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Twisted Saviors #1
The Don's Deadly Games
The most dangerous man in Chicago has painted a target on my back.
Now, I’m stuck with the very man who wants me dead.
I was just a therapist hiding from my past until I broke the cardinal never get involved with a client.
My judgment came swiftly and in the form of the ultimate Nico Vitelli.
He looks like sin, tastes like caramel, and loves to play with his prey. I can’t resist his dark pull.
And on a forced road trip, I let him strip me bare and make me scream.
Suddenly, I’m plunged into a mafia war and back into the world I was running from.
Only this time, it’s too late to back out; I’ve fallen for the delicious monster.
And my would-be assassin has become the twisted savior I never knew I needed.
The Don's Deadly Games is a dark, steamy romance. It contains graphic content that some readers may find triggering. Intended for mature audiences.
Now, I’m stuck with the very man who wants me dead.
I was just a therapist hiding from my past until I broke the cardinal never get involved with a client.
My judgment came swiftly and in the form of the ultimate Nico Vitelli.
He looks like sin, tastes like caramel, and loves to play with his prey. I can’t resist his dark pull.
And on a forced road trip, I let him strip me bare and make me scream.
Suddenly, I’m plunged into a mafia war and back into the world I was running from.
Only this time, it’s too late to back out; I’ve fallen for the delicious monster.
And my would-be assassin has become the twisted savior I never knew I needed.
The Don's Deadly Games is a dark, steamy romance. It contains graphic content that some readers may find triggering. Intended for mature audiences.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
593 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 15, 2025
Part 1
3 💥💘⚡️⭐️s
An enjoyable mafia romance read with some suspenseful moments and likeable characters.
3 💥💘⚡️⭐️s
An enjoyable mafia romance read with some suspenseful moments and likeable characters.
May 27, 2024
I want to be Sophie when I grow up! I think she’s my new favorite MFC, everything about her makes her awesome. Nico is the perfect good bad guy. Every time I read a book and fall for the MMC I always wonder if they’re are men like them in the real world. Idk why but I did not expect this book to have me feeling all the things I felt while I was reading it. I’m now a huge fan of mafia book because of this one. This is also my first book by this author but it will not be my last. Another book that I love and recommend. I’m hoping Dante gets his own book if he doesn’t already have one. Mind Your Triggers
April 29, 2024
The pull the main characters have towards each other is undeniable. Secrets, tension, enemies, and a desire to escape from the past lifestyle weaves an interesting story. The push and pull had me on a rollercoaster of emotions as each event unfolded. Throw an MC Chick into the life of a Mafia Don, and you have fireworks with uncontrollable sizzle. This was a good twist on a Mafia romance.
January 5, 2025
4.5 ✨
WOW. I DID NOT EXPECT ANY OF THIS!
I haven't read this of an engaging mafia romance in a hot while! The tension, the emotions, the characters, the chemistry, the PLOT, the dialogue, the setting: absolutely amazing. I devoured this in a few hours, I wasn't able to do anything else until I finished this. Had me giggling and gasping in less than 300 pages 😭 not to mention I laughed out loud quite a few times, gosh!!!
"For all we know, there could be a few hundred snipers trained on this clubhouse as we speak."
A few hundred snipers? What a fucking drama queen. There's just about half a dozen.
NOTHING I LOVE MORE THAN A SILLY, GOOFY YET STILL DEADLY MAN.
"There are so many follow-up questions I want to ask him. Like where he stashed this asshole when he gave me a much-needed physical outlet for guilt and pain and whatever other confused emotions I was feeling back in Harmony.
When he bound the hand I slashed on a whim.
When he kissed the living daylights out of me and then let me go, to the disbelief of his men.
When he sent a car to take me home because he’d dropped me in the middle of nowhere.
But I shut my mouth, waiting for him to talk. It’s his session, after all."
She was suchhh an excellent main female character, so interesting, so intriguing and so unbelievably cool. I liked her even more than Nico
And I'm just gonna wrap this up here because all I can do is geek about this book. I don't necessarily have anything that I minded a lot, I wished the epilogue was a bit different but it's all cool! See y'all in Dante's book 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
WOW. I DID NOT EXPECT ANY OF THIS!
I haven't read this of an engaging mafia romance in a hot while! The tension, the emotions, the characters, the chemistry, the PLOT, the dialogue, the setting: absolutely amazing. I devoured this in a few hours, I wasn't able to do anything else until I finished this. Had me giggling and gasping in less than 300 pages 😭 not to mention I laughed out loud quite a few times, gosh!!!
"For all we know, there could be a few hundred snipers trained on this clubhouse as we speak."
A few hundred snipers? What a fucking drama queen. There's just about half a dozen.
NOTHING I LOVE MORE THAN A SILLY, GOOFY YET STILL DEADLY MAN.
"There are so many follow-up questions I want to ask him. Like where he stashed this asshole when he gave me a much-needed physical outlet for guilt and pain and whatever other confused emotions I was feeling back in Harmony.
When he bound the hand I slashed on a whim.
When he kissed the living daylights out of me and then let me go, to the disbelief of his men.
When he sent a car to take me home because he’d dropped me in the middle of nowhere.
But I shut my mouth, waiting for him to talk. It’s his session, after all."
She was suchhh an excellent main female character, so interesting, so intriguing and so unbelievably cool. I liked her even more than Nico
And I'm just gonna wrap this up here because all I can do is geek about this book. I don't necessarily have anything that I minded a lot, I wished the epilogue was a bit different but it's all cool! See y'all in Dante's book 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
April 10, 2024
Therapy for the mafia. Told in a 2 person POV that doesn’t always switch to the second person but continues on with the same character as the previous chapter. The characters are all really well developed. Nico, at 30 is the Don of his crime family. Sophie, a therapist who was confided in by the wife of a mafia soldier who betrayed Nico. But there is more to Sophie than just being someone to talk to. That’s just the beginning. This story is full of well thought out characters. There are some predictable storylines but there is plenty of plot twists. It has some very racy parts that make your toes curl. There is a mafia presence done in an almost sterile fashion. Overall it’s a great tale and may keep you up at night just to read more of this book.
January 13, 2025
i thought i quit mafia books but it seems like i'm back at it again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
Good read. These two hit it off maybe? Need to read to see. Enjoyed this one. I believe you will to
September 30, 2024
Another smash hit by Judy Hale!
What I really loved about this book was how fierce and tough Sophie is! From the moment Nico steps into her world, she never backs down in fear. She meets him at every turn and when things may not work out for her- she never lets the fear she is feeling completely meet her eyes. I also really loved the power struggle within herself. Here she is, trying to pass off as a therapist, but she comes from a very similar, if not eerily similar world as Nico, and despite trying to get away from it, she finds herself being further drawn into the dangerous world that Nico inhabits, all because she can't get him out of her system.
The push and pull between Nico and Sophie was also everything. These two should not have worked on paper and if Nico had been able to walk the walk like he said he was going to do, their relationship would have never blossomed into what it was. Somehow, Sophie got under his skin and time went on, he found that he couldn't get her off if his mind, something that infuriated him to no end. Skeptical to bring her into his world, he tries to keep her in the shadows until she proves she is trustworthy, but when outside threats start to discover what he has been up to, he finds that he isn't able to separate both lives that he has been trying to lead. I loved watching him begin to open up and realize that maybe having Sophie by his side isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Another great read that has everything from danger, great plot and fantastic side characters and story arcs. I can't wait to pick up Dante's story because something tells me more secrets will be lurking in the shadows.
What I really loved about this book was how fierce and tough Sophie is! From the moment Nico steps into her world, she never backs down in fear. She meets him at every turn and when things may not work out for her- she never lets the fear she is feeling completely meet her eyes. I also really loved the power struggle within herself. Here she is, trying to pass off as a therapist, but she comes from a very similar, if not eerily similar world as Nico, and despite trying to get away from it, she finds herself being further drawn into the dangerous world that Nico inhabits, all because she can't get him out of her system.
The push and pull between Nico and Sophie was also everything. These two should not have worked on paper and if Nico had been able to walk the walk like he said he was going to do, their relationship would have never blossomed into what it was. Somehow, Sophie got under his skin and time went on, he found that he couldn't get her off if his mind, something that infuriated him to no end. Skeptical to bring her into his world, he tries to keep her in the shadows until she proves she is trustworthy, but when outside threats start to discover what he has been up to, he finds that he isn't able to separate both lives that he has been trying to lead. I loved watching him begin to open up and realize that maybe having Sophie by his side isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Another great read that has everything from danger, great plot and fantastic side characters and story arcs. I can't wait to pick up Dante's story because something tells me more secrets will be lurking in the shadows.
April 21, 2024
"Her voice. The way she says my name. It's going to haunt me forever."
Ooooweee!!! Explosive!!🎆🎆🎆🎆 That's the thrilling energy this book gives. And did I mention, the fiery attraction!🔥🔥🔥 Muy caliente!! Hot! Hot! The main couple Sophie and Nico are perfect in more ways than one.🥵🥵🥵 Flames ignite when these two get close to each other. It's sexy but romantically raw. In a good way. It's needy. Got to have you! Their connection is: You're everything. I won't take less than that. I. Want. It. All!!!🧨🧨🧨 And then, I want more!!🫦🫦🫦
Sofie is a therapist in Chicago. And because of one of her clients, and what has been shared in her office, Sophie will have to deal with a man who doesn't like having his way of life, his family's secrets exposed to anyone. Don Vitelli doesn't like loose ends. Oh no! Nico knows what to do with enemies, he's got plenty, and he knows how to protect his loved ones from them. He's hands on. A force to be reckoned with. Determined. And arrogant. Naturally.😁 But Sparrow, aka Sophie, wasn't what he was expecting. She looks professional, and is, but this woman is the opposite of what he thought her to be. Like a quiet librarian with her hair pinned up.🤫 No one looks twice. But surprise!! She made Nico look and he can't stop looking!! Tats. A hidden blade. Remember: Never judge a book by its cover!😆😆 Sophie Kellan is smart, too smart, sees him exactly for what he is, and isn't afraid of him. At all. In fact, she calls him out. No one would ever dare!!😱 But Sophie dares and does!! I loved her sassines, her quick wit, and of course, George. Who is George, you ask? George is Sophie's pet duck!!🦆🦆🦆 That's right. Duck. Quack. Quack.🤣🤣 And she has a cherry red 69 Camaro! Duuuude! Jackpot! My girl is rocking the cool factor here. Have I mentioned she is the daughter of Phoenix, leader of the Reaper Druids MC. Oh yeah. She's got surprises to share and will blow the mind of Nico.🤯 Outlaws and rebels. Mud Night.🙃🙃 She's ready to embrace her dark side again and leap into the arms of a tall, dangerous, leader from the seedy underworld of the Italian mafia. You know, like The Sopranos. Or The Godfather. Would you do it? Can you stay away from a man who can seduce you with a look? With ice blue eyes and dark hair. I thought not. lol The things Nico says! Oof.😜 But now he's got bigger problems. He is attracted to her. How can he do what must be done when he wants... Sophie. How can he stay away from her? He can't. She's becoming something more to him. And as he handles his business, enemies are circulating in the water, can he protect her from them as well as himself? Can he be a leader and have something with Sophie too? Will she want him exactly as he is? Because once they do this, dealing with enemies, certain outcomes are inevitable; and they can't ever go back to how it once was. When you join the family, it's forever.♾️♾️♾️ This is a great dark romance. For me it wasn't overly dark. It was just right! Be sure to check the trigger warnings to see if you're comfortable reading certain topics and or tropes.📜📚
I highly recommend this book! For me, I just fell for Nico and Sophie. They're good for each other. Can I give more than 5 stars? It deserves a whole lot more than 5.🙌🏻 It's really really good. You need to read this one ASAP!! Happy reading!🖤🖤❤️🔥❤️🔥🖤🖤
🤩🌹Thank you to Ms Hale for an early book via Bookfunnel. These are my honest thoughts and opinions on this story. Add this one on your tbr list.🌹🤩
Ooooweee!!! Explosive!!🎆🎆🎆🎆 That's the thrilling energy this book gives. And did I mention, the fiery attraction!🔥🔥🔥 Muy caliente!! Hot! Hot! The main couple Sophie and Nico are perfect in more ways than one.🥵🥵🥵 Flames ignite when these two get close to each other. It's sexy but romantically raw. In a good way. It's needy. Got to have you! Their connection is: You're everything. I won't take less than that. I. Want. It. All!!!🧨🧨🧨 And then, I want more!!🫦🫦🫦
Sofie is a therapist in Chicago. And because of one of her clients, and what has been shared in her office, Sophie will have to deal with a man who doesn't like having his way of life, his family's secrets exposed to anyone. Don Vitelli doesn't like loose ends. Oh no! Nico knows what to do with enemies, he's got plenty, and he knows how to protect his loved ones from them. He's hands on. A force to be reckoned with. Determined. And arrogant. Naturally.😁 But Sparrow, aka Sophie, wasn't what he was expecting. She looks professional, and is, but this woman is the opposite of what he thought her to be. Like a quiet librarian with her hair pinned up.🤫 No one looks twice. But surprise!! She made Nico look and he can't stop looking!! Tats. A hidden blade. Remember: Never judge a book by its cover!😆😆 Sophie Kellan is smart, too smart, sees him exactly for what he is, and isn't afraid of him. At all. In fact, she calls him out. No one would ever dare!!😱 But Sophie dares and does!! I loved her sassines, her quick wit, and of course, George. Who is George, you ask? George is Sophie's pet duck!!🦆🦆🦆 That's right. Duck. Quack. Quack.🤣🤣 And she has a cherry red 69 Camaro! Duuuude! Jackpot! My girl is rocking the cool factor here. Have I mentioned she is the daughter of Phoenix, leader of the Reaper Druids MC. Oh yeah. She's got surprises to share and will blow the mind of Nico.🤯 Outlaws and rebels. Mud Night.🙃🙃 She's ready to embrace her dark side again and leap into the arms of a tall, dangerous, leader from the seedy underworld of the Italian mafia. You know, like The Sopranos. Or The Godfather. Would you do it? Can you stay away from a man who can seduce you with a look? With ice blue eyes and dark hair. I thought not. lol The things Nico says! Oof.😜 But now he's got bigger problems. He is attracted to her. How can he do what must be done when he wants... Sophie. How can he stay away from her? He can't. She's becoming something more to him. And as he handles his business, enemies are circulating in the water, can he protect her from them as well as himself? Can he be a leader and have something with Sophie too? Will she want him exactly as he is? Because once they do this, dealing with enemies, certain outcomes are inevitable; and they can't ever go back to how it once was. When you join the family, it's forever.♾️♾️♾️ This is a great dark romance. For me it wasn't overly dark. It was just right! Be sure to check the trigger warnings to see if you're comfortable reading certain topics and or tropes.📜📚
I highly recommend this book! For me, I just fell for Nico and Sophie. They're good for each other. Can I give more than 5 stars? It deserves a whole lot more than 5.🙌🏻 It's really really good. You need to read this one ASAP!! Happy reading!🖤🖤❤️🔥❤️🔥🖤🖤
🤩🌹Thank you to Ms Hale for an early book via Bookfunnel. These are my honest thoughts and opinions on this story. Add this one on your tbr list.🌹🤩
January 27, 2025
Nearly didn’t finish it. First half of the book isn’t enjoyable, second half is really good. Doesn’t match the plot either.
Wow that was a rollercoaster. I spent all of yesterday avoiding my kindle as I was hating this book, then today I couldn’t put it down. There’s a lot of it that really didn’t make sense though. Why would a mafia don keep going round to someone’s house WITHOUT any guards and always at the same times? In fact as the Don he didn’t have any guards at all or none that was mentioned. His brother is often with him, but no guards. The plot doesn’t match the book either. As it says he takes Sophie back into her past that she’s running from. She’s not running from it, at all. She’s trying to change who she is.
When one of psychiatrist Sophie’s clients is in danger, Sophie steps in to help her out. I don’t understand this part as the woman she’s helping all too readily gives Sophie up to Nico! A mistake that nearly costs her her life. As she knows too much or so Don Nico thinks, she has to be killed. I really really hated this part of the book as Nico is wooing Sophie and nearly having s*x with her all the while he’s planning to kill her. I can’t stress enough how much I hated that! 😡😡😡❤️
Nico bugs her office and home phones, and he knows that she isn’t talking to anyone. So WHY IS SHE STILL GOING TO BE KILLED? It’s only because Nico admired her strength that he didn’t kill her. Once Nico finally decides she’s not a threat, (Yes he’s a bit stupid!) they start seeing each other. Or should I say having endless mind numbingly boring s*x.
It does get really good, RIGHT NEAR THE END, I wish it had been a lot earlier in the book. I also really really wish that Nico didn’t want to kill Sophie. It would have been so much better if he hadn’t kept trying to get rid of her. It made me hate him.
Worth reading past the halfway mark.
Wow that was a rollercoaster. I spent all of yesterday avoiding my kindle as I was hating this book, then today I couldn’t put it down. There’s a lot of it that really didn’t make sense though. Why would a mafia don keep going round to someone’s house WITHOUT any guards and always at the same times? In fact as the Don he didn’t have any guards at all or none that was mentioned. His brother is often with him, but no guards. The plot doesn’t match the book either. As it says he takes Sophie back into her past that she’s running from. She’s not running from it, at all. She’s trying to change who she is.
When one of psychiatrist Sophie’s clients is in danger, Sophie steps in to help her out. I don’t understand this part as the woman she’s helping all too readily gives Sophie up to Nico! A mistake that nearly costs her her life. As she knows too much or so Don Nico thinks, she has to be killed. I really really hated this part of the book as Nico is wooing Sophie and nearly having s*x with her all the while he’s planning to kill her. I can’t stress enough how much I hated that! 😡😡😡❤️
Nico bugs her office and home phones, and he knows that she isn’t talking to anyone. So WHY IS SHE STILL GOING TO BE KILLED? It’s only because Nico admired her strength that he didn’t kill her. Once Nico finally decides she’s not a threat, (Yes he’s a bit stupid!) they start seeing each other. Or should I say having endless mind numbingly boring s*x.
It does get really good, RIGHT NEAR THE END, I wish it had been a lot earlier in the book. I also really really wish that Nico didn’t want to kill Sophie. It would have been so much better if he hadn’t kept trying to get rid of her. It made me hate him.
Worth reading past the halfway mark.
July 31, 2024
Mafia ✨and✨ MC?! Literally my crack. So so good. So good, actually, I read it in one sitting. The spice was spicing, the plot was plotting, and I actually didn’t see the twist (well part of it) coming which had my jaw on the floor. I fucking love a surprise I didn’t see coming 😈
I haven’t been this excited about a book in a while but this one had me kicking my feet, made me snort laugh, and provided allllll the tropes I needed (to name a few):
- “enemies” to lovers
- possessive, OTT, alpha hole hero
- badass, independent, EMOTIONALLY IN TOUCH heroine
- insta-chemistry
- found family
- morally grey behavior
- mafia/mc/fbi/cartel - pretty much pulled everyone in lol
- bilingual hero 🇮🇹
- he falls first
+ dual pov, no cliffhanger, hea
The FMC is an unassuming therapist with a dark past that’s taught her all she needs to know about how to wield a knife. The MMC? A ruthless mafia don brought to his KNEES the moment he meets her, despite his pesky conscience.
Action starts from the jump - no drawn out family trees or character explanations. Just *poof* dropped into the story and I eat that shit up 🍽️
The banter was 🧑🍳💋 from the start. Chemistry on 10.
I don’t want to say it was slow burn, but full-blown spice wasn’t until ~50% of the way through, which is kind of the norm anyway. Follows a similar “romance” plot pattern - although no 3rd act breakup per se.
AND HOW COULD I FORGET GEORGE?! The comic relief we needed and a true hero 🦆
Was it perfect? No, but it was perfect for me. Perfect enough to write out a review of which I almost never do.
A truly great start to this series. Can’t wait for Dante’s story 🤗
I haven’t been this excited about a book in a while but this one had me kicking my feet, made me snort laugh, and provided allllll the tropes I needed (to name a few):
- “enemies” to lovers
- possessive, OTT, alpha hole hero
- badass, independent, EMOTIONALLY IN TOUCH heroine
- insta-chemistry
- found family
- morally grey behavior
- mafia/mc/fbi/cartel - pretty much pulled everyone in lol
- bilingual hero 🇮🇹
- he falls first
+ dual pov, no cliffhanger, hea
The FMC is an unassuming therapist with a dark past that’s taught her all she needs to know about how to wield a knife. The MMC? A ruthless mafia don brought to his KNEES the moment he meets her, despite his pesky conscience.
Action starts from the jump - no drawn out family trees or character explanations. Just *poof* dropped into the story and I eat that shit up 🍽️
The banter was 🧑🍳💋 from the start. Chemistry on 10.
I don’t want to say it was slow burn, but full-blown spice wasn’t until ~50% of the way through, which is kind of the norm anyway. Follows a similar “romance” plot pattern - although no 3rd act breakup per se.
AND HOW COULD I FORGET GEORGE?! The comic relief we needed and a true hero 🦆
Was it perfect? No, but it was perfect for me. Perfect enough to write out a review of which I almost never do.
A truly great start to this series. Can’t wait for Dante’s story 🤗
May 2, 2024
Dark Mafia Romance, Super Steamy, Morally Grey Characters, Strong FMC = Great Read!!
The Don's Deadly Games is a dark mafia romance. Nico Vitelli is the Don of the Vitelli family. When his closest friend, Leo, betrays him, he promises to take care of Leo's family (wife Maria and Daughter Victoria). Unknown to Nico, Maria is seeing a therapist, Sophie Kellan. Nico decides Sophie knows too much and he goes to tie up loose ends. Little does Nico know, Sophie is not your average therapist. Their instant attraction leads to a wild obsession on both sides… Sophie is hiding an interesting past and Nico is in the middle of a war. How can two seemingly opposite people be together…
This story was fantastic. I could not put it down. Sophie is everything you want in a strong FMC. She is much more than meets the eye. Nico, even though he seems he is your typical mafia don, he has character depth that draws Sophie to him. I would go so far as to say they recognize each other at a deeper level. I loved how this story played out. It's written in a way that keeps you on your toes and makes you excited to see how it's all going to turn out. Great read, steamy scenes and a duck named George. Yes, not a typo, there is a duck named George. I hope there is another book in this series if for no other reason than I would love to see George make a cameo appearance. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Don's Deadly Games is a dark mafia romance. Nico Vitelli is the Don of the Vitelli family. When his closest friend, Leo, betrays him, he promises to take care of Leo's family (wife Maria and Daughter Victoria). Unknown to Nico, Maria is seeing a therapist, Sophie Kellan. Nico decides Sophie knows too much and he goes to tie up loose ends. Little does Nico know, Sophie is not your average therapist. Their instant attraction leads to a wild obsession on both sides… Sophie is hiding an interesting past and Nico is in the middle of a war. How can two seemingly opposite people be together…
This story was fantastic. I could not put it down. Sophie is everything you want in a strong FMC. She is much more than meets the eye. Nico, even though he seems he is your typical mafia don, he has character depth that draws Sophie to him. I would go so far as to say they recognize each other at a deeper level. I loved how this story played out. It's written in a way that keeps you on your toes and makes you excited to see how it's all going to turn out. Great read, steamy scenes and a duck named George. Yes, not a typo, there is a duck named George. I hope there is another book in this series if for no other reason than I would love to see George make a cameo appearance. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2024
The dons deadly games
This is a Mafia book so do read your triggers. Knife and gun use. Blood and violence. Sex trafficking and drug talk.
This book is well worth the read !
Nico Vitalli current Dom after his dad retired three years previously, meets therapist Sophie after one of his closest comrades does the unforgivable to him and the familia. Sophie is a loose end that he needs to take out but he can’t bring him self to pull the trigger. The sexual tension between these two is H.O.T! Until that tension snaps. Damn it’s hot in here. The spice in this book is hot. Overall I loved this book I couldn’t put it down from the second I got it to finishing it I could not pit it down. The tension and drama along with rivalry between different mafia families & politics on how things should be dealt with, mixed in with love and friendship. I loved the ending. It was well written I love Mafia books and this was one to place at the top of the list. Looking forward to reading more from Judy Hale.
I was given this book to read as an arc (advanced review copy) and I’m freely giving this review.
This is a Mafia book so do read your triggers. Knife and gun use. Blood and violence. Sex trafficking and drug talk.
This book is well worth the read !
Nico Vitalli current Dom after his dad retired three years previously, meets therapist Sophie after one of his closest comrades does the unforgivable to him and the familia. Sophie is a loose end that he needs to take out but he can’t bring him self to pull the trigger. The sexual tension between these two is H.O.T! Until that tension snaps. Damn it’s hot in here. The spice in this book is hot. Overall I loved this book I couldn’t put it down from the second I got it to finishing it I could not pit it down. The tension and drama along with rivalry between different mafia families & politics on how things should be dealt with, mixed in with love and friendship. I loved the ending. It was well written I love Mafia books and this was one to place at the top of the list. Looking forward to reading more from Judy Hale.
I was given this book to read as an arc (advanced review copy) and I’m freely giving this review.
April 16, 2024
The Don's Deadly Games is part of the Twisted Saviors Series. It was a bit slow at the start and took me a bit to get into it, but once you do it gets really good. There was a lot of suspense and action towards the end which kept the pages turning. There is also a lot of sexual tension between the two characters which leads to some explosive steamy scenes.
Sophie is very stiff at the start of the story. She is a therapist hiding a secret. Once we see what her secret is she does seem to loosen up a bit. She kind of keeps herself slightly standoffish because of her family drama she has had to deal with. She doesn't fully trust anyone with her heart, so she keeps them at a distance.
Nico needs to be calm and not overreact when it comes to issues of the heart. He is the Don of his crime family so he should be able to contain his emotions. But when he thinks Sophie has betrayed him he flies off the handle. However, when he needs someone to help him emotionally with what he is dealing with, he relies on Sophie and we really do see a softer side of him. I liked those moments where we saw the caring side of Nico.
Sophie is very stiff at the start of the story. She is a therapist hiding a secret. Once we see what her secret is she does seem to loosen up a bit. She kind of keeps herself slightly standoffish because of her family drama she has had to deal with. She doesn't fully trust anyone with her heart, so she keeps them at a distance.
Nico needs to be calm and not overreact when it comes to issues of the heart. He is the Don of his crime family so he should be able to contain his emotions. But when he thinks Sophie has betrayed him he flies off the handle. However, when he needs someone to help him emotionally with what he is dealing with, he relies on Sophie and we really do see a softer side of him. I liked those moments where we saw the caring side of Nico.
October 8, 2024
From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn’t tear myself away.
Sophie was fierce, relentless, and refused to back down. Nico had one job to carry out, but the moment he meets Sophie, he’s captivated. There’s something she’s hiding, and he can’t shake the feeling. As a therapist, she’s learned far too much about the mafia’s inner workings from a client, and now Nico sees her as a loose end. But when she returns home, he decides to follow—and what he discovers blows his mind. Sophie’s world isn’t as far from his as he thought, and their lives are more intertwined than either of them could have imagined.
The chemistry between them was electric, crackling with tension even as they both resisted the pull. As their connection deepens, so does the danger, and it’s not long before Sophie finds herself in the crosshairs of new enemies. Had Nico unwittingly made her a bigger target? With a gripping plot, unforgettable characters, and sharp, witty banter that keeps Nico on edge, this story was a wild ride. And as for Nico, he is perfectly drool-worthy. I enjoyed this story and all the plot twist, not to mention George who waddled his way into my heart.
Sophie was fierce, relentless, and refused to back down. Nico had one job to carry out, but the moment he meets Sophie, he’s captivated. There’s something she’s hiding, and he can’t shake the feeling. As a therapist, she’s learned far too much about the mafia’s inner workings from a client, and now Nico sees her as a loose end. But when she returns home, he decides to follow—and what he discovers blows his mind. Sophie’s world isn’t as far from his as he thought, and their lives are more intertwined than either of them could have imagined.
The chemistry between them was electric, crackling with tension even as they both resisted the pull. As their connection deepens, so does the danger, and it’s not long before Sophie finds herself in the crosshairs of new enemies. Had Nico unwittingly made her a bigger target? With a gripping plot, unforgettable characters, and sharp, witty banter that keeps Nico on edge, this story was a wild ride. And as for Nico, he is perfectly drool-worthy. I enjoyed this story and all the plot twist, not to mention George who waddled his way into my heart.
March 6, 2025
4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️ WOW!! I didn't expect any of this! It's been a long time since I've read a captivating mafia romance. The characters, the chemistry, the plot, the dialogue, the setting, the suspense, and the emotions are all outstanding. 😍 It had me gasping, giggling and laughing the whole way through. 🤭
Loved the FMC, Sophie is a badass! She’s a strong, caring, spitfire woman. Absolutely loved her and her pet duck, George lol. 🦆 The MMC, Nico was a great good bad guy. He has a way with words that made me giggle and blush.☺️ Both Sophie and Nico had a witty humour and their relationship was epic, so intense and they were so made for each other! 🥰
Loved the side characters as well! Dante was funny and I definitely need to read his story next!
“Take your hand off her, or I’ll break it,” Nico says in a tone that’s like pure ice, cold and sharp.
I want to do more than fuck her. I want to hold her, shield her. I just want… more with her.
But it’s real, and it’s Sophie, and I want it more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. I want this woman with a spine of steel and a heart of gold—not just for now, but forever.
Loved the FMC, Sophie is a badass! She’s a strong, caring, spitfire woman. Absolutely loved her and her pet duck, George lol. 🦆 The MMC, Nico was a great good bad guy. He has a way with words that made me giggle and blush.☺️ Both Sophie and Nico had a witty humour and their relationship was epic, so intense and they were so made for each other! 🥰
Loved the side characters as well! Dante was funny and I definitely need to read his story next!
“Take your hand off her, or I’ll break it,” Nico says in a tone that’s like pure ice, cold and sharp.
I want to do more than fuck her. I want to hold her, shield her. I just want… more with her.
But it’s real, and it’s Sophie, and I want it more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. I want this woman with a spine of steel and a heart of gold—not just for now, but forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
Great Book
This was an Great Book. This is An Enemies to Lovers Dark Romance, (Twisted Saviors) series. I couldn't put this book down. I was hooked. You won't be disappointed, in this book. But, be warn, it contains graphic content that may be a trigger, for some people. 💓 Sophia and Nico.
This book has Mafia, MC, dangerous man, wants her or not?, steamy, page turner, suspense, therapist, past, secrets, outside of their comfort zone, violence, danger mischief, twist and turns, suspense, Sassy mouth, she doesn't take scrap, action, page turner, sexual tension, well developed characters, wonderful characters, unpredictable, plot twist, past, exciting, gangsters, cartel, FBI agents, look like sin, taste like caramel, love to play with his prey, Force road trip, mafia war, MC, fallen for the monster, dark, steamy romance, and so much more. I definitely, would like to read more about this MC club.
I definitely, will read more of her books. I definitely, recommended this book. Yes, I'm going to put this book, on my reread book. 💓 it.
This was an Great Book. This is An Enemies to Lovers Dark Romance, (Twisted Saviors) series. I couldn't put this book down. I was hooked. You won't be disappointed, in this book. But, be warn, it contains graphic content that may be a trigger, for some people. 💓 Sophia and Nico.
This book has Mafia, MC, dangerous man, wants her or not?, steamy, page turner, suspense, therapist, past, secrets, outside of their comfort zone, violence, danger mischief, twist and turns, suspense, Sassy mouth, she doesn't take scrap, action, page turner, sexual tension, well developed characters, wonderful characters, unpredictable, plot twist, past, exciting, gangsters, cartel, FBI agents, look like sin, taste like caramel, love to play with his prey, Force road trip, mafia war, MC, fallen for the monster, dark, steamy romance, and so much more. I definitely, would like to read more about this MC club.
I definitely, will read more of her books. I definitely, recommended this book. Yes, I'm going to put this book, on my reread book. 💓 it.
January 3, 2025
so good.
This book was the first one I read by Judy Hale. It was about a mafia don Nico Vitelli. He was dealing with a betrayal of friend. He was set to handle business when someone else did it for him. He was grateful for it. It still hurt him really bad since they had been friends since they were little. His friend asked him to take care of his wife and daughter before anything happened. Nico honored that since the wife and daughter were innocents. Maria was the wife and she was seeing a therapist Sophie. Nico knew that Maria was seeing a therapist. Nico went to Sophie’s office to have a chat with her. Nico couldn’t do what he planned to do at that moment. He couldn’t get her out of his mind. One day she was packing to go home for a funeral. He told her that she wasn’t going and she told him she was. He could come if he wanted and could get a flight. He ended up having a private plane so they took that. They learned a lot about each other on that trip. I can’t wait to read the next one
This book was the first one I read by Judy Hale. It was about a mafia don Nico Vitelli. He was dealing with a betrayal of friend. He was set to handle business when someone else did it for him. He was grateful for it. It still hurt him really bad since they had been friends since they were little. His friend asked him to take care of his wife and daughter before anything happened. Nico honored that since the wife and daughter were innocents. Maria was the wife and she was seeing a therapist Sophie. Nico knew that Maria was seeing a therapist. Nico went to Sophie’s office to have a chat with her. Nico couldn’t do what he planned to do at that moment. He couldn’t get her out of his mind. One day she was packing to go home for a funeral. He told her that she wasn’t going and she told him she was. He could come if he wanted and could get a flight. He ended up having a private plane so they took that. They learned a lot about each other on that trip. I can’t wait to read the next one
April 29, 2024
Sophia knows better than to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong, but what is she to do when woman and child's life is in danger. She is willing to risk the life she has built to save them both.
Nico has been betrayed by one of the people he trusted most. because of that betray he is faced with taking the life of an innocent woman. The minute he meets Sophia he is drawn to her. Will he do his duty or put her above all else.
As they are drawn into each others worlds they will find that there are sides to each other that they never thought possible. will they be able to navigate these treacherous times and come out the other side or are they doomed.
This was a great book. I could not put it down. There were twists and turns at every corner and I really loved the main characters. Mafia, MC's, Kidnapping, Stalking, tough FMC, He falls first. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for more books in this series.
Nico has been betrayed by one of the people he trusted most. because of that betray he is faced with taking the life of an innocent woman. The minute he meets Sophia he is drawn to her. Will he do his duty or put her above all else.
As they are drawn into each others worlds they will find that there are sides to each other that they never thought possible. will they be able to navigate these treacherous times and come out the other side or are they doomed.
This was a great book. I could not put it down. There were twists and turns at every corner and I really loved the main characters. Mafia, MC's, Kidnapping, Stalking, tough FMC, He falls first. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for more books in this series.
April 18, 2024
Must read absolutely loved it. OMG 😱 it was a steamy page turner and the suspense was oh holy cow. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t imagine of put it down. It was addicted. Who really knows that a mafia boos might need to be in therapy due to business occupations. It was dealing with sex crimes and violence was it too much for him to handle so he had to go outside of his comfort zone to get personal help? That was totally not normal behavior for the Don’s. Could love to be the key to get him out of the game. From all the danger and mischief of pain. It was a mixed of a twisted and dangerous turns in his life. Could she tamed to the boss? I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed or regret reading it. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
May 11, 2024
Good Book
I really liked Sophie & Nico and even though Nico wanted her dead from the beginning he wasn’t a bad character.
That decision had been made due to the predicament Leo placed him in and didn’t want to allow an outsider to be a threat to the family.
I loved their banter and Sophie was such a strong female lead but after seeing her background and where / who raised her I’m not surprised.
The background story of the feuding was good but I wish there had been the real conversation between Nico & Dante about who Alina wanted to marry.
I also thought Dante was a brilliant character and the perfect brother for Nico, I also loved them taking Maria & Victoria where they did at the end as I had thought of that after Rafe’s funeral, that would have been the perfect place to hide them.
Good book well worth a read…. Oh and George with his diaper was just soooo funny.
I really liked Sophie & Nico and even though Nico wanted her dead from the beginning he wasn’t a bad character.
That decision had been made due to the predicament Leo placed him in and didn’t want to allow an outsider to be a threat to the family.
I loved their banter and Sophie was such a strong female lead but after seeing her background and where / who raised her I’m not surprised.
The background story of the feuding was good but I wish there had been the real conversation between Nico & Dante about who Alina wanted to marry.
I also thought Dante was a brilliant character and the perfect brother for Nico, I also loved them taking Maria & Victoria where they did at the end as I had thought of that after Rafe’s funeral, that would have been the perfect place to hide them.
Good book well worth a read…. Oh and George with his diaper was just soooo funny.
May 29, 2024
Please check the TW before you get started on this book. If you can handle them, then get ready to sit for a while cause once you start this story, you won't wanna quit reading until you finish it.
With Nico's line of work (he's the head of the mafia) he doesn't really trust anyone except family and his most trusted people...but he ends up betrayed by someone he thought he could trust and now he has to figure out who all knows his secrets.
Sophie is a therapist but what most people don't know is her father is the President of a MC. She knows not all morally grey men are bad..she just don't know what to think of Nico when she first meets him.
Can Sophie help Nico with his trust issues and help him find out who betrayed him? When he thinks Sophie has used him and went behind his back, how will he respond?
♥ This book is so good!! ♥
4⭐
4🌶
With Nico's line of work (he's the head of the mafia) he doesn't really trust anyone except family and his most trusted people...but he ends up betrayed by someone he thought he could trust and now he has to figure out who all knows his secrets.
Sophie is a therapist but what most people don't know is her father is the President of a MC. She knows not all morally grey men are bad..she just don't know what to think of Nico when she first meets him.
Can Sophie help Nico with his trust issues and help him find out who betrayed him? When he thinks Sophie has used him and went behind his back, how will he respond?
♥ This book is so good!! ♥
4⭐
4🌶
December 27, 2024
Wow... what an introduction to this new to me author.
I grabbed this one because it has two of my favorites - Mafia and MC. And, it did NOT disappoint.
The Reapers Druids MC have many secrets, and Sophie knows many of them, having grown up in the club. Although she isn't involved with them anymore, choosing to be a therapist, hours away.
Unfortunately for her, one of her clients shares information she shouldn't have, Sophie is scheduled to be eliminated. Only, when Nico (the Dom of the Vitelli family) goes to silence her permanently, he can't! Instead, he finds himself unable to keep his distance from Sophie.
I enjoyed how this storyline swirled and twisted around, with all the dangers, betrayals, passions and chemistry we love reading - in Mafia and MC brotherhoods.
I enjoyed this one, and cannot WAIT to jump into the next story!
I grabbed this one because it has two of my favorites - Mafia and MC. And, it did NOT disappoint.
The Reapers Druids MC have many secrets, and Sophie knows many of them, having grown up in the club. Although she isn't involved with them anymore, choosing to be a therapist, hours away.
Unfortunately for her, one of her clients shares information she shouldn't have, Sophie is scheduled to be eliminated. Only, when Nico (the Dom of the Vitelli family) goes to silence her permanently, he can't! Instead, he finds himself unable to keep his distance from Sophie.
I enjoyed how this storyline swirled and twisted around, with all the dangers, betrayals, passions and chemistry we love reading - in Mafia and MC brotherhoods.
I enjoyed this one, and cannot WAIT to jump into the next story!
April 19, 2024
Sofia and nico are just perfect for each other.
It started off with nico,being betrayed by someone close to him, which in a turn of events led him to sofia and the plan was to take her out.
However,once he meets her,hes intrigued by her and wants her.
Sofia is a spitfire of a girl that doesnt back down,has a sassy mouth and doesnt take any cr@p from anyone and this just makes nico want her even more.
Nico while having to make tough decisions is possessive and protective of her.
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more.i do hope dante gets his story as would love to read more about him and hopefully catch up with these two again.
Judy has again written another brilliant book that grips you from the 1st page
It started off with nico,being betrayed by someone close to him, which in a turn of events led him to sofia and the plan was to take her out.
However,once he meets her,hes intrigued by her and wants her.
Sofia is a spitfire of a girl that doesnt back down,has a sassy mouth and doesnt take any cr@p from anyone and this just makes nico want her even more.
Nico while having to make tough decisions is possessive and protective of her.
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more.i do hope dante gets his story as would love to read more about him and hopefully catch up with these two again.
Judy has again written another brilliant book that grips you from the 1st page
April 25, 2024
The Don’s Deadly Games is a steamy good mafia romance, both dark and intense with therapist Sophie Kellan finding herself mixed up in one of her clients personal drama that involves the mafia.
Don Nico Vitelli decides to take care of the problem that is Ms. Kellan possibly talking about things she shouldn’t himself. But things don’t go quite as planned when Nico becomes fascinated with the doctor who has a few secrets in her own family tree, and she is no wallflower!
Their story was a really captivating read that was very well written with expertly crafted characters, spicy romance, intrigue, danger, twists, surprises, suspense, and family dynamics.
loved this riveting read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don Nico Vitelli decides to take care of the problem that is Ms. Kellan possibly talking about things she shouldn’t himself. But things don’t go quite as planned when Nico becomes fascinated with the doctor who has a few secrets in her own family tree, and she is no wallflower!
Their story was a really captivating read that was very well written with expertly crafted characters, spicy romance, intrigue, danger, twists, surprises, suspense, and family dynamics.
loved this riveting read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2024
Great storyline and great storytelling.
Sophie and Nico could not be more farther apart, but are perfect for each other. Sophie grew up as the daughter of a motorcycle club president and Nico is the head of his organized crime syndicate. When Sophie and Nico meet for the first time, her face is a stone, but she is quaking in her shoes. She puts on a brave front, but Nico scares her and excites her at the same time. Sophie is tough, capable, smart, knows how to protect herself, but Nico makes her question her life.
Nico doesn’t know whether he wants to make love to her or kill her. But he does know from the moment he met her that he needs her more than anyone else. A fantastically written book with a great romance between just a normal person and a mafia Don. Absolutely amazing.
Sophie and Nico could not be more farther apart, but are perfect for each other. Sophie grew up as the daughter of a motorcycle club president and Nico is the head of his organized crime syndicate. When Sophie and Nico meet for the first time, her face is a stone, but she is quaking in her shoes. She puts on a brave front, but Nico scares her and excites her at the same time. Sophie is tough, capable, smart, knows how to protect herself, but Nico makes her question her life.
Nico doesn’t know whether he wants to make love to her or kill her. But he does know from the moment he met her that he needs her more than anyone else. A fantastically written book with a great romance between just a normal person and a mafia Don. Absolutely amazing.
July 7, 2024
hot and spicy
This was a great story, a wonderful mix of funny, smexy, dark, twisted and heart warming.
I fell in love with Nico and Sophie immediately, but the way these two interacted and grew into each other made me love them so much more. There’s tension, witty and intelligent banter, and so much passion coming from these two, it’s almost overwhelming. But I endured🤣 I mean, Don Nico Vitelli sauntering into the office with all that alpha man swagger but still with a moral code? And Dr Sophie reading everyone like a book and delivering death blows with her crazy thigh holster weapon? I’m a goner.
The spice is so good. Coupled with some great side characters, I’m so hungry for more stories from this world. I need Dante, Salvatore and Cade to get books!!
This was a great story, a wonderful mix of funny, smexy, dark, twisted and heart warming.
I fell in love with Nico and Sophie immediately, but the way these two interacted and grew into each other made me love them so much more. There’s tension, witty and intelligent banter, and so much passion coming from these two, it’s almost overwhelming. But I endured🤣 I mean, Don Nico Vitelli sauntering into the office with all that alpha man swagger but still with a moral code? And Dr Sophie reading everyone like a book and delivering death blows with her crazy thigh holster weapon? I’m a goner.
The spice is so good. Coupled with some great side characters, I’m so hungry for more stories from this world. I need Dante, Salvatore and Cade to get books!!
August 28, 2025
Judy Hale is an author I've worked with before on arc reads. She sent an email about this audiobook looking for fans that would preview this for her. I gladly volunteered, and I'm really happy I did. I love this story.
The characters are perfect. Strong FMC, dark and possessive MMC. Add in the Mafia plot was chef's kiss. It was action right from the start and I devoured it. And ummm the spice was spicing! 4 chili peppers.
Nico and Sophie had great chemistry from the beginning. There was even a twist I didn't see coming toward the end.
If you are a fan of Mafia/dark romance. The touch her and unalive type. With a FMC that can kick ass just as well as the MMC. This is a great short read in between other longer books. I would highly recommend.
The characters are perfect. Strong FMC, dark and possessive MMC. Add in the Mafia plot was chef's kiss. It was action right from the start and I devoured it. And ummm the spice was spicing! 4 chili peppers.
Nico and Sophie had great chemistry from the beginning. There was even a twist I didn't see coming toward the end.
If you are a fan of Mafia/dark romance. The touch her and unalive type. With a FMC that can kick ass just as well as the MMC. This is a great short read in between other longer books. I would highly recommend.
April 22, 2024
Despite not being a fan of mafia stories, this one manages to stand out with its compelling characters and captivating storyline. The dynamic between Sofia, a fiery and independent woman, and Nico, a powerful but conflicted mafia don, is electric from the start. As they navigate through betrayal and danger, their chemistry only intensifies, drawing readers deeper into their world. Nico's protective nature and Sofia's fierce spirit make them a perfect match. Sofia’s unconventional pet and car add an extra layer of charm and humor. A must-read for fans of romance with a hint of danger.
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 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nico and Sophie’s story! They are a very unlikely couple simply because of their backgrounds. I felt all the growing pains and developing emotional relationship as if I were involved. She is amazing: intelligent, quirky, has a great sense of humor, and she feels every look, every touch, and every moment with him. He can’t believe how much his frimmetta has changed his life, his priorities, and his future. Their passion is sizzling, their desire is epically dirty and satisfying, and it just gets better and better every single time! I loved it!!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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