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Scaliami Crime Family #1

The Hitman's Obsession

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I was born into a dark kingdom. I’m a mob princess—a pretty little flower in a gilded cage. No boys ever climbed my tower. No men ever got through the walls built around me.

No one, except Vincent Cave.

My bodyguard, my shadow. My gruff, silent, watchful guardian angel. A teddy bear to me, but a savage to anyone who’d seek to harm me.

First he was my innocent crush. Then, it wasn’t so innocent.

Eleven years older, and utterly gorgeous. Eyes that make my knees weak, arms I could get lost in, and lips that mine wanted to taste since I knew lips could do that.

I’m back after three years away at boarding school. I thought that would cure me, but there’s no cure for Vincent Cave. Not when three years have made him hardened, and growlier, and even more irresistible.

When the danger he always shielded me from comes calling, it’s Vincent and me, alone, on the run.

I’ve grown up. He’s noticed.

It was just a crush. Now, it’s just dangerous.


Looking for the perfect blend of steamy and sweet? Some heat with your feels? This is just what you need! No cliffhanger, and a perfect happy ever after.

151 pages, ebook

First published October 11, 2020

738 people are currently reading
929 people want to read

About the author

Jagger Cole

74 books5,411 followers
A reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.

Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.

When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.

You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com

Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd

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5 stars
586 (39%)
4 stars
408 (27%)
3 stars
338 (23%)
2 stars
105 (7%)
1 star
32 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,680 reviews2,441 followers
October 14, 2020
This one was pretty fast pace and some steam. I didnt like the flashback then present time stuff..

Vincent has been Bellamy bodyguard since she was 11 they have that connection, both see eachother in different lights. She was sent to boarding school for 3 years. Now shes back in the states a grown woman and hes feeling different about her he shouldn't be feeling this type away but he does, as for Bellamy she always pinned after her bodyguard now that they are on the run and hiding out she does push those lines even more. Some fighting sexual tension and more fighting.

I was bummed Bellamy was the one always pushing for something Vincent was alway pulling away or trying to keep himself away from her. It was annoying when she was the one doing all the work. But once they past that line things heated up between them,  now all they need to do is survive and tell her father.

No om drama and tiny ow drama (ex gf), No cheating, Drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore (mentions he went on dates)

Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐

Slow-instaburn
Older/younger couple
30H/19h
Sorta tiny unrequited love (she was 11 and crushing also pinning)
Push away from H
Flashbacks
No condom
Masturbation
Violence
Hea
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,769 reviews982 followers
August 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐

The plot got me hooked and had flipping through pages like a maniac 😂 Lately, I realized I'm a sucker for bodyguard romance, and boy do they deliver.

So Vincent has been Bellamy's bodyguard since she was 7 and he was 18, so there's an 11 year age gap. He basically watched her grow up and made his life revolve around her. But when she was 16 her father sent her away to a boarding school to protect her from his enemies. 3 years have passed of them being apart and in the present time she's 19 celebrating her birthday. Vincent saw her for the first time in person after 3 years and felt different emotions about her, he doesn't see her now as a little sister but a woman.

Then the FBI came to the party and Vincent had to take Bellamy away and protect her just like what he always does. They went to a beach house to lie low and things got hotter between them. There was a little bit of push and pull, but I think Bellamy was the one who pursued Vincent. He's a rational person and he worries about the repercussions if he ever crosses the line with his ward. So, Bellamy did all the taunting and seducing because she can't keep her crush on Vincent anymore. She's been in love with him for years and she thinks it's finally time to let him know how she feels. Eventually, they finally acknowledged the sexual tension and chemistry, and gave in to the mutual attraction. The steamy scenes are hoooot! Mr. Cole really knows how to write a good smut. *Chef's kiss* 🥵

A lot of things happened and it really shocked me to think that her father would hurt her, it just doesn't add up. And thank fuck, her father isn't after her and is actually trying to protect her. I didn't buy this crap that her father wanted to kill Bellamy because I read how they're close and how her father is protective of her, so him trying to off his own daughter is totally unbelievable.

Finally, they sort things out and are able to find out who's the traitor in the line of men. Her father was hesitant for a few minutes when he saw them holding hands but then realized there's no person in this world who would protect Bellamy the way Vincent does. He (Bellamy's father) accepted their relationship, walked her down the aisle, and promoted Vincent as his second command.

Overall, I liked this. The writing style and plot is good. Also, this is a fast read so I enjoy it even more. Lately I've been bingeing novellas and I liked that they're short but still had a good plot and could invoke so much emotion from readers. Anywaaaay, this is good! Off to the next book 😂

Book Info:
- No cheating / opd / 3rd act break up
- Age gap (19/30)
- Bodyguard romance
- Mafia romance
- Virgin FMC, no manhoe MMC
- Violence
- HEA (married)

Additional note:
- Vincent isn't a manoe and he doesn't sleep around, but he had an on/off girlfriend once. She cheated on him and he broke things off between them. I think they separated before Bellamy went to a boarding school. And Vincent finally ended their whatever-kind-of-situation last year but the OW cannot accept it. She called him once in the present time and it caused a little bit of drama but was resolved quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Luna  ♡.
665 reviews250 followers
September 3, 2023
»Bellamy, you've only ever seen the best of me, because that's what you bring out in me.«

★ ★

❥ 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒚
She was okay I think. I liked her cheeky character and the way she stands her ground against Vincent.

❥ 𝑽𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕
Big grumpy bodyguard. He‘s so obsessed with Bellamy.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
I couldn‘t enjoy this book because it creeped me out that Vincent was Bellamys bodyguard since she was like 7 years old and when she turns 19 he completely lusts for her. That‘s not relatable and like I said kinda creepy. 19 and 30 is an age gap I personally can‘t understand and the fact they know each other since Bellamy was a little girl is not my cup of tea. How can a grown men desire a girl he knows all his life and referred to as „little sister“ „kid niece“ and so on?

"Dad, he's protected me since I was a kid. He's been with me my entire life. How could I not fall in love with him?" - That sounds like a type of stockholm syndrom for me but definitely this is not normal.

plot: 2/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 1/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

keywords: mafia,bodyguard, possessive and protective hero, family secrets, touch her and you‘ll die, forced proximity, age gap
Profile Image for RCK *don’t be all, like, uncool*.
782 reviews64 followers
October 18, 2020
Age gap/bodyguard romance.

I hesitate to read books by male authors but I actually really enjoyed this one!

Short read with like-able Hero and heroine.

Just the right amount of steam with story. I’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author.
Profile Image for Whatishreads.
171 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2023
Foolish of me for thinking that it's actually a bodyguard romance 🥲

⚠️ SAFETY DETAILS: ⚠️



Cheating:no
Sharing:no
OM drama: she went on a date with some guy in the past but nothing happened. He wanted to kiss her but she was saving her first kiss for her bodyguard (H) whom she had a crush on.
OW drama: H dated a woman for some time but when she cheated on him, he broke up with her. In present, the ow wants to get back with him but he wasn't interested.
Sex scene with OM or OW: none
Virgin/manwhore: h - virgin, H - not a manwhore
Separation: no
Celibate during separation: --
Condoms: not used
HEA: yes. They get married in the epilogue.
SAFE?: for me, yes.
Profile Image for Marcia.
495 reviews83 followers
Read
June 5, 2021
Giving up at 84%. I think this started off enjoyable enough and I like the premise: bodyguard and his charge being interested in each other along with there being an age gap.

Vincent as a character was totally fine, but Bellamy grated on my nerves. She was just so damn annoying and acted at times like a petulant child. There's something about people who constantly interrupt others that drives me up a wall; even in books, it seems.

I'm partially curious as to the reason why they were being targeted, albeit even this I thought was weak, but Bellamy just annoyed me too much to want to find out how it all ends.
Profile Image for Deepthi.
626 reviews46 followers
March 12, 2024
This one is all wham bam thank you mam .
Short, spicy and interesting read for sure .

Tropes: Body guard, age gap (11 years) 19h,30H,;mafia romance, close proximity spice🌶️🌶️🌶️

I just finished it in an hour tops😂😂 forbidden body guard always delivers the kick .
It isn’t cringy but for a novella its good i think🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

whatever onto the next book!,🤡💀💀💀🤭
Profile Image for Melanie Rodriguez.
52 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2023
Cute quick novella. I was thrown off a little from the age gap only because he watched her grow up. I also wanted some type of confrontation with Kelly and Bellamy. 😂😂 I still enjoyed it though! Excited to continue onto the next one with Bellamy’s dad.
Profile Image for Granger McGringot.
1,440 reviews218 followers
October 15, 2020
Steamy short romance. The overall plot was actually nice with some twist and revealing in the end. The main romantic plot though was heavier on h's pushy attitude to make the relationship happened. Instead of seeming to be alpha that claiming the h, the H seemed just to roll with what happened. Some flashback was about some minor detail on the budding relationship, but nothing significant nor sweep-me-off-my-feet kinda worthy moments.

Virgin h, Experienced H
No condoms
Bodyguard turned hitman H, privileged mafia princess h
No drama/angst, No cheating
HEA
5% action in the story
Overall score: 3 OTT romance stars
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,233 reviews99 followers
April 28, 2023
All The Bodyguard/Mafia Romance I could want

I picked this one up because I can always trust Jagger to give me a great mafia romance.

And this one did not disappoint, I even got age gap and body guard romance thrown in, and it all combined for the perfect book to end my day.

Just enough dark and gritty to balance out the romance and steam. Well done!

It set up the series nicely, and I'm looking forward to starting book 2 next.
Profile Image for Ioana Reads.
614 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2024
5 brat stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶

"She’s only mine. Those thoughts and desires are for me alone. Only my own eyes will drink her in."
Profile Image for Farah.
673 reviews61 followers
October 16, 2020
Age gap? Tick. Bodyguard? Tick. Longing? Tick. Action? Tick.

Jagger Cole has mastered the perfect mix of action and romance. These novellas are perfect for quick reads with a very satisfying ending.

The Hitman's Obsession follows Bella and Vincent. He was her bodyguard from a young age so they have this close bond. It isn't until she comes back from boarding school after 3 years of sepeartion that this close bond becomes something new.

They have a big age gap but of course love knows no bounds.

Her dad is a Mob boss so when danger comes lurking on her birthday, Vincent is told to take her away and protect her. It was his life duty and becomes it again.

Being in a close space together is dangerous as sparks fly.

A brilliant short. With some action, flashbacks and some erotic romance. All you need for a quick read.

Do note it is OTT, so do go in with that in mind. For readers who like Alexa Riley and Jessa Kane, but need a bit more story to keep the fun going!

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,997 reviews62 followers
October 14, 2020
Unrequited love is awful, but that is the case for a Mafia Princess, Bellamy. She has been in love with her bodyguard Vincent since she was a kid. Now that she is celebrating her 19th birthday she decides to stop beating around the bush. Vincent has never looked at Bellamy that way. She was his charge and he would lay down his life for her but that all changed at her 19th birthday party when she showed up in that dress. He is hesitant because of their age difference and him protecting her and looking after her practically her whole life. Twists and turns are typical of this author’s writing, but that ending?! I definitely didn’t see that one coming, he definitely keeps you on your toes with his writing.
1,044 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2021
Disappointing.

Written in dual first person POV. Lots of sexy times, but they weren’t very well written.

The age gap is 11 years but that didn’t bother me. The thing that bothered me is that the male MC (Vincent) was the female MC’s (Bellamy) bodyguard from when she was 7 until she went to boarding school at 16. He was her shadow for 9 years , mostly while she was a child. I just find that creepy. Just like I have no issue with the “step siblings” trope but I’m not a fan when they actually grow up together.

Beyond the creepy factor, there were more spelling/editing issues than I’m generally okay with. Also, Bellamy was too immature to be enjoyable to read about. Her inexperience didn’t bother me as much as her childish behavior.

The plot was pretty standard without many surprises. It didn’t have much “mafia” to it.

Can be read as a standalone as has an HEA. There are other books in the series but I will not be continuing.
Profile Image for Ashley.
416 reviews14 followers
March 16, 2021
What a waste of time. This "book" if you want to call it that was literally one drawn-out long scene in a movie. Guy is girl's bodyguard for life and falls for her. Girl comes back into town, now of legal age, and wants bodyguard for life. They hook up, run from the mob, confront her father, settle down.
2,843 reviews8 followers
December 25, 2020
I'm not necessarily against age gaps, but Bellamy's immaturity really made this story (even more) unbelievable for me. Also, the blatant punctuation errors and typos were really distracting. 2.5 stars
109 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
Good Story. Questionable FMC Maturity Level.

Third book I ready by this author, they write mostly light sexy romantic novellas. The plot is well done with a solid storyline. Not a lot of depth as these are novellas, but enough to give storyline meaning and build up. The characters are just enough to either love or hate them.

For this book I struggled between 2 or 3 stars, I gave 3 stars because the author is good overall.

First, what was the book named “The Hitman’s Obsession”? There is no Hitman. The MMC was not a Hitman. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Bellamy was immature. I get she is 19 YO and in most countries consider above the age of consent. That isn’t my issue. I also don’t have an issue with AGRs (Age Gap Relationships).

The issue was around her level of maturity. I know 30 YOs that have the maturity level of a 19 YO and vice versa. Bellamy is just a kid mentally, acting her age - 19 YO, maybe even younger. She still had a lot of growing up to do before she should engage in a AGR with a hardened mafia captain who stands to be promoted in the ranks. A fling OK, but committed relationship?? 🤔

If she had a higher level of maturity for her age, I wouldn’t have that much of an issue.

Of course, I’m knit picking here. Too many times in the storyline it stuck out for me.

Editing was good, there were some grammatical errors and syntax errors that gave pause.
A couple of sentences I had to read over and still didn’t understand what it was suppose to mean/say. Otherwise, pleasant read.
35 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2020
The bodyguard's only duty is to protect the mob princess from a very young age. Little did he know that this young girl developed a huge crush on him over the years, and tried to hide it from him and the world. After 3 years of studying abroad she returns home, and thinks her crush is cured and there is no more. Bellamy is a mafia princess – her father always protects her, and gets her an own bodyguard, Vincent to always protect her. Vincent is deadly – a hitman, who is always loyal to the head of the crime family. His need to always protect Bellamy is absolute since he is one of the best assassins. I loved how their romance was developing from a crush that turned out to be so much more. So much danger, adventure and passion in this story. I loved how Vincent was respecting Bellamy, always taking care of her, and caring about her well-being. I actually liked how the author created Vincent’s character. He didn’t see Bellamy as a woman until she was in age. I liked how he didn’t seem creepy or pervert.
Profile Image for Shirley.
880 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2020
the age gap isn't all that much .. a really interesting read.. Vincent has been assigned as Bellamy’s bodyguard since a young age but when she hit 15 / 16 years she was sent to boarding school. As the daughter of a mafia boss she was safely tucked away until her 19th birthday. Vincent never once thought of her as anything other than an innocent he was protecting, Bellamy on the other hand, had a whole different plan. She’s back and it’s not just because of graduation, her former bodyguard is going to be hers whether he knows it or not.  

As 11 years her senior, Vincent tried his best to resist but once Bellamy senses the tiniest bit of difference in how Vincent looks at her it was game on. These two go up in flames and that stays lit through all the trouble to come. Always the protector he’ll take out any one who comes near her...
Between the flashbacks to their past, then present .... the chemistry between Bellemy & Vincent is good they both act on their feeling's ... then come the twists you don't see coming. ... as I said an interesting read ...
Profile Image for Lyn.
303 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2020
Bellamy has been in love with her bodyguard for as long as she can remember. She is the only child of Michael Genovisi, who is the acting head of the Scaliami Crime Family (Mafia). Vincent is her bodyguard and has always looked at her as a child.

They are about to celebrate Bellamy 19th birthday and she has decided, it's time for Vincent to see how she really feels. He is hesitant because of an age gap, but must decide, which is more important, how he feels and living without her or the age gap.

Once again Jagger Cole has delivered hot sex scenes with sweet moments. I enjoy the flashbacks throughout the story, it certainly gave more insight to the characters. There was certainly some twist in the story, which I didn't see coming. Do yourself a favour, if you are looking for a quick hot read, read this book now.
2,184 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2020
Bellamy and Vincent's story really brings the heat! Bellamy is a mafia princess and Vincent has been her bodyguard since she was a little girl. The problem is little girls grow up they don't stay in pigtails forever. Bellamy has had a crush on Vincent for a while but Vincent never saw her that way. Vincent sees her in a whole new light on the evening of Bellamy's birthday. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but you really need to read this book and go on their journey with them as it's worth it and has some surprises. Jagger Cole really gets the whole OTT alpha and makes you enjoy reading it. I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading what he writes next. I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Susan Anderson.
1,033 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2020
This book brings us Bellamy and Vincent. Bellamy has grown up shielded by her father's mafia organization. Vincent has been her bodyguard since she was little, and she has always had a crush on him. When she is ready for college, Vincent stays behind. Then, on her 19th birthday, Bellamy returns home and so does Vincent. There is trouble brewing with her father, so he asks Vincent to take care of Bellamy. As they are on the run, both Vincent and Bellamy's fantasies come to life. This is such a great read - Vincent will do anything to keep her safe. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I did receive an arc for an honest review.
312 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2021
🔥❤

LOVE anything by Jagger Cole. Another great read. Vincent has been Belamys body guard growing up...but when she comes back from being away at College she is no longer the sweet kid he swore to protect but a beautiful woman who makes his heart skip a beat. When trouble comes knocking at her fathers doorstep Vicent must once again step in to make sure no one will hurt Bellamy. Bellamy has always had a cruch on Vicent but because of the age gap she thought it could never be. Now she is back in town all grown up and knows she wants to make the sexy hitman hers. A great sweet and sexy book. Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews22 followers
February 8, 2023
Sexy Age Gap Romance

This is a spicy and sexy age gap bodyguard turned lovers story. You will love the action, adventure, and witty banter between Bellamy & Vincent! Vincent has been faithful to Bellamy’s family since Michael has taken him under his wing. Protecting his daughter has been Vincent’s priority that he won’t let anything or anyone hurt Bellamy. When she returns home at 19 he can’t see her as anything but what she is a beautiful, intelligent, and stunning young woman. He shouldn’t want her but she’s all consuming and when they are forced together it all falls into place. You will love their story. Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Robin Reviewer.
1,005 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2023
Worst book I've read by this author- read on KU

The FMC is the most immature of all of this author's FMCs that I've read and I think I've read about 10 of his books. If you're going to have an age gap romance, the younger party needs to be at least average maturity for their age if not more mature than average. Bellamy acts like a child.

Vincent is likeable. He's the only bright spot. Much of the dialogue and story feel forced. As usual, he needs a better editor. I think this must be one of his older books. If that is the case, it at least shows he has improved. Most of the books of his I've read are his newest ones.
Profile Image for SereneReadingBox.
415 reviews
December 18, 2023
I'm a sucker for age-gap tales, and this one combines it with the perfect mix of protector vibes, a sunshine heroine, and a grumpy hero. All my favorite tropes rolled into one? Sign me up!

The way the heroine skillfully pushes all the right buttons and the hero reluctantly surrenders to the irresistible pull of their relationship is a delightful dance that transforms this novella into an easy and incredibly fun read.

It's a short, sweet, and steamy journey that had me grinning from ear to ear. If you're into quick, enjoyable reads with a side of sizzle, consider this novella your ticket to a fantastic time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews

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