Tag Archives: BB Hamel

Under Control (Dark Mafia Romance 4) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
14

Under Control (Dark Mafia Romance 4) by BB Hamel-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2024

I showed up at the wrong house wearing nothing but a fuzzy robe.
And I ended up stripping in front of a stranger.

I agreed to pose nude for a talented artist friend of mine since I could really use the extra money, but it went all wrong.

Now the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen is staring right at me like he’s about to claim a prize.

Turns out, this handsome stranger is the dangerous head of a Russian Bratva, and his arranged fiancee ran out on him at the last minute.

And I’m apparently good enough to take her place.

Valentin Zeitsev is brutally dangerous and horribly scarred, and I shouldn’t let a little accidental nudity lead directly into marriage.

But my family’s deep in debt and harboring some dark secrets, and I need Valentin’s help if I’m going to get through this nightmare.

Only when I say I do, what else is he going to take from me?

••••

REVIEW:UNDER CONTROL by BB Hamel is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, dark, Mafia romance focusing on Bratva Pakhan Valentin Zeitsev, and bar tender Karine Vardanyan.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Valentin and Karine) UNDER CONTROL focuses on the building but tempestuous relationship between Bratva Pakhan Valentin Zeitsev, and bar tender Karine Vardanyan. Desperate for money to pay her late father’s medical bills, Karine Vardanyan offers to pose nude for an artist friend but mistakenly arrives at Valentin Zeitsev’s house, the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. Valentin, needing a wife, sees an opportunity, and stalks our heroine until she says yes but Valentin Zeitsev has a secret, a secret that could destroy our story line heroine. As their relationship begins to develop, the past returns to finish a job that started years ago.

The world building follows several interconnected paths, including the encroaching war between the Russian Bratva and the Armenian Brotherhood. Years earlier the Brotherhood took at the people at the top, and Valentin is determined to get his revenge for the losses in his life.

The relationship between Valentin and Karine begins acrimoniously but Karine is desperate and Valentin sees an opportunity.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and questionable secondary and supporting characters: Housekeeper Nikkita; Karine’s mother Miriam; Aram Sarkissian, and his son Arsen; as well as several Bratva members, soldiers and Valentin’s security detail.

UNDER CONTROL is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family values, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is twisted, dramatic, dark and engaging; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate, determined and strong.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

SUNRISE MALICE (Dark Mafia Romance 3) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
13

SUNRISE MALICE (Dark Mafia Romance 3) by BB Hamel

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 4, 2024

I made a list of all the steamy stuff I was too afraid to try.

It was a meaningless joke—

Right up until my arranged husband found it.

Now it’s his mission to check off Every. Single. Box….

Julien Moreau was never supposed to read my fantasy bucket list.

He needs a wife, and I need a ticket away from my abusive family.

This arrangement is nothing more than a business deal with rings.

I don’t care if he’s built like a peak athlete with a dangerous and possessive vibe.

It doesn’t matter if he’s undeniably sexy. The man’s a mafia kingpin, and all he knows how to do is destroy.

Now I’m thrown into the middle of a vicious war, and Julien promises to keep me safe…

Only if I’m willing to let him expand all of my horizons.

••••••

REVIEW: SUNRISE MALICE is the third instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult DARK MAFIA ROMANCE set in the author’s Bianco Family world. This is French mobster Julien Moreau, and Brianne Campbell’s story line. SUNRISE MALICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory story and cohesion.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Julien and Brianne) and one chapter from Pascal, SUNRISE MALICE focuses on the arranged marriage between our story line couple. As the head of the French mob in Chicago, Julien Moreau needs an in with the Hayes Group, headed by Ronan Hayes, and Ronan is offering Brianne Campbell, a young woman whose family is connected to Ronan’s organization but Julien is hoping for someone closer to the top, and reluctantly accepts Brianne’s hand in marriage, a marriage predicated upon business and nothing more. The arrival of Julien’s ‘grandfather’ Pascal Moreau threatens not only Julien’s hard fought position within the criminal underworld of Chicago but his growing relationship with our story line heroine.

The world building follows several pathways including Julien and Brianne’s struggling relationship; a fight for control of power; a war Julien and the Russian Mafia; and the numerous attempts on the lives of our story line couple.

The relationship between Julien and Brianne is an arranged marriage, a marriage Julien needs to stake a claim with the Hayes Group but from the outset Julien struggles to accept Brianne as his future bride, forcing Brianne to reconsider her decision going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

We are introduced to Julien’s ‘grandfather’ and the head of the Moreau Crime family Pascal Moreau; Brianne’s best friend and Ronan’s cousin Kim Hayes; Julien’s second in command Jean; as well as the return of Ronan and Valentina.

SUNRISE MALICE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance and love.The character driven premise is dark and dramatic; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Twilight Mask
Midnight Beast

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Midnight Beast (Dark Mafia Romance) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
14

Midnight Beast (Dark Mafia Romance) by BB Hamel-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2024

Six shirtless gangsters watch as I get down on my knees.
There’s nothing more demeaning than begging for help.
But Ronan Hayes is a vicious monster,
And he’s going to break me before he saves me.

In desperation, I turn to the one man I hate the most in this city.

Ronan Hayes is as cold and violent as he is seductive and obscenely attractive, and no part of me wants to get involved with him.

Except I’m broke, there are men in this city that want me dead, and Ronan’s one of the few mafia kings capable of keeping me safe.

I cut a deal with the gorgeous if I help him put down a revolt in his family, he’ll take care of my needs.

That means I’m playing the role of his dutiful girlfriend, whether I like it or not.

Hanging onto his powerful arm has dark and steamy perks, but I resist their temptation.

Until one night I’m sleeping in his bed and wondering how much further I have to fall before he decides to catch me again.

•••••

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT BEAST is the second instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult, dark, Mafia romance series -a spin off set in the author’s Bianco Crime family world .This is the head of the Irish Hayes Group Ronan Hayes, and Italian Mafia princess Valentina Santoro’s story line. MIDNIGHT BEAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Valentina and Ronan) MIDNIGHT BEAST follow in the wake of the death of Valentina’s father. Having fallen in love with her best friend Marco (Twilight Mask) Valentina felt betrayed when Marco fell in love with someone else. With no protector, and on the verge of being homeless, Valentina confronts the head of the Hayes Group, Irish crime lord Ronan Hayes, the man with whom Valentina will fall in love. Valentina is desperate to vengeance against the family she once called her own but needed help from our story line hero. With insider information, Valentina and Ronan begin the take down of the Santoro Crime Family but not everyone is happy with Ronan and Valentina’s growing relationship. Betrayal will come from within, and Ronan must prove he is worthy of leading the Hayes Group.

The world building follows several paths including the building relationship between Ronan and Valentina; the take down of the Santoro Crime Family, and Ronan’s battle to stay on top.

The relationship between Ronan and Valentina begins as an arrangement but quickly turns into something more when our heroine becomes the target of several members of warring crime families. Ronan is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but no one can be trusted, and everyone becomes suspect when family members begin betraying their own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is another large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Santoro Mafia, Hayes Crime Group, and French mobster Julien Moreau. The requisite evil has many faces.

MIDNIGHT BEAST is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and mistrust, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is climactic and sensational; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are dangerous, dynamic and bold.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one TWILIGHT MASK

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

TWILIGHT MASK by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
17

TWILIGHT MASK by BB Hamel-review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 7, 2024

“Take off your mask, little demon.
Show me everything.”

I first meet the masked man at an art gallery opening where he nearly drops me off a roof.

Now I can’t stop obsessing over his thrill-seeking games, and I fall hard for the way he makes me feel alive.

Except the man behind the mask is Marco Vitale, former Capo of my family’s greatest enemy. He’s back from the dead to get revenge for his fallen Don.

Marco’s gorgeous and brilliant, and we spend our nights hiding who we are and playing twisted games of sin and pleasure together.

Until we can’t stay in the shadows any longer, and all our truths and all our lies come out into the light.

My father ruined his life, and now he wants to ruin mine.

We’ll have to decide between family, revenge, lust, and honor.

And I’m not sure I’ll survive when my masked man takes what he wants.

••••••

REVIEW: TWILIGHT MASK is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult, dark, erotic, Mafia romance series, a spin off set in the author’s Bianco Crime family world. This is twenty-eight year old, artist/sculptor Laura Bianco, and the former Capo of the Santoro Crime family Marco Vitale’s story line. TWILIGHT MASK can be read as a stand alone but for back story and history regarding Laura Bianco, I recommend reading the Bianco Crime family series.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Laura and Marco) TWILIGHT MASK follows the forbidden relationship between our story line couple. the Bianco Crime Family and the Santoro Crime family are at war; enemies in the wake of a fight for power, and the murder of several high ranking family members on both sides. Laura Bianco is a recluse; an talented artist whose family but especially her brother Don Simon Bianco is pushing Laura outside of her comfort zone with a series of of gallery displays and art sales but the push backfires when Laura comes face to face with her future at a masquerade art sale, where she will meet a man she only knows as the Jackal. Enter the former capo of the Santoro Crime family Marco Vitale, the man with whom Laura will fall in love. Marco’s obsession with Laura is dark and dangerous; their relationship hidden in dark rooms and secrets rendezvous, an obsession that will threaten everyone concerned. With revenge at the forefront of the Santoro war with the Bianco Crime family, Laura will be caught in the middle between family and love.

The world building follows the forbidden and highly sexual relationship between our story line couple, and the ongoing war between the Santoro and Bianco Crimes families. The Santoro family is amassing a contingent of supporters , families who have been attacked or targeted by the Bianco family, and in the, Marco must choose sides if he expects to continue his relationship with the woman he loves.

The relationship between Marco and Laura is one of the forbidden. Laura is unaware of Marco’s true identity, and in this, the titillation factor is palpable. For years Laura has locked herself away from the outside world but a little bit of freedom pushes Laura to cross a line of no return with her family’s enemy. Marco is a man on a mission-his need for Laura borders on obsession but blood will be shed, and Marco is caught in the middle. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense but I question Laura’s easy acceptance of Marco/Jackal in life under the circumstances and her over ten years of self-imposed seclusion.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the return of Laura’s brother Don Simon Bianco (Stolen Sin 2), Elena Bianco (Brutal Power 3), Davide Bianco (Cruel Tyrant 1), as well as the introduction of several crime lords, and Marco’s best friend Valentina Santoro.

TWILIGHT MASK is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession and relationships, family and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and impassioned; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic .

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

CAGED BLISS (Bianco Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
13

CAGED BLISS (Bianco Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August

I’m dancing in a cage when I first meet him.
And he’s not shy about what he wants.
Angelo Bianco is fresh out of prison and looking for revenge, while I need to get my addict sister away from her drug dealer boyfriend.
Tuns out, we have an enemy in common.
If I help Angelo take down the owner of Club Cage, he’ll put my sister through rehab and pay to finish her nursing degree.
All I have to do is risk everything for a man I barely know.
Angelo’s powerful and dangerous, and he’s not shy about watching me work. His eyes undress me, and when he pulls me into a private room to explain the plan—
I should keep my hands to myself, but it’s hard when Angelo looks so good.
He’s going to get what he wants, and nothing will stop him, except revenge isn’t enough anymore.
Angelo wants all of me, and he won’t stop until he gets it.

•••••

REVIEW: CAGED BLISS is the fourth instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult BIANCO CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series. This is youngest Bianco son Angelo, and dancer Claudia’s story line. CAGED BLISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Claudia and Angelo) CAGED BLISS follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Angelo Bianco spent the last five years in prison, and upon his release was seeking revenge against those he blames but his biggest surprise is the family owned Club Cage, once Angelo’s pride and joy. No longer in control, Angelo continues to hunt those who refused to stand by his side, never expecting to meet and fall for dancer Claudia. Claudia works at Club Cage in an effort to protect and keep an eye on her sister, a young woman who has is currently controlled by the man in charge. Falling for Angelo was never on the horizon but Claudia found herself protecting a man who was capable of protecting himself. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Claudia and Angelo, and the potential fall-out as the men who Angelo are hunting, are determined to take down our story line hero.

The world building focuses on Angelo’s hunt for the people he suspected were betrayers.Five years in prison, and everything about his previous life was in ruins, and the lack of support from his brothers left Angelo wondering where he belonged.

The relationship between Angelo and Claudia is one of immediate attraction but Angelo needs Claudia’s access to Club Cage, and Claudia is desperate for help in return. As the relationship begins to develop, Claudia wonders if their time together part of Angelo’s game. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

All of the previous couples return as well as Angelo’s mother Freddie, and the introduction of Claudia’s struggling sister Serena.

CAGED BLISS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is edgy and tragic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous Reviews
Cruel Tyrant
Stolen Sin
Brutal Power

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

BRUTAL POWER (Bianco Crime Family 3) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
16

BRUTAL POWER (Bianco Crime Family 3) by BB Hamel-review

ebook only 99¢ usd  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 5, 2024

I shouldn’t have stalked my future husband.
When he catches me staring at him in the gym—
He drags me into the sauna.
And I’m in big trouble.

When my brother the Don orders me to marry Brody Quinn, I do what I always do and agree to sacrifice my happiness for the Famiglia.

Brody is the head of a powerful Irish mafia family with deep connections with the police department He’s just like a storm cloud on a beautiful day: huge, dark, gorgeous, and a total nightmare.

I want to end a brutal war my family’s been waging for years now, and Brody wants to push through a building project despite heavy political opposition That’s why we make a deal: I help with his building permits and he lends his considerable weight to the fight.

Except Brody’s a grumpy beast and he won’t settle for less than all of me.Which is how I end up faced with an impossible choice

Fall into his bed and sacrifice everything for what he wants, or stand up for once in my life and fight for what matters.

•••••••

REVIEW: BRUTAL POWER is the third instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult BIANCO CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series set in the author’s ROSSI CRIME FAMILY world. This is thirty-five year old attorney and head of the Irish Crime Family Brody Quinn, and Mafia princess Elena Bianco’s story line. BRUTAL POWER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Elena and Brody) BRUTAL POWER follows the arrange marriage between our story line couple. Brody Quinn is the new head of the Irish Crime Family, and in an effort to secure power and position, makes a deal with Don Simon Bianco, including asking for his sister’s hand in marriage. Elena and Brody have never met, and in this, another threat from within, forces a marriage within days but someone else is determined to take control, and Brody is about to place himself in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brody and Elena, and the potential fall-out as family history and secrets threatens the Bianco family while Brody continues to work behind the scenes.

The world building follows Brody as he puts a plan into motion to take control but all is not as it appears to be, and Brody finds himself working with the Bianco’s in an effort to take control.

The relationship between Brody and Elena begins as an arranged marriage. Elena wants a marriage in name only but quickly discovers there is more to Brody than a brooding head of the Irish Mob. As their relationship continues to grow, Brody must make concessions to keep his new wife happy. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, although only used once, it felt unnecessary.

All of the previous story line couples and family members return including Simon and Emily; Davide and Stefania, Laura, Elena, and their parents Alessandro and Freddie. We are introduced to Brody’s large extended family: Seamus, Nolan, Molly, Declan, Caitlin, and their mother Orla Quinn: crime boss Luciano Santoro, and dirty cop Luca Moretti.

BRUTAL POWER is a story of secrets and lies, twists and turns, power and control, betrayal and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing,captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and powerful.

Reading Order and previous Reviews
Cruel Tyrant
Stolen Sin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Stolen Sin (Bianco Crime Family 2) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
14

Stolen Sin (Bianco Crime Family 2) by BB Hamel-review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 5, 2024

My boss caught me trying to steal from him.
My punishment?
Get pregnant with his baby.

My father was scammed out of everything he owns, and I need to find a way to bail him out of trouble.

Which is how I end up trying to steal from my boss—only to find a bag filled with blindfolds, ropes, and handcuffs, instead of crisp hundreds.

Turns out the kink stash belongs to Simon Bianco, powerful heir to the Bianco Crime Family.

He’s brutally handsome and beyond terrifying, and he catches me trying to rip him off.

That’s when he makes his marry him, pretend to be his wife, give him an heir, and he’ll make sure my father’s set for life.

Only I’m pretty sure he wants to experiment with what’s in the bag…

Now I’ll find out of I can have a baby with a gorgeous monster.

••••••

REVIEW:STOLEN SIN is the second instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult BIANCO CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series set in the author’s Rossi Crime Family world.This is thirty-three year old, heir to the throne Simon Bianco, and twenty-three year old, bar server Emily Hayes’ story line. STOLEN SIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary .

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Emily and Simon) STOLEN SIN follows in the wake of Don Alessandro Bianco’s spiral. Having been shot, and struggling in his recovery, he gives his son Simon an ultimatum. Simon sees the ultimatum as a veiled threat to his succession, forcing our hero to choose a wife. When Simon catches Emily Hayes attempting to steal money from the bar, Simon blackmails Emily into marriage, in an effort to appease his father’s need for control but all does not go according to plan when Don Alessandro takes aim at our story line couple while a war for power threatens more than just the man at the top. What ensues is the marriage of convenience between Emily and Simon, and the potential fall-out as the fight for power becomes personal and deadly.

The world building focuses on the war between the Bianco Crime family and Luciano Santoro. Alessandro Bianco has been preparing to hand over power to Simon but Luciano Santoro has other plans, and Emily is standing in the way.

The relationship between Emily and Simon is a marriage of convenience . Emily is caught in a compromising position, and Simon, needing a wife, makes Emily an offer she cannot refuse. With her father’s struggling, Emily is in no position to argue, and finds herself married to a man she knows nothing about. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

We are reintroduced to Simon’s siblings: Davide and his wife Stefania, Angelo, Laura, Elena; their parents Alessandro and Freddie, as well as Emily’s father.

STOLEN SIN is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and acceptance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and startling; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and resolute.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one CRUEL TYRANT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

CRUEL TYRANT (Bianco Crime Family 1) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
18

CRUEL TYRANT (Bianco Crime Family 1) by BB Hamel-review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2024

He spilled a drink on my dress. I dumped my wine in his lap.
Which is why I invite the dark-and-brooding beast to clean me up.
Only it turns out, he’s not a stranger at all.
The first night I met my future husband, he left the club with my underwear in his pocket. Turns out, the cruel, mysterious man that drove me wild in a club bathroom is the terrifying Davide Bianco, a powerful member of the Bianco Crime Family,
And he’s my new arranged fiancé. He’s controlling and viciously scarred, and I’m terrified I won’t be able to start over with this monster watching my every move.
I need space to heal my wounds, and the darkness lurking inside him craves a way out.
We can help each other if I learn to embrace my role as his new favorite plaything.
I’m afraid I’m going to learn how it feels to fall for a killer before this sham is over.

••••••••••

REVIEW: CRUEL TYRANT is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult BIANCO CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series, set in the author’s Rossi Crime Family world. This is Davide Bianco, and Stefania Rossi’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Davide and Stefania) CRUEL TYRANT follows the arranged marriage between our story line couple. A night on the town with her friend Giorgia ends when Stefania has a liaison in the bathroom with a brooding stranger but within hours, Stefania will discover said stranger is to be her intended husband, an arrange marriage between Mafia families to reinforce their power and control. Enter Davide Bianco, a member of the Bianco Mafia family but a man scarred both inside and out. The Bianco family is about to head to war with a familiar rival, and the marriage between Davide and Stefania will add more manpower to their point of control. What ensues is the building relationship between Davide and Stefania, and the potential fall-out as Stefania struggles with her position in the Bianco family, and the hot and cold actions of the man with whom she is falling in love.

The world building focuses on the impending war . Someone is attacking the Bianco ships and trucks, and in this, merchandise and weapons go missing. Don Alessandro Bianco suspects the person responsible, and in this, Davide and his brothers are determined to take down the man in charge. We learn a little bit about Davide’s past-the horror and the betrayal by a close family friend.

The relationship between Davide and Stefania begins as an arrange marriage, a marriage Stefania wants nothing to do. The brokering the union gives each side of the Famiglia more control and more power, but Stefania feels like a pawn in a game she cannot control. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

We are introduced to Davide’s siblings: Simon, Angelo, Elena, and Laura, as well as their parents Alessandro and Freddie; Stefania’s bestie Giorgia; several Mafia type men and guards; and the return of Stefania’s brothers Saul, Carlo, Renzo and Gian.

CRUEL TYRANT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining but not as dark as some Mafia story lines; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share