🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Saved by a God by Michelle Heard {REVIEW}

Saved by a God by Michelle Heard

Release Date: June 22, 2026

Series: Kings of Mafia #10

Pages: 278

Genres: Romance, Mafia

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

Rosie

To others, Enzo is a ruthless and dangerous underboss, a son of the Falco bloodline. But to me, he’s the one man I can’t stop wanting.
Broody temptation wrapped in tattoos.

There’s a secret I’ve carried for years. At a friend’s club, I set up a date with a stranger to lose my V-card.
No faces. No talking.

Turned out the stranger was Enzo.
He doesn’t know it was me, the girl in the dark who gave him everything, then erased herself like she was never there.

To Enzo, I’m just Rosie, nothing more than a friend and the Cosa Nostra’s hacker.

I’ve been trying to build up the courage to tell him I love him, but I’ve waited too long.
Because when the enemy comes for the Cosa Nostra, I do what I’ve always done, I protect what’s mine…even if it costs me everything.

Enzo

For years, I told myself Rosie was just a friend. Never mine to want, because I chose our friendship over a truth that would’ve changed everything.

Rosie was my heartbeat and now she’s gone.

But I can’t let go.

I’ll tear this world apart to find her.
Nothing and no one will stand in my way of getting what’s mine, and once I have her in my arms, I will make damn sure everyone knows she belongs to me.

While Saved By A God can be read as an interconnected standalone, reading the other books in the Kings Of Mafia series will give you a better understanding of the world and its characters.

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

Saved by a God is Heard’s last book in the Kings of Mafia Series. This friends-to-lovers mafia romance had me hooked from beginning to end. It’s a must-read!

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Rosellina La Rosa, Rosie, who has been trained all her life to take over her dad as the Cosa Nostra’s IT expert. Since she doesn’t have any older siblings, Rosie will also have to represent her family and become the fifth capo in the Cosa Nostra. Yet, it’s that part of the business that she dreads the most, Rosie is an excellent hacker, but when it comes to dealing with other criminal organizations she feels sick. It’s the violence that makes her uncomfortable. No matter how much her family tells her, it’s her best friend Enzo whose opinion she takes to heart the most. As a friend, Enzo brings her comfort, even though she’s also had a massive crush on him for a very long time. But he’s made it clear that he is not interested in a relationship or damage their friendship. Leaving her no choice, but to lose her virginity to a stranger. Not realizing that that moment would haunt her later. Before she could do anything about it, there is a threat to the Cosa Nostra and Rosie ends up putting her life on the line in order to save those she loves.

As a ruthless underboss, Enzo Falco is too busy protecting the Cosa Nostra as we all his family. He doesn’t have time for a relationship, at least that’s what he keeps telling himself and those around him. But in reality, Enzo has always had feelings for his best friend, Rosie. There is no one else that understands him the way she does and that is the same reason why he can’t pursue a relationship with her. Enzo would hate himself if he ever hurt her. Protecting her and their friendship is what keeps him going. Until the unthinkable happens and her fortress comes under attack. Taking her away from in the process, Enzo vows to do whatever it takes to bring her back home and make her his for good before it’s late.

I can’t believe the Kings of Mafia Series has come to a close. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Saved by a God, it was full of romance and suspense. It’s evident from the very start that Enzo and Rosie are really good friends. Enzo is able to go to Rosie when he needs her the most and vice versa. Everyone around them knows how tight they are, but it’s hard for them to admit the fact that they are in love with each other. Yet, Rosie is also struggling with her role as capo for the Cosa Nostra. She’d rather be behind a computer than be out where the action usually takes Enzo and the rest of the capos. I loved their interactions with the rest of their family members as well. Then an event happens that truly changes their lives forever and Rosie is put in a position where she has to use all that she knows in order to save herself and those around her. I only wish we could’ve gotten more of their relationship towards the end of the story or a years later epilogue would have really concluded their story better. I still loved the series as a whole and would highly recommend checking it out. You will not regret it!:)

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

My Rating: 4.5/5

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TikTok, Newsletter

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Merciless Vow by Ines Johnson

Merciless Vow by Ines Johnson

Release Date: June 2, 2026

Genres: Romance, Mafia, Paranormal

A forced marriage. A fated bond. And an Alpha wolf who will give her everything —except his heart.

When Addie Vane's brother steals six million dollars from the most powerful werewolf family in New York, the Blackwoods don't want the money back. They want her. Vidar Blackwood is everything she ran from when she left her pack at eighteen: powerful, possessive, and completely certain the world bends to his will. He offers a simple trade: her hand in marriage for her brother's life.

Vidar Blackwood rebuilt his family's empire on one rule: trust no one outside your bloodline. Then Addie walked into his office smelling like lightning and looked him in the eye like she hadn't read the memo about who he was. She won't submit. He can't stop pushing her to knees. But Addie isn't the asset he planned for — she's sharper, more stubborn, and more dangerous to his carefully constructed world than any enemy he's faced.

For fans of dark romance, mafia romance, arranged marriage, possessive alpha heroes, and she-wolves who don't take orders — MERCILESS VOW is a steamy, slow-burn paranormal romance with explicit heat, pack politics, mafia power dynamics, and a love story that neither of them saw coming.

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

Not having read any other books by the author, I didn’t know what to expect before reading Merciless Vow. Needless to say, Johnson blew me away with this page-turning paranormal mafia romance that is a must-read!

For the past ten years, Addie Vane aka Addie O’Shea, has worked really hard to make a name for herself away from her powerful werewolf family. With no desire to be used as a pawn among the werewolf families, she decides to leave her family behind, including her younger brother. Without knowing when she’ll even see him again, Addie focuses on her career as a junior associate at Sterling & Associates. Yet, it’s her intellect and cutthroat business personality at work that her boss admires. But any future career plans are halted the minute Addie gets a call from her father, letting her know that her younger brother has been taken by the Blackwoods after stealing millions of dollars from them. They have made it very clear that they don’t want the money, the Blackwoods want her.

Suddenly Addie is taken back to the place she tried so hard to run away from, but the guilt of leaving her brother is enough to get her to go back to her old world. Meeting Vidar Blackwood completely changes the dynamic between them, he is possessive and wants to treat their marriage as a business arrangement. No feelings are supposed to be involved or so she thinks. Addie will have to decide if staying with helping her new family is worth it in order to save her brother or submit to her growing feelings for the man she vowed to hate.

Every move Vidar Blackwood has always made has been calculated and thought out. He prides himself on catching errors and when a shipment does missing, it’s an error that could cost him millions. So when he finds out that there has been a theft in the family business, he considers it war and Vidar knows exactly who is behind it. Elias Vane has taken from them and to settle the debt, Vidar’s parents want him to marry Addie Vane. He’s always known that one day, he’ll have an arrange marriage like his parents had, yet he wasn’t expecting to meet his match. Addie exudes confidence and power without apology that intrigues him right away. He could take her as an employee with her stellar resume, but it’s her fire that makes the decision for him. She’ll marry him or lost her brother in the process. Little does he know just how much his life was about to change forever.

I throughly enjoyed reading Merciless Vow. Although it was a bit confusing at the beginning, I wasn’t sure where the story was going, but it proved me wrong right away. The tension between the main characters is sizzling and their banter is what ultimately kept me reading. Their marriage might be a business arrangement, but what they don’t know is that they are the perfect match for each other. While Vidar is not interested in a love match, he wants loyalty from his wife. Something that it’s hard for Addie to give knowing the circumstances of their marriage. She guards her trust after the way her dad treated her growing up. It’s easier to focus on her career, but the minute she agrees to marry Vidar her eyes are open to new possibilities as a couple and what they could do if they learn to trust in one another. All in all, this was a great start to the series and I cannot wait to read what happens next. I would highly recommend it! :)

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

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Ines Johnson:

Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She writes books where damsels cause the distress, princesses wield swords, and moms save the world.

Ines writes books for strong women who suck at love. If you rocked out to the twisted triangle of Jem, Jericha, and Rio as a girl; if you were slayed by vampires with souls alongside Buffy; if you need your scandalous fix from Olivia Pope each week, then you’ll love her books!

Aside from being a writer, professional reader, and teacher, Ines is a very bad Buddhist. She sits in sangha each week, and while others are meditating and getting their zen on, she’s contemplating how to use the teachings to strengthen her plots and character motivations.

Ines lives outside Washington, DC with her two little sidekicks who are growing up way too fast.

https://ineswrites.com/

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Vicious Devil by Michelle Heard {REVIEW}

Vicious Devil by Michelle Heard

Release Date: May 28, 2026

Series: Kings of Mafia #9

Pages: 286

Genres: Romance, Mafia, Contemporary

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

At the lowest point in my life, I walk into the busiest club, hoping to get a job. Somehow, I end up on stage, being told to strip, and before I can even decide if I’m desperate enough, a terrifying man orders me to leave.

I do my best to ignore my fear as I follow him to his office, not knowing it’s about to cost me everything.

Turns out I’m more desperate than I thought, and I swallow my pride and beg.
But Adriano Rizzo doesn’t offer me employment.
Nope, he makes me a deal that’s hard to refuse.
I tell myself I can handle whatever he demands of me.
Boy, am I wrong.

Hidden in the fine print, I didn’t bother to read, is a clause I never saw coming.
Marry him. Or I walk away with nothing and end up back on the streets.

While I’m still trying to decide, he changes the rules, and before I know it, I’m saying my vows to a man I barely know. To make matters worse, just as we leave the church, he pulls out a gun and empties it into some poor soul. Right in front of me!
That’s when I learn the truth…

Adriano Rizzo isn’t just some heartless, filthy-rich club owner.
He’s a boss in the Cosa Nostra, and I’ve just married into a world that’s violent, ruthless, and deadly.

STANDALONE: A Standalone Mafia Romance.

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

As the ninth book in the Kings of Mafia Series, Heard delivers a steamy mafia romance in Vicious Devil. This new beginnings romance is filled with secrets and suspense to keep you wanting for more.

At the beginning of the story we get to meet Laurie Barners, she is a twenty-five year old who left everything behind to move to New York City. Hoping to start a new life, Laurie finds a job at Mitchell’s Construction as a bookkeeper. But what once brought her joy now brings her resentment and fear after dating the owner’s brother for quite some time. She knows that staying with Austin will only make her life more miserable, so Laurie makes a plan in order to leave him soon. Yet, it would a take a turn of events to leave her no choice but to turn to the club, Fallen Angels for a job. The only thing is that its owner, Adriano Rizzo doesn’t want her to strip for other men. He makes her a proposal she can’t deny, not realizing that Laurie would end becoming his wife. Now she has to face the truth of what it means to be in his world before it’s too late.

Once Adriano Rizzo took over as the head of his family within the Cosa Nostra, his only goal was to make his family even more powerful and successful. But at thirty-six, Adriano wants to get married, have what his parents have. He was’t expecting to be captivated by Laurie outside his club, but the possessive side of him wants to make her his for good. When he finds out that she is not doing well financially, Adriano maker her an offer in order to get her to be by his side, not mentioning that by signing the contract she’ll automatically be his wife. Being part of a violent world, he is used to dealing with anything thrown his way, but when their lives a threaten, the ruthless side of him must come out in order to keep her forever.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading Vicious Devil, Heard knows how to deliver a true mafia romance. The intensity between the characters is magnetic. It’s clear from the very beginning that Adriano really likes Laurie, even though she isn’t interested in a relationship. Not after leaving her ex, she has no one and when Adriano offers to help. There is a part of her that is hesitant, but she has no choice or she’ll risk bring homeless. With Adriano’s help, Laurie starts to trust him a bit more and as they get to know each other, she starts to fall for him. Though it’s he does for a living that it takes some getting used. Thankfully, his family and friends are ready to embrace her. Nothing compared to her family and that’s what brings them closer. The ending was perfect for them and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I would highly recommend checking out this book and any others by the author! :)

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

My Rating:

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

Website, Facebook, FB Readers Group, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TikTok, Newsletter

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Forceful God by Michelle Heard {REVIEW}

Forceful God by Michelle Heard

Release Date: January 26, 2026

Series: Kings of Mafia #7

Pages: 238

Genres: Romance, Mafia

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

I was born into the Cosa Nostra, so I should be used to the blood, violence, and constant threat of death, right?
Wrong.

Every time one of the men I love gets hurt, another piece of me fractures beyond repair. But the moment I see the man who owns my heart fall, it annihilates me.

The fear of losing Christiano forces me to the edge of my sanity. I shut down and push him as far away as possible, convinced distance is the only way to keep myself from unraveling. Christiano is as cold and merciless as his father, raised to rule the Cosa Nostra with an iron fist. Obsession runs just as deep as power in his bloodline, so no matter what I say, he won't let me go.

Refusing to marry him doesn't drive him away. It changes him, making him an unforgiving and ruthless man who will use force to keep me exactly where he wants me. I hide my weakness behind lies, but they only seem to feed the darkness in him. Like the predator he is, he watches me, waits for me, corners me. Every explosive encounter strips away my resolve until there's almost nothing left.

The threat of the five families being torn apart is the only thing that finally makes me give in to his advances, but as I say my vows to Christiano, I know it's only a matter of time before he realizes I'm not the perfect mafia princess he thinks I am.

What will happen when the capo dei capi discovers I'm too fragile to be his Cosa Nostra queen?

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

As the seventh book in the Kings of Mafia Series, Michelle heard delivers a steamy second chance mafia romance with a twist. Forceful God will leave you wanting for more!

For Christiano Falco and Sienna Vitale, their lives have completely changed the minute they fell for one another. Although both have been raised within the mafia world of the Cosa Nostra. Their union would not only bring two very powerful families together, but it would also make Sienna, Christiano’s queen. Something that for Sienna is difficult to take, knowing that there is something that Christiano still doesn’t know about her. A secret that has been kept hidden in her family for a very long time. As Christiano takes his place as the head of the Cosa Nostra, it makes him even more powerful. Yet, there is no denying just how much he loves Sienna. An attack targeting the rest of the mafia families would ultimately separate them for a while. Sienna starts to question her ties to the mafia world, as Christiano sets his sights on making her his once and for all.

All in all, I liked the overall concept of the story. Heard does a good job explaining the sensitive topic in the book. I felt for Sienna as she navigated her way through wanting to be with Christiano and dealing with the consequences that come with being in the mafia.Christiano is ruthless and overprotective when it comes to Sienna. He is learning to be a good leader within his world and does’t want to lose the woman he’s loved for a very long time. There is not denying the sizzling chemistry between them, yet Christiano can sense that Sienna is hiding something from him and he will do anything to find out the truth. I would highly recommend checking out the book if you like a good mafia romance, be warned that there are some potential triggers that many or may not be for everyone.

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

My Rating:

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 The Devil by Michelle Heard {REVIEW}

The Devil by Michelle Heard

Release Date: October 27, 2025

Series: Mafia Empire (#5)

Pages: 274

Genres: Romance, Mafia

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

Enzo

Does she know who I am?
'No.'
Have I killed for her?
'Yes.'
Stalker?
'Absolutely.'

Jenna

I've worked the night shift at the local gas station for years, and nothing exciting ever happens. That is, until a tall dark stranger comes in to buy a coffee. I thought he was just passing through town, but then he starts coming in every night.

Whenever our eyes meet, I try to muster the courage to say something to him, but I never can and only end up blushing my butt off.
I begin to daydream about the man who has an air of mystery and danger, and it lessens the loneliness I feel.
The night I finally manage to say 'hi' to him, the gas station is robbed, and my tall dark stranger saves my life before disappearing.
A few days later, I'm offered a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy recluse. It pays more money than I've ever hoped to make in my lifetime, so I accept.
I miss my handsome stranger, though.

That is, until I hear a commotion one night and find him bleeding in the kitchen.
It turns out everything is not as it seems, and like a helpless fly, I'm stuck in the web he's spun around me.

STANDALONE: A Mafia Romance full-length novel.
Each book in the Mafia Empire series is interconnected, but about a different couple who will all find their HEA.

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU

My Review:

Heard has done it again! From the synopsis to the swoon worthy cover, she delivers a sizzling mafia romance in The Devil. As the fifth book in the Mafia Empire Series, this story will leave you rooting for the characters until the very end!

Growing up on the streets has taught Enzo Oliveira to never trust anyone. He has learned the hard way how deceiving people can be while constantly fighting for the bare necessities. Now Enzo is in a constant battle to protect the empire he built with blood and pain. So when he is informed that one of his newest contraband factories is in trouble, Enzo decides to leave Portugal to fly to the U.S. in order to handle the problem. Little does he know just how much his life is about to change forever. For Jenna Dotson, living in the small town of Aurora has its benefits when you want to hide from the world. But that wasn’t always the case, she once dreamed about becoming a badass business woman in New York or travel the world with her future family. Yet, that dream came to an end the day she lost the ability to trust in people.

Her world turned upside down and with her dreams crushed, Jenna had no choice but to start working at the local gas station. Her routine is always the same, until one day a mysterious good looking stranger starts to come in every night. Always trying to be respectful and nothing else, Jenna slowly begins to daydream about the man that exudes wealth and power. Wondering what he could possibly be doing in her small town. Then a turn of events forces her to rethink her future at the gas station after she is offered a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy recluse. Not realizing that she was about to walk into a whole new world full of danger and it’s leader, Enzo Oliveira aka her mysterious stranger.

I absolutely loved reading The Devil, it’s evident from the beginning that both of the characters have suffered immensely. Their ability to trust was damaged at a very young age and that ultimately is what brings them together. They are able to lean on each other and as Enzo starts to learn more about Jenna, the possessive side of him grows. He knows early on that Jenna was meant to be his and his job is to do everything in his power to protect her at at any cost. The plot twist that we get was unexpected! I loved seeing the rest of the alliance in the book, everyone truly comes together as a family to protect one another. Something that Enzo is not used to, but slowly accepts. I loved the ending, getting to see that Jenna truly got what she’s always dreamed about. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out this story as well as the rest of the series. You will not regret it! ;)

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

My Rating:

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TikTok, Newsletter

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Beautiful Torment by A. Zavarelli {REVIEW}

Beautiful Torment by A. Zavarelli

Release Date: September 26, 2025

Series: Empire of Kings #1

Pages: 483

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia

They call him Il Diavolo
When the devil dressed in black crashes my wedding
I know he didn’t come to offer me his blessing
He came to collect what was always his
For months, he’s watched me from the shadows
Haunting me
Biding his time
Planning his revenge
Before he was King of the Cosa Nostra
I was fated to be his queen
I promised him forever
Now, he’s here to remind me what forever really means.

Beautiful Torment is a dark mafia romance with a complete ending.

Amazon

My Review:

Not having read any other books by the author before, I didn’t know what to expect. Needless to say, I was impressed with overall story. Zavarelli is able to deliver a steamy dark romance in Beautiful Torment. What starts off as a decades-old feud ends up changing the lives of Abella Moretti and Angelo Vitale forever.

For someone that has grown up within the Costa Nostra, there is no surprise when Abella is informed of her upcoming arranged marriage. As the daughter of one of the most powerful man in the mafia, Abella knows what her responsibilities are as a woman in their world. A woman’s value always comes down to what she could be traded for and the treaty between their families runs deep. What makes the arrangement easier to take on is the fact that she knows her soon-to-be fiancé really well. Having grown up with Angelo, Abella knew that someday she would take her rightful place as his wife. What neither of them expected was for life to take a turn of events that would end up separating them for six long years.

It’s been six years since Angelo Vitale was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. While trying to clear his name, he was relocated away from the Costa Nostra. Yet, Angelo is coming back a changed man, who is not only feared among the mafia community, but also wants revenge for what was done to him. He sets his eyes on the one he thought he was going to spend the rest of his life with. Abella doesn’t have a clue what await her. Angelo vows to find out what truly happened all those years ago. Though nothing could have prepared him for the truth to come out.

I thoroughly loved reading Beautiful Torment, Angelo is the downright possessive when it comes to Abella and we get to see that amplify as he starts to grow closer to her. There is no denying the attraction that they have towards each other, but even he knows that he can’t let himself fall for her again. It’s the mystery of what happened all those years ago that still hunts them, yet Angelo doesn’t know that those secrets could put everyone around them at risk and jeopardize their second chance at happiness. While we do get a lot steamy/romantic moments between Abella and Angela, I loved seeing the behind-the-scenes operations of how their world works. The story as a whole was well-thought out and the secondary characters made the story that much more enjoyable to read. We get to see the characters come to terms with the past in order to get their shot at a future together and a preview of what’s to come in the next book in the series. I would highly recommend checking out this book, I cannot wait to read more from the author in the future! :)

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

My Rating:

About A. Zavarelli:

A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.
When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research. She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 The Empress by Michelle Heard {REVIEW}

The Empress by Michelle Heard

Release Date: August 4, 2025

Series: Mafia Empire #4

Genres: Romance, Mafia

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

While visiting family in Italy with my mother, I come face-to-face with Leo Toscano. The head of the Italian mafia, and my worst nightmare.

Let’s get one thing straight. I didn’t know the mafia was a thing until the ruthless man threatens to wipe out my family unless I marry him. 

Not having much of a choice, I reluctantly say ‘I do’, and tie myself to the heartless bastard for life.

Turns out he doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I quickly learn the definition of loneliness.

But then secrets begin to come to light, and everything I thought I knew about my life turns out to be a lie.
Now the big, bad mafia boss is the one begging.
How the tables have turned.

STANDALONE: A Mafia Romance full-length novel.
Each book in the Mafia Empire series is interconnected, but about a different couple who will all find their HEA.

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon CA

My Review:

Heard delivers a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance in The Empress. As the fourth book in the Mafia Empire Series, this dark romance will transport you to the heart of Italy, leaving you wanting for more!

What started as an Italian vacation in order to meet her extended family, it quickly turned into something a lot more dangerous for Haven Romano. Little does she realize that her normal life was about to change forever the minute she meets Leo Toscano. The mysterious and handsome stranger who unexpectedly shows up at her uncle’s home ready to bring down the Romano family if she doesn’t marry him. Without given a choice to leave with her mom, Haven gets taken only to learn that Leo is the head of the Italian mafia and he is not about to let her go willingly. Haven has no choice but to marry him in order to save her mom and the rest of her family. Yet, no one could have prepared her for the loneliness she was about to experience at the care of someone who is supposed to be her husband. It doesn’t help that she is having the same nightmares she experienced as a child. She is willing to do anything in order to get Leo to let her go before it’s too late.

For Leo Romano his life changed seventeen years ago, after those that he cared about the most got taken from him. Now he has made it his mission to avenge their death by taking down the Romano family once and for all. Not realizing that he would meet Haven Romano in the process and that it would ultimately change the course of their lives. There is something about her that he can’t deny, a pull that keeps bringing them together no matter how hard he fights it. Leo never intended to marry or tie himself to the Romano family, but he wants Haven more than anything. He is going to make her his, even if he has to take her away from her family. He failed someone once and he is not about to do the same with his wife. He vows to protect her and earn her love with time.

I absolutely loved reading The Empress, Haven is a fellow bookworm who coincidentally loves a good mafia romance. Not realizing that her life was going to mirror the books that she has read in the past. Although there is an attraction between Haven and Leo at the beginning, their relationship is rocky as they get to know each other. At first, Haven’s mission is to convince Leo to let her go. Leo doesn’t know why he feels so strongly for Haven, until the past comes to catch up with them that he finally gets the answers he’s been looking for a very long time. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out this book and the rest of the series. You will not regret it! :)

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

My Rating: 4.5/5

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

Connect w/Michelle:

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 Niall by Melanie Moreland

Niall by Melanie Moreland

Release Date: June 19, 2025

Series: The Irishmen #2

Pages: 244

Genres: Romance, Mafia

She’s His One Weakness—And He’ll Burn the World to Save Her.Niall Black

Loyal right-hand to Finn O’Reilly. Cousin and trusted friend.
He lives for the life he’s created. Filled with business, both day-to-day and dangerous. Not interested in a relationship of any kind outside of his comfort zone.
Until fate brings her to him. Annabelle Lewis.
She awakens something inside him. A need. A desire.
A new set of feelings he wasn’t prepared for.
When she is taken from him, how far will he go to get her back?
To the ends of the earth.
And anyone in his way will be removed.
Permanently.

The suspenseful finale in The Irishmen duet by New York Times Bestselling author Melanie Moreland

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My Review:

Moreland delivers a gripping conclusion in The Irishmen Duet, Naill is full of romance and suspense that will keep you at the edge of your seat until the end.

As his cousin’s right-hand, Niall Black is loyal to those he trusts the most. While working for the syndicate comes with its own danger, Niall is always ready to respond if needed. So when his cousin’s girlfriend gets kidnapped, he sets a plan in motion to rescue her, little does Niall know how much his life is about to change forever. There is another woman that needs protecting and the minute he comes in contact with her, there is something inside him that awakens. The need to protect Anna at all costs is more important than anything else and Niall will not stop until he is certain that no harm will come for her. He has never been one for relationships, not after the way his previous ones ended. His life is too dangerous for him to have a weakness, yet destiny had another plans after it brings Anna into the picture. Niall just needs to accept his growing feelings for her before it’s too late.

After experiencing what she went through, Anna Lewis is aware of the dangers that are lurking outside the life she grew up in. It was a traumatic experience that left her shaken and with no family around to support her, Anna turns to Niall for emotional support. From the time he rescued her, she felt safe and cared for. There was a connection between them that was formed, one that was never truly formed with her own family. Everything emotional is new to her and Anna doesn’t know if her growing feelings for Niall are real. But sometimes it takes one person to change our lives forever and that’s what Anna finds with Niall. Yet, there are still dangers out there that could threaten their new relationship.

Moreland knows how to deliver all the feels in all of her books and Niall was no exception. Everyone needs a Niall in their lives, he is the ultimately hero in the book. Though you could say that they both saved each other in their own ways. Finn has created a life for himself in Canada after leaving Ireland behind. Though his mom is the one reason that he could ever go back home. But after seeing his cousin set roots of his own, Niall wonders if he could have the same thing with Anna. There is an undeniable connection between them from the very beginning that keeps growing stronger the longer they spend time together. Anna never thought that she would one day find someone so caring like Niall. He makes her feel seen and save. It doesn’t take long before she starts to fall for him. I absolutely loved the ending, characters from previous series made appearances throughout the book that made it that much more enjoyable to read. It was an emotional ending that ultimately concludes this second chance romance, that I would highly recommend checking it out! :)

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

My Rating:

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 The High Priestess by Michelle Heard {REVIEW}

The High Priestess by Michelle Heard

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Series: Mafia Empire #2

Pages: 263

Genres: Romance, Mafia, Contemporary

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

As the eldest daughter of Ilias Dimitrou, I’m next in line to become the head of the Greek mafia. I’m getting good at putting on an act while I learn everything I need to know about the organization, but behind closed doors, I’m terrified. If my father’s men catch a whiff of my fear, they’ll rip me apart.

Before I’m able to take over from my father, we’re attacked. I have to depend on my newly formed alliance to come to the rescue while I fight with every ounce of strength in my body to stay alive.

Barely surviving when my entire family is slaughtered, I end up being guarded by Lincoln Knight. For some reason, the damaged sniper refuses to leave my side, and I find myself becoming more and more dependent on him. He follows me like a deadly shadow, and I’m well aware of the fact that he’s the only person standing between me and certain death.

When I take my rightful place as the head of the Greek mafia, can I conquer my fears and become the strong leader I was born to be?

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU

My Review:

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, The High Priestess has proven to be one of my favorite books of the year. Heard delivers a captivating mafia romance that had me swooning and rooting for the characters until the end. A must-read!

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Cassia Dimitrou, heir to become the head of the Greek mafia. At twenty-eight years old, Cassia has been training and shadowing her dad for the past year. But even though to some she might be making progress in her training, to her everything that she’s had to endure has only solidified the fact that Cassia is afraid. Every time she has to deal with killers and criminals, there is a part of her that wonders if she’ll ever be a good leader. It doesn’t help that her stubborn father doesn’t want to retire, so she’s left with dealing with the alliance that he formed with other mafia leaders.

Up to this point Cassia has been able to convince them that she is a force to be reckoned with. Yet, her dad wants nothing to do with them now, all while provoking their enemy, the Bravta. When the Russian mafia attacks them by surprise, she is forced to see her family killed in front of her eyes. She didn’t think she was going to make it. Until a mysterious stranger saves her and takes her back to safety. Apprehensive and a little scared of him at first, Cassia thinks that Knight is going to turn on her. Little does she know how much the tortured stranger would end up changing the course of her life. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for her to not develop strong feelings for her bodyguard. The bodyguard who promises to protect her with his own life, all while helping her get her throne back.

Lincoln Knight is not afraid to kill, not after what he’s seen over the years. His time as a Navy Seal came to an abrupt end when he lost his sister. And it was the way he lost her that made him want to avenge her death. Aligning himself with the mafia by chance gave him more reasons to use his skills as a sniper. He was too late in saving his sister and he promises to not repeat the same mistake. So does his best to protect Cassia, she begs him to save her sister and that’s his undoing. It touches him that she wants to give her life for her sister and Knight recalls his own lose. It’s not easy to get her to agree to let him be her bodyguard, but eventually she gives in. Knight seems to be the only one to see through Cassia and the lack of confidence that she has. Yet, underneath all of that he sees a fierce leader and he vows to protect her with his life. Not realizing that she would manage to break down the walls around his heart.

I absolutely loved reading The Hight Priestess, it’s by far the best in the series. There is so much depth when it comes to the characters and their stories. They have lost so much and they are able to rely on each other for support. Although Cassia has always known that she would one day take over her dad, she can’t help to feel like a disappointment to her parents. She doesn’t think she is capable of being the cold hearted leader that she is expected to be in order to run the Greek mafia. It takes a lot to run an old-schooled organization and they will not take kindly or respect her if she shows fear. But having Knight with her gives Cassia a renew purpose and she has a lot to grow within herself to change the organization. Knight was the tortured hero in the story, everyone needs a Knight in their lives. He is protective when it comes to Cassia and he too has a lot to change, especially over his guilt for not being there to protect his own sister. This book has everything you can think of, from action to a full on sizzling romance that had me emotional at the end. I would highly recommend it, cannot wait to read more from the author in the future! :)

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

My Rating: 

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

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🔖 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 Hermit by Michelle Heard

The Hermit by Michelle Heard

Release Date: February 3, 2025 by MA HEARD

Series: Mafia Empire #1

Pages: 268

Genres: Romance, Mafia, Contemporary

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

I entered an arranged marriage so my sister, Ciara, could marry for love. Three years later, I’m a widow, and my father arranges for Ciara to marry Dominik Varga. The assassin slash arms dealer is as dangerous as he’s quiet, which is very unnerving.

Needless to say, I’m not happy at all. A deal was a deal, and I kept my end of it, so there’s no way on God’s green earth I’ll just sit back and smile like a good little girl. I’ll fight for Ciara’s freedom so she won’t have to face the hell I was forced to endure.

But Dominik doesn’t make things easy for me. He’s determined to get his hands on half of Dad’s empire.
When he moves into my family home, my entire routine unravels. I have to fight for more than just my sister’s freedom because I’m in danger of losing my heart.

I refuse to admit I’m drawn to his darkness. If I do, God only knows whether we’ll survive the fire raging between us.

A Mafia Romance full-length novel.

Each book in the Mafia Empire series is interconnected but about a different couple who will all find their HEA.

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU

My Review:

Heard delivers a gripping and page-turning romance in The Hermit, the first book in the Mafia Empire Series. This dark enemies-to-lovers romance will leave you wanting a Dominik of your own.

The story starts off by introducing us to Grace Devlin, a thirty-two year old widow whose upbringing in the mafia has changed the course of her life in the last three years since the death of her husband. Having been part of a disastrous arranged marriage that only brought her pain, Grace realizes that she doesn’t want for her young sister to go through the same thing. So when their dad arranges a marriage between Ciara and Dominik Varga, it unleashes a part of Grace that won’t vow down to her dad’s wishes. He stopped caring about their wellbeing after their mother passed away, so it’s up to Grace to protect her sister at all costs. Even if it means taking her place and marry the dangerous assassin instead. Nothing could have prepared her for the way Dominik would sweep her of her feet and give her that chance to truly be loved. But the dangerous of their lives are all around them and that could destroy their chance at being together.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Hermit, their first encounter was not conventional. But as Dominik got to know Grace, he was attracted to her and respected how fiercely protective she was of her younger sister. It was clear that Grace had a bad experience in her previous marriage and Dominik vowed to earn her trust, which quickly blossomed into developing feelings for each other. Although Dominik had a tough past as well, he was able to let his guard down with Grace and for the first time he was able to feel what it’s like being loved. They both learn to heal along the way while creating a safe space for their relationship and their future life together. Their story was such a great way to start the series with as we get a glimpse into other secondary characters as well. The ending was perfect for them and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I would highly recommend checking out the book! :)

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

My Rating:

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TikTok, Newsletter

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