Wanted Protector

by Lacey Kendrick

Never sleep with a billionaire on the Mafia’s Wanted list.
Especially if you get pregnant…
And they use your baby bump to catch him.

I’ve never been a fan of arrogant Ares.
And I should know better than to get involved with someone like him.
His billionaire-playboy’s hazel eyes and chiseled body had no effect on me.
Zero. None. I swear.

Yeah… I swore I’d never cross the line with a guy like him…
But I was dead wrong.
We shared a wild and crazy night…
Which led to unforeseen consequences.

But he’s a wanted man.
I don’t know what trouble Ares has gotten himself into.
And I don’t want to bind my life to his.
I refuse to remain at his penthouse, even for my protection.

So I run, not knowing I’m pregnant.
By the time I realize, the Mafia knows too.
And they use my pregnancy to get to him.

Now three lives hang in the balance.
I know Ares will do everything he can to save us.

I just hope it is fast enough…

Wanted Protector is a Standalone novel. NO cliff-hanging and NO cheating!
An Action—Spice & Steam—Twists & Turns packed Romantic Suspense with, of course, an HEA!
Featuring a handsome Billionaire who protects the woman he never thought he could love...

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

277 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2022

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars ☆☆☆

Liz meets Ares to interview him but they end up in the restroom, hiding from the mafia, and almost having sex. To protect her, Ares makes her go home with him where they sleep together... many times. Liz ends up pregnant but the mafia finds out too. They use her pregnancy against Ares.

This is a very suspenseful book. I enjoyed reading it, but it needs a touch more romance in it in my opinion.

safety:
no virgins
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
HEA ♡

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Billionaire playboy,arrogant and former maffia and a business woman who need client for her marketing business met at the party and their attraction and chemistry is so strong that they couldn't help themselves but Ares past is catching on him and now not only his life is at risk but Liz too and their unborn child..a story filled with action,drama,suspense,steam and romance that you couldn't put it down..this is my first book that i've read from the author and it not the last,well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a great book, suspenseful at times yet also very moving. When Liz meets Ares the first time, she has her mind set on who he is and how he acts. When danger shows up, she learns that you should not judge a book by its cover. Ares puts it all on the line to keep her safe, can she see the real guy behind the mask before it is too late.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri Leisure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares and Liz

I love this book! I enjoyed seeing Ares and Liz grow into a relationship. I felt the back and forth they shared while trying to find their way as a couple was realistic. I haven't met a person in a relationship who always acts mature. Couples say hurtful things to each other and out of fear may do things to sabotage the relationship. Please pay attention while you are reading to the little details and remember them when you may not be happy about something Ares is doing. It is not what you may believe it is in context due to decisions that both of them made regarding their relationship. I felt connected to them and this allowed me to feel every emotion they experienced on their journey in discovering how to surrender to their fear. This was my first time reading a book by Lacey and it will not be my last. I believe she delivered a good solid book for her audience. Honestly, not every reader will love an authors book, but I believe that many will enjoy Wanted Protector.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this well enough. The plot itself is really entertaining, but I feel like the FMC, Liz, was very childish and indecisive a great deal of the book, which led me to be annoyed.

I did like the MMC, Ares, a lot more than Liz, and more than her father.

The book has plenty of spicy moments, too! 🔥🔥

Thank you, Booksprout, and the author, Lacey Kendrick, for the opportunity to read Wanted Protector. All opinions are my own.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares and Liz’s story starts with a one-night and she ended up pregnant and ran but the mofia wants Ares and will use the baby to get him. These two have a rough start and do and say some hurtful things but when the drama and action clears they will see the relationship takes them. I volunteered to read this book for my honesty opinion

[Kimberly Bransford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz and Ares have a lot in common. Attraction, abandonment issues, her father. Liz always wondered what happened to him and due to her connection with Ares she finds him again. The only problem is that he is the bad guy.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares and Liz

Ages and Luz had a





brief affair.. Ares could not get Liz off of his mind. This story has so many twist and turns it was not what I was expecting but thoroughly enjoyed this stoey. Highly recommend this book

[Susan Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, loved Ares, for a first book this is a great read, surprising ending, really enjoyed the journey this book took me on, so much so, I read it in one sitting.

[Sara Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanted Protector

Ares has made a name for himself, built his business and has a very lucrative deal in the works. He’s the typical rich womanizer and has no problem with his lifestyle. That is until he is unexpectedly approached by someone at an event and after an unexpected chase leaves him with taking her home for the night. Granted he keeps to his rules of no relationships, no commitment, no feelings and sends her home the next morning when she asks for a ride.

Liz is trying to build her business up and while she’s at an event sees an opportunity to talk to Ares about her business proposal. What she want expecting was to have guys start chasing Ares and her around the building. She goes to his home and things get a bit steamy but after their second round he just dismisses her like she’s nothing.

A few weeks later and both of their lives change and the danger around them is just getting started.

Grab your copy today and happy reading.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn on this review. I liked most of the book, but certain things I didn’t. I really got annoyed with Liz. She wasn’t just stubborn, she was naïve, childish and kinda wishy washy with her decisions. And Ares, knowing she was pregnant AND living with him, invited another woman in and almost slept with her! Than again even contemplated sleeping with another woman to seal a business deal! And when Liz was taken, he referred to their baby as hers. I love any dark romance that has OW drama, but something about how it was done in this book turned me off.
I did however enjoyed Ares a lot more than I did Liz. I wished he would’ve told Ashton to shut up more and defend his and Liz’s relationship. And I felt the ending was a bit rushed.
I’m giving it a 3.5⭐️ because I really did enjoy most of it and would recommend it.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. The characters were believable, the storyline was good and easy to stay focused. The drama and suspense weren’t over the top. When the characters were talking, there were a couple times it felt to formal but not enough to ruin the story.

I loved how both Liz and Ares tried to fight their feelings. I loved that she was the one to take the playboy, but there were times I felt like she was being a bit to immature. I loved the strong friendship she had with Stacey as well.

I can’t wait to see what else Lacey has in store for us. I do wish there was an epilogue to show what happens after the danger has ended but it was still a great book. I am voluntarily giving my honest opinion and views on this book after I was given an Advanced Readers Copy from Story Origin.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Lacey's standalone books I've read and it was a great non stop storyline. In this book I liked the main characters but at times you do get frustrated by Ares and especially with some of the things he does but then when you read the type of childhood and up bringing he got and you understand him more. On the other side Liz has her faults as well and most of them stem from her absent father. I think even though she has during feelings with Ares she feels he's not really needed as she did ok without a father.
Then with all this going you have the mafia evolved what more could you want but added spice and steam parts gives you one great book I recommend to read. Full 5⭐️ from me.
I got this book free from booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a good story plot and I love Ares the MMC. I liked Liz at 1st but then she became rather immature which didn't sit well with me. I understand her actions but I think she handled it like a child. Ares was brilliant all the way through.
They met at an event and things escalated quite quickly from there. Then the Mafia were after him, which affected Liz. To keep her safe he tried to keep her at his penthouse, but she escaped and that started alot of trouble. But Liz and Ares both have a past that could be connected, will the truth destroy things?
Read and find out what happens. It was an enjoyable read and plenty of spicy moments 🔥

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Liz and Ares story for the most. Their meeting at the gala was very interesting and got you engaged from the beginning. They were pretty much forced together, and the way their relationship processed from there was entertaining and emotional at times. I didn't expect the twist and connection between Ares's former boss and Liz's past. I would have love to have more of that backstory. For the most part, the story flowed very well, and it was easy to follow. However, it felt the end was rushed and a little choppy. It would have been better if it was spread over another chapter or two. But overall, it was a good read.

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz is an unlikely match for Ares especially how they met. I was so angry with Ares at their first meeting!!😡😡 Liz was able to give as good as she got. Their banter was such fun to read!! Ares was really trying to hide his immediate attraction to Liz. She wasn’t like the women he was usually attracted to. This story has some very steamy details. Ares and Liz have some unresolved issues that rears its ugly head that was an unexpected connection. The resolution was a little far fetched for me but good reading. I really liked how Ares and Liz finally came together.

I received this book as an ARC from Bookfunnel. My unfiltered thoughts and feelings are included in this review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ares and Liz meet at a gala and are drawn to each other. They have a one-night stand that leaves Liz with a parting gift. When she tells Ares about the baby, he moves her in, but their relationship isn't in the best place and after they get into it again, she leaves and is captured by the men after Ares who turns out to be her long lost father! He lets her go but it is a ploy to trap Ares. Will Ares come to save Liz, and will her capture be enough for them to rekindle their relationship? This story kept me glued to the pages! I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mouth on this man!!!! I get why Liz couldn't stay away. The bathroom scenes had me sweating! I understand Ares reasoning but I also get Liz's feelings. I usually don't like one of the tropes in this book but it worked for some reason. At some point I almost hated Ares and rooted for one of the bodyguards. The not so talkative one, he speaks to me.

And the twist at the end?! Didn't see that coming.
I'm a little disappointed that it wasn't more mafia, still a really good book.

I received an ARC and I'm willingly write my review with my own opinion.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz and Ares met at a gala and felt instant attraction. He fought giving up his playboy lifestyle even when all he wanted was Liz. She didn't want to be hurt and then found out she was pregnant. There is also the danger caused by the Mafia who were after Ares for reason only he knew. I liked this book. It flowed well right up until the end where it seemed rushed and lackadaisical. Would liked to have known what happened with Bradley, Ashton, and the human D. D.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriouslty good from a new author...
Bad boy reputation but the hero with the bad attitude & sassy mouth was beyond sexy. The heroine didn't stand a chance trying to keep him at arm's length, even if she wanted to. Loved the dialogue, add dangerous mafia to the mix & a bun in the oven & the intensity ramps up to a compelling journey for Liz & Ares. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Ares and Liz. He is an eligible bachelor and is not easily upset, nor in the meeting room where he rules, until Liz walks into his life and turns everything upside down, including his status as a playboy. Wonderful story with a bit of drama, romance, a bit of danger, but above all a lot of steamy and exciting moments between them.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this storyline. Ares is former mafia and a hard hearted man. A big player. His past rushes toward him with a vengeance. Liz is a more simple laid back kind of person but she too has a past even if she isn't entirely aware of hers. I like that it is action-packed and suspenseful. The writing style and wording is not m favorite. 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne (Izzie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz and Ares met at an event, and due to the fact that he thought the Mafia were there after him he took Liz home with him so he could ensure her safety. They were attracted to each other, and had a very enjoyable night together - however there were consequences. The story is quite fast paced and keeps your interest, worth reading

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, suspenseful and enough romance and attraction to keep this reader engaged.
"How long has Cece been wearing a mask of confidence and calmness?"
"I just wanted to smile and joke with this intoxicating woman who was sitting across from me."
""Just being around him made me feel like I was enveloped by an aura of safety."
"I liked the way I saw myself reflected in his eyes."

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥❤️Ares and Liz’s characters are a major hit in this great book. I like a book that has some suspenseful moments and sexy bedroom scenes plus a HEA ending. So if your looking for a really great book look no further because this is your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit confused by Liz is reaction when Ares went along with her request and then she back tracked and acted like the grieved person and not on only one occasion but twice.

It was truly a Jerry springer worthy episode as the twists and turns and finale will have you on the edge of the seat wondering will he or wont he?.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read.
Plenty of drama and some suspense but also so much emotion and love but could Ares and Liz get a hea with the mafia after Ares.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining read. The main characters are defined, have chemistry, and are pushed together due to danger from the Mafia. I liked this read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Gazelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz and Ares have an interesting relationship. Neither is ready to be in love with the other one or knows exactly how to show it. There are a few interesting twist with the mafia angle that I didn't really see coming.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the run from the mafia is no easy task. Just when you think you're safe , bam, you're at it again. Liz and Arez have got their work cut out ,plus there's a bunch in the oven. What else could happen ?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.