Savage Protector

The Caraksay Brotherhood #6

by Ashe Barker

In the shadows of a dangerous underworld, Leila Mansour’s life hangs by a thread after a harrowing escape from an attempted honour killing. Rescued by the enigmatic Zayn Abbassi, a skilled marksman working for the infamous Savage crime family, she finds herself torn between ambition and desire.

As Zayn helps her chase her dream of medical school an unspoken bond grows – yet Zayn’s protective instincts keep him at a distance, wary of her vulnerability. But when her family comes once more hunting for revenge, Zayn resorts to violent extremes that shatter Leila’s world.

Can love survive the chaos of bloodshed and betrayal?

In a battle between loyalty and justice, both must confront their demons to forge a future together – or risk losing everything.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

Until 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.

Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.

She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.

When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to win this book - I usually don’t start a new series in the middle. But it was easy to drop into the fictional world. Gabe & Megan are combustible and have a complicated history. Talk about adrenaline! I am going back to the beginning of the series to catch up. Love finding a new series!

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action packed, steamy romantic story about an old couple finding their way back to one another after a very long time apart and also after some bad things happened between the two.
The couple was on a base together she was a doctor in the medical corps and he was the man she was with was in intelligence and also a explosives specialist. She thought they were very close and that she knew him until she heard some people talking and she went to investigate what they were saying, come to find out what they were saying was true. When he comes to her room later she's distraught then she’s outraged. Things spiral out of control, he tries to talk to her but she won’t listen, she shoots him. After that she’s sentenced to prison and her certificates for being a doctor stripped from her.
She moves to an island that her aunt is on owned by a mafia boss not far away from the Scotland and England coastline. There she becomes the doctor for them when and if they need it. During this time she tries to forget about what happened and move on from the ordeal. No one knows that circumstances will bring an old lover back together again and if those old feelings come back between the two…
The organization that she’s with now had a helicopter targeted by missiles and she’s at a hospital in England to find out about the people who were on the helicopter when it went down, during this time the officer from her past comes back into her life. Come to find out that three of the people that were in the helicopter has suffered and ill effects, the mafia boss is still unconscious and will need to have brain scan done, the mafia boss’s brother and the pilot who suffered a crushed leg that will have to be amputated from just below the knee. The five other people only suffered from minor injuries.
The couple met again in the hospital and he started helping the organization with their business. He helped when someone tried to kill the mafia boss’s brother as well as helped when destroying a place where they were going to sell girls in Scotland for a man that he’s to kill for the US government, later on he helps find out about the mafia boss having a price on his head and destroying the people behind that and the helicopter crash.
During this time the couple get closer, they have oral sex and sex with toys as well as make love. Neither one wants me away from the other for too long and when they do their meetings are explosive just like the sex they have. He tells her from the beginning about loving her but she doesn’t say it until later, she’s still scared of what will happen, if he will not want to be with her or if he’s hiding anymore secrets from her.
They go to fortify the island for an attack and after one attack he goes to check out all of the explosives that he put out along the edge of the island. During this time he’s captured by the enemy that he has been sent to take out by the US government. Before the organization finds him he gets hurt real bad and the man he’s to kill is close to killing him, he finds out the reason why he wants the mafia boss killed and by the end the organization is there to get him.
They take him to a special hospital facility to get fixed up and everyone wants him to stay and they all talk to the mafia boss about it. The mafia boss makes an agreement with him. He has alot of recovery to do and the doctor stays with him throughout.
A year later he’s out on an assignment for the US government and the doctor is at the island when she starts having contractions. Both the mafia boss and his brother take her to the helicopter where the pilot that lost her leg is waiting to fly her to the specialty hospital on the mainland. She wants him there for when their daughter is born but she knows he's somewhere around China and won’t be able to make it. But right at the last minute he’s there with her. They have a little girl that they both will doting after. He asks her to marry him and she agrees. They celebrate with warm champagne and with friends and family.
Characters are beyond fantastic and is an amazing page turner. Exceptionally written. A great action packed, suspenseful, thrilling, steamy romance that’s a happy ever after for the time book.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Caraksay Brotherhood series each book can be read as a standalone with the Savage family second chances so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!! After the helicopter is shot down every one is everyone is alive which is amazing in itself there are some injuries major injuries Megan their in house doctor is in full on medical mode when the one person she doesn’t need to see walks in it is like a nightmare that is reality she doesn’t even really know his name his real name that is could be Ed, or Gabe and now he is back in their or her life especially when she wants nothing to do with him. Her reaction puts everyone’s guards up, but she isn’t giving him any wiggle room. Gabe sexy as all get out sniper for the government as well as other outside employers wasn’t expecting his girl although he never forgot about her but now that she is back in his grasp he isn’t letting her go, he is there to prove to her she belongs to him but at the core of them both they still believe in helping others, she still believes in her oath first do no harm, he intends to prove to her that there is more to him that the lies she heard, that he is sorry for ruining her military career, putting her in jail but will they figure out who is after Ethan, who is after the family, will she give him another chance, can she trust him, will she give him a chance to explain why or what happened, will they find a common ground to build on, and can they see that find has given them a second chance at happiness?

[Louise Car · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Barker tantalized her readers once again with this enemies to lover story set
within the Savage Mafia Family. There was a constant build- up and plot twist
throughout that led to a fiery conclusion.There was two separate story arcs within
this book.Firstly Megan and Gabriels journey and secondly, who was after Ethan, and why. The story includes life and death , good and evil,brutality and revenge, a compelling love story, amazing characters, kidnappings, human trafficking and a helicopter crash. The book dives into the history of Meagan and Gabriel which set the tone for their current relationship, and who was after Ethan was a mystery.

Imagine Megan’s surprise when the man who broke her heart reappeared in her life.
Her hatred was palpable and she was determined to throw him to the curb. I admired her tenacity and how she made Gabe work to get back in her good books.
I didn’t like how bitter she was towards Gabe, but it was understandable. She was angry and not ready to let go of the grudge despite his explanation. In my opinion,It didn’t take too long for Megan to open her heart and fall into bed with Gabe.

Gabriel Sawyer was a man on a mission. Reuniting with Megan was an unexpected bonus. He carried a permanent reminder of the misunderstanding between them, but she still had a place in his heart . Gabe was at the right place at the right time to help the Savage family with so many of them injured. Gabe worked loosely as a sniper for the US government. He also was responsible for freeing women taken to be sold by a trafficking ring. He proved his worth to the Savage family, but not everyone was easy to convince.

The other part of this story was who and why targeted the Savage Family. As expected, the fallout was always going to be brutal.

I have enjoyed each book in this series by Ms. Barker .Her talent at painting vivid descriptions of the scenes and the characters make it so easy to lose yourself in their lives.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An attempted Honor Killing is diverted by the Savage Brothers and their men, Leila Mansaur’s pulled from the ocean
Leila had not been able to believe that at eighteen years of age her Uncle and two cousins, with her father watched had been thrown to her death into the sea and fortunately rescued by strangers. The Savages and Zayn had pulled her from the ocean deaths and he had nearly died because she had gone so deep, Aaron and Ethan had been furious and threatened him over his stupidity.
The relationship between Leila and Zayn grows and he helps to prevent a second attempt on her life and enables her to achieve her dream and becomes a doctor specialising in paediatrics as she dreamed all those years before. The life they have built has not been easy but together they have pulled together and now things seem to be on the up until a phone call out of the blue.
The boy and his mother and sister when Zayn had been working for their father and husband, he sees the beatings they are receiving from their father and husband and he helps them all to escape to Birmingham. Aaron and Ethan had given Bilal a burner phone and told him if they were ever in danger all they had to do was phone and this is what happens, the ramifications of the call are horrendous.
I guarantee that you will love every moment of this book and will be left looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Stats23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the books in the Caraksay Brotherhood series can be read and enjoyed on a stand-alone basis, as can this one, but this book is really a very gritty sequel to the last one in this series (Savage Warrior) and as such I strongly recommend reading it first. Having said that, WOW is this book ever a fast paced page-turner. After their helicopter is shot down the occupants are all miraculously alive but some of the injuries are life altering. Megan, the family’s resident physician, is in full medic mode when her worst nightmare walks in. Ed Baker, or is it Gabe Sawyer, has seemingly inserted himself into the family inner circle and she wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Her reaction to him immediately has the leadership team on alert and his trustworthiness is put in question. What plays out is an outstanding adventure with two distinct story arcs; who and why is someone trying to kill Ethan Savage and can/should/will Megan and Gabe reconcile. The action is intense, violent and at times horrific. The romance is testy, intense and salacious. There are a few new characters who may or may not take their place in the Caraksay Brotherhood, but either way you are really going to like them. This is #6, let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long for #7. 5 Stars
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[FD · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enemy to lovers, second chance love story full of action and intrigue and a dose of spice. Part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. As a matter of fact, it's the first story of the series I read. I got intrigued and started reading the series. Many recurring characters who eventually (probably) all get their own story. In this story, doctor Megan meets Gabriel again, the man with whom she had a short stormy romance a few years ago. That ended badly at the hands of both of them. Now that they're close again, Gabriel tries his best to win her over again.
Personally, I don't like it in a story when women easily surrender to the irresistible men they're actually angry with, and there are a lot of them in this series, but at least in this story Megan starts of really angry with Gabriel. From what I've read of the series so far, I find this story the most entertaining. The writing style is accessible, easy to read with a smooth storyline which takes you into the story. Situations follow each other smoothly and at a rapid pace.
The few minor flaws for me, the prologue in which Megan came across as pretty silly, the speed with which they made up, Megan's sobbing, can't spoil the fun. Entertaining story with nice supporting characters like the new young hacker addition.

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

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

With 'Savage Protector', we're on book eleven in Ashe Barker's "The Caraksay Brothers" series. If you've been following along with each book, then you'll know why this crime family enthralls me. If you haven't and you're just now reading this review, let me tell you a few things that make this author, this series, and this book worth more stars than are available.
Ms. Barker has a way of bringing her characters to life with flawed, relatable personalities. Her writing style creates a world that, even if you've never travelled, can be pictured in your mind like you're revisiting somewhere familiar.
The series is about a crime family with its home base in Scotland. They've been through, and taken me along, the good, bad, and ugly of their world. They've also opened up their home to not just me as a reader but to several innocents that needed protection. They've also made sure those they care about have every opportunity to flourish.
Zayn and Leila are no exception. Like all the books within the series, this can be read as a stand-alone but it's so much better when you travel the family's journey. Read the blurb and then dive in. You won't be disappointed.

[Joan Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6, last in the series the Caraksay Brotherhood. It was fast-paced with lots of intrigue. The characters were sharply written—I could picture them and see their distinct personalities. The story grabbed my attention and kept it throughout the book. I was fascinated by the setting of Scotland and the remote west coast hideaway they had.

Dr Megan is already a part of the mafia family, but Gabriel manages to worm his way in—to Megan’s dismay. She believes that he led her astray in their prior relationship but was really married. Their passion is electric. So much to learn and dispel to get to the nitty gritty. When push comes to shove, you find out whose side everyone is on.

With mafia interrogation happening as usual, I liked that Megan stuck to her pledge of “First do no harm” (part of the Hippocratic oath). She truly wanted to relieve suffering. That warmed my heart. It really added to the book’s emotion.

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

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Reckoning, the 6th book in the series, picks up right where the last one - Savage Warrior - left off. So it is high-tension, adrenaline-fueled from the get-go. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I would definitely recommend reading these two books in order to better understand the background when it comes to the bad guys. To me, the enemies-to-lovers romance between Megan and Gabe was secondary to the fast-paced suspense plot with its numerous twists and turns. While the book had my heart pounding from the beginning to the end, I found it less challenging emotionally than Savage Warrior. There's a brilliant HEA not just for the leading couple and some interesting side characters are just begging for their own story, so I hope we dont't have to wait long for the next book!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Savage Reckoning' is the sixth book in Ashe Barker's phenomenal "Caraksay Brotherhood" series. If you've even read one book in this series then you know how addicting Ms. Barker's writing is. Putting the book down is nearly impossible once you start one of her stories. 'Savage Reckoning' gives us Megan and Gabriel's story. Do you remember Megan? Her aunt works for Ethan Savage and asked if her niece could be brought to the island until she gets herself situated. It seems she fell in love with a married man while in the military and in a fit of anger, shot him. Of course, the man she fell for winds up in the middle of a mess the Savage's have found themselves in. The kicker? Yes, it's him. The same man who broke her heart but is now going by a different name. This second-chance mafia romance is filled with a plethora of emotions. I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next one. I'm not ready to leave the castle just yet.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when a book starts off where it's predecessor ended as you are catapulted immediately into the story as if no time had lapsed.

Here we have Book 6 in the Caraksay Brotherhood saga and we get Meghan's story and so much more. I won't include spoilers here but this is nota stand alone. There are some triggers - people trafficking and some violence, so be aware.

Megan is forced to work with Gabriel despite him being responsible for the annihilation of her army career and her stint in Jail - as they both toil to help the Savages - but with so much heartbreaking history can they ever forgive and rekindle their passionate affair?

Plot rich, strong and with well developed characters. This is a series worth getting your teeth into.

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

[Troubleinfl (Dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book without having read any of the prior books in the series. I found that while a couple of things were unclear, I didn't have any problems understanding and appreciating this book. It's a fantastic read with tons of action with Gabe and Maggie's story.

What I particularly enjoyed were the various locations where the story unfolds. They are detailed, even with local dialects that make it feel so authentic. Each place has its own flair that add so much to the book!

I knew that Ashe Barker is a great storyteller, and this book didn't disappoint. There is graphic sex and violence with a focus more on the latter. There is an HEA and no cliffhanger, but this is not the last book in "The Caraksay Brotherhood" series. I certainly plan on reading the books I've missed as well.

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

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Reckoning is the sixth book in the brilliant Caraksay Brotherhood series and takes off right where the previous book ended, only from Megan and Gabriel’s POV.
This dark and at times downright bone-chillingly brutal mafia romance had me utterly and completely hooked from first page to last.
The heady mix of heart-pounding suspense, well built mystery, sizzling sexual tension, steamy hot sex and heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, throughout the entire fast paced, action packed ride of twists and turns.
Beautifully written, intense and violent; it was entirely impossible to put down.

I received an advanced copy of this book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. This is tied with Casey’s story as my favorites of this series. I loved the second chance, enemies to lovers romance between Megan and Gabriel (love that name). This again is a mile a minute story. Don’t blink or you will miss the action. I have to you tell you I fell a good bit, not a little bit, in love with Gabe. Omygosh, he is so yummy. I wouldn’t throw him out of bed. Action, great dialog and fantastic dynamics makes this series and this story so great. Ashe really pulls me into the story and never lets me go. Amazing story.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling well written enemy to lovers/second chance story that is the sixth book in the series. Picks up right where the previous ended but could be read as a stand-alone. This story highlights Megan and Gabe’s relationship journey. It also continues the Savages mission to free the imprisoned. Storyline will keep you on edge with devastation, a strong feisty ethical women, resistance, sparks, secrets, misunderstandings, hot passion, intrigue, brutality, revenge, numerous twists and turns, suspense, violence, intrigue, family dynamics all leading you to an amazing ending.

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

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

OMG!, what an absolute epic story I was astounded reading this book, the story was mesmerising and the characters were really captivating. OMG! I could not put the book down.
We first meet Captain Megan Alexander and Colonel Ed Baker they had an affair and then broke her heart. Now with different jobs they meet again as Dr Megan Alexander and Gabriel Sawyer, now she has to learn to trust again, but one thing is for sure he causes her a lot of pain in the end.

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

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan didn't expect to see Gabe again after how they left 4 years ago. She was in love with him and he broke her heart. Now he is working closely with the Caraksay and she has no choice but to see to see him. Gabe regretted the way things they parted ways and had never forgotten about Megan. The doctor finally gets her story! The plot continues from previous books and it was really good. The whole series has been really good!.

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

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Dr. Megan and Gabe. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with all the action, violence and intrigue. She builds the sexual tension and delivers a terrific enemies to lovers romance with some smokin hot scenes and twists and turns along the way. The story moves fluidly with vividly painted scenes and I loved reading it!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Reckoning: The Caraksay Brotherhood-Book 6 by Ashe Barker. Great addition to the fantastic series. Story was well written and entertaining. The author does a great job keeping you vested in the second chance romance with routing for a HEA. Filled with a good mix of darkish drama, personal conflicts, complex characters, and undeniable chemistry between Gabriel and Megan. I would recommend this book, series, and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Caraksay Brotherhood series. You do not need to read the others, but I highly recommend you do. We have been waiting for Megan's story, which did not disappoint. Personally, Gabriel is way too cocky and self-confident, but he does grow on you. When he hurt Megan, he deserved everything he got. I enjoyed their story and was glad to find out who was targeting the family. The addition of a new character, Freddy, was welcome.

It's a great story, and I look forward to more in this series. I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.

[Sewanee Kracalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this fast paced romantic suspense from BookSprout. It’s the sixth book in this series and begins where the last book ended. While you discover what happened in the helicopter crash at the end of Book Five, it’s Megan and Gabriel’s story. He’s an International spy and assassin with many faces, including one that tore out Megan’s heart. There’s plenty of intrigue, suspense and sizzling chemistry. All Great characters with lots of depth and a story that draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it and am gladly volunteering to give this review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I' 've enjoyed every book that I've read in this series. The story was about a second chance for Gabe and Megan. They find that they are working together again to shut down the women being held for sale by auction. Megan finds that Gabe is not who she believed him to be when she knew him before as he helped shut down the human auctions. Now they are working towards keeping Sokolov from finding out who shut down his trafficking operation. There is action, violence, and steam.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blast From The Past

Megan and Gabe have history together - one where she shot him in the foot and ended up in jail because of it. But now he’s back, with mutual interests in common with the Caraksays, so Megan will be seeing more of him than she likes. This story was one part Megan and Gabe’s romance, but a big part of it fed into the larger story arc of the Caraksay brotherhood. I loved the action in this story, as well as the resolution of the helicopter crash from ‘Savage Warrior’. This book kept me engrossed in the action the whole way through - a great read.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Each book focuses on a different couple, but I highly recomend you read the series in order because there is an overall story arc that makes more sense. This one has many surprises so I'm not really going to touch on the plot point. I will say that it has a strong storyline that has many twists and turns. It has a dominant hero, a strong female lead, a steamy romance, and all the emotional ups and downs you could desire. The suspense and danger kept me captivated, and I had a hard time putting it down.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Protector is the 11th book in The Caraksay Brotherhood series and while there are meet-ups with plenty of characters from previous novels, it can be read as a standalone. While all of them contain a certain degree of violence, I found Savage Protector to be particularly graphic and bloody, focusing more on the darker side of the Savage's dealings than on the growing love between Leila and Fayn. It's a fast-paced pageturner of a book though with a somewhat rushed HFN ending.
As always, I'm leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good. It has a little bit of everything, beautiful romance, spice, tension, suspence, mystery, you name it.

This book starts out spicy. But then has a nice build of tension and romance after that. The main story line is interesting as well. It has a mystery to be solved and some suspenseful scenes as well. It does have a little violence. To me, this book was the perfect dessert, a little sweet and a little salty.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series that starts where Savage Warrior ended with the helicopter crash. This is Megan’s story but so much is included, freeing the trafficked women we saw in Warrior, Cristina’s past threatening her happiness with Ethan, and the introduction of Gabe and another new character that Cassie takes under her wing. There is passion, family dynamics and action that will make you hold your breath in anticipation and then there is the ending which is really lovely.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Reckoning by Ashe Barker is a good, and enjoyable mafia enemies to lovers second chance romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line that it is brilliantly written read. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining love story romance read that is full of action and intrigue and a dose of spice. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rose J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and action packed book. I strongly recommend reading the previous book " Savage Worrier" first as the two books are entwined. Otherwise, it might be difficult to understand all the details but it will still be an enjoyable story. There are some unexpected twists and the love scenes are intense, passionate and steamy. Recommended!.

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