His Property

by Nicole Cypher

I’ve never been one for rules. Being a soldier for the Gruco Crime Family has done more for me than I can fully express. It’s given me purpose, a home, and above all else, an outlet for my more sinister desires. But for as much as the familia gives, the rules they put in place to tame me take away.

For years, I’ve used my position to feed my demons, but they’ve never been fully satiated. I never knew just how starved I was until I meet the curly-haired good girl with a taste for sin that matches my own. She owes the Gruco’s money, and I happen to be the debt collector. When she makes me an offer that will quench my thirst after all these years, I can’t refuse… no matter what rules I have to break.

* this book contains sadomasochism, including pain play and other dark situations that may be disturbing for some. Reader discretion is advised.*

Genres: Dark, Steamy, BDSM, Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2023

Reviews

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the previous book to The Gruco Family series, we are introduced to Victor. He seemed like a lowlife creep that would die in the last act, but he surprisingly turned around. I couldn’t get a good handle on him, and found him comedic relief/antagonist. One of the funniest moments in His Puppet was when Victor strolls in with his cart, ready to feed the lions with more human carcasses, interrupting a Serious Mafia Discussion.

In fact, in his own book, everyone is concerned for him because he no longer took his time to torture as part of his interrogation job!

I enjoyed His Property, although I did have to pause reading this. I was expecting more plot capers, but this was much more of a standard dark romance. Nicole Cypher can certainly write dark romance scenes. That being said, she doesn’t write them very long or a lot, there were probably 2 longer scenes, and then the rest more fade-to-black.

I also appreciated that while we get into Victor’s backstory, Cypher doesn’t bother wringing pathos from it. I really respected that choice, as it’s easy for authors to try to milk trauma that then becomes contrite or too simple of an explanation as to why a character acts the way that they do. There was a simple, understated line by the heroine when she realizes the truth. She is quite real with it. Doesn’t have this sudden epiphany or softening, but understands and moves on.

The whole kink is “BDSM” but it’s more consensual non-consensual, an unconventional arrangement at first. Victor has always wanted to do whatever he wanted, go beyond the BDSM boundaries, but with Mae, he doesn’t want to. Or, he feels it’s enough. He never pushes her beyond her limits, just to the edge but never over.

Also this is the first romance that I've read that mentions Audre Lorde. Mae's namesake includes Audre as her middle name. I love that Nicole Cypher knows who she is!

[SGetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm excited to have discovered a new author whose stories I can appreciate!!

Initially, I was drawn to the book's summary; but didn't have high expectations - I was expecting another mindless guilty pleasure of sex and violence. However, Nicole Cypher's His Property is an intoxicating story that goes far beyond its kink! The author skillfully weaves together danger, passion, and intrigue, along with unexpected plot twists that caught me off guard.

The characters are complex and easy to sympathize with, especially Victor, a sociopath who takes pleasure in causing pain to others. He's a damaged soul seeking his next victim (or pet). When he encounters Mae, he intends to use her as an outlet for his dark carnal desires. Victor is far from gentle, and Mae is simply a way for him to escape reality. However, things become complicated when they realize how well they complement each other - it's obvious their connection is more than physical. Mae's compassion helps Victor see there's more to life than loneliness and suffering.

Overall, I loved this story and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy dark romance and a loyal unapologetic anti-hero!

Dual POV - Mae and Victor
Can be read as a standalone novel within the Gruco Crime Family series
I would consider this a "safe" read - no cheating, sharing, or ow/om drama
HEA with Epilogue

TWs: profanity, on-page sex (no virgins), abuse, violence/death, SA

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

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobbled this up!!

This book is a little more darker and kinkier than the other books but it was delicious to read! I read it in one sitting and could read hours more of Victor and Mae. Victor has been portrayed as a loveable sociopath in previous books, but he really is a bit of a softy inside. I loved getting to know more about him and I loved his relationship with Mae. I just can’t get enough of these books and think anyone who reads mafia books should grab these now!

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Fifth book, in the (Gruco Crime Family) series. You don't have to read , this series in order, but I would. I would read, them in order, to get a feel of these characters. Please read the Triggers Warnings. This book and series is a Dark Mafia Romance. I just couldn't put it down.
💓 Victor and Mae
This book has dark, is twisted, ever nudge the comfort, tightrope to stay alive, she push his buttons, entertaining, page turner, Steamy, Unpredictable, sexual tension was unbelievable, Mafia, Unsettling, BDSM, witty, HEA, Romantic, wonderful characters, and So Much more.
This is a Awesome book and series.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book featured Victor and Mae. They met outside a club and when she finally stopped being a chicken she went inside. She watched victor getting kicked out and she left right after him. She never thought she would see him again. She was a teacher and one of her students was the son of the lady her mom was with was at her house one night. He was watching a basketball game. Turns out he bet on the game and lost. He told her it was only $100. When she went to get him the money he left. One night he showed back up at her house with a guy behind him. That guy turned out to be Victor and her life was not the same after that. It is a must read. Another great book in this series.

[whatinthehea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first foray into reading Nicole Cypher and I loved this book. I will be going back to read the rest of the series.

Psychotic Mafia Man
Reserved teacher with a hint of a dark side
BDSM
Dub-con
Non-con
Kidnapping

Mention of sexual assault not on page

5/5 ⭐️ Storyline
4/5 🌶️ Spiciness
@caffeineandsmut

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

This book is super good and steamy I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book kinda dark in some aspects but that just makes it more fun

[Candy Cariveau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 5 of The Grucco Crime Family Series. This is Victor and Mae's story.

I had to take a day after finishing this book to decide how to feel about it before writing a review. I have really enjoyed the series as a whole and look forward to the final book in the series. There is a warning about this book and if you choose to read it take it seriously. It has dark themes (which I'm fine with and is why I've read the whole series thus far) but this one in particular has some much darker content that may be triggering in regards to child abuse. For myself this is one of the themes I will avoid at all costs if I know it will be in a book I usually won't read it. However, that being said the way it is referenced here was done very tastefully and delicately and if you can get past the references about it then I would recommend this book. It's nothing graphic just brief memories that are brought up.

Regarding the rest of the story I really liked how the main character is dealing with real-life situations many of us go through like caring for an ill family member where your life is really not your own anymore and I liked that because I felt seen. Also, they lived a normal life in a normal maybe even kind of poor home like many of us do and it just felt way more relatable than a lot of books I've read recently.

The love story as always on-point. Huge amounts of chemistry and a HEA. These two truly found their other half in each other. Mafia romances are always fun with all the action, danger and steam.

Overall, good read and may be read as part of the series or as a standalone.

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

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

Dark, heated romance…

This series has been a walk down the dark side and Victor and Mae were a welcome addition. Their story, as all have been, were gritty and not afraid to nudge the envelope of comfort. Mae had to think on her feet and continue to walk a tightrope simply to stay alive. Victor had all the power and he wasn’t above using it to suit him. Or going against his own boss to get what he wanted. And, right now, he wanted Mae…

The sexual tension was off the charts as the dark elements of Mafia were always at play. Mae was desperate but also drawn to a man who held her very life in his hands. Yes, she would do what she had to but that didn’t mean she wasn’t honest when she said she was all in… Victor was a brutal man but any gentleness he had could be seen in his relationship with Mae. She pushed all kinds of buttons, even those he never knew he had…

Unsettling, uncomfortable but always entertaining, if this walk down the bdsm path was not quite my jam, this series will always be an insta-read for me…

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to BookSirens

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Mae and Victor. Great characters. I could describe this as Beauty and the Beast. It was a semi-dark mafia story. I have been following the Gruco Mafia series and really liked it. What I found in this story is parent issues for both Mae and Victor. Hers is abandonment and his severe, horrific child abuse. I also like how the author portrayed Victor's sister, Gabi, who has debilitating MS. Again very realistic. I liked her. Despite her limitations she had a wonderful outlook on life and had no fear to face her problems health and otherwise (such as her and Victor's despicable mother). It was nice to read about Blade and Emily from the previous books. Now that Victor and Mae have each other, I predict a happy future for them.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Original
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Tragic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Frozen F Struggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start this by listing some TWs that are in the book. There's talk of a child m**er, r*pe, dub con. Please don't let these scare you off though because the story is just that good.

Victor our male lead is worthy of praise, his growth and vulnerability lets you forgive him for some of his actions maybe even all of them. Mae the female lead; well I like her attitude and bravery. Gabbi the sister literally stole my heart more than the main characters, I hope she gets a HEA or something she deserves it.

Now I'll admit I didn't read the books before but this can be read as a standalone however I'm not sure how you'd be able to read this without going back and reading the whole series.

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

[Lirio · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! So if you’ve been following the Gruco family, you are aware the intensity of violence, mafia, gore, and definitely borderline psycho Spice is a common staple. His Puppet blows all of that out of the water and then some! It’s definitely conflicting and still you’re rooting for a positive outcome. I will say I loved how this book was written as almost two complete storylines interwoven to create the story! This will keep you holding your breath from the beginning thru the last sentence. Please take the disclaimer to heart as their are really graphically detailed content.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor found purpose with the Gruco family, but coming across Mae, he finds a part of him he had craved but not released in some time and with Mae in debt he's about to collect. Mae and Victor sizzle with high heat and chemistry, steamy scenes desires and more a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with the Gruco Crime Family. Readers are introduced to a character that you know if you read the series. Victor, the Family's enforcer. Victor has special proclivities. So special that he has usually kicked out of clubs pretty frequently. Yes, those clubs. He tended to want to inflict pain but had no concern for aftercare. After being kicked out of one of the aforementioned clubs, he met Mae. Mae was curious. She knew what she wanted but was not sure how to get it. She liked pain with her pleasure. Not a lot of people could understand that.

Mae was a teacher that cared about her students. One said student was the child of the woman Mae's mother was dating. TJ tended to spend time a Mae's house sometimes. TJ might have gotten himself into a pickle and bet against the wrong people. Victor is at Mae's door in no time to settle TJ's debt. Mae made a deal with Victor. Two weeks was all it took.

Victor had a sister that he took care of and a mother that was coming home soon. He had a lot going on and his bosses were noticing his change of behavior. The only thing that seemed to help was Mae. Could he allow her in his life? Ms. Cypher knows how to pull readers into a book. If you have been reading this series in order, you probably remember Victor and did not care for him. I know I didn't. This book made Victor real. He just liked things the way he liked things. He might have met his match with Mae. I am loving this series. I hope we get more.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Property by Nicole Cypher
Gruco Crime Family

Dark, gritty, grim, and intense ~ Couldn’t put it down!

What I liked:
* Mae: schoolteacher, abandoned by her mother, has secrets, protective, kind, willing to explore darker sides of herself, perfect for and with Victor
* Victor: enforcer for Gruco family, difficult childhood, caring brother, enjoys his work, protective, has a dark side, perfect for and with Mae
* Gabi: Victor’s sister, has MS, a good person, wished she had a different prognosis
* The plot, pacing, intensity, and writing
* Blade & Emily: coworkers of Victor and part of the familia
* Lorenzo: Victor’s boss, intense, dark, takes care of his own, built in lie detector, intriguing
* Being emotionally involved in the story and hoping for the best even in dark times – I liked the shades of gray when looking at right and wrong
* Finding out what Victor’s backstory was and that his abuser was dealt with in the end
* Reading a new to me author I thoroughly enjoyed

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how warped, manipulative, and evil some people can be

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? I believe I would

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I was going to like Victor. He is very much a mystery in previous books, but you know that he is very dark and twisty.
When he meets Mae, he has no idea that she is just as dark and twisty in her own way.
They make a deal to get what they really desire out of each other in the bedroom and it gets steaming hot really fast and I loved every moment of it! They have something special in the bedroom and that starts to become even more special out of the bedroom. However, Victor has major trauma coming back to haunt him and Mae has her own issues to deal with.
There was some real suspenseful moments that kept those pages turning and I really didn't know how their story was going to go and By the end, I was not disappointed at all.
Every book in this series is amazing. they are all standalones, but are part of the same universe, so you get some former characters throughout the story which is always nice.
Plenty of dark, spicy, edge of your seat moments in this story to keep you invested. You won't want to put it down!

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

His match by MeemsAngel82

This man is just in the right company as his friends and family! I got to say, most people in this inner circle have quite a lot of issues to work out! This man had some personal trauma, at first I was annoyed with him for a bit but then we get to really see him. She was near by and they had met, her tastes rivaling him.

Their paths crossed yet again and he made her a deal.

This poor man! Oh my goodness! His mom is not right in the head and if only him and his sister could have had more people in their inner circle at the time. I hope she gets to be happy with someone! Meanwhile, they really are perfect for one another. I'm happy that they had people to count on and my heart just broke reading this. I'm happy everything worked out! I loved the bonds between these people and I look forward to more! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her fear excites him!

Victor is a soldier for the familia and he enjoys his work. Maybe a little too much. Enough to get him kicked out of most of the clubs he goes to when his dark urges need relief. The young woman faltering at the club's front door entices him and her embarrassment amuses him.

Mae is at home when the son of her mom’s girlfriend shows up with the man from the club right behind him. TJ owes money to the familia and Victor is there to collect it or else. Mae will do whatever it takes to save TJ including making a deal with the devil and the devil’s name is Victor.

This is a mouthwatering dark romance! I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ “Love requires sacrifice, little brother. Don’t ever forget it.” ★

—>>> Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - As capo to the Gruco crime family, Vincent loves it when he excels at his job, but when one visit to collect on a debt owed to his boss, he receives an offer from Mae, who is only protecting someone she cares about. “I don’t want a sub. I want a victim.” He smiles, although his annoyance is still there. “You still up for that?” The secondary characters weigh in quite a bit, influencing the main characters with their actions, but we do come to see that Victor has everything he needs in Mae.

[Online_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this dark romance mafia story is one of many, I personally haven't read the others... yet. After the telling of Mae and Victor's story, I plan to read the others because this spicy romance was an excellent mix. I highly recommend reading the TW, but it was perfect for me! The twists and turns in their story kept me on the hook and wanting more. I loved how he was just a soldier in the mafia and had his own story, I loved his relationship with his sister and best friend and how Mae mixed in with them. Mae's button pushing personality is my absolute favorite and just made their situation-ship that much better!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love Victor and I couldn't be happier! Don't get me wrong, he still isn't a good person, but his story was a redemption. We see a new side to his character. His fears, his love for his sister, his friendships. He was humanized in this book and we got to understand how he got the way he did.

This is the fifth book in the Gruco Crime Family Series. It is high in BDSM aspects and even goes darker with some scenes. However, this does not eclipse the whole story so if you aren't comfortable with those scenes it will not take away from the story.

Nicole Cypher is an amazing author and this series does not disappoint.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "HIS PROPERTY"
Another great Gruco Crime Family story that hooks you from start to finish with a few twists.
Victor & Mae will beat up the pages their chemistry sizzles both have traumatic pasts two broken souls meant for each other come together she's has debt & he's a debt collector, they make a deal he shows what's it like to be his property.
I definitely recommend to get this Dark Mafia Romance you can't put down with well developed characters that pull you right into all the drama, it's a must read for sure I loved it. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible story by Nicole Cypher, this is the darkest yet in the series. There are trigger warnings for a reason, but if you do proceed, it's absolutely worth it. Victor is a sadist, and Mae is innocent, but their chemistry is fiery. This is the fifth in the series, and I think it's the best yet. The books are best enjoyed read in order. If you are a dark Mafia romance fan, this is the book for you. It's well worth the read.

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Gemma Osment · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is mae and victors story.
First off this is a dark romance,so please keep that in mind.
This can be read as a standalone but Ive read all the books in this series so far and loving each and everyone of them.
They are all completely different.
Mae is in debt to the Gruco family and victor is the one that has to collect.
Victor has a dark appetite s3xually and loves giving pain and when mae comes into the picture,she offers him a deal...
Will he take it?will they get their hea?
I implore to read this,you wont regret it

[Antika Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

His property

5⭐️

I loved this book!

Mae was so innocent at first but Victor brought her out of her shell for sure! The way they met was definitely not conventional but for this series it was perfect!

The fmc is not a good person and at no point in this book will that change. He does do good things but he's definitely morally Grey.

I was hooked and had to know what happened and was not disappointed at all. There were some twists that happened that I was not expecting at all!!

Definitely recommend but be sure to check trigger warnings because there's a couple heavy ones!

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Property is book five in the Gruco Crime Family. This is Victor’s and Mae’s Story. Victor is a dark individual. Mae is a sweet and strong woman. As dark as Victor is his heart is massive, and his soul is tortured in my opinion. My heart ached for him. Mae is totally opposite of him, she is sweet and vulnerable, yet super strong. I absolutely loved their story. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I love Nicole Cypher’s Books!

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading

[Rika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Cypher bringing it again! I did not think I would love Victor's book and honestly thought about skipping it BUT. I'm so glad I didn't. It tugged at my heartstrings, and isn't THAT something I'm shocked by. I mean, it's Victor. It's fucking Victor. Granted he mayyyyyy appear a little woobified, but you know what? I'm going to say this is one of the instances where it's excusable, and even adds to the story and character depth. Bc Nicole Cypher does not pull her punches and I appreciate that so, so much. It's good shit.

[Candice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t see that coming! So Mae likes Victor. I swear I don’t see it. His upbringing explains everything… a must read if you want the guys to tell it like it is. I couldn’t put it down, started reading at 3 am and finished before 9 pm. Just be ready for all the trigger warnings. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed the reading of risky business but I couldn’t experience a fraction of the pain Mae liked. I did enjoy the book. Nicole you have a wonderful imagination. Thank you for sharing this world you created. Happy reading!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

His Property has been on my want to read list for soooo long so I was glad to finally be able to snatch it up! This installment in the series gives us Victor and Mae’s story and I think it’s one of the better books I’ve read by this author. I liked both the main characters and the side characters (returning and new) were good as well. The action was fine, if not a bit rushed in the end and I will say we could have used some more scenes of actual relationship development between the two but overall I really enjoyed this story.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Viktor and Mae’s book. Being a soldier for the Gruco Crime Family has done more for him than he can express. It’s given him purpose, a home, and above all else, an outlet for his more sinister desires. He never knew just how starved he was until he meets the curly-haired good girl with a taste for sin that matches his own. An entertaining, darker read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.