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Dark & Dirty Vows #2
I Thee Lust
She wants my help and I want her in my bed.
I’m used to women chasing me, but she’s the first one to knock on my front door.
So, like the gentleman I pretend to be, I let her in.
With plans to seduce her.
But then she tells me her life is in danger and asks for my protection.
In the form of an engagement.
It’ll be nothing more than a front, a guise to mask our intentions.
Yet the lust burning in me is real.
And my fiancée?
She’s either a good actress…
Or she desires me with a fierceness I’ve never seen.
I guess I’ll have to find out while keeping us both alive.
Dark & Dirty Vows Series:
Book 1: A Match Made in Hate (Maximus)
Book 2: I Thee Lust (Rafael)
Book 3: To Have & to Hurt (Tristano)
I’m used to women chasing me, but she’s the first one to knock on my front door.
So, like the gentleman I pretend to be, I let her in.
With plans to seduce her.
But then she tells me her life is in danger and asks for my protection.
In the form of an engagement.
It’ll be nothing more than a front, a guise to mask our intentions.
Yet the lust burning in me is real.
And my fiancée?
She’s either a good actress…
Or she desires me with a fierceness I’ve never seen.
I guess I’ll have to find out while keeping us both alive.
Dark & Dirty Vows Series:
Book 1: A Match Made in Hate (Maximus)
Book 2: I Thee Lust (Rafael)
Book 3: To Have & to Hurt (Tristano)
372 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2021
427 people are currently reading
1505 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 21, 2021
I am not normally a mafia romance reader because I am disturbed by too many things that happen in those books. I only try them once in a while when their blurbs sound very appealing. I read this book because I loved the Prequel and Book 1.
However, I hated this Book 2.
I hated both the hero and the heroine for different reasons.
Maybe real readers of mafia books won’t hate the book but it was TOO MUCH for me in many ways and also it wasn’t ENOUGH for me in many other ways.
*********************************************
NOT ENOUGH
It wasn’t enough or let’s say not good enough because I didn’t believe in their feelings. I have nothing against insta-love or insta-lust if it is convincing but here I didn’t believe it.
They meet 2 years ago in a gala where mafia leaders parade their daughters to gain more power by giving their daughters to one of them in a marriage bond. It is a humiliating event. The girls must be virgins or else they are called whores. These girls mean nothing to their fathers.
Whatever, our hero Rafael meets our heroine Carina there. He finds her very beautiful. Also, her smart mind and free spirit affect him. That day, he saves her from her father's fury, they dance and that’s all.
2 years later, Carina comes to him and asks him to marry her to protect her as there are some people who want to kill her. He says “yes” and takes it very seriously. Carina promises to sell some important information about her father and says their deal can be a business deal but Rafael insists that he will have her in every way. On the very same night, he begins to touch her sexually without her consent but she likes it anyways ☹
In a very short time, he is so sure that he wants her as a real wife that it sounded not convincing to me at all. If she can make that much of an effect on you to make you decide to give up your man-whore life, why didn’t you pursue her for 2 years? wasn't she the same person then? What makes it different now? Her coming and asking for help? Pfftt…
Well, I am sorry but the connection and devotion between the characters didn’t feel convincing enough to me and that's why I was never able to feel connected to the book.
*********************************************
TOO MUCH
Now, let me talk about what was TOO MUCH for me:
1. The dom-sub acts
When Rafael decides to help her by marrying her, he needs her submission and ties her to a rope from a ceiling and tries to make her submit. I HATED that. I hate dom/sub thing fiercely.
2. During their first sex a few nights later, he binds her hands to her ankles with a rope and I HATED that too. Make it a few weeks later and I wouldn’t mind but during their first sex, nope, I didn’t like it at all.
3. Carina lies to him because she has other plans and I hated her for that.
Instead of making secret plans, she could have told what she had to do (save her sister) and I am 100% sure he would have helped her. He tortured and killed the man who assaulted her so he would have done anything for her but no, she had to go and make her own secret plans.
4. Before she can put her plans into action, she is forced by her father to make a choice between her sister and her fiancé Rafael.
Here is what happens that made me HATE both characters and the book fiercely.
As I said before maybe the book is too much for me or it is indeed too much. I wouldn't know.
I will still read Book 3 but I am not sure I will like the big age gap. We’ll see.
*********************************************
Writing and safety:
Dual point of view
326 pages
He was a man-whore and she was not a virgin only because she was assaulted.
There may not be cheating between them so it is safe with regard to OW/OM issue but the book is far from safe for me (See the spoilers if you want to know why).
*********************************************
Rating:
With all the things that pissed me off, I don’t feel like giving it more than 1 star, sorry!
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
However, I hated this Book 2.
I hated both the hero and the heroine for different reasons.
Maybe real readers of mafia books won’t hate the book but it was TOO MUCH for me in many ways and also it wasn’t ENOUGH for me in many other ways.
*********************************************
NOT ENOUGH
It wasn’t enough or let’s say not good enough because I didn’t believe in their feelings. I have nothing against insta-love or insta-lust if it is convincing but here I didn’t believe it.
They meet 2 years ago in a gala where mafia leaders parade their daughters to gain more power by giving their daughters to one of them in a marriage bond. It is a humiliating event. The girls must be virgins or else they are called whores. These girls mean nothing to their fathers.
Whatever, our hero Rafael meets our heroine Carina there. He finds her very beautiful. Also, her smart mind and free spirit affect him. That day, he saves her from her father's fury, they dance and that’s all.
2 years later, Carina comes to him and asks him to marry her to protect her as there are some people who want to kill her. He says “yes” and takes it very seriously. Carina promises to sell some important information about her father and says their deal can be a business deal but Rafael insists that he will have her in every way. On the very same night, he begins to touch her sexually without her consent but she likes it anyways ☹
In a very short time, he is so sure that he wants her as a real wife that it sounded not convincing to me at all. If she can make that much of an effect on you to make you decide to give up your man-whore life, why didn’t you pursue her for 2 years? wasn't she the same person then? What makes it different now? Her coming and asking for help? Pfftt…
Well, I am sorry but the connection and devotion between the characters didn’t feel convincing enough to me and that's why I was never able to feel connected to the book.
*********************************************
TOO MUCH
Now, let me talk about what was TOO MUCH for me:
1. The dom-sub acts
When Rafael decides to help her by marrying her, he needs her submission and ties her to a rope from a ceiling and tries to make her submit. I HATED that. I hate dom/sub thing fiercely.
2. During their first sex a few nights later, he binds her hands to her ankles with a rope and I HATED that too. Make it a few weeks later and I wouldn’t mind but during their first sex, nope, I didn’t like it at all.
3. Carina lies to him because she has other plans and I hated her for that.
Instead of making secret plans, she could have told what she had to do (save her sister) and I am 100% sure he would have helped her. He tortured and killed the man who assaulted her so he would have done anything for her but no, she had to go and make her own secret plans.
4. Before she can put her plans into action, she is forced by her father to make a choice between her sister and her fiancé Rafael.
Here is what happens that made me HATE both characters and the book fiercely.
As I said before maybe the book is too much for me or it is indeed too much. I wouldn't know.
I will still read Book 3 but I am not sure I will like the big age gap. We’ll see.
*********************************************
Writing and safety:
Dual point of view
326 pages
He was a man-whore and she was not a virgin only because she was assaulted.
There may not be cheating between them so it is safe with regard to OW/OM issue but the book is far from safe for me (See the spoilers if you want to know why).
*********************************************
Rating:
With all the things that pissed me off, I don’t feel like giving it more than 1 star, sorry!
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
June 1, 2021
This is the first book that was beyond my expectations 😂 i thought it would be bad but turns out its so ROMANTIC HOT SAFE LOVE STORY. When they first meet both have no idea that they going to fall for each other so badly and will be the one, but it turns out to be that way so its kinda funny and cute😜
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO IS OTT POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE is sassy but not too much
‼️‼️‼️IT HAS PUSHING AWAY from the heroine couple of times but never too much and the hero did push the heroine like one-two time only that. So its not annoying or too much actually.
‼️‼️‼️IT HAS MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM THE HERO AND LITTLE FROM THE HEROINE.
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO IS SO FUNNY BTW😂😂😂 he knows how to make jokes with the heroine so i have fun time reading him talking🤣🤣🤣😅 crack me up
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO is obsessed with the heroine. Always says thing to the heroine like you are mine mine mine all the time and always wants her😏😏
“I won’t deny the fact that i take great satisfaction knowing I’m the last man to touch this.”
“I’m not only going to be the last person that touches your c*nt, but the last person to f*ck as well.”
“I SWEAR TO FCK, THERE’S NOTHING THAT SMELLS AS GOOD AS YOUR C*NT”
“NO ONE ELSE WILL FCKING WHAT IS MINE. WHEN I SAID YOU WERE GOING TO BE MY WIFE, I ASSUMED YOU KNEW THAT MEANT MY C*CK IS THE ONLY ONE THAT’LL BE FCKING YOUR MOUTH, YOUR ASS, AND YOUR C*NT. THAT I’LL BE THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS ACCES TO YOUR BODY AND IF SOMEONE THINKS TO TOUCH WHAT IS MINE? I WILL KILL THAT MTHERFCKER. YOU GET ME?”
😏😏😏🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
‼️‼️‼️NO DRAMA WITH OW. Only drama with om but it was the enemy and the hero killed him because what he did to the heroine was beyond horrible.
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGERS: killing, abusing, rape, violence.
From the enemy. Not the couple.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS KINDA A VIRGIN. You will understand when you read it😬😬😬
THE HERO IS NOT A VIRGIN.
‼️‼️‼️I forgot how old they are
‼️‼️‼️NO SEPARATION
‼️‼️‼️VERY HOT SMUT SCENES😏😏😏
‼️‼️‼️HAPPY ENDING. Married and the hero can’t wait to get the heroine pregnant because he is ready.
“CARINA IS INFECTIOUS WHEN SHE’S HAPPY AND I’M GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE TRYING TO KEEP HER THAT WAY. WELL THAT AND H*RNY.”
Well this story is very interesting and affectionate. Dangerous with the action scenes and romantic with both couple are so into each other and fight their enemies like them against the world. I find this series to be soooo interesting and worth to read! I can’t wait for more from this author🤩🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏
please keep making the hero so possessive because the more possessive they are, the better😍😍😍 and please longer epilogue like children or longer🥺
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO IS OTT POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE is sassy but not too much
‼️‼️‼️IT HAS PUSHING AWAY from the heroine couple of times but never too much and the hero did push the heroine like one-two time only that. So its not annoying or too much actually.
‼️‼️‼️IT HAS MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM THE HERO AND LITTLE FROM THE HEROINE.
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO IS SO FUNNY BTW😂😂😂 he knows how to make jokes with the heroine so i have fun time reading him talking🤣🤣🤣😅 crack me up
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO is obsessed with the heroine. Always says thing to the heroine like you are mine mine mine all the time and always wants her😏😏
“I won’t deny the fact that i take great satisfaction knowing I’m the last man to touch this.”
“I’m not only going to be the last person that touches your c*nt, but the last person to f*ck as well.”
“I SWEAR TO FCK, THERE’S NOTHING THAT SMELLS AS GOOD AS YOUR C*NT”
“NO ONE ELSE WILL FCKING WHAT IS MINE. WHEN I SAID YOU WERE GOING TO BE MY WIFE, I ASSUMED YOU KNEW THAT MEANT MY C*CK IS THE ONLY ONE THAT’LL BE FCKING YOUR MOUTH, YOUR ASS, AND YOUR C*NT. THAT I’LL BE THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS ACCES TO YOUR BODY AND IF SOMEONE THINKS TO TOUCH WHAT IS MINE? I WILL KILL THAT MTHERFCKER. YOU GET ME?”
😏😏😏🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
‼️‼️‼️NO DRAMA WITH OW. Only drama with om but it was the enemy and the hero killed him because what he did to the heroine was beyond horrible.
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGERS: killing, abusing, rape, violence.
From the enemy. Not the couple.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS KINDA A VIRGIN. You will understand when you read it😬😬😬
THE HERO IS NOT A VIRGIN.
‼️‼️‼️I forgot how old they are
‼️‼️‼️NO SEPARATION
‼️‼️‼️VERY HOT SMUT SCENES😏😏😏
‼️‼️‼️HAPPY ENDING. Married and the hero can’t wait to get the heroine pregnant because he is ready.
“CARINA IS INFECTIOUS WHEN SHE’S HAPPY AND I’M GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE TRYING TO KEEP HER THAT WAY. WELL THAT AND H*RNY.”
Well this story is very interesting and affectionate. Dangerous with the action scenes and romantic with both couple are so into each other and fight their enemies like them against the world. I find this series to be soooo interesting and worth to read! I can’t wait for more from this author🤩🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏
please keep making the hero so possessive because the more possessive they are, the better😍😍😍 and please longer epilogue like children or longer🥺
May 30, 2021
This is the second in a trilogy about three mafia brothers and their efforts to exact revenge for the wrongs done to their family (all, I assume, explained in the free prequel, A Bride To Be Broken, which I've never read since you need to sign up for it). Here, we get second son, Rafael, and Carina, the daughter of one of his mafia rivals. Thrown together when she asks for his help, they soon realize that their feelings are deeper than they thought. Note: Although this is labeled "dark," I'd say it's more "grey" since Rafael never harms her.
Although I sort of liked the previous book, this one was painful to read. The ratio between dialogue to monologue was so skewed to the latter that I skimmed probably half this book and didn't miss anything. I can count the number of times in which characters engaged in successive lines of dialogue; otherwise, individual lines were interspersed between pages of their inner thoughts: conversations that would normally take a minute ended up lasting over a quarter of the book.
In addition to the choppy and static pace, the book was very repetitious since A) The characters constantly summed up what we already knew (I wish authors realized that readers really can retain what they read), and B) We were given each character's POV about the exact same interaction. This is too bad because the book starts and ends with a lot of good action that also gives us insights into character; between that, however, Carina and Rafael essentially re-hash the same conversation: one line of dialogue per page.
It certainly takes Rafael a long time to realize what is glaringly obvious: Carina .
Finally, it needed one more edit (one moment Carina's dress is green, the next it's blue, etc.).
2 stars. The erotic scenes are detailed; Carina is strong; and Rafael more than earns her trust, so you may like it. Given all that I say above, though, I'm not sure I'll read the next one.
Although I sort of liked the previous book, this one was painful to read. The ratio between dialogue to monologue was so skewed to the latter that I skimmed probably half this book and didn't miss anything. I can count the number of times in which characters engaged in successive lines of dialogue; otherwise, individual lines were interspersed between pages of their inner thoughts: conversations that would normally take a minute ended up lasting over a quarter of the book.
In addition to the choppy and static pace, the book was very repetitious since A) The characters constantly summed up what we already knew (I wish authors realized that readers really can retain what they read), and B) We were given each character's POV about the exact same interaction. This is too bad because the book starts and ends with a lot of good action that also gives us insights into character; between that, however, Carina and Rafael essentially re-hash the same conversation: one line of dialogue per page.
It certainly takes Rafael a long time to realize what is glaringly obvious: Carina .
Finally, it needed one more edit (one moment Carina's dress is green, the next it's blue, etc.).
2 stars. The erotic scenes are detailed; Carina is strong; and Rafael more than earns her trust, so you may like it. Given all that I say above, though, I'm not sure I'll read the next one.
February 1, 2026
J’ai pas vraiment aimé les MC
July 27, 2021
UPDATE: I managed to finish it in one sitting, but didn't get into the story as much. Unfortunately, it was exactly as assumed. I guess the D/S relationship is just not for me. Pardon me, but when engaging in this type of sexual activities, shouldn't be there some safe word and some precautions taking place beforehand? This was purely for Hero's pleasure, and you (previously sexually assaulted girl) deal with it! Sorry, but that's not my cuppa and it IS NOT hot nor sexy even in the fantasy world...
__________________________________
Giving up for now at 30%. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, it seemed safe even though the mafia drama, thrill and macho behavior of the male main character.
The heroine is a daughter of a mobster, who doesn't care about her (seems like that's something normal in this setting), and she's seeking help from Rafael after some trouble she got in. It's pretty clear from the start that she had been raped, so I expected the author to choose more "gentle" way. Starting up slow, get to know each other, and then over time become more sexual. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Rafael is a manwhore, and is treating Carina as one of his sluts. (Btw it would actually help him to be celibate for a little while to earn Carina's trust and love). Instead, I'm really fed up by that dominant/submissive relationship between them! Carina is not OK with being sexual with Rafael, and Rafael insted of accepting it, pushes her because apparently she wants it so baaad (literally meaning - she is wet.) I hate this kind of trope, and the fact that the heroine had been sexually assaulted before makes it even worse. I need to stop and calm down... 
Still am excited what happens in the series, so maybe I'll give it a chance later on.
June 3, 2021
A Match Made in Heaven should be read before you read this.
We now get Rafaels story. Carina is the daughter of one of their mafia revels. She’s a very likeable and strong heroine. These two are hot together. I may have loved them even more than the previous couple.
Brilliant storyline… highly recommend if you enjoy well written mafia stories.
I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author.
We now get Rafaels story. Carina is the daughter of one of their mafia revels. She’s a very likeable and strong heroine. These two are hot together. I may have loved them even more than the previous couple.
Brilliant storyline… highly recommend if you enjoy well written mafia stories.
I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 27, 2021
I read this book as an ARC member
Absolutely blew my mind. Hot doesn't even begin to describe Rafael. A dark, deep intense and passionate story unfolds. One broken woman. Two souls coming together until the unthinkable happens. Sacrifice and betrayal leads to devastating consequences.
Absolutely blew my mind. Hot doesn't even begin to describe Rafael. A dark, deep intense and passionate story unfolds. One broken woman. Two souls coming together until the unthinkable happens. Sacrifice and betrayal leads to devastating consequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
October 31, 2023DNF @ 12%
He kicked out his woman for the night when the FMC came to his penthouse. It's not even half an hour since he was about to sleep with someone else, and now he's planning to fuck the FMC??
Yeah, no, hard pass. I can't stand the way he treats women. Manwhores are really disgusting.🤮
He kicked out his woman for the night when the FMC came to his penthouse. It's not even half an hour since he was about to sleep with someone else, and now he's planning to fuck the FMC??
Yeah, no, hard pass. I can't stand the way he treats women. Manwhores are really disgusting.🤮
Read
March 5, 2021Read the FREE prequel today: https://BookHip.com/JJBFLB
May 21, 2022
✨This book right here is such a blast for me. It's mafia romance, and who doesn't love mafia romance to read right. Love this story and this is my first pick from this author. And after reading this just loved reading other books from this author also. When I read the synopsis of this book it's immediately caught my attention ended up hooked on it
✨Really such a great storyline. If you're a mafia romance lover you should try this book for sure. And also, if you are not a fan of violence, rape, dark past, or abusing woman then don't try this. It's a book that mixed so many emotions, love and pain, family, the relationship between three brothers who are ruling the mafia with darkness and the main thing is two people who don't want to fall for each other but we all know they will end up being with together
✨This book is all about Rafael and Carina. She is the daughter of a mob boss and Rafael is Carina's dad's biggest enemy, she knows that. Her father was involved in some drug dealing and woman's matter, that she found out that who is behind all that, somehow the enemies found that she is the one who knows about them, Her father already got rid of her because of some reason. One day, Carina is caught up by the men who are doing drug dealing, torturing women and all, somehow she escaped from there but she killed one of the men who try to rape her, after that she doesn't know where to go, she knows she can't go to her father's place so she decided to go Rafael's place to ask him to help her for that she can tell him about her father's plan and what he is doing in the underground. First, they both don't trust especially Rafael because she is the daughter of his enemy, but after hearing what happened to her he decided to help her and she agrees to marry him. And there they started to feel each other, their chemistry literally hot, you can read in the first two chapters itself how he talks dirty with her and all. I love Rafael, the way he agrees with her to help, the way of showing love towards her, but he also has some dark side of him. If you love to read where a hero who is alpha possessive and heroin is stubborn to fall for him, then you need to check out.
✨Really such a great storyline. If you're a mafia romance lover you should try this book for sure. And also, if you are not a fan of violence, rape, dark past, or abusing woman then don't try this. It's a book that mixed so many emotions, love and pain, family, the relationship between three brothers who are ruling the mafia with darkness and the main thing is two people who don't want to fall for each other but we all know they will end up being with together
✨This book is all about Rafael and Carina. She is the daughter of a mob boss and Rafael is Carina's dad's biggest enemy, she knows that. Her father was involved in some drug dealing and woman's matter, that she found out that who is behind all that, somehow the enemies found that she is the one who knows about them, Her father already got rid of her because of some reason. One day, Carina is caught up by the men who are doing drug dealing, torturing women and all, somehow she escaped from there but she killed one of the men who try to rape her, after that she doesn't know where to go, she knows she can't go to her father's place so she decided to go Rafael's place to ask him to help her for that she can tell him about her father's plan and what he is doing in the underground. First, they both don't trust especially Rafael because she is the daughter of his enemy, but after hearing what happened to her he decided to help her and she agrees to marry him. And there they started to feel each other, their chemistry literally hot, you can read in the first two chapters itself how he talks dirty with her and all. I love Rafael, the way he agrees with her to help, the way of showing love towards her, but he also has some dark side of him. If you love to read where a hero who is alpha possessive and heroin is stubborn to fall for him, then you need to check out.
May 26, 2021
WOW! We got a taste of it when I read the previous book, A Match Made in Hatred, so we knew the H- Rafael.
This book was AMAZING! The male character was funny and broke up some of the serious nature of the book, he had a quirky comeback for almost every satiation. He was the quintessential man whore who needed to be put in his place.
Our h- Carina was such a strong women, she was a little different than the usual h in mafia books- she was hiding something, she was not as innocent and naïve as we think. I mean the first scene of this book? She wild.
Carina is being chased by not only her fathers men but other men as well, she was essentially exiled from her family 2 years prior to this book because she embarrassed her dad (good riddance, this man was a tyrant and he needed to go). Carina ran to the one man who helped her in the past, and that was our man Rafael.
This book has everything you want and need in a good mafia book- dirty talk, violence, steamy scenes that will make you blush, and some family drama that keeps the pages flowing.
Without giving too much away, this book is not what you think it will be, these two characters seem like oil and vinegar but in reality once we see these two- they become more alike than you realize.
This book was amazing and so complex, it's not what you think and the layers of this book will keep you reading- when it's finished you're going to want the next book ASAP.
This book also gave us a peak to the next book, about our one true love Tristiano.
This book was AMAZING! The male character was funny and broke up some of the serious nature of the book, he had a quirky comeback for almost every satiation. He was the quintessential man whore who needed to be put in his place.
Our h- Carina was such a strong women, she was a little different than the usual h in mafia books- she was hiding something, she was not as innocent and naïve as we think. I mean the first scene of this book? She wild.
Carina is being chased by not only her fathers men but other men as well, she was essentially exiled from her family 2 years prior to this book because she embarrassed her dad (good riddance, this man was a tyrant and he needed to go). Carina ran to the one man who helped her in the past, and that was our man Rafael.
This book has everything you want and need in a good mafia book- dirty talk, violence, steamy scenes that will make you blush, and some family drama that keeps the pages flowing.
Without giving too much away, this book is not what you think it will be, these two characters seem like oil and vinegar but in reality once we see these two- they become more alike than you realize.
This book was amazing and so complex, it's not what you think and the layers of this book will keep you reading- when it's finished you're going to want the next book ASAP.
This book also gave us a peak to the next book, about our one true love Tristiano.
June 4, 2021
There is allot of push and pull in this book between Rafael and Carina and an explosive attraction that neither can deny that starts off building slowly but reaches a crescendo. Initially, I wasn't impressed with Rafael's character but overall other than being overly focused on sex (thus the title I Thee Lust) throughout the book, the story was different and had quite a bit of suspense entwined in a story line that kept me interested and engaged throughout the book. His character quickly became one that made the story what it was, a good Mafia read. Carina was a very strong character in her own right just having survived "daddy dearest" and was forced into making difficult decisions that not only threatened her life but that of Rafael's. She was a much tougher character than the reader was led to believe in the first half of the story. I really enjoy female characters in Mafia genre than can hold their own and are not wilting flowers.
It's nice to see an author that is taking a different approach in Mafia genre that has in some cases become repetitive in content and storyline. I am so excited to see authors who are taking a deep dive away from the usual/overly written Mafia storylines and are providing the reader with alternatives to this genre. The story still remains (the Mafia) as being the centrist factor but the characters/connections and story itself is far more than just another arranged marriage.
Enjoy!
It's nice to see an author that is taking a different approach in Mafia genre that has in some cases become repetitive in content and storyline. I am so excited to see authors who are taking a deep dive away from the usual/overly written Mafia storylines and are providing the reader with alternatives to this genre. The story still remains (the Mafia) as being the centrist factor but the characters/connections and story itself is far more than just another arranged marriage.
Enjoy!
May 28, 2021
I absolutely loved Rafael’s character in the first book, so I was super excited for his story to come out! I’m 100% in love with this dirty talking alpha-hole. The man has no filter and either rendered me speechless or had me laughing so hard my sides hurt!
Morgan Bridges creates such unique female leads and I am here for it! Carina was a strong heroine and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to bring Rafael to his knees. I loved seeing how she challenged him!
The chemistry they had together was addicting and I loved every page of their banter and steam. Seeing how Rafael would do anything to protect her made me fall deeper for him!
Overall, this book was a great dark mafia romance that’ll capture you from the start! The angst had clenched my heart, but the love and passion Rafael and Carina had for each other mended it back together. I’m so excited for Tristano’s book!
Morgan Bridges creates such unique female leads and I am here for it! Carina was a strong heroine and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to bring Rafael to his knees. I loved seeing how she challenged him!
The chemistry they had together was addicting and I loved every page of their banter and steam. Seeing how Rafael would do anything to protect her made me fall deeper for him!
Overall, this book was a great dark mafia romance that’ll capture you from the start! The angst had clenched my heart, but the love and passion Rafael and Carina had for each other mended it back together. I’m so excited for Tristano’s book!
August 6, 2025
"There's something about the fire in your soul that sets mine ablaze as well, stoking it higher. Burning can be painful, but it's nature's way of removing the dead things so life can flourish."
1.5
there's not much I can say about this book, it wasn't good and it bored me I literally didn't care about any of the characters which is a shame because thinking about it I enjoy these kind of dynamics (him being a nuisance and her being a boss lady kind of thing)
unsurprisingly, sensible themes bit being treated correctly and being there just to.. remark? how the mc can be a lot of things but he would never do that !! (even tho he basically kind of did the same idk that's a gray area that it's very very much inclined towards the worst)
leaving that aside, flavorless book, that's my final thought about it.
1.5
there's not much I can say about this book, it wasn't good and it bored me I literally didn't care about any of the characters which is a shame because thinking about it I enjoy these kind of dynamics (him being a nuisance and her being a boss lady kind of thing)
unsurprisingly, sensible themes bit being treated correctly and being there just to.. remark? how the mc can be a lot of things but he would never do that !! (even tho he basically kind of did the same idk that's a gray area that it's very very much inclined towards the worst)
leaving that aside, flavorless book, that's my final thought about it.
May 30, 2021
Carina needs help. Someone is out to kill her and she comes to the only person she can think of: Rafael. She proposes an exchange where she gives him information and herself in exchange for his protection. But she didn't plan on a lot of things with him, and their steamy interactions is the main one.
The plot was pretty unique in the fact that the woman came to the man with a marriage proposal. The scenes were very steamy, and the author knew exactly what the readers wanted.
The writing could have used one more round of editing, as there were quite a few mistakes and plot holes. However, it didn't detract from the story. I would have liked this mafia style book to go a different direction than the others, since it started off that way, but it did end like many other mafia romances.
The plot was pretty unique in the fact that the woman came to the man with a marriage proposal. The scenes were very steamy, and the author knew exactly what the readers wanted.
The writing could have used one more round of editing, as there were quite a few mistakes and plot holes. However, it didn't detract from the story. I would have liked this mafia style book to go a different direction than the others, since it started off that way, but it did end like many other mafia romances.
September 29, 2022
* Fierce Possessiveness
* Sassy Humor
* Deserved Ending
I liked their banter and his crudeness along with dual PoV and dark theme with Mafia background!
Read Trigger warnings first ⚠️!
Rafael Silvestri and Carina Nardone, come from Mafia background but when she came to his doorstep asking for his protection from her father proposing a marriage , he was stunned! But his interest on her from the past when he saw her first time, was still in cards! She thought he was doing her an obligation, she did not imagine this to turn to be her forever 😍! They fell for each other even without knowing or planning, but well deserved! So when he is Kidnapped by her family who she is trying to escape, she rushes to save him without second thought!
* Sassy Humor
* Deserved Ending
I liked their banter and his crudeness along with dual PoV and dark theme with Mafia background!
Read Trigger warnings first ⚠️!
Rafael Silvestri and Carina Nardone, come from Mafia background but when she came to his doorstep asking for his protection from her father proposing a marriage , he was stunned! But his interest on her from the past when he saw her first time, was still in cards! She thought he was doing her an obligation, she did not imagine this to turn to be her forever 😍! They fell for each other even without knowing or planning, but well deserved! So when he is Kidnapped by her family who she is trying to escape, she rushes to save him without second thought!
November 2, 2025
I like this book better than book 1
Carina daughter of a powerful crime boss who kicked her off the family (per say) for not doing what he wants her to do. In the meantime she has been collecting information (not disclosed right away) from her father as well as Caruso (common enemy from book 1) that could end their lives. In an attempt to not get killed she ran to Rafael- the guy who saved her from her dad's abuse 2 yrs ago at a gala. Rafael being the flirt he is, agrees to her plan of getting married but as more time they spend together they slowly (not that slow) start falling for each other. Both book 1 and book 2 the enemies never get caught. Even after Rafael was kidnapped and held for ransom, her dad (Carina) is still alive.
Carina daughter of a powerful crime boss who kicked her off the family (per say) for not doing what he wants her to do. In the meantime she has been collecting information (not disclosed right away) from her father as well as Caruso (common enemy from book 1) that could end their lives. In an attempt to not get killed she ran to Rafael- the guy who saved her from her dad's abuse 2 yrs ago at a gala. Rafael being the flirt he is, agrees to her plan of getting married but as more time they spend together they slowly (not that slow) start falling for each other. Both book 1 and book 2 the enemies never get caught. Even after Rafael was kidnapped and held for ransom, her dad (Carina) is still alive.
May 29, 2021
OMG Rafael!
I’m always reading dark mafia romances; however, this one is on my top 10!
This is the second book in this series and is my favorite by far. Rafael’s character has so much humor, wittiness, sexuality and everything else you would want in a dominant alpha.
Carina is the same but in a woman’s version. The chemistry is hot and their sexual banter is off the charts. This book will have you not wanting to put it down.
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Let’s see if it can top this one.
Way to go Morgan Bridges.
I’m always reading dark mafia romances; however, this one is on my top 10!
This is the second book in this series and is my favorite by far. Rafael’s character has so much humor, wittiness, sexuality and everything else you would want in a dominant alpha.
Carina is the same but in a woman’s version. The chemistry is hot and their sexual banter is off the charts. This book will have you not wanting to put it down.
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Let’s see if it can top this one.
Way to go Morgan Bridges.
April 4, 2025
I liked this one better than A Match Made in Hatred honestly, the fire between these characters is so exciting! I never knew what was going to happen next and got to see the best and worst in the characters all at once. I resonate a lot with Carina, letting herself love freely is a challenge and she always has one foot out the door until she is confident that Rafael loves her. Once she’s there she is willing to hurt for him and does everything in her power to make him see that. This book went from an engagement of convenience to being in love, then went straight into enemies to lovers. This book kept me guessing and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was twice as good as the first in the series, and that is saying something! Carina is such a brave and beautiful soul but her darkness lies deep within. Rafael fronts his image to the rest of the world but Carina sees right through him. Their hesitancy towards their emotions is so frustrating to read but you cheer them on, rooting for them to finally come to their senses amidst the chaos surrounding their lifestyle. Their personalities play off each other's perfectly.
This book was twice as good as the first in the series, and that is saying something! Carina is such a brave and beautiful soul but her darkness lies deep within. Rafael fronts his image to the rest of the world but Carina sees right through him. Their hesitancy towards their emotions is so frustrating to read but you cheer them on, rooting for them to finally come to their senses amidst the chaos surrounding their lifestyle. Their personalities play off each other's perfectly.
May 27, 2021
If you thought Max and Emilia were hot, you ain't seen nothing yet!
Morgan Bridges has done it again with another pair of characters who don't entirely fit into the normal mafia romance mold because they are so much more. More attitude, more sass, more humour and relatable dialogue. I love the world she's created for this series and the characters' motivations. The plot twists kept me on my toes until the very end. I can't wait for the next book.
Loyalty 'til death!
Morgan Bridges has done it again with another pair of characters who don't entirely fit into the normal mafia romance mold because they are so much more. More attitude, more sass, more humour and relatable dialogue. I love the world she's created for this series and the characters' motivations. The plot twists kept me on my toes until the very end. I can't wait for the next book.
Loyalty 'til death!
May 29, 2021
Fantastic Book. I loved this book from the start. Rafael was an arrogant mafia playboy but his sense of humor had me laughing so hard at times. Carina is a fiery spirited young woman who can hold her own. These two are perfect for eachother and the scenes in this book will make your kindle melt. This dark mafia romance has it all. Great story, mafia, sweet and spicy scenes, action, dark scenes and humor. Highly recommend reading.
February 7, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️
This book was intense. Some of it made me uncomfortable but that is not on the book, that is on me. This book is beautifully written and the story gave me so much more than the first book.
*spoilers*
Honestly though if they would have said yes to Tristano marrying Violetta then a major part of the plot wouldn’t of happened especially because it looks like they are going to end up together anyway 🤷♀️
This book was intense. Some of it made me uncomfortable but that is not on the book, that is on me. This book is beautifully written and the story gave me so much more than the first book.
*spoilers*
Honestly though if they would have said yes to Tristano marrying Violetta then a major part of the plot wouldn’t of happened especially because it looks like they are going to end up together anyway 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
Another yummy
This series is really good. Great author. Mafia romance, enemy's to lovers. Similar to the other books yet different. Couples are intertwined, which i like reading about. Knowing some characters from other books n then reading their story makes it more interesting. I'm looking forward to the next one. Although i hope the brothers get the bad guys before the series ends. Lots of hot sexy times, and HEAS
This series is really good. Great author. Mafia romance, enemy's to lovers. Similar to the other books yet different. Couples are intertwined, which i like reading about. Knowing some characters from other books n then reading their story makes it more interesting. I'm looking forward to the next one. Although i hope the brothers get the bad guys before the series ends. Lots of hot sexy times, and HEAS
January 23, 2024
Rafael may finally want more!
Rafael is a playboy but also a made man and he is the man Carina turns to when she finds herself in a load of trouble. She asks him to marry her and in return she will give him all the information she has collected about her father and his operations. Carina needs Rafael to agree to her marriage proposal so she can also find a way to get her sister away from her father as well. Will Rafael help Carina? And if so what will it cost her?
Rafael is a playboy but also a made man and he is the man Carina turns to when she finds herself in a load of trouble. She asks him to marry her and in return she will give him all the information she has collected about her father and his operations. Carina needs Rafael to agree to her marriage proposal so she can also find a way to get her sister away from her father as well. Will Rafael help Carina? And if so what will it cost her?
December 15, 2024
Not good
I didn’t like any of the characters in this book. Rafael was a sadistic, egotistical rapist. The book was 90% sex with very little story. All the bad guys are still walking around at the end. There is no resolution to any of the problems. I ended up skimming the last few chapters because the book was boring and disgusting. The first book in the series was better but I won’t be reading any more.
I didn’t like any of the characters in this book. Rafael was a sadistic, egotistical rapist. The book was 90% sex with very little story. All the bad guys are still walking around at the end. There is no resolution to any of the problems. I ended up skimming the last few chapters because the book was boring and disgusting. The first book in the series was better but I won’t be reading any more.
November 8, 2025
None of it makes any sense. I love a good dom/sub relationship but nothing about their relationship makes sense other than to make him a dom for the sake of the trope. Everything they do is over the top and dumb unbelievable without any real character building or development. I am all about accepting flawed characters but these dramatics just don’t make any sense and don’t evoke any real emotion other than irritation.
December 13, 2025
Ok I was not prepared for Rafael to come out the gates with that level of hotness but I was HERE FOR IT 🔥🔥 hot damn!!! Yes sir!! I loved Maximus in book 1 but Rafael took the lead for me!! I absolutely loved the banter between him and Carina!! She was such a fierce FMC and not afraid to do whatever it took to protect the ones she loves. And the way Rafael dropped everything to help her with no hesitation!! I absolutely loved there story!!
May 27, 2021
Love it!
I love Carina and Rafael’s story. Mafia romance yes but Rafael’s sense of humor made this book feel like a light read. While it does have some dark points with some blood and death he’s personality made everything feel lighter. I would definitely recommend this series. I love the relationship between the 3 brothers. Can’t wait for to have and to hurt!
I love Carina and Rafael’s story. Mafia romance yes but Rafael’s sense of humor made this book feel like a light read. While it does have some dark points with some blood and death he’s personality made everything feel lighter. I would definitely recommend this series. I love the relationship between the 3 brothers. Can’t wait for to have and to hurt!
September 22, 2021
Hmmm
This one is better then the first for me. Corina’s character is way more likable then Emilia — more assertive and strong. The couple had laughter and had a slightly more believable relationship. However - the sex scenes were weird for me. Too BSDM for my likely — plus it seemed very hard to tie he up like that after she was victimized again… IDK it had it’s moments
This one is better then the first for me. Corina’s character is way more likable then Emilia — more assertive and strong. The couple had laughter and had a slightly more believable relationship. However - the sex scenes were weird for me. Too BSDM for my likely — plus it seemed very hard to tie he up like that after she was victimized again… IDK it had it’s moments
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