Tag Archives: Mafia / Mob

Captive Beauty

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

Cilla

The Beast had Belle.
Killian Black has me.

How I got here doesn’t matter, even though he says it does. Says it was my choice. He doesn’t get it, though. It wasn’t ever a choice for me.

And now, he’s changing the rules.

The agreement was one month. For thirty days, I’d be his. He’s no longer satisfied with my body alone, though. He wants my soul, too. Wants every part of me. And even though I can pretend I’m safe when I lie beneath him, this man does something to me. Something wicked.

A thing that will break me.

Killian

People suck at consequences.

Cilla made the choice. She offered the deal. I just took her up on it. So what if I changed the rules half-way in? I’m not apologizing for it.

See, Cilla and me, we’re the same. She’s dark. As dark as me. Something happened to her. Something bad. It damaged her.

But it’s not a hero she seeks. It’s an avenging angel. A dark knight. That, I can do. I’ll slay her dragons, but it’ll cost her, because in return, I want everything. And I’ll take it.

She’s mine.

Author’s note: Captive Beauty is a standalone romance. Think Beauty and the Beast, but twisted and dark in the best, dirtiest ways.

Review

Loved this Dark and erotic romance with a highly emotional and thought-provoking sub-story.

Cilla and her brother’s story Is heartbreaking and when you think you know their secret, be prepared. I had a thought about them and was praying I was wrong, I was not, it brought tears to my eyes.

Kill’s history is no better with his own family and this will make you forgive him for his highly built emotional barriers. His ability to see past Cillas walls and his relentless need to slay her dragons made him my hero.

Kill and Cilla in their own way heal each other and it is beautiful and painful. Their love and passion are not enough to break their barriers. I was simply riveted by this story, the pace is perfect as is the suspenseful secrets.

The sexual scenes are frantic, sensual and loving, no two scenes are the same.

It was interesting to follow the change in the relationship dynamics between Cilla, Kill, and Jones. The characters grew and developed over the story which was impressive considering their mental, physical and emotional traumas.

The epilogue is heartwarming and has left me totally satisfied.

Captive Beauty

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Rocco (Ruin & Revenge #3)

By Sarah Castille

Synopsis

Mafia enforcer, Rocco De Lucchi is the best in the business.

Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.

Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss’s right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?

Review

Rocco is a great mystery Mob Romance with lots of action, twists, and surprises. I did not pick the links in the story and I was definitely surprised with the end. I have not read the other two books in this series.

Grace and Rocco had great chemistry and a beautiful and tragic history. Grace had strong characteristics and was independent, she was easy to love. The personal story around Rocco did make me sad and also incredibly angry for him.

Throughout the story when Grace and Rocco area intimate, it does have a balanced mix of sensual and frantic lovemaking.

The mob characters at times overtook the romance story, however, we do get a happy ending. I am incredibly intrigued to know about Rocco’s true family, it is left hanging.

Throughout the story, at times you are taken back to when Grace and Rocco first meet which helps connect the whole mob storyline.

Rocco (Ruin & Revenge #3)

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Daddy’s Home

By Zoe Blake

Synopsis

No one escapes their past.
Two years ago she ran, but now he has found her.
He will make her pay for her past mistakes.
Trapped alone in a cabin with him, there is no hope for rescue or redemption.
He wants information and refuses to believe she doesn’t have the answers he seeks.
He’s willing to do anything…anything…to break her.
And he will get what he wants.

Review

Daddy’s Home is a quick and very decadent read, a bit longer than a normal novella. By saying that it means we got much more of a story along with the instant attraction.

Logan manipulates and controls Chloe in a dark and very sensual way. It definitely hits all the right spots.

Due to having a hard life growing up, Chloe is very young at heart. Despite her love of all things youthful, she had a darkness and strong sensuality.

Chloe’s past connections in her short life have been dangerous and they provide the drama and mystery.

Also, I really connected to Chloe from the first few pages, she was a loner for so long she needed to be cared for and Logan was perfect.

Finally, Daddy’s Home is finished off nicely and I was satisfied and could have read so much more on this couple.

Daddy’s Home

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Savage

By L.A. Fiore

Synopsis

They call him a monster.
Pale blue eyes as cold as ice that see right through you.
He’s hard.
He’s damaged.
He’s dangerous.
He lives in a castle fit for a fairy tale, but he’s no prince.
He’s savage.
He’s brutal.
He’s a killer.
By an act of fate, our worlds collide.
They call him a monster, but he is my salvation.

Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Review

Firstly, I loved Savage, it was a fantastic story of romance, darkness, traumatic events and redemption. It was imperative to know both characters history as their connection made total sense.

Savage has a strong and solid mystery element to it’s story which I loved along with all the connections that are revealed at the end. Consequently, I could not stop turning the pages of this story, the pacing for me was good.

Lizzie was simply an amazing character. The storyline around her painting and how it provided her source of strength and beauty in her life was soothing. She had an ability to break down barriers and she did that with Brogan. As a result, she gave him love and he became the wolf at her door.

A favourite supporting character who became a warrior was Lizzie’s father. Further, when her father and Brogan joined forces to stand strong for her, he redeemed himself in my eyes.

Brogan was perfection in my eyes, alpha protective and so smart. While Brogan was dominant, his interactions with supporting characters showed he had empathy and love to give.

Finally, this story has it all, romance, mystery, suspense and passionate scenes. I was not ready to leave these characters and the author’s epilogue allows us to see their happy ever after.

Quote: “You’re scary, intimidating too, but I know a kindred spirit when I see one. Life hasn’t been very kind to either of us.”

Savage

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Bulletproof Butterfly

By Anna Brooks

Synopsis

I wasn’t a rookie, but I made a mistake because I was selfish, impulsive, and headstrong.

I was also in love.

My desire for her overwhelmed me. Consumed me. Distracted me.

To protect her, I stood motionless as my partner pried her from the security of my arms. I watched as she fought his hold. I even listened when she screamed that she hated me.

For years I’ve been patient, I’ve been smart, and I’ve gone by the book. But now… it’s finally over.

It’s time to get my girl back.

Review

Firstly, I love the cover of Bulletproof Butterfly, it is so Jay and I could imagine this guy throughout the whole story.

Livvie’s journey is highly confronting, her depth of despair will have you questioning how you would cope, she was inspiring to me.

Jay I fell in and out of love with as this story progressed, he did lose me in the middle of the story. I cannot pinpoint why, however i was emotionally invested in Livvie and she was hurting and I blamed Jay when I should not have.

I have to say I struggled with the pace until around chapter 10 and then I was hooked and could not put this down. Livvie was an amazing character and her emotional strength kept me turning the pages. To be able to follow her process her immense feelings of loneliness, anger and fear broke my heart many times. At times I became frustrated with the story continually returning to before Livvie was forced to leave Jay, in hindsight, it was probably because I was eager for them to reunite.

I am very much looking forward to reading Opal and Ryan’s story, that was a lovely addition.

Quote: I feel betrayed, lonely, scared. Just …. all the things. I have never been this mad before.

Bulletproof Butterfly

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Mating Needs (An A.L.F.A. Novel #2)

By Milly Taiden

Synopsis

A cougar shifter meets his mate and match in this latest sexy paranormal adventure in the A.L.F.A. series as another Alpha League Federal Agent finds love and passion in the midst of danger by the New York Times bestselling author of Elemental Mating.

Review

Mating Needs is about a woman who had to make a tough decision to save the lives of the people she loves. And she is still making sacrifices in order to do the right thing.

Amie is a witness to bank robbery gone wrong by members of her mafia family. She must make the decision to go against her family and do what is right or say nothing. She decides to do what is right but that means that she will need protection. Frank, an old boyfriend that Amie left a text to say goodbye to, is now her protector. Both of them still have feelings for each other as long as they can survive her family.

I thought this book was so much fun. Amie has a great heart and really makes the town that Frank takes her to open up. She has so much to give the world and she doesn’t hold back once she is let loose. Frank has a lot to figure out. He still loves Amie but he doesn’t know why she left him.

The town is full of characters that really complete this book. I love Frank’s mom, she loves her son and the person she believes is his mate. I also fell for all the other shop owns and the meat guy. They all added so much to this story.

I also love the way the Milly Taiden added an extra problem for Frank by making him try to keep the fact that this town is made up of shifters a secret. Amie has no idea that shifters even exist and that just adds to the fun.

Mating Needs

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Saving Him (Keep Me #2)

By Angela Snyder

Synopsis

I was kidnapped and sold to a monster.

My abductor told me he would let me go…after he got what he wanted. So I offered him my virginity in exchange for my freedom, but he broke that promise. And now he’s decided to keep me.

When my past suddenly collides with my present, it’s an all-out war.

How could I have ever guessed that my captor would turn into my protector?

I don’t know if we can survive this, but now it’s my turn to save him.

**Saving Him is the conclusion of the two-book dark romance Keep Me Series and is not intended to be read as a standalone. It contains adult content for mature readers.**

Review

Saving HIm did not disappoint me at all, it begins right where Keeping Her ended. Just saying that I believe this would have been an amazing standalone mob romance. I simply love the way the author has woven this dark & delicious story – I simply escaped into this world.

The author paced this story perfectly and I simply did not put this book down, read in a day. Told from both POV you can follow the anguish and hurt as this story moves to the drama-packed emotional ending.

So happy with the way their relationship progressed and how Luc grew into being the man for Adeline. How Adeline fought her way, in the beginning, middle and end was inspiring and my favourite part.

A surprising turn of events was Jackson and his love story and I was very happy for him.

Honestly, it has been awhile since I devoured a series like this and ignored the world. Adeline & Luc were simply an amazing couple who repaired each other’s souls and hearts. They each gave hope and a future to one another after unhappy and traumatic childhoods.

Saving Him (Keep Me #2)

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Keeping Her (Keep Me #1)

By Angela Synder

Synopsis

“She calls to me like one of the Sirens from Greek mythology, and I would gladly crash into a thousand jagged rocks for just a single touch from her.”

To say I had a rough start in life would be the understatement of the century.

My uncle may have rescued me from my abusive childhood, but he couldn’t save me from the neurotic and compulsive obsessions I would develop in my adulthood.

I deal with some of the worst criminals in the seedy underbelly of the world just to get what I want. What I need.

And what I need is the perfect woman. Perfect and pure in every way possible. And I’m willing to obtain that perfection…no matter the cost.

So when I make my newest purchase, I expect Adeline’s fate to be like all the others before her — taking what I want and then never seeing her again.

But she’s different.

Her beauty is disarming.

And even though I promised to let her go after I took what I wanted…I slowly come to the realization that I can’t.

I have to break my promise to her, because she’s mine now.

And I’m keeping her.

**Keeping Her is book one of the two-book dark romance Keep Me Series and ends with a cliffhanger. It contains adult content for mature readers.**

Review

Keeping Her I simply devoured and it is one dark and delicious read.

Luc is simply dynamic as a recluse and created moments when you hated him but then despaired with his inability to touch and feel normal. To fully understand his background I recommend reading the Prequel Novella. The Novella explains Luc’s traumatic childhood and helped me forgive his early actions against Adeline.

Told in both POV this story flows perfectly and there is a slight cliffhanger at the end but with the next book released there is no waiting.

Luc’s cousin is actually a favorite supporting character, he plays his role perfectly and I loved him when caring for Adeline after one intense scene. This moment also acts as a catalyst for Luc to step up further.

Adeline grew in strength as the story evolved, it was interesting to watch her adapt to her surroundings. She is a wonderful character and is easy to connect with. Her upbringing was lonely with no affection and she escapes to books.

The few sexual scenes in this book were intense but this first book is more of the emotional game being played.

Keeping Her I could not put down, it is dark and definitely left of center. It was interesting to follow Luc who has so many issues. The way he fell for this sheltered girl and wants her so badly. They are two tortured souls that actually may find their repair with each other – I cannot wait to see how their love story will play out.

Keeping Her (Keep Me #1)

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The Queen

By Skye Warren

Synopsis

THE FINAL BOOK IN THE MASTERPIECE DUET!

I have one chance at a new life. A college education. A future outside of Tanglewood’s dark walls. For a breathless moment it seems like I might actually escape.

Then I get a phone call from home.

Damon Scott is my own personal dragon, the fight I’ve always lost, the secret hope of my heart. And he needs my help right now. Only my mind can solve the puzzle. Only my presence can keep him sane as the city fights against him.

Only my heart can unlock a man with such a tragic past.

This is my final gamble, with everything at stake. One last game to win a future for both of us.

And a love strong enough to break the city apart.

THE QUEEN is the final novel in the bestselling Masterpiece duet, about a game of lies and loyalty, of betrayal and power, and ascension to the city’s throne.

Review

I really enjoyed reading the conclusion to their story. The Queen has emotion and plenty of twists that kept me guessing until the end.

Damon has always intrigued me from the beginning in The Pawn. A puzzle I wanted to complete and understand his mechanics. Their love story is not all hearts and roses, there is sadness, loneliness.

I loved following the way Damon protects Penny at the Den, in that room, especially when she puts the pieces of the puzzle together. Her mathematical mind is such a wonderful part of her personality that I have loved from the first moment we met her.

Penny’s relationship with her professor was intriguing and I thought he would play more of a part and I kind of wanted to see Damon meet him. We also get to learn more history from Damon’s upbringing.

I know this was Damon & Penny’s story but some of the Avery storyline was not fully disclosed in my opinion and I have questions.

This story ended in a lovely moment that showed not only Damon & Penny but also Gabriel & Avery and what their future holds.

The Queen

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Sweet Deception

By Ellie Jean

Synopsis

I can’t let any man get too close to me…ever. But he’s the only man who has made me want to risk everything.

On my knees, looking up at Alex Raven changed my life irrevocably. Self-assured and powerful, his presence commanded attention…especially that of women. Intoxicated by what I wasn’t allowed, I entangled Alex in my web of lies and deceit…better known as my past and present. Shouldering his own secrets, he freely gave me his trust and protection. But would pulling him into my world be the future I so craved? Or mean the end for us both?

Review

Firstly, cannot believe this is a debut novel, Sweet Deception had me twisted in knots from the beginning. Isla’s story is full of heartache but yet hope and I immediately connected to her.

Around the middle, I was beside myself with fear of the unknown and I had so many questions and ideas.

When Isla takes a trip in this story I literally had to put the book down and take some deep breaths and calm my nerves. I had to stop for 15 minutes and put on my big girl panties and travel this road with her.

There is a cliffhanger of sorts but it actually completes this section of Alex & Isla’s romantic journey. For me it ended perfectly and then were are given a sneak peak of Sweet Redemption any how the characters are moving forward.

Alex was a stunning alpha mob character and then throw in his hot three friends – tingles in all the right places. It was great to see new friendships form and alliances take place.

This story flowed perfectly, it has the right amount of highs but also some incredible lows that you experience. At times I too like Isla was trying to control my breathing and not panic. Her anxiety attacks and the way she has the ability to compartmentalize her life is incredIble and shows her inner strength.

The secrets and revelations are amazing and I cannot believe right until the end we are still learning about Isla and her family history. This is riveting reading and I so wish it was a standalone as I could not put this down.

Sweet Deception has all the ingredients of a Mob romance, it is dark, deceitful but also sensual and hopeful – I want so much more of Isla and Alex.

Sweet Deception

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