Arranged-marriage, love triangle, forbidden Mafia/cartel romance
Reinaldo Roríguez.
Emiliano Ruiz.
Both dangerous, deadly, and powerful. Both second-generation soldiers proving themselves in the Roríguez cartel. Both, forbidden.
I try not to think about how when I’m near them, the air crackles and my skin warms with stinging electricity, stirring something deep inside me that never before existed. I’d have to be blind not to notice their bulging muscles, sharp jawlines, and strikingly dark stares. However, it’s their deep voices that call to me in my dreams, waking me in a sweat, wondering which one I’ll answer.
Even in slumber I’m torn between them.
It’s all a fantasy.
There will never be anything between either one of them and me. A war is coming to our world, brought to the Luciano famiglia because of the alliance with the Roríguez cartel. Dario Luciano, my guardian, wants me far away from Kansas City, safe and secure.
To disobey him would be my first mistake.
Falling for either of the two hottest men I’d ever known would be my second.
Besides, I’m Jasmine Renner. The cartel would never approve of me, a stray without the last name Luciano, to marry one of their princes. I’m not a Mafia princess and life isn’t a fairy tale.
It’s best for me to go back to university in New York and forget about both of them.
If the cartel demands a second bride from the famiglia, would they want me, a stray? Which man would I chose? Will the choice be mine? Or will this war destroy everything we know?
Have you been Aleatha’d?
QUEENS AND MONSTERS is a stand-alone dangerous Mafia/cartel romance in the “Brutal Vows” series. Each arranged-marriage story is filled with the suspense, intrigue, and heat you’ve come to expect from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
Jane Henry has revealed the cover for Unleashed: A Dark Bratva Enemies-to-Lovers Romance!
Releasing: December 13, 2024
I wake up chained to the bed of a stranger.
He says I’m his wife.
I have nothing—no money. No friends.
No escape.
He’s everything I never imagined: ruthless, calculating, feared. A beautiful monster with a face like a god’s, cold and untouchable. A mafia kingpin whose wealth could buy empires and whose power makes the world tremble.
My captor.
My husband.
He vows to protect me at all cost, and in return demands…everything.
My body. My obedience. My submission.
Every touch, every brutal kiss stirs a dangerous desire neither of us can control. His words may be laced with venom, but his touch is fire, and every time he’s near, I burn.
As days bleed into weeks, the fog of my past refuses to lift. The more I fight it, the harder I’m pulled into his orbit.
But as my memories start to unravel, I wonder—what if the past I can’t remember holds the key to our destruction?
And when the truth finally comes out…will either of us survive?
For readers of the Wicked Vows series, this is the first book in a brand new, standalone, spin-off series. This is Polina’s story.
Please note: Unleashed is a standalone dark romance with a strong, fierce heroine and an unapologetically obsessive, jealous, and possessive alpha anti-hero. No OW drama, no cliffhanger, always a hard-won HEA.
Fueled by dark chocolate and even darker coffee, USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry writes what she loves to read— character-driven, unputdownable romance featuring dominant alpha males and the powerful heroines who bring them to their knees. She’s believed in the power of love and romance since Belle won over the beast, and finally decided to write love stories of her own.
M. Robinson is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty novels in Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. Crowned the “Queen of Angst” by her loyal readers, you’ll feel the cut of her pen slicing through your heart as your soul bleeds upon the words of her stories with each turn of the page.
Most notably known for the Good Ol’ Boys, M’s newest venture has graced her with the #1 Bestseller on Apple Books with Second Chance Contract. The Second Chance Men are powerful, intelligent and will sweep you off your feet and leave you weak in the knees–every woman’s wildest dreams.
M. lives the boat life along the Gulf Coast of Florida with her two puppies and real life book boyfriend, the inspiration for all her filthy talking alphas, Bossman.
When she isn’t in the cave writing her next epic love story, you can usually spot her mad-dashing through Target or in the drive-thru of Starbucks, refueling. Yes, she’s a self-proclaimed shopaholic, but only if she’s spending Bossman’s money.
You can follow M, Ted, Marley, and Bossman on Facebook, Instagram, and her absolute favorite social platform-TikTok.
Subscribe to her newsletter now to receive exclusive access to upcoming releases, sales, and freebies.
Arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, Mafia/cartel romance
As the only daughter of the Kansas City capo, at eighteen years of age, I was given to the son of my father’s consigliere, a man who was expected to accomplish great things for the famiglia. Things didn’t go the way we planned.
There wasn’t love.
My husband was a traitor, taking part in a coup against the famiglia.
My husband is dead.
I’m free.
Until the fateful night my brother, our new capo, informs me that I’ve once again been promised in marriage. He explains that as a childless widow and the daughter of the late capo dei capi, I am desired—requested.
Aléjandro Roríguez is the son of the leader of the Roríguez cartel. My brother married a woman from the cartel, securing the Mafia/cartel alliance. He says that it’s now my turn.
I’ve only met my future husband a few times, but I know without a doubt that I don’t like him. Loving him is impossible. I’ve lived in a marriage without love. I won’t do it again.
Aléjandro lives a dangerous existence.
Death saved me once before.
Maybe it will again.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
TILL DEATH DO US PART is a stand-alone dangerous Mafia/cartel romance in the new “Brutal Vows” series. Each arranged-marriage story is filled with the suspense, intrigue, and heat you’ve come to expect from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
The Accardi Twins Duet, an all-new dark mafia romance duet from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis, is now available!
Cold King of New York, Book 1
Seducing the enemy was the goal—not falling for my mafia boss.
As a rookie spy, my first mission is to seduce the Irish mafia boss’s brother and prove he is behind the threat to the mafioso in The Big Apple.
It’s a dream job.
Except my new boss is sucking all the joy from my life. Don Joshua Accardi seems way too invested in my personal safety, and he’s constantly scolding me for taking too many risks.
Gone is the friendly older guy I knew growing up. His ex’s betrayal changed him. Now, Joshua is a cold, controlling man living his life by a rigid set of self-imposed rules.
He thinks he can push me around and I’ll do his bidding like every other woman in the city.
But I enjoy pushing back and seeing him lose his cool is the ultimate high.
Sparks constantly fly, and it’s not long before we cave to our insane chemistry.
Joshua has wormed his way into my heart, but the downside of loving a powerful man is getting noticed by his enemies.
Now, I’m a target and my mission just got a lot more dangerous.
YES! YES! YES!
Siobhan holds nothing back in Cold King of New York. This is a phenomenal start for the Accardi twins.
Cold King of New York sets the stage and pace for this heart-pounding duet. From the very start, this story grips you and never lets go.
Siobhan truly knows how to create depth to her stories with her uncanny writing style. Her characters are multifaceted, and it becomes so easy to see things from their POV.
This story just flows perfectly as everything unfolds but also adding more twists and turns at the same time. Siobhan blends the romance in perfectly but never pulling away from the true plot of the story.
Cold King of New York is high intensity the entire time and keeps you right in the thick of everything.
I cannot wait to see how this all plays out in Cruel King of New York.
Cruel King of New York, Book 2
The boy I grew up loving is now the made man who broke my heart.
I had one primary goal in life: to marry Don Caleb Accardi, give him lots of babies, and live happily ever after.
Until he shattered my fantasy and destroyed my belief in love.
His playboy status isn’t the issue. I learned to live with his womanizing while patiently waiting on the sideline for him to truly notice me.
But he never has. Not the way I want him to.
One promise. That’s all I asked of him, and he couldn’t even keep it.
Something inside me dies when I learn the truth, and I reach my breaking point.
This is the last time he hurts me.
I’m not saving myself for him anymore.
So, I cut him out of my life and begin dating.
Caleb sure doesn’t like that, and a switch has flipped in his brain.
Now, he wants me. And he’s pulling out all the stops to win back my heart.
Too bad it’s too late—for him and for me.
Because Caleb has powerful enemies who are aware he loves me, and now I’m fair game.
Cruel King of New York is a great ending for this duet (you must read Cold King of New York first).
This book is more romance than suspense than the first book, but don’t let that deter you. This storyline fits the characters and who they are.
Siobhan’s writing allows readers to visualize the changes in Caleb along with the hesitancy in Lili. I love that we see growth in both of them, not only as individuals but together.
Yes, this review is very short and speaks very little of what happens but that’s because the smallest bit of details will give you too much information that you need to discover yourself as you read.
The Accardi Twins duet is a great addition to the mafia world Siobhan has created and brought all of it full circle wonderfully.
USA Today bestselling author RC Boldt delivers a seductive new romantic suspense filled with twists in WHEN LIES UNFOLD…
The moment I witness a murder, my quiet, careful existence goes up in smoke. I’m thrust into the world of Santiago Hernández, Central America’s most ruthless cartel leader.
In exchange for my life, I’m placed under his watchful eye. Day in and day out, he waits for me to betray my promise of silence.
The longer I stay in his world, the deeper I fall for the glimpses of the man beneath that handsome yet cunning exterior. The man whose possessive touch ignites a long-lost part of me.
But I should know better than to open my heart to a cold-blooded criminal with a laundry list of deadly sins and secrets. Especially when he has no idea who I really am.
Because when the lies unfold, he’ll discover I have a list of sins and secrets of my own.
Where Lies Unfold is my first book by RC, but definitely not my last. If you can bring me to my knees, and make me ugly cry in a Mafia Romance, you get my utmost devotion to your writing. This book was EVERYTHING I love about mafia romance.
“Yes, you will rise from the ashes, but the burning comes first. For this part, darling, you must be brave.” – Kalen Dion
RC delivers a FMC that is unrivaled in so many ways; Lola has no qualms with standing her ground and her instincts never lead her astray. Santiago might be the formidable, but Lola has faced worse in her life and still came out alive.
“If you erase all the mistakes of your past, you would also erase all the wisdom of your present. Remember the lesson, not the disappointment.” – Unknown
This story was written flawlessly. The pacing and the flow of how everything unfolded was perfect. I love that each scene unraveled into the next scene seamlessly and as twists and turns were revealed, all the pieces just merged beautifully.
RC does a magnificent job of blending the suspense, the action, the romance and spicy scenes while still telling the story and never pulling away from any of it. Not once did I feel a lull in the story or that RC was purposely adding fillers to add pages to the book. Everything in this story is pertinent in one way or another.
The one thing that surprised more than anything with this story was how I felt these characters emotions rolling off the pages. I could feel their anguish, their hatred, their hurt, their devotion – that is not something I can usually pull from a mafia story. I’m usually hyped up from all the action and suspense and even keyed up from spicy scenes, but physically crying (chapter 41 had me walking away from kindle), completely unexpected and it made me appreciate this author’s writing so much more.
“Everyone has to deal with traumatic experiences. But if you let it define you, you’ve lost the battle entirely. Instead, use it as fuel to rise higher and to better yourself the way YOU want.” – Lola Hernandez (When Lies Unfold)
Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Touch Her and Die, Virgin FMC, Possessive MMC, Arranged Marriage, Opposites Attract, Enemies to Lovers
♦ ♦ ♦
𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖
As the only daughter of a formidable capo, my existence unfolded within the confines of a gilded cage. At eighteen, I would become a pawn in the intricate game of power, destined to be wed to a high-ranking member of my father’s regime. My fate oscillated between my father’s grasp and that of my future husband. Fleeing was not an option; they would track me down relentlessly. In an act of both self-preservation and rebellion, I sought refuge in a local convent—the sole sanctuary untouched by the shadows of the mafia. Yet, before I could take my final vows, the devil himself knocked at my door — a devastatingly handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed rogue. With an Irish accent that sent shivers down my spine, he declared me his future wife. No one had touched me; no one would. But despite my aversion to a forced marriage, an irresistible attraction brewed between us— for he was both poison and wine.
𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙢
When I abducted a nun, my expectations were simple—she’d be submissive, pliable, the ideal mafia wife. Little did I imagine that the fiery brunette would wield a mouth and body I craved, both in and out of the bedroom. She was a means to an end—a marriage forged out of convenience, a strategic alliance with an enemy family to solidify our standing in the underworld. Tradition dictated that I claim her, yet the last thing I’d do is coerce her. She won’t be forced. I promised she would beg me to take her, and anyone who dared to touch her would die. For she was mine and mine alone.
In the unforgiving realm of the underworld, brace yourself for an electrifying romance pulsating with danger and desire.
♦ ♦ ♦
Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She’s written rockers, bikers, billionaires, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Nova, and her cats, Mama Kitty, Joe, and Jake. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
She holds a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education and spent fourteen years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers.
Capo to the Luciano Famiglia was my birthright. The cruelty needed to succeed in this life has been beaten into me since I was a young boy. My father, Vincent Luciano, taught by example and with the slap of his hand. My independent streak took me down paths my father would never have gone. With our enemies gaining strength, it is my idea to attempt an alliance with an unlikely bedfellow. The Roríguez Cartel and the Luciano Famiglia are improbable partners, yet even Vincent Luciano can’t deny the possible benefits. The only way to solidify the deal is for me to marry Catalina Ruiz, the eldest daughter of Andres Ruiz, a top lieutenant in the Roríguez Cartel. Catalina is young, beautiful, and thinks she understands the path she is being forced to follow. There is no way for her to know the monster she is about to wed. A man doesn’t become a made man at thirteen if he is capable of love. That emotion is beyond my scope of expertise. Saving the famiglia is my goal. And once this alliance is made, ours will be but the first of the brutal vows exchanged.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
NOW AND FOREVER is a stand-alone dangerous, mafia, romance in the new “Brutal Vows” series. Each arranged marriage story is filled with the suspense, intrigue, and heat you’ve come to expect from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
*NOW and FOREVER is a stand-alone mafia, arranged marriage romance within the interconnected world of ‘Brutal Vows.’
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!
Duke Hart built an empire in the seedy underworld of Boston. Despite his success, he’s always kept his family at arm’s length to protect them from his dangerous lifestyle. But he’s ready to call it quits and hand over the reins to his partner until his sister Grace gets caught in the crossfire of a brutal war between rival gangs and the cartel.
Now Duke has no choice but to stay and fight. He abandoned Grace once. He’ll die before he’ll let her suffer again.
After five years with the bureau, FBI Agent Fallyn Williams finally has an opportunity she’s been waiting for. If she can bring in the notorious Duke Hart, then more doors will open for her as she climbs the corporate ladder to hopefully one day become the director—a role she’s dreamed about since her father held that prestigious position.
But in the treacherous expanse where gang wars and cartel thrive, Fallyn isn’t prepared for the cunning and deadly Duke Hart. As he worms his way into her heart, making her question everything she’s ever believed in, she finds herself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
With the stakes higher than ever, both Duke and Fallyn are determined to come out on top. But in a world where nothing is as it seems, success may come at a deadly cost.
Hart of Redemption is a stand-alone, enemies to lovers romantic suspense filled with an alpha hero, feisty heroine, action, intrigue, off-the-charts steamy times, and a happily ever after.
I truly had no expectations going into this book. I have not read the previous two books and didn’t even read the blurb before reading this. The cover caught my eye and I love Susan’s writing, so I just wanted to read it. LOL
Hart of Redemption moves at a fast pace and contains lots of drama and action that will keep readers right at the edge of their seats the entire time. But what truly rocked me was Duke and the love he had for his family. He put them first, no matter what; his loyalty is unmatched.
Duke and Fallyn are both complex characters and watching things explode between them as the story progresses was just another great layer to this fantastic story. Their chemistry is undeniable and that push and pull between because neither wanted to act on their feelings was like adding fuel to an already raging fire. LOVED IT!!!
I could go on and on about this book – it is that damn good. Susan wrote a phenomenal book and I can’t wait to read the first two.
Meet S.B. Alexander:
I’m Susan Alexander, and you’ll find my books under S.B. Alexander. I’m an independent author with over 20 titles to date. I write paranormal, new adult, and sweet romances that feature hot heroes stealing hearts.
In between writing, I spend time with my soul mate of 21 years who got a bad deal in life when he was diagnosed with ALS five years ago. Since then, our journey has taken us down a path we’d never imagined. Despite that, we’ve been making the best of life, laughing, smiling, and doing what we can together.
Through all the madness, writing and publishing has been a great outlet for me. In addition, I have an amazing tribe of family, friends, readers, fans, and so many others who support me. I truly have an angel on my shoulder. My mantra is make the best of life because it’s too darn short.
Genre/Tropes: Brothers best friend / Secret society / Forbidden / Obsessed Hero / Dark romance / Possesive Hero / Enemies to Lovers / Friends to Lovers / Touch her and die
Exciting News! Unleash the dark and tantalizing world of passion, secrets, and chaos in War and His Queen by Amo Jones.
Immerse yourself in a gripping tale of the Elite Kings Club, a secret society with a history as ruthless as it is captivating.
The Elite Kings Club left a trail of fear behind every person who whispered their names throughout the centuries that they’d existed. They were the product of every nightmare you were told as a child, only now, they don’t go bump in the night. They race modified cars, throw parties to conceal their morbid games, and leave behind the kind of chaos that can never be tamed.
They were from an ancient bloodline of the three Founding Fathers, and it was almost time for them to plunge deeper into the depths of hell. Now that they were all on their motherland, and even closer to an island with history as dark as it was ruthless, no one had a say in the carnage of what was to come. And in this case, with War and Halen. Until now, they were nothing but exactly as they appeared on the outside.
He was a brother’s best friend, and a boy Halen had never not known.
She was the daughter of one of the most feared families known to man, and the only girl who ever kindled his rage. They’d push and pull until it tore them apart…if only to feel the shell of their bodies close.
Halen knew crossing that line with him was dangerous ground, yet she yielded her weapon and did it anyway. But history was being challenged, and The Kings were about to learn that not all enemies are discovered on a battlefield.
Some are the ghosts of what was left behind.
About the Author:
Amo Jones is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, totally winging this author thing (she’s probably doing it all wrong). She likes cake, loves wine, and her religion is magic (Slytherin). She’s a profound work-a-holic, but when she’s not writing, you can find her chilling with her kids & Husband at the nearest beach, with a cocktail in her hand.
New Zealand is not a state of Australia and rugby is the best sport ever played.
Brace yourselves for an intense rollercoaster of emotions as Jordyn O’Neill’s journey continues in a world filled with vengeance, demons, and the irresistible allure of The Reapers Mafia Crew Duet’s final installment, One Love by N.O. One Author
Every dream and every hope I had for humanity is now sitting firmly in my rearview mirror.
Life is dark.
Grim.
And after everyone I cared for was ripped away from me, all I see, all I feel, is vengeance.
The scars I wear are invisible but no less profound and can only be healed through bloodshed.
And I will shed blood.
I will hunt.
I will catch.
I will avenge my broken soul and, this time, I won’t do it alone.
With no secrets to hold me back, I welcome the day I can drop my armor and expose my heart to the one man who can handle my world.
The one man who sees no damsel, only demon.
The one who sees me for who I truly am.
I am Jordyn O’Neill and I do not come in peace.
HOT DAMN!!! These two ladies can write freaking phenomenal dark stories with amazing characters.
You MUST read One Kill before reading One Love – no ifs, ands or buts on this one.
We were left one hell of a cliffhanger in One Kill and I honestly wasn’t sure if these two ladies could give J the ending she so rightly deservers. Boy, was I completely wrong.
I won’t give any of the story details away but if you are looking to reading this book, then you know what happened at the end of One Kill and well, shit just keeps hitting the fan.
There is zero shortage of action and suspense in this book. There is also of spice (HOLY HOT!!!) and I thoroughly enjoy how everything plays out – EVERYTHING. I have zero complaints about this duet.
I love that these two ladies keep J real and authentic and never change her, even when things get complicated and dicey for her.
The amount of layers and the depth to these characters is perfection. These two ladies truly know how write a captivating story with characters you can’t ever forget.