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New York Syndicate #1

Fire with Fire

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"... makes the reader need a cold glass of water. I mean...Damn."Love is a battlefield — and only the strong survive.Aria Fiore didn’t choose a life of crime - it chose her. Now she’s trapped, trying to save her criminal brother from his worst impulses.But when billionaire mafia boss Damian Cavallo makes it clear he plans to take the New York territory, Aria finds herself beguiled by the dangerous man who is her brother’s mortal enemy - and New York isn’t the only thing he plans to conquer.At first, she despises him. But as the turf war escalates, Aria finds herself on the run with the hot, domineering mob boss. Forced into close proximity at one of his luxurious hideaways, it becomes clear that he may not only be her way out, he may be the love of her life - if they can survive long enough to find out.This is the New York Syndicate - and it’s not your mother’s mob._____________________________★★★★★ "Excellent start to a new series!"★★★★★ "HOT HOT HOT "★★★★★ "This was one extremely well written story with twists, suspense, intrigue, kidnapping, danger, action, and hot steamy sex scenes!"★★★★★ "Nobody does Alpha Males better than Michelle St. James."★★★★★ "A must have book you don't want to miss!"★★★★★ "So intense, loved the energy & emotion!"★★★★★ "Ms. St. James has perfected the mob genre!"★★★★★ "Damian and Aria are on fire!"

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2017

479 people are currently reading
617 people want to read

About the author

Michelle St. James

116 books586 followers
Michelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.

She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.

Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.

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5 stars
211 (47%)
4 stars
147 (33%)
3 stars
62 (13%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
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9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Expresso.
877 reviews139 followers
December 3, 2017
I have to remember with this author’s writing the first book is always a slow buildup to the good stuff. Although the relationship between Damian and Aria culminated very quickly, it’s a mediocre courtship in this installment. Enemies to lovers type scenario. Almost too easy.

I’m diving into book two because that ending in this installment.....friggin brutal! Thank the book gods because I need the DRAMA!

Four stars!
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,379 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2022
Wow! Aria and Damian definitely brought the heat! I can't wait to see what happens next! ❤🔥❤
Profile Image for Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski.
1,104 reviews31 followers
July 13, 2017
I was waiting for a new NY Crime book and leave it to Michelle to deliver the goods.
I love a good Mob romance and this one did not disappoint at all.
Aria was dragged into this life by circumstances beyond her control. Damian was persuaded into it.
When these two connect...watch out...it's like fire!
This is a must read if you like fast paced, crime drama, with hot sex!
Profile Image for Jamieson.
Author 91 books68 followers
July 15, 2017
Damian Cavallo is at a crossroads.

He lives a life of crime, but it’s his life. He lives comfortably and does what he can to make the city of New York a better place. If that sometimes involves violence, so be it. He was ruthless because it was the only way he knew how to be. On his own since the death of his parents, he has known no other way…until a visit from Farrell Black changes things.

Nico Vitale, newly reinstated head of the syndicate, has noticed trouble brewing and has sent Farrell to enlist Damian’s help. Primo Fiore has gotten out of hand and is taking control. Some of the things he has been doing have gotten Nico’s attention: human trafficking, drugs and violence. Things have gotten out of hand.

At first, Damian is reluctant to accept help from Farrell and Nico, sure that he has things under control. However, the prospect of greater strength and having the backing of the mob is tempting. He is also offered control of the New York district of the mob, should he accept their offer.

Damian is willing to do a trial run through and, should he be able to take down Primo, Damian will consider their offer. There’s just one catch: Primo’s sister Aria Fiore. Damian already knows that he will do anything he can not to hurt her. What he isn’t counting on is his attraction to her…

Aria Fiore didn’t choose a life of crime. It chose her. After the death of her parents, Primo has taken care of her. If that meant that he turned to a life of crime to provide for her, she was okay with that as long as she turned a blind eye to the things he was doing. However, lately Primo has become mentally unstable and is being controlled by a man more ruthless than he is. She loves her brother but knows he’s heading for trouble.

When Damian visits Primo and gives him an offer to step aside, Primo refuses. Aria hears her brother planning an all-out war against Damian. Aria knows that the only way to save her brother is to go to Carvallo and let him know what is about to happen. She pleads with him to spare her brother as he’s the only family that she has left.

Neither of them are prepared for the attraction that blooms along their skin. When Aria’s life is put in danger, that attraction erupts into a full-fledged fire…

What I love most about Michelle’s writing are the characters. These are not your typical cardboard, cookie cutter characters that people romance novels. These are people of real flesh and blood that you grow to care for as you read. They have depth and heart and substance. There are some returning characters from earlier novels by St. James and it was like seeing old friends again.

What makes this novel so strong, though, is the love that builds slowly between Damian and Aria. Both of them are hurting and both are drifting in a sea of loneliness. They gather strength from each other and take courage from what begins to spark between them.

Make no mistake, St. James doesn’t shy away from the difficult storylines. She deals with physical abuse and neglect, the plight of orphans and looking for something better in this world; but she does it all with the skill and the depth I’ve come to love and appreciate from her work.

To say that I loved this book would be putting it mildly. I lived this book, right alongside Aria and Damian. The characters lit a fire under my skin and I can’t wait to find out what happens in book two of the New York Syndicate!
Profile Image for Marianne.
154 reviews
October 24, 2017
Love is a battle field indeed!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story follows our sexy as sin Damian Cavallo, who rejected his Ivy League education and found his place in the criminal underworld in New York City after the fall of the Syndicate. Damian keeps to himself and works alone until the syndicate and the crime lord Nico Vitale approaches him about the possibility of being the leader of the New York territory. The only problem is that he isn’t the only one who wants the job…dun dun dun!

Enter the strong willed and beautiful Aria Fiore, who’s been raised by her unbalanced brother Primo. Without her parents around, Aria was thrust into this world of crime and corruption. She only finds solace when she’s volunteering in the city’s community garden, until she crosses paths with Damien who demands that Primo surrenders the New York territory.

Loyal to the very core, Aria is torn between her unexpected feelings for Damien and her devotion to her brother. This however begins to change as the story unravels and the orders that are spewing out causing this rivalry to become dangerous and deadly, comes from Primo’s first in command, Malcolm Gatti. Malcolm’s influence on Primo proves rash and threatening, oh Primo, tsk tsk tsk! What were you thinking? Between the vicious clash with her brother and his undesirable advances, Aria has no choice but run to Damien for his support.

Once Damien and Aria team up, the tension between the two heat up! And I don’t mean like disagreeing on what color to paint the walls or what they want for dinner, none of that domestic cr*p, I’m talking heat as in passion! Like clear the damn table and let me have my way with you on top! Whoa, the chemistry written for these two characters are on fire, I’m thinking that’s why this book is called Fire with Fire because wow! You have two very strong willed characters, who in some ways are similar and yet different but when teaming up to form this hot union, you can’t help but cheer them on the whole time!

I don’t want to give any more away, but I will say that you will have to read the second book to continue and you won’t be disappointed at all. Normally I don’t enjoy cliffhangers BUT when the story line is too good, you can’t help it but see it though and read the next one in the series. I believe I’ve read only one other series by Ms. St. James and I felt that if this series is anything like it then I know I wouldn’t be disappointed. I feel like Ms. St. James has perfected the mob genre and there are few authors who can do that without sounding similar and cliché. Five hot stars for Fire with Fire; I’m excited to finish Into the Fire and can’t wait for the release of Through the Fire.
Profile Image for Sofia Almiroudis.
375 reviews8 followers
July 12, 2017
Fire with Fire is the first of the NY Syndicate series. It's about a forbidden love, gaining territory of NY, and the result of people caught in the crossfire of a mafia war. Damian and Aria weren't suppose to fall in love, after all they are enemies. Damian chose a life in the mafia, Aria had no other choice but be part of the mafia life her brother dragged her into. The Syndicate want Damian to join them, they need a man with Damian's talents to run NY. In order to get control he has to get rid of his competition, but what happens when he gets an eye on Fiore's sister Aria, well he knows that he has to do everything in his power to protect her. Aria has to choose the life that she has only known, or a life with Damian that excites her in every way. However, if Aria chooses Damian she will be betraying her brother, but he is so unstable that she knows the only choice she has is to be with Damian. Just as things seem to be simmering down an Aria and Damian have found their groove, a threat creeps in to destroy their happiness. Who is responsible for the attack on Aria and Damian? Will Damian be able to save Aria before it is too late?
I really enjoyed his book. Michelle St. James is an extrodinary writer and she is able to make the words on th page come to life, as if it's you living them. Well done Michelle, well done.
Profile Image for Kat.
220 reviews27 followers
July 6, 2017
The syndicate of New York has fallen . . . but the criminal world has gone out of control and its time for stability. Damian Cavallo didn't want to be involved with the syndicate, but two things happens. One he's the guy to do it and two there's Aria Fiore.

Aria hadn't want to know the deep dark things her brother is into, but she knows that he has his string pull by someone far more dangerous. When Aria meet Damian Cavallo, she is instantly drawn to him but she won't admit it until he became her savior.

The story of Aria and Damian is different from all the other Mob Boss stories, Damian wasn't about to let a women distract him but Aria Fiore was someone he needed. To cherish, to love and protect. 

Together Aria and Damian walks a dangerous line . . . 

I can't wait to see what happens next after that huge cliff hanger!!! Plus to hear all the places they will go. 

I give this five Cat Paws. I love Michelle's writing and her characters, this story certainly has a different pace than the other mob bosses. 
Profile Image for Leah Doumousiaris.
109 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2017
Loved it!!! It reminded me a lot of Ruthless (Nico and Angles stories were my favorite) I love that Aria was with Damian of her own free will. And Damian was more in less in love with her at first sight. I was on edge in the begin for with Aria living with Primo and having to deal with Malcolm he seemed awful and she was always in danger. Primo needs help and I hope in the end she gets to help her brother. Nico and Farrell are great as always. Love those two. They both have Damian's back and I can't wait to see how they get Aria back. I felt devastated when she was taken. I hate when books end with cliff hangers and I have to wait to get the next. Sooo Michelle... please hurry with part 2 ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shaunette.
140 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2017
Fire 🔥 Fire 🔥 Fire 🔥

It was HOT! HOT! HOT! Michelle you did not disappoint. Nico and Angel were my favorite couple but now Damian and Aria are a close second. They are similar in so many ways but Damian and Aria are on fire 🔥. Gatti made a grave mistake and now it's on. Let's just say Primo signed his death warrant by partnering with Gatti in the first place and what Gatti did in Capri just made it even more personal. The fury of the Syndicate is a coming.

Michelle this was well written and it was everything I expected and more. You are a master at your craft and I'm honored to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Can you tell how much I loved it? 💃🏽🍾🍸
Profile Image for Leeann Pule.
1,114 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2019
Hesitant destiny

Damien had his business up and running for a while. So when the Syndicate comes knocking looking for him to run their operations in New York, and reclaiming their presence in the city he doesn't want to do it. But they offer to help him get rid of a rival as a trial run. What he didn't plan on was Aria.

Aria has been under her brother Primo's control since the day her parents died. But he has been getting worse with his mental state and his Under Boss Malcolm is no help. In fact he makes it worse. So when she gets stuck in the cross fire of a turf war she is lost. Damien is her only salvation or is her her demise.

I loved this book! The suspense at the end is driving me crazy! I am ready for the next book.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,185 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2017
Fire with Fire - New York Syndicate Book 1 by Michelle St. James - 5 stars

I have not read the other series that Fire with Fire branched off from yet it was easy to figure out who everyone was in the story. I did not feel left out at any time and was able to follow the action without pausing to figure out who was who.

This story jumps right in and the action never stopped. The characters are well developed, I was able to visualize the scenes the author describes and thoroughly enjoyed the ride this story took me on.

I look forward to future installments of the New York Syndicate series and have added Ms. St. James other series on my TBR list.
155 reviews
July 2, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The start of another brilliant series. Damian is approached by the syndicate to take over as the head of New York. Arias unstable brother Primo is the one standing in his way but its his second, Malcolm, who is the one issuing the orders, and he is deplorable. He would think nothing of hurting the innocent. After a violent clash with her brother and Malcolm's unwanted advances, Aria runs to Damien - both feel an instant connection. No more spoilers, you need to read the book, you won't be disappointed. Hope it won't be long until next book!!
Profile Image for Jenifer.
1,082 reviews13 followers
July 13, 2017
Damian & Aria are the best pairing yet since Nico & Angel in the original Mob Boss series (Ruthless, Fearless, & Lawless)! He is full of fire and protection and she is passionate and strong-willed.

The coming together of their opposite yet same worlds is electric! This is a great start to the series and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for part 2!! I love the blending of the other 3 mob bosses (New York, London, & Paris) to form a new, more powerful Syndicate!
Profile Image for Robin.
67 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2017
Fire vs. Amore

Michelle Valentine leaves us breathless yet again with this next spellbinding book about The Syndicate. Damian & Aria, albeit an unconventional joining, let's us be engulfed with their growing love and ultimate reunion. As Damian recovers, he plans and plots with his new Familia to get back what he can't live without. September 22nd seems so far away.
521 reviews
November 22, 2022
Good story

Damian is tasked by the Syndicate to take over New York. Damian isn't sure he wants to take over New York but when he meets with the enemy a woman catches his eye. Aria is not just any woman she's the sister of the enemy. Aria hopes she can prevent all out war. Her brother and his partner want this war though.
725 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2023
War and love

NYC is under siege as two opposing crime organizations go to war for control of organized crime in the city. Of course author Michelle St James throws intense attraction, over the top sex and budding love into the mix. Can't wait to see if all is fair in war and love.
Profile Image for Angel Bare.
351 reviews
July 23, 2017
Good start to new series

I was hoping the New York Syndicate would reband. Cavallo is the perfect guy for the job. I know with his logic, steadiness, & sexy alpha-ness, he'll be great. Love Arial. So strong & full of purserverance.
389 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2019
Great mafia mobsters:

Well written about underground and mafia things : The control over their position power. Romantic relationship between two enemies,and The family values. Recommended
Profile Image for Geneva Perilla.
80 reviews
April 26, 2021
Fire with Fire is the perfect title for this book, because not only is Damian hot, the fire that is created between him and Aria is scorching! Damian is sin in a suit and this story is definitely worth your time!
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2021
I loved💘it

I really enjoyed reading this one. Damian is on one side and Aria is on the other side. They have a connection it it is Hot🔥.
The only thing I did not like was that it has a CLIFFHANGER!
Read it for yourself!
315 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2021
Great beginning !

I like how Damian gave Primo an out,even though he knew that he wouldn’t take it…and falling for his sister- awesome !Aria definitely deserves someone that will appreciate her …
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,538 reviews63 followers
June 29, 2017
This was so exciting, action packed and sexy. Damian and Aria were really good together. The ending though....ugh!!!!
199 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
very slow and not much romance and not what I expected, I didn't realise it was a trilogy when i ordered it. it is an ok read but has not held my interest to read the rest of the series
41 reviews
May 15, 2019
Great book

I loved the way the story went, how Aria fell in love with a bad boy Damian. It is a wonderful book to read over and over. I would like to get more of your books
508 reviews
July 18, 2021
In Kindle: Damien/Arie…all of these are good. This is about taking over NYC, getting rid of her brother, Primo, and creep Matthew.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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