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The Satriano Brothers #1
D of the Devil
I swore I’d never love the man that forced me to be his bride.
Selena
I made a deal with the Devil.
I stepped foot into the kitchen hoping to grab a snack, but my hunger soon died as blood pooled on the black-and-white marble counter.
The talented executioner and head of the most powerful mafia family in Chicago, Domenick Satriano, stood there wiping red splatter off his cheek.
He had spilt blood.
My father did nothing as Domenick casually took my hand and led me to his car as if we were meant to be. I should have run that day, but something ignited inside me as his dark eyes gazed down at me. He pulled me toward him and I willingly came. I was weak to his touch. He told me he owned me, but I wanted to break free. Trapped inside his gilded cage, all I wanted to do was run.
Every night, he used his wicked hands to break me. Every inch of my tender flesh burned after he finished.
He explained it was a matter of time until I willingly came to him. My damaged heart kept me fighting his dark games.
What happened when Domenick grew tired of the fight and used his talent on me?
Domenick
I had been watching her for years.
Her round, green eyes stared up at me with such innocence it was hard to control myself.
She’s perfectly sweet and ready to be devoured.
I couldn’t wait to taste her.
To hear her cry my name.
And I wouldn’t let up until she admitted she was meant for me.
She thought she could fight me.
No one said no to me.
She didn’t realize my heart had been scorched and burned so long ago, there was almost nothing left of me.
She was just a promise from long ago, and I never broke my promises.
But once I inhaled her sweet scent, that promise turned into obsession.
Selena
I made a deal with the Devil.
I stepped foot into the kitchen hoping to grab a snack, but my hunger soon died as blood pooled on the black-and-white marble counter.
The talented executioner and head of the most powerful mafia family in Chicago, Domenick Satriano, stood there wiping red splatter off his cheek.
He had spilt blood.
My father did nothing as Domenick casually took my hand and led me to his car as if we were meant to be. I should have run that day, but something ignited inside me as his dark eyes gazed down at me. He pulled me toward him and I willingly came. I was weak to his touch. He told me he owned me, but I wanted to break free. Trapped inside his gilded cage, all I wanted to do was run.
Every night, he used his wicked hands to break me. Every inch of my tender flesh burned after he finished.
He explained it was a matter of time until I willingly came to him. My damaged heart kept me fighting his dark games.
What happened when Domenick grew tired of the fight and used his talent on me?
Domenick
I had been watching her for years.
Her round, green eyes stared up at me with such innocence it was hard to control myself.
She’s perfectly sweet and ready to be devoured.
I couldn’t wait to taste her.
To hear her cry my name.
And I wouldn’t let up until she admitted she was meant for me.
She thought she could fight me.
No one said no to me.
She didn’t realize my heart had been scorched and burned so long ago, there was almost nothing left of me.
She was just a promise from long ago, and I never broke my promises.
But once I inhaled her sweet scent, that promise turned into obsession.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2023
586 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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Josie Max
18 books87 followersAuthor of dark and dirty romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2023
This book could’ve had potential but it all felt rushed. You’re telling me all of this happened in a month and overnight she went from hating him to loving him? I liked who Domenick was at the end and I think I would’ve disliked him less if we saw that earlier on. He was wayy too redflaggy for me to forgive him for the things he said and did. He wasn’t even protective he was possessive and toxic and Selena honestly had Stockholm syndrome. I don’t think this book is horrible but it felt rushed and Domenick was insufferable and honestly scary as hell. That man needed to be shot.
December 16, 2023
So bad
Quite possibly the worst book I've ever read. I've told my children better bedtime stories while delirious from sleep deprivation. I just...I don't know where to start. The writing and editing were atrocious, the characters had less depth than a kiddie pool, their emotions changed from page to live without an explanation why, there was next to no sex, the plot dragged and yet was somehow all over the place...just a hot hot mess. Avoid at all costs
Quite possibly the worst book I've ever read. I've told my children better bedtime stories while delirious from sleep deprivation. I just...I don't know where to start. The writing and editing were atrocious, the characters had less depth than a kiddie pool, their emotions changed from page to live without an explanation why, there was next to no sex, the plot dragged and yet was somehow all over the place...just a hot hot mess. Avoid at all costs
May 20, 2023
I read this as an ARC; it comes out on May 24, 2023.
This is a dark mafia romance, enemies to lovers with TW that include an allusion to sexual assault.
I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this book. The main characters were well thought out. The plot was really good - it kept me engaged and I read this book fairly quickly.
The pacing was hectic - it felt like the author wanted to fit a million twists and turns into this book while trying to introduce a bunch of side characters that played forced parts in the narrative.
I felt like I was constantly getting too much and yet not enough information - did meeting the MMC brothers do anything other than move the plot forward? Could that have been done is some other way? 🤷🏼♀️ That being said, I really want the rest of the details! I want all the information about the Main Characters and the way the connect to each other.
The first few spicy scenes are… wowza! But by the end of the book they’re kind of sweet and vanilla to me. They are incredibly well written, but we go from five alarm fire to sweet couple. I took this as an indication of character development (mean guy to sweet guy), but I wish she hadn’t changed it - I really enjoyed those first few encounters.
Overall I would highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. It’s available for preorder now on Kindle. Josie Max does Dark Romance like few others, and I can’t wait to see where this goes.
(I received an ARC, but no other compensation for reading and reviewing this book)
This is a dark mafia romance, enemies to lovers with TW that include an allusion to sexual assault.
I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this book. The main characters were well thought out. The plot was really good - it kept me engaged and I read this book fairly quickly.
The pacing was hectic - it felt like the author wanted to fit a million twists and turns into this book while trying to introduce a bunch of side characters that played forced parts in the narrative.
I felt like I was constantly getting too much and yet not enough information - did meeting the MMC brothers do anything other than move the plot forward? Could that have been done is some other way? 🤷🏼♀️ That being said, I really want the rest of the details! I want all the information about the Main Characters and the way the connect to each other.
The first few spicy scenes are… wowza! But by the end of the book they’re kind of sweet and vanilla to me. They are incredibly well written, but we go from five alarm fire to sweet couple. I took this as an indication of character development (mean guy to sweet guy), but I wish she hadn’t changed it - I really enjoyed those first few encounters.
Overall I would highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. It’s available for preorder now on Kindle. Josie Max does Dark Romance like few others, and I can’t wait to see where this goes.
(I received an ARC, but no other compensation for reading and reviewing this book)
October 4, 2023
Selena has no idea what her father owed until the Devil himself was in her kitchen and took her with him. She knew that her body was betraying her, but her one thought was getting away from Domenick. Domenick said that he would provide everything she needed and would keep her safe but she wondered for how long.
Domenick has been watching Selena for a while he had a plan for her and exactually what he would do with her, but he never planned for his heart to be involved.
Selena started to realise that things weren’t so bad with Domenick, but she wondered if he really cared or if it was just show. When Selena realises that Domenick does really care she realises that she might be falling for him – Domenick, the Devil doesn’t show himself to her only Domenick.
When suddenly their happiness is taken from them, Domenick knows that he’s plan he had is gone he’s fallen in love with Selena, but now he has to get her back even if it’s only to let her go.
Domenick has been watching Selena for a while he had a plan for her and exactually what he would do with her, but he never planned for his heart to be involved.
Selena started to realise that things weren’t so bad with Domenick, but she wondered if he really cared or if it was just show. When Selena realises that Domenick does really care she realises that she might be falling for him – Domenick, the Devil doesn’t show himself to her only Domenick.
When suddenly their happiness is taken from them, Domenick knows that he’s plan he had is gone he’s fallen in love with Selena, but now he has to get her back even if it’s only to let her go.
May 20, 2023
Check CW and TW. This was a quick hot read. Enemies to lovers will always be my jam the tension between Dominic and Selena was so hot. The backstory had me gripped. I cannot wait to read more in this universe.
May 29, 2023
This was okay for a quick read. I definitely enjoyed the story and the main characters. If you want something quick to read and are into mafia romance then read it.
Please take my critique with a grain of salt. What I don't like maybe what someone else likes. Reading is subjective to the reader. I still enjoyed the book but wanted to leave my two cents below.
the critique:
This book was paced a bit too fast-paced for me. I wanted more details to the story, more description, and more scenes between the characters after they meet and before they are confessing their undying love. Because it was fast it felt too insta love for me and unbelievable. Also, the talk of pregnancy and having kids came up way too early and brought me out of the book. it's not usually my favorite but I don't mind if it's at the end of the story as it is a natural evolvement. I don't believe it was "dark" but that is subjective to the reader. The book really didn't describe much detail besides the basics and the spicy scenes were fairly vanilla and short.
Please take my critique with a grain of salt. What I don't like maybe what someone else likes. Reading is subjective to the reader. I still enjoyed the book but wanted to leave my two cents below.
the critique:
This book was paced a bit too fast-paced for me. I wanted more details to the story, more description, and more scenes between the characters after they meet and before they are confessing their undying love. Because it was fast it felt too insta love for me and unbelievable. Also, the talk of pregnancy and having kids came up way too early and brought me out of the book. it's not usually my favorite but I don't mind if it's at the end of the story as it is a natural evolvement. I don't believe it was "dark" but that is subjective to the reader. The book really didn't describe much detail besides the basics and the spicy scenes were fairly vanilla and short.
September 4, 2023
DNF at 56%
What the heck am I reading? Where's the plot? This is just a series of scenes with no context or transition between them.
What the heck am I reading? Where's the plot? This is just a series of scenes with no context or transition between them.
December 14, 2023
Lacked depth,connection and world building. Doesn’t leave much else. Dialog was okay. The bones were decent. Needs fleshing out.
August 15, 2023
disjointed and confusing
I was excited when first starting this book. It had a lot of promise and looked very appealing. As the story unfolded the plot become confusing. Things jumped around. I was not overly fond of the male lead character. His personality was too contradictory. He was dominant in all things but scared to confront his sibling. He takes what he wants and then is regretful. He’s ruthless and unfeeling and then feels guilt and sadness over ending his fathers life. It just contradicted his character at every step.
The story line did not flow smoothly. We get introduced to Domenik’s brothers but their characters aren’t developed well. As the reader I felt no real connection to them. And when we learn pivotal information to the plot that should be an aha moment I felt oddly let down.
I think the author wanted so much to happen in this story that it became too much. There was an element of dominance and submission that could have been an underlying theme to the story but it was left behind. The strong family bond didn’t occur between the brothers. The big reveal of the villain doesn’t feel like that big of a deal. Ultimately, I think this story had great potential but it felt rushed and unfinished.
I was excited when first starting this book. It had a lot of promise and looked very appealing. As the story unfolded the plot become confusing. Things jumped around. I was not overly fond of the male lead character. His personality was too contradictory. He was dominant in all things but scared to confront his sibling. He takes what he wants and then is regretful. He’s ruthless and unfeeling and then feels guilt and sadness over ending his fathers life. It just contradicted his character at every step.
The story line did not flow smoothly. We get introduced to Domenik’s brothers but their characters aren’t developed well. As the reader I felt no real connection to them. And when we learn pivotal information to the plot that should be an aha moment I felt oddly let down.
I think the author wanted so much to happen in this story that it became too much. There was an element of dominance and submission that could have been an underlying theme to the story but it was left behind. The strong family bond didn’t occur between the brothers. The big reveal of the villain doesn’t feel like that big of a deal. Ultimately, I think this story had great potential but it felt rushed and unfinished.
June 9, 2024
This book was all over the place. It feels messy, the action drama didn’t was rushed and didn’t make sense. I felt like it just skipped over stuff and needed better editing. I like a short book but at least make it one that makes sense.
Domenick at nearly 40 was not likeable at all, has an agenda all mapped out and I could not see him redeeming himself even for a HEA.
Really the book is under mafia romance but sometimes the author just thinks that’s ok for abuse. It isn’t.
Dad had a debt and the devil comes to collect her for his wife.
Selena at 20, was trying to be smart and sassy but just came across as pathetic - goes from hating him to wanting him in a day to loving him in like a week. Blah blah blah.
And the whole crap at the end with his brother that I guess is leading into book 2. Sounds stupid! Not sure if I’m going to bother reading it.
Domenick at nearly 40 was not likeable at all, has an agenda all mapped out and I could not see him redeeming himself even for a HEA.
Really the book is under mafia romance but sometimes the author just thinks that’s ok for abuse. It isn’t.
Dad had a debt and the devil comes to collect her for his wife.
Selena at 20, was trying to be smart and sassy but just came across as pathetic - goes from hating him to wanting him in a day to loving him in like a week. Blah blah blah.
And the whole crap at the end with his brother that I guess is leading into book 2. Sounds stupid! Not sure if I’m going to bother reading it.
May 24, 2023
Incredibly addictive.
I loved this fast paced, sexy mafia romance.
Selena and Domenick have an interesting story to tell.
Betrayed and wanting payback, Domenick watched from afar until the timing was right to bring Selena into his mad reign of of the Chicago mafia.
Deceived by many, nobody knows who to trust in this action packed mafia romance.
Selena learns fast that the life she once knew was full of secrets and lies. Now the man who abducted her is slowly winning her heart. This story will keep you guessing while being super hot and swoon worthy.
5 stars. Grab this book.
I loved this fast paced, sexy mafia romance.
Selena and Domenick have an interesting story to tell.
Betrayed and wanting payback, Domenick watched from afar until the timing was right to bring Selena into his mad reign of of the Chicago mafia.
Deceived by many, nobody knows who to trust in this action packed mafia romance.
Selena learns fast that the life she once knew was full of secrets and lies. Now the man who abducted her is slowly winning her heart. This story will keep you guessing while being super hot and swoon worthy.
5 stars. Grab this book.
May 24, 2023
This book got me hooked as soon as I started reading it. There were several twists to this story that had me a little confused but then it all came together.
Loved the characters and it it gave you glimpse of the characters that are coming in future books.
This was a quick read. Looking forward to the upcoming books in this series.
Loved the characters and it it gave you glimpse of the characters that are coming in future books.
This was a quick read. Looking forward to the upcoming books in this series.
July 13, 2023
Debt
Covering a debt Selena was forced to go with Marko.
She turned to be stronger mind person than he expected. She kept focusing on how she could escape from him. His focus was to make her more misrobol.
The journey with these two was interesting. I didn't understand Why the writer had Marko living in a poor environment?
Covering a debt Selena was forced to go with Marko.
She turned to be stronger mind person than he expected. She kept focusing on how she could escape from him. His focus was to make her more misrobol.
The journey with these two was interesting. I didn't understand Why the writer had Marko living in a poor environment?
December 26, 2023
D of the Devil..
This is the story in the Satriano Brothers series and it says arranged marriage but I would call it enemies to lovers. It’s not a bad book, but our main female could be smart and could be naive. It ends abruptly leading into the next story but our leads basically get their HEA.
This is the story in the Satriano Brothers series and it says arranged marriage but I would call it enemies to lovers. It’s not a bad book, but our main female could be smart and could be naive. It ends abruptly leading into the next story but our leads basically get their HEA.
May 24, 2023
I enjoy a good dark mafia romance, add enemy to lovers, interesting twists, family drama and a fast-paced storyline - I'm sold on this new series! This one was full of secrets that thickened the plot, and left me wanting more of the Satriano family.
May 24, 2023
Fast paced and steamy mafia read. Domenick and Selena are great characters with plenty of depth and intense chemistry. Entertaining story with plenty of action, drama and emotion. I really liked it.
May 26, 2023
One they single and free. Next day captured and on the way to marriage. Life changes quick sometimes. Hate and love are close.
It was a fun read, not in haha, but in so much happening and you wanted to know more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
It was a fun read, not in haha, but in so much happening and you wanted to know more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
October 23, 2023
Ok
The story line was good but kinda of general. The screwed up families ...scared on both sides. It seems that Domenici and Marko's families were sadistic and family violence was prominent. So sad...no wonder they acted so ruthless.
The story line was good but kinda of general. The screwed up families ...scared on both sides. It seems that Domenici and Marko's families were sadistic and family violence was prominent. So sad...no wonder they acted so ruthless.
December 1, 2023
Huh
Kinda reminds me of something I've read before, but the context is slightly different. Still good story and characters wish she'd fought harder to escape either of the ones who kidnapped her.
Kinda reminds me of something I've read before, but the context is slightly different. Still good story and characters wish she'd fought harder to escape either of the ones who kidnapped her.
June 25, 2024
DNF
Where do I start?
Not well written. Rushed. They fell in love in like a week. She runs off with her mother at the drop of a hat - the woman who abandoned her many years prior.
Where do I start?
Not well written. Rushed. They fell in love in like a week. She runs off with her mother at the drop of a hat - the woman who abandoned her many years prior.
September 26, 2023
The story had so much potential to become something really good, but it was a fast paced book which I liked. Just a little too fast because it seemed like everything happened at once.
dnf
September 28, 2023Dnf missing details that are vital to the story.
October 19, 2023
really enjoyed it
Nice easy read. Hit all the mafia romance style books I like. New author so after reading this set I’ll be looking at her other books. Thanks josie ;)
Nice easy read. Hit all the mafia romance style books I like. New author so after reading this set I’ll be looking at her other books. Thanks josie ;)
January 18, 2024
Writing didn't flow. Did not like characters.
January 19, 2024
it was good. worth a read. I liked it.
February 22, 2024
This was weird…
March 12, 2024
The ending let me down.
April 2, 2024
DNF at 46%
June 7, 2025
Mediocre read tbh. It felt somewhat rushed in places. Not sure if I’ll bother with books 2& 3
June 7, 2025
He was the Devil, but what a fine Devil. Love goes from hell to heaven!!!!! Amazing story loved it.
📚🔥✨🔥✨❤️🔥✨📚
📚🔥✨🔥✨❤️🔥✨📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews