Tag Archives: mafia

Fix You (The Irish Rogues 3) by Katie Ashley-review tour

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Fix You (The Irish Rogues 3) by Katie Ashley-review tour

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FREE in Kindle Unlimited

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2024

Raphael

From the moment I became the head of my family, hands stained with my father’s blood, I knew my path was set—a marriage arranged for power, not love. But that all changed the night I met Maeve Kavanaugh. One glance and I was lost. She’s everything I never knew I wanted, yet she’s also the one woman I can’t have. My duty to my family should come first, but every moment I’m near her, I crave the impossible—a life where I can follow my heart instead of my obligations. Maeve is my greatest temptation, and in our world, temptation can be fatal.

Maeve

Raphael Neretti was never meant to be my forever. He was supposed to be a brief escape, a fiery passion in the midst of chaos. But the man who saw beyond my broken pieces became my lifeline, and now I’m caught in a web of love and danger that threatens to destroy us both. I ran from the mafia’s darkness knowing about his arranged marriage, but when Rafe found me, I couldn’t resist the pull between us. Now, as shadows close in, I realize our love might be the most dangerous secret of all.

In this explosive tale of passion and power, love is a dangerous game—and only the strongest will survive.

•••

REVIEW:FIX YOU is the third instalment in Katie Ashley’s contemporary, adult THE IRISH ROGUES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Irish Mafia princess Maeve Kavanaugh, and Italian Mafia capo and businessman Raphael ‘Rafe’ Neretti’s story line. FIX YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty, but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion. Some of the events of FIX YOU cross over with, and run parallel to the events of book one POISON and WINE where our couple are first introduced to one another.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maeve and Rafe) FIX YOU follows the building but forbidden relationship between Irish Mafia princess Maeve Kavanaugh, and Italian Mafia capo Raphael ‘Rafe’ Neretti’. One year earlier Maeve Kavanaugh was sold and betrayed by her father, forced to marry a violent man but her freedom would come at a cost. Fast forward to present day, Maeve, a shell of her former self, must make an appearance at her brother Callum’s wedding to Italian Mafia princess Caterina Neretti, where she will meet the man with whom she will fall in love but Raphael Neretti has been contracted in marriage to someone else, and our heroine is about to experience freedom for the very first time. As Caterina and Rafe dance around the proverbial elephant in the room, Rafe pulls Caterina out of her shell, into the woman who is capable of handling her own.

The world building follows several paths including the breakdown and dysfunctional family dynamics; betrayal by blood from within both families; and a potential war on the horizon for power and control.

The relationship between Maeve and Rafe begins as acquaintances where they will meet at their respective siblings’ wedding. Maeve is reluctant and scared to take steps beyond that which she is no longer in control, and Rafe suspects there is more to Maeve’s story than he could have ever imagined. A relationship begins to develop but Maeve knows that she only has Rafe for a limited time regardless of their palpable sexual attraction. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense .

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including family and siblings from both crime world families: Maeve’s siblings (Quinn, Dare, Callum, Kellan, Eamon), their mother Orla; Raphael’s siblings (Leo, Gianni, Caterina) and their father , the ruthless and brutal Alessio Neretti. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIX YOU is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance and love. The premise is haunting, edgy, dramatic and tragic; the romance is healing and provocative; the characters are desperate yet spirited.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Poison and Wine
Dust to Dust

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.

CONNECT WITH KATIE

➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY’S ANGELS):facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv

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WICKED DESIRES(The Terlizzis 2) by Cora Kent-review

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WICKED DESIRES/ Simple Pleasures (The Terlizzis 2) by Cora Kent-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2024

Marked by vengeance, branded as mine—Lucia Terlizzi will be the key to my revenge.

Dante Terlizzi has to pay.
Two years ago, he broke his betrothal to my sister.
Two months ago, his brother stole the bride meant for my best hitman.
There’s an unwritten rule about family members and children…
But f*ck the rules.

Lucia is the baby of the Terlizzi family.
Now I’m going to put my baby in her.
We’ll see how Dante likes it when I take what’s his.
I’ll dress his pretty little sister in the finest clothes.
I’ll shower her in diamonds and jewels.
I’ll make Dante regret ever double crossing me.
And in the process, I will make my heir.

All I need is a bouquet of roses, a bottle of bourbon, and a good girl to bend to my will.

••••••

REVIEW: WICKED DESIRES is the second full-length instalment in Cora Kent’s contemporary, adult THE TERLIZZIS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is primary school teach Lucia Terlizzi, and head of the Castiglione Crime Family Saverio Castiglione’s story line. WICKED DESIRES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

For backstory, I recommend reading the FREE prequel to Saverio and Lucia’s story-SIMPLE PLEASURES

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lucia and Saverio) WICKED DESIRES follows the acrimonious relationship between our story couple. Saverio Castiglione has claimed the right to marry our story line heroine but in the face of betrayal Saverio is determined to make the Terlizzi family pay for the sins of the past by destroying their only sister, bringing shame and embarrassment to everyone involved but Saverio struggles with his attraction to the woman who calls to his heart, a woman who is hiding a secret that haunts from the past. As Saverio continues to seduce the woman with whom he is falling in love, our hero must join forces with the Terlizzi family in an effort to protect our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the back and forth relationship between Saverio and Lucia but a night out for drinks forces Lucia to reveal the truth, a truth that threatens the peace between our story line couple. And Saverio reveals his large extended family few people knew anything about. On that note, the blurb is a little misleading, so be aware.

The relationship between Lucia and Saverio is an age-gap, arranged marriage in the face of a prior betrayal. Dante refused the betrothal to Saverio’s sister Lucrezia, a woman with a questionable direction, and in doing so set into motion Saverio’s need for vengeance against the Terlizzi family. As Lucia continues her back and forth attraction to the man in question, all is not as it appears to be when Lucia’s past is connected to the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Lucia’s twin brother Luciano, Niccolo, Dante, and Salvatore; Saverio’s right hand man Raffaele; several of Saverio’s half siblings, as well as Lucia’s co-worker and best friend Brooklyn.

WICKED DESIRES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is dark and dramatic but not as dark as the previous instalment. The characters are determined and energetic; the romance is provocative and intense.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Corrupt Saint
Ruthless Sinner
SIMPLE PLEASURES (see below)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

______

SIMPLE PLEASURES
Terlizzi Family Prequel)
by Cora Kent
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, Mafia romance

FREE prequel short story Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 29, 2024

Love is found in the darkest of places. I met the love of my life at a funeral.
She was darkness surrounded by light.
And I knew from that moment on she was the only one for me.

Simple Pleasures takes place in the years before Wicked Desires, featuring the blossoming relationship between Saverio Castiglione and his dandelion, Lucia Terlizzi.

•••

REVIEW: SIMPLE PLEASURES is a prequel short story in Cora Kent’s contemporary, adult TERLIZZI FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia series. SIMPLE PLEASURES introduces Saverio Castiglione, and Lucia Terlizzi.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Saverio and Lucia) SIMPLE PLEASURES reveals some of the background and introduction of our story line couple who met at the funeral for Lucia’s baby brother Gianluca. Lucia was only fourteen years old, and Saverio was twenty six. Ten years would pass before Lucia and Saverio would meet once again, this time at the funeral for Lucia’s father, wherein Saverio and Lucia’s hidden relationship is about to be revealed.

SIMPLE PLEASURES is a fast paced, quick read with a determined crime boss, and a stubborn heroine who gives as good as she gets. The premise is engaging; the characters are determined and defiant.

Own a copy

reviewed by Sandy

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SIN & MISTLETOE anthology with Jade Marshall & Allison MacKenzie

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SIN & MISTLETOE anthology with Jade Marshall & Allison MacKenzie-review

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This Christmas, forget about tinsel and trees.
Get ready for dark and dirty, jealous and possessive.

In the darkness, a tempting surprise waits for you.
There will not be an exchange of gifts, only shadows waiting to claim you.

This holiday season, forget about happiness and family.
Instead, we welcome you to embrace the darkness.

Featuring stories by:
Eirca jaden
Amanda Holly
Allison MacKenzie
M Kay Noir
Jade Marshall

___

DARKEST OBSESSION by Jade Marshall

DARKEST OBSESSION by Jade Marshall is a contemporary, adult , erotic, Mafia romance novella focusing on heir to the DeLuca Mafia Dante Deluca, and physiotherapist Echo Campbell.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dante and Echo) DARKEST OBSESSION follows several years in the life of our story line couple. Dante and Echo were step-siblings following the marriage of Dante’s father to Echo’s mother but in the wake of her mother’s death, Echo became the fixation of the man in charge. Fast forward to present day, Dante DeLuca, heir to the DeLuca Crime family returns injured and broken from the Marines, coming face to face with our story line heroine but Echo withdraws from the man she once loved, a withdrawal that send Dante on a mission of discovery.

The world building follows some of the events of the past. We are witness to Dante’s indoctrination into the DeLuca Crime Family, and Echo’s loss of innocence at the hands of an evil man.

The relationship between Dante and Echo is a step-sibling relationship but the death of Echo’s mother, and Dante’s enlistment in the Marine meant Echo was no longer safe in the house she never called home. Time spent together at Echo’s cabin would find our couple reconnecting and rebuilding what was once lost. The $ex scenes are limited but impassioned.

The secondary and supporting characters include Dante’s father and current head of the DeLuca Crime family Thomas, his second in command Amos, as well as several friends of our story line heroine.

DARKEST OBSESSION is a story of betrayal, abuse, loss and love. The premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is limited but seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

______

A RED CHRISTMAS by Allison MacKenzie

A RED CHRISTMAS is the first instalment in Allison MacKenzie’s contemporary, adult, dark, erotic, Mafia romance series focusing on the head of the Volkov Crime Family August Volkov, and Ashleigh Campbell.

Told from dual first person perspectives (August and Ashleigh) covering approximately twenty-four hours, A RED CHRISTMAS follows Ashleigh Campbell, whose family is a part of the Irish Mob, as she prepares to spend the rest of her life in jail but the family’s Christmas vacation finds Ashleigh facing down the enemy who is determined to take his vengeance out on our story line heroine. Enter August Volkov, the new head of the Volkov Bratva in the wake of his sister’s murder, a murder blamed on Ashleigh Campbell. Desperate to take down the woman who killed his sister, August Volkov finds himself trapped in a cabin with our story line heroine when an avalanche buries them alive. Time spent together reveals the truth, an unsuccessful escape, and the palpable sexual attraction between our story line couple.

The relationship between Ashleigh and August is enemies to lovers. Snowbound, trapped in a cabin, our couple must come to terms with what happened and why, and in the wake of the information, August is reconsidering everything going forward. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Ashleigh’s parents Denis and Marisol Campbell; August’s parents Igor and Natasja Volkov.

A RED CHRISTMAS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance fast and furious; the characters are desperate and broken. A RED CHRISTMAS ends on a cliff hanger -you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sinister Intentions / Dangerous Devotion by Kat Bammer-reviews

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Sinister Intentions / Dangerous Devotion (Ruthless Rogues 3 & 4:Dangerous Intentions 1 & 2) by Kat Bammer-reviews

SINISTER INTENTIONS
Ruthless Rogues 3 & 4: Dangerous Intentions 1 & 2
by Kat Bammer
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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 15, 2024

“I don’t honor the rules. I make them.”

In the dark, dangerous world of organized crime, Vincenzo Salvini’s name is
whispered behind hands.

And not just in the Italian mafia circles he lords over.
His reputation? Brutal, strategic, emotionless—if he singles you out, it’s game over.

It was exhilarating to outsmart him…and incredibly foolish.
I thought I hid successfully. But he found me, and his hungry eyes speak of sinister intentions.

He insists on an arranged marriage with his brother.
But here’s the kicker…my father agrees.

Salvini wants to destroy me, cage me, control me.
But he underestimates me—I’m not the naive mobster princess, he thinks.
I’m ready to break free from this life, to be independent and true to myself.

Not a mafia bride. Not a plaything of men. And definitely not Vince Salvini’s personal amusement.

••••

REVIEW: SINISTER INTENTIONS is the third instalment in Kat Bammer’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS ROGUES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series, and the first instalment in the Dangerous Intentions Duet. This is heir to the Salvini Mafia, thirty-two year old, Vincenzo ‘Vince’ Salvini, and twenty-one year old, Irish Mob princess Jemma Donnelly’s story line. Jemma was first introduced in book two TAINTED DESIRE. SINISTER INTENTIONS can be read as a stand alone with out 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 (Vince and Jemma) SINISTER INTENTIONS follows in the wake of the arranged engagement between Matteo Salvini, and Jemma Donnelly. Jemma and Matteo want nothing to do with the marriage arranged by Vince Salvini and Jemma’s father Craig Donnelly, and from the outset Jemma is determined to run as soon as possible but Vince Salvini sees something in Jemma that stirs within his soul. Jemma has a secret that will force Vince’s hand into marriage, a secret that threatens the stability of the Salvini Mafia. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Jemma and Vince, and the potential fall-out as someone else is taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building follows a fight for power and control. Vince Salvini is the eldest son, a man who is struggling with the demons from his past but Vince never expected to find himself attracted to the woman he arranged for his brother, a woman who continually pushes all of his buttons. Meanwhile, Vince’s father is playing games with the Russian Bratva ,and Vince is about to be caught in the crossfire; and Jemma’s secrets are about to be exposed.

The relationship between Vince and Jemma is heated and turbulent. The back and forth vitriol between our story line couple barely masks a sexual attraction that pulls Jemma into the bearing that is our story line hero. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate .

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Alex Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Fiona: Gabe Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Sophie; as well as Vince’s siblings Dante, Matteo, Hero, and Isabella, as well as their father Alfredo Salvino; Craig Donnelly, and Russian mobster Ivan Zotov.

SINISTER INTENTIONS is another story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family, relationships, and acceptance. The age-gap, enemies to lovers premise is dark, melodramatic and consuming; the characters are desperate and charismatic; the romance is limited to the palpable sexual attraction . SINISTER INTENTIONS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

________

DANGEROUS DEVOTION
(Ruthless Rogues 4: Dangerous Intentions 2)
by Kat Bammer
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 15, 2024

“I’m a lot of things, punk, but gentleman ain’t one of them.”

I should’ve heeded my dangerous mafia boss’s warning because claiming your brother’s bride as your own is anything but gentlemanly.
But here I am, on the precipice of making a life-altering…and incredibly risky choice.

Despite our tumultuous beginning, our conflicts, and the vast differences that separate us, I want Vincenzo Salvini.

All of him.
The good and the bad, the caring, and the ruthless.

His possessive gaze and seductive whispers make me forget everything that stands between us.
Make me fall in love.
But that “yes” means walking into a storm of electrifying passion, lurking danger, and a tangled web of uncertainty.

And a fake marriage–that just might cost me my life.

•••••

REVIEW: DANGEROUS DEVOTION is the fourth instalment in Kat Bammer’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS ROGUES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series, and the second book in the Dangerous Intentions Duet. This is heir to the Salvini Mafia, thirty-two year old, Vincenzo ‘Vince’ Salvini, and twenty-one year old, Irish Mob princess Jemma Donnelly’s continuing story. DANGEROUS DEVOTION should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of SINISTER INTENTIONS.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jemma and Vince) DANGEROUS DEVOTION picks up immediately after the events of SINISTER INTENTIONS in which our couple have been targeted, and Jemma finds herself in hiding with the man with whom she is falling in love. As Vince Salvini continues to battle for the top, Jemma focuses on the future with our story line hero but Jemma’s secrets will reveal a connection to the man whom she loves, secrets that will threaten the women in Vincenzo’s life. As Vince must come to terms with the actions of the man currently controlling the New York Mafia, the safety of his soon-to-be wife is his paramount objective. Several attacks against the Salvini household push Vince to take control, and in doing so, he finds himself facing another rival in the war for control.

The world building continues to focus on the building relationship between Jemma and Vince, a relationship that is now based on attraction and love. Someone is taking aim at our story line couple, and Vince begins to suspect there is more than one player in the game.

The relationship between Jemma and Vince is one of mutual attraction; a loving yet protective love affair in which in an effort to protect the woman he loves, Vince must claim Jemma as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive as the couple continues to fight for their lives.

Once again, the dynamic and familiar secondary and supporting characters include the return of Alex Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Fiona: Gabe Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Sophie; as well as Vince’s siblings Dante, Matteo, Hero, and Isabella; their father Alfredo Salvino; Jemma’s father Craig Donnelly, and Russian mobster Ivan Zotov. The requisite evil has many faces.

DANGEROUS DEVOTION is another story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and infatuation, acceptance and love. The premise remains dark and dramatic; the romance is impassioned; the character are desperate, determined and driven. DANGEROUS DEVOTION ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-the conflict resolution is incomplete.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Sinful Honor
Tainted Desire

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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The Truths That Deceive by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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The Truths That Deceive (Obsidian Knights Secret Society #4) by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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Add The Truths That Deceive to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/tttdgr

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2024

My beautiful captive played the wrong hand when she tried to escape me… My latest assignment should have been easy. Find ex-hacker/rogue CIA agent Calista Price and hand her over to the US government for treason. But Calista is nothing like the desk jockey I expected. She’s a wild card, fiery, seductive, and she feeds into every one of my primal play urges.

Chasing her is addictive. Wrong. She’s young enough to be my daughter, and my mission is to capture her, not ravage her.

None of that stops me from craving her at my deepest levels. Calista infects my blood. She’s got an appetite for the same dirty, twisted games that I do. And she loves being hunted.

But time is short with my shiny new toy. She’s a target for more than just the CIA and others are closing in fast. At the end of the line, there are only two outcomes for Calista.

Prison…or death.

As we fall deeper into our dark, depraved games, I know I can’t give her up. I want all of her – body, mind, and blackened soul that matches my own.

And I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take her from me.

••••••

REVIEW:THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE is the fourth instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult OBSIDIAN KNIGHTS SECRET SOCIETY dark, erotic, romance series focusing on a secret society of billionaires and assassins. This is thirty-eight year old, former CIA operative Smith Hunt, and twenty-four year old CIA hacker Calista Hendrix’s story line. THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary . Smith Hunt is Dakota Hunt’s estranged father (The Desires That Burn).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including light Dom / sub and graphic violence, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. The author includes a list of TW in the book.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Calista and Smith) THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE focuses on the hunt and take down of our story line heroine. Calista Hendrix is on the run having uncovered some information on the dark web. The CIA believes Calista is a traitor, and Smith Hunt is tasked with bringing her home but all is not as it appears to be when the truth reveals a much darker scenario including a need for vengeance for our story line heroine.

Once again, the world building is comprehensive and intricate. Calista is keeping the truth of her ‘supposed betrayal’ in the hopes of destroying the people who destroyed her life. As Smith struggles to keep Calista under control, our heroine refuses to sit back watching the world go by. At every opportunity Calista attempts an escape, often placing both of their lives in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Calista and Smith begins as an assignment but Calista refuses to go quietly, and within hours is forcing Smith’s hand. Calista is not naïve to the in which she works and is currently under watch but she refuses to remain safe when the bad guys are always getting away. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and provocative but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word liberally throughout.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous instalments: Mercer, Orion, Malone, Black Widow and Jones, as well a number of CIA operatives and mentors who actions and roles are ambiguous and dubious.

THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, exploitation and trafficking, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, dark, dramatic and intriguing; the romance is aggressive and steamy; the characters are desperate, determined and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Secrets That Kill
The Desires That Burn
The Sins That Ruin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and suspense-filled romance. She’s addicted to kickboxing, Starburst jelly beans, and swooning over dark, broken anti-heroes. Kristen is happily married to her own real-life hero of over 20 years. In addition to penning spicy stories, she also has a part-time job as her three kids’ personal Uber driver, which she manages to successfully juggle along with her other tasks: laundry, cleaning, laundry, cooking, laundry, and caring for her adorable Boston Terrier puppy.

Mafia romance is her passion…and her poison.

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Relentless Sinner (Empire of Sinners 4) by Faith Summers-review

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Relentless Sinner (Empire of Sinners 4) by Faith Summers-review

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

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RELEASE DATE: October 31, 2024

My father forced me to marry the most notorious man in the city. A man people call the beast.
Jaxon Bortsov is a beautiful devil—cruel and cold, relentless and vicious.
Next in line to claim the throne of the Vysotsky Bratva, he commands with an iron fist and a heart of ice.

We began with a cursed contract. One my sister was supposed to sign.
But when she fell pregnant and ran, I was left to honor the deal in her place.
I tried to escape, to sever the binds of fate, only to be captured by enemies.
But Jaxon stole me back like a thief in the night, and now he refuses to let me go.

Jaxon is not a man who takes no for an answer, nor one easily deceived.
When he discovers my secret, I have no choice but to surrender and become his Belle.
I tell myself there’s still a way out.
Yet with each stolen kiss and forbidden touch, I feel myself slipping deeper into his darkness.

The moment I take his name, I’m lost—addicted to the way he calls me his wife.
Each kiss melts the walls around my heart. Every touch pulls me further into his twisted obsession.
Soon, I forget the danger that lurks behind our vows.

In Jaxon’s world, truth is as dangerous as the love that binds us.

••••

REVIEW:RELENTLESS SINNER is the fourth instalment in Faith Summers’ contemporary, adult EMPIRE OF SINNERS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty six year old Pakhan Jaxon Bortsov, and twenty-four year old Gabriella De Costa’s story line. RELENTLESS SINNER 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 (Jaxon and Gabriella) RELENTLESS SINNER follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine. Salvatore De Costa arranged a marriage between his daughter Natasha and Jaxon Bortsov but Natasha ran leaving Salvatore to offer up his youngest daughter Gabriella in her stead but Gabriella wanted nothing to do with the Bratva heir known as The Beast, so she too ran but found herself from the frying pan into the fire when she was captured and held by human traffickers. Rescued by Jaxon Bortsov, Gabriella would, once again, find herself a virtual prisoner but a prisoner in a gilded cage. Desperate to escape, Gabriella puts a plan into motion only to realize that someone else is pulling the strings, placing Gabriella in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the tempestuous but building romance and relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella, and the potential fall-out as betrayal comes from within forcing our couple to reconsider who to trust, and who to take down.

The world building follows several paths as Jaxon struggles to find a common ground with his wife, a woman who struggles with her place in his life. As Jaxon takes the reigns as the new Pakhan in the Bratva, there are those waiting in line to take control. Meanwhile, the dysfunctional family dynamics threaten any semblance of peace as our couple find themselves facing the treachery and treason of everyone involved.

The relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella is a forced, arranged marriage. Gabriella’s father’s pursuit of power places his daughter’s life in the balance; Jaxon’s need for approval comes at a cost. Falling for Jaxon was never in the future but Gabriella found herself in love with a man who promised to guard and protect. The $ex scenes are intimate and aggressive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters most of whom are problematic and controversial family members aiming for the top.We are introduced to Gabriella’s father Salvatore De Costa, and her sister Natasha, as well as Jaxon’s father Ilya Bortsov; Jaxon’s best friend and Italian mobster Micah, Jaxon’s advisor Eric, and the return of Cillian O’Ridian. The requisite evil has many faces.

RELENTLESS SINNER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family values, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and haunting; the romance is edgy ; the characters are tragic, dynamic and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Ruthless Sinner
Merciless Sinner
Fearless Sinner

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

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

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SUNRISE MALICE (Dark Mafia Romance 3) by BB Hamel

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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

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Bargain with the Irish Devil by Fiona Murphy-review tour

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💚Bargain with the Irish Devil by Fiona Murphy-review tour💚

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2024

The moment I laid eyes on the curvy woman, I wanted her something awful. I’m not a good man and never pretend to be. I make no promises and am always honest that it’s pleasure I’m looking for and nothing more—until her. I lie to her and myself.

There was a plan when she was brought to me. Only for every part of it to change. I needed answers only she could give me. She hesitated but accepted the bargain I offered her. I tell her I’ll let her go. I promise if she tells me no, I’ll accept it. But I can’t, not when she’s lying to me and herself.

I should let her go. She is a civilian who doesn’t belong in my world and doesn’t want to be here. Except I am a devil, and I take what I want. I’ll never let her go. Now, I just have to make her want to stay.

Bargain with the Devil is an Irish mafia dark romance featuring a plus-size woman. It includes rough scenes and a pregnancy through manipulation. If such things offend you, please do not buy.

••••

REVIEW:BARGAIN WITH THE IRISH DEVIL by Fiona Murphy, is a contemporary, adult, Mafia romance stand alone story set in the author’s Sabatini worlds. This is head of the Chicago Irish mob Declan Kelly, and twenty-seven year old, accountant Miranda Beckett’s story line. BARGAIN WITH THE IRISH DEVIL can be read as a stand alone, you do not have to read the previous instalments. Some of the characters cross over for 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 (Declan and Miranda) BARGAIN WITH THE IRISH DEVIL follows in the wake of the kidnapping of our story line heroine. Declan Kelly will be using Miranda Beckett as payment for a debt but her accounting skills are what he needs the most. Believing she will be free of Declan within a matter of days, our heroine finds herself falling for her jailer, a man who is falling just as fast. As Miranda begins a deep dive into Declan Kelly’s financials,betrayal from within the organization forces Declan to take charge, invoking the ire of the people at the top.

The world building follows several pathways including Declan’s need to clean house in the face of betrayal and issues of trust. From the outset, Declan finds himself falling for our story line heroine, a plus-size woman that checks all of the boxes Declan needs and wants for his own happily ever after.

The relationship between Declan and Miranda begins as payment for a debt. Miranda becomes a prisoner in a gilded cage, a prisoner who will quickly fall for her jailer in the wake of Declan’s dogged determination and seduction. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Tony and Dominic Sabatini, and Milos Levin, as well as the introduction of Miranda’s brother Peter Beckett; Declan’s housekeeper Aoife; Declan’s best friend Ryan, and right hand man Colm.

BARGAIN WITH THE IRISH DEVIL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession, power and control, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, captivating and dramatic; the romance is seductive and passionate ;the characters are desperate, determined and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Due to commitment issues I have lived in many different cities and my favorite is Chicago but I have managed to settle into Austin and perhaps my commitment issues are behind me.

I have enjoyed reading from a very young age and it wasn’t long before the children books bored me and I read the books my mother enjoyed Stephen King and Dean Koontz and I didn’t sleep without the light on until I was about ten.

I came across my first Harlequin by accident and it was love at first read, no one died and happy endings? It was a whole new world and I loved it.

I wrote my first story at eight and everyone died, of course. Since then I would like to think I’ve gotten better and now I’m writing the happily ever afters I first fell in love with, with some hot sex thrown in along the way.

As a plus size woman myself, I have started writing the stories I always wanted to see myself in but never did. And now I’m ecstatic to give BBWs the happily ever afters with hot Alphas I want to read.

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