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Thea James is scraping by and trying to make a decent life for herself. She keeps her nose clean and stays out of trouble, trying to do what she can to pay the bills. One night on her way home she becomes a witness to a murder. Suddenly, with the shot of a bullet, she’s thrust into a world she had no idea existed. But what’s Thea to do when the darkness that could swallow her is exactly where she wants to go?

Salvatore Costello is the boss in the Los Angeles mafia. He’s in charge of everything, and that includes who he allows in his inner circle. He’s spent his whole life not letting anyone close to him because he knows what the consequences could be. But one night changes everything. She’s a witness and she needs to be taken care of, but after one touch, he’s redefining what that means. Is she strong enough to lead his empire? Will she be ripe enough to give birth to one?

Warning: This is dark, dirty, baby-making smut. This guy is after Thea, and he’s got a plan to keep her from getting away. Want to take a guess at what that is? Hint: There’s absolutely no birth control in this book. If you want it, come and get it! We’ve got you covered.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2017

1884 people are currently reading
3465 people want to read

About the author

Alexa Riley

284 books16.2k followers
Alexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.

They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!

Feel free to follow us each on twitter @smut_sasshole & @SassNSmut

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5 stars
2,211 (29%)
4 stars
2,083 (28%)
3 stars
2,086 (28%)
2 stars
755 (10%)
1 star
284 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 661 reviews
Profile Image for Candace.
1,179 reviews5,013 followers
November 1, 2017
As far as smutty, short stories go, 'Kingpin' was okay. When I picked it up, I was looking for a distraction between "heavier" books. It was just the type of shallow read that I needed to pass some time while recovering from a book hangover.

The heroine, Thea James, is a young waitress struggling to make ends meet. Coming home from work late one night, she happens upon a murder in progress. That is how she draws the attention of Salvatore Costello, the head of the L. A. mafia.

When Salvatore realizes that there's a witness to his crime, he sets out to find her and eliminate the threat. However, following the young woman home, he finds himself more interested in protecting her and possessing than anything else. He gives her money and lets her know that he'll be watching.

What follows is a huge helping of insta-love and some cheesy goodness. While I expected this novella to have a darker feel to it, it ended up being a pretty light read. Despite being taken by Salvatore, Thea is treated more like a princess than a captive. There's little more than a half-hearted attempt to fight back on her behalf.

That being said, I knew what I signed on for when I picked up this novella. I didn't expect well-developed characters, a plausible storyline or a meaningful connection. This isn't that type of story.

As far as smutty, short novellas go, this one is pretty "middle of the road". It was ridiculous at times, hot at others. It can easily be read in one sitting and was just the type of distraction I was looking for at the time. So, it served it's purpose for me. Would I read it again? Nope. Was it okay for some quick, smutty entertainment? Sure.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
August 24, 2017
"The night I first saw her was the night her life changed forever. Some might say it changed for the worse, but she says it’s for the better. All I know is, I plan on living until the end of time because this angel won’t go where I’ll go when my lights go out. She’s absolutely pure, and I’ve brought her into my world, into the underground mafia. I should’ve let her go when I had the chance, but I’m an only child. What’s mine is mine."

3.5 Stars - Kingpin is a great addition to the Breeding Series. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and smutty insta-love read about the boss in the Los Angeles mafia Salvatore Costello, who will do whatever it takes to get sweet virgin Thia James into his arms forever. Whenever I’m looking for a book to curl up with and make me tingle all over I pick a book of Alexa Riley. And this one was no exception. The cherry on the cake was the enjoyable sexy bonus story about Giovanni and Emma. These two were explosive together in the best kind of way and their sweet and steamy story kept me entertained all the way through.
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
August 19, 2017
IT'S LIVE!

*ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **

4.5 stars

Well, they have done it again. Sexy mafia Kingpin and virginal, down on her luck heroine. Both main character where extremely likable. This is actually one of my all time favorite Alexa Riley stories to date.

-no cheating or ow/om drama whatsoever
-hero had been celibate a long time, virgin heroine
-no pushing away
-instalove
-hot and steamy with talk of breeding
-some mafia violence but no details
-great epilogue
Profile Image for Bookloverme.
620 reviews614 followers
August 22, 2017
5+++++ Stars


I've been waiting for another book of Breeding series and finally, it's here! I really really loved this book! It's one of my favorite AR books! I love safe mafia stories and I love that in this book, the mafia doesn't hurt women and children or even do drugs and there's no sexual abuse/rape. It's perfect! I wish AR would write more mafia stories like this.

Both stories were really good. I loved both couples but I loved Salvatore the most!

The first story is about Salvatore and Thea.

She's working two jobs and was on her way home when she witnessed a murder. Salvatore is the boss in the Los Angeles mafia and he's the one she saw killed a man. He ran after her and she's so scared he'll kill her but at the same time, she felt safe.

I loved Salvatore! He's the perfect OTT alpha male!

I loved the epilogues!


SAFETY:



The second story is about Giovanni and Emma.

He's Salvatore's right hand man and best friend. It was his idea for Sal and Thea to hire Emma. They needed a live-in nanny for the baby and Emma's the right one for the job.

I also loved the epilogues.


SAFETY:
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,166 followers
September 22, 2017
This is another short story that was full of insta- love/lust! Alexa Riley 'a books are guaranteed to keep you wiggling in your chair!!! "Kingpin " wasn't my favourite story but it had everything that I've come to expect when reading one of her books... this instalment at times was a little too corny for me but all in all it was a treat!!
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,767 followers
September 20, 2017
This book consists of two stories with almost equal length and these also include almost the same characters.

Let’s also not forget that this is book 4 in “Breeding” series.
So expect
1. a lot of breed-talking and
2. a lot of actions that aim to breeding and
3. an unbelievable story

So, also expect
1. no condoms or any form of contraception and
2. love and lust at first sight and
3. an over the top male who has just chosen the mother of his future children and he cannot wait to become a dad:

Story 1: Salvatore Costello and Thea

Salvatore is the mafia boss of Los Angeles, Thea is the poor hardworking girl who saw him murdering someone. Salvatore cannot wait to make her his. He has even had a baby-room ready for their babies.

“I’m going to get you pregnant on the first try, Thea. I want you filled with my baby before the night is over, so spread your legs wide.”


Story 2: Giovanni and Emma

Giovanni is Salvatore’s right-hand man and has been his best friend since he was ten, Emma is Thea’s new babysitter. Gio has been looking for his special girl since forever, when he notices Emma he knows that his search is over.

This is why I waited for her. Because no other woman could ever compare. This is why she’s going to be the mother of my children, because I don’t want my babies calling anyone else their mama.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,843 reviews498 followers
September 1, 2017

Now while I'm a fan of Alexa Riley's books I have to be honest and say this one just didn't really work for me.
Firstly it ends at 55% which wasn't what I expected and while Alexa is all about the smut, insta-love and in the case of this breeding series the babies it left too many unanswered questions.

Why was she evicted after he'd bought the building and he didn't know about it?

Who's Creed and what was all that about?

Who was the guy in the house who said:
“What do we have here? Castello has a new girl?”
Surely all his men were fully aware of who Thea was and would be to him?
I mean seriously he's decorated a nursery as well as buying clothes etc for her.

I know these aren't the kind of books you look too closely at but I don't like loose ends.

Giovanni and Emma

This was very similar to Salvatore and Thea's story both Gio and Emma are likeable characters and theirs made a nice little read and moved this up to 3*.
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,365 followers
August 20, 2017
Hot Damn!!!!
What's better them a OTT breeding crazy Alpha?! That's right, TWO OTT Alpha crazy to put some babies in their one true love! AR sure surprise me with Gio's story, when this was already OTT delicious with Salvatore, so yep, melting HOT smutty perfection times TWO!!! Oh, and did I tell you Gil has been waiting all his life for this woman?! Yep, I don't think I need to say anymore, just GET IT NOW!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3



ARC kindly provided by authors for an honest review
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,186 reviews2,603 followers
August 19, 2017
Holy mother of breeding books, this sucker was STEAM-EEEE!! When you settle in to read this book, you need to do a few things.
1. Forego the undies, you won't need them ;)
2. Grab a fan or glass water. Trust me!
3. Keep your significant other nearby. ;)

Okay, now that we've covered the rules, here's the breakdown: Thea James witnesses a murder on her way home from work. That single moment changes her entire life. She's thrown head-first into the world of the Los Angeles mafia. Salvatore Costello is the boss of the LA mafia. He's tough as nails, but instantly melts when he lays eyes on Thea.

You guys know the A.R. drill right? What you get from them is a totally OTT, insta-everything, warp speed love affair. If you're down with smutty goodness, this one is for you. Thea and Sal meet under the worst conditions, but that doesn't prevent them from finding love.

What I loved: Sal is hard and ruthless, but also a good guy who dotes on Thea. Thea is sweet and caring. She's the perfect heroine for this type of romance. I enjoyed how much Sal wanted to care for her. It was definitely over the top, but what girl wouldn't want to be swept off her feet and protected by the biggest, baddest, badass around? I'd be down with that!

This was another win from the dynamic duo of smutty yumminess! And the bonus is even better. Oh my gah, I loved Emma and Gio so much! Grab this one as soon as it releases!





For more of my reviews:
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Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews480 followers
September 7, 2017
2* STARS!

Breeding series? Sounds yummy! But unfortunately, AR has lost their touch. Same formula like previous books and it's getting olddd. Anyway, Kingpin has a bit edgier theme for the main hero as a cartel boss.

Thea James (I thought she's Theo James's twins. LOL!) witnessed a murder in the dark alley on the way to home. Surprisingly, Salvatore Costello let her go and determined to make her as his 'breeding' mate. Wow, right?

description

The sex was pretty tame. Salvatore is totally OTT caveman with all his possessiveness. He basically kidnapped Thea until she agreed to be his. Well, damn... A Cinderella story in a weird way. Also there's another side story about Salvatore's cousin and it was really boring. Almost the same like Thea's 'forced' breeding. Not a big fans with half of dozen babies pop out everywhere. Yikes!

description
Profile Image for Jayme.
432 reviews466 followers
August 20, 2017
It was good and surprise, surprise, not one but two very hot stories. The authors well knew that after the first story we would beg for Gio story. And we have it, so thank you for that!

The first one gave me this amazing dose of excitement and fun, the second is more insta love but no less hot.

Not one but two hot alpha male, mafia boss and his right hand. Who would say no to that? I really like these stories. Particularly first because it is more built and has this amazing, sassy heroine who likes to be feisty.

This is one of the better recent books from Alexa Riley. So I can calmly recommend it for a hot, quick evening with book for you.


***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!

Profile Image for Maya.
858 reviews498 followers
September 4, 2017
I've only read the first story and not the second one, since I think if you read them timely so close together, the AR magic will fade. As per usual you get OTT alpha male that is super (over)protective of his loved one. The plot for this book is not a boring one and I enjoyed how the story played out. There were moments where I felt like it was way way too unrealistic but that's AR for you. The story works for me and since it's such a quick read, you are fully able to enjoy it.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,160 reviews558 followers
August 20, 2017
I love love love mafia stories and this one was amazing. It had not one but two stories with 2 amazing couples. Virginal sweet heroines, obsessed, crazy in love, over the top celibate (and maybe virgin) heroes and lots of babies! Cheesy and steamy! Alexa Riley never fails! Love the breeding series.
Profile Image for DeeReads.
2,284 reviews
March 28, 2018
Bonus story: 3/27/18 ----Who knew that the bonus story was Gio and Emma's smexy story. I didn't... I just stop reading because I assumed that it would be one of the stories I had already read by the authors. Anyhow I enjoyed their quick tale...smut and dirty talk at it finest because Giovanni finally found 'his one' in the home nurse, Emma. When he did a little surveillance on her, he devised a plan w/ Salvatore and Thea. So quickly, sweet and unsuspecting Emma was hired to be Thea's nurse til their son arrived. This was instalust/love from Giovanni but Emma was really intrigued by Giovanni as well since, well afterall, he was popping up everywhere she was (stalking). The story ends with two fun epilogues: one year and 15 years and Giovanni continued working with Salvatore even though he said in "Kingpin" that once he found 'his one' he would leave that lifestyle.

Also "Taking the Fall" is included--first chapter only!
_____________________________________________________

"He’s the devil that’s come to steal my soul, but he never expected me to hand it over." ~Thea

Innocent heroine, Thea James witnesses kingpin hero, Salvatore Costello kill a man on her way from work. She immediately takes off running and Salvatore then chases her to her run-down apartment complex. Instead of killing her, he tells her not to tell anyone about what he's done then he takes her purse off her shoulder, takes out her phone and punches in his cell number. Furthermore, Salvatore then puts a cool $500.00 in her purse to not open her mouth to anyone about said killing. Before he walks away he tells her that Joey, the man he dusted didn't deserve to live. Weird, but it gets better believe me! Although Salvatore is the boss, he had quite a few redeeming qualities that where inspiring in this story when it came to his angel Thea! So for two weeks he watches her (stalks her) and knows her schedule completely.

Gio, his second notices something different about Salvatore and after Salvatore tells him that Thea witnessed him kill Joey. “You let a witness walk?” "Gio’s voice is a mix of shock and disapproval. "Gio is shocked that he didn't kill the woman! But Salvatore knows what he is doing.. well!

"She’s kept her silence, and for her loyalty she’s been rewarded. But the greatest reward is yet to come".

This was a engaging quick read and I loved how patient Salvatore was when it came to his angel, Thea. He protected her even though she didn't even know she was being watched. He was a kingpin but when it came to Thea he was everything that Thea needed.

Note: Salvatore killed Joey because he was beating up his wife and daughter even though Salvatore had warned him to discontinue the abuse. After Salvatore sees their abused faces (split lips, etc) again, he killed him on the property next door to Thea's apartment complex.

“I won’t always be gentle, angel. But I’m your man now.” ~ Salvatore

Oh lets not forget about Salvatore's best friend Gio because he is special: “Nice to meet you, Thea,” Gio says. “I’ve heard absolutely nothing about you.”

"Warning: This is dark, dirty, baby-making smut. This guy is after Thea, and he’s got a plan to keep her from getting away. Want to take a guess at what that is? Hint: There’s absolutely no birth control in this book. If you want it, come and get it! We’ve got you covered."

... changed to a "5 bountiful star read *****" after reading Gio and Emma's story as the bonus!
Profile Image for May Reads Books.
684 reviews
August 17, 2017
ARC
4.5/5
2 stories!! Sal and Thea and Gio and Emma!

-Both 100% safe
-Both insta love
-Both virgin h's
- Both celibate H's
-Both OTT Alpha
-Both no OW bra a OT pushing away
-Both HEA with epilogues
BOTH a must read!! Another hot hot hot read from AR!!
Profile Image for Bookadmirer.
368 reviews241 followers
July 27, 2020
This book was super smutty. I read previous books from this series, so I knew what to expect. The authors didn't disappoint me.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,931 reviews395 followers
August 24, 2017
I mean...

For a super smutty Alexa Riley this started out very very strong. I mean it took a very long time to get to the baby batter flinging. I actually can say I really enjoyed the main plot of this one. Hey if you like mafia smut, this is a winner!

As always it was a inbetween book for me, but I actually liked Kingpin.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,106 reviews626 followers
August 20, 2017
YASSSSSSSSSSS
I.WANT.MAH.SMUT.
*SPREADS AND WAITS*


Kingpin in the story of Thea and Salvatore, and also contains the bonus story of Gio and Emma- and it's our favorite brand of AR smut with loads of breeding!
I loved this no-glove love, dirty talk filled two above short length stories- which had loads of baby batter and just plain kinky brand of sex.
I've been in a book slump and it was a great book to bring me out.
Safe
4.5/5
Ps. Love the cover.
Profile Image for Trish.
2,394 reviews3,748 followers
August 31, 2017
What can I say? Yes, I read written porn. No I'm not ashamed of it, although I would call Alexa Riley a guilty pleasure. The stories are never too deep but DAMN those women can write steamy sex scenes!

That being said, this is the 4th in the "Breeding" series of which I've read the first already. The other two didn't sound appealing so I skipped them.
We have Thea, who is barely scraping by on her own after having grown up in a loveless "family". We also have Salvatore, the titular Kingpin (look at that cover *swoons*). One night on her way homefrom work, Thea witnesses Salvatore killing a man. He chases after her but when they meet, he "takes care of her" differently than you'd expect from a mobster.

This 4th installment was steamy again but for some reason it felt more rushed than the first. I'm never too thrilled about the "breeding" aspect but looking forward to the rest (yes, I like the thought of a man willing to do anything for his woman and actually doing it too, I like "alpha males" that still value the input of their partners and respect them). There never is too deep a story to these books, of course, but I'm used to AR giving us something more than I was given here. Thus, the sex scenes are good but not as good as in other stories (too short, like the rest).
Profile Image for Madeleine Knutsson.
1,029 reviews122 followers
July 21, 2020
vad läste jag precis?
Så du menar att du är helt okej att bli kidnappad och börja ett nytt liv bara på två sekunder? Jag vet att Alexa Riley böcker alltid överdrivna men det här var bara konstigt.

description

Profile Image for Fanny.
2,396 reviews50 followers
March 22, 2018



Kingpin sigue la misma linea que los libros anteriores de esta pequeña saga, si has leido con anterioridad alguna novela de las autoras sabes de lo que hablo y sino has leido nada suyo, te lo recomiendo.

Sus libros no son los mas complejos pero estan bien para pasar una tarde ( o noche ) distraida, como me sucede casi siempre con estas historias me hubiera gustado que Alexa Riley hubiera desarrollado un poco mas la trama, ya que sus historias con un poco mas de elaboracion podian ser bastante mejores y no tan superfluas.

Esta en concreto tenia mucho potencial, todo el asunto de la mafia era interesante y podia haberse convertido en una novela aceptable, aun asi cumplio su funcion : me entretuvo una tarde fria.

2.5 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Treece.
521 reviews150 followers
September 11, 2017
Rating: Four stars

Two-fer collection of hot insta-lurv when code-card carrying mobsters meet pristine virgins struggling to survive in a harsh world. The goal? Is to find the right woman, seize her, and protect her. The mission? To claim the chosen female and breed heirs.

There's loads of chivalry and dirty-talk, along with hot graphic scenes that will sear your brain and eyeballs.

Here's to team Alex Riley, doing what they do best and do well.
Profile Image for Susani .
514 reviews96 followers
September 4, 2017
3.5 stars

This would be a great book for those looking for a short smut book with a fabulous OTT H who is so hot and sexy that he can melt the panties off a girl and make her forget everything 🙂

For me, the book started strong, but then I got bored and started skimming. Wish there had been more story mixed in with all the smut that filled the second half of the book. Hero was fabulous! OTT, possesive, tough, celibate alpha. Once he saw the herroine, that was it. He was a winner in my book. The herroine, not so much. She made a couple decisions that made me not like/respect her. Just personal preferences.

Safety
Profile Image for Jos.
1,833 reviews141 followers
August 21, 2017
4 Hot n Sexy Stars

Yes, it was short, sexy, hot and sweet:) Another quick read that's filled with OTT yumminess!
Profile Image for Steffi De Ceuster  ♥.
1,391 reviews124 followers
August 22, 2017
Salvatore & Thea
I really enjoyed this short and steamy story, It's how I like my A R fill!
Also Mafia is just one of my favorites, I have many favorites but this is a sure thing.

For me it might have been a bit longer!

Giovanni & Emma

I liked their meeting and the couple of weeks that followed.
This was a fast one, but oh so enjoyable!
Fast and hot! Just how we like some parts!


Short review short books that I don't want to spoil by telling to much.

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