Sinful Bodyguard by Emily Bowie {a review}

Sinful Bodyguard is the fourth book in the Dark Mafia Sins series from Emily Bowie. This new release is a friends to enemies to lovers story featuring forced proximity, arranged marriage, slow burn romance, and a whole lot of hate to love. Luna and Fin are both holding secrets, and when they are exposed, it could lead to a war, as well as heartbreak.

Having read Sinful Daughter, and Sinful Kisses, I thought I knew what to expect in Sinful Bodyguard. I knew the Rossi family would be involved. I knew we might find out a bit more about Katrina. I knew we would get to see the other characters periodically. I knew that I was returning to this mafia world. But that was it. I wasn't fully familiar with Luna. She was quiet in the other books, and so I didn't get a main character vibe from her. I do remember seeing Fin at the end of Sinful Kisses, and it honestly took me a bit to place him. 

I really enjoyed how this book began, and the fact that we were in the past. It gave insight into what happened to drive Luna and Fin apart. Not only that but it also showed what influenced Fin to live his life the way he has.

Luna is a strong, independent woman who can handle pretty much anything that is thrown at her. With the exception of Fin. The history between the two is less than ideal, and there is still a lot of feelings pent up regarding what happened in the past. Luna is also a protector. She will do what needs to be done to take care of her family.

Fin is amazing at what he does, and he has earned quite the reputation because of it. Taking over the family business isn't exactly high on his priority list, but it is what he is destined for. First though he needs to fix things with Luna. Not only that, but he's going to convince her family that an arranged marriage between the two is the perfect plan.

I really enjoyed the characters. Separately they are fantastic. Together, I'm just not feeling it. Never once while reading did I see these two being anything other than enemies. Maybe one day I could see a truce being called, but that's about it. So to see the relationship building, and Luna being so resistant toward it, I struggled. Did this Rossi sister deserve her own story? Absolutely. But this enemies to lovers romance was just missing something for me. Honestly it kind of felt like a filler story to get to Katrina's story. And believe me I think Katrina's story is going to be INTENSE! Especially with the build up.

All in all the story was decent. I gave it 3.5 stars on Goodreads. It was just not what I was expecting, or what I was used to based on the others in the series. But these are just my feelings, and we all process books in different ways.

Bring on Sinful Queen!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Sinful Bodyguard. I do have a review of Sinful Vow coming soon, I'm just ironing out my thoughts on that. 

Happy reading!
Laura

Cover Design: Jersey Girl Design

Long before Fin was my bodyguard, he was my best friend. It didn’t matter that he belonged to the Irish mafia and I the Italian.

One day changed everything. His family was murdered, and I helped set everything in motion.

I’ll carry the weight of that burden forever.

Six years later he’s back in my life as my bodyguard. He refuses to let me out of his sight, and I’m reminded of my betrayal every single day. Our connection is so much more than friends now. It’s hard not to appreciate his chiseled chest, strong arms, and his need to protect me.

When the tension wraps too tight around us it explodes. Igniting chemistry that neither one of us can say no to.

But Fin could never love me if he learned the truth. I should be more frightened of him than the monsters he’s protecting me from.

When secrets surface, we’re both forced to reckon with what the truth will do to our relationship.
Now I’m standing at the altar with a choice: stand with Fin and risk everything, or protect my family--and my heart.

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Coming August 2022

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Author Bio

Emily Bowie is from a small town in Western Canada. She has been making characters come to life through her writing since she was old enough to put her thoughts on paper. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy. 

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children. 

She is the author to the Bennett Brothers Series. 

Recklessly Mine, Recklessly Forbidden, & Recklessly Devoted. 

When she is not writing she can be found reading a good book, making digital scrapbooks and being physically active—whether it is at the gym, going for a walk, or playing /keep up with her children.

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Thank you to Emily Bowie, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with a copy of Sinful Bodyguard.

Sinful Kisses by Emily Bowie {a review}

Can I tell you something? When I started reading Sinful Kisses by Emily Bowie, I found myself wondering if I had read this before. Why did the characters feel familiar? Especially Gia. Like what is going on here? Um, well, you see, it's because I read Sinful Daughter not long ago, and so that story was still fresh in my brain. In Sinful Daughter, Gia was a side character. So NATURALLY my brain was tying them together, but I just couldn't remember everything. I guess that's what happens when you read as many books as I do. Thankfully once I figured it out, I was good to go!

In Sinful Kisses we have Gia Rossi and Romeo Mancini. These two are from rival families, and shit's about to go down. Romeo is still upset that his family has been ousted from leadership, and is doing what he can to regain control. Then there is Gia. Gia is set to marry Alfonso. He is one of her good friends, and this wedding will happen. Until Alfonso reveals a tidbit of truth to her. That throws everything out the window. They agree to a very public fight at a party, and it is at this party where things between Romeo and Gia begin. Gia leaves the party in a hurry, takes Romeo's car, and then crashes it not too much later. Romeo rescues her, gets her medical attention, and it is revealed that she is dealing with temporary memory loss. Romeo decides to have Gia stay with him at the farm, and tells her all these false truths. One thing leads to another, and things are intensifying.

This book...UGH. I couldn't put it down. Yes, the whole pig farm thing had me gagging a bit, but it's a mafia romance, so it just fits. Still though. Then there's the whole situation with Romeo and Gia, and oh my word. I was sucked into the story, and did not turn off my kindle until the story was over. I HAD to know 1) when Gia would get her memory back, 2) how she would be reunited with her family, 3) what would happen between her and Romeo, and 4) if Romeo would ever regain his status and power in the mafia world. There was so much going on in this book, that I can't even begin to talk about it all. Then the ending...oooh, I tell ya. Yes, I saw one part of the ending happening, I called that, but how everything played out, and how the reunion happened, I loved it. So good.

Emily Bowie has my complete attention with the Dark Mafia Sins series, and I need to see what else she has written. I have a strong feeling I will enjoy all of her other books. She just might become one of those authors who I need to read everything from. So there's that.

If you enjoy mafia romances, I strongly encourage you to pick up the Dark Mafia Sins series. Yes I could say to pick up Sinful Kisses, but I really think you'll like Sinful Daughter as well. No, you don't need to read one to read the other, and I can't even say that the first book gives backstory. It does a smidgen, but it's not necessary to read them in order. Read it, and then come talk to me so we can discuss!

Thank you for reading my rambling thoughts about Sinful Kisses. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day.

Laura

BLURB

They ruined my family... so I kidnapped their daughter.

Romeo Mancini:

Her name is Gia Rossi.

She’s gorgeous, untouchable, and promised to be married to someone who’s not me. Her family destroyed mine, ruining decades of reputation.

I once was the spare to the heir. Now I’m the heir that will rule nothing. It was stripped from my family. I’m determined to erase the disgrace of my father and brother before me and will rise to the power that is mine by birthright.

To do that, I need leverage. I need a queen. When Gia Rossi enters my path my mind becomes made. She will be mine at all costs. Kidnapping her was the easy part. Will I be able to break her to rule beside me? The road to reclaiming my throne is paved with betrayal, and war.

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AUTHOR BIO

Emily Bowie is from a small town in Western Canada. She has been making characters come to life through her writing since she was old enough to put her thoughts on paper. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy. 

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children. 

She is the author to the Bennett Brothers Series. 

Recklessly Mine, Recklessly Forbidden, & Recklessly Devoted. 

When she is not writing she can be found reading a good book, making digital scrapbooks and being physically active—whether it is at the gym, going for a walk, or playing /keep up with her children.

AUTHOR LINKS

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Thank you to Emily Bowie, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with a copy of Sinful Kisses.

Sinful Daughter {a review}

Sinful Daughter is the first book in Emily Bowie's new Dark Mafia Sins series. Right off the bat, Emily Bowie lets us know that each book in the series will be a standalone. So no need to worry about cliffhangers!

Sinful Daughter introduces us to the Rossi family. They are one of the local mafia families in this area of Texas, and they are at war with the Mancini family. Aria Rossi is the eldest daughter, and she is trying to determine if she wants to be the lawyer for her family. She's giving is some serious thought, but doesn't know if it's what she wants. As she makes the decision, she's pretty much shunned from any conversations regarding the business.  Aria's father has also told her that she needs to get married. He has so graciously pulled a list of suitable husbands for her, and she needs to choose. There's just one little problem, Aria has fallen for Theo Fox. Theo is a local police officer, and he is anti-mafia. He believes these families need to be taken down, and that once they are gone the town/county/state would be all the better. His issue is also a bit influenced by the fact that his father (also a police officer) was killed by a person in the mafia. So that has given him a bit of a grudge. His little love affair with Aria is clouding his judgement though. Can he continue to take down these members of the mafia when he's in love with someone in the world?

When I read the description for Sinful Daughter, I wasn't certain how this relationship would play out. I mean a good cop, and a daughter of a mafia family? Hello opposites attract and enemies to lovers! From the initial meeting for Aria and Theo, to the very last page, I was fully captivated. I was curious how this would work out. I was waiting for the moment where they got caught, and what the ramifications of their tryst would bring. I was also waiting to see if Theo would keep his "good cop" status, or if he would start slipping into the shady cop world. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect of the story. I loved how they kept their relationship going, while trying to keep it hidden. My heart shattered toward the end, and I thought this was the end for Aria and Theo. I thought there was no way anything could happen. Then Kane entered the story, and this relationship gave me the HEA I wanted for Aria. I'm ready for Sinful Kisses to be released, as I cannot wait to see what happens next! Especially with that little tidbit we learned toward the end of the book. What the heck happened there? Oofta.

If you are a fan of Mafia Romances, then give this book a try. It isn't a dark romance like most mafia romances, so you won't get a lot of violence or gore. One thing you will get in this book is some steamy moments. It could even be a good introduction to the genre. Oh, and don't forget to scroll to the bottom and enter the giveaway that Emily Bowie is hosting through Rafflecopter!

Thanks for reading my thoughts,

Laura

I’m in love with a mafia princess…

And I’m a cop. One of the good guys.

Theo Fox:

I’m on the verge of taking down the largest mafia family. Until, Aria Rossi. She’s equal parts sexy and sassy. I want to hate her. Yet, she consumes me, drawing me into her world. She blurs the lines of right and wrong, twisting my moral compass each time we meet. She’s become a distraction that will get me killed. When I’m forced to choose between the job I love and the girl I need to hate, will I choose right? Is there even a choice?

Aria Rossi:

He’s the one cop who can’t be bought, making us enemies. I want him, I hate him. He should be off-limits and yet when he puts his hands on my body I can’t say no. War is at my family’s doorstep and Theo Fox wants to be the victor by eliminating the Rossi last name. I never asked for him to steal my heart but it never stood a chance. The world is all ablaze. Will my heart survive or turn to ash in my desperate attempt to save my family? Will either of us be standing when the smoke clears?

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Excerpt

“I’ve never claimed to be a saint, but you, il mio peccato (my sin), will destroy me,” I rasp into her ear. She wiggles under me, making those beautiful moaning sounds only I get to hear. The room is lit enough I can almost make out the smile on her lips.

The party echoes around us, and I wish I could kiss her in public. I wish she wasn’t planning on marrying someone who wasn’t me. Twisting her hair around my hand, I yank it toward me while biting down on her neck. The desire to mark what’s mine is strong, with the need for people to question who she was with. Even when I know it could get us both killed.

Coming Soon!

Releasing September 23

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Author Bio

Emily Bowie is from a small town in Western Canada. She has been making characters come to life through her writing since she was old enough to put her thoughts on paper. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy. 

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children. 

She is the author to the Bennett Brothers Series. 

Recklessly Mine, Recklessly Forbidden, & Recklessly Devoted. 

When she is not writing she can be found reading a good book, making digital scrapbooks and being physically active—whether it is at the gym, going for a walk, or playing /keep up with her children.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | BookBub

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