Unruly Protector

Cocky Hero Club

by Esther E. Schmidt

An arranged marriage.
A moment washed in blood.
A heart fueled by vengeance.
It all consumes the life of one Unruly Protector.

Clemente accepted an arranged marriage as part of a deal to keep his sister safe. Though, he never expected the woman he was now connected with for life creating a weakness he never saw coming.

Caterina grew up in the mafia world and fully embraced her fate; choosing to become an asset for her future husband instead of a wilting flower. But she wasn’t expecting the ruthless head of the underworld of California to yank on her every nerve.

Being fearless in the mafia world will blindside and get you killed, while being perceptively ruthless keeps you alive and will allow you to see your enemies coming. When emotions are twisted and past enemies rise to attack, it’s revenge that feeds the blood of the innocent and might risk the lives of everyone involved.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Mafia Romance, Erotic Romance, Dark, Ebooks

321 pages, Unknown Binding

About the author

Esther E. Schmidt is an USA Today bestselling author who loves to write MC (biker) series, Mafia Romance series, PNR series, contemporary romance series, and more. She's a graphic designer that also loves to write. She released her first series "Areion Fury MC" in October 2015. Esther lives in The Netherlands with her family, three daughters, and a crazy iguana. She loves to write about bad boy Alphas with a heart for only one woman. To make it a bit interesting, that woman needs to be a badass herself.

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the plot, I liked the story, I liked the characters, what I didn't like was the dialogues. It felt like teenagers were talking and not Mafia people.

[Diana]

What happens in the mafia, stays in the mafia
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*

This is my first Esther E. Schmidt book. I'm very sorry that I didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. The premise of the arranged marriage and the surrounding drama was great, and the leading lady was strong. However, I didn't connect with the story. It had its entertaining moments. The chemistry between the leads definitely grew on me. I also liked the early dilemma that was going on that included a certain guy who shall remain nameless... So even if I didn't like this book much, it might only be that I'm not used to the author's style. Maybe it's just me. The cover is still really cool though, and I can envision Clemente so well with it. LOL.

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[Neringa Neringiukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so do love these type of stories. Love a$$hole but lovable H. You know the type. You wanna to slap the sh¡t out of him and jump him at the same time. Clemente was just...
Love strong, smart and kicka$$ h. It's already great, when h accepts her man's dark side, but when she herself dabbles in it too... Rina wasn't just a pretty accessory.
Such a perfect couple.
Honestly, I'm all over with my excitement, so probably I make no sense. Sorry for that. Lol

[Tzelina]

Dnf ..... unfortunately
Probably wrong timing 😕

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this in Unruly Defender,

Gracy (his half-sister) to Clemente: “How’s your fiancée doing?”
There isn’t a twitch on his face as he instantly replies, “Still breathing and plotting ways to kill me, the usual.”

I was on pins and needles waiting for Clemente’s story. I knew it would be a mafia/arranged marriage and probably predictable, but maybe not. And it wasn’t! What an exceptional twist this was. Catarina was a fresh of breath air for this trope and I loved it! Their connection was instant and written so well that their love for one another after such a short period of time was undeniable and quite realistic. She was his perfect match in every way and I just devoured their story!



US: https://amzn.to/3dgJ181
UK: https://amzn.to/3nFspeL
CA: https://amzn.to/34QEZ2p
AU: https://amzn.to/33PeJ9h

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was well written and had everything I usually go for but there was something missing here for me.

On the surface, it had all the correct ingredients mafia, arranged marriage etc but I struggled to connect with the characters themselves and found it hard to get invested in them or even care about there outcome.
It just didn’t have the grittiness I look for in my mafia romances.

I also wasn’t feeling a connection between Clemente and Caterina their relationship didn’t feel authentic or easy and they definitely lacked chemistry together.
Maybe it was the lack of intimate encounters as this story did feel quite tame in that regard or maybe the build-up itself was my issue I’m just not sure really.

There also didn’t seem to be much of a backstory when it came to both there pasts and also no sharing of these backgrounds with each other beyond the surface stuff.
For me, it all just seemed very instalove and superficial.

I also didn’t find Rina that bad-ass either.
Yes, she was feisty and had guts but some of the situations she finds herself in also didn’t feel authentic to her personal growth.
And Clemente well he seemed to be behaving like an ass just for the sheer sake of it.

There also seemed to be a lot of let’s talk about sex but then nobody seemed to actually get any.
And don’t even get me started on there wedding night I mean who decides to cook dinner before consummating their new marriage.

That aside I did still enjoy some aspects of this and there were moments that had me smiling like the naked dog, now that had me grinning.

This wasn’t a bad book just not really for me and with all the included side-characters this is a book that you would benefit more from if you were invested in them as well.
Also is this a spin-off series? I’m not sure but I’m getting the impression maybe it is, all I do know is all the extra individuals were very confusing to keep straight.

So this is told from dual POV which is my preferred narration.
Clemente is the head of the mafia famiglia and Rina is his arranged bride.

I found this one to be definitely mostly plot-driven.
The romance was not angsty and it was also quite low in terms of the heat factor.

it wasn’t a dark read so if you like mafia but are not really into the dark stuff that comes with it or just maybe dipping your toe into this genre and trying for size this one may be a fit.
It also had a lot more humour than I was expecting as well.

Unfortunately, this one wasn’t quite for me it happens.
I am in the minority here as a lot have loved this.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Unruly Protector (Cocky Hero Club).



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



'Unruly Protector' is a standalone Mafia Romance novel based on the cocky hero club series. Arranged marriage is one of my top favourite tropes and this author seemed to hit right onto that!!

I have always been a sucker for asshole heroes and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees. Those ones are the best. This book was the same. What starts as an arrangement between two of the main characters develops into something so deep and heart touching that it becomes impossible for these two to stay away from each other!

Clemente is the perfect hero and I loved the hell out of him! And so will you. He was a mafia leader and had accepted an arranged marriage proposal in order to keep his sister safe. What he didn't expect was for his bride to be to sweep him off his feet! She was his exact match and the exact thing that he needed in life. They both had a connection that rivaled most of the couples and I absolutely loved the steamy part of this book! A definite recommendation to all the dark Romance lovers out there!


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[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clements came across as tough and unyielding especially when it comes to business dealings, but I felt that underneath that exterior he was just like everyone else, needing to be loved, understood and supported in every way. With an arranged marriage he has no expectations that it will be a certainty of love, his hope is at least to get on nd enjoy each other's company. Finally meeting Caterina he gets so much more than he could ever dream of I loved this book, it has some hard edges with mafia and betrayal leading to violence and threats. But I took the love and over riding acceptance for both characters as the most important part of the story. The friendships that meant family, helping each other when needed. The other stuff was there and part of the plot but really of lesser importance than the main characters finding themselves and each other and being so utterly comparable in all ways.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mafia stories, like really love them so when I saw Esther Schmidt was going to have a mafia book in this world, I wondered how it would be. I mean, I've read her MC books and they are great. After reading Clemente and Caterina's story, I have to say I think she should write more mafia. I really, really enjoyed it. He's kind of a jerk at first but that changes over the course of the story. It was one of those books I couldn't put down.

[Katie Kavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off Esther seriously knows how to write a Mafia book! In this book you get an a**hole hero and a strong a** female. You get a glimpse of Clemente in Unruly Defender but get to really know him in this story. Clemente and Rina met due to an arrange marriage but Clemente truly didnt know that his soon to be wife trained to be a mafia wife. Rina, first off I want to be her!! Rina and Clemente were truly made for each other. He had his guard up especially after what he has experienced but Rina broke down his walls inch by inch. Rina accepted his darker side and also embraced it herself (loved the dialogue she had when it came to killing people). Also the bond she developed with Clemente's other men was great, she fit in just right! This book hard none stop action from beginning to end. I loved the bond that Clemente and Rina formed and truly showed that together they have each other backs and rule with an iron fist!!

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Clemente and Rina grabbed my heart
Intense emotional broken heart stopping love story
Ready for more

[Whynter Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clemente and Caterina's story was outstanding. Esther needs to write more Mafia books!! ( I still love her MC series to death, but she shines with her Mafia.) Clemente has met his match with Caterina ( I just love her). Clemente in the beginning what a prick ( that's putting it mildly lol ) But you will fall in love with him real quick. All I got to really say is you really need to read Unruly Defender and Unruly Protector.

Audible
Loved the audible version of this story. Great narrates.

[Tracy Supple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy f**k I'd forgotten how much I love when Esther writes mafia books don't get me wrong I love all her MC Books but when she does mafia she does it phenomenally and I'm always left craving so much more of it. The storyline was amazing I loved how not only the main characters are the focal point but also the other characters had a big part of the story too. Clem ( ye I shortened his name because I think it suits him ) was all alpha asshole but a softy as well which really made him more attractive in my personal opinion I love a alpha who isn't afraid to demand what he wants but still isn't afraid to show his softer side in front of the family. Rina was full of sass and a very open and strong female that wouldn't turn away from whatever needs to be done. The chemistry was amazing between them in every way possible which is what makes them a perfect couple both in social events with others and in behind closed doors.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

An arranged marriage. A moment washed in blood. A heart fueled by vengeance. It all consumes the life of on Unruly Protector. Clemente accepted an arranged marriage as part of a deal to keep her sister safe. Though, he never expected the woman he was now connected with for life creating a weakness he never saw coming. Caterina grew up in the mafia world and fully embraced her fate; choosing to become an asset for her future husband instead of a wilting flower. But she wasn't expecting the ruthless head of the underworld of California to yank on her every nerve. Being fearless in the mafia world will blindside and get you killed, while being perceptively ruthless keeps you alive and will allow you to see your enemies coming. When emotions are twisted and past enemies rise to attack, it's revenge that feeds the blood of the innocent and might risk the lives of everyone involved.

This is the story of Clemente and Caterina. The story of a super strong female character and a mafia king. A mafia man who was cold and all business but one the inside he questions himself and really has a heart and just wants to be loved. There is an arranged marriage between Clemente and Rina but he has not a clue that she has trained to be a maifa wife. This is a man who has his guard up at all times and the woman who is going to break down his walls one brick at a time. She knows that this man is dark and she accepts that and even at times embraces it. These two are fire and have quiet the story to tell. Again this is one of the books in the Cocky Hero Club and just like the others I have read it is a really good story that held my attention and had me falling for these two amazing characters.

[Victoria Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the cocky hero collection and a a mafia romance/arranged marriage romance read.
Clemente is the leader of the mafia group and is a real alpha male too. He,s cocky, arrogant but also a gentle side to him too that not many people tend to see. When he agrees to the plan of the arranged marriage he didn't expect what he got. This beautiful woman and her personality he just thought that she would have just been submissive like every one else.
Caterina is a beautiful woman who is smart and wont take any crap, she's not afraid to say what is on her mind. What started of originally as just being something arranged actually goes very different as they both got way more that they both bargained for, as fate steps in and with other ideas. They both develop very strong feelings and now everything has changed.

This book is a mafia romance book that is written very well. I liked the characters and the connection between them both is there from the beginning, the chemistry is sizzling hot. I loved how sassy Caterina was and I loved her personality and thought that she was really brave too. This story flows but I feel that even though this book is a stand alone I defiantly should have read the first book before this one, Unruly defender. This book really does pack a lot in to it and if you are a lover of mafia romance then this book is defiantly for you.


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[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Cocky Hero Club collection. It is actually the second book she has done for the collection. This book ties into the first she did for the collection. Clemente agreed to get married in an effort to make sure his sister stayed safe. He couldn’t have imagined a better match for him than the woman he got. Catarina grew up knowing she would have an arranged marriage. She has trained her whole life to be a help to her future husband not just some wilting flower in the background. She never imagined someone like Clemente. They will have a lot to work through but maybe, just maybe they can have more than just an arranged marriage. Maybe they can have love. Clemente is taken off guard by Catarina and how she acts. He wants her to feel comfortable in their home though. They share an immediate attraction to each other so that at least is a good start. Catarina could just be the best thing to ever happen to Clemente. I loved this book so much. The characters are fantastic. I loved getting to have Eddie and Gracelynn make an appearance in this book. Catarina is amazing and strong. She doesn’t just want to sit on the side lines. She wants to be involved. Clemente is ruthless when he needs to be and caring for the right people. I can’t wait to read the next book by Esther. Fantastic job Esther.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clemente is the powerful man who rules his mafia organization with an iron fist. He will not tolerate betrayal but when it comes to his family he cares deeply. A marriage has been arranged but he is about to find out that his prospective bride is unlike any woman he has met before.

Caterina was raised in a mafia family and she has always known what her future would hold however she is neither meek or mild and is determined to show her new husband that she is a force to be reckoned with.

Clemente and Caterina couldn’t be a better match as she proves by word and deed that they are equal partners in life and love.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther E. Schmidt did a wonderful job on Unruly Protector, the plot was strong, it was written well, it was packed with many emotions.
Clemente and Caterina were strong characters that were meant for each other. What started out arranged, turned into something so much strong. From the moment Caterina and Clemente met, they were drawn to one another, the attraction, their connection was strong. The chemistry between them was off the charts, they were great together. Their journey may have it's bumps but they were made for each other, they made a strong pair.
This was a great story, I enjoyed it.
I'd recommend reading it.
Thank you, Esther E. Schmidt. Wonderful work :)
5 Stars!

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book by this author that I have read and both take place in the Cocky Hero Club world.
I really enjoyed Celmente and Caterina story, it was not what I was expecting at all (OMG how he interacts with Rocco). Caterina was an unexpected surprise also, I don't want to give anything away I would just suggest that reading this book. I can't wait to read more by this author. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book for an honest review.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Clemente and Caterina’s story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, these two were forced to have an arranged marriage. But as soon as these two lay eyes on each other the first time, it’s clear to see nothing is forced between them.

Caterina is the perfect complement to Clemente and the life he must lead. She absolutely fits in perfectly with him and his entourage. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and help them all fight for the life they deserve.

Loved the mafia aspects in this book as well as seeing Chance and Aubrey again.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Mafia Romance

I really love a Good Mafia Romance and this is one of them. This particular book has the arranged marriage trope which I like and there is a lot of action and there are a number of steamy scenes that all make for a enjoyable story for me, hopefully you will enjoy it too.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to have your mind blown by ‘Unruly Protector’ – a really great Mafia story with not only a strong head of the familia in Clemente but Caterina the woman who has been brought up with one mission to be groomed as his wife. But put aside of any thoughts that Rina is a submissive wife who is at her husbands beck and call this woman is one kick a** woman who will blow your mind; I want to be Rina just for a little while; to have her confidence and resolve even though how life was mapped out at an early age.

Rina was not what Clemente was expecting when he went into this arranged marriage – is he disappointed – hell know Rina compliments him in every aspect. But it still isn’t going to be easy for this 2 strong willed people but it is explosive in every way.

The backbone of this story however and the one that makes it stand out is the link between the first ever Cocky story – cocky bastard – in which we were introduced to Chance – Chance having spent time in prison after beating up the man who raped his sister even though he to went to prison! Now that man is out and is not only causing problem for Clemente business he is also a worry to Chance.

Can Clemente step in and resolve the issue once and for all or will Rina get caught in the cross fire

[Claire Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clemente and Caterina have been told they will be married, but it's an arrangement to unite and strengthen Clemente - his rule over all Mafia bosses.
Nether are your typical Mafia members especially Caterina and as the story unfolds you quickly become her champion to create havoc and right wrongs.
My favourite character had to be Clemente's uncle, he's present yet he's not but he seems to be the foundation on which their marriage builds.

This book is as good as the previous, Unruly Defender - recommended reads for sure.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much!!!
After completely adoring the characters and plot in Unruly Defender, I knew that Unruly Proctector would be just as epic (I wasn't wrong).
I also loved how last time it was MC and this time was Mafia, as they are to of my to favourite genres.
Like the UD, UP will completely consume you from cover to cover, Wish I could rocket ball myself into their world like Rocco has. I cannot reccomend this book enough.

[Elyse Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mafia romance!

This was my first book by Esther E. Schmidt and I really enjoyed it! Mafia romances are some of my favorites and this one was pretty good!

Clemente is the head of a mafia family and finds himself in an arranged marriage. He expects his future wife to merely be a wilting wallflower, but Caterina is nothing like he expects. Born into the life, she was trained to be Clemente’s wife. She’s not just a wife or arm candy, she’s meant to be his true partner, a real ride or die.

I really like that Caterina is more that just an arranged wife. She’s whip smart and strong, refusing to take crap from anyone. She knows her place in the mafia world and embraces it, proving she’s just as worthy as any man. And Clemente is your typical jerk of an alpha male, what you’d expect of a mob boss. But he also has a softer side, which is very appealing in a book boyfriend.

This book is a great, easy, entertaining read. Perfect for relaxing with, without a lot of angst or drama. Great book! Will definitely read more from Esther E. Schmidt!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly this book was so awesome. I haven’t read too many mafia books but this one is now my favourite. I had never read any of Esther’s books before but I am now a fan and will read them. In this book we follow Clemente and Catarina’s story and it was so good, so hot and sexy and throw in the mafia and I couldn’t put it down, I happily gave up sleep to finish this book. Five stars is not enough. Simply wonderful. This book is part of The Cocky Hero Club but can be read as a standalone. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Esther's mafia romances and this one doesn't disappoint! Clemente his the head of the California famiglia and has agreed to an arranged marriage. Caterina has been "trained" for her roll as a mafia wife. Clemente is surprised when he figures out that his wife to be is so much more than a wallflower. She is feisty, confident and his match in many ways. The chemistry and dynamics between these two are absolutely perfect and makes for a great read!

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a lifetime you meet someone who changes everything...

I love Mafia stories so this was a no brainer for me. Clemente was everything stereotypical for a Mafia boss. Strong, deadly and commanding. The exception being when Clemente meets the woman who was arranged to be his wife. He is pleasantly surprised when he meets Caterina. She is feisty, fierce and every bit as forceful as Clemente. A perfect match in the bedroom as well as dealing with their enemies.

Clemente finds himself for the first time seeing a woman who is more than just arm candy. This was my first book by Esther E. Schmidt, definitely not my last.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book by Esther E. Schmidt and wanting to read more. This is one of my favorite genres- Mafia. If you love mafia, arranged marriages, cocky hero’s , sassy heroine’s filled with angst, drama and suspense then you need to read this one. Another good book in the Cocky Hero Series World.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Clemente and Caterina are a real match made for perfection. He assumed he was getting a weak wife but boy was he wrong. She is very strong. very knowledgeable and very beautiful. Excellent writing with a storyline I didn’t expect. Awesome read.