Nero DeLuca by Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant {a review}

 

Are you looking for another anthology to read? How about one that features mafia romance? Well then you need to go grab Savage Bloodline immediately! Here's what it is about:

Darkness lurks behind their gazes.

There’s something sinister about their smiles.

Their name incites fear in their enemies.

Their touch arouses passion in the women they love.

They are the DeLucas. In the streets and in the sheets, there’s one word that describes them best.

SAVAGE.

The men of the DeLuca family are proof that the bigger the alpha, the harder they fall… in love. Download this exclusive anthology featuring 20+ BRAND NEW mafia romances to find out which DeLuca you will fall in love with. But first, you must ask yourself one question: Are you ready to give your heart and body to a savage?

I haven't read the entire collection yet, but did read an advanced copy of Nero DeLuca's story. Oh what a story it was! Nero's story alone has me wanting to binge the entire anthology immediately. Which it is on my kindle waiting for me, but I'm going to pace myself. (or so I think!)

Nero DeLuca's story is a Cinderella retelling. Except there are no wicked stepsisters, this time they are stepbrothers. Elle and her brothers have found themselves in an undesirable situation. The only real option for Elle to get out of it is to agree to marry Nero. It would be a short marriage, but it would take care of everything.

Once again, Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant hit it out of the park with this mafia romance. From the very first page, to the end of the story, I was all in. From their fake marriage, to the beach scene, to Nero and Elle falling for each other, to the suspenseful scenes. I was curious about what was going to happen with our characters, and how things would play out. So good, highly recommend.

Now that suspenseful scene I wasn't fully expecting. I mean I should have since it is a mafia romance novella, but in the back of my mind I was just expecting conflict between our couple. But what played out, and how all of that came to a conclusion was so perfectly played. Love every moment of it.

Was there anything from the novella I wasn't fond of? Of course there was. But I wasn't expecting to love all aspects. The foot play wasn't for me. That was a bit over done. That's just my opinion, so please don't think I'm being negative about it. One scene of it would have been plenty for me.

After having read Nero DeLuca's story, I look forward to reading the rest within the collection. If you enjoy mafia romances, I hope you'll pick this one up too.

Thank you for taking time to read my brief thoughts.

Laura

Once upon a time, she was asked to put on a slipper.

Little did this princess know, the arrangement she agreed to was going to become much bloodier than the original fairy tale...

Purchase Now!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible). 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | BookBub | Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest | TikTok | Spotify | Merch Shop

Thank you to Xavier Neal, Amarie Avant, and DS Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Nero DeLuca.

Dark Queen {a review}

Are you an avid reader of mafia romance? Do you like your stories with some darker moments? How about age gap? Do you like that? Then definitely go check out Dark Queen by Ker Dukey!

Dark Queen starts out with us meeting our heroine on her family's farm. Her mother has just died, her father is distant, and the boy next door is pushing for a relationship. Meanwhile Alyssa is preparing to leave town to audition for a prestigious ballet school. There is limited space, and she needs to get in with a scholarship as she cannot afford the tuition. After her audition, Alyssa isn't feeling very confident, and is worried she'll have to return to her small town. As she's fleeing, she runs smack into Luca Leto. This man has her immediate attention. There is something about him that has her captivated. Luca Leto is less than thrilled that this little ballerina is in his way. Yet there is something about her that calls out to him. Luca is the head of his mafia family, and will take on the full roll when his father passes. Luca is currently mourning the loss of his mother, as well as the woman he was having a relationship with. Serena was recently found murdered in his club, and Luca is on a mission to find out who the killer is. They will pay. When Alyssa arrives to the station, her phone rings, and it is the school telling her that her tuition has been paid for, and she needs to get back NOW.  After moving into the dorms, Alyssa learns that she's been given a job at a local, prestigious, wine bar. It is there that she again runs into Luca. And from there, a lot happens. 

Reader friends, this book was spectacular. I could not put it down, and I could not wait to find out the answers to questions I had. I'll tell you now, I gave Dark Queen 4.5 stars. It was very close to being a 5 star read for me, but there were plot lines that were not closed, and since this is a stand alone, I don't think I'll be getting my answers. From the Alyssa and Luca's initial meeting, to the second introduction, to the attraction they both felt, to the big dramatic moment, to the revelation of who the killer was, it was all wonderful. Loved the side characters (Hannah, Simon, Jewel, Antonio, Marcello), and have high hopes for additional books set in this world. Well I mean except for one character. I also loved how feisty Alyssa was. She wasn't going to back down from Luca, and she proved that time and time again. Also the way she handled Jewel's father at the event? YES! Loved how she shut that down, and then went to the head person, and called her out on the things that were happening. 

I do have a few questions that I'd like answered. Did Alyssa ever tell Luca what happened to her Mom? Was that secret told? How about the other secret that Alyssa was keeping on behalf of her friend? What happened there? I know if that secret had been told, it would have been a part of the storyline, and honestly I thought it would have been. It would have been another dramatic moment between Alyssa and Luca. One last question I have is in regards to Luca and Antonio's dad but I won't say it because of potential spoilers. I can only be so vague people. But I do have a feeling that there was an assist in that whole scenario.

Ker Dukey better take me back to this world! I need more!

Highly recommend Dark Queen by Ker Dukey. Such a fabulous mafia romance. The dark king has found his queen.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

He was my boss.

Rich, ambitious, dominating.

I was a waitress, struggling to pay the fees for ballet school.

Poor, talented, desperate.

He needed to marry to appease his dying father, to inherit the family empire.

It wasn’t supposed to be real, or forever.

Until he changed the rules.

What Mafia king Luca Leto wants, he gets, and he’s crowned his queen.

Me.

I’m under his rule now.

And his reign is cruel and toxic.

They call him the dark king and to gain my freedom I’m going to have to become a dark queen.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Amazon US | UK | CA | AU

Read for FREE with KU!

Add Dark Queen to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Ker Dukey

Ker Dukey is an International bestselling author.

Genres include:

Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mafia Romance, MC Romance and more.

Ker, has over Forty titles published, held multiple #1 bestseller banners and chart-topping titles with the rights sold to numerous countries, translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks.

In addition to being an author, Ker is an annoying wife and a mother of three children + one dog (who thinks he's human.) She has a passion for reading and binge-watching crime documentaries.

Connect with Ker

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Newsletter | Ker's VIP Bloggers

Hosted by

Thank you to Ker Dukey and Candi Kane PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Dark Queen.

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?

Add to your Goodreads TBR HERE!

Now available on Amazon!

US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

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

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devious {a review}

 

Are you a fan of Mafia Romance books? If so, consider checking out Devious by J.M. Stoneback. This dark mafia romance features an arranged (ahem forced) marriage, it has an age gap, and it is enemies to lovers. So if any of those are what you like to read, then give this book a try.

Now I will say that Devious was a bit darker than I normally read. I can handle things to a certain level, and then I need to look away. Devious didn't have me looking away from the violent scenes, but there were a few times that I definitely cringed, and may have covered my eyes a smidgen. I also want to say that the "bedroom" scenes are not always carried out with consent. That was difficult for me to read, and so if that is a trigger for you, know that going in. Oh, and there is a trigger warning right at the beginning of the book that says "this book is a DARK romance. If you have sexual assault and violent triggers then this book isn't for you." So please keep that in mind.

Roselyn is the daughter of an underboss. And Lex, well he's in some debt. In order to repay that debt, he's given his daughter to Devious (he's the Don). Once they are married, his debt is forgiven. Roselyn doesn't want to get married, but she doesn't get a say in this. It's the way the rules have been written. Roselyn is essential a captive in the household. All technology has been taken away, and she cannot leave the property. There is a lot that happens in this book, and I can't even begin to go through it all. Just know there is a war between two families, and there is no room for forgiveness. It is intense. 

I've read quite a few mafia romances as of late. Some I've enjoyed more than others. If I'm being honest, Devious wasn't my favorite. It was a decent story, and it had potential. Yet there was something about the flow of the book that didn't mesh with me. Then there is the fact that Cayden changed at the end of the book. That right there goes against what the author told us on the trigger warning page. She had told us that Cayden isn't a hero, and he isn't going to change for Roselyn. Yet he did. So what happened?

Since I like to be completely honest with you all, I gave this book 3 stars. I don't feel that it deserves anything lower than that, but I also don't think it should go higher. Will I read Villainous when it comes out? I don't think so. This series is a little too dark for my liking, and I'm not connected enough to the characters to continue.

If you choose to read Devious, please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.

  

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

If you'd like to read the teaser for Devious, please scroll a bit further. I've also included links to Goodreads and Amazon, as well as links to connect with J.M. Stoneback.

It's time to pay my father's debt.

Nobody is stupid enough to steal from him, Cayden Vitali.

They call him Devious for a reason. He doesn't let his debts go unpaid. He collects what he's owed.

Lex Bartoli works for Devious. Lex should know better than to steal his money. But mistakes were made, and now it's time to pay.

Unfortunately for me, Devious knows exactly what he wants as payment for Lex's stupid mistake.

Me.

Lex's daughter.

If I won't agree to marry Devious, he has another way of making my family pay.

The choice is mine.

Marry the enemy... or watch him kill my father as payback.

Devious is a mafia book with an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers and an age gap romance. This book contains graphic violence, dubious content, and may contain triggers. 

Add to your Goodreads TBR → Devious

Purchase on Amazon → Devious

Meet the Author

J.M. writes New Adult, contemporary, paranormal romance. When she is not reading and writing about hot guys, she is spending time with her boys and husband. Travel, food, video games, and anime are her hobbies.

Connect with J.M. Stoneback

Facebook | Facebook Group | Newsletter | Amazon | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and JM Stoneback for an ARC of Devious.
A positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own.

Tease Me {freebie}

Hello my fellow romance readers.

Are you a fan of Mafia Romance? If so, I have a FREEBIE for you! 

Now I'm not sure how long Tease Me by Faith Summers will be available as a free download, so if it grabs your attention, go download it now!

Title: Tease Me

Series: Dark Odyssey #1

Author: Faith Summers

Genre: Dark Mafia Romance

BLURB

An angel like her… and a devil like me.

Was it wrong to prey on the weak?

Especially when the weak came in the form of this beautiful angel on the doorstep of my club.

My club The Dark Odyssey.

The place where people live out their wildest fantasies.

Here, beneath the mask.

Nothing is off limits and just like Vegas, what happens here stays here.

She’s too angelic for the wild masquerade parties I hold.

She couldn’t possibly know she’s standing at the doorway to sin.

It’s clear she’s here for something else.

I smell desperation and fear…

That’s fine, I’ve already decided she’ll be mine.

I’ve found the perfect toy to play with.

I’m Nick Giordano and I always get what I want.

I want her body.

Obedience.

Submission.

Heart and soul.

I’ll claim her. I’ll break her, and possess her

She’s the perfect distraction from my enemies.

And, the darkness of my world.

Welcome to The Dark Odyssey, Angel Doll.

I hope you enjoy your stay, I know I will.

Tease Me is a standalone, full-length DARK Billionaire Mafia Romance in the Dark Odyssey series. If you love a filthy-mouthed, possessive Alpha you will love this.

CAUTION: Be prepared for one wild, steamy ride. Read at your own risk.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

FREE for a limited time!

(US & UK only)

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

99c for a limited time!

(US & UK only)

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

(US & UK only)

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

(US & UK only)

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COMING SOON

Releasing July 30

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

AUTHOR BIO

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning!! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK GROUP | NEWSLETTER | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Hoping you all had a wonderful weekend. Here in Minnesota it was GORGEOUS outside. I was out pretty much all day yesterday.  It was perfection. I will welcome these temps with open arms. Yet in the back of my head I'm not foolish enough to believe winter won't try to make a small comeback.

Last week was a busy week of reading, and reviewing. Really though I can't complain. Reading is my hobby, and I am passionate about it. Writing reviews, and this blog, well that's just for fun.

Let's talk stats for last week.

• Books Read: 5
• Kindle Books: 5
• ARCs: 3
• Pages Read: 1,869

My average rating was 4 stars. Not too shabby.

My favorite book of the week was Southern Heart by Natasha Madison. My review for that will be posted tomorrow. Seriously, so good. Then again I think I say that about every Natasha Madison book I read. (and I'm perfectly okay with that. There's a reason she's one of my favorites.)

With all that being said, let's move onto the books!

(if I've already posted the review, it is linked in the book title.)

1) Brightly Burning Bridges

by Ivy Wild

Rating: 4 Stars

Oh this book! Brightly Burning Bridges was SO GOOD! It was frustrating at times, which had me wanting to throw my kindle. But this story line, it sucked me in and held me hostage until the very last page. I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT!

2) Royally Pucked

by Pippa Grant

Rating: 4 Stars

Royally Pucked is the second book in Pippa Grant's Copper Valley Thrusters hockey series.  This book brought together two of my favorites: Royal romance and hockey romance. And Royally Pucked did not disappoint. I loved seeing Manning and Gracie together. Then add in Loki, and it was just so good.

3) Southern Heart

by Natasha Madison

Rating: 5 Stars

Do I really need to say much about Southern Heart? I mean, if you've read the Southern series by Natasha Madison, then you know what you're going to get. But I suppose not everyone has read the first four books, so there is that. If you like romance with a little suspense, then ooh you'll like this one. I mean the suspense starts pretty much right away. Chelsea has just returned to town to start a new job, and has decided to watch her niece and nephew for the night. A storm rolls through, and it sounds like someone is hitting the door. Chelsea eventually opens the door, and a man (who has been beaten to a pulp) falls inside. Chelsea doesn't recognize him, she just sees the injuries. Before the man passes out, he says "Ethan". (Ethan is Chelsea's brother)

And that's all I'm going to say. Just trust me on this. You'll want to read it.

4) Ruthless Monarch

by Ava Harrison

Rating: 4 Stars

Calling all mafia romance fans! Ava Harrison has a new one for you to read. I was torn with Ruthless Monarch. On one hand I enjoyed the story. The concept was fabulous. On the other hand, I think it could have been executed a little better. 

5) Beauty and the Beefcake

by Pippa Grant

Rating: 3 Stars

I was so excited for Beauty and the Beefcake! No, not because of the title as I'm not a fan of it. I was excited because it was Ares's story. I had such high hopes. Especially since I was coming off of Royally Pucked. Beauty and the Beefcake though was underwhelming. Well until about the last 25% of the book. It was that last quarter that I was saying YES, THIS IS WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR. It was just a little too much slow burn and filler for my liking.