Master of Malice

by Traci Sek

Harper

Orphaned. Kidnapped. Not how I thought I’d end up at eighteen. But the son of my father’s shady dealings has me in his sights. He’s stolen me from the life I knew and I’m not sure it was a bad thing.

He says he’s saved me—he’s protecting me. Maybe I believe it, maybe I don’t. But he’s malicious and a cocky asshole to everyone, even me. Yet the way he watches me confuses me and sends shivers up my spine.

I hate him. At least I tell myself that over and over. But my body tells a different story.

Marco

Sunshine.

That’s what she is. And I want so badly to corrupt her, make her mine. I’m too old for her, but that doesn’t stop me from watching her every move.

It started as a job, but now I just don’t want to be without her.

Seeking revenge is what I’m after even if the price to pay is losing her. Can I convince her I’m what she needs before everything goes to hell?

Genres: Dark, Romance, Dark Romance

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Traci Sek also publishes under Traci Sekulovski.

Reviews

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of Malice

Master of Malice is a short enemies to lovers romance that focuses on Marco and Harper's story. Marco learns of his father's plans to kill Harper's family and tries to find a way to save her.

This is a new author to me, so I didn't know what to expect with this book. The author did a great job in creating Marco's character and making him a believable mafia man turned "good guy." I fell in love with his character and with the way he treats Harper.

Mafia stories are difficult to make stand out, since they all start with similar premises. This book didn't really have anything that differentiated it from other Mafia book, and the author didn't really explain all of the plot points that were brought up. I wanted to know more about Harper's family and what happened with them, so hopefully in book two we will get to see that happen.

Overall rating
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading from this author and I loved this! Shorter side, dark and gots the spice.

Can’t to see what happens next.

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I really liked this book! Marco and Harper’s relationship was fast paced, but it didn’t feel rushed in any way. I liked the action scenes, and I thought the spice was well written. Marco has that reformed playboy thing going on, and Harper was caring and sweet. I’d recommend to dark romance fans!!!

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a short spicy read. This is my first book from this author and I immensely enjoyed this read. This novella was written perfectly and was such a good pallet cleanser, the mcs Harper & Marco were captivating and left you wanting more. I’d love to read more from this author.

[Thaimelly Rigobello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day. Easy reading but heavy contents. But I enjoyed it a lot. Can’t wait for the next books to know the other stories and how everything rolls out. Thank you Traci Sek for the ARC copy.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre but I enjoyed it. Quick read with some gruesome bits. The preview of the next book has me looking forward to its release.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[C.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to series

Love this book.

I’m a huge fan of mafia romance. There is just something about those gives me chills. This book is no different. It has all those high points I’m looking for when reading this type of book. Suspense, bad boys, deception, bad traumatic situation someone has to move past, and so much more. Then add in the falling in love with a guy you know you shouldn’t and you have the best kind of mafia romance. I can’t wait to read the others in this series. I’m hooked and I need to know what happens to the other characters.

[Mica Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read mafia romances but I really like this author so I knew this would be good. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this baby. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. This book was nice and steamy with an intriguing plot. You’ll definitely want to read it.

[Lilly Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, quick read. I really enjoyed this fast-paced, spicy stories, which had me turning the page and leaves me wanting to find out what happens in the rest of the series

[Zoey Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW:
Master Of Malice By Traci Sek
FIVE STARS:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

First book by this amazing author! This book was wonderful in every sense. I really enjoyed the banter between Harper and Marco. I also loved how they tested each other. But I seriously loved how Marco was so ready to protect her with barely knowing her and how she trusted him. Gosh that ending!!!

[The Independent Book Reviewer]

Cliffhanger

That was one heck of a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next book. Definitely a lighter side mafia story but we'll worth the read.

[Tammy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different take on mafia romance. I loved the dynamics! Obsessive MMC that literally does do everything to save the FMC. I'm very interested to read the other friend’s stories!

[Kearstin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers and I loved it so much

The characters were at each other the whole time

Harper was put in a rough position when her parents were unalived

But the ending and love changed their life

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick short read!!! Not bad for a marfia romance novella. It will be interesting to see where Traci takes her story from here. I’m not one for a slow burn but this one all happened really fast. I’m guessing as it was only a novella there’s not much time to waste!!! Well I’ll wait patiently to see where book two goes from here next month!!

[Nikki Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Info:
Standalone 🥇, HEA 🥰
First Person Narrative Dual POV👩‍❤️‍👨
Sub-Genre: Romantic Suspense💘, D@rk Romance🖤, New Adult Romance💙
Trope: En3mies to Lovers🤺, F0rced Proximity🔒
Category: Action/Adventure, M@fia🕴️, Thr!ller😬, Italian🇮🇹, OTT Je@lous/Po$$essive Hero❤️‍🔥, Only Soft for Her
Burn Rate: Slow burn🥵
Spice Rating: 🌶
D@rkness Rating: 🖤🖤
Over the Top Hero Level: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Review:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a good quick read. It was packed with action and definitely kept my attention. Marco, the MMC, was a swoon worthy OTT hero. Harper was the standard smart mouth damsel in distress.

I felt so bad for what both the main characters were handed in life. It was nice when they found each other. They deserved the love for sure. It's a slow burn and not overly spicy. There isn't anything kinky, it was pretty vanilla. The plot was good and exciting.

One thing I did think was not all questions were answered about Harper's family, but with this being the start of a series, those questions may be answered later. I would recommend this to anyone who likes lighter mafia reads with a shorter length.

K!inks and Tr!ggers:
Abu$e, S3xual A$$ault, T0rture, Kidn@pping, Graphic Murd3r, Vi0lence

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So usually, Mafia romance is my thing, so that's why I decided that I do want to read this book and it did not disappoint at all.

It was exactly my kind of book, not too long and not too short, just enough to give you the story of two tortured souls who managed to find happiness and love with each other.

Harper and Marco sure did know how to take place inside my heart even though Harper sure did have her moments where she would be slightly annoying to me, but who could blame her.

Marco did surprise me with the amount of emotions behind his well-built walls, which is something I usually don't see in other Mafia novels.

I'm so excited to read the rest of the books that this series has to offer, especially Gio and Lessie.

Marco gets a 5/5 from me.
Harper 4/5
Gio 100/5
Matteo 5/5
Lessie, I'm still not sure about yet, but she'll have a solid 4.5/5

But be warned because this book contains trigger warnings, so beware before reading it...

Overall, I was so happy to read this book, and I'm thankful to have been given an ARC of it.

So be sure to grab your copy to have it ready on Valentine's Day to read!

Be sure to follow the amazing author behind this book on Instagram, goodreads, etc. She goes by: Traci Sek.

[Tessa Slager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t wait for the next one!!
I was extremely excited to be able to get the ARC of this, and I’m so glad I did!
It’s short, which is a huge bummer. I want more!
Harper, Marco, Matteo, Lessi and Gio are my new besties.
Harper and Mateo are the MC’s and I love their relationship. Their chemistry doesn’t feel rushed, however I would have liked to know their history rather then just knowing Harper dreamed of his eyes.
Harper went through some major shit, and she deals with it in a very real way, which I appreciated.
Mateo also grows as a character and his icy heart melts a little as he realizes he doesn’t just have to be a mindless killing machine.
Gio and Lessi may be my favorite and I HOPE they get their won book!
Matteo and that epilogue….. WTF!?!? Im ready for the next one!!!

[Darlene Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and spicy read.


Marco had so much trouble and I feel for him. And then Harper is cute I feel bad for her because of what happened to her. I also feel like she didn’t grieve as much though she never actually had time to with everything it was all so fast so I think it worked us not seeing it. There’s so much tension between these two and I’m so glad they both got their HEA after everything that happened.

I loved the dynamic between the three friends. I think that was my favorite part. I adored seeing Matteo basically as a kid (he seemed like one even though he might not be) but I know he’s gonna grow in the next book. His book is coming next!!

Also Gio and Lessie. I want their story 😂😂😂

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of Malice is my first time reading Traci Sek.
I'm not usually a fan of shorter books/novella's but I could not give up the chance to read an ARC of this!
Marco is the son of a Mafia soldier and is being molded to be just like his dad. However, his dad is an abusive A**Hole. And Marco hates him. He saves Harper on a night her life changes forever.
These two have met before, and both have feelings for one another, but don't act on them.
Harper is a feisty and starting over with the help of Marco and his friends.
When she is kidnapped, can Marco save her and tell her how he feels?
A great short read, but leaves us with. a cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for more!

[Ashley Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for those who love shorter, novella sized books packed with action and some steam. Follow the story of Marco and Harper in book one of the Blood Runs Deep series as they navigate the harrowing life involved in the mafia. Marco is made to do unspeakable things yet he hates it. Harper is an innocent thrust into a life she didn’t ask for. Find out how they make it work! I’ve also had the opportunity to read book two already (alpha reading has its perks) and I know ya’ll will be ready to continue the story after a cliffhanger like this!

[Juliesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of Malice by Traci Sek is book one in the Blood Runs Deep series. This short story is a mafia, enemies to lovers with multi POVs, mild spice, the couple have a HEA, there is a cliffhanger but it has to do with another characters story for the next book.

There were some key plot points of the story that were never explained (Harpers family and her friends), but maybe it will be explained in the next book.

With that being said, I did like the story and I read it in one sitting. I will definitely read the next book.

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master of Malice is an incredible start to this series. When Harper and Marco meets it's instant connection but he doesn’t want to pull her in his world. But when there a threat to her, Marco saves her. But not before something tragedy happens to her. And of course she blames him for it a first. But he is there to help her there and together they find love with each other. But will they get their HEA with all the twists and turns in their way?

[Laura || unleashthefantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something delicious about this short spicy read. This is my first book by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. The MCs Harper & Marco were illuminating and left you wanting more. Easily readable, but heavy contents.🌶️🌶️
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I cannot wait to read the next book to find out how the rest of the story plays out.

Thank you Traci Sek for the ARC copy.💘💕

[Brittneyreads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author and I immensely enjoyed it!

This is a mafia romance novella with some good spice and so captivating you don’t want to put it down!

Please check trigger warnings!

I’m so excited to read the rest of the series, and thank you so much for the ARC copy!

[C.L. Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia son turned savior...

I absolutely loved how Marco was so determined to save Harper and keep her safe. She broke down his walls and let her sunshine bring him out of some the darkness. This was a heartwarming and thrilling story. I'm so ready for the next part of the story...

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me ... this is Marco and Harper's story, the first in a series. Well-written and the characters are well-developed. Storyline is fast-paced and engaging. Definitelyooking forward to reading more from this author.

[Jessica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc reader:

Bad boy live in the world of the mafia. falls for the girl not in his world when he saves her from her fate of death when Hit goes out on her family.
it kind of enemy to lovers in a way. lots of spicy actions and mafia.
finshed less in 24 hour couldn't put it down.

[Cassie Hollenbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this was written. I enjoyed the story line and the change of heart that you see in Marco. You see all of the characters grow as people! Thank you for the arc! It was incredible! I cannot wait to see where this story goes!

[Juana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read previous work from Traci Sek and she never disappoints.

I'm usually not a big fan of mafia/mob related stories but Harper and Marco have not only caught my attention but have me wanting to read more on what happens next to them. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This book was so good!!! I love books like this!! The story was great and i love all the characters. I can’t wait to read the next book to get the story finished.