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.
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.
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.
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! 🧡
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.
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.
Home. It’s the one thing I want more than anything. A husband I can love. Children I can give the world to. A house I can call my own. To many, it’s a stupid wish, but to me, it’s everything.
When my adoptive father demands that I marry one of his business partners, Karlin Makarova, my dream becomes nothing more than that – a dream. Karlin is a vile monster, a nightmare for any woman he crosses paths with.
I dread the time I have to spend alone with Karlin and hide the bruises that fill me with deep shame.
But then my beloved brother steps in and arranges a marriage with one of his best friends.
Armani DeSantis is known to be coolheaded, aloof, and calculative. Sure, he’s heartbreakingly attractive – emphasis on heartbreakingly – but it’s clear he sees me as his friend’s little sister that’s become his problem.
Then again, I’d rather have my heart broken by Armani DeSantis than be Karlin Makarova’s punching bag.
And so, my dream of a happily ever after turns into a cold-blooded war between the two men, and I find myself praying that somehow I’ll survive.
But life has taught me prayers are never answered.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I have three dreams. I’ve always wanted a home I can call my own, a husband I can love, and children I can give the world to.”
Wow. What an emotionally-charged story that had me bubbling over with tears. Third book in and once again I am blown away by how immediate the storytelling, the characters, and the romance captured my attention.
It’s very reminiscent of Cruel Saints (from the Saints series) and Stolen By A Sinner (from the Sinners series) in the sense that it had that Cinderella/ damsel-in-distress-fairy-tale type storyline that I always love and can never tire of. It was a nice switch-up from the usual forced marriages set alongside an enemies-to-lovers/ hate-to-love trope. Tiana and Armani instantly connected, and their down-to-earth, thoughtful dispositions set about a charming ambience for most of the story.
It’s fast-paced with relatively short chapters— which is one of the reasons I tend to enjoy reading one of Heard’s books. It’s constantly progressing, and despite Tiana’s and Armani’s relationship evolving rather quickly, it doesn’t necessarily feel rushed through. Their budding romance is the stuff of dreams. It’s sweet, swoon-worthy, and one that I couldn’t help grin at seeing develop. It’s an emotional rollercoaster full of angst and drama, but it’s the perfect first-love love story.
Although I adore the MCs and all the romantic elements, I have to say it’s the familial bonds and interactions that stole my heart whilst reading this book. Tiana and Misha have quite a deep and profoundly heart-warming relationship, and when I discovered the reasons behind their unbreakable bond, my love for these siblings increased tenfold.
Please note there are sensitive subject matters that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers. It contains graphic violence, manhandling and physical assault, and child abuse. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
This is the third book in the Corrupted Royals series and can be read as a standalone novel (although I recommend reading the series in publishing order for an enhanced reading experience). If you like any of the following genres/ romance tropes, I can’t recommend this book more!
Mafia Romance
Dark Romance
Romantic Suspense
Close Proximity
Arranged Marriage
Brother’s Best Friend/ Best Friend’s Sister
Mature NA Romance
Whilst they were a couple of things I felt were left unanswered and the ending was somewhat abrupt in places, overall, I couldn’t fault how much this book had left me feeling a sense of happy contentment. It broached on certain topics that I easily sympathised and connected with, and showed how effective a strong support system can be in strengthening one’s psyche. There’s a diverse range of character dynamics and personalities included that added dimension. And as with the previous books in the series, character crossovers from Heard’s other mafia series make appearances (which I always look forward to seeing and it never disappoints). It not only gave an update on beloved older characters, but I loved seeing their worlds meshing together.
As far as mafia romances go, this is on the lighter side. Whilst it has some darkish elements, it’s not overly gritty. It is however, gripping, at times suspenseful, and even has a few surprising reveals. Heard has written another beautiful work of fiction with certain aspects that paralleled real-life situations. I loved reading it. It’s definitely one of my favourite new books this year. I’m already thinking about certain scenes I want to go back and visit again. In my opinion, it’s a must-read with a box of tissues at hand!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 🧡
I wanted to be a painter. But that’s just a dream because a mafia princess doesn’t get to choose her future.
Still, I never let it get me down. I always try to make the best of everything.
Until I’m forced to go for brutal training, and I meet Nikolai Vetrov.
Forbidden and way too attractive, the man turns out to be my worst nightmare incarnated.
He’s cold and ruthless, and I’m pretty sure there’s no heart to be found in his chest, unlike mine that won’t stop beating overtime at the mere sight of him.
Just because I flirted with him, he’s dead set on making my life as miserable as possible.
And as if the hell I’ve been thrown into isn’t enough, the worst thing possible happens to me. It strips me of my light and drops me into a darkness so suffocating there’s no way for me to escape.
There’s a lot I can endure and overcome, but the trauma and Nikolai Vetrov are two things I can’t handle. One of them is bound to be the end of me.
Unless a miracle happens, and let’s face it, I’m well past the point of believing in miracles.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“You’re too young and careless.”
“You’re old and grumpy.”
Un-friggin-putdownable! This second book in the Corrupted Royals series is another unbelievably addictive hit to the heart. I say this every time I finish reading one of Heard’s books but it’s because it’s true—she writes some of the most incredibly engrossing books that have equal measures of lightness and darkness to them that I’ve ever read.
I read this way too easily and in one sitting (and I’m normally a slow-ass reader). Abbie and Nikolai just grabbed hold of my attention and didn’t let go. If you like age-gap romances that have a little “daddy kink” play between its MCs, then there’s a good chance you might enjoy the dynamics between Abbie and Nikolai. This is under the mafia romance sub-genre, but their budding relationship for the most part is in the forefront of the storyline. It’s not as suspenseful as Heard’s previous mafia romances but it does still have dark elements. It contains violence, kidnapping, and sexual assault that some readers may find triggering/disturbing to read about. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
But in saying that, there’s a lot of light-heartedness to counterbalance the grittiness of events that take place. Nikolai is an exceptional character. I’m a sucker for heroes who are protective as hell but who aren’t controlling, and Nikolai oozes strength, loyalty, and an all-around badass chivalrous alpha! I couldn’t have picked a more better suited hero for Abbie.
Abbie is quite a flirty fireball of a heroine, and such a contrast to Nikolai’s serious personality. Besides the big age difference, they’re opposites attract who are constantly in close proximity that essentially paves the way for their relationship to evolve. The sizzling banter and sexual tension had me in a fit of giggles and ultimately kept this mafia romance from turning too dark.
I was hooked on the premise and the storytelling well and truly delivered. It’s told from dual POVs that just about made me learn details and love these characters more. Other than the romantic elements, there’s a strong presence of friendship and familial bonds that not only added dimension and solid support systems for the MCs, but it added secondary storylines that had me eager to see what the rest of the series has in store.
Nikolai is the only character in this series that’s connected to characters from The Saints— Heard’s previous mafia series, and getting to see a crossover was the cherry on top of what was already a page-turning book!
I normally prefer more action, suspense, and strong mafia elements, but in this instance, it was a sweet change of pace seeing more of the romance side. Although I found the overall storytelling somewhat fast-paced, Abbie and Nikolai’s relationship had an organic development that made it all the more believable to see as it evolved.
This book elicited a range of emotions out of me, so be prepared for the unexpected. I laughed. I cried. I swooned big time! Heard’s writing has constantly blown me away with how effortless it is to follow and connect with. The characters are complex, yet lovable. The storylines contain a handful of tried and true romance tropes that work well together, and the world-building is vivid and feels like it’s full of endless possibilities.
Heard is two for two so far with this new mafia romance series. If you’ve read her previous book series’ you’ll be familiar with St. Monarch’s, the setting where the majority of this story takes place, but I’m loving the fact that this series delves deeper into this backdrop. I don’t think I’ve come across mafia romances that puts focus into seeing where these dangerous criminals get their in-depth skills and training from. It’s fascinating and it’s a mafia world I would never tire of. I love this book. I love Abbie and Nikolai. I love this series. And I would absolutely recommend it to avid fans of mafia romance books!
This is a standalone novel in an interconnected series, but I advise you read Destroy Me (book one) first as the characters and certain timeline of events that take place in this book correspond with that one, and also, it’ll make for a fuller reading experience.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 🧡
Our first meeting was at a nightclub, and it was something straight out of my most romantic fantasies.
My ovaries exploded at the sight of the Russian God. And by God, I mean he was ripped, tall, dark, and deadly attractive. There were enough sparks between us to light up a city.
Then an explosion blasted through the nightclub, and we got trapped together for three hours, sharing our most personal details… everything but our names.
Two years later, our second meeting is the complete opposite of the first. It’s clear Misha Petrov, a Russian enforcer for the bratva, despises me. The emotional night we shared meant nothing to him.
You see, my family is sworn enemies with the bratva and Italian mafia, which means Misha considers me a threat.
I wish I could hate him the way he hates me. But nooo, my stupid heart wants what it wants.
Every rough touch from Misha makes my skin tingle.
Every low-rumbling threat growled through his clenched teeth has my breath speeding up.
We might be sworn enemies, but I can’t stop myself from wanting this dangerous man.
Then there’s the other problem.
If I can, by some miracle, get Misha to fall in love with me, we’ll only have to face the entire bratva and my family.
What could possibly go wrong?
STANDALONE: An Italian Mafia Romance full-length novel.
“I love you. I know it’s not enough, but it’s all I have that’s mine to give. I love you.”
Killed it. 👏 KILLED. 👏 IT. This brand spankin’ new mafia romance series has readers returning to St Monarch’s and the brutal underworld where both The Saints and The Sinners were originally set in. After devouring this first book, I’m even more amped-up for what the rest of the Corrupted Royals series has in store.
It oozes all the same vibes, heart-palpitating suspense, and characters that leave lasting impressions that Heard’s first two mafia romances encompassed, yet still easily stands on its own as a separate series. You don’t have to read The Saints or The Sinners prior to starting this one, but I strongly recommend that you do eventually read them. Not only will you see where the vivid world-building started, but you also get to know the previous generations that had set foot into St. Monarch’s. I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact the characters I adore from those previous two series’ have now aged, but I do know that I loved seeing the crossovers. For those who’ve read the books deep nostalgic feels will undoubtedly seep through.
I love the pacing— it’s steady but constantly progressing. It’s a relatively quick read but it packs a whopper in details and dimension that doesn’t feel rushed through at all. The dual POVs carry out amazing insight into both Aurora’s and Misha’s thoughts and sincere emotions from circumstances that unfolded that they couldn’t necessarily share openly. Despite the severity in situations the cast of characters find themselves in, overall, it’s entertaining as hell to read! There’s an unbelievable balance of dark elements to light-heartedness that had me permanently invested in seeing where it’ll all lead. The premise gave just enough to peak your interest but once you delve into the story, there’s so much complexity with multiple plotlines simultaneously developing alongside the main narrative.
If the plot doesn’t hook you in, the characters most certainly will. The strong friendships and brotherhood are standout elements outside of the romance. I felt a deep sense of realness, relatability, and history amongst the friendships displayed. It’s endearing, heart-warming, and just a little bit amusing. There wasn’t a single secondary character that I didn’t connect with, and the diverse factions introduced had really expanded the world-building within St. Monarch’s.
The Bratva meets the Italian Mafia in this emotionally-charged forbidden, enemies-to-lovers romance. I hadn’t expected to cry, but I did. I hadn’t expected to be stunned but man, I totally was. There’s a ton of twists and turns, and the unpredictability is high. Please note, it does contain adult themes and sensitive subject matter that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers such as, strong violence, torture, and kidnapping. It contains explicit sexual content, and graphic elements that’s intended for readers 18+ only.
It reads like a third gen, spin-off series but at the same time not quite. Nevertheless, it’s just as thrilling as the Heard’s previous mafia series’, just as swoon-worthy, and just as suspense-fuelled. Aurora and Misha are paired beautifully— they both have strengths and weaknesses, as well as hopes and dreams that make their characters down-right genuine. I could read about them all day, every day with how sizzling each of their interactions were throughout.
What a perfect way to kick things off with the Corrupted Royals. It not only set the bar for the rest of the series, but it introduced a handful of characters I’m itching to learn more about in detail. St. Monarch’s is also an epic backdrop in itself that had me in complete awe.
It’s an honest-to-goodness must-read. I’m still reeling from it! Heard’s writing is flawless in this, and after having read a dozen or so of her books in the past, I can without a doubt say you won’t be disappointed. I, for one am not, and only wish this story hadn’t ended so soon. Avid fans of dark/ mafia romances need to add this to the top of their TBR.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 🧡
With the impending war on our doorstep, I’m training harder than ever to become the woman I was always meant to be.
A warrior.
I’m faced with trials set out to break me, but I keep getting up and walking away stronger than before.
I quickly learn I’m not just fighting for freedom but for a world where women won’t be treated as breeders.
I’m fighting for the future of every woman.
I’m fighting to prove I’m not the coward I always thought I was.
I’m a leader.
Mostly, I’m the woman every man on this planet should fear.
Author’s Note: 18+ ONLY. This book contains mature language, graphic violence, and explicit content.
CRUELEST OBLIVION is book #1 and needs to be read before reading SWEETEST AWARENESS which concludes the duet.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“I’ve always wondered if there’s more out there.”
This was a whirlwind conclusion to the Cruelest Oblivion Duet. It’s fast-paced, punchy, and dropped one shocking development after another. There was definitely a sense of urgency and desperation surrounding Jai, Chance, and their group of friends as they brace themselves for the inevitable all-out war heading their way.
Forget everything and everyone you’ve learned about and have even grown attached to in the first book. This conclusion will turn everything on its axis and you’ll find yourself trying to wrap your mind around the turn of events that take place.
The build-up of action and suspense in Cruelest Oblivion has carried over to Sweetest Awareness, along with the impressive individuals that were introduced.
I do feel that this second book was abrupt in comparison, with a lot to take in but finding very little time to do so. One of the main things I ended up loving in the first book was the diverse cast of characters and the dynamics within their group, and I’m glad to see it has only evolved since.
However, I am left with plenty of questions that I know I’ll probably never get the answers to. With how this part of the story developed the storytelling was slightly on the choppy side, and in my opinion certain developments needed to be more extensive. But in saying that, I loved that there were still some unpredictability with some of the twists that played out completely coming out of left field.
There’s a little spice here and there, enough to keep the romance element present, but its the growing relationships and their main objective in this world that’s become the main focal point of this book. As I mentioned in my review for Cruelest Oblivion, if you’re a fan of other dystopian worlds like Veronica Roth’s Divergent, and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, then I highly think you’ll enjoy the world Heard has created.
This is Heard’s debut into Dystopian fiction, and I truly hope she plans to venture back into the genre in the future. The world-building for this duet is vivid and leaves potential for expansion. Whilst I would’ve loved an epilogue, it still closes on a nice open-ended conclusion that left me in happy contentment.
Investing in these characters with their strong, individual personalities, and minor storylines developing in the background was easily done on my part. They’re flawed, emotionally-driven, and impulsive, yet they all have some lovable trait about them that had me rooting for their survival.
Heard had me returning to a genre I hadn’t read from in ages. It had an impressive premise that was well-executed overall in its storytelling. I love this duet! The writing was effortless to follow, kept me engaged from the first page to the last, and transported me to a captivating world. I highly recommend this duet to romance readers, even if you’re not big on Dystopian fiction. There’s plenty of action and suspense, strong friendships, and swoon-worthy romance that’ll keep you hooked!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💜
🔔 Interested in reading the Cruelest Oblivion Duet? Grab your copy here:
Over the past four decades, the dome over our Ecocity has protected us from the deviants living in the forbidden territory. Since the great war ended, our lives have consisted of virtue and order.
Once a year, seven people are sent out to the forbidden lands to see if there are any deviants worth saving. None have returned, only increasing people’s fear of what lies beyond the safe border of the dome.
When I’m chosen as a crusader, the world, as I know it, is ripped from under my feet. In the forbidden territory, I learn things I never dreamed existed – a world I’ve been totally oblivious to. I meet people who freely show emotion and affection. People who dare make their own choices.
It’s frightening and the opposite of everything I’ve ever known.
Suddenly, I have to fight for my life. I’m thrown into chaos where time is running out to become a skilled fighter who will be an asset for the coming war. But my mind’s bombarded with questions – who’s right and who’s wrong? Which side should I fight on?
I don’t belong in this world filled with cruelty and depravity.
Then there’s Chance, my reluctant trainer. The man is the definition of deadly and so attractive I struggle to think straight around him. I’m also pretty sure he would love nothing more than to snap my neck. Cruel, impatient, and harsh, he’s a brute who seems annoyed by my existence.
Honestly, I’m not sure I will survive living with the deviants, never mind fighting in a war. Unless I find my courage and learn to fight for myself, I fear this new world will crush me.
18+ ONLY. This book contains mature language, graphic violence, and explicit content.
CRUELEST OBLIVION is book #1 and ends on a cliffhanger. SWEETEST AWARENESS will conclude the duet.
•••
• MY REVIEW •
“In the forbidden lands, there’s no good and bad, Jai. There are only those who are strong and those who are weak. The strong survive, and the weak die. It’s as simple as that.”
OMG this book is perfection, with an absolute savage of a storyline and attention-grabbing characters. It was unputdownable! 🙌 Heard needs to write more dystopian fiction because she definitely has a knack for it.
If you like Veronica Roth’s Divergent, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, Stephenie Meyer’s The Host, and/or even Stephen King’s Under The Dome, then I truly think you would enjoy Cruelest Oblivion. Heard quickly cemented her own epically brutal dystopian world-building and I felt as if I was transported right alongside Jai as she navigated through some massive life-altering developments.
It’s fast-paced.
It’s thrilling.
It’s utterly addictive.
It’s a harsh world where survival instincts either need to kick in, and kick in fast, or find yourself an easy target during hunting season (which in this world, is all year round)! A very real sense of fear and anxiety permeated the air as I read this story, and I found myself rooting for a multitude of characters to make it out on the other side.
The plot twists and unpredictability added excitement, the romance element added giddiness, the action and suspense kept things on edge, but the one element that completely took me by surprise was the lightheartedness— the ongoing comical relief and the smile-inducing internal monologue added extra oomph to an already unbelievably satisfying read. It balanced out the heartache, emotional turmoil, and some of the shock factor from events that transpired.
Please heed the trigger warnings and don’t read this book if you can’t withstand graphic violence and sensitive content such as abuse and mental trauma. It’s definitely intended for readers 18+ only.
The world-building is vivid, multidimensional, and has what feels like infinite possibilities for expansion. I can’t believe this is only a duet. I finished this book with so many lingering questions and a love for not only the protagonists, but the secondary characters that made just as punchy an impression. From the morally grey characters, to the law-abiding ones, to ones that seemed black-hearted but who I’m secretly hoping have some redeemable qualities in them have all left me wanting to see more. It’s a story that was made for the screen. Heard’s writing is imaginative and effortless to follow that it instantly pulls you in. Whilst it does occasionally have dual POVs, most of the narrative is through Jai’s perspective, which in my opinion, sets an apprehensive vibe throughout the book and elevates the entire reading experience.
Although it concludes on a cliffhanger, it still had a sense of closure. A chapter of Jai’s journey comes to a close but in no way is it nearing the final end yet. It’s a less mean, less dramatic cliffhanger, which I appreciated. 🙏😅
It’s a solid recommendation from me. I think it’s perfect for fans of dystopian romance, and a must-try for readers who love Heard’s writing. It may be a different genre from her previous books but it still has elements that is so quintessentially Heard and her writing style. The premise delivers and then some! There’s tingly romance, a diverse cast of characters, and constant developments all in a world that’s gritty and divided.
It’s definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. I can’t wait to read Sweetest Awareness and see how this duet wraps-up!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 🧡
After the Priesthood wipes out my family, I find myself kidnapped and held prisoner by the head of the Bratva – a man who’s as charming as he is terrifying.
My days are filled with chaotic emotions and fear, and with time, I realize Viktor Vetrov wants more than just my obedience.
He wants all of me, but I refuse to fall for his filthy promises of ecstasy.
The instant I gain my freedom, I run straight back to the Cosa Nostra.
But, I quickly learn there are worse monsters in the world than the one who held me captive.
With no family left, choices are made for me. None are in my best interest.
I’m forced to marry a man twice my age who doesn’t have a gentle side.
I only have one hope. Viktor Vetrov.
But asking the head of the Bratva to save me will leave me indebted to him.
Do I give myself to the old monster who will use and abuse me, or do I give myself to the attractive devil who wiped out my family?
STANDALONE: An Italian Mafia Romance full-length novel.
“It doesn’t matter where you run to, Little Rose, I’ll always find you.”
I am in giddy, blissful contentment, yet a part of me is also in utter devastation knowing that Captured By A Sinner was the epic conclusion to the Sinners series. Viktor and Rosalie’s story took me on a complex, in-depth emotional journey that I never wanted to see come to an end.
When it comes down to it, I was soooo not prepared for the heart-rending developments. From the moment Viktor and Rosalie’s worlds collided their lives altered and there was no righting it back. Not only was Viktor and Rosalie’s every interaction intense to the point where I felt like the oxygen was getting sucked out of the room, but seeing their relationship organically evolve over time whilst they navigate through an array of mental and emotional angst had me totally transfixed.
The connection that these two had throughout despite their age-gap and the captor/captive dynamic they’ve fallen into will have you swooning. The forced proximity, banter, and sexual tension made their coupling all the more entertaining. Viktor’s intentions and unique nature played an influential role in Rosalie’s life during her captivity, and in my opinion what sets their relationship apart from the previous couples.
I’ve found each of the books in this series pretty solid quality in regards to storytelling, and this book cemented how much I love each and every dynamic sinner and their gritty corner of the underworld, and how this series has fast become one of my all-time favourite mafia romances (alongside the Saints series). This fifth and final book was a culmination of the strong brotherhood, the fierce heroines, the “Saints” who paved the way and the “Sinners” who strengthen and diversified it.
Whilst all the books are interconnected standalone novels and can even be read in any order, this however is one story I strongly recommend you read last. The books prior build-up the suspense and complex developments between Viktor and Rosalie that by the time you do read this one, you’ll be buzzing with anticipation in seeing how their story will all unfold.
I love how Heard has laid out this particular story; providing a hearty backstory that gives you a full understanding of Viktor’s behaviour and reasons behind his motives— and ultimately Rosalie’s conflicting feelings. With their twisted backstories setting the gritty atmosphere for the rest of the book, it was more than a romance story. It was three-dimensional, genuine, and in many ways mirrored real-life experiences.
The author’s warning for this book is not to be taken lightly. It contains dark, sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers such as, death, kidnapping, graphic violence, physical assault, sexual abuse, and trauma resulting from these events. It has strong adult content intended for readers 18+ only.
In saying that, Heard has consistently written grade-A romance reads that I highly recommend. Adding this one to that ever-growing list! Along with a well-balanced ratio of mafia to romance elements, I also found this story to be a refreshing and gripping approach on the stereotypical captive romance trope.
It’s well-paced, told from dual perspectives, and effortless to follow. There’s no easing into this one— it’s action-packed and explosive right from the get-go that you’re immediately transported to their world. It’s brutal, gut-wrenching, and filled with apprehension. But on the flipside, it’s also full of heart, hope, and an unshakeable love one dreams of finding in their lifetime. 😊
All in all, this final book had everything I could have ever hoped for— from the suspense, to the unpredictability, to the constant push-and-pull, to the panty-melting scenes! The appearances from the Priesthood, contrast of family dynamics, and the fleshed-out characters and plotlines topped it all off. It was all there for me. I can’t fault it and without a doubt enjoyed the hells out of it! If fellow mafia romance readers and avid fans of Heard are willing to bear the consequences of a hangover then I’m positive readers will eat this one up… and most likely in one sitting too!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Michelle Heard and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 🧡
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