What do you think?
Rate this book
His Ruthless Queen
Saoirse Murphy. Fierce, stubborn, strong. She was the temptation I couldn’t give in to. I would’ve gone through hell for her. Even if it meant removing myself from her life to save her the heartache that comes from being with a Made Man. But when she needed me, I couldn't resist her call. I would always be there for her. Even if it meant seeing her in the hands of another man. At least that’s what I told myself. Saoirse was walking temptation, and I didn’t believe I could resist. Jameson Scott Burne. Best friend, confidant, protector. I’d always loved him, but he left me, destroying everything before we even had a chance. He was my everything until he wasn’t. He swore we could be nothing, until I called his bluff. But when the bratva prince wanted to force me into marriage to cement his hold over Boston, Scotty came back. He claimed me—tried to make up for the past. Could I trust him to keep me safe? Could the man who left me be trusted with my life, now that I was engaged to someone else?
***His Ruthless Queen is a stand-alone in an interconnected series. All books can be read in any order. ***
***His Ruthless Queen is a stand-alone in an interconnected series. All books can be read in any order. ***
401 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2023
114 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Stauber
15 books172 followersA.N. is a wife and mother to three children. She enjoys writing dark romance novels with strong female leads, always with a HEA. When she isn't reading and writing, she spends her days with her family. Other passions include: crafting, horseback riding, and procrastinating
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 8, 2023
i love a good forbidden romance and this slayed as per usual omg it was so cute i love them so much EEEEEEEE
i have to wait until NOVEMBER FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!?!??
crazy
i have to wait until NOVEMBER FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!?!??
crazy
March 5, 2024
Guys. This was my first AN Stauber book and I was NOT disappointed. 💋 I will be going back for the rest of the series because I want ALL the stories from the family but this was one that kept me entranced the whole time I was listening.
AN wrote a beautiful, strongly willed, independent and intelligent FMC in Saoirse 🖤 I adored how her story played out and enjoyed seeing her sass so stinking much. MK Blackwood was a lovely narrator choice for this character!
Scotty… Jamie. Ugh. Where to begin. He’s a brilliant pitch black MMC. He will stop at nothing to Saoirse and I adore that. Sometimes I wanted to smack him upside the head for being a man, but what can you expect from a broody, Irish mafia body guard who literally grew up in the life?? AND Jason Clarke’s performance *chefs kiss* 😘 that man can growl all the dirty words with the best grumble.
I’m off to download the rest as soon as I possibly can! Kay. Byeeee ✌🏼
AN wrote a beautiful, strongly willed, independent and intelligent FMC in Saoirse 🖤 I adored how her story played out and enjoyed seeing her sass so stinking much. MK Blackwood was a lovely narrator choice for this character!
Scotty… Jamie. Ugh. Where to begin. He’s a brilliant pitch black MMC. He will stop at nothing to Saoirse and I adore that. Sometimes I wanted to smack him upside the head for being a man, but what can you expect from a broody, Irish mafia body guard who literally grew up in the life?? AND Jason Clarke’s performance *chefs kiss* 😘 that man can growl all the dirty words with the best grumble.
I’m off to download the rest as soon as I possibly can! Kay. Byeeee ✌🏼
June 20, 2023
I needed a few chapters to get into this story but then I couldn't stop reading and was halfway through it before I knew. The tension between Scotty and Saoirse is just soo touchable. They keep turning and twisting around each other not knowing how much they need one another.
The bond between Saoirse and her brothers is so sweet, it doesn't matter they are all in de mafia, they love Saoirse as the princess she is.
The things Saoirse has gone through, you wish nobody has to go through. And the way Scotty lifts her up after everything is just amazing. I loved their bond so much.
If you need a good mafia romance book this series is for sure a good one to pick up! This is book 3 in the series, can read apart from each other, but better to read all of them in order.
Please check for the trigger warnings, this book is not for everyone.
The bond between Saoirse and her brothers is so sweet, it doesn't matter they are all in de mafia, they love Saoirse as the princess she is.
The things Saoirse has gone through, you wish nobody has to go through. And the way Scotty lifts her up after everything is just amazing. I loved their bond so much.
If you need a good mafia romance book this series is for sure a good one to pick up! This is book 3 in the series, can read apart from each other, but better to read all of them in order.
Please check for the trigger warnings, this book is not for everyone.
September 13, 2023
Bodyguard gets a second shot at her submission
Scotty has been her bodyguard and best friend for the last five years. But when he’s shot by her family’s enemies, Saoirse is ready to confess her feelings. And he is not. Angry at being abandoned, she asks her brother to set her up in an arranged marriage.
Scotty returns to the mafia to find Saoirse with a new fiancée and a new threat hanging over her head. He has no choice but to start guarding her again. Saoirse may be committed to her new plans, but Scotty isn’t going to lose her twice.
My favorite line: “Why the f* is she still wearing that hideous ring?!”
The spice in this second-chance romance is possessive and rough, but no dub-con. He’s very nurturing since she struggles with disordered eating. She brats back but enjoys submission. The supporting characters are hilarious and continue to build this rich mafia-verse.
Scotty has been her bodyguard and best friend for the last five years. But when he’s shot by her family’s enemies, Saoirse is ready to confess her feelings. And he is not. Angry at being abandoned, she asks her brother to set her up in an arranged marriage.
Scotty returns to the mafia to find Saoirse with a new fiancée and a new threat hanging over her head. He has no choice but to start guarding her again. Saoirse may be committed to her new plans, but Scotty isn’t going to lose her twice.
My favorite line: “Why the f* is she still wearing that hideous ring?!”
The spice in this second-chance romance is possessive and rough, but no dub-con. He’s very nurturing since she struggles with disordered eating. She brats back but enjoys submission. The supporting characters are hilarious and continue to build this rich mafia-verse.
June 21, 2023
THIS BOOK!
I have loved this series since the beginning when I first got my hands on Cal and Haley's story in 2022. I never thought that a book boyfriend would overtake Callum but I was wrong...Scotty is now my #1 Book boyfriend and he will certainly be hard to replace!
Soairse Murphy is anything but sheltered and meek, despite the fact that her brothers have done everything in their power to keep her out of the Southies world as much as possible. Unfortunately for them, she has had her eyes set on Scotty for as long as she can remember. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her and has basically pushed her as far away from him as possible by sending her across the country. Well, if Scotty won't appreciate what she is willing to give him, there is certainly someone one there who will do so- bonus points if it is someone who is not connected with the mafia world at all.
Scotty wants her but knows she is off limits. He's not sure when it happened, but he fell and fell hard for Soairse but his feelings and any potential involvement with her can not happen. The wrath that he would feel from Cal and the rest of her brothers is not worth it. So why is she constantly pushing all of his buttons to pull him in further? It was easier when she was across the country, but since she has come running back and engaged to another man, he can't keep his jealous tendencies under control. Will he be able to reign it in to keep her safe and happy or is he willing to risk it all to get what he has denied himself for so long?
Ok, for starters the chemistry between these two is just off the charts. The forbidden romance from all angles- bodyguard, brother's employee, mafia member- literally has your skin crackling from beginning to end. Plus, with all of the history between these two, it is so hard not to really just be rooting for them to find their happily ever after the entire time you are reading. Despite the fact that their chemistry was beyond hot and made me wish for a man like Scotty, what really drew me in and made me fall for him was his ability to not only read and predict everything about Soairse, but his ability to use that skill and call her out on her crap when she was being her over the top self. Scotty is the one person that knows her like the back of her hand and doesn't let her get away with anything. He may look like a jerk while he is doing it but he does have a gentle side about him that makes the reader weak at the knees when they get to see it. I also think it was really fun to see him take what he wanted with no regard to the consequences- he knew exactly what he was doing when he was trying to win her over and despite knowing that it could have gone downhill for him quickly, he did it anyway. My only wish was that we got to see a bit of the consequences we know he is going to be suffering at the hands of Cal because of those choices.
I also really fell in love with Soairse as the FMC. She is fierce, strong, feisty and above all else bull headed. She knows what she wants and how to get it so putting her up against someone like Scotty was really fun and made their arguments extra juicy to read. I also loved that we got to see a bit more of her budding relationship with Haley. For someone who grew up with only brothers, she is embracing the newest female member of the family with open arms and their budding relationship is really fun to read- especially when they start going against the wishes of their men. Something tells me the more women we add in this world for these boys, the more headaches they are going to have and I for one, can not wait to see what comes next.
I have loved this series since the beginning when I first got my hands on Cal and Haley's story in 2022. I never thought that a book boyfriend would overtake Callum but I was wrong...Scotty is now my #1 Book boyfriend and he will certainly be hard to replace!
Soairse Murphy is anything but sheltered and meek, despite the fact that her brothers have done everything in their power to keep her out of the Southies world as much as possible. Unfortunately for them, she has had her eyes set on Scotty for as long as she can remember. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her and has basically pushed her as far away from him as possible by sending her across the country. Well, if Scotty won't appreciate what she is willing to give him, there is certainly someone one there who will do so- bonus points if it is someone who is not connected with the mafia world at all.
Scotty wants her but knows she is off limits. He's not sure when it happened, but he fell and fell hard for Soairse but his feelings and any potential involvement with her can not happen. The wrath that he would feel from Cal and the rest of her brothers is not worth it. So why is she constantly pushing all of his buttons to pull him in further? It was easier when she was across the country, but since she has come running back and engaged to another man, he can't keep his jealous tendencies under control. Will he be able to reign it in to keep her safe and happy or is he willing to risk it all to get what he has denied himself for so long?
Ok, for starters the chemistry between these two is just off the charts. The forbidden romance from all angles- bodyguard, brother's employee, mafia member- literally has your skin crackling from beginning to end. Plus, with all of the history between these two, it is so hard not to really just be rooting for them to find their happily ever after the entire time you are reading. Despite the fact that their chemistry was beyond hot and made me wish for a man like Scotty, what really drew me in and made me fall for him was his ability to not only read and predict everything about Soairse, but his ability to use that skill and call her out on her crap when she was being her over the top self. Scotty is the one person that knows her like the back of her hand and doesn't let her get away with anything. He may look like a jerk while he is doing it but he does have a gentle side about him that makes the reader weak at the knees when they get to see it. I also think it was really fun to see him take what he wanted with no regard to the consequences- he knew exactly what he was doing when he was trying to win her over and despite knowing that it could have gone downhill for him quickly, he did it anyway. My only wish was that we got to see a bit of the consequences we know he is going to be suffering at the hands of Cal because of those choices.
I also really fell in love with Soairse as the FMC. She is fierce, strong, feisty and above all else bull headed. She knows what she wants and how to get it so putting her up against someone like Scotty was really fun and made their arguments extra juicy to read. I also loved that we got to see a bit more of her budding relationship with Haley. For someone who grew up with only brothers, she is embracing the newest female member of the family with open arms and their budding relationship is really fun to read- especially when they start going against the wishes of their men. Something tells me the more women we add in this world for these boys, the more headaches they are going to have and I for one, can not wait to see what comes next.
March 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Saoirse Murphy is the youngest of her siblings and the princess. She has a tendency of giving her guards the slip, that is until a new guard is assigned to her. Enter Jameson Scott Burne aka Scotty. He has been Saoirse’s bodyguard and best friend for the last five years. Noone knows Saoirse the way that Scotty does. But when he’s shot by her family’s enemies, Saoirse is ready to confess her feelings. Scotty realizes that Saoirse is too good for the mafia lifestyle and pushes her as far away from him as possible by sending her across the country. Well, if Scotty won't appreciate what she is willing to give him, Saoirse will have her brother help her find someone who will. Even better, he can find her someone who can get her out of the mafia world once and for all.
Scotty’s not sure when it happened, but he fell hard for Soairse. However, his feelings and any potential involvement with her can not happen, she is off limits. While Scotty is a trusted member of the team and friend to her brothers, he believes the wrath that he would feel from Cal and the rest of her brothers wouldn’t be worth it. When Scotty returns to the mafia he finds Saoirse engaged to Corbin, the Governor and hopefully one day President. When a new threat hangs over her head Scotty has no choice but to start guarding her again. He will do anything to keep her safe, including telling her how he feels. Will it be enough or will the marriage contract keep them apart?
His Ruthless Queen is book 3 in the Black Hearts Series by A.N. Stauber. Although it can technically be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order. Some of the supporting characters got a little jumbled up in my head while listening. I had a little trouble connecting with them because I missed their story by starting with this book instead of at book one. Plus reading in order just means more Dark Mafia Romance, you can’t beat that!
I loved this audiobook so much! Saoirse and Scotty's romance is a combustible and seductive tale. Add in Jason Clarke and M. K. Blackwood as the narrators and you get an audiobook that captures your interest, steals your breath and makes your pulse race. M. K. Blackwood portrayed Saoirse’s personality so well, from her insecurities to her stubbornness. Jason Clarke knows how to voice a strong and possessive alpha male. He can tame my bratty attitude any day! Both narrators are so talented with their passion and accents. Even their male/female voices were wonderful. These two made such a wonderful team and I'd love to listen to another book narrated by them! This story was absolute perfection. This was my first book from A. N. Stauber and it definitely won’t be my last. She painted a wonderful dark Irish Maria story that is filled with angst, drama, suspense, and tension. I cannot wait to listen to the rest of this series!
✨Thank you so much @authoranstauber for the ALC to listen to! All thoughts and opinions are my own.✨
🖤@hopemays_library🖤
Instagram | TikTok | GoodReads | Storygraph | Amazon | Audible Reviews
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Saoirse Murphy is the youngest of her siblings and the princess. She has a tendency of giving her guards the slip, that is until a new guard is assigned to her. Enter Jameson Scott Burne aka Scotty. He has been Saoirse’s bodyguard and best friend for the last five years. Noone knows Saoirse the way that Scotty does. But when he’s shot by her family’s enemies, Saoirse is ready to confess her feelings. Scotty realizes that Saoirse is too good for the mafia lifestyle and pushes her as far away from him as possible by sending her across the country. Well, if Scotty won't appreciate what she is willing to give him, Saoirse will have her brother help her find someone who will. Even better, he can find her someone who can get her out of the mafia world once and for all.
Scotty’s not sure when it happened, but he fell hard for Soairse. However, his feelings and any potential involvement with her can not happen, she is off limits. While Scotty is a trusted member of the team and friend to her brothers, he believes the wrath that he would feel from Cal and the rest of her brothers wouldn’t be worth it. When Scotty returns to the mafia he finds Saoirse engaged to Corbin, the Governor and hopefully one day President. When a new threat hangs over her head Scotty has no choice but to start guarding her again. He will do anything to keep her safe, including telling her how he feels. Will it be enough or will the marriage contract keep them apart?
His Ruthless Queen is book 3 in the Black Hearts Series by A.N. Stauber. Although it can technically be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order. Some of the supporting characters got a little jumbled up in my head while listening. I had a little trouble connecting with them because I missed their story by starting with this book instead of at book one. Plus reading in order just means more Dark Mafia Romance, you can’t beat that!
I loved this audiobook so much! Saoirse and Scotty's romance is a combustible and seductive tale. Add in Jason Clarke and M. K. Blackwood as the narrators and you get an audiobook that captures your interest, steals your breath and makes your pulse race. M. K. Blackwood portrayed Saoirse’s personality so well, from her insecurities to her stubbornness. Jason Clarke knows how to voice a strong and possessive alpha male. He can tame my bratty attitude any day! Both narrators are so talented with their passion and accents. Even their male/female voices were wonderful. These two made such a wonderful team and I'd love to listen to another book narrated by them! This story was absolute perfection. This was my first book from A. N. Stauber and it definitely won’t be my last. She painted a wonderful dark Irish Maria story that is filled with angst, drama, suspense, and tension. I cannot wait to listen to the rest of this series!
✨Thank you so much @authoranstauber for the ALC to listen to! All thoughts and opinions are my own.✨
🖤@hopemays_library🖤
Instagram | TikTok | GoodReads | Storygraph | Amazon | Audible Reviews
March 5, 2024
Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Captivating & Steamy!
His Ruthless Queen
Black Hearts, Book 2
By: A.N. Stauber
Narrated by: M.K Blackwood, Jason Clarke
This dark Mafia romance is fantastic, the story is original with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. Saoirse Murphy is a Mafia princess, and despite not being involved in the family business, she was still under their protection because they look out for their own and she could become a target. She became close with her bodyguard, so much so, she fell in love with him. Jameson Scott Burne, aka Scotty, is a made man sworn to the Murphy clan in Boston. Saoirse was under his protection, and as the sister of the leader, she was off limits. After he got shot, he realized she was too good for his lifestyle and as hard as it was for him to do; he walked away, asking for someone else to be assigned to protect her. She was upset over this and asked her brother to arrange a marriage for her, which he did to a politician. The Russians lost most of their power in Boston and are desperate to gain it back, so they are trying to make a power play by forcing Saoirse to marry one of their leaders. Scotty hears this and goes into protective mode and is back on her protective detail. He is not liking that she is engaged to Corbin, a governor who plans to run for the White House, he is not liking him either. Saoirse knows what the deal is with Corbin and has accepted it, regardless if Scotty approves, likes it or not, he has no say in the matter. Or does he? Scotty broke her heart by leaving, so how could she ever trust him again? There is never a dull moment in this book, the story has a perfect balance of drama, angst, action, thrilling and suspenseful moments, emotional moments and steamy romance. This was my first book written by A.N. Stauber and consider me impressed, her writing, plotting and world building are fantastic and the same goes for character growth and development. I hope more of her book come to audio soon. Thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 M.K. Blackwood and Jason Clarke were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable, accents and all. Blackwood aced it as Saoirse, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her insecurities to her fierceness, and all in between. Clarke nailed it as Scotty, a strong and determined alpha, who was not afraid to show his caring side and his Russian was great, too. Both were just as amazing performing the roles of the secondary characters, too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. These two made a fantastic team, their voices and talent complemented each other and they were a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.
His Ruthless Queen
Black Hearts, Book 2
By: A.N. Stauber
Narrated by: M.K Blackwood, Jason Clarke
This dark Mafia romance is fantastic, the story is original with interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. Saoirse Murphy is a Mafia princess, and despite not being involved in the family business, she was still under their protection because they look out for their own and she could become a target. She became close with her bodyguard, so much so, she fell in love with him. Jameson Scott Burne, aka Scotty, is a made man sworn to the Murphy clan in Boston. Saoirse was under his protection, and as the sister of the leader, she was off limits. After he got shot, he realized she was too good for his lifestyle and as hard as it was for him to do; he walked away, asking for someone else to be assigned to protect her. She was upset over this and asked her brother to arrange a marriage for her, which he did to a politician. The Russians lost most of their power in Boston and are desperate to gain it back, so they are trying to make a power play by forcing Saoirse to marry one of their leaders. Scotty hears this and goes into protective mode and is back on her protective detail. He is not liking that she is engaged to Corbin, a governor who plans to run for the White House, he is not liking him either. Saoirse knows what the deal is with Corbin and has accepted it, regardless if Scotty approves, likes it or not, he has no say in the matter. Or does he? Scotty broke her heart by leaving, so how could she ever trust him again? There is never a dull moment in this book, the story has a perfect balance of drama, angst, action, thrilling and suspenseful moments, emotional moments and steamy romance. This was my first book written by A.N. Stauber and consider me impressed, her writing, plotting and world building are fantastic and the same goes for character growth and development. I hope more of her book come to audio soon. Thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 M.K. Blackwood and Jason Clarke were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable, accents and all. Blackwood aced it as Saoirse, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her insecurities to her fierceness, and all in between. Clarke nailed it as Scotty, a strong and determined alpha, who was not afraid to show his caring side and his Russian was great, too. Both were just as amazing performing the roles of the secondary characters, too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. These two made a fantastic team, their voices and talent complemented each other and they were a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.
March 12, 2024
4 - Scotty and Saiorse Forever Stars!!
Audio Review:
Her writing style is very natural and I was pulled into this story straight away. I enjoyed the world of the Murphy family and the character development of main and side players throughout. The plot and pacing were excellent. The story was exciting and suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat at times while rooting for our MCs to get their HEA.
The narration was 5-star perfection. I usually prefer duet style narration, but in the hands of Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood, the dual narration did not detract at all from the listening experience. Jason's performance was fantastic . . . the way he breathed life into Scotty / Jamie was ALPHA perfection. M.K. Blackwood's performance was nuanced and beautiful in the way she captured all of Saoirse's facets and emotions. Bravo!
We have a few troupes here, all of which I love:
Mafia forbidden romance
Best Friend / Confidant
Body Guard /Protector
Second Chance Romance
FMCs Brother's employee
Made Man
Our hero, Jameson 'Scotty' Burne, has been Saoirse's body guard for years. He works for her Brother, Callum, who is head of the Murphy crime organization in Boston. After a particularly violent encounter, Scotty sends Saoirse away in an attempt to shield her from the dangers of Mafia life. He doesn't believe he deserves her.
Saoirse is a strong willed FMC who is independent and self-possessed. As a successful architect, she has remained largely away from the inner workings of her family's operations both legitimate and illegitimate. She's been in love with Scotty for a long time, but he won't act on their growing desire and attachment to one another. When he sends her away and ghosts her, she sees it as a complete rejection, a betrayal of their friendship.
Ultimately, they end up back in Boston orbiting each other again. You can feel the tension build between them as they try without success to avoid each other and deny their feelings. But he's got it bad for Saoirse and when danger looms, no one can protect her like he can. He's so OTT protective and I was there for every delicious second of it.
In Scotty's own words - Quote:
"I'd slit my own throat if it meant keeping her safe and doing that would shatter her. This need to protect her runs so deep within me that I can't even distinguish where it ends and where my own need to survive begins."
Also, I loved the family dynamics and the close bond between Saoirse and her brothers. This is a good mafia romance with a sometimes broody alpha hero who happens to be gooey on the inside for his Saoirse.
This Book 3 of the Black Hearts Series and I'll definitely continue with it. Thanks AN Stauber for giving us the wild ride that is the Murphy Family world!
Audio Review:
Her writing style is very natural and I was pulled into this story straight away. I enjoyed the world of the Murphy family and the character development of main and side players throughout. The plot and pacing were excellent. The story was exciting and suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat at times while rooting for our MCs to get their HEA.
The narration was 5-star perfection. I usually prefer duet style narration, but in the hands of Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood, the dual narration did not detract at all from the listening experience. Jason's performance was fantastic . . . the way he breathed life into Scotty / Jamie was ALPHA perfection. M.K. Blackwood's performance was nuanced and beautiful in the way she captured all of Saoirse's facets and emotions. Bravo!
We have a few troupes here, all of which I love:
Mafia forbidden romance
Best Friend / Confidant
Body Guard /Protector
Second Chance Romance
FMCs Brother's employee
Made Man
Our hero, Jameson 'Scotty' Burne, has been Saoirse's body guard for years. He works for her Brother, Callum, who is head of the Murphy crime organization in Boston. After a particularly violent encounter, Scotty sends Saoirse away in an attempt to shield her from the dangers of Mafia life. He doesn't believe he deserves her.
Saoirse is a strong willed FMC who is independent and self-possessed. As a successful architect, she has remained largely away from the inner workings of her family's operations both legitimate and illegitimate. She's been in love with Scotty for a long time, but he won't act on their growing desire and attachment to one another. When he sends her away and ghosts her, she sees it as a complete rejection, a betrayal of their friendship.
Ultimately, they end up back in Boston orbiting each other again. You can feel the tension build between them as they try without success to avoid each other and deny their feelings. But he's got it bad for Saoirse and when danger looms, no one can protect her like he can. He's so OTT protective and I was there for every delicious second of it.
In Scotty's own words - Quote:
"I'd slit my own throat if it meant keeping her safe and doing that would shatter her. This need to protect her runs so deep within me that I can't even distinguish where it ends and where my own need to survive begins."
Also, I loved the family dynamics and the close bond between Saoirse and her brothers. This is a good mafia romance with a sometimes broody alpha hero who happens to be gooey on the inside for his Saoirse.
This Book 3 of the Black Hearts Series and I'll definitely continue with it. Thanks AN Stauber for giving us the wild ride that is the Murphy Family world!
March 17, 2024
Audiobook Review
If you’re looking for a good bodyguard, friends to lovers, mutual pining, mafia romance look no further. A.N. Stauber has just the book for you with His Ruthless Queen. Saoirse is the youngest sister in the Irish mafia in Boston-protective older brothers and has always been kept on the outside of their more questionable dealings. Jameson “Scotty” Burne has been her bodyguard for years and we open the story with him lying in a hospital bed having been shot in the line of duty. Scotty and Saoirse have always flirted the edge of friendship-they both want the other but Scotty is convinced he isn’t “good enough” for her, as an employee of her brother. After this incident, he sends her away to shield her from the mafia life and she goes on to attend college and become a successful architect. When Scotty arrives back in her life in Boston years later, the tension hasn’t changed but Saoirse is now in a fake relationship with another man to create ties for her brother’s mafia and the Russians have decided they’d like to force her to marry into their family to make the Irish have a better relationship with them. Scotty convinces her brothers to put him back as her bodyguard and it is then that they are forced to admit their feelings for each other. Scotty is a ‘I’ll burn the world to keep her safe’ type of MMC, he even gives her a necklace a gift that has a tracking chip in it. Here are a few of the tropes/microtropes I wrote down as I was listening:
-Mutual Pining-“Princess” nickname
-Dirty talking MMC.
-Tie used in bedroom fun
-XXL ‘equipment’
-Touch her and die vibes
-BDSM lite
-0rg*sm denial funishment.
Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood do a fantastic job in this dual narration. Jason perfectly portrayed Scotty and his alpha mindset. M.K. Blackwood is wonderful at portraying character emotion and this is no exception! Saoirse goes through a lot of intense emotional changes during this story and M.K. Makes you feel like you are experiencing them with her. Definitely download this story if you love a alpha MMC, but also a strong, opinionated FMC!
If you’re looking for a good bodyguard, friends to lovers, mutual pining, mafia romance look no further. A.N. Stauber has just the book for you with His Ruthless Queen. Saoirse is the youngest sister in the Irish mafia in Boston-protective older brothers and has always been kept on the outside of their more questionable dealings. Jameson “Scotty” Burne has been her bodyguard for years and we open the story with him lying in a hospital bed having been shot in the line of duty. Scotty and Saoirse have always flirted the edge of friendship-they both want the other but Scotty is convinced he isn’t “good enough” for her, as an employee of her brother. After this incident, he sends her away to shield her from the mafia life and she goes on to attend college and become a successful architect. When Scotty arrives back in her life in Boston years later, the tension hasn’t changed but Saoirse is now in a fake relationship with another man to create ties for her brother’s mafia and the Russians have decided they’d like to force her to marry into their family to make the Irish have a better relationship with them. Scotty convinces her brothers to put him back as her bodyguard and it is then that they are forced to admit their feelings for each other. Scotty is a ‘I’ll burn the world to keep her safe’ type of MMC, he even gives her a necklace a gift that has a tracking chip in it. Here are a few of the tropes/microtropes I wrote down as I was listening:
-Mutual Pining-“Princess” nickname
-Dirty talking MMC.
-Tie used in bedroom fun
-XXL ‘equipment’
-Touch her and die vibes
-BDSM lite
-0rg*sm denial funishment.
Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood do a fantastic job in this dual narration. Jason perfectly portrayed Scotty and his alpha mindset. M.K. Blackwood is wonderful at portraying character emotion and this is no exception! Saoirse goes through a lot of intense emotional changes during this story and M.K. Makes you feel like you are experiencing them with her. Definitely download this story if you love a alpha MMC, but also a strong, opinionated FMC!
March 8, 2024
“I love it when you’re a good girl and do as I say.“
ALC Review: Saoirse is a Mafia princess and Jameson “Scotty” is sworn to protect her. When Scotty gets shot on the job, he pushes Saoirse away and takes a different guarding gig for a period of time. Saoirse is left heartbroken because not only was Scotty her best friend and bodyguard, but he is also the love of her life.
When Scotty returns to find Saoirse is engaged to another, he realizes he cannot resist her temptation and has to claim her for himself. When the Bratva prince is out to capture and marry Saoirse, Scotty and her brothers unite to fight the Bratva to keep Saoirse safe.
“I don’t f-cking share.”
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Narrator Rating: 4/5
Steam/Spice: 3/5
Tropes:
- dark mafia romance
- possessive ex-Navy MMC
- feisty princess FMC
- forced proximity
- forbidden
- bosses’ sister
- princess / bodyguard
- friends to lovers
- FMC arranged to wed another
- “my wife”
- second chance
- alpha male
“I could pretend like I don’t get hard thinking about her running away. That I never enjoyed watching her sneak out at night, only for me to find her and drag her back home with those pouty red lips and a scowl. I may never admit it outloud but I’m not ashamed that the deepest, darkest parts of me loved chasing her.”
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this audiobook. This was my first book by A.N. Stauber and I loved the tension and romance between Saoirse and Scotty. This is also my first audiobook by Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood. Their performance was incredible, especially their Russian and Boston accents when those characters came into the picture.
ALC Review: Saoirse is a Mafia princess and Jameson “Scotty” is sworn to protect her. When Scotty gets shot on the job, he pushes Saoirse away and takes a different guarding gig for a period of time. Saoirse is left heartbroken because not only was Scotty her best friend and bodyguard, but he is also the love of her life.
When Scotty returns to find Saoirse is engaged to another, he realizes he cannot resist her temptation and has to claim her for himself. When the Bratva prince is out to capture and marry Saoirse, Scotty and her brothers unite to fight the Bratva to keep Saoirse safe.
“I don’t f-cking share.”
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Narrator Rating: 4/5
Steam/Spice: 3/5
Tropes:
- dark mafia romance
- possessive ex-Navy MMC
- feisty princess FMC
- forced proximity
- forbidden
- bosses’ sister
- princess / bodyguard
- friends to lovers
- FMC arranged to wed another
- “my wife”
- second chance
- alpha male
“I could pretend like I don’t get hard thinking about her running away. That I never enjoyed watching her sneak out at night, only for me to find her and drag her back home with those pouty red lips and a scowl. I may never admit it outloud but I’m not ashamed that the deepest, darkest parts of me loved chasing her.”
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this audiobook. This was my first book by A.N. Stauber and I loved the tension and romance between Saoirse and Scotty. This is also my first audiobook by Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood. Their performance was incredible, especially their Russian and Boston accents when those characters came into the picture.
March 12, 2024
This was my first time reading a book written by A.N. Stauber and I was thoroughly impressed. Her writing, plotting and world building are phenomenal and the same sentiment goes for the character growth and development. I enjoyed listening to this one and I hope more of her books come to audio soon. Thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride you and these characters took me on!
This was performed dual style by M.K. Blackwood and Jason Clarke. I feel that they were the perfect choices to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each character a voice that was fitting and believable. And their accents?! Spot on performances from both of them! M.K. Blackwood aced her role as Saoirse, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her innocence/insecurities to her fierceness, and everything else in between. Then we have Jason Clarke and he NAILED IT as Scotty, the strong and determined alpha, who wasn’t afraid to show his soft side when it came to Saoirse. Both were nothing short of amazing when it came to performing the roles of the side characters as well They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ conflicts and emotions and had you feeling every single one. These two made a fantastic team! Their voices and talent complemented each other so well and they were a pleasure to listen to!
This was performed dual style by M.K. Blackwood and Jason Clarke. I feel that they were the perfect choices to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each character a voice that was fitting and believable. And their accents?! Spot on performances from both of them! M.K. Blackwood aced her role as Saoirse, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her innocence/insecurities to her fierceness, and everything else in between. Then we have Jason Clarke and he NAILED IT as Scotty, the strong and determined alpha, who wasn’t afraid to show his soft side when it came to Saoirse. Both were nothing short of amazing when it came to performing the roles of the side characters as well They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ conflicts and emotions and had you feeling every single one. These two made a fantastic team! Their voices and talent complemented each other so well and they were a pleasure to listen to!
March 14, 2024
*Audiobook Review*
Saoirse is a refreshing FMC - she is a mafia princess but has her own autonomy as well as becoming successful in her own right. The will they/won't they with Scotty was the perfect balance of tension throughout the story - I found myself shouting "just kiss!" more than once. Both had their reasons for not admitting their feelings but when they do it is explosive. This hits all the best tropes in a mafia romance without being too dark although there was enough danger and suspense that I was engaged throughout. Scotty was such a romantic at heart and is very easy to fall for.
Jason Clarke continues to be one of my favourite male dual narrators and I really enjoyed both his and MK Blackwood's performances in this. There are enough characters that they get to show a lot of range with accents as well as personalities - I haven't read book one and two but I loved Hayley and will definitely be checking out that book. I also liked Corbin and how his relationship with Saoirse developed; I hope he gets his HEA at some point.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Saoirse is a refreshing FMC - she is a mafia princess but has her own autonomy as well as becoming successful in her own right. The will they/won't they with Scotty was the perfect balance of tension throughout the story - I found myself shouting "just kiss!" more than once. Both had their reasons for not admitting their feelings but when they do it is explosive. This hits all the best tropes in a mafia romance without being too dark although there was enough danger and suspense that I was engaged throughout. Scotty was such a romantic at heart and is very easy to fall for.
Jason Clarke continues to be one of my favourite male dual narrators and I really enjoyed both his and MK Blackwood's performances in this. There are enough characters that they get to show a lot of range with accents as well as personalities - I haven't read book one and two but I loved Hayley and will definitely be checking out that book. I also liked Corbin and how his relationship with Saoirse developed; I hope he gets his HEA at some point.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
March 3, 2024
A.N. Stauber, a shiny new author on my reading radar, and I must say, diving into Book 3 of the Black Hearts series was a real treat! While this book can stand alone, it's like adding extra sprinkles to your ice cream if you read them in order.
Picture this: Scotty has been Saoirse's trusty bodyguard and BFF for a solid five years. But when enemies start sniffing around him, Saoirse throws caution to the wind and spills her heart out, leaving poor Scotty spinning. Feeling like a lone wolf, Saoirse takes matters into her own hands and plots a marriage with her brother's help.
Back in the mafia world, Scotty is hit with the news of Saoirse's engagement and a dark cloud hovering over her. Duty calls, and he steps back into his role as her guardian angel. While Saoirse is all gung-ho about her new chapter, Scotty ain't about to let her slip through his fingers again.
Hold onto your hats as narrators Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood breathe life into the thrilling saga of Scotty and Saoirse in this must-listen audiobook adventure!
Things to know
Assault, insinuations of eating disorders, kidnapping, knife play, and blood play, mafia princess x bodyguard, forbidden romance, age gap, mafia wars, mentions of deceased family members, edging, orgasm denial
Picture this: Scotty has been Saoirse's trusty bodyguard and BFF for a solid five years. But when enemies start sniffing around him, Saoirse throws caution to the wind and spills her heart out, leaving poor Scotty spinning. Feeling like a lone wolf, Saoirse takes matters into her own hands and plots a marriage with her brother's help.
Back in the mafia world, Scotty is hit with the news of Saoirse's engagement and a dark cloud hovering over her. Duty calls, and he steps back into his role as her guardian angel. While Saoirse is all gung-ho about her new chapter, Scotty ain't about to let her slip through his fingers again.
Hold onto your hats as narrators Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood breathe life into the thrilling saga of Scotty and Saoirse in this must-listen audiobook adventure!
Things to know
Assault, insinuations of eating disorders, kidnapping, knife play, and blood play, mafia princess x bodyguard, forbidden romance, age gap, mafia wars, mentions of deceased family members, edging, orgasm denial
March 12, 2024
This is book 3 in the Black Hearts Series. I suggest reading in order as there is background that is relevant to each story. Although the books are set as standalones and you can understand what is going on, the previous books will help with some of the storyline.
I listened to this book on Audible. the narrators are Jason Clarke and M. K. Blackwood. Their performances are stellar and truely brought the characters to life. I am always amazed at the ability of a voice actor to change their vocal tones. Both performances brought this story to life andI am glad I listened.
If you love a fantastic Mafia series...this one is for you. Each story will follow a different sibling in the Murphy clan and this story follows the baby sister, Saoirse and her body guard Scotty. Their relationship has struggled through the years. They are both madly in love with each other but Scotty feels he is not good enough for the princess and leaves. Saoirse is tired of waiting and has her brother set up an arranged marriage for her. When threats are directed at Saoirse, Scotty takes up the helm as her bodyguard and the tension skyrockets. With the threat to Saoirse's life, Scotty will do anything to save her, including telling her how he feels. Will it be enough or will the marriage contract ruin their chance at happiness?
OOOOOF this story is brilliant and if you love mafia stories, this is one you should pick up. The angst and tension through the story kept me invested and found myself excited for when I could listen to this story again, The mystery aspect and the action in the book had me reeling and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen. I loved their story and the epilogue has me needing book 2. Declan's book is going to break me but I am here for it all.
I listened to this book on Audible. the narrators are Jason Clarke and M. K. Blackwood. Their performances are stellar and truely brought the characters to life. I am always amazed at the ability of a voice actor to change their vocal tones. Both performances brought this story to life andI am glad I listened.
If you love a fantastic Mafia series...this one is for you. Each story will follow a different sibling in the Murphy clan and this story follows the baby sister, Saoirse and her body guard Scotty. Their relationship has struggled through the years. They are both madly in love with each other but Scotty feels he is not good enough for the princess and leaves. Saoirse is tired of waiting and has her brother set up an arranged marriage for her. When threats are directed at Saoirse, Scotty takes up the helm as her bodyguard and the tension skyrockets. With the threat to Saoirse's life, Scotty will do anything to save her, including telling her how he feels. Will it be enough or will the marriage contract ruin their chance at happiness?
OOOOOF this story is brilliant and if you love mafia stories, this is one you should pick up. The angst and tension through the story kept me invested and found myself excited for when I could listen to this story again, The mystery aspect and the action in the book had me reeling and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen. I loved their story and the epilogue has me needing book 2. Declan's book is going to break me but I am here for it all.
April 10, 2025
A. N. Stauber I was unfamiliar with your game 😭😭😭 I needed something to get me back into dark romance, and specifically mafia romances. This was very true to its genre without being over the top. I always forget that the integral part of mafia romances is that the mafia is a part of the storyline and not just the romance. This book did it in a way made it seamless, she was a mafia princess, he was her guard. A forbidden romance, brothers best friend all in one I couldn’t have asked for a better way to get back into reading after a reading slump. I did start this while reading 6 other books, but 10/10 would recommend. It wasn’t the DARKEST mafia book I’ve read which I feel this relied more on the romance aspects to move the story along which was great.
Saoirse was a great FMC and I loved the way her point of views were written. She had underlying issues that weren’t dwelled on which I liked, sometimes books can overpresent a persons demons and it takes away from the theme trying to be portrayed. Jaime, her Jaime, woof. He was willing to die for her and I loved the way he was more afraid of her than the Russian Mob. I need more information on how Frog is. This is my suggestion for a Frog book. I may return to this series but overall loved it!!
Saoirse was a great FMC and I loved the way her point of views were written. She had underlying issues that weren’t dwelled on which I liked, sometimes books can overpresent a persons demons and it takes away from the theme trying to be portrayed. Jaime, her Jaime, woof. He was willing to die for her and I loved the way he was more afraid of her than the Russian Mob. I need more information on how Frog is. This is my suggestion for a Frog book. I may return to this series but overall loved it!!
March 13, 2024
3.5 stars
This is #3 of the Black Hearts series and although it is a standalone, I think it is best read in order to get the full effect.
Scotty has been Saoirse's bodyguard since she was a young girl and through time became her bestfriend and she fell in love with him. When he was injured, he pushes her away to protect her, knowing that her brothers wouldn't agree to the match,
This left her heartbroken and she asked to have an arranged marriage which her brother organised. This is where you have to suspend belief as he's not only a politician running for the Whitehouse but deeply rooted in organised crime. Hmmm!
Anyway, the story then gets really interesting and action packed when the Russians kidnap her and Scotty comes back as her protector.
It was lovely to see their romance blossom, but I particularly liked how Scotty brought the best out of her and it was great to see her develop from this insecure little girl into a sassy and fierce queen.
The dual narration was excellent by Jason Clarke and new to me MK Blackwood
Thank you #DarkStarRomance for the complimentary copy and I confirm that all opinions are my own.
This is #3 of the Black Hearts series and although it is a standalone, I think it is best read in order to get the full effect.
Scotty has been Saoirse's bodyguard since she was a young girl and through time became her bestfriend and she fell in love with him. When he was injured, he pushes her away to protect her, knowing that her brothers wouldn't agree to the match,
This left her heartbroken and she asked to have an arranged marriage which her brother organised. This is where you have to suspend belief as he's not only a politician running for the Whitehouse but deeply rooted in organised crime. Hmmm!
Anyway, the story then gets really interesting and action packed when the Russians kidnap her and Scotty comes back as her protector.
It was lovely to see their romance blossom, but I particularly liked how Scotty brought the best out of her and it was great to see her develop from this insecure little girl into a sassy and fierce queen.
The dual narration was excellent by Jason Clarke and new to me MK Blackwood
Thank you #DarkStarRomance for the complimentary copy and I confirm that all opinions are my own.
March 15, 2024
Audiobook Review
His Ruthless Queen, Black Hearts Book 3 (can be read as a standalone)
Dual Narration by MK Blackwood and Jason Clarke
Mafia*Forbidden Romance*
His Ruthless Queen is my first book with AN Stauber and I am hooked! This was a beautifully written story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book gives us the story of Scotty/Jamie, a broody mafia bodyguard, and Saiorse, a mafia princess who is fierce, intelligent, and with plenty of sassy. The plot was captivating and felt the pacing was just right. I loved all the tension with the push and pull of their relationship. There was a lot of hurt and expectations to work through along with the mafia dangers. I can't wait to read more in this series and from this author!
MK Blackwood and Jason Clarke's performances were on point for these characters and were a perfect pairing for this book! This was my first MK Blackwood narration and I found her voice soothing and very enjoyable to listen to. Jason Clarke was great with the growliness of Scotty. Both of them brought the characters and story to life and gave me an great listening experience.
His Ruthless Queen, Black Hearts Book 3 (can be read as a standalone)
Dual Narration by MK Blackwood and Jason Clarke
Mafia*Forbidden Romance*
His Ruthless Queen is my first book with AN Stauber and I am hooked! This was a beautifully written story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book gives us the story of Scotty/Jamie, a broody mafia bodyguard, and Saiorse, a mafia princess who is fierce, intelligent, and with plenty of sassy. The plot was captivating and felt the pacing was just right. I loved all the tension with the push and pull of their relationship. There was a lot of hurt and expectations to work through along with the mafia dangers. I can't wait to read more in this series and from this author!
MK Blackwood and Jason Clarke's performances were on point for these characters and were a perfect pairing for this book! This was my first MK Blackwood narration and I found her voice soothing and very enjoyable to listen to. Jason Clarke was great with the growliness of Scotty. Both of them brought the characters and story to life and gave me an great listening experience.
June 12, 2023
Let me just say that this book was HOT! This was my first read of this interconnected series but I will definitely be going back to read book one. This book follows Saoirse and Scottys story. Saoirse is the Mafia Princess and Scotty is the bodyguard in charge of protecting her. However there is a connection between them and they cant deny it but rather that giving into the feelings Scotty cuts ties with her to protect her from the life that she wants nothing to do with.
Unfortunately the one thing that he was trying to keep her away comes knocking at her door putting her in dangerous. He is back to do his job which is being his bodyguard but how can he do that if he cant even keep his feeling in check when he sees her trying to start her new life without him!
This was a short read but good non the less. You will find some of your favorite tropes like Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance and don't let me get started on the spicy scenes! Chapter 39 was soooo good! Loved this advanced read. Thank you A.N Stauber.
Unfortunately the one thing that he was trying to keep her away comes knocking at her door putting her in dangerous. He is back to do his job which is being his bodyguard but how can he do that if he cant even keep his feeling in check when he sees her trying to start her new life without him!
This was a short read but good non the less. You will find some of your favorite tropes like Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance and don't let me get started on the spicy scenes! Chapter 39 was soooo good! Loved this advanced read. Thank you A.N Stauber.
June 30, 2023
4⭐️ - love the absolute possession between this couple and how this whole story played out. So so good.
Saoirse is determined to get over her crush for her bodyguard. Years after he rejected her, she asks her older brother to arrange a marriage for her, the Governor of Massachusetts seems like a nice step up. Their relationship is primarily friendship, hoping to be a mutually beneficial marriage surrounded by friendship and understanding. This all goes out the window when Scotty, her bodyguard, comes back into her life.
With the threat on her life from the Russians, Scotty feels like he has to insert himself back into her life to protect her. Rekindling their old friendship, Scotty slides right back into her life. She doesn’t want to let him back in, but he works his way in with food and laughs.
Loved the way these two worked together, and how Corbin worked with them as well. These characters have so much going on and it makes for a really interesting storyline! Highly recommend.
Saoirse is determined to get over her crush for her bodyguard. Years after he rejected her, she asks her older brother to arrange a marriage for her, the Governor of Massachusetts seems like a nice step up. Their relationship is primarily friendship, hoping to be a mutually beneficial marriage surrounded by friendship and understanding. This all goes out the window when Scotty, her bodyguard, comes back into her life.
With the threat on her life from the Russians, Scotty feels like he has to insert himself back into her life to protect her. Rekindling their old friendship, Scotty slides right back into her life. She doesn’t want to let him back in, but he works his way in with food and laughs.
Loved the way these two worked together, and how Corbin worked with them as well. These characters have so much going on and it makes for a really interesting storyline! Highly recommend.
March 4, 2024
This is the first mafia story I’ve enjoyed. It’s not my typical genre so I was a bit skeptical as, in my opinion, the few mafia books I have read (even movies) are very soap opera style and over the top. This one has an actual story tied into it with a nice side of spice. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a nod to Pride and Prejudice?! I love the environmental aspects of it too, and a cat named Frog! I was vegan for five years and it shows that either the author did their homework, or is/knows someone who is vegan. Speaking of homework, from what I was told from mafia lovers that the author did do their homework on the correct usage of names of the “mob bosses” - I do not know if “mob boss” is a technical term and is my own word it because it is a new world to me. I tell ya, I am into this story and now I’m curious about Irish mobs! MK Blackwood and Jason Clarke did a fantastic job narrating and bringing this story to life.
March 25, 2024
🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
His Ruthless Queen - @authoranstauber
I'd never heard of either of these Narrators before, and I'd never read anything by A.N. Stauber, either - so I went in blind, not knowing what to expect.
Mafia romance is one of my absolute favourites, so I did go in with high hopes and I'm glad that I wasn't disappointed!
This is an excellent mafia romance. The third book in a series, but they are interconnected standalones so I didn't feel as though I missed anything from jumping in to book three.
Absolutely LOVED Saoirse's character. A total powerhouse woman, not afraid to speak her mind, she is complete and utter sass from the very beginning.
Her and Scotty's story is absolutely 🤌🏻
Mafia Princess and Mafia Bodyguard.. what could possibly go wrong, or right! 😏
Dual first person POVs throughout this action packed, spicy, hot as hell mafia romance.
You won't be disappointed.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
His Ruthless Queen - @authoranstauber
I'd never heard of either of these Narrators before, and I'd never read anything by A.N. Stauber, either - so I went in blind, not knowing what to expect.
Mafia romance is one of my absolute favourites, so I did go in with high hopes and I'm glad that I wasn't disappointed!
This is an excellent mafia romance. The third book in a series, but they are interconnected standalones so I didn't feel as though I missed anything from jumping in to book three.
Absolutely LOVED Saoirse's character. A total powerhouse woman, not afraid to speak her mind, she is complete and utter sass from the very beginning.
Her and Scotty's story is absolutely 🤌🏻
Mafia Princess and Mafia Bodyguard.. what could possibly go wrong, or right! 😏
Dual first person POVs throughout this action packed, spicy, hot as hell mafia romance.
You won't be disappointed.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 16, 2023
This series is addicting. I blaze through these so quick! I love following all of the siblings and seeing their love interest and entanglement in the Irish mafia. Saoirse is as fiery as her red hair, and her sass is unmatched. I enjoyed seeing the reality of an eating disorder and how life struggles can trigger the highs and lows. It also shows the importance of having someone look after you. Scotty and Saoirse have loved each other for a while but have been off limits. He’s her bodyguard, and when he pushes her away, she takes matters into her own hands when it comes to her love life. She asks for an arranged marriage to someone else. When she realizes her mistake, it may just be too late.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- Irish Mafia
- Fiesty FMC
- Protective MMC
- Touch her and you die vibes
- Forbidden Romance
- Bodyguard
💥 Check TW/CW
‼️ OUT JUNE 21! ‼️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- Irish Mafia
- Fiesty FMC
- Protective MMC
- Touch her and you die vibes
- Forbidden Romance
- Bodyguard
💥 Check TW/CW
‼️ OUT JUNE 21! ‼️
March 8, 2024
--------🌹💀🎧 Audio Review🎧💀🌹--------
Well, this was absolutely action-packed from the word go!! Saoirse is a queen, and I loved every second of this book. I was utterly hooked.
This book has everything you could want. we had pinning and possessive mafia men, and all the touch her and die vibes you could ever want.
Scotty was the perfect mmc for this mafia loving girly. He is possessive and utterly obsessed with Saoirse, and once he realizes he has to make a move or he will lose her, he is all guns blazing in his pursuit!!
The spice in this book is top-notch. Scotty is all dirty talk and hotness, and I am here for that!!
The narrow were phenomenal. Jason Clarke is becoming one of my favourite narrators. His voice is pure masculinity and gives off the per brooding bad boy vibes 🙌
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. 💜
Well, this was absolutely action-packed from the word go!! Saoirse is a queen, and I loved every second of this book. I was utterly hooked.
This book has everything you could want. we had pinning and possessive mafia men, and all the touch her and die vibes you could ever want.
Scotty was the perfect mmc for this mafia loving girly. He is possessive and utterly obsessed with Saoirse, and once he realizes he has to make a move or he will lose her, he is all guns blazing in his pursuit!!
The spice in this book is top-notch. Scotty is all dirty talk and hotness, and I am here for that!!
The narrow were phenomenal. Jason Clarke is becoming one of my favourite narrators. His voice is pure masculinity and gives off the per brooding bad boy vibes 🙌
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. 💜
March 23, 2024
4/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️ 5/5🎧
Audiobook Review: This book was so good! I loved the back and forth banter between Scotty and Saoisre. The tension between the two was palpable and she definitely gave him hell for what he’d done in the past. Now engaged to a Governor, Scotty can’t take seeing his woman in the arms of another man, but as her body guard, there’s a forbidden line he can’t cross. When Saoirse finds herself tangled up in mob mess, all the lines blur and Scotty burns it down to get to her. But is it enough for their HEA? Because after all, him claiming her is a betrayal to the Irish Mafia.
Jason Clarke and MK Blackwood did such a great job on this book! So many emotions and seductive narration. It was a whole vibe.
Audiobook Review: This book was so good! I loved the back and forth banter between Scotty and Saoisre. The tension between the two was palpable and she definitely gave him hell for what he’d done in the past. Now engaged to a Governor, Scotty can’t take seeing his woman in the arms of another man, but as her body guard, there’s a forbidden line he can’t cross. When Saoirse finds herself tangled up in mob mess, all the lines blur and Scotty burns it down to get to her. But is it enough for their HEA? Because after all, him claiming her is a betrayal to the Irish Mafia.
Jason Clarke and MK Blackwood did such a great job on this book! So many emotions and seductive narration. It was a whole vibe.
June 22, 2023
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this book! I have read the whole series up to date. When I say I thought for sure how book 2 ended I thought for sure I was going to think she is a stuck up soiled princess who throws a tantrum for not getting her way.
But that was how the case at all. I definitely thought she jumped to conclusions and after wouldn’t give him the time of day to hurt her all over again but they just weren’t full on communicating with each other and there was trust issues there.
But I loved the way they came back to each other and how possessive Scotty is.
Tropes:
Mafia princess
Bosses sister
Bodyguard
Ex-Navy Seal
Possessive MMC
Sassy FMC
Second Chance romance
I loved this book! I have read the whole series up to date. When I say I thought for sure how book 2 ended I thought for sure I was going to think she is a stuck up soiled princess who throws a tantrum for not getting her way.
But that was how the case at all. I definitely thought she jumped to conclusions and after wouldn’t give him the time of day to hurt her all over again but they just weren’t full on communicating with each other and there was trust issues there.
But I loved the way they came back to each other and how possessive Scotty is.
Tropes:
Mafia princess
Bosses sister
Bodyguard
Ex-Navy Seal
Possessive MMC
Sassy FMC
Second Chance romance
June 15, 2024
This was my first A.N. Stauber's book, and definitely won't be my last. This is the third book in the Black Hearts Series, a Mafia Romance. Saoirse and Jameson/Scotty's story is well written, emotional, passionate, and captivating, filled with drama, angst, action, and suspense. Saoirse, a mafia princess, is smart, strong, and fierce. Jameson/Scotty is handsome, protective, and determined. Their chemistry is sizzling hot. The supporting characters are intriguing. Jason Clarke and M.K. Blackwood did an excellent job bringing these characters and this story to life. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to more in the series.
June 20, 2023
This is the third book in this series and is Jameson / Scotty and Saoirse’s story. Saoirse is a mafia princess, who is feisty and stubborn, and Scotty is a bodyguard in charge of protecting her. This is a well written dark action-packed romance, with danger, intrigue, humor, witty banter, friends / lovers, heartbreak, twists, angst, drama, tension, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page tuner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 5, 2024
I love this series I have read all them that are currently out and cannot wait for the next book. This book was riveting and I could not put it down till I was finished. I finish listening to it on audible and loved it! The narrators for this were perfect to me for these characters. I cannot wait to listen to the rest of the series now. I do recommend reading or listening to the book. If you are like me and like to read them first and then listen, I recommend doing both. It is definitely worth it in my opinion.
March 13, 2024
This was my first AN Stauber book, and I was not disappointed!
Scotty and Saoirse have been best friends for the last five years, and he was also her bodyguard. When she was trying to too him how she felt, he pushed her away…but he came back when she was already engaged to someone else.
The tension and chemistry between there two was off the charts! And I loved the whole forbidden bodyguard aspect.
Audio:
Narrators: M.K. Blackwood and Jason Clarke
Style: Dual
This was my first M.K. Blackwood audiobook, and I really enjoyed it. She was the perfect Saoirse, bringing out all of her emotions and feelings. Jason was fantastic as the alpha Scotty. And they both did a great job on their secondary characters’ voices as well!
Scotty and Saoirse have been best friends for the last five years, and he was also her bodyguard. When she was trying to too him how she felt, he pushed her away…but he came back when she was already engaged to someone else.
The tension and chemistry between there two was off the charts! And I loved the whole forbidden bodyguard aspect.
Audio:
Narrators: M.K. Blackwood and Jason Clarke
Style: Dual
This was my first M.K. Blackwood audiobook, and I really enjoyed it. She was the perfect Saoirse, bringing out all of her emotions and feelings. Jason was fantastic as the alpha Scotty. And they both did a great job on their secondary characters’ voices as well!
March 12, 2024
This was an intense story, I loved the snark & sass Saoirse has. She is a strong & fierce woman, who is stubborn, and head over hills in love with Scotty, but she’s also trying to handle her conflicting feelings.
Scotty is loyal to the Murphy family, and that has held him back from pursuing Saoirse. But will he be able to keep himself from claiming her now that he’s back?
This was so hot and full of passion, angst & action. I love Saoirse & her brothers.
Jason Clarke & M.K. Blackwood did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life.
Scotty is loyal to the Murphy family, and that has held him back from pursuing Saoirse. But will he be able to keep himself from claiming her now that he’s back?
This was so hot and full of passion, angst & action. I love Saoirse & her brothers.
Jason Clarke & M.K. Blackwood did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews