Falling for the Enemy

When Villians Fall #1

by J.E. Parker

It's revenge I seek but obsession that I find.

I left Medellín to collect a blood debt.
The last thing I expect to find when reaching the States is Arianna.
After our first violent confrontation, I become infatuated with her.
For weeks, I stalk her from the shadows, watching her every move.

The moment I save her from death's grasp, our fates are sealed.
A vicious Colombian kingpin and a fearless Bratva queen.
Together, we're fire and gasoline, scorching and explosive.
A lethal match birthed from the fieriest pits of Hell.

After being betrayed by another, Arianna numbed herself to love.
Her ice-covered walls, however, don't stand a chance against me.
We may begin as adversaries hell-bent on destroying one another.
But before long the savage war we've waged will end.

And into the waiting arms of the enemy, Arianna will fall.

A Note from JE:
Falling for the Enemy is a scorching hot enemies-to-lovers mafia romance featuring a fearless Bratva queen and a vicious Colombian kingpin who mix like fire and gasoline. Includes dark themes and explicit on-page steam. No cliffhanger/can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Crime

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2022

About the author

J.E. Parker is a multi-genre author of sexy, heart-wrenching romances that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. A self-proclaimed hot mess and coffee connoisseur, she writes books featuring strong heroines, panty-melting heroes, a heaping serving (or two) of angst, and guaranteed happily ever afters.

To receive breaking news regarding new releases, giveaways, and ARC opportunities, sign up for her newsletter here: https://www.jeparkerbooks.com/newslet...

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 🖤💥🧨⭐️s❣️❣️❗️

Arianna Ivanova, who controlled the Bratva faction, was a merciless killer and iron-fisted leader. A great badass heroine!
Alejandro Santiago* was a hired gun, drug trafficker, and a merciless Colombian kingpin. The man many in Colombia feared more than the devil himself.

The collision of those two strong and arrogant bosses, a vicious King and his cunning Queen, was more than explosive!

I enjoyed both mafia and romance aspects of this story.

Sometimes I can be tolerant. BUT when the most dangerous and powerful alpha falls hard and becomes excessively possessive and obsessive with the heroine, is beyond me!
And that was a part of the story that didn’t thrill me. I know it works for the majority of the readers, but it just didn’t for me.

While the writing style was vigorous and ardent, there were parts that needed better editing and some descriptions could have been left out.

And where was Arianna’s nail technician??? 💅🤦🏻‍♀️


*There are soooo many surnames in Colombia, “Santiago” was not the best choice for me, since it’s closely associated with another Colombian ‘devil’, the one in C. Wiltcher’s series. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You ever allow another to touch what’s mine and I’ll slit their throat. Then I’ll fuck you before their dying corpse, ensuring the last thing they ever see is you taking the cock of the man who just took their life.”


OMG this was such a pallet cleanser after a lot of Mafia romances that just did not hit the spot loved the dialogue in their native tongue. Loved the darkness of both Ari being the Bravta Queen and Alejandro's being the Colombian Cartel King Pin. It was dark and sexy and filled with lots of action.. gah even enjoyed the secondary characters.

ARC provided for free in exchange for a honest review all opinions are my own.

[Christina Waeltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic!!! I'm usually not a fan of dark, or Mafia romances, but J.E. Parker has definitely converted me into a fan! I have come to the conclusion that there isn't much she can't write well. Alejandro, and Ari's story is hot, hot, hot. Filled with danger, darkness, and violence, but also with something this author writes perfectly, passion, warmth, and the most important love. I can't recommend this book enough, and if it were possible I would give it more than 5 stars. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaahhh! I loved this.
The back and forth between Arianna and Alejandro was, as they say, chef's kiss. That was my favorite part.
I'm really looking forward to other couples in this series.

[Debleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinite+Infinite+ Another Couple of Infinite Stars for this beautiful violently perfect masterpiece

Arianna and Alejandro were a match forged from the hell's inferno itself. These two were like fire and gasoline , their chemistry - volcanic but their love - soul deep and so profound that no amount of words could ever express.

In a puzzle it's impossible to align to highly similar pieces together to create a beauty but herein these two pieces of puzzle,who share so many similar traits ,fit in so well to become the ultimate beautiful power couple just melts my heart. Their love, care and over protectiveness over their siblings and loved and loyal ones made my heart bleed in a good way. I loved loved and loved their calculating, cold , cunning, violent, bloodthirsty, possessive demeanor.

I can literally write a book describing the protagonists, on how strong,how badass, how fearless,how invincible ,how cunning and calculative, how loyal and faithful, these two are, and yet it would be insufficient. Suffice it to say Arianna and Alejandro can't be described with mere mortal words.

Arianna and Alejandro literally became one of my most most most favourite individuals as well as couples. The sex scenes were beautiful , orgasmic and scorching. 🥵🥵

The side characters were awesome too. My heart goes out for sweet, light, kind Mina, for resilient loving Carmen and sassy and strong willed Anna. I loved Casper , Nikolai, Benito, Christian, Jade and James(though he was not featured much, but still) . My heart broke for Nikolai towards the end and for I hope that he find his soul mate ver soon, not only to shower this guy with love but to also heal his broken heart.

Grandmama and her swatter did made me wheeze with laughter, like leave it to these violent bloodthirsty men to be scared of Grandmama and her weird penchant for brusing "buns of steel"😂😂

I really wished that this book was longer, or that this book would have been a whole series of its own with showcasing us more of Ari and Alejandro because I am really really addicted to these two and their amazing strength 😭😭

Gonna read it again and again and again in the near future because only a few mafia novels could ever deliver a badass and kick-ass woman so amazingly,a queen who doesn't loose her bloody touch or darkness or suddenly turns from kick assery to damsel in distress once she falls in love with the hero. No matter how much I compliment this book, it can never be enough to express the sheer beauty ,awesomeness and grandeur of this magnificent book.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😍

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual with this author, I was immediately hooked from the very first page of this book, and between all the emotion and suspense, I found myself falling in love with Alejandro and Ariana. These two are the epitome of opposites attract, and even though they *shouldn't* work together, they do in the best of ways. They both are leaders in their own right, and I LOVED seeing a kickass mafia woman actually leading her sector and kicking ass and taking names. Making powerful men bow down before her in her stunning heals is my new aesthetic, and I'm all here for the empowerment of women that this author continues to stun with in her novels. This was such an amazing start to a new series, and all the breadcrumbs that we received about future relationships were just GOLDEN. Add to the fact that book two will be here before we know it, I am that much more excited about this series!

What I really loved the most about this book was how much Alejandro loved Ariana and never once tried to change her. He loved her vicious ways, but he always saw the good in her, and the heart she tried like hell to hide. After being betrayed in such an epic way, Ariana thought she would never love again, so to have a man be all in even when they were at odds was so amazing for both her and myself as a reader. I love it when a powerful man turns into mush at the hands of the woman he's utterly obsessed with, and we got that in spades here. Again, I am so excited for this series! Definitely a must read!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**

[Romance Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding and reading this is one of the best things that happened to me book wise! This is so amazing!! Epic. A light mafia romance that I am absolutely in love with.

An epic rivals to lovers mafia boss romance. I have always wanted to read a mafia romance with rival mafia bosses. This is so well written and perfectly paced. I fell in love with Ari and Anjelo! They are so perfect! I’m so upset this book is over I miss them.

This has everything. A possessive AF hero, a badass mafia boss heroine, angst, adorable moments, a touch her and die hero that falls instantly head over heals before the heroine.

Alejandro is honestly the perfect man. He respected Arianna has a person, he didn’t try to tell her what to do but we was so beautifully caring and possessive at the same time. He is the ideal man you would ever want by your side. He just knew exactly what she needed and he gave it to her without any resistance. I love when the hero treats the heroine exactly how a woman deserves to be treated!

They are so cute together you have no idea. Falling for the Enemy is on my top books of 2022 list for sure.

I hope this author and book get the recognition they deserve because THIS is an amazing novel and there are so many romance novels that get recognition that aren’t even half this good.

Trust me when I say this is a must read if you’re looking for a light enemies to lovers, rivals to lovers, possessive hero & mafia romance!

This is beyond a 5 star read I need more from this series!

[J.E. Parker]

It's official, y'all...⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Alejandro & Ari's story is coming soon!
⁣⁣
​On March 30th, Falling for the Enemy, book one of my new series, When Villains Fall, will be released onto Amazon and straight into Kindle Unlimited. To preorder your copy now, follow the links below! ⁣⁣

★ Preorder Info ★⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Amazon Universal: https://books2read.com/FFTE
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3rzscMW ⁣⁣
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3KmNLcd⁣⁣
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3rwEN3t⁣⁣
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3AdoZGG⁣⁣

★ Other Important Dates ★⁣⁣
⁣⁣
​Ebook/Paperback Cover Reveal: March 2nd ⁣⁣
Booktok Paperback Reveal: March 15th⁣⁣

[Lissete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna Ivanova is the queen of the Bratva in Charleston, SC. Alejandro Santiago is the kingpin of the Colombian cartel and I have never met two more alpha characters than these two.
What starts as an enemies banter ends up with the most possessive Dom male character ever and an alpha queen that gives as good as she gets. These two together are fire and gasoline. I don’t know how were they able to keep running their empires when they were so busy busting each other’s b*lls.
I love how possessive Alejandro is and how fiercely he loves. Behind all that bravado is a huge heart that only beats for Ari.
Ari breaths and lives for her little sister but once she meets Alejandro, she feels whole. It was pretty awesome!
I’m looking forward to more books in this series!

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.E. Parker you amazing talented author done it again , Falling for the Enemy just blew my mind I couldn't put my reader down I wanted to eat every word up and go back for more . When I reached the end I was so sad I wanted no needed more I can't wait for the next story in the When Villains fall . This can be read as a standalone but you will run into some major spoilers from another amazing series the author has wrote which is one of my top book series redeeming love were the charecters make a couple of drop ins mostly the last two books . Arianna and ⁣Alejandro are perfect for one another they just had so much chemistry my reader was on fire with the heat coming from them . Arianna is one bomb boss every one underestimates her until she has her blade to your throat or bullet in the head she's fiercely protective of the ones she holds to her heart and also to her soldiers . Alejandro is the perfect match for his queen not only does he respect her but he doesn't stop her from her leadership he also is protective of the ones he loves and would do anything for them . The secondary characters just made me giddy I can't wait to read their stories .
stars 5
hero 5
heroine 5
secondary characters 5
steam 5

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the Enemy❤️💙

FFTE is the first book in a new series by Ms. Parker…now even though it’s the first in the series and can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading her redemption series first as we meet a lot of the characters in this series and it also gives a bit more background in Alejandro and Ari❣️

A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and I’m so excited to get stuck into learning more about Ari’s sister, Mina and some of the other characters that we meet for the first time😉 Be warned though some scenes are pretty graphic but I expected no less from a Mafia Bratva/Cartel story…oh and steamy - I was definitely jealous of Ari a few times🤩

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. When two worlds colide, there might nothing and nobody left standing. That is a powerful book, I never thought possible. The Columbian Kingpin and the Queen of the Fallen Kings never stood a chance but falling for each other. Both very protective of those, they care about.
With the Italian mob in the picture as well, the numbers of bodies rise significantly...
A very graphic book, that is definitely nothing for the faint hearted, which starts already at the first chapter.
Nevertheless great story, that has many of the Redeeming Love characters in it.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark intense Maifa read that is very intense and witty. This is a fast pace read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Their just isn’t enough words to describe the story.

[JenMcJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the writing was well done. I do think the Alpha Hero was a little too "heart on his sleeve" too quickly. I also think, although the author tried to keep a balance, that I would have preferred that Arianna have a bit more equal "saving" in the story. I felt like, for the badass she was, Alejandro had to save her a few too many times. How did she get that far if she would have been killed so easily if he hadn't been there?

I'm interested in the next story but I want to read the blurb first.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, Hot, and Volatile

Wow, this woman has done it again. I have looked forward to this book since it was first mentioned. It was well worth the wait. Very steamy. This is an enemies to lovers romance. Two very unlikely individuals who are powerless to the feelings that arise in them. The dynamic between Ari and Alejandro is pure FIRE. Two kingdoms collide causing massive shock all around. The pure power of feelings of these 2 very broken and hardened individuals is earth shattering. I absolutely loved this read and the many different elements of surprise that awaits within this book. The sexual chemistry, the powerful queen and cocky king, the explosions, and warfare, are exhilarating. An absolutely amazing read!!!!! It had me laughing, smiling, heartbroken, nearly in tears. I loved seeing some very familiar and beloved characters making an appearance. I can hardly wait to see what Casper and Mina’s story holds. Outstanding job Jamiee!!!!!!

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alejandro & Ari

I just can’t! These two are freaking everything and I am all for when the guy falls first and man does Alejandro fall hard and fast I love all of his pet names for Ari and how he is so over the top protective and possessive and I am so here for it!! These two were amazing their story was epic and the non-stop action from beginning to end was perfection! I cannot wait for Casper & Mina’s story!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc for my honest review. This is my first book by J. E. Parker and I must say, I loved it. I was hooked from the very beginning. Alejandro and Arianna’s story is one that you won’t want to miss out on. They were doomed from the very beginning but having a mutual enemy is part of what helped them join forces. Their chemistry was steamy from the first time they laid eyes on each other. But as their journey continues that steam turns scorching hot. As the journey continues they each start to break down each others walls and show the depth of their feelings. It is all amazingly written full of angst, action and edge of your seat moments that keep you wanting more. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to read more by J. E. Parker.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow what an explosive, intense, dark, dirty read. I just knew after reading the blurb that this book was going to be good and let me say it delivered in spades. Phew these 2 mc's were angsty, intense just by themselves, but damn let them be around each other and the chemistry was off the charts. Arianna is the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva and Alejandro is the Kingpin of the Colombian Cartel together they're going to take down the La Famiglia if only they can put their differences aside, since they share the common enemy. This was such a good book I definitely would recommend, but beware of triggers.

[Chanell · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story

I loved the story , I only wish we got to see more of the strength of Ari , it’s like after she met Alejandro she became a damsel in distress him having to save her rather then them being a team . I love the scene when she escape his boat but wish more of her skills were written .

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mafia books and this one is a mafia romance that did not disappoint. Ari is strong and will do anything for those that she loves. I love this enemy to lovers book. I love how she doesn’t back down and is tough as nails.

[Jamie-Kay Whatley Raney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turning

This was my first read by J.E. Parker and it won’t be my last!
I love seeing a powerful heroine in mafia books and boy was Ari powerful. She’s also ruthless and embodies everything you would expect from the head of an organized crime family. My heart also broke for her when learning of her upbringing. Despite that, she still has a soft spot for family and others that she allows in her heart.
I loved Alejandro from the moment I met him. He’s protective and possessive and goes after what he wants while also having a tender spot for his sister. I also loved his immediate claim on Ari even before she got the memo. Together, they are a force indeed.
Overall, the book was well written, fast paced and explosive. It does have lots of dark themes and scenes, so it’s not a fluffy read. However, most of the darkest elements are discussed in past tense and not described in detail. The dialog including a sprinkling Russian and Spanish was a nice touch and added authenticity to the characters. I did start to tire of Ari’s death threats against Alejandro and his against his second in command but overall, I still loved the book.

[Valerie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!! I haven't read much mafia romance, but I've read everything by this author so of course I dove right in. The plot was solid, with an excellent cast of characters. Ari and Alejandro were hot together, their pull to one another was both dark and sexy. And of course Grandmama was there in all her spunky glory as a much needed reprieve from the tension. I needed a day to recover from reading and I'm pretty sure my jaw was hanging open throughout most of the story. I hope there will be more, I'm ready!

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read. I was looking forward to reading Ari's story and it didn't let me down once. It was absolutely everything it should be and more. It had so much going on within that you never knew what to expect next. I honestly didn't want it to end but it has left me looking forward to the next one.

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The heels, the legs, the gun. I've never been more turned on."

You know that saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"? Well in this case, the enemy of my enemy is my soulmate - my hot, steamy, soulmate.

So, we have Bratva Queen of the Fallen Kings, Arianna Ivanova. She's ruthless, beautiful, and you certainly wouldn't want to cross her. Then, we have Alejandro Santiago, the Kingpin of the Columbian Cartel. He's just as ruthless and mouth-watering. Each of them have the other in their crosshairs. But, they also have a common target. Stefano DeMeo. Protective of the ones they love, and of each other, Alejandro and Ari will stop at nothing to see that the threat is neutralized.

The desire between Alejandro and Ari burns just as hot as their desire to eliminate their common enemy. Between the gunfire or between the sheets, these two are off the charts!!

I loved this story! It was balanced perfectly between the action and suspense, and the underlying love story and steam. The characters, even the secondary ones were well-developed and I hope, hope, hope, some of them get their own stories too.

There are some cross-references and characters mentioned from this author's Redeeming Love series. But, while I highly recommend you read that series as well, you do not have to have read it to read Falling for the Enemy.

This was an amazing start to this series, and I can't wait to read the next one!!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the enemy is 100% a big NO NO! But when the Cartel kingpin looks like he does and the Bratva queen looks like she does, well…let’s just say the forbidden becomes more enticing!

After being separated from his sister as a child in a horrific way, Alejandro now makes it his mission in life to keep his sister safe from harm…even if it means taking on La Famiglia. Arianna loves her baby sister to death and has protected her in the past…so it’s no challenge when she has to take on La Famiglia to continue to ensure her safety.

What happens when two mortal enemies are after ONE common enemy? Will they work together to protect their loved ones or will they sabotage each other?

The wait for the story of Ari & Alejandro was well worth it! I cannot wait for the rest of the series!

[Daris Shelburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely AMAZING!!!

This is a breathtaking action story throughout! I love how Alejandro new that Ari was his at first sight! He protects his Queen above all else. Regardless if she were his enemy in the beginning. I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!

[Mindy Martinez Borda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a Mafia book, you usually know that there will be a vicious alpha male who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, including the woman he seems his. Such woman is usually a captive, or an enemy's daughter force to marry said man, or even someone from their past.

However, this book is not like that. THIS book is so much more. Not only you get the most ruthless kingpin you could ever imagine, one you will definitely fall for no matter what he does, but you also get the toughest, most hardcore female character you could ever dream about. A female character that will let to cringing one minute due to her cruel heart and make you love her the next thanks to how deeply she loves and protects.

Ari and Alejandro are as twisted as they come, but their story - one born out of distrust and immense passion - will leave you panting and wishing for more with every word you read and every page you turn. Not to mention, the cameos of beloved characters from other amazing books from the author will make this book even more amazing than you could ever imagine.

JE Parker has definitely outdone herself as an author with this book, something that only amazingly gifted authors are able to do over and over again. Her efforts in delivering the best mafia book ever have paid off tenfold and everyone need to read it or they would be missing out on the best take on this genre I have ever read in a long time.

[Jessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.E. once again proves she can do no wrong! I don't normally gravitate to the mafia romances but I was hooked from the beginning. I loved Ari when mentioned in Redeeming Love series and hoped we got her story. She is such a badass! Holy hotness Batman... the heat between these two is off the charts!! Ari is the Fallen Kings Queen and Alejandro is the leader of the cartel... natural enemies proving true love really can prevail. The badassery, the hotness, the humor... this one has it all. I can't wait for the other stories in this series... I can not get enough!!

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two strong lead characters forge ahead in this story, clashing and gnashing their teeth and flexing their power to each other, it is terrific. The tension between the two builds and builds as they do their leadership dance. Some steps are taken in double time while others are slower but very movement is critical.

“Nothing says love and romance quite like… multiple murders” I love how Arianna thinks. 🤣 She’s talking about Alejandro murdering to protect her. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both characters and the secondary ones as well. Arianna and Alejandro were both so headstrong and focused that it isn’t any wonder their chemistry exploded when they met.

There were many times throughout this story when the excitement and drama reached fever pitch and I can honestly say I could feel myself getting anxious, fearful, devastated, excited and angry. I literally felt as if I was a part of the story—the sign of excellent writing I believe.

I wholeheartedly recommend this enemies to lovers story to everyone. I look forward to reading the next book about Casper and Mina—talk about an interesting character!

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable mafia romance with two equally strong lead characters. Arianna Ivanova is not the typical Mafia Princess she is the leader of the Bratva faction and takes her position very seriously. Alejandro Santiago is the Cartel leader out for revenge and to take territory from his enemies.

I loved the dynamic between Arianna and Alejandro the mistrust they have for each other was portrayed well as well as between Arianna and the men who are loyal to her. I liked how she refused to bow down to anyone only showing her contempt and anger in public whilst the reader gets to see the caring vulnerable side behind closed doors. They play a game of cat and mouse initially skirting around their attraction, I was waiting for that moment when they would give in to the chemistry. They have a passionate relationship with some hot scenes one that is also built on mutual trust. I liked the secondary charcters who add an extra part to the revenge aspect of the storyline. The tension and action builds towards the conclusion of this first book. It will be interesting to see where the story and the next book takes us.