Tag Archives: Mafia / Mob

Beast

By S C Daiko

Synopsis

I’ve been sold by my own father to a Beast.

Gleb Sokolov is the definition of a savage.
He’s an animal in bed and everywhere else.
A notorious Russian mobster, badass personified.

And my father just sold me to him, to pay off a debt.

But there’s something Gleb doesn’t know… we have a son,
and I’ll do anything to keep him from finding out.

Eva Petrenko
Sassy, secretive, trouble with a capital T.
She drives me damned insane.
Except, when her father offers her to me, I find I can’t resist.
She belongs with me, even if she refuses to believe it.
Eva hates me, but I’ll go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
Problem is, Eva’s father isn’t the only one with debts
and mine are the kind I’ll need to pay with my own blood.

Review

Beast is a fast-paced and highly enjoyable romantic suspense centered around the Russian mafia.

Gleb and Eva have great chemistry and once I began I could not put this down. Their attraction to each other is instant and Gleb is very alpha. His protective instincts over Eva and her family is romantic. The age difference between Gleb and Eva made the speed of his need to secure Eva in his life believable to me.

The suspense story follows Gleb and Eva and provides many moments when Gleb is protective yet passionate. I also enjoyed how Eva stands up to herself with Gleb.

This was a surprising read, enjoyable and ended way to fast for me.

Beast

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The Promise (The Burg Series #5)

By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.

The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history. Benny has decided differently. But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.

Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.

Review

I have read “At Peace” four times and finally, I thought I was ready to read Frankie and Benny’s story. It was always on my mind but there have been such mixed reviews.

At Peace is one of my favourite stories so I was happy to be able to see so much of these Cal, Vi & the girls in this story. It probably made me forgive the pace and how this story was just too long.

I would have loved for her recuperation and mending fences with Benny’s family to be more in-depth and less of her living away from Benny, it really felt dragged.

The endless drama with Frankie’s family drove me nuts and I admit by the end I skimmed over their conversations as I was like I am over this drama.

Now I did enjoy this story however it did not rock my socks and I felt the ending was rushed. Then we were shown the wonderful life of Frankie and Benny, I would have loved to have less of their time apart and more of their life after.

A favorite character for me was Sal and how he slowly breaks down the barriers and mends fences. He really loved Frankie like and daughter and I loved that for her.

Benny did not disappoint in his alpha protectiveness.

Look I think because this series has two of my favourite books being At Peace and Games of the Heart that I had really high hopes for The Promise. Happy I read but will not be in my KA books that I reread endlessly.

The Promise (The Burg Series #5)

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Emilia: Part 2 (Trassato Crime Family #4)

By Lisa Cardiff

Synopsis

I’m the head of the Masciantonio family. I’m a dangerous, ruthless, unforgiving man, and I know how to fight dirty.

Fate put Emilia Trassato in my path. I saw a future with her—I saw hope. But she didn’t agree, and I let her walk away.

Now she’s back, but I’m no longer free to claim her. However, the minute our eyes meet, I know there’s nothing in this entire goddamn world strong enough to keep me from her.

She’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted, and I don’t care how many promises I have to break, or how many lives I have to destroy…I’m not letting her go. Not again.

Because this time…she’s mine.

Review

Firstly you must read Emilia: Part 1 which was released in May 2017, this will set up the love triangle and where Emilia finds herself at the start of this book. As it had been a year I re-read book 1 and still loved the drama and suspense around this mafia family.

Salvatore and Marcello provide again great tension, however, I was happy this was not dragged on. The choice by Emilia is made swiftly in the beginning and I was very satisfied, she chose the right man for her. Their passion was perfect and I loved how we learned so much more about Emilia’s family history. Her father finally stood up for her. That was a favourite turn of events in this story for me, to learn more about her mother.

The mystery and suspense were tied up really well by the author, it was worth the wait and I did not pick the dangerous connections. My only complaint was Part 2 does not have all the angst and drama that Part 1 had and it would have been great to have this whole story in one book to keep the momentum.

Emilia: Part 2 (Trassato Crime Family #4)

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Trouble (Made & Broken #3)

By Nora Ash

Synopsis

I share everything with my twin—every man I kill, every woman I fuck. But once my sight is set on her… she’s all mine.

Audrey

If there is one thing I don’t have time for, it’s men. Especially not men six years my junior, with a wicked smile and abs for days. No self-respecting woman with career goals and bills to pay would fall for a guy like Liam Steel—he’s everything I never wanted, with his easy laugh and complete disregard for rules.

He’s not the man for me, I know he isn’t. He’s got secrets, and if I get too close they’ll end up burning me alive.

So why can’t I stay away?

Liam

It was meant to be a harmless fling—she was supposed to be just another quick fuck before I was out the door. But Audrey Waits is so much more than I ever thought she’d be.

She’s the one.

I should be happy I’ve found the woman I want to marry. After all, isn’t that what everyone spends their entire life searching for? Their one true love.

Too bad I’ll never get my Happy Ever After.

How can I, when being with me means she’s marked for death?

Louis

It was always Liam and me. Through every hit we’ve done, every woman we’ve fucked and every loss we’ve suffered, we’ve been left standing because we had each other’s backs.

Then she showed up. The prissy little bird who’s wrapped my twin around her finger, making him careless. Making him vulnerable.

In our business, you have a weakness, you’re dead. And if there’s one thing I won’t survive, it’s losing Liam.

So I’ll protect him—even from himself, if I have to.

I’ll make her think I’m him.

And then I’ll break her.

She’ll regret they day she fell in love with a Steel.

Review

I admit I have loved the Made & Broken Series, the first two were five heart reads. This final installment had an action-packed second half with emotion and spine-tingling moments. I felt the emotional connection between Liam, Louis, and Audrey.

Liam and Audrey’s romantic journey felt slow for me. Louis played a sneaky game of the heart and it felt too quick within the storyline. Trouble in some parts just felt rushed. I could not feel the three characters connection as deeply as I did other couples in this series.

The author created tense and exciting final moments for the mob family drama and secrets were well played. Can I say I really loved the Russian when he dealt with Audrey, it provided humour at a dark moment. Also, my favourite brother being Marcus returns so I was very happy.

. The author neatly tied up all the family with a great Epilgoue. This series had a great trio of strong female characters who all balanced these mafia brothers, I would have loved to have met Ellie.

Trouble (Made & Broken #3)

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Monster (Made & Broken #2)

By Nora Ash

Synopsis

Marcus

They call me crazy. Sociopath. A monster without a conscience.

I always thought they were right. I don’t back down from anything, and the only thing that can quell the rage in my gut is killing.

Then she walked into my life. The woman who seduced me to steal my Family’s secrets.

I should kill her, but when I look into her eyes, all the monster in me wants is to protect her.

Eve

It was supposed to be an easy job: Seduce a ruthlessly handsome man and steal his pen drive while he’s sleeping. Not the worst thing I’ve had to do to while working on the streets, by far.

I didn’t know he was the son of London’s most dangerous crime family—and I didn’t know that looking at the pictures on that goddamn pen drive would make the entire country’s underworld hunt for me.

He’s the only one powerful enough to protect me now, but I’m not sure if that’s what he’s got in mind. I’ve seen what he does to the people who cross him.

He’s a monster.

And now, his sights are set on me.

Review

Monster was a surprising read, I knew it was going to be dark but I did not expect the emotion it would envoke in me. I did not expect the knots in my throat at the end when I found myself sad but also hopeful. When I first met Marcus in Dangerous (Made & Broken #1) he immediately drew me in, I wanted to know his story.

Monster reflects his true inner turmoil and some readers may find him hard to connect with. He is dark, dangerous yet draws you in, you want him to find peace. He is brutal when his inner demons come out, some parts of this story are quite violent but they reflect Marcus. What healed my turmoil over this was his brother’s actions and how they silently backed him up, they were always there for him.

Evelyn was a perfect female character for Marcus, the way she communicates to the Monster and draws him to the light was beautiful. She was strong and resilient and stood up for herself.

I was glad the author took their love on a different path to Blaine and Mira, even though it was still insta-love. The author explains the attraction for both Blaine and Marcus towards the end of this story with their mother. We learn more about the Steel family and all their secrets. This is a great Mob Romance that held me captive and I read in a day.

Again, upon finishing book 1, I bought book 2 and 3 as these brothers all drew me in and I need to know their stories. I am so excited to read the twins story about what type of women brings these two to their knees.

Monster ends at a sad but also happy moment in time for this couple. I do hope I find out more about Marcus and Evelyn in the third book being Trouble. I would love to see these Steel brothers unite their family together in this final installment especially with their other brother.

Monster (Made & Broken #2)

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Dangerous (Made & Broken #1)

By Nora Ash

Synopsis

Killer. Heartbreaker. Husband…?

Blaine
I hurt, break and kill for a living. The Family point, I deliver.
But this time, they ask too much. This time, they want me to marry the one woman who knows my secret. She has reason to hate me, I know, but I’ll take her, I’ll break her, and I’ll make her mine.
That’s the only way I can keep my secret.

Mira
When I ran away eight years ago, I thought I’d escaped the underworld I’d always known.
I made a life for myself. I thought I was free. Then my past came knocking at my door.
Now I’m marrying the son of London’s biggest crime family. A man who hates me as much as I hate him. He’s ruthless, brutal, and dangerous—everything I’ve always feared.
He’s taken away the life I built, he’s taken my freedom. And now, I fear he’s taken my sanity, too.
How else could I have ended up pregnant with his baby?

**Dangerous is a full-length romance novel with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!**

Review

Dangerous was such a surprising read, it was fast paced, flowed well for me and the two main characters had a great personal connection. Whilst reading Dangerous I could feel the emotional pull between these two headstrong people.

Mira was beautiful and very easy to love, her life has been so dramatic and dangerous. The way Blaine wanted to protect her in his own stubborn way was amusing at times and frustrating at others. The Mob story held my interest and was intense and sad at times in particular for Mira in what she endured at the hands of her father and brothers. There are not many sex scenes between the two but when they do it is passionate. The emotional build up is wonderful and relative to the story and helps build their relationship.

Blaine’s brothers provided such interest that upon finishing this book I immediately went and purchased the other two books in this series. Marco is just so dark and intriguing, I cannot wait to meet the woman that breaks down his barriers. The two twins are funny and relentless in their support of their family.

My only complaint was the way this ended, it was too quick and I wanted the conclusion with the story. Thank god you can sign up with the author and you get a bonus chapter which gives you answers. I hope we get to see more of Mira and Blaine in the coming books.

Dangerous (Made & Broken #1)

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Sweet Redemption (Sweet Duet #2)

By Ellie Jean

Synopsis

Powerfully romantic, sexually charged and full of emotional angst, the sequel to Sweet Deception will enrapture your heart.

Dreaming of a future with Alex Raven was foolish and dangerous… For us both.

My past defined who I was until Alex Raven found me that fateful night. The hot chemistry, passion and protective love he showed me made me want things I could never have. Risking everything, purging my sins, determined to free myself from the clutches of Dimitri Sokolov, I had to accept the ultimate consequence: my life without Alex.

But no one saw what was coming.

How could I have known?

Will I be able to save myself from my past errors? Will redemption ever happen for me with the one man who made me want to risk everything?

Review

Sweet Redemption was a frantic and soul-destroying yet also stunning completion of this riveting mob suspense romance duet. My heart was shattered for Isla but I also held such hope that Alex would be her savior and we are given a wonderful ending, it was so worth the journey.

Their story picks up right where Sweep Deception ended and I found it very easy to immerse myself back into this sinister world. Isla is so fragile yet incredibly strong and in the first few chapters has to find her inner strength again as she battles for freedom.

Alex and his friends again provided so many favourite moments for me. The story flows well, family secrets are revealed and plot twists change that will leave you relieved and also distraught at points in time.

Alex and Isla’s connection is beautiful and passionate however I would have loved more tender moments especially as we reached the end of this story. There is one moment where I personally believe a more soft and sensual interaction would have healed both their hearts and injuries.

All in all, I love this mafia romance, it had drama, deceit, secrets and ultimately unsuspecting hero’s who returns to save the day.

Sweet Redemption (Sweet Duet #2)

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Sergio

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

Dark Mafia Romance

I’m the first born son of the mafia king. The favorite. Destined to rule, I’m a dangerous man, a ruthless one. But in my world, you have to be.

Then Natalie stumbles into my life. Wrong place. Wrong time.

Twice, fate put her in my path.
Twice, fate placed the innocent lamb at the mercy of the monster.

I gave her a chance to walk away. Told her it would be better for her if she did.
But she didn’t listen.
And now it’s too late.
Because I’m not good. I never wanted to be. And I won’t let her go anymore. See, I’m not the hero. When I touch her, it’s with dirty hands.

I know my reckoning is coming though. I know I’ll burn for the things I’ve done, the sins I’ve committed. And I don’t deny hell is where I belong, but I want my time first. I want my time with her.

She’s mine.
Forever.
No matter what.

Review

Sergio has blown my mind, I knew going in it was going to be intense, dangerous and an emotional read. This is my fourth book by this author and again she delivers such a diverse and decadent path for the reader.

Sergio and Natalie’s story is mentioned in both Salvatore and Dominic’s story from the Benedetti Brothers Series. Both these stories were 5 Heart Reads for me and I could not wait to go back and learn about the oldest Benedetti.

Natasha Knight knows how to write great Mob Romance stories that are dark and gritty but also honest and hopeful. She can make you love and then forgive the character. She will make you want to have his babies, fall in love with the brutal man and yet want to stand alongside him and face the darkness and enemies.

Natalie is an amazing and strong female character who has a strength that radiates throughout this entire love story. She was a favourite character for me in Salvatore so I was thrilled to learn her history.

Enjoyed having both characters thoughts reflected throughout this story and it has made me want to pick up Salvatore and return to this mob family again.

Sergio is brutal for your heart however it ends perfectly in time just before Salvatore’s life is about to change.

Quote: She is breath. She is life. She is everything.

Sergio

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Yuri (Bratva Blood Brothers #1)

By K J Dahlen

Synopsis

Yuri…
He knew he wasn’t looking for anything pure or righteous.
He’d never known tenderness, nor did he want to know. It didn’t fit with being Bratva.
But when he met her, this tiny bundle of woman he almost wished he were different.
There was something about her that appealed to something deep inside him.
Something he never realized was even there.
She had reached down deep into his soul and taken a piece of himself he didn’t know was even there.
For her, he almost wished he was different.
Because now that he had tasted her he wouldn’t let her go.

Raven…
She knew who he was and what he was but she never expected to be drawn to him,
She had nothing to offer a man like him.
He was one man she should never have met, let alone been allowed to taste.
He was everything she’d ever dreamed of and so much more.
She knew she should have walked away from him for her own sake.
But if she did she’d be nothing more than a shattered soul

Review

Yuri consisted of a great Russian mob story, lots of twists and it was easy to follow Yuri and his four friends from their childhood.

Nicky and Raven were great characters and their story was so meaningful. In saying that, we did hear it numerous times as new characters were introduced. I did find this strange and when the characters from Russia arrived and we heard it again, it started to lose its impact.

Raven was a brilliant and very strong female character, I immediately connected with her and loved the way her story became so central to Yuri and moving forward. She was so loving and compassionate but also fragile at moments. Yuri’s strength and stubbornness provided a great support for her and their lovemaking was perfect and placed well within the story.

When Yuri concluded I was definitely not ready to stay goodbye to this couple, I would have loved to see more of their relationship going forward. Perhaps in the coming books, we also get to see more of Yuri and Raven?

Yuri (Bratva Blood Brothers #1)

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Unexpected Allies (The Tokhan Brava Book 1)

By Peyton Banks

Synopsis

She was a bad b*tch—Her name sparked fear in those that had the nerve to run from her. Mila Petrovna was a soldier in the Tokhan Bratva, the most powerful crime family in New York City, run by her brother. She collected debts on behalf of her brother and the Bratva. It was Mila who ensured that the Bratva had deadly soldiers to fight. But who would be there to ensure that she was protected?

He’d had his eyes on her for a while. He knew that he shouldn’t want her but he was drawn to her. She was the sister of his rival and that should have meant that she would be off limits. Kole Bozovic was a man who knew what he wanted and went after it. After a brief meeting, he made the decision—she would be his.

The two were thrown together in the middle of a war and lines would be drawn. He’d laid a claim on her and no one would take what was his, even if they tried. War made one realize that some things were best left in the past. If they were to survive, they would have to work together.

Review

Firstly, I love the cover of Unexpected Allies, upon reading the first few chapters you can image both Mila and Kole. Both these characters had amazing chemistry and I had simply devoured their intense and fast-paced journey together.

This Mafia mystery story was well paced and the author wove it really well in amongst the love story that was growing between Mila and Kole. Kole showed such respect towards Mila and her strength as a woman but he gave her the emotional support she was yearning for. Mila and Kole’s lovemaking upon the pages is a balanced mix of passion, domination but also had those soft emotional and nurturing moments.

Mila’s brother Pasha was a great supporting character and I will be interested to read his story which is next and called Unexpected Chaos. Providing humour and friendship, I really enjoyed the loyal soldiers in this story.

This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed her style and flow. Whilst reading, the story did not get bogged down in the Mafia history and she allowed the characters to be strong yet also have a great family connection.

Unexpected Allies (The Tokhan Bratva Book 1)

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