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Red Cage #2
The Bronze Protector
He’s my savior…
He came in on a gust of cold November wind and changed the pattern of my breathing.
Even before I knew he was there for me, I was willing to bend to him.
He had a mission and he fulfilled it.
I’m saved. I’m home. I’m safe.
Until I’m not.
Now, he’s my keeper.
He’s cold. He’s arrogant. He’s rude as hell.
To him, I’m a nuisance.
To me, he’s a god.
I’m a noisy house sparrow.
He’s a lethal panther.
We shouldn’t make sense.
But fate sure does have a wicked sense of humor.
The Bronze Garza is a complete standalone. This is not a mafia romance.
He came in on a gust of cold November wind and changed the pattern of my breathing.
Even before I knew he was there for me, I was willing to bend to him.
He had a mission and he fulfilled it.
I’m saved. I’m home. I’m safe.
Until I’m not.
Now, he’s my keeper.
He’s cold. He’s arrogant. He’s rude as hell.
To him, I’m a nuisance.
To me, he’s a god.
I’m a noisy house sparrow.
He’s a lethal panther.
We shouldn’t make sense.
But fate sure does have a wicked sense of humor.
The Bronze Garza is a complete standalone. This is not a mafia romance.
- GenresRomance
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2021
17 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
S. Ann Cole
23 books404 followersI LOVE too much.
I READ too much.
I DREAM too much.
That about sums me up.
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READ TO ENJOY, NOT TO DESTROY.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2022
5 STARS!!
"I want you to let me love you."100% loved Torin and Lyra. 😍😍 This was grumpy/sunshine at its best.
October 3, 2021
When this author writes it, I will read it. She is one of my favorites for a reason. To the point, that I stalk her all over social media. Her words have the ability to soothe my soul and resonate with me long after the book is done. One of the first reasons is because she writes authentic people that are relatable. This is often surprising to me because at the same time they are either very wealthy, or life situations are such that I should never be able to relate to them in a million years. This was the case in this book.
This book starts out much different than the first book with Trent. This book starts much darker compared to other books that this author has written. The situation that Lyra finds herself in is heartbreaking. Sadly, it happens in life. The author is not overtly explicit in what has happened but it is inferred. The beginning of this story sets up the rest of the story and what Red Cage Commando Security and Investigation Services is and how it relates to both Trent in the first book, but more especially, Torin. Torin was instrumental in getting Lyra out of the situation, for lack of a better word, that she found herself in but in also why he was "forced" into continuing to be a part of her life after that was over.
Torin is different than other heroes by this author, and I have to say, I really liked him. He is a grumpy man that hides behind a mask of indifference. Yet, he is anything but indifferent. He is meticulous in the reasons that he does what he does. He fights the connection that he and Lyra which made their relationship that much better. The dialogue and banter between the characters are perfect and helps enhance the story, thus, making it take on a new depth from a backstory that started out pretty intense and bleak.
Lyra was an intense character. She had experienced Hell on earth and still kept her composure. She was a true warrior. Watching her come into her own and heal was pretty powerful. The author handled what she had been to with grace and care and I liked that. What she had been through was traumatic. I am not sure that she would be the character that she was without the guidance of Torin, even if he only was initially doing it because he had to do it. Together, these two completed each other and in the most unlikely of ways. They were truly each other's yin and yang.
I thought I had an idea of where the story was going, but I was totally wrong. There were several twists and turns and, one, in particular, I did not see coming. I wasn't expecting the suspense to be this suspenseful since this is different than what the author usually writes. Her books always have angst and a lot of emotion, but nothing like this. I have to say that I really like it.
I enjoyed getting a better glimpse of what they do as a security company that I was missing in the first book. It gave the story more of a depth that I didn't even know I had missed at the level I did until I read this book. I still wish that Torin's secret had been told to Lexie because I hated that it was left without her knowing. I felt it was unfair to everyone involved.
Side note, seeing the name "Jhay Bird" made me reminiscent of past interconnected characters. I adore this author and look forward to whatever she writes next.
This book starts out much different than the first book with Trent. This book starts much darker compared to other books that this author has written. The situation that Lyra finds herself in is heartbreaking. Sadly, it happens in life. The author is not overtly explicit in what has happened but it is inferred. The beginning of this story sets up the rest of the story and what Red Cage Commando Security and Investigation Services is and how it relates to both Trent in the first book, but more especially, Torin. Torin was instrumental in getting Lyra out of the situation, for lack of a better word, that she found herself in but in also why he was "forced" into continuing to be a part of her life after that was over.
Torin is different than other heroes by this author, and I have to say, I really liked him. He is a grumpy man that hides behind a mask of indifference. Yet, he is anything but indifferent. He is meticulous in the reasons that he does what he does. He fights the connection that he and Lyra which made their relationship that much better. The dialogue and banter between the characters are perfect and helps enhance the story, thus, making it take on a new depth from a backstory that started out pretty intense and bleak.
Lyra was an intense character. She had experienced Hell on earth and still kept her composure. She was a true warrior. Watching her come into her own and heal was pretty powerful. The author handled what she had been to with grace and care and I liked that. What she had been through was traumatic. I am not sure that she would be the character that she was without the guidance of Torin, even if he only was initially doing it because he had to do it. Together, these two completed each other and in the most unlikely of ways. They were truly each other's yin and yang.
I thought I had an idea of where the story was going, but I was totally wrong. There were several twists and turns and, one, in particular, I did not see coming. I wasn't expecting the suspense to be this suspenseful since this is different than what the author usually writes. Her books always have angst and a lot of emotion, but nothing like this. I have to say that I really like it.
I enjoyed getting a better glimpse of what they do as a security company that I was missing in the first book. It gave the story more of a depth that I didn't even know I had missed at the level I did until I read this book. I still wish that Torin's secret had been told to Lexie because I hated that it was left without her knowing. I felt it was unfair to everyone involved.
Side note, seeing the name "Jhay Bird" made me reminiscent of past interconnected characters. I adore this author and look forward to whatever she writes next.
November 7, 2021
“Mine, my heart whispers.”
This is my first book of the author and I love the way she compels us with her words. This book started out a bit dark, where Lyra Henderson, the heroine, finds herself a heartbreaking predicament while Torin Garza was on a mission and was able to fulfill it by becoming her savior.
Although Torin could be a dick and a bit uptight, I truly did like his character and I loved seeing him care for Lyra. I also loved that Lyra still had fire in her despite of what happened to her, I loved that it didn’t fully break her.
Can I also mention how much I LOVED Reuben/Ben. He was such a likable character, his advice and answers for everything just made me feel… worthy of love I guess. And if he happens to have a book, I will 100% read it. I want to be swooned by him AND Tripp. True too actually, he seems like a fun person to be swooned by.
I also don’t know if I would consider this book as a slow burn but nothing really happens between the two of them until more than halfway through the book. I do wish there was a bit more romance but the glimpses that we got were pretty great too. I do think that their simple moments made my heart flutter a bit.
There’s also a 10 year age gap if that happens to freak anyone out.
I do wish there were more Torin chapters but I still enjoyed the book and I will definitely be binge reading the rest of the author’s books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book of the author and I love the way she compels us with her words. This book started out a bit dark, where Lyra Henderson, the heroine, finds herself a heartbreaking predicament while Torin Garza was on a mission and was able to fulfill it by becoming her savior.
Although Torin could be a dick and a bit uptight, I truly did like his character and I loved seeing him care for Lyra. I also loved that Lyra still had fire in her despite of what happened to her, I loved that it didn’t fully break her.
Can I also mention how much I LOVED Reuben/Ben. He was such a likable character, his advice and answers for everything just made me feel… worthy of love I guess. And if he happens to have a book, I will 100% read it. I want to be swooned by him AND Tripp. True too actually, he seems like a fun person to be swooned by.
I also don’t know if I would consider this book as a slow burn but nothing really happens between the two of them until more than halfway through the book. I do wish there was a bit more romance but the glimpses that we got were pretty great too. I do think that their simple moments made my heart flutter a bit.
There’s also a 10 year age gap if that happens to freak anyone out.
I do wish there were more Torin chapters but I still enjoyed the book and I will definitely be binge reading the rest of the author’s books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2023
Having jumped in from the end and reading The True Garza first I decided I needed to jump back and start from the beginning. It wasn't necessary as they are standalones BUT I wanted to and let me tell you I am so glad that I did.
I have fallen in love with this series and I want more. I love the suspense, sizzling chemistry, the danger, the intrigue and the mystery of it all.
I can't wait to see what she does next.
Grab a copy read it for yourself you will fall in love.
I have fallen in love with this series and I want more. I love the suspense, sizzling chemistry, the danger, the intrigue and the mystery of it all.
I can't wait to see what she does next.
Grab a copy read it for yourself you will fall in love.
November 9, 2021
Thank you to Loud Girl Books, S.Anne Cole and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book of the author and I really enjoyed The Bronze Garza. Lyra Henderson has been kidnapped and Trafficked. In her time in captivity, she has been raped, starved, and tortured. When she is moved to another location, she is rescued from a fire and brought home to her Father and stepmother.
Torin Garza is her savior, and she soon learns that her rescue has been underway for over a year. When she learns her previous captors know she is alive and plan to kill her, Torin steps in again as her protector, doing anything to save her life but doesn't expect to fall in love with her.
All the other characters in this book are exceptional; Torin's right-hand man, Reuben, Lyra's hippie mother, and Torin's twin brothers. This is the second book in the series and I don't think you need to read the first one to understand what is going on.
This book takes a while to get going, which would be my only complaint. The actual romance doesn't happen until 50% in. There is also a small age gap, if that bothers anyone. It has just the right amount of steam and laughter to warrant 4 stars.
This is my first book of the author and I really enjoyed The Bronze Garza. Lyra Henderson has been kidnapped and Trafficked. In her time in captivity, she has been raped, starved, and tortured. When she is moved to another location, she is rescued from a fire and brought home to her Father and stepmother.
Torin Garza is her savior, and she soon learns that her rescue has been underway for over a year. When she learns her previous captors know she is alive and plan to kill her, Torin steps in again as her protector, doing anything to save her life but doesn't expect to fall in love with her.
All the other characters in this book are exceptional; Torin's right-hand man, Reuben, Lyra's hippie mother, and Torin's twin brothers. This is the second book in the series and I don't think you need to read the first one to understand what is going on.
This book takes a while to get going, which would be my only complaint. The actual romance doesn't happen until 50% in. There is also a small age gap, if that bothers anyone. It has just the right amount of steam and laughter to warrant 4 stars.
November 4, 2021
Lyra and Torin will have you gripping the pages! Filled with suspense, twists that keep you on your toes, action, steamy desire and more. Having been through hell will Torin be Lyras savior? These two couldn't be more opposite but match each other perfectly. I can't wait for more for this author.
July 6, 2023
Not as good as book one. It's a book of two halves, the second half better than the first and I'd actually say to skip almost the full first half it's so boring. But if im being honest, I can't even say I enjoyed the second half either, because it was still slow and boring and I felt absolutely zero heat from Torin for the heroine, compared to how much it was clear in book one that Trent wanted Lexi.
I felt the author had the heroine too desperate, especially for a sex trafficked woman, who had been held captive and raped by so many men, to be so desperate for the hero, it was off putting. I skipped the other brothers stories and jumped straight to this book because I had wanted to read Torin's story after liking him more than them in book one, and I am so very disappointed.
I have to say I think the author failed completely with Torin. She had him too shut down, too blasé about the heroine. I'd said in my review of book one that while dark romance is my favourite genre, I had actually really enjoyed Trent's teenage love, turned intense, grown Alpha male love, for the heroine. But in this book the author failed to make me feel Torin had any feelings for the heroine.
The author didn't even make me feel like he had any lust for the heroine. It's always her coming on to him, and he's always kinda stopping her or too busy. All of the "seven" times they have sex aren't actually written, only the first and last, and even then it's written in a flowery way, instead of giving real details. Here's a scene copied and pasted to show what I mean -
"When this man touches me, I become someone else. Like a shapeshifter. Shifting from human to a rabid lioness. Uninhibited and uncontrollable. As my body hums and rattles like a kettle right before it explodes into a steaming whistle..it whips and whirls through me like a tornado".
Is she describing the weather? Them boiling a kettle for tea? No, it's the description of their sex scene. I'm cringing reading it out of context, but that only reinforces my point. It's too flowery, and no real detail.
There were some weird choices with punctuation and grammar. Too many sentences were broken up by fullstops when they shouldn't have been and mrabt the next sentence wasn't a full one, because it was left without contevt. Then sentences like this -
"the things that makes me feel amazing. That makes me come alive". It should be, "the things that 'make' me feel amazing. That 'make' me come alive".
There were also numerous incidences of words missing like this sentence - "They feed on vulnerability like parasite". There should be an "a" before "parasite". I noticed words missing quite a lot. But even with these issues, this was still better written than many books I've read, and it's better to have a bit too much punctuation that not enough.
I didn't take stars off for those minor issues but I am giving this only 2 stars because I was so bored by it. The majority of the book was reading the heroine's thoughts abd all of it was tedious, her thinking about the trafficking, her thinking about the threat to her now, her thinking about her mindset after everything that had happened to her. It felt like it took up 90% of tthe book, and all of it was painfully boring.
2 stars is generous. So slow and boring, with no real story happening between the hero and heroine. The only parts I liked were the glimpses of Lyra's hippe mother, her doting father, the brothers, especially Tripp's sceme with her. It's not good when glimpses of side characters like this have more interest than the main characters together do. This did nothing to make me feel that Torin actually even lusted after Lyra, let alone loved her.
I felt the author had the heroine too desperate, especially for a sex trafficked woman, who had been held captive and raped by so many men, to be so desperate for the hero, it was off putting. I skipped the other brothers stories and jumped straight to this book because I had wanted to read Torin's story after liking him more than them in book one, and I am so very disappointed.
I have to say I think the author failed completely with Torin. She had him too shut down, too blasé about the heroine. I'd said in my review of book one that while dark romance is my favourite genre, I had actually really enjoyed Trent's teenage love, turned intense, grown Alpha male love, for the heroine. But in this book the author failed to make me feel Torin had any feelings for the heroine.
The author didn't even make me feel like he had any lust for the heroine. It's always her coming on to him, and he's always kinda stopping her or too busy. All of the "seven" times they have sex aren't actually written, only the first and last, and even then it's written in a flowery way, instead of giving real details. Here's a scene copied and pasted to show what I mean -
"When this man touches me, I become someone else. Like a shapeshifter. Shifting from human to a rabid lioness. Uninhibited and uncontrollable. As my body hums and rattles like a kettle right before it explodes into a steaming whistle..it whips and whirls through me like a tornado".
Is she describing the weather? Them boiling a kettle for tea? No, it's the description of their sex scene. I'm cringing reading it out of context, but that only reinforces my point. It's too flowery, and no real detail.
There were some weird choices with punctuation and grammar. Too many sentences were broken up by fullstops when they shouldn't have been and mrabt the next sentence wasn't a full one, because it was left without contevt. Then sentences like this -
"the things that makes me feel amazing. That makes me come alive". It should be, "the things that 'make' me feel amazing. That 'make' me come alive".
There were also numerous incidences of words missing like this sentence - "They feed on vulnerability like parasite". There should be an "a" before "parasite". I noticed words missing quite a lot. But even with these issues, this was still better written than many books I've read, and it's better to have a bit too much punctuation that not enough.
I didn't take stars off for those minor issues but I am giving this only 2 stars because I was so bored by it. The majority of the book was reading the heroine's thoughts abd all of it was tedious, her thinking about the trafficking, her thinking about the threat to her now, her thinking about her mindset after everything that had happened to her. It felt like it took up 90% of tthe book, and all of it was painfully boring.
2 stars is generous. So slow and boring, with no real story happening between the hero and heroine. The only parts I liked were the glimpses of Lyra's hippe mother, her doting father, the brothers, especially Tripp's sceme with her. It's not good when glimpses of side characters like this have more interest than the main characters together do. This did nothing to make me feel that Torin actually even lusted after Lyra, let alone loved her.
November 26, 2021
This was my first book by this author and I have to say I will definitely be checking out more of her books. This book was amazing and I honestly had no idea what to expect in the beginning of the book. I thought that somehow this was going to be a mafia romance but I was completely off the target when it came to that. It was more of a bodyguard close proximity romance and I loved every second of it. I think I got like 20% into the book and that's when I determined that this was one of my top reads this year. The tension between Lyra and Torin was so well done and the more I read the more I kept getting restless like Lyra for Torin to make a move. The character development was phenomenal. The spice *chefs kiss*. The one thing I wish there was more of was Torin's pov. I wanted a spicy scene or even just more scenes of him with Lyra that was from his pov so I could get into his thoughts and what he thought about Lyra. Overall, it was an earth shattering book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an EARC. While I did receive an ARC the thoughts in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an EARC. While I did receive an ARC the thoughts in this review are completely my own.
November 19, 2021
Wonderful read
The Bronze Garza is the second book in the Red Cage series. This book is an intense, captivating and thrilling story which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat more than once. I enjoyed the author's writing and story-telling styles and how she developed both the story-line and the characters. Plus add in some amazing hot chemistry between the main characters that may take a while to ignite but once it does it will make your Kindle smoke.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The Bronze Garza is the second book in the Red Cage series. This book is an intense, captivating and thrilling story which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat more than once. I enjoyed the author's writing and story-telling styles and how she developed both the story-line and the characters. Plus add in some amazing hot chemistry between the main characters that may take a while to ignite but once it does it will make your Kindle smoke.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
November 18, 2021
The Bronze Garza: Red Cage series by S. Ann Cole. This story is not for the faint of heart or anyone looking for sweet flowery romance, this one is for those of us that crave dark and depraved romance with action and touch of mystery and suspense. Contains many triggers that some may find offense. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2023
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Red Cage series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. This book is packed with action and suspense, and I really enjoyed all the suspense and action in this book. The beginning of this book pulled me into the story right away. I loved the characters. The romance was slow moving, but I enjoyed it. There were some really steamy times in this book.
November 17, 2021
The Bronze Garza was a continuation of The Red Garza by S.Ann Cole. It was well written, had a fast paced and developed plot with great lead characters! It was sexy and action packed! Would recommend this and book 1! Looking forward to reading more books from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2021
This is the 2nd book I've read written by S. Ann Cole; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the 2nd book in the Red Cage Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Lyra & Torin; she’s been kidnapped and sold until he saves her.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 2nd book in the Red Cage Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Lyra & Torin; she’s been kidnapped and sold until he saves her.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2023
I really enjoyed The Right Garza so hoped this was going to be mlre lf the same, but it got better. The story line was amazing, the chemistry was on point and the character developments where so good. I cant wait to read the next one, The True Garza. Definitely worth the read and while standalone better enjoyed as a series
December 18, 2021
A very entertaining story with exciting characters and a mesmerizing storyline. The author was able to paint a picture in my head using wonderfully descriptive words as I read this book. A captivating and enjoyable story. I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review.
June 14, 2022
Lots of action in this story keeps the pages turning. The characters are well developed and continue to grow through the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2023
New to me
Read the Right Garza and went right into Bronze. This new to me author, reeled me in with Trent, but I loved Bronze. Really glad I found this series by accident as a Goodreads reccomendation.
Read the Right Garza and went right into Bronze. This new to me author, reeled me in with Trent, but I loved Bronze. Really glad I found this series by accident as a Goodreads reccomendation.
Want to read
November 3, 2021💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
December 19, 2021
This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters sizzled throughout this wonderful read.
Well done. I look forward to more!
Well done. I look forward to more!
November 10, 2021
Oh my my ...another amazing !!! awesome !!! exhilarating S Ann one of a kind story !!!
I got an ARC to read this book for free in exchange for an honest Review and boy oh boy ... she is a story teller with a difference !!
So much soul, so much love, so much heart .... you just can't put this book down once you've started, action packed thriller with male chauvinism, greed and money at it's core, and not to mention the incredible twists and turns that dramatically takes Torin and Lyra to an incredible Happy Ever After..... if you read the RIGHT GARZA you definitely want to get your copy ASAP .... this book is off the charts !!!!
I got an ARC to read this book for free in exchange for an honest Review and boy oh boy ... she is a story teller with a difference !!
So much soul, so much love, so much heart .... you just can't put this book down once you've started, action packed thriller with male chauvinism, greed and money at it's core, and not to mention the incredible twists and turns that dramatically takes Torin and Lyra to an incredible Happy Ever After..... if you read the RIGHT GARZA you definitely want to get your copy ASAP .... this book is off the charts !!!!
January 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and seeing the relationship that formed between Lyra and Torin. My main concern with this book is that it needs major trigger warnings at the beginning of the book considering it jumps straight in with the sex trafficking.
I loved seeing Lyra start to trust Torin and my favorite part was when she made the wooden card for him, it was so cute and very important for her. I also really loved the epilogue and hope that the rest of the series lets Torin get out of the red cage and stay at home with Lyra(and have cute little babies).
I received an arc through netgalley.
I loved seeing Lyra start to trust Torin and my favorite part was when she made the wooden card for him, it was so cute and very important for her. I also really loved the epilogue and hope that the rest of the series lets Torin get out of the red cage and stay at home with Lyra(and have cute little babies).
I received an arc through netgalley.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews