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Mobsters + Billionaires #2
Protection
I wait for the signal at crosswalks. I pay my taxes on time. And, despite my association with a certain Mafia family, I run a clean business providing security for Manhattan's wealthy elite.
I don't break the law.
Dr. Madhuban Laghari—Mads—is my newest protectee and my biggest problem. He fights his security protocols at every turn and makes me question all of my carefully crafted rules. Especially the one about not falling for the world's most adorable billionaire.
Every time we go back and forth, I fall a little harder.
More dangerous than our sexy banter is the fact that the threats against him are starting to escalate.
He doesn't want to face the reality that he's got a stalker tracking his every move, not to mention the Russian government trying to steal his technology. The closer we get, the more I know I'll do anything to protect him.
If his enemies dare to put a hand on my billionaire, they'll discover how Mafia I can get.
***
Protection is a cameo-filled, globetrotting romance that features a reluctant mobster, a billionaire with questionable taste in fashion, and a found family made entirely of morally gray do-gooders.
The books in this series are stand-alones, and the HEA is always guaranteed.
#murderswoon
I don't break the law.
Dr. Madhuban Laghari—Mads—is my newest protectee and my biggest problem. He fights his security protocols at every turn and makes me question all of my carefully crafted rules. Especially the one about not falling for the world's most adorable billionaire.
Every time we go back and forth, I fall a little harder.
More dangerous than our sexy banter is the fact that the threats against him are starting to escalate.
He doesn't want to face the reality that he's got a stalker tracking his every move, not to mention the Russian government trying to steal his technology. The closer we get, the more I know I'll do anything to protect him.
If his enemies dare to put a hand on my billionaire, they'll discover how Mafia I can get.
***
Protection is a cameo-filled, globetrotting romance that features a reluctant mobster, a billionaire with questionable taste in fashion, and a found family made entirely of morally gray do-gooders.
The books in this series are stand-alones, and the HEA is always guaranteed.
#murderswoon
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2022
214 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
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June 25, 2024
|| 1.5 stars ||
This whole thing was definitely way too cheesy and sappy. Their frequent love declarations were also very over-the-top and I lost interest in them really fast.
For example, they were legit crying during sex because it was just “so emotional and loving”. And I mean.. that’s sweet and all, but a little much for me personally.
This is insta-love with a moderately slow pace. With that I mean to say that they are basically in love since before the book even starts, yet they tip-toe around that for the first half, and then in the middle they get together and that is pretty much it. Nothing really interesting about it.
And what the actual reason was as to why they are in love? I have absolutely no clue. We don’t really get to know that, which sucks.
The dynamic had potential, but wasn’t greatly executed. Mads wasn’t adorable enough, and Anthony wasn’t broody enough. They were trying to go for the grumpy/sunshine trope, but didn’t follow through entirely. It felt a little bland and incomplete.
There’s far too much sex here, but at least it was pretty hot. I can imagine some people really enjoying those scenes, even though I personally got bored with it since I don’t really like smut, so I skimmed a bit of it.
The plot was pretty dumb and ridiculous, but that was to be expected to be honest. The action simply bored me to tears, so I skimmed a lot of that.
The cameos from other series were definitely fucking annoying and excruciatingly uninteresting, so I skimmed all of that.
The writing style was also just too detailed and too boring. I was really struggling to get through this without either falling asleep or skimming. I ended up picking the latter most of the time.
Overall, I didn’t like this book, and I kind of wish I had DNF’ed it.
I also regret picking this book up instead of waiting for book 3 and reading that one instead. Because honestly, Luca and Ford’s dynamic seems a lot better to me, but I don’t think I’m willing to read anything else in this series after hating this one.
'Mobsters + Billionaires' series:
2. Protection - 1.5 stars
3. Attraction - 2.0 stars
This whole thing was definitely way too cheesy and sappy. Their frequent love declarations were also very over-the-top and I lost interest in them really fast.
For example, they were legit crying during sex because it was just “so emotional and loving”. And I mean.. that’s sweet and all, but a little much for me personally.
This is insta-love with a moderately slow pace. With that I mean to say that they are basically in love since before the book even starts, yet they tip-toe around that for the first half, and then in the middle they get together and that is pretty much it. Nothing really interesting about it.
And what the actual reason was as to why they are in love? I have absolutely no clue. We don’t really get to know that, which sucks.
The dynamic had potential, but wasn’t greatly executed. Mads wasn’t adorable enough, and Anthony wasn’t broody enough. They were trying to go for the grumpy/sunshine trope, but didn’t follow through entirely. It felt a little bland and incomplete.
There’s far too much sex here, but at least it was pretty hot. I can imagine some people really enjoying those scenes, even though I personally got bored with it since I don’t really like smut, so I skimmed a bit of it.
The plot was pretty dumb and ridiculous, but that was to be expected to be honest. The action simply bored me to tears, so I skimmed a lot of that.
The cameos from other series were definitely fucking annoying and excruciatingly uninteresting, so I skimmed all of that.
The writing style was also just too detailed and too boring. I was really struggling to get through this without either falling asleep or skimming. I ended up picking the latter most of the time.
Overall, I didn’t like this book, and I kind of wish I had DNF’ed it.
I also regret picking this book up instead of waiting for book 3 and reading that one instead. Because honestly, Luca and Ford’s dynamic seems a lot better to me, but I don’t think I’m willing to read anything else in this series after hating this one.
'Mobsters + Billionaires' series:
2. Protection - 1.5 stars
3. Attraction - 2.0 stars
January 7, 2023
3*** stars
Honestly, not even ten percent into the book and I was laughing my ass off at all the bad jokes Mads was making. He’s one pretty funny princess if you ask me.
This is all from ONE conversation *lmaoooo -- If you find that silly, please do, but I was cracking up real hard. I love Mads. Poor Anthony, dealing with a client like that.
Okay, enough of that. Back to the actual story. I had a feeling I wouldn’t like this one as much as the first one in the series but nonetheless I loved getting to know Anthony and Mads better and seeing them finding each other. Can’t even say what it was that felt slightly off for me with this one - I think I just wasn’t much into the plot.
My highlight in this books was seeing my beloved guys from the Guardian’s series again *lolll --- okay, that’s not entirely true. I loved the banter (as always), especially between our billionaires Rand, Mads & Ford. Hilarious this bunch. ♡
Plotwise I’m totally feeling the opposite to this one when I think of the two other books to come in this series. Only a few days until we get Luca’s and Ford’s story. I truly can’t wait for these fantastic characters!! And I am also so in love with Hopper’s character, I can’t wait to see him catching (t)his RICO-agent. The blurb alone for this makes me giddy af!
side note: I must honestly say, that this 3-star-rating is hurting me in a way bc alongside the love story I always try to (and do) appreciate the deeper topic on society and human relations Kelly Fox addresses in her books and makes visible this way. So please know, that although I didn’t love this book as much as her others, I really appreciated the insight and addressing of modern slavery in this one.
**********
mobsters + billionaires series:
Book 1 - Extradition - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Protection - 3 stars
Book 3 - Attraction - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Distraction - 4.5 stars ♡
Honestly, not even ten percent into the book and I was laughing my ass off at all the bad jokes Mads was making. He’s one pretty funny princess if you ask me.
I’m massively intimidated and bonered-up, which leaves me wondering if the wetness in my boxers is precum or a tiny bit of pee.
Exciting stuff.
[…]
Wonder how much I’d have to poke this bear to have him poke me back.
[…]
Also, I clearly need to get laid if I’m getting turned on by fighting with a guy who looks like an overgrown angry Ken doll.
Oh. My. God.
We could be Billionaire Barbie and Security Ken.
[…]
“We will not be using the billionaire as bait.”
“Oh c’mon. Put me in, Coach. I promise you I’m a master baiter. Truly.”
This is all from ONE conversation *lmaoooo -- If you find that silly, please do, but I was cracking up real hard. I love Mads. Poor Anthony, dealing with a client like that.
Okay, enough of that. Back to the actual story. I had a feeling I wouldn’t like this one as much as the first one in the series but nonetheless I loved getting to know Anthony and Mads better and seeing them finding each other. Can’t even say what it was that felt slightly off for me with this one - I think I just wasn’t much into the plot.
My highlight in this books was seeing my beloved guys from the Guardian’s series again *lolll --- okay, that’s not entirely true. I loved the banter (as always), especially between our billionaires Rand, Mads & Ford. Hilarious this bunch. ♡
Plotwise I’m totally feeling the opposite to this one when I think of the two other books to come in this series. Only a few days until we get Luca’s and Ford’s story. I truly can’t wait for these fantastic characters!! And I am also so in love with Hopper’s character, I can’t wait to see him catching (t)his RICO-agent. The blurb alone for this makes me giddy af!
side note: I must honestly say, that this 3-star-rating is hurting me in a way bc alongside the love story I always try to (and do) appreciate the deeper topic on society and human relations Kelly Fox addresses in her books and makes visible this way. So please know, that although I didn’t love this book as much as her others, I really appreciated the insight and addressing of modern slavery in this one.
**********
mobsters + billionaires series:
Book 1 - Extradition - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Protection - 3 stars
Book 3 - Attraction - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Distraction - 4.5 stars ♡
November 12, 2024
This is a ridiculous mob/billionaire series. It's boring, doesn't have an edge, even if the mobsters are a bit of teddy bears, it could still be more interesting than it actually is. Hardly readable.
The only good part in this book was Anthony's sweat and ass at the beginning of the book, this guy was gorgeous, a big, built, strong, blonde beefcake who fucks like a god, so if for nothing else, read the book for the few sex scenes that are in there, because they're good.
The rest is crap.
🟢 Billionaire/Head of security
🟣 Substantial size difference
🟡 I'm guessing an age gap; around 30/definitely 35-40
🔵 Both gay
🌶️ Good smut; oral asphyxiation (cock warming, toe sucking); rimming, oral, penetrative; strict t/b
The author is putting out the topic of billionaires and people who aren't in these books and trying to show the difference between the two while amateurishly tackling wealth disparity and I think it's starting to backfire.
The way the author is looking at these guys having their well deserved money is almost like they're being shamed for having it while the other main character is constantly reminding them of the big money gap - until they're a part of the lifestyle too.
“Oh no, the billionaire is right outside a luxuriously appointed suite with blankets and pillows, but he’s outside, and the long journey inside is so arduous.”
“And just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you’re smart,” he says, lightly pushing me back.
“Only a billionaire with everything would complain about being lonely.”
“Oh, so are you saying that Mr. Jeans and a T- shirt Eat the Rich Billionaire uses stupidly expensive oil to keep his skin pretty?”
"I let out an undignified snort. Fucking billionaires."
“Yeah… billionaires tend to think in terms of fixing it with money and not addressing the systems that cause it,” I say, arching a brow at my favorite billionaire.
“Look at what you've done with this place,” he says, gesturing appreciatively. “How did you get this done so quickly?”
“Duh. I’m a billionaire.”
This is what gets me. This kind of thinking; not everyone who has money is evil and doing evil shit with their money.
So this story suggests a bunch of really innovative entrepreneurs sat down and said
"We have fun making money, and hell, we like the cachet of being billionaires. It’s cool, and anyone who says different hasn’t ever spent the better part of a summer on a superyacht off the Amalfi Coast. But we’ve chatted, and neither of us has ever understood why so many rich people are so goddamn evil with their money. The other mega- rich billionaires do know we’re all gonna die, right?"
so instead of really making a point, this series reads like resentment or anger towards people with money and on one hand giving them the billionaire lifestyle that they very much enjoy with their partners, but then creating crazy scenarios where these three guys are practically saving the humanity. And leaving 100$ tips for the barista. But at the same time buying two luxurious Manhattan apartments where these guys get to enjoy all the perks of having all that money.
If you're so against them having that wealth, put them in a small Brooklyn apartment and make them work the shelters, not giving them fake mob jobs and ridiculously expensive security. Decide, which one is it? Don't put Anthony in a 5000$ suit for a one trip to Vienna just because his ass looks great in it, how about just give that money to someone else with that logic?
The author wants the men to enjoy the lifestyle while having them feel somewhat guilty about it at the same time, so plots with human trafficking pop up that aren't really developed just to balance out that wealth.
It's ridiculous and almost juvenile at this point.
A few successful characters from other series were thrown in here to give it some action, but then again it's not the kind of action I'm used to from this author, because this was like watching a bad movie.
The Russians get mixed up in here, the stalker that Mads has turns out to be a woman and an Ukrainian spy, at that. They take her to the mob warehouse, you know the stalker that's the reason Mads even has security - and what's the first thing all these bad guys do?
They ask her for her pronouns.
Yeah, because that's exactly what the mob does. What hitmen do. What a consigliere does. First tell me your pronouns so I can gut you later. Sure.
This series is a mess.
As I've said, the only good thing here is the sex and that's because of Anthony.
The only good part in this book was Anthony's sweat and ass at the beginning of the book, this guy was gorgeous, a big, built, strong, blonde beefcake who fucks like a god, so if for nothing else, read the book for the few sex scenes that are in there, because they're good.
The rest is crap.
🟢 Billionaire/Head of security
🟣 Substantial size difference
🟡 I'm guessing an age gap; around 30/definitely 35-40
🔵 Both gay
🌶️ Good smut; oral asphyxiation (cock warming, toe sucking); rimming, oral, penetrative; strict t/b
The author is putting out the topic of billionaires and people who aren't in these books and trying to show the difference between the two while amateurishly tackling wealth disparity and I think it's starting to backfire.
The way the author is looking at these guys having their well deserved money is almost like they're being shamed for having it while the other main character is constantly reminding them of the big money gap - until they're a part of the lifestyle too.
“Oh no, the billionaire is right outside a luxuriously appointed suite with blankets and pillows, but he’s outside, and the long journey inside is so arduous.”
“And just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you’re smart,” he says, lightly pushing me back.
“Only a billionaire with everything would complain about being lonely.”
“Oh, so are you saying that Mr. Jeans and a T- shirt Eat the Rich Billionaire uses stupidly expensive oil to keep his skin pretty?”
"I let out an undignified snort. Fucking billionaires."
“Yeah… billionaires tend to think in terms of fixing it with money and not addressing the systems that cause it,” I say, arching a brow at my favorite billionaire.
“Look at what you've done with this place,” he says, gesturing appreciatively. “How did you get this done so quickly?”
“Duh. I’m a billionaire.”
This is what gets me. This kind of thinking; not everyone who has money is evil and doing evil shit with their money.
So this story suggests a bunch of really innovative entrepreneurs sat down and said
"We have fun making money, and hell, we like the cachet of being billionaires. It’s cool, and anyone who says different hasn’t ever spent the better part of a summer on a superyacht off the Amalfi Coast. But we’ve chatted, and neither of us has ever understood why so many rich people are so goddamn evil with their money. The other mega- rich billionaires do know we’re all gonna die, right?"
so instead of really making a point, this series reads like resentment or anger towards people with money and on one hand giving them the billionaire lifestyle that they very much enjoy with their partners, but then creating crazy scenarios where these three guys are practically saving the humanity. And leaving 100$ tips for the barista. But at the same time buying two luxurious Manhattan apartments where these guys get to enjoy all the perks of having all that money.
If you're so against them having that wealth, put them in a small Brooklyn apartment and make them work the shelters, not giving them fake mob jobs and ridiculously expensive security. Decide, which one is it? Don't put Anthony in a 5000$ suit for a one trip to Vienna just because his ass looks great in it, how about just give that money to someone else with that logic?
The author wants the men to enjoy the lifestyle while having them feel somewhat guilty about it at the same time, so plots with human trafficking pop up that aren't really developed just to balance out that wealth.
It's ridiculous and almost juvenile at this point.
A few successful characters from other series were thrown in here to give it some action, but then again it's not the kind of action I'm used to from this author, because this was like watching a bad movie.
The Russians get mixed up in here, the stalker that Mads has turns out to be a woman and an Ukrainian spy, at that. They take her to the mob warehouse, you know the stalker that's the reason Mads even has security - and what's the first thing all these bad guys do?
They ask her for her pronouns.
Yeah, because that's exactly what the mob does. What hitmen do. What a consigliere does. First tell me your pronouns so I can gut you later. Sure.
This series is a mess.
As I've said, the only good thing here is the sex and that's because of Anthony.
July 1, 2024
I will literally never tire of big, strong, scary, murdery men totally simping for their partners. Like... pour it directly into my veins, thanks. Also, size difference is the best trope, idc, fight me.
October 20, 2023
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
I don’t know how to say this without sounding critical, but these books are really OTT, but so damn entertaining. I’ve listened to the audiobook so many times, and Declan Winters did a really good job. And man oh man, the spice in these books is *chefs kiss*. This seems to be the case with every Kelly Fox book I’ve read so far.
Mads (sometimes Maddie, which is the cutest nickname) is a tiny adorable billionaire who constantly wears a massive orange puffer jacket because he’s always cold. It’s too cute for words. He can also take a good hard d*cking like nobody’s business, let me tell you. His character is totally OTT, but honestly, it works. It mellows out during the book after a while. He never stops being just a little dramatic, but that’s okay too.
I love the romantic-suspense-with-the-cast-of-every-law-enforcement-tv-show-ever. You know the ones - NCIS, Bones, Law & Order, etc. We’ve got the nerds, the goth hacker girl, the stoic security guy, the morally grey mobster, etc. It might not be realistic, but man is it entertaining. Oh, and Anthony was a better and more intriguing character than I expected. Definitely loyal beyond what anyone would ever expect of a friend.
The constant jokes about Mads’s jacket makes me laugh every time, especially when someone called him ‘deadliest catch’ lmao.
⚠️ Spoiler warning ⚠️
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: No. Mads sleeps with escorts after meeting Anthony, but before they’re together in any way. Not detailed or on-page.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles. Anthony does enjoy a couple of fingers.
TW/CW
Violence, blood, killing, kidnapping, drugging, broken bones, explicit sexual content, mentions of forced prostitution, mentions of human trafficking, stalking, Mentions of homophobia
Tropes & tags
Billionaire, bodyguard, private security, tech company, kidnapping, murderous found family, c*ck warming, suckling, oral fixation, size difference (we’re talking bulging-abdomen-while-boinking size difference), interracial relationship, found family
I don’t know how to say this without sounding critical, but these books are really OTT, but so damn entertaining. I’ve listened to the audiobook so many times, and Declan Winters did a really good job. And man oh man, the spice in these books is *chefs kiss*. This seems to be the case with every Kelly Fox book I’ve read so far.
Mads (sometimes Maddie, which is the cutest nickname) is a tiny adorable billionaire who constantly wears a massive orange puffer jacket because he’s always cold. It’s too cute for words. He can also take a good hard d*cking like nobody’s business, let me tell you. His character is totally OTT, but honestly, it works. It mellows out during the book after a while. He never stops being just a little dramatic, but that’s okay too.
I love the romantic-suspense-with-the-cast-of-every-law-enforcement-tv-show-ever. You know the ones - NCIS, Bones, Law & Order, etc. We’ve got the nerds, the goth hacker girl, the stoic security guy, the morally grey mobster, etc. It might not be realistic, but man is it entertaining. Oh, and Anthony was a better and more intriguing character than I expected. Definitely loyal beyond what anyone would ever expect of a friend.
The constant jokes about Mads’s jacket makes me laugh every time, especially when someone called him ‘deadliest catch’ lmao.
⚠️ Spoiler warning ⚠️
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: No. Mads sleeps with escorts after meeting Anthony, but before they’re together in any way. Not detailed or on-page.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles. Anthony does enjoy a couple of fingers.
TW/CW
Violence, blood, killing, kidnapping, drugging, broken bones, explicit sexual content, mentions of forced prostitution, mentions of human trafficking, stalking, Mentions of homophobia
Tropes & tags
Billionaire, bodyguard, private security, tech company, kidnapping, murderous found family, c*ck warming, suckling, oral fixation, size difference (we’re talking bulging-abdomen-while-boinking size difference), interracial relationship, found family
June 22, 2022
The good
+ Anthony's personal code
+ Their sappiness
+ Anthony opening up to Mads, and letting himself be vulnerable
+ Mads' refusal to be bullied into having a personal bodyguard
+ Hopper 'courting' the federal agent
+ Mads calling Anthony out for shaming him for being skinny
The neutral
o In true Anders style, . I don't think that actually gets rid of a lot of evidence but what do I know
The bad
- This book was supposed to be about Anthony and Mads. Instead, again, it was so full of cameos it was hard to see the main characters through the forest of side characters
- If you need a list so the reader can keep track of the cameos, there are too many cameos
- The list of the characters that had cameos contained useless facts like "Has a Prince Albert piercing that Rafi adores". What am I supposed to do with this information?
- Figuring out who all the cameo guys were felt like homework. I just want to read a book, not read 20 books as background info, forget about the characters because there are like a million, and then have to figure out who they were again every single new release
- A book should be about the story of the main characters. Not a wrap-up of previous books and an introduction to five sequels
- One of the cameo characters was someone whose book isn't even out yet. What???
- From the author's note at the start of the book: "These billionaires are aware of their power and use it to fight for good." I did not see that in this book. Sure, Mads took good care of his employees, but that's where it all ended. The only other thing he spent money on in this book was a private jet, luxuries, and a boatload of money to save the people his company was responsible for putting in terrible conditions in the first place
- Anthony's character did a complete 180. I'm fine with However, I do think
- Ryder told Anthony
- The first time they had sex, they were both drunk. Then, they decided to go bare, while both drunk and horny. This is not the moment to make decisions. Also, consent while drunk is questionable at best, so it really soured their first time for me. And of course, it resulted in the usual post-drunk regrets
- Mads laughed at Anthony after sex. Anthony felt incredibly insecure because of that (rightfully so), but Mads never really apologized for making him feel like that
- Mads was pretty naive for a billionaire. Seriously, who makes trackers that work incredibly well, in combination with a new polymer with amazing properties, and not expect bad people to do bad stuff with it? Has he never seen any movies or read any books ever? Have none of his advisors said anything?
- Mads also thought having a stalker was no big deal, even though he's a billionaire. Seriously, how did this guy get anywhere in life?
- When Mads was saved,
- Anthony mentioned he liked . There was a lot of potential there, but after this admission it was never mentioned or implemented again. Also, feet are gross, and Anthony sucking Mads' big toe after he spent a whole night sleeping and sweating made me gag
I came here to read a book about Mads and Anthony. Instead, I got a story filled with a million side characters, unwanted cameos requiring so much effort to keep track of I just gave up, and more setups for future books than scenes about the main couple. Please, for the love of God, stop with all the cameos. A cameo is supposed to be a minor part, just a brief appearance, not a bulldozer that takes up most of the story's real estate. Anyway, I would not recommend this book, and I'm only persevering because I want Hopper's story. Let's hope that one is not littered with cameos, but I'm not holding my breath.
+ Anthony's personal code
+ Their sappiness
+ Anthony opening up to Mads, and letting himself be vulnerable
+ Mads' refusal to be bullied into having a personal bodyguard
+ Hopper 'courting' the federal agent
+ Mads calling Anthony out for shaming him for being skinny
The neutral
o In true Anders style, . I don't think that actually gets rid of a lot of evidence but what do I know
The bad
- This book was supposed to be about Anthony and Mads. Instead, again, it was so full of cameos it was hard to see the main characters through the forest of side characters
- If you need a list so the reader can keep track of the cameos, there are too many cameos
- The list of the characters that had cameos contained useless facts like "Has a Prince Albert piercing that Rafi adores". What am I supposed to do with this information?
- Figuring out who all the cameo guys were felt like homework. I just want to read a book, not read 20 books as background info, forget about the characters because there are like a million, and then have to figure out who they were again every single new release
- A book should be about the story of the main characters. Not a wrap-up of previous books and an introduction to five sequels
- One of the cameo characters was someone whose book isn't even out yet. What???
- From the author's note at the start of the book: "These billionaires are aware of their power and use it to fight for good." I did not see that in this book. Sure, Mads took good care of his employees, but that's where it all ended. The only other thing he spent money on in this book was a private jet, luxuries, and a boatload of money to save the people his company was responsible for putting in terrible conditions in the first place
- Anthony's character did a complete 180. I'm fine with However, I do think
- Ryder told Anthony
- The first time they had sex, they were both drunk. Then, they decided to go bare, while both drunk and horny. This is not the moment to make decisions. Also, consent while drunk is questionable at best, so it really soured their first time for me. And of course, it resulted in the usual post-drunk regrets
- Mads laughed at Anthony after sex. Anthony felt incredibly insecure because of that (rightfully so), but Mads never really apologized for making him feel like that
- Mads was pretty naive for a billionaire. Seriously, who makes trackers that work incredibly well, in combination with a new polymer with amazing properties, and not expect bad people to do bad stuff with it? Has he never seen any movies or read any books ever? Have none of his advisors said anything?
- Mads also thought having a stalker was no big deal, even though he's a billionaire. Seriously, how did this guy get anywhere in life?
- When Mads was saved,
- Anthony mentioned he liked . There was a lot of potential there, but after this admission it was never mentioned or implemented again. Also, feet are gross, and Anthony sucking Mads' big toe after he spent a whole night sleeping and sweating made me gag
I came here to read a book about Mads and Anthony. Instead, I got a story filled with a million side characters, unwanted cameos requiring so much effort to keep track of I just gave up, and more setups for future books than scenes about the main couple. Please, for the love of God, stop with all the cameos. A cameo is supposed to be a minor part, just a brief appearance, not a bulldozer that takes up most of the story's real estate. Anyway, I would not recommend this book, and I'm only persevering because I want Hopper's story. Let's hope that one is not littered with cameos, but I'm not holding my breath.
August 20, 2025
Didn’t love the first 60%, but it had enough elements I loved to keep me going 🙂
I LOVED book 1, but as so often with Kelly Fox, her books aren’t consistently good during a series. I kind of expected a letdown tbh after reading a few reviews, and I’m sad to say that I can confirm them.
It’s the book about Mads (one of Rand’s billionaire friends), and Anthony Edgerton, Rands’s main security guy.
I didn’t particularly like Mads. I mean - kudos for bringing in a desi MC (Mads is originally from India). But Mads’ entire personality seems to be that of a (lonely) billionaire. Being rich. Coming from a rich family. And having the attention span of a chipmunk.
And Anthony? We were promised a mobster, and get Mr. Stick-in-The-Mud bodyguard/security detail 🙄 (at least until the final showdown happens).
Another thing that made me roll my eyes: Anthony (last name “Edgerton”) calling himself “Edge” when talking to himself in his head 🙄 Really - who does that?
What the author did right, was doing a bit of research about Vienna (because both seem to love classical music 🙄). But the facts she got about the city match the memories I have from visiting. And I think the same goes for the other non-US places we get to visit.
What I liked: their size difference (Mads is
relatively small and delicate), while Anthony is a mountain of a man.
A mountain that -for some reasons- “falls” for the small man when he sees that he’s so happy when they bang for the first time. And who starts crying when his feeling overwhelm him during that first time.
Again, 🙄 And it’s not the only time they start to cry when they get emotional. I mean - I’m all for men showing emotions, but there’s a time and place for everything 😅
But on the other hand, insisting to go bare that first time, without checking first what their health status is? Really?
Or when they catch Mads’ stalker, the first thing they’re asking them is the pronouns they’re using? 🙄 and then they proceed, believing the stalker every single word? Why? On what grounds? Because they claim to be one of the good ones?
The thing that I loved most (and that makes me rate it with 3 stars rather than 2): the side characters, the entire dysfunctional found family, and the cameos from other books 😬
Onwards to Lucas’s story - even though i suspect that the final book, Hopper’s story, will end up being my favourite.
I LOVED book 1, but as so often with Kelly Fox, her books aren’t consistently good during a series. I kind of expected a letdown tbh after reading a few reviews, and I’m sad to say that I can confirm them.
It’s the book about Mads (one of Rand’s billionaire friends), and Anthony Edgerton, Rands’s main security guy.
I didn’t particularly like Mads. I mean - kudos for bringing in a desi MC (Mads is originally from India). But Mads’ entire personality seems to be that of a (lonely) billionaire. Being rich. Coming from a rich family. And having the attention span of a chipmunk.
And Anthony? We were promised a mobster, and get Mr. Stick-in-The-Mud bodyguard/security detail 🙄 (at least until the final showdown happens).
Another thing that made me roll my eyes: Anthony (last name “Edgerton”) calling himself “Edge” when talking to himself in his head 🙄 Really - who does that?
What the author did right, was doing a bit of research about Vienna (because both seem to love classical music 🙄). But the facts she got about the city match the memories I have from visiting. And I think the same goes for the other non-US places we get to visit.
What I liked: their size difference (Mads is
relatively small and delicate), while Anthony is a mountain of a man.
A mountain that -for some reasons- “falls” for the small man when he sees that he’s so happy when they bang for the first time. And who starts crying when his feeling overwhelm him during that first time.
Again, 🙄 And it’s not the only time they start to cry when they get emotional. I mean - I’m all for men showing emotions, but there’s a time and place for everything 😅
But on the other hand, insisting to go bare that first time, without checking first what their health status is? Really?
Or when they catch Mads’ stalker, the first thing they’re asking them is the pronouns they’re using? 🙄 and then they proceed, believing the stalker every single word? Why? On what grounds? Because they claim to be one of the good ones?
The thing that I loved most (and that makes me rate it with 3 stars rather than 2): the side characters, the entire dysfunctional found family, and the cameos from other books 😬
Onwards to Lucas’s story - even though i suspect that the final book, Hopper’s story, will end up being my favourite.
July 25, 2024
Anthony and Mads are so fucking cute together. It takes them a bit of pining to succumb to their feelings: The Vienna Exception turns out to be the breaking point. They're so in love it's sweet bordering on diabetic coma and I'm all for it. The cast of secondary characters is funny, badass and reminded me of an action movie. Loved it!
June 29, 2022
Typically I don’t write reviews unless I have a fairly strong opinion about a book one way or another, so surprise. This book was just... MY ass hurt and I wasn’t the one being railed every page.
Obviously with books like this, suspension of belief is a given. And Im here for it. I thrive with that. I can live laugh love my way through an entire kindle library in a day and not bat an eye at some of the stuff that happens. Mostly because it pushes the boundaries of things that most people don’t really know about unless they’re in that real world equivalent world. Mercenaries and bodyguards and billionaires etc.
But in addition to Mads being a doctor, of WHAT is never explained, his lack of personality aside from being happy or not happy but forcing it, Anthony being about as surly and grumpy as a limp sock monkey and the fact that Hopper is the most intriguing character from the series thus far but even his toddler like personality was grating eventually, the biggest issue is the sheer amount of sex.
Now, I am no prude. I don’t think you’d find anyone on the face of the planet who would put me within a hundred miles of prude town. This does not stem from that at all.
It stems entirely from having a gosh darn asshole sweet Jesus.
Once Anthony and Mads decide to get it on, I’m thrilled. I’m here for it. The crying aspect was a bit weird because it was wildly unprecedented, but okay, I’ll roll with it. Little Vienna Exception.
However, they do not stop. Anthony and Mads rebound period should be in the Guinness World Records. They should be loaned to building sites for the sheer amount of wood they pop. And I’m not talking like 2-3 times in a night here. I am talking they fuck, they give each other blowjobs until Anthony can’t resist anymore and has to fuck Mads again. Then they’re cuddling and they can’t resist so let’s go again. Oh you wanted to shower? Wrong. It’s fuck time Fuckers. Let’s lay down on the bed? Like fuck, let’s fuck. It is relentless. It feels like every time they’re within each other’s airspace they’re either waxing poetic mentally, out loud or having sex. If not a combination of all of it.
There is nothing to their relationship beyond “Grr I’ll protect you” and “oh no I don’t need protection” and sex.
I just wanted MORE. Anything. Everything needed expansion (except for the sex) plot wise. Character wise. Olga and Ryder felt like throw ins so there was on page sapphic for 2.0 seconds. The build up to Luca and Ford is meh. Luca is a bit interesting but Ford is a cookie cutter quirky twink character which they’ve tried to make a bit less cookie cutter by making him have a mixed heritage. It feels like it’s diversity only on page and not authentically. And I’m sure in book three which is about them, Ford the Virgin will be pounded from sun up to sun down by Luca’s magical penis. Just give me the book with Hopper that’s all I want now thank you.
I wouldn’t recommend this unless you want to feel sympathy ass pain for about 75% of a book.
Edited to add what the fuck was up with Anthony and his need to suck on things like a pacifier? There was no explanation for this though it was said there would be, as in “one day I’ll have to tell Mads why I’m like this.” I still don’t know and I know in the quiet moments of my life I’ll wonder what the fuck.
Obviously with books like this, suspension of belief is a given. And Im here for it. I thrive with that. I can live laugh love my way through an entire kindle library in a day and not bat an eye at some of the stuff that happens. Mostly because it pushes the boundaries of things that most people don’t really know about unless they’re in that real world equivalent world. Mercenaries and bodyguards and billionaires etc.
But in addition to Mads being a doctor, of WHAT is never explained, his lack of personality aside from being happy or not happy but forcing it, Anthony being about as surly and grumpy as a limp sock monkey and the fact that Hopper is the most intriguing character from the series thus far but even his toddler like personality was grating eventually, the biggest issue is the sheer amount of sex.
Now, I am no prude. I don’t think you’d find anyone on the face of the planet who would put me within a hundred miles of prude town. This does not stem from that at all.
It stems entirely from having a gosh darn asshole sweet Jesus.
Once Anthony and Mads decide to get it on, I’m thrilled. I’m here for it. The crying aspect was a bit weird because it was wildly unprecedented, but okay, I’ll roll with it. Little Vienna Exception.
However, they do not stop. Anthony and Mads rebound period should be in the Guinness World Records. They should be loaned to building sites for the sheer amount of wood they pop. And I’m not talking like 2-3 times in a night here. I am talking they fuck, they give each other blowjobs until Anthony can’t resist anymore and has to fuck Mads again. Then they’re cuddling and they can’t resist so let’s go again. Oh you wanted to shower? Wrong. It’s fuck time Fuckers. Let’s lay down on the bed? Like fuck, let’s fuck. It is relentless. It feels like every time they’re within each other’s airspace they’re either waxing poetic mentally, out loud or having sex. If not a combination of all of it.
There is nothing to their relationship beyond “Grr I’ll protect you” and “oh no I don’t need protection” and sex.
I just wanted MORE. Anything. Everything needed expansion (except for the sex) plot wise. Character wise. Olga and Ryder felt like throw ins so there was on page sapphic for 2.0 seconds. The build up to Luca and Ford is meh. Luca is a bit interesting but Ford is a cookie cutter quirky twink character which they’ve tried to make a bit less cookie cutter by making him have a mixed heritage. It feels like it’s diversity only on page and not authentically. And I’m sure in book three which is about them, Ford the Virgin will be pounded from sun up to sun down by Luca’s magical penis. Just give me the book with Hopper that’s all I want now thank you.
I wouldn’t recommend this unless you want to feel sympathy ass pain for about 75% of a book.
Edited to add what the fuck was up with Anthony and his need to suck on things like a pacifier? There was no explanation for this though it was said there would be, as in “one day I’ll have to tell Mads why I’m like this.” I still don’t know and I know in the quiet moments of my life I’ll wonder what the fuck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2022
Mads and Anthony might possibly have the best chemistry of any couple Kelly has ever written. And that's saying something when couples like Odd and DB (Deep Impact), Jake and Jean-Pierre (Surrender), and Sam and Trip (Goodnight) exist. But Mads and Anthony...hoooo boy, they just blow everyone else out of the water. They are so damn in love with each other.
I don't know why I wasn't expecting it (it is a Kelly Fox book after all), but there was a lot of action in the last 1/3 or so of the book. It actually made me want to skip pages, just to make sure everyone (oh hellooooo cameos) was going to make it out okay, but it kept me absolutely riveted, eyes glued to the very last page. Mobsters and morally gray do-gooders make a helluva team.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this book is even better than book 1 in the series. Rand and Joe were a delight to read but these two...they were everything. They are so ridiculously sweet I still kind of want to cry about it, they are hot as fuck together (a size difference that is equally swoony and erotic), and have I mentioned how much they fucking love each other? Their chemistry was so completely believable that it pulled me into the story and wouldn't let me go.
I'm already dreading the day Kelly ends this series - I'm having so much damn fun with these men.
I don't know why I wasn't expecting it (it is a Kelly Fox book after all), but there was a lot of action in the last 1/3 or so of the book. It actually made me want to skip pages, just to make sure everyone (oh hellooooo cameos) was going to make it out okay, but it kept me absolutely riveted, eyes glued to the very last page. Mobsters and morally gray do-gooders make a helluva team.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this book is even better than book 1 in the series. Rand and Joe were a delight to read but these two...they were everything. They are so ridiculously sweet I still kind of want to cry about it, they are hot as fuck together (a size difference that is equally swoony and erotic), and have I mentioned how much they fucking love each other? Their chemistry was so completely believable that it pulled me into the story and wouldn't let me go.
I'm already dreading the day Kelly ends this series - I'm having so much damn fun with these men.
June 22, 2022
Mads was the quirky genius billionaire who was "best friends" to Rand and (Anthony) Edgerton was Rand's super serious head of security. These two were thrown together because of a security concern and from that proximity came strong emotional attachment.
I loved being in Mads' head. He was fun, funny and unfiltered in the best of ways. However, like Anthony I wished he'd have taken his security concerns more seriously but nonetheless, being in his head was super fun. 😂
Surprisingly, Anthony(under the gruff / stoic exterior), was a veritable marshmallow when it came to Mads (surprising absolutely no reader 😂). I think it's because Mads had that effect on people and you just can't help but smile in his presence.
So yeah, these two had great emotional and sexual chemistry although I would've appreciated more on-page relationship building before they broke out their "I love you's"
Also, although I liked their sexy times, some of the descriptions during their first time...was cringy (to me!! 😂). Look, I KNOW they have a serious size difference but man... I couldn't stop giggling at some of the descriptions.
Moving on, I liked the writing and the story as well. We got more of my favourite characters so far (Hopper,Luca).
Oh and I absolutely loved the cameo from my favourite guys (from the Xxxx series). It was fun to read about Anders again plus his interactions with Hopper made me LOL for real. Those two should NEVER be left alone. The chaos would be insane 😂
All in all, I liked this book better than the first and with Lucas & Ford next, I know this series will keep getting better.
**eARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review **
I loved being in Mads' head. He was fun, funny and unfiltered in the best of ways. However, like Anthony I wished he'd have taken his security concerns more seriously but nonetheless, being in his head was super fun. 😂
Surprisingly, Anthony(under the gruff / stoic exterior), was a veritable marshmallow when it came to Mads (surprising absolutely no reader 😂). I think it's because Mads had that effect on people and you just can't help but smile in his presence.
So yeah, these two had great emotional and sexual chemistry although I would've appreciated more on-page relationship building before they broke out their "I love you's"
Also, although I liked their sexy times, some of the descriptions during their first time...was cringy (to me!! 😂). Look, I KNOW they have a serious size difference but man... I couldn't stop giggling at some of the descriptions.
Moving on, I liked the writing and the story as well. We got more of my favourite characters so far (Hopper,Luca).
Oh and I absolutely loved the cameo from my favourite guys (from the Xxxx series). It was fun to read about Anders again plus his interactions with Hopper made me LOL for real. Those two should NEVER be left alone. The chaos would be insane 😂
All in all, I liked this book better than the first and with Lucas & Ford next, I know this series will keep getting better.
**eARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review **
June 23, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Protection is the second book in Kelly Fox’s Mobsters and Billionaires series. We meet both men as side characters in Extradition, but this story stands alone just fine and you can easily jump in here. The series features billionaires falling for mobsters (as the series title indicates), which I find a fun set up as I would never have pitted these groups together. Fox is careful to establish Mads as an ethical, down to earth man who is aware of the privilege of his money. He is cautious about the deals he makes and who he works with, is sensitive to the safety and happiness of his workers, and uses his money to help out in big ways when he can. On the mobster front, Anthony grew up friends with Luca (the big boss) and has a sense of allegiance to him. That said, he doesn’t get involved with any of the illegal side of things and, while he may close his eyes to some of the things going on, definitely works to stay on the right side of the law himself. So while there are clearly issues with both the absurdly wealthy and the criminal, Fox softens the edges of these characters in a way that makes the books (and series) work well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Protection is the second book in Kelly Fox’s Mobsters and Billionaires series. We meet both men as side characters in Extradition, but this story stands alone just fine and you can easily jump in here. The series features billionaires falling for mobsters (as the series title indicates), which I find a fun set up as I would never have pitted these groups together. Fox is careful to establish Mads as an ethical, down to earth man who is aware of the privilege of his money. He is cautious about the deals he makes and who he works with, is sensitive to the safety and happiness of his workers, and uses his money to help out in big ways when he can. On the mobster front, Anthony grew up friends with Luca (the big boss) and has a sense of allegiance to him. That said, he doesn’t get involved with any of the illegal side of things and, while he may close his eyes to some of the things going on, definitely works to stay on the right side of the law himself. So while there are clearly issues with both the absurdly wealthy and the criminal, Fox softens the edges of these characters in a way that makes the books (and series) work well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 22, 2022
I always know when I read a Kelly Fox book that I'm going to be spending time with three-dimensional characters who are so alive they almost refuse to stay between the pages of the book. They're the kind of characters who live in my head and I think of them when I see something that reminds me of them just as if they were a friend.
In Protection, Kelly has truly outdone herself. Mads and Edgerton are memorable, loveable people and it makes me so happy to think of them together, even if getting there was a bit of a challenge. A fun journey to read about, with plenty of snark, sass, suspense and steam.
Oh, and a cameo or two from previous series. Yay!
While it can be read as a standalone, the characters are introduced in the first book in the series, so I recommend reading Extradition first. That said, it would be easy to read this one, then circle back and catch up.
In Protection, Kelly has truly outdone herself. Mads and Edgerton are memorable, loveable people and it makes me so happy to think of them together, even if getting there was a bit of a challenge. A fun journey to read about, with plenty of snark, sass, suspense and steam.
Oh, and a cameo or two from previous series. Yay!
While it can be read as a standalone, the characters are introduced in the first book in the series, so I recommend reading Extradition first. That said, it would be easy to read this one, then circle back and catch up.
November 5, 2024
This was book 2 in the
"Mobsters and Billionaires"
series. Dr. Madhuban "Mads" Laghari has a stalker he is friends with Rand and Ford he is a billionaire his company makes tracker. Anthony Edgerton has been trying to get Mads to take his security seriously but he doesn't want to give up his independence. I liked both of these characters Mads who is from India has been living in the US since he was 14 when his father shipped him to boarding school when he found out he was gay I loved that Mads wore brightly colored puffer jackets because he is always cold and he likes riding the subway. Anthony owns his own security company he is also The Consigliere to the Stefano mafia. This book had a few twist in it turns out the person stalking Mads was trying to keep him safe. While in Vienna after drinking a bottle of wine they hook up and I loved that Anthony was gentle with him because he is a lot bigger than Mads. When they realize who is after him they leave the country. When Mads is kidnapped Anthony calls in the big guns to get his man back. Hopper is straight up crazy and add Anders in the mix and oh boy. This was a good read with some hot sex. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I have read the next book and I am looking forward to reading about Hopper and his Rico agent.
September 8, 2022
That was a bit of a disappointment.
I mean, I would have probably enjoyed this story so much more if I hadn't read book one: "Extradition" had impeccable enemies to lovers vibes and very kinky, delicious chemistry between two extremely likable leads, whereas "Protection" was... A bit bland, to be honest.
Mads, on the one hand, was very endearing, very easy to love too: he was fun, horny mess of a man, and I loved him to bits. Anthony, on the other, well.. his characterization was a bit weak and contradictory: he's meant to be stern and bossy, but also playful and insecure, but the only thing I can think of to describe him, is "a bit boring". I don't think his personality was thought through enough, and that's a damn shame because I'm sucker for a good ol' protective bodyguard trope. Oh well.
I surprisingly preferred the romance, will-they-won't-they, part of the novel even though I wasn't a big fan of their relationship. The action bit in the second half of the book was just plain confusing and too messy and also, there were quite a few instances that left me feeling very uncomfortable. Like I said in the review for book one, I can enjoy a mobster romance, because I know what I'm reading is purely fictional. However, it's a firm no for me when it comes to romanticising the real Sicilian Mafia as some sort of protective avenger squad of the innocent and the poor.
So yes, I will be reading book three because I want to get to know Luca and Ford and because, regardless of these complaints, I am a sucker for a murderous, cunning mastermind/virgin, quirky geek boy paring, so hopefully they won't disappoint me like Mads and Anthony.
I mean, I would have probably enjoyed this story so much more if I hadn't read book one: "Extradition" had impeccable enemies to lovers vibes and very kinky, delicious chemistry between two extremely likable leads, whereas "Protection" was... A bit bland, to be honest.
Mads, on the one hand, was very endearing, very easy to love too: he was fun, horny mess of a man, and I loved him to bits. Anthony, on the other, well.. his characterization was a bit weak and contradictory: he's meant to be stern and bossy, but also playful and insecure, but the only thing I can think of to describe him, is "a bit boring". I don't think his personality was thought through enough, and that's a damn shame because I'm sucker for a good ol' protective bodyguard trope. Oh well.
I surprisingly preferred the romance, will-they-won't-they, part of the novel even though I wasn't a big fan of their relationship. The action bit in the second half of the book was just plain confusing and too messy and also, there were quite a few instances that left me feeling very uncomfortable. Like I said in the review for book one, I can enjoy a mobster romance, because I know what I'm reading is purely fictional. However, it's a firm no for me when it comes to romanticising the real Sicilian Mafia as some sort of protective avenger squad of the innocent and the poor.
So yes, I will be reading book three because I want to get to know Luca and Ford and because, regardless of these complaints, I am a sucker for a murderous, cunning mastermind/virgin, quirky geek boy paring, so hopefully they won't disappoint me like Mads and Anthony.
June 27, 2022
Meh
Well, I guess I was hoping for more. Mads and Anthony were mostly likable, but I was left wanting.
I hated how standoffish Anthony was for the first part of this book. He continues to be this by the book kind of guy, always following the rules, never letting anyone see him crack. It takes a drunken Mads to even get him to do anything and then there’s the whole instant regret thing I absolutely hate. That’s follows by days of icy ignorance until he’s forced to interact with Mads again. Ew. Anything certainly goes from ice cubs to warm Apple pie after he gives in, but I never really got over my distaste for him initially.
Mads was downright delightful. He was so cute and nerdy. He wanted to do the right thing in the world with his money and really did try. However, I don’t know how many times we are reminded that he’s a billionaire throughly this book. It’s a lot. Like, A LOT. I did love the size difference between him and Anthony. The sexy times were most definitely sexy. I really liked how Anthony would just pick him up and tote him around.
I know not every book by an author can be great for every person. This one fell a little short for me, but I’m hopeful that the bashful Ford and the mobster Luca and turn things around in the next installment.
Well, I guess I was hoping for more. Mads and Anthony were mostly likable, but I was left wanting.
I hated how standoffish Anthony was for the first part of this book. He continues to be this by the book kind of guy, always following the rules, never letting anyone see him crack. It takes a drunken Mads to even get him to do anything and then there’s the whole instant regret thing I absolutely hate. That’s follows by days of icy ignorance until he’s forced to interact with Mads again. Ew. Anything certainly goes from ice cubs to warm Apple pie after he gives in, but I never really got over my distaste for him initially.
Mads was downright delightful. He was so cute and nerdy. He wanted to do the right thing in the world with his money and really did try. However, I don’t know how many times we are reminded that he’s a billionaire throughly this book. It’s a lot. Like, A LOT. I did love the size difference between him and Anthony. The sexy times were most definitely sexy. I really liked how Anthony would just pick him up and tote him around.
I know not every book by an author can be great for every person. This one fell a little short for me, but I’m hopeful that the bashful Ford and the mobster Luca and turn things around in the next installment.
February 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Overall, it was sweet and fun 😊
I liked this one a bit less than the 1st one in the series. There were a lot of things I liked, and even though Mads was completely OTT, I still liked him and Anthony together (even though some moments were almost too sweet for me 😂 the cheese was cheesing)
BUT, I found myself being a bit bored at moments, especially I found the beginning/middle to not be super focused and a bit rumbly and repetitive, which made me enjoy myself a bit less overall.
Also, after how the first book went, I was a smidge 🤏 disappointed by the very vanilla smut (but that's a me problem for assuming that all the series would be kinky).
Still a solid sequel, full of fun cameos and characters that make me want to read some of the other series (I need to know more about Anders!) and I can't wait to get to Hopper's book!
Narrator: Declan Winters
Overall, it was sweet and fun 😊
I liked this one a bit less than the 1st one in the series. There were a lot of things I liked, and even though Mads was completely OTT, I still liked him and Anthony together (even though some moments were almost too sweet for me 😂 the cheese was cheesing)
BUT, I found myself being a bit bored at moments, especially I found the beginning/middle to not be super focused and a bit rumbly and repetitive, which made me enjoy myself a bit less overall.
Also, after how the first book went, I was a smidge 🤏 disappointed by the very vanilla smut (but that's a me problem for assuming that all the series would be kinky).
Still a solid sequel, full of fun cameos and characters that make me want to read some of the other series (I need to know more about Anders!) and I can't wait to get to Hopper's book!
Narrator: Declan Winters
January 12, 2025
Hello again Kelly Fox. I'm just a few pages in to this book and the banter is sublime. I already love it. I had a laugh out loud moment that was pure gold😄
This book went exactly as I hoped it would. Full on falling in love, dangerous situations, bringing in the A team, killing a few bad men, adventure, found family and crazy friends. Oh, and kinky at just the right amount. A very enjoyable series so far. The characters are sexy and fun. I'm having a great time reading these books.
This book went exactly as I hoped it would. Full on falling in love, dangerous situations, bringing in the A team, killing a few bad men, adventure, found family and crazy friends. Oh, and kinky at just the right amount. A very enjoyable series so far. The characters are sexy and fun. I'm having a great time reading these books.
February 22, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Great characters, Mafia related, violence, steamy and funny. MM romance
💋💋💋
Great characters, Mafia related, violence, steamy and funny. MM romance
June 26, 2022
3.5 ⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Protection is the second stand alone in the Mobsters and Billionaires series by Kelly Fox. A romance between a billionaire with a stalker problem and his new security.
Mads has a recent close call with his stalker he finally decides to hand over security control to Anthony Edgerton who happens to be right-hand man to mob boss / Mad's friend, Luca. They have an instant sexual attraction, but after one night in Vienna they discover it runs so much more than physical. But Anthony refuses to let anything, even his feelings, compromise his job protecting Mads. When Mads life is put in danger, Anthony will do whatever it takes to save him.
I swear, I'm going to kill this man if I don't f*ck him first.
No.
No.
I will not be f*cking him.
And killing him would be illegal, so that's also off the table.
My favorite aspect of the whole book was Anthony. He sticks to his rules because of his upbringing, and he will only bend the rules of the law for those in his inner circle. He takes his responsibilities seriously, so it hurts a bit to see him beat himself up over his intense feelings for Mads. He definitely took on a caregiver type role, with Mads ,naturally making sure he's comfortable and safe in all aspects. In return, Mads becomes a safe place for him to let down his constant walls and be vulnerable and open in the bedroom. I unfortunately didn't love Mads, the quirky goofy billionaire. There was nothing I strongly disliked, but he just came off too immature to me. The intimacy scene between them are very steamy, but they just made me icky cringe at some points which is totally a personal preference for me situation and others may enjoy.
All I know is when I'm near Mads, I want to pull him into me, kiss him until he gives me his gorgeous, love -drunk, slack-jawed smile.
The plot of Protection was an entertaining one. We have a stalker whose not quite what they seem, a full cast of likable characters, sexual tension and chemistry between the MCs, constant banter, life or death situations and even a bloody shoot out. I can't forget the cameos!!! Oh lordy was I a happy camper when friendly faces from the Wrecked series showed up. 🥰
Overall, Protection by Kelly Fox has steam, a significant size difference, a puffy orange jacket, fun past book cameos, and action. I was left quite excited for the next book in the series and others, I can't wait for both Charlie and Hopper's future books!
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Protection is the second stand alone in the Mobsters and Billionaires series by Kelly Fox. A romance between a billionaire with a stalker problem and his new security.
Mads has a recent close call with his stalker he finally decides to hand over security control to Anthony Edgerton who happens to be right-hand man to mob boss / Mad's friend, Luca. They have an instant sexual attraction, but after one night in Vienna they discover it runs so much more than physical. But Anthony refuses to let anything, even his feelings, compromise his job protecting Mads. When Mads life is put in danger, Anthony will do whatever it takes to save him.
I swear, I'm going to kill this man if I don't f*ck him first.
No.
No.
I will not be f*cking him.
And killing him would be illegal, so that's also off the table.
My favorite aspect of the whole book was Anthony. He sticks to his rules because of his upbringing, and he will only bend the rules of the law for those in his inner circle. He takes his responsibilities seriously, so it hurts a bit to see him beat himself up over his intense feelings for Mads. He definitely took on a caregiver type role, with Mads ,naturally making sure he's comfortable and safe in all aspects. In return, Mads becomes a safe place for him to let down his constant walls and be vulnerable and open in the bedroom. I unfortunately didn't love Mads, the quirky goofy billionaire. There was nothing I strongly disliked, but he just came off too immature to me. The intimacy scene between them are very steamy, but they just made me icky cringe at some points which is totally a personal preference for me situation and others may enjoy.
All I know is when I'm near Mads, I want to pull him into me, kiss him until he gives me his gorgeous, love -drunk, slack-jawed smile.
The plot of Protection was an entertaining one. We have a stalker whose not quite what they seem, a full cast of likable characters, sexual tension and chemistry between the MCs, constant banter, life or death situations and even a bloody shoot out. I can't forget the cameos!!! Oh lordy was I a happy camper when friendly faces from the Wrecked series showed up. 🥰
Overall, Protection by Kelly Fox has steam, a significant size difference, a puffy orange jacket, fun past book cameos, and action. I was left quite excited for the next book in the series and others, I can't wait for both Charlie and Hopper's future books!
July 16, 2025
This is a bodyguard/client mafia romance, featuring Mads and Anthony, and is book two in the Mobsters and Billionaires series.
Anthony is a rule-following security expert with Mafia ties, hired to protect billionaire Dr. Madhuban Laghari. As danger closes in, Anthony starts breaking his own rules—especially the one about not falling for his client.
I loved this story! Anthony’s strait-laced nature and strict rules make his fierce protectiveness of Mads even hotter when danger hits. Their attraction simmers from the start, but Anthony’s struggle to cross the line between bodyguard / client adds such great tension. The epilogue was perfect, and I’m really enjoying how this found family is developing throughout the series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM mafia romance
Bodyguard / Client
Grumpy / Sunshine
Billionaire
Mafia adjacent hero
Forced proximity
Size difference
Stalker
Spicy times & dirty talk
C*ck warming
Oral fixation
Possessive & Protective
Kidnapping & rescue
Touch him & 💀
Found family
HEA
Anthony is a rule-following security expert with Mafia ties, hired to protect billionaire Dr. Madhuban Laghari. As danger closes in, Anthony starts breaking his own rules—especially the one about not falling for his client.
I loved this story! Anthony’s strait-laced nature and strict rules make his fierce protectiveness of Mads even hotter when danger hits. Their attraction simmers from the start, but Anthony’s struggle to cross the line between bodyguard / client adds such great tension. The epilogue was perfect, and I’m really enjoying how this found family is developing throughout the series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM mafia romance
Bodyguard / Client
Grumpy / Sunshine
Billionaire
Mafia adjacent hero
Forced proximity
Size difference
Stalker
Spicy times & dirty talk
C*ck warming
Oral fixation
Possessive & Protective
Kidnapping & rescue
Touch him & 💀
Found family
HEA
June 22, 2022
My heart now belongs to Mads, that sweet lovable trusting billionaire. I am honestly struggling to put into words how I feel about this book. Mads really made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. He is such a geek at heart and I loved him for that.
After finding out Mads was being stalked Anthony makes sure that he has personal security and can’t rest till he knows Mads is safe. Both having feelings for each other these soon boil over and they allow themselves “one” explosive night. That is all Anthony’s rules will let him have. This made me want to bash there heads together. A bit of drama brings some amazing cameos I won’t spoil the surprise but Kelly definitely brought in the big guns and it honestly made me sooo freaking happy.
I like that while we see Mads and Anthony fall in love, we get to see Joe and Rand, Luka and Ford and Hopper and his ricco agent. (There’s just something about Kelly’s loveable serial killers that wins me over. )These guys are like a family and it’s the main thing that draws me to Kelly’s writing. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see more of these boys
I received a complimentary copy in return for my honest review
After finding out Mads was being stalked Anthony makes sure that he has personal security and can’t rest till he knows Mads is safe. Both having feelings for each other these soon boil over and they allow themselves “one” explosive night. That is all Anthony’s rules will let him have. This made me want to bash there heads together. A bit of drama brings some amazing cameos I won’t spoil the surprise but Kelly definitely brought in the big guns and it honestly made me sooo freaking happy.
I like that while we see Mads and Anthony fall in love, we get to see Joe and Rand, Luka and Ford and Hopper and his ricco agent. (There’s just something about Kelly’s loveable serial killers that wins me over. )These guys are like a family and it’s the main thing that draws me to Kelly’s writing. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see more of these boys
I received a complimentary copy in return for my honest review
December 15, 2022
3.5 stars.
This was actually really cute! For a bodyguard/billionaire romance with a stalker/kidnapping.
Mads is an adorable, fashion averse billionaire who likes to keep it real and down to earth, which works against him in this case because being a billionaire has put a target on his back. Anthony is the strict, overbearing bodyguard who wants to keep Mads safe at all costs, including breaking his own moral codes. Underneath though, Anthony is sweet and tender and loving, overcoming a dark past and rough upbringing. Mads has past demons of his own with tough family dynamics. But together they are so supportive of each other, communicating and listening and loving.
I loved the plot of this one! It was exciting to see some foreign engagement and new side characters in addition to the OGs. It kept the pace moving and things interesting.
This was actually really cute! For a bodyguard/billionaire romance with a stalker/kidnapping.
Mads is an adorable, fashion averse billionaire who likes to keep it real and down to earth, which works against him in this case because being a billionaire has put a target on his back. Anthony is the strict, overbearing bodyguard who wants to keep Mads safe at all costs, including breaking his own moral codes. Underneath though, Anthony is sweet and tender and loving, overcoming a dark past and rough upbringing. Mads has past demons of his own with tough family dynamics. But together they are so supportive of each other, communicating and listening and loving.
I loved the plot of this one! It was exciting to see some foreign engagement and new side characters in addition to the OGs. It kept the pace moving and things interesting.
September 14, 2025
I struggled to read this one and idk if it was just my mood or what. But I do absolutely LOVE Mads and Anthony. I was dying for Anthony to stop being stubborn! But once we learned his story I understood a bit better I guess about why he was the way he was. Their romance was actually so perfect and sweet. I wish it hasn’t been such a slow burn but it worked out in the end.
I was obsessed with Anthony’s oral fixation and I wanted more hahaha. The spice was so hot, never enough.
I really loved Hopper in this book and his constant jump scares and can’t wait for his story
One of my favorite thing with any Kelly Fox book is that there is found family and deep friendships all around and I can’t keep reading this series! I loved seeing Charlie and Anders and just all the crazy characters in this massive world Kellys built.
I was obsessed with Anthony’s oral fixation and I wanted more hahaha. The spice was so hot, never enough.
I really loved Hopper in this book and his constant jump scares and can’t wait for his story
One of my favorite thing with any Kelly Fox book is that there is found family and deep friendships all around and I can’t keep reading this series! I loved seeing Charlie and Anders and just all the crazy characters in this massive world Kellys built.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
This series has been on my TBR for a while and the only KF books I hadn't yet listened to. So far, I am not loving this series.
June 22, 2022
Four and a half stars for Mads and Anthony. I loved Mads personality and view of life. He kept me chuckling to myself throughout the book. Anthony was the stoic bodyguard who would do anything to protect his protectee including using Luca to persuade Mads that he needs protection. I did like the twists and turns this book took and seeing some of my favorite characters from the Wrecked series was amazing. I'm excited for the next books in this series.
January 10, 2023
I really liked the first book in this series, but this one was hard to get through. I'm not sure I would have even finished it if I wasn't excited about reading the other two books and not wanting to miss any important series plot points. The first half of the book was fine, but the second half just lost me. It was just a little *too* cutesy and lovey once they got to that point. I liked how Mads was portrayed in book one, but him together with Anthony was just hard to get excited about. Really hoping the next book is better!
June 29, 2022
Great
Mads is just too cute. I really liked him, and would love to be his friend. I think that Edgerton was a good man, who is loyal to his friends.
I love this friend group.
Mads is just too cute. I really liked him, and would love to be his friend. I think that Edgerton was a good man, who is loyal to his friends.
I love this friend group.
June 22, 2022
Book two of Mobsters and Billionaires will take you on an international journey with intrigue, deception, spies and of course steamy romance. Mads and Anthony will alternately have you in stitches and at times ready to knock their heads together. There several cameo appearances from characters introduced in the first book as well as old friends we have met in other series by Kelly Fox. This one will keep you entertained all the way to the end. I would suggest being alone as you read this one due to laugh out loud moments and scenes that just might make you blush.
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