Dark Protector

By: Celia Aaron

Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Lance Greenfield

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

From the moment I saw her through the window of her flower shop, something other than darkness took root inside me. Charlie shone like a beacon in a world that had long since lost any light. But she was never meant for me, a man that killed without remorse and collected bounties drenched in blood. I thought staying away would keep her safe, would shield her from me. I was wrong. Danger followed in my wake like death at a slaughter house. I protected her from the threats that circled like black buzzards, kept her safe with kill after kill. 

But everything comes with a price, especially second chances for a man like me. 

Killing for her was easy. It was living for her that turned out to be the hard part.

©2017 Celia Aaron (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Perfect start to the series!

Dark and a little gritty, Celia Aaron starts this series with a bang! Conrad, a trained hit man finds himself enamored with Charlie, the owner of a flower shop. Yes, opposites attract, yet he does not act on it. Sitting outside her flower shop every day though, draws attention to her, and his enemies use this, kidnapping her to get his attention. And it works. Little did this couple know the real feelings that would develop! Aaron has woven a story with some dark qualities, heated passion, steamy scenes and in the midst of it all, humor. Conrad is so alpha, it's impossible not to love him, and we find Charlie to be much more than she appears. It's fast paced and an amazing listen. Nate who has his book next has some great scenes mixed in, sure to make you smile, giving us a glimpse of what is to come. Love the epilogue giving us a look to the future. Great start to this series!

Narration is key with this kind of darkish, romantic suspense, and Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon nail it. Greenfield has a rough, raspiness to his voice that fits Conrad to a T. It's deep, full of malice when needed, and the extremely enrapturing. Mallon gives Charlie an innocence in the beginning, with an inner strength that shines through. It's the perfect team for this book.

Fast Moving

No cliffhanger. This is part of a series but with no cliffhanger. Nate is the next in the series. This is the book to get to know him. Conrad is not a good guy! Or is he? This book has action and romance. Mystery and does not leave you hanging. I feel it is worth the credit. Not sure if I want to read the next in the series but this one I enjoyed.

*********W O W************WHAT A THRILL RIDE******

I love this Author, each book gets better and better! The narration of Erin Mallon and Lance Greenfield is absolutely award perfect!!
If you are looking for an action packed, hot as Hell, Temptingly Twisted Mafia romance.....Look no further !!!
Keep them coming Celia!!!!

Meh

These two narrators ruin the story. I despise her speaking. She always sounds like she has anxiety and is about to cry. Even when she is suppose to be happy. Its frustrating. The man sounds like a creep.

Shhh..just let it go

What do you call it when you know a story is absolutely ridiculous and you love it anyway??
Insta love...insta kidnap...insta savior..I dont even know. Even with the amazing narration you have to suspend all of reality and common sense for this to work....and Im not sure it works even then BUT I dont care. I was all in and READY to read the next one. #sorrynotsorry

Batman...meets the mob.

It's not like I could store back up ammo in in my "nutsack"... sex scenes right after removing a bullet from a leg wound. Unbelievable instant connection between lead couple. Male reader sounds like he is trying to be Batman. Disappointing all around.

The hitman falls in love

Why have I just now found this book? This is exactly what I love.

Alpha male who sees his woman and knows she’s his. He is devoted to her from that moment on. He’s super possessive and protective. And there is also some danger element added in. I love that kind of story. That was this story.

Conrad was lethal, a hitman that is the best in his field. He thinks moves ahead of everyone else. It’s what has kept him alive and why he’s the best at what he does.

He has one weakness, Charlie. Charlie is his calm after the storm. She settles him. And she doesn’t even know he exists. He watches her, but he can never approach her, he can never bring her into his world of darkness. But all bets are off when she is yanked in anyway.

To keep Charlie safe he must turn his back on the life he has always known. For him there was not a second thought. He never even questioned what he should do, he just knew down to his bones he had to keep her safe. I loved that.

He was sweet and gentle with her, but there was no lack of scenes in this book where he showcased how ruthless he could be.

🌻Was good, except the abrupt ending!🌻

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻V fromKansas🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

I enjoyed most of this book. Both the Hero and Heroine are damaged souls that find redemption, in each other’s arms. I would not really consider this a “Dark” romance. It is set in a Mafia world and the Hero is an assassin, but their relationship isn’t dark. He is really good to her. I loved that the Heroine was a strong woman and wasn’t a wilting flower. I wish more heroines were like that.

My only issue, with the book, is that it ends abruptly, immediately after the major conflict is resolved. There is a short epilogue and the book is over. I wish more authors would give readers/listeners more exposure to the H/h’s HEA. Then again, don’t all entertaining books leave you wanting more?

Love these narrators!

They made this so worth it. Good story. Loved the ending. Wish there was more steamy scenes.

Dark engaging romance...

A story where anything goes... killing here and there... and then more. Hot hot hot scenes, even after getting shot.

Narration was great.

Enjoy!

A decent read!

Mafia romance isn’t normally my thing but I was stuck for something to listen to and decided to give this a go. I’m glad I did, the story is good and I liked both characters a lot. I found some of the action parts a little unbelievable in places. I very much enjoyed both narrators so all in all I’d recommend this book.