Protective Instinct by Tricia Lynne

 

If NFL player Brody Shaw wants to retire from his hometown team, the Dallas Bulldogs, he needs to keep his head down and his nose clean. When the stray dog he rescued bites the pet sitter, it sets off an avalanche of bad publicity, and it’s time to bring in a professional.

Dog-trainer Lily Costello has no intention of training Brody’s dog, CC—football players are bad news, and Brody Shaw is a player if she’s ever met one. Then she sees the brand on CC’s stomach. She came from a puppy mill—the very one Lily is trying to find and shut down.

Brody is all in to help the curvy trainer, and with his clout and connections, Lily finally has a lead. But it’s not long before they attract the wrong kind of attention. When someone makes it clear that they’ll stop at nothing to halt the search, it’ll take everything Brody and Lily have to escape with their lives…

The Unlovabulls

Book 1: Protective Instinct



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am all in my feelings about this story. If you are a sports romance fan this is for you. If you are an dog lover, this is for you. If you like a friendship to lovers book, this is the story for you. 

This is set around the Dallas Bulldogs football team and one of their star players, Brody Shaw. Brody, has earned the spotlight on the field and hated it off the field. Portrayed as a notorious playboy his luck has finally caught up to him. The teams bosses are not happy with Brody, and have given him a 3 strikes order and Brody, is on his last strike. Strike 2 came with his rescue dog bites the dog sitter and bad press follows . 

Lily Costello, is the daughter of one of the best football players to have ever played on the Dallas Bulldogs. She is also the step daughter of the GM of the team. Lily has ZERO interest in having anything to do with the team and that includes Brody Shaw. But when she gets the call to train a dog with a bite history, she is shocked to see Brody. One look at his beautifully damaged dog Lily knows she has to help. 

Lily and Brody have a chemistry that is undeniable and they both know it and both know NOT to act on it.  Lily has a job to do, get Brody and his dog CC, to a level of trust, but spending all this time with Brody is turning out to be more than Lily bargained for. 

With pressure for her mother and step father, Lily is thrown into a web of lies and manipulation to get what they want. Lily, has only one goal in mind, get a no kill dog shelter set up to help as many animals as possible. Is she willing to sell her soul to accomplish  ? Will Brody get his 3rd and final strike and be sent packing from Dallas. Will Lily and Brody more from friends to lovers? 

This story has so much heart at the root of it. Lily and her love of dogs and their well being is felt on each page. There is an underlying sexiness that you feel with Lily and Brody are together and you want them to just give in. Brody is just so swoon worthy and you can't help but fall in love with him. 

There is drama on and off the field and I am so excited for more to come. 




Protective Instinct 
by 

Tricia Lynne
5 Clocks

Review based on book Provided by NetGalley

The Prince's Bride 2 by JJ McAvoy

 

Book 2 of The Prince’s Bride duet.

Odette Wyntor has a choice.

Stay or Run.

Royalty is not for the weak of heart.

I just finished The Prince's Bride part 2 and I am in MY FEELINGS!

First off book 1 is the "wooing" book. It is sweet, funny and romantic, all the things that do not necessarily have to happen for me to enjoy a story, but I really enjoyed it .

But this one, this story is so thought provokingly good. I had a reaction, like I hurt for these characters. This story is so relevant, current and important! NO it is not heavy in the sense that it is weighed down by constant drama, but there is drama. The romance between Gale and Odette, is beautiful to watch blossom. There are so many things I want to tell you but it would just spoil you getting to experience the magic of 

JJ

 's writing.

A story about love overcoming everything stacked against you while the world is watching. Do rise or do you crumble? It really is a terrific story and so worth your time.

I am a super picky reader and it takes a lot for me to be impressed, but this one, it hit me right in the heart . 

5 Cocks for 
The Prince's Bride 2
by
JJ McAvoy

Review based on book provided by the author.

Impossible Odds by Jill Ramsower

 

I stole from him.

 The object was inconsequential, only worth a handful of dollars.

I didn’t do it for the money; it was about making a statement.

 I went back home thousands of miles away without giving him a second thought until I spotted those quicksilver eyes glaring at me across a busy nightclub.

 It was too impossible to be a coincidence.

Yet, there he was, seething with a violent promise of retribution.

 He thought he’d intimidate me.

Hunt me down and make me pay.

What he didn’t realize was I don’t scare easily.

 My name is Giada Genovese, and I’m a goddamn mafia princess.

~Review~


I am a BIG fan of mafia stories so when I saw this I knew I had to jump on it. Primo and Gia are FIRE!!!! I had never read this author before so I didn't know to read book 1.  It was fine, I was not lost. I would however recommend reading in order just so you know all the players. 

Gia, is a Mafia princess and Primo is the muscle for Naz, a cartel boss from Mexico. When Naz decides he wants access to ports the Mob has he plots to kidnap one of the Don's daughters as leverage. Well, this is where Primo changes the plan and starts to watch Gia. Both in Vegas at the same time Gia, plays a little game of cat and mouse with Primo not knowing just what she is in for. 
There are times when the story just flies and you are completely drawn in. But, there are a few moments that it does tend to be a bit much. I will tell you, this author can write a evil man that you just want to die or suffer. I hated Naz and was just waiting for his demise. I really enjoyed watching Primo, come  into his own and realize that things were not always the way they seemed. Gia, became a real heroine in my eyes. Her character development was really great to read. 

This story takes you on a ride full of twists and turns. You think " how romantic or That's HOT, " and then you are led down the path of Primo, doing his job and Gia, being a pawn. 

I really enjoyed this story and will be back for the rest. 

Impossible Odds

by 

Jill Ramsower

4 Clocks

Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

Lord of London Town (The Adley Firm Series) by Tillie Cole...................................................Review by Dawn

 

~Blurb~

Cheska Harlow-Wright was born into a life of luxury and privilege. She has never wanted for anything. A comfortable future as a married London socialite ⁣awaits her. But since the age of thirteen, Cheska has harboured a secret—an unshakeable fixation on a boy who could never offer her anything close to ⁣comfort. A boy steeped in sin and draped in depravity. A boy born into the possessive embrace of darkness. ⁣

⁣When Cheska’s seemingly perfect world is ripped apart by an unknown but deadly enemy, there’s only one person she can run to. One person in the world ⁣who has the power to keep her safe. The one person her weak and shattered heart craves. ⁣
⁣
Arthur Adley. The new head of the most feared crime family in London. ⁣
⁣
Forced too young to take the helm of the Adley firm, Arthur has become even more ruthless, formidable, and cold than ever before. His enemies are circling, and he must fight—and kill—to maintain his family’s place at the top of the London crime underworld. There is no room for weakness, emotion, or loss of control.⁣
⁣
But then Cheska smashes back into his life with the force of a wrecking ball. She has no place in this dark, vicious, and bloodthirsty world. And worse, she is the solitary chink in his impenetrable armour. He’s already pushed her away once, but this time she desperately needs him. She’s broken, lost, and in danger, and he is the only one who can help.⁣
⁣
Arthur must protect her. He must destroy those who dare to threaten her, hunt down those who would take what is his. He would raze all of London to the ⁣ground to keep her safe… but can he also protect himself?⁣
⁣
The infamous Dark Lord of London Town faces his most brutal battle yet—the crippling weight of the past, the unrelenting enemies lurking in the shadows… and the havoc that Cheska’s presence is wreaking on the granite fortress that was once his heart.⁣

Review

Mark the date, it was 10/28/2020 when it happened. I opened the pages of Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole and fell into my top (as of now) read of 2020! I read the first 13% stopped and immediately  started texting book friends, insisting that they go get the book NOW! 13% PEOPLE!  I knew it was going to rock me and it did, down to the last page.  I neglected my house, my husband and my teenage son and I have ZERO regrets.  I have come to the realization that one does not simply read Tillie Cole, one LIVES her stories. The vivid pictures she paints with her words is just, magic. 

I am not one that normally falls for a book from reading the blurb, not until LOLT. I read that and was like "well, yes please." I saw where Tille Cole had said this story took on the style of The Scarred Souls series and I couldn't hit "one-click" fast enough.  I often tell my husband about books that I love and tell him what I am going to write in my review, this one I was going a mile a minute. There is something to be said for finding a new and up an coming author, I am not taking anything away from them. But when a seasoned author is STILL hitting it out of the park, story after story. THAT is something that brings me back every time she hits publish. 

This is a dark, unapologetic in your face story. Cheska, is perfectly high class and Arthur, is from the wrong side of London. When a chance encounter happens at age 13, they both are left with the lingering thoughts of one another for years. Again, a chance meeting and a swift rescue by Arthur, leads to one night that changes both Cheska and Arthur forever. The years that we are left between their chance meetings are filled with Arthur being brought into the fold of The Adley Crime family. He and his cousin's and men who are like brothers to him, take their places in the family. While Cheska, is getting her education and is engaged to the perfect guy that her father has picked out for her. She is doing the right thing but harboring a deep longing for the one she can't have. Events unfold that once again drive Cheska to Arthur needing rescued again. This time it has been over a year since their last time together and Cheska is about to be married. But when a dangerous unknown syndicate steps in and threatens her, Arthur is the only man more dangerous and willing to kill anyone that attempts to hurt Cheska. 
Arthur lays it all out for her, letting her know that he is not a good man and that she should be very afraid, not only from the outside threat, but from him as well. Cheska has changed, she has witnessed things that have permanently damaged her.  She is not the innocent little Chelsea girl that she once was. But is she ready to take on the devil himself? Arthur is ready to see how far she will bend before she breaks. But who breaks first?
The sub characters are just as intriguing as Artie and Cheska. There is not one character that I do not want to know more about, down to Grandma! The character development and depth of each character is nothing but fantastic! When you can make an imaginary person, seem real, that is true storytelling, a gift if you will.   
If you love dark with danger , blood spilled in the name of family and revenge. A love story that is not sugary sweet and sometimes pushing the limits, then Lord of London Town is for you!!! I will be back for every book in this series, book 2 will be out in 2021 and anything else Tillie Cole writes. 
Again, this is the one to beat for 2020 for me!!! 

Lord of London Town (The Adley Firm Series)

by

Tillie Cole

5 (is not enough ) Clocks

Ignite (Men of Inked, A Heatwave Novel book 5) by Chelle Bliss......................... Review by Dawn

 

Bossy, protective bad boy biker Mammoth Saint always thought he’d be a member of the Disciples MC…until he laid eyes on her.

Tamara Gallo has always been headstrong, sassy, and never afraid to speak her mind, even when it comes to her hottie biker boyfriend and his brothers in the MC.

But when Mammoth’s ready to sever ties from the club for good, choosing love over the brotherhood, until someone from his past shows up and needs his protection, threatening his freedom along with their future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once again we get to see my favorite fictional family, The Gallo's. This is a continuation of Mammoth and Tamara's story, Wildfire being their story as well. 
Tamara showed so much growth and matured in a way that made her so much less bratty and I appreciate that so much. She is always a good read with her smart mouth and sticking her nose into club business. The interactions between Gigi and Tamara, always have me laughing out loud. I love the family dynamic so much. 
Mammoth, was sort of a mystery but one thing we all know is he wanted out. Out of the MC life for him and Tamara. He wants a legit business that can set up a good life for them . I really liked seeing him hold his ground with the MC and making them see he needs this. Now, I did not see his mother coming into play. 
I feel like this book was about woman "handling their business" and that was great to read.  When she had enough she took matters into her own hands and the fall out lands at the steps of the MC and the Gallo's.

This is a feel good book and we get to see Lily and Jet become parents and that in itself was hilarious! The visual Ms.Bliss gave us were exactly how I expected Gigi and Tamara to act. It was priceless. 
I am ready for Spark!!!!

Ignite (Men of Inked, A Heatwave Novel) 

by 

Chelle Bliss 

 

Review based on book provided by the author

WATCH ME ( A Phoenix Novel) by Stacey Kennedy...... Review by Dawn

 In the Phoenix club, there is only one rule; watch, don't touch, until the powerful owner falls for his new star in this deliciously intriguing romance from USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy.

It's her choice to play his game. If she says yes, there will be more on the line than just her pleasure.

Zoey Parker has a three-step plan for revenge. First, gain entrance to the ultra-exclusive, upscale sex club, Phoenix. Second, act out her wildest fantasy in front of powerful old rivals, proving that they didn't break her. Third, disappear and never return. The only kink in her plan? Rhys Harrington, the owner of Phoenix and the one man she needs to stay away from...

Rhys' high-end clients pay extravagant amounts to watch his stars indulge their desires. Rhys' only rule? Watch, don't touch. But one look at Zoey and Rhys decides to participate in the show himself. And when an undeniable passion ignites between them, Rhys knows he wants more. Except Zoey is determined to run... and he is determined to find out why.

When Rhys discovers Zoey's secret, he shocks her by offering his protection... and a no-strings-attached relationship. But Zoey knows there will be more on the line than just her pleasure. Because Rhys' sizzling touch doesn't only capture her body, it also commands her heart.

This had a super intriguing blurb and I knew I just had to read it. What I was not expecting was the strength of Zoey. Her constant state of "the victim," was destroying her life. She was done and had a plan. Surrounding herself with friends that had her back 100% and were intertwined in her plans. The plan is set; get in, show them they didn't break her, then get out and never come back. Seems simple, that is until Rhys Harrington, is an unknowing participant. Owning the exclusive club, he has a set of rules Look but don't touch, until he lays eyes on Zoey.  Little does he know her plan is in full swing when he decides to take matters into his own hands. Once was not enough for Rhys, he is going to find out about Zoey, secrets and all. 

I thought I would have a hard time with her being so willing to go to a sex club with her assault past, but the author gave us a time gap that worked so well. The relationship that developed between Ryhs and Zoey was one out of respect and wanting to make sure she was supported in her decisions when it came to the assault. Rhys really was the bright spot for me. He wasn't pushy or dominate over Zoey, he went at her speed and that was so refreshing. Zoey, regardless of her feelings for him, Zoey is leaving and going back to California to reclaim her life. The one thing standing in her way of happiness, is New York. It holds too many bad memories, even if lately she is seeing a new side and she wants as far away as possible, Rhys or not, she has to go. 

I enjoyed this story and will be back for more.   

Watch Me

by 

Stacey Kennedy 

Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

BULL: Kings of Mayhem MC #6 by Penny Dee....... Review by Dawn

 

She could be the end of me

BULL

I lost my wife on a rainy night almost two decades ago.
Since then, my heart has been a barren wasteland.
It only knows love for family and the club.
And for revenge.
Then I meet Taylor and I know I’m doomed.
Because she’s everything I didn’t know I wanted.
Everything I’ve denied myself for years.
But my club is about to storm headfirst into a war and I can’t afford the distraction.
Yet I can’t get her out of my head.
We both say we’re not interested.
But we are both liars.

TAYLOR
For years we’ve been running from my past.
My kid brother and me.
Hiding in the shadows.
Now we have a chance for a new life in a new town … far, far away from trouble.
I crave freedom and a quiet, simple life for us both.
The last thing I expect is to fall for the enigmatic biker king, Michael “Bull” Western.
He is magnificent.
White-hot and scorching.
With the touch of an angel and eyes of the devil.
He could be the love of my life.
But I have a secret.
A very big secret indeed …

Bull is book six in the Kings of Mayhem MC series

LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BULL AND TAYLOR!

The passion, the roller coaster of emotions, the major PLOT Twist!!!!!
This lived up to everything that I wanted for the final book in the series.
I am so happy it ended on a high note and gave me the satisfaction that I wanted!!!!!
Bull and Taylor, had chemistry in spades. Individually they both had painful pasts and that made them even more enduring to me, yes I love the suffering. Together their banter was so on par, they had me laughing and swooning all at the same time! 
Will I miss this MC? Yes but I also know this author is going to do bigger things and I am 100% here for it!!!

5 Clocks for 

BULL (Kings of Mayhem #6)
by
Penny Dee 

The Takeover: The Miles High Club by TL Swan......... Review by Dawn

In bestselling author T L Swan’s second hot installment to the Miles High Club series, he’s sexy, rich, and her mortal enemy. Hate never felt so good.

I first met Tristan Miles at a meeting where he was trying to take over my late husband’s company.

He was powerful, arrogant, and infuriatingly gorgeous, and I hated him with every cell in my body. In the shock of the century, he called me three days later and asked me on a date.

I would rather die than date a man like him—though I do have to admit it was good for the ego. Turning him down was the highlight of my year.

Six months later, he was the guest speaker at a conference I attended in France.

Still arrogant and infuriating—but this time, surprisingly charming and witty.

When he looked at me, I got butterflies.

But I can’t go there.

He’s just a player in a hot suit, and I’m just a widow with three unruly sons.

I just need this conference to be over.

Because everybody knows that Tristan Miles always gets what he wants…and what he wants is me.

Dawn's Review

OK, so I am not sure exactly where to start with this story. The reason being is because I absolutely LOVED every word of this book! I laughed so much and felt so much during this ride . I wanted to side with Tristan Miles at times and then my heart would break for Claire Anderson and her boys. This book has it all, hilarious interactions, so much heart and angsty goodness all in one.

The banter between Tristan and Claire is nothing short of comedy gold! They give each other so much sass and crap, I was just eating it up. Claire's constant "the bastard," never gets old. While Tristan's constantly using "Anderson" at any given chance, was just brilliant.  You could see the chemistry building and never sure when it was going to become combustible , but you just KNEW it would be explosive! What could you possibly do to add fuel to an already explosive situation? Add 3 precocious boys, ages 18, 13 and 9!  The addition of the boys just added to the hilarity and heart of this story. Three boys who have lost their father 5 years prior and are trying to come to terms with this new man who has entered their lives. It makes you cry tears of joy from laughing and tears of pain for this family and the situation they are facing. 

I really can not find enough words to express just how much I enjoyed and loved getting to know these characters and experience a wonderful story . I am looking forward to reading so much more from this author.  

The Takeover

by

TL Swan

5 Clocks

 Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

Lost and Found book 3 Tactical Solutions International ..............Review by Dawn

Dr. Lissa Morgan has had a crush on her best friend’s older brother since they were kids, but handsome, brooding Cam Taylor has never given her a second glance. When Cam unexpectedly shows up on Lissa’s doorstep bleeding and bruised, his personal life in shambles, things between them take a steamy turn.

After an incredible weekend with the sweet, sexy doctor, Cam realizes what he’s been missing. But he’s run from intimacy his whole life, sure he doesn’t deserve a woman like Lissa. He’s doing her a favor by walking away – or so he tells himself.
Frustrated and hurt by Cam’s distance, Lissa has no choice but to rely on his private security firm when an annoying admirer turns threatening. The more time Cam spends with Lissa, the faster his defenses crumble. When the disturbed stalker finally makes his move, Cam will do whatever it takes to save the woman who’s helped heal his wounded soul.

Lost and Found is the third book in the Tactical Solutions International series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Dawn's Review

To say Lissa Morgan's life has been hard would be an understatement. Losing her parents and surviving the crash that took them, is just one facet of her life. Committed to saving lives, Lissa is not a doctor and also a flight doctor.  After her parents death Lissa goes to live with her best friend Dani Taylor's family. 

Cam Taylor has always been dark and broody.  Never one to see a future with a wife and kids, something inside Cam is broken. Deciding to ask someone he doesn't love to marry him  seems like the right move.  When it is engagement party time Lissa and Cam are in the same room for the first time in a very long time. 

Lissa and Cam are electric! There is no denying the attraction and the underlying crush that Lissa has had for years is still present. 

They back and forth between Cam and Lissa is short lived , which is nice. As a stalker keeps taunting Lissa, Cam and his Tactical Solutions International buddies get involved and are determined to get to the bottom of this. 

For me I need this story to be longer (145 pages) I felt at times that this all just happened so fast. I will give the author a little leeway since they Cam and Lissa have known each other for a while. But man, I just need a little bit more of something. 

It was a pleasant read , just too short for my liking.  Will I be back for the rest of the guys stories, yes! 

Lost and Found book 3

by

Maggie Clare 

4 Clocks

Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

The Price's Bride book 1 by JJ McAvoy........Review by Dawn

He is a spoiled playboy prince whose family is in desperate need of money.

She’s an American heiress who can only get her inheritance through marriage.

According to their families they are a perfect match.

According to each other, arranged marriages have no place in modern times and this could not possibly work.

But Prince Galahad “Gale” of Ersovia is bound by duty to obey the crown anyway.

Odette Wyntor doesn’t give a damn, she doesn’t want to get married.

Can he change her mind?

Can she even handle what it means to be royal, if he did?

The Prince’s Bride is Part 1 of a 2 part series.

Part 2 arrives a month later.

Dawn's Review

 Let me first say, I am not really a big YA/NA reader but I really enjoyed this story!!

The leading characters and supporting cast had me vested and I wanted more of each of them. 

Prince Galahad (Gale), is just everything you want him to be. A known playboy. The spare heir. The one no one takes seriously  The task set before him is one that throws his world upside down.... go get married to save the monarchy.

Odette Wyntor, is still mourning the death of her father when she finds out that to save her and her mothers fortune , Odette must get married.  This is the perfect set up for Gale and Odette, 

With Gale on board to save the his family , he must now get to Odette and get her on the same page. Which is easier said than done. 

I have read all of Miss McAvoy's  other books and I will have to say, this one is the most romantic of all her stories. The courting of Odette, is just swoon worthy. Gale, writes her amazing cards and sends flowers. He is impressed with her and is starting to develop feelings for Odette.  She on the other hand needs a little more coaxing. Odette has watched her father and mother fall apart and wants nothing to do with that kind of hurt. Steadfast that she is not going to even think about marring Gale, she does agree to at least "date" him. 

With romantic dates, hours spent talking  and a few stolen kisses, Odette is starting to soften towards Gale. 

Family dynamics change and both Gale and Odette are shook to their cores and things are set in motion that could make or break this new happy couple. Is it too much to take on for the couple? Is their new love and happiness enough to tackle what the world has just thrown at them? Questions to be answered in Book 2 due out this year. 

I am in it, I am there for the conclusion of the saga that is Prince Gale and Princess Odette. !!!

The Prince's Bride book 1
by 

JJ McAvoy

5 Clocks 

Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

The Shrink by Sophia Karlson ...... Review by Dawn

Apparently she’s a bit crazy.

Apparently he’s the shrink who will cure her.

Apparently they aren’t allowed to fall for each other at all…

Stacey Sinclair’s mother died in a gruesome car accident six years ago, and now everybody thinks she is finally losing it. Surely a few crazy actions on her part don’t justify her seeing a shrink for months on end?

For a psychologist, Dr Ivo Linder is too decent, too caring, and too handsome to get a glimpse of what really goes on in her head. Stacey’s unforeseen feelings towards him make her retaliate — she taunts him, never expecting to fall with him into forbidden lust.

As their attraction intensifies, the old adage stands: it doesn’t matter, as long as nobody finds out. But someone always finds out and when they do, will Stacey and Ivo risk everything to give their love a chance?

Dawn's Review

Well this sure wasn't exactly what I expected . I am still, about 4 days after finishing it, trying to decide how I feel. This is a story that has many ups but OH so many downs. This is a story that I can say is not a "feel good" story.  If you have triggers of abuse, suicide & parental death then tread lightly with this one. There is a great underlying love story but man you have to get through the hard stuff to see it. 
Stacey and Ivo, have an interesting dynamic and I was not sure how I felt at first about the doctor, patient thing but they do honestly try to fight their feelings. He is guanine in his bit to help Stacey and get her past the trauma's that keep here living in fear.  Once Ivo, finds how how Stacey copes, he begins the process of keeping her close so she is safe. But in doing so , his need and feelings for her amplify. 
This story is about overcoming your past trauma's to move on with your life and find that one thing that makes you incredibly happy. I do recommend this story but make sure you can handle the triggers. 

The Shrink
by
Sophia Karlson
4 Clocks

Honest Review based on book provided by 

NetGalley

Vendetti: A Capo Dei Capi Duet by Sapphire Knight...... Review by Dawn

The Vendetti Empire

They're the Vendetti crime familia, the most powerful mafia name in New York...Matteo Vendetti is a man who gets what he wants. As heir to the Vendetti Empire and the capo dei capi's throne, he's only required to do one thing. He must get married to prove that he's matured and is stable enough to take over. The stipulation doesn't sound like much of a challenge until he realizes who his betrothed is. Violet's the Bottaro Princessa, not just a random woman he met by chance in another country. She's young—too young by his standards. She's headstrong—a problem for a dominant man like Matteo. She's desirable—the biggest issue of all. Before long, Matteo's questioning himself, wondering if Violet's really such a burden, or if just maybe, he's falling in love with something other than the Empire.

The Vendetti Queen

Violet Vendetti was the Bottaro princess-- was.She'd been betrothed to the Capo dei capi of New York, without ever knowing it.A deal made, is a deal kept, as far as the Vendetti Crime family is concerned. Nomatter that it was her father to plead for her safety offering up her hand in marriage amongst other promises. The Capo always comes to collect what is owed.Violet is swept away into a world she thought she knew, only to discover everythingisn't what it may seem. From family traditions to deals struck, she learns exactly whatit takes to be the Vendetti queen.

Dawn's Review

Ok, so I read a lot of Mafia books and I love this genre. I am super picky because I feel like I have read some of the very best Mafia Romances books written, so I feel like I can speak on this.  I really was getting into the first part of this duet The Vendetti Empire, I totally love Matteo and his super Alpha ways and his "boss" streak.  I enjoyed his brash confident attitude and the fear that he exudes.  But sadly that was about it.  I could not believe the fact that he was *SPOILER STOP READING NOW*  totally fine with keeping up the "family tradition" and sharing Violet, his soon to be wife with his brothers! I didn't even mind the meaning behind it. I thought it even made sense once it was explained. The wedding night he would share with his 6 brothers, one time . WELLLL, little virginal Violet, enjoyed having all the brothers, (insert eye roll,) she continued.  It eventually bothered Matteo, but he went right along with it... See that is my issue, this bad ass was "totes fine" with his brothers just taking his wife, UNTIL it bothered him and he realized he is the "Capo dei capi" aka "the Don, head boss," and he could just change the rules. 

I kept on reading Part 2 and did enjoy Violet coming into her role of Mafia Queen beside her husband, 

Right up until she escapes the home in the dead of New York winter. She ends up stranded on the side of the road and one of the brothers finds her and in the freezing cold. She is so grateful she lets him have sex with her.  I had an audible response to this and I believe it was " ugh, WHAT?" Of course Matteo see it because why would he not?  He is not happy and decides to strike a deal with his wife after he goes to save Violet's mother and she agrees to "whatever the deal is" without knowing the details. The deal is 
"no more sleeping with my bro's." She agrees, how kind of her.... I just could not after all of this. One brother is so pissed he leaves the family and goes to Chicago. 
It actually was pretty decent after the revolving door of brothers and Violet stop sleeping together. 

I had such a hard time at the sheer ridiculousness of the whole thing. AGAIN, this is my opinion and yours may be completely different and that is completely fine.  But for me this was a miss and gets 3 Clocks. 

Vendetti; A Capo Dei Capi Duet

by

Sapphire Knight

3 Clocks 

Code of Silence and Titan (Dark King Series) by Shantel Tessier

Not a new author but a NEW to me author and I am HOOKED!!!! I have been told for a few years "you need to read Shantel Tessier." Well I finally did and dang GIRL can write! I am one who is not bothered by having to wait for the next book in a series to come out, BUT I WANT THE NEXT BOOK! I am all for Mafia stories so this was right up my alley. I loved this and devoured it all in one sitting and moved on to book 1 in the series Titan.
COS is a prequel of sorts and it sets the dynamic of this group of men and woman.  

Titan, surprised me, I thought for sure I would hate him and at times I did. But there were qualities in his need to protect that I loved so much. The shared longing that lingers between Titan and Emilee, is fire! They both want each other but the past, the present and future are holding them back. I LOVE this story because it takes you on so many HIGHS and LOWS. Your heart aches for Em and you just want to scream "HELP HER!" It is that good.
Now to wait for the next book and I am not one who waits so this is going to be torture for me!!!


 

Dangerous and feared.

Those words describe my future husband. Who just so happens to also be my ex-boyfriend.

It’s complicated. Two years ago, he broke my heart when he left me to do his father’s bidding. After months of crying, I finally accepted he was gone and wasn’t going to look back. That maybe he’d never loved me at all. I never wanted to see Luca again.

Now a cruel twist of fate has signed me over to him in a heartless deal. I’m his. He thinks he did me a favor, but I feel like I’ve been given a death sentence. He doesn't want to get married because he still loves me. No, he did it for money. More power.

I’m going to be a mafia wife. And there’s only one way out of it. Death.

But as it turns out, someone else doesn’t want me to marry the ruthless Luca Bianchi. And if he has his way, I’ll see that early grave.

Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. Code of Silence is an arranged marriage and a complete standalone. This novel may contain triggers.



TITAN
I know I have a black soul. Bloodshed and danger are what I live for.
A King is supposed to rule his Kingdom using any means necessary to demand respect.
I’m not a weak man… A King kneels to no one.
I’ve only ever cared about one other person in my life, but the thing is, she never belonged to me. And before I could tell her how I felt, she left.
Now she’s returned, needing someone to save her.
Emilee York was always meant to be mine, and I’ll see to it that happens. I always get what I want, even if that means I have to take it.
And she’s no different. She’ll be my queen, one way or the other.

EMILEE
When I left Sin City behind me, I had no plans to return. I avoided everyone, even my friends, to stay in my bubble. I’ve always been the kind to pull away and run when things get difficult.
But one phone call changed everything, and I was racing back. If only I had known what was waiting for me.
Titan reappeared like a ghost haunting me.
One look and I knew he recognized me. I never forgot him or what we shared. Those feelings that no one else knew existed between us.
I ignored them back then, but now they are more intense than ever.
“Get on your knees…” He demanded I kneel for him.
I tried to act like he didn’t affect me, but he knew. He remembered the way I reacted when he would touch me. And just like he was taught to do—he used my weaknesses against me.
He staked his claim, and I became his queen to use how he saw fit.
What makes it worse is that I crave him, and when I kneeled, it was willingly.
But was it for nothing? (less)

TITAN is the first book in the Dark Kings Series and can be read as a standalone. Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. This novel may contain triggers.

5 Clock reads for both 

SAINTS and SINNERS COMPLETE SERIES BY EDEN BUTLER

 Saints and Sinners: The Complete Series by Eden Butler From Eden Butler, discover what happened to Gia Jilani, the last love of THIN LOVE’S Luka Hale, in this interconnected standalone series. Genre: Contemporary Romance #SaintsandSinners #EdenButler #BookRelease #RomanceReads AVAILABLE NOW!

Saints and Sinners: The Complete Series

Free in Kindle Unlimited

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Blurbs

In THE LAST LOVE OF LUKA HALE, uncover what happened in the shadows to the forgotten twin of an NFL legend the night their lives changed forever. Luka Hale loved hard, he laughed harder, but only Gia Jilani knew his secrets. She’s kept them for nearly twenty years. Now she’s returning to New Orleans and to the past that waits for her.

In ROUGHING THE KICKER, Gia Jilani introduces the world to Reese Noble, the NFL’s first female kicker and her new star on the New Orleans Steamers. But will Reese’s own past with quarterback Ryder Glenn threaten their season and the future of their team?

In OFFSIDES, Gia Jilani comes face-to-face with a memory she can’t shake and the temptation she finds among her players—one that seems all too familiar. But when Gia discovers why Kai Pukui, the linebacker helping her team dominate on the field, seems so familiar and why she feels so drawn to him, Gia will have to decide what's more important — a life worth risking or a love worth losing. SAINTS AND SINNERS READING ORDER Last Love of Luka Hale Roughing the Kicker Offsides

Meet the Author

Eden Butler is a writer of contemporary, fantasy and romantic suspense novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, reads, and spends too much time in her garden perfecting her green thumb while waiting for the next New Orleans Saints Superbowl win. She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana. Please send help.   Social Media Links:

Website: www.edenbutler.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/edenbutler_  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edenbutlerwrites/  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eden.butler.184

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/VXQXD   GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7275168.Eden_Butler   Saints & Sinners Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345844502509364/