POISON AND WINE by Katie Ashley-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2024

Caterina
As the only daughter of a formidable capo, my existence unfolded within the confines of a gilded cage. At eighteen, I would become a pawn in the intricate game of power, destined to be wed to a high-ranking member of my father’s regime. My fate oscillated between my father’s grasp and that of my future husband. Fleeing was not an option; they would track me down relentlessly. In an act of both self-preservation and rebellion, I sought refuge in a local convent—the sole sanctuary untouched by the shadows of the mafia. Yet, before I could take my final vows, the devil himself knocked at my door — a devastatingly handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed rogue. With an Irish accent that sent shivers down my spine, he declared me his future wife. No one had touched me; no one would. But despite my aversion to a forced marriage, an irresistible attraction brewed between us— for he was both poison and wine.

Callum
When I abducted a nun, my expectations were simple—she’d be submissive, pliable, the ideal mafia wife. Little did I imagine that the fiery brunette would wield a mouth and body I craved, both in and out of the bedroom. She was a means to an end—a marriage forged out of convenience, a strategic alliance with an enemy family to solidify our standing in the underworld. Tradition dictated that I claim her, yet the last thing I’d do is coerce her. She won’t be forced. I promised she would beg me to take her, and anyone who dared to touch her would die. For she was mine and mine alone.

In the unforgiving realm of the underworld, brace yourself for an electrifying romance pulsating with danger and desire.

•••••

REVIEW: POISON AND WINE is the first instalment in Katie Ashley’s contemporary, adult, Mafia romance series. This is thirty year old, head of the Irish Mafia leader Callum Kavanaugh, and twenty-one year old, Italian Mafia princess Caterina Neretti’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Caterina and Callum) POISON AND WINE follows in the wake of the abduction of our story line heroine. Several years earlier, in an effort to escape an arranged marriage, Caterina Neretti would soon find a home in a local Italian convent. Fast forward three years, Caterina would find herself the captive of Irish mob leader Callum Kavanaugh, a man who is determined to claim our heroine body and soul. Callum needs the marriage to further his power in the criminal underworld but Callum never expected to face down a spitfire of a woman who is determined to make his life a living h&ll. What ensues is the rapidly building relationship between Callum and Caterina, and the potential fall-out as someone else is taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building focuses on two families with similar yet different styles of ruling and control. Both families have seen the fall-out of too much power, wherein the youngest female members become pawns, facing a life pain and fear.

The relationship between Callum and Caterina begins as an abduction. Caterina found seclusion with the sisters in Italy, and having yet to take her final vows, Caterina would come face to face with her future in the guise of Callum Kavanaugh. Not only did Caterina gain a husband but alone with her own biological brothers, several more brothers who would protect with their lives. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including both Callum siblings (Quinn, Dare, Maeve), their mother Orla, and Caterina’s brothers (Rafe, Leo and Gianni), as well as Callum’s uncle Seamus, and Caterina’s father Alessio. The requisite evil has many faces. Here’s hoping the author has plans for all of Caterina and Callum’s siblings.

POISON AND WINE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is impassioned; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, and her spoiled mutt, Duke. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Scooby-Doo.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she hung up her red pen and expo markers to become a full-time writer. Each and every day she counts her blessings to be able to do her dream job.

Although her roots are firmly planted in the red Georgia clay, she loves traveling the country and world to meet readers and hang out with fellow authors. When she’s not writing or chasing down her toddler, you might find her watching reruns of The Golden Girls, reading historical biographies, along with romance novels, or spending way too much time on Facebook.

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