Tag Archives: Mafia romance

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

 

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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

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Merciless Monster / Dark Deviant by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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Merciless Monster / Dark Deviant by Kristen Luciani-review tour

 

 

DARK DEVIANT
(Vengeful Villains 5)
by Kristen Luciani
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,dark, 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 April 6, 2023

Too much booze and a laundry list of regrets landed me in bed with a gorgeous blonde halfway around the world.
It was a one-night stand gone very wrong, plagued by deadly secrets and deceit.
I was never supposed to see her again.
But the curves of her body, fierce glow of her eyes, and mouth that begged for more made her impossible to forget.
And now, two and a half years later, she’s staring into the barrel of my gun.

Her brothers came to Miami for revenge…against me.
But they hit the wrong target, killing my mother instead.
Now our families are at war,
And justice can only be served through death.
Her death.

But she has a secret, too…a baby girl who looks just like me.
So my plans changed.
Killing her was my mission.
Kidnapping her is my compromise.

As the days pass, my need to possess her consumes me more than my need for revenge.
Punishing her defiance becomes my obsession.
My smart-mouthed vixen resists at every turn, igniting my anger…
And desire.

But when my beautiful captive commits the worst betrayal of all, I have a choice to make…
Kill the mother of my child for her lies or ruin her life forever by marrying her?

••••••

REVIEW:DARK DEVIANT is the fifth instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult VENGEFUL VILLAINS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series focusing on the Malikov Bratva. This is Danil Malikov, and pianist Larysa Moroz’s story line. DARK DEVIANT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing plot line throughout.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Larysa and Danil) DARK DEVIANT follows in the wake of a one night stand. Approximately two and a half years earlier Larysa got some bad news, ended up in a hotel room with a stranger, only to be awoken by even more devastating news, and ghosted the man she would never forget. Fast forward to present day wherein Larysa and her family have been targeted by the Malikov Bratva for the sins of someone else. The Malikov Bratva and the Moroz family are at war, a war that is quickly spiralling out of control. Larysa Moroz is a pawn between the two warring families by it is her two year old daughter Daniela that may be the biggest loser of them all. As Danil battle between head and heart discovering he had a daughter with his one night stand, the larger issue is that two warring families are now connected by a two year old child, and another family has taken aim at everyone involved. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Danil and Larysa, and the potential fall-out as betrayal, vengeance and greed are at the heart of a war that should have never been.

The relationship between Danil and Larysa begins as a one night stand but Danil has no idea as to our heroine’s identity. Fast forward to present day, the Malikov Bratva believe the Moroz family are guilty of killing their beloved mother, and the Moroz family believe the Malikov’s are trying to destroy them all. Larysa is about to become fodder in a war not of her making, a war that is predicated upon secrets and lies, and a need for control. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense, and not without some issues of questionable consent.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, and powerful secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we have met in the previous story lines. Not everyone will survive.

DARK DEVIANT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and deceit, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, raw and gritty; the characters are animated and impassioned; the romance is dramatic and tragic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Twisted Tyrant
Dirty Devil
Cruel Captor
Merciless Monster (see below)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

______

MERCILESS MONSTER
(Vengeful Villains 4)
by Kristen Luciani
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,dark, Mafia romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 26, 2023

She is his desire.
His corruption.
When my business partner asked me to host an event at my club,
I didn’t expect his daughter to show up in a bikini straddling a motorcycle.
Her seductive gaze taunted me,
Her sinful body screamed of sex and sin.

He warned me to stay far away from her, and
Said he’d kill anyone who touched her.
Then he committed the worst betrayal against me,
Throwing his only daughter straight into the flames.

So I got my revenge
And kidnapped the gorgeous biker princess,
The forbidden fruit I was ordered to avoid.

Now she’s a pawn in our vicious power play,
A plaything to be used for my wants, my needs, and my pleasure.

But Alexis is defiant and reckless…dangerous and vengeful.
I punish her at every turn,
Stripping her of her innocence every time I spank her bright red.
She will learn her place.
And she will obey.

Because this beautiful captive is mine…
To possess,
To break,
And to marry.
Consequences…and her father…be damned.

••••••••

REVIEW: MERCILESS MONSTER is the fourth instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult VENGEFUL VILLAINS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Taras Malikov, and motorcycle mechanic/model Alexis Tretiak’s story line. MERCILESS MONSTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing plot line throughout.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Taras and Alexis) MERCILESS MONSTER follows in the wake of the destruction of Taras Malikov’s nightclub and the disappearance of Alexis’ father Vlad Tretiak, the president of the Iron Rebels MC. Alexis Tretiak’s star is on the rise, and a photoshoot at Taras’ nightclub Karma, ends in a shootout, several minutes after exits with a cryptic message. Believing he has been set up, Taras Malikov takes Alexis Tretiak hostage, in an effort to draw out the people responsible. Claiming Alexis as his own; as his property to do what he wants and he pleases, the enemies to lovers relationship focuses on the unequal balance of power between Alexis and Taras, and the violent need of Taras to take control of the woman with whom he will fall in love, but someone else is working behind the scenes, setting a plan into motion, a plan to take down the Malikov family, and Vlad Tretiak’s reign at the top. What ensues is the building but aggressive relationship between Taras and Alexis, and the potential fall-out as Alexis struggles to trust the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Alexis and Taras is an enemies to lovers predicated upon issues of trust, and a need for revenge. Taras’ sister is still missing, having fled an arranged marriage to a man she didn’t love, and the attack on the nightclub brings the focus back to Taras’ missing sister. Using Alexis as a pawn and a bargaining chip between the Mafia and the Iron Rebels MC, Taras finds himself out numbered and out gunned when the real power demands reparations for sins of the past. The $ex scenes are aggressive, violent and not without some issues of questionable consent.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Taras’ brothers: Luka and Natasha: Nikolai and Kenzie: Tori and Konstantin; Zak and Danil: Alexis’ father Vlad Tretiak; Iron Rebels MC VP Hockley, Shane, and mechanic BJ. The requisite evil has many faces.

MERCILESS MONSTER is a dark and gritty story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is graphic and complex; the romance is contentious ; the characters are powerful, struggling, broken and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Website / GOODREADS / Facebook/ Twitter / Instagram/ YouTube / Bookbub/ Facebook Reader Group/

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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VIOLENT ASCENSION (Made Men 1) by Giorgia Blake-review tour

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VIOLENT ASCENSION (Made Men 1) by Giorgia Blake-review  & excerpt tour

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 March 14, 2023

I’m a Rising Star. A boss. A Real One.
Yet I’m here. Taken and bound inside the home of Alessandro Parisi.
A dangerous man who holds my life and secrets close to his chest.
He has all the answers but refuses to answer any of my questions.
All he’s told me is that I’m his and the key to his family’s ascension.
He saved me from his sadistic cousin, but I traded one monster for another.
This monster orders me to cooperate, bend to his touch, and obey.
Too bad obedience isn’t in my nature; rebellion is my birthright.
I probably won’t make it out of this blood war alive.
The likelihood of my heart surviving Alessandro is even less…

•••••••

REVIEW: VIOLENT ASCENSION is the first instalment in Giorgia Blake’s contemporary, adult MADE MEN dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-seven year old, Romano Crime Family Consigliere Alessandro Parisi, and twenty-four year old, classical pianist Sienna Augustin’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alessandro and Sienna) VIOLENT ASCENSION follows in the wake of the discovery of the existence of an heir to the Ricci Crime Family. Alessandro Parisi and Don Thomasso Romano know Thomasso’s son Leo is a sadistic sociopath, and has set his sights on claiming the heir to the Ricci Crime Family. Years earlier, the Ricci family destroyed Alessandro, and in the wake, our hero has vowed his revenge. With the emergence of an heir, Alessandro is first to lay claim, pulling Sienna Augustin in a world she knows nothing about but Alessandro’s ulterior motive is to protect our story line heroine, while his cousin takes aim at controlling them all. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Alessandro and Sienna, and the potential fall-out as secrets and lies of omission force Sienna to walk away, into a nightmare she was not prepared.

The relationship between Sienna and Alessandro begins as forced proximity, an arranged marriage of convenience in the wake of threats against the Romano Crime Family. Alessandro and Thomasso has suspected someone is conspiring to take control at the top but never suspected the betrayal would come from within. Protecting Sienna means inviting the ire of the Ricci Crime Family but Sienna wants nothing to do with a world where arguments and fights are settled with guns and knives. As Alessandro does battle with his reluctant wife, Sienna must come to terms with a lifestyle that is about to take control. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and powerful, energetic and mad. We are introduced to Alessandro’s uncle Don Thomasso Romano, and his cousins Leo and Luna; Don Matteo Ricci; Capo Enzo Bianchi, Capo Mario Bianchi, and housekeeper Maria. The requisite evil has many faces.

VIOLENT ASCENSION is a familiar story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and mayhem, acceptance and love. The fast paced and dramatic premise is comparable to many Mafia-style story lines I have read in the past yet is also entertaining and captivating. The characters are aggressive and animated; the romance is dynamic and spirited. VIOLENT ASCENSION ends on a HFN-Happy For Now-many of the conflict issues have yet to be resolved.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Copyright 2023 Giorgia Blake

I feel her presence the moment Isabella is nearby. That’s the way it’s become between us the past few weeks. In Jane Eyre There’s a moment where Mr. Rochester tells Jane that he feels the presence of an invisible string connecting the two beneath his left rib. He claims with fervor that if that tether ever snapped, he’d bleed inwardly while she would forget he ever existed. Rochester was old, hardened by the world, and prone to outbursts of anger; while Jane was young, innocent, and talented. The world before her, his criminal past behind him; if he didn’t protect the frailty of that string with his life, then he would lose her forever.

When I first read it, I thought it was sentimental dribble. I saw it as a passage of words to muddle through in order to get to the end of the book. At this moment, I have a different view of that passage. Charlotte Bronte herself must have felt that snap or she was an emotional savant. I feel the snap of the string that kept Isabella in my universe the moment I hear her soft steps turn the corner. She’s holding my mother’s pistol and it seems fitting. I’d want her to have it.

My silly, brave and disobedient girl.

The betrayal in her eyes lets me know that she heard what the bastard just said and she’s more than pissed. She’s hurt. I lied to her, now she’ll be more determined than ever to escape. aToo bad I’ll never let her go. I need her too much. My need has nothing to do with the Romano Ascension but everything to do with the warmth of her sun. I won’t live in the cold without it.

“Father?” Her eyes stay focused on me, and I realize she’s asking me if what she heard is true. Even now, she’s praying I’m not as monstrous as I appear to be. But I am.

I’m dismissed before I can even respond.. Her attention turns to Matteo as she closes in on the truth.,

“You’re Matteo Ricci?” Her voice is strong and sure. Her chin held high, she faces the man that created and abandoned her.

Matteo eyes her carefully. He assesses her with a detached interest. I wonder if she feels it. I pray to God her anger at me does not distort her discernment. That’s a skill I’ve admired her for since we met. She read me like a book within moments of meeting me.

“I am. Come closer child. I want to have a good look at you.”

“Stay right where you are.” I bark. “Don’t move.”

Matteo scowls. “Is this how you’ve been treating my daughter? Like some dog you can call. She’s a Ricci and she should be treated like a queen, something you promised you would do.”

His feigned care is starting to really get under my skin. He’s up to something, and I’m not letting Isabella anywhere near him until I know exactly what it is. Matteo is a dangerous and unpredictable man. It was one thing for him to want her back because she’s his. That’s the mafia way. I expect that from a man like him. It’s something else entirely if he attaches value to her. Assets can be traded or sacrificed like pawns on a chessboard.

I’m a contemporary romance author dedicated to the dangerously delicious world of Mafia Romance. Every story will dare you to believe in the power of love, even when there doesn’t seem to be one sane reason to do so!

My stories feature sexy alphas and smart heroines finding love in the most breath stealing of circumstances. If someone can’t die at any moment–it’s not a Giorgia Blake Romance!

Every plot is full of heat, suspense, and steamy passion that would make the Karma Sutra blush.

So come join me on this wild ride…you won’t regret it!

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Possessive Captor/Deviant Desires by Kelsie Calloway-reviews

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POSSESSIVE CAPTOR / DEVIANT DESIRES (Valenti Crime Family 1 & 2) by Kelsie Calloway- reviews

POSSESSIVE CAPTOR
(The Valenti Crime Family 1)
by Kelsie Calloway
Genre: contemporary, adult, 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 February 25, 2023

The police chief calls me a thug, but soon he’s going to be calling me his son-in-law.

Chief Jackson knows not to mess with the Valenti family.
When he tries to frame me for murder, I start plotting my revenge.
The only person that hates the police chief more than me is his daughter.
But she makes the perfect collateral.
I’m going to take everything from the Chief, even his family line.
When she’s pregnant with my baby, he’ll stop his useless investigations.
Family means everything to me.
And Calliope Jackson is my family from now on.

Possessive Captor is the first book in The Valenti Crime Family series, featuring a morally grey anti-hero and the younger, untouched heroine he keeps locked up in his mansion. Each book is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.

•••••

REVIEW: POSSESSIVE CAPTOR is the first instalment in Kelsie Calloway’s contemporary adult THE VALENTI CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Raniero ‘Nero’ Valenti, and realtor Calliope Jackson’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raniero and Calliope) POSSESSIVE CAPTOR follows in the wake of the abduction of Calliope Jackson. Calliope Jackson is the estranged and only daughter of police chief Grant Jackson, the man who has been terrorizing the Valenti family in the hopes of taking them down. Raniero Valenti is tired of the harassment, and plans to destroy Grant Jackson by abducting and claiming Calliope as his own. A prisoner in a gilded cage, Calliope finds herself quickly submitting to a man who could make or break our story line heroine but discovers cooperating with Raniero makes her own life a little easier. Desperate to make Calliope his wife, Raniero believes he must first break the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the tempestuous but building relationship between Raniero and Calliope, as our couple make plans for their future.

The relationship between Calliope and Raniero begins as prisoner and captor but a gilded cage is still a cage from which Calliope cannot escape. Having lived most of her adult life on the street, escaping the abuse and torture at home, Calliope exchanges one jailer for another for the security and safety net of the man with whom she will fall in love. Raniero is determined to destroy Chief Grant Jackson but never thought he would fall in love with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Raniero’s brothers: Mateo, Luca and Cesare: housekeeper Grace; bodyguard Sampson, and Calliope’s father Chief Grant Jackson.

POSSESSIVE CAPTOR is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession, love and acceptance. The fast paced premise is inviting but there is no resolution to the acrimonious relationship between the Chief, Raniero and Calliope-the Chief becomes more of an afterthought who is apparently unfazed by the entire situation; the characters are dynamic; the romance is provocative but there is something missing -no spark, no palpable attraction but more of a forced proximity necessity.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

______

DEVIANT DESIRES
(Valenti Crime Family 2)
by Kelsie Calloway
Genre: contemporary, adult, dark, erotic, Mafia romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2023

He spent three years behind bars; now he’s going to make me pay for sending him there.

Five years ago, I stood before a judge and told him what I’d witnessed.
My fiancé, Mateo Valenti, killing someone in cold blood.
After they locked him up, I thought I’d never see Mateo again.
But I was wrong.
When Mateo gets out, he calls me in the middle of the night.
“Oh, Bambi, you think three years on the inside are hard?”
“Wait until I get my hands on you.”
I don’t know how he got my number, but he says he’s coming for me.
He says we’re going to be together forever, just like we promised.

•••••••

REVIEW: DEVIANT DESIRES is the second instalment in Kelsie Calloway’s contemporary, adult VALENTINI CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, crime family romance series of novellas. This is thirty-nine year old, Mateo Valenti, and thirty year old events coordinator Bambi Schelling’s story line. DEVIANT DESIRES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mateo and Bambi) DEVIANT DESIRES follows the second chance relationship between is thirty-nine year old, Mateo Valenti, and thirty year old events coordinator Bambi Schelling. Five years earlier Bambi Schelling witnessed her fiancé Mateo Valenti strangle a man to death. Due to his connections, and the lack of a body, Mateo is released after three years, and it will be another two years before Bambi comes face to face with her past. A retirement party for the Dean of the college finds the Valenti family invited as honored guests, a party coordinated by our story line heroine. Mateo Valenti is desperate to reconnect with the woman he loves but Bambi struggles with what happened and how. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Bambi and Mateo,and the potential fall-out as Mateo reveals the truth about his family, and everything they entail.

The relationship between Mateo and Bambi is a second chance romance that started nine years earlier. Four years into their relationship, Bambi witnesses Mateo strangling another man, and our heroine is the primary witness for the prosecution. Mateo never forgot about his fiance’s betrayal, a betrayal he is threatening to take into account when he comes to reclaim the woman he still loves. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense with some scenes of questions consent.

We are reintroduced to Mateo’s brothers: Luca, Cesare and Raniero. Luca’s story line is next. Luca’s story line is next.

DEVIANT DESIRES is another fast paced, quick read; a story of family and relationships, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is spicy; the characters are animated and powerful; the romance is limited to $ex and desperation.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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El Rey (La Familia Aguirre 2) by Crimson Syn- a review

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El Rey (La Familia Aguirre 2) by Crimson Syn- a review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2023

LA FAMILIA AGUIRRE DARK MAFIA ROMANCE

The cartels forced me to succumb to this life.
La Sombra wanted to destroy me.
He took everything from me, including my Sol.
But he underestimated me,
Because El Rey was not as weak as everyone thought.
I will do anything to get her back,
Destroy anyone who got in my way,
Slowly becoming the beast, my love hated so much.

••••

REVIEW  EL REY is the second instalment in Crimson Syn’s contemporary, adult LA FAMILIA AGUIRRE dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is the continuing story of forty-two year old, new head of the Mexican American Mafia Gabriel ‘El Rey’ Falcon Aguirre, twenty-one year old Sol Dominguez, and Sol’s husband Jeronimo Dominguez. EL REY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up shortly after the events and cliff hanger of book one DESPERATION. Some of the events of El REY cross over with, and run parallel to some of the events in book one DESPERATION.

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

NOTE: If you have not read DESPERATION, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sol Dominguez was sold to Jeronimo Hunter as payment for a debt. Gabriel ‘El Rey’ Aguirre knew he needed to rescue Sol Dominguez but an assassin’s bullet put Gabriel in the grave leaving Sol to suffer at the hands of the man she was forced to marry.

Told from four first -person perspectives (El Rey, Sol, Jeronimo, Hunter) EL REY follows in the wake of the abduction of our story line heroine. After the assassination attempt against Gabriel Aguirre, Sol found herself a slave to Jeronimo Dominguez. Months of abuse and torture forced Sol to give in and give up until the day she was abducted by the man she once loved. Calling himself El Rey, Gabriel would imprison our story line heroine, refusing to accept that she was as much of a victim, if not more until a closer look by his cousin Paola would reveal there was more to Sol’s story than he could have ever imagined. What ensues is the rebuilding but tempestuous relationship between El Rey and Sol, and the fall-out when Sol offers to sacrifice her freedom for the man that she loves.

EL REY is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, abuse and power, acceptance and sacrifice. The dark premise is intense, gritty, dramatic and heart breaking-pay careful attention to the trigger warnings; the romance is virtually non-existent; the characters are broken, damaged, terrorized and abused. EL REY ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DESPERATION

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

My name is Crimson Syn, not really, but what fun is it to use my real name. Instead I’ll use my inner goddess’ name, it’s much more fun that way. I grew up in New York City where I had a wonderful education, loving parents and awesome friends. What more could a girl ask for?

I started writing at the age of sixteen. The first romance I read was Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride. Since then I have been influenced by dozens of flourishing romance authors and even more dashing and daring rogues. I must say it, but Fifty Shades was not my first erotic romance, nor did it influence me to start writing them. If you’ve never read Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lisa Kleypas, Bertrice Small or A.N. Roquelaure’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy, then you’re missing out. Those were my sweet introductions to erotic romance, and boy were they hot.

So here I am, after reading so many wonderful stories, I have too many sinful tales of my own not to share. I like my alphas rough and possessive, and I have no shame in saying it or writing it. I had delightfully wicked teachers growing up, their books took me to new worlds and brought me new loves. So, I want to do the same for you. I want to indulge my readers in those steamy reads that will send them into the arms of dangerous alphas and deliciously sexy rogues, without leaving the confines of their nice warm bed. If I am able to entice your inner goddesses, then I have done my job and I am satisfied.

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Filthy Sinner (Five Point Sinners)by Serena Akeroyd -Review tour

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Filthy Sinner Nyx (Five Point Sinners .5) by Serena Akeroyd -Review tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3UkVn2B

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2023

When my father tries to force me to marry one of his cronies, I run away to my half-brother’s home.
He’s the black sheep of the family, a biker, not an Irish mobster. At the Satan’s Sinners’ MC compound, I find more than I bargained for.
Not my brother, ironically, but a man who gives a whole other meaning to ‘white knight.’
He’s dark and mysterious, a seeker of answers and a finder of truths.
Even better? He offers me an out, a shotgun wedding in Vegas.
I just don’t realize he has an ulterior motive.
But he doesn’t know I have one too

••••••

REVIEW:FILTHY SINNER is the prequel story line in Serena Akeroyd’s contemporary adult FIVE POINTS MOB / DARK AND DIRTY SINNERS MC erotic, romance MC/Mob collection cross over series. This is Satan’s Sinners’ MC member James ‘Digger’ Banks, and twenty-one year old, Irish Mob daughter Mary Catherine’s story line. FILTHY SINNER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but many of the secondary and supporting characters have previously had their stories told in the aforementioned series.

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

NOTE: Dark and Dirty Sinners MC series was formerly known as the Satan’s Sinners MC series.FILTHY SINNER was originally released in the multi-authored A VERY NAUGHTY MC CHRISTMAS anthology.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Digger and Mary Catherine) FILTHY SINNER follows in the wake of an arranged marriage between Mary Catherine, and a man three times her age, a man with a dark reputation, and six dead wives. In the hopes of getting help from the half-brother she barely knows, Mary Catherine finds herself at the Satan’s Sinners’ MC compound, begging for help from the man she has fantasized about for the past five years. Enter James ‘Digger’ Banks. Knowing the only way to protect Mary Catherine is to claim the woman as his own, our couple set out on a cross country journey to Vegas where Digger marries the woman with whom he will fall in love but as the search for Mary Catherine continues back home, our couple must make the decision to face the wrath of both the MC and the Irish Mob. What ensues is the building relationship between Mary Catherine and Digger, and the potential fall-out as Mary Catherine’s father is determined to marry her to a high ranking member of the Irish Mob.

The relationship between Mary Catherine and Digger is one of immediate attraction. Five years earlier, Mary Catherine spied Digger from afar, and in the ensuing years never forgot about the man, one of her brother’s best friends. Fast forward to present day, Mary Catherine is desperate; her brother is out of town on MC business; and the only man who can save her, is the man she has dreamt about for close to five years. Knowing to marry Mary Catherine may incur the wrath of both the MC and the mob but Digger is determined to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters most of whom have already been introduced or had their stories told in the interconnected/cross over series-Satan’s Sinners MC aka Dark and Dirty Sinners MC, and the Five Points Mob Collection.

FILTHY SINNER is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, desperation and acceptance. The fast paced premise is gritty, dramatic and engaging; the romance is exciting; the characters are determined and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

______

NYX
(Dark and Dirty Sinners/ Satan’s Sinners MC 1)
by Serena Akeroyd
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, MC , romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2020

GIULIA

He’s dark. Dirty. Dangerous. A brother in my dad’s MC. Everything Mom told me to avoid. Everything I shouldn’t want.

But his dark, his dirty, and his dangerous are like catnip to me. He stirs fear into the hearts of men, but I hear his rage. I feel it like it’s my own.He’s a killer. Shameless. Some might even call him a psycho.

I just call him soul mate. We were born to raise hell together, born to make sick b*stards pay for their sins, born to be the king and queen of darkness…Now, the king just needs to get that memo.

•••••

REVIEW:NYX is the first instalment in Serena Akeroyd’s contemporary, adult DARK AND DIRTY SINNERS / SATAN’S SINNERS dark, erotic MC romance series. This is thirty nine year old, Club enforcer Nyx, and twenty-four year old Giulia Fontaine’s story line.

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

Told from several first person perspectives including Nyx and Giulia NYX follows in the wake of Giulia’s mother’s death. Years earlier, as the old lady of one of the members of the Satan’s Sinners MC, Giulia’s mother, Lizzie Fontaine, tired of the infidelity and abuse, took her three young children (Giulia, North and Hawk), and left the MC life behind. Fast forward to present day, Lizzie is dead, and her children are coming home to the Satan’s Sinners MC but all is not well, as their father Dog is still a dark and dangerous member, a father who wants nothing to do with our story line heroine. Hawk and North quickly find themselves prospecting for the Satan’s Sinners MC, Giulia takes her place in the kitchen, fighting off the advances of both MC members and the club girls who want to see Giulia gone. Believing himself unworthy of relationships or love, Nyx struggles to keep his distance but the heart wants something it shouldn’t want. What ensues is the building and highly sexual relationship between Giulia and Nyx, and the potential fall-out when Giulia is targeted for sins of the past.

Giulia needs to find her position with the Satan’s Sinners MC. Beginning in the kitchen Giulia makes herself at home the opening of several new ‘legitimate businesses’ finds Giulia managing the MC bar, a position that places her in the direct line of fire. Having promised Giulia she would always be safe, Nyx struggles in the face of an attack against the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Giulia and Nyx begins acrimoniously. Nyx once had a crush on Lizzie Fontaine but the return of Giulia gave Nyx pause about what he wanted, going forward. Battling between head and heart, knowing he was no good for the woman that called to his soul, Nyx struggled when Giulia found herself facing a psychotic killer determined to take Giulia against her will. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative but the over use of a certain four letter word (45 times) was a bit much even for an MC story line.

The secondary and supporting characters include MC president Rex, treasurer Maverick, mechanic Dog, secretary Steel, Link, Storm,and several clubgirls including Giulia’s nemesis Cammie.

NYX is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is dramatic, dark and gritty; the romance is energetic and intense; the characters are broken, desperate and determined. NYX ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reviewed by Sandy

Own a copy

USA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe

Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.

She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family.

In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. HEA guaranteed!

When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring

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THE BOGEYMAN’S WOMAN by Sam Crescent- a review

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THE BOGEYMAN’S WOMAN by Sam Crescent-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 10, 2023

Ruin needs to kill a woman.
A beautiful woman with blue eyes and raven hair.
And he has no idea why.

He is the one they call when they need to clean up a mess. He’s the bogeyman.
But Callie Lawson is one target he doesn’t think he can handle. Why would a mafia capo want her dead? She’s a woman who has nothing and no one—a mundane existence that involves knitting. That’s all. He has to find everything out about her. He can’t get Callie out of his mind. And he can’t kill her.

Before losing her parents years ago, Callie promised her mother she would try to live her life. For the longest time she avoided it all, but not anymore. When a mysterious man sits with her and asks for her help knitting, Callie is struck by the handsome stranger.

Callie has never fallen in love but when it comes to Ruin, he makes her feel everything. He makes her want to live.

What will happen when the truth comes out? Will Ruin be able to save Callie from the monsters, or will he end up being the one to kill her?

•••••••

REVIEW: THE BOGEYMAN’S WOMAN by Sam Crescent is a stand alone, contemporary adult, Mafia romance story line focusing on forty-five year old, assassin for hire Ruin aka The Bogeyman, and thirty year old, financial analyst Callie Lawson.

Told from dual third person perspectives THE BOGEYMAN’S WOMAN focuses on the contract to take down our story line heroine. Ruin is an assassin for hire. Known as the Bogeyman, Ruin’s latest assignment is financial analyst Callie Lawson but the more Ruin got to know Callie, he wondered why the order came from the top. Ruin never expected to fall for our story line heroine but Callie’s low-keyed life didn’t make sense with a target on her back. What ensues is the building romance and relationship, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

Callie Lawson has lived a quiet life on her own but never expected to find herself falling for the man who quite possibly could end her life. Feeling betrayed, Callie will push Ruin out of her life but life is about to take another turn when another assassin is sent to finish the job.

The relationship between Callie and Ruin is predicated upon a lie. Ruin is contracted to kill our story line heroine but quickly falls for the woman that will steal his heart. A fast paced, quick building romance abruptly ends with the destruction of Callie’s heart. The $ex scenes are passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Callie’s boss and capo Dante Morelli, and head of the Giordano Mafia Aldo Giordano.

THE BOGEYMAN’S WOMAN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and forgiveness. The premise is engaging and inviting; the romance is seductive and intense: the characters are charismatic, struggling and magnetic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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