Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 27, 600 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1389-2 Editor: Lisa Petrocelli Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Protecting Anastasia by Sam Crescent

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1389-2
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Dmitriy Fedulov was known as the ghost devil. He was who the head of the Gnesin Bratva sent when they wanted to annihilate. He killed all enemies, and he did so without remorse. Until her.

Anastasia Babkin defied her family and refused to marry a cruel man. As punishment, she was thrown out, forced to live on her own, far away from the Bratva. She knew the risks. It was why she stayed all alone.

When Dmitriy was sent, he didn’t kill her. Instead, he kept her safe. He felt nothing for no one, until he met Anastasia. She was unlike other women. She was different, and he couldn’t bring himself to kill her.

The orders from Gnesin didn’t sit well with Dmitriy. When he demands a meeting, and it goes silent, he knows something is wrong. When the enemy comes hunting him down, it's only a matter of time before the Bratva falls.

Anastasia doesn’t know who ordered the kill on her family. She has fallen in love with her savior. But, will they be able to survive? Is the leader of the Bratva still alive? Will he let them live? Or is it just one big betrayal?

 

Excerpt:

“I have no idea what is going on, and I can only assume my safe locations have been compromised. I’m not going to put you in any danger. We’ll rest here tonight, and tomorrow, we’ll figure something out.”

“You know, if you had killed me, you probably would be able to just run away and live your life.”

“Running away is not an option.” He never ran away, not from his parents, not from anything.

“Take a shower. I’m going to go and get food, and do not answer the door to anyone.” With that, he closed the door and left the motel room.

He should have killed her. It should have been easy for him to do. Just one bullet to the back of the head, or slitting her throat, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He didn’t want to hurt her. In all his years, Dmitriy had never felt this way for anyone.

Running fingers through his hair, he got into the car and drove for ten minutes until he found a drive-thru. He ordered them plenty of food, kept a smile on his face for the woman serving him, which wouldn’t allow any questions or suspicions to be raised, and when she was finished serving him, he told her to have a good day.

He made his way back to the motel, grabbed all the food, and let himself into the apartment. At the same time, Anastasia stepped out of the bathroom. Her hair was damp, and she had a towel within her grip, drying it by scrunching it up in her fist. She had a single towel wrapped around her body, but he saw a lot more of her flesh on display, and he found it impossible to ignore. She was almost naked.

“The shower is free, and I didn’t use up all the hot water,” she said.

“I’ll take a quick shower.” He moved past her with speed. He didn’t want to spend any more time looking at her.

He had to get control of his erection. After what she had just seen, Anastasia didn’t need to deal with an aroused man as well. He wasn’t that much of a fucking monster.

“There’s food, enjoy it,” he said, and slammed the door. This was not Anastasia’s fault. She didn’t know how he felt. That he had been obsessed with her since she had turned eighteen. That she was nothing like any other woman he had seen or known. She was different.

Stripping out of his clothes, he turned on the shower and stepped beneath the spray. His cock was rock-hard, and he couldn’t get the sight of her out of his mind. Her smooth shoulders exposed, slightly glistening from the shower she had taken. She had been here moments before, and he was pretty sure he could smell her. He had to get some level of control. This was fucking shit.

Wrapping his fingers around his cock, he closed his eyes, and it was all Anastasia playing through his mind. Her smile. The laughter he had heard from time to time. Then of course, the way she looked moments ago, and that was all it took to send him right over the edge, and he grunted as he spilled his seed into the bathtub.

He couldn’t recall the last time he was with a woman. It had been so long ago, possibly even the night before he had seen Anastasia for the first time. That one look at the party was enough for him to never want anyone else.

There had been a few moments where he had tried with other women, but none of them appealed to him. They meant nothing.

He stopped trying and accepted there was only one woman for him, and that woman was Anastasia.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 36 ratings)
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4/5
Short read that is worth the time
Written by KathrynE on 8th Mar 2026

If you like protective OTT men and strong women you'll like this. Dymitri is a contractor of sorts for the bratva but he deals in lives not buildings he has an order to deal with the babkin family which he does all but Anastasia who he protects. Things start to appear untoward when he gets orders that don't appear to be from his boss so he and Anastasia start investigating. There's a mystery to this book, it's emotional, spicy and really enjoyable as always Sam's writing is incredible

5/5
Protecting Anastasia
Written by Bee Sue on 8th Mar 2026

I was on the edge on my seat right from the first page that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed the twists and turns. It was well written with me guess alot.

4/5
Dmitriy and Anastasia
Written by Samkat on 8th Mar 2026

Dmitriy is given the job to take out Anastasia. Someone has ordered a hit on her, but Dmitriy is unable to do it. He’s a hard man that works for the Bratva, but Anastasia is his weakness. Together they weave their way through twists, betrayal and danger to find the truth. Good story with suspense and steamy romance.

4/5
Great read
Written by Laura Ann on 8th Mar 2026

Dmitriy Fedulov works for Nikolai Gnesin, in the Bratva. Now, five families had been killed off by Dmitriy for the Gnesin Bratva. Dmitriy thought that this was a waste and was making the Bratva weaker, but he didn’t talk back to the boss. Dmitriy had noticed Anastasia Babkan when he saw her crying at her grandparents funeral after their car accident. If her brothers hadn’t been consoling her, he would’ve taken her then. She had refused to marry whom her father told her to, so she had been cast out. He continued to watch her from afar, and then the order to kill the Babkan family had come in. He killed everyone, except her. He took her to one of his safe houses. Learning how she handled that was interesting. Now, she waits for his visits and makes his meals, while he gets her everything that she could want. Then, Dmitriy can’t get in touch with Nikolai at all. There are a bunch of questions that he has and while with Anastasia at his cabin, those questions lead to more of that. Then they find out that things are worse than they thought and end up on the run. They find out some stuff that is mind boggling. They finally give into their feelings and things get romantic and steamy. Then, things get crazy as they learn more and more and come up with a way to find out what really happened to Nikolai. We find out that Anastasia is absolutely perfect for Dmitriy. The fight scenes are cool and Dmitriy is practically a one man army. The ending was great and a bit shocking. I loved it.

5/5
Anastasia and Dimitriy
Written by LBing on 8th Mar 2026

This was an engaging and exciting mafia romance that's filled with mystery and twists. Dmitriy is a Gnesin Brava assasin and he's been sent to wipe out a bunch of treacherous families, one of which includes Anastasia, a gal he's been keeping an eye on since she turned eighteen. Now, he's collected her to keep her safe, despite her family having kicked her out for her rebellion... I was hooked on the connection between these two, and they sure burned up my reader ;P, but I was just as caught up in the mystery and danger that unfolded around them. This was a gripping page turner that leads to a fab HEA and I was so there for the reading ride. Good fun!

4/5
Great Read
Written by Jocelyn W on 8th Mar 2026

Dimitriy Fedulov knew the consequences of not following through with an order. But no way was he killing Anastasia Babkin. When his demand for information goes unanswered, He and Anastasia find themselves on the run. It will take bothe of them to unravel the secrets going on behind the bratva.

4/5
Dmitriy and Anastasia
Written by Bobcat on 8th Mar 2026

Protecting Anastasia is the story between Dmitriy and Anastasia. Dmitriy is the loyal killer of the Gnesin Bratva. He's never balked when given kill orders. Until Anastasia. He's watched over her for four years, ever since she left her family in disgrace. When the order comes down to eliminate her entire family, including her, he follows orders...with a twist. Anastasia knows Dmitriy was supposed to kill her, he kidnapped her and hid her instead. This is a slow-burn romance, considering the years he watched over her and the months of protecting her. This "unemotional" hero fell first...years ago. Anastasia has a spine of steel, and the ability to see the reasonableness of her family's deaths. I loved their story and the epilogue.

5/5
Saving the Ghost Devil
Written by Bookbunny on 8th Mar 2026

Dmitry knew the risk when he took Anastasia and didn't kill her. But she was innocent. When things aren't adding up with Gnesin, he requests a meeting. That's when all heck breaks loose. As these two think about ever aspect of the Bratva, something isn't adding up. They end up having to run for their lives. But that doesn't stop Dmitry or Anna from wanting to know the truth. I love that Anna pushes him to think about every aspect. She is perfect for him. Dmitry has hidden his feelings for so long, she makes him want. The passion between them is so good. When they figure out that Gaesin has been taken, they need help. I have to say. I give it to Anna. She was the one that figured who was the one that caused it. Loved it.

5/5
Great story
Written by PHOENIX96 on 8th Mar 2026

Dimitriy is a man who gets the job down when tasked. But when Gnesin sends him after Anastasia he protects her instead. Having run from her family after refusing to marry, she didnt expect a hitman to be on her tail nor to fall for him when he saves her instead. But things arent adding up, when Dimitriy gets radio silence from his boss, its down to the pair to get to the bottom of whats going on, that if they can survive whats to come. Well written the story is engaging, fast paced but packed with heat and action

4/5
So good!
Written by Shelly44 on 8th Mar 2026

So good! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this novel and it did not let me down. From the first chapter this novel sucked me in and held on tight. I love a good Bratva novel with a super protective hero who is willing to do anything to protect the strong heroine. I loved Dmitriy and Anastasia's story. My heart hurt for Anastasia and all she was forced to go thru because of her family. I loved their chemistry. I loved watching their walls and defenses come down and fall in love. So good! Once I started reading I was on the edge of my seat. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. So good!

5/5
Quick read
Written by ccourt on 8th Mar 2026

This story does not disappoint its a quick read. I live reading Sam Crescent books. There spicy, emotional, intense, thrilling.

5/5
Anastasia and Dmitriy
Written by Chmhowel on 8th Mar 2026

This is a short read but so worth it. I love Anastasia’s strength. Dmitriy is a bad guy but oh so good. He and Anastasia have strong chemistry. I love how the story was written and the ending was perfect.

5/5
Dmitriy and Anastasia
Written by Babs on 8th Mar 2026

This action-suspense narrative follows Dmitriy Fedulov, a Gnesin Bratva assassin known as the "Ghost Devil," who is ordered to kill the exiled Anastasia Babkin. Instead of completing his mission, Dmitriy chooses to protect her, sparking a high-stakes pursuit by the Bratva leadership. The story explores the mystery behind the hit on Anastasia’s family and the threat of a larger betrayal, offering an engaging read filled with danger and unexpected twists.

4/5
Enjoyed!
Written by Rowena on 8th Mar 2026

Really enjoyed this newest release from the author. It’s storyline brings an innocent woman Anastasia into Dimitri dark and dangerous mafia world. She was so unexpected but her impact into his life is so enduring. This was a fast paced romance story that did not disappoint.

4/5
Anastasia and Dimitri
Written by Heather1145 on 8th Mar 2026

Dimitri was hired to kill Anastasia, But he kidnapped her and takes her home, He protects her first. They have a strong attraction. I enjoyed this Bratva story,

5/5
Dmitriy and Anastasia
Written by BeckyS68 on 8th Mar 2026

This book kept me on edge from the first page to the last. Dmitriy is a hitman who works for a powerful bratva leader. Anastasia's family was killed by him because they had betrayed the leader. Now Dmitriy is protecting her, and they are facing an enemy that they haven't identified. This plot has several excellent twists that kept me guessing. I enjoyed it so much. Be prepared, though, there is a lot of violence and super spice. Excellent book!

4/5
Protecting Anastasia
Written by Unrulyreadr Reviews on 8th Mar 2026

Awesome! I've read other books by this author, and they're all great. This one didn't disappoint. I was hyped to read it and wasn't let down. From the get-go, this book hooked me. I'm a sucker for a Bratva story with a super protective hero who'll do anything for the strong female lead. The plot was exciting, the characters were awesome, and the writing style kept me glued to the page. Totally recommend this to anyone who loves the genre!

5/5
Protecting Anastasia by Sam Crescent
Written by LyndsayL on 8th Mar 2026

Once again Sam has written another hit. I enjoyed every moment of this read. The way the MC was protective over the FMC and made her feel safe after everything she had been through. There was something about this woman that made him change every single plan he had set for himself. The chemistry is off the charts and the action is non-stop. This is a must read!!

4/5
Protective
Written by ObsessiveReader on 8th Mar 2026

Things aren't right in the Bratva and Dmitriy is beginning to question what is going on. He is being ordered to kill families and it seems the Bratva is getting weaker. When he is ordered to kill Anastasia's family, he ends up kidnapping her to protect her. Anastasia slowly begins to fall in love with him. Anastasia isn't some weak girl, she is actually a strong female character. She walked away from her family and the Bratva, unfortunately this doesn't keep her safe. Well worth reading.

5/5
Dark mafia age-gap erotic romance
Written by itsthejo on 8th Mar 2026

'He killed all enemies, and he did so without remorse. Until her.' The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend! Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

4/5
Bratva
Written by Anotherdayinparadise on 8th Mar 2026

When you are sent to eliminate a family, but fall hard for the one that has been cast out. This was a good solid read and the HEA was nice.

5/5
A Strong Heroine and the Perfect “Good Bad Guy”
Written by A.K. Shaw on 8th Mar 2026

As a longtime fan of Sam Crescent, I’ve come to expect stories that grab hold of you and refuse to let go. Protecting Anastasia absolutely delivers. Even in novella form, Crescent proves once again why her books are such addictive page-turners. Anastasia is not your typical heroine waiting around to be rescued. Yes, she finds herself in dangerous circumstances, but what makes her so compelling is that she never loses her strength. Even when fear creeps in, she remains determined, independent, and capable of protecting herself when it counts. That resilience makes her incredibly easy to root for. Then there’s Dmitriy, who might just be one of the best “good bad guys” Sam Crescent has written. He’s intense, dangerous, deadly for sure, and fiercely protective, yet there’s a depth to him that makes the romance feel genuine rather than predictable. The dynamic between him and Anastasia crackles with tension, and when the sparks finally ignite, the chemistry is undeniable. The story itself moves at a relentless pace. From the first pages, Crescent pulls readers into a whirlwind of danger, drama, and sizzling romance. The action keeps the tension high, while the emotional connection between the characters gives the story real heart. It’s the kind of book where you tell yourself you’ll read “just one more chapter,” only to realize you’ve reached the final page. I ended up reading Protecting Anastasia in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down. It’s fast-paced, steamy, and incredibly satisfying, with a happily-ever-after that feels completely earned. If you’re a fan of Sam Crescent, or if you love romance with strong heroines, dangerous heroes, and nonstop momentum, this novella is definitely worth picking up.

5/5
Loved it!!
Written by Kimberly R on 8th Mar 2026

I absolutely LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I really loved Dmitriy and Anastasia. They were both amazing characters. I absolutely recommend this book.

5/5
I couldn't put this one down!
Written by Jes7s7 on 8th Mar 2026

So, I was not sure about this with the background between Dmitriy and Anastasia as she was on his list but boy am I glad I read this one. The twists and turns were enough to make keep me reading straight through. The story was really good and had a believable story line that was easy to follow. The chemistry between Dmitriy and Anastasia was perfect and the steaminess was on point. Highly recommend this one.

4/5
Dmitriy falls hard
Written by Luv2Read17 on 8th Mar 2026

Dmitriy has been known as the devil ghost, appearing when needed by the Gnesin Bratva to get rid of people... His life takes a turn when he's ordered to handle the Babkins family, but keeps Anastasia safe. Anastasia was cast out by her family. When Dimitriy takes her, she was upset at first, however, she finds herself attracted to him. For someone that's never felt things before, Dimitriy finds himself drawn to Anastasia. What happens when Dimitriy starts questioning orders? Will this pair be able to survive?

4/5
Dmitriy falls hard
Written by Luv2Read17 on 8th Mar 2026

Dmitriy has been known as the devil ghost, appearing when needed by the Gnesin Bratva to get rid of people... His life takes a turn when he's ordered to handle the Babkins family, but keeps Anastasia safe. Anastasia was cast out by her family. When Dimitriy takes her, she was upset at first, however, she finds herself attracted to him. For someone that's never felt things before, Dimitriy finds himself drawn to Anastasia. What happens when Dimitriy starts questioning orders? Will this pair be able to survive?

5/5
Nice read.
Written by Mary S on 8th Mar 2026

This was a nice read. It had a bit more of action since the beginning. Love Dmitriy and Anastasia, Anastasia was the perfect match for Dmitriy she was in every step the perfect companion for the solitary Dmitriy.

5/5
She was a Cast Out
Written by Kimmijane on 8th Mar 2026

As usual, not only are Sam Crescent’s books dangerous and hot?, they are also charming. Anastasia brings the charm and innocence to this book while Dimitri brings the danger and the hotness! If you like hitman vs innocent target then you like this book!

4/5
Page Turner
Written by KKG on 8th Mar 2026

Loved Dmitriy and Anastasia! Their story kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening with the Bravta. Loved how Anastasia was so strong and fierce. And their HEA was so cute!

5/5
Protector
Written by Shell R on 8th Mar 2026

Bratva life isn't for everyone one. When Gnesin Bratva says jump you jump, when he says someone disappears..... then poof their gone. Dmitriy has a few secrets in this life no one knows. One he is the Devil Ghost, he only saved one person from the disappear notice and he isn't letting Anastasia go. Is he a captor or her savior. Also what is going on with his Bratva? Enjoy ?

5/5
perfect
Written by laura.lovesreading on 8th Mar 2026

Phenomenal story. Dmitriy was sent to take Ana’s life, instead he protects her. And when danger arises, question pop up and threats are needed to be identified, they work together. It’s steamy, full of action, danger and protection. Ana is amazing. She is silently strong, intelligent, supportive and caring and together with Dmitriy they are a force to be reckoned with.

5/5
Protecting Anastasia
Written by Karen99 on 8th Mar 2026

The Bratva’s Ghost From one emotion to another, this read will take you on a journey of forbidden love with an obsessed hero in the making in this fast-paced entertaining read. A Super-hot read full of danger, action, secrets and a twist which this author does very well leading to a happy and swoon-worthy ending.

5/5
The Ghost mets his match
Written by Joreads on 8th Mar 2026

Dmitriy Fedulov was sent by the head Gnesin Bratva to kill the Babkin family, he killed them all apart from Anastasia. He couldn't bring himself to kill her instead he kept her safe. Anastasia in no stranger to the Bratva, she refused to marry a man he father picked for her and in exchange she was thrown out of the family. As evil starts to come after them Dmitriy goes into overdrive to keep Anastasis safe especially so after they admitt how they feel. Fastpasted and hot as hell another winner from Sam.

4/5
A little dark and steamy
Written by Kris08 on 8th Mar 2026

Dimitriy and Anastasia were unusual, yet sweet. He was supposed to unalive her, instead he abducts her. She somehow manages to fall for him during her time in captivity, all while solving the mystery of what is happening with the mafia boss. At times amusing, a little dark(ish) in places, a little steamy, I did find it a little flat at times, but I still thought that this was an enjoyable story.

5/5
<3
Written by JustMe83 on 8th Mar 2026

Good! I loved the s7@lker aspect of it and how he just watched over her. oved how he was exactly what she needed. They complimented each other so well.

5/5
Fierce Protection and Powerful Chemistry
Written by K Ramirez on 8th Mar 2026

Protecting Anastasia is a gripping, emotionally charged romance that delivers exactly what fans of Sam Crescent love — strong protective heroes, intense loyalty, and a heroine worth fighting for. From the very beginning, the story carries a sense of urgency and danger that keeps the pages turning. The hero’s protective instincts are front and center, but what makes the romance compelling is the emotional depth beneath that strength. His devotion to Anastasia feels genuine and unwavering, creating a powerful dynamic built on trust and fierce loyalty. Anastasia herself isn’t just someone in need of protection — she has resilience and heart, which adds balance to the relationship. Their chemistry builds naturally alongside the suspense, blending tension, vulnerability, and passion in a way that makes the emotional payoff feel earned. I’d recommend this to readers who love protective alpha heroes, suspenseful romance, and stories where loyalty and devotion drive the relationship forward. If you enjoy intense connections paired with strong emotional stakes, this book is a fantastic read. Another compelling romance that showcases why Sam Crescent remains a favorite in the genre.

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