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Torrio Empire #4
Dark Knight
Shattered. Broken beyond repair.
I’m the shell of the woman I used to be.
The deeper I fall from reality, the worse things get.
Only there’s one person who refuses to let me derail.
Romero Pierce.
Calloused. Sinister. Lethal.
He’s my father's second in command, and so goddamn handsome it’s disgusting.
Assigned the duty of being my babysitter, aka personal bodyguard, he thinks he can protect me, but I don’t want his protection.
What I want is security, safety, freedom. Everything changes when I choose to leave and find myself in the very town where my father grew up. Trying to heal is hard enough but it's nearly impossible with icy Romero watching my every move. Overtime he starts to make me feel things I thought I'd never feel again, reminding me I'm not broken, but in my journey to heal I also realize I'm helping him heal as well. It doesn't take long to discover Romero has deep, ugly secrets he's trying to keep, but nothing can remain a secret forever. When the truth's revealed will the man I consider my enemy become the only man who can save me? This is a dark bodyguard romance with enemies to lovers' vibes. It's a standalone and contains triggering content that might be difficult to read.
I’m the shell of the woman I used to be.
The deeper I fall from reality, the worse things get.
Only there’s one person who refuses to let me derail.
Romero Pierce.
Calloused. Sinister. Lethal.
He’s my father's second in command, and so goddamn handsome it’s disgusting.
Assigned the duty of being my babysitter, aka personal bodyguard, he thinks he can protect me, but I don’t want his protection.
What I want is security, safety, freedom. Everything changes when I choose to leave and find myself in the very town where my father grew up. Trying to heal is hard enough but it's nearly impossible with icy Romero watching my every move. Overtime he starts to make me feel things I thought I'd never feel again, reminding me I'm not broken, but in my journey to heal I also realize I'm helping him heal as well. It doesn't take long to discover Romero has deep, ugly secrets he's trying to keep, but nothing can remain a secret forever. When the truth's revealed will the man I consider my enemy become the only man who can save me? This is a dark bodyguard romance with enemies to lovers' vibes. It's a standalone and contains triggering content that might be difficult to read.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
401 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
236 books7,137 followersJ.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
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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October 2, 2023
"He was a dark knight if I ever saw one in real life."
Tatum Torrio has always been protected.
She has always been sheltered. Decision made for her. Choices non existent.
And then she was broken. She will never be the same again.
She just wants to break down. She just wants everything to stop.
But he won't let her.
Romero Pierce. Her bodyguard.
Will the one man that she hates more than anything be the one man that can save her?
"Maybe the solution to all my problems lies in the one man I consider to be an enemy, the one man who maybe isn't my enemy at all."
Romero Pierce is the second-in-command to Callum Torrio. Head of the Torrio empire.
He is also the bodyguard of Tatum Torrio.
His own personal hell.
No matter what, they always fight. They never agree.
Even when Tatum's life and sanity depend on it.
He will do everything he can to make sure she doesn't fall any deeper.
But what will it cost him?
"Tatum is a temptation I cannot afford to fuck up"
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tatum Torrio is broken. She is the shell of the girl she used to be. But now she is in danger.
And Romero Pierce will do everything he can to save her. From the threat but also from herself.
But what will that cost both of them? Especially when they can't stand each other?
"What can I say, pissing Tatum off is my favorite pastime."
"Do you go out of your way to be a grumpy asshole, or does it come naturally?"
I waited for Romero and Tatum's book for so long and all I can say is that it was worth it!
I mean the setting, the circumstances, the banter!!
The banter was actually top tier.
So many good quips. So many good insults. Literally if I could I would attach a picture of me gobbling it up no joke.
"Lord, please give me the strength I need not to murder her."
And as is becoming a habit at this point, here is the playlist:
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wa...
🎚️"Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎚️"Numb Little Bug" - Em Beihold
🎚️"Princesses Don't Cry" - CARYS
🎚️"Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎚️"Attention" - Charlie Puth
🎚️"Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎚️"Not All Men" - Morgan St. Jean
🎚️"She's All I Wanna Be" - Tate McRae
🎚️"Harder to Breathe" - Letdown
🎚️"Looking At Me" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎚️"Life is a Highway" - Rascal Flatts
🎚️"Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎚️"Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎚️"Escapism" - RAYE, 070 Shake
🎚️"Hot N' Cold" - Katy Perry
🎚️"Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎚️"Ghost of You" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎚️"Stupid Cupid" - Jenna Raine
And because I care about people, I will include this also:
"Damn it, she wouldn't be such a smart ass with my cock shoved down her throat, would she?"
"Come for me. Come on my cock like a good girl." (always good to stick with a classic isn't it? 😏😏)
♣️ Tropes ♣️
🏠 Bodyguard Romance
🏠 Mafia Romance
🏠 Enemies-to-Lovers vibes
🏠 Forbidden Romance
🏠 Forced Proximity
🏠 Sassy FMC
🏠 Banter!!
Tatum Torrio has always been protected.
She has always been sheltered. Decision made for her. Choices non existent.
And then she was broken. She will never be the same again.
She just wants to break down. She just wants everything to stop.
But he won't let her.
Romero Pierce. Her bodyguard.
Will the one man that she hates more than anything be the one man that can save her?
"Maybe the solution to all my problems lies in the one man I consider to be an enemy, the one man who maybe isn't my enemy at all."
Romero Pierce is the second-in-command to Callum Torrio. Head of the Torrio empire.
He is also the bodyguard of Tatum Torrio.
His own personal hell.
No matter what, they always fight. They never agree.
Even when Tatum's life and sanity depend on it.
He will do everything he can to make sure she doesn't fall any deeper.
But what will it cost him?
"Tatum is a temptation I cannot afford to fuck up"
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tatum Torrio is broken. She is the shell of the girl she used to be. But now she is in danger.
And Romero Pierce will do everything he can to save her. From the threat but also from herself.
But what will that cost both of them? Especially when they can't stand each other?
"What can I say, pissing Tatum off is my favorite pastime."
"Do you go out of your way to be a grumpy asshole, or does it come naturally?"
I waited for Romero and Tatum's book for so long and all I can say is that it was worth it!
I mean the setting, the circumstances, the banter!!
The banter was actually top tier.
So many good quips. So many good insults. Literally if I could I would attach a picture of me gobbling it up no joke.
"Lord, please give me the strength I need not to murder her."
And as is becoming a habit at this point, here is the playlist:
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wa...
🎚️"Lonely" - Noah Cyrus
🎚️"Numb Little Bug" - Em Beihold
🎚️"Princesses Don't Cry" - CARYS
🎚️"Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎚️"Attention" - Charlie Puth
🎚️"Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎚️"Not All Men" - Morgan St. Jean
🎚️"She's All I Wanna Be" - Tate McRae
🎚️"Harder to Breathe" - Letdown
🎚️"Looking At Me" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎚️"Life is a Highway" - Rascal Flatts
🎚️"Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎚️"Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎚️"Escapism" - RAYE, 070 Shake
🎚️"Hot N' Cold" - Katy Perry
🎚️"Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎚️"Ghost of You" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎚️"Stupid Cupid" - Jenna Raine
And because I care about people, I will include this also:
"Damn it, she wouldn't be such a smart ass with my cock shoved down her throat, would she?"
"Come for me. Come on my cock like a good girl." (always good to stick with a classic isn't it? 😏😏)
♣️ Tropes ♣️
🏠 Bodyguard Romance
🏠 Mafia Romance
🏠 Enemies-to-Lovers vibes
🏠 Forbidden Romance
🏠 Forced Proximity
🏠 Sassy FMC
🏠 Banter!!
Read
September 16, 2023Wanna know what really pisses me off in stories? Asshole parents who never make amends and are hypocrites.
Tatum honestly had it rough. I really sympathized with her and felt like she was never a priority to anyone. Someone or something always came before her. With her dad, it was work then Romero, then Bianca, now the baby. I really don't like her dad. I was hoping he was going to make amends after Romero called him out on his shit behavior towards Tatum but alas here we are no apology, no heartfelt discussion unless you count him apologizing for letting Romero down ( que my WTF face). So ya, Callum 🖕With Romero, her dad, and then his job came first, and her mom just never gave a shit.
I will say I am happy that Tatum got her HEA and some freedom because damn she deserved both. I didn't really like the epilouge because I felt it was more focused on Bianca and Callum, and like I said before, I don't like him and can't Tatum have the spot light just one time.
So I'm gonna have to come back and rate after I stew a little because I'm very annoyed. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Tatum honestly had it rough. I really sympathized with her and felt like she was never a priority to anyone. Someone or something always came before her. With her dad, it was work then Romero, then Bianca, now the baby. I really don't like her dad. I was hoping he was going to make amends after Romero called him out on his shit behavior towards Tatum but alas here we are no apology, no heartfelt discussion unless you count him apologizing for letting Romero down ( que my WTF face). So ya, Callum 🖕With Romero, her dad, and then his job came first, and her mom just never gave a shit.
I will say I am happy that Tatum got her HEA and some freedom because damn she deserved both. I didn't really like the epilouge because I felt it was more focused on Bianca and Callum, and like I said before, I don't like him and can't Tatum have the spot light just one time.
So I'm gonna have to come back and rate after I stew a little because I'm very annoyed. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
November 20, 2023
Genre / Tropes: Enemies to Lovers / Mafia Romance / Wounded Hero/Heroine / Forced Proximity / Dark Romance / Forbidden Romance / Touch Her & Die Vibes
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
September 29, 2023
This is the 4th book in a series. I haven't read the previous ones, but this book was easy to read as a standalone. I do not feel like I missed any important information. The plot was easy to understand.
This is the story of Tatum and Romero. It was a page-turner read, frustrating at times. It made me feel, and it made my heart break a few times for both of the main characters, but mostly her. Her growth was incredible, and her journey brought me to tears, seriously. She deserves this well fought happy ending. She just wanted to be loved. She was strong in the end and definitely the good type of a brat. I actually related a few times with how she reacted.
I had a few problems with the MMC. I hate it when the MMC thinks he knows best, and also needs several people telling him almost the same thing in order for him to open his eyes and admit his feelings and that he is good enough for her, for them.
I do believe in these characters' happy ending. I wish there was maybe a second extended epilogue with 100% focus on them. I wanted to see an extra glimpse of them as a couple.
I might go back and read the other books in the series, except maybe her father's book. He was something else. That man was infuriating. He doesn't know how to apologize and admit he was wrong. I wanted to throw my phone away a few times (luckily, I didn't, haha).
I highlighted so many parts of this book, mostly her thoughts. I really enjoyed this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of Tatum and Romero. It was a page-turner read, frustrating at times. It made me feel, and it made my heart break a few times for both of the main characters, but mostly her. Her growth was incredible, and her journey brought me to tears, seriously. She deserves this well fought happy ending. She just wanted to be loved. She was strong in the end and definitely the good type of a brat. I actually related a few times with how she reacted.
I had a few problems with the MMC. I hate it when the MMC thinks he knows best, and also needs several people telling him almost the same thing in order for him to open his eyes and admit his feelings and that he is good enough for her, for them.
I do believe in these characters' happy ending. I wish there was maybe a second extended epilogue with 100% focus on them. I wanted to see an extra glimpse of them as a couple.
I might go back and read the other books in the series, except maybe her father's book. He was something else. That man was infuriating. He doesn't know how to apologize and admit he was wrong. I wanted to throw my phone away a few times (luckily, I didn't, haha).
I highlighted so many parts of this book, mostly her thoughts. I really enjoyed this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2023
It didn't really work for me. If I could I would have given it no stars.The first thing was how her dad didn't really listen to his daughter. Then to make it worse how he knocked up his daughter's best friend and then married her (not what best friends do ). She should have been more mad at that in my eyes. then how her mom treated her like she wasn't good enough. Last the way her father treated his daughter because of who she liked. It was just a big hypocritical part. Not really worth the read but everyone has there own views. It was a waste of a read. I like age gap books but when it comes down to who you choose to date and have kids with. Really rethink that whole scenario.
October 1, 2023
I had very high hopes for this one. I’m not saying it was bad, because it wasn’t but it wasn’t quiet the same as the other 3 books of this series. I kept holding my breathe waiting for someone to get kidnapped but it never came. (Maybe this is a me problem 😅). Tatum and Romero’s love story was definitely a slow burn, between body guard and assignment romance.
Tatum and Romero were both struggling mentally to overcome past traumas. Their character growth were phenomenal and I’m glad they got their HEA together.
I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Tatum and Romero were both struggling mentally to overcome past traumas. Their character growth were phenomenal and I’m glad they got their HEA together.
I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2024
DNF. Theres something about a girl BEGGING for the dude’s attention and she keeps on even though he keeps telling her no …. That immediately gives it zero stars for me.
September 26, 2023
This is the book I have been eagerly anticipating in this series…and my god it did not disappoint one little bit.
This is a dark enemies to lovers, slow burn body guard romance. Romero became a fixture in the Torrio Household as a teenager and Tatum has harboured some resentment as well as lust all these years.
Tatum is an absolute firecracker and I have loved her character since the first book, Romero is more stoic and will do anything to not disappoint Callum…..makes for a interesting dynamic 😜
This is a dark enemies to lovers, slow burn body guard romance. Romero became a fixture in the Torrio Household as a teenager and Tatum has harboured some resentment as well as lust all these years.
Tatum is an absolute firecracker and I have loved her character since the first book, Romero is more stoic and will do anything to not disappoint Callum…..makes for a interesting dynamic 😜
December 4, 2023
Tatum had such a tough past especially after reading the first 3 books that I was rooting for her happy ending. This story was angsty and passionate and got really steamy towards the end.
I loved how Romero learned to discover himself after his sad upbringing and his past and how Tatum stood up for him especially when he felt all alone. His moment of vulnerability when he gets drunk and tells Tatum he didn’t mean to steal her dad broke my heart for him.
I loved how Romero learned to discover himself after his sad upbringing and his past and how Tatum stood up for him especially when he felt all alone. His moment of vulnerability when he gets drunk and tells Tatum he didn’t mean to steal her dad broke my heart for him.
June 3, 2024
Dnf @ 20%
i really dislike both MCs
i really dislike both MCs
September 16, 2023
After reading Callum and Bianca’s story I couldn’t wait for Tatum’s. After everything she endured in the previous books, she was left broken and just a shell of herself. I really felt for her, she truly felt like she didn’t belong anywhere. It was like she was constantly battling for her dad’s attention and then when Romero entered the picture she really felt like she competing for her dads attention. Throughout this book everyone only seemed to care about what they wanted, no one ever asked Tatum what she wanted. I hated that for her. She watched her dad being happy with her best friend, who was also pregnant to her dad, and no matter how hard she tried to get Romero to open up he didn’t, it all made me feel so bad for her because she was breaking inside.
Romero and Tatum’s story wasn’t easy to read. I wanted smack him, punch him and shake sense into him. They both had amazing chemistry and had such a good connection, but I hated how he was constantly keeping her at arms length and the hot/cold attitude he had. Then when things were starting to go good for them, he just flipped the switch again and reverted back to his cold self and pushing her away. And Callum was no better. He really got me mad when he found out about them and flipped out. I was really hoping Tatum would have at least reminded him that he was married to her best friend and that he had no right to be mad at her and Romero. It was so hypocritical of him.
I loved Tatum so much. She really grew and became so much stronger by the end. She was such an amazing heroine!
Romero and Tatum’s story wasn’t easy to read. I wanted smack him, punch him and shake sense into him. They both had amazing chemistry and had such a good connection, but I hated how he was constantly keeping her at arms length and the hot/cold attitude he had. Then when things were starting to go good for them, he just flipped the switch again and reverted back to his cold self and pushing her away. And Callum was no better. He really got me mad when he found out about them and flipped out. I was really hoping Tatum would have at least reminded him that he was married to her best friend and that he had no right to be mad at her and Romero. It was so hypocritical of him.
I loved Tatum so much. She really grew and became so much stronger by the end. She was such an amazing heroine!
October 4, 2023
✨ Dark Knight by J.L. Beck✨
I was so excited when JL Beck announced that Tatum and Romero were going to have their own story. Through the whole series she gave us little crumbs of what was coming. The tension between them two was palpable.
Tatum had gone through so much. From not having the love and affection from her mother, to then having to come to terms that her best friend was now her dads wife. To then coming out of a terrible relationship that left her emotionally broken she was just a shell of who she was.
When trouble came knocking on their door and Romero was assigned to take her away for some time to keep her safe. He knew it was going to be very hard to keep his distance from her and not giveaway all the feelings he had tried hiding.
Romero was fighting old demons and his view in life changed when he was giving a second chance as a kid. He was determined to not open his heart to love and feelings but this two were determined to battle it out to break each other walls.
If you love
💫 Best friend's daughter
💫 Bodyguard romance
💫 Past life secrets
💫 Closed Proximity
Type: Dark Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stand Alone or Series: Series Torrio Empire
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Bodyguard, Enemies to lovers
TWs: GRape, Loss of pregnancy, Domestic Violence, Self-harm, Anxiety and more ..
💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
TikTok l Instagram l Goodreads l Amazon l Audiable Reviews
I was so excited when JL Beck announced that Tatum and Romero were going to have their own story. Through the whole series she gave us little crumbs of what was coming. The tension between them two was palpable.
Tatum had gone through so much. From not having the love and affection from her mother, to then having to come to terms that her best friend was now her dads wife. To then coming out of a terrible relationship that left her emotionally broken she was just a shell of who she was.
When trouble came knocking on their door and Romero was assigned to take her away for some time to keep her safe. He knew it was going to be very hard to keep his distance from her and not giveaway all the feelings he had tried hiding.
Romero was fighting old demons and his view in life changed when he was giving a second chance as a kid. He was determined to not open his heart to love and feelings but this two were determined to battle it out to break each other walls.
If you love
💫 Best friend's daughter
💫 Bodyguard romance
💫 Past life secrets
💫 Closed Proximity
Type: Dark Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stand Alone or Series: Series Torrio Empire
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Bodyguard, Enemies to lovers
TWs: GRape, Loss of pregnancy, Domestic Violence, Self-harm, Anxiety and more ..
💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
TikTok l Instagram l Goodreads l Amazon l Audiable Reviews
September 27, 2023
🖤Dark Knight- J.L. Beck🖤
ARC Review
⭐️: 5/5
🗓️Pub Date: 10/1/23
Tropes:
🖤Bodyguard romance
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Forbidden
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Banter
I have been DYING for Tatum and Romero’s, I can’t even express how desperate I’ve been. I loved Callum and Bianca’s story but something about Tatum and her story and experiences literally shatters my heart. I think a lot of people might feel like she’s a spoiled princess who loves to complain. I personally do NOT feel this way about her and honestly, throughout this entire book, I just wanted to hug her and tell her that she’s loved. Because she’s not wrong; no one ever put her first. No one ever CHOSE her. Sorry, I just had to say that because there were times where I wanted to punch Romero for some of the stuff he said to her. Romero was complex too, so I obviously felt certain ways about him too, but I’ve gotta stan my girl Tatum.
ANYWAY. The actual story was great. The tension and longing between Tatum and Romero goes so deep, it’s an actual relief when they finally figure things out. This is honestly one of the truest enemies to lovers romances I’ve read in a long time. My chest hurt while reading this. My eyes watered at least 10 times. The spice was spicing and the mafia men were doing what they do. Check your TWs, always. Overall, this was definitely the story we needed. I love Tatum and Romero.
Thank you to @authorjlbeck and @literallyyourspr for the ARC opportunity! If you guys read the Torrio Empire series, you HAVE to pick this one up. You need it! ✨🖤
ARC Review
⭐️: 5/5
🗓️Pub Date: 10/1/23
Tropes:
🖤Bodyguard romance
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Forbidden
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Banter
I have been DYING for Tatum and Romero’s, I can’t even express how desperate I’ve been. I loved Callum and Bianca’s story but something about Tatum and her story and experiences literally shatters my heart. I think a lot of people might feel like she’s a spoiled princess who loves to complain. I personally do NOT feel this way about her and honestly, throughout this entire book, I just wanted to hug her and tell her that she’s loved. Because she’s not wrong; no one ever put her first. No one ever CHOSE her. Sorry, I just had to say that because there were times where I wanted to punch Romero for some of the stuff he said to her. Romero was complex too, so I obviously felt certain ways about him too, but I’ve gotta stan my girl Tatum.
ANYWAY. The actual story was great. The tension and longing between Tatum and Romero goes so deep, it’s an actual relief when they finally figure things out. This is honestly one of the truest enemies to lovers romances I’ve read in a long time. My chest hurt while reading this. My eyes watered at least 10 times. The spice was spicing and the mafia men were doing what they do. Check your TWs, always. Overall, this was definitely the story we needed. I love Tatum and Romero.
Thank you to @authorjlbeck and @literallyyourspr for the ARC opportunity! If you guys read the Torrio Empire series, you HAVE to pick this one up. You need it! ✨🖤
October 12, 2023
Tatum and Romero's story is book four in the Torrio Empire series and their dark and twisted story is a great addition to the series. Their story is an enemies to lovers romance between two characters who have a love/hate relationship with crazy fun banter, intense chemistry, and angst, a page turning story that held my attention from the first page to the last, and a great ending. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 2, 2023
Dark Knight is the fourth book in the Torrio Empire series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Tatum Torrio was pretty sheltered her whole life. Her father controlled her every move. But when she decides to leave her home and go somewhere else, her father makes sure she has a bodyguard to watch over her. The bodyguard? Romero Pierce. Her father’s second in command, and the guy who her father brought into their household when she was just a teenager.
Tatum and Romero both had a lot of past scars and trauma that they had to work through. They did both heal from them, but Tatum had the most change. She was fierce and strong, despite having been protected her entire life. I will say though, I didn’t like how she kept throwing herself at Romero. Yes, they had chemistry, but he constantly pushed her away and denied her. Yet, she still kept trying to get him to give in.
Then there was Tatum’s father. I hated him. He really put Tatum last, if even that. Sure, he had a watchful eye on her at all times to ensure her safety, but other than that, he didn’t seem to care about her at all. He was just the worst “parent” ever, and he did not redeem himself.
This book had a lot of tension, and angst. I loved seeing the growth and healing between both Tatum and Romero. This was my first JL Beck book, and I enjoyed it.
Tatum Torrio was pretty sheltered her whole life. Her father controlled her every move. But when she decides to leave her home and go somewhere else, her father makes sure she has a bodyguard to watch over her. The bodyguard? Romero Pierce. Her father’s second in command, and the guy who her father brought into their household when she was just a teenager.
Tatum and Romero both had a lot of past scars and trauma that they had to work through. They did both heal from them, but Tatum had the most change. She was fierce and strong, despite having been protected her entire life. I will say though, I didn’t like how she kept throwing herself at Romero. Yes, they had chemistry, but he constantly pushed her away and denied her. Yet, she still kept trying to get him to give in.
Then there was Tatum’s father. I hated him. He really put Tatum last, if even that. Sure, he had a watchful eye on her at all times to ensure her safety, but other than that, he didn’t seem to care about her at all. He was just the worst “parent” ever, and he did not redeem himself.
This book had a lot of tension, and angst. I loved seeing the growth and healing between both Tatum and Romero. This was my first JL Beck book, and I enjoyed it.
September 23, 2025
DNF.
I'm sure this is a great book for high schoolers... but the maturity levels and pouting just isn't for me.
I'm sure this is a great book for high schoolers... but the maturity levels and pouting just isn't for me.
August 30, 2024
3.5
Probably her best book tbh.
Probably her best book tbh.
October 3, 2023
Love this series
Love the Torrios
Romero and Tatums intense emotional broken dark twisted forbidden insta love story
All the feels
Need more
Love the Torrios
Romero and Tatums intense emotional broken dark twisted forbidden insta love story
All the feels
Need more
August 8, 2024
I believe somewhere around page 360 Tatum says herself that she’s sick of hearing the same bullshit over and over again. Which pretty succinctly explains how I felt the entire time I was reading this damn book.
Tatum and what’s his name argue back and forth with each other constantly and that’s the whole book basically. They both sound like they are sophomores in high school rather than young adults. Half the time the things they say are completely nonsensical and I’m left wondering if the author has ever heard a real disagreement take place between two people that aren’t in the 7th grade.
Besides the fact that it was repetitive and pretty slow most of the book there was some glaring issues that just genuinely pissed me off. You’re telling me her dad is married to and has knocked up her best friend who is her age, who used to come to her house when they were in middle school and swim in the pool together and that behavior is just normal and acceptable, but Tatum cant have this relationship with her bodyguard who she’s known her whole life and is actually around her age? Seriously? The lecherous old man can screw the 23 year old best friend of his daughter but his daughter can’t have a relationship with another adult? The hypocrisy had me in a blind rage.
Tatum also kept talking about how much her dad really loved her but also that she knew he might threaten to lock her in a wing of their house under 24 hr surveillance and never let her leave. Ummmm, ex-squeeze me? Is the love in the room with us right now?
Anyways, this one’s gonna be a no from me, dawg. I only finished it because I can’t stand to dnf things but I don’t recommend it unless you like reading the same fight over and over again between two people you actually hate.
Tatum and what’s his name argue back and forth with each other constantly and that’s the whole book basically. They both sound like they are sophomores in high school rather than young adults. Half the time the things they say are completely nonsensical and I’m left wondering if the author has ever heard a real disagreement take place between two people that aren’t in the 7th grade.
Besides the fact that it was repetitive and pretty slow most of the book there was some glaring issues that just genuinely pissed me off. You’re telling me her dad is married to and has knocked up her best friend who is her age, who used to come to her house when they were in middle school and swim in the pool together and that behavior is just normal and acceptable, but Tatum cant have this relationship with her bodyguard who she’s known her whole life and is actually around her age? Seriously? The lecherous old man can screw the 23 year old best friend of his daughter but his daughter can’t have a relationship with another adult? The hypocrisy had me in a blind rage.
Tatum also kept talking about how much her dad really loved her but also that she knew he might threaten to lock her in a wing of their house under 24 hr surveillance and never let her leave. Ummmm, ex-squeeze me? Is the love in the room with us right now?
Anyways, this one’s gonna be a no from me, dawg. I only finished it because I can’t stand to dnf things but I don’t recommend it unless you like reading the same fight over and over again between two people you actually hate.
October 2, 2023
main characters left…everything to be desired
Spoilers!
I enjoyed the other books in this series and was so excited for Tatum’s story! But man oh man was I disappointed with the character development and romance here. Our FMC goes in one second from hating to being in love with the MMC, chases him around constantly after he rejects and hurts her time and time again, and never pulls him up on his shit (aside from a few snide remarks). But the worst is that she constantly bemoans not being allowed to make her own decisions in life and then…promptly does absolutely naught to change that or make her own decisions.
The MMC is no better-he’s closed off, his inner monologue sounds like he hates the FMC 99% of the time (and not in a hot way), and he goes through a cycle of lusting, busting, and then rejecting the FMC that becomes so obnoxiously repetitive I almost DNF’d this. The entire plot line is that…he thinks he’s not good enough/wants to keep working for her dad, but he wants to do the nasty with her, then he “has” to hurt her to push her away (even though he’s claiming to be trying to help her heal from her abusive controlling ex—umm sure bud) and REPEAT ad nauseam.
All in all, found the FMC to be embarrassingly spineless about taking control in her life from daddy dearest and captain controls-a-lot (aka our MMC)despite lots of whinging about it, was annoyed by MMC and his general lack of personality outside of Being Loyal and Stoic, and really wanted FMC to get a hint and tell the MMC to find a bridge by the end.
Spoilers!
I enjoyed the other books in this series and was so excited for Tatum’s story! But man oh man was I disappointed with the character development and romance here. Our FMC goes in one second from hating to being in love with the MMC, chases him around constantly after he rejects and hurts her time and time again, and never pulls him up on his shit (aside from a few snide remarks). But the worst is that she constantly bemoans not being allowed to make her own decisions in life and then…promptly does absolutely naught to change that or make her own decisions.
The MMC is no better-he’s closed off, his inner monologue sounds like he hates the FMC 99% of the time (and not in a hot way), and he goes through a cycle of lusting, busting, and then rejecting the FMC that becomes so obnoxiously repetitive I almost DNF’d this. The entire plot line is that…he thinks he’s not good enough/wants to keep working for her dad, but he wants to do the nasty with her, then he “has” to hurt her to push her away (even though he’s claiming to be trying to help her heal from her abusive controlling ex—umm sure bud) and REPEAT ad nauseam.
All in all, found the FMC to be embarrassingly spineless about taking control in her life from daddy dearest and captain controls-a-lot (aka our MMC)despite lots of whinging about it, was annoyed by MMC and his general lack of personality outside of Being Loyal and Stoic, and really wanted FMC to get a hint and tell the MMC to find a bridge by the end.
December 17, 2023
I think I should've listened to Empire of Lust first.
Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, MMC is closed off and icy, FMC word vomits everywhere all the time.
I'm torn with this one. There's a lot that happens off page that isn't fully revealed. I wish there would have been more time fleshing that out and the aftermath than having to listen to the repetitive thoughts from both of them. It went round and round a little too much to be enjoyable. Like, we get it, we get it!
It takes awhile to get to the smexy times but, it's pretty good when it finally happens.
The argument towards the ending that we were all waiting for was finally had but I wanted Tatum to throw his marriage in his face. I know that's probably immature of me but dang! How much more hypocritical can you be? Good Lord! Her dad is seriously a jerk. Should he have been surprised, yeah. Should he have figured something like this would happen, yeah.
Over all, it was just ok. Too much off page action that would've been good action on page. Too much going round and round with their repetitive thoughts.
Narrators did a good job.
Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, MMC is closed off and icy, FMC word vomits everywhere all the time.
I'm torn with this one. There's a lot that happens off page that isn't fully revealed. I wish there would have been more time fleshing that out and the aftermath than having to listen to the repetitive thoughts from both of them. It went round and round a little too much to be enjoyable. Like, we get it, we get it!
It takes awhile to get to the smexy times but, it's pretty good when it finally happens.
The argument towards the ending that we were all waiting for was finally had but I wanted Tatum to throw his marriage in his face. I know that's probably immature of me but dang! How much more hypocritical can you be? Good Lord! Her dad is seriously a jerk. Should he have been surprised, yeah. Should he have figured something like this would happen, yeah.
Over all, it was just ok. Too much off page action that would've been good action on page. Too much going round and round with their repetitive thoughts.
Narrators did a good job.
October 14, 2023
The torrio empire series is so good and I am so Romero and Tatum ended up together. I definitely thought it was hard won. Especially with them both dealing with their own separate traumas. Romero being back in his old house and the memories of his childhood. Then Tatum trying to move past the trauma from her ex. Combine these two and you get emotional explosions and the smutt. The spice wasn’t as intense as it was in Bianca and Callum’s story but it is definitely worth it. This book definitely dealt with a lot of trauma and trying to move past it. It was very gut wrenching at times, but overall this book was really well done.
September 16, 2023
Tatum is a spoiled child who was a unlikable heroine. It takes forever for Romero to make a move and it made him appear weak and not very alpha like. It’s hard not to compare here dad to Romero and find Romero lacking in all ways. He is not alpha he is not devoted and obsessed he is just a sad boy who is all grown up and takes forever to make a move on the girl he liked even when she throws herself at him. I was bored half way through but made myself finish the book and I found it very disappointing!
November 13, 2024
I just can't with this book. Tbh it really disappointed me. Up to about 90% of the book Tatum is begging Romero to just show or admit he has anytime of feelings for her at all. There was zero chemistry to show me they actually liked each other.
Then the last 5% of the ending was Callum being the world's biggest hypocrite and yelling at Tatum and Romero.
Then the last 5% of the ending was Callum being the world's biggest hypocrite and yelling at Tatum and Romero.
October 3, 2023
Dark Knight by J.L. Beck, this is the fourth book in the Torrio Empire Series, but now it's the turn of the story of Tatum Torrio, Callum's daughter, who after the events that happened in the previous books finds herself trying to leave everything behind but she finds herself struggling with all the feelings that these recent events have left her, especially when her abuser's father continues to pressure her to give him answers about her son's whereabouts. This leads her to want to leave home, but her father does not allow her to. She knows he isn't going to let her go so easily, and it's no surprise to her when he assigns Romero Pierce as her bodyguard. Romero is a loyal man to Callum, this has led him to become his right-hand man, he arrived at the Torrio house when he was only 16 years old and has become the man he is thanks to Callum, which is why he respects him and is willing to do anything to protect him and his loved ones, which is why when he is assigned to keep and eye on Tatum, although he doesn't like the idea, he accepts without hesitation. They have never had a very good relationship, Tatum sees in Romero the boy who came to come between her and her father, and for Romero she is in many ways a spoiled brat. But between them under these discussions there is a latent attraction and they try as much as possible to stay away from the other, but when they have to spend more time together they will see in the other a part that they did not know and the things that separated them will begin to disappear, but when they must return, will they be able to stay attached to the feeling or will doubts and the reality of who they are separate them?
I loved this story, when I read the previous books I wanted to know more about Tatum and Romero, especially what brought Romero to the Torrio house and how Tatum dealt with all things once they were rescued. A story that leaves me happy because I needed a happy ending for Tatum, she was truly the character who deserved it the most after so much, seeing her recover her strength and inner fire and turn those bad experiences into something positive to help others was something that I really liked, as well as seeing the evolution of Romero leaving behind a conflictive past. A story that you will not want to stop reading. If you have already met the Torrio family, do not hesitate and return to their world. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to J.L. Beck and Literally Yours PR for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Dark Knight de J.L. Beck, este es el cuarto libro de la Serie Torrio Empire, pero ahora le toca el turno a la historia de Tatum Torrio, hija de Callum, quien luego de los eventos que pasaron en los libros anteriores se encuentra tratando de dejar atrás todo pero se encuentra batallando con todos los sentimientos que estas últimos acontecimientos le han dejado, más cuando el padre de su abusador la sigue presionando para que le de respuestas sobre el paradero de su hijo, esto la lleva a querer irse de casa, pero su padre no la va a dejar ir tan fácil, y no es una sorpresa para ella cuando le asigna como guardaespaldas a Romero Pierce. Romero es un hombre leal a Callum, esto lo ha llevado a convertirse en su mano derecha, llegó a la casa Torrio con tan solo 16 años y se ha convertido en el hombre que es gracias a Callum, por lo que le guarda respeto y esta dispuesto a todo para protegerle a él y a sus seres queridos, es por esto que cuando le asignan cuidar de Tatum, aunque no le agrada la idea, acepta sin dudarlo. Ellos nunca han tenido una muy buena relación, Tatum ve en Romero al chico que vino a interponerse entre ella y su padre, y para Romero ella es en muchas formas una niña mimada. Pero entre ellos bajo esas discusiones existe una atracción latente y tratan en lo posible de mantenerse alejados del otro, pero cuando tengan que pasar más tiempo juntos verán en el otro una parte que no conocían y las cosas que les separaban empezaran a desaparecer, pero cuando deban regresar serán capaces de mantenerse apegados al sentimiento o las dudas y la realidad de quienes son les separarán?
Esta historia me encantó, cuando leí los libros anteriores quería saber más de Tatum y de Romero, en especial de que llevo a Romero a la casa de los Torrio y como sobrellevo las cosas Tatum una vez que fueron rescatadas. Una historia que me deja contenta porque necesitaba para Tatum un final feliz, de verdad que ella era el personaje que más se lo merecía después de tanto, verla recuperar su fuerza y fuego interno y convertir esas malas experiencias en algo positivo para ayudar a otros fue algo que me gustó mucho, igual el ver también la evolución de Romero dejando atrás un pasado conflictivo. Una historia que no querrás dejar de leer si ya conociste a los Torrio no lo dudes y vuelve a su mundo. Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a J.L. Beck y a Literally Yours PRpor mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
I loved this story, when I read the previous books I wanted to know more about Tatum and Romero, especially what brought Romero to the Torrio house and how Tatum dealt with all things once they were rescued. A story that leaves me happy because I needed a happy ending for Tatum, she was truly the character who deserved it the most after so much, seeing her recover her strength and inner fire and turn those bad experiences into something positive to help others was something that I really liked, as well as seeing the evolution of Romero leaving behind a conflictive past. A story that you will not want to stop reading. If you have already met the Torrio family, do not hesitate and return to their world. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to J.L. Beck and Literally Yours PR for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Dark Knight de J.L. Beck, este es el cuarto libro de la Serie Torrio Empire, pero ahora le toca el turno a la historia de Tatum Torrio, hija de Callum, quien luego de los eventos que pasaron en los libros anteriores se encuentra tratando de dejar atrás todo pero se encuentra batallando con todos los sentimientos que estas últimos acontecimientos le han dejado, más cuando el padre de su abusador la sigue presionando para que le de respuestas sobre el paradero de su hijo, esto la lleva a querer irse de casa, pero su padre no la va a dejar ir tan fácil, y no es una sorpresa para ella cuando le asigna como guardaespaldas a Romero Pierce. Romero es un hombre leal a Callum, esto lo ha llevado a convertirse en su mano derecha, llegó a la casa Torrio con tan solo 16 años y se ha convertido en el hombre que es gracias a Callum, por lo que le guarda respeto y esta dispuesto a todo para protegerle a él y a sus seres queridos, es por esto que cuando le asignan cuidar de Tatum, aunque no le agrada la idea, acepta sin dudarlo. Ellos nunca han tenido una muy buena relación, Tatum ve en Romero al chico que vino a interponerse entre ella y su padre, y para Romero ella es en muchas formas una niña mimada. Pero entre ellos bajo esas discusiones existe una atracción latente y tratan en lo posible de mantenerse alejados del otro, pero cuando tengan que pasar más tiempo juntos verán en el otro una parte que no conocían y las cosas que les separaban empezaran a desaparecer, pero cuando deban regresar serán capaces de mantenerse apegados al sentimiento o las dudas y la realidad de quienes son les separarán?
Esta historia me encantó, cuando leí los libros anteriores quería saber más de Tatum y de Romero, en especial de que llevo a Romero a la casa de los Torrio y como sobrellevo las cosas Tatum una vez que fueron rescatadas. Una historia que me deja contenta porque necesitaba para Tatum un final feliz, de verdad que ella era el personaje que más se lo merecía después de tanto, verla recuperar su fuerza y fuego interno y convertir esas malas experiencias en algo positivo para ayudar a otros fue algo que me gustó mucho, igual el ver también la evolución de Romero dejando atrás un pasado conflictivo. Una historia que no querrás dejar de leer si ya conociste a los Torrio no lo dudes y vuelve a su mundo. Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a J.L. Beck y a Literally Yours PRpor mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
October 3, 2023
Dark Knight by J. L. Beck was a must read for me when I saw it was a dark bodyguard romance. I am all about the bodyguard romances and the fact that its dark romance made it even more of a need. I must say, I was not disappointed and the dark romance brought an element to this book that really brought feeling to the story as the characters are forced to deal with trauma and horror that has steadily eaten away at who they are, resulting in shells of the people they once were.
This is true if Tatum, who experienced something very dark and horrifying, and just wants a quiet respite to try to deal with her trauma and become a semblance of the person she once was. This proves to be more difficult than she feels it should be, as she deals with new fears and what she feels is weakness that leaves her spiraling and lashing out at things that once would not have fazed her at all.
Enter Romero, the man who takes her away to his childhood home, where he promises to protect her as she tries to get back on her feet. Though he is the one to suggest the place to Tatum’s father as a solution to allowing Tatum to escape from life for a bit, he begrudges being stuck alone with her, particularly as she fights to defy him every step of the way. Yet at the same time he can’t stand the shell of herself Tatum has become and does what he can to help her overcome the horror she endured, while also battling his own demons that he left behind in his hometown ten years previous.
As if past events aren’t enough, Tatum also has to deal with the threat of her ex-boyfriends father who keeps hounding her for information on his son. In part, this is what leads Tatum to disappear to an unknown location in an attempt to escape his harassment and threats. However, shortly after arriving she starts to feel unsettled, as if she’s being watched, which begs the questions of whether she has been found after all and is in danger.
All the while there is some intense tension between Romero and Tatum, which Romero fights every step of the way, not wanting to get entangled with his boss’ daughter. However, Tatum, being bullheaded and used to getting her way refuses to take no for an answer and continues to pursue the first sign of interest she has felt in anyone in longer than she cares for.
Tatum really spoke to me as a character because she’s in such a dark place and suffering so much mentally but trying to figure out how to move past that and displays such strength every day she fights her demons. She’s a fire cracker and I love that despite everything she doesn’t lose this and ALWAYS pushes back. That’s not to say there are times she probably shouldn’t, but it’s so much a part of her strength and the person she’s trying to get back to that I enjoyed the fight it displayed that she possesses. Although a bit of a spoiled brat, that’s not exactly unexpected considering the money she comes from, though she did show her entitlement every so often. It didn’t become tiresome though and was realistic for how she was raised.
Romero had my heart from the moment it was clear he is the epitome of the grumpy in grumpy vs. sunshine. He is such a grumpy old (young) man and I loved it. And obviously I am all for the bodyguard relationship so I loved that he was Tatum’s protector from everything, even at times herself, despite how frustrating she could be at times. The fact that they butt heads all of the time was honestly part of their charm together and I loved reading their interactions. Romero could be frustrating himself at times because of how much he pushes people away and refuses to open up to anyone, but this is part of his own trauma and upbringing, which he has to work on himself.
I really enjoyed this book, from the bodyguard romance, to the familial struggles between Tatum and her father which really added to the story. Seeing Tatum trying to overcome her struggles really had me rooting for her the entire time and drew me into the story emotionally. I had a hard time putting Dark Knight down and I cannot wait to read more books in this world going forward. Definitely recommend to my dark romance lovers out there!
This is true if Tatum, who experienced something very dark and horrifying, and just wants a quiet respite to try to deal with her trauma and become a semblance of the person she once was. This proves to be more difficult than she feels it should be, as she deals with new fears and what she feels is weakness that leaves her spiraling and lashing out at things that once would not have fazed her at all.
Enter Romero, the man who takes her away to his childhood home, where he promises to protect her as she tries to get back on her feet. Though he is the one to suggest the place to Tatum’s father as a solution to allowing Tatum to escape from life for a bit, he begrudges being stuck alone with her, particularly as she fights to defy him every step of the way. Yet at the same time he can’t stand the shell of herself Tatum has become and does what he can to help her overcome the horror she endured, while also battling his own demons that he left behind in his hometown ten years previous.
As if past events aren’t enough, Tatum also has to deal with the threat of her ex-boyfriends father who keeps hounding her for information on his son. In part, this is what leads Tatum to disappear to an unknown location in an attempt to escape his harassment and threats. However, shortly after arriving she starts to feel unsettled, as if she’s being watched, which begs the questions of whether she has been found after all and is in danger.
All the while there is some intense tension between Romero and Tatum, which Romero fights every step of the way, not wanting to get entangled with his boss’ daughter. However, Tatum, being bullheaded and used to getting her way refuses to take no for an answer and continues to pursue the first sign of interest she has felt in anyone in longer than she cares for.
Tatum really spoke to me as a character because she’s in such a dark place and suffering so much mentally but trying to figure out how to move past that and displays such strength every day she fights her demons. She’s a fire cracker and I love that despite everything she doesn’t lose this and ALWAYS pushes back. That’s not to say there are times she probably shouldn’t, but it’s so much a part of her strength and the person she’s trying to get back to that I enjoyed the fight it displayed that she possesses. Although a bit of a spoiled brat, that’s not exactly unexpected considering the money she comes from, though she did show her entitlement every so often. It didn’t become tiresome though and was realistic for how she was raised.
Romero had my heart from the moment it was clear he is the epitome of the grumpy in grumpy vs. sunshine. He is such a grumpy old (young) man and I loved it. And obviously I am all for the bodyguard relationship so I loved that he was Tatum’s protector from everything, even at times herself, despite how frustrating she could be at times. The fact that they butt heads all of the time was honestly part of their charm together and I loved reading their interactions. Romero could be frustrating himself at times because of how much he pushes people away and refuses to open up to anyone, but this is part of his own trauma and upbringing, which he has to work on himself.
I really enjoyed this book, from the bodyguard romance, to the familial struggles between Tatum and her father which really added to the story. Seeing Tatum trying to overcome her struggles really had me rooting for her the entire time and drew me into the story emotionally. I had a hard time putting Dark Knight down and I cannot wait to read more books in this world going forward. Definitely recommend to my dark romance lovers out there!
October 4, 2023
Dark Knight is the fourth and final installment in the Torrio Empire series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and guaranteed happily-ever-after. It's well written with complex characters and fascinating and twisty storyline that grabs your attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and invested in the characters and turning the pages until the end. This is Romero and Tatum story. The story is told from a dual point of view. An enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love story, bodyguard romance, dark mafia romance, boss daughter romance, filled with hate, heartbreak, trauma, pain, hurt, healing, slow burn romance, forced proximity, push and pull, dominance, submission, guilt, anger, angst, tension, emotions, resentment, peace, survival, passion, lust, revelations, sexual assault, darkness, desire, secrets, deception, taboo, age gap trope, forbidden relationship, sadness, theats, acceptance, love and so much more.
Romero and Tatum are two broken souls they both have suffered tremendously in their past and it has left immeasurable scar. Tatum had always felt resentment towards Romero after her dad had him move in the house when she was a teenager. As a child all through adolescent she fought to get the attention of her dad. She was always competent with his business and responsibilities and when Romero moved into home it got worse as he spent more time with him teaching how to be a man and the ropes of the business. And when Romero grew up he went from being like a son to her dad to his trusted second in command. Romero had something in his past that he had bury and suppress over the years since he came to be with Callum. Tatum life is threatened by her ex-boyfiend's father after what happened between the two. Callum as as Romero to protect his her as her bodyguard until he deals with the threat. She's dealing with a lot of trauma after her ex sexually assaulted, degrade her and took her for his punching bag. This as caused her to go in deep depression because she felt like it was because of her behavior why all those things happen to her.
Callum and told Romero to take her to a place of his choosing. He decided to take her to his old childhood town a place that holds a terrible things that scarred his life. Tatum and Romero as always had a tumultuous relationship since he came into their lives and being under the same roof is problematic with tempers flaring. They would bicker and argue every day. Romero feels an attraction to Tatum despite their arguing but he like nothing would come from it because she's a forbidden fruit because of his position with her dad. Romero as demon that he needs to address in order heal and move forward with his life. He harbors a secret that Tatum is unaware of. Tatum was whiny, terrible, troublesome and got on Romero nerves. Their constant bickering turned to attraction and they eventually succumb to their desires. They eventually saw each other differently and start working out their problems which would eventually lead to healing for each other.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Romero and Tatum are two broken souls they both have suffered tremendously in their past and it has left immeasurable scar. Tatum had always felt resentment towards Romero after her dad had him move in the house when she was a teenager. As a child all through adolescent she fought to get the attention of her dad. She was always competent with his business and responsibilities and when Romero moved into home it got worse as he spent more time with him teaching how to be a man and the ropes of the business. And when Romero grew up he went from being like a son to her dad to his trusted second in command. Romero had something in his past that he had bury and suppress over the years since he came to be with Callum. Tatum life is threatened by her ex-boyfiend's father after what happened between the two. Callum as as Romero to protect his her as her bodyguard until he deals with the threat. She's dealing with a lot of trauma after her ex sexually assaulted, degrade her and took her for his punching bag. This as caused her to go in deep depression because she felt like it was because of her behavior why all those things happen to her.
Callum and told Romero to take her to a place of his choosing. He decided to take her to his old childhood town a place that holds a terrible things that scarred his life. Tatum and Romero as always had a tumultuous relationship since he came into their lives and being under the same roof is problematic with tempers flaring. They would bicker and argue every day. Romero feels an attraction to Tatum despite their arguing but he like nothing would come from it because she's a forbidden fruit because of his position with her dad. Romero as demon that he needs to address in order heal and move forward with his life. He harbors a secret that Tatum is unaware of. Tatum was whiny, terrible, troublesome and got on Romero nerves. Their constant bickering turned to attraction and they eventually succumb to their desires. They eventually saw each other differently and start working out their problems which would eventually lead to healing for each other.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2023
I met J. at a book signing and picked up this one mostly blind, only knowing the tropes. All I have to say is that I am in LOVE with this story. The tension and angst is spectacular, broken up with snarky dialogue and two separate backstories that reveal themselves slowly. I was not lost at all having not read the first 3 books in the Torrio Empire series, but let me say that I’ve already added them to my library. Romero and Tatum are opposites whose chemistry rages like an inferno. While Tatum could have been a bit of a trying character, I really felt for her after finding out all she went through and knowing her inner pain. Romero is enigmatic and full of contradictions which makes him instantly appealing.
Tatum survived so much, but carries many emotional scars. When unfinished business pushes her into hiding, the last person she wants protecting her for weeks on end is Romero. He’s her father’s second in command and a man she met when he was just a boy. Needing to hide in the last place anyone would think to find them, they return to Romero’s childhood home, a place full of ghosts. In close quarters, they clash over and over again. But while Tatum starts working through her own trauma, she starts to realize that Romero carries his own. Hate turns to understanding and lust which burns hot between them. As each of their secrets comes to light, will they save each other or fall apart.
As I flew through the pages, I was drawn even deeper into this story. The story focuses on their pasts, struggles, and pain – and this story is the perfect example of an angsty hurt-comfort plot. I was all in my feels for most of the story, exactly where I like to be. These two have internalized so much trauma. The push and pull between them builds tension for so long that when they finally give into each other, it’s HOT. And despite wanting to shake them at times, I loved both characters so much. I can’t wait to jump into the rest of this series to see what events led to this point. This is a standalone book that can be read separate from the trilogy but it will leave you wanting to know more. I have a new backlist to binge!
Tatum survived so much, but carries many emotional scars. When unfinished business pushes her into hiding, the last person she wants protecting her for weeks on end is Romero. He’s her father’s second in command and a man she met when he was just a boy. Needing to hide in the last place anyone would think to find them, they return to Romero’s childhood home, a place full of ghosts. In close quarters, they clash over and over again. But while Tatum starts working through her own trauma, she starts to realize that Romero carries his own. Hate turns to understanding and lust which burns hot between them. As each of their secrets comes to light, will they save each other or fall apart.
As I flew through the pages, I was drawn even deeper into this story. The story focuses on their pasts, struggles, and pain – and this story is the perfect example of an angsty hurt-comfort plot. I was all in my feels for most of the story, exactly where I like to be. These two have internalized so much trauma. The push and pull between them builds tension for so long that when they finally give into each other, it’s HOT. And despite wanting to shake them at times, I loved both characters so much. I can’t wait to jump into the rest of this series to see what events led to this point. This is a standalone book that can be read separate from the trilogy but it will leave you wanting to know more. I have a new backlist to binge!
October 13, 2023
Dark Knight book 4 of the Torrio Empire series and follows Tatum and Romero.
I have been anxiously awaiting their story and while It didn't disappoint it definitely wasn't dark like I thought it would be. The danger that sent her into hiding never came. The whole threat just faded away without any pushback. No kidnapping, no danger, no real suspense, just angst between the two of them and the demons they carried deep inside. I must say their back and forth banter was pure perfection.
My heart broke for everything that Tatum went through from a mother who abandoned her, a workaholic father that never really saw her, an abusive boyfriend, her best friend married her father and oh a grumpy bodyguard that she's secretly attracted to that was slowly breaking her heart too. If anyone deserves happiness it was her.
Romero was all about pleasing her father no matter the cost even his own happiness or even Tatum's.
Don't let me start on her father he absolutely drove me crazy. It was always his was or nothing. He never took anyone's feeling or thoughts into consideration. Even after she bravely stood up to him he treated her like an employee not his daughter, never really acknowledged what she was saying or feeling, no heartfelt conversation and definitely never apologized but hey he sure apologized to Romero. 😒
Then once again the epilogue wasn't even about her and Romero it was about her father, Bianca and their new baby.(WTH) I wanted to see how her life with Romero and her new business was progressing UGH!
••••••••••••••••••••
There were so many great quotes throughout this book but this one stayed with me because it summed up what Tatum felt to her core.
"Ultimately, I’m still the motherless girl, wandering around, wishing somebody would love her. Not because they have to, but because they want to."
All she wanted was to be appreciated, acknowledged and most of all loved.
I'm glad she got her HEA if anyone deserved it it was her.
I received an ARC from the author through Bookfunnel and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
4.5 heartfelt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been anxiously awaiting their story and while It didn't disappoint it definitely wasn't dark like I thought it would be. The danger that sent her into hiding never came. The whole threat just faded away without any pushback. No kidnapping, no danger, no real suspense, just angst between the two of them and the demons they carried deep inside. I must say their back and forth banter was pure perfection.
My heart broke for everything that Tatum went through from a mother who abandoned her, a workaholic father that never really saw her, an abusive boyfriend, her best friend married her father and oh a grumpy bodyguard that she's secretly attracted to that was slowly breaking her heart too. If anyone deserves happiness it was her.
Romero was all about pleasing her father no matter the cost even his own happiness or even Tatum's.
Don't let me start on her father he absolutely drove me crazy. It was always his was or nothing. He never took anyone's feeling or thoughts into consideration. Even after she bravely stood up to him he treated her like an employee not his daughter, never really acknowledged what she was saying or feeling, no heartfelt conversation and definitely never apologized but hey he sure apologized to Romero. 😒
Then once again the epilogue wasn't even about her and Romero it was about her father, Bianca and their new baby.(WTH) I wanted to see how her life with Romero and her new business was progressing UGH!
••••••••••••••••••••
There were so many great quotes throughout this book but this one stayed with me because it summed up what Tatum felt to her core.
"Ultimately, I’m still the motherless girl, wandering around, wishing somebody would love her. Not because they have to, but because they want to."
All she wanted was to be appreciated, acknowledged and most of all loved.
I'm glad she got her HEA if anyone deserved it it was her.
I received an ARC from the author through Bookfunnel and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
4.5 heartfelt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2023
I will start by saying, I haven't read the entire series. I read Empire of Lust when it was first released, but once the other 2 came out they got buried in my TBR pile. You don't have to read the previous 3 to enjoy Tatum and Romero's story, but it would definitely be recommended. It took me a bit in the book to catch up to the storyline.
I'm going to say it, I can't say the characters were always likeable. Tatum actually annoyed the living hell out of me. She had legitimate complaints, but how she approached them was childish and aggravating. At times, it made it seem like she was being petty, even though she wasn't. She's in her 20s, but half the time I felt like I was reading about a 15 year old. Spoiler, she gets a bit better in the end, and it's as if her trauma being healed makes her less of a spoiled brat, but either she is a spoiled brat or she isn't. I'm left scratching my head on how traumatized she was, but she suddenly gets better once she and Romero have a sexual relationship. I'm not saying that it wouldn't have helped, but it almost seemed like a good roll in the sheets together was a magic pill cure and suddenly that trauma isn't mentioned again. I would think it would take a little more than that. Romero was this hot/cold person that drove me crazy. You wanted to shake some sense in him. And Callum was as unlikable as a character could get. It was an emotional rollercoaster throughout, but it worked.
Now it may seem that is a lot to get past to enjoy the book, but you would be wrong. JL Beck's writing is so good that although you run into these small hiccups, you just can't stop reading. The characters seem real and you just HAVE to know the story. The smexy scenes take awhile to start but once the do, OMG. You almost have to fan yourself after reading a scene. 🔥
I was actually pretty peeved at myself that the 2 previous books got lost in the death pile that is my TBR list. I will be fixing that issue shortly, because I really hate that I missed them. It was a great read and I'll be making sure to catch up on the entire series now.
I'm going to say it, I can't say the characters were always likeable. Tatum actually annoyed the living hell out of me. She had legitimate complaints, but how she approached them was childish and aggravating. At times, it made it seem like she was being petty, even though she wasn't. She's in her 20s, but half the time I felt like I was reading about a 15 year old. Spoiler, she gets a bit better in the end, and it's as if her trauma being healed makes her less of a spoiled brat, but either she is a spoiled brat or she isn't. I'm left scratching my head on how traumatized she was, but she suddenly gets better once she and Romero have a sexual relationship. I'm not saying that it wouldn't have helped, but it almost seemed like a good roll in the sheets together was a magic pill cure and suddenly that trauma isn't mentioned again. I would think it would take a little more than that. Romero was this hot/cold person that drove me crazy. You wanted to shake some sense in him. And Callum was as unlikable as a character could get. It was an emotional rollercoaster throughout, but it worked.
Now it may seem that is a lot to get past to enjoy the book, but you would be wrong. JL Beck's writing is so good that although you run into these small hiccups, you just can't stop reading. The characters seem real and you just HAVE to know the story. The smexy scenes take awhile to start but once the do, OMG. You almost have to fan yourself after reading a scene. 🔥
I was actually pretty peeved at myself that the 2 previous books got lost in the death pile that is my TBR list. I will be fixing that issue shortly, because I really hate that I missed them. It was a great read and I'll be making sure to catch up on the entire series now.
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