December 30, 2018

Best Of .....2018 Part 2


Continuing my list of the best books of 2018. Ten more to round out my top 20 reads.


Fragments of Ash  by Katy Regnery


36173885What a wonderful twisted spin on Cinderella. All of the books in this series are a modern twist on the old fairy tale. But this one, goodness what a twist! Lots of darkness brewing in this one along with some suspense. So many layers to unravel. It had me captivated from the first chapter. There is a remote farm and stars and a coon hound and a broody prince Julian who is a glass blower..... Gah! I loved this one to pieces. Love on many levels and sprinkled throughout the book. But the bottom line is the story is about what we would do for love. <3 Read this one!


AMAZON

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Of Sunlight and Stardust   by Riley Hart and Christina Lee


41949295I never go into stories with too much expectation. I like to experience the book as is. Other than being a big fan of these two authors, I had no idea how this story would unfold. What is laid out here is a story that crosses time but yet remains at its very soul, the story of love.

Tanner and Cole meet when they each are at perhaps their lowest point in life. What starts out as an agreement to help out Tanner as he learns to live without his wife, turns into a quiet friendship between the two men and then a step further into a deep emotional bond.

You always walk away from books by these two authors a better person. More informed. More aware of diversity. This book speaks to the changing times. What was life 70 years ago for the LGBTQ community in a way still remains but there is hope for better. If it can happen in small town America, it can happen anywhere. I am happy with the positive spin the story took. I am glowing with the love and romance that is shared between Tanner and Cole. And without giving much more away, I highly recommend the book. Enjoy!

AMAZON

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Dane's Storm  by Mia Sheridan


38885094Oh my! I know we are all waiting for the Archer's Voice movie, but if ever there was another book of Mia Sheridan's to be made into a movie, this one may be it. Gripping action, heart wrenching decisions, undying love. Holy crap! I'd walk out of that theater with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face. 

This is a second chance love story but it is so much more. Loved the undertones of help from the spirit world. Someone always watching over us. It killed me that it took something horrific to get over the horror that life had dealt to Dane and Audra. Conversations long over due help to mend their broken hearts.

Snow, rugged terrain, Native American lore, grays and vibrant color, soul mates. Just a fabulous read. Experience this one. Let it soak in. <3
AMAZON

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Transcend Duet  by Jewel E. Ann
3596577335965779

I feel like I start every review by this author the same way. Just read the damn book! I can't give you details. I can't take apart the plot. I can tell you it feels a little familiar---time travel romance-ish. But it really isn't that either.

Swayze knows things about Nate that happened before she was born. Now that she works for him, the memories continue to flood her brain. The book pushes the envelope on what we believe or want to believe about the soul. About life and death. You will read this and find yourself questioning the possibility of more. Are there soul mates? Are there people who just "get" you and there seems to be no explanation? There is a familiarity, a deja vu, like we have met somewhere before?

TRANSCEND brings it all out on the table. I couldn't put it down, because I couldn't get my head to accept what was happening. I needed more. I wanted to understand and accept the possibilities that unfolded in the story.

Regardless of how you feel about reincarnation, soul mates, forever love--Through the exquisite writing of this author, you will feel the anguish that is tearing Swayze apart as she tries to sort out all of the aspects of her life. Tears! I cried actual tears over the heartache this woman is going through. Not enough stars to give this epic tale! Beyond grateful for the words this author bring to the page. Read this duet today!


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  Love at Last  by Claudia Connor


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Oh my.....just big satisfied sighs about this one. Claudia Connor has written some of my all time favorite books and this one will rank right up there. I was hooked with the idea of a single dad of twins but the book delivers so much more yummy goodness. Totally sweet romantic read.

Wonderful surprise twists. Great supporting characters. Adorable M & M make the story worth the read right there. And as always, an HEA to make you fall in love all over again with this couple. Fantastic epilogue! Perfect frame for the story. Nothing constructive to say about this one. Well written and worth a second read anytime.



AMAZON

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The Dandelion by Michelle Leighton
38712065What a beautifully written story about the life journey of two strong women. Sara is dying and makes her husband Sam promise to find love again. Abi is running--again-- and plans to spend her summer chilling at the lake near her home town. Sam is the man that has loved both of these women in his life.

Even with this little bit of information about the story, you know your heart is just going to get crushed. It's a slow burn about second chances, and wishes, and dreams. It's about first love and forever love. It's about hope. Everything wrapped up in this amazing story will make your heart weep but at the same time, make it sing for the promise of the new day.

Take a chance on the story. Abi and Sara are two wonderful characters and deserve your time. And Sam will be the pillar of strength to help you get through it all. Fantastic story!

AMAZON

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Valentina  by MJ Fields
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Valentina continues the Men of Steel series. It jumps 9 years in the future and continues the story of Dominic's sister Valentina. Our hearts were ripped apart at the end of Terzetto. This novella is the perfect epilogue to that story.

So wonderfully perfect I don't want to ruin it my telling you any more. We get not only Valentina but also catch up with all of Mama Joe's boys and their families. Obviously you will need to read the previous books in the Ties of Steel series. But every Steel book this author puts out is worth the read, so grab them all while your at it!

AMAZON

Amour Battu  by MJ Fields


The story might be one you are familiar with. A hero who is not worthy. Young, first love. Frequent readers of romance will not have experienced the story quite like this author brings us. If I say nothing else about this book, know this, the author has written an epic tale with so much restraint and finesse, it almost doesn't matter what the outcome of the story is. There is no rush to the finish with Oliver and Natasha. No.... what we get instead is the unveiling of two souls....two people who need to fully come into their own before they can ever hope to be loved and love fully anyone outside of their family.

You will cheer and hope that things will resolve every chapter that passes. Only to find more layers that need to be undone, more of the story to be told. Honestly, both Natasha and Ollie are so very broken but strong at the same time. Your heart will ache for these two. I could not have imagined a better HEA.

AMAZON

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Up in Smoke   by TM Fraizer

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This book is listed as King series #8. It can easily be read as a stand alone but, my God! If you haven't read the King series yet---WHY??

Up in Smoke continues on the vein of the rest of the series. Dark, lots of action, super hot, explosive sex, some humor and along the way, a couple of hearts get caught up on a tangled mess. That about sums up a TM Frazier book.

Always expect the unexpected---always--with this author. You never know all that you think you know. Big twists along with the action. Perfect read.


AMAZON=================================================================

What Are You Afraid Of? by Alexandra Ivy
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I adore this author. I am a total wuss for suspense books, but I put myself through it because I know this author will bring it all to the table. So amid my starts and stops and pacing---I finished. So worth the read!!

The premise alone should set you on edge. Carmen is an author and has published a book about real life serial killers. I mean....why??? Someone is sending her photos of copycat kills and she turns to the only person she knows that might help. WE met computer geek Griffen in the first book of this series.

They have a history but Carmen is determined. Hold on to your seats because what follows is a laundry list of who dunit? So many possibilities. The twisted path to get to the ending left me glued to my kindle for the last third of the story.

We have some romance along the way between Carmen and Griffen but ultimately this is a suspense novel. Grab it. Read it. It's worth your time.

AMAZON

Best Of.....2018 Part 1


It's that time of year. Time to look back on all the great stories I read in 2018. I can never narrow it down without feeling like I have missed someone.  That said, I read a LOT of books.  Picking the top 20 is only 5% of what I have read over the course of a year. I'm breaking the list up into two posts...well maybe three.   To make the list, the book had to have been rated 5 Hearts or higher. So in no particular order, my favorites reads of 2018.......



Red Rooster by Lauren Gilley

This is the second book in Lauren Gilley's paranormal saga. You will need to read the books in order but you will not be disappointed in the story! Lots of action. Great new characters introduced. I mean, Rob, Tuck, Scarlett..... did not see that coming! As always, this author paints a picture with her words that lets you become so immersed in the story, you loose track of time. Great paranormal series with a ton of historical references.
AMAZON

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Vampire's Faith (Dark Protector's #8) by Rebecca Zanetti
37703013
Oh my goodness. I was totally fine with the series ending the way it did. I didn't know I needed more of the Karys family. But WOW!! Way to bring the whole Realm back on line! Great twist to what we already know of this world. Sometimes follow up books don't do as well as authors would like but Vampire's Faith made the whole series fresh again.
AMAZON




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              King's Wrath and King's Reign by Nina Levine
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32988931I read a lot of books. I love to get lost in the story and swept away for the few hours that the book holds me captive. I am a fan of this author and a huge fan of both Storm series. And maybe that's where this emotion is coming from over this book. We have seen King in the background of all the stories. He is a ruthless Pres that most of his men are a bit wary of. But this story. This is the true, uncut, humanizing of the man that is King. I was not prepared for his story. His story is a two parter so grab them both. Definitely read the Sydney Series at least before grabbing this one. Take some time because there is a lot to unravel in the enigma that is King. Fantastic story!


AMAZON

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Bishop (Arizona Vengeance #1) by Sawyer Bennett38348931

I loved it! Great start to a new hockey series by this author. A hot one-night-stand that turns into a fake relationship that turns into LOVE! What's not to like about that. Bishop and Brooke are great together. We meet quite a few of the teammates as well and they all look interesting. Can't wait to see their HEA as the series progresses. Great hockey. Great steamy romance. Loved Bishop the best --perfect book boyfriend material!
AMAZON



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40024691Ghostgirl by JB Salsbury

I am still a bit speechless on this one. The twists and turns and tangled web will leave you breathless. the author brings a unique story to life with interesting characters. Mercy has so many layers to her, the book has ended and I feel like I still have more to discover. Milo and Mercy's story continues in the second book to the series.

AMAZON


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Simple Faith  (Pagano Brothers #1) by Susan Fanetti

40542285Having read the Pagano Family series by this author, I knew I was going to love the spin off to the other side of the pews. This series will focus on the mafia side of the family.  Even better, this book focuses on Trey, a beloved member of the family and a character we first met as a little boy.  He's all grown up now and ready for his HEA.  Great look at the workings of the mafia. Great seeing Trey fight to find his place in the world.  Looking forward to reading more. 




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Cinq a Sept by MJ Fields

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MJ Fields has written some of my favorite book boyfriends. The top of that list is pretty crowded with her characters. Well, move over boys, Bass is about to bust up stranglehold! What a perfect mix of confidence, intelligence, humor and s3x appeal! Bass oozes all that alpha maleness that will make you swoon and need a tall cool drink just to get through this book. And just like our heroine, Angela, you will forget that man is only 25 years old. The story is enriched with wonderful secondary characters, beautiful locations, and strong, capable women. Some twists and turns and angst to get to the end, but ultimately a feel good story. Loved it all!


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The Truth About Lies (The Truth Duet) by Aly Martinez

4143216041828730

I love this author, so honestly, I would have read this book regardless of what the story turned out to be. By about 20% in to this one, I thought.....ehhh...I know how this is going to go....I'll just finish it out to say that I have read it. Not my favorite, but whatever. Still love the author. By 50% in I was so incredible wrong about my guess, it was embarrassing but also so exciting. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I have never been so happy to be wrong in my life! Twists, turns, action, heartbreak and some sweet romance, and a great sense of humor sprinkled in. You don't know what you think you know, that is for sure. Fantastic, simply because it surprised me and kept me riveted until the very end. Unique story. The writing is phenominal. The characters are interesting. The suspense keeps the reader moving through the pages.


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Black Out (Crossbreed #5) by Dannika Dark


This is the 5th book in the series and honestly may be one of my favorite! You do need to read them in order as the story line continues book to book. Once you know that, sit back and enjoy. The author brings to life an interesting set of characters that leave you wanting more on each one. Still lots of action and violence. The tit for tat among the team also makes for some lighter moments in the story. Loved the interactions with Raven and Christian alone! So perfect for each other, if they could just get past all the emotional barriers. The ending may throw a wrench in those plans. It's a bit of a cliffy so plan ahead. Great read!


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Guardian's Bond  by Rhenna Morgan
36435287
Love this author so much! Great world building! Loved the premise and the mythology behind the characters. I have read many paranormal books and I loved the twist this author gives us on the shifter world. Priest is the guardian of the clans.  Super hot alpha male who happens to be a tattoo artist for his day job. When the scent of his true mate hits, he becomes almost frenzied.  Lots of world building, action and of course steamy romance. Can't wait to read more about this clan. 

December 29, 2018

Release Blitz: Tainted Bastard





Title: Tainted Bastard
Series: Tainted Knights #4
Author: Terri Anne Browning
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 29, 2018

Blurb


“Tell me something true?”

Her sweet voice was like a siren calling me to her.

My truth?

I was a bastard.

I hated everyone.

My past was as dark as my soul.

And she was the only light in that cold darkness.







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Coming Soon


Releasing January 29, 2019

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


Author Bio

Terri Anne Browning is multiple USA TODAY bestselling author. Being dyslexic, she never thought a career in writing would be possible, yet she has been on best selling lists multiple times since 2013.

Reese: A Safe Haven Novella was her first Indie published book. The Rocker Who Holds Me changed the tables and kicked off The Rocker... series featuring the sinfully delicious members of Demon's Wings. The Rocker... Series is now complete with 12 books and the occasional novella. Other books by Terri Anne include the Angel's Halo MC Series, as well as The Lucy & Harris Novella Series, The Vitucci Mafiosos Series, and The Tainted Knights Rocker Series.

Terri Anne lives in Virginia with her husband, their three demons---err, children--and a hyper Frenchie named Grunt.
Author Links

December 28, 2018

Teaser: Forever Broken

The final book in Carrie Ann Ryan's Talon Pack series releases January 8th, 2019 - see a teaser below and preorder your copy now!

About FOREVER BROKEN
Available January 8th, 2019

In the finale to the award-winning Talon Pack series from NYT bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan sets, the final Brentwood must find his mate as the war with the Aspens comes to a close.

Cheyenne Liles has watched all of her friends mate into the Talon Pack and have their lives changed forever, one by one. She’s stood back, helpless to assist in the war with a rival Pack. But just when she thinks her time with the Talons is over and believes she should move on with her human life, the Aspen Pack Alpha takes matters into his own hands, altering her fate far more than a single mate mark ever could.

Max Brentwood used to be the smiling one, the only Brentwood who was somehow able to save his soul during the last Alpha’s reign. But his life was irrevocably changed one fateful day on the battlefield, and he was never the same again. Suddenly, Max is forced to face his future and make a choice when Cheyenne comes into danger: let fate decide, or watch his world crumble around him.
The shifters of this world have fought demons, humans, and themselves. Now, it’s time to find out who they truly are as the war between the Packs ends, and the moon goddess finally takes a stand.

FOREVER BROKEN releases January 8th, 2019 - preorder your copy now!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2DEYUmV
✦iBooks https://apple.co/2DhwOAe
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2B4ybwU
✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2ujueDo
✦Amazon Paperback https://amzn.to/2JYuVZF
Add it to your Goodreads Shelves --> http://bit.ly/2rn05F2


About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over sixty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

December 17, 2018

Blog Tour & Review: Permission

Permission BT Banner.jpg

PERMISSION, the highly anticipated conclusion of the dark and gritty Perversion Trilogy from USA Today bestselling author T.M. Frazier is available now!

PERMISSION ebook FINAL JPG


War breaks out in Lacking. The streets aren't safe.
When an unexpected person from my past arrives in town, I'm forced to make a choice between the life I've always wanted, and a life I never knew I could have.
I didn't know how strong I was until I met Grim.
But am I strong enough to live without him?

PERMISSION IS BOOK THREE IN THE PERVERSION TRILOGY
BOOK ONE: PERVERSION
BOOK TWO: POSSESSION

Permission AN
Download PERMISSION today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Permission
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2Np7gHa




This is the third book of the trilogy and wraps up the story of Grim and Tricks. You will need to read these in order. This is my least favorite of the series.  Book 1 blew me away in perfect TM Frazier fashion. Book 2 was good but this one just fell a little flat for me.  

The first books were full of action and lots of tension with Tricks and Grim. Yes, they are destined to be together, life was making that difficult. This book wraps up the story line nicely but it just was kind of mehh...for me.  It took a turn when Tricks seems to bounce back from horrendous trauma like nothing happened.  She's with Grim, she's happy.  It made me scratch my head for a moment. What???  And then they go on to be separated for much of the book. The creative mind of this author with all her twists is probably what saved the book for me.  

Loved the ending!  As a trilogy, I would recommend reading it all in one sitting.  Waiting on each book and then being underwhelmed was not so great. 

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review. 



Grim’s expression softens. “Let me make you feel good. Let me erase some of the hurt.” He pulls me against him for a searing kiss that makes me want nothing more than for him to be inside of me. Injuries be damned.

His lips release me all too quickly. The gentle night breeze licks across my wet mouth, cooling my lips.

Grim continues to my neck, sucking behind my ear.

I dig my fingernails into his back as he trails his talented tongue down my shoulder then across my chest until he’s staring at my naked breasts. “Perfect, beautiful tits,” he whispers with such awe it almost sounds like a prayer.

Sucking my nipple into his warm mouth, he toys with it between his teeth and tongue.

I kick out my legs, needing more. So much more.

"Shhhh...I got you, Tricks."

I groan into the night as he moves to worship my other nipple. I’m in ecstasy and frustrated all at the same time.

He lowers his lips down my body, trailing his lips across my skin, down past my navel. When he reaches my shorts, he tugs at the button. I lift my hips, to assist him in ridding the barrier of clothing between us.

“Tell me if I hurt you,” he murmurs, his breath creates a tingling sensation against my already sensitive and swollen clit.

I can only nod my response because his lips are on me again, silencing my words and consuming my thoughts. He's kissing me passionately in my most intimate place, parting my pussy lips with his tongue and lapping me up like I'm the most delicious morsel he’s ever tasted. He groans against my core.

I'm holding onto him for dear life, my fingers splayed in his hair to anchor him to me and me to the ground.

Grim massages my inner thigh with one hand while he works a thick finger inside of me with the other. Gently, too gently. There is no pain, only Grim and pleasure and everything I want in the world right here between my legs.

I tense as he sucks my clit into his mouth. A feeling of pure electric heat sizzles throughout my body. My insides ache as the pressure builds and builds from a spark into an uncontrollable raging fire.

He lifts away slightly, teasing me by blowing softly across my wet pink folds. I shutter so hard my teeth chatter. Arching my back, I pull on his hair, greedily and shamelessly grinding myself against his perfect face.

He must like my reaction, because he groans against me, fucking me with his fingers and licking me over and over again like a crazed animal. As if making me come is all that's important in this world.

“I’m close,” I tell him, pulling his hair even harder, egging him on.

He lets out a guttural groan, flattening his tongue against my clit, stroking it up and down and back again.

The tension I feel within me is borderline pain, twisting me from the inside out. I'm about to burst through my own skin.

Grim lightly bites my clit before sucking it into hard his mouth one last time.

I come apart on a roar of my own, screaming his name into the night. I contract around his tongue, coating it in a flush of wetness I can feel dripping down my ass cheeks as I writhe against his face. The pleasure smashes into me over and over again, shattering me into pieces like a hammer against glass.

For the very first time in my life, I’m happy to be broken.


Start the trilogy today with PERVERSION

Continue the trilogy with POSSESSION


T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier never dreamed that a single person would ever read a word she wrote when she published her first book. Now, she is a five-time USA Today bestselling author and her books have been translated into numerous languages and published all around the world.

T.M. enjoys writing what she calls sexy‘wrongside of the tracks romance’ with morally corrupt anti-heroes and ballsy heroines.

Her books have been described as raw, dark and gritty. Basically, what that means, is while some authors are great at describing a flower as it blooms, T.M. is better at describing it in the final stages of decay.

She loves meeting her readers, but if you see her at an event please don’t pinch her because she's not ready to wake up from this amazing dream.

T.M.Frazier

Connect with T.M. Frazier
Join Frazierland:http://bit.ly/frazierland
Twitter: @TM_Frazier
Stay up to date with T.M. by signing up for her mailing list: http://bit.ly/TMFrazier Website: http://www.tmfrazierbooks.com
For Text Alerts: TEXT “TMFRAZIER” TO 77948
*Standard text messaging rates apply*


Cover: Vandetti Empire: Capo Dei Capi – Ruthless Matteo Vendetti





Title: The Vendetti Empire:

Capo Dei Capi –
Ruthless Matteo Vendetti
Author: Sapphire Knight
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Cover Design: CT Cover Creations

Release Date: December 17, 2018



They’re the Vendetti crime familia, the most powerful mafia
name in New York...

Matteo Vendetti is a man who gets what he wants. As heir to
the Vendetti Empire and the capo dei capi’s throne, he’s only required to do one thing. He must get married to prove that he’s matured and is stable enough to take over. The stipulation doesn’t sound like much of a challenge until he realizes who his betrothed is. Violet’s the Bottaro Princessa, not just a random woman he met by chance in another country. 

She’s young—too young by his standards. 

She’s headstrong—a problem for a dominant man like Matteo. 

She’s desirable—the biggest issue of all. 

Before long, Matteo’s questioning himself, wondering if Violet’s really such a burden, or if just maybe, he’s falling in love with something other than the Empire.

Warning - This book is EXTREMELY STEAMY! Be prepared with wine and a fan!




Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Early Review

"WOW! Matteo and his brothers are HOT! By the time you finish The Vendetti Empire you’re not going to know which one you love the most. I’ll happily take them all!" – Victoria Ashley, New York Times Bestselling Author



Excerpt

Her gaze flicks at me curiously, no doubt wondering what I’m
in for and how I got to be the one in line to marry Matteo in the first place.


His bloodline is practically Italian royalty, and I’m not from their part of Italy. If we were home, I wouldn’t be considered “good enough” for him, and I’d more than likely be his throwaway whore than his wife. I don’t know how my father pulled it off, either. Sure, we’re part of the five influential families in Chicago, but marrying the boss of bosses in New York is a damn big deal in our world. My papa no doubt had some favors in his back pocket he called in.  

I also can’t help but wonder, who could want us dead that
badly for him to show his hand to the Vendettis?






Family Structure

The Vendetti Familia

Romano and Liliana Vendetti – Parents
  
Matteo ‘Ruthless’ Vendetti (33) – 1st and
Capo dei capi, head of the familia

Salvatore Vendetti (30) – 2nd

Valentino Vendetti (27) – 3rd

Dante Vendetti (24) – 4th

Luciano Vendetti (21) – 5th

Santino Vendetti (18) – 6th

Cristiano Vendetti (16) – 7th





Also by Sapphire Knight


Oath Keepers MC Series
Secrets
Exposed
Relinquish
Forsaken Control
Friction
Princess
Sweet Surrender –
free short story
Love and Obey – free
short story
Daydream
Baby
Chevelle
Cherry

Russkaya Mafiya Series
Secrets
Corrupted
Corrupted
Counterparts – free short story
Unwanted Sacrifices
Undercover
Intentions

Dirty Down South Series
1st Time
Love
3 Times the Heat

Complete Standalones
Gangster
Unexpected Forfeit
The Main Event –
free short story
Oath Keepers MC
Collection
Russian Roulette
Tease – Short Story
Collection

Capo Dei Capi Vendetti
The Vendetti Empire - part 1
The Vendetti Queen - part 2


Author Links