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Famiglia prima di tutto. Family first of all. That’s the motto the Petrettis lived by when New York was governed by the Italian Cartel, and our name was worth something.

Now, it’s disrespected.
Now, it’s tainted with hate.

I had plans to alter that, but the game changed when my pregnant wife was kidnapped by a rival. Her body was never found, and I’ve paid to guarantee our daughter’s safety ever since.

During the day, I’m a businessman in a tailored suit. At night, I’m an avenger who’ll do whatever it takes to get his daughter back. My father may have forgotten the morals our ancestors ruled with, however, I cannot. My daughter is the princess of the Italian Cartel, and she will be protected accordingly.

I just need to get a pesky redhead with gleaming green eyes out of my head first. Her entrance into my life could ruin everything, including her very existence.

Dimitri is book one in the highly anticipated Italian Cartel series by bestselling author Shandi Boyes. It’s a new series with gritty alpha males and the women who bring them to their knees.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2020

1415 people are currently reading
3460 people want to read

About the author

Shandi Boyes

96 books2,198 followers
Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

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5 stars
550 (44%)
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315 (25%)
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229 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Mairi Swan.
492 reviews36 followers
December 6, 2025
I don't know if it's the way it was written but I felt confused quite some times through it. I picked it because the plot sounded interesting but I didn't enjoy it as much. And I'm not sure if I will continue to the second book
Profile Image for Fre06 Begum.
1,260 reviews205 followers
September 30, 2020
Wow the suspense of “who did it” was really engrossing. I have my suspicions but now I have to wait for next book!! As for the main MC’s well Dimitri’s character wasn’t really likeable to be honest no when it came to his morals about marriage but in terms of him being ruthless when it came to the business side of his life I understood why he had to do what he needed. As for Roxanne she was ok as a character but I wish she wasn’t so transparent about her feelings towards Dimitri. I mean sometimes it’s just nice to have the guy guessing rather than him know you literally can’t stop gawking at him as soon as he is near. I have to admit I also found her insane jealousy over him a bit cringe worthy. So far I don’t think much of the MC’s but the plot really is riveting so I really can’t wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Hahn.
38 reviews
September 23, 2020
Dimitri: The Italian Cartel #1

Have you ever had a story that you’ve read after a few busy days and it doesn’t matter how tired you are....you just keep reading??????
That’s until your eyes water because it’s just that good?!?!!!!!!!

Well that’s what it was like for me this week ..... I nearly freaked because I just needed that extra page!!!!!
That extra chapter!!!!!
Just to see me through. That my friends is what you’ll have to go through after reading Dimitri : The Italian Cartel #1
This story grips you...... Embroils you that you need to know how it ends. I’m not a lover of cliffhangers, I’ll be honest. But Shandi has ‘Never’ disappointed me whenever I’ve had to endure one.
I know that the following novel will not only answer my questions but will lead me to unforeseen events ‘Worth’ waiting for!
You’re cruel Shandi 😂 but you’re Awesome and I’m literally holding my breath for what’s to come next!!!!

🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟👈🏻 Seriously I want to give this more than 5 🌟’s..... This answers a few questions but leaves me with more. An Epic Author who fills in gaps throughout her series.
Dimitri A Hot Sexy 🔥 Alpha and I need more!!!!! Much more!!!!!
Roxie and Dimitri are dynamite 🧨

A Definite Must Read!!!
Once you’ve started you can’t pull yourself away.

Can I say the Best Thing About Shandi is she doesn’t leave you hanging for Months waiting. Her Novels are a Constant!!!
It’s what I love about her writing. And truly let’s face it.....?!? Who wants to wait a year for the following Novel????
If you Choose to read Shandi Boyes’s Novels you will not be disappointed in the least. She gives and gives to her readers. I as a constant reader can not emphasise enough that this is what fans want.
So if one day we actually meet at an Event ..... Don’t hold it against me if I go all Fangirly and pass out...😂 It’ll be worth every bit of embarrassment. Keep Rocking Shandi I enjoy every Novel I’ve read...
From the ones that make me Ugly cry to the ones that make me laugh so hard I almost pee myself. You are Amongst my Top 3 Authors. That alone should tell those who are reading this review just how good you are!!!!
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,523 reviews320 followers
April 11, 2021
This was book 1 in " The Italian Cartel" . Dimitri Petrettis is on a mission his wife and daughter have been kidnapped and he will do anything to get his daughter back. This was a cruel crime his daughter was cut out of her mother's stomach. I really liked this book and Dimitri he was ruthless. I have read this author before but not the other mafia series but I will be reading it soon. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Shandi Boyes.
Author 96 books2,198 followers
Read
September 30, 2020
Explosively Hot Italian Cartel Romance Series!

Famiglia prima di tutto. Family first of all. That’s the motto the Petrettis lived by when New York was governed by the Italian Cartel, and our name was worth something.

Now, it’s disrespected.
Now, it’s tainted with hate.

I had plans to alter that, but the game changed when my pregnant wife was kidnapped by a rival. Her body was never found, and I’ve paid to guarantee our daughter’s safety ever since.

During the day, I’m a businessman in a tailored suit. At night, I’m an avenger who’ll do whatever it takes to get his daughter back. My father may have forgotten the morals our ancestors ruled with, however, I cannot. My daughter is the princess of the Italian Cartel, and she will be protected accordingly.

I just need to get a pesky redhead with gleaming green eyes out of my head first. Her entrance into my life could ruin everything, including her very existence.


APPLE: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id1523...
NOOK: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dimi...
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dimi...
GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CYCVQFG
Profile Image for mi.
81 reviews17 followers
May 16, 2022
— ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

my reading experience was: no expectations 😃 oh it's starting to get interesting 🙃 nevermind

roxie and dimitri were mid. they intensely desire each other and it's forbidden but at the same time some details of their slow burn annoyed me, such as rox's extreme jealousy and how long it took for them to have any *actual* sexual and emotional engagement. the tension built in the book made us highly anticipate THE scene and dimitri cockblocked himself. anticlimactic!

adding the fact it's impossible to feel connected with the main characters because we barely know them. the lack of deepness and information doesn't help but corroborate to the reader's frustration when we don't get proper romantic scenes or the couple gets constantly interrupted because dimitri - once again sabotaging the couple - is SO busy.

not gonna lie, i'm still curious to find out what's next on dimi's daughter, but i am sure i won't finish the series because it's lame. i'll just skim for information about their future.
17 reviews
October 20, 2020
Dimitri is close to being a Nickolai this book is steaming

I would recommend Dimitri to anyone who loves the mafia novels. Its hot ,screaming and gives in depth knowledge of why Dimitri is the way he is . Learning how Justina becomes involved and Maddox . Shandi is one of the best authors to be able to connect her characters of all her books. Hot,steamy sexy and in-depth characters. Never stop shandi B.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,227 reviews
September 10, 2024
1 Stars - DNF @ 31%

I always see ads on Instagram with dialogue from some intriguing scenes by this author and her books and I somehow fall for the bait each time.

I didn't know what to think about this book from the book blurb. It doesn't offer much to form an assumption tbh aside from his wife and child being kidnapped and obviously another woman is on the scene.

In reality from what I managed to read it was an endless stream of history, irrelevant and pointless inner dialogue and thoughts. I was already sick of being in Dimitri's head. And let me not even bother with my opinion on Roxanne. Two whole ass chapters of her and I realized this chick is gonna suckkkk.

I'm not even sure what kind of vibe the author was aiming for with the MCs first on page appearance together but boy that was not a good choice. It was strange, random as hell, confusing, and can I say ew? Not necessarily ew regarding Roxanne getting off by Dimitri watching her with her boyfriend but ew because Dimitri refers to her in his thoughts as a teenager. And yeah, tbh that whole "watching a hot stranger watch you while someone else gets you off" is supposed to be hot but this wasn't it. Missed the mark by soooo much. It was very meh and then it was very ew.

I have no idea how old Dimitri was supposed to be but knowing Roxanne was likely nineteen or barely twenty wasn't making me want to read this anymore than my first impression of Roxanne or Dimitri.

This book read very confusing. Sort of like someone haphazardly wrote down their thoughts and day-to-day activities while also losing their train of thought and dawdling into entire family histories. It was stilted, and so very wordy. Add in some really extreme response from his crazy father, some very murdery thing called the Gauntlet, introduction to maybe ten different characters, fifteen different family names and areas they control, and feeling no remorse whatsoever for what happened to Dimitri? Game over. It didn't help that it felt like when the book opens you've been dropped 30% into a story with no way to backtrack to understand wtf is going on.

Frankly nothing seemed likeable about either MCs from what little I managed to read. And to learn from other reviews this is a trilogy...🤣 Yeah that's a big fat nope. I didn't sign up for that sort of commitment to some boring mid characters with some contrived dramatic meet(not)cute.

All y'all five star reviewers are suspicious as hell. Even on other books in the series. And with hardly any reviews with spoilery details? Mhm, suspicious. 🤨🤔
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,142 reviews15 followers
August 8, 2021
4.7 stars

This author is exceptional at what she does. It always amazes me how she can create a new story in an old timeline. It was great stepping back and seeing old characters. It makes me want to do a re-read.

The anticipation in this one is mind blowing and the chemistry is hotter than Hades. It ends on a brutal cliffhanger. I'm glad I waited until this series was complete because I'm not sure my blood pressure could have waited for answers.
Profile Image for zoe ★.
89 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2022
kinda spoilers??




OMG THAT ENDINGGGG I LOVE A PLOT TWIST 🫶🫶
i was initially gonna give three stars but that ending has me hooked
Profile Image for Zubee.
668 reviews32 followers
December 15, 2020
Interesting start ... when I started this book I had no idea it would end on a cliffhanger .. The story was fast paced and a lot of things were happening on every page ... would like to see what happens in the next book ..
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
September 29, 2020
Great start to an excellent to mafia series. Dimitri is a business man by day and an avenger by night, trying to locate his missing daughter. He meets Roxie and spark fly but will she help he unearth the truth he is looking for? Fast-paced read with lots of drama, suspense and twists and turns. The chemistry is steamy and the story entertaining. I liked it.
11 reviews
September 30, 2020
What a way to begin a new series!!!

I could not put it down. Dimitri and Roxanne have so much chemistry that it seeps off the pages. Add in the mystery and anticipation and this book is frustratingly perfect. Every word, every turn of the page drew me in a little more, and then...I Did Not See That Coming! I knew in advance this book would end with a cliffhanger, but oh what a cliffhanger. I just sat there...looking at the last page...stunned.

I am amazed by this author, with her ability to keep you hanging on every word, her descriptions that are right there in your mind’s eye as if you are watching instead of reading, and I have yet to find another author that interconnects their books the way she does. Though you can read this book/series without reading any of her previous books, it adds information or fills in some blanks about characters from previous books while giving insight on characters of books to come.

I CANNOT wait for the next book!

Note: As with most mafia stories this book is dark. It contains vivid descriptions of murder, sex trafficking, drug use and etc.
Profile Image for ❤ArtfullySinful❤ .
722 reviews49 followers
December 8, 2025
They also want to be owned, and I’m about ready to stake my claim.

He sat helpless and watched his wife Audrey’s snuff film, seeing his four week early daughter be pulled straight from her mother's womb. Five days of torture from her kidnapping, ending in a horrific death on a bloody mattress on the floor. Fien, the daughter he never understood he needed, whisked away and handed off to an unknown female in the video. Overcome with rage, he's determined to bring his daughter to him no matter the costs at stake. A mafia family, one of the four who originally broke New York into what it is, will find two pitted agaonsts each other as the fight for revenge takes shape. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a month for a measley few second of video proof she's still alive, Dimitri Petretti is ruthless and cold to anyone suspected of involvement. When he watched a blond woman getting played with in an alley, he enjoyed the show before executing the security guard who was advancing on her. Seeing the boyfriend (Eddie) run and leave her behind like a coward, nobody expected what to transpire next.

“I wasn’t asking, Roxanne. Whether I hold you under freezing-cold water until you’re drenched through or dump you into a scalding-hot bath, you will shower before you’ll ever enter my bed smelling like another man.”

Roxanne was only twenty and very familiar to the hardships and pian life can bring. Raised by her grandparents after years of watching her father torment and abuse her mother, she's left with a bizarre curiosity. Sketching her obsession of sex, she recalls the beauty of two bodies forming, a safety net for all the rapes her father forced upon her mother. Keeping that curiosity alive, she's had a strong of mediocre boyfriends, but none worse for her than Eddie turned out to be. Deciding she couldn't stand to be with him anymore, she tries to break things off and it escalated to him running her over with his car. Badly injured, she spent months under the care of doctors and medical staff at Erkinsvale Private Hospital, pending the murder conviction charges. Accused originally of six hours of torture before slicing Eddies body into smaller parts, Dimitri played a secret hand to get her free of the convictions. Obsessed with the petite blond, she reminds him more and more of the wife he lost, except the fiestyness she contains is so much different. A natural red head, he keeps her hair bleached to maintain some difference as he brings her into his world. A photographic memory, she sketched as many people as she could remember from the bar the day Audrey vanished. Blaming Roxanne for the reason he was distracted that day, the chemistry building between the two of them is undeniable.

They said you murdered someone. That you cut him up into little pieces because he hurt you.

Rrmaining captive and locked in his bedroom, her association with anyone was limited to Dimitri and his second in command Rocco. A jealous and possessive nature kept Dimitri enraged everytime Rocco snuck away to talk and socialize with her. Determined to win his trust and prove she has nothing to do with his missing daughter, they agree on a wild plan to auction her virginity to one of the sickened people in the city. Hosting this party brought to life dozens of monsters living in broad daylight. It also would show his own brother (Roberto) and father seems to have hands in his wife's murder. Getting closer to the truth, he's pulling her closer as the two begging falling into the list that burns between them. Knowing the family rival Rimi Catro is involved, they have to now explore deeper into baby farming and sales of woman to find people who know where his daughter is hidden. Whether in the states or another country, he will find her and bring her home.

Famiglia prima di tutto. Family first of all.
Profile Image for Munira Vahed.
453 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2020
This is Dimitri's story and it is set just before the tragedy that occurred in Justine's life. I think I may have to read Nikolai again to get the full feel of Dimitri character as it has been a long time since I read it.
His heavily pregnant wife has been kidnapped. He is too late to save her but he will do anything to save his daughter. During the search for his newborn daughter, he meets a young woman, Roxanne who gets embroiled in situations that are dangerous. They have explosive chemistry.
The story delves into topics such as baby selling, prostitution and crime.
The story was a bit slow to start but once it got going, it was hard to put down. The twists and turns kept coming. The cliffhanger at the end was mind blowing and very unexpected. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what will happen next and how Dimitri/Roxanne will deal with what has been discovered.
Will Dimitri ever find his daughter? Who was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Dimitri's wife? I cant wait to find out with the next book.
I do have to say that the author doesn't make you wait for too long before the next book is released which is good but i am already impatient for the next book to have all my questions answered.
I really enjoyed the side characters such as Rocco and Smith. I hope they get their own stories soon.
I didn't like Dimitri sometimes as he blamed Roxanne for the kidnapping and murder of his wife. How could she be blamed when it was him who was entranced by someone else?
The story was well written and full of action, twists and turns. Thank you for a fabulous story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
September 30, 2020
✳️✳️ONE DELICIOUS ADVENTURE✳️✳️
Hatching hades! Shandi flat nailed this sweet treat from start to finish with 100% on point realism, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, launching this jewel to staggering heights. Broken boundaries are heightened and exploited, unveiling the harsh facts, daunting deals and deadly debacles, igniting a fierce determination with such passion and desire, kicking this jewel into the eye of the storm, booting it into a tizzy with a mind-blowing realization. Cutting through a devious game full of daring drama, churning turmoil, perilous intrigue, ruthless brutality, sinister intents, vicious deeds, terrifying abduction, cunning manipulations, escalating danger and spiraling suspense, along with a boatload of revelations and unnerving encounters, makes for one mind-blowing masterpiece. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and sizzling chemistry collides with such intensity, unveiling explosive emotions and a developing bond, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions so rich and lively it creating a majestic backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Shandi, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,926 reviews65 followers
June 9, 2021
CLIFFHANGER!!

It's my fault, I take full responsibility for not looking at reviews or checking out this book better! It was in my library and I'm having trouble finding a new book to read. Again my fault that after starting the book I didn't like one character, I didn't enjoy them at all, contemplated DNF at 25% I stopped and was done, didn't find anything else to read doo I started reading it again, 50% stopped again, same $h'± different chapter! Why oh why did I keep reading you ask? Because I needed to know who kidnapped the d•©k Dimitri's wife and is holding his newborn daughter Fien ransom! That's it people! THE one and only thing that kept me reading was to discover the kidnappers identify and to see them pay for the horrific things they feel is their right to do! And I didn't even get that because like I said it's a CLIFFHANGER!😭😠 so no I won't be buying book two to get my answers bc I am not wasting money just for one character! One!! And she was just born and has no lines but the atrocity of how she was born and kept from her father & lost her mum! Is she cared for properly? Is she loved!? Is she better off wherever she is than with her completely corrupt father?! ( probably not since who took her is worse than Dimitri!) Whatever, I'm out huge waste of days trying to read this only to be completely fecked in the end!
573 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2020
Dimitri's turn has arrived!!!


Dimitri by Shandi Boyes it's the first installment in The Italian Cartel series, part one of Dimitri and Roxanne's story and an amazing surprise for those who remember him from Nikolai and Isaac's tales. If you think you know Dimitri Petretti, you have another thing coming: he is a very complex character fuelled by revenge and hunting for answers only Roxanne can provide him with. I was engaged since the beginning, I loved the mystery, the twists and turns, the emotional ride and the secondary characters as well and....Roxie and Dimitri were so 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!! Another well executed plot and another prysm on a character that was simply a monster in everybody eyes, but turned out to be so much more. Dark, twisted, mysterious and steamy, always good elements in mafia genre and for those who enjoy raw and gritty plots (my case)!
No so patiently waiting for the second part of the story to unravel and for Dimitri to fulfill his quest of knowledge and retribution with Roxie by his side as a fundamental player and source of enlightment. Let's see what she's got to say....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,369 reviews28 followers
October 2, 2020
BRILLIANT
Dimitri Petretti is going through hell, his wife is missing taken by a rival who knows nothing about codes. His wife is just a few weeks awake from giving birth to their daughter. His little princess and now they were both being ransomed. Dimitri doesn't take any chances he pays up but something goes wrong and his hitman who he trusted to take the ransom comes back with his money and a usb with the most disgusting video on it and it isn't until he sees a birth mark that he knows what he is watching Dimitri Petretti. Now he is after blood and the safe return of his daughter!!!
OMG THIS IS A FANTASTIC READ TALK ABOUT THE EDGE OF YOUR SIT. I SHOULD NEVER OF STARTED THIS BOOK WHEN I WENT TO BED I WILL NEVER LEARN, SO I HAD HARDLY ANY SLEEP BUT I DIDNT CARE BECAUSE THIS BOOK HAD EVERYTHING I WANTED AND KNEW THAT SHANDI WOUL;D GIVE US. I THINK I WENT THROUGH ALL MY EMOTIONS AND I JUST COULDNT PUT IT DOWN. SO ADDICTIVE AND EXCITING!!!
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
125 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2020
This book is dark, moody, twisted, scary, and tragic, but also blistering, fiery, and hot.

Dimitri's upbringing, past drug abuse, drinking, and the world he comes from have made him into a volatile and dangerous man.
Roxanne's life with her parents has been strange, to put it mildly. Although not physically abused, she was exposed to things no child should have to experience.

Instead of being afraid of Dimitri as she should be, she is drawn to him and mesmerized by him. The physical attraction between them sizzles off the pages.
Dimitri, being the Mafioso Alpha Male he is, blames her for what happened to his wife and child, rather than taking responsibility for his wandering eye. Yet it is almost understandable, once you realize Roxanne was there at every major incident.

It's a rooted to your seat, can't put it down read, that makes you gasp and want to scream with a cliffhanger 'What The ...!?' ending.
Profile Image for Anne  Young-Cronister.
958 reviews
September 23, 2020
WHAT A STORY! And it’s only the first part! Those of you that have read anything about Ravenshoe or Nikolai Or Isaac you know who Dimitri Petrettis is. What is strange about it is we didn’t really know him.at.all! Not until this story sprang forth from him talking to Author Shandi Boyes. I couldn’t fathom that he was not just a monster. But he’s like an onion, there are many layers to Dimitri.
You won’t want to miss this book. He meets Roxie, whom he shares a very complex relationship with.
Rocco is his right hand man and Smith is his Highly talented IT man. You want feels? This story has them in spades. Not just your usual feel good ones, but all of the ones that you don’t talk about! I can’t wait for Roxie to be released! This has action, danger, twists and turns you never see coming!
Watch out Rimi Castro. The piper needs to be paid...


I reviewed a complementary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews23 followers
June 3, 2022
WOW intense & suspenseful

Dimitri has loss his wife and daughter through horrific measures and he is doing everything in his power to get them back. He has a lot to deal with in his dangerous life. He knows that his daughter is alive because he keeps paying a monthly ransom for that confirmation. What he didn’t expect was Roxanne and how she has been hovering in and around his life the entire time this tragedy has been occurring. Roxanne doesn’t know Dimitri until their paths collide and then there is no going back. She must submit to him in order to survive. There are still gaps and secrets to be revealed and I’m hoping Book 2 will answer some of them. This story is intense and suspenseful. Dimitri’s goal of finding his daughter is admirable but he’s not an easy guy to like. This is a great beginning to this series. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Trish.
1,066 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2025
Complicated plot

This book is not for a reader who wants an easy straight forward plot line. There are so many different characters, and being this deals with the Mafia, there are factions that you're not sure who they work with. Dimitri is a straight up psycho. His Father raised him to be someone who can kill instantly, without a second thought. The whole story has him re thinking about his wife, and wondering if he really loved her as much as he tells himself. The young woman he gets involved with has more over the top horrible things happen to her, and because he looked at her, he's convinced himself that she's to blame for what happened to his wife. It rolls over into a second book. I honestly don't know if I can take a look at that yet. I feel like I've been through the wringer from this one.
Profile Image for Tammy.
273 reviews11 followers
September 4, 2020
Dimitri is an alpha Italian Mafia cranky, tormented, tatted, killer pure hotness who will make you want to scream yet fall to your knees...

Roxie is feisty, fearless, survivor

The sexual chemistry and built up tension is smoking hot, at times you just want to scream at Dimitri but in all honestly I could understand the way his was feeling. I didn't agree with him however a powerful man like Dimitri is not one to let people see him weak and show his true feeling.

The Love Dimitri has for is daughter is so powerful so real it's breathtaking made me love him even more

You meet some intriguing new characters that you will most differently want to learn more about I know i do

Then ending was seriously a WTF I highly recommend this amazing book
Profile Image for Jean Dewsbury.
870 reviews16 followers
September 19, 2020
Dark dangerous Dimitri mafia violence madness shows no boundaries when Dimitri sets to take back his family. Blood is everything. However nothing and no one will get in his way. If you do you die.
Roxanne's life was a complicated one filled with such depraved treatment for a little girl to bare witness to, the heartache and sexuality still haunts her today. She knows she should be terrified by Dimitri yet somehow her fascination of him keeps her from the truth of his inner monster.
The Italian mafia cartel is going to be a epic journey.
Dark twisted violent behavior and yet you do get a glimpse of compassion and passion.
All is not as it seems.
I can't wait to read more. Highly recommended reading.
11.5k reviews49 followers
October 1, 2020
WOW....Fantastic is the least I can say!!!

Dimitri is the first book in The Italian Cartel trilogy series and what a way to kick things off. From the first page to the last this gem of a book grabs you by the emotions and does not let you go. I have read a number of Shandi Boyes books and this one does not disappoint as it is well written, has a very strong story-line and fascinating characters. The story is filled with danger, intrigue, suspense, adventure, action, a ton of twists and turns and a lot of sizzling chemistry between the main characters, Dimitri and Roxanne.
I so enjoyed getting wrapped up in this first book and cannot wait until the next in the trilogy.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
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1,200 reviews26 followers
April 29, 2024
3.5 stars. I read this series as a whole, so can’t really break down each book, however it was well written and the storyline itself was intriguing. I’m a huge fan of the H not losing his bad boy ways or reforming after meeting the h. This one was good like that. I think the relationship between the couple itself needed some more work. I think that the relationships between Smith/Rocco/Dimitri was spot on. They all blended well together, even Rocco and Roxie seemed to form a better written bond than Dimitri and Roxie. It was a good puzzle pieced together throughout the trilogy, it was a wild ride. They hunted for the daughter turned everyone’s world upside down for her yet you barely got anything on her. I wish the ending would’ve focused on her a bit more. All in all a decent read.
30 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2020
Okay so I’m not sure how she does it but Shandi has once again proven why she’s a best selling author! Seriously guys, if you thought Nikolai was a great series then you have to read Dimitri! I must warn you that there’s a serious cliff hanger that’s making me not so patiently waiting for book 2 but it’s so worth it to start reading now. I couldn’t put the book down at all. Dimitri is definitely a dark and brooding type of guy and this is easily a cartel type book. There’s blood, grit, and everything else you love about these kinds of books. Roxie has a fiery personality and I can’t wait to learn more about their story in book 2!
618 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2022
I can’t wait to read the next one

Dimitri and Roxanne have sexual chemistry and tension in spades. It rolls off of them anytime they’re together and even sometimes when they’re not. I was pulled into their story from the beginning in the alleyway. It was a bit slow moving from there, but so worth the wait. I hate Dimitri for the way he treats Roxanne, but love him for how hard he’s fighting for Fien. I hate Roxanne’s naivety, but love how fearless it makes her and how willing it makes her to help Dimitri. I’m all twisted up and don’t know if I love them or hate them, but I can say that I can’t wait to read the next book and figure it out.
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