend Xavier’s will and resolve at every turn. Even when punishing her he’s giving her what she desires and what ultimately offers her some sense of relief.
😈 cartel vs cartel
😈 forbidden agegap romance
😈 dad’s adopted brother she calls uncle
😈 betrothed to H since h was in the womb
🙃 17yo h who’s his goddaughter he calls “angel”
😈 50+yo cartel leader H
🐶 two cute Rottweiler pups
🪢 predicament bondage
🩸 humiliation, degradation, pain kinks
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
July 14, 2022
A big NO from me
This book is depraved , sick and brutal .. I have read many books of this genre with no issue . Book 1 had me feeling so sick to my stomach . The so called hero is nothing more than a peadophile letching after a child . Subjecting a teen to BDSM like it was something that happens everyday I will not be buying the other 2 books .
This book is depraved , sick and brutal .. I have read many books of this genre with no issue . Book 1 had me feeling so sick to my stomach . The so called hero is nothing more than a peadophile letching after a child . Subjecting a teen to BDSM like it was something that happens everyday I will not be buying the other 2 books .
Read
March 2, 2022DNF: 26%
Predicament bondage wherein her breast is turning purple?!?!
I'm sick of author's thinking dark equals S&M.
I'm out.
Predicament bondage wherein her breast is turning purple?!?!
I'm sick of author's thinking dark equals S&M.
I'm out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : yes
Hero : Xavier
Heroine : Tallulah
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Triggers Involved : Kidnapping , huge age gap , taboo , humiliation
Plot Summary :
Xavier knows he is not a nice man. He never pretended to be. He is someone who is every woman's nightmare and His future wife's mother knows it. That does stop him from taking the one thing his only nephew loves. His daughter. Their first born baby will be his and there is no way he will make it easier on them. He is twisted and he is the king. He will break their daughter and enjoy every single moment of it. The clock is ticking and the moment tallulah turns 18 , he'll be there. To take. To own her. To break her in the most brutal way and make her his wife.
Overall Opinion :
God damn, that was some age gap… Xavier and his hotness made it easy for me to forget that he was the heroine's mother's ex husband. 😆 If I focused too much on that lmao, it made things weird for me. If you don't mind age gaps and twisted villains and heroes, then go for this one!
Let me make it clear that I hate this hero. Like I hated him in Heath's duet and I also know of any author who can make him redeemable, it's Isabella. I hope she gives him hell in the worst way! There is no sugar coating things. Xavier is the villain a and the hero and he makes no attempt to conceal that fact. Tallulah is in for a ride and I can't wait until she grows up!
I appreciate that the author kept that age boundary thing. Like Xavier made sure to not touch her until she was of legal age. He did kidnap her and there were a few stolen moments, but he kept his distance however you can feel his anticipation. I can practically feel the hell he'll unleash on her the moment she is of age and God save her lmao because the man is a monster.
Also, Xavier was different with Tallulah than he was with her mother . You see a tiny bit softer side of him and I hope that keeps going on because if he is like he was in Heath's book, then I honestly don't think I can like him.
Hope for the best for the future books because I am so excited!! This trilogy will be a delight and I can't wait. Recommending it to all the dark romance loving people who like tropes like age gap, kidnapping, humiliation, public humiliation, dub con, kink and so much more. I will again mention that Xavier is not a hero and if you haven't read Heath's duet where Xavier is the villain, then I am sure you'll know what I am talking about in the upcoming books!
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February 3, 2022
Xavier and Tallulah's trilogy definitely started out intense and even though she’s young she definitely knows how to taunt Xavier, especially since he literally uprooted her life for his own advantage but she’s got a plan of her own and I can’t wait for the next book!
February 1, 2022
It's only starting......
The Dark Protector is the first installment in the Kingpin's Property Trilogy, a spin-off of The Dark Vows Series and I would suggest to read the prequel, The Cruel Guardian first.
Feautring the ruthless Xavier Gunn and the first born daughter of Rain and Heath, this is a story of a deal made some time ago, obsession, possession and first steps to ensnare Tallulah's innocense, trust and heart. Xavier is not a good man and never claimed to be. He got his promised ward and is taking the time left until her eighteen birthday to make her understand her future life: as his bride and wife. Lots of foreplay, anticipation, defiance and punishments make this an enjoyable and fast read. With a threat upon their heads, specially Tallulah's, Xavier will fight fast and furious, considering even his life for hers.
A good start to the trilogy!
The Dark Protector is the first installment in the Kingpin's Property Trilogy, a spin-off of The Dark Vows Series and I would suggest to read the prequel, The Cruel Guardian first.
Feautring the ruthless Xavier Gunn and the first born daughter of Rain and Heath, this is a story of a deal made some time ago, obsession, possession and first steps to ensnare Tallulah's innocense, trust and heart. Xavier is not a good man and never claimed to be. He got his promised ward and is taking the time left until her eighteen birthday to make her understand her future life: as his bride and wife. Lots of foreplay, anticipation, defiance and punishments make this an enjoyable and fast read. With a threat upon their heads, specially Tallulah's, Xavier will fight fast and furious, considering even his life for hers.
A good start to the trilogy!
January 30, 2022
These books for sure left me with deadly cliffhanger!
Tallulah now understand, what her parents have always warned her about Xavier, and no matter what,she can't escape from him.
Xavier is completely ruthless man,who have such a strong obsession with Tallulah he's ward.
In the prequel I get glimpse of him that really intrigued me ,and in this book he terrified me and make me to like him even more!
So now I will wait for book 2 to be released, because book one left me wanting more.
Tallulah now understand, what her parents have always warned her about Xavier, and no matter what,she can't escape from him.
Xavier is completely ruthless man,who have such a strong obsession with Tallulah he's ward.
In the prequel I get glimpse of him that really intrigued me ,and in this book he terrified me and make me to like him even more!
So now I will wait for book 2 to be released, because book one left me wanting more.
January 26, 2022
Xavier is a very dark protector indeed. This man has taken Tallulah and imprisoned her in his lavish casa. Giving her all the material needs and wants but not giving her the emotional support and love that she dreams of.
This story was dark at times, but always captivating and beautiful in its intensity.
I can’t wait for The Brutal Captor!
This story was dark at times, but always captivating and beautiful in its intensity.
I can’t wait for The Brutal Captor!
January 28, 2022
Tallulah finally sees what her parents have been trying to tell her about Xavier when he finally takes her. She has dreams and neither are what she envisioned once she sees the real man she is infatuated with. If I thought Xavier was bad before, that is nothing like in this book and we still have two more to go to see how he can redeem himself. I am hooked.
January 28, 2022
The Dark Protector is a dark and twisted read that will keep you guessing until the very end. Xavier lives in a world of cruelty and punishment but Tallulah is bringing strange feelings to the surface. She is a little brat that refuses to bow to his demands. This story is sizzling and just getting started. I can’t wait to see where this crazy ride takes us.
October 20, 2022
Will Tallulah submit to Xavier?
Tallulah has always had a crush on Xavier, but now that he has her in his home will she submit to him or fight for her freedom? This is book one so their story is only just beginning.
Tallulah has always had a crush on Xavier, but now that he has her in his home will she submit to him or fight for her freedom? This is book one so their story is only just beginning.
Read
March 22, 2023Note to self: H was married to the h’s mom. Granted, the H is NOT the h’s father but something to think about.
August 4, 2022
Ok 59% and done with the pedo
Ok first my absolutely hated thing in the world,not really but pretty high on list .
Isn't it wonderful that all the sadistic ,abusive men find the just right girls ,almost like they fall into their lap ...right ? No its training wrote as dark romance ,when in reality this is nothing more than sex slave training ,basically giving them no hope of escape ,keeping them prisoner and breaking them down ,bodily and mentality to send signals of pain to be pleasurable .And writers falling Down the rabbit hole fluffing this off as dark obsessive romance by a alpha male ,when any girl would do because the processing is all the same .
i was expecting dark and got dark .What I wasn't expecting was a pedo,that has absolutely no real feelings for her or anyone else in the world .
Spoilers .
I am not happy with the train of BDSM that acts like this that s how its done and that the writer writes it in this book is the real was it is done . Its not ,its safe,consent and after care . This was not it ,she's 17 and the impression I get is he is old enough to be her father and he really wanted her mother but broke a deal with her parents and they gave up their first daughter to him to use as a plaything .
We go through and start to think when he said he'd wait till she was 18 in a year that he ment it ..nope . I hate to tell writer that when you spank,make her strip clothes ,take her to sex chamber,tie her up in rope, have her touch herself sexually ,as you watch ,bring men in to sexually look at her tied up naked ,and tied up sexually folks ,BDSM style,. Take her to strip clip dress her sexually make her dance as you bounce a stripper on your lap in front of the girl that you consider a sex toy ...we have a problem and its called molestation..... She is 17 you are way older ..You can put a shinny bow on it and think its ok .He uses her for his sexual viewing ,and others ,takes her to places with grown men and women in sexual situations then has her sexual dance while sex was gong on ..one word for an under age girl is molestation . can't change that and anyone reading this and find this sexual exciting need to do some deep thinking about what goes on in their minds cause they need help .
I found this very distasteful ,with the way they tried to make this sexy tying a 17 year old up in BDSM style for hours with no one checking in on her to make sure circulation was still healthy ,and shock not set in,it was irresponsible to do ,worse to write ,and then absolutely no aftercare to make sure damage to her body and not to her mental state ,no care was given .Just cut her down hours later and took to her room .............dangerous. And nor by the main make character but others .
Then you take her to humiliation with men ,strip club ,his enjoyment in hurting her and your writing the golden goose egg in the form of .....she likes it..every rapist said the same thing about their victims. Biology protects the body but does not negate rape or abuse
Our anti hero has to have something to grasp onto ,love,worry for her something in their mind they don't want there but that this one women is the one that makes you break all you mental rules and cracks your walls .The mom and daughter thing in not sexy ..at all . To know this man didn't want you but your mom and to your patents and him you are just a transaction without any say, is what folks???? Sex slave trade ,flesh trade ,human trafficking, wrote to try to make sexy and romantic ..not.
Being the kind of person that punishes themself ,I might finish this ,and if it changes my mind I'll edit . book two is conditioned on this book ,but ,I have very little hope that this 17 year old girl is going to grow into the woman she was ment to be . But , instead ,be sex slave trained and fall into sexual slavery passed off as dark romance .👿
Ok first my absolutely hated thing in the world,not really but pretty high on list .
Isn't it wonderful that all the sadistic ,abusive men find the just right girls ,almost like they fall into their lap ...right ? No its training wrote as dark romance ,when in reality this is nothing more than sex slave training ,basically giving them no hope of escape ,keeping them prisoner and breaking them down ,bodily and mentality to send signals of pain to be pleasurable .And writers falling Down the rabbit hole fluffing this off as dark obsessive romance by a alpha male ,when any girl would do because the processing is all the same .
i was expecting dark and got dark .What I wasn't expecting was a pedo,that has absolutely no real feelings for her or anyone else in the world .
Spoilers .
I am not happy with the train of BDSM that acts like this that s how its done and that the writer writes it in this book is the real was it is done . Its not ,its safe,consent and after care . This was not it ,she's 17 and the impression I get is he is old enough to be her father and he really wanted her mother but broke a deal with her parents and they gave up their first daughter to him to use as a plaything .
We go through and start to think when he said he'd wait till she was 18 in a year that he ment it ..nope . I hate to tell writer that when you spank,make her strip clothes ,take her to sex chamber,tie her up in rope, have her touch herself sexually ,as you watch ,bring men in to sexually look at her tied up naked ,and tied up sexually folks ,BDSM style,. Take her to strip clip dress her sexually make her dance as you bounce a stripper on your lap in front of the girl that you consider a sex toy ...we have a problem and its called molestation..... She is 17 you are way older ..You can put a shinny bow on it and think its ok .He uses her for his sexual viewing ,and others ,takes her to places with grown men and women in sexual situations then has her sexual dance while sex was gong on ..one word for an under age girl is molestation . can't change that and anyone reading this and find this sexual exciting need to do some deep thinking about what goes on in their minds cause they need help .
I found this very distasteful ,with the way they tried to make this sexy tying a 17 year old up in BDSM style for hours with no one checking in on her to make sure circulation was still healthy ,and shock not set in,it was irresponsible to do ,worse to write ,and then absolutely no aftercare to make sure damage to her body and not to her mental state ,no care was given .Just cut her down hours later and took to her room .............dangerous. And nor by the main make character but others .
Then you take her to humiliation with men ,strip club ,his enjoyment in hurting her and your writing the golden goose egg in the form of .....she likes it..every rapist said the same thing about their victims. Biology protects the body but does not negate rape or abuse
Our anti hero has to have something to grasp onto ,love,worry for her something in their mind they don't want there but that this one women is the one that makes you break all you mental rules and cracks your walls .The mom and daughter thing in not sexy ..at all . To know this man didn't want you but your mom and to your patents and him you are just a transaction without any say, is what folks???? Sex slave trade ,flesh trade ,human trafficking, wrote to try to make sexy and romantic ..not.
Being the kind of person that punishes themself ,I might finish this ,and if it changes my mind I'll edit . book two is conditioned on this book ,but ,I have very little hope that this 17 year old girl is going to grow into the woman she was ment to be . But , instead ,be sex slave trained and fall into sexual slavery passed off as dark romance .👿
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
Didn't like the heroine. I found her too spoilt, horny and vain.
I don't think this book is for me.
I don't think this book is for me.
August 1, 2022
No
Xavier ran so hot and cold it made my head spin. Inconsistent, impotent,and incompetent were hallmarks of his behavior. He knows who is threating tallulah's life,but never goes after them. He is supposedly insanely jealous,getting upset when others so much as speak her name in his presene,but he forces her to exhibitionism. Don't get me started on how inrffective and insubordinate his staff is. Honestly,it's hard to believe he is supposed to be an alpha male cartel leader with the amount of not listening to him his people do. And someone needs to check their translations-according to a quick google search,none of these spanish words means what the author THINKS they mean..... this book is just a cluster(ph)uck. None of the characters mesh well, there is zero character development, and the whys of the plotline are confusing. This is just a weird stew where nothing complements each other. I went into this with ridiculously high hopes,hoping for a hot,age gap ruthless mafia book,and ended up with strange,whiny,weak,confusing, super slow burn teenage drama or some crap. My opinion only. Feel free to read and form your own. But don't say you weren't warned.
Xavier ran so hot and cold it made my head spin. Inconsistent, impotent,and incompetent were hallmarks of his behavior. He knows who is threating tallulah's life,but never goes after them. He is supposedly insanely jealous,getting upset when others so much as speak her name in his presene,but he forces her to exhibitionism. Don't get me started on how inrffective and insubordinate his staff is. Honestly,it's hard to believe he is supposed to be an alpha male cartel leader with the amount of not listening to him his people do. And someone needs to check their translations-according to a quick google search,none of these spanish words means what the author THINKS they mean..... this book is just a cluster(ph)uck. None of the characters mesh well, there is zero character development, and the whys of the plotline are confusing. This is just a weird stew where nothing complements each other. I went into this with ridiculously high hopes,hoping for a hot,age gap ruthless mafia book,and ended up with strange,whiny,weak,confusing, super slow burn teenage drama or some crap. My opinion only. Feel free to read and form your own. But don't say you weren't warned.
January 30, 2022
I went in to this with one eye open as Xavier has been a terrifying villain in the previous books. You need to have read The Wife Breaker, The Widow Maker and the prequel to this one, it's not a standalone. I love Isabella Starling, despite the twisted dark tales she weaves, but this one seemed to be all dark and not much romance to it. The heroine is still 17 so he won't do any real sexual acts with her, so we get allot of sexual tension, kissing and tying up but no real steam.
This book is only 162 pages, so more novella length, and it felt more like an extension of the prequel rather than the first of the trilogy. But I have to admit, despite those things I'm still intrigued and will continue on with the series as I want to know what's going to happen. By the end of the boom we're still a month out of her 18th birthday, so it's allot of build up, and only one action scene about half way through.
I love the dark twistyness of it, but I needed more of the romance and steam for me, but as I say I will continue on.
This book is only 162 pages, so more novella length, and it felt more like an extension of the prequel rather than the first of the trilogy. But I have to admit, despite those things I'm still intrigued and will continue on with the series as I want to know what's going to happen. By the end of the boom we're still a month out of her 18th birthday, so it's allot of build up, and only one action scene about half way through.
I love the dark twistyness of it, but I needed more of the romance and steam for me, but as I say I will continue on.
March 2, 2022
mutter, mutter, mutter
I liked the first book but this one just didn’t do anything for me. The heroine is weak, Xavier doesn’t seem to care about his little ward at all beyond treating her like a dog, and Antonio’s confession was completely out of left field with no lead up. All of that I could get over, but if I had to read the word muttered one more time I think I might have thrown my phone. It was so overused I started skipping over it.
I liked the first book but this one just didn’t do anything for me. The heroine is weak, Xavier doesn’t seem to care about his little ward at all beyond treating her like a dog, and Antonio’s confession was completely out of left field with no lead up. All of that I could get over, but if I had to read the word muttered one more time I think I might have thrown my phone. It was so overused I started skipping over it.
February 5, 2022
☑An Age Gap Trope
☑Cartel Romance
☑An Arranged Marriage
☑Forbidden Romance
☑Taboo
The Dark Protector is book of the Kingpin's Property Trilogy. It is not a standalone book. It's dark, twisted, and depraved. It's a fascinating mind-blowing page turner that grabs you right from the start. It's well written with vile and innocent characters. The storytelling is phenomenal by these duo authors. It ends on cliffhanger and set up for the next book. It is suspenseful, tension filled dramatic and intense. This is Xavier and Tallulah story. Xavier is the godfather of Tallulah whose the daughter of Rain and Heath Xavier enemy. It's crazy because he once held her kidnap and held her mom captive so I don't understand how he can be her godfather. Tallulah was promised to Xavier from birth in last book Cruel Guardian but he was supposed to get her upon her eighteenth birthday. However, something happened and Xavier took a year earlier for her safety. Tallulah is very attracted to him and he gives her everything her heart desires except his touch that she desperately needs. She will do anything to get her way which makes for an intriguing read. He wants her submission but she gives him nothing but defiance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
☑Cartel Romance
☑An Arranged Marriage
☑Forbidden Romance
☑Taboo
The Dark Protector is book of the Kingpin's Property Trilogy. It is not a standalone book. It's dark, twisted, and depraved. It's a fascinating mind-blowing page turner that grabs you right from the start. It's well written with vile and innocent characters. The storytelling is phenomenal by these duo authors. It ends on cliffhanger and set up for the next book. It is suspenseful, tension filled dramatic and intense. This is Xavier and Tallulah story. Xavier is the godfather of Tallulah whose the daughter of Rain and Heath Xavier enemy. It's crazy because he once held her kidnap and held her mom captive so I don't understand how he can be her godfather. Tallulah was promised to Xavier from birth in last book Cruel Guardian but he was supposed to get her upon her eighteenth birthday. However, something happened and Xavier took a year earlier for her safety. Tallulah is very attracted to him and he gives her everything her heart desires except his touch that she desperately needs. She will do anything to get her way which makes for an intriguing read. He wants her submission but she gives him nothing but defiance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2022
Wow! This book is dark, twisted, intense, gritty and not for the faint of heart. If you like dark, this book is for you. It will definetly take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. You will be drawn in and kept there by the characters and their story. You will not want to put it down because you have to see what is going to happen next. Nothing is a given in this story. Just when you go okay, don't you will have your jaw hitting the floor. It has some wicked twist and turns that will catch you off guard. There is some seriously intense scenes that will have tears flowing, your heart racing and you stomach at your feet. These two authors are masters of their craft and know how to get you 100% invested in their characters and their story. Now this book is not a standalone! You must read the prequel: Cruel Guardian first. And if you have not read the Dark Vows duet you should so that you know the history of the characters. Especially Xavier. He is not a nice man and that’s where you meet Tallulah’s parents. I can not wait to see what we will discover in the next book. I would give this more stars if I could. I love a fantastic dark romance and this book certainly delivers just that.
January 30, 2022
The Dark Protector is Tallulah and Xavier's story and it is dark and twisted. This book picks up where the Cruel Guardian ended. Xavier has taken Tallulah from her home a year earlier than promised but it is under the assumption to protect her from death threats. Who is the one threatening her life? Is it Xander, Xavier's brother, or someone else? Tallulah sees a different side to Xavier that she never saw before and it has given her mixed feelings. Xavier shows signs that he could be a different man if only he tried. I think Tallulah could be the only person who could redeem him if he truly wanted it. However, he has to hope it's not to late to prove himself to her. He has jealousy issues that might cause him to make a drastic mistake!! I was so wrapped up in the pages, I read the book in a few hours. I have so many questions that need answers and I am so excited to see what's going to happen next.
February 7, 2022
This is not a stand-alone and The Cruel Guardian needs to be read first. To really get the most out of this story, you should definitely read the Dark Vows duet. Xavier is one of the biggest antiheroes I have ever read. At least I can’t think of anyone else. I was not a fan of him at all in The Dark Vows duet. I hated how he treated Rain and I was wondering if there was any way he could redeem himself. I’m still wondering how he will and if he can. I see how he cared for Tallulah, but I wonder if it’s really care or more of an obsession. This is a very dark read that is so very twisted. I love how these two authors are doing this story and I can’t wait for more. I have been sucked into this story since the beginning and have fallen down the rabbit hole with no way out. Ther is a very big age gap, taboo, manipulation, degradation, lust, secrets, suspense, action and some shocking truths. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
February 16, 2022
First let me start off by saying that his is not a standalone, you must read the prequel Cruel Guardian first. (If you have the time, and you have not read the Dark Vows story, you should start there since that is where you will meet Tallulah’s parents, Rain and Heath, and Xavier for the first time.)
The Dark Protector, book one in the Kingpin's Property Trilogy follows Tallulah Gunn and her godfather, cartel leader Xavier Gunn. Similar to Rain's situation, this is a story of a deal made some time ago, one that leads where Xavier's obsession, and eventual possession, of Tallulah until she turns eighteen, when they will be married. But when Xavier takes her a year early that what was agreed on, Tallulah finally gets to see the real Xavier, the one who her parents dislike.
The age gap was a little disturbing considering that Xavier was once married to Tallulah's mother Rain in the Dark Vows series.
The Dark Protector, book one in the Kingpin's Property Trilogy follows Tallulah Gunn and her godfather, cartel leader Xavier Gunn. Similar to Rain's situation, this is a story of a deal made some time ago, one that leads where Xavier's obsession, and eventual possession, of Tallulah until she turns eighteen, when they will be married. But when Xavier takes her a year early that what was agreed on, Tallulah finally gets to see the real Xavier, the one who her parents dislike.
The age gap was a little disturbing considering that Xavier was once married to Tallulah's mother Rain in the Dark Vows series.
February 2, 2022
The Dark Protector is the first book in a trilogy of novels in the ‘Kingpin’s Property’ series. There is a prequel to this book ‘The Cruel Guardian’ which you may wish to read first for background into the story.
This is another fabulous read from Ms Starling and Ms Hawkins, I love their style of writing! These authors always produce dark and captivating page turners that are deliciously steamy, intriguing and intense and keep you hooked from the very first page.
This book is NOT a standalone and must be read in order. Can’t wait for book 2, ‘The Brutal Captor’, which continues Xavier and Tallulah’s story. A great start to a new series, well worth 5 stars. Highly recommended if you enjoy a dark and steamy read.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another fabulous read from Ms Starling and Ms Hawkins, I love their style of writing! These authors always produce dark and captivating page turners that are deliciously steamy, intriguing and intense and keep you hooked from the very first page.
This book is NOT a standalone and must be read in order. Can’t wait for book 2, ‘The Brutal Captor’, which continues Xavier and Tallulah’s story. A great start to a new series, well worth 5 stars. Highly recommended if you enjoy a dark and steamy read.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2022
After reading the prequel to this series (and Xavier’s character in previous books), I couldn’t wait to dive right into The Dark Protector. I loved the darkness Xavier had within him.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Xavier and Tallulah in the prequel and I still enjoyed it in this story if it wasn’t for my annoyance with Tallulah’s character for most of the book. Although I did like the stubbornness she showed with Xavier, it wasn’t long lived until the whiny brattiness and weaker side of her came out which really annoyed me as I know I would’ve loved her character otherwise. But there were some moments I really did like between these two although I felt there could’ve been so much more in telling Tallulah about what Xavier has done previously. Fingers crossed it all comes to light in the next books as I can’t wait to find out.
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the relationship between Xavier and Tallulah in the prequel and I still enjoyed it in this story if it wasn’t for my annoyance with Tallulah’s character for most of the book. Although I did like the stubbornness she showed with Xavier, it wasn’t long lived until the whiny brattiness and weaker side of her came out which really annoyed me as I know I would’ve loved her character otherwise. But there were some moments I really did like between these two although I felt there could’ve been so much more in telling Tallulah about what Xavier has done previously. Fingers crossed it all comes to light in the next books as I can’t wait to find out.
3.5 stars
December 4, 2023
Ok… I’m not sure what I’m thinking. This was book 1 of a trilogy & I definitely plan to jump into book 2. I’ve been wanting a dark mafia romance where the mmc is a complete unredeemable a$$, & I think I found it. The things Xavier does & how he treats Tallulah is cruel & heartless. He knows she’s in love w/him & yet he constantly reminds her she’s just his ward, a toy for him to play with. And when he allowed another woman to climb into his lap & bounce around I couldn’t believe he’d go that far. But then when Tallulah grabbed the woman & clawed her face for touching Xavier & he actually dragged her off the woman asking her what she thought she was doing, I wanted to smack the ever living s*** out of him. I wanted her to tell him to go to hell & run away from him. I’m still hoping she does & makes him chase her & grovel for forgiveness!
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