Vengeful Guard

The Burkes Mafia #2

by Kira Cole

Paige and Kael's Story.
Details coming soon...

Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2024

Reviews

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 feck stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶

"I’d take on the world for the woman I love. And I love HER more than life itself."

[Emily]

THE WORLD IS ENDING I CAN READ LOW GRADE MAFIA SMUT IF I WANT TO

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is supposed to guard my body with his life. But who will guard my heart against him?

I thought surviving a kidnapping attempt was difficult. I was wrong. Having my brother’s best friend as my bodyguard is the biggest challenge I’ve faced yet.

Brooding, grumpy Kael is the only man my family will trust with my safety, but they have no idea that I don’t trust myself around him. There’s just something about his sea-green eyes, his long hair, and the way he looks at me...

I have never been with a man before, but being so close to him makes me want things I don’t even understand. Too bad our vendetta with the Murphys, my brothers’ intense scrutiny, and Kael’s professionalism stand between us.

If I had my way, I’d cross every boundary possible just as long as I got to touch him …

“Vengeful Guards” is the second instalment in “The Burkes Mafia Series”, best described as “a sizzling brother's best friend, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity mafia romance.”
With the continuing threat to the Burke family, specifically towards Paige, her family decides that she requires a full time, live-in bodyguard. The only person Declan trusts is Kael Sullivan, the bain of her existence!

“The feelings and sensations he’s awakening in me are so foreign, so wrong. Because I want him to do more than protect me. I want him to show me how a man makes a woman feel good. I want him to wreck me. To defile me.”

“I am so screwed right now. Because Paige is all wrong for me. On so many levels. And yet, here I stand, drooling over that sinful body that I’d love to wreck.

I’d break her so beautifully and build her back up only so I could start all over again. And again and again.

I can’t stop the reaction from my body any more than I can stop breathing.”

Can Paige and Kael continue to deny their attraction to each other? If they act upon their mutual feelings towards each other, will her brothers and her dad accept their relationship? When this situation comes to fruition, will her family accept the fact that they love each others?

I absolutely loved this story! I was hooked by the first chapter and could not put it down. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this one! It’s A Brothers Best Friend, Mafia Romance, (The Burkes Mafia,book 2). And yes I’d love to give it more than five stars but I’m limited I guess... 😁It’s so GOOD!
We have..
Paige Burke, our twenty seven year old, beautiful, frustrated virginal MFC. And Kael Sullivan, our handsome, muscled and gorgeous mafia, MMC. Along with our prior loved characters Patrick Burke and the siblings Gray, Declan, Lara.
Well in this book Niall Murphy’s up to his chaos again. Steaming that his daughter married a rival mafia, Declan Burke (first book). He sent men who tried to kidnap Paige. Traumatizing her greatly. Declan places his long time friend and like brother on her a a bodyguard at all times 😜.
Many things happen and challenges come from outside and and inside the family. They do eventually get their very happy ending, but not before a kidnapping attempt, a near death, an actual kidnapping event, lots of blood and brutality, death, then…peace..for a while anyway😉. Read along and expect an exciting world to open up to you by this awesomely, talented writer.👍🏻🥰❤️.

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

[Kristi Lange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these tropes so i was super excited for this and i did like it a lot but Paige was a little immature :/ she’s supposedly 27 but if her age wasn’t stated, i would think she’s maybe 20/21ish.

After almost being kidnapped, Paige’s family decides she needs a 24/7 bodyguard and there’s no one her brother trusts more than his best friend, Kael, to take on the job. Paige and Kael have never really gotten along so when she finds out who her new bodyguard is she is less than thrilled.

After Kael moves into Paige’s house he almost instantly starts seeing her differently. No longer just his best friend’s little sister, but a beautiful woman that he can’t stop thinking about. They grow closer and soon enough the guy who swore he’d never fall in love is falling hard

”I’d take on the world for the woman I love. And I love Paige Burke more than life itself.”

-enemies to lovers
-brother best friend
-bodyguard x mafia princess
-forbidden
-reformed playboy
-virgin FMC
-he falls first

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Guard is book 2 of the Burke's Mafia series and is Kael Sullivan and Paige Burke's story. It's a fantastic, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, opposites attract, brother's best friend story and as you can see it's loaded with all kinds of great tropes.

"We are oil and water. Chatty outgoing, bubbly girl and silent grump."

This story is fast-paced, exciting, dangerous, emotional, raw and so, so hot. A virgin at 27 is Paige's biggest burden and when that was all she had to worry about life was so simple. After a failed kidnapping attempt by the Murphy's, she's now faced with the one man she's dead set against, Kael. Kael is a hardworking, grumpy pessimist who's biggest goal is taking care of his Ma and doing his job for the Burke's to the best of his ability. So it's really no surprise whe his best friend and boss Declan calls on him for another job. What is a surprise is that he's going to be guarding a lifelong thorn in his side and his bosses sister, Paige. These characters give a whole new meaning to opposites attracting and enemies to lovers. But, the saying goes "there's a fine line between love and hate." This story is
absolutely a recommended read!

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every Kira Cole book that I’ve read, but this one is my absolute favorite so far!!!!
I was left wanting to know more about what happened to Paige after finishing the first book, and this one answered all my questions! Paige and Kael had a less than friendly relationship. As her brother’s best friend, Kael was often around and saw Paige as a pain in the butt brat, and Paige always bickered with him.
The spark between them was undeniable! The more they were around each other, especially just the two of them, the harder it was to hide and fight the feelings that were developing. This was a delicious slow burn romance that nearly incinerated my device as they started to turn up the heat!
I super curious to see how things will play out with the Murphy family and a hoping that Gray, Lara, and even Cillian get a shot at their own books!!!.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Guard is an action-packed, dark mafia romance with hit attraction, the angst that comes with forbidden love, and a plethora of spark and sass. Kael is a deeply complex man who is loyal to his family and his employer while keeping his heart locked away. Paige is a spoiled, selfish, naive mafia princess with a kind heart who has been babied by her family her whole life. Kael and Paige are constantly at odds, her sass and teasing keeping him on edge. Tasked with protecting her after an attempted abduction, it is fascinating to watch her spiral and him slowly pull her out of her shell. Together they are combustible, and I loved every moment of their interactions. Whether they were fighting, flirting, or the other four letter f-word, they lit up the pages and kept me coming back for more. I just adore Kira Cole’s writing, and I can’t wait to see where she takes this series next!

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

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot!

Paige is the baby of the family and treated has such.Someone tries to take Paige but it gets foiled but now her brothers decide she needs a bodyguard or she will have to move back home and she sure doesn't want that.Declan one of her brothers choose Kael who is a friend of the family.She is against him and vice a versa.He moves into brownstone and the heat gets hotter and they still can't stand each other but try to work with it,until they can't face it anymore! This has alot action, it very intense and it a page turner too.It even has a happy ending.But I kind felt let down on part of the story,like was it the Murphys who was after Paige,and almost killed her Da? When the kidnappers try to take her they only say The Boss,when she is the warehouse, they say the same thing,The Boss!Maybe there is more to come?

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This book captivated me from the start, it was definitely a page turner and one not to put down. I was astounded reading this book with so many emotions throughout the story, this story was about Kael Sullivan and Paige Burke, Kael works for the Burke's and also best friend with Declan the Bosses son, when Kael receives a call from his best friend to go to his house his there. Paige was kidnapped now she is left with nightmares and someone is still after her, Declan is overprotective with Paige, so when he encouraged her to a bodyguard she agrees. When Paige sees her bodyguard she said no, she wouldn't be able to protect herself from him.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mewsings
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. I loved the ending third, with all of the action, her putting up a fight, and the HEA. I loved the beginning when he was assigned to be her bodyguard. But the middle dragged, and that’s why this is not a five star book.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Kael and Paige
Genre- Mafia Romance (Irish Mob)
Length- 385 pages
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋 featuring a virgin heroine
Series? Y. There’s an HEA for the main couple, but a major storyline will continue in the next novel.
Safety? Y
Triggers- Violence, language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Baby of the Family, Bodyguard Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Enemies to Lovers, Mafia Princess.

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

[Catherine Budd]

Kira Cole has created another wonderful novel full of conflict, trauma, and ultimately two characters finding each other's hearts.
The author has done a magnificent job of portraying Paige in a sympathetic manner as the baby of the Burke Mafia Family.
Kael is the perfect antagonistic counterpart to Paige's character.
He is forced to interact with Paige when he is ordered to protect her from threats from the Murphy family.
The saga of their interactions caught my interest from the beginning until the end of the book.
The subplots, character development and plot line kept me binge reading.
I look forward to the next installment in The Burke Mafia series.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeful Guard is part of the Burke Mafia series. Vengeful Guard is the story of Paige and Kael. I absolutely enjoyed reading Vengeful Guard and I absolutely fell in love with the storyline. This book is beautifully written, entertaining and enjoyable to read. Also, Paige and Kael’s story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. Kira Cole continues to surprise me with her amazing writing and stories. I have enjoyed reading every single book written by Kira Cole. Now I’m not gonna reveal any details about this book because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers. I would encourage anyone to pick this book up and give it a read.

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

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Brownstone Roomie

***SPOILERS/TW***

Kael absolutely crushes the room mate mode once he moves in with Paige. Swoon it is such a perfect move.

The best thing to happen to this duo is being in their own bubble away from the world.

When the hospital asks if Kael is family: kicking and screaming at his response.

“Okay I’m clearly possessed because what would make me say that?”

Trigger warning in general for the book: parent with medical issues/ICU stay.

A great read, I read without reading the first book with no problems. All prior context needed seemed to be delivered nicely as a recap in this book. A great brother’s best friend romance.

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

[SANDRA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4 star because of Declan

I definitely like this book better than first! I really felt that the ending was rushed and there were a lot of things that were not addressed.

Where the hell were the brothers when the sister that they are protective off was kidnapped? Especially Declan who was beyond obnoxious in this book.

It is unfortunate that the lasting impression from this book is Declan spitting on Kael—a person he claimed was his best friend and “brother”. There is nothing more disrespectful!

I absolutely hated that the book ended without an ounce of contrition from Declan.

Not only he did not apologize—Kael was the one to extend the olive branch. Ugh!

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige has been in love with her brother's best friend Kael for some time but stays away from him to protect her heart. Now, because of a failed kidnapping attempt by the Burkes family enemy, Kael has been charged with keeping her safe. These 2 are polar opposites, she's upbeat, positive, and happy, Kael is moody, broody, and a bit of a grump, but you know what they say about opposites. The book is well-paced, the characters are compelling, it's full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, and some twists. A solid 4 stars from me.

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

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kira Cole has done it again. A fast paced, engrossing story that's makes a compelling read. So good!!

Surviving a kidnapping, Paige is assigned a bodyguard, Kael one who she wants with all her heart.

Their chemistry is hot and really explosive once they get together. The push pull on his part is to remain professional and stay away from her Ava l and its a war he's losing.

Very well done. I really liked these two. It was an intelligent story and had a great plot. It was more about the relationship than the action happening around them. But that facet really fills the book.

Great story!!.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Paige and Kael’s story. She thought surviving a kidnapping attempt was difficult. But having her brother’s best friend as her bodyguard is the biggest challenge yet. Brooding, grumpy Kael is the only man her family will trust with her safety, but they have no idea that she doesn’t trust herself around him. There’s just something about his sea-green eyes, his long hair, and the way he looks at her… Being so close to him makes her want things she doesn’t understand.
Too bad their vendetta with the Murphys, her brothers’ intense scrutiny, and Kael’s professionalism stand between them. It was an intriguing and exciting read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige Burke and Kael Sullivan don’t get along. Never. So when a rival Irish crime boss tries to kidnap Paige, her brother Declan immediately thinks of Kael, his best friend, to be his younger sister’s bodyguard.

Paige tries to stay strong and dislike Kael, but when self defense training and a poker game lead to more, can she hide her feelings?

Kael can’t touch her. His best friend Declan and older Gray and their dad, his boss, would have his head. So much temptation and both he and Paige are not strong enough to keep apart.

I enjoyed this book until the last chapter. I don’t think this was needed to “cement” their relationship, as they both said that marriage could wait.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige is almost taken by the enemy, so Declan asks Kael, his best friend to be her bodyguard. The only problem is they do not, I repeat do not get along. But being in close proximity to each other things begin to change. This book was impossible to put down, the story drew me in from the very beginning and kept me glued. Thrilling and steamy this book is phenomenal.

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

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige & Kael: Book 2 of The Burke Mafia: Brother’s best friend/ forced proximity/ bodyguard/ forbidden/ opposites attract/ mafia romance: This was a great addition to The Burke Mafia series. It’s full of danger, action, family drama, and complications with a rival. Kira Cole’s writing style hooked me into their story right away. This was an exciting page turner.

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

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Burke Mafia series, Kael and Paige's story. It's a definite must read page-turner. Another fascinating and captivating story from the mind of Kira Cole. Wonderful characters and fantastic storyline. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Highly recommend reading it and look forward to reading whatever comes next.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😱 this was another amazing book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The chemistry between them was sexual tension and the physical attraction was spicy hotness. They couldn’t fight the temptation any longer and the romance was sensation of passion and drama. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Paoge gets targeted by a rival family her brother Declan assigns Kael to be her guard, they cantbstand each other but there's a fine line between love and hate will they find themselves on the other side? Well written engaging steamy desires, action drama and more!.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Kael and Paige!!!!
Forced proximity
Enemies to lover
Kidnappings
Hot hot hot
Everything you can want and expect in a mob story.
I love this family, but Paige and Karl’s story is amazing.
This is such a well written story. One about family always at its base.
Also, HOT!!! I love how these two fall in love!.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kael and Paige. Someone trys to kidnap her and now to top it off her brothers best friend is now her bodyguard. Hes also mafia. Shes never wanted a man but she wants him. This is a must read couldnt put it down read all nighjt. Lots of mafia stuff and steam and push and pull.

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

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mafia story full of intriguing interesting characters and story elements that holds your attention from beginning to end. The characters have steamy chemistry that propels them to deal with any challenges they face. This is a book that I enjoyed and highly recommend.

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

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way her world was turned upside down and how hard she fought to survive, just wow. He knew that she was off limits but some things you can't deny. No matter how hard the two fought to keep apart fate had other ideas. I would love to see what happens next.

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

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kael is protecting Paige from another mafia don and they are drawn to each other. Soon fireworks go off and they become lovers. There is always danger around Paige and her family. She gets taken and roughed up. Kael saves her and they get their HEA. I recommend this book to all dark mafia romance readers.

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

[Pebbles Lacasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia and Family

This story is about the mafia, extended family, and enemies. When one extended family member is assigned to guard the baby sister - who is no longer a baby - what could possibly go wrong? Well, you’ll need to read the book to find out what happens when these two connect and when enemies seek revenge. A very good story by the lovely Keira Cole.