Cover Image: Deadly Protector

Deadly Protector

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Deadly Protector is the 19th book in Katie Reus’s Red Stone Security series, but each is a stand-alone title. However, this series introduced me to this author, and I’ve loved every Red Stone Security book to date. If you’re looking for a great romantic suspense series to binge, I highly recommend this one! While there are some secondary characters from previous stories in this one, you should be able to follow along without any problems.

There’s a reason Katie Reus is one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense. She consistently delivers quality stories with wonderfully heartfelt characters and engaging and sexy suspense. I know when I pick up one of her books, I had better have a lot of free time because I will not want to put it down, and this one was no exception. Deadly Protector is one more winner in a great line-up of books from this author.

Was this review helpful?

This book can be read as a stand-alone though there are some characters from previous books. Zamira is a single mother of twins and when they go away to their grandparents for a few weeks she is glad for some of her time. Spending a day at the beach she is surprised by a man you want to know why she did not answer any of his letters while he was in prison? Because she has known idea who he is, her only guess was that he was someone ih her husband’s past but he passed away many years ago and she only found out about his other life when he passed. Getting away from that man and home she feels safe. She agrees to go out to dinner with Dimitri who she met at a wedding only to be surprised on seeing the same man again at the restaurant. after telling Dimitri what happened he makes some calls and they begin looking into this man’s background.
The story picks up from here with the man becoming more violent and Dimitri more protective. Also, he and Zamira work and become a couple which at one point scares him because of her children. Overall, this is a very good story with wonderful characters.

Was this review helpful?

Deadly Protector is the nineteenth book in the Red Stone Security series. The books in the series can be read as standalone with no problems. I love the intrigue and how easy the books are to read. They are always well-written and fast-paced, and every new book is automatically on my must-read list.
Zamira was unaware of her husband’s crimes until before he died. Now as a widow and mother of twins she thinks she might be ready to date again. She and Dimitri had common friends, but she wasn’t sure if he was interested in her. When her husband’s past makes her a target, she turns to Dimitri.
Dimitri was a former thief and has a rocky past. He knows he should stay away from Zamira for her own good. But when she is threatened, he will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe.
This was a wonderful book, and I loved the intrigue. I highly recommend the series and I cannot wait for the next book.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. I loved how Dimitry was with Zamora and her kids. He’s so protective especially when Zamora is threatened and I stayed on edge. This book is worth re reading. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was steamy, fast-paced and held my interest. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Was this review helpful?

Deadly Protector is a wonderful installment in the Red Stone Security as number nineteen. In many ways this is classic Katie Reus contemporary romance. The anti-hero is well done with Dimitri who feels unworthy of Zamira because of his past. However, one’s past should not continue to define who they are today. Zamira is also wonderful with her family her strengths, and her willingness to take a chance. A threat from the past comes calling so it must be dealt with before anyone is hurt.

I like how the characters were friends first and then more. Likewise that the main characters were older so they had some baggage but maturity and a realism about life. Great read where you know the good guys will win in the end, enjoying the thrill of the journey to the happily-ever-after.

Romantic suspense readers will love Deadly Protector. Escapism reading that checks all the boxes of an entertaining story.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

One of my all-time favorite authors and series! Zamira, along with her two children, are learning to live without her husband Lucas, after his death. When a man from his past approaches Zamira, she is frightened. Dimitri Lenkov is attracted to Zamira, but has given her time to recover from her husband’s death. They met at her sister’s wedding, she had worked on his physical therapy after an injury and he is friends with her family through his employment with Red Stone Security. He is paid, by Red Stone, to break into businesses to evaluate their security systems. He learned some of his skills, although not legally, when he was younger. During their first date, she sees the man who approached her at the restaurant. Noticing her distress, she explains her concerns to Dimitri. When not only Zamira, but her family, is targeted, Dimitri and his friends at Red Stone will step in to do their best to keep her safe and end the threats. Suspense, danger, and a beautiful, emotional and intimate love story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Was this review helpful?

While this book can be read as a stand alone it is part of a wonderful world that you should read and I do believe that it is a better read if you know the world as there are many characters mentioned from previous books

Dimitri Lenkov now works for Red Stone Security as a contractor but he wasn't always on the right side of the law after all he used to be a high end jewel thief but that is in his past Now he is just trying to live the best life he can Part of that life is Zamira Nowak LeBlanc Zamira used to be his physical therapist and he knew that they couldn't have anything but now that she is no longer treating him he wants to make a move When the single mum has a child free weekend he takes her on a date but things don't go according to plan Her husbands past is about to put her in danger and when Dimitri tries to help he is recognised dragging him back into his past as well. Can they have the future and will the Red Stone Security help with that You will have to read to see

Was this review helpful?

Zamira is a widow that is raising twins, with the help of her family. When he husband died, she found out a huge secret about his life and actions-something that she never would have thought he would do. Since then, she hasn't been interested in dating. She just wants to raise her kids and live her life. But when she meets a man who makes her feel like she is more than just a Mom, her husband's secret world comes back to haunt her. Dimitri's world changed when he met Zamira. He knows she is something special, but he doesn't think he is good enough for her. He has his own secrets that he has kept, and he doesn't want her to think differently of him-even if he isn't the same man anymore. But when she is threatened, he will step in and do anything and everything to keep her safe. Even if it means stepping back into the world he left behind.

I absolutely loved Zamira and Dimitri!! They both have pasts that have shaped who they are now, but they don't let those pasts define them either. Zamira is a strong woman who has raised her kids to be happy and healthy. She still has fun and is joy filled, even after what happened with her husband. I loved that about her! It didn't make her bitter or let it define her future, and not many people can say that. Dimitri is also this stand up man who did the things he did for his own reasons. But when he saw a chance to be on the right side of the law, he took it and made friends along the way! Their chemistry is extremely hot but they also can just talk and be friends which I loved. It was great seeing snippets of previous characters in previous books, all while seeing how they all will always come together to help their friends. And let me just say, the fact that Dimitri falls in love with her kids too? Beautiful!! I loved their interactions and how they know that they can trust him. I would like to know more about a certain person in on the heist though! She has me intrigued!!

Was this review helpful?

I totally love this Red Stone security series. They are all a standalone in my opinion and have just the right amount of action, suspense and romance. I totally loved Dimitri in this book. Zamira on the other hand has her work cut out for her after she lost her husband and is raising two teenagers. I would highly recommend if you enjoy romantic suspense!

Was this review helpful?

I feel like I have been reading Red stone Security books forever and have loved each and every one of them. I just can’t remember all the characters until they pop up in one of the more recent books. Each one is a standalone though and the couples get their HEA. In this one Dimitri is our alpha hero who wants to take care of Zamiria, a single mom or twins who has had to raise them alone. She is a widow but Dimitri is smitten. This is a great romantic suspense and was a true one sitting read for me. Easy to read, Great characters, wonderful story. What more do you want in a story by Katie Reus.

Was this review helpful?

The Red Stone Security family grows as contractors are added to the mix. When a single mom finds herself in a dangerous situation, due to her ex-husband, Dimitri is eager to help. It doesn't take long for their friendship and attraction to grow. They are well suited and many characters from previous books are present and accounted for in this installment. There's passion, suspense and intrigue! I read this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

After putting her 13 years old twins on a plane with grand-mother Amelia LeBlanc, widow Zamira Nowak is looking forward to two weeks of quiet while her twins spend time with their grandparents in Canada. Almost as soon as they left for Canada, she was contacted by Kurt Ryba, one of her husband Trevor LeBlanc's partners in crime who was just released from prison and is now harassing her for information Lucas may have hidden before dying. Zamira discovered her husband Lucas was not as clean as he seemed after being killed when things went wrong on one of his ‘jobs.’
After knowing her for several years, Demitri Lenkov finally decided to invite Zamira to dinner where they discovered Kurt had followed them. Having worked in security, the former Marine immediately went into protective mode with her Red Stone Security brothers-in-law and set out to take control of Kurt. Especially after Kurt decided to threaten Zamira’s sister Angie with a gun…
There are a lot of family activities, legal and not so legal going on here. You never know what is going to happen next!

Was this review helpful?

Physical Therapist Zamira had been treating reformed thief/security specialist Dimitri. They're friends but both want to take a leap into romance but both have baggage to contend with. Zamira's late husband kept secrets from her and she only realised the depth of his criminality after his death. Dimitri fell into crime to support his mother and found that he was good at it but now he's on the straight and narrow and working with Red Stone. Their potential relationship is further complicated as Zamira is the sister of his friend's new wife.

There is plenty to keep you interested with former criminal lives and associates coming out of the woodwork and interfering with the MC's new lives. There is added intrigue when Zamira possibly has a new "secret admirer" who may be after more than she wants to give!

I loved that whilst clearly portrayed as a brilliant mum, Zamira is still a very versatile and vibrant character - she isn't a cookie-cutter mum character. She has a life outside of her children and her job. The $ex between Dimitri and Zamira is passionate, intense and yet still manages to be sweet and tender.

We also get to meet with several members of the Red Stone Security Team and their partners - one scene including Lizzy and Angel was brilliant!

Was this review helpful?

Dimitri has been holding back about his feelings for Zamira. Finally these two get serious. Zamira has some trouble from her husbands past. Dimitri and Zamsoon find themselves navigating drama, suspense and their new found relationship. HEA.

Was this review helpful?

Deadly Protector by Katie Reus
Red Stone Security series book 19. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone romance but better as part of the series.
Prior series characters are intracrul to the extended family connections that is growing from Red Security including Lizzy and Porter; Benny and Chrissy; Lyosha, Mila, Isa, Graysen, Ryba, Angel and others. This story is Zamira who is the sister to a prior character. She connects with the hero at the wedding in the previous book.
Zamira and Dimitri are attracted to each other but both are hesitant to peruse a relationship. When the past threatens Zamira, Dimitri is quick to step in to protect her.

Lots of action, suspense and sexy heat. While the children are mostly absent, it was cute that the daughter was pushing her Mon to start re-dating.
4.5

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

This series is always fresh. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Zamira and Dimitri. There is plenty of suspense and action. I liked catching up with favorite characters. Reading a book in this series is like visiting old friends. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. The ending was perfect!

Was this review helpful?

A friends to lovers romance with more than enough suspense, action and drama to keep the characters on their toes. Zamira is a single mother of two and when she is threatened by her past, she reaches out for help. Dimitri's former wickedness proves more than a match for her danger. But will she trust him with her heart?

Was this review helpful?

Another great action packed story in the Redstone series. We continue learning more about Dimitri and his friends (Russian immigrant friends and mob connections). Zamira lost her husband to an accident when her twins were toddlers. She could not have earned her degree as a Physical therapist if it hadn't been for her large family helping her with child care.

Zamira send her twins to stay two weeks with their grandparents in Canada. When she get home she decides to go wind surfing to burn off some stress. What she doesn't plan on is a man from her husband's past to come calling demanding she hand over information he sent while he was in jail. through letters to her husband.. Zamira does not know where the letters are and doesn't want to get involved. Demetri rescues her from the punk, and whisks her away to his home to keep her safe while he investigates the person.

Dimitri learns that the punk is really the nephew to one of the worst criminal in Florida (people disappear is they go against this crime boss woman). Dmitri and Viktor and their friends at Red Stone security must work together to keep everyone safe and to finally capture the Queen pin of the Underworld crimes in their area).

Lots of action and adventure - a true page turner.

Was this review helpful?

I actually really enjoyed this story. There were bits of it that were a bit terrifying, but story in general is full of emotions and chemistry. Fantastical.

Was this review helpful?