At twenty-eight, I’m not supposed to be raising my three orphaned siblings and trying to run our family’s pub alone.
When dangerous men come to collect on Da’s debt—one I can’t pay—I go to the only person who might be able to help. My closest friend, Aidan.
Only he’s not who he says he is. As a member of the Donnelly family, and the biggest crime organization in Dublin, he’s able to pay off the debt and keep my siblings and me safe.
LK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with sci-fi romance and dark romance being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Trope: friends to lovers Angst: 😱😱 Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Loved it! I'm not a huge fan of friends to lovers, but this one seemed to just be able to hit me in my sweet spot. Sorcha is struggling to raise her three younger siblings and hold onto her family pub when some shady guys comes to collect on a debt that she can't pay. Out of options, she calls her best friend, Aidan, who has the perfect plan to "save" her, but first he needs to explain he's not exactly who he said he was.
Aiden was a super entertaining and quick read. Lots of action and a smidge of angst to keep it interesting. It was a bit of a slow burn, but it was fun to see how Aidan's feelings for her morph over time. I'm always a fan of stories where either the hero or the heroine step up to parent their younger siblings ❤️. I've really enjoyed all the stories in the Dublin Kings so far and I can't wait for Finn's book!
Aidan by L.K. Shaw is book Three in the Dublin Kings Series. This is the story of Aidan and Sorcha. Sorcha has had to step up after her father dies to take care of her three orphaned siblings. In addition she has taken on the family pub. But she soon finds that her father has been in debit to some really bad people. This makes her turn to her best friend Aidan. Aidan is part of a mafia family so danger is nothing knew to him. But Aidan has kept that life style a secret from Sorcha because he likes just being a regular person with her and just being her friend. But when he see the danger she is in he steps forward demanding marriage as a way to protect her. Enjoyed this book and hope to read more from this author and series.
Aidan and Sorcha have been best friends since college never crossing the line. He has a secret he's never told her about his life. When her and her siblings lives are put in danger Aiden does the unthinkable. A seems well until tragedy strikes. Action packed drama, beautiful young siblings, steamy scenes and love.
Aidan is my favorite. I was waiting for his story, I was unsure of how it would go, but it was SO good. Aidan and Sorcha have been best friends for years. Sorcha can’t seem to catch a break and feels like she’s drowning trying to keep the pub afloat and raise her three siblings, after her Da passed. Aidan offers to help her, but she’s stubborn and says she’s got it handled. When things seem to become worse than she thought, she calls him and he of course helps her no questions asked. His help just happens to mean marriage. Talk about a whirl wind of a story. Dancing around feelings, raising kids, enemies causing danger. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Their story was just too good. LK Shaw never disappoints. I can’t wait for Finn next!
Aidan has been keeping secrets from his best friend for five years about who he really is.
The world is full of liars. Some of them tell the harmless white lie. The black lie for personal gain. Or the red lie because they want to hurt the other person or get even for some transgression against them. Me? I’ve told them all.
Sorcha has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Taking care of her three younger siblings. More problems arise and she calls her best friend for help.
“There are no guarantees with anything in life. But I can promise you this. No matter what happens in the future, I will always take care of you. That will never change regardless of anything else.
This series is so good I just can’t get enough. Aidan is the the playful brother. But mess with his family and it’s on!!
The boys don’t have any idea about the stupid feelings I have for my best friend. We’ve been friends for five years, which isn’t long in the grand scheme of things. Especially since we only see each other when he comes to visit every four to six months or whenever he can get time off from work. But he’s been my closest and dearest friend during that time. Over the years, for various reasons, I’ve drifted apart from everyone else. Which is why I refuse to ruin our friendship by doing something as monumentally dumb as telling Aidan how I feel.
The silence lengthens between us until finally Sorcha nods. “The pub isn’t doing well. Da was behind on payments when he died. By a lot. Except he told me he was able to get a loan. Yet, there’s no record of it. I’ve been getting phone calls from vendors that haven’t been paid in several months. If I can’t pay them, they’re going to freeze our account and I won’t be able to order inventory.” She takes in a deep breath and blows it out. “I called the bank to try and get a loan, but they denied me. If I can’t pay the bills, I’m going to lose not only the pub, but our home.” “Christ.” I run a hand down my face. Didn’t you suspect something like this? I did, but having it confirmed makes it real. “What can I do to help?”
I’m done talking about this. I’m not taking your money. End of discussion.” There’s no point arguing anymore. Not with the mulish tilt to her chin. All it will do is drive a wedge between us. I’ll let it go for the moment, but this isn’t over. I’ll figure out something. Maybe pay a visit to the bank and persuade them to reconsider giving Sorcha the loan.
Dónal Sheehan was lenient with your Da’s payment plan. However, there’s been a regime change, and the loan has been transferred to its new owner. He doesn’t grant favors to his enemy’s old friends. Which means, it’s time to pay up.” “I don’t know who Dónal Sheehan is or what loan you’re talking about,” I grind out between clenched teeth. “But I’ll have your money tomorrow. Please, just leave.” I’ll promise anything to get them to go away before the children get home.
“I highly recommend you call off your men. Imogen will be displeased if she finds out they’re threatening the woman I’m going to marry.” With that pronouncement—where in Christ had that come from?—I turn and walk out of the room, trusting he won’t shoot me in the back.
This is about the only alone time we’re going to have for this conversation. And I’m curious what this proposition is that you said you have for me.” There’s a wariness on his face, like he’d rather not have this discussion, which makes me nervous. A weight settles over me. Maybe I should just accept that he took care of things and leave it at that.
I draw back in confusion. “I don’t understand.” “Broderick was my mother’s maiden name. It’s the name I use when I travel and don’t want people to know who I am. Anonymity is something I don’t often get, so I take advantage of it when I can. I’ve loved the freedom I’ve had being around you. I was worried that if you knew who I was, it would change things between us.” Every word coming out of his mouth buzzes around my head, but none of them make sense. “I need a minute, please.”
Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I do a quick search. There isn’t a lot of information on them. Then again, if they are the mafia, I doubt they want the attention. I search news articles, images, videos, until finally I find a clip from the main news in Dublin. About a month ago, three members of the Donnelly family were arrested for allegedly attempting to break into a Liam Campbell’s home. Each one of them were armed. The video shows three handcuffed men being escorted by several members of the Gardaí into a building. In the lead is a familiar auburn-haired, tattooed, and pierced Aidan.
I’ve taken on the debt your Da owed Sheehan, and it will be paid by the end of the day tomorrow. You and the kids will be under the protection of my entire family.” “Does your family even know about me?” “Not at the moment. But they will. Especially once we’re married.” “I’m sorry, when we’re what?” “I told Liam you were my fiancée. He’s a ruthless prick and unless I gave him a good reason to back off, he won’t. He’d find some way to get around the threat of Imogen being pissed. That’s just how he is. He’s already making me prove we’re engaged. There’s always a price that has to be paid.” Sorcha jerks back. “So I’m the one who has to pay this price by marrying you? I’m the one who’s getting punished for my Da’s actions?
Would it really be so bad being Aidan’s wife? Yes, since I could easily fall in love with him. Hell, I’m already halfway there. And then what? Spend the rest of my life loving a husband who doesn’t love me back? Because that sounds like a lot of fun.
Aidan stops in the middle of the hallway and his gaze meets mine. He studies me for a second. “We’re getting married. Where else would you sleep but with me?” My pulse races at the thought of lying in the same bed as him night after night. Of him leaning over to kiss me. A kiss that quickly flares into more. Already I can picture growing even more attached and then my heart breaking. “But it’s not real.” I try one more desperate attempt. The lie is bitter on my tongue. “It’s real to me.”
Before my brain can send a warning signal, I come up on tiptoes and press my lips to his. It’s a mad compulsion. One I’m going to regret in a minute. But for this brief second, I ignore the screaming voice yelling that I just made a huge mistake. Aidan’s hold tightens on me and he moves to deepen the kiss, but it’s like a tether yanks him, because in a heartbeat he’s nearly pushing me away from him.
“I just…I guess I didn’t think that far ahead either. Thought maybe we could get married without worrying about more than that.” I’m so busy processing his words that it takes a second before I respond. “By ‘more than that’ I’m going to assume you mean that I won’t do something so completely and utterly stupid as fall in love with you? We get married and have sex, but don’t let those messy emotions get in the way. So it’s real to you as long as I don’t catch feelings. Got it.”
It’s fascinating how Carrick sees his son, because that’s nothing like what he’s shown me. “I can tell I’ve surprised you,” he notes. “Yes, because I’ve never seen Aidan anything but calm and focused.” He stands. “I find that interesting.” Before I can respond, he walks toward the house, but he pauses at the door. “It doesn’t matter what proof Campbell asked for regarding your engagement. Aidan would have figured out another way to pay off the debt and protect you and your family’s pub that didn’t force you into marrying him
“I’m not sorry I kissed you. If this marriage is going to be real, then it’s going to be real,” she states firmly. “But you need to know that there are going to be messy emotions.” I wince, because I deserve that. “Maybe you can separate sex from emotions, but I don’t know that I can. Especially with you.” Sorcha finally meets my eyes. “There’s a chance I could fall in love with you. No, there’s a good chance I will fall in love with you. You’re my best friend. You’re the first person I want to talk to when something happens, good or bad. I’ve never wanted to screw that up, so, in my head, I’ve reminded myself that you’re unavailable. Forever. That what we have is better than nothing and I refused to give that up. “I’m also selfish enough to not share you with another woman, so be warned. If we’re doing this, you have to swear on everything you hold dear you won’t cheat on me. Ever,” Sorcha’s voice hardens. “There are no such thing as mixed signals. You’re either in this for real or you’re not.” Can I live with that? With the possibility that no matter what I do, I’m probably going to break her heart. “I’m not saying this to hurt you, but you need to know that I can’t promise I’ll fall in love with you.” She swallows and nods. “I understand that. But, I also want you to do something for me.” “What’s that?” “Don’t completely rule out the possibility.”
Okay,” he says in a husky growl. “Okay, what?” It’s almost a whisper of sound. “I’m in this for real.” The fluttering gets faster as does my heartbeat. Isn’t this what I wanted? “Are you sure?” “Not really.” The flutters come to an abrupt halt. Ouch. “At least you’re honest.”
After the last line is drawn, I set down the pencil and lean back to admire the work. Jesus, it’s perfect. Not because I drew it, but because it’s her. There’s arousal in her eyes. Her hair lies in tousled waves around her shoulders. Plump lips shine with moisture. Lips whose flavor I can still taste. Sorcha looks exactly how she did after that kiss. The one that’s not supposed to mean anything.
“What kind of man do you think I am?” He quirks an eyebrow. My muscles in my cheeks go slack as I grow serious. “A kind and generous one. A man who makes me laugh. One who’s smart. Who makes me feel safe. Protected. The kind of man I’m glad I get to spend the rest of my life with. My best friend.”
Is this going to change it now? More than it already has, I mean?” Aidan takes my hand and brushes a kiss over my knuckles. “Almost nothing stays the same, but I promise you, no matter what else occurs, you will always be the best thing to ever happen to me.”
Finn tosses back the rest of his drink and stands. “Not that you asked, but you’re not fooling anyone other than yourself. We’ve all seen how you look at Sorcha when you don’t think anyone’s watching. I know how you feel about Mother and loving someone. But don’t let her keep you from what could be the best thing to ever happen to you. She made her own choices and so can you.
We were all just in the middle of a building exploding around us and a gun battle,” my voice rises in pitch and I take a deep breath to calm down. “I’m taking my brothers to their rooms to make sure they’re okay and that they’re taken care of. They also need to get cleaned up. As does Aisling. Unlike you, we aren’t used to being almost killed.” Aidan flinches, but I’m not a single bit guilty.
Until that day, I’d hated her as much as she hated us. After, I pitied her for how weak and pathetic she was. How weak love had made her. I swore I would never love anyone if that’s what it did to a person. Except Da’s not weak and aside from his children, there isn’t anyone he loves more than Nora.
I reach into my pocket and pull out the small, square velvet box. Sorcha sucks in a breath. “Do you remember what you asked me to do?” I take out the platinum band with its large round diamond in the center surrounded by emerald accents. She clears her throat before she can speak. “I asked you not to rule out the possibility of falling in love with me.” Still it comes out in a hushed voice. Taking her trembling hand in mine, I slide the ring down her third finger. “I think it’s very possible I already am. Sorcha O’Connell, will you marry me? Not because of any debt or blackmail. But because you’re the person I want to spend my life with.”
Once Aidan proposed, we decided not to wait. I mean, when it’s the right person, what’s the point? Five days after he gave me the best wedding present ever, we’re getting married. It’s a perfect day for it, too
“Sorcha Noreen O’Connell. You’ve been my best friend. My confidante. My lover. Now, you’ll be my wife. The woman I plan on spending the rest of my life honoring, cherishing”—he pauses, a bright light shining from his eyes, and slowly releases a breath as he slides the band in place—“and loving to the best of my ability. Thank you for never giving up on me. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that every day you know how much I care for you. How much I love you. I’m sorry it took so long for me to realize.” “I take in a shuddering breath and barely hold back my sob. Tears streak down my cheeks. “Sorcha would you like to make a vow?” the priest asks, as though he knew ahead of time that I hadn’t prepared one. Except it doesn’t matter, because as soon as Caitlín gives me the ring, I speak from my heart. “Aidan Brian Donnelly. Five years ago you saved me. Not just from a bad situation, but from grief. You’ve been there for me through everything, never wavering in your friendship and support. From that first moment I’ve loved you and only dreamed that one day you might love me, too. Thank you for making all my dreams come true.” The priest says a final prayer and then, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.” ”
I can still make out shadowy figures. My attention turns to my wife lying still beneath me. I can only pray someone doesn’t shoot me in the back. “Sorcha, baby, look at me.” I carefully run my hands over her, searching for a wound. Blood stains her dress. My hands shake as I shove all the fabric up and out of the way, my heart beating like a drum, and fear like I’ve never experienced before swells inside me. I can’t breathe from it. There’s a bullet wound along her upper thigh, although it only appears to have grazed her.
We were all just in the middle of a building exploding around us and a gun battle,” my voice rises in pitch and I take a deep breath to calm down. “I’m taking my brothers to their rooms to make sure they’re okay and that they’re taken care of. They also need to get cleaned up. As does Aisling. Unlike you, we aren’t used to being almost killed.” Aidan flinches, but I’m not a single bit guilty.
“I love you, Aidan. I do. But I need more time to process all of this. I don’t know if I can be who you want me to be.” “I don’t want you to be anyone else,” he says. “I fell in love with this Sorcha, not some imagined version of you.” “My arms tighten around my waist. “The Sorcha you think you love wants to take my children and run far, far away. She doesn’t want them to have anything to do with gun fights and wars.” Aidan moves before I can guess his intent and pulls me in his arms. “Then we’ll go together. The five of us. Start over somewhere as Mr. and Mrs. Broderick. Da will understand”
This is your family. Here is where you belong. With them. You wouldn’t be happy living somewhere else. In the end, you’d resent me for taking you away from them.” Aidan straightens and a fierce light enters his eyes. “You are my family. You, Kellen, Carson, and Aisling. I belong wherever it is that you are. You’re my wife, Sorcha. I made a vow to you. One I meant with every breath in my body.”
You know that I will always do everything in my power to keep you safe,” I swear to her. “I know you will. I also know that I can’t live my life in fear that something could happen. That’s no way to live.” Sorcha sighs. “And while the thought of being in danger from your enemies is terrifying, I’d rather be happy with you than miserable without you. The children would be miserable without you.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Simply wonderful read, great characters and scenario that has been written beautifully This is a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that you will be blown away by the characters and the plot as you follow the family that are the siblings of Sorcha who has been running her family’s pub since her father died. She has also been raising her twin brothers Donal and Sheehan along with her baby sister Aisling who she has raised alongside her father who died two months ago. At just twenty-eight years of age, she had put her life as an artist on hold whilst she cared for her siblings and helped her Da to run the pub that had been in her family’s hands for years but since the death of her father she moved back home and has been living and working alongside her father, unfortunately on his death she discovered that she owed money to Liam Campbell and his men did not care how they collected the payments. Aidan had been best friends with Sorcha but she had never known who his family actually is although when she is threatened by the men working for Liam Campbell, she has no one to turn to except for Aidan, he contacts Aidan and is able to solve the issue but has to say that the woman he is trying to help is going to be his wife. Aidan is going to marry his best friend of over fib=ve years and he is going to help raise the youngest sister aisling and the twins Sheehan and Donal who were as alike as two peas in a pod and their life experience was far beyond their years. When Sorcha to his home where she meets his father and his father’s mistress Nora it is apparent that they are a loving family and that his Da and his brothers are very much interested in ensuring that they care for each of their siblings and their family and as soon as anyone married into the family, they became Donnelly’s and were protected by all that this name encompassed. I guarantee that you will love this story and that you will be totally blown away by this wonderful chapter in the next series of the Dublin Kings series and I guarantee that you will love the story, the characters that you will read about will hold your attention fully and you swill not be able to put the book down until you reach the finale of this book. You will be left looking forward to the next book in this series and I guarantee that you will be blown away by this simply wonderful read that has been written so well, you will not be able to put the book down till you reach the final page and you will enjoy every moment of this boo and the future read. I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
TLDR: Star Rating = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Heat Level = 🔥🔥🔥/5 Angst Level = 🥺🥺/5 My Tags: Dublin Kings, Interconnected standalone, Forced marriage with a twist, M/F Tropes: Friends to lovers, Irish Mafia, Forced Proximity, Slow burn, Single parent/guardian, Marriage of convenience, Fake relationship
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a mafia prince were to save a young woman and then build a close friendship with her over the next five years, all the while keeping his infamous family name a secret? Only to have her late-father’s unpaid debt to his enemy force him to reveal his true identity AND propose a marriage of convenience to keep her safe? If you have, then you should read Aidan!
Book 3 in the Dublin Kings series doesn’t disappoint and Aidan has a heart of gold even if he doesn’t know it. This book focuses on the relationships of Aidan, Sorcha and her siblings that she’s raising as a result of both her parents passing. It contains very little ‘mafia activity’ in it, but what little that it has is very impactful.
Poor Sorcha, talk about life giving you lemons! As if quitting college to help your father, then losing him and needing to raise your brothers and sister isn’t enough, the pub (and their home above it) are threatened thanks to a debt she didn’t know her dad owed - which she can’t pay. Queue extreme emotional roller coaster of learning her best friend has been lying to her about who he is for 5 years and the only way he can save her this time is to marry her and move her out of her home. With no other options she begrudgingly agrees and naturally they fall in love, but before long she is faced with the reality of mafia life. Thus causing her to question her decisions. As tends to happen when you are forced to marry your upper-echelons-of-the-mafia friend who you already care about and are also attracted to. I mean, who hasn’t been in that situation? 😉
As always, LK Shaw’s characters tug on your heart. I loved how much Aisling adored Aidan and the sweet relationship he has with Sorcha’s twin brothers, Kellen and Carson. I found the twist on the standard forced marriage trope was refreshing and I’m not going to spoil it for others.
Reading previous books in the Dublin Kings series isn’t necessary to enjoy Aidan, but the characters do interconnect. If you've read the previous books, you may find that it adds additional dimension to the story. To that end, it was nice to see Nessa and Caitlin and the close relationship that they maintain.
I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book, as always YMMV.
“Aiden: A Marriage of Convenience Mafia Romance” is the third book in the series Dublin Kings by L. K. Shaw. I know another Mafia story you groan But L. K. Shaw is a talented and gifted writer and each story is original, exciting and keeps one reading from page one. Of course there is suspense, mystery, HOT Alpha men, spicy sexual scenes and a beautiful romance. Each story has their own plot, is well written and a standalone but when read in order, including the Brooklyn Kings it enriches your reading pleasure. Aidan and Sorcha have been friends, best friends, for five years. She doesn't know about him or the family "business" and he wants to keep it that way. Her mother died five years ago and Sorcha left University to return home and help her father run the Pub that he established in their small fishing village. Unfortunately, her father died and left a huge debt that is now owed to the newly formed Campbell mafia family who are in direct competition to the Donnelly’s. She is now the “mother” to her younger siblings and left to raise them and cope with a pub in massive debt. Aiden has been there for her throughout the years. Now, she’s in need of his help and marriage is their only solution. This is a marriage of convenience but Aidan and Sorcha have been friends for five years. She has had feelings for Aidan during this time, but his feelings have been strictly as a friend. What will happen to their friendship? Will it survive all the changes? This story focuses on the development of Aidan’s and Sorcha’s friends to marriage situation and her and her siblings’ acceptance of their new lives with Aidan and his family. It is a beautiful romantic story of a family coming together. Their characters are well developed, the story is riveting and uncertainty fills one with worry, tension and you just keep reading and reading! Thank you L. K. Shaw for such a beautiful love story!
Sorcha put her life on hold five years ago to help her dad raise her younger sibling’s after their mother’s death but now her father is gone too. At just twenty-eight, she’s all these kids have left besides the bar her family owns. She’s struggling to raise three grieving children and run an exhausting business, so she feels like she’s hit rock bottom, but then it gets worse. The bar is losing money and her father borrowed a huge sum to keep it running but she had no idea until she’s accosted by thugs demanding payment.
She’s terrified and turns to the only friend she has left: Aiden. Her mild-mannered friend has been her rock since the day they met, when he saved her from a possessive ex. Sorcha has no idea that Aiden’s a mafia prince since he goes by his mother’s maiden name and never told her about his family, but when she needs help, he’s in a unique position to take care of everything. But instead of the boss he expected to find, Aiden finds an enemy in charge and he’s not going to make this easy for Liam or for Sorcha.
Aiden devises a plan, but it requires them to get married, so Sorcha is understandably shocked. They’re both apprehensive about marrying but he knows it’s the best way to keep Sorcha and the kids safe so she reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Sorcha is forced to face her feelings for her best friend, the ones she’s refused to acknowledge for years. This is a suspenseful and angsty friends-to-lovers and I loved every minute of it.
Aidan is the third book in the Dublin Kings series, but could be read as a standalone. It’s richer read in order, though, with all of the interconnecting characters and overarching storyline. Aidan and Sorcha have been best friends for the past five years, but he’s been keeping a secret from her. When Sorcha is in danger, Aidan will do anything to protect her and her siblings, even marry her. But is he willing to be honest with himself about how he feels, or will this arrangement be over before it can truly begin?
Oh my goodness, this book was awesome! I loved the purity of what existed between Aidan and Sorcha, and I loved what their friendship turned into. They’ve been friends for so long, taking the next step is something that they both need to come to terms with, what that means for their future, and how that relates to their hearts. Plus, add in the secrets and added dangers and man, oh man, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions and angst and so many good things! I devoured this book. Who needs to do responsibilities when you have this book to read?! Sorcha was so protective of her siblings, and constantly protected her own heart. She was practical, but I also loved watching her start to dream her own dreams again, including falling in love. Aidan was amazing from page one, protective of Sorcha and what they had together, but so hesitant to change what they had to something more and better. I liked that he had her, as a way to just be himself, and I liked that he was willing to fight for her, follow her, and try to win her heart, eventually. They were fantastic together. I loved that they had their friendship as a solid foundation to their future. There was drama and danger present, too, that had me dying to find out what would happen next! I loved this book! I am loving this series! And I am so excited to see what will come next!
How can a mafia man born into this world be so dreamy? Like down to earth caring while still being a name everyone fears. Aidan just wants to be "normal" sometimes, so 5 years ago when he saves this girl, he doesn't fully disclose who he is. He uses his mother's maiden name as his last name and lives almost a separate life.
Aidan and Sorcha have been friends for 5 years now. They are each other's best friends and will do anything for the other. So, when Sorcha runs into trouble because of her father, Aidan doesn't hesitate to help. He's pissed at the person whose threatening her and will do what he has to do to protect her and her siblings. Even if that includes marriage. Now offered a chance to start over, Sorcha is battling the what ifs. What if her siblings don't like it? Do they even want to move to Dublin? Would it be okay for her to marry Aiden? Does she love him?
Sometimes love can be blinding, even when its right in front of your face. Sorcha knew she's been falling for Aidan for a while now, but she's always kept her feelings to herself due to not ruining their friendship. And Aiden, he knew he cared for her and wanted to sleep with her, but love? He doesn't think he is capable of love or being loved. My heart breaks for Aidan to think that. Everyone deserves love and sometimes it takes a little wake up call to see that.
I loved how this story developed. It's definitely not your typical mafia romance, but a story of finding out who you are and what your capable of. Sorcha goes through so much in a short period of time. She's had to become a parent to her 3 siblings and leans on no one for help. Aidan finds love a weakness and, in his world, weaknesses will get you killed. But sometimes love can be a strength if you dig deep enough and fight for what you love.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "AIDAN" I was absolutely hooked this story pulls you right in from the start so much emotional turmoil, danger, angst, secrets, lies, betrayal, rivals, humor, steam, threats, twists you didn't see coming, making this an addicting page turner to the end. Sorcha O'Connell is running the Pub her father Keir owned before he dies leaving her with siblings 6yr old Aisling they call "little nightmare" & 12yr old twins Kellen & Carson to look after, but her father borrowed money leaving her with major debt. Aidan Donnelly has been BF's with Sorcha for 5yrs she has feelings for him but doesn't want to ruin their friendship, when two men come to collect money for her dads debt they threaten her, do she calls Aiden for help, this how she finds who he really is. Aiden finds out its Liam Campbell who now owns Sorcha's debt, he trys to pay it but he won't accept until he says Sorcha is his finance, his half-sister Imogen is with Liam now, she says she'll talk to him, but he wants proof their engaged. I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written story "Aiden & Sorcha" take you on quite the intense, riviting, action-packed journey for them to get their HEA, so much happens the shocking ending will blow you away. I'm so looking forward to "FINN'S" story up next it can't come soon enough, I love this series with interesting, entertaining characters that pull you right into all the drama.
I so fell in love with their story. OMG! I love the Dublin King books, but this one was extra special. I just loved Aiden and Sorcha’s story. From friends to lovers when Aiden comes to the rescue of Sorcha. Sorcha has taken over raising her siblings and running the pub he owned after her father dies. What she didn’t know what that she had taken over a debt from her father that she had not means of paying. And when the debt collectors come to collect, they make sure she knows that it will cost her much more than money – that she does not have. She calls on her best friend Aiden for help. Like a knight in shining armor, he does not hesitate to rescue her. Unfortunately, his armor is a bit tarnished because he has been lying to Sorcha for years as to his real identity and what he does for a living. But she is out of options. She cannot pay off her dad’s debt, she cannot keep herself and her siblings safe and is out of options. Aiden offers marriage thinking they could still stay friends and he would not have to risk his heart. But love is never that clean. Emotions, deceit and violence tend to muddy the love waters. Time will tell if they can work through everything to have their forever together. The journey they take to get their Happy Ever After will not come easy. Such a good story. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Aidan and Sorcha have been friends, best friends, for five years. She doesn't know about him or the family "business" and he wants to keep it that way. Sorcha's father has passed away and left her to raise her three younger siblings and a pub in massive debt. She's in need of help but she can't ask Aidan, he works hard and she can't accept it. She's going to lose everything if she can't come up with the money. Aidan knows she's not telling him something and when collectors come calling, he does the one thing that can stop it all. He tells her they're getting married! He's always been afraid of ruining their friendship, so he never looked at her like that. He did appreciate that she was a beautiful woman though. She want's a"for real"relationship but can he really give her that? When danger comes for them, she has to decide. Can she let her siblings live a life she knew nothing about? Their needs must come before hers. Is the new love they have for each other strong enough to survive? Aidan is perfect for her! He not only loves her but her siblings like his own children. He doesn't push her but is there for her all the way. While Sorcha may have worked her butt off and made hard decisions, her brothers and sister never suffered from lack of love and support. I like and suggest that you add this smokey friends to lovers read to your library.
A fantastic friends to lovers, marriage of convenience romance from L.K. Shaw in Aidan. When Sorcha is threatened by dangerous debt collectors looking to collect on a loan owed by her deceased father, fearing for the safety of her younger brothers and sister the first person she thought to call was her best friend Aidan. What she didn’t know though was that he’d been lying to her ever since they’d met about who he really was…
Aidan was very much a slow burner in the romance stakes. I didn’t get the feel that there had been any romantic interest on either side up until close proximity sparked something between them. They’d looked on their friendship as an escape from their real lives. Liam from being feared when people recognised the Donnelly name and Sorcha from the stress of running the family pub and raising her siblings. But once Aidan claimed her, he was all in and was quick to tie her to him. I loved how he easily accepted her siblings as his responsibility and helped her achieve her dreams. As with the previous Dublin Kings books there was some action which caused some angsty moments between the hero and heroine as Sorcha saw firsthand the family, she had married into and exposed her siblings to but I’m thinking it sets the scene for the next book and Finn’s story.
I have loved every single one of the Dublin Kings Series, but Aidan may be my new favorite of the men of these stories. I love that L.K. Shaw gives us stories with strong, protective men and women who are stubborn and independent. That being said…Sorcha made me want to wring her neck a few times. I feel like she wasn’t very fair to Aidan sometimes, especially with how much he was willing to open up to her physically and emotionally. But as far as I’m concerned that just means that L.K. Shaw wrote her character superbly. And Aidan was just a fantastic leading male. He’s scared of love, to the point that he’s determined to not fall in love with his best friend. But circumstances have things spinning out of control fast. To protect Sorcha and her siblings, he offers to marry her. The close proximity and their upcoming nuptials force them both to acknowledge that there’s something more between them. While Sorcha is happy to explore it, Aidan is much more cautious. But once he faces the fears of his past and is willing to move past them, this man is all in. He’s the perfect mix of protective and possessive with a sweet disposition. And I love getting more in depth glimpses into their family. The ending in this one definitely leaves you wanting Finn’s book asap! This series is absolutely fantastic and is a must read for those who are fans of mafia books!
This was my first LK Shaw book, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Aidan is the third book in the Dublin Kings series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Sorcha, at just 28, has to leave her career as an artist behind to go home and raise her three younger siblings after the death of her mother. She also has to run the pub that her father had established. It’s not easy raising three kids, but when her father dies, she has to do it all alone. And then she discovers that she owes money to Liam Campbell.
Aidan is Sorcha’s best friend of five years. But he’s been keeping a huge secret from her. When Sorcha calls him for help because of the Cambell mafia, his secrets are revealed. To save her, he offers to marry her.
I loved seeing Aidan and Sorcha’s friendship slowly turn into something more. It was only a marriage of convenience, but it was clear they both had feelings for each other. Aidan didn’t even hesitate when it came to taking in her three siblings. And I loved the way he felt about them.
Sorcha was so strong to just turn her life upside down so many times. She didn’t have it easy, and even though her heart was involved, her first priority was being a “mother” and keeping her children safe.
This book was packed with action, suspense, spice, and emotion. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what’s next.
Third in series of standalone but interconnected mafia romances This is a marriage of convenience but Aidan and Sorcha have been friends for five years. She has had feelings for Aidan during this time, but his feelings have been strictly as a friend. An event precipitates that a marriage between the two will eliminate a major problem. But now, 30yo Aidan must tell Sorcha who he really is. Oops! How does she accept his being part of the wealthy Donnelly mafia family instead of an underpaid security guard? This was a really fast-paced and entertaining story. Sorcha at 28yo has become the “mother” to her younger siblings while running the pub that her Da had established in their small fishing village of Burtonport. Unfortunately, her father was also in debt to the newly formed Campbell mafia family who are in direct competition to the Donnellys. So much happens, so many former book characters make a reappearance…I loved it. If you like mafia romance when the man suddenly realizes that he loves the woman he felt compelled to marry, you must read this one. Love the cover except Aidan has auburn hair. The rest is a pretty good depiction of the narrative. Ms. Shaw has done it again! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
This is book 3 in the Dublin King's series. I love the Donnelly family. They may be ruthless but their love for each other is pure and warm. Aidan and Sorcha are best friends. They have been for 5 years. Each time Aidan has been her rock. Despite having feelings, Sorcha valued her friendship more. Poor Sorcha has had a rough few years. Her dream has taken a backseat as she has become a mother to her 3 younger siblings. The kids were absolutely adorable and so real. Then Sorcha finds herself in a mess with Liam's collectors. Only one that can save her is her best friend, only he isn't who she believed him to be. This was less action and spicy compared to the other 2 but it still was a great read. It paid more attention to their relationship and how they progress and accept their true feelings. I loved how Aidan and his family adopted the kids as their own straight away. It was Slow burn, it takes a while before these two give in. By the time Liam realises he is in love, it may be to late. Can he keep them safe from this life? As always it's great to see characters from the other books. I am now excited for Finn's story.
Favourite Quote:
"I would follow you to the ends of the earth and beyond. That’s how much I love you.”
Aidan, the male lead, is visiting his friend, Sorcha, the female lead, to escape from the realities of his life because Sorcha doesn’t know who he is and neither does anyone else in that place. Sorcha is struggling to deal with the crippling debt her dead father left his business with, whilst caring for her three much younger siblings. When enforcers come to demand payment for an additional debt she didn’t even know her father had, she calls Aidan in desperation. When Aidan follows up the source of the debt, the only effective way to protect Sorcha and her family is to marry her. But they need to negotiate their relationship, and Aidan’s family has serious dangerous enemies…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fun, marriage of convenience, contemporary Irish mafia romance. I enjoyed the way Aidan and Sorcha had to work to negotiate their relationship, and the fact that they both had to modify their expectations. I enjoyed their intimate moments. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters, especially Sorcha’s siblings, and their genuine impact on the plot.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review- This was such a great read from start to finish. I read it in a few hours and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish. L.K. Shaw is a new to me author and this is the 3rd book in the Dublin Kings series. I have not read the first 2 books, but I think it is safe to say you could possibly read this as a standalone but please do not take my word for it. I still enjoyed the story very much and didn't feel like I was lost at all so I will for sure have to go back and read the other 2 books as well.
I really loved Aidan. He was such an amazing guy to Sorcha. Not only have they been the best of friends for the last five years, but he was fiercely protective of her and her siblings. He was there for her through the passing of her parents, Uni, and as she took over the family business while raising her twin brothers and little sister. All the while keeping a few secrets from her. Will she forgive him? Will she let him save her from the trouble that comes knocking down her door? You will have to read this book to find out.
Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC for this amazing book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the third book in the Dublin Kings Series. It is the story of Aidan and Sorcha. Sorcha at the age of twenty eight has a huge responsibility on her shoulders. She is raising her orphaned sibling and trying her very best to run her family's pub all by herself. She sure never expected some very dangerous me to come into the pub to collect her Dads debt. A debt so large that she can't afford to pay it. Sorcha however does have a very close friend that she knows she can go to with this problem, Aidan. However, she wasn't fully aware of who he really is and is shocked to find out he is a member of the Donnelly family. He's been keeping secrets and belongs to one of the biggest crime organizations in Dublin. He loved how he could just be a normal person around her but that's all changing. However he does have the means to keep her and her siblings safe, but marriage is his solution and the only way he says he can keep her safe. Will she or won't she? I can't tell you but I can say that I loved this story. I loved the characters so much and I had the best time reading their story.
Give me friends-to-lovers, single guardian, marriage of convenience, mafia romance, and I'm a happy reader. Add a new-to-me author who makes me fall in love with her writing, and I'm a goner. Let me go on record: I'm declaring myself a fan of LK Shaw.
At 28, Sorcha is the sole guardian of her three younger siblings. She also runs her family's pub, passed down after her father died. Fiercely protective of her family, she makes the best with the hand she has been dealt. She also unknowingly inherits his father's debt, which she can't pay. Now, she owes it and is owned by the mafia.
Out of options, Sorcha turns to her best friend, Aidan. His solution? Get married. Why? Well... Aidan has been keeping a secret. He is a Donnelly, one of Dublin's most powerful mafia families, and a direct rival of the people who own Sorcha's debt.
Sorcha and Aidan have such a powerful connection. And the chemistry? Hot, hot, hot. She is fierce, he is protective and possessive. Their journey is complicated and slow but so, so satisfying. Guess who will now have to pick up the rest of the series? Yeah, it's that good!
Great story! Devoured it in one sitting. Full of danger, passion, suspense, secrets, lies, family, emotional turmoil, mafia ties, and more. When Sorcha reluctantly agrees to marriage to save herself and her siblings from dangerous debt collectors for the mafia, she does not understand what all that would entail or the extent of danger and more the Donnelly name would bring to her and her kin. When a life-altering scenario unfolds, will it pull her and Aidan closer or push them apart for good?
Though there was a bit of mafia drama included in this story, it was more mafia-light than the other books in the series. This story focuses more on the development of Aidan’s and Sorcha’s friends to marriage situation and her and her siblings’ acceptance of their new lives with Aidan and his family. I love the Donnelly clan and all the excitement that surrounds them. I’m looking forward to reading Finn’s book next.
Many thanks to LK Shaw for the ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
Sorcha finds herself the mother to her three younger siblings and apparently the owner of some of Da's debt including their mortgaged house and his loan shark debt. She tries to keep up with the debts until she finds that she is being threatened by the "new owner" of the debt. Aidan and Sorcha have been best friends for over 5 years but then she finds out that the Aidan "she knows" is a lie. Once Aidan learns of the danger that Sorcha is in, he talks her into becoming his fiancée, especially since he knows who the new owner of the debt is. He soon realizes that his "solution" to taking care of her debt opens up a whole new set of issues including having to explain the reason why he lied to her about his true identity. Sometimes "destiny" just knows when two people belong together but their journey to get their HEA isn't smooth sailing. Great book and I'm sorry to find that this is the last in the Dublin Kings series, so I hope LK Shaw has some spinoff stories planned.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
How is it possible that this series just keeps getting better and better ? Well that’s simple because it’s written by L.K Shaw and she never disappoints. Aidan is such a emotional rollercoaster that’s going to grab onto all your emotions so fast and just suck you right in from start to finish. And all the emotions your going to feel trust me there are going to be so many you won’t know what way is up and which is down. Speechless , on the edge of my seat yelling outta pure frustration, heart broken one minute and smiling and rooting the next . I was just all over the place . I’m such a sucker for dark mafia and friends to lovers romances as well as fake marriages . Aidan is one of the best I’ve read this year . Action packed, angsty , heartbreaking and heartfelt, filled with twists and turns, off the charts chemistry, passion , love , tragedy, lies , secrets , family , friendships, drama , phenomenal world building and so much more . Aidan and Sorcha just might be two of my favorite characters so far
“Aidan” is a best friends to lovers/marriage of convenience/mafia romance, and it’s the third book in L.K. Shaw’s Dublin Kings series. I thought Aidan and Sorcha’s love story was both heartfelt and well written, and I truly believe that the reason their relationship had so much depth was because it was built on a strong friendship. Even though Aidan planned to never marry, the fact that he was willing to do so at the drop of a hat in order to keep Sorcha and her younger siblings safe speaks volumes about how much he cares about her. As for Sorcha, I thought she was super sweet, and I loved how devoted she was to the well-being of her siblings. Even though Sorcha is technically their sister, she’d become more of a mother figure after the deaths of their parents, and it shows in the interactions she has with them. Aidan and Sorcha were both wonderful main characters, and I loved them both for different reasons. This was definitely a 5 star read for me, and I’m excited to see what happens next in this series!
Sorcha finds herself running her family's pub when her father dies and she is left to look after her younger siblings and the pub. Aidan has been her friend for the last five years after saving her from her ex one night and they have been friends ever since. Aiden offers her help since she is struggling with money. She turns him down. Until one night some bad men come and rough her up wanting to collect on her father's debt which she knows nothing about. She has no choice but to ring Aidan for help. He helps her out and tells her marriage is the only way out of the deal he made to pay off her debt. Will they get their happy ever after or will Aidan's mafia roots tear them apart forever? I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NNBB. Although this is Book Three in the Dublin King's Series it is able to be read as a stand-alone. If you love a mafia romance with some angst, you will enjoy this read. There may be some triggers for some people in this book so heed the author's warnings.
Sorcha O’Connell is 28 years old. Her father dies so she is now raising her three younger siblings and running her family’s pub. Her siblings are 12 year old twins, Kellan and Carson and 6 year old Aisling. When some bad men come to collect a debt her father owed them, Sorcha turns to her best friend, Aidan.
It turns out her dad borrowed money from Donal Sheehan. His stepson, Liam Campbell, took over so he now owns the debt. Aidan makes a deal with Liam to clear the debt by saying Sorcha is his fiancé.
Aidan has to confess to Sorcha that his last name is really Donnelly. He tells her about the deal he made with Liam. He moves them all to Dublin to the family estate.
Could they end up as more than just best friends? Will they really get married?
It was a cute story about how true friendship can survive and possibly turn into something even better. I can’t wait to read Finn’s story.