Poverty is an understatement when it comes to describing my circumstances. My mother is a lost cause I can’t get rid of, and I work my fingers to the bone just trying to keep my head above water.
To ease the stress bearing down on my shoulders, I like to dance. Working as a janitor at a ballet company makes it easy for me to steal thirty minutes at night when the place is empty.
Or so I thought. Just my luck that the dangerously handsome owner catches me red-handed. He thinks I’m a hardworking ballerina, and I don’t bother correcting him… because, you know, I’d like to keep my job.
Dario La Rosa has every girl at the company swooning, hoping she’ll be the one to end his bachelor status. Me? I just want to keep my secret and try to avoid the man at all costs.
But then my mother’s sins burst through my dilapidated front door, and my life takes a turn for the worse.
Turns out Dario isn’t who I thought he was, and the man has the power to not only change my entire life, but to keep me from losing it.
Even though I’m drawn to the darkness coming off him waves, I’m not sure whether I should run or stay.
Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she’s always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.
Designer: By Hang Le | Photographer: Michelle Lancaster | Model: Anthony Patamisi
Designer: By Hang Le | Photographer: Michelle Lancaster | Model: Anthony Patamisi
•••
— BLURB —
Aurora Scuderi spent her childhood and teenage days doing one thing—loving Nevio. Until one fateful moment, he breaks her heart without a second thought. Leaving Aurora with her broken heart bleeding in her hands.
Fleeing Las Vegas is the only way for Aurora to heal— forget Nevio and that night. But a man like Nevio can’t be shaken off that easily. The hunter in him was awakened.
Nevio Falcone is darkness. It seeps from his pores. It’s where his monster comes out to play to satisfy its cravings. Until he starts to crave something other than carnage: the one woman he shouldn’t pursue — Aurora.
What Nevio craves, he ruins. He told her to keep her distance. Now it’s too late to run away. Consequences be damned.
CoraReillyis the author of the Born in Blood Mafia Series, The Camorra Chronicles and many other books, most of them featuring dangerously sexy bad boys. Before she found her passion in romance books, she was a traditionally published author of young adult literature.
Cora lives in Germany with a cute but crazy Bearded Collie, as well as the cute but crazy man at her side. When she doesn’t spend her days dreaming up sexy books, she plans her next travel adventure or cooks too spicy dishes from all over the world.
•••
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Aurora Scuderi spent her childhood and teenage days doing one thing—loving Nevio. Until one fateful moment, he breaks her heart without a second thought. Leaving Aurora with her broken heart bleeding in her hands.
Fleeing Las Vegas is the only way for Aurora to heal— forget Nevio and that night. But a man like Nevio can’t be shaken off that easily. The hunter in him was awakened.
Nevio Falcone is darkness. It seeps from his pores. It’s where his monster comes out to play to satisfy its cravings. Until he starts to crave something other than carnage: the one woman he shouldn’t pursue — Aurora.
What Nevio craves, he ruins. He told her to keep her distance. Now it’s too late to run away. Consequences be damned.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I’m taking you to hell with me, Rory. I warned you, but you wouldn’t listen. Now it’s too late.”
Do you like rollercoasters? Ones full of dark tunnels and loop-de-loops? Either way that’s what you’ll be getting onto the second you step into Camorra territory. I suggest leaving every thought or idea you had of Nevio Falcone and Aurora Scuderi at the door, and just let them take you on a crazed ride!
I have to say, Cora outdid herself with the humour in this one. I could not stop giggling to myself. The one-liners, double entendres, and inside jokes made this book more entertaining than what was probably intended. Or maybe it was, and if that’s the case, it’s cleverly written.
Don’t mistaken Nevio and Rory’s book (and this spin-off series) to be exactly like the Camorra Chronicles. Similarities, yes. But carbon copies, definitely not.
There were obvious signs going as far back as when he was a child that Nevio would take lunacy to a whole new level. He’s immature, erratic, and totally takes things to the extreme. His character is definitely not for everyone, but I appreciated the fact that he stood out as an individual from the massive cast of characters from this world.
Greta and Amo are still my favourite couple from this series, but Nevio and Rory are definitely up there. Although, that maybe subject to change. After some of the developments the occurred in this book with certain secondary characters, I’m perking up with excitement for the next books to come.
It’s not a picture-perfect story. There are plenty of questionable developments, actions taken, or lack thereof from the characters, not just the MCs. Although I loved how easy the writing was to follow, it had the tendency to be wordy and pacing was on the slower side. Things left unanswered and certain issues were repetitive, always coming back around yet never completely getting resolved, which at times as a reader felt frustrating. But it did eventually pick up momentum and had a strong “third act” of family, friendship, love, and redemption.
Looking at the bigger picture, I liked that these characters have their own personalities. I’m always rooting for the morally grey and even the villainous characters. Nevio is undeniably flawed, broken, very unhinged like so many dark antiheroes before him, yet he’s also a character I can differentiate from others because he has an off-kilter mentality. You just never know which path he’ll take and the reasoning behind it. Majority of the time you won’t agree with him, but from my perspective, I understood his outlook and thought process. To me, he’s very much a product of his upbringing. I wasn’t surprised by his psychological state. It’s evident that he’s not the warm and fuzzy type, and doesn’t care all that much about consequences. He has a “shoot now, MAYBE ask questions later” mindset. But you do see gradual changes in him, albeit slight, but they are there. He is redeemable, and it’s evident by the time the book ends. It’s one of the reasons why I was absorbed in it.
Rory is probably one of the more down to earth heroines from this series. There’s a relatability with her that immediately drew me to her character. She’s young, still in the doe-eyed, young love phase of her life, and it’s what makes her emotions genuine. She’s your stereotypical adolescent. For the most part she’s responsible, thoughtful, big-hearted, somewhat sheltered, but at the same time was faced with situations that were way too adult to take on. Both of them had.
It’s definitely not a sweet romance story. At least not in the conventional sense. It’s not even your typical friends-to-lovers narrative. It’s angsty, soul-crushing, and unrequited, set in a twisted mafia backdrop. If it hadn’t included any comic-relief, it would’ve been a more sombre story.
I enjoyed seeing the character crossovers from both the Born in Blood and Camorra Chronicles. And even better knowing my favourite mafiosos haven’t lost their touch, or appeal.
I can’t fault Fabiano. He’s underrated but has always been my favourite from the Camorra Chronicles. He seems to be the only one in the Camorra with his head on straight, and I love that about him. He is the moral compass. The character that mirrored and voiced all of my emotions, questions, and my first initial thoughts whilst reading this book. He’s also the perfect example of present-parenting, with a no-nonsense mentality. Geez, I tell ya, the immediate sense of relief and raising of my fist in solidarity.
This book expanded the world-building further. It also provided more teasers for future relationships, which I just about drooled over. Not every reader is going to like it, and as I mentioned earlier, Nevio is an acquired taste. If you’re hoping or expecting a MMC like Nino, and wanting a similar premise to his and Kiara’s pairing, wait for Massimo. 😉
The friendships and bonds amongst cousins were another highlight. Their relationships felt authentic, relatable, and added another layer to the story. They provided interesting dynamics, a much-needed support system and sounding board for the MCs, and at times served as palate cleansers in between Nevio’s and Rory’s drama.
It wasn’t plain-sailing but by the end, Nevio and Rory’s relationship headed in a direction that was right for both of them. It has somewhat of an open-ended HEA, which I think was a great choice of ending. They’re young, and this is only one chapter of their lives. I’d like to think we’d see more of them as they grow further.
I would only recommend it to readers who are not easily triggered or touchy about certain romance tropes and elements. There’s not a ton of sexual content, but the scenes included are vivid, somewhat kinky, and relatively steamy. If you’re not a fan of con/dub-con, give this one a miss. It also contains graphic violence, stalking, murder, drug use, excessive alcohol use, and blood-knife-play. It also broaches on emotional and mental health, and abandonment issues. Take into consideration. It’s intended for readers of age.
All in all, I enjoyed the thought-provoking ability this book had on me and my overall reading experience. I hadn’t expected to get teary-eyed, but I did. The secondary characters, the complexity, and with the additional slow-burn and maddening push-and-pull between Nevio and Rory, I couldn’t put this book down without needing to pick it right back up and continue reading it.
It’s a fictional mafia story. Take a stab at it (no pun intended). 😜
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Cora Reilly and Emily Alice for the opportunity to read an advance copy! ❤
His skills are unparalleled. His motives clear. His lethality unquestionable. His only purpose is to obliterate the kingdom that had stolen more than his innocence from him. Until he crosses paths with a ghost from his past and he’s drawn into the woman’s web.
Liana Volkov. An ice princess with murderous plans. The unstable killer with the face of an angel.
Something big is happening in the belly of the underworld. Realities are shattered. A deadly game is played, tearing apart the kingdom from within the belly of the beast. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The line between enemies and allies is blurred. Mysteries unravel. Histories clash. Desires consume. Nothing is as it seems.
Eva Winners released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing vigorously ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you’ll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
His skills are unparalleled. His motives clear. His lethality unquestionable. His only purpose is to obliterate the kingdom that had stolen more than his innocence from him. Until he crosses paths with a ghost from his past and he’s drawn into the woman’s web.
Liana Volkov. An ice princess with murderous plans. The unstable killer with the face of an angel.
Something big is happening in the belly of the underworld. Realities are shattered. A deadly game is played, tearing apart the kingdom from within the belly of the beast. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The line between enemies and allies is blurred. Mysteries unravel. Histories clash. Desires consume. Nothing is as it seems.
A new reign is born.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I’m yours until I draw my last breath.”
😲 Give me a minute to pick my jaw up off the floor. Because… damn.
It’s a masterful piece of writing. It has striking world-building, intricate chain of events, and was so emotionally propelled that it effortlessly transported me into Kingston’s and Liana’s harsh world. With each page I was pulled further and further into an immersive, yet highly twisted labyrinth.
I’ve said this in my other book reviews for this series— Billionaire Kings is by far my favourite series by Winners, and after having read this newest addition, I can re-iterate it. I absolutely loved the tropes and plot twists included. Kingston’s and Liana’s story is uniquely theirs. It’s still a billionaire romance but includes mafia/ organised crime elements within. It’s darker, more grittier, and a lot bloodier than the previous books in the series. It contains sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers. It delves in strong graphic violence, kidnapping, child abuse, torture, human trafficking, sexual abuse, and death. It’s not for the fainthearted, and is intended for readers 18+ only.
Kingston and Liana have bound themselves to one another. They have a deep, complex history, and throughout a span of their lives, the connection that tethered them together never wavered. I devoured this book purely on the fact that I was wholly invested in seeing how things will unravel between them. If you enjoy dark romances filled with mystery and suspense, this book is not to be missed.
I’ve read countless romance books, plenty in the dark, mafia sub-genres. But I’ve only encountered a handful of “fierce” and “badass” heroines that have actually lived up to those descriptors. Liana, I can happily say fits the bill, and during my reading experience firmly held my attention.
Kingston (aka Ghost) is a complex character, and we finally get his full backstory. He’s screwy and broody, and not one to be messed with, but knowing the reasons behind his personality, it’s not hard to love and respect him for it.
These MCs have been to hell and back, and to hell again. The story was in-depth, felt relatively hefty, and was constantly progressing. The storytelling is told between a few different POVs, and goes back and forth from past to present through flashbacks, which could easily disrupt the flow, but I didn’t get any of that reading this one. It was well-paced and kept a satisfying build-up of anticipation.
It’s full of secrecy. The premise barely skimmed the surface of Kingston’s and Liana’s story. It’s a book that really needs to be experienced by the reader first-hand. Without spoilers or a full list of tropes revealed. Once you start, you’ll quickly realise where the direction of the story is heading. I’m not sure if the main “plot twist” was meant to be unpredictable (as there were signs everywhere), but I thought it was obvious nonetheless. However, it didn’t take away from the thrill of seeing developments unfold.
I recommend readers be up-to-date with Winners’ multiverse of books as they all interconnect through the characters. With this book being on the darker side, a lot of the time the backdrop is set within the underworld. Secondary characters involved in the mafia/organised crime play pivotal roles, and Kingston and Liana are in the heart of it alongside them. It can be read as a standalone, but in my opinion, the importance of certain characters and relationships will not necessarily have the same impact unless you’ve read Winners’ other books— specifically the previous books in the Billionaire Kings, as well as the Belles & Mobsters series.
The secondary characters not only amped up the story, but certain characters had me excited to read upcoming books. Winners is always adding teasers of confirmed future couples (or possible pairings), and this one introduced a couple of new characters that have me mentally keeping tabs on now.
I couldn’t fault this book. I loved it from start to finish. Yes, if I had to nit-pick there were a couple of questionable actions made by these characters but blips in the grand scheme of things. Kingston and Liana are an unbelievable pairing. They’re freaking formidable! I love that their journey was a Herculean feat. That from darkness there was light. I loved that despite the brokenness, they came out as survivors, fighters; both of whom exuded strength. That they never lost the ability to love either. If there was ever a couple who deserved a HEA, it was these two. Hell, it was a long time coming!
✔ Billionaire Romance
✔ Dark Romance
✔ Enemies to Allies to Lovers
✔ Slow Burn
✔ Mafia/ Organised Crime
✔ Suspense
Five stars all-around. Five stars for storytelling. Five stars for flow. Five stars for character growth. Five stars for the sizzling scenes. Five stars for the action and suspense. Five stars for the well-executed tropes and elements. You get the gist. 👌 It’s a page-turner.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Eva Winners and Megan Pagnano-Gatanis (The Next Step PR) for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💚
🔔 Interested in reading Reign Of A Billionaire? Universal Link
Billionaire Kings’ #SecretsOfABillionaire is now live!
Cover Designer: Eve Graphic Design | Photographer: Wander Aguiar | Model: Gustavo P.
•••
— BLURB —
Winston Ashford, not exactly Prince Charming.
Arrogant.
Bastard.
Gorgeous.
I’d mistaken him for a ten when he turned out to be a minus five. He was so beautiful but damaged beyond repair. There was no amount of understanding or loving that could save a man who didn’t want to be saved. So after one night together, I gladly washed my hands of him.
Until everything went south.
My father was dead. My sister needed help, and it was time I behaved like a responsible older sister, one with a plan.
Unfortunately, my plan was slightly…lacking.
When I was caught red-handed stealing from my less than wonderful one-night stand, Winston Ashford became intent on bending me to his will.
It turned out that he was as ruthless as he was gorgeous and cruel as he was tender.
Forced into an unwanted arrangement with the arrogant bastard, the kind that required rings, my last name became his. I became his reluctant, yet thankfully, secret wife. Unfortunately, he became the man who unknowingly held all the cards. At least we went our separate ways even if legally we were still bound together.
Six lonely years later, our paths crossed again.
There was still a darkness inside of him that scared me down to my very core.
He claimed he wanted a real marriage. That he was a changed man. But deep down, he was still the same. Damaged. Battling invisible scars and habits that were hard to break.
He saved me once upon a time. It was time for me to save him.
Eva Winners release her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing vigorously ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you’ll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
I’d mistaken him for a ten when he turned out to be a minus five. He was so beautiful but damaged beyond repair. There was no amount of understanding or loving that could save a man who didn’t want to be saved. So after one night together, I gladly washed my hands of him.
Until everything went south.
My father was dead. My sister needed help, and it was time I behaved like a responsible older sister, one with a plan.
Unfortunately, my plan was slightly…lacking.
When I was caught red-handed stealing from my less than wonderful one-night stand, Winston Ashford became intent on bending me to his will.
It turned out that he was as ruthless as he was gorgeous and cruel as he was tender.
Forced into an unwanted arrangement with the arrogant bastard, the kind that required rings, my last name became his. I became his reluctant, yet thankfully, secret wife. Unfortunately, he became the man who unknowingly held all the cards. At least we went our separate ways even if legally we were still bound together.
Six lonely years later, our paths crossed again.
There was still a darkness inside of him that scared me down to my very core.
He claimed he wanted a real marriage. That he was a changed man. But deep down, he was still the same. Damaged. Battling invisible scars and habits that were hard to break.
He saved me once upon a time. It was time for me to save him.
But what happens when I’m not enough?
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I’ll be whatever you want me to be. Just let me be yours.”
Spice, spice, and more spice! Billie and Winston’s relationship snapped, crackled, and popped from beginning to end. They are a prime example of cliff diving into a vast ocean of sexual desire. Consequences be damned! Their story comprised of blue-balling and banter wrapped up in a solid layer of baggage.
Told from dual POVs. Billie and Winston take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions through a tangled web of complications. They navigate through years’ worth of lusty feelings, risky opportunities, and secrecy.
If you haven’t already, I recommend reading Misdeeds of a Billionaire (book two) first. It provides a full backstory of how Billie and Winston meet, the relationships between their families, and will give you a full knowhow of timelines and events that take place throughout the years.
They immediately intrigued me in Misdeeds and I couldn’t wait to read their story. Although it’s steady-paced, character-driven, and time constantly moving, I had hoped for more to their narrative. I enjoyed the banter, and their zingy chemistry was clear as day, but in comparison to the previous books in the series I had expected a lot more meatiness that didn’t appear until the last few chapters.
However, those last few chapters were by far my favourite part of the book. It was intense, highly emotional, and had me on edge. Despite initially knowing the tropes and plot points included in this book, nothing could’ve prepared me for the deluge of emotions that Billie and Winston evoked out of me within the short time span.
Winners’ writing is always effortless to follow, and the characters are so, so fascinating that I’m constantly left wanting to know more about them. There are side characters included that I’m looking forward to reading their books next, but there are also certain characters introduced that have me deeply intrigued, and I’m hoping it’s not the last we see of them.
This book includes sensitive subject matters that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers. It broaches on torture, suicide, PTSD, kidnapping, violence, attempted sexual abuse, and a miscarriage. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
Billie and Winston’s story is ominous for the most part but I promise good things are present. The love and positive support system is undeniable. Their relationship not only developed from strangers to lovers, but it grew from strength to strength. They’re flawed, complex characters, each with their own struggles and heartbreak who in time grow and come to terms with their past. They go through realistic traumas that some readers may relate to. Although tough to witness, I thought it was well-written with care and sensitivity. You can’t help but be invested in these MCs and seeing their journey through.
It’s a romance story with a smidge of action and suspense and mafia elements. I am addicted to the interconnected world Winners has created and the infinite character crossovers, but the Billionaire Kings has fast become my favourite. The Ashford brothers are a sight to behold. First there was Alessio, then Byron, and now Winston.
If you love reading about morally grey heroes who fall first and fall hard, then you’ll adore Win. He’s possessive, erratic, and when he sets his sights on something, you can bet he’ll get it. Billie is spunky, stubborn, and has the tendency to get into all kinds of trouble. But she’s also loyal, sweet, and playful. They may butt heads but that’s half the fun when seeing them together.
SOAB is another swoon-worthy addition to the series, and it has me counting down the days, weeks, and months until the next billionaire king. With its overall sombre atmosphere, it’s the perfect rainy day read to escape into. Their HEA was well and truly deserved!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Eva Winners and Megan Pagnano-Gatanis (The Next Step PR) for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💜
🔔 Interested in reading Secrets Of A Billionaire? Grab your copy here: Universal Link
When I finally get a life-saving kidney transplant, I think the worst is behind me.
Boy, am I wrong.
I start feeling eyes on me wherever I go.
I’m being watched. Stalked. Hunted.
It’s downright scary.
Then the hunter steps out of the shadows, and my life implodes. I’m taken by Renzo Torrisi, a dangerous and unforgiving man.
Turns out the kidney I received belonged to one of his men and I have to repay the debt. Only the terms are unclear, and the rules change on a whim. Held prisoner in his penthouse, I have to serve the ruthless mafia boss like the god he is.
Whether I’ll survive being Renzo’s captive is up for debate, though.
When I finally get a life-saving kidney transplant, I think the worst is behind me.
Boy, am I wrong.
I start feeling eyes on me wherever I go.
I’m being watched. Stalked. Hunted.
It’s downright scary.
Then the hunter steps out of the shadows, and my life implodes. I’m taken by Renzo Torrisi, a dangerous and unforgiving man.
Turns out the kidney I received belonged to one of his men and I have to repay the debt. Only the terms are unclear, and the rules change on a whim. Held prisoner in his penthouse, I have to serve the ruthless mafia boss like the god he is.
Whether I’ll survive being Renzo’s captive is up for debate, though.
Nerve-racking. Hair-raising. Nail-biting. A totally mind-fuck. It’s a trip to purgatory and back, and there is nothing that can prepare you for what Renzo has in store.
Heard has written a thought-provoking dark mafia romance that swallows you whole and totally screws with your psyche. Morality is thrown right out. It was twisted, utterly gruesome, heart-shatteringly messed-up, yet I loved every single word of it.
It’s not for the faint-hearted. The premise lures you in, but make no mistakes readers will be in for a gasp-inducing story. I wasn’t at all expecting it, hadn’t even considered it, and by the time I had the slightest inkling the narrative was headed down a blackhole, stopping myself from reading further was no longer an option.
It’s one of those remarkable stories where you don’t want to know what happens, yet you do. Badly.
Vivid world-building full of harsh realities, fears, and violence. It contains sensitive subject matters that readers may find disturbing and/or triggering. It deals with detailed, graphic violence, kidnapping, and death. It’s intended for readers 18+ only. I urge fellow readers to read responsibly.
It’s a captor/captive storyline where the circumstance is something I’ve never encountered before in previous dark romance reads. In comparison to Heard’s other mafia romances, it definitely has a darker theme and overall atmosphere.
Despite the emotional roller-coaster Skylar and Renzo go through and the sensitivity surrounding the situation they find themselves in, it was nevertheless an effortless, albeit melancholic piece of writing to follow. It’s a weighty, beautifully written story filled with such love. Most of the storytelling is enveloped in a gloomy, depressing backdrop, but there are moments of light here and there to inject some hope in these characters lives.
I can’t imagine stepping into and experiencing life through Skylar’s eyes first hand. She’s put through the wringer, and because of that I couldn’t even fully question her mental state. But her innocence, her survival instincts, and her understanding nature is what makes her an intriguing heroine I was invested in seeing come through to the other side.
Renzo is a flawed and vengeful Reaper of a mafia boss. He exudes power, and death, and pain. He is a complex character to the core, and had fast become one of my favourite morally grey heroes. What I love most about him is he has the biggest heart.
Not only has Heard created an entirely new mafia world that’s highly charged and extremely exciting, but has introduced a new set of mobsters whom are more in-depth than ever. Each mafia boss has made quite an impression, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Their strong brotherly dynamics is always a highlight to see in each book. They bring about unity, a solid support system, and banter that can only come from a caring, tight-knit history. Besides the romantic developments, the interactions amongst these men are always, always an element to look forward to.
This story is well-paced and told from dual POVs. There is a good amount of character growth and developments between Skylar and Renzo that makes their relationship feel genuine. It constantly keeps you on your toes with the amount of plot twist after plot twist. Whilst the first two books in the series ended a little too abruptly for my liking, this one felt more substantial in length.
All in all, I couldn’t fault it. I will be coming back to their story time and time again. All the heartbreak and brutality are well worth getting through to witness their HEA. It left me in complete happy contentment. Although I like to think of it as more of their beginning, their book has one of my favourite “endings” from the series. Skylar and Renzo’s story could not have concluded any better.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💗
At the office, Samantha is mouthy AF and hellbent on testing my patience. So you can imagine my surprise when my new personal assistant walks into my club with a very specific fantasy.
When the man Samantha’s paired with doesn’t stick to the rules, I step in to take his place. Wearing a mask protects my identity, and soon the little wildcat from the office is telling me all her darkest secrets and fantasies.
During the day, she gives me hell, but at night, she becomes my wounded kitten.
I know I’m playing a dangerous game.
She doesn’t know I’m one of the heads of the Cosa Nostra.
She doesn’t know her boss and her nightly visitor is the same person.
With my enemy on the attack and her past coming to haunt her, our secrets come out in the most explosive way possible, threatening to rip Samantha away from me.
But my wildcat has another thing coming if she thinks I’ll ever let go.
A Mafia Romance full-length novel. 18+ only. Please read responsibly. THIS NOVEL CONTAINS TRIGGERING CONTENT.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“For her, I’d wage wars. For her, I’d kneel.”
Eeep. 🖐 STARS! 🖐 STARS! 🖐 STARS!
This book is beautifully, magnificently intoxicating, and I could not get enough of it. The perfect example as to why Heard is an auto-read author for me. It had the perfect balance of swoony romance and suspenseful mafia elements that reeled me right in.
The sensitive content, although gut-wrenching and disturbing to discover in detail, the writing itself wasn’t overly gritty or dark that I was put off from continuing. On the contrary, the more I learned about Samantha’s history the more I was invested. It was also a nice change of pace having a morally grey hero sans brutal backstory in Franco being such a pillar of love and strength.
Please be aware of the triggering content. Read responsibly. It contains sensitive matters involving domestic violence, drugging, stalking, rape and torture all resulting in PTSD (physical, emotional, and mental scarring). It’s not for the fainthearted and intended for readers 18+ only.
Heard has written countless of dark, mafia romances and what I love about each and every one of them are the dimensional characters who evoke emotion out of me, and this one is no different. Not only did I easily connect and sympathise, but I loved these MCs instantly and oh-so dearly.
Sizzling banter. Highly anticipating chemistry. Hot. Sweet. Hot. Sweet. Either which way I was enjoying the ride.
Slightly violent. A little bloody. Alpha mafiosos doing what they do best. Kick ass. Crack jokes. Kick ass. Crack jokes. Once again, either which way I was enjoying the ride.
This hate-to-love, workplace romance set within a dangerous criminal underworld is my type of office romance read. Fun and mischievous with a side of caution and mystery. As the intensity increased, so did their character growth and evolving relationship.
Samantha and Franco navigate through their respective parallel lives for the majority of the story and at times it fuelled light-hearted giddiness, and at other times its enveloped in raw vulnerability.
There were certain developments that were unbelievably unexpected, totally had my eyes bulging in shock and leaving me with a heavy heart. Thank goodness for the brotherhood, the friendships, and the positive familial dynamics present.
It’s well-written, effortless to follow, and I think Heard took a lot of care in handling the sensitive topics within. It also didn’t hurt (no pun intended) that some Liam Neeson’s Taken-esque punishment was mete out. Despite the fast-paced storytelling, nothing felt abrupt or underdeveloped. This being book two in the Kings of Mafia series, the world-building has expanded with further insight into the secondary characters—which only makes me anticipate the rest of the books the follow more so.
My review doesn’t do this book justice. Fellow romance readers will have to experience it for themselves. Franco and Samantha are my new favourite couple, and Franco is most definitely added to my bookish hubby list. It has left me in such a happy state that I’m having trouble moving on. It’s binge-worthy and well-worth the hangover! Did I mention I read it in one sitting? Un-fucking-putdownable!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💗
booksofthemuggleborn 
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