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Shaw
Red dress, red lips, red heels. Red, the young woman I spent one night in Vegas fulfilling a need I never knew existed.
By morning, she was gone, taking a part of me with her . . .
Until her demanding family quite literally slams into my life and leaves me with no other option but to marry her.
They’re none too happy that I defiled the Mafia Princess promised to another man, and now, I’ve no choice but to go along with their plans or risk not only my life but hers too.
Can we make this work in both our worlds, or will the perfect out be just that?
I never intended to fall for my wife, and I’m pretty sure she didn’t plan to fall for me either.
Emilia
I’ve spent my life being what everyone else wanted me to be. So I wanted one night. One night of my choosing before I had to sacrifice myself for the Organization.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
Wrong.
What happened in Vegas threw me a curveball, and my brother is demanding I marry the man I only know as Blue.
But when he’s forced into our world and has no choice but to leave behind the woman he loves, can he do it, for us?
Or will our demons catch up and tear our marriage apart?
I’m falling for him when all I should care about is keeping us safe.
I only hope he cares enough about us too.
Storm Enterprises is a stand-alone interconnecting series based on insanely hot billionaire best friends.
The books are full of drama, steam, banter and are dark romance. Please check my website for full details of sensitive subjects.
Shaw Book 1 is a Mafia/Billionaire crossover.
Red dress, red lips, red heels. Red, the young woman I spent one night in Vegas fulfilling a need I never knew existed.
By morning, she was gone, taking a part of me with her . . .
Until her demanding family quite literally slams into my life and leaves me with no other option but to marry her.
They’re none too happy that I defiled the Mafia Princess promised to another man, and now, I’ve no choice but to go along with their plans or risk not only my life but hers too.
Can we make this work in both our worlds, or will the perfect out be just that?
I never intended to fall for my wife, and I’m pretty sure she didn’t plan to fall for me either.
Emilia
I’ve spent my life being what everyone else wanted me to be. So I wanted one night. One night of my choosing before I had to sacrifice myself for the Organization.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
Wrong.
What happened in Vegas threw me a curveball, and my brother is demanding I marry the man I only know as Blue.
But when he’s forced into our world and has no choice but to leave behind the woman he loves, can he do it, for us?
Or will our demons catch up and tear our marriage apart?
I’m falling for him when all I should care about is keeping us safe.
I only hope he cares enough about us too.
Storm Enterprises is a stand-alone interconnecting series based on insanely hot billionaire best friends.
The books are full of drama, steam, banter and are dark romance. Please check my website for full details of sensitive subjects.
Shaw Book 1 is a Mafia/Billionaire crossover.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
May 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
''In blood we're bound. In trust we live''
Safety warnings:
- H 31 / h 20
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Accidental pregnancy
- Forced marriage
- S*xual assault
- Violence/d*ath
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SOOOOO
The OW drama was TOO much lol but I'll get to that in a little bit.
Shaw and Emi have a ONS that results her in getting pregnant. Emi decides to lose her virginity to a random stranger because she wants to destroy her chances of being forced to marry this Russian guy who seems unhinged. Her plan works....Shaw however has NO idea about any of this. He is then forced to marry Emi after he brother (capo of Italian mafia) basically threatens his life. He reluctantly agrees but the issue is he just got back together with his on/off gf who he now has to break up with and tell the truth. I should mention he was SINGLE and had not slept with someone in a long time prior to sleeping with Emi.
His ex-gf is a constant fucking issue during this entire book and his constant choosing her over his wife is infuriating. There we so many instances where he just would (figuratively) shove Emi away and choose his ex. It was annoying after a while, and he never really groveled for hurting Emi? His best friends HATED his ex and yet he never saw the massive red flags for what they were until it was too late?
Emi is sexually assaulted by her former forced fiancé and in the same room? Shaw's ex who helped the whole thing! Thankfully this was the moment Shaw gets unhinged and kills her after she faked her own pregnancy and made him believe he had fathered her child as well.
This book got 3 stars only because of everything OUTSIDE the OW drama.
Thankfully Shaw never touches or wants his ex in any sexual or emotional manner but he does allow Emi to believe he still loves her for far too long.....idiot. He also says things like ‘’I hate you’’ and it obviously hurts her, and he knows it but he just pretends it’s justified in a way because of how he was made to be with her but at the same time he says over and over that he would never change it and would CHOOSE her.
Emi was weak during times I needed her to be strong. She should have made him work for forgiveness more and not allowed herself to be thrown away too often.
OM drama: Emi has an old fling (only kissing) that she used to tell Shaw he is not the father once she finds out that his ex is pregnant and wishes to free him. Nothing happens.
''In blood we're bound. In trust we live''
Safety warnings:
- H 31 / h 20
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Accidental pregnancy
- Forced marriage
- S*xual assault
- Violence/d*ath
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SOOOOO
The OW drama was TOO much lol but I'll get to that in a little bit.
Shaw and Emi have a ONS that results her in getting pregnant. Emi decides to lose her virginity to a random stranger because she wants to destroy her chances of being forced to marry this Russian guy who seems unhinged. Her plan works....Shaw however has NO idea about any of this. He is then forced to marry Emi after he brother (capo of Italian mafia) basically threatens his life. He reluctantly agrees but the issue is he just got back together with his on/off gf who he now has to break up with and tell the truth. I should mention he was SINGLE and had not slept with someone in a long time prior to sleeping with Emi.
His ex-gf is a constant fucking issue during this entire book and his constant choosing her over his wife is infuriating. There we so many instances where he just would (figuratively) shove Emi away and choose his ex. It was annoying after a while, and he never really groveled for hurting Emi? His best friends HATED his ex and yet he never saw the massive red flags for what they were until it was too late?
Emi is sexually assaulted by her former forced fiancé and in the same room? Shaw's ex who helped the whole thing! Thankfully this was the moment Shaw gets unhinged and kills her after she faked her own pregnancy and made him believe he had fathered her child as well.
This book got 3 stars only because of everything OUTSIDE the OW drama.
Thankfully Shaw never touches or wants his ex in any sexual or emotional manner but he does allow Emi to believe he still loves her for far too long.....idiot. He also says things like ‘’I hate you’’ and it obviously hurts her, and he knows it but he just pretends it’s justified in a way because of how he was made to be with her but at the same time he says over and over that he would never change it and would CHOOSE her.
Emi was weak during times I needed her to be strong. She should have made him work for forgiveness more and not allowed herself to be thrown away too often.
OM drama: Emi has an old fling (only kissing) that she used to tell Shaw he is not the father once she finds out that his ex is pregnant and wishes to free him. Nothing happens.
September 28, 2023
Resigned to her circumstances in an arranged marriage, Emilia Varros wants to make just one decision for herself. Slipping her bodyguard, she heads to the casino in search of a one-night stand.
The attraction between Emilia and Shaw Grant is instant, but with marriage imminent, she leaves the next morning without a backward glance.
A twist of fate brings them back together. It also brings action, spice, and an exciting start to BJ’s new series.
I did find myself frustrated with Shaw on several occasions. However, the storyline and other characters (read: Luca) kept me entertained and engaged enough that he didn’t negatively effect my overall feelings.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥵🫤🤬😳😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, One Night Stand, Secret Baby, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Cum Jammer, Degradation (Mild), Domination, Fisting, Inanimate Object, Orgäsm Denial, Praise, Spanking, Toys
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: OW Drama and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Shaw is part of the STORM Enterprises series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
The attraction between Emilia and Shaw Grant is instant, but with marriage imminent, she leaves the next morning without a backward glance.
A twist of fate brings them back together. It also brings action, spice, and an exciting start to BJ’s new series.
I did find myself frustrated with Shaw on several occasions. However, the storyline and other characters (read: Luca) kept me entertained and engaged enough that he didn’t negatively effect my overall feelings.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥵🫤🤬😳😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, One Night Stand, Secret Baby, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: 🍑, Cum Jammer, Degradation (Mild), Domination, Fisting, Inanimate Object, Orgäsm Denial, Praise, Spanking, Toys
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: OW Drama and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Shaw is part of the STORM Enterprises series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
May 4, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: accidental pregnancy; forced marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"𝘐𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦."
Emilia Varros is resigned, but definitely not on board, with the life her brother has mapped out for her. In her only act of defiance, Emilia decides to slip her guards and spend the night with a hot stranger she picks up at a casino deciding she may not have control over who she marries, but that she'll decide to whom she gives her virginity. Shaw is still having a hard time forgetting the girl he had a one night stand with despite being back on with his on again off again girlfriend... but the last thing he expects is mafioso Luca Varros barging into his office demanding him to marry the sister he knocked up.
Let me say up front, this was not my favorite BJ Alpha book, but it definitely will tick some boxes and is a great introduction to the new series and characters. If I'm going to describe it in a sentence, it would be a "high drama fuck fest". Let me clarify to say that's not necessarily a bad thing, lol, definitely not yucking the extra yum in the book, but it was a lot for me. Emi and Shaw definitely had some great chemistry and it translated well on page in their super hot smexy times. Personally, I had a really difficult time with Shaw. While super obsessive and possessive about Emi, he very flip floppy about his feelings for her and his outbursts came across as a bit trantrum-y for me and it got old .... and resulted in me losing respect for Emi a bit. He definitely came around by the end, but it was a pretty rough road. I did love how Shaw introduced us to a whole new cast of characters that made me excited for what's to come while also allowing us to touch base with some of our favorite BJ Alpha characters.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: accidental pregnancy; forced marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"𝘐𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦."
Emilia Varros is resigned, but definitely not on board, with the life her brother has mapped out for her. In her only act of defiance, Emilia decides to slip her guards and spend the night with a hot stranger she picks up at a casino deciding she may not have control over who she marries, but that she'll decide to whom she gives her virginity. Shaw is still having a hard time forgetting the girl he had a one night stand with despite being back on with his on again off again girlfriend... but the last thing he expects is mafioso Luca Varros barging into his office demanding him to marry the sister he knocked up.
Let me say up front, this was not my favorite BJ Alpha book, but it definitely will tick some boxes and is a great introduction to the new series and characters. If I'm going to describe it in a sentence, it would be a "high drama fuck fest". Let me clarify to say that's not necessarily a bad thing, lol, definitely not yucking the extra yum in the book, but it was a lot for me. Emi and Shaw definitely had some great chemistry and it translated well on page in their super hot smexy times. Personally, I had a really difficult time with Shaw. While super obsessive and possessive about Emi, he very flip floppy about his feelings for her and his outbursts came across as a bit trantrum-y for me and it got old .... and resulted in me losing respect for Emi a bit. He definitely came around by the end, but it was a pretty rough road. I did love how Shaw introduced us to a whole new cast of characters that made me excited for what's to come while also allowing us to touch base with some of our favorite BJ Alpha characters.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
May 17, 2023
Shaw (who is a 31 year old millionaire buisinessman) and Emi (who is 20) have a one night stand that results in her getting pregnant. It turns out she’s a mafia princess, which he didn’t know at the time. Her brother makes them marry, and they try to make their relationship work. There’s some angst in the form of his terrible ex girlfriend, and her brother controlling his life too much.
This story had interesting bones, it was just too shallow and rushed, with nothing feeling fleshed out or explored in much depth. I didn’t feel like I really knew either of them.
Did Emi hate life as a mafia princess, controlled by her brother, or was she fine with it? "How does the heroine feel about her place in this very specific, quite sexist world" is a basic question that should ALWAYS be answered in any mafia story! But this book fails that test. It takes a wishy washy “both?” approach that gives Emi 0 depth. She’s just whatever is convenient for the plot at the time. Does she have any interests, aside from thirsting after Shaw? Hard to say! She’s serving cardboard box personality.
Shaw is a weak and stupid hero. His situation is interesting – he's rich and used to being important and having control, but the mafia world is new to him, so he’s been thrown into this unfamiliar setting where he's got no control. But the book doesn’t do much with this interesting potential. He just comes across as a pushover for Emi's brother and for his terrible ex. He repeatedly jumps to impulsive conclusions and makes dumb choices - like, he acknowledges that his ex is manipulative. Then, he allows her to manipulate him and screw things up with Emi SEVERAL times. Even after the first time when he's like "I won't do that again!" he must have the memory of a goldfish, because he does it again.
If you just want a spicy read without much depth and with a dramatic plot, this might hit the spot. The writing isn't terrible enough to make this a 1 star read, I've read worse. But if you want these characters to feel fleshed out, this isn’t the book for you.
All that said, I am a clown, because even though this was bad, Shaw’s friends are intriguing and they’re clearly getting books, I might still read them.
This story had interesting bones, it was just too shallow and rushed, with nothing feeling fleshed out or explored in much depth. I didn’t feel like I really knew either of them.
Did Emi hate life as a mafia princess, controlled by her brother, or was she fine with it? "How does the heroine feel about her place in this very specific, quite sexist world" is a basic question that should ALWAYS be answered in any mafia story! But this book fails that test. It takes a wishy washy “both?” approach that gives Emi 0 depth. She’s just whatever is convenient for the plot at the time. Does she have any interests, aside from thirsting after Shaw? Hard to say! She’s serving cardboard box personality.
Shaw is a weak and stupid hero. His situation is interesting – he's rich and used to being important and having control, but the mafia world is new to him, so he’s been thrown into this unfamiliar setting where he's got no control. But the book doesn’t do much with this interesting potential. He just comes across as a pushover for Emi's brother and for his terrible ex. He repeatedly jumps to impulsive conclusions and makes dumb choices - like, he acknowledges that his ex is manipulative. Then, he allows her to manipulate him and screw things up with Emi SEVERAL times. Even after the first time when he's like "I won't do that again!" he must have the memory of a goldfish, because he does it again.
If you just want a spicy read without much depth and with a dramatic plot, this might hit the spot. The writing isn't terrible enough to make this a 1 star read, I've read worse. But if you want these characters to feel fleshed out, this isn’t the book for you.
All that said, I am a clown, because even though this was bad, Shaw’s friends are intriguing and they’re clearly getting books, I might still read them.
May 8, 2023
I liked Shaw -Book 1, but I didn't love it like I have the 'Secrets and Lies' series. Although BJ Alpha didn't disappoint on the spice between Shaw and Emilia.
Shaw's reactions and his rollercoaster emotions with Emi (Emilia) was so rough. Every time something didn't go the way he wanted, he would throw a hissyfit and go off to drink with his best friend then blame everything on Emi. One minute he is so attracted to her and has strong growing feelings for her to the point of "loving her" then the next minute, he can't stand her and hates her. I really wanted to see him accept responsibility for some of the stuff he said/did.
Emi, constantly let Shaw's half-hearted apologies lead her to jumping straight back into bed with him, without him giving proper explanation for why he acted the way he did. I have high hopes for Tate's book. Also even though Shaw & Emi get their HEA.. I feel like Shaw didn't really redeem himself in all situations. Shaw needed to grovel and explain his actions more. Work for it man. Lol
Shaw's reactions and his rollercoaster emotions with Emi (Emilia) was so rough. Every time something didn't go the way he wanted, he would throw a hissyfit and go off to drink with his best friend then blame everything on Emi. One minute he is so attracted to her and has strong growing feelings for her to the point of "loving her" then the next minute, he can't stand her and hates her. I really wanted to see him accept responsibility for some of the stuff he said/did.
Emi, constantly let Shaw's half-hearted apologies lead her to jumping straight back into bed with him, without him giving proper explanation for why he acted the way he did. I have high hopes for Tate's book. Also even though Shaw & Emi get their HEA.. I feel like Shaw didn't really redeem himself in all situations. Shaw needed to grovel and explain his actions more. Work for it man. Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2023
2⭐️
This was not good. Pathetic characters and weak plot. Shaw was an absolute immature asshole and Emi was such a pushover. I was skimming the 2nd half. It had spades of spice but even that was only ok.
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, age gap, mafia related, arranged marriage.
SIZE: 326 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Shaw (31) & Emi (20).
PLOT: 📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 😈😈😈/5 (violence, murder, SA, assault)
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
This was not good. Pathetic characters and weak plot. Shaw was an absolute immature asshole and Emi was such a pushover. I was skimming the 2nd half. It had spades of spice but even that was only ok.
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, age gap, mafia related, arranged marriage.
SIZE: 326 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Shaw (31) & Emi (20).
PLOT: 📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: 😈😈😈/5 (violence, murder, SA, assault)
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
May 14, 2023
I had high hopes for this one only to be completely and utterly disappointed.
This story was a mess of mass proportions. There was so much going on yet nothing really. The hero was an idiot the heroin was a sheep this book was probably a 0 but gave it a 2 for effort. Don’t waste your time it is not mafia yet it tries to be there is no love story no connection no nothing other than hate sex scenes and some are disgusting. Now the part about assault didn’t have to be added it only killed the non existent story more.
Overall this book is disastrous..
This story was a mess of mass proportions. There was so much going on yet nothing really. The hero was an idiot the heroin was a sheep this book was probably a 0 but gave it a 2 for effort. Don’t waste your time it is not mafia yet it tries to be there is no love story no connection no nothing other than hate sex scenes and some are disgusting. Now the part about assault didn’t have to be added it only killed the non existent story more.
Overall this book is disastrous..
Read
June 1, 2023Dnf. Jfc this was a shocker.
July 21, 2023
SHAW - 4.5⭐
TROPES:
- 11 year age gap
- Mafia princess/billionaire hero
- Forced marriage
- Accidental/surprise pregnancy
My first book by this author and after the release of her latest book yesterday, I thought I'd ought to give this one a go before I dove into Luca's story. Safe to say it did not disappoint!
The only negative thing I'd have to say about this is that the characters can be irritating sometimes, but I understand that it has to be that way for the story to be able to take full effect.
TROPES:
- 11 year age gap
- Mafia princess/billionaire hero
- Forced marriage
- Accidental/surprise pregnancy
My first book by this author and after the release of her latest book yesterday, I thought I'd ought to give this one a go before I dove into Luca's story. Safe to say it did not disappoint!
The only negative thing I'd have to say about this is that the characters can be irritating sometimes, but I understand that it has to be that way for the story to be able to take full effect.
May 24, 2023
I fucking hated this book! I would have stopped reading it but I was halfway through with it already. Shaw was so possessive and toxic, like the way he screamed at Emy bc his ex showed up at his work and she was making a scene and I thought to myself wtf am I reading? I only read this book bc of the pregnancy trope and that was even shit. And the way Emy always forgave Shawn, it made me crazy!!!
May 13, 2024
What a huge disappointment
I have a sort of inkling for books sometimes. Something that tells me "Oh, I'm really going to like this" or "This sounds perfect for me, but..."
I've had both with this author.
The duet Hidden in Brutal Devotion and Love in Brutal Devotion gave me that good inkling and I bought the audiobooks almost instantly. I was right and those books hit all the right levels of unhinged with all the right notes of plot and spice for me. Daddy's Addiction was also steamy goodness.
Of course, after such great experiences, I added almost the whole of this author's repertoire to my TBR. Yet... I haven't picked any of her other works because... well they gave me the bad inkling.
I still pushed past it and tried this one. You know, breeding kink, pregnancy, marriage of convenience... How can it go wrong?
📢 This whole book is an extended, systematic, detailed answer to that question.
▶ Is the hero a wannabe Dom that lashes out at the heroine because he's "a pawn" and "a victim"?
▶ Is the heroine a wannabe sub that uses the "in the mafia, that's what's expected of women" BS as an excuse to be a spineless idiot?
▶ Is the plot a series of repeated events where the hero lashes out, the heroine is hurt, the hero apologizes, they say "to start again/from now on" and something happens and the hero lashes out, etc. etc.?
Yes to all...
I was still going to give it 2 ★, because I've liked the author in the past. But then two things happened:
▶ The beginning of the book is all about the brother and the heroine doubting his loyalty since they think he cheated on his girlfriend with the heroine. They had been broken up for a few months, so he didn't. But they still call him a cheat and he gets all angry, repeating over and over that he isn't a cheat. Explain this then:
▶ As if being a cheat wasn't enough, his victim mentality reaches such lows this also happens:
How about no? ✋☢️��
I have a sort of inkling for books sometimes. Something that tells me "Oh, I'm really going to like this" or "This sounds perfect for me, but..."
I've had both with this author.
The duet Hidden in Brutal Devotion and Love in Brutal Devotion gave me that good inkling and I bought the audiobooks almost instantly. I was right and those books hit all the right levels of unhinged with all the right notes of plot and spice for me. Daddy's Addiction was also steamy goodness.
Of course, after such great experiences, I added almost the whole of this author's repertoire to my TBR. Yet... I haven't picked any of her other works because... well they gave me the bad inkling.
I still pushed past it and tried this one. You know, breeding kink, pregnancy, marriage of convenience... How can it go wrong?
📢 This whole book is an extended, systematic, detailed answer to that question.
▶ Is the hero a wannabe Dom that lashes out at the heroine because he's "a pawn" and "a victim"?
▶ Is the heroine a wannabe sub that uses the "in the mafia, that's what's expected of women" BS as an excuse to be a spineless idiot?
▶ Is the plot a series of repeated events where the hero lashes out, the heroine is hurt, the hero apologizes, they say "to start again/from now on" and something happens and the hero lashes out, etc. etc.?
Yes to all...
I was still going to give it 2 ★, because I've liked the author in the past. But then two things happened:
▶ The beginning of the book is all about the brother and the heroine doubting his loyalty since they think he cheated on his girlfriend with the heroine. They had been broken up for a few months, so he didn't. But they still call him a cheat and he gets all angry, repeating over and over that he isn't a cheat. Explain this then:
I’ve never left a property so quickly in my entire life. Not even when I got caught fucking my piano teacher and her husband, a kickboxing champion, burst through the door.
▶ As if being a cheat wasn't enough, his victim mentality reaches such lows this also happens:
She wrings her hands in front of herself before settling them on bump, and I want nothing more than to rip her hands away, tear her away from her baby like she has done to me.
How about no? ✋☢️��
August 29, 2024
Shaw and Emi
This was a skimfest after the first 30 percent. Shaw is an immature beta who is weak everywhere but in the bedroom. Emi’s brother Luca made the H look like a loser. Shaw gets mad because he wasn’t tEmi’s first kiss meanwhile he’s been banging his on again off again ex along with multi other women. One word to describe this book—immature.
This was a skimfest after the first 30 percent. Shaw is an immature beta who is weak everywhere but in the bedroom. Emi’s brother Luca made the H look like a loser. Shaw gets mad because he wasn’t tEmi’s first kiss meanwhile he’s been banging his on again off again ex along with multi other women. One word to describe this book—immature.
May 13, 2023
corny
The steam is good. If you just want some smut here u go. But the H tried to be dominant in bed but is a dork the rest of the time and comes off as weak. I honestly stopped reading at 60% it was just too ridiculous.
The steam is good. If you just want some smut here u go. But the H tried to be dominant in bed but is a dork the rest of the time and comes off as weak. I honestly stopped reading at 60% it was just too ridiculous.
June 5, 2023
2.5/5 ⭐️
🤍 Virgin heroine
🤍 Mafia romance
🤍 ONS
🤍 surprised pregnancy
🤍 Age gap ( 20 l 31)
🚩safety - no cheating or sharing
🤍OW Drama - his evil ex causes A LOT of drama 🙊
🤍OM Drama - her first kiss also causes some drama
Soo I don't think that I liked this book 🙈👀
The pacing was wayy too fast and I couldn't understand their connection... it literally came out of nowhere 😵💫😬
There was LOTS of drama and normally I LOVE drama because of jealousy but this was just ridiculous and nit even fun to read !!
Half of the book repeats itself by sex scenes or him telling us the same sentence over and over again 😑🙄
All in all I was a little disappointed because I thought it is going to be a nice surprise pregnancy book with lots of tension 🙁🫤
🤍 Virgin heroine
🤍 Mafia romance
🤍 ONS
🤍 surprised pregnancy
🤍 Age gap ( 20 l 31)
🚩safety - no cheating or sharing
🤍OW Drama - his evil ex causes A LOT of drama 🙊
🤍OM Drama - her first kiss also causes some drama
Soo I don't think that I liked this book 🙈👀
The pacing was wayy too fast and I couldn't understand their connection... it literally came out of nowhere 😵💫😬
There was LOTS of drama and normally I LOVE drama because of jealousy but this was just ridiculous and nit even fun to read !!
Half of the book repeats itself by sex scenes or him telling us the same sentence over and over again 😑🙄
All in all I was a little disappointed because I thought it is going to be a nice surprise pregnancy book with lots of tension 🙁🫤
May 12, 2023
2.5 stars
Approximately 17 chps had sex scenes. The story could have been wound up in 10 chapters.
Approximately 17 chps had sex scenes. The story could have been wound up in 10 chapters.
May 9, 2023
Shaw was over the top jealous and possessive and I must admit I severely disliked this character throughout this book, right up until the last few chapters. Then he redeemed himself spectacularly. He is cruel, heartless, and full of himself.
I felt sorry for Emi and the life she was dealt. Being a mafia princess she is not allowed the many rights, including the right to marry whoever she wants. She is a bargaining chip for the family only. But she is so strong and mature beyond her years.
Fantastic start to a fabulous series!
Loved the cameo appearances of Oscar and Finn❤️
I felt sorry for Emi and the life she was dealt. Being a mafia princess she is not allowed the many rights, including the right to marry whoever she wants. She is a bargaining chip for the family only. But she is so strong and mature beyond her years.
Fantastic start to a fabulous series!
Loved the cameo appearances of Oscar and Finn❤️
May 17, 2023
Hated the MMC, made multiple terrible irredeemable choices. The FMC had potential, but then had zero backbone.
I would give this zero stars if that was an option.
⭐️=DNF or barely finished it, not likely to read author again-don’t read.
⭐️⭐️=meh, wasn’t great, also didn’t hate it. Will afford author grace (maybe).
⭐️⭐️⭐️=I liked it, it entertained me, I’ll continue to support this author and would recommend their work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=loved it, everyone should read it, I’ll likely reread this book again. I can’t wait to inhale every book this author has gifted us with!!!g
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=I have an obsession with this story, and reread it often. I have hero worship for this author and read all their stories.
I would give this zero stars if that was an option.
⭐️=DNF or barely finished it, not likely to read author again-don’t read.
⭐️⭐️=meh, wasn’t great, also didn’t hate it. Will afford author grace (maybe).
⭐️⭐️⭐️=I liked it, it entertained me, I’ll continue to support this author and would recommend their work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=loved it, everyone should read it, I’ll likely reread this book again. I can’t wait to inhale every book this author has gifted us with!!!g
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=I have an obsession with this story, and reread it often. I have hero worship for this author and read all their stories.
May 14, 2023
So much potential but it underperformed
This is about 90% spice and a tiny bit of plot. That’s fine but what I struggled with was the heroes ignorance and being oblivious to how he was treating the heroine. The other women drama was high on that list of his ignorance. Also the heroine was literally a doormat. I like docile heroines but when they are wronged and they just say okay and jump into the bed with the hero without any consequences at all. They don’t even get angry when they think he’s sleeping with another woman that’s just too far for me.
This is about 90% spice and a tiny bit of plot. That’s fine but what I struggled with was the heroes ignorance and being oblivious to how he was treating the heroine. The other women drama was high on that list of his ignorance. Also the heroine was literally a doormat. I like docile heroines but when they are wronged and they just say okay and jump into the bed with the hero without any consequences at all. They don’t even get angry when they think he’s sleeping with another woman that’s just too far for me.
May 24, 2023
40% dnf
where was the promised angst and plot? the mmc is so toxic and possessive over nothing. also his feelings are all over the place. he hates his wife one moment and then goes and bangs her the next. and then feels sorry for neglecting her? i can't
where was the promised angst and plot? the mmc is so toxic and possessive over nothing. also his feelings are all over the place. he hates his wife one moment and then goes and bangs her the next. and then feels sorry for neglecting her? i can't
June 26, 2023
A Zero with a five year old emotional IQ, a story with choppy and broken narrative, no fluency and absolutely ridiculous.
June 4, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: accidental pregnancy; forced marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"𝘐𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦."
I don’t know how BJ Alpha does it but I swear she doesn’t miss. Her ability to make insane, psychology disturbed, way over the top possessive men so unbelievingly attractive is impressive. I love her writing. .This story stays out with furry spice that has you hooked from the fist chapter. The story between the protected Mafia Princess Emi and Shaw the billionaire security tech mogul is off the charts. Emi think a steamy one night stand with Shaw before her arranged mafia wedding will give her a sense of power over her life. Months later Shaw is introduced to Emi’s brother as he put a gun to his head and gives him a choice. Shaw can marry his sister & break if off with his girlfriend or die because he impregnated Emi months ago. The amazing sexy story of finding love under the stressful pressure of their family and friends. This is another amazing story from BJ Aloha.
So many of my favorite tropes in this one.
Trope: accidental pregnancy; forced marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"𝘐𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦."
I don’t know how BJ Alpha does it but I swear she doesn’t miss. Her ability to make insane, psychology disturbed, way over the top possessive men so unbelievingly attractive is impressive. I love her writing. .This story stays out with furry spice that has you hooked from the fist chapter. The story between the protected Mafia Princess Emi and Shaw the billionaire security tech mogul is off the charts. Emi think a steamy one night stand with Shaw before her arranged mafia wedding will give her a sense of power over her life. Months later Shaw is introduced to Emi’s brother as he put a gun to his head and gives him a choice. Shaw can marry his sister & break if off with his girlfriend or die because he impregnated Emi months ago. The amazing sexy story of finding love under the stressful pressure of their family and friends. This is another amazing story from BJ Aloha.
So many of my favorite tropes in this one.
May 13, 2023
mixed feelings
I love BJ alpha’s books but this one I didn’t like. Shaw was having so many emotions, one minute he was like oh I care for Emi so much and then next he will be like I hate her more than anyone😭. Everytime he f*cked up he would be like I am sorry and Emi will forgive him even after his half ass apology and then have sex. The only reason this book shouldn’t be dnfed is because of the spicy because that was sooooooo good.
I love BJ alpha’s books but this one I didn’t like. Shaw was having so many emotions, one minute he was like oh I care for Emi so much and then next he will be like I hate her more than anyone😭. Everytime he f*cked up he would be like I am sorry and Emi will forgive him even after his half ass apology and then have sex. The only reason this book shouldn’t be dnfed is because of the spicy because that was sooooooo good.
May 29, 2023
thoroughly enjoyed this! I’m not usually one for Insta love books or fast paced books like this but this was soo good and I had trouble putting it down. I really enjoyed the nicknames they gave each other and how in love Shaw was with Em. BJ once again delivered a really good book!
May 16, 2023
I can’t do male protagonist that are so clearly written by a female. I want to say most authors don’t seem to have this issue but this is one of the few that I got zero masculine vibes from. This read like an audible voiced by a female for all characters…I just can’t.
May 14, 2023
a book that said the same thing over and over again
So this book was okay. I just felt like the sex senses were so similar every time. I don’t feel like there was much character growth. Then i don’t like how he treated the doctor. His wife is pregnant but you don’t want the doctor to check her private area because?? You that jealous. So for me this is a 2!
So this book was okay. I just felt like the sex senses were so similar every time. I don’t feel like there was much character growth. Then i don’t like how he treated the doctor. His wife is pregnant but you don’t want the doctor to check her private area because?? You that jealous. So for me this is a 2!
May 24, 2023
I knew going into this book it would be amazing. However I honestly didn’t expect it to be EPIC! This series is going to be exactly that… FANTASTICALLY EPIC!
Shaw and Emi burn up the pages. I love how they both make mistakes and get come back together. Miscommunication keeps them on the edge throughout. But you can feel their magnetism and chemistry throughout. They were made for each other.
I wanted to strangle Lizzie several times over! I can’t wait to see what Becky has for us next! Five “brothers” and a heck of a lot of magnificent side characters throughout. Tate, Owen, Reed and Mase!!!! Let’s not forget Luca and Maxim! All these sexy men need a book of their own!
I’ve been on Becky’s Team for a while… and now I’m in it for the long haul! Im waiting on bated breath for the next book. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings… but I can tell you… this book was so worth my loss of sleep!
Shaw and Emi burn up the pages. I love how they both make mistakes and get come back together. Miscommunication keeps them on the edge throughout. But you can feel their magnetism and chemistry throughout. They were made for each other.
I wanted to strangle Lizzie several times over! I can’t wait to see what Becky has for us next! Five “brothers” and a heck of a lot of magnificent side characters throughout. Tate, Owen, Reed and Mase!!!! Let’s not forget Luca and Maxim! All these sexy men need a book of their own!
I’ve been on Becky’s Team for a while… and now I’m in it for the long haul! Im waiting on bated breath for the next book. Please pay attention to the trigger warnings… but I can tell you… this book was so worth my loss of sleep!
May 19, 2023
TW: Violence, Sex, Elements of Dom/Sub, Sexual Assault
It Happened One Night
One moment can alter your entire life. Emi and Shaw threw caution to the wind in one night of unbridled passion without thinking of the consequences.
Shaw was raw and gritty. When you combine Mafia and Billionaire elements together you get an explosive romance.
Shaw was content living his life. No commitments, no responsibilities other than to his best friends and their company STORM Enterprises but his mind never stopped thinking about that NIGHT. Until the day his special night comes barreling through his office door.
Emi is a Mafia princess. A little detail she neglected to tell Shaw. After all she never meant to see him again after that NIGHT. Who knew she could get pregnant after her first time?
Shaw and Emi were scorching hot together but Shaw was having a difficult time adjusting to the demands of Emi's overbearing, overprotective brother Luca who is the Capo of her family.
In a matter of minutes Shaw lost his privacy, his home, his manipulative girlfriend as well as his peace of mind. As a newly married couple Shaw and Emi's relationship was full of Angst, Tension and Miscommunication.
Emi was raised as a Mafia princess and understood her since of duty but the most important thing to her is family as well as the new life growing inside of her.
Married life and fatherhood has given Shaw purpose but he still has problems adjusting to the Mafia's way of life but all of those reservations go out the window when his wife and lil bump is put in imminent danger.
Shaw was a definite page turner full of Spice, Drama, Betrayal and Family. Although Shaw and Emi went through a few obstacles along the way their growing love proved unbreakable.
It Happened One Night
One moment can alter your entire life. Emi and Shaw threw caution to the wind in one night of unbridled passion without thinking of the consequences.
Shaw was raw and gritty. When you combine Mafia and Billionaire elements together you get an explosive romance.
Shaw was content living his life. No commitments, no responsibilities other than to his best friends and their company STORM Enterprises but his mind never stopped thinking about that NIGHT. Until the day his special night comes barreling through his office door.
Emi is a Mafia princess. A little detail she neglected to tell Shaw. After all she never meant to see him again after that NIGHT. Who knew she could get pregnant after her first time?
Shaw and Emi were scorching hot together but Shaw was having a difficult time adjusting to the demands of Emi's overbearing, overprotective brother Luca who is the Capo of her family.
In a matter of minutes Shaw lost his privacy, his home, his manipulative girlfriend as well as his peace of mind. As a newly married couple Shaw and Emi's relationship was full of Angst, Tension and Miscommunication.
Emi was raised as a Mafia princess and understood her since of duty but the most important thing to her is family as well as the new life growing inside of her.
Married life and fatherhood has given Shaw purpose but he still has problems adjusting to the Mafia's way of life but all of those reservations go out the window when his wife and lil bump is put in imminent danger.
Shaw was a definite page turner full of Spice, Drama, Betrayal and Family. Although Shaw and Emi went through a few obstacles along the way their growing love proved unbreakable.
May 30, 2023
Horrible character and story development
I really enjoyed the first 20% of this book. Shaw and Emi had a real connection and I loved the angle of an outsider marrying into a mafia family. The praise and possessiveness of the MMC was addicting and made me excited to see where the story went.
However, it just got worse from there. The main male character has an obnoxious hot and cold routine through most of the story. One second he’s an affectionate and caring man trying to make the best of his situation, and the next he hates his wife with a burning passion. He’s 31 years old but has the maturity level of a hormonal teenager. I can understand the alpha, jealous type. But storming off and punishing your wife for kissing someone before their marriage while his ex-girlfriend is ACTIVELY causing OW drama in the story is absurd.
Emi was an alright character, but she just fell completely flat towards the end. She becomes an absolute pushover and lets her husband get away with treating her like garbage. I understand she was raised in the mafia, but her standards for love are so low it’s insulting. She lets every bad thing he does to her be forgotten after he “makes it up to her” in bed.
Overall, the characters were one dimensional and never consistent. This story had so much potential but the author seems to have traded story development in for repetitive and contrived spicy scenes. Such a disappointing start to a series.
I really enjoyed the first 20% of this book. Shaw and Emi had a real connection and I loved the angle of an outsider marrying into a mafia family. The praise and possessiveness of the MMC was addicting and made me excited to see where the story went.
However, it just got worse from there. The main male character has an obnoxious hot and cold routine through most of the story. One second he’s an affectionate and caring man trying to make the best of his situation, and the next he hates his wife with a burning passion. He’s 31 years old but has the maturity level of a hormonal teenager. I can understand the alpha, jealous type. But storming off and punishing your wife for kissing someone before their marriage while his ex-girlfriend is ACTIVELY causing OW drama in the story is absurd.
Emi was an alright character, but she just fell completely flat towards the end. She becomes an absolute pushover and lets her husband get away with treating her like garbage. I understand she was raised in the mafia, but her standards for love are so low it’s insulting. She lets every bad thing he does to her be forgotten after he “makes it up to her” in bed.
Overall, the characters were one dimensional and never consistent. This story had so much potential but the author seems to have traded story development in for repetitive and contrived spicy scenes. Such a disappointing start to a series.
May 11, 2023
I only need to say one thing
I’m ready for Tate!!!
Let’s move the date up to now. I don’t care if it’s not ready. I want more of this world!
I’m ready for Tate!!!
Let’s move the date up to now. I don’t care if it’s not ready. I want more of this world!
July 13, 2024
I absolutely looove mafia romance but add in dark romance and spice? I’m sooo here for it! SHAW was a searing fast burn from the very beginning, Shaw and Emi’s chemistry is undeniable and it hooks you right way. Emi being a mafia princess brings in all the thrill and drama you want in a book while Shaw being a billionaire with alpha qualities brings in the spice.
I loved seeing a combination of romance, drama and friendship, it was really nice to meet the STORM boys and learn a little bit of their background since they will continue to appear in the series.
This is a bit of a bully romance as well so at times Shaw was a bit of a controlling, dominant alpha male but it came across a bit forced and I did want to kick him in the head a few times for being straight a-holy lol
Overall I absolutely loved SHAW book 1, it had the perfect amount of spice and it left me wanting to know more about the characters and I highly recommend it!
I loved seeing a combination of romance, drama and friendship, it was really nice to meet the STORM boys and learn a little bit of their background since they will continue to appear in the series.
This is a bit of a bully romance as well so at times Shaw was a bit of a controlling, dominant alpha male but it came across a bit forced and I did want to kick him in the head a few times for being straight a-holy lol
Overall I absolutely loved SHAW book 1, it had the perfect amount of spice and it left me wanting to know more about the characters and I highly recommend it!
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