🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Wicked Rivals by Kelliann Nelson

Wicked Rivals by Kelliann Nelson

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Pages: 320

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Mafia

When he learns the truth about what I've done, he locks me up. Now I’m a prisoner to my past and my future.

I never should have slept with a mafia boss, but Stefano Vignali wanted me, his foul-mouthed little barista, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Of course, it was all just a fairy tale that had to end, so when I realized I had feelings for this man, I sent back his extravagant gifts and cut ties.

I thought I could be free to live a normal life.
I believed I could hide our baby from him.
I was so wrong. None of my secrets were safe.

Now Stefano plans to punish me for every minute he missed with his son. God help me, it’s a debt I want to pay, because a dark, fiery attraction still burns between us.

But first he must make a deal with the devil. To save my life and protect our son, he must marry me. The catch? He’s contracted to another bride.

Breaking off his engagement is not an option. New York City would become a bloody war zone. And I would only be trading one monster for another.

Wicked Rivals is a fast-paced dark romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes and morally gray characters. Some scenes may be disturbing for sensitive readers. Please visit the author's website for content warnings. The story continues in book 2, Savage Enemy.

Amazon

My Review:

Nelson’s debut mafia romance in Wicked Rivals is full of twists and turns to keep you reading until the very end.

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Stefano Vignali, head of the Vignali crime family of New York. People in his line of business are always looking for power and no matter how much Stefano’s life has changed ever since he became the head of the family business, he has been given the chance to be the most powerful mafia boss in the East Coast. His arrange marriage to another mafia family should have secured the deal for the next generation, yet there won’t be an heir to his legacy if he can help it. Not after the way his own family was decimated by the Commission. His soon-to-be bride, Benedetta, will never be, Valerie Salera, the one that stole his heart over a decade ago. Especially after the way their relationship ended was enough to make Stefano not want to open his heart for someone else. Little does he know that his life is about to change the minute Stefano finds out that he fathered a son with the one that got away. Now it’s his mission to protect his son at all costs, even if it means convincing Valerie to marry him.

As the sole provider of her home, Valerie Salera, is also the protector when it comes to her son, Enzo. The world is not safe and she knows it, it’s full of organized crime like the mafia. It’s been ten years since she last saw Stefano, the man that was her world only to have been blindsided by his true identity that made her break things off with him. Only to discover that she was carrying his child that made her overprotective of her son. Stefano wasn’t supposed to find out about his son, but he did and there are consequences for hiding the one thing he’s secretly wanted back when they were together. Valerie has robbed Stefano from being a father to Enzo and now that their lives are being threatened she has no choice but to put their lives in his hands.

I really enjoyed reading Wicked Rivals, it’s such a great start to the series. The mafia world that Nelson has started is sure to take off in the next book. This forbidden romance will definitely keep you on your toes and the cliffhanger at the end is shocking! I would highly recommend checking out this story, I cannot wait to read what happens next.

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 The Girlfriend Zone by Lauren Blakely

The Girlfriend Zone by Lauren Blakely

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Series: Love and Hockey #4

Pages: 512

Genres: Sports, Romance, Contemporary

In my defense, I had no idea the tattooed, glasses-wearing, soulful hottie I spent one perfect day—and one unforgettable night—with was a hockey star on my father’s team. And Miles didn’t know I was the coach’s daughter.

That’s the point of a “no-work-talk” date.

But now? He's as forbidden to me as I am to him.

When I land a new gig as the team photographer, we vow to keep it professional. We mostly succeed…except for that time after a game when he couldn’t keep his talented hands off me. And, okay, maybe that other time before a road trip. But I swear, it won’t happen again.

Too much is at stake—I can’t risk my heart or my father’s team.

But when I end up living at Miles’s place to care for his pack of rescue pups, the lines blur fast. Late nights turn into stolen moments and I discover there’s more to him than I ever imagined—a man who’s genuine, thoughtful, and irresistibly real.

He looks at me like he can’t believe his luck. Touches me like he never wants to let go. And listens to my hopes and fears.

My heart’s getting dangerously attached. But if I follow it… am I putting everyone’s dreams on the line?

Tropes: coach’s daughter, the one who got away, starts with a bang, second chance vibes, age gap, forbidden hockey romance, forced proximity, workplace romance

Amazon, Audible

My Review:

What starts off as an unforgettable encounter turns into so much more between a hockey star and a photographer in Blakely’s latest release. The Girlfriend Zone is the fourth book in the Love and Hockey Series that will leave you swooning and rooting for the characters until the very end.

It’s pre-season for professional hockey player, Miles Falcon, which means no hockey practice yet and that he is able to help out at his grandmother’s cafe. But what he wasn’t expecting to meet is his future wife. Their banter is what gets Miles and he admires the stunning stranger’s sass and attitude. Miles is taken with her and vows to take her out on a date. His last relationship didn’t end the way he wanted to and being present is essential for him in order to make things work. When an opportunity presents itself to help out Leighton at her photo shoot, Miles is all in no realizing just how their moment together would change their lives forever. Yet, it’s when he finds out that she the coach’s daughter, Miles can’t risk his relationship with the only person that gave him another chance no matter how strongly he feels for her. It would ultimately be the universe to keep bringing them together. Now he has to fight for the love of his life before it's too late.

If there is anything that life has taught Leighton is to not depend on anyone, especially after going through ups and downs. That includes succeeding at her job as a photographer and the boudoir shoot that she has set up is important to her. But when her male model bails on her, Leighton is shocked when the grandson of the owner of the cafe is frequents shows up ready to help. Their chemistry was instant the minute they met and it’s clear that Miles has the power to bring down the walls around her. Until his hockey status pops up that has her rethinking about having a relationship with him. She can’t mess up with her dad’s reputation within the team and promises to walk away from Miles. Only to have life keep bringing them closer and as she gets to know him better, Leighton finds out just how thoughtful and caring he is towards her. He is like nothing she’s ever experienced and that alone makes her want him even more.

I throughly loved reading The Girlfriend Zone, Blakely has outdone herself with this release. The characters are sweet and the chemistry between them is off the charts. It’s evident from the beginning that they have a lot in common when it comes to their families and of the loved ones that have hurt them in the past. They are easily able to lean on each other all while developing feelings for one another. Miles has set the bar pretty high for other male protagonists, he goes all out for Leighton to make her feel cherished and loved. She keeps him on his toes and their banter is cute. There are sensitive topics in the book that Blakely does a great job describing and weaving into the story. All while giving us a good sense of humor from other characters and few Chihuahuas thrown in the mix. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out this story, you will not regret it!

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:4.5/5

{EXCERPT}

Leighton

“When I said you, I meant I want all of you,” I add. That’s clear enough, but just in case it wasn’t, I press my body even closer so I’m rubbing against the outline of his erection. Making my intentions crystal clear.

For a hot second, his eyes go glassy. His breath stutters. But then he gains control again.

“All of me?” he asks like it’s a question, even though it’s an amused me, as if he’s having too much fun with my words as he keeps one hand looped firmly around my waist. “How exactly do you want all of me?”

Oh my god. He’s toying with me.

I groan in mock frustration. “You want me to spell it out?”

“I do, Leighton,” he rasps out. “I really, really do.”

I roll my eyes, but it’s doing little to mask how turned on I am. “Fine—then here’s an opinion for you.” I pause, letting him hang there on my every word as I run a hand down his chest, over the buttons on his shirt. I lift my chin, look him in the eyes. “I want you to f*&k me hard. And a little rough.”

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY: 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com

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