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Tainted Love: Dark Redemption Book 1
Ciaran
An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.
In this world that’s always how it works. Without exception.
Sometimes it’s deliberate.
A way to provoke a response.
Set a trap.
Start a war…
What none of us can afford to do is to turn a blind eye.
To do so is to show weakness.
And in this world, that kind of weakness will get you annihilated.
That’s why I’m here, preparing to abduct the woman who’s stupid enough to tie herself to the scum they called the Viper, on her wedding day.
Retaliation.
Maricela
I feel like an inmate on death row waiting to be escorted to my doom, but marriage to Vito - the Viper - Rossi is a fate worse than death.
My father, the one who sold me into this nightmare, is present… somewhere, but I have to be escorted down the aisle by a body guard in case I try to make a run for it.
Well, they’re not wrong.
I stare at my reflection for the few precious moments of peace and freedom I have left. I’m not sure I know the woman who stares back at me. It’s my eyes that strike hardest.
Blank. Desolate. It’s like all the life has been sucked out of them.
The door opens and any last chance of escape has finally passed.
Except it’s not my bodyguard who enters the room, but a masked man with an Irish accent.
He doesn’t need to abduct me, I’ll go willingly.
This might have been my happily ever after… until he’s forced to give me back.
This is a dark, mafia story. There is content that some readers may find triggering.
An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.
In this world that’s always how it works. Without exception.
Sometimes it’s deliberate.
A way to provoke a response.
Set a trap.
Start a war…
What none of us can afford to do is to turn a blind eye.
To do so is to show weakness.
And in this world, that kind of weakness will get you annihilated.
That’s why I’m here, preparing to abduct the woman who’s stupid enough to tie herself to the scum they called the Viper, on her wedding day.
Retaliation.
Maricela
I feel like an inmate on death row waiting to be escorted to my doom, but marriage to Vito - the Viper - Rossi is a fate worse than death.
My father, the one who sold me into this nightmare, is present… somewhere, but I have to be escorted down the aisle by a body guard in case I try to make a run for it.
Well, they’re not wrong.
I stare at my reflection for the few precious moments of peace and freedom I have left. I’m not sure I know the woman who stares back at me. It’s my eyes that strike hardest.
Blank. Desolate. It’s like all the life has been sucked out of them.
The door opens and any last chance of escape has finally passed.
Except it’s not my bodyguard who enters the room, but a masked man with an Irish accent.
He doesn’t need to abduct me, I’ll go willingly.
This might have been my happily ever after… until he’s forced to give me back.
This is a dark, mafia story. There is content that some readers may find triggering.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2024
7 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 27, 2024
The book starts with Maricela Escobar being held captive and afraid.
Maricela has been sold by her father to the Famaliglia and is set up for an arranged marriage to the "Viper" aka Vito Rossi. On her wedding day, she is kidnapped by Ciaran.... as retribution for Orla.
Maricela, determined to be in charge of her own life, makes a bold decision when ariving at the Irish compound that no one expects..... and wow, was it deviously good.
She finds unlikely friends in her new "prison" that she feels is the better option for her. The two friends are Róisín and Emylyah. I liked Róisín from the first introduction to the story. She is Ciaran's sister. Emylyah is quiet but understanding of Maricela's plight where Róisín isn't.
As in any mafia world, you always ask yourself, who to trust?? Because so much is going on, tensions are high, and relationships and people are questioned. One person is really on edge, to the point he is driven out of character is Callum, Ciaran's twin.
I really couldn't stand Callum, I know his actions are coming from a place of protectiveness and from keeping his proclivities a secret, but he really needed to get the stick out his butt.
I absolutely loved the banter between Ciaran and Maricela since their first meeting. What started out as an abduction for revenge turns to a kindling flame between the abductor and the abductee. Just when all seems to be going smoothly for the two, a curve ball is thrown in, forcing them to separate.
We see Ciaran feeling the utmost guilt and Maricela accepting her fate in a pang of emotions that had me grabbing my tissues. When all is almost lost, Maricela is saved by a heel wearing, gun toting female that she doesn't know.
After all is said and done, despite how others feel our MC's get their HEA, which is downright deserved for Maricela. But so many questions are left..
Who is the savior?
Why was Róisín against the relationship?
Will Callum and Maricela ever move past their amicable relationship?
Will Callum allow himself to be happy?
Can't wait to find out more in the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maricela has been sold by her father to the Famaliglia and is set up for an arranged marriage to the "Viper" aka Vito Rossi. On her wedding day, she is kidnapped by Ciaran.... as retribution for Orla.
Maricela, determined to be in charge of her own life, makes a bold decision when ariving at the Irish compound that no one expects..... and wow, was it deviously good.
She finds unlikely friends in her new "prison" that she feels is the better option for her. The two friends are Róisín and Emylyah. I liked Róisín from the first introduction to the story. She is Ciaran's sister. Emylyah is quiet but understanding of Maricela's plight where Róisín isn't.
As in any mafia world, you always ask yourself, who to trust?? Because so much is going on, tensions are high, and relationships and people are questioned. One person is really on edge, to the point he is driven out of character is Callum, Ciaran's twin.
I really couldn't stand Callum, I know his actions are coming from a place of protectiveness and from keeping his proclivities a secret, but he really needed to get the stick out his butt.
I absolutely loved the banter between Ciaran and Maricela since their first meeting. What started out as an abduction for revenge turns to a kindling flame between the abductor and the abductee. Just when all seems to be going smoothly for the two, a curve ball is thrown in, forcing them to separate.
We see Ciaran feeling the utmost guilt and Maricela accepting her fate in a pang of emotions that had me grabbing my tissues. When all is almost lost, Maricela is saved by a heel wearing, gun toting female that she doesn't know.
After all is said and done, despite how others feel our MC's get their HEA, which is downright deserved for Maricela. But so many questions are left..
Who is the savior?
Why was Róisín against the relationship?
Will Callum and Maricela ever move past their amicable relationship?
Will Callum allow himself to be happy?
Can't wait to find out more in the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
Although I love mafia romances, I find them frustrating at the same time, as once again we see a woman portrayed as nothing more than a pawn in the mafia world. But I truly felt sorry for Maricela here; out of the frying pan into the fire. Forced to marry the Viper, she’d already suffered unimaginable abuse at his hand prior to her wedding, so being kidnapped on the day of her wedding was more liberation than hardship. Yet, though they were less abusive, being taken by the Irish mob was hardly a step towards freedom. Thinking her a willing bride, Ciaran was confused by his captive’s actions. With defiance and bravado masking her fear, Ciaran admired her spirit, but refused to act on his attraction. Despite everything she had been through, Maricela was still standing and facing her fate head on. Forced into close proximity, there were plenty of tense moments as Maricela and Ciaran sparred and pushed each other’s buttons until, inevitably their passions explode. With twists and turns to keep the story interesting, the tension built as Ciaran and his brother Callum waited for the Viper’s move. But when the Viper turns the tables, Ciaran must make an impossible choice that will devastate him, no matter which way he goes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2024
Tainted Love is a Dark Romance by Poppy Flynn. This is Ciaran and Maricela's story. Maricela Escobar's father sold her to Vito Rossi known as the Viper. Viper has held Maricela prisoner and abused her for six months. He keeps Maricela locked away in her room and not allowed around any of the family. On the wedding day of Viper and Maricela, she is abducted. This is the best way to get out of this marriage she didn't want. Ciaran and his brother Callum come to abduct Maricela. They are twin brothers and heads of the Irish Mafia in New York. She shows them the easiest way to get out without being noticed.
Maricela is now Ciaran's prisoner at their home compound.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maricela is now Ciaran's prisoner at their home compound.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2024
I'm a regular reader of this author but this is the first time I've read a mafia story from her and since it's not one of my must read tropes, I'm always a bit undecided. Anyway, this standalone, HEA, first in series has a lot to recommend it. The writing is sharp and descriptive, really putting you in Maricela's shoes, even when you don't want to be. There's great interaction between Ciaran and Maricela and enough characters to fill the next few stories. Parts of this book are absolutely brutal and are in both current and past timeframes and rather than black and white, the good guys are more of a grey. I found this book engrossing and while I have decided to take a step back from reading this trope, it really did keep me hooked. The only reasons for 4* instead of 5*, is that in my opinion it ended too suddenly. Yes, there was a great epilogue, but that last bit of relationship mending came too easily. Also, without spoilers, something occurred towards the end concerning Maricela and I really didn't like the way that Ciaran handled it. I'm already looking forward to book 2.
April 1, 2024
This was a solid 4 star rating. It had a good storyline that was enjoyable. There wasn't a whole lot of mafia and bratva stuff going as the plots were pretty specific. I won't say much on it as I don't want to ruin the novel for readers.
Maricela was a strong female lead. She always held her head high regardless of the hurtles life threw at her. Ciaran was, in my opinion, an alright main male lead. I did like like that he had morals so he wasn't the standard alpha arse, making him likable.
The ending left more to be desired as I felt it ended way too fast and all was well, with a lot of rushing and not enough details.
I can share there was the mysterious female at the end that I would really love to figure out who she is. I guess I'm just going to have to wait for that one to play out.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There was very little grammical and editing issues. Which was also a nice thing as there wasn't the constant distraction of rereading to figure something out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maricela was a strong female lead. She always held her head high regardless of the hurtles life threw at her. Ciaran was, in my opinion, an alright main male lead. I did like like that he had morals so he wasn't the standard alpha arse, making him likable.
The ending left more to be desired as I felt it ended way too fast and all was well, with a lot of rushing and not enough details.
I can share there was the mysterious female at the end that I would really love to figure out who she is. I guess I'm just going to have to wait for that one to play out.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There was very little grammical and editing issues. Which was also a nice thing as there wasn't the constant distraction of rereading to figure something out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2024
Tainted Love is the first book in the Dark Redemption series. This is a dark mafia romance. This story does touch on some things that may be triggering so please be mindful. Maricela, constantly wondering if this is the day she is going to die, finds herself being kidnapped on her dreaded wedding day. Her captor, Ciaran, is seeking retaliation for the acts of Maricela's fiance. Ciaran didn't expect to find Maricela in the condition she is in or her fighting spirit. Maricela didn't expect to find herself in a better situation as well as receiving better treatment while being kidnapped than she did in her actual life. With emotions and tempers rising, sparks ignite. Fantastic start to the series and can't wait for the next one to come out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2024
Tainted Love is the start of the Dark Redemption series set in the world of organized crime. Ciaran and Maricela's story is a fast-paced, entertaining read with elements of suspense, danger and violence. Yet there is also an attraction where none should be between the captor and the captive, feelings that lead to steamy scenes and a touching HEA. Because beneath Ciaran's mob boss persona, there's a man who is not quite the monster he believes himself to be and Maricela is too resourceful, strong and proud to be a victim for long. The book also sets the scene for characters in future books and I can't wait!
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
April 11, 2024
Maricela was sold to Vito, the brother of the Italian Mafia Don, by her father, a member of the Mexican Cartel. Unfortunately, Vito is a very abusive, selfish, and wreckless man. His marriage to Maricela is a marriage of convenience, not love. Vito is angry that he is not next in line to lead the Italian Mafia, and he is taking out his anger on anyone and everyone - particularly Maricela. Lucky for Maricela, Vito crossed the wrong group of men, the Irish Mob, and without knowing so, Ciaran and Callum free Maricela on her wedding day when they kidnap her as vengeance for the murder of one of their own.
When Ciaran and Callum, twins co-leading the Irish Mob, kidnap Maricela, they are not aware that they have truly saved her from a life that was leading to her early death. Unexpectedly, the kidnapping does not go in their favor when Vito doesn't reach out for his fiance. In the small time that Ciaran and Callum have Maricela, Ciaran begins to fall head over heals for her. His feelings don't mean anything when he has to choose between Maricela and his sister, though.
Tainted Love, the first book in the Dark Redemption series, is a well written mafia story with plenty of mystery, murder, vengeance, love, heartbreak, deceit, and emotion. Maricela cannot deny that she has found love at the hands of her kidnapper. Ciaran cannot hide that he's in love with his captive, but he knows that his loyalty lies with his family. Tainted Love winds you through their story in a captivating way. You want to root on Maricela and Ciaran at the same time that you want to smack Ciaran for being an idiot. Maricela is a victim of her circumstances, but you want to believe that she can overcome anything, even being returned to Vito, her abuser. Tainted Love will leave you feeling every emotion possible, have a pit in your stomach hoping for a happily ever after, and begging for the next character's story. Poppy Flynn has no trouble writing a world full of crime intertwined with plenty of spice and a love story.
When Ciaran and Callum, twins co-leading the Irish Mob, kidnap Maricela, they are not aware that they have truly saved her from a life that was leading to her early death. Unexpectedly, the kidnapping does not go in their favor when Vito doesn't reach out for his fiance. In the small time that Ciaran and Callum have Maricela, Ciaran begins to fall head over heals for her. His feelings don't mean anything when he has to choose between Maricela and his sister, though.
Tainted Love, the first book in the Dark Redemption series, is a well written mafia story with plenty of mystery, murder, vengeance, love, heartbreak, deceit, and emotion. Maricela cannot deny that she has found love at the hands of her kidnapper. Ciaran cannot hide that he's in love with his captive, but he knows that his loyalty lies with his family. Tainted Love winds you through their story in a captivating way. You want to root on Maricela and Ciaran at the same time that you want to smack Ciaran for being an idiot. Maricela is a victim of her circumstances, but you want to believe that she can overcome anything, even being returned to Vito, her abuser. Tainted Love will leave you feeling every emotion possible, have a pit in your stomach hoping for a happily ever after, and begging for the next character's story. Poppy Flynn has no trouble writing a world full of crime intertwined with plenty of spice and a love story.
April 15, 2024
Another great book by Poopy Flynn. At first I was afraid it was going to be a duet but fear not … your heart will get the ending it needs with waiting for another book.
Maricela is a pawn in a game she wants nothing to do with. Out of the pot and into the fire .. trading one cage for another.
Ciaran catches her in his net of retribution unaware that’s everything isn’t as it seems.
If you love Irish men…
Strong women …:
And emotions sneaking up that no one expects then this is a book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maricela is a pawn in a game she wants nothing to do with. Out of the pot and into the fire .. trading one cage for another.
Ciaran catches her in his net of retribution unaware that’s everything isn’t as it seems.
If you love Irish men…
Strong women …:
And emotions sneaking up that no one expects then this is a book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2024
Maricela was sold by her father to Vito the Viper. A man that is truly abusive. He beats and burns cigars on Maricela. On the day of their wedding she is kidnapped by the Irish Mob twins. Although fearful of them, she’d rather be with them than Vito and she helps them escape. Maricela and Ciaran are sleeping in the same room every night while Ciaran and Callum (his twin) try to figure out what Vito is doing, since he slowly encroaching on their territory. As these two fall in love, their love is tested when events concern his sister. This is the first book in a duet. There was action, violence, drama and spice.
March 27, 2024
Tainted Love is the first of the 7 book Dark Redemption series by Poppy Flynn, a dark mafia series and OMG it is so good. This book deserves way more than 5*.
From the moment I started reading g I was drawn into Maricelas story. From her unconventional meeting with Cairan right through to the epilogue I felt like I was on edge and found d it difficult to breath.
I can not wait to read more of this series, the characters and story have drawn me in completely.
Highly recommended.
From the moment I started reading g I was drawn into Maricelas story. From her unconventional meeting with Cairan right through to the epilogue I felt like I was on edge and found d it difficult to breath.
I can not wait to read more of this series, the characters and story have drawn me in completely.
Highly recommended.
March 28, 2024
I am not usually a fan of Mafia romance but I trusted the author enough to give that book a chance. And I am very happy that I did !
Maricela and Cieran are very interesting characters. Kidnapping, retribution, forced proximity : the story is fast paced and I couldn't put it down.
It's the first book in a new series and I can't wait to see secondary characters get their own HEA. Especially Callum, I want to see Callum fall hard and fast.
Maricela and Cieran are very interesting characters. Kidnapping, retribution, forced proximity : the story is fast paced and I couldn't put it down.
It's the first book in a new series and I can't wait to see secondary characters get their own HEA. Especially Callum, I want to see Callum fall hard and fast.
April 8, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are well developed and the storyline grabbed my attention from the start. This is Ciaran and Maricela's story. The suspense, drama and violence all added to this book. I would recommend reading this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2024
Wonderful hard hitting Brava and Irish mob story
Ciaran had taken her from the wedding ceremony, she had actually helped the twins kidnap her and escape the horror of her prospective husband Got to the Viper.
As she was at the Irish compound it could not be denied the attraction between Ciiaran and her but when their sister is kidnapped by the Viper they know they have no alternative, they have to hand her back to get their younger sister back.
Ciaran had taken her from the wedding ceremony, she had actually helped the twins kidnap her and escape the horror of her prospective husband Got to the Viper.
As she was at the Irish compound it could not be denied the attraction between Ciiaran and her but when their sister is kidnapped by the Viper they know they have no alternative, they have to hand her back to get their younger sister back.
April 6, 2024
This story grabs your attention right from the beginning and doesn't let go! She has endured a lot at the Vipers hand and now she is in the hands of the Irish Mafia. She and Cieran locked horns until their collisions ignited into passion. Will it lead them along the road to happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2024
I am not a fan of mafia books but as I love the author I gave it a chance. It is very entertaining. Fast paced with a HEA. There are twists and turns and I really didn't expect the ending. Great read!!
April 3, 2024
I don’t normally like stories about the mobs, but this was different. They were enemies before they even met. This is a heartbreaking story of Maricela who had a tough life, a life that left her no say or control of what was to happen. Ciaran changed her life and his, in an act of revenge.
April 7, 2024
She was sold by her father to marry a man who beat and raped her. On her wedding day she was kidnapped by the rival Irish mob. There she found a different type of captivity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2024
I've read several books written by Poppy Flynn; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Dark Redemption Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Maricela & Ciaran.
This is the first book in the Dark Redemption Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Maricela & Ciaran.
April 21, 2024
This Book 1 in The Dark Redemption Books Series has an intense Mafia Romance Story with intriguing Characters with unique personalities, diverse histories and believable interactions. This is a forced proximity dark romance story and a good start to a new series. This is a must read.
May 18, 2024
This wouldn’t be a Mafia book without loads of suspense! In this book the characters are all morally gray. Maricela may be the victim but she doesn’t act like it! She keeps her spine straight but also knows when to fold and hold her chips for the next hand! I loved her gumption and Roisin’s spirit….they have to have it when dealing with the Irish mafia! Overall it was a great mafia romance!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews