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Protector's Claim
Gabrielle Thornton
I made a mistake.
I allowed myself to be born. I allowed myself access into a life that wasn’t mine, and for that, I had willingly submitted my body and soul to a man whose sadistic pleasures knew no bound, a man who relished in my pain as much as he craved my flesh.
A monster I would do anything to escape.
But what if I could make it stop? What if the cost of freedom was a single night in a stranger’s arms? What if one final sin was all I needed to commit to find peace?
Kieran Kincaid
I had always known of the sickness that lived inside my father, the demons who controlled the man. His death was a blessing to every innocent he’d destroyed with his dark hunger.
Yet, despite his demise becoming my curse, a shackle trapping me in his twisted secrets, it lured me to it, too. It promised me the thing I coveted above all else. It seduced me deeper into the world I wish I knew nothing of, but there was no turning back, not even if by accepting, by taking what didn’t belong to me made me a monster like him.
Gabby would finally be mine.
I made a mistake.
I allowed myself to be born. I allowed myself access into a life that wasn’t mine, and for that, I had willingly submitted my body and soul to a man whose sadistic pleasures knew no bound, a man who relished in my pain as much as he craved my flesh.
A monster I would do anything to escape.
But what if I could make it stop? What if the cost of freedom was a single night in a stranger’s arms? What if one final sin was all I needed to commit to find peace?
Kieran Kincaid
I had always known of the sickness that lived inside my father, the demons who controlled the man. His death was a blessing to every innocent he’d destroyed with his dark hunger.
Yet, despite his demise becoming my curse, a shackle trapping me in his twisted secrets, it lured me to it, too. It promised me the thing I coveted above all else. It seduced me deeper into the world I wish I knew nothing of, but there was no turning back, not even if by accepting, by taking what didn’t belong to me made me a monster like him.
Gabby would finally be mine.
Published October 31, 2017
About the author
Airicka Phoenix
61 books1,560 followersAiricka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 28, 2017
This hasn’t been an enjoyable read for me as far as its content is considered. I just thought it would be something else and that’s why I started to read it and then what I found is as follows:
Woman cheats on her husband and gets pregnant
They are upper class family so appearances are important
That’s why they keep it in the family and do not divorce
She gives birth to that child
Her husband gives his surname to the child but never really owns her as his own
He beats and abuses her sexually all her childhood and teenage years long
Mother – step sister and step-brother all know about it and they keep silent
The man is a sadist who likes to torture girls and train them to be his submissive
He goes to underground clubs to satisfy this need of himself
His ultimate goal is to make this illegal daughter “his sub” and he makes her sign a consent to do that when she graduates.
She plans her escape meanwhile
She even resorts to solutions like selling her body at an auction to earn the money to get herself a new life with a new ID
There comes prince charming on his white horse to the scene
He is the friend of the step-brother, and he has been in love with the heroine for the past 3 years
She also loves him but she has always pushed him away as she is scared of her sadist step-father
When the hero sees the heroine in an auction house selling herself, things get out of control
He wants to save her, protect her and claim her
He makes his own mistakes while doing that – some unforgivable in my opinion
She makes her own mistakes by hiding some facts
They eventually find their way to each other and fight against the sadist and pervert step-father
Kidnapping, murder, suicide, violence, more murders follow one another!
Then there is a HEA :)
**********************************************
There are steamy scenes between the MCs (no BDSM between them) but I really didn’t understand how they were so deeply in love with each other for so many years without knowing much about each other or without having a proper conversation at all.
In a heartbeat after the auction day, they become these two inseparable lovers. That part was not very convincing.
**********************************************
In my opinion there were some plot holes in it (like why she never went to the police for the abuse when she was beaten or why this man who murdered people with no regret waited for her to be 22 years old before he made her “his sub”. He says he waited for her age to be legal but why does a rapist and a murderer like himself think of law in her case?).
There were some over the top events which made me roll my eyes as well, but all in all it kept me interested and although it was nearly 450 pages, I read it all without getting bored.
I just don’t think it deserves more than 3 or 3,5 stars on the whole.
**********************************************
The application process wouldn’t be as grueling, but it would still need to be done to update the changes. I would still need to attend the auction. I would still need to be sold. Every time.
“Why are you a virgin?” he repeated, speaking very slow now, like I was an idiot. “Says you’re twenty-two. That isn’t normal. Was it religious reasons? Personal reasons?”
“Personal,” I semi-lied. I didn’t think he’d understand if I told him I’d already sold my virginity once before. The person just hadn’t claimed it yet, not until after graduation. That was the deal. He would kill me if he knew what I was doing, if he knew I was giving away the thing he considered his.
**********************************************
I really wonder if there are this kind of Auction Houses where they sell girls and if there are these kind of underground clubs where men get off by torturing women and raping them.
Really… Is there?
Please tell me no please I need to make myself believe so…
Woman cheats on her husband and gets pregnant
They are upper class family so appearances are important
That’s why they keep it in the family and do not divorce
She gives birth to that child
Her husband gives his surname to the child but never really owns her as his own
He beats and abuses her sexually all her childhood and teenage years long
Mother – step sister and step-brother all know about it and they keep silent
The man is a sadist who likes to torture girls and train them to be his submissive
He goes to underground clubs to satisfy this need of himself
His ultimate goal is to make this illegal daughter “his sub” and he makes her sign a consent to do that when she graduates.
She plans her escape meanwhile
She even resorts to solutions like selling her body at an auction to earn the money to get herself a new life with a new ID
There comes prince charming on his white horse to the scene
He is the friend of the step-brother, and he has been in love with the heroine for the past 3 years
She also loves him but she has always pushed him away as she is scared of her sadist step-father
When the hero sees the heroine in an auction house selling herself, things get out of control
He wants to save her, protect her and claim her
He makes his own mistakes while doing that – some unforgivable in my opinion
She makes her own mistakes by hiding some facts
They eventually find their way to each other and fight against the sadist and pervert step-father
Kidnapping, murder, suicide, violence, more murders follow one another!
Then there is a HEA :)
**********************************************
There are steamy scenes between the MCs (no BDSM between them) but I really didn’t understand how they were so deeply in love with each other for so many years without knowing much about each other or without having a proper conversation at all.
In a heartbeat after the auction day, they become these two inseparable lovers. That part was not very convincing.
**********************************************
In my opinion there were some plot holes in it (like why she never went to the police for the abuse when she was beaten or why this man who murdered people with no regret waited for her to be 22 years old before he made her “his sub”. He says he waited for her age to be legal but why does a rapist and a murderer like himself think of law in her case?).
There were some over the top events which made me roll my eyes as well, but all in all it kept me interested and although it was nearly 450 pages, I read it all without getting bored.
I just don’t think it deserves more than 3 or 3,5 stars on the whole.
**********************************************
The application process wouldn’t be as grueling, but it would still need to be done to update the changes. I would still need to attend the auction. I would still need to be sold. Every time.
“Why are you a virgin?” he repeated, speaking very slow now, like I was an idiot. “Says you’re twenty-two. That isn’t normal. Was it religious reasons? Personal reasons?”
“Personal,” I semi-lied. I didn’t think he’d understand if I told him I’d already sold my virginity once before. The person just hadn’t claimed it yet, not until after graduation. That was the deal. He would kill me if he knew what I was doing, if he knew I was giving away the thing he considered his.
**********************************************
I really wonder if there are this kind of Auction Houses where they sell girls and if there are these kind of underground clubs where men get off by torturing women and raping them.
Really… Is there?
Please tell me no please I need to make myself believe so…
November 4, 2017
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Protector's Claim was a book I had been looking forward to for so long. Everything about this authors writing reaches into my heart and doesn't let me go. She gives you a hero in Kieran that is so very intense and so very protective that I simply hung on every word or every page he was on. These two met when Gabby was a little awkward teenager who Kieran was too old to even notice without being a predator. Thankfully he didn't see her as a woman until she grew up. When he noticed her for real no other woman existed to him. Yes ladies the unicorn of heroes existed in this hot sexy gem. A really celibate hero who treats his woman like gold. There is some pretty dark themes here and I'd stay away if you are easily upset by dark subject matter.
But for me I absolutely devoured every page. The darkness Gabby lived through was unspeakable and tragic. But Kieran moved heaven and hell to claim and protect her. I had some moments of pure panic but this author always brings sunshine after the darkness.
Great read.
Safety info.
Protector's Claim was a book I had been looking forward to for so long. Everything about this authors writing reaches into my heart and doesn't let me go. She gives you a hero in Kieran that is so very intense and so very protective that I simply hung on every word or every page he was on. These two met when Gabby was a little awkward teenager who Kieran was too old to even notice without being a predator. Thankfully he didn't see her as a woman until she grew up. When he noticed her for real no other woman existed to him. Yes ladies the unicorn of heroes existed in this hot sexy gem. A really celibate hero who treats his woman like gold. There is some pretty dark themes here and I'd stay away if you are easily upset by dark subject matter.
But for me I absolutely devoured every page. The darkness Gabby lived through was unspeakable and tragic. But Kieran moved heaven and hell to claim and protect her. I had some moments of pure panic but this author always brings sunshine after the darkness.
Great read.
Safety info.
July 24, 2019
This is my second time reading this and it still holds up as one of my favorite dark romance books in the last 5 years. So good. Sooooo good.
November 26, 2017
4 Solid Stars
OK, I really enjoy this author's work and although I liked it a lot, I didn't LOVE it. The writing was great, the storyline is where it fell short or rather the execution of the storyline. I guess I would have liked to see things played out a little differently BUT all in all, it really was very good. Only a couple of things "annoyed" me but not enough to dislike it at all.
One thing for sure, this author is one that I always have on my go-to list!
OK, I really enjoy this author's work and although I liked it a lot, I didn't LOVE it. The writing was great, the storyline is where it fell short or rather the execution of the storyline. I guess I would have liked to see things played out a little differently BUT all in all, it really was very good. Only a couple of things "annoyed" me but not enough to dislike it at all.
One thing for sure, this author is one that I always have on my go-to list!
April 25, 2018
Read this when it came out but forgot to post the review...
Maybe it’s me. I don’t know, I really don’t. But the dramatic writing, particularly in the heroine’s POV, did my head in.
She was just so meek and pathetic and maybe she had a good enough reason for being like this, but unfortunately the author took way too long to show us that part, so it’s kind of difficult to see her in any other light.
Sure, we were told she was abused and that she just had to keep being a meek little mouse with no life whatsoever, but if I don’t get more info about her situation, to me it reads like a very weak woman who keeps taking abuse from everyone around her. I just can’t take it anymore with these heroines that need saving and can’t do anything on their own. Maybe if I only read these heroines occasionally, I’d be more understanding. But most authors create these meek, pathetic women and they are doing my head in! I mean, she could’ve AT LEAST had sex with someone else, instead of literally waiting for years for someone to rape her and take her virginity.
But the writing! aaaaa, the writing. It’s been a while since I’ve read something this level of dramatic. The heroine’s POV, in particular.
Everything she felt hit her with a power so devastating, she had to use 5 metaphors to explain what she was going through.
She was the type who wouldn’t say she was hot, she would say something like how she was being licked by the flames of hell.
At one point, I kid you not, she woke up alone in her apartment (she had sex with a man she did not know at all, maybe the second time ever?) and her reaction was to say something like how the silence of her apartment was like the whimpers of a tomb in hell, or something of the sort. I mean, come on, man. Take a breath and calm the fuck down. You’re home alone, not abducted and tortured.
I guess I should’ve gotten this from the blurb, because anyone who says something like the first few lines in the blurb is too dramatic for my tastes:
“I made a mistake.
I allowed myself to be born.”
She never felt things like other humans do. She felt it times a million. She cried constantly, lost her footing because she was so overwhelmed with emotions, honestly I’m surprised she didn’t faint a couple of times from feeling too many feelings at once (or maybe she did? can’t remember). It was exhausting reading it.
Also, why was she so…simple? I mean, at one point, she says something like “I didn’t have to look to hear her shoes clicking” (i’m paraphrasing).
That is EXACTLY how hearing works. Good job!
Oh, and the nonsense. So much nonsense in this book. Like a sadistic SOB who waits until the heroine is at least 22 before taking her virginity which he absolutely believes is his to take? I wouldn’t believe a person like that would even wait until the girl turns 16. Especially when that girl lived in his house. A person who is described in the blurb (and showed in the book) as “a man whose sadistic pleasures knew no bound” as he beat and abused her sexually her entire but apparently, he will stop at penetration, because, I guess, we need the heroine to remain pure and untouched. It is beyond absurd.
Also, I’m so over this massively overused plot of virgins selling themselves off for money, it’s not even funny. Just steal something expensive from the man who has continually abused you over years and years - it’s easier, quicker, and there’s a lot more honour in that, imo.
Maybe it’s me. I don’t know, I really don’t. But the dramatic writing, particularly in the heroine’s POV, did my head in.
She was just so meek and pathetic and maybe she had a good enough reason for being like this, but unfortunately the author took way too long to show us that part, so it’s kind of difficult to see her in any other light.
Sure, we were told she was abused and that she just had to keep being a meek little mouse with no life whatsoever, but if I don’t get more info about her situation, to me it reads like a very weak woman who keeps taking abuse from everyone around her. I just can’t take it anymore with these heroines that need saving and can’t do anything on their own. Maybe if I only read these heroines occasionally, I’d be more understanding. But most authors create these meek, pathetic women and they are doing my head in! I mean, she could’ve AT LEAST had sex with someone else, instead of literally waiting for years for someone to rape her and take her virginity.
But the writing! aaaaa, the writing. It’s been a while since I’ve read something this level of dramatic. The heroine’s POV, in particular.
Everything she felt hit her with a power so devastating, she had to use 5 metaphors to explain what she was going through.
She was the type who wouldn’t say she was hot, she would say something like how she was being licked by the flames of hell.
At one point, I kid you not, she woke up alone in her apartment (she had sex with a man she did not know at all, maybe the second time ever?) and her reaction was to say something like how the silence of her apartment was like the whimpers of a tomb in hell, or something of the sort. I mean, come on, man. Take a breath and calm the fuck down. You’re home alone, not abducted and tortured.
I guess I should’ve gotten this from the blurb, because anyone who says something like the first few lines in the blurb is too dramatic for my tastes:
“I made a mistake.
I allowed myself to be born.”
She never felt things like other humans do. She felt it times a million. She cried constantly, lost her footing because she was so overwhelmed with emotions, honestly I’m surprised she didn’t faint a couple of times from feeling too many feelings at once (or maybe she did? can’t remember). It was exhausting reading it.
Also, why was she so…simple? I mean, at one point, she says something like “I didn’t have to look to hear her shoes clicking” (i’m paraphrasing).
That is EXACTLY how hearing works. Good job!
Oh, and the nonsense. So much nonsense in this book. Like a sadistic SOB who waits until the heroine is at least 22 before taking her virginity which he absolutely believes is his to take? I wouldn’t believe a person like that would even wait until the girl turns 16. Especially when that girl lived in his house. A person who is described in the blurb (and showed in the book) as “a man whose sadistic pleasures knew no bound” as he beat and abused her sexually her entire but apparently, he will stop at penetration, because, I guess, we need the heroine to remain pure and untouched. It is beyond absurd.
Also, I’m so over this massively overused plot of virgins selling themselves off for money, it’s not even funny. Just steal something expensive from the man who has continually abused you over years and years - it’s easier, quicker, and there’s a lot more honour in that, imo.
November 8, 2017
This is a new to me author and I’m so happy to see she has more books so I can get lost into as this was a great read.
My heart broke for Gabby. She had so much darkness in her life that I was so hoping she would find some light. Gabby and Kieran was so hot together. Their sexy scenes were off the chart with sexiness.
This is a really well written story with a brilliant storyline. I found this book unputdownable, I just couldn’t get enough. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
My heart broke for Gabby. She had so much darkness in her life that I was so hoping she would find some light. Gabby and Kieran was so hot together. Their sexy scenes were off the chart with sexiness.
This is a really well written story with a brilliant storyline. I found this book unputdownable, I just couldn’t get enough. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 18, 2020
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I just ~loved~ this book. This was such a wonderful love story, with two people who care for one another so deeply. There is a touch of darkness (pretty much a requirement for me 😆), but overall, it is a super sweet story of a damaged, desperate girl and the man who just truly and selflessly loves her.
There will be some spoilers from here on out, but I’ll try to keep them to a minimum!
Told in multiple perspectives (but mostly dual until toward the end), we’re introduced to Gabrielle Thornton and Kieran Kincaid. Gabrielle is a sad girl. She is the youngest daughter of a sadistic, wealthy man and an aloof, drug addicted mother. She is the younger sister to a drunken man child of a brother, Eric; as well as a sister, Cordelia, who takes very much after her father in her cruel treatment toward Gabrielle. From the time she was born, Gabby was unwelcome in her family. Hidden away in a tiny cell of a bedroom in her opulent home, she is ignored, abused, and always hungry. The best she can hope for from her family is casual indifference; at worst, as her father demonstrates, is perverse sexual sadism. All of this results in Gabby growing into a quiet, insecure, anxiety-ridden young woman.
The reason Gabby is treated in such a manner is because she was, indeed, unwanted from birth. She is the product of an extramarital affair between her mother and a random guy she met on a cruise ship. (We’ve all been there, right?! Kidding, kidding! 😋) Not wanting to sully the Thornton name, her “father,” David, agrees to raise Gabby as his own, but he has other plans for her. When Gabby is a teenager, he begins to groom her for his brutal sexual tastes. David is involved in human trafficking and sexual slavery, and this is the life he has planned for Gabby. In fact, when Gabby turns 18, she is coerced into signing a contract promising her virginity and body to David in exchange for tuition to college. Per their contract, David’s ownership of Gabby will commence once she graduates.
GABBY
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Gabby is no dummy, though. She doesn’t think the contract would ever hold up in a court of law, but she also plans to change her identity and disappear the minute she completes school. In order to do this, she needs money. Unlike her siblings who are given anything their hearts could desire on a silver platter, Gabby has to work for everything she has, no easy task as a full-time student. She is in debt, unable to make rent, and has no savings set aside for emergencies, let alone her plan to disappear. Motivated by this fact, as well as her desire to lose her virginity to anyone but David, she puts her virginity “up for bid” at an underground auction house catering to men with all manner of sexual proclivities. Though she is ashamed of her decision, she feels this is the only way to get the kind of money she requires, and assumes no one will find out.
KIERAN
And here is where we really get to know Kieran. Kieran is a family friend to the Thorntons, and was in fact Gabby’s brother, Eric’s, best friend for a number of years, until he chose to grow up and Eric didn’t. Kieran has known Gabby for seven years, but has been secretly in love with her for the past three. The hiccup in the operation is that Kieran is engaged to Cordelia. This is a marriage of convenience arranged by David and Kieran’s father. Cordelia can’t wait to marry Kieran, but he is not at all interested in her. In fact, at 35, Kieran is re-examining many choices he has made in his life. His father has recently passed away, and as the sole heir to the Kincaid fortune, Kieran inherits everything - including businesses that don’t exactly operate on the right side of the law. Among these is the auction house where Gabby is selling herself. Kieran happens to choose the very night Gabby is up for bid to sit in on an auction and see how the establishment functions.
When he sees Gabby, he is floored. He places a bid for one million dollars for her, shutting down any other interested parties. When he is brought to Gabby’s “room” at the auction house, he is surprised to find her blindfolded, with a vulnerability about her that he is unable to resist. While he initially planned to pay the money and let Gabby go, he gives in to temptation and takes her virginity with gentle lovemaking. He doesn’t speak, though, for fear of revealing his identity; he knows Gabby would be mortified if she knew it was him. What develops is a relationship with her mystery man, at the same time that Kieran decides to pursue Gabby even though he is engaged to her sister. Effectively, Gabby believes she is interacting with two different men. It’s an interesting take on the masked lover trope.
As time goes on, Kieran begins to truly notice how poorly Gabby is treated by her family. He wants to protect her, rescue her from them forever. Gabby resists, as she is terribly afraid of what David might do to him. At Gabby’s insistence, they keep their relationship a secret, until one day, Kieran’s had enough and dances with Gabby in front of her family. At this point, Kieran still doesn’t know about David’s abuse toward Gabby, or her “contract” with him.
As you can imagine, all hell breaks loose. I won’t spoil anything too major, but suffice it to say that Kieran will stop at nothing to ensure Gabby’s safety and well-being. He tries to honor her wishes at first regarding her family, but eventually comes to believe that it’s in her best interest for him to handle the situation. He patiently reassures her and assuages her fears. There are things he does to ensure her safety the he does not make Gabby privy to, although she suspects and is grateful to him for it.
I loved both the H and h in this book. One of the things I liked most about their relationship was there was no fighting or needless drama. There was one instance when the Kieran is hurt by something Gabby says, but after he figures out why she said it, he quickly understands. These two really care deeply for one another in a selfless way, and I loved it. It’s so refreshing.
The sex scenes were spicy and there were neither too many nor too few of them - just right. I will say that the ending was a bit too long and convoluted, with other POVs being thrown in. This is why I removed a half a star, but it still didn’t much take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work. I recommend this one for people who love a sweet love story with just a hint of darkness. Happy reading!!!
I just ~loved~ this book. This was such a wonderful love story, with two people who care for one another so deeply. There is a touch of darkness (pretty much a requirement for me 😆), but overall, it is a super sweet story of a damaged, desperate girl and the man who just truly and selflessly loves her.
There will be some spoilers from here on out, but I’ll try to keep them to a minimum!
Told in multiple perspectives (but mostly dual until toward the end), we’re introduced to Gabrielle Thornton and Kieran Kincaid. Gabrielle is a sad girl. She is the youngest daughter of a sadistic, wealthy man and an aloof, drug addicted mother. She is the younger sister to a drunken man child of a brother, Eric; as well as a sister, Cordelia, who takes very much after her father in her cruel treatment toward Gabrielle. From the time she was born, Gabby was unwelcome in her family. Hidden away in a tiny cell of a bedroom in her opulent home, she is ignored, abused, and always hungry. The best she can hope for from her family is casual indifference; at worst, as her father demonstrates, is perverse sexual sadism. All of this results in Gabby growing into a quiet, insecure, anxiety-ridden young woman.
The reason Gabby is treated in such a manner is because she was, indeed, unwanted from birth. She is the product of an extramarital affair between her mother and a random guy she met on a cruise ship. (We’ve all been there, right?! Kidding, kidding! 😋) Not wanting to sully the Thornton name, her “father,” David, agrees to raise Gabby as his own, but he has other plans for her. When Gabby is a teenager, he begins to groom her for his brutal sexual tastes. David is involved in human trafficking and sexual slavery, and this is the life he has planned for Gabby. In fact, when Gabby turns 18, she is coerced into signing a contract promising her virginity and body to David in exchange for tuition to college. Per their contract, David’s ownership of Gabby will commence once she graduates.
GABBY
[image error]
Gabby is no dummy, though. She doesn’t think the contract would ever hold up in a court of law, but she also plans to change her identity and disappear the minute she completes school. In order to do this, she needs money. Unlike her siblings who are given anything their hearts could desire on a silver platter, Gabby has to work for everything she has, no easy task as a full-time student. She is in debt, unable to make rent, and has no savings set aside for emergencies, let alone her plan to disappear. Motivated by this fact, as well as her desire to lose her virginity to anyone but David, she puts her virginity “up for bid” at an underground auction house catering to men with all manner of sexual proclivities. Though she is ashamed of her decision, she feels this is the only way to get the kind of money she requires, and assumes no one will find out.
KIERAN
And here is where we really get to know Kieran. Kieran is a family friend to the Thorntons, and was in fact Gabby’s brother, Eric’s, best friend for a number of years, until he chose to grow up and Eric didn’t. Kieran has known Gabby for seven years, but has been secretly in love with her for the past three. The hiccup in the operation is that Kieran is engaged to Cordelia. This is a marriage of convenience arranged by David and Kieran’s father. Cordelia can’t wait to marry Kieran, but he is not at all interested in her. In fact, at 35, Kieran is re-examining many choices he has made in his life. His father has recently passed away, and as the sole heir to the Kincaid fortune, Kieran inherits everything - including businesses that don’t exactly operate on the right side of the law. Among these is the auction house where Gabby is selling herself. Kieran happens to choose the very night Gabby is up for bid to sit in on an auction and see how the establishment functions.
When he sees Gabby, he is floored. He places a bid for one million dollars for her, shutting down any other interested parties. When he is brought to Gabby’s “room” at the auction house, he is surprised to find her blindfolded, with a vulnerability about her that he is unable to resist. While he initially planned to pay the money and let Gabby go, he gives in to temptation and takes her virginity with gentle lovemaking. He doesn’t speak, though, for fear of revealing his identity; he knows Gabby would be mortified if she knew it was him. What develops is a relationship with her mystery man, at the same time that Kieran decides to pursue Gabby even though he is engaged to her sister. Effectively, Gabby believes she is interacting with two different men. It’s an interesting take on the masked lover trope.
As time goes on, Kieran begins to truly notice how poorly Gabby is treated by her family. He wants to protect her, rescue her from them forever. Gabby resists, as she is terribly afraid of what David might do to him. At Gabby’s insistence, they keep their relationship a secret, until one day, Kieran’s had enough and dances with Gabby in front of her family. At this point, Kieran still doesn’t know about David’s abuse toward Gabby, or her “contract” with him.
As you can imagine, all hell breaks loose. I won’t spoil anything too major, but suffice it to say that Kieran will stop at nothing to ensure Gabby’s safety and well-being. He tries to honor her wishes at first regarding her family, but eventually comes to believe that it’s in her best interest for him to handle the situation. He patiently reassures her and assuages her fears. There are things he does to ensure her safety the he does not make Gabby privy to, although she suspects and is grateful to him for it.
I loved both the H and h in this book. One of the things I liked most about their relationship was there was no fighting or needless drama. There was one instance when the Kieran is hurt by something Gabby says, but after he figures out why she said it, he quickly understands. These two really care deeply for one another in a selfless way, and I loved it. It’s so refreshing.
The sex scenes were spicy and there were neither too many nor too few of them - just right. I will say that the ending was a bit too long and convoluted, with other POVs being thrown in. This is why I removed a half a star, but it still didn’t much take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work. I recommend this one for people who love a sweet love story with just a hint of darkness. Happy reading!!!
December 1, 2017
I don't even know where to start with this review, except to say that no matter what Airicka Phoenix writes, it's always freaking epic. I love her Dark Romance books, although I have to wonder about her dark, twisted mind at times and where she comes up with this stuff. However, then Id have to wonder why I love it so much. I really hated the father in this story, there is a nice place in hell for people like him. Once I started Protector's Claim, I couldn't get enough of it. I needed more, each page brought drama, more suspense. I really didn't see the twist coming at the end, the author completely caught me off guard on that one. I loved the connection between the main characters, and I loved how the male lead was so protective and would do anything to protect what was his.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 29, 2017I lost brain cells.....I had to stop
Outrageously bad
Outrageously bad
October 23, 2017
Gahh! Starting an Airicka Phoenix book is the highlight of any day. And if it's a dark novel?! The icing on the cake! I love that her heroines are sassy and her alpha heroes always so hot and protective. Gabby and Kieran were panty melting hot. I swear no-one writes the hot sexytimes like this author as she always delivers on what her fans want! Kieran was growly and alphas to the core yet had a weakness for his girl. Gabby was his kryptonite and it was glorious watching this story unfold. Furthermore the banter between them was sexy and yet emotional at times. He knew what he wanted and Gabby was it. I could not get enough of these two and the underlying suspense theme throughout the novel.
When Kieran Kincaid first met Gabrielle Thornton, it was on. There was something about the timid and quiet younger woman that called to him but biding his time for three years. He waited and when opportunity arose, he made it his mission to get his girl. Gahhh this novel was fantastic. While it might have been a little insta-esque between them, their chemistry was explosive and could not be denied. All in all this novel had drama, secrets and suspense that kept me on my toes and was all together dark and delicious - all qualities expected in this author's work! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
When Kieran Kincaid first met Gabrielle Thornton, it was on. There was something about the timid and quiet younger woman that called to him but biding his time for three years. He waited and when opportunity arose, he made it his mission to get his girl. Gahhh this novel was fantastic. While it might have been a little insta-esque between them, their chemistry was explosive and could not be denied. All in all this novel had drama, secrets and suspense that kept me on my toes and was all together dark and delicious - all qualities expected in this author's work! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
October 31, 2017
This story is quite the emotional story! The cruelty of family NEVER cease to amaze me! Through absolutely NO fault of her own, Gabby is the black sheep in her family. Ermagawd! She is the strongest woman ever! Very few women could withstand the hell she experience.
Enters the alpha man of the hour, Kieran! He has a heart of gold but the exterior of ice. The plan for his life is as old as time. However, his destiny, the path that include a certain black sheep, is dangerous and perhaps deadly.
Which path will Kieran choose when everything he holds dear is in danger? Wealth, respect, connections v the heart. Hmmmmm.....you simply MUST read this story! It’s not what you think. I promise!
Excellent read!
4 stars!
Enters the alpha man of the hour, Kieran! He has a heart of gold but the exterior of ice. The plan for his life is as old as time. However, his destiny, the path that include a certain black sheep, is dangerous and perhaps deadly.
Which path will Kieran choose when everything he holds dear is in danger? Wealth, respect, connections v the heart. Hmmmmm.....you simply MUST read this story! It’s not what you think. I promise!
Excellent read!
4 stars!
November 10, 2017
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***
Rating: 4.5/5
After having read other books by the author before, I can honestly say that her books just keep getting better and better than ever before. She knows how to deliver characters that will stay with you and never let go. Protector’s Claim is a story about second chances that will literally leave you wanting for more.
At the beginning of the story we get to meet Gabrielle Thornton, a college student who may have a respected last name, but all her life she has been struggling to keep up with her wealthy family. As the black sheep of her family, Gabrielle has endured their bad treatment towards her all her life. Now that she has finally moved out of her parents’ house, it all seems to be working just fine, but she has bills to pay and needs get the money that she needs fast. It is that she stumbles upon an opportunity that she can’t deny, but that will mean giving up on the one thing she has left and that will ultimately change her life forever.
Kieren Kincaid has it all, he has the looks and the wealth to get just about anything he wants. Yet for the longest time he has been eyeing Gabrielle from a distance while waiting for the perfect time to make her his. He knows that she is young and inexperience, but even he doesn’t know the struggles that she gone through her whole life. He wants to protect her and show her that she can trust him, but it won’t be easy especially when finds out what she has been afraid of the most. It’ll be up to them to learn to move on if they want to be together.
I absolutely loved this story, it was such a roller coaster ride that will leave you at the edge of your seat wanting to know more. Airicka Phoenix has created such a great story filled with so much substance and feelings. You will love Kieren, he is kind and protective. On the other hand, Gabrielle is such a strong individual who has struggled all her life. She wants to be there for her family even though they treat her like crap, like she doesn’t belong with any of them, and it was emotional to read. When she is with Kieran their relationship blossoms and it just keep growing from their. The steamy scenes that we get will leave you blushing and swooning for the characters. When I first read the synopsis of the book, I wasn’t really sure what it was going to be about since we don’t get a lot of information, but it was nice surprise when I started reading the story. The author does a good job writing stories with a dark twist in them that I’m really enjoying to read. She has become one of my go-to authors and if you life a bit of mystery/darkness to a romance story then this is the right book for you. I would highly recommend it, you will not regret it. :)
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Rating: 4.5/5
After having read other books by the author before, I can honestly say that her books just keep getting better and better than ever before. She knows how to deliver characters that will stay with you and never let go. Protector’s Claim is a story about second chances that will literally leave you wanting for more.
At the beginning of the story we get to meet Gabrielle Thornton, a college student who may have a respected last name, but all her life she has been struggling to keep up with her wealthy family. As the black sheep of her family, Gabrielle has endured their bad treatment towards her all her life. Now that she has finally moved out of her parents’ house, it all seems to be working just fine, but she has bills to pay and needs get the money that she needs fast. It is that she stumbles upon an opportunity that she can’t deny, but that will mean giving up on the one thing she has left and that will ultimately change her life forever.
Kieren Kincaid has it all, he has the looks and the wealth to get just about anything he wants. Yet for the longest time he has been eyeing Gabrielle from a distance while waiting for the perfect time to make her his. He knows that she is young and inexperience, but even he doesn’t know the struggles that she gone through her whole life. He wants to protect her and show her that she can trust him, but it won’t be easy especially when finds out what she has been afraid of the most. It’ll be up to them to learn to move on if they want to be together.
I absolutely loved this story, it was such a roller coaster ride that will leave you at the edge of your seat wanting to know more. Airicka Phoenix has created such a great story filled with so much substance and feelings. You will love Kieren, he is kind and protective. On the other hand, Gabrielle is such a strong individual who has struggled all her life. She wants to be there for her family even though they treat her like crap, like she doesn’t belong with any of them, and it was emotional to read. When she is with Kieran their relationship blossoms and it just keep growing from their. The steamy scenes that we get will leave you blushing and swooning for the characters. When I first read the synopsis of the book, I wasn’t really sure what it was going to be about since we don’t get a lot of information, but it was nice surprise when I started reading the story. The author does a good job writing stories with a dark twist in them that I’m really enjoying to read. She has become one of my go-to authors and if you life a bit of mystery/darkness to a romance story then this is the right book for you. I would highly recommend it, you will not regret it. :)
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
November 6, 2017
There are just books out there that draw you in from the start and this is one. This definitely was one of my top reads for this year as this author had me turning the pages from the get go. It’s got everything a book addict would love. Suspense, drama and a love affair that is off the charts! It’s sinful yet utterly perfect and delicious. Secrets that are dark and dirty, that would tantalise your taste buds in every flavour, this is what is served in this story.
About the characters and their chemistry, now where do I start... Omg they were just perfectly crafted to fit together, even though the fight to be together was met with obstacles no couple should ever experience. Family demons and heart stopping drama is what sets the scene for this story. But I wouldn’t change one thing about it because my heart was hammering the whole way through and I absolutely thrived on every delicious morsel.
If you love forbidden love stories, stories that sweep you off your feet and not in the romantically, swoon worthy way but in the hard, dark and twisted kind of way then this book is definitely right up your alley. I won’t deny loving this troublesome family and their twisted truths but stories that leave their mark in your heart are the best kind.
A trillion stars to this remarkable author.
About the characters and their chemistry, now where do I start... Omg they were just perfectly crafted to fit together, even though the fight to be together was met with obstacles no couple should ever experience. Family demons and heart stopping drama is what sets the scene for this story. But I wouldn’t change one thing about it because my heart was hammering the whole way through and I absolutely thrived on every delicious morsel.
If you love forbidden love stories, stories that sweep you off your feet and not in the romantically, swoon worthy way but in the hard, dark and twisted kind of way then this book is definitely right up your alley. I won’t deny loving this troublesome family and their twisted truths but stories that leave their mark in your heart are the best kind.
A trillion stars to this remarkable author.
October 28, 2017
Protector’s Claim is a deliciously fantastic and twistedly beautiful masterpiece that will annihilate your heart while stripping your soul piece by piece. The mind-blowing complexity of the magnificent plot along with the incredible depth of the stunning characters left me absolutely breathless and wondrously shocked. I truly couldn’t get enough of this extraordinary story. It burrowed into my heart and seeped into every part of my soul the longer I stayed exploring and savoring every word and emotion. Nothing is as superb as a story that takes on a life its own while it takes your world apart and then rebuilds it into something new and better.
Gabby was plunged into a world that no one could have survived much less endured. To the rest of the world, her family was better than perfect. They were the paragon of what people strive to become. However, a dear family friend, Kieran, starts to see cracks within their perfect façade. While dealing with his own family secrets, he finally realizes that his desire runs counter to what Gabby’s family has in store for him. Taking his own fate in his hands, he forges his own future constructing it around his deepest desires and most secret longings. Can Gabby take her own life back and win her freedom while defying a dangerous promise that has been inked and burned into her heart?
Watching this brilliant work of art unfurl before my eyes was nothing short of utter perfection. Any story by Airicka Phoenix is a genre breaking masterpiece. Her brain is a treasure trove of boundless creativity and nothing short of literary heaven. If you haven’t read one of her incredible books, then I highly recommend you start one right now. You will not be disappointed. She will transform your thinking and show you what real and pure entertainment is all about.
Gabby was plunged into a world that no one could have survived much less endured. To the rest of the world, her family was better than perfect. They were the paragon of what people strive to become. However, a dear family friend, Kieran, starts to see cracks within their perfect façade. While dealing with his own family secrets, he finally realizes that his desire runs counter to what Gabby’s family has in store for him. Taking his own fate in his hands, he forges his own future constructing it around his deepest desires and most secret longings. Can Gabby take her own life back and win her freedom while defying a dangerous promise that has been inked and burned into her heart?
Watching this brilliant work of art unfurl before my eyes was nothing short of utter perfection. Any story by Airicka Phoenix is a genre breaking masterpiece. Her brain is a treasure trove of boundless creativity and nothing short of literary heaven. If you haven’t read one of her incredible books, then I highly recommend you start one right now. You will not be disappointed. She will transform your thinking and show you what real and pure entertainment is all about.
November 9, 2017
If your in the mood for some twists & turns w/ a touch of suspense & a lot of unrequited feelings.....
This is the book. There’s so much happening in this I find it hard to review without giving away any part of the plot. Let’s just say when we first meet Gabby were immediately thrown into a family dynamic that is anything but ideal, I was cringing right along with her. They definitely affected her psyche. I really was worried where this book was going & trying to understand it all......
Until, we started get a bit of Kieran’s POV....then, just when you think things can’t twist and turn more and everything’s figured out, you get twisted again. BUT.... I enjoyed the love story. Our h has so much baggage but she doesn’t play victim, oh no, and she stays sweet and kind. How she remains that way is a credit to only herself. She was certainly a breath of fresh air.
I pretty much like all Airickas books, I think Transcending darkness is a most brilliant read. Not surprised I liked this at all. Had me biting my fingers thru several parts. Uncomfortable feelings abound. Recommend.
This is the book. There’s so much happening in this I find it hard to review without giving away any part of the plot. Let’s just say when we first meet Gabby were immediately thrown into a family dynamic that is anything but ideal, I was cringing right along with her. They definitely affected her psyche. I really was worried where this book was going & trying to understand it all......
Until, we started get a bit of Kieran’s POV....then, just when you think things can’t twist and turn more and everything’s figured out, you get twisted again. BUT.... I enjoyed the love story. Our h has so much baggage but she doesn’t play victim, oh no, and she stays sweet and kind. How she remains that way is a credit to only herself. She was certainly a breath of fresh air.
I pretty much like all Airickas books, I think Transcending darkness is a most brilliant read. Not surprised I liked this at all. Had me biting my fingers thru several parts. Uncomfortable feelings abound. Recommend.
October 31, 2017
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*
This was just... wow. Definitely a book I haven't 5-star'd in a while. There was so much to love! The darkness of Gabby's life, the darker sex world that slowly got revealed, the chemistry between her and Kinkaid and Cain. Just WOW okay? I can't use much words to describe how I feel about this!
I totally cried when I wasn't getting turned on by their hot scenes, and it was even sweet at times! The writing was great, flow and tone. Awesome. And the characters were either amazing or just needed to die. And when some I wasn't expecting to die, did, I was even more surprised. I just kept getting my mind blown. It's a definite recommend for this book and author if you haven't checked her out yet. It appears she can do it all...
This was just... wow. Definitely a book I haven't 5-star'd in a while. There was so much to love! The darkness of Gabby's life, the darker sex world that slowly got revealed, the chemistry between her and Kinkaid and Cain. Just WOW okay? I can't use much words to describe how I feel about this!
I totally cried when I wasn't getting turned on by their hot scenes, and it was even sweet at times! The writing was great, flow and tone. Awesome. And the characters were either amazing or just needed to die. And when some I wasn't expecting to die, did, I was even more surprised. I just kept getting my mind blown. It's a definite recommend for this book and author if you haven't checked her out yet. It appears she can do it all...
April 11, 2024
This totally captured me from the first page. I didn't want to put it down, although at times it had me so full of emotion that I had to step away for a few minutes. I also read late into the night to finish it.
Although a lot of the subject matter is quite dark we don't witness too much first hand. The edge of your seat suspense literally had my heart pounding at times.
Gabby was such a mix of quiet strength and determination, along with a heartbreaking vulnerability. This girls pain made me cry. Despite having chapters from his POV, I didn't feel as connected to Kieran. However he is a true alpha male and super sexy to boot.
Without revealing too much and spoiling the plot, for me the book had 4 distinct parts. That said the plot and sub plots wove a complex story throughout that merged and flowed into one amazing read. We had Gabby putting the wheels in motion on her plan. Next we had the torn between two men part. Both of these parts had such varied emotions in them and took me from tears to joy. The third part made me so delightfully anxious at times I struggled to sit still, this was where David took more control. The final part was the aftermath of part 3 BUT there was still an awful lot more twisting and turning of plot here too. After the rest of the book I was waiting for another bombshell to hit right until the very last page.
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last.
Although a lot of the subject matter is quite dark we don't witness too much first hand. The edge of your seat suspense literally had my heart pounding at times.
Gabby was such a mix of quiet strength and determination, along with a heartbreaking vulnerability. This girls pain made me cry. Despite having chapters from his POV, I didn't feel as connected to Kieran. However he is a true alpha male and super sexy to boot.
Without revealing too much and spoiling the plot, for me the book had 4 distinct parts. That said the plot and sub plots wove a complex story throughout that merged and flowed into one amazing read. We had Gabby putting the wheels in motion on her plan. Next we had the torn between two men part. Both of these parts had such varied emotions in them and took me from tears to joy. The third part made me so delightfully anxious at times I struggled to sit still, this was where David took more control. The final part was the aftermath of part 3 BUT there was still an awful lot more twisting and turning of plot here too. After the rest of the book I was waiting for another bombshell to hit right until the very last page.
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last.
November 18, 2017
What an emotionally compelling story this was. Protector's Claim by Airicka Phoenix further demonstrates why this author is one of my favorites. She does dark and dirty so well, and always manages to give her readers a fantastic story that is impossible to put down. Gabby and Kieran's story was full of angst, suspense, emotional highs and lows, and a beautiful love story.
Phoenix created a fiercely strong connection between Kieran and Gabby, and that was one of my favorite parts of the story. Both characters were so well-written. I loved how crazy protective Kieran was, and I really enjoyed the different facets of his personality. Gabby was a great character as well, strong and vulnerable at the same time. I felt so emotional while reading about her struggles. The bond that she shared with Kieran, and the love that developed between them, was so incredible to read. Nothing was easy for these two, and Phoenix did a great job pulling me in emotionally.
The book was extremely well-plotted and had some amazing twists and turns. There were times where I didn't know where the author was taking the story, and I loved that. There was a lot going on within the book but it never felt overwhelming. Both the storyline and its characters were on point. Phoenix gives her reader the full package, making the book a really enjoyable reading experience. I truly loved this story and cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
Phoenix created a fiercely strong connection between Kieran and Gabby, and that was one of my favorite parts of the story. Both characters were so well-written. I loved how crazy protective Kieran was, and I really enjoyed the different facets of his personality. Gabby was a great character as well, strong and vulnerable at the same time. I felt so emotional while reading about her struggles. The bond that she shared with Kieran, and the love that developed between them, was so incredible to read. Nothing was easy for these two, and Phoenix did a great job pulling me in emotionally.
The book was extremely well-plotted and had some amazing twists and turns. There were times where I didn't know where the author was taking the story, and I loved that. There was a lot going on within the book but it never felt overwhelming. Both the storyline and its characters were on point. Phoenix gives her reader the full package, making the book a really enjoyable reading experience. I truly loved this story and cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
November 16, 2017
¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸
⭐️⭐️ 4 ENTHRALLING STARS!⭐️ ⭐️
¸.•´(¸.•*´(¸.•*´★`*•.¸)`*•.¸)`*•.¸¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.
“I was claiming her. Claiming what belonged to me.”
I became addicted to Airicka Phoenix’s sumptuous romantic sagas after devouring BLOOD SCRIPT, her last Crime Lord standalone, so I was of course breathlessly anticipating reading PROTECTOR’S CLAIM! And wowza…she sure delivered a SIZZLING HOT, TANTALIZINGLY TWISTY book!
THE STORY:
Twenty-two-year old Gabrielle Thornton is a hard working college student who has felt like an outsider in her own family her whole life, and would be forever condemned by the sins of her mother. No one but her saw “the flaws in the Thornton portrait… the cracks and chips along the edges, the fine slivers up the glass. They were so broken and none of them knew it, except for Gabby.” Feeling the walls closing in, she sells her soul to the devil to escape her miserable circumstances and secure her eventual freedom. But when a devastatingly handsome secret admirer who covets her for himself, swoops to the rescue, all bets are off!
On the surface Kieran Kincaid is a rich, blue-blooded gentleman, oozing charm and charisma, without a care in the world. But he too has dark skeletons in his past and is haunted by the specter of his not-so-dearly departed father. The old man’s will stipulated he is expected to marry by 30 and produce an heir by 35, but there is only one women he wants. Gabby. As a close family acquaintance to the Thornton clan, he has been transfixed with the sweet, painfully shy daughter of his dead father’s best friend for years, yet up till now she has been untouchable.
But one fateful night, their destinies collide…
When Kieran sees the object of his obsession on the auction block, exposed and debased, about to sacrifice her virtue to the highest bidder, it rouses his EVERY POSSESSIVE, PROTECTIVE INSTINCT and he rashly, and recklessly, purchases her for himself! Except he must claim her under the cloak of darkness, ensnaring them both in a sordid web of dark deception, and forbidden desire!
As it turns out Kieran’s feelings of deep devotion are not unrequited. He has always had a powerfully hypnotic affect on Gabrielle who was too bashful to even look his way but now all her secret, pent up longings become realty as he awakens wanton passions in her she never dreamed possible.
But if she thinks she knows everything about her fantasy lover, think again...
And when the unimaginable happens, and his beloved is cruelly ripped away, hell hath no fury like a man whose most precious possession is stolen!
MY IMPRESSIONS:
PROTECTOR’S CLAIM TOOK MY BREATH AWAY! The rapturous love affair that ignites between Gabrielle and Kieran is sweet and seductive, chillingly suspenseful, EXPLOSIVELY EMOTIONAL, and oh so darkly decadent!
Airicka Phoenix is a writing maestro, a fairly dust sprinkling romance goddess who knows how to ENCHANT and CAPTIVATE, BEGUILE and BEWITCH, INFURIATE and ENRAGE like no one’s business!! This is a gorgeous penned novel overflowing with grandiose descriptions, sparkling dialogue and breathtaking atmospheric prose. But be forewarned this is a GINORMOUS book—not a quick read by any means—so unless you are a speed reader you will need to carve out a huge chunk of time to savor it!
That said, this author's ability to enthrall was never in question and her innate talent for seamlessly intertwining breathtaking romance, gut wrenching emotion, steamy erotica and heartstopping peril was phenomenal!! To say she swept me up in this shiver-inducing story would be an understatement!
Kieran OWNED MY HEART!! There are many fascinating shades to this DELICIOUS Alpha hero! He is rich and powerful, well-mannered, charming and chivalrous, and a devoted, ATTENTIVE lover…but he is also a force to be reckoned with!! For even though Kieran reviles everything his sick, sadistic father stood for, he can be cold and ruthless in his own right, and is NOT a man to be crossed. He protects his own with a RAGING, BLISTERING FURY and will destroy anyone who dares to trample on what's rightfully his!
Holy moly… talk about a beleaguered heroine! The atrocities that befell Kieran's poor, precious Gabrielle were horrendous!!! And while there is an achingly vulnerability and innocence to Gabby that is absolutely endearing, she is no weakling. She is strong and resilient, beautiful and kind-hearted, fully deserving of his full-fledged worship!! Gabrielle is the bright shining star that illuminates Kieran’s his entire world and I relished the way that he stakes his claim on Gabrielle because above all else he cherishes his beautiful angel with his whole heart and soul—and he vows to slay every last dragon on her behalf!
These two are just MEANT TO BE… Their love electrified my heart and their erotic interludes are titillating, blazing with raw heat and primal hunger and brimming with exquisite tenderness. But prepare to have your heart wrecked along the way! I ACHED for these star-crossed lovers as they faced obstacle after obstacle, walking a dangerous tightrope of secrets and treachery and soul-shattering truths that could topple both their worlds!
The story was rich and sumptuous and masterfully crafted. Although overall this book was not as dark as I originally expected, I enjoyed the author’s Grimm twist on the Cinderella theme. Gabby’s evil family was utterly vile—especially her monstrous, lecherous father, David—and there was high stakes melodrama, thrilling suspense, and full throttle tension galore! I loved how all the villains got their richly deserved comeuppance—in justly fitting ways--and sighhhh the HEA ending was oh-so- swooningly beautiful!
BOTTOM LINE :
I highly recommend THE PROTECTOR’S CLAIM, a lavishly written, adrenaline-pumping, ravishingly romantic story of EPIC proportions!
⭐️⭐️ 4 ENTHRALLING STARS!⭐️ ⭐️
¸.•´(¸.•*´(¸.•*´★`*•.¸)`*•.¸)`*•.¸¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.
“I was claiming her. Claiming what belonged to me.”
I became addicted to Airicka Phoenix’s sumptuous romantic sagas after devouring BLOOD SCRIPT, her last Crime Lord standalone, so I was of course breathlessly anticipating reading PROTECTOR’S CLAIM! And wowza…she sure delivered a SIZZLING HOT, TANTALIZINGLY TWISTY book!
THE STORY:
Twenty-two-year old Gabrielle Thornton is a hard working college student who has felt like an outsider in her own family her whole life, and would be forever condemned by the sins of her mother. No one but her saw “the flaws in the Thornton portrait… the cracks and chips along the edges, the fine slivers up the glass. They were so broken and none of them knew it, except for Gabby.” Feeling the walls closing in, she sells her soul to the devil to escape her miserable circumstances and secure her eventual freedom. But when a devastatingly handsome secret admirer who covets her for himself, swoops to the rescue, all bets are off!
On the surface Kieran Kincaid is a rich, blue-blooded gentleman, oozing charm and charisma, without a care in the world. But he too has dark skeletons in his past and is haunted by the specter of his not-so-dearly departed father. The old man’s will stipulated he is expected to marry by 30 and produce an heir by 35, but there is only one women he wants. Gabby. As a close family acquaintance to the Thornton clan, he has been transfixed with the sweet, painfully shy daughter of his dead father’s best friend for years, yet up till now she has been untouchable.
But one fateful night, their destinies collide…
When Kieran sees the object of his obsession on the auction block, exposed and debased, about to sacrifice her virtue to the highest bidder, it rouses his EVERY POSSESSIVE, PROTECTIVE INSTINCT and he rashly, and recklessly, purchases her for himself! Except he must claim her under the cloak of darkness, ensnaring them both in a sordid web of dark deception, and forbidden desire!
As it turns out Kieran’s feelings of deep devotion are not unrequited. He has always had a powerfully hypnotic affect on Gabrielle who was too bashful to even look his way but now all her secret, pent up longings become realty as he awakens wanton passions in her she never dreamed possible.
But if she thinks she knows everything about her fantasy lover, think again...
And when the unimaginable happens, and his beloved is cruelly ripped away, hell hath no fury like a man whose most precious possession is stolen!
MY IMPRESSIONS:
PROTECTOR’S CLAIM TOOK MY BREATH AWAY! The rapturous love affair that ignites between Gabrielle and Kieran is sweet and seductive, chillingly suspenseful, EXPLOSIVELY EMOTIONAL, and oh so darkly decadent!
Airicka Phoenix is a writing maestro, a fairly dust sprinkling romance goddess who knows how to ENCHANT and CAPTIVATE, BEGUILE and BEWITCH, INFURIATE and ENRAGE like no one’s business!! This is a gorgeous penned novel overflowing with grandiose descriptions, sparkling dialogue and breathtaking atmospheric prose. But be forewarned this is a GINORMOUS book—not a quick read by any means—so unless you are a speed reader you will need to carve out a huge chunk of time to savor it!
That said, this author's ability to enthrall was never in question and her innate talent for seamlessly intertwining breathtaking romance, gut wrenching emotion, steamy erotica and heartstopping peril was phenomenal!! To say she swept me up in this shiver-inducing story would be an understatement!
Kieran OWNED MY HEART!! There are many fascinating shades to this DELICIOUS Alpha hero! He is rich and powerful, well-mannered, charming and chivalrous, and a devoted, ATTENTIVE lover…but he is also a force to be reckoned with!! For even though Kieran reviles everything his sick, sadistic father stood for, he can be cold and ruthless in his own right, and is NOT a man to be crossed. He protects his own with a RAGING, BLISTERING FURY and will destroy anyone who dares to trample on what's rightfully his!
Holy moly… talk about a beleaguered heroine! The atrocities that befell Kieran's poor, precious Gabrielle were horrendous!!! And while there is an achingly vulnerability and innocence to Gabby that is absolutely endearing, she is no weakling. She is strong and resilient, beautiful and kind-hearted, fully deserving of his full-fledged worship!! Gabrielle is the bright shining star that illuminates Kieran’s his entire world and I relished the way that he stakes his claim on Gabrielle because above all else he cherishes his beautiful angel with his whole heart and soul—and he vows to slay every last dragon on her behalf!
These two are just MEANT TO BE… Their love electrified my heart and their erotic interludes are titillating, blazing with raw heat and primal hunger and brimming with exquisite tenderness. But prepare to have your heart wrecked along the way! I ACHED for these star-crossed lovers as they faced obstacle after obstacle, walking a dangerous tightrope of secrets and treachery and soul-shattering truths that could topple both their worlds!
The story was rich and sumptuous and masterfully crafted. Although overall this book was not as dark as I originally expected, I enjoyed the author’s Grimm twist on the Cinderella theme. Gabby’s evil family was utterly vile—especially her monstrous, lecherous father, David—and there was high stakes melodrama, thrilling suspense, and full throttle tension galore! I loved how all the villains got their richly deserved comeuppance—in justly fitting ways--and sighhhh the HEA ending was oh-so- swooningly beautiful!
BOTTOM LINE :
I highly recommend THE PROTECTOR’S CLAIM, a lavishly written, adrenaline-pumping, ravishingly romantic story of EPIC proportions!
December 4, 2017
3.5 STARS
August 7, 2018
This is a dark twisted romance that will have your heart racing and your fists clenching
Gabrielle is the illegitimate child - unwanted since birth - raised to believe that she is unworthy - nothing but a token figure to have pranced before the masses when it benefits the family name then quickly placed back within her box till she is needed again -that is her life her future, her life - until a small flicker of hope lights a fire in her heart - if she concedes the battle she will eventually win her freedom and she will play any game pay any price to finally walk without fear of the darkness behind her
Kieran has it all - he is treated by the masses as a king - all bow to his feet and kiss his backside - it can get quite tiring after a time, endless women flaunting their wares , men offering tidings from their meager kingdom -there is one though who does not prostrate before him -one who does not flaunt what he has to offer - one who blends with the shadows who shys from his touch - one that he covets above all
This was a dark read but it was also a sweet romance - the interactions between our H and h were just spot on - you could feel the chemistry
As for the antagonist - OMG - there are a couple - and they definitely made my skin crawled and my fist clench
The secondary / supporting characters are well defined and easy to connect with - they all compliment each other making for a vibrant cast of characters
The storyline flowed smoothly - there were some areas that I would have liked to have a bit more background or supporting ideas but the lack did not detract from the overall story - as I have said many times I am a very greedy reader. Plenty of twists and "OMG" moments so many that I was on edge through most of the story
Gabrielle is the illegitimate child - unwanted since birth - raised to believe that she is unworthy - nothing but a token figure to have pranced before the masses when it benefits the family name then quickly placed back within her box till she is needed again -that is her life her future, her life - until a small flicker of hope lights a fire in her heart - if she concedes the battle she will eventually win her freedom and she will play any game pay any price to finally walk without fear of the darkness behind her
Kieran has it all - he is treated by the masses as a king - all bow to his feet and kiss his backside - it can get quite tiring after a time, endless women flaunting their wares , men offering tidings from their meager kingdom -there is one though who does not prostrate before him -one who does not flaunt what he has to offer - one who blends with the shadows who shys from his touch - one that he covets above all
This was a dark read but it was also a sweet romance - the interactions between our H and h were just spot on - you could feel the chemistry
As for the antagonist - OMG - there are a couple - and they definitely made my skin crawled and my fist clench
The secondary / supporting characters are well defined and easy to connect with - they all compliment each other making for a vibrant cast of characters
The storyline flowed smoothly - there were some areas that I would have liked to have a bit more background or supporting ideas but the lack did not detract from the overall story - as I have said many times I am a very greedy reader. Plenty of twists and "OMG" moments so many that I was on edge through most of the story
October 30, 2017
Protector’s Claim
By: Airicka Phoenix
3.5 Stars
Having read Blood Script by Airicka Phoenix, I was super stoked to dive into this one. I loved Blood Script!!!
I really enjoyed the story line. I can totally get into the…
Black sheep of the uber rich family who has been treated like crap her whole life and what she does to survive type of story. The hidden secrets by family members. Gabriel has been a loner her whole life. Not by her choosing though. It’s tough seeing your brother and sister in the spotlight all the time. Yet you sit in the shadows and act like the little mouse in the corner. Because that is what you know how to do. You don’t get to be anyone else but the child who came along after your brother and sister.
Kieran was a man I could see myself with. The patience he had and the alpha coming out when he stood up for people he truly believed in. Could he find himself falling for the wrong girl though?
Diving into this one, I had a couple times where I had to scratch my head and wonder…WTRH??? (Would this really happen?) Then I would go back and reread parts. At times, it just seemed like the story didn’t flow or something. To me this story took too many turns to keep up. Scenes that were what seemed like they were tossed in to make it ‘darker’.
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By: Airicka Phoenix
3.5 Stars
Having read Blood Script by Airicka Phoenix, I was super stoked to dive into this one. I loved Blood Script!!!
I really enjoyed the story line. I can totally get into the…
Black sheep of the uber rich family who has been treated like crap her whole life and what she does to survive type of story. The hidden secrets by family members. Gabriel has been a loner her whole life. Not by her choosing though. It’s tough seeing your brother and sister in the spotlight all the time. Yet you sit in the shadows and act like the little mouse in the corner. Because that is what you know how to do. You don’t get to be anyone else but the child who came along after your brother and sister.
Kieran was a man I could see myself with. The patience he had and the alpha coming out when he stood up for people he truly believed in. Could he find himself falling for the wrong girl though?
Diving into this one, I had a couple times where I had to scratch my head and wonder…WTRH??? (Would this really happen?) Then I would go back and reread parts. At times, it just seemed like the story didn’t flow or something. To me this story took too many turns to keep up. Scenes that were what seemed like they were tossed in to make it ‘darker’.
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
December 16, 2017
I enjoyed this story and the characters. The subject matter is dark, but the content of the book is pretty light. You empathize with the heroine of the story. She is downtrodden, but she has a strength within her that burns through and allows her to endure the castigations she receives from her family. The hero is judicious, determined but possesses a bit obscurity.
Gabrielle, an outcast, rejected by her own. Determined to get away and out from under an ominous arrangement she had no inclination in honoring, she recklessly makes a decision that could have potentially had dire consequences.
Kieran, a wealthy family friend has inherited multiple disreputable businesses from his late father. His curiosity steers him to examine one of these establishments. What he encounters, forces him to act and become much like the deviant his father was.
Not everything seems what it is, and there are secrets a plenty that will have your mind whirling with all sorts of possibilities.
3.5* Stars
Gabrielle, an outcast, rejected by her own. Determined to get away and out from under an ominous arrangement she had no inclination in honoring, she recklessly makes a decision that could have potentially had dire consequences.
Kieran, a wealthy family friend has inherited multiple disreputable businesses from his late father. His curiosity steers him to examine one of these establishments. What he encounters, forces him to act and become much like the deviant his father was.
Not everything seems what it is, and there are secrets a plenty that will have your mind whirling with all sorts of possibilities.
3.5* Stars
November 2, 2017
Oh my goodness!!! What a captivating story. This book had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Gabby's family was really bad news.
Oh my, oh my and Kieran, he was the prince on the white horse who came to save Gabby. He really did save her from her horrible family.
This story had a bit of a Cinderella feeling to it.
I highly reccomend this book.
Oh my, oh my and Kieran, he was the prince on the white horse who came to save Gabby. He really did save her from her horrible family.
This story had a bit of a Cinderella feeling to it.
I highly reccomend this book.
December 26, 2017
This is the first time that I've read this author and it was a pleasure doing so. Protector's Claim is dark in it's themes and so dark in the main threatening forces but there is still a deep caring love story in the midst of it all between two people who are only looking for the light. The author adds mystery and suspense to it all in such a way that for the first time ever I wasn't sure whether I wanted to get to the next page or chapter. Well, I did and I didn't. I needed to know if Gabby could be delivered from evil and if Kieran would have the chance to be with her, and for that disgusting scum of the earth sociopath to be dealt with - preferably by being drawn and quartered but hey I'm not picky... There was just something about the malevolence that made me nervous and constantly feeling for Gabby and what would be around the next corner.
Gabrielle Thornton is the illegitimate daughter and youngest child of the Thornton Family. A family name that is high profile, old money, sells papers and the public is well aware of. Her whole family is dysfunctional (a very nice way of putting it) - her mother Marcella, brother Eric, sister Cordelia and her secretly not real father David. Kieran Kincaid is a family friend who both David and Cordelia court religiously. The Kincaid family is worth more billions and is a veritable ticket to whatever powers and riches of the world one would want. And David wants those powers in his family and Cordelia is set on snagging him and being the wife that lures him in.
However, Kieran has secretly been in love with the 'mistake' child, the hidden little mouse, Gabby, for several years. She is the reason he attends weekend dinner every week, she is the reason he stays close to the family. Gabby, in turn, has been in love with Kieran for more years than he has with her. There is an age gap between the two, she's in her 20's, he's in his 30's. They both love each other but due to family dynamics and the age gap having been a buffer for years of teendom, they have no clue as to the others feelings. Not to mention that as the illegitimate, overlooked and abused daughter of the family, heads would roll if Kieran were to pick Gabby and so she hides like the mouse she has become.
The most sinister dynamic comes in the form of David Thornton, her father on paper only. To say he's cruel and without conscience would be ridiculously lacking. This man is 100% sadist, narcissist and sociopath. He hides behind the veneer of perfect family, good manners and welcoming smiles but he's the nastiest piece of work I've read. David has put Gabby into a position where he has forced her to sign that she will be his sexual submissive if he lets her go to college. She knows she won't survive in the house so when coerced she has no choice but to sign on the dotted line. Figuring she will be prepared to run away and start over at 22 (which is when the book takes place) she goes about her daily life with one eye over her shoulder. When the opportunity to be part of an underground event to auction off her virginity comes up, she jumps on it as she has nothing of value besides herself to get her the funds to be ready to bolt from David - his reach, wealth and power.
Kieran Kincaid has recently lost his dad and inherited all the family conglomerate. When going through everything of his father's, he finds some really unsavory pieces in his dad's portfolio. Through this and that, this leads to Kieran checking out the auction house on the very night that Gabby is revealed. Kieran, looking at the leeches around him drooling over her and also wanting her for himself does something completely out of character and bids and wins the night with Gabby. Thus the turning point for both characters and the beginning of a ride that kept me uncomfortable as hell and scared the floor would fall out throughout the book.
Will Kieran find out the secrets of the Thorntons and thus save Gabby? Will Gabby with all her programming be able to reveal enough to Kieran to help him keep her safe? Will they ever be able to fall in love and be with each other as they want without something terrible happening? That's the up and down rollercoaster ride of the book. The clock is ticking and the twists and turns lead to suspense, some mysteries and a whole lotta "Oh God's".
The book wasn't perfect but I loved the fact that I was uncomfortable the whole time and wanted to figure out how it would resolve enough and I loved Kieran (what a unicorn among men) and Gabby (what a strong somehow untainted survivor) so much that I won't give this book less that 4 stars. I'd love to give it 5 because I just enjoyed the world that had been created so much but being realistic I have to knock it down to 4 because something was just a little off. That being said, I really hope some of the author's other works are as suspenseful and impacting as this one and I look forward to reading more.
Gabrielle Thornton is the illegitimate daughter and youngest child of the Thornton Family. A family name that is high profile, old money, sells papers and the public is well aware of. Her whole family is dysfunctional (a very nice way of putting it) - her mother Marcella, brother Eric, sister Cordelia and her secretly not real father David. Kieran Kincaid is a family friend who both David and Cordelia court religiously. The Kincaid family is worth more billions and is a veritable ticket to whatever powers and riches of the world one would want. And David wants those powers in his family and Cordelia is set on snagging him and being the wife that lures him in.
However, Kieran has secretly been in love with the 'mistake' child, the hidden little mouse, Gabby, for several years. She is the reason he attends weekend dinner every week, she is the reason he stays close to the family. Gabby, in turn, has been in love with Kieran for more years than he has with her. There is an age gap between the two, she's in her 20's, he's in his 30's. They both love each other but due to family dynamics and the age gap having been a buffer for years of teendom, they have no clue as to the others feelings. Not to mention that as the illegitimate, overlooked and abused daughter of the family, heads would roll if Kieran were to pick Gabby and so she hides like the mouse she has become.
The most sinister dynamic comes in the form of David Thornton, her father on paper only. To say he's cruel and without conscience would be ridiculously lacking. This man is 100% sadist, narcissist and sociopath. He hides behind the veneer of perfect family, good manners and welcoming smiles but he's the nastiest piece of work I've read. David has put Gabby into a position where he has forced her to sign that she will be his sexual submissive if he lets her go to college. She knows she won't survive in the house so when coerced she has no choice but to sign on the dotted line. Figuring she will be prepared to run away and start over at 22 (which is when the book takes place) she goes about her daily life with one eye over her shoulder. When the opportunity to be part of an underground event to auction off her virginity comes up, she jumps on it as she has nothing of value besides herself to get her the funds to be ready to bolt from David - his reach, wealth and power.
Kieran Kincaid has recently lost his dad and inherited all the family conglomerate. When going through everything of his father's, he finds some really unsavory pieces in his dad's portfolio. Through this and that, this leads to Kieran checking out the auction house on the very night that Gabby is revealed. Kieran, looking at the leeches around him drooling over her and also wanting her for himself does something completely out of character and bids and wins the night with Gabby. Thus the turning point for both characters and the beginning of a ride that kept me uncomfortable as hell and scared the floor would fall out throughout the book.
Will Kieran find out the secrets of the Thorntons and thus save Gabby? Will Gabby with all her programming be able to reveal enough to Kieran to help him keep her safe? Will they ever be able to fall in love and be with each other as they want without something terrible happening? That's the up and down rollercoaster ride of the book. The clock is ticking and the twists and turns lead to suspense, some mysteries and a whole lotta "Oh God's".
The book wasn't perfect but I loved the fact that I was uncomfortable the whole time and wanted to figure out how it would resolve enough and I loved Kieran (what a unicorn among men) and Gabby (what a strong somehow untainted survivor) so much that I won't give this book less that 4 stars. I'd love to give it 5 because I just enjoyed the world that had been created so much but being realistic I have to knock it down to 4 because something was just a little off. That being said, I really hope some of the author's other works are as suspenseful and impacting as this one and I look forward to reading more.
April 24, 2021
I liked this book. It interested me from start just because I wanted to know what happens next. While I like it it somehow fizzled out when it should be getting good. Gabby’s character just never developed. She remained the same right through and the start of her relationship with Kieran just seemed to happen out of nowhere. There were many inconsistencies but I could over look them. The resolution of the terrible family didn’t satisfy me. Wish there was an epilogue but I like this author so on to another of her books.
October 6, 2017
Suspenseful, dark, daring, pushing the boundaries and limits while holding your captive with every page.
This was a fantastic read that had my heart pounding every second. Just when you think you know what happens, everything flips upside down and takes you for another ride.
One of my favorites.
This was a fantastic read that had my heart pounding every second. Just when you think you know what happens, everything flips upside down and takes you for another ride.
One of my favorites.
September 23, 2018
I haven’t read a book with character this vile since Devin from The Life of Anna. David was the devil’s best friend, if not the devil himself. I couldn’t ask for better fearless hero than Kieran Kincaid, he reminds of Emery from Dark Notes. the man was relentless in his quest to help Gabrielle.
The book was long ( at least to me it was) but the moment I read the first page I was willing to go on that crazy antsy journey with Gabrielle and Kieran. I love the paste at which the story flowed. I love that if wasn’t your typical the hero was aware of the heroine trouble but felt helpless. It made the story more believable because of the fact that kieran were blind to Gabby’s suffering and that when he became aware of it he had a very realistic reaction: horror and guilt.
I’m also glad the author gave us a glimpse into David’s derange mind.
I highly recommend this book to any lover of dark romance
The book was long ( at least to me it was) but the moment I read the first page I was willing to go on that crazy antsy journey with Gabrielle and Kieran. I love the paste at which the story flowed. I love that if wasn’t your typical the hero was aware of the heroine trouble but felt helpless. It made the story more believable because of the fact that kieran were blind to Gabby’s suffering and that when he became aware of it he had a very realistic reaction: horror and guilt.
I’m also glad the author gave us a glimpse into David’s derange mind.
I highly recommend this book to any lover of dark romance
May 12, 2019
Kieran + Gabby
A mistake from birth Gabby lived a tragic life: a drunk mother, careless brother, evil sister, and sadistic father and she is willing to sell the last piece of herself that she has left... until Kieran.
Under an alias Kieran bought her to save her and from then on everything he did was for her in order to nurture, love, and protect her. Giving her all the things she never had but craved.
A mistake from birth Gabby lived a tragic life: a drunk mother, careless brother, evil sister, and sadistic father and she is willing to sell the last piece of herself that she has left... until Kieran.
Under an alias Kieran bought her to save her and from then on everything he did was for her in order to nurture, love, and protect her. Giving her all the things she never had but craved.
November 23, 2017
5 Stars!!
Loved this book! It clicked all me boxes on what makes a delicious story with great character’s, an intriguing plot, real sexy sex scenes that are very well written and balanced with the rest of the story, oh, and the writing is done well and engaging. I’m a happy gal right now and look forward to reading more from this author!
Loved this book! It clicked all me boxes on what makes a delicious story with great character’s, an intriguing plot, real sexy sex scenes that are very well written and balanced with the rest of the story, oh, and the writing is done well and engaging. I’m a happy gal right now and look forward to reading more from this author!
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