Tag Archives: Mafia/Mob

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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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.”