Tag Archives: mafia

Maksim (Korolov Bratva 1) by Katie Ashley-review

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Maksim (Korolov Bratva 1) by Katie Ashley-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2026

Because of the way I speak, everyone judges me the moment I open my mouth. Even though I’m 6’5 and two eighty, they see me as weak. They always have.
Even my father who passed me over as his heir.
Behind the mask with the automated voice, I’m not weak. Women desire me, and men fear me.

As fortunes change within my family, I need to correct my impediment. That’s why I seek out one of the best speech pathologists on the East Coast. On paper, Dr. Sarah Whitfield looks boring and rigid.

But the good doctor is hiding a secret: she has a kink for Masked Men. She sheds her professional facade on weekends when she attends Masked Events.

And I’m here to fulfill her fantasies of being kidnapped by a masked man.

But this time, it’s for real.

••••••

REVIEW: MAKSIM is the first instalment in Katie Ashley’s contemporary, adult KOROLOV BRATVA erotic, Bratva romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s THE IRISH ROGUES series. This is heir to the Korolov Bratva Maksim Korolov, and speech pathologist Dr. Sarah Whitfield’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maksim and Sarah) MAKSIM focuses on the acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Years earlier, at the age of eighteen, Maksim was passed over as his father’s heir-apparent due to his speech disorder, which his father had declared made his son look weak. Fast forward to present day, Maksim is determined to right his father’s wrongs, targeting speech pathologist Dr. Sarah Whitfield, a woman whose sexual kinks run close to his own but as Sarah struggled with Maksim’s unusual demands, it is The Beast that draws Sarah like a moth to a flame, a beast of a man what is more familiar than she could have ever imagined.

The world building focuses on Maksim’s struggle with speech therapy, rewiring his brain and his speech patterns in an effort to take back control what was his all along but as Maksim works behind the scenes, the family dynamics spin out of control as the hierarchy of power continues to transform

The relationship between Sarah and Maksim begins as an abduction. Maksim needs Sarah to help relearn and revise his method of speech but goes about asking for help in all the wrong ways. Sarah will find herself falling for a man she will discover is the Bratva heir but a man who hides behind a mask to get want he wants. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dangerous and energetic secondary and supporting characters with several cameo appearances from the author’s The Irish Rogue series including Maxsim’s sister Mila and her future husband Kellan (Beautiful Trauma), as Maksim’s other siblings Kira, Dima, Lev and Aleks, and their brutal father Danill Korolov. The requisite evil has many faces.

MAKSIM is a story of secrets and lies,betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, and her spoiled mutt, Duke. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Scooby-Doo.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she hung up her red pen and expo markers to become a full-time writer. Each and every day she counts her blessings to be able to do her dream job.

Although her roots are firmly planted in the red Georgia clay, she loves traveling the country and world to meet readers and hang out with fellow authors. When she’s not writing or chasing down her toddler, you might find her watching reruns of The Golden Girls, reading historical biographies, along with romance novels, or spending way too much time on Facebook.

CONNECT WITH KATIE

➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
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Crooked by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward-review tour

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Crooked by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 29, 2026

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard.

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried. But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret.

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

••••••

REVIEW:CROOKED is a strand alone, contemporary, adult, Mafia adjacent, bodyguard romance story line focusing on twenty-seven year old, Juliette Ginocassi , and bodyguard Wes Callahan.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Juliette and Wes) follows in the aftermath of Wes Callahan’s latest assignment, guarding Mafia princess Juliette Ginocassi. Hired by mob boss Vince Ginocassi to protect his daughter, Wes knows never to cross the invisible line between business and pleasure but their time together pushes Juliette and Wes closer together. When the threats against Juliette become more dangerous and deadly, reality is about to push Wes out of Juliette’s life, betrayal at the forefront of emotional heart break.

The world building focuses on the protection of our story line heroine but Wes Callahan’s role in Juliette’s life is about to spiral out of control. Wes has a secret, that once revealed , will threaten any chance at a happily ever after between our story line couple

The relationship between Juliette and Wes begins as an assignment that quickly turns into something more but Wes struggles with the threats against our story line heroine, threats that are about to place Wes in the direct line of fire. As Juliette and Wes’ relationship steps to the next level, the danger increases, and possibly from an unlikely source. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and dynamic. We are introduced to Juliette’s parents Vince and Francesca, Wes’s mother Joanna, as well as several Hollywood agents, and mobster adjacent security guards.

CROOKED is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and heart break, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is edgy; the characters are charismatic and impassioned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is an attorney and a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today Best Selling author. Over the last three years, ten of her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller lists and three on the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Devlin’s Luck (Sinister Legacy Duet 2) by Calia Wilde-review

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Devlin’s Luck (Sinister Legacy Duet 2) by Calia Wilde-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 17, 2026

Ringo

Trust in luck. Bet on death. Lose my heart to a liar? Always.

Ringo Devlin is a man of many secrets and even more regrets. He played the role of the charming stranger to track his quarry, but he never expected to fall for the woman he used. Now that Ellie knows that he’s a hitman for the Manca family, she’s the one person resistant to his charms. But Ringo isn’t just in Chicago to win her back; he’s there to claim a legacy that could change his life and finish a job that started in Las Vegas.

Ellie

Tell the lie. Break the rules. Fall for a hitman? Inevitable.

Ellie Jacobs returned to Chicago with a broken heart and a bar to run. She thought leaving Ringo behind would end the nightmare of her failed wedding. But the ghosts of Italy followed her home. Between the FBI agent stalking her every move at The Blarney Zone and the realization that her murderous ex-fiancé is still a threat, Ellie is drowning in the very chaos she tried to outrun.

When Ringo sits down at her bar, he’s a far cry from the happy-go-lucky traveler who lies better than she does. He’s a suave protector she doesn’t want to need and a wildcard in a game where the FBI and the Mob are both playing for keeps. Ellie knows Ringo is a bad bet. But her life is on the line, and he might be the only luck she has left.

Fortune favors the bold. Death favors the lucky.

••••••

REVIEW:DEVLIN’S LUCK is the second instalment in Calie Wilde’s contemporary, adult SINISTER LEGACY erotic, Mafia romance duet focusing on twin sisters- Allie and Ellie. Jacobs. This is bar owner Ellie Jacobs, and Ringo Devlin’s story line. DEVLIN’S LUCK should not be read as a stand alone, as it picks up after the events of book one VALENTINE’S CODE

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives Ellie and Ringo) DEVLIN’S LUCK follows in the wake of the return of Ellie Jacobs, having been left at the alter by a man she did not love. Travelling through Europe with a man she barely knew, Ellie found herself falling for mobster Ringo Devlin, her sister’s husband’s questionable best friend but a man who is willing to die to protect our story line heroine. When Ellie’s ex returns, threatening her life in the process, Ringo ensures no harm will ever come to Ellie but in doing so, believes he is the biggest threat of all.

The world building follows several pathways including the revelations about the family Ringo never knew. Ellie and her sister Allie grew up Mafia-adjacent, and in this, Ellie was hoping to leave the lifestyle behind but both sisters fell in love with men deeply connected to the Mob, and at times, found themselves the target of some powerful men.

The relationship between Ellie and Ringo is tempestuous and argumentative. Ringo has declared himself guardian and protector but Ellie doesn’t was protection, even in the face of threats against her life. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line secondary and supporting characters return including Ringo’s best friend, Mafia heir and assassin Mario Valentini, Don Manca, Loppa and Firenze, Don Conti, and Ellie’s ex Johnny Porciello. We are introduced to Ellie’s friends and co-workers: Rosco, Ellie’s best friend Kat, ex-copy Casey Kelly, as well as FBI Special Agent Bridget Perkins.

DEVLIN’S LUCK is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy and intriguing; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY (Ivanov Bratva 2) by Kelsie Calloway

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SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY (Ivanov Bratva 2) by Kelsie Calloway-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 1, 2026

He intercepted my death sentence. Now I’m not sure if I’m his prisoner—or his obsession.

Alexei Ivanov is the Bratva’s strategist. Cold-eyed. Calculating. The reason I’m still breathing.

I dug too deep into a story I shouldn’t have touched. Someone ordered my death. He stopped it. Now I’m trapped in his penthouse while he decides what to do with me.

He says I’m leverage. An asset. A problem to manage. But the way he watches me doesn’t feel like strategy. It feels like hunger.

The door isn’t locked. He reminds me of that constantly. But every time I try to leave, I find myself walking toward him instead.

He killed for me. And the most dangerous part? I don’t want him to stop.

•••••••

REVIEW: SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY is the second instalment and novella in Kelsie Calloway’s contemporary, adult IVANOV BRATVA Mafia romance series. This is Alexei ‘The Ghost’ Ivanov, and journalist Zara Okonkwo’s story line. SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alexei and Zara) SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY follows in the wake of the abduction of journalist Zara Okonkwo by the Ivanov Bratva, more specifically Alexei ‘the Ghost’ Ivanov . Zara Okonkwo is investigating organized crime and corruption in her city including the Ivanov Bratva and Corsetti Crime Family but Zara never expected to find herself under the protection of our story line hero. The Corsetti crime family has ordered a hit on our story line heroine, and Alexei becomes guardian and protection of the woman who could destroy them all. As the days go by Zara discovers there is more to Alexei than the determined and quiet killer, but a lonely man, heart broken by events of the past.

The world building focuses on the protection of Zara Okonkwo, and the encroaching war between crime families. Alexei is determined to protect Zara even if it costs him his life; Zara struggles to prove Alexei is worthy of his own happily ever after.

The relationship between Zara and Alexei is one of force proximity in the wake of Zara’s abduction. Alexei quickly discovers he wants Zara for himself, something he never could have imagined or dreamed of in the face of his life style and demands. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Alexei’s brothers: Sergei, Dmitri and Pakhan Nikolai Ivanov, as well as Nikolai’s wife Sable.

SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and edgy-for a novella length story, SECRETS AND SOVEREIGNTY packs quite a bit of detail and proverbial punch, though not as dark a many Mafia series. The characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is fated and seductive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wicked Devil (Ruthless Heirs 4) by Sienna Cross -review tour

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Wicked Devil (Ruthless Heirs 4) by Sienna Cross -review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 10, 2026

He killed her fiancé. She wants revenge. But loving the devil might be her greatest sin.

Matteo
I’m the Gemini’s tech genius and reluctant heir, smarter behind a keyboard than on a battlefield.
But the assassin hunting me isn’t just any threat.
She’s her.
Caitríona McKenna.

My forbidden summer. My first real love. The girl I left behind—
And the woman who just tried to put a bullet in me.
She wants revenge for her fiancé’s death.
The fiancé I killed.
But nothing about that night is what she thinks…
And I’ll burn Manhattan to the ground before I let her die for a lie.

Caitríona
I came to New York to kill Matteo Rossi…
Not to remember the way he once touched me.
Not to hesitate.
Not to break.
But every time I line up the shot, the past hits harder.

And now my family’s given me a deadline.
Twenty-four hours to finish the job…
Or my brother will.
The problem? I’m not sure I want Matteo dead.
I’m not sure I can survive the truth.
And the wicked, desperate part of me still aches for the boy who ruined me.

••••••

REVIEW:WICKED DEVIL is the fourth and final instalment in Sienna Cross’ contemporary, adult RUTHLESS HEIRS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is twenty-three year old, IT tech genius and reluctant heir to the Rossi Italian Crime Family Matteo Rossi, and Caitriona McKenna, daughter of Irish mobster Seamus McKenna. WICKED DEVIL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Matteo and Caitriona) using present day and memories from the past, WICKED DEVIL follows Caitriona McKenna as she has been ordered to take down the man she once loved. Approximately four years earlier, Matteo Rossi and Catriona McKenna had fallen in love but Matteo Rossi walked out of Caitriona’s life, leaving our heroine a shell of her former self. Fast forward to present day, a gun fight ends the life of someone close to the McKenna family, and our heroine is forced to obey her father’s command-kill Matteo Rossi, or forfeit your own life.

The world building focuses on vengeance, and Caitriona is warned that if she refuses to obey, she will not be coming home.As the Rossi family circles the proverbial wagons, Matteo will discover there is more to the woman he continues to love than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Matteo and Caitriona is one of second chances as Matteo is determined to reclaim the woman whose heart he destroyed. Caitriona struggles to forgive and forget in the wake of losing everything she loved. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dangerous and determined secondary and supporting characters including Matteo Rossi’s large extended family of siblings and cousins, co-workers, and friends, as well as Caitriona’s questionable McKenna Crime Family. The requisite evil has many faces-not everyone will survive.

WICKED DEVIL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and edgy with a bit of a twist I suspected early on. The second chance romance is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Sienna Cross was kidnapped by mobsters, saved by her super-hot step-brother, then forced into an arranged marriage with a billionaire. From there, things got really interesting… She loves to write about dark, morally-gray alpha males and the captivating women that bring them to their knees. For all the inside info, join Sienna Cross’s Heartbreakers on Facebook, like her page, and follow her on Instagram and Tiktok. She has a thing for stalkers 😉 

 

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Fierce Betrayal (Cruel Empire 5) by Ella Jade-review

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Fierce Betrayal (Cruel Empire 5) by Ella Jade-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2026

A Love Doomed to Fail…

Abandoning Sable was a mistake but killing her brother would have been much worse.

I let her go to save her from my brutal mafia world—a world she can’t navigate as long as she insists on protecting her brother from me. Keeping her trapped between the two of us would eventually tear her apart.

My focus has to be on my family. No more distractions. Easier said than done, especially after our most dangerous enemy comes at me through Sable. I’m one threat away from losing her forever but my focus can’t be split while the Accetti empire is on the verge of collapse. Walking this tightrope between honoring my family and helping her understand my savage business isn’t working.

Staying away from her is no longer an option. She needs my protection even if she doesn’t want it. But why would she ever take me back?

If you like dark, steamy romances by Zoe Blake, Maggie Cole, and Nicole Fox, you’ll devour USA Today Bestselling author Ella Jade’s Cruel Empire Series.

Start reading this deliciously dark enemies to lovers mafia series today by scrolling up and one-clicking now.

•••••

REVIEW:FIERCE BETRAYAL is the fifth instalment in Ella Jade’s contemporary, adult CRUEL EMPIRE erotic Mafia romance series, and the first story in Sable and Milo’s arc. This is Milo Accetti, and Sable’s story line. FIERCE BETRAYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature do the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sable and Milo) FIERCE BETRAYAL follows the rekindling relationship and romance between Milo and Sable. Nico Accetti believes his son Milo’s girlfriend is a distraction the family does not need but with the approach of an impending crime war, and a need to stop human trafficking, Sable is about to become the target of some very dangerous men. Desperate to protect Sable, Milo begins to circle the proverbial wagons but someone else is taking aim from the outside.

The world building focuses on the Accetti family business structure, and the potential betrayal from within. Sable finds herself on the outside looking in, often verbally attacked from those hoping for better control but as Milo is pulled deeper into the family business, Sable will become a pawn in the impeding war.

The relationship between Milo and Sable is one of second chances but Nico Accetti struggles with his sons’ choice in women, and Sable is another difficult choice for the head of the Accetti family. Sable brings with her baggage that threatens the family but Milo is determined to prove Sable is worthy of his love. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Milo’s father Don Nico Accetti, his brother Marchello, and his significant other Lissia; Milo’s drivers and security team Josh and Ax; Sable’s brother Chance, and boutique owner Camila. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIERCE BETRAYAL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined and dynamic. FIERCE BETRAYAL ends on a cliff hanger- you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA Today Bestselling author Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.

Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband, two boys, and two feisty Chihuahua writing companions. She can often be found creating sexy, domineering men and the strong women who know how to challenge them in and out of the bedroom. She hopes you’ll get lost in her words.

AUTHOR LINKS  Facebook / Facebook Group/ Newsletter/ Bookbub/

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Sworn in Deceit (The Anithero Syndicate 1) by Victoria Lum-review

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💚Sworn in Deceit (The Anithero Syndicate 1) by Victoria Lum-review💚

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 6, 2026

He can destroy anyone—except the woman he’s sworn to deceive.

Elias Kent is Chicago’s most dangerous fixer—a man who plays chess with human lives and always wins. Beneath St. Michael’s Cathedral, in the catacombs hidden under the city, he lives for one thing: revenge against the secret criminal empire known as The Association.

Lana Anderson was supposed to be leverage—until the enemy closes in. Elias makes an impossible bargain: an arranged marriage that will shield her old-money family…and buy him access to the inner circle.

Lana thinks Elias is the villain who betrayed her world. She vows she’ll survive his cage long enough to destroy him.

He swears he hates her—until obsession becomes an insatiable hunger he refuses to feed. Instead, he watches her. Controls the rooms she enters. Keeps distance like it’s a weapon…because the moment he touches her, she becomes his weakness—and weakness can get them killed.

Then Lana finds the clues he never meant her to see—and realizes the man she married is hiding more than secrets.

With danger closing in and the city igniting, Elias must choose: vengeance…or love.

In a city built on secrets, falling for your enemy is the deadliest vow of all.

•••••

REVIEW:Sworn in Deceit by Victoria Lum is a fast-paced enemies to lovers, dark romance filled with drama, spice and angst. Prepare yourself readers, this one is a good one. As always with any dark romance, check your trigger warnings before reading.

Elias is dark and morally grey in all the best ways. He has secrets, he tells lies, he is dangerous, he is everything a man with ties to the mafia should be. Lana is the opposite, sunshine, light and goodness, when they meet when they are teens, they have a romance neither of them ever saw ending. But tragedy happens and they are torn apart, now after years apart, they are reunited again, although Lana doesn’t know who Elias is or that he is the boy she used to love. Elias however has always been watching her, weaving himself into her life in the background. When Lana becomes a target to some really bad people, it’s Elias that must keep her safe. She is forced into a marriage with a man she claims to hate, but all the while she has no idea what power he really holds.

Elias is a monster in the dark, but one that you want to cozy up to for comfort when things get scary. He’s the guy you think you can’t stand, but secretly pine for. Elias and Lana make such a good pair, Elias needs a little softening, and Lana needs some protecting, and not just from the Syndicate. They may start their marriage under dire distress, but it quickly turns into something they would both fight for. Ms. Author writes a tale of intrigue and drama, of slow burn spice and high angst mystery, together Elias and Lana build a new future together.

copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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SATIN HATE (Corsetti Mafia 1) by BB Hamel -review

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SATIN HATE (Corsetti Mafia 1) by BB Hamel -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 8, 2026

I rejected the mafia boss…
so he bought my apartment building.
Now my rent doubles until I agree to have dinner with him.

I have one goal in life: work myself to the bone so my genius little sister gets into a good college.

I don’t have time for romance… until a brutal, terrifying stranger saves me from a pair of violent drunks.

Stellan Corsetti is a gorgeous nightmare. Beautiful, dangerous, with a cold and ruthless aura—the exact kind of man I should stay far away from.

I think our chance encounter is over until it turns out he owns my apartment building… and he wants to own me next.

He’s completely unhinged. And there’s nothing I can do. Stellan’s rich, powerful, and he won’t back down.

I have one way out: marry him, give him babies, and he’ll make sure my sister has everything she needs.

Except Stellan Corsetti is a beast, and once he has me, he’s never letting go.

••••••

REVIEW: SATIN HATE is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult CORSETTI MAFIA dark,erotic, romance series. This is thirty-three year old Mafia Don Stellan Corsetti, and twenty-three year old café waitress Kira Santoro.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stellan and Kira) SATIN HATE focuses on the seductive of Kira Santoro, and marriage of convenience between our story line couple. For weeks Stellan Corsetti has been ‘stalking’ our story line heroine, a woman oblivious to what is happening and why. Stellan is the next in line to head the Corsetti crime family but our hero needs a wife before he can take control. Targeting Kira Santoro, Stellan blackmails then promises everything and more for Kira to stand by his side as he ascends the throne but all is not as it appears to be, the Corsetti crime family is about to go to war, and our heroine will be caught in the middle for sins of the past.

The world building follows several pathways including the search for a key that will unlock power and control for those in charge but as Stellan struggles to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, our heroine battles between head and heart when she discovers a connection to her past. There is a possibility of a traitor within the family, and as such, Stellan begins to clean house when the truth is revealed.

The relationship between Kira and Stellan is a forced marriage of convenience in the wake of desperation and a need for control. Kira is struggling to keep her sister and herself housed and fed; Stellan is offering a secure future to become his bride. As our couple begin their life together, someone else is taking aim at everyone involved. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and determined secondary and supporting characters many of whom are member of the Corsetti Crime Family, as well as the Turkish mob. We are introduced to Kira’s eighteen year old sister Gemma; Stellan’s men Frankie and Prime Spadaro, as well as several territory heads of the Corsetti Mafia.

SATIN HATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and dysfunction, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, dramatic and dark; the romance is passionate and edgy; the characters are desperate, dynamic. and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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