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Torrio Empire #2
Empire of Lies
My life used to be simple. Quiet. Safe. Until I fell in love with the dangerous billionaire arms dealer Callum Torrio. Our love story was doomed from the beginning. Forbidden . A temptation we couldn't touch. His secrets have the power to kill me, and when I discover the hidden truth and the part he played in my mother's death, I have no choice but to run. But nothing will stop him from keeping me by his side. A king needs his queen. Where do you hide when the pain becomes suffocating and the man you thought you knew turns out to be the villain?
322 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2023
1119 people are currently reading
3599 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Beck
237 books7,146 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
May 14, 2023
4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
~ Best friend’s dad
~ Dark, mafia romance
~ Accidental/surprise(ish) pregnancy
Oh my gosh, that damn cliffhanger Josi! You’re killin’ me! I need book two like I need air in my lungs to breathe! 😓
My favorite part in this one was Cal wrapping a belt around her neck & walking her like a dog 🫠
“You’ll crawl for me while I hold onto the belt.”
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
~ Best friend’s dad
~ Dark, mafia romance
~ Accidental/surprise(ish) pregnancy
Oh my gosh, that damn cliffhanger Josi! You’re killin’ me! I need book two like I need air in my lungs to breathe! 😓
My favorite part in this one was Cal wrapping a belt around her neck & walking her like a dog 🫠
“You’ll crawl for me while I hold onto the belt.”
May 3, 2023
Walk me like a dog 🥵
In the sequel to Empire of Lust, Bianca tries to uncover the truth while Callum stops at nothing to get her back!
This book is filled with twists and turns, spice, and DRAMA. I had so much fun reading this! I enjoyed seeing both of our main characters evolve but with that ending.. I can’t wait to see how the final book in the trilogy will go!!
Also I NEED a Tatum and Romero book right now!!
Tropes: possessive alpha, age gap, best friends dad, billionaire, morally gray, praise, good girl, degradation, secret baby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
In the sequel to Empire of Lust, Bianca tries to uncover the truth while Callum stops at nothing to get her back!
This book is filled with twists and turns, spice, and DRAMA. I had so much fun reading this! I enjoyed seeing both of our main characters evolve but with that ending.. I can’t wait to see how the final book in the trilogy will go!!
Also I NEED a Tatum and Romero book right now!!
Tropes: possessive alpha, age gap, best friends dad, billionaire, morally gray, praise, good girl, degradation, secret baby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 18, 2023
Ok. Alright. I’m still in it to win it. Teamwork makes the dream work and all that. . . . On to book 3……
September 4, 2024
*audiobook
The ex wife deserved better.
She was right
The ex wife deserved better.
She was right
May 16, 2023
Wow. Well, book two picks right up where that cliffhanger left us. J.L. Beck is a fantastic story teller. Don't worry, this one has a hell of a cliffhanger also. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This book had more character development within the relationship between Callum and Bianca. Bianca also learns some things from her dad who is not handling things well. Secrets are revealed that some may not be able to come back from. This book was great! I definitely recommend it!
December 9, 2025
The book peaked at around 50%
✨ I don't know why, but I was so into the drama at the beginning. The secrets and lies and who knows what and what can be told to whom. Damn! I was practically eating popcorn. It was a similar feeling to being caught by trashy reality TV. You know it's not real and not particularly good, but you can't keep your eyes away.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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✨ I don't know why, but I was so into the drama at the beginning. The secrets and lies and who knows what and what can be told to whom. Damn! I was practically eating popcorn. It was a similar feeling to being caught by trashy reality TV. You know it's not real and not particularly good, but you can't keep your eyes away.
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・
・
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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November 26, 2023
Oh my gosh!! I knew the ex-wife was nasty, but wowowowow. That cliffhanger!! The plot continues to thicken!!
September 10, 2023
What we expected to happen happened, thank you Jesus . Drama and temper tantrums throughout the book with a nice cliffhanger at the end. I am still intrigued by this series and will continue to book three immediately.
June 8, 2023
Can’t wait to read the next book!
May 21, 2023
the cliffy in the end!!!! AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
i need book3 asap 😭😭😭😭....
gawwdddd daddy CALLUM and his little bird 🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️ and the scene WHERE HE WALKS HER LIKE A DOG 🥵🛐
this book starts off exactly where the book1 ends..
this book is filled with great twists and turns!!!!!
i loved literally reading every single second of this book and how Bianca and Callum's relationship grew a lot in this book and im sooooo hooked for their story and im so excited to see where the book3 goes 🥹🥹
+ im literally in desperate need of Tatum and Romero's story..
i need book3 asap 😭😭😭😭....
gawwdddd daddy CALLUM and his little bird 🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️ and the scene WHERE HE WALKS HER LIKE A DOG 🥵🛐
this book starts off exactly where the book1 ends..
this book is filled with great twists and turns!!!!!
i loved literally reading every single second of this book and how Bianca and Callum's relationship grew a lot in this book and im sooooo hooked for their story and im so excited to see where the book3 goes 🥹🥹
+ im literally in desperate need of Tatum and Romero's story..
May 23, 2023
☆ 4/5 & 3.5/5 spice
I love that we get to continue Empire of Lies by starting off from the cliffhanger in the first book. Okay, so I thought Callum was crazy in book 1, but he is so freaking unhinged in book 2, but I really enjoyed his character in Empire of Lies since we get to see how much Bianca has affected him both emotionally and physically. I also enjoyed seeing Bianca’s character how she was able to resist Callum and his temptation. Both Bianca and Callum, have such great character development in this book. Callum shows his true feelings for Bianca and would go through great lengths for both Bianca and for his daughter, Tatum. Bianca has grown a great deal, from being the naive girl to a women who is resilient and fierce.
Also, 4 words since I don’t want to spoil anything, but THE FREAKING BELT SCENE. My jaw dropped, omg.
I seriously could not put this book down. I was truly invested in all the drama, suspense, and secrets. Can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy.
I’m really hoping that Tatum and Romero have their own book because I’m also invested in whether or not they are able to work out their issues.
Tropes:
❥ Secret baby
❥ Mafia
❥ Age gap
❥ Possessive alpha
❥ Praise k!nk
❥ Dark romance
❥ Billionaire
I love that we get to continue Empire of Lies by starting off from the cliffhanger in the first book. Okay, so I thought Callum was crazy in book 1, but he is so freaking unhinged in book 2, but I really enjoyed his character in Empire of Lies since we get to see how much Bianca has affected him both emotionally and physically. I also enjoyed seeing Bianca’s character how she was able to resist Callum and his temptation. Both Bianca and Callum, have such great character development in this book. Callum shows his true feelings for Bianca and would go through great lengths for both Bianca and for his daughter, Tatum. Bianca has grown a great deal, from being the naive girl to a women who is resilient and fierce.
Also, 4 words since I don’t want to spoil anything, but THE FREAKING BELT SCENE. My jaw dropped, omg.
I seriously could not put this book down. I was truly invested in all the drama, suspense, and secrets. Can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy.
I’m really hoping that Tatum and Romero have their own book because I’m also invested in whether or not they are able to work out their issues.
Tropes:
❥ Secret baby
❥ Mafia
❥ Age gap
❥ Possessive alpha
❥ Praise k!nk
❥ Dark romance
❥ Billionaire
May 8, 2023
I have no words..lol. This is a must read for sure. I can't wait for the 3rd book. There is less steamy scenes but that didn't stop me from devouring this book. I highly recommend this series and to anyone who has not read a J.L. Beck book, you need to start. One of my favorite authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2023
Well.... I need book 3 now!
These cliffhangers will be the death of me.
Callum and Bianca grew a lot in this book. Some truths came to light but while new secrets were made. This book was even better than book 1.
I could not put this book down. The need to know more about Callum and Bianca kept me hooked. JL Beck wrote a suspenseful, steamy and twists & turn.
𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐝.
I do not want to give any spoilers but I will say this... that belt scene was 🔥
Until the next book releases in June, I will be on the edge for more.
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝑩𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒂 & 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒎
➛ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Billionaire, Forbidden, Best Friend's Father, Age Gap, Br3eding Kink, Possessive & Controlling Hero
➛ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 - 🌶🌶🌶
➛ 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
➛ This is book 2 in a trilogy: 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲. Cannot be read as a standalone!
➛ Last book: Book 3 -> 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 (Releasing in June 2023)
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ✅
*This is a dark romance. Some content might not be for everyone.*
These cliffhangers will be the death of me.
Callum and Bianca grew a lot in this book. Some truths came to light but while new secrets were made. This book was even better than book 1.
I could not put this book down. The need to know more about Callum and Bianca kept me hooked. JL Beck wrote a suspenseful, steamy and twists & turn.
𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐝.
I do not want to give any spoilers but I will say this... that belt scene was 🔥
Until the next book releases in June, I will be on the edge for more.
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝑩𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒂 & 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒎
➛ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Billionaire, Forbidden, Best Friend's Father, Age Gap, Br3eding Kink, Possessive & Controlling Hero
➛ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 - 🌶🌶🌶
➛ 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
➛ This is book 2 in a trilogy: 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲. Cannot be read as a standalone!
➛ Last book: Book 3 -> 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 (Releasing in June 2023)
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ✅
*This is a dark romance. Some content might not be for everyone.*
July 8, 2024
Pirma šios serijos dalis mane taip stipriai įtraukė, kad iškart puoliau skaityti antrąją ir ją perskaičiau per dieną 🤯
Vėlgi, buvo visko - dramos, intrigos, meilė bei neapykanta - tai buvo taip gerai, kad negalėjau atsitraukti 🫨💜
Čia buvo galima rasti visus mylimiausius mano tropus - large age gap, forbidden romance, taboo, spiciness, steamy ir angsty romance, possessive alpha jealous hero, touch her and die. Nors jų nemažai, visgi autorė tikrai gerai visais jais sužaidė ir sulipdė tikrai dėmesį prikaustančią santą barbarą 😁😁
Šioje dalyje dar labiau atsiskleidė pagrindiniai veikėjai: jautėsi Biancos psichologinė branda bei atsiskleidė Callum globėjiškumas ir jo nuoširdi meilė Biancai. Jis buvo toks possesive jealous alpha hero, ir jo žodžiai ir elgesys buvo nu toks toks, kad nors prie širdies dėk 😭💜
Vienintelis minusas buvo toks, kad šioje dalyje buvo itin nemažai vidinių monologų, kurie kartodavosi, bet kadangi istorija buvo tikrai gera, tad nusprendžiau savo vertinimo dėl to nemažinti.
5🌟
3🌶️
Vėlgi, buvo visko - dramos, intrigos, meilė bei neapykanta - tai buvo taip gerai, kad negalėjau atsitraukti 🫨💜
Čia buvo galima rasti visus mylimiausius mano tropus - large age gap, forbidden romance, taboo, spiciness, steamy ir angsty romance, possessive alpha jealous hero, touch her and die. Nors jų nemažai, visgi autorė tikrai gerai visais jais sužaidė ir sulipdė tikrai dėmesį prikaustančią santą barbarą 😁😁
Šioje dalyje dar labiau atsiskleidė pagrindiniai veikėjai: jautėsi Biancos psichologinė branda bei atsiskleidė Callum globėjiškumas ir jo nuoširdi meilė Biancai. Jis buvo toks possesive jealous alpha hero, ir jo žodžiai ir elgesys buvo nu toks toks, kad nors prie širdies dėk 😭💜
Vienintelis minusas buvo toks, kad šioje dalyje buvo itin nemažai vidinių monologų, kurie kartodavosi, bet kadangi istorija buvo tikrai gera, tad nusprendžiau savo vertinimo dėl to nemažinti.
5🌟
3🌶️
May 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
* I read an early copy ( Patreon) of this book.*
This picks up right after the cliffhanger of Empire Of Lust and we see how much Bianca affected Callum and the depth of his feelings for her. I loved Callum more in this book than the previous one and the same goes for Bianca too. I loved how strong she was determined to be in order to resist Callum and do the right thing even if she never stood a chance against him. Although she was resistant, she didn't really believe what her father said when it comes to Callum even if on the surface it would seem viable. She trusted what she knew to be the truth and she wasn't afraid to face the big bad wolf and obtain some answers. Bianca felt like a naive little girl in the previous book but not in this one. Although she is very young, she proved to have a good head on her shoulders. That's not to say she wasn't frustrating at times. The whole marriage thing was a bit drawn out in my opinion. I get why it was a betrayal but also not really plus she had plenty of evidence that Callum didn't had anything to do with Tatum's mother so until she finally realized what Tatum's mother was trying to do and all it was a bit late for me. With that said Callum needed to grovel either way so there's that.
I liked seeing Bianca's dad get his stuff together ( sort of) and how he didn't disowned his own daughter for being with Callum despite everything he believed to be true about him.
I loved how Bianca and Callum are together again and after that cliffhanger i hope there's a big hea. 😅
One thing is for certain, I need Romero and Tatum's story ASAP. It's obvious from Romero's part how far gone he is for her so i want their story. I bet their banter is gonna be great! 🥰
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
* I read an early copy ( Patreon) of this book.*
This picks up right after the cliffhanger of Empire Of Lust and we see how much Bianca affected Callum and the depth of his feelings for her. I loved Callum more in this book than the previous one and the same goes for Bianca too. I loved how strong she was determined to be in order to resist Callum and do the right thing even if she never stood a chance against him. Although she was resistant, she didn't really believe what her father said when it comes to Callum even if on the surface it would seem viable. She trusted what she knew to be the truth and she wasn't afraid to face the big bad wolf and obtain some answers. Bianca felt like a naive little girl in the previous book but not in this one. Although she is very young, she proved to have a good head on her shoulders. That's not to say she wasn't frustrating at times. The whole marriage thing was a bit drawn out in my opinion. I get why it was a betrayal but also not really plus she had plenty of evidence that Callum didn't had anything to do with Tatum's mother so until she finally realized what Tatum's mother was trying to do and all it was a bit late for me. With that said Callum needed to grovel either way so there's that.
I liked seeing Bianca's dad get his stuff together ( sort of) and how he didn't disowned his own daughter for being with Callum despite everything he believed to be true about him.
I loved how Bianca and Callum are together again and after that cliffhanger i hope there's a big hea. 😅
One thing is for certain, I need Romero and Tatum's story ASAP. It's obvious from Romero's part how far gone he is for her so i want their story. I bet their banter is gonna be great! 🥰
May 22, 2023
Review: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Dual
Ending: Cliffhanger
MMC: Callum
FMC: Sofia
Book two picks up with Sofia thinking that Callum unalived her mother due to the knowledge that was dropped by her father Charlie in book one. Charlie is losing his grip with reality trying to prove that Callum is the one that unalived his wife. His spiraling has caused him to lose his job and is turning him into an unstable alcoholic.
Due to the issues that Sofia and Callum are having she has resulted in moving back in with her father. Sofia is thinking the worst of Callum until she and her father along with Callum starting looking further into the details about her death.
Things seem to getting back on track with Sofia and Callum’s relationship until she finds out that she is pregnant. She thinks that Callum will be upset about an accidental pregnancy. What she doesn’t know is that Callum has betrayed her trust with switching her birth control with a placebo pack. The unexpected news cause a riff between Sofia and Tatum. The do resolve their riff and agree to go get dinner, but before they can even leave they get kidnapped.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: Dual
Ending: Cliffhanger
MMC: Callum
FMC: Sofia
Book two picks up with Sofia thinking that Callum unalived her mother due to the knowledge that was dropped by her father Charlie in book one. Charlie is losing his grip with reality trying to prove that Callum is the one that unalived his wife. His spiraling has caused him to lose his job and is turning him into an unstable alcoholic.
Due to the issues that Sofia and Callum are having she has resulted in moving back in with her father. Sofia is thinking the worst of Callum until she and her father along with Callum starting looking further into the details about her death.
Things seem to getting back on track with Sofia and Callum’s relationship until she finds out that she is pregnant. She thinks that Callum will be upset about an accidental pregnancy. What she doesn’t know is that Callum has betrayed her trust with switching her birth control with a placebo pack. The unexpected news cause a riff between Sofia and Tatum. The do resolve their riff and agree to go get dinner, but before they can even leave they get kidnapped.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2023
Absolutely amazing!
Empire of Lies took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't get off of! J.L. Beck has once again written a story that will have readers on the edge of their seat for the suspense moments, needing a fan for the spicy ones, and have them screaming and yelling when they finish. To say I can't wait until book 3 is an UNDERSTATEMENT!
Empire of Lies took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't get off of! J.L. Beck has once again written a story that will have readers on the edge of their seat for the suspense moments, needing a fan for the spicy ones, and have them screaming and yelling when they finish. To say I can't wait until book 3 is an UNDERSTATEMENT!
May 23, 2023
This one pocket up right where we left off with that major cliffhanger! This one felt a little slow to me in the beginning but did pick up enough towards the halfway mark to pull me in. Can’t wait for book 3 to see how things shake out!
May 23, 2023
The cliffhanger! I’m still trying to get my heart rate back down to normal.
May 19, 2023
EMPIRE OF LIES BY JL BECK is book Two in the Torrio Empire Trilogy. This continues the story of Bianca and Callum. This book does pick up where we left off in the first book 'Empire Of Lust'. So, you will need to read that book to fully understand Callum and Bianca. Bianca has taken off leaving Callum wanting her back and he will stop at nothing to achieve that goal it would seem. This book does end setting us up for the next installment in their story. I can't wait....loving this trilogy.
May 19, 2023
This book picks up right where the first one finishes. It continues with more plot twists that just makes it that more entertaining. I'm glad one of those twists ends up with someone dead. That person deserves it, just saying. Can't wait for #3.
May 19, 2023
Great book! Love seeing Callum & Bianca working through everything especially after the way book 1 left things. There’s lots of twists & tension in this book that will keep you wrapped up. Great book!
May 22, 2023
I am so enjoying this series. I can’t wait for the next book.
I love when badass men turn all mushy just for that one woman. I’m such a sucker for that.
I love when badass men turn all mushy just for that one woman. I’m such a sucker for that.
May 12, 2023
♟️Empire of Lies- J.L. Beck♟️
ARC Review
⭐️: 5/5
🗓️Pub Date: 5/19/23
Tropes:
💎Mafia romance
💎Best friend’s dad
💎Age gap
💎Possessive alpha
💎Praise kink
💎Secret baby
I’ll forever be wondering why none of my friends’ fathers were like Callum because I feel robbed😒
Moving on… Empire of Lies is book 2 in the Torrio Empire series and it picks up right where book 1 left off. Another note, the cliffhangers in book 1 and 2 will keep you on the edge of your seat. Completely wild.
Callum and Bianca’s relationship is a forbidden, dark, suspenseful one, with a lot of secrets, lies, and intensity. Callum is Bianca’s best friend Tatum’s father and 22 years older than her. He’s also a notorious arms dealer who lives a dangerous lifestyle that Bianca is not accustomed to. Book 1 goes more into the details of their relationship development, where book 2 is more about Callum and Bianca coming to terms with their feelings and how they can live their lives together. There is so much internal struggle in both of them yet I still find myself rooting for them. Can Callum redeem himself after all of the lies? Can Bianca forgive him and fully give in to him? Will Bianca’s secret change everything? (IYKYK).
This book is FULL of twists and turns. The spice is 🔥🔥🔥 and I am addicted to these characters and their stories. Again, the CLIFFHANGER at the end of this book has me in shambles. I absolutely need book 3. Also, PLEASE tell me Romero and Tatum get a book because if I don’t see these two brawl out their deeply hidden feelings for each other, I might implode. Okay thank you 💁🏼♀️
A huge thank you to @authorjlbeck for entertaining my shot in the dark DM requesting an ARC. I loved every second of it and I’m dying for book 3 🫶🏼💙
ARC Review
⭐️: 5/5
🗓️Pub Date: 5/19/23
Tropes:
💎Mafia romance
💎Best friend’s dad
💎Age gap
💎Possessive alpha
💎Praise kink
💎Secret baby
I’ll forever be wondering why none of my friends’ fathers were like Callum because I feel robbed😒
Moving on… Empire of Lies is book 2 in the Torrio Empire series and it picks up right where book 1 left off. Another note, the cliffhangers in book 1 and 2 will keep you on the edge of your seat. Completely wild.
Callum and Bianca’s relationship is a forbidden, dark, suspenseful one, with a lot of secrets, lies, and intensity. Callum is Bianca’s best friend Tatum’s father and 22 years older than her. He’s also a notorious arms dealer who lives a dangerous lifestyle that Bianca is not accustomed to. Book 1 goes more into the details of their relationship development, where book 2 is more about Callum and Bianca coming to terms with their feelings and how they can live their lives together. There is so much internal struggle in both of them yet I still find myself rooting for them. Can Callum redeem himself after all of the lies? Can Bianca forgive him and fully give in to him? Will Bianca’s secret change everything? (IYKYK).
This book is FULL of twists and turns. The spice is 🔥🔥🔥 and I am addicted to these characters and their stories. Again, the CLIFFHANGER at the end of this book has me in shambles. I absolutely need book 3. Also, PLEASE tell me Romero and Tatum get a book because if I don’t see these two brawl out their deeply hidden feelings for each other, I might implode. Okay thank you 💁🏼♀️
A huge thank you to @authorjlbeck for entertaining my shot in the dark DM requesting an ARC. I loved every second of it and I’m dying for book 3 🫶🏼💙
April 29, 2023
I lapped up Book 1 because an obsessive, over the top, possessive bad boy (or very much a man in this case) is right up my street! Don't judge me...
Book 2 doesn't disappoint. Picking up where we left off in book 1, we see the return of arms dealer Callum Torrio along with the return of his ultimate obsession, 22 year old Bianca, many years his junior and his daughter's best friend.
Bianca- despite suspecting she loves him - had fled Callum's infatuation only to discover a horrifying secret that could change everything.... no spoilers.
Despite it being a crazed obsessive trope, JL Beck is a superb writer. Callum's crazed passion for Bianca could be ickily eye rolling in the hands of another, yet this author commits to her characters fearlessly, without apology, regardless of their mania and this makes for a page turning tale.
There are triggers here so be warned.
Ultimately though, we also get a decent plot that turns into quite the 'whodunnit' and keeps the story zipping along. Can Callum be redeemed? Hmmm....
If I had a criticism it would be that I wish Bianca hadn't been quite so much the slave to carnal lust and given Callum an even harder time considering what shocking act he did to influence her future (you'll have to read to find out more)
Still addictive reading although it ends on another cliffhanger, which I'm not 100% sure is necessary. I found some elements really (too much of the dad, Tatum and long drawn out musing) could have been omitted altogether and this saga could have been resolved here.
JL Beck what are you doing to us?
Fingers crossed the wait isn't too long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 doesn't disappoint. Picking up where we left off in book 1, we see the return of arms dealer Callum Torrio along with the return of his ultimate obsession, 22 year old Bianca, many years his junior and his daughter's best friend.
Bianca- despite suspecting she loves him - had fled Callum's infatuation only to discover a horrifying secret that could change everything.... no spoilers.
Despite it being a crazed obsessive trope, JL Beck is a superb writer. Callum's crazed passion for Bianca could be ickily eye rolling in the hands of another, yet this author commits to her characters fearlessly, without apology, regardless of their mania and this makes for a page turning tale.
There are triggers here so be warned.
Ultimately though, we also get a decent plot that turns into quite the 'whodunnit' and keeps the story zipping along. Can Callum be redeemed? Hmmm....
If I had a criticism it would be that I wish Bianca hadn't been quite so much the slave to carnal lust and given Callum an even harder time considering what shocking act he did to influence her future (you'll have to read to find out more)
Still addictive reading although it ends on another cliffhanger, which I'm not 100% sure is necessary. I found some elements really (too much of the dad, Tatum and long drawn out musing) could have been omitted altogether and this saga could have been resolved here.
JL Beck what are you doing to us?
Fingers crossed the wait isn't too long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2023
TWISTS that Get Stuck in My HEAD to keep Reading
Glued to my reader with a fierce need to suck in every intense and twisted nail biting word. It's steamy with an abundance of twists that made it hard to put down until the explosive cliffy that has me rattled and desperate for book three. So far this series is crazy good that I can't seem to get enough but with the conclusion dangling beyond my needing it NOW reach has me screaming eff-bombs. My mantra was don't think just READ.
Glued to my reader with a fierce need to suck in every intense and twisted nail biting word. It's steamy with an abundance of twists that made it hard to put down until the explosive cliffy that has me rattled and desperate for book three. So far this series is crazy good that I can't seem to get enough but with the conclusion dangling beyond my needing it NOW reach has me screaming eff-bombs. My mantra was don't think just READ.
May 12, 2023
TWISTS that Get Stuck in My HEAD to keep Reading
Glued to my reader with a fierce need to suck in every intense and twisted nail biting word. It's steamy with an abundance of twists that made it hard to put down until the explosive cliffy that has me rattled and desperate for book three. So far this series is crazy good that I can't seem to get enough but with the conclusion dangling beyond my needing it NOW reach has me screaming eff-bombs. My mantra was don't think just READ.
Glued to my reader with a fierce need to suck in every intense and twisted nail biting word. It's steamy with an abundance of twists that made it hard to put down until the explosive cliffy that has me rattled and desperate for book three. So far this series is crazy good that I can't seem to get enough but with the conclusion dangling beyond my needing it NOW reach has me screaming eff-bombs. My mantra was don't think just READ.
May 3, 2023
If you have not yet read book one, Empire of Lust, do not read my review it will possibly contain spoilers for that book. You’ve been warned.
****
Now that Bianca finally has Callum, she is second guessing their entire relationship. With all the lies he has told her, the overwhelming possessiveness he feels for her, and then stack on the fact that he is still married and may or may not have killed her mother, everything is spiraling out of control. And Bianca is not sure their relationship is even salvageable at this point.
But that doesn’t stop the inferno that is them from combusting every time they are in the near vicinity of one another. Heck, even I wanted to combust. Beck writes the story as if you are right there with them. Feeling it all and experiencing every single moment. Every. Single. Delicious. Moment. I greedily devoured this book.
This series has been my most anticipated series from the moment I stumbled upon those first couple of reels Beck was sharing. And once I read Empire of Lust I was obsessed with all things Daddy Callum and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Empire of Lies. Now that I have read (and absolutely loved) Empire of Lies, I am in desperate need of Empire of Pain like it’s my next breath. The anticipation…worth it. The wait for the next book…unbearable!! All. The. Stars!
****
Now that Bianca finally has Callum, she is second guessing their entire relationship. With all the lies he has told her, the overwhelming possessiveness he feels for her, and then stack on the fact that he is still married and may or may not have killed her mother, everything is spiraling out of control. And Bianca is not sure their relationship is even salvageable at this point.
But that doesn’t stop the inferno that is them from combusting every time they are in the near vicinity of one another. Heck, even I wanted to combust. Beck writes the story as if you are right there with them. Feeling it all and experiencing every single moment. Every. Single. Delicious. Moment. I greedily devoured this book.
This series has been my most anticipated series from the moment I stumbled upon those first couple of reels Beck was sharing. And once I read Empire of Lust I was obsessed with all things Daddy Callum and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Empire of Lies. Now that I have read (and absolutely loved) Empire of Lies, I am in desperate need of Empire of Pain like it’s my next breath. The anticipation…worth it. The wait for the next book…unbearable!! All. The. Stars!
May 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Book 1 of this trilogy. If you have not read book 1 go back and read it now!
I have a soft spot for the obsessive, possessive bad boy trope, but also a Daddy. Moving on to Book 2, JL Beck does not disappoint. The story picks up where we left off, with arms dealer Callum Torrio and his infatuation, 22-year-old Bianca, who happens to be his daughter's best friend and many years his junior.
Typically book 2 in a trilogy will struggle to find purpose and voice but not Empire of Lies. The plot develops into an intriguing 'whodunnit' that keeps the story moving at a good pace.
Overall, the story is addictive, although it ends on another cliffhanger, which I'm not entirely sure was necessary but was well done. I am sure the author is setting up another series with Callum's daughter Tatum but it did at time make the story feel drawn out.
I am excited for book 3 and to see how things resolve.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
I have a soft spot for the obsessive, possessive bad boy trope, but also a Daddy. Moving on to Book 2, JL Beck does not disappoint. The story picks up where we left off, with arms dealer Callum Torrio and his infatuation, 22-year-old Bianca, who happens to be his daughter's best friend and many years his junior.
Typically book 2 in a trilogy will struggle to find purpose and voice but not Empire of Lies. The plot develops into an intriguing 'whodunnit' that keeps the story moving at a good pace.
Overall, the story is addictive, although it ends on another cliffhanger, which I'm not entirely sure was necessary but was well done. I am sure the author is setting up another series with Callum's daughter Tatum but it did at time make the story feel drawn out.
I am excited for book 3 and to see how things resolve.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
May 4, 2023
ARC Review
I think I gave myself a hang nail while reading this book especially with its ending! 🤯 Lordddddd when I tell you this book phenomenal trust me 🤌 I couldn’t put the book down!
This second book goes on with Callum and Bianca’s deeper love story and trials and tribulations. Surprises come up that could possibly end some relationships. This series only gets better by the book! The last few chapters had me hanging on to my seat! I want more! I’m sad I have to wait for the next book but I know it will be AMAZING!!!!
P.S. The book does have a dark theme and some events may be triggering. Do not read if you do not like or are triggered by possessiveness, controlling, and violence.
I think I gave myself a hang nail while reading this book especially with its ending! 🤯 Lordddddd when I tell you this book phenomenal trust me 🤌 I couldn’t put the book down!
This second book goes on with Callum and Bianca’s deeper love story and trials and tribulations. Surprises come up that could possibly end some relationships. This series only gets better by the book! The last few chapters had me hanging on to my seat! I want more! I’m sad I have to wait for the next book but I know it will be AMAZING!!!!
P.S. The book does have a dark theme and some events may be triggering. Do not read if you do not like or are triggered by possessiveness, controlling, and violence.
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