Tag Archives: Mafia romance

RUTHLESS POSSESSION (Dark Enemies 1) by Zoe Delaney

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RUTHLESS POSSESSION (Dark Enemies 1) by Zoe Delaney-Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 7, 2023

The lost Mafia princess has been found, and I will make her mine.

Bianca Carlotti might despise me, but little does she know that only feeds the beast within. I will marry the innocent princess and use her to exact revenge on the enemies who would destroy me.

Kidnapping her is easy and, as my wife, Bianca will be tamed. I will seduce her with the pleasures and privileges of the life she should have had, mold her into the type of woman who can hold her own in my world, and teach her to obey.

Whether she likes it or not, Bianca is now mine, and it’s time to use her to make my enemies pay. But my wife—my weapon—might just be the cause of my downfall.

•••••

REVIEW: RUTHLESS POSSESSION is the first instalment in Zoe Delaney (aka Jen Katemi) contemporary, adult DARK ENEMIES dark, erotic, Mafia romance trilogy focusing on twenty-five year old, heir to the Carlotta empire Bianca Carlotti, and Gregorio ‘Rio’ Agosti, head of the Carlotti-Agosti Crime syndicate.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bianca and Rio) RUTHLESS POSSESSION follows in the aftermath of the abduction of our story line heroine. Believing herself to be Bree Walker, Bianca will quickly come to discover she is the only living heir to the Carlotti Crime Empire. Adopted as an infant, Bianca never knew the truth about her parents, and their connection to organized crime but within hours of her kidnapping Bianca will discover that all is not as it appears to be, and she is about to get a crash course on life, living with a mobster. Married and forced to sign over her family’s control, Bianca must learn to play the doting wife or face the consequences at home. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Bianca and Rio, and the potential fall out as betrayal and and fear sit at the heart of Bianca’s need to run.

The world building introduces some of the background behind Bianca’s abduction. As the sole surviving member of a powerful crime family, Bianca has been targeted by those hoping for a seat at the top but Rio Agosti is the first to discover Bree Walker’s true identity, an discovery that threatens our story line heroine.

The relationship between Rio and Bianca is an enemies to lovers, forced marriage in which Bianca is slowly falling for the man who is about to steal her life but marriage to a mobster means facing down the dangers of life living in the criminal underworld, and Bianca wants only to survive without losing it all. As Rio continues to threaten the people she loves, Bianca knows that to protect everyone, she may have to run to protect herself. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and not without some issues of consent.

We are introduced to Rio’s brother Nikolas, their aunt Francine, as well as several members of competing crime families.

RUTHLESS POSSESSION is a story of power and control, crime and punishment, secrets and lies, trust and fear, betrayal and vengeance. The fast paced, character driven premise is dark, intriguing and dramatic; the romance struggles in the face of possession and fear; the characters are desperate, determined and edgy. RUTHLESS POSSESSION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

“Your passion can be fueled by pleasure, or it can be fueled by hatred, but you cannot hide your need, Bianca. I sense it, and now you know my response.”

“I don’t…”

“Oh, little bird. You do.” I lean down, testing her, and brush my lips across hers.

A small mewling sound escapes her, and she doesn’t pull away.

“I don’t want to want.” Her voice is so faint it is almost not there at all, and her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “I hate you and everything you stand for.”

“I know. And you should.”

 

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Zoe Delaney is the dark romantic suspense pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Jen Katemi. Zoe’s books are dark, push boundaries and include material that some readers may find triggering. Zoe lives in Melbourne, Australia. She loves her daughters, coffee, wine and her two very needy cats (not necessarily in that order!). 

Zoe Delaney is graciously offering a $20 Amazon GC to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway open internationally

10. Giveaway runs from September 7-15, 2023

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RUTHLESS SALVATION (Byrne Brothers 3) by Jill Ramsower-review

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RUTHLESS SALVATION (Byrne Brothers 3) by Jill Ramsower-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2023

Stormy
I don’t seek out gorgeous men with psychotic tendencies,
But damn if they don’t have a way of finding me.

Beautifully broken. Endlessly tempting.

Each day at work, my brooding Irish boss acts like he wants nothing to do with me.
And every night, he stalks me like I’m the very air he breathes.

So why haven’t I tried to escape him?
Maybe he’s not the only one who’s a little broken.

Torin
I’ve never known obsession until now.

I hate the way it feels.
The conflict.
The cravings.

Stormy Lawson consumes my every thought.

I yearn to punish her for being so damn irresistible.
I ache to own her, so I never have to know life without her.

But more than anything, I’m compelled to slaughter anyone who touches her.

••••••

REVIEW: RUTHLESS SALVATION is the third instalment in Jill Ramsower’s contemporary, adult BYRNE BROTHERS erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Torin Byrne, and Stormy Lawson’s story line. RUTHLESS SALVATION 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 including domestic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Torin and Stormy) using present day and memories from the past RUTHLESS SALVATION follows in the wake of a possible stalker for our story line heroine. Stormy suspected she was never alone but she had become complacent, and knew it may be time to move, yet again, before the past comes through with a promise to kill. Working for the Byrne brothers as a cocktail server meant Stormy was always up close and personal with Torin Byrne but never expected to discover that Torin’s attraction was visceral and hard. An attack against our heroine found Torin guardian and protector but the revelation about the who, what and why was about to place Byrne brothers in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the building relationship between Torin and Stormy, and the potential fall-out as Stormy’s past demands her return, one way or another.

The world building continues to follow the Byrne brothers Irish Mobster world including their illegal dealings in the world of arms dealing. A shipment of stolen guns was about to bring the Irish face to face with the Russian Mafia but Torin will quickly discover there is more to the appearance of the Russians than anyone could have imagined.

The relationship between Torin and Stormy is one of employee and employer. They have danced around one another for close to six months but Stormy knows her time in New York comes with an expiry date, a date that may be closing in faster than she expected. Having left everything and everyone behind, Stormy is desperate to protect the man with whom she is falling in love, fearing she will bring death and danger wherever she goes. Torin doesn’t do relationships but he is desperate to claim Stormy as his own. Stormy is hiding something; she is on the run, and it is only a matter of time before Torin takes charge, destroying anyone determined to destroy the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, engaging and familiar secondary and supporting characters including Keir and Rowan (Corrupted Union), Conner, Oran, and security Jolly. The Byrne organization of Irish mobsters look after their own but Stormy’s presence is about to draw a line betweenTorin and the family he loves. The requisite evil has many faces.

RUTHLESS SALVATION is a story of abuse, power and control, trust and misunderstanding, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and dramatic; the romance is seductive and intoxicating; the characters are sassy, animated, powerful and strong.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Silent Vows
Secret Sin 1.5
Corrupted Union

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Not sure if this is a book for you?
Check out the FIRST CHAPTER here:

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Jill is a Texan, born and raised. She manages the hectic social calendars for her three active children and occasionally spends an evening with her dashing husband. Aside from being an author and a mom, she’s a travel junkie and loves to read when she is not lost in her own stories.

With Jill’s books, you can count on confident heroines, plenty of steamy tension, and deliciously assertive leading men. There are no guarantees in life, but with her books, you know everything will work out in the end. However, a perfect ending would not be nearly as satisfying without a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Jill loves to add plenty of adversity in her stories, creating unforgettably dynamic characters and sneaky plot twists you will never see coming.

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Ruthless Heir / Cruel Prince by Aidee JaImes-reviews

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Ruthless Heir / Cruel Prince (Seven Deadly Sinacores 2 & 3) by Aidee Jaimes-reviews

RUTHLESS HEIR
(Seven Deadly Sinacores 2)
by Aidee Jaimes
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 May 25, 2023

If love is the deadliest weapon, I’m about to discover just how much I can bleed.

My father always warned me against falling in love. That all it would bring is pain and betrayal. But when I meet Noah and his golden gaze trails over me like a fiery tongue that heats my skin, I want nothing more than to prove him wrong.

I should know better. Look deeper into his beautiful eyes, to see the darkness that lurks beneath. I don’t.

And when I fall in love, I dive past the point of no return, completely unaware that every kiss, every passionate caress, is a knife slicing across my skin.

Because Noah isn’t the charming guy I thought he was. He’s the ruthless hitman for the Gianni family on a mission of revenge against my father.

He enacts his vengeance with such seductive perfection, that by the time I realize what he’s done, I’m already dying. Yet, I’m so addicted to the pleasure of every cut, I’m not sure if I want to find a way out…

Or be killed by the blade of his touch.

•••••

REVIEW: RUTHLESS HEIR is the second instalment in Aidee Jaimes contemporary, adult SEVEN DEADLY SINACORES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Noah (Russo) Esposito, and artist/ gallery owner Emily Shaw’s story line. RUTHLESS HEIR can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion. The events of RUTHLESS HEIR run parallel to, and cross over with the event of book one MERCILESS VOWS.

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’s and Noah) RUTHLESS HEIR follows in the aftermath of the murder of Noah Esposito’s father Leonardo. With the discovery of Leonardo’s body, and the resulting fight for power in the family, Noah goes in search of the person responsible only to discover all was not as it appeared to be. In the hopes of destroying not only a killer but his family as well, Noah begins a slow seductive of Emily Shaw, the daughter of the man he holds responsible for the death of his father but all is not well in the group that will come to be known as the Sinacore Alliance when a killer known as The Ferryman begins the systematic assassination of the heads of the connected Crime families. What ensues is the building relationship between Noah and Emily, and the potential fall-out when Emily finds herself facing her own mortality, at the hands of the man that she has grown to love.

The relationship between Emily and Noah begins in the wake of the murder of Leonardo Esposito. Noah is on the hunt for the person responsible, and Noah believes said killer may be connected to our story line heroine. Emily has be warned away from Noah Esposito, a man she believes to be someone else, and the man who is about to break her heart. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including Luca and Carina Sinacore, as well asseveral members of the newly formed Sinacore Alliance; Noah’s step-mother Sylvia Esposito, Gideon Black, and Emily’s father Jackson Shaw. The requisite evil has many faces.

RUTHLESS HEIR is another story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is detailed and dramatic; the romance is edgy; the characters are desperate and determined. RUTHLESS HEIR ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one MERCILESS VOWS

______

CRUEL PRINCE
(Seven Deadly Sinacores 3)
by Aidee Jaimes
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia romance

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

Release Date: August 24, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK:

I sold my soul to the Devil and he handed me over to someone far deadlier.

After the death of my father, his enemies came knocking on my door. Left with no other choice, I agree to an indentured contract, selling my body to a criminal in exchange for my life.

Only he never meant to keep me as his own. Instead, he offers me to the highest bidder in one of Philadelphia’s most exclusive underground auction houses.

I’m dressed in the finest silks and paraded in front of dozens of the wealthiest men shouting their bids. But it’s the voice from the shadows that wins.

I now belong to Arran Maxton. He’s powerful. Ruthless. Handsome as sin and just as cruel. He’s also my father’s greatest enemy.

I’m made to pay for transgressions I did not commit. To submit myself to his mercy.

Hatred fuels the lust and hunger in his gaze as he possesses me. Punishing me with every ounce of pleasure he reaps from my body. Forcing me closer to delirious insanity where I beg for his touch…

even when I know it will eventually kill me.

•••••

REVIEW:CRUEL PRINCE is the third instalment in Aidee Jaimes contemporary, adult SEVEN DEADLY SINACORES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is crime boss and businessman Arran Maxton, and twenty year old, Imogen ‘Skye’ Cameron’s story line. CRUEL PRINCE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Skye, Arran and Maise) CRUEL PRINCE follows in the aftermath of the murder of Skye and Maise’s father Judge Thomas Cameron. Judge Cameron was a man of questionable morals but he loved his daughters. Having left them everything, Skye is forewarned that if something were to happen, to take her younger sister and run but within hours, Skye and Maise find themselves the captive of a man who is seeking revenge. Sold to the highest bidder for five years of service, Skye finds herself the ‘slave’ to crime boss Arran Maxton, a man with whom she if forced to get up close and personal. Arran Maxton is desperate to destroy the family of the man he blames for killing his sister, and the only person standing in the way is the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Arran and Skye, and the potential fall-out when secrets are revealed breaking Skye’s heart, and destroying any chance at happiness for our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the assassin known as The Ferryman, a man who is determined to destroy everyone connected to the death of someone he loved-the assassination of all of the heads of the crime families for sins of the past. Arran Maxton is a member of the group calling themselves the Sinacore Alliance, and it is the Alliance who have been targeted, one assassination at a time.

The relationship between Arran and Skye begins as a purchase. Arran is the winning bid for a contract focusing on our story line heroine, a five year indentured service to protect someone she loves but Arran never expected to fall in love with the woman he was determined to destroy, a woman who is about to discover the depths to which she is willing to go to save her younger sister. The $ex scenes are erotic and passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have previous met in the first two instalments. We are introduced to Arran’s father Clive Maxton, as well as the assassin Scarlet.

CRUEL PRINCE is a story of death and destruction, secrets and lies, power and control, trust and misgivings, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and edgy; the characters are strong-willed, stubborn and decisive; the romance is fated but struggling in the face of desperation and lies. CRUEL PRINCE ends on a happily ever after-for now. The overall conflict has yet to be resolved.

Copies supplied by Booksprout

reviews by Sandy

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MALICIOUS WEDDING (Crowley Mafia Family 2) by BB Hamel- review

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MALICIOUS WEDDING (Crowley Mafia Family 2) by BB Hamel

ebook only 99¢ USD for a limited time

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 29, 2023

An obsession spanning decades. A ghost from my past.
I turned away from the darkness—but Carson wants to drag me back.

I thought my life was charmed. I own a bar, have great friends, and things always seem to work out in my favor.

At least until Carson Crowley comes storming back into my world.

He’s a mafia prince, the kind of man that smolders whenever he enters a room. I’ve always been drawn to him—and equally repulsed by his violent lifestyle.

Now my brother’s in trouble, my father’s been killed, and I’m next, unless I marry Carson.

His protection feels like possession.

Things only get weirder. The moment I put his ring on my finger, he acts like he’s completely enamored with me.

Gifts, attention, praise, physical affection. He showers me with his love, and it’s completely overwhelming.

It doesn’t make sense. I thought this was a business arrangement.

Until one night, Carson shows me the truth—and I find out how deep obsession can go.

•••••

REVIEW: MALICIOUS WEDDING is the second instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult CROWLEY MAFIA FAMILY dark, erotic, organized crime series focusing on the Crowley Irish crime family. This is heir to the title Carson Crowley, and bar owner Ashlyn Locke’s story line. MALICIOUS WEDDING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information to 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 (Carson and Ash) MALICIOUS WEDDING follows in the aftermath of the shooting of Ashlyn’s brother Iain, a soldier in the Crowley organization. Iain is missing; Ashlyn’s family has been wiped out, and Carson offer to marry Ashlyn, in an effort to protect her against those taking aim but all is not well, and Ashlyn is about to discover that her brother’s mistakes do not compare to the secrets Carson is about to reveal. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Ash and Carson, and the potential fall-out when Ash walks away, without looking back.

The world building focuses on Carson’s obsession with our story line heroine. Carson, and Ashlyn’s brother Iain have been best friends since a young age but Carson’s obsession and need for Ashlyn is more than anyone could have imagined. As Ashlyn struggles with the truth, Carson must come to terms with losing the only woman he has ever loved.

The relationship between Ashlyn and Carson is a best friend’s younger sister in which Carson is unable to walk away from his best friend’s sister. As the next in command to one of the most powerful families in organized crime, Carson is determined to prove he is worthy of Ashlyn’s love but goes about doing so, in the worst way possible. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Carson’s brothers Finn (Marriage of Sin 1), Nolan and Liam, their parents, and Carson’s drive/security Fitzgerald; Ashlyn’s brother Iain, and her co-workers and employees. The Crowley family is well aware of Carson’s ‘obsession’ with our story line heroine, an obsession that make them question Carson’s ability to lead in the event of their father’s death.

MALICIOUS WEDDING is a fast paced story of want and need, obsession and desire, power and control, family and relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, twisted and thought-provoking; the romance is unconventional and intense; the characters are desperate and determined although Ashlyn’s stubbornness and pride place would have placed her in danger if not for the obsession of the man with whom she would fall in love.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one MARRIAGE OF SIN

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

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MAFIA BEAUTY (Mancinelli Brotherhood 3) by Sabine Barclay

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MAFIA BEAUTY (Mancinelli Brotherhood 3) by Sabine Barclay-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: June 27, 2023

She’s the one woman I can’t have. I shouldn’t want her. I shouldn’t touch her. I shouldn’t make a move. But she wants it too. The moment she lets me know, there’s no going back. No one will keep us apart. There’ll be nothing left of anyone who tries. We’ve watched each other for years, and now I will show her it’s been worth the wait. I’ll give her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams until she can think of nothing but us… Nothing but me. Mafia Beauty is a dark romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains EXTRA-STEAMY scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. The Mancinelli Brotherhood is a six-book series that’ll keep you warm at night

•••••••

REVIEW: MAFIA BEAUTY is the third instalment in Sabine Barclay’s contemporary, adult MANCINELLI BROTHERHOOD dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-one year old Matteo, and twenty-nine year old, radiologist Dr. Maria Mancinelli’s story line. MAFIA BEAUTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. The MANCINELLI BROTHERHOOD series is a spinoff from /interconnected series with the author’s IVANKOV BROTHERHOOD series. Some of the characters of the Ivankov Brotherhood cross over with or are mentioned throughout the current series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers including violence, BDSM and Daddy/baby girl dynamic (but no age play).

Told from several intersecting paths and dual first person perspectives (Matteo and Maria) MAFIA BEAUTY focuses on the building romance and relationship between thirty-one year old Matteo, and twenty-nine year old, radiologist Dr. Maria Mancinelli. Matteo and Maria are/were childhood friends but Matteo’s connection to the Mancinelli meant our hero watched from afar as the woman he loved moved on with her life. Threats against Maria Mancinelli forced Matteo to claim our story line heroine as his own, threats that are about to take aim the entire family.

Matteo was raised alongside the Mancinelli family, best friends with Maria’s older brother Luca. Matteo has been in love with Maria for close to eleven years, and it is time he claimed our heroine as his own. Like all of the previous relationships in the author’s series, there is a Daddy/baby girl dynamic (but no age play or littles). The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of powerful and colorful secondary and supporting characters including many members of the Irish Mob, Italian Mafia (aka Cosa nostra), Russian Bratva, Mexican Culiacan Cartel, Japanese Yakuza, and Albanian mobs including the large extended Mancinelli Brotherhood family including Maria’s brothers Luca, Lorenzo and Marco, their parents Massimo and Nicoletta; cousin Carmine, and Carmine’s best friend/brother Gabriele; uncle Salvatore Mancinelli (don of New York), and his wife Sylvia, all who play an active role throughout the series.

MAFIA BEAUTY is a a story of jealousy, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the characters are numerous, powerful and determined; the romance is passionate, seductive and erotic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Mafia Heir
Mafia Sinner

Reviewed by Sandy

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VENGEANCE IN BLOOD (Sons of the Mafia 1) by Vi Carter & ER Whyte

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VENGEANCE IN BLOOD (Sons of the Mafia 1) by Vi Carter & ER Whyte-review tour

SINS OF THE MAFIA
(Sons of the Mafia .5)
by Vi Carter & ER Whyte
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia Romance

–> FREE prequel: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 21, 2023

Four mafia families who rule the underworld. A power struggle that leads to war. And a forbidden love that might set it all ablaze.
Damon
Valachi.
That was the name on my mother’s dying lips.
That one word would spark a war.
A war that I planned on winning.
I would go to the Valachi famiglia, and integrate myself into their world. I would learn their weaknesses and their secrets, and I would find out who was responsible for my mother’s execution.
Then I met Lorenzo Valachi’s daughter, Lulu.
She’s a queen in the making: strong, beautiful, and full of compassion. She’s also an innocent… and the only thing standing in my way.
Lulu lights a fire in me that threatens to burn hotter than my desire for revenge. I can’t have her, though–not if I want to avenge my mother.
So, I change my plans, just a little. I’ll have my vengeance, and Lulu, too.
Lulu
I’m trapped in a golden cage and men hold the key to my freedom.
My father controls his world with an iron fist. When he makes Damon, a made man, his right hand, a light is lit in my darkened world.
He makes me feel things I never thought would be possible.
The closer we get, though, the more I crave. Until one day, he cuts me off and leaves me in the cold.
Only this time I refuse to be silenced. This time I refuse to return to that dark cage.
Damon hasn’t just brought light into my world, but hope… and hope can be a very dangerous thing.

••••••••••

REVIEW: SINS OF THE MAFIA is the prequel novella in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Damon and Lulu) SINS OF THE MAFIA focuses on Damon’s need for revenge. Six years earlier Damon Papparado’s beloved mother was gunned down in a Mafia style hit, a drive by shooting, his mother would blame on the Valachi Crime Family. One year later, Damon finds himself the right-hand man to Don Lorenzo Valachi, a position that places our hero in the direct line to the top but all is not well within the Valachi family including a drunken matriarch, a spoiled sixteen year old princess, a son whose aspirations conflict with his father’s control , and their twenty-one year old daughter who quite possible could control them all. Another five years will pass, Don Lorenzo Valachi will die of presumed natural causes, and a now thirty-one year old Damon Papparado sees a chance to take revenge on the family that destroyed his life.

SINS OF THE MAFIA is an introductory novella that reveals a little bit of the history behind the need for revenge and a potential war between the Valachi-Papparado families. The premise is interesting but no conflict resolution, and no real anger or palpable tension; there is no romance only a stolen kiss or two; the characters are desperate and determined- the Valachi family thinks of themselves as above the rest but their dysfunctional family and attitudes is questionable at best. SINS OF THE MAFIA ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

_____________

VENGEANCE IN BLOOD
Sons of the Mafia 1
by Vi Carter & ER Whyte
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 June 20, 2023

I married my enemy’s daughter.
If I can’t make him pay for his sins… she will.

Valachi, the name of a rival mafia family, was the last word on my mother’s dying lips.
After years of careful deceit and planning, my moment of revenge has finally arrived.
The head of the Valachi family has died, leaving his innocent daughter vulnerable.
She is forced to take my hand in an arranged marriage.
By the time she learns my true identity, it will be too late.
As her new husband, I will have complete control over her.
I am the enemy in her bed.
Her naive happily ever after will become a nightmare as I use her to seize power, and enact my final revenge.

••••••

REVIEW: VENGEANCE IN BLOOD is the first full-length instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte. This is the continuing story of twenty-nine year old, Damon Papparado, and twenty-five year old, Luciana ‘Lulu’ Valachi. Damon and Lulu’s story begins five years earlier, in the prequel novella SINS OF THE MAFIA .

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

Told from dual first person perspectives Damon and Lulu, VENGEANCE IN BLOOD follows in the aftermath of the death of Don Lorenzo Valachi, leaving a hole in the struggle for power. To Luciani ‘Lulu’ Valachi’s horror, our heroine will discover that her late father has ‘sold’ her as payment for a debt to several different arms of the Italian Mafia, and if she refuses, her younger sister is to pay the ultimate price. Enter Don Lorenzo Valachi’s right hand man, Damon Papparado, who offers his hand in marriage to secure the safety of the Valachi sisters but all is not as it appears to be, and Damon’s offer of marriage comes with a caveat meant to destroy the Valachi family for sins of the past. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship, and marriage of convenience between Damon and Lulu, and the potential fall-out when the truth reveals a staggering secret, a battle for control, and the fight for power.

Don Lorenzo Valachi died without a male heir, his son having disappeared six years earlier. Expecting but not wanting to inherit her father’s seat on the Commission, and control of the Valachi crime family, Lulu will quickly discover that her father’s debts will be paid with her life and the life of her younger sister. As the different branches of the Italian Mafia take aim at our story line couple, the reality of the situation proves to be much more dangerous and dark.

The relationship between Damon and Lulu is tempestuous at best. Damon offers his hand in marriage, seducing our heroine into believing she is loved but Lulu will quickly discover the hopelessness of her situation, and the control Damon not holds over her future and her life. Lulu has married a man determined to exact vengeance for sins of the past, vengeance that may be misdirected, evil and deadly. Lulu has lost everyone she has ever loved excerpt her sister Vivi, but Vivi’s life has been threatened, and Lulu is paying the ultimate price. The $ex scenes are aggressive and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and dangerous secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Lulu’s sister Vivi; Damon’s sister Evie and their brother Marcus, as well as several members of the Italian mob.The requisite evil has many faces.

VENGEANCE IN BLOOD is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, madness and murder, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic, and intense; the characters are powerful , desperate and determined; the romance is predicated upon obsession, vengeance and need. VENGEANCE IN BLOOD ends on a happily ever after-for now.

Click The Reading Cafe for Sandy’s review of the prequel SINS OF THE MAFIA.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

VI CARTER: When Vi Carter isn’t writing contemporary & dark romance books, that feature the mafia, are filled with suspense, and take you on a fast paced ride, you can find her reading her favorite authors, baking, taking photos or watching Netflix.

Married with two children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an Author.

She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge

AUTHOR LINKS

Newsletter and FREE book / Website / Facebook/Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Goodreads

ER WHYTE: E.R. Whyte is a multi-genre author, writing contemporary and new adult romance under E.R. Whyte, reverse harem romance under Evie Rae, and sweet romance under Elle Rae Whyte. Although it would no doubt make life easier to simply choose a genre, she loves romance in all its forms too much to ever do that.
 
She’s a simple girl at heart, living in a teeny-tiny Virginia town and spending her time finding herself, catering to various fur babies, and indulging her reading, writing, and photography habits. She loves being alone, bananas foster, and Pepsi.
 
Whyte worked as a high school English teacher for around a decade before she decided she really wanted more time to devote to her family and other fun stuff. Now she thinks up new ways to make tacos on Tuesday, explores the Marvel universe with childish enthusiasm, and spends entirely too much time on the computer.
Life is good.

AUTHOR LINKS: Facebook/ TikTok

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Beast in My Bedroom/Diamond Heart by BB Hamel-review

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Beast in My Bedroom/Diamond Heart (Atlas Organization 3-4) by BB Hamel-review

BEAST IN MY BEDROOM
Atlas Organization 3
by BB Hamel
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

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Release Date: April 28, 2023

He’s everything I don’t want . . . but my new bossy Greek mafia husband is going to make a real wife out of me.

My rock bottom is a dirty martini in a high-class bar, ten canceled credit cards, and nothing but the clothes on my back.

I managed to escape my abusive husband, but a snooty hipster bartender is about to get me arrested for being unable to pay for a drink.

That’s when Evander Kazan saves me. He’s massive, rippling with muscles, covered in dark tattoos, and looking for danger.

He buys me dinner and gives me an offer: marry him, and he’ll make sure my ex-husband never gets near me again.

This is crazy. I barely know Evander. But there’s something in the way he looks at me, and I’m desperate for any hope.

He’s darkness incarnate. Brooding, angry, brimming with restrained passion.

And after one night of sin in the gangster’s penthouse suite, I’m ready to take a chance.

He says he’ll teach me how to please him. I think he’s everything I hate. But if safety is sleeping in his bed then I’ll deal with his massive body close to mine.

Because war is coming to Evander’s family, and my ex will stop at nothing to bring us both down.

••••••

REVIEW: BEAST IN MY BEDROOM by BB Hamel is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, Greek Mafia, dark, erotic, romance story line focusing on Lord Evander Kazan, head of the Kazan Greek Mafia in Chicago, and twenty-three year old, Camille Lanaro Conti.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Evander and Camille) BEAST IN MY BEDROOM follows the forbidden relationship between Lord Evander Kazan, head of the Kazan Greek Mafia in Chicago, and twenty-three year old, Camille Lanaro Conti. Camille Conti is on the run from her abusive husband but when she is unable to pay her tab at a local hotel, Evander Kazan steps in to help. Realizing Camille is running from something or someone, Evander offers one night together, a night that will end with Evander offering marriage in an effort to protect them both but Camille is still married, and her husband has criminal connections, connections that are about to place Evander in a war with the Italian mob. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Camille and Evander, and the potential fall-out when their time together comes to a close.

Evander Kazan ascended the Greek Mafia throne by force, a force that shattered his dysfunctional family but Evander and his mother were betrayed by the people at the top, and our hero is determined to destroy anyone who gets in his way. Camille Conti was sold to the Italian mob, forced into an abusive marriage, a marriage from which she is struggling to get away but Camille is desperate, with no money and no place to hide, and accepts Evander’s offer, an offer with conditions by which Camille refuses to abide. Camille is often TSTL (too stupid to live) knowing she is a target of both the Greek and Italian mobs but our heroine is determined to prove she can make it on her own, something that continues to place her and Evander in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Evander and Camille is a marriage of convenience between warring factions of the Chicago Crime families. Camille’s life is in jeopardy but her place of refuge is both a prison and a sentence when she finds herself in constant peril from both outside and from within. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

We are introduced to Evander’s right hand man Lycus; Evander’s sister Helen, and their mother Dimitra, Aunt Anissa and cousin Sophia, as well as Camille’s friend and co-worker Ophelia. The requisite evil has many faces including several members of the Greek, and Italian mobs.

BEAST IN MY BEDROOM is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and corruption, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and riveting; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, desperate and determined.

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Beautiful Corruption
Ruined with a Promise

Reviewed by Sandy

________________

DIAMOND HEART
(Atlas Organization 4)
by BB Hamel
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2023

My super-controlling boss saved my life. Now I’m his fake wife… and I owe him everything.Gareth Kane is the definition of bosshole: intense, picky, critical, stupidly handsome, and an overall pain in my behind.Too bad I need this job. My BFF moved away, my parents got into swinging (don’t ask), I’m drowning in student loans, and my apartment burned to the ground.

Hello, rock. I’m bottom.

But to make it even worse, I walk in on Gareth discussing some very illegal plans with a bunch of gangsters, and he says the only thing that’ll keep me alive: Don’t worry about Fiona. She’s my new wife.Sorry, what now? I would’ve remembered marrying a psychopath like Gareth.
After the shock wears off, he makes me an offer. We pretend to be married, he protects me from his crazy gangster clients, and I play the part to make sure they never find out he’s lying.

It’s a lose-lose situation, but I like being alive more than being dead, so I’m going with it.My new husband is a neat freak, insists on treating me like his actual bride, and loves to tease me mercilessly.He’s also gorgeous, sensual, caring, and makes sure I’m always looked after.I hate him, right up until I realize I don’t.

And then? Well, not all fake marriages stay fake for long.

••••••

REVIEW: DIAMOND HEART is the fourth instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult ATLAS ORGANIZATION dark, erotic, romance series focusing on four former college friends: Evander, Carmine, Ford and Gareth. This is thirty-five year old, billionaire attorney Gareth Kane, and legal assistant Fiona Kelleher’s story line. DIAMOND HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual first person perspectives (Gareth and Fiona) DIAMOND HEART follows the building but fake relationship between billionaire attorney Gareth Kane, and his legal assistant Fiona Kelleher. Gareth Kane is hoping to work for Mafia boss Orin Crowley but a clandestine meeting with the Crowley Family, and threats against Fiona’s life, forced Gareth to claim his legal assistant as his new wife. Hoping to keep up the pretense, Gareth finds himself in a dilemma, a dilemma of marriage, a wife, a new job, and the possibility of losing everything when their secret is revealed. What ensues is the building relationship between Gareth and Fiona, and the potential fall-out when their time together comes to a close.

Gareth Kane never expected to fall for his legal assistant but a forced proximity aka marriage of convenience meant Gareth and Fiona were always together. A new job meant a new move across the county, and Gareth didn’t see a future with our story line heroine. In an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Gareth is forced to push Fiona away, breaking both of their hearts in the process.

The relationship between Fiona and Gareth begins as employee and boss but quickly turns into a marriage of convenience. Gareth struggles between head and heart knowing he was placing Fiona in the direct line of fire but the heart wanted something it had never expected. Fiona was quickly falling for Gareth Kane but Gareth’s new job was dangerous, and the people he worked for, deadly and dark. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include all of the previous story line couples aka Atlas Organization members, as well as Orin Crowley, and his sons.

DIAMOND HEART is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and forgiveness, happiness and love. The fast paced premise is captivating, dramatic and edgy; the romance is impulsive and intimate; the characters are sassy, desperate and determined.

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Vicious Hearts (Dark Hearts 2) by Jagger Cole-Review Tour

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Vicious Hearts (Dark Hearts 2) by Jagger Cole-Review Tour

 

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

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Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/41VjpGo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2023

I’ll do anything to save my family. Even if it means marrying the devil himself.

Cillian Kildare is a monster wrapped in charm and sophistication. A gorgeous psychopath with venom in his veins and sadism driving every beat of his cold, black heart.

When I’m sent to kill the vicious Irish mafia boss to settle a debt from my past, it’s supposed to be simple.

It becomes a lot less simple when Cillian catches me, and carves his way into my darkest secrets and most deviant desires.

Now, captured and bound as his prisoner plaything, he has new plans for me: an unholy marriage of inconvenience.

He’ll protect me from my past. And for six months, I’ll give him my body, my soul, and my submission—willing or otherwise.

It’s just physical. A contract and nothing more.

But the devil, as they say, is in the details.

And if I’m not careful, this devil might soon break his way into something else:

My heart.

••••••

REVIEW: VICIOUS HEARTS is the second instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary, adult DARK HEARTS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series., set in the author’s KINGS AND VILLAINS world. This is the head of the Kildare Irish Mob Cillian Kildare, and Una O’Conor’s story line. VICIOUS HEARTS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading DEVIANT HEARTS for back story and cohesion.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL be triggers for more sensitive readers including graphic violence, child ab*se, BDSM and self harm.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cillian and Una) VICIOUS HEARTS follows in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Cillian Kildare at the hands of Una O’Conor. Una is hoping to save the life of her twin and brother Finn but someone is directing our heroine behind the scenes. Her latest target is the head of the Irish Mob Cillian Kildare, the man with whom Una will fall in love, but a man who is going to use Una to win a war. A marriage of convenience is meant to unite the warring families of the Irish Mob but all does not go according to plan when a ghost from the past, returns with a vengeance.

Cillian Kildare is a sadist; a socio-path, a psychotic madman who needs to vent his rage and his anger, and his targets are usually the lowest of the low. Since an early age, Cillian knew something wasn’t right but he would channel his need for revenge at those who deserved it the most. Having barely survived a childhood of abuse and torture, Una is the perfect outlet for our story line hero.

The relationship between Cillian and Una is an enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience predicated upon years of madness and abuse. Una was desperate to save the brother she hadn’t see in almost two years, and Cillian was the ticket to free her brother from captivity but all was not as it appeared to be, and Una’s relationship with the past was about to destroy everything she knew. The $ex scenes are aggressive, dangerous and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Neve and Ares (Deviant Hearts 1), Neve’s sister Eilish; Cillian’s second in command Castle; Are’s brothers Hades and Kratos, their sister Calliope, and their Ya-ya Dimitra; Director of FBI Operations Shane Dorsey; Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Thompson. The requisite evil is someone familiar. Hades story is next in Sinful Hearts.

VICIOUS HEARTS is a graphic story of violence and abuse, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and insanity, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, gritty, dramatic and intense; the characters are broken and determined; the romance is provocative.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DEVIANT HEARTS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.

Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.

When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside–rain or shine.

You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com

Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd

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