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.
We were off-limits to each other right from the start…
I’m the governor’s daughter and he’s a mafia boss in the Bratva.
It was a no-brainer.
I was forbidden to him and him to me.
But when we met at his nightclub, I thought he was my prince charming.
I couldn’t fight my attraction to the tattooed Russian god, any more than he could for me.
Dante Levitsky is tall, dark and dangerously handsome with Mediterranean blue eyes you could swim in forever.
Our chemistry is the type people read about and wish for their whole lives.
After the accident a year ago that nearly stole my life, he felt like my second chance at living.
Saying no to a secret relationship when he asked me felt like losing a limb.
So, I agreed, thinking it was the best idea ever.
Until it wasn’t. And I find out he lied.
Then his dark secrets slapped me in the face.
Secrets and plans for retribution against my father that will turn my world upside down.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for the villain.
But at the time I didn’t know he was my enemy.
Or that I would become his new obsession.
He’s the monster I never saw coming and he plans to take everything.
Including me.
Ruthless Sinner is a dark mafia forbidden romance. It is book 1 of the Empire of Sinners series. It is inspired by Romeo and Juliet. This book is a 100K word standalone romance that contains dark themes, dubious situations, mature content, and graphic violence some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“If she’s who you want, fight for her. Even if you have to fight yourself.”
Ruthless Sinner was my introduction to Faith Summers (aka Khardine Gray) and her writing. This is the first book in the Empire of Sinners mafia series, and it was the initial Romeo & Juliet inspired premise (and duh, the sexy cover) that had me intrigued to read the story.
It introduces a complex mafia world-building and Dante’s role in it, but as far as dark mafia elements goes, this one is relatively mild. Whilst sensitive subject matters are touched on, it’s not overly graphic or detailed. I would’ve loved to have felt a sense of thrill and suspense, especially during certain scenes where there’s supposed to be life-altering developments for these MCs. Unfortunately it was missing that oomph to really elevate the storytelling and overall reading experience.
Most of the plot revolved around the sexual content between Dante and Serenity. It broached on BDSM (albeit minor), and if I had known beforehand, I probably would’ve had second thoughts about reading this book. I have nothing against this particular romance theme, it’s just not a preference of mine. But if you don’t mind a little BDSM, then you’ll enjoy the raunchy content included.
This book is a bit of a mix bag. There are some definite pros but also some cons. What I found piqued my interest the most were the secondary characters, mostly Virgo— Dante’s best friend and a fellow mafioso. Based on the chain of events that occurred and with how it eventually concluded, Virgo’s story is likely the next book in the series, which I’m keen to read.
The friendships within are one of strength, love, and support, and the minor storylines added dimension. They also provided light-hearted moments, and at times some much needed sound advice for both Dante and Serenity.
It’s relatively steady-paced and told from dual POVs. I only wish the characters had been more in-depth and fleshed-out. There wasn’t as much character growth exhibited and I couldn’t help but think it impacted the genuineness and relatability of their relationship too. The attraction and sexual chemistry were evident, but anything deeper between the two needed further development— their relationship evolved quickly over a short span. The writing is a little choppy, cutting out details that in my opinion were needed to build suspense. Despite that, it was easy enough to follow with just enough progress throughout to hold my attention.
Nothing against Serenity but I had difficulties connecting with her. She’s a decent and all-around good-natured character but can also be quite juvenile, and a lot of her reactions were questionable. I found Dante to be a more likable MC but as far as someone of his importance in the Bratva, he’s pretty tame. I didn’t get any sort of powerful, alpha leading man vibe off him. He’s thoughtful, sweet, a little cheeky at times but other than that he’s a subdued mobster. He’s certainly a distinct change of pace from the usual danger-infused morally grey heroes I’ve read in other mafia romance books. I do like that he put Serenity’s wellbeing first and foremost knowing it wouldn’t bode well for him or the people closest to him.
Although I found it somewhat predictable, once I settled into the book, it still had me curious to see how it will all end. I do think this series has plenty of potential especially if the world-building expands to other factions of their criminal organisation and further characters are introduced.
This book would be a great starting off point for romance readers wanting to try mafia romance without all the grittiness and graphic dark themes as of yet that usually go hand in hand with this romance sub-genre. It’s heavy on the romance element with a just hint of danger. If you like forbidden romances, secret love affairs, and/or opposites attract romance tropes, give this one a try.
It does contain sensitive subject matters that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers. It touches on violence, death, sexual assault, kidnapping and child abuse. There’s also strong sexual content. Intended for readers 18+ only.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you Faith Summers/ Khardine Gray and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💙
We were off-limits to each other right from the start…
I’m the governor’s daughter and he’s a mafia boss in the Bratva.
It was a no-brainer.
I was forbidden to him and him to me.
But when we met at his nightclub, I thought he was my prince charming.
I couldn’t fight my attraction to the tattooed Russian god, any more than he could for me.
Dante Levitsky is tall, dark and dangerously handsome with Mediterranean blue eyes you could swim in forever.
Our chemistry is the type people read about and wish for their whole lives.
After the accident a year ago that nearly stole my life, he felt like my second chance at living.
Saying no to a secret relationship when he asked me felt like losing a limb.
So, I agreed, thinking it was the best idea ever.
Until it wasn’t. And I find out he lied.
Then his dark secrets slapped me in the face.
Secrets and plans for retribution against my father that will turn my world upside down.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for the villain.
But at the time I didn’t know he was my enemy.
Or that I would become his new obsession.
He’s the monster I never saw coming and he plans to take everything.
Including me.
Ruthless Sinner is a dark mafia forbidden romance. It is book 1 of the Empire of Sinners series. It is inspired by Romeo and Juliet. This book is a 100K word standalone romance that contains dark themes, dubious situations, mature content, and graphic violence some readers might find offensive and/or triggering.
Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.
Warning!! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.
Aislinn Killeen is a good girl. When her sister goes missing during a trip to New York, Aislinn leaves her hometown Dublin behind to search for her. She finds shelter with her uncle, a priest in the biggest Irish-catholic parish in the city and also the confessor for the Irish mob. Her investigations soon lead her to the criminal underworld, and one of its major players: Lorcan Devaney.
Lorcan Devaney’s reign is brutal, his temper feared and his patience non-existent. Aislinn is sure he’s the man who knows what happened to her sister. She realizes too late that attracting the attention of a man like Lorcan is a horrible idea. When secrets from her family’s past are revealed, she’s forced to marry the man who might be responsible for her sister’s disappearance.
Will she find her sister and escape the unwanted marriage, or will she be the second Killeen to disappear?
•••
— TEASER —
•••
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
•••
— CHARACTER REVEAL —
It’s time to meet the ruthless leading man of Dangerous Innocence: Lorcan Devaney
The head of the Devaney Clan…
•••
It’s time to meet the leading lady of Dangerous Innocence: Aislinn Killeen
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.
•••
Follow CoraReilly on her social media!
Keep up-to-date with Cora’s latest news, upcoming release plans, teasers, and book covers!
If you’d like to help spread the word about future cover reveals, sales, teasers etc, then you won’t have to sign up separately anymore if you’re on said Master list. You’ll be emailed the images and info directly. So if you want to spread the Cora mafia love, please sign up here: CoraReilly MasterList
Natasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Mafia Romance Novels. She has sold over a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.
Aislinn Killeen is a good girl. When her sister goes missing during a trip to New York, Aislinn leaves her hometown Dublin behind to search for her. She finds shelter with her uncle, a priest in the biggest Irish-catholic parish in the city and also the confessor for the Irish mob. Her investigations soon lead her to the criminal underworld, and one of its major players: Lorcan Devaney.
Lorcan Devaney’s reign is brutal, his temper feared and his patience non-existent. Aislinn is sure he’s the man who knows what happened to her sister. She realizes too late that attracting the attention of a man like Lorcan is a horrible idea. When secrets from her family’s past are revealed, she’s forced to marry the man who might be responsible for her sister’s disappearance.
Will she find her sister and escape the unwanted marriage, or will she be the second Killeen to disappear?
•••
— TEASER —
•••
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
•••
— CHARACTER REVEAL —
It’s time to meet the ruthless leading man of Dangerous Innocence: Lorcan Devaney
The head of the Devaney Clan…
•••
It’s time to meet the leading lady of Dangerous Innocence: Aislinn Killeen
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.
•••
Follow CoraReilly on her social media!
Keep up-to-date with Cora’s latest news, upcoming release plans, teasers, and book covers!
If you’d like to help spread the word about future cover reveals, sales, teasers etc, then you won’t have to sign up separately anymore if you’re on said Master list. You’ll be emailed the images and info directly. So if you want to spread the Cora mafia love, please sign up here: CoraReilly MasterList
Aislinn Killeen is a good girl. When her sister goes missing during a trip to New York, Aislinn leaves her hometown Dublin behind to search for her. She finds shelter with her uncle, a priest in the biggest Irish-catholic parish in the city and also the confessor for the Irish mob. Her investigations soon lead her to the criminal underworld, and one of its major players: Lorcan Devaney.
Lorcan Devaney’s reign is brutal, his temper feared and his patience non-existent. Aislinn is sure he’s the man who knows what happened to her sister. She realizes too late that attracting the attention of a man like Lorcan is a horrible idea. When secrets from her family’s past are revealed, she’s forced to marry the man who might be responsible for her sister’s disappearance.
Will she find her sister and escape the unwanted marriage, or will she be the second Killeen to disappear?
•••
— TEASER —
•••
•••
— CHARACTER REVEAL —
It’s time to meet the ruthless leading man of Dangerous Innocence: Lorcan Devaney
The head of the Devaney Clan…
•••
It’s time to meet the leading lady of Dangerous Innocence: Aislinn Killeen
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.
•••
Follow CoraReilly on her social media!
Keep up-to-date with Cora’s latest news, upcoming release plans, teasers, and book covers!
If you’d like to help spread the word about future cover reveals, sales, teasers etc, then you won’t have to sign up separately anymore if you’re on said Master list. You’ll be emailed the images and info directly. So if you want to spread the Cora mafia love, please sign up here: CoraReilly MasterList
Cover Design: Eve Graphic Design | Photographer: Wong Sim | Model: Paul Ferrari
•••
— BLURB —
Enrico Marchetti.
One of the five Italian mafia kings.
Powerful. Untouchable. Corrupt.
It started with one innocent look across a room in Paris. He was a lot older than me. A Roman god dressed in an Italian suit, surrounded by an aura I couldn’t resist.
When I ran into him again, he effortlessly pulled me under his spell. But little did I know, a night full of carnal pleasure would cost me everything.
When Enrico Marchetti wanted something, he didn’t just take it. He possessed it. Now, his sights were set on me. There were secrets this man was keeping. They surrounded him, his dead wife, his children. I wanted no part of it, but there was no escaping him. He had taken me to his kingdom, locked the doors, and thrown away the key.
Now the only thing left to do was fight. Even if it killed me.
Eva Winners released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly 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 Eva Winners on social media!
My hobbies consist of shopping, eating, and sleeping. Yeah, I know, it doesn’t sound like I have much going for me, but what is a girl to do when she has an overbearing father who doesn’t allow her to be anything but a socialite?
I’m used to being in the spotlight, but when my father starts getting threats on my life, he hires a bodyguard.
Maxim Levin, the Russian God with intense eyes and a face carved from stone. I don’t think the man has ever cracked a smile. He’s domineering, broody, and scary as hell.
The more time I spend with him, the more his secrets come to light.
Turns out he’s not just a regular bodyguard.
My father hired an assassin.
An Assassin! Aka, a man who unalives people for a living.
Maxim has one more secret yet to be uncovered, and when I finally crack the hard shell of his unforgiving exterior, I’m in for the shock of my life.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“For the first time, I feel alive. More than I ever have.”
Anyone in search of Bodyguard Romance?? Because I’m recommending this one! It’s slow-burn goodness between a food-loving, camera-wielding Socialite and her dangerously sexy Assassin-temporarily-turned-Bodyguard.
I think I’ve finally found my fictional spirit animal in Camille! It’s scary how much of myself I was seeing in her whilst I was reading this book. Give me my very own Max and we’re practically… *singsong voice* twinning! 😄
It’s another easy as pie, honest-to-goodness comfort read from Heard, and another page-turning addition to the Corrupted Royals series. I’m honestly going to be so heartbroken when this series officially comes to an end. I’ve been loving each and every character introduced, and even more so, the addictive pairings who have come together in the most intriguing of ways.
I read this in one sitting and was thirsty for any and all Camille and Maxim interactions from start to finish. It’s not as dark as the previous books in the series, which I actually found to be a sweet change of pace and a nice break from the grittiness that Heard usually injects in most of her mafia books. This is a standalone and can be read without having read the previous books in the series. Although I recommend the entire series, you can dive right into Camille’s and Max’s story, no worries.
It has a lot of spice and all things nice, and makes for an entertaining reading experience. It had, in my opinion, the perfect balance of romance and mafia themed elements, in an overall contemporary backdrop. Both MCs are freaking lovable characters— I can’t stress that enough. You’ll discover Camille is not your stereotypical “socialite”, and I loved her relatable personality and downright adorable inner monologue. Max added the slow-burn in this romance, but I’m not even annoyed because it made for a more electrifying narrative. The chemistry between the two leaped off the pages and I just about drooled at the anticipation of seeing their relationship develop from business to personal.
It’s fast-paced storytelling told from dual points of view. Both their perspectives heightened the spark bubbling over between them. I honestly wished their story was longer, as I hadn’t wanted it to end. There were new developments towards the end that I did think resolved too abruptly and would’ve preferred if it had been more fleshed-out or set in motion a little earlier in the storyline so it had a more organic flow to it. But nevertheless, I enjoyed the heck out this book! From the forced proximity, to the awkward sexual tension, to the constant junk food binge that had me hungry in more ways than one from reading a romance novel. 😜
Whilst I didn’t find the “triggering content” triggering, other readers may feel differently. It does broach on heavy themes such as violence, life-threatening situations, and death. Please take into consideration before starting this book. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
Besides the MCs, there’s a small but heart-warming cast of secondary characters that really elevated this story and exhibited authentic sides to both Camille and Max’s lives. It not only displayed loving familial dynamics, but also strong friendships and brotherly banter that cut through some of the seriousness of the situation Camille and Max were thrown into.
As with the previous books, it’s always a happy sight to see familiar characters from Heard’s other mafia romance series cross-over. It’s always a seamless addition to certain scenes that I’ve come to look forward to seeing.
If you like reading bodyguard romances and/or mafia romances, with opposites attract, age-gap romance tropes, add this one to your reading list. The writing effortlessly transports you to vivid world-building and eye-catching characters. With their polar-opposite worlds I was emotionally and mentally invested in seeing how Camille and Max’s relationship could end in a HEA. Not only had the initial premise caught my attention, but the story itself well and truly delivered. I’m left happy sighing in contentment.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 🧡
Aislinn Killeen is a good girl. When her sister goes missing during a trip to New York, Aislinn leaves her hometown Dublin behind to search for her. She finds shelter with her uncle, a priest in the biggest Irish-catholic parish in the city and also the confessor for the Irish mob. Her investigations soon lead her to the criminal underworld, and one of its major players: Lorcan Devaney.
Lorcan Devaney’s reign is brutal, his temper feared and his patience non-existent. Aislinn is sure he’s the man who knows what happened to her sister. She realizes too late that attracting the attention of a man like Lorcan is a horrible idea. When secrets from her family’s past are revealed, she’s forced to marry the man who might be responsible for her sister’s disappearance.
Will she find her sister and escape the unwanted marriage, or will she be the second Killeen to disappear?
•••
— TEASER —
•••
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
•••
— CHARACTER REVEAL —
It’s time to meet the ruthless leading man of Dangerous Innocence: Lorcan Devaney
The head of the Devaney Clan…
•••
It’s time to meet the leading lady of Dangerous Innocence: Aislinn Killeen
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.
•••
Follow CoraReilly on her social media!
Keep up-to-date with Cora’s latest news, upcoming release plans, teasers, and book covers!
If you’d like to help spread the word about future cover reveals, sales, teasers etc, then you won’t have to sign up separately anymore if you’re on said Master list. You’ll be emailed the images and info directly. So if you want to spread the Cora mafia love, please sign up here: CoraReilly MasterList
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