Empire of Pain

Torrio Empire #3

by J.L. Beck

Lies. Betrayal. Pain.

Notorious arms dealer Callum Torrio will do whatever he has to do to get the woman he loves back.

A war between the crime families is brewing, and if they aren’t careful, they’ll end up right in the middle of it.

Forced into hiding, Callum knows he must do whatever he can to keep Bianca and their unborn baby safe. Loving her makes him vulnerable, but letting her go… isn’t an option.

When the truths to all their secrets are revealed, will they find happiness, or will the pain of their pasts destroy them?

This is the final book in the Torrio Empire and is NOT a standalone. Please check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before reading as this book contains material that might be disturbing to some readers.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Mafia Romance, Audiobook, Crime, Contemporary

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2023

About the author

J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

Reviews

[Valentina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t get through this final book. Incredibly wordy. Two pages to describe a room and how the character felt in her enclosed space. Books 2 and 3 should have been one book instead of feeling as if the plot was being stretched for page count. I was able to grasp and follow the story by perusing alone. Dnf

[Izzah ꒰Duchess of Cabria ಇ ⭑✧ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀᴛʀᴇᴏɴ ✧ ⋆꒱ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I taste foreboding in the air

That's a quote from the book but also my feelings going into the book.

I was thinking about trying out a new series, but I haven't finished a single one I stared this year. So, since I read 'til book 2 and didn't hate it...
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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[Akshatha Bhat]

CALLUM is a red flag 🚩
BIANCA loves red
Cant wait for this book

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series, but this last book just missed the mark for me. I don't know what it was exactly, but it just didn't standout to me.

[Jude: The Epic Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a legit reaction from Tatum (I'm sorry for her pain but she is being a little annoying), though I am glad to see her upset about her dad and bestie. I wanted it in book one but better late than never.
Everything that you expect to happen in a mafia romance happened in this series with a little hint of the next book.

I wasn't planning on reading Tatum's book when I started this series but I am now interested. But it's not out yet so the interest might wane.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am starting to think there is no good way for an author to sell the need for a multi book series for one couple.

When I started the Torrio Family Series I was all in. I was excited for the spice and the forbidden nature of the story. Even going into book 2 I had high hopes. But Empire of Pain was a complete let down.
Book 2 started this slow let down. The story kicked up and the spicy fell flat.

There were some story choices made with in this book that just did not work for me. The author over wrote description and forgot about keeping the integrity of the story and characters.
In the end there was not one redeemable character in this book. I hated them all. The excessive length hindered my engagement, prompting me to skim through the last 55% of the book in hopes of a potential improvement. Regrettably, that was not the case.

But I had hoped that Book 3 would tie it all up and merge the two to bring a stratifying ending. IT DID NOT!

Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josi did a phenomenal job with this series. I am so sad that this is the end. She knows how to write unhinged possessive alphaholes, and let me tell you, the spice in this series will leave your panties drenched.

These characters have grown so much since Empire of Lust. I never thought I would say this, but Callum did a complete 180. I mean, he shocked me; he became the partner that Bianca and the baby needed. Bianca needed to spread her wings and have some independence, and he finally let her do that, and I just loved that about him.

𝐼'𝓂 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓆𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝒾𝑒𝒸𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝓂, 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝑒𝓆𝓊𝒶𝓁, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼'𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉.

Bianca was so strong; she has been through so much with Callum, and finally being able to tell him what she wants and needs without him dictating what she does was something else considering how it started between them. She needed to set healthy boundaries. She loves him with all her heart, but she can't be his little caged bird anymore.

𝑀𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒. 𝑀𝓎 𝓆𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃. 𝑀𝓎 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒'𝓈 𝓃𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑒𝓁𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈, 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇.

I love Josi's writing, and I am beyond sad that this series is over, but I am so happy with how she ended it.

I am SO EXCITED we are getting Tatum and Romero's story. I can't wait to read The Dark Knight. Hurry up, August!

[taebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Torrio Empire Trilogy
ok so book3 picks up exactly from that cliffhanger of book2.
goshhh i cant believe this series is over now 🩷
these 3books got released in the consecutive 3months and the way i was suffering for each one to come out 🫠 and now it's over 😭
im going to miss daddy callum and his little bird so much 🥹🫶🏻
Everything finally comes to a climax in book3, Callum is desperate to find Bianca and he will do anything to protect his loved ones and tbh the changes we got to see in Callum 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️
+ i honestly loved seeing the development of Bianca's character in this book..
Callum and Bianca...they had so many ups and downs throughout the series, im so happy for them they got their HEA..they deserve all the love and we finally get answers surrounding Bianca's mom's death 😮‍💨....but i wanted to know that do they have a boy or girl 🥲 maybe we'll get to know that in dark knight?😶‍🌫️
im still not over them..i can never be over them 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️
i didnt quite like TATUM here..she did upset me in this book 🥲😮‍💨 but seriously im so excited for her & ROMERO's book 🥹🥹🩷🩷
WE'RE GETTING ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS, BODYGUARD ROMANCE Y'ALL!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
.
.
→THESE 3BOOKS CANNOT BE READ AS A STANDALONE!!
(do check TWs, CWs before reading ⚠️)

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect wrap to this trilogy!

Callum finds his way to saving Bianca and their family!

This was a good ending to the story! I loved the character arc between both Callum and Bianca. Bianca really came through and Callum really started controlling himself (as much as possible). I can’t wait for Tatum and Romero’s story!

Tropes: best friends dad, large age gap, mafia, pregnancy,

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[momaddictedtobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this series! This book was pretty good. It was action packed. The spice was good too. I’m sad to see Callum and Bianca’s story end but I’m excited for Tatum’s story.

[Janiece Dasilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know that feeling when one of our favorite series is about to end, we become extremely sad that we are not going to be in this universe but you are also grateful you immersed yourself in this world. These feelings are exactly what I get from this series.

Empire of Pain was the perfect final book of this series and it wrapped up everything unresolved in the first two books and showed alot of development of character all across everyone. Callum had one of the biggest character developments throughout the series. He went from a control freak to someone who is trusting, letting Bianca live her life and learned to apologize for his actions when he was wrong. He truly loves the baby and will always protect his family. He also became softer with Tatum and became the parent that she needs.

Bianca became one strong women. While pregnant with the baby she knew she had to be strong and protect it. She would do anything for her family including murder. She made sure Callum knew he was wrong and did not take any crap from him. She knew that she didn't need to rely on him and be independent but love him at the same time. She communicated her feelings a lot better and chose herself before worrying about anyone else's feelings.

I love the communication from everyone in this book. They learned how to communicate their feelings within the family and learned how to co exist. I loved the proposal scene you can truly feel the love Callum has for his little bird. I loved how they now get to live peaceful with their family. I truly loved this series and as I am so sad to see it end, I am so happy I read it!

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rough ride Bianca and Callum have been on! I feel like my emotions have been on a roller coaster with them. There were moments of extreme rage, deep sorrow, but most of all, hope and love.

Bianca is pregnant, and that is foremost on everyone's mind. She and Tutum are under a lot of stress with all the danger they have been exposed to. Not all of Callum's business dealings have been on the up and up. Unfortunately, his past is returning to cause trouble for him, putting his family through hell. The need for protection is higher than ever before. Callum is going out of his ever-loving mind, trying to arrange for the safety of his adult daughter, his unborn child, and the woman he loves. Too bad his arch-nemesis, Bianca's dad Charlie, didn't get the memo that he isn't the bad guy after all. The danger keeps finding Bianca, thanks to all of Callum's enemies. The race is on to end the threats against his family before someone ends up paying the ultimate price. To top it all off, secrets are revealed, and the consequences are dire. The question is, will Callum and Bianca ever get their happy ever after?

This is the last book in Bianca and Callum's Trilogy. The three books combined are one heck of a journey and not to be missed. Hold on to your seat, persevere, and don't give up. The ending will be all you could hope for!

[Jamie Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This was the perfect conclusion to this series. I loved Bianca and Callum's love story so much that I never wanted it to end. The pace is perfect, and you become emotionally connected to the characters. This is one of my favorites of the year so far. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a mafia age with an emotional roller coaster.

[Nikki reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the last book for Callum and Bianca! This is has been a fantastic trilogy and I’ve loved every minute of it. The action has been great and the spice the perfect amount. Josi is one of my favourite authors and no matter what she releases I have to read it straight away. So thank you for another amazing book!

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

On EDGE Til the End
A stormy seductive read that hits hard on your feelings, demands your attention an infuses you with adrenaline and nerve wracking suspense.. It had me roaring mad fighting back tears and feeling the danger with page turning twists and drama that had me on edge from beginning to the very end. I loved and dreaded the conclusion to Callum and Bianca's story because I'm glad it's finally over but sad for it to end.

[K.M. Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy Callum does it again 🥵 I am so sad to see this series end but excited to see what else is in store for us with this world.
Book 3 picks up right where we left off with book 2 and the box!! Eeek! This took us on a wild ride with some really unexpected twists that had me yelling “No freaking way!” The spice was truly delicious and I loved it so much!!
🌶🌶🌶/5

[Kaity Den Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by this author!! This was the perfect ending to this series! I loved it!

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wraps up the series with a bittersweet mix of emotions. Saying goodbye to the beloved universe was tough, but I'm grateful for the incredible journey it took me on. The book neatly resolves all lingering threads, and the character development of Callum and Bianca shines through. Their improved communication and the heartfelt proposal scene warmed my heart. The family dynamics and passionate moments between Callum and Bianca were a highlight. The tantalizing cliffhanger involving Tatum and Romero has me eagerly awaiting the next installment. This book delivered a satisfying and thrilling conclusion.

[Jordan Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

WELL. The Torrio Empire trilogy is officially over and I am not okay. I went into this series thinking, “oh age gap, mafia, this will be good,” and I came out of book one DYING for book two and then when that was okay, CRYING for book three. In my eyes, this trilogy is perfection from start to finish…. my only critique is that it’s over and now I am sad 😭

“Empire of Pain” is an epic conclusion to the story of Callum and Bianca. EPIC! It was a major page turner with something wild happening every single chapter. Our FMC, Bianca, really took girl power and turned it on its head — this woman came out saying “I am a Queen” and she certainly acted like one. She is a STRONG FMC and I was here for it. This was a slow progression but once it hits, it is celebratory. Her man, Daddy Callum, is still as smoking as he was throughout books one and two but we get to see more of his humility. Beck wrote these characters learning from each other and essentially flipping the switch in some aspects.

I will continue to stand behind my previous reviews that Beck’s writing is top notch! Every chapter is a literal deep dive into the character’s psyche and just adds to the plot — which is still moving 100mph, y’all, we haven’t slowed down at all. Book three isn’t as dark as book two, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t dark! The story focuses around revenge and doing what it takes to get it so ya know, blood is spilled.

The ending? I cried. It’s everything I wanted and I am so happy to have gotten it! THANK GOD this universe is not over… or I’d never get out of this book hangover I have found myself in.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5🌶️🥵

Tropes:
👑 Possessive MC
👑 Arms dealer empire
👑 Age gap
👑 Dual POV
👑 Best friend’s father

Triggers:
💥 Mentions of torture
💥 Mentions of murder
💥 Kidnapping
💥 Light stalking

[Maria Vazquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I had high hopes because I really like the first book but it just felt like the plot was stretch out. Halfway through I was like is this book a dark romance?? Because all that the FMC and MMC do was have sex. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE a good spicy book but this was way too much. I literally had to skim through their sex scenes.

What I’m looking forward to is Tatum and Romero book.

[Bailey E · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should have been a duet.

[Joy Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔💔💔

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend it? ✅️

Tropes: dark mafia romance, enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s father, age gap, billionaire, forbidden

Notorious arm's dealer, Callum Torrio, will do whatever it takes to get the woman he loves back. A war between crime families is brewing, and if they aren't careful, they'll end of right in the middle of it. Forced into hiding, Callum knows he must do whatever he can to keep Bianca and their unborn child safe. Loving her makes him vulnerable, but letting her go isn't an option. When the truths to all their secrets are revealed, will they find happiness, or will the pains of their past destroy them?

This story was a fast paced, adrenaline rush as we watch the final events unfold and hopefully lead to a HEA. The plot was addictive and I struggled with stopping until I could reach the end. There was realistic character growth and an overall feeling of satisfaction as I truly enjoyed how everything came to a close. You need to read Empire of Lust and Empire of Lies first. I highly recommend this trilogy. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

[readingromancehea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the *Torrio Empire* trilogy. This trilogy MUST be read in order.

Callum is frantic. He doesn't know who took Bianca and Tatum. When Callum and Ramero get a message to go to a warehouse they jump right on it. They don't know what they'll find but Callum is hoping it's not what he's thinking. Can Callum truly keep Bianca and Tatum safe?

I couldn't believe the whole Amanda situation. The fact that the enemy is blaming this all on Bianca is insane. I'm glad the guards got what they deserved. What Bianca did to Dominic was epic. The look Callum gave the doctor they saw for Bianca's ultrasound was hysterical. I can't blame Bianca for everything she's been mad about but I do understand Callum's side too. The way they can't keep their hands off each other is addicting. I love seeing Bianca become a queen.

This ended up being a good series. I did enjoy all the twists and turns. I didn't expect a lot of them so that kept me happy. The spice was spicing.

[Just_Another_Book_Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad that I gave this book a shot & found another author to look forward.Though no matter how much I enjoyed reading Bianca's & Callum's story, there were parts where I wished it could be more.

For starters Callum's & Tatum's relationship. Why didn't Callum try to reach Tatum as hard as Bianca? Why was Bianca only one to feel awful about the implications on Tatum? It felt more like the author was trying to set a backstory for Tatum without caring of making the hero more despicable. Callum as a boyfriend is everything we wished in this type of genre. Not a single doubt on that. However the troupe is "Best Friend's Father". Shouldn't we deserve his Fatherly side also? His regrets as a father? I'm not saying it isn't there. But not nearly enough to give an insight into how he deeply cares for Tatum. And not when there was not a single thought about Tatum while thinking of marriage with Bianca, when he is turned into a better version. 

Which brings me to write why I still continued.
The whole plot, side characters, romance, but they were so good that I can't put them down. Dying to read Tatum-Romero's, more from Sebastian and definitely more Bianca - Callum moments. You know the feeling when a potentially great book gets steamrolled for the lack of development , that's where the complaints come from.

[tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book of the Torrio Empire was better then I expected! Unlike book 1 & 2, it was packed with action and endless drama. The slow pace became a medium & I was intrigued enough to finish it within a day. I honestly feel like the trilogy would have been better off as a duet! At first I wasn’t very fond of how toxic Bianca & Callum’s relationship was but Callum does a 360 & turns into a better man for her. Book 2 had a lot of going back & forth along with a lot of unspoken truth, so I was happy to finally see it all unfold in the final book. I’m excited to read the Dark Knight & finally get inside Tatum’s head, her whole ordeal, and the possible relationship with her bodyguard!

[Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has definitely been one that I could not put down. I have eagerly devoured every book and overall, I really enjoyed the story. The story and the series is definitely outside of my normal reading genre with romance, but I’m glad I took a chance on this world. It’s dark, it breaks all the rules, and it is over the top in the best way. It just works for this world and these characters and I really enjoyed the series overall.

I thought this final book was a fantastic conclusion. It had suspense, he gave answers, I left a little bit open for more of wants to come, and I’m just eager for it all. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author, because I am intrigued by everything she started in this series and wants to come with future characters.

Bianca and Callum definitely have a very eventful way to find their happily ever after, but I promise that their journey is very much worth it. You will enjoy getting everything you do with them, and I can’t say that enough! The series is definitely well worth a read so buckle up for a wild and crazy ride that is full of spice, fire, and a very consuming story.

[Jenn (myspookybookishlife) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg what an amazing ending to Callum and Bianca’s story!!! This book was filled with so much drama, but it was amazing nonetheless. Starting from the end of Empire of Lies the utter heart racing need for this book to be out, I could not put it down. Seeing how hard Callum took finding Tatum the way she was and not having any idea about Bianca made my love him so much more. They’re chemistry was as intense as ever and there arguments heartbreaking. I love how this series ending and cannot wait to see how Tatum and Romero’s story goes.

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story starts where it left off and proceeds with emotional highs and scary moments. The plot gets interesting and uncertain at various points and the feeling of threat looming around stays for the better part of the book.

The story is as spicy as when it all started in book one and has stability between the characters. I enjoyed how well Bianca has adapted to her surroundings and embraced Callum’s nature. There were ups and downs and she bravely faced them. Kudos to her.

The story is kind of all predictable but what put me off from the start was the timeline discrepancy every here and there and that made the understanding of events a little difficult. But rest everything was fine and enjoyable.

[Maryger Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empire of Pain by J.L. Beck, is the third and last book in the Torrio Empire Trilogy, and if we finished the previous one with a bag this one continues right there, a heartbreaking moment gives way to the wildest and most murderous part of Callum and let me tell you that this book is the perfect closing of the trilogy, with its moments of doubts and the lies that we already know surround Callum but really heartbreakingly beautiful, for me a spectacular trilogy so if you haven't already go read it because you won't be disappointed, Highly Recommended .. You won't want to miss it.
*Thanks to J.L. Beck and Literally Yours PR for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*

Empire of Pain de J.L. Beck, es el tercer y último libro en la Trilogía Torrio Empire, y si el anterior lo terminamos con un bag este continua justo allí, un momento desgarrador abre paso a la parte más salvaje y asesina de Callum y déjenme decirles que este libro es el cierre perfecto de la trilogía, con sus momentos de dudas y de las mentiras que ya sabemos rodean a Callum pero en verdad desgarradoramente hermoso, para mí una espectacular trilogía así que si no lo han hecho vayan ya a leerla porque no se decepcionaran, Altamente Recomendada.. No querrás dejarla pasar.
*Gracias a J.L. Beck y a Literally Yours PR por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*

[Asher.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great ending for this series. I loved it start to finish. JL Beck never disappoints. For more details you can see my reviews on the two prior books.