I absolutely loved this book by the Twinjas as this
sister duo likes to call themselves. It was a mix of urban realness. Naima and
Timothy getting together wasn’t without complications. One being he had someone
and it was a long distance relationship. What I know about long distance
relationships is that communication is key as it is in any relationship but
even more essential when you don’t have that day to day communication with the
one you love.
One thing I loved about the book that even though
Timothy and Naima getting together was wrong due to the fact that he had
someone but they were friends first. It wasn’t just lust they had a complicated
connection. These authors showed the gritty realness of love, lies, and life.
Nothing was sugar coated and at times it was hard to like Naima. This story was
fresh and showed narratives that you don’t often see in romance. I loved how
both cultures were explored. I will say that I wasn’t a fan of the cheating
aspect but I enjoyed how the story unfolded. The ending felt a bit rushed and
ended on a cliffhanger. But the good news is the second book is already out and
I can’t wait to see the follow-up between these two characters. Please
judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.
Fall in Love with Ares God of War and Alena MacLeod. Together they Rock the World from the Heights of Olympus to the Celtic Moors. In The Heart of War, Magdalena MacLeod has been on the run from Cernunnos, Great Horned God, for 200 years when she mysteriously washes ashore on secluded isle of the God of War. When the Olympians discover her presence on Ares' island, they send Apollo to the island to retrieve her while Ares is away. Diplomatically winding her way out of immediately going to Olympus and having nowhere to turn, Alena strikes a bargain with the God of War--her virginity for his protection. Ares sees a sweeter deal; her in his bed and himself back in his rightful place on Olympus even if it means turning Alena over to Zeus. After Alena proves herself to Ares in battle and his bed, the God of War must choose between his Divinely Dysfunctional Family, his pride, and Alena. Child of War-A God is Born Ares and Alena have settled on snowy Olympus to await the birth of their son, Raven. Before Raven is even born, Zeus outwardly despises him for his Fey blood. With only one to keep his family safe from his father, Zeus the God of Gods, Ares enters into a blood pact that could cost the God of War everything he holds dear. After a harrowing birth wherein mother and son are nearly lost to Ares, it quickly becomes clear that Raven may be the most powerful and cunning Olympian ever born despite his muddled bloodline. Zeus, Apollo, and Aphrodite plot against the new family by carefully planting the seeds of rage and doubt in Ravens' mind, they turn son against mother. It appears as though Cernunnos' prophecy is coming to life as Raven grows to be a very angry young man. As the true past between the Olympians and Celts is revealed, the battle for Ravens' mind and the ultimate control of Olympus begins. Before it's over, the white snows of Olympus will run red with blood. Child of War-Rising Son sees Raven on the verge of manhood as his rampage continues and he begins the difficult path to Acceptance by his fellow Olympians. Out to prove he's as good, if not better than, any of them he bests the Trials set before him by Hades and Poseidon. This isn't enough for him, in his quest to prove to his Father, Ares, that he is an Olympian Raven preys upon the Mortals below Olympus in a time of great weakness. Enlisting the aid of his Uncle Apollo and settling for nothing less than utter Chaos, together they push the Mortals to pure anarchy. Ready to conquer the remainder of his Trials so he may take his place at the Counsel Table, and bring Ares the glory Cernunnos once prophesized, only one thing stands in his way; the night his Mother fell down the stairs. Apollo, ever the Man Behind the Curtain, pulls Raven's strings like a true puppet master. It's far too late when Raven realizes all he's done in hopes of pleasing his Father actually makes Ares look guilty of destroying the Mortal World. A little Chaos and a little Anarchy aren't enough for the Golden God, in his on-going quest to destroy Ares, Apollo sets a plague loose upon the embroiled Earth. By the time the Olympians discover what's going on twenty million people are dead with the number multiplying exponentially every day. Women of War gives us a brief reprieve from the death and darkness as we journey backward in time spanning four generations of women in Alena's family. From her great-grandmother, Shar Draiocht the last known Queen of the Dark Kingdom to her tortured daughter Morrowind, to Maven Alena's free-spirited mother and through the lonely life of Alena MacLeod ending where The Heart of War begins with the night Alena washes up on Ares' shore. With intensity, lust, fear, and strength these Women of War make their way in the world revealing the hidden truths of the past and Ares true connection to his beloved Wife, Alena. Kingdoms of War, the OF WAR Series Finale, sees nearly four billion souls lost to the ravages of Anarchy and the dreaded disease Major Falls. Ares, Athena, and Raven journey the Mortal World vainly reaching for a sliver of what was only to discover what will be. From the fiery wreckage a new world is slowly arising one where the descendants of Olympians, Celts, Dark Fae, and all manner of Magickal Being will rule. Ares and Athena wander the world, hoping to curtail further damage by obliterating weapons of mass destruction the Wolf inside the God of War slowly succumbs to Major Falls. A rabid God of War is not a pretty sight. Soon it becomes clear that Ares may not live to see the glory of Olympus restored.
By the time Ares' fevered body is brought to Olympus, Apollo's descent into madness is utterly complete. The Gold God is quite insane as he expertly kills off the members of his Divinely Dysfunctional Family. Yet, Alena's greatest nemesis holds the key to saving Ares' life. The price is high and, should she pay it, Alena can't be sure Ares would ever be able to forgive her.
Ares was in a foul mood and suffering from a splitting headache when he arrived back on the island with Alena. "Go inside." He said gruffly and pointed toward the cliffs and the cave above.
"Ares?"
"Please, Alena, just do as I ask. Go."
She didn't want to leave him here, alone, on the beach but it didn't appear Ares was wanted company, not hers anyway. In the face of his Father and the other Olympians, Ares stood tall and strong. He'd come to her aid just as he said he would and kept his promise. Alena was stunned. When Zeus said he would return Ares' property and his station to him, she felt sure the God of War would sell her down the river. She wanted to thank him, wanted to ask why he had done it but she held her tongue. "Yes, my Lord." Hiking up the hem of the dress, she turned to make her way up the long strange stairs leading from the beach to the top of the cliff. With a heavy heart, she walked a few steps until she got to the base of the stairs and there she turned around. Ares was sitting on the sand facing the water and the setting sun. He had thrown off the belt with the heavy sword and his thick leather vest; they were in the sand next to him as he sat there with his head down in his hands. She could not leave him there. Quietly coming up behind him, Alena sat down, wrapped one arm over his left shoulder and the other under his right lacing her fingers together and pulling him backward. Alena expected him to balk or to fight but, instead, Ares settled backward into her arms, rested his head in the crook between her neck and shoulder as he let out an exhausted sigh. "I'm sorry I'm so much trouble, my Lord." She whispered as she nestled her face into his hair.
Letting the softness of her touch and the warmth of her body comfort him, Ares closed his eyes and drew in the peaceful shelter she offered. "It's not you. It's Them."
The Olympians were quite the Divinely Dysfunctional Family. Alena had never seen or heard so much bitter bickering from one clan. If that was her Family, she might be damn happy that she lived in Exile on a beautiful island such as this. "They're awful." She whispered in his ear careful not to let any prying ears overhear. Ares gave out a deep chuckle and then another sigh as his hand rose up to caress her arm. She thought of how brave, how daring, and even dashing, Ares had been as he stood there telling all of them they could not have her. When she listened to him speak of Artemis, Alena nearly cried. Then she had been stunned into silence having expected the God of War to hand her over, maybe not with ease but readily enough, in return for his crown and scepter. "Thank you for keeping your promise."
"You expected this chauvinistic pig to do less." Ares mused still with his eyes closed. "Everyone does."
It was in the 4th grade when Lisa discovered she was a naturally gifted writer. The teacher asked the class to pen a story about a baby bird's first flight and read them to the class. Putting pencil to paper, Lisa was instantly whisked away by a force she couldn't explain. When they were finished, all of the children read their happy stories to the class. Not Lisa. She got up and told of how the baby bird flew too high, hit a plane, crashed to the ground and died. She told of how the mama bird and daddy bird cried of how even God was upset sending the rains pouring from the sky. The class was speechless when she finished all they could do was stare at her. The teacher kept her after class told her the story was very good but it was different from the others. She asked Lisa if she'd ever heard of Icarus and did she base her story on him. Lisa had yet to encounter Greek Mythology or hear a whisper of Icarus. As Lisa left the classroom the teacher again told her how good the story was but suggested she might want to write something happier next time. When Lisa asked her teacher "why" she had no answer. Luckily for us, Lisa never took that teacher's advice.
Today she brings us stories rich with romance along with the trials and tribulations that make up the life in which we live.
Lisa Beth Darling is 49 years-old, lives in her hometown of New London, CT with her husband of nearly 30 years, Roy. She is the author of more than fifteen novels along with several short stories and non-fiction books.
***Disclaimer: 18+ due to graphic love scenes. This series starts out as a fun and sexy read, but it eventually turns into something much darker. If you’re not a fan of twisted plot lines and angst, this isn’t the series for you.
The Amazon Bestselling Erotica Series!
Includes the first official sneak peek of Wrecked Allure, the final installment in the Allure Trilogy.
Destructively Alluring - Book #1
“She was the sexiest, juiciest thing I’d ever laid eyes on, and I couldn’t have her.”
Allure Magnified - Book #2
“He ripped me apart, holding the pieces of me wide open so that he could get inside every part of me.”
Exclusive Teaser of Wrecked Allure - Book #3
“I was a God back then. Untouchable. Consequences didn’t apply to me. It was my right to do whatever I wanted—I never thought it would eventually cost me the only woman I’d ever fallen in love with.”
“Are you on a date with him?” The thought maddened me. I could barely stand it. “Am I that fucking forgettable to you?”
Tears flooded her eyes and her breath rushed out on a sob. “No, you fucking asshole. I wish I could forget you that easily.”
That’s all I needed to hear.
I rushed to her.
Her eyes widened. Shaking her head, she stepped back.
Too late.
Grabbing her arms, I hauled her up against me. The moment her body collided with mine, sheer hunger exploded in my veins, drowning my body.
A shaky breath left her and she melted into me, staring at my lips with a hunger as intense as the one I felt.
Damn her.
I laid my forehead on hers and wrapped my arms around her. “Then why are you here with him?”
She turned her face away from me. “It’s business related. His father might need me to help out part-time—”
“No.” I could never begin to explain how much I didn’t want her near him. In any capacity. Didn’t want him as her friend. Definitely didn’t want her fucking working with him.
Demitra squirmed in my hold. “You don’t have a say in that. Now let me go.”
I refused to do so, tightening my hold on her. “Yes I do.”
“We’re not together anymore!” she cried.
Did she have any clue how badly I ached every time she said that? “Look at me.”
She ducked her head.
I shook her lightly, unable to stop myself. “Look. At. Me.”
Tear-filled baby blue eyes met mine.
My breath hitched and a vibration went through my body—lust in it’s basic form. I wanted to ease her pain in the most primal way possible. Give her every inch of me. Fuck the pain right out of her.
“I love you. You’re everything to me. Stop pushing me away.” I was begging her at that point, and I couldn’t bring myself to give a damn.
I’d get on my knees, give her anything. Do anything. But letting her go wasn’t an option for me. I’d known that the day she disappeared on me in Chicago. The day she left me.
The last three weeks without her had done nothing but drive that point home. I needed her to live.
“I can’t be with you,” she whispered, running her hands across my shoulders, up toward my neck. “Not after what I’ve seen.”
“Bullshit.” I hugged her close and rocked my hard cock into her. “I know it hurts. That nothing I do will make you forget what you saw, baby. But no one’s ever owned me the way you do. You have to know that.”
“Oh, please.” Scoffing, she pushed at my chest. “Not only does your reputation speak for itself, but I’ve officially seen that you’re a sex god with anyone you sleep with. So don’t fucking pretend sex with me is special.”
My fist slammed into the brick wall next to her head.
Demi jumped, falling silent.
I didn’t care that I’d scraped my knuckles wide open.
Her doubts were understandable. I’d have them too in her place. Just seeing her sitting across from Keith, the first man to ever have her, fucked with my head.
Had I seen her sleeping with him and actually enjoying it, I would’ve been ruined too.
And I told her that.
“So please understand,” she begged me, slamming her hands into my chest.
“But—” I grabbed her hands and kept them pressed to me. “I fucking adore you, baby, and I would’ve never left you. No matter how much seeing something like that wrecked me. I would’ve stayed. I can’t live without you.”
The fight leaked out of her and her body slumped against mine. She looked defeated. Hopeless.
She’d given up on us.
Cupping her face, I pleaded with her. “Don’t do this, Demi. We love each other.”
Her fingers wrapped around my wrists, but she didn’t try to pull my hands away. “I can’t forget what I saw. It eats at me.”
I kissed her forehead. “I know. Just like seeing you with Keith ate at me.”
She tensed. “It’s not the same thing and you know it.”
“I do,” I agreed in a low voice. “What you saw is a thousand times worse. But I can make it better. Nothing could hurt more than us being apart.”
“Seeing you fucking two women at the same time hurts more than you can ever imagine.”
Until I met Demi, I had never regretted anything I’d done in the past. Hell, I hadn’t thought about my past while with her, and therefore couldn’t entertain the idea of regretting anything.
That is, until Monica decided to get territorial. The bitch didn’t care if she had to share me, as long as she was free to have some part of me.
Correction: as long as I was free.
I was consumed by Demitra. Not once since sleeping with her had it crossed my mind to be with someone else.
She owned me.
I fucking loved being owned by her.
And that’s what Monica couldn’t stand.
“I’d change my past if I could,” I said.
“But you can’t. And it’s my fault. I’m hurt—”
“It’s my fault. And Monica’s.”
“Yet, I knew your reputation and I was still stupid enough to fall in love with you.”
Author Bio
N. Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.
N. Isabelle Blanco spends her days working as an author, web programmer, marketer, and graphic designer. That is when she isn’t handling her “spawn”, as she calls her son, and brainstorming with him about his future career as a comic book illustrator.
So everyone knows that I
love discovering new authors and new reads it was suggested that I read this
book, “Dipping Into Sin.” I have heard mixed reviews about this book. I think
reviews good or bad you can learn something from them. Well this book was a mix
up for me.
Simone new to the city is in
for a wild of her life. Taking a chance to let her hair down with newly proclaimed
best friend Victoria she meets Andriano a man like no other. These two are immediately
drawn to each other. Dangerous and very sexy Andriano claims Simone as his own
and from there the story begins.
For me Simone although she
claimed her mother was very submissive when it came to men was like her mother
in many ways. All this man had to do was perform some sort of sexual act and
she was putty in his hands. I really didn’t understand why they were together.
It was more lust than anything. She was a virgin of course but I didn’t get
that from her behavior i.e. they first meet and she allows him to touch her and
the next time just take her. Although she tells him she isn’t his toy and will
not be used for her body she lets him. Now don’t get me wrong they actually do
date but a lot of that happens off the pages but one thing we do get as readers
is a bunch of sex scenes. I would have liked to read more about the development
of their relationship instead of the story skipping in time. One moment it was
a month, then 3 ½ months and then 5 years have passed.
I would for once like to see
a strong female character not pinning away for a married man who has 3 kept
women on the side. You mean after 5 years she is still waiting for a man that
only comes for you when he sees you by chance at a funeral? Things were thrown
in like Victoria the cousins that were never really explored or fleshed out.
i.e. the “forgiveness letter.” The fight at the hospital was the realness I was
looking for in the story. And that was
sort of ruined with the line this is what you do to me? Make you
hard? Is that a turn on?! That's physical. The author wants readers to
believe that this is a true love for him but so far it seems only physical with
his actions. Hopefully in the second book readers will get some sort of
finality and this not be carried on to a third book. Although this book had
some issues for me overall it wasn’t that bad. Pease judge this book for
yourselves and not based on this one review.
Charm Nixon, a sexy, independent woman, is having trouble finding a man that she'll keep longer than a one night stand. She thinks all men are flawed, but her best friend thinks Charm's standards are ridiculously high. When Eden challenges Charm to a dare which forces her date a man "beneath her station," Charm is in for the ride of her life. Beyond finding the sex explosive, will Charm find a man she actually wants to keep?
The Characters:
Meet The Author:
I work a regular office job by day and write my "romantica" at night or at my lunch break. I started writing romance with dynamic sex scenes because I enjoy great love stories and great sex. Some people would be embarrassed to say that, but I'm not. I started the Don't Knock It series because women are often afraid to try new things. They also allow people to talk them out of who they should or shouldn't date. In Dare it was important for Charmaine to go beyond her comfort zone and in Deep, Eden went beyond her comfort zone but in a different way.
This book is unlike anything I have ever read. It is
very raw and in your face. Dare is not for the fait at heart but take a chance
and try something a little unconventional.,,,,,
Charm is what I like to call “that girl.” She is one
who has it going on but knows she has it going on. She has high standards and
an even higher sex drive. Because she can be very vain she uses sex as a
weapon. No man is ever good enough. Basically what Charm wants is just too much
and very unrealistic. This book and character I am sure every woman has known
someone like Charm at one point in their life. Loving friend but misguided when
it comes to love and life.
Let me repeat again this book is very gritty and high
on the sex aspect but once you dig a little deeper in the story you will
realize that sex just masks the deeper issues and Charm like many characters
are flawed.
Now on to Zander. The chapter introducing Zander I won’t
ruin it for readers but all I can say is wow!!!!! Zander like Charm have been
hurt by love once in life and has never overcome or even faced the issues. He
is a man that loves them well sex them and leave them. You see Zander has some
shortcomings that fact that he is short but well-endowed is his weapon. At one
point I wanted to yell at both characters and tell them to get over themselves.
When these two meet it’s like a hurricane meeting a volcano. What do you do
when you meet another version of yourself? Do you run or face the fact that love
has found you?
This book was well edited and the characters were well
developed. The author has talent but I wished there was more of the characters
interaction then just sex. Some scenes were a bit repetitive. But all in all
this was a well told story I hope that in the next story we get more on Eden
and deeper in the story then just sex. Please judge this book for yourselves
and not based on this one review.
Sophia Scarlet is a Maryland native. She lives with her husband, two children, and cat in the woods not far from the Potomac river. When she is not writing or shuttling her children around, you can find her practicing yoga, cooking, or picking seasonal vegetables at the local CSA.
This was my first read by this author and before I was asked
to review ironically a friend of mine was telling me about this story. So I
thought it had to be faith that I read this book.
Georgiana “Georgie” is a mess of emotion and destruction at
times. We first meet her and she is kissing one guy and then in the next scene
snuggling up to his really good friend Finn the guy who she really likes it.
Can you say a bit young? That’s not even the half of it Georgie is very complex
she has learn to basically survive on her own. She has no family and her circle
of friends are her world. She is a hurt girl and looking for love well
affection where she can find it and that’s what she did.
Finn now this guy was relentless I don’t know many men who
would put up with all the tricks and issues that followed Georgiana. She was so
hot and cold with him. First she agrees they should be together and then they aren’t.
The cat and mouse game right until the end got a little frustrating and just
when you think that ok finally a commitment she jerks poor Finn around on that.
I think as a character she had a lot more growing to do.
I did like that this book was told in so much depth and the
characters weren’t one dimensional it’s a good plot and not just littered with
sex scenes that serve no purpose. This book centered not only on the two
characters relationship but their circle of friends all the secondary
characters and there were few as readers we got to see how some of their story
unfolded like Jasper and Dex. I do wish that we got more from the ending after
all these two have been through I would have like a little more. This story covered so much like self-hurt,
depression, love and codependency. I think the author did a great job it was
just elements of this story that really annoyed me. Please judge this book for
yourselves and not based on this one review.
This is the second book in the Jokers Wrath MC book by Bella
Jewel if you haven’t read the first one before this I suggest you do because a
lot of the characters show up in this story. I pre-ordered this book because in
the first story Santana and Maddox had this sexual energy that was jumping off
the pages. Let me just say that while I did enjoy this story there were a lot
of issues that annoyed me.
First let’s start off with Santana she has a very
codependent personality understandably so because she was a drug addict. What I
did love where the flash backs between how Santana came to know Maddox and more
about her background. But she and her sister Pippa seemed a bit weak at times.
Granted what they had to endure as young girls was a lot but as a reader I
noticed that Santana in each situation was looking inadvertently for a man to
save her from her situations. i.e. Alec/Maddox/Kennedy For instance Santana
mentions "He could be what gets me out of here." Why can't she save
herself? She makes no mention of any goals. I don't like how weak she was
portrayed. At what point was she going to stop blaming others and get herself
together? She had the tools.
I don’t want this to seem like I am just not enjoying this
story because I actually did and look very much forward to the next story in
this series but this story just seemed very immature. Without giving too much a
way but Santana and her love interest have a scene where he tells her to,
“prove it too me.” Ummm….this is 2014 does that line still work? I am noticing
a trend with this author and her female characters this weakness and damsel in
distress stereotype is so played out. This author writes really well and can do
better than this. The situation with Alec had me thinking huh?! I don't
understand how now after the fact you have some sense. With Santana’s
background and who she lives with where is her street smarts? The characters
seem inconsistent with how the author is trying to portray them. For Mack (
Maddox brother) to have all his issues he tells it how it is I’m looking
forward to his story. The back in forth between Santana and Maddox was like a
slinky. At times it got a bit redundant. In some ways Santana is still an
addict she is so codependent on men and her sister on her. I didn’t know how
old she and her sister were but I am guessing young because Santana at times
seemed like a high schooler. I wanted more out of the storyline. The whole
sister and I don’t know who I love got a little old. It was hard to believe
that majority of the book was devoted to this one storyline revolving around
the sister and Santana trying to work through her feelings. You kind of have to
suspend your belief in reality. I understand they are family but I agree with
Mack that this is a bit too much for her sister. I know it seems like I didn’t
like the story I actually did but I just wanted more meat to the story this
story read like YA mixed with some erotica. This is not to bash the author just
stating a different opinion. This book was a 2.5 for me. Please don’t judge
this book based on this one review but for yourselves.
Corrado Moretti had a hard introduction to life. His mother Erica was a drunk and father Vito was absent but his secret life would have long lasting effects on the family. Corrado has learned at a very young age never to get attached to anyone either they leave you or the hurt is just too much to process. Because of this hard lesson Corrado has not allowed himself to feel anything except one summer when he and his twin sister are dropped off to the DeMarco’s for protection. There he meets young free spirited Celia being in her presence ignites something in him and from there the attraction between the two grows.
This story is told in parts and each part equals the whole of the man who is Corrado Moretti. Like I mentioned his introduction to life wasn’t pleasant his mother was an abusive drunk, his sister was a manipulator and his father although he wasn’t there was young Corrado’s savior. Out of desperation Corrado chooses a life that would be his life until death. La Cosa Nostra “this thing of ours” because for Corrado that’s all it could ever be. He works his way up in the Mob by taking on a job that no one else could do or even willing to do this gets him noticed by the boss and brings him back full circle to Celia his enchantress.
Much of this story is about Corrado’s life inside the Mob. Having no emotional attachments works for Corrado especially being one of the DeMarco’s notorious hit men. Although, wanting to be like his father Vito who is a Captain in this family, Corrado makes his own way and become’s a man of his word which is a direct contrast to his spineless father. Parts of his life in the Mob are very hard to read at times especially when the subject of human trafficking appears but the author gives a great contrast of his Mob life to the life he has with Celia.
Celia is very sassy knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to use her charm to get it. Growing up in the life she offers Corrado a comfort he can get nowhere else. If ever there was a definition to ride or die chick Celia would be it. As I mentioned beforehand some of the subject matter in this book is very heavy I liked the contrast between his relationship with Celia which was very playful to the seriousness of the Mob life. This added a little light to the darkness that is Corrado’s life. Made is very complex and is told in layers just when you think you know something another layer is unfolded.
I do wish that more would have been told of his relationship with Celia. I wanted more interaction between the two. Some information I felt could have been omitted and more insight could have been given to other areas. This story is not your usual HEA lets ride in the sunset kind of book. It’s very dark and heavy and being the lifestyle that they live the ending was as it should be. At times I was very frustrated with Corrado’s lack of emotion I wanted him to speak up say something fight the abusers back but as the quote goes, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
There is a line in the book that says, “without villains there would be no superheroes.” I think this is very poignant because it leaves the reader to guess who played what role in this story. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.
End Game is a standalone novel and book 3 in the Vittorio Crime Family Series. This is a dark romance with very adult themes including erotica, bdsm, violence and abuse if you are a person who does not like to read about the above themes then this novel isn’t for you. This is a full novel no cliffhanger and includes a HEA.
Joe DiFiore is an ex-capo now soldier/enforcer for the Vittorio Crime Family. Every day feels like complete darkness for him. He is the walking dead, no hope, no reason to smile or live. Which makes him all the more dangerous. Joe is numb battling the demons surrounding his sister’s death his only need for life is revenge until her…..
Marisa Toffoli has been taught that family is everything. Her father Dominic has put is life into the family business Worlds Casino. Double dealing and cheating his way to the top Dominic has found himself in business with some very unsavory characters involved in the mob. Through some very unforeseen circumstances Marisa, her siblings Nathan and Jessica find themselves in control of the business with Marisa being the primary stock holder. Little does she know that heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Marisa has a very colorful personality which is quite the opposite over her drab business persona. Growing up with a physically abusive brother and self-absorbed sister in her adult life Marisa still lives out her childhood. She has no friends or social life it’s no wonder she lives so much in her head. Fuzzy sleepers and cartoons on Sunday morning make her smile until darkness in the form of mob enforcer Joe shows at her door step. On his last leg Joe has no choice but to take the job of guarding Marissa. Not only does Joe guard her body but he rules her heart and soul as well.
The chemistry between these two characters is palpable. There is no slow build up once these two interact it’s like igniting a flame. Joe is attracted to Marissa but he doesn’t know that once he has been with her once would never be enough. He is Alpha-Dom hotness and makes sure that Marissa knows he is boss. Clinging to each other in the need to feel these two embark on a world wind romance. Although Joe can be a jerk to Marissa at times when she really needs him he is there to help even if it costs his life. This story is a very dark romance but what I love is that the author focuses on the mob aspect of the story as well. It’s a great balance between Joe the lover and Joe the enforcer. At about 46% of the book there is a twist and from there the plot keeps thickening.
Marisa can be very frustrating especially the situation dealing with her brother but when it comes to Joe she is very much his equal. At times I wished Marisa would have put up some resistance she was a doormat. For someone who wasn’t that sexual experienced she lets go of all inhibitions when it comes to Joe. Or maybe she just wants to feel something anything from the existence that is her life.
Quote from book: “All men are beautiful I'm the dark. It's only when the lights go on, that the superficial judgment’s begin." I though this quote was very poignant in the fact that once the lights come on all secrets are revealed and once they are there is no going back. Both Joe & Marisa have to learn to let go and trust each other. Being hurt and losing someone you love the first time is hard but can these two learn to love again? Through flashbacks of Marisa’s childhood readers get more insight into the trauma she has experienced as a child. These flashbacks are very important to the story because through this trauma Marisa has to overcome a lot of demons some she has been battling all her life. She has to learn to lean on someone else and Joe has to learn to let go. What I love about Joe is that although he is a soldier we get to see the cracks in him. The characters were very well developed.
We do get to see characters like Vincent and Adriana from the first 2 Crime stories make an appearance in this book. I am advocating for Vincent to get another book!!! This is a very detailed and through story that will have you at times frustrated and hot because the sex scenes are so explicit. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it. Please judge this book for yourself and not based on this one review.
Before I get into my review let me say that this is my first time ever reading anything by these two ladies so I honestly did not know what to expect. From the FB teasers, promotions and page takeovers this was a highly anticipated novel. After reading the story then the synopsis I honestly don't feel like the blurb did the book justice. This book is multi-layered it's not a straight forward love story. Each character is connected somehow and not always in a good way.
Adam a police officer as a part of a program in the department has chosen to live in the same neighborhood that he polices. The neighbors avoid him like the plague until one afternoon he decides to be "neighborly" and help fellow downstairs neighbor Aubrey carry groceries in. Because of his uniform and a litany of personal issues Aubrey doesn't trust too easily. Adam is viewed as a snitch not someone to help. So when he gives single mom Aubrey some advice about her teething child her opinion of him is slightly altered. Aubrey not only has her own daughter Rissa (Marissa) to look after she has 15 year old Gabby her neighbor to watch as well. She is in a barely there relationship, with no familial support and a job that barely pays her mounting bills. The last thing Aubrey is looking for is male attention especially from a cop.
Through a series of conversations and kind gestures Aubrey's heart begins to thaw a little. Being hurt and betrayed by her baby's father Javi has not made it easy for the next man. Aubrey is a strong independent woman but even the strongest of women just want someone to love. Adam is a man with deep secrets, demons that he just can't seem to battle. Is Aubrey the woman for the job?
I mentioned this story is told in layers and I don't want to give much a way. Because each character is connected they all have the ability to either hurt or heal each other. This book gave meaning to the term modern family. For all the members of this family the kids involved in the story will never lack love or attention.
Although this book had a great premise it was poorly executed. There were issues that were brought up and never discussed and then bam a love scene. For instance the first love scene given the issues that lead up to it was poorly placed. At times the story read like two different people were writing it. I did like that this book wasn't an insta-love type romance both characters had to develop their relationship but at times the story just dragged along. The authors had great material but some issues they could have really explore and left others alone. In the beginning you think Aubrey has no help from her baby's father but then it's later revealed that he does send her money just that she won't take it. The issue with Adam latching on to Aubrey and her family and not wanting to reconnect with his own could have been explored more. Too much was happening with all the characters at once and nothing was really explored or fleshed out.
This book at times dealt with some very serious issues but had some very sweet moments as well. I liked Adam's relationship with Rissa, and Gabby. And I can't forget Adam's moms. I loved the fact that this family was a blended family and there wasn't any judgment. Gabby is a great secondary character although earlier in the story she is described as 15 she is wise beyond her years. Later in the story we get to see some of the walls between Adam being a cop and what the badge represents and Aubrey issues with trust be broken down through their love for one another.
As I mentioned previously each character has a storyline and their own set of issues but it is all interconnected. I like that this story was non-traditional but some of the characters seemed very one dimensional. Although this story is a serial I actually am looking forward to Javi's story and how he will deal with this new development in his life. This story with all of its sex scenes was more sensual then spicy. I understand the two characters wanting to connect intimately but intimacy doesn't always equate to sex. Some big things happened in this book and instead of the issues being explored more they were glossed over or a sex scene was thrown in. This review is not to bash the authors or to be taken personally. There are just some issues in the story that I found problematic as one reader. And I honestly did like the story and look forward to the next book in the series. Like I always say don't judge this book based on this one review but for yourself.
