Okay, so this is going to be a weird 5-star review, but just bear with me for a minute, lol. I wasn't sure that I even liked this book for the first 30% or so - I was more fascinated than anything, and it definitely took awhile to wrap my head around the characters. This wastes zero time jumping right in; that blurb is pretty misleading, and our couple has actually been working together for over 6 months when the story begins (she is NOT his captive). I really wasn't a fan of the antihero at the start, and there's very little overtly "romantic" content. But every time I debated setting this aside, I realized that I didn't want to. I wanted to see what happened next. And somewhere along the way, this brutal, exceedingly violent, mafia suspense novel transitioned into a subtle and unique love story... it just happens to feature a coldblooded killer as the leading man.
The story follows a woman, let's call her Ash, who has entered the mafia world for... reasons. She's on a mission, and she's put up with a lot along the way - she's been raped, she's become desensitized to bloodshed, and violence happens on a daily basis. Her newest boss is the best one so far, not because he's particularly nice (he's not), but because he doesn't treat her poorly. She mostly tries to stay out of his way, but a trip forces them to spend time together - and that changes the whole dynamic. It's not long before Ash is seeing the kinder side of Raize, and the silent killer seems to become more fond of her as well. As the two fight for survival, they bond in unexpected ways.
This is as much a suspense novel as it is a romance, with a SIGNIFICANT focus on the darker side of mafia life. I couldn't even begin to list the number of violent scenes, and there's triggering content on every page. BUT not between our antihero and heroine. Raize doesn't talk a lot, but he speaks volumes with his actions - and he's actually got a sweet side buried deep, deep inside of him. Very deep. Once this reaches the halfway point, the romance becomes more central to the story, and I loved the quiet moments between these two. It's steamy and intense and oh so brutal, but absolutely immersive and completely engrossing. I can definitely name some issues that I have with it (please, ladies, don't bang hot killers without protection when you know they had frequent drug-filled sex parties in the days before you got together), but I actually really enjoyed this. It's not a safe or easy story in any way, but its distinct vibe makes the romance shine.
Audio note: I also have mixed feelings about the audio, go figure. I switched back and forth between the ebook and audio, and it's clear that the book was edited some more after the audio was completed - there are a few notable discrepancies between the two. You also shouldn't be too excited about Connor Crais - only about 10% of the book is told from his perspective, the rest is narrated by CJ Bloom, whose peppy, upbeat voice really doesn't match the tone of the book. She also voices a few Mexican characters, and... yeah, no. Not a great idea. But it's easy to listen to and mostly well done, so I did enjoy the audio for the most part. This is steamy and violent throughout, so I'm not sure that I'd recommend it as a workday listen. The runtime is also significantly longer than a workday, so it'll likely run over two days. So, I do recommend the audio overall, but it's not without its own issues.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
TIJAN'S BEST MAFIA ROMANCE BOOK
I stopped existing since I started this book. It is the best book Tijan has ever written, full of action, suspense, darkness, secrets, and passion.There is nothing I wouldn't do for my sister, and our main character feels the same way. She entered the world of the mafia and will fight against everyone to free her in the meantime her new boss will be a great distraction.Raize is a cold and calculating man, who has a talent for destroying entire organizations. He also has his canary up his sleeve, that weapon that much des re, but few can have. However, it could also be the thing that tears down his own walls.I am intoxicated with this story, in a good way, because I feel that since I finished this book, I do nothing but relate everything to this one.The main character is one of the strongest characters I have ever seen, she was able to manipulate her emotions to not let them cloud the mind of her goal. She physically learned everything to survive and considering how many times her life was at risk, she is a crack. Plus, her love for animals makes me believe in humanity.Raize is a delightful man. But the most appealing thing about him is his intelligence and his strategy. I always trusted him to solve even the most complex riddle. Besides, everything about him is perfect. He has become a favorite literary boyfriend.The story takes you from one place to another, it's so fast you can't believe its length. You feel like you're inside an action flick, combined with exquisite romance. The secondary characters become so special; you would love to know more about their story.READ TW::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::ESPAÑOLDejé de existir desde que empecé este libro. Es el mejor libro que Tijan ha escrito, lleno de acción, suspenso, oscuridad, secretos y pasión.No hay nada que no haría por mi hermana, y nuestra protagonista piensa de la misma manera. Entró en el mundo de la mafia y luchará contra todos para poder liberarla mientras tanto su nuevo jefe será una gran distracción.Raize es un hombre frio y calculador, que tiene un talento para destruir organizaciones completas. Además, cuenta con su canario bajo la manga, aquella arma que muchos desean, pero pocos pueden tener. Sin embargo, también podría ser aquello que derribe sus propias paredes.Estoy intoxicada con esta historia, en el buen sentido, porque siento que desde que terminé este libro no hago otra cosa que relacionarlo todo con este.La protagonista es uno de los personajes más fuertes que he visto en la vida, pudo manipular sus emociones para no dejar que le nublarán la mente de su objetivo. Físicamente aprendió todo para sobrevivir y teniendo en cuenta las veces que su vida se encontraba en riesgo, es una crack. Además, su amor por los animales me hace creer en la humanidad.Raize es un hombre delicioso. Pero lo más atractivo de él, es su inteligencia y su estrategia. Siempre confiaba en que iba a resolver hasta el enigma más complejo. Además, todo él es perfecto. Se ha convertido en un novio literario preferido.La historia te lleva de un lugar a otro, es tan rápida que no puedes creer su largo. Te sientes dentro de una peli de acción, combinada con un romance exquisito. Los personajes secundarios se vuelven tan especiales, que te encantaría conocer más de su historia.LEER TW
Top reviews from other countries
Leseratte
spannende Geschichte aus dem Crime-Bereich
Reviewed in Germany on April 11, 2024L beaver
Great read. Tijan is a great story teller.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2023