Tag Archives: Vi Carter

MAFIA CROWN (Restless and Wicked .5) by Vi Carter -review

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MAFIA CROWN (Restless and Wicked .5) by Vi Carter -review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 11, 2025

Kieran

They call me “Kill” for a reason.

Loyalty, blood, and fear are my currency, and I’ve spent years perfecting my craft.

The Walsh family trusts me to clean up their messes, no questions asked. But when I see her picture—with those big defiant eyes—I hesitate. Hazel isn’t supposed to matter. She’s just a loose end, a witness I’m ordered to silence.

But something about her reminds me of what I’ve buried deep—a part of me that wants something more than this cold, violent life. I can’t afford distractions. Yet here she is, turning my world upside down with every fiery word and every moment of misplaced courage.

She’s a problem I should eliminate. Instead, I’m keeping her alive.

Hazel

I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. One moment, I’m walking my dog along a quiet street. The next, I’m running for my life after witnessing a murder I’ll never forget.

Now Kieran Brady, the most feared enforcer in the Irish Mafia, has me trapped.

He’s cold, calculating, and utterly terrifying—but there’s something beneath his rough exterior that confuses me. A flicker of humanity. A man who seems to hate what he’s become even as he clings to it.

I should hate him. I should fear him. But as days blur into nights and danger closes in, I can’t stop seeing the cracks in his armor. He’s broken, brutal… and I might be falling for him anyway.

As his loyalty is brought into question, one wrong move could destroy us both. But the real question is, when the dust settles, will Kieran kill me—or will he risk everything to save me?

••••••••

REVIEW: MAFIA CROWN is the introductory instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult RESTLESS AND WICKED dark, crime world romance series. This is assassin Kieran Brady, and Hazel’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 (Kieran and Hazel) MAFIA CROWN follows in the wake of a murder. While walking her dog, Hazel is witness to a murder, and finds herself the target of Kieran Brady, an assassin for the Walsh Crime family but all is not as is appears to be when Hazel and Kieran go on the run, and our hero becomes guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The world building focuses on keeping Hazel safe, and out of the hands of the Walsh family assassins, and an unknown foe but at every safe house and roadside motel, our couple face down danger and death, as Kieran struggles to stay one step ahead of those gunning for their lives.

The relationship between Kieran and Hazel begins as an assignment; an abduction that will quickly turn into something more. Kieran is determined to protect our heroine with his life while Hazel presumes her life will be forfeited if they ever return home. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Hazel’s parents, her brother John, and best friend Mary: IT specialist Lee, crime lord Patrick Walsh, his son Marcus, as well as several gang members and hired killers.

MAFIA CROWN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secret and lies, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are desperate and energetic; the romance is fated. MAFIA CROWN ends on a happily ever after-for now.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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MAFIA WARS (Young Irish Rebels prequel) by Vi Carter-review

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MAFIA WARS (Young Irish Rebels prequel) by Vi Carter-review

ebook only 99¢ usd: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2025

I’m the villain in most people’s stories.

Ruthless, wealthy—the O’Reagan name demands respect. No one would ever call me reckless. But when I discover my maid, Luna, bearing bruises left by her so-called boyfriend, I snap.

There’s a fragile beauty to her innocence, and her vulnerability does something to me I can’t ignore.
So I take matters—and the law—into my own hands.

In broad daylight, I walk right up to her boyfriend and pull the trigger, ending his life and starting a war I hadn’t anticipated.

He was the son of a powerful gangster, a man who wants Luna back and vengeance for his son’s death. But he’s getting neither. Luna is mine now. And I’ll scorch the earth to keep her.

••••••

REVIEW: MAFIA WARS is the prequel instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult YOUNG IRISH REBELS Mafia romance series. This is Irish Mafia heir Cian O’Reagan, and Luna Tobin’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 (Cian and Luna) MAFIA WARS follows in the aftermath of the murder of Luna’s boyfriend Mark Fitzsimons. Years earlier, Luna Tobin ran when to escape a home life that threatened her freedom but having jumped from the proverbial frying pan into the fire, Luna found herself in a precarious position with a man whose temperament changed, and not for the better. On her first day of work as a cleaning person for the Irish mob, Luna’s boss seeks vengeance for the bruises on our story line heroine, vengeance that will pull the family into a gangland war but Luna struggles with the guilt, and offers herself up as collateral damage.

The world building is fast and furious as we are up close and personal as the family must come to terms with what happened and why. Cian exacted revenge for the abuse against our story line heroine but his revenge will come at a cost to the Irish mob.

The relationship between Cian and Luna is quick to develop as Luna finds herself a ‘target’ of our story line hero. From the outset, Cian is intrigued, interested and protective of our story line heroine, a woman who is a little TSTL in the face of a potential war. The $ex scenes are limited but impassioned.

We are introduced to Cian’s extended family including Cian’s father, uncle Liam, uncle Finn, cousin Jack and nan Eileen; Mark, and Richard Fitzsimons.

MAFIA WARS is a fast paced story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession, relationships and family that introduces some of the players and backstory for the Young Irish Rebels.. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is limited but intense; the characters are determined and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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WHEN KINGS FALL ( O’Sullivan’s brides 3) by Vi Carter-review

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WHEN KINGS FALL ( O’Sullivan’s brides 3) by Vi Carter-review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 14, 2024

No King can reign forever but I will try.
Finally, as the head of the O’Sullivan Family, the enterprise is once again running like a well-oiled machine. The gears grind and scrape through Ireland and beyond. We are at the height of our power.
But vengeance whispers in my ear.
Two Brides remain: Niamh, docile and loyal, and Selene, clever and reckless.
Amira has slipped through my fingers. Fingers that are itching to close around the throat of our enemies.
As my Brides get closer to the truth of Sophia Hughes’ death, Victor has voiced his warning. That warning has come in the form of a beast just as dangerous as me. He is trained. He is vicious.
The game of chess has reached its final stage.
And I plan on smashing the board.
When Kings Fall is the third and final installment of Diarmuid O’Sullivan’s story in the chaotic world of the Hands of Kings. Reader discretion is advised. There is spice. There is blood. There is retribution.

•••••

REVIEW: WHEN KINGS FALL is the third instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult THE O’SULLVAN BRIDES dark, erotic, romance series focusing on Irish Mafia Don / King and assassin Diarmuid O’Sullivan, and his three virgin brides Selene, Naimh Connolly, and Amira Reardon. WHEN KINGS FALL should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two-WHEN KINGS BEND. If you have not read the previous instalments , there may be spoilers in my review.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: The Kings is a cult-like organization with the ability to replace and control CEOs, Presidents and Popes, and Diarmuid is about to rise to the position he has always wanted in the face of the death of his uncle Andrew O’Sullivan but family secrets and demons are threatening from the past. Gifted with three virgin brides by the Kings Organization, Diarmuid is about to come face to face with his future, three women as different as any three woman could be, but three women who could be the downfall of some powerful men.

Told from four first person perspectives (Diarmuid, Selene, Naimh, Amira) WHEN KINGS FALL continues to focus on the tempestuous relationship between Diarmuid and the three woman he was ‘gifted’ for a bride. Amira, having suffered at the hands of Diarmuid’s cousin Wolfe, finds redemption for herself and the women she will rescue; Naimh continues to focus on never quite being enough but a woman who is determined to help Selene uncover the truth. Betrayal from within threatens the sanctity of not only the Kings but Diarmuid’s house, betrayal that will come at a cost. Selene is the woman who has fallen for a man, a man who has fallen in return.

The world building follows the three women in Diarmuid’s life: Naimh is the pawn in her father’s games, a pawn who is desperate to protect her sister Ella: Amira is the target of a psychotic mind, a woman who is fighting for her freedom and the freedom of others; Selene is the heart of the trio, and the heart of the Mafia King Diarmuid O’Sullivan but all three women are searching for the truth, avenging the death of a former bride.

The relationship between Diarmuid and his ‘brides’ is complicated and different for each woman. Amira has chosen to focus elsewhere leaving her ‘sister’ brides to fight for a man who has found himself in a precarious position. Naimh has been relegated to second, number two, and with it come the ability to often come and go as she pleases; Selene has fallen for her monster, a man who will die trying to save the life of the woman he loves.

Once again, the secondary and supporting characters include Diarmuid’s brother Ronan and Lorcan O’Connor; the head of the Hand of Kings Victor Maddigan, fisherman Ben Fleming and Father Isaac. The requisite evil has many faces.

WHEN KINGS FALL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, murder and justice, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty and dramatic; the romance is provocative ; the characters are desperate and broken. WHEN KINGS FALL ends on a happily ever after-for now.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
When Kings Rise
When Kings Bend

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 Pinterest

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VOWS IN VIOLENCE ( Sons of the Mafia 5) by Vi Carter & ER Whyte

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VOWS IN VIOLENCE ( Sons of the Mafia 5) by Vi Carter & ER Whyte-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 September 29, 2024

The Commission has sent Azrael, their deadliest assassins, not knowing that a monster already prowls the streets of New York City.

Ivan Romanov.

After years of waiting patiently in the shadows, I’ve finally come to claim what is mine. And that prize is Viviana Valachi, the youngest daughter of the Valachi Don. She is timid and obedient, everything her father raised her to be. But there is a fire in those Valachi eyes that is matched only by her brother, whom I hold captive.

Azrael is on the move. No place or person is safe, even those I keep in golden cages. We must pay for the sins of our fathers—this is the one lesson we have learned in the Five Families. Angel Valachi has thrown our world into chaos, and I have inherited the duty of restoring order in the only way I know how.

Sin pays for sin. Blood must pay for blood.

I didn’t expect my pet to work herself into my body, mind, and soul. As much as I want to feast on the spoils and carnage of this war, I can feel the leash she is wrapping around my throat.

As much as I want to fight it, I find myself captivated by her guidance.
The hunt is on, and none shall sleep for a monster is on the loose.

•••••••••

REVIEW: VOWS IN VIOLENCE is the fifth and final instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte. This is Ivan Romanov, and Viviana Valachi’s story line. VOWS IN VIOLENCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

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

If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ivan and Viviana) VOWS IN VIOLENCE follows the forced marriage between our story line couple. Ivan Romanov is currently holding Viviana’s brother Angel Valachi a prisoner in his home, as well as our story line heroine. The Five Families, the ruling Mafia strongholds are in a tenuous state of peace but the Commission is determined to take down everyone at the top, forcing a war for power and control. The entity calling itself Azrael, assassins aka the angel of death, is taking aim at the people in charge including our story line couple. With Ivan on the outside, Vivi’s life is hanging by a precarious and proverbial thread, but with the help of the other Five Families, Ivan begins to target the betrayers including several people on the inside. Her brother now presumed dead, Vivi struggles between head and heard having fallen for the man who could destroy her heart.

The world building is detailed and thorough. Although Vivi’s marriage to Ivan is forced, an arranged marriage by her late father in the hope for more power, Vivi has resigned herself to a life with a man who may not be able to love in return. As the Five Families make plans to rescue our story line heroine, someone else is determined to kill them all.

The secondary and supporting characters are all powerful, brutal and dangerous. We are reintroduced to all of the previous story line couples whose own lives are threatened by the Commission orders and the assassins known as Azrael.

The relationship between Vivi and Ivan is an arranged marriage but Ivan doesn’t do love, and Vivi is determined to play the role of a Mafia wife. In the early stages of their relationship Vivi was a prisoner of the man with whom she would fall in love but a prisoner protected in a gilded cage. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

VOWS IN VIOLENCE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is fast paced, dramatic, dark and intriguing; the romance is provocative and sensitive; the characters are desperate, flawed, and edgy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sins of the Mafia
Vengeance in Blood
Enemies in Ruin
Redemption in Cruelty
Mercy in Betrayal

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? The prequel novella-SINS OF THE MAFIA is FREE at these retailers: –>  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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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When Kings Bend (O’Sullivan’s Brides 2) by Vi Carter-review

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When Kings Bend (O’Sullivan’s Brides 2) by Vi Carter-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Paper /

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2024

Three brides have been given to me: Niamh is as delicate as the careful steps she takes, Selene is as challenging as the secrets she’s trying to unravel, and Amira who has been lost to me.

Someone has taken her and that fool does not realize that a King never forgives or forgets.

Blood debts must be paid and the collectors are knocking on doors. The Hand himself keeps the ledger and my name has been written in red.

Yet, no shadows appear at my doorstep.

He may be the Hand of the Kings, but I am Diarmuid O’Sullivan. Before this cult infiltrated Dublin, my family ruled it.

And this King always fights for his throne.

This time, I am not fighting alone. Despite my desire to keep them safe and secure, my brides have no fear of shadows.

In fact, they are determined to shine a light in every dark crevice where my enemies hide.

They don’t realize that if that light shines on me, they may not like what they see.

Some Kings are monsters.

•••

REVIEW: WHEN KINGS BEND is the second instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult THE O’SULLVAIN BRIDES dark, erotic, romance series focusing Irish Mafia King Diarmuid O’Sullivan, and his three virgin brides Selene, Naimh, and Amira. WHEN KINGS BEND should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one-WHEN KINGS RISE.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: The Kings is a cult-like organization with the ability to replace and control CEOs, Presidents and Popes, and Diarmuid is about to rise to the position he has always wanted in the face of the death of his uncle Andrew O’Sullivan but family secrets and demons are threatening from the past.

Told from four first person perspectives (Diarmuid, Selene, Naimh, Amira) WHEN KINGS BEND follows the building but struggling relationship between Diarmuid and his remaining two brides Selene and Naimh. Amira has been chosen by someone else, and in this, the trio is struggling with the truth. As Selene continues to search for any information about the ‘cult’ into which they have been thrown, Amira’s new life is anything like she could have ever imagined. Death and destruction are waiting for them all when vengeance and retribution take aim at our story line hero.

The world building continues to focus on the Diarmuid, his embittered cousin Wolf, and the three brides chosen: Selene, Naihm, and Amira. Selene has come through as the dominant and more aggressive bride, while Selene focuses on protecting someone back home. As Amira’s life begins to spiral out of control, Wolf loses his touch with sanity, threatening everyone and anything that gets in his way.

The secondary and supporting characters include Diarmuid’s brother Ronan and Lorcan, their embittered cousin Wolf; head of the Hand of Kings Victor Maddigan, as well as the appearance of Naimh’s parents, and the Amira’s mother.

WHEN KINGS BEND is another story of power and control, betrayal and retribution, secrets and lies, murder and madness, desperation and denial, family and relationships. The premise is dark, dramatic and twisted; the characters are determined, desperate and tragic; the romance is limited to acceptance but jealousy prevails. WHEN KINGS BEND ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WHEN KINGS RISE

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 Pinterest

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When Kings Rise (O’Sullivan Brides 1) by Vi Carter-review tour

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When Kings Rise (O’Sullivan Brides 1) by Vi Carter-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N PAPER /

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3UiKmRw

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2024

My rivals are Dons; I am a King.

Three brides have been chosen for my pleasure and displeasure. One of them will become a King’s consort; the others will be discarded.

Until my decision is made, I get to feast on them all.

They are mine.

After the demise of my uncle, the O’Sullivan family has yet to choose the new Don. With two brothers and a vengeful, unhinged cousin also vying for the position, tension is rising in an already dangerous business.

Especially since no one knows that I’m responsible for my uncle’s disappearance.

Enter the Hands of Kings, a global cult with the ability to replace CEOs, Presidents, and Popes. And their leader, Victor, has his eye on me.

Few men were made to be Kings and Victor has plans for me, plans that do not require my approval.

But an unseen enemy is hiding and they know my secrets. They are manipulating the people around me with the intention of taking my crown.

A King is not so easily dethroned, especially when threats are made toward me and mine.

No one shall have my brides.

••••

REVIEW:WHEN KINGS RISE is the first instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult THE O’SULLIVAN BRIDES dark, erotic, romance series focusing on Irish Mafia King Diarmuid O’Sullivan, and his three virgin brides Selene, Naimh, and Amira.

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

Told from four first person perspectives (Diarmuid, Selene, Naimh, Amira) WHEN KINGS RISE follows in the wake of the murder of Diarmuid’s uncle Andrew O’Sullivan, and Diarmuid’s rise to ‘King’. The Kings is a cult-like organization with the ability to replace and control CEOs, Presidents and Popes, and Diarmuid’s time has come to take his place. Gifted with three virgin brides, Diarmuid is about to come face to face with his future, three woman as different as any three woman could be, but three women who could be the downfall of some powerful men. As the hunt for Andrew O’Sullivans killer intensifies, betrayal comes from within, taking aim at Diarmuid O’Sullivan.

The world building is detailed and complex. We are up close and personal with three woman who have been groomed to be a bride to a King but three women who are determined to take back control of their lives. Diarmuid O’Sullivan is much more than a King but a man with a need to control.

The relationship between Diarmuid and the three women is different on many levels: Amira who has suffered more then the others: Naimh is determined to protect her younger sister at all costs; and Selene wants to uncover the truth about Diarmuid and the Kings. Amira is determined to take everything and more, leaving the other women floundering for a post in Diarmuid’s world. The $ex scenes are provocative and aggressive.

There is a large ensemble cast of questionable and dark secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Diarmuid’s brothers Ronan and Lorcan, their embittered cousin Wolf; head of the Hand of Kings Victor Maddigan; investigative journalist Rian Morrissey; Niamh’s sister Ella, as well as the ’bride’s contemptuous parents.

WHEN KINGS RISE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, murder and madness, family and relationships. The premise is dark, gritty, dramatic and intense; the characters are dangerous, powerful , determined and desperate. WHEN KINGS RISE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

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 Pinterest

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Mercy in Betrayal by Vi Carter / ER Whyte-review tour

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Mercy in Betrayal (Son of the Mafia 4) by Vi Carter / ER Whyte-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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2024

The is my prize and my penance…my obsession and possession.

I want to shake the hand of the person who gunned down my father. He was a rotten b*stard.
It’s just a pity I didn’t get to take his life myself.
Now, with my father gone, I am the new Don of the Scarpetta family.

A don’s murder requires retribution, though, and when I take my rightful place, the means presents itself.
She’s small, innocent, and kept locked away by her brother Cassidy.
I’m all about force and brutality, and I like to take what is mine. But even I can’t just snatch the Princess from the head of the Irish mafia.

No. I must woo her out of her cage, only to trap her in one of my own.
This little bird wants to fly…and for some reason I want to show her all the sky has to offer.

Even if it causes war between every mafia family in NYC.

•••••

REVIEW:MERCY IN BETRAYAL is the fourth instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, crime world romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte. This is Don Enzo Scarpetta, and Irish Mob princess Rowan O’Rourke’s story line. MERCY IN BETRAYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing theme throughout.

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

If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Enzo and Rowan) with a final chapter from Vivi, MERCY IN BETRAYAL follows in the wake of Enzo Scarpetta’s ascension to Don. The murder of his father and brother places Enzo on the proverbial throne of the Scarpetta Crime Family. With the approach of his sister Carina’s wedding to Luca Marzano (Enemies in Ruin 3), and the potential for war with the Five ruling families, Enzo Scarpetta finds himself facing a dilemma when a strong suggestion from the Romanov Bratva forces Enzo to consider claiming the hand of our story line heroine. Single, innocent and struggling with the demons from her past, Irish Mob princess Rowan O’Rourke is ripe for the picking but is about to discover that Enzo’s seduction is shrouded in secrets and lies. With the constant chatter and push from Ivan Romanov, Enzo learns that the ultimate betrayal may come from someone he knows, someone within the family organization. What ensues is the building relationship between Enzo and Rowan, and the potential fall-out when a fight for power takes aim at the ruling Five Families.

The world building is, once again, complex and intricate, as a struggle for control threatens the people at the top when other factors and families violently demand their place in power. Enzo Scarpetta has been thrown to the proverbial wolves with the murder of his father and brother, and in this, there are others who know more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Enzo and Rowan begins as a seduction when Enzo targets our story line heroine. Rowan is completely unaware of Enzo’s criminal connections, and in this, she will discover, that an affair with Enzo means the possibility of another betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and aggressive.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters Rowan’s brother Cassidy and his wife Evie: Enzo’s sister Carina and her husband Luca, as well as several members of the Irish, Italian and Russian Crime families.

MERCY IN BETRAYAL is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed, twisted and tragic; the romance is spicy, seductive and provocative; the characters are determined, stubborn and spirited. MERCY IN BETRAYAL ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sins of the Mafia
Vengeance in Blood
Enemies in Ruin
Redemption in Cruelty

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? The prequel novella-SINS OF THE MAFIA is FREE at these retailers: –>  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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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Enemies in Ruin/Redemption in Cruelty by Vi Carter & ER Whyte

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ENEMIES IN RUIN / REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY (Sons of the Mafia 2 & 3) by Vi Carter & ER Whyte-reviews

Enemies in Ruin
Sons of the Mafia 3
by Vi Carter & ER Whyte
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2023

The ink isn’t dry on the contract for my arranged marriage when my first and only love comes back to town.

The Pits demand five souls, turning men into monsters. I know this, as it took away my humanity when I was forced to kill my best friend.
It wasn’t just his life that ended that day but mine, too. I lost not only him, but his sister and my lover—who can never discover the truth of her brother’s death.
I swore before I snapped his neck that I would find out who runs the Pits and bring them to their knees.

I become an Untouchable, working in the shadows with law enforcement. The punishment for such betrayal is death.

I have nothing to lose, though. Nothing, that is, until Carina comes back to town.
She left as a girl and returned as a woman, rising beautiful and strong and a mafia queen in her own right.
Even as I crave her touch, my secrets are choking me along with the marriage contract I just signed to another woman.
But no matter how hard I try to stay away; Carina will always be the inescapable lure. The closer we get, the more danger we are in, until a hit on Carina forces my hand.

I have two choices.

Stay loyal to my family and let Carina die.
Or f*ck my family’s legacy and save the woman I love.

•••••

REVIEW: ENEMIES IN RUIN is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, romance series. This is the west coast General-Queen Carina Scarpetta, and heir to the Marzano famiglia Luca Marzano’s story line. ENEMIES IN RUIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luca and Carina), using two timelines, and Carina’s journal entries, ENEMIES IN RUIN follows the return to New York of Carina Scarpetta, the ‘disgraced’ daughter of Agostina Scarpetta. Following the death of her beloved twin Francis, and the humiliation at the hands of the man that she loved, Carina left to become someone more powerful than anyone could have imagined but her return came with the realization that the man she once loved has been promised to someone else, and Carina is determined to get her revenge for sins of the past. All is not well within the Five Famiglias of New York, and a war is about to encroach on everyone concerned. From the fighting pits to the contract on our heroine’s head, secrets reveal a heart breaking betrayal near the top of the chain. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Carina and Luca, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted, standing in the direct line of fire.

The world building continues to focus on the fight for control; the battle for power, for cities, for money and influence. With Carina’s return comes a contract for her life, a life Luca is determined to protect with his own.

The relationship between Carina and Luca is one of second chances but a relationship that destroyed our heroine’s heart. Pushed aside, and left on her own, Carina would become one of the most powerful women on the West coast, a woman who is going to prove she is willing to risk it all for vengeance against those who destroyed her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative but I am not a fan of the use of a certain four-letter word.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to the new head of the Irish mob Evie O’Hanlon, Commission Valachi Don Angelus, as well as several members of the Irish and Italian mob families and soldiers; and Carina’s father Agostina Scarpetta Not everyone can be trusted, most are trying to secure their own paths to the top.

ENEMIES IN RUIN is another tragic and dramatic story of power and control, danger and death, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, murder and mayhem, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, intense and edgy; the romance is a chance at forgiveness and forever; the characters are desperate, determined, dynamic and animated.

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

________

REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY
Sons of the Mafia 3
by Vi Carter & ER Whyte
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date November 14, 2023

They say she is a mafia princess. But when Evie O’Hanlon’s precious feet land on Irish soil, I realize everyone is wrong. She’s not a princess but a Queen.

A Queen I want to capture, play with, and then kill.

You can’t have competition, no matter how pretty the package is. And the package is very f*ucking pretty—so much so that my plan to kill her weakens the closer I get.
But my Queen isn’t exactly innocent. She weaves her own dark and dangerous web for me, one she freely admits to.
Together, we are gasoline and flame—explosive.
When we decide that we’d rather work together than against each other, our allies turn on us, and soon every move we make is marked by danger and death.
But every time they hurt us, they push us closer together.
So close that we ignite and burn the world around us to the ground.
Revenge is sweet. Loving Evie is sweeter.

•••••••

REVIEW: REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte. This is Irish Mob Queen / Italian Mafia heir Evie O’Hanlon, and the head of the O’Rourke Mob Cassidy O’Rourke’s story line. REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Evie and Cassidy) REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY follows in the wake of Evie inheriting control of both the O’Hanlon and Papparado crime families. The death of her parents and her brothers has left Evie in charge wherein a trip to Ireland to regain control finds Evie confronted by Irish mobster Cassidy O’Rourke. Cassidy has plans for our story line heroine but betrayal from both sides push Cassidy and Evie to work together, in an effort to stay alive in the face of treason, murder and a fight for control. What ensues is building of both a sexual and professional relationship between Cassidy and Evie, and the potential fall-out as our couple are caught in a war in which very few will survive.

The world building is detailed and complex as several different and warring factions of the Irish mob want to rip control from the other side. The O’Hanlon’s blame the O’Rourke’s, and vice versa, and in this there is quite a bit of truth to the deceit and duplicity of everyone involved.

The relationship between Evie and Cassidy is one predicated upon a need for vengeance but with every opportunity for retribution Cassidy finds himself falling for a woman whose family he blames for everything that went wrong. Time spent together brings the couple closer but their closeness is the fodder that will make them a target of those who believe they have been betrayed. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Cassidy’s siblings Mark, Derek and Rowan, as well as Evie’s housekeepers John, Meredith and their son Tadgh. The requisite evil has many faces-not everyone will survive.

REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, murder and mayhem, determination, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty, heart breaking and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, broken, and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Sins of the Mafia
Vengeance in Blood

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? The prequel novella-SINS OF THE MAFIA is FREE at these retailers: –>  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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