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Transcending Darkness
One: Sign the contract.
Juliette Romero had a debt to pay, a debt that wasn’t even hers. But it was the only way to keep her family safe and all she had to do was sell her body and soul to the devil.
Killian McClary wasn’t called the Scarlet Wolf for nothing. He’d been the head of the McClary Organization since he was fifteen and had built a reputation for being a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to running the city’s underbelly, not to mention merciless when it came to punishing those who betray him. He didn’t believe in weaknesses. Only results. Juliette, with her shy smiles and hot little body was a weakness unlike any other and yet he was powerless to resist one more taste of her sweet flesh.
Two: Become his for a year.
When given the choice between her life or her body, what could Juliette possibly do, but submit to a man whose very name invoked fear in the hearts of others? She just never anticipated falling for his dark, hungry eyes and clever hands, or the way the beast in him made her feel oddly safe and cherished.
But what will happen when Killian’s dark past finally catches up to him and threatens the woman he can no longer imagine himself without? What will happen when both sides find themselves caught in a web of passion, lies and broken promises? Can Juliette tame the wolf or will her love for him devour them both?
Three: Don’t fall in love.
Boundaries will be crossed, loyalties will be tested and lives will be changed forever.
Juliette Romero had a debt to pay, a debt that wasn’t even hers. But it was the only way to keep her family safe and all she had to do was sell her body and soul to the devil.
Killian McClary wasn’t called the Scarlet Wolf for nothing. He’d been the head of the McClary Organization since he was fifteen and had built a reputation for being a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to running the city’s underbelly, not to mention merciless when it came to punishing those who betray him. He didn’t believe in weaknesses. Only results. Juliette, with her shy smiles and hot little body was a weakness unlike any other and yet he was powerless to resist one more taste of her sweet flesh.
Two: Become his for a year.
When given the choice between her life or her body, what could Juliette possibly do, but submit to a man whose very name invoked fear in the hearts of others? She just never anticipated falling for his dark, hungry eyes and clever hands, or the way the beast in him made her feel oddly safe and cherished.
But what will happen when Killian’s dark past finally catches up to him and threatens the woman he can no longer imagine himself without? What will happen when both sides find themselves caught in a web of passion, lies and broken promises? Can Juliette tame the wolf or will her love for him devour them both?
Three: Don’t fall in love.
Boundaries will be crossed, loyalties will be tested and lives will be changed forever.
Unknown Binding
First published July 27, 2015
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About the author
Airicka Phoenix
64 books1,832 followersAiricka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
September 8, 2015
Killian McClary, head of the McClary Organization has seen his fair share of death in his lifetime. Learning quickly, that those he loves and those closest to him will soon enough become his liability. He knows to keep everyone at arms length. Especially anyone of his conquests. It's only ever sex. One night, no sleep overs. Pleasure and pain, and life goes on. Until Juliette.
Juliette Romero has a debt to pay off. A debt incurred by her drunken, gambling father. In order to pay off the debt, she must forsake her body, for one pleasurable night. Otherwise...her sister becomes the payment.
Killian McClary, otherwise known as the Scarlet Wolf, has made a name for himself, as one of the most ruthless, merciless and unforgiving leaders in the city. In solidarity for another rival encroaching on his territory, he takes Juliette as a solidarity payment. It was supposed to be one night. That is until he got a taste of heaven.
One night isn't enough. Killian needs to screw Juliette out of his system. He resolves himself to a contract. Juliette, has no other choice. Either adhere to the contract or succumb to Arlo's viciousness. Choosing the lesser of two evils, her life finally begins.
One: Sign the contract.
Two: Become his for a year.
Three: Don't fall in love.
Soon enough the terms of the contract begin to sway, and Killian finds himself falling for the little lamb. In his world, he cannot afford to loose focus. Losing focus in his world, is the difference between life and death.
"You're the one thing I need to keep away from if I am to keep fighting. You make me weak and weak men die."
When his world comes crashing down around him, the eminent threat of his daily life becomes a factor he cannot live with if Juliette's life is endangered. In order to protect her, he must rely on the contract clauses.
“There is a reason I don’t pick women like you, virgins with no idea how to tell apart lust from love, we had sex. Lots of sex. It was great sex, I won’t lie. But a real woman knows the difference, know not to confuse the two. I apologize if you ever thought I would ever love you...”
Uttering these words, are more painful to him, than seeing the tears and strength slowly fade from Juliette's eyes. Pushing her away, is the only way to save her from a life of pain. Save himself from living in a world without her. He would rather let her go, and know she still lives, than keep her and curse her to death.
You're my weakness, Juliette. You're my achilles heel. The key to bringing me down.
I loved loved every minute of reading this story. My first AP read, and she wawed! me. The plot, the writing, the development. Fantastic! The raw emotions from Killian gutted me and I fell in love with him. Next time AP, make a hero that can fall out of the book. :) Juliette, while she started of scared and meek, grew into a strong and vigilant heroin. The different dynamics of each character was wonderfully portrayed, along with them uniting as a couple. They were each other's heart and strength.
*ARC provided by InkSlinger PR on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!
February 15, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was my first book by Airicka Phoenix and it was a long one. I loved the beginning very much. The middle dragged a bit and the ending picked up but I was dissatisfied with how it all played out.
Juliette's parents are both gone. After her mother dies her father turns to drinking and gambling and later he also dies. He's left a ton of debt behind that falls on Juliette. She works three jobs and barely gets any sleep. She also has to take care of her spoiled 16 year old sister who is ungrateful. For seven years she's been dealing with the bad guy that her father owed money to. When Arlo wants a larger sum of money in one day Juliette is at a loss. Arlo wants the money now or bring him her younger sister. Juliette decides to offer up herself. Arlo will not be getting her sister. When Arlo is about to rape Juliette and pass her around to his men he's interrupted when in walks Killian. Killian owns the streets of the Northside and Arlo has stepped on his toes. Arlo offers Killian Juliette as a peace offering. Killian doesn't want the girl. He offers her a chance to leave but Juliette has orders from Arlo to make Killian happy for one night and her debt will be erased. Juilette doesn't want to have sex with Killian but she also doesn't want Arlo coming after her.
Killian doesn't do girlfriends or lovers. He can't fall in love. Love makes you weak and weak men get killed and the people around him also get killed. But after one night with Juliette isn't enough. He wants to do nasty things to this innocent woman. Juliette will sign this contract and be his for a year. It will only be about sex. No feelings involved.
The sex between Killian and Juliette was smoking hot! Killian was very sexy! I loved him. Juliette was strong and had been through so much that I loved her too.
The beginning of this book had my on the edge of my seat because I didn't know what was going to happen. Was Arlo really going to leave Juliette alone? Was Killian any better than Arlo?
The middle of the book was filled with nothing like the beginning. So I was a bit bummed. The only thing that was good was the hot as hell sex. Whew!
The ending left me saying hmmm...And it made my rating drop. Don't worry it was a good ending (no cliff) and we got a great epilogue it's just not how I seen things wrapping up. I wanted more from Killian and I felt Juliette pissed me off.
Will I be reading more books by AP? I'm sure I will (when I'm in the mood for a long book lol) because over all I really did enjoy this one:))
This was my first book by Airicka Phoenix and it was a long one. I loved the beginning very much. The middle dragged a bit and the ending picked up but I was dissatisfied with how it all played out.
Juliette's parents are both gone. After her mother dies her father turns to drinking and gambling and later he also dies. He's left a ton of debt behind that falls on Juliette. She works three jobs and barely gets any sleep. She also has to take care of her spoiled 16 year old sister who is ungrateful. For seven years she's been dealing with the bad guy that her father owed money to. When Arlo wants a larger sum of money in one day Juliette is at a loss. Arlo wants the money now or bring him her younger sister. Juliette decides to offer up herself. Arlo will not be getting her sister. When Arlo is about to rape Juliette and pass her around to his men he's interrupted when in walks Killian. Killian owns the streets of the Northside and Arlo has stepped on his toes. Arlo offers Killian Juliette as a peace offering. Killian doesn't want the girl. He offers her a chance to leave but Juliette has orders from Arlo to make Killian happy for one night and her debt will be erased. Juilette doesn't want to have sex with Killian but she also doesn't want Arlo coming after her.
Killian doesn't do girlfriends or lovers. He can't fall in love. Love makes you weak and weak men get killed and the people around him also get killed. But after one night with Juliette isn't enough. He wants to do nasty things to this innocent woman. Juliette will sign this contract and be his for a year. It will only be about sex. No feelings involved.
The sex between Killian and Juliette was smoking hot! Killian was very sexy! I loved him. Juliette was strong and had been through so much that I loved her too.
The beginning of this book had my on the edge of my seat because I didn't know what was going to happen. Was Arlo really going to leave Juliette alone? Was Killian any better than Arlo?
The middle of the book was filled with nothing like the beginning. So I was a bit bummed. The only thing that was good was the hot as hell sex. Whew!
The ending left me saying hmmm...And it made my rating drop. Don't worry it was a good ending (no cliff) and we got a great epilogue it's just not how I seen things wrapping up. I wanted more from Killian and I felt Juliette pissed me off.
Will I be reading more books by AP? I'm sure I will (when I'm in the mood for a long book lol) because over all I really did enjoy this one:))
July 15, 2018
Mixed feelings on this one.
I read the blurb for this book a while ago and I'm not sure why but I didn't check the reviews. This is very unusual for me but I'd just finished a series and it was taking me awhile to settle on another book. So once I'd got several pages in I was determined I was sticking this out till the end, although I didn't realise it was 600 pages long at the time.
I apologise now because I have a feeling this review is going to be all over the place because it's going to be difficult to explain how I feel about this book.
Juliette is just twenty-three and working night and day. She works three jobs in order to save her sister Viola and pay off her dead father's debt. After the death of their mother their father crumbled, started drinking and gambling leaving a huge debt for Juliette to clear.
Seven years on and Juliette is still crippled by the debt, handing over 70% of her salary to Arlo the loan shark. It was frustrating and annoying and there's no escape for her as she gets in deeper and deeper. Her sister appears ungrateful and spoilt and it was this martyr thing I didn't like. I hate it when one party works their fingers to the bone while all around seem oblivious.
I struggled early on because of this but as the book progresses we see things more clearly. We get Viola's POV and realise there's always two sides to every story.
Killian. The problem with Killian is he's described as merciless and ruthless. We’re told he doesn't believe in weaknesses but we see him with Juliette and he's nothing like that and it's difficult. Or it was for me to picture him as the alpha who destroys anyone who crosses him, for this to fully work I'd need to see him like this.
I also found myself getting dragged down by the details.
Juliette's working 3 jobs she's handing over 70% of her salary which is three thousand dollars a month that's a lot of money for minimum wage.
There were other things which started to spoil this for me and so I had a decision to make. Did I want to quit or continue, since I was over 100 pages in I decided to continue on and go along for the ride, I shrugged off anything that bothered me and read it as a romance.
Parts of it I enjoyed especially towards the end but if I'm being totally honest it was overly long and slow in places.
I read the blurb for this book a while ago and I'm not sure why but I didn't check the reviews. This is very unusual for me but I'd just finished a series and it was taking me awhile to settle on another book. So once I'd got several pages in I was determined I was sticking this out till the end, although I didn't realise it was 600 pages long at the time.
I apologise now because I have a feeling this review is going to be all over the place because it's going to be difficult to explain how I feel about this book.
Juliette is just twenty-three and working night and day. She works three jobs in order to save her sister Viola and pay off her dead father's debt. After the death of their mother their father crumbled, started drinking and gambling leaving a huge debt for Juliette to clear.
Seven years on and Juliette is still crippled by the debt, handing over 70% of her salary to Arlo the loan shark. It was frustrating and annoying and there's no escape for her as she gets in deeper and deeper. Her sister appears ungrateful and spoilt and it was this martyr thing I didn't like. I hate it when one party works their fingers to the bone while all around seem oblivious.
I struggled early on because of this but as the book progresses we see things more clearly. We get Viola's POV and realise there's always two sides to every story.
Killian. The problem with Killian is he's described as merciless and ruthless. We’re told he doesn't believe in weaknesses but we see him with Juliette and he's nothing like that and it's difficult. Or it was for me to picture him as the alpha who destroys anyone who crosses him, for this to fully work I'd need to see him like this.
I also found myself getting dragged down by the details.
Juliette's working 3 jobs she's handing over 70% of her salary which is three thousand dollars a month that's a lot of money for minimum wage.
There were other things which started to spoil this for me and so I had a decision to make. Did I want to quit or continue, since I was over 100 pages in I decided to continue on and go along for the ride, I shrugged off anything that bothered me and read it as a romance.
Parts of it I enjoyed especially towards the end but if I'm being totally honest it was overly long and slow in places.
October 12, 2016
3.5 stars
September 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! The steamy times were very steamy, the suspense portions were well done, and the evolving romance was a lot of fun to read. Killian was a hot alpha male and he really fell hard for Juliet. She was a strong woman and she fell equally hard for Killian. I appreciated that they were both celibate during their separation and I loved that we got to see them in the future. The things that bothered me probably wouldn't bother anyone else! I didn't like that we heard too many times about the whores that Killian used to sleep with. This was mentioned several times by different people- that he only gave one night, that he had a long line of whores that he used and never saw again. I got it the first time and didn't enjoy reminders. Also he was with some of them in a guest room, but most in his bedroom. And it creeped me out during his first time with Juliet when he leaned over to his nightstand for a condom and also for a bottle of lube. All I could think about was how many highly paid prostitutes also used that lube? It would have been a 5 star without all the whore references and the already been used lube :(
July 31, 2018
Beautiful story....
Don't be intimidated by the 600 pages, they fly by in no time.
Get a copy and start reading, I loved every moment of this story, the writting, the characters, the plot.... everything.
Don't be intimidated by the 600 pages, they fly by in no time.
Get a copy and start reading, I loved every moment of this story, the writting, the characters, the plot.... everything.
February 28, 2021
3,75 stars rounded up to 4
"Transcending Darkness" is the love story of Killian and Juliette.
Killian is a mafia leader. His life is dangerous. When he meets Juliette, he falls hard for her beauty and innocence but he knows his life is not suitable to have a decent relationship or have a family. He doesn’t want to have a wife and children because then his way of life would risk their lives. His mother and father were killed brutally and he doesn’t want to get close to anyone and put their lives in danger for fear of losing them like he lost his parents. He lives a solitary life. He only has casual hook-ups with women.
Juliette is in trouble because of her father’s debts and Killian saves her from the people who would rape her. There begins their story.
Kilian first saves her when she begs but then he is ready to let her go if it is what she needs but they are drawn to each other. He quickly falls hard for her. She also feels a strong attraction and bond in a short time.
When he cannot give up Juliette but knows he also cannot keep her forever, he offers her a contract of 1 year. He wants his fill of her for at least one year.
They are together for some months and very happy. They fall in love but there are no confessions of love. After some tragic happenings, Killian feels he has to let her go for fear of losing her but she is already in danger - in grave danger.
*********************************************
This is a beautiful and painful love story in the mafia world. I loved this book despite its flaws. Here are its pros and cons.
PROS:
- I loved how much they loved each other. They couldn’t breathe without each other. They didn't enjoy life without each other.
- The romance and steam were both good. I believed in their chemistry. I believed in their love. It was intense.
- The side characters were all good and developed.
- The story was good. Although I am not a fan of mafia romance, this one was good for me because the love story was in the front and center.
- Well, that’s my weakness but it was a plus for me. Killian is an Irish mobster. And every time, he said, “Aye, love” in his Irish accent, I melted.
*********************************************
CONS:
- It’s too long. Crazy long.
In my opinion, 300 pages would be ideal for this story but this book is 550 pages! Yes, it is developed enough. Yes, it is good enough to make you continue reading but I really wished it were shorter. If I didn’t love the couple so much, I definitely would have dropped it when it dragged.
- It is written in 3rd person point of view. I don’t like this style. Usually, it makes it hard for me to connect to the characters. I prefer 1st person point of view. However, despite my dislike of this style, it is at least a good example of it. It really made me feel. But it would be so much better with 1st person point of view.
- I liked everything about this story except for the rescue scene. The kidnapping, the tension, the angst, the search were all thrilling but the rescue scene failed to satisfy me.
- I also didn’t like that there was a 5 months’ separation. Although I understand the reasons of the hero staying away (not to put her life in danger), it was painful to read their pain.
- I didn’t like how they came back together. I like it when the hero makes his move. This was accidental meeting (actually someone else’s doing), which makes me wonder if they would be together now if those people hadn’t interfered and helped.
SAFETY:
- Before Juliette, Killian was with many women. They were all casual hook-ups. She was a virgin when she met Killian.
- Juliette dated a guy during separation but nothing happened. Killian never ever looked at any other woman after the night he met Juliette.
- Safe sex – condoms used.
- No unplanned pregnancy crap.
*********************************************
All in all, it is a good book with its own drawbacks. If it weren’t 550 pages, I would tell you to try it with no hesitation but the long length of it, which feels unnecessary, makes me stop and refrain from recommending it.
However, if you like mafia romance and if you don’t bother lengthy books, then give it a chance, you will love both the hero and the heroine and the way they love each other.
*********************************************
Here are some QUOTES from the book.
There were no words to describe the sight she made. Every inch of her was cut from the very depths of his fantasies. It was as though someone had reached deep inside him and crafted a woman far more dangerous than any weapon on earth and the only one she could potentially destroy was him.
***
“Front desk. Juliette speaking.”
“Come here,” the dark, husky voice murmured in such a gravely purr that her pussy automatically clenched in response.
“I can’t just come up,” she hissed into the receiver, careful to keep her voice low and her back to Celina. “I still have—”
“Now, Juliette. I want my pussy.”
Christ. Hot liquid need rushed free of her body to soak into her panties. “Killian…”
“ I won’t ask again. Bring her to me or I’ll come down there and fuck you where you stand.”
The line went dead.
Juliette swallowed hard. Her fingers tightened around the plastic as her entire body vibrated with excitement. She knew he wasn’t joking. She knew he would do exactly what he promised.
***
“Your safety was put into question and I won’t have that, not when the thought of something happening to you is the only thing that can break me. You’re my weakness, Juliette. You’re my Achilles’ heel, the key to bringing me down and I can’t lose you.”
***
“Damn it, Juliette. Stop.”
Panting and dizzy, she stared at him. “What?”
He nipped at her lip with his teeth, hard enough to make her whimper and reach for him.
“Whatever the hell it is you’re doing to me.”
***
People like him didn’t deserve a family. They didn’t get a future. The most he could ask for was a kiss of happiness, a whisper of warmth to ease a cold existence. That happened to be Juliette. She was his one taste of peace. There would be none after her. How could there be when the thought of letting her go had become a fear worse than any nightmare he’d ever had? How could any woman ever possibly take that place? He loved her. Juliette had left him no choice. She had crashed into his world like a beautiful storm and disrupted everything.
***
“Would it put your mind at ease if I assured you I haven’t noticed another woman since you?”
“That so?”
“Aye, love.”
***
It was no wonder he was afraid to love anyone. How could he when those he loved were either killed or they left him? But she wouldn’t leave him. If he asked her to, she would stay with him forever.
***
“That is why I can’t keep you for longer than a year, Juliette. This alone has put you in more danger than you can possibly imagine, but I needed this, need you, as selfish as that is.”
***
“You broke me.” The light slipped away with just a shift of his head back in her direction. “You took away everything that I was, everything that made me strong. You made me forget what I was and why. Because of my carelessness, it took me two weeks to realize Molly was missing. That was my fault. I let myself be drawn into something I have always known I could never have, but it was because of you. You’re not good for me, Juliette. You’re the thing I need to keep away from if I am to keep fighting. You make me weak and weak men die.”
***
Maybe she was his second chance. Maybe he was an idiot for not grabbing hold with both hands. But if it was a contest between his sanity and her life, there was no question. He didn’t need his sanity anyway.
***
“She could be dead and … do you even care?”
“Of course I care! I’ve never cared more about anything than I do about your sister. I would easily give my life for hers, but if I continue to stand here and think of her out there hurt or worse, I will lose my fucking mind, do you understand me?”
***
Like some sick joke, his eyes went to the destroyed monitor, his mind replaying Juliette’s screams. How old was the video? Two, three days? That morning? What state was Juliette in now?
“Get the men.” The voice was his, but he had no idea who was speaking. “We’re going to find her even if we have to burn the fucking city to the ground.”
***
"A man can’t live alone forever and when a woman comes along who accepts him, his faults and demons, maybe it’s time he reevaluates his future."
***
“I need to breathe again. I need to feel what it’s like not to be dying inside... I need you.”
*********************************************
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"Transcending Darkness" is the love story of Killian and Juliette.
Killian is a mafia leader. His life is dangerous. When he meets Juliette, he falls hard for her beauty and innocence but he knows his life is not suitable to have a decent relationship or have a family. He doesn’t want to have a wife and children because then his way of life would risk their lives. His mother and father were killed brutally and he doesn’t want to get close to anyone and put their lives in danger for fear of losing them like he lost his parents. He lives a solitary life. He only has casual hook-ups with women.
Juliette is in trouble because of her father’s debts and Killian saves her from the people who would rape her. There begins their story.
Kilian first saves her when she begs but then he is ready to let her go if it is what she needs but they are drawn to each other. He quickly falls hard for her. She also feels a strong attraction and bond in a short time.
When he cannot give up Juliette but knows he also cannot keep her forever, he offers her a contract of 1 year. He wants his fill of her for at least one year.
They are together for some months and very happy. They fall in love but there are no confessions of love. After some tragic happenings, Killian feels he has to let her go for fear of losing her but she is already in danger - in grave danger.
*********************************************
This is a beautiful and painful love story in the mafia world. I loved this book despite its flaws. Here are its pros and cons.
PROS:
- I loved how much they loved each other. They couldn’t breathe without each other. They didn't enjoy life without each other.
- The romance and steam were both good. I believed in their chemistry. I believed in their love. It was intense.
- The side characters were all good and developed.
- The story was good. Although I am not a fan of mafia romance, this one was good for me because the love story was in the front and center.
- Well, that’s my weakness but it was a plus for me. Killian is an Irish mobster. And every time, he said, “Aye, love” in his Irish accent, I melted.
*********************************************
CONS:
- It’s too long. Crazy long.
In my opinion, 300 pages would be ideal for this story but this book is 550 pages! Yes, it is developed enough. Yes, it is good enough to make you continue reading but I really wished it were shorter. If I didn’t love the couple so much, I definitely would have dropped it when it dragged.
- It is written in 3rd person point of view. I don’t like this style. Usually, it makes it hard for me to connect to the characters. I prefer 1st person point of view. However, despite my dislike of this style, it is at least a good example of it. It really made me feel. But it would be so much better with 1st person point of view.
- I liked everything about this story except for the rescue scene. The kidnapping, the tension, the angst, the search were all thrilling but the rescue scene failed to satisfy me.
- I also didn’t like that there was a 5 months’ separation. Although I understand the reasons of the hero staying away (not to put her life in danger), it was painful to read their pain.
- I didn’t like how they came back together. I like it when the hero makes his move. This was accidental meeting (actually someone else’s doing), which makes me wonder if they would be together now if those people hadn’t interfered and helped.
SAFETY:
- Before Juliette, Killian was with many women. They were all casual hook-ups. She was a virgin when she met Killian.
- Juliette dated a guy during separation but nothing happened. Killian never ever looked at any other woman after the night he met Juliette.
- Safe sex – condoms used.
- No unplanned pregnancy crap.
*********************************************
All in all, it is a good book with its own drawbacks. If it weren’t 550 pages, I would tell you to try it with no hesitation but the long length of it, which feels unnecessary, makes me stop and refrain from recommending it.
However, if you like mafia romance and if you don’t bother lengthy books, then give it a chance, you will love both the hero and the heroine and the way they love each other.
*********************************************
Here are some QUOTES from the book.
There were no words to describe the sight she made. Every inch of her was cut from the very depths of his fantasies. It was as though someone had reached deep inside him and crafted a woman far more dangerous than any weapon on earth and the only one she could potentially destroy was him.
***
“Front desk. Juliette speaking.”
“Come here,” the dark, husky voice murmured in such a gravely purr that her pussy automatically clenched in response.
“I can’t just come up,” she hissed into the receiver, careful to keep her voice low and her back to Celina. “I still have—”
“Now, Juliette. I want my pussy.”
Christ. Hot liquid need rushed free of her body to soak into her panties. “Killian…”
“ I won’t ask again. Bring her to me or I’ll come down there and fuck you where you stand.”
The line went dead.
Juliette swallowed hard. Her fingers tightened around the plastic as her entire body vibrated with excitement. She knew he wasn’t joking. She knew he would do exactly what he promised.
***
“Your safety was put into question and I won’t have that, not when the thought of something happening to you is the only thing that can break me. You’re my weakness, Juliette. You’re my Achilles’ heel, the key to bringing me down and I can’t lose you.”
***
“Damn it, Juliette. Stop.”
Panting and dizzy, she stared at him. “What?”
He nipped at her lip with his teeth, hard enough to make her whimper and reach for him.
“Whatever the hell it is you’re doing to me.”
***
People like him didn’t deserve a family. They didn’t get a future. The most he could ask for was a kiss of happiness, a whisper of warmth to ease a cold existence. That happened to be Juliette. She was his one taste of peace. There would be none after her. How could there be when the thought of letting her go had become a fear worse than any nightmare he’d ever had? How could any woman ever possibly take that place? He loved her. Juliette had left him no choice. She had crashed into his world like a beautiful storm and disrupted everything.
***
“Would it put your mind at ease if I assured you I haven’t noticed another woman since you?”
“That so?”
“Aye, love.”
***
It was no wonder he was afraid to love anyone. How could he when those he loved were either killed or they left him? But she wouldn’t leave him. If he asked her to, she would stay with him forever.
***
“That is why I can’t keep you for longer than a year, Juliette. This alone has put you in more danger than you can possibly imagine, but I needed this, need you, as selfish as that is.”
***
“You broke me.” The light slipped away with just a shift of his head back in her direction. “You took away everything that I was, everything that made me strong. You made me forget what I was and why. Because of my carelessness, it took me two weeks to realize Molly was missing. That was my fault. I let myself be drawn into something I have always known I could never have, but it was because of you. You’re not good for me, Juliette. You’re the thing I need to keep away from if I am to keep fighting. You make me weak and weak men die.”
***
Maybe she was his second chance. Maybe he was an idiot for not grabbing hold with both hands. But if it was a contest between his sanity and her life, there was no question. He didn’t need his sanity anyway.
***
“She could be dead and … do you even care?”
“Of course I care! I’ve never cared more about anything than I do about your sister. I would easily give my life for hers, but if I continue to stand here and think of her out there hurt or worse, I will lose my fucking mind, do you understand me?”
***
Like some sick joke, his eyes went to the destroyed monitor, his mind replaying Juliette’s screams. How old was the video? Two, three days? That morning? What state was Juliette in now?
“Get the men.” The voice was his, but he had no idea who was speaking. “We’re going to find her even if we have to burn the fucking city to the ground.”
***
"A man can’t live alone forever and when a woman comes along who accepts him, his faults and demons, maybe it’s time he reevaluates his future."
***
“I need to breathe again. I need to feel what it’s like not to be dying inside... I need you.”
*********************************************
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December 10, 2015
DNF @ 40 percent
I just couldn't get into it. I really tried, the writing was really good, the story started really good, and then it just went down hill for me.
This story was suppose to be about the mob, scary men, contracts, alpha men, etc. It just felt blah. For me this was more of a sweet romance story.
Juliette is a poor woman whos father racked up a huge debt to a mob boss. Father dies and now its on Juliettes shoulders to pay it off. For seven years shes been working 3 jobs, not getting any sleep, and constantly being bullied by Arlo (the mob bosses son). On a fluke night Juliette is at Arlos house trying to square away some of the debt when Killian comes to threaten Arlo. Arlo basically throws Juliette at him as a peace offering.
Killian (the hero) was just to sweet for me. He catered to the heroine way to much too be all like "I don't get close to anyone, I will just use you and not think twice, I don't do love" Pfft liar! He didn't even follow his own rules. I mean the contract was barley a week old and it was like they were already a couple. I really don't even know why the contract was made. He was no ALPHA.
Juliette..... holy shit. She came off as an ungrateful bitch as the story went on. I wanted to slap her. The guy just paid off your dads debt! She didn't act at all like Killian was a threat, a mob boss, someone who could kill her. I mean for seven years she was dealing with another mobster who was threatening her. Which in turn made Killian look like a wussy.
Now if your into the contemporary sweet romance this is the story for you. Like I said the writing was really good. For me, I need drama, conflict, Alpha, If the Hero is a Mob Boss, I want a Mob Boss.
I just couldn't get into it. I really tried, the writing was really good, the story started really good, and then it just went down hill for me.
This story was suppose to be about the mob, scary men, contracts, alpha men, etc. It just felt blah. For me this was more of a sweet romance story.
Juliette is a poor woman whos father racked up a huge debt to a mob boss. Father dies and now its on Juliettes shoulders to pay it off. For seven years shes been working 3 jobs, not getting any sleep, and constantly being bullied by Arlo (the mob bosses son). On a fluke night Juliette is at Arlos house trying to square away some of the debt when Killian comes to threaten Arlo. Arlo basically throws Juliette at him as a peace offering.
Killian (the hero) was just to sweet for me. He catered to the heroine way to much too be all like "I don't get close to anyone, I will just use you and not think twice, I don't do love" Pfft liar! He didn't even follow his own rules. I mean the contract was barley a week old and it was like they were already a couple. I really don't even know why the contract was made. He was no ALPHA.
Juliette..... holy shit. She came off as an ungrateful bitch as the story went on. I wanted to slap her. The guy just paid off your dads debt! She didn't act at all like Killian was a threat, a mob boss, someone who could kill her. I mean for seven years she was dealing with another mobster who was threatening her. Which in turn made Killian look like a wussy.
Now if your into the contemporary sweet romance this is the story for you. Like I said the writing was really good. For me, I need drama, conflict, Alpha, If the Hero is a Mob Boss, I want a Mob Boss.
February 13, 2020
4.5 Wolf and the Lamb Stars!
Great book, and honestly way better than I was expecting. I went in not having too many expectations since it is a mafia book, but this way surpassed them, and I actually really enjoyed reading it.
I love the heroine, which is always rare to say. She wasn't annoying, she was the right amount of stubborn, and no jealousy from her (a plus). The hero was also amazing, and he almost reminded me of Naz from the Monster in His Eyes series, which automatically made me like him more. He wasn't perfect but he also was at the same time. He wasn't necessarily weak, but he was more sensitive and caring I think, which I loved that about him.
The overall story was enjoyable. It is a pretty long book, but I liked it all and never felt like it was dragging or that I wanted to stop reading it. It had a slower pace, but in a nice way where nothing was thrown at you or it felt rushed. You get to actually see their relationship build without any unnecessary drama in the way. I think my favorite part of the book was there was absolutely no OW/OM drama, which is always rare in these kind of books. Not even an ex or a hook up from the past comes up at all. I even thought the (non-biological) sister of the H was gonna be a jealous cliche just because I was expecting some type of drama like that, but there was absolutely none. Great book!!
Great book, and honestly way better than I was expecting. I went in not having too many expectations since it is a mafia book, but this way surpassed them, and I actually really enjoyed reading it.
I love the heroine, which is always rare to say. She wasn't annoying, she was the right amount of stubborn, and no jealousy from her (a plus). The hero was also amazing, and he almost reminded me of Naz from the Monster in His Eyes series, which automatically made me like him more. He wasn't perfect but he also was at the same time. He wasn't necessarily weak, but he was more sensitive and caring I think, which I loved that about him.
The overall story was enjoyable. It is a pretty long book, but I liked it all and never felt like it was dragging or that I wanted to stop reading it. It had a slower pace, but in a nice way where nothing was thrown at you or it felt rushed. You get to actually see their relationship build without any unnecessary drama in the way. I think my favorite part of the book was there was absolutely no OW/OM drama, which is always rare in these kind of books. Not even an ex or a hook up from the past comes up at all. I even thought the (non-biological) sister of the H was gonna be a jealous cliche just because I was expecting some type of drama like that, but there was absolutely none. Great book!!
October 10, 2015
oh, yeah, this is a first, I don't know how to rate this...
my first reaction was just one words actually: UFFF!!!
now most of you would say WTF to that and you would be dead wrong...cause my UFFF really means a whole lotta different stuff, but most of all it means relief...
this was quite a bit unusual, I had a feeling the story went backwords...you know, first doing it big than claiming the bits of it...
and I need to think a little bit more...so I will continue this half review later
October, 10th
Ok, i thought about it, well i tried at least...
and to tell you the truth, I want to push my limits here and LOVE this but i can't...
what it lacked was a tempo that suits me (so, this is all about me, you see, the book is fine!) I wanted it a little bit faster, a little bit firmer...and it took me awhile to consider the characters smth a little bit more than "fuck arrangement parties"
some parts of the story were kinda misplaced, like they don't belond there or like it was a wrong place to put in the first place (so that kinda corrupted the pacing for me)
the story
girl is paying her father's debt to the local mobster (no, that is not the main character here) and she has no way of paying and she wants to protect her little sister from the "cruel fate" so she's ready to put herself in the line of fire and take the fall - "do it" (you know, fuck it out and pay off the debt)
well, it doesn't work that way...
at that crucial moment another mobster Killian McClary(from the North part of the country) comes in and interupts the payment (not because he wanted to BUT cause he had his own payment and punishemnt to conduct) so, the other mobster ARLO, gives him our heroine, Juliette to him as a sign of good fate (well, gift)
and he takes it, you know, like it's from the charity box or smth (and he takes her, right away, as a payment too, I guess)
after that, he can't stop thinking about her and he approaches her with the contract deal - all of her debts will be payed in full in exchnage of giving herself to him for a year!
and so the plot begins...
there are a lot of enemies, constant threats, Killian's past that made him the man he's now, (he won't/can't love cause all the people around him end up dead! then why the fuck did you bring her into your life in the first place?! cause your little dickie friend couldn't help himself?!), and then, of course things turn into the "past repeats herself" process, and our characters go through trauma again...so, Killian can do the "dick" move! Yaaaay!
and yes, now we got to the bottom of it, as to the thorn that was in my sight, and that was this "push and pull" thingy that Killian was doing and that pissed me off...
I like my alpha men detemined, dominant and pushy (even if the starting point is wrong) BUT I don't like when they can't make up their minds about the thing and act like some PMS enduced bitches...
(he either wants her no matter what, no matter the danger, no matter the odds and he protects her with his life if needs to) and not doing the "dick" move and take the "easy way out" just cause he doesn't wnat her hurt BUT that was just the thing he ended up doing!!!!
so there, my mind is at ease now...I didn't dislike the book, It was ok read...and it has HEA, it's just that it didn't hit the spot for me!
September 3, 2015
Mr. Scarlet Wolf, I'd love to be your lamb!!! Lol This book was amazing. Rich, with multidimensional characters and a very unique plot.
I love the author's work but I think this is her best book so far.
Juliette is trying her hardest to protect her sister, support her and pay off her father's huge debt to Arlo Cruz. Working three jobs and no time for herself, she finds herself at crossroads.
When she falls behind in paying the monthly debt, she finds herself at Arlo's mercy.
Killian McClary wants to settle his business with Cruz and certainly does not expect to have a woman given to him as a gift. He has neither the time nor the patience for Juliette. But when he reluctantly takes her with him, attraction blooms.
One night turns into a whole year binding contract. Will Juliette accept Killian's proposal? Is she strong enough to handle the Scarlet Wolf or will he break her?
The story was filled with twists and turns, danger, passion and scorching romance!!!
Airicka Phoenix always creates the best characters ever. Her heroes are real and gripping. Her stories always sizzle with deep emotion.
Do not miss this gem!!! Excellent work and attention to detail. Perfect.
5 Stars from me.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you.
I love the author's work but I think this is her best book so far.
Juliette is trying her hardest to protect her sister, support her and pay off her father's huge debt to Arlo Cruz. Working three jobs and no time for herself, she finds herself at crossroads.
When she falls behind in paying the monthly debt, she finds herself at Arlo's mercy.
Killian McClary wants to settle his business with Cruz and certainly does not expect to have a woman given to him as a gift. He has neither the time nor the patience for Juliette. But when he reluctantly takes her with him, attraction blooms.
One night turns into a whole year binding contract. Will Juliette accept Killian's proposal? Is she strong enough to handle the Scarlet Wolf or will he break her?
The story was filled with twists and turns, danger, passion and scorching romance!!!
Airicka Phoenix always creates the best characters ever. Her heroes are real and gripping. Her stories always sizzle with deep emotion.
Do not miss this gem!!! Excellent work and attention to detail. Perfect.
5 Stars from me.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you.
September 6, 2015
This book was a solid 5* read for me until the end.
We are reading a book that very clearly says that Killian is "a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to running the city’s underbelly, not to mention merciless when it came to punishing those who betray him. He didn’t believe in weaknesses".
So we as readers are prepared to read about violence and some bloodshed, if we are not ready for this, then books about crime, violence and bloodshed should be skipped.
So why do authors keep turning the hero who is supposed to be RUTHLESS and MERCILESS into a wimp. I was very disappointed with the ending and how Killian ran.
I also was disappointed with Juliette as she never supported Killian in his career choice, yet she clearly knew what he did for a living. She was okay dealing with Arlo and she kept taking his abuse, yet Killian has to be different, this was a WTF moment.
Throughout the book Killian was in desperate need of an assistant with the amount of paper work he was involved with. He was doing more paperwork than running a crime organisation. I was wanting to see him running the underworld and being ruthless, yet nothing !!!!
I would recommend this book, it just left me wanting at the end.
We are reading a book that very clearly says that Killian is "a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to running the city’s underbelly, not to mention merciless when it came to punishing those who betray him. He didn’t believe in weaknesses".
So we as readers are prepared to read about violence and some bloodshed, if we are not ready for this, then books about crime, violence and bloodshed should be skipped.
So why do authors keep turning the hero who is supposed to be RUTHLESS and MERCILESS into a wimp. I was very disappointed with the ending and how Killian ran.
I also was disappointed with Juliette as she never supported Killian in his career choice, yet she clearly knew what he did for a living. She was okay dealing with Arlo and she kept taking his abuse, yet Killian has to be different, this was a WTF moment.
Throughout the book Killian was in desperate need of an assistant with the amount of paper work he was involved with. He was doing more paperwork than running a crime organisation. I was wanting to see him running the underworld and being ruthless, yet nothing !!!!
I would recommend this book, it just left me wanting at the end.
December 15, 2015
The blurb:
One: Sign the contract.
Juliette Romero - to keep her sister safe she had to pay her fathers debt (familiar plot) so she had to pay or sell her soul to the devil.
Killian McClary - known as the Scarlet Wolf and head of the McClary Organization since he was fifteen. He had a reputation for being a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to dishing out punishment for those who crossed him. Weakness was not part of his vocabulary - only results.
Two: Become his for a year.
When given the choice between her sister, she agreed to his terms.
Three: Don’t fall in love.
Having read Airicka Phoenix already I approached this book with relish. It seemed that I was going to read something a little darker (according to the blurb).
Unfortunately (for me) the plot didnt live up to the blurb. Killian was not the dark character that we are led to believe (I wish he had been) and I times I wondered who was more dominant. I ended up turning the pages a bit too fast as I wanted to get to the end.
I wanted more from this story - unfortunately I didnt get it.
One: Sign the contract.
Juliette Romero - to keep her sister safe she had to pay her fathers debt (familiar plot) so she had to pay or sell her soul to the devil.
Killian McClary - known as the Scarlet Wolf and head of the McClary Organization since he was fifteen. He had a reputation for being a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to dishing out punishment for those who crossed him. Weakness was not part of his vocabulary - only results.
Two: Become his for a year.
When given the choice between her sister, she agreed to his terms.
Three: Don’t fall in love.
Having read Airicka Phoenix already I approached this book with relish. It seemed that I was going to read something a little darker (according to the blurb).
Unfortunately (for me) the plot didnt live up to the blurb. Killian was not the dark character that we are led to believe (I wish he had been) and I times I wondered who was more dominant. I ended up turning the pages a bit too fast as I wanted to get to the end.
I wanted more from this story - unfortunately I didnt get it.
December 10, 2017
I absolutely loved this book.... It exceeded my expectations of how good I thought it would be...
This is the first time I've read anything from this author and I'm thoroughly impressed. Her writing skills were impeccable. I loved how she put this story together.. Even the secondary characters plot and story line was well put together that everything flowed perfectly.
Our hero Killian, was the epitome of a alpha male. He didn't disappoint me in his possessive behavior to protect and to take care of the women he loved. But what's so fun and heartwarming about this book was the heroine Juliette saved our alpha just as much as he saved her.
In the beginning the author's portrayal of Juliette was a weak damsel in distress but as I read along and really got to know this character she was the epitome of strength, courage, and self righteous of her living truth.
There's just so much I can say about this book but I won't because I'll be here all day.. So just read the damn book yourself and you will understand where I'm coming from in my assessment of these characters and it's author.
If I had to describe this book with a song it would be: "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
If I had to describe this book with one word it would be: "Sacrifice"
I think you get the picture right? If not read the damn book.. It will be good for ya... LMBO!
Overall rating:
5*~ I Absolutely Love This Book
This is the first time I've read anything from this author and I'm thoroughly impressed. Her writing skills were impeccable. I loved how she put this story together.. Even the secondary characters plot and story line was well put together that everything flowed perfectly.
Our hero Killian, was the epitome of a alpha male. He didn't disappoint me in his possessive behavior to protect and to take care of the women he loved. But what's so fun and heartwarming about this book was the heroine Juliette saved our alpha just as much as he saved her.
In the beginning the author's portrayal of Juliette was a weak damsel in distress but as I read along and really got to know this character she was the epitome of strength, courage, and self righteous of her living truth.
There's just so much I can say about this book but I won't because I'll be here all day.. So just read the damn book yourself and you will understand where I'm coming from in my assessment of these characters and it's author.
If I had to describe this book with a song it would be: "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
If I had to describe this book with one word it would be: "Sacrifice"
I think you get the picture right? If not read the damn book.. It will be good for ya... LMBO!
Overall rating:
5*~ I Absolutely Love This Book
August 1, 2018
3.5 stars.
December 21, 2019
4.5 stars
No joke this has been sitting on my kindle since it came out. Why had I not picked it up before? The world that is painted in this one is crazy! I loved it. I loved how over the top and beautiful Killian was. I loved the action throughout the whole story. And that ending ugh I died! Such a fun read. Dark and kinda twisted but fun none the less!
No joke this has been sitting on my kindle since it came out. Why had I not picked it up before? The world that is painted in this one is crazy! I loved it. I loved how over the top and beautiful Killian was. I loved the action throughout the whole story. And that ending ugh I died! Such a fun read. Dark and kinda twisted but fun none the less!
February 10, 2020
" I need to breathe again.” Each word vibrated as though torn from his very soul. They wrapped around her with their thorny edges and cut in deep. “I need to feel what it’s like not to be dying inside.” The tip of his nose grazed the side of her face lightly, barely even a whisper. " I need you. “
Killian......what can I say about you. You’re my forever love. I read this book 5 years ago and to this date you’re still one of my favorite book characters.
I rarely ever like the female characters in books as much as I do the males but shockingly enough Juliette held her own against the Scarlett Wolf and I fell in love with her.
With two amazing main characters, a great storyline, good side characters, perfect amount of angsts and hot chemistry this book imprinted itself on my heart.
Over the years I felt like so many other authors tried to do what Phoenix did here but it wasn’t as successful. I honestly have no idea why this book isn’t popular when so many of the knockoffs are.
I definitely recommend. 5/5
Edit- going a reread after all these years and I’m not sure I feel the same way towards Juliette. Also some scenes are a bit too descriptive but I still love the book.
Killian......what can I say about you. You’re my forever love. I read this book 5 years ago and to this date you’re still one of my favorite book characters.
I rarely ever like the female characters in books as much as I do the males but shockingly enough Juliette held her own against the Scarlett Wolf and I fell in love with her.
With two amazing main characters, a great storyline, good side characters, perfect amount of angsts and hot chemistry this book imprinted itself on my heart.
Over the years I felt like so many other authors tried to do what Phoenix did here but it wasn’t as successful. I honestly have no idea why this book isn’t popular when so many of the knockoffs are.
I definitely recommend. 5/5
Edit- going a reread after all these years and I’m not sure I feel the same way towards Juliette. Also some scenes are a bit too descriptive but I still love the book.
September 30, 2015
4-4.5 Stars Be Warned: Slight Spoilers Ahead, Read with Caution
I read this last night and finished today and I can honestly say that I really loved it. I LOVED Killian and yes, I did love Juliette too. I would be curious to see if maybe Vi will get her own story later on, wink, wink, I would love to read it:) OK, now getting back to this book.
As much as I loved this book there were a couple of things that made me deduct some points and these are strictly my own personal feelings so here goes: First, the storyline although was really great but for me it was too wordy. Sounds crazy and maybe it's just me because it was really good but for me I found I wanted more " social interaction" between the H and h maybe even a little more angst too, lol, to spice it up.
Second, the other major thing for my deduction was that I didn't like the whole 5 month separation, really? I mean he is so in love blah, blah and yet 5 months goes by and nothing???? I could see a month at best but I didn't get it but yet I did, again, if that makes sense, lolololol, sorry to be confusing but I really disliked that part a lot as you can see!!! One thing was for sure and that was how both of these followed the "contract rules" pretty tightly and I applaud it but yet I don't like it at the same time, lol. I guess I wish personally he would have been more of a go-getter with her, now that was my biggest bone of contention and again, my own personal reading preference but that was the majority of the reason I made a deduction. Yes, I understood him and his reasonings and I genuinely "felt" his feelings but wish he acted more on them even though he did a pretty good job throughout, I just needed more from him as a go-getter especially at the end!
The Epilogue was GREAT!!!!!! LOVED it:) All in all a really great romance story! Congrats Airicka Phoenix:)
I read this last night and finished today and I can honestly say that I really loved it. I LOVED Killian and yes, I did love Juliette too. I would be curious to see if maybe Vi will get her own story later on, wink, wink, I would love to read it:) OK, now getting back to this book.
As much as I loved this book there were a couple of things that made me deduct some points and these are strictly my own personal feelings so here goes: First, the storyline although was really great but for me it was too wordy. Sounds crazy and maybe it's just me because it was really good but for me I found I wanted more " social interaction" between the H and h maybe even a little more angst too, lol, to spice it up.
Second, the other major thing for my deduction was that I didn't like the whole 5 month separation, really? I mean he is so in love blah, blah and yet 5 months goes by and nothing???? I could see a month at best but I didn't get it but yet I did, again, if that makes sense, lolololol, sorry to be confusing but I really disliked that part a lot as you can see!!! One thing was for sure and that was how both of these followed the "contract rules" pretty tightly and I applaud it but yet I don't like it at the same time, lol. I guess I wish personally he would have been more of a go-getter with her, now that was my biggest bone of contention and again, my own personal reading preference but that was the majority of the reason I made a deduction. Yes, I understood him and his reasonings and I genuinely "felt" his feelings but wish he acted more on them even though he did a pretty good job throughout, I just needed more from him as a go-getter especially at the end!
The Epilogue was GREAT!!!!!! LOVED it:) All in all a really great romance story! Congrats Airicka Phoenix:)
March 1, 2016
Juliette Romero is living a life circling hell, her dead fathers debt is never going to end, she is raising her sister, and the three jobs she has are running her ragged. Everything comes to a head when the loan shark she has been making payments to gives her 24 hours to either produce her younger sister or pay up. Juliette knows there is no way she will let her sixteen year old sister be offered to the sleazy man, she comes up with another plan that has herself spending one night with Killian McClary.
Killian didn't want the woman, but as he was proving a point he takes Juliette. He offers her an out, but she relents and he is surprised that she is a contradiction to the other women he beds. Not able to get their one night out of his mind, he makes Juliette an offer. One year exclusivity, he pays off her debt. He offers more but Juliette refuses. Killian tells himself that since this is a simple agreement no one will notice and Juliette wont be in danger. He couldn't be more wrong but Killian wont have Juliette put in danger and makes a drastic move, one that will break Juliette's heart as well as his own.
Exciting read. There are some time issues with the book where it slips into something else but overall a surprising read. I liked this a lot. Wondering if there is going to be a Viola and Saul book. I liked Juliette, she has been living in a shell but something awakens and she turns into this sassy woman. Killian has a dark past he doesn't want repeated and Juliette threatens that. Had a bit of everything in this book, exciting finish to a story that was not predictable.
Killian didn't want the woman, but as he was proving a point he takes Juliette. He offers her an out, but she relents and he is surprised that she is a contradiction to the other women he beds. Not able to get their one night out of his mind, he makes Juliette an offer. One year exclusivity, he pays off her debt. He offers more but Juliette refuses. Killian tells himself that since this is a simple agreement no one will notice and Juliette wont be in danger. He couldn't be more wrong but Killian wont have Juliette put in danger and makes a drastic move, one that will break Juliette's heart as well as his own.
Exciting read. There are some time issues with the book where it slips into something else but overall a surprising read. I liked this a lot. Wondering if there is going to be a Viola and Saul book. I liked Juliette, she has been living in a shell but something awakens and she turns into this sassy woman. Killian has a dark past he doesn't want repeated and Juliette threatens that. Had a bit of everything in this book, exciting finish to a story that was not predictable.
April 24, 2017
That was FANTASTIC!
I'm at a Loss at how much I loved this book and the many reasons. It was SO different than what I thought it would be. Sweeping romance, really. So, I'll just start with a strange one. I'm a devoted historical romance reader, I love contemporary but historical got me reading years ago. This author, writes like some of the best of them. Honestly she could of set this story in the real 1920-30s era and minus the cell phone it would of worked. Gilded age, when Irish mafia was really getting started, yep. We all know the Irish Catholics were some of the worst treated immigrants to ever come to America. She could of swung the whole feeling! I just wanted to fangirl her for that.
Onwards, both characters were AMAZING. This is a real romance. The stories inside the stories, the supporting characters, the mobsters, were great, but the romance always felt front and center. It was swoon worthy. It took time, the emotions are explained and written beautifully. Killian. Yah, don't we all wish we could have a million men like him for ourselves and our daughters. Watching him fall was epic. The alpha gentleman mobster I started thinking thru the book. Sigh.
This book sat on my tbr shelf for so long and I could just kick my own butt for that. This book is epic romance. Well written, fantastic love story, great mystery, good supporting characters. Recommend.
I'm at a Loss at how much I loved this book and the many reasons. It was SO different than what I thought it would be. Sweeping romance, really. So, I'll just start with a strange one. I'm a devoted historical romance reader, I love contemporary but historical got me reading years ago. This author, writes like some of the best of them. Honestly she could of set this story in the real 1920-30s era and minus the cell phone it would of worked. Gilded age, when Irish mafia was really getting started, yep. We all know the Irish Catholics were some of the worst treated immigrants to ever come to America. She could of swung the whole feeling! I just wanted to fangirl her for that.
Onwards, both characters were AMAZING. This is a real romance. The stories inside the stories, the supporting characters, the mobsters, were great, but the romance always felt front and center. It was swoon worthy. It took time, the emotions are explained and written beautifully. Killian. Yah, don't we all wish we could have a million men like him for ourselves and our daughters. Watching him fall was epic. The alpha gentleman mobster I started thinking thru the book. Sigh.
This book sat on my tbr shelf for so long and I could just kick my own butt for that. This book is epic romance. Well written, fantastic love story, great mystery, good supporting characters. Recommend.
February 16, 2018
OMG - what a BOOK!!!!!!! I loved it soooo much!
Dieses Buch hat meine letzten Tage echt gerockt!!! Ich weiß gar nicht was ich dazu sagen soll, ich weiß nicht ob ich ohne etwas zu verraten überhaupt richtig rezensieren kann. Es hat einfach eine Seite in mir zum Klingen gebracht..... Dieses Buch beinhaltet alles, was ich von einem wunderbaren, perfekten Buch erwarte. Spannung, Liebe, Action, Familiensinn, Ehrlichkeit, Loyalität, Humor, heiße Szenen, ein bisschen Keckheit, coole Alpha-Typen, ein bisschen Krimi und einen guten Plot. Die Schriftstellerin hat mich gleich in ihren Bann gezogen, der Schreibstil liegt mir wunderbar!.. Das Buch hat genau ausreichend Sex-Szenen um erotisch zu sein, wunderbarer Liebesmomente um kein Schnulzenroman zu sein, nur so viel Action, dass es nicht als Krimi durchgeht...... Killian ist so ein toller Kerl, bossy aber doch liebevoll, so dass man schnell vergisst womit er eigentlich seinen Lebensunterhalt bestreitet und Juliette ist süß und so echt, dass ihre Sturheit und Freundlichkeit, Loyalität und Albernheit einfach nur sympathisch sind. Ich habe dieses Buch verschlungen!!! Es ist mein erstes von dieser Schriftstellerin aber ganz SICHER NICHT mein LETZTES !!!! Schön dass es noch solche Bücher gibt!!!!
Dieses Buch hat meine letzten Tage echt gerockt!!! Ich weiß gar nicht was ich dazu sagen soll, ich weiß nicht ob ich ohne etwas zu verraten überhaupt richtig rezensieren kann. Es hat einfach eine Seite in mir zum Klingen gebracht..... Dieses Buch beinhaltet alles, was ich von einem wunderbaren, perfekten Buch erwarte. Spannung, Liebe, Action, Familiensinn, Ehrlichkeit, Loyalität, Humor, heiße Szenen, ein bisschen Keckheit, coole Alpha-Typen, ein bisschen Krimi und einen guten Plot. Die Schriftstellerin hat mich gleich in ihren Bann gezogen, der Schreibstil liegt mir wunderbar!.. Das Buch hat genau ausreichend Sex-Szenen um erotisch zu sein, wunderbarer Liebesmomente um kein Schnulzenroman zu sein, nur so viel Action, dass es nicht als Krimi durchgeht...... Killian ist so ein toller Kerl, bossy aber doch liebevoll, so dass man schnell vergisst womit er eigentlich seinen Lebensunterhalt bestreitet und Juliette ist süß und so echt, dass ihre Sturheit und Freundlichkeit, Loyalität und Albernheit einfach nur sympathisch sind. Ich habe dieses Buch verschlungen!!! Es ist mein erstes von dieser Schriftstellerin aber ganz SICHER NICHT mein LETZTES !!!! Schön dass es noch solche Bücher gibt!!!!
September 21, 2015
4.25+ RATING- I'm on the fence about my rating...The book wasn't perfect but I enjoyed the hell out of it. It pulled my in from the beginning, the writing was good, and the steamy bits were well done and sexy. I'm not sure I loved the last quarter of the book as much as the rest of the story though. I'd definitely read more from this author and recommend this book.
September 24, 2015
I'm going to have to get back to this as I didn't finish it.
So far I don't like it.
So far I don't like it.
September 1, 2015
4.5 Fantastic Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane
"You're the one thing I need to keep away from if I am to keep fighting. You make me weak and weak men die."
This is one lengthy, complex story. It's dark and tormented and multi layered. Juliette Romero has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her parents are both dead and she is the sole guardian for her younger sister, Viola. Vi as she is known, is headstrong, rebellious and slightly out of control. But that is the least of Juliette's problems. Her father got into debt before he died and somehow she has become responsible for the money owed. And there is a lot of money owed-to a very bad man, Arlo. He would love to get his filthy hands on her. His demands for thousands of dollars are unrealistic and he is just hoping she fails to pay. What happens when she can't come up with the money in spite of the 3 jobs she is working-he will take Vi as collateral.
After meeting with him and failing to come up with the money, Arlo is ready to make Juliette pay with her pound of flesh. She won't let him get her sister, so she is forced to offer up herself. It's not a pretty scene. But before he can rape her they are interrupted by Arlo's worse nightmare. Killian McClary, otherwise knows as the Scarlet Wolf is there to bring his own justice for Arlo running guns in his territory. But Arlo tries to negotiate with him and one of the things he offers is Juliette. Killian has no interest in the girl, but he takes her with him. A bargain is struck, a contract is agreed upon and Juliette's life is forever changed.
"You should have escaped whilst you had the chance. Now you're mine, little lamb."
Who is Killian McClary and why is he so feared? This is where the heartbreak starts. When he was a child, his father was involved with a powerful man, Yegor Yolvoski and did some unspeakable things. When his mother found out she demanded her husband stop doing business with him. To say Yolvoski was out for revenge is an understatement. Killian's mother was kidnapped, raped, and tortured. Killian was forever scarred. His mother's broken; bleeding body was delivered to his father. But the revenge did not end there. His father was killed trying to save Killian. All he had left at such a young age was a girl he considered to be his sister-Maraveet, her parents were killed in a car bombing and she was sent to live with Killian's family. Except for her and Killian's housekeeper, Molly, he was forced to start his life over. But not before he made those responsible for his parents' death pay. And they paid with their blood. By the time he was finished, the Scarlett Wolf was the most feared man in this underworld.
As Juliette and Killian's relationship changes from a primarily sexual one to one that is more complex, Killian must keep telling himself that this thing with Juliette can only last the year that she is under contract. Bad things happen to those he loves and he won't risk anything happening to her. When you live in a world surrounded by men with no morals, protecting those you care about is almost an impossible task.
I'd rather die alone than live without her.
This is no ordinary story about a dangerous man taking possession of a woman. This is a story filled with drug dealers, arms smugglers, and worst of all-human traffickers. Things spin so out of control and there is so much suffering, and yet the story doesn't weigh the reader down to where it is too depressing. This lengthy read moves along so quickly that the pace remains consistent and the pages fly.
"You broke me." The light slipped away with just a shift of his head back in her direction. "You took away everything that I was, everything that made me strong. You made me forget what I was and why."
I loved this book and I am usually heavy into the romance aspect as opposed to suspense or action. But this book is so well written and plotted that I never lost my focus. The characters are well developed and although there is not an abundance of sex, there is enough to make the reader feel the chemistry and connection between Juliette and Killian. This is one that is so worth taking the time to read!
Review by Lisa Kane
"You're the one thing I need to keep away from if I am to keep fighting. You make me weak and weak men die."
This is one lengthy, complex story. It's dark and tormented and multi layered. Juliette Romero has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her parents are both dead and she is the sole guardian for her younger sister, Viola. Vi as she is known, is headstrong, rebellious and slightly out of control. But that is the least of Juliette's problems. Her father got into debt before he died and somehow she has become responsible for the money owed. And there is a lot of money owed-to a very bad man, Arlo. He would love to get his filthy hands on her. His demands for thousands of dollars are unrealistic and he is just hoping she fails to pay. What happens when she can't come up with the money in spite of the 3 jobs she is working-he will take Vi as collateral.
After meeting with him and failing to come up with the money, Arlo is ready to make Juliette pay with her pound of flesh. She won't let him get her sister, so she is forced to offer up herself. It's not a pretty scene. But before he can rape her they are interrupted by Arlo's worse nightmare. Killian McClary, otherwise knows as the Scarlet Wolf is there to bring his own justice for Arlo running guns in his territory. But Arlo tries to negotiate with him and one of the things he offers is Juliette. Killian has no interest in the girl, but he takes her with him. A bargain is struck, a contract is agreed upon and Juliette's life is forever changed.
"You should have escaped whilst you had the chance. Now you're mine, little lamb."
Who is Killian McClary and why is he so feared? This is where the heartbreak starts. When he was a child, his father was involved with a powerful man, Yegor Yolvoski and did some unspeakable things. When his mother found out she demanded her husband stop doing business with him. To say Yolvoski was out for revenge is an understatement. Killian's mother was kidnapped, raped, and tortured. Killian was forever scarred. His mother's broken; bleeding body was delivered to his father. But the revenge did not end there. His father was killed trying to save Killian. All he had left at such a young age was a girl he considered to be his sister-Maraveet, her parents were killed in a car bombing and she was sent to live with Killian's family. Except for her and Killian's housekeeper, Molly, he was forced to start his life over. But not before he made those responsible for his parents' death pay. And they paid with their blood. By the time he was finished, the Scarlett Wolf was the most feared man in this underworld.
As Juliette and Killian's relationship changes from a primarily sexual one to one that is more complex, Killian must keep telling himself that this thing with Juliette can only last the year that she is under contract. Bad things happen to those he loves and he won't risk anything happening to her. When you live in a world surrounded by men with no morals, protecting those you care about is almost an impossible task.
I'd rather die alone than live without her.
This is no ordinary story about a dangerous man taking possession of a woman. This is a story filled with drug dealers, arms smugglers, and worst of all-human traffickers. Things spin so out of control and there is so much suffering, and yet the story doesn't weigh the reader down to where it is too depressing. This lengthy read moves along so quickly that the pace remains consistent and the pages fly.
"You broke me." The light slipped away with just a shift of his head back in her direction. "You took away everything that I was, everything that made me strong. You made me forget what I was and why."
I loved this book and I am usually heavy into the romance aspect as opposed to suspense or action. But this book is so well written and plotted that I never lost my focus. The characters are well developed and although there is not an abundance of sex, there is enough to make the reader feel the chemistry and connection between Juliette and Killian. This is one that is so worth taking the time to read!
December 11, 2017
I'm going to start this with a confession: I, Jamie, am a book hoarder.
Sure, they are basically all digital and contained in my tablet, but I have thousands of them in there. I scour book sales daily and snatch up as many Kindle freebie deals as I possibly can. Because, books. I can never be caught without one.
Now, this hoarding tendency has left me with four of Airicka Phoenix books in my possession. There is no rhyme or reason to the way I choose which book to read, but hers have been hanging out and waiting for me for a while now.
And, I feel super foolish...
Because this was a damn good book. In fact, I Loved it. Yes, capital L.
Of course, I must start with Killian. Delicious, powerful Killian. Oh, I would keep him so hard. It's no secret that I love me some bad boys and dangerous men, but Killian is my favorite kind of dangerous man. Fearsome, damaged, and capable of unspeakable acts, but with a strong moral code, and an unwavering love for his woman. He is exactly what I look for in my heroes, down to his dark hair and cocky smirk.
Juliette is a fantastic, strong heroine. She's soft, a bit broken, and frightened, but brave n the face of all that adversity. And she is exactly what Killian needed in his life. I loved the way she owned up to her wrongs in this book. That she grew so beautifully through the story. That she didn't know the words "give up".
The secondary characters were fantastic.
I loved Airicka's writing. It was beautifully descriptive without being flowery. She didn't tell me a story, she made me see it unfold. I felt it all, and it was amazing. This was a pretty long book, I believe I noted that is was 550 pages, but I was still sad to see it end and it felt like I just flew through it. I couldn't put it down. I will certainly be reading more of her work.
Sure, they are basically all digital and contained in my tablet, but I have thousands of them in there. I scour book sales daily and snatch up as many Kindle freebie deals as I possibly can. Because, books. I can never be caught without one.
Now, this hoarding tendency has left me with four of Airicka Phoenix books in my possession. There is no rhyme or reason to the way I choose which book to read, but hers have been hanging out and waiting for me for a while now.
And, I feel super foolish...
Because this was a damn good book. In fact, I Loved it. Yes, capital L.
Of course, I must start with Killian. Delicious, powerful Killian. Oh, I would keep him so hard. It's no secret that I love me some bad boys and dangerous men, but Killian is my favorite kind of dangerous man. Fearsome, damaged, and capable of unspeakable acts, but with a strong moral code, and an unwavering love for his woman. He is exactly what I look for in my heroes, down to his dark hair and cocky smirk.
Juliette is a fantastic, strong heroine. She's soft, a bit broken, and frightened, but brave n the face of all that adversity. And she is exactly what Killian needed in his life. I loved the way she owned up to her wrongs in this book. That she grew so beautifully through the story. That she didn't know the words "give up".
The secondary characters were fantastic.
I loved Airicka's writing. It was beautifully descriptive without being flowery. She didn't tell me a story, she made me see it unfold. I felt it all, and it was amazing. This was a pretty long book, I believe I noted that is was 550 pages, but I was still sad to see it end and it felt like I just flew through it. I couldn't put it down. I will certainly be reading more of her work.
January 4, 2016
This has become one of my favorites books. Don't think I've ever loved all the characters in a book as much as I love these. Juliette and killian are both perfect. Killian is hot and sexy and just imagining his Irish accent (which in my opinion is the hottest accent on the planet) made me all giddy inside. Juliette is just a hoot. She's funny and strong and witty. I laughed myself to tears at times.
Even the secondary characters were amazing. Vi and Mar were hilarious. Yeah Vi was a spoiled brat at first, but we learn to understand why and her comments are funny as hell.
As for the story? It was wonderful. It was rather realistic in my opinion and I loved it. I laughed and cried and just went through a roller-coaster of emotions.
I honestly can't say anything bad about this book.
October 1, 2015
3·5 stars. A SAFE READ with a mob boss H and a poor h, who worked three jobs to pay her late father's debts while raise her little sister.
I liked the excitement and uncertainties between H and h's relationship, and the danger I knew would come sooner or later due to H's career.
It was sad to read how H's parents were murdered, no wonder he had to become who he is now.
I just couldn't forget the similar feelings when read certain parts of this story though, esp the contract H gave h, couldn't help but think of Fifty Shades of Grey.
And I've never felt warm toward h, or I would liked this story more.
The reason I emphasized this was a safe read because at some point I almost certain sth terrible would happen to h, fortunately, this was a safe read.
I liked the excitement and uncertainties between H and h's relationship, and the danger I knew would come sooner or later due to H's career.
It was sad to read how H's parents were murdered, no wonder he had to become who he is now.
I just couldn't forget the similar feelings when read certain parts of this story though, esp the contract H gave h, couldn't help but think of Fifty Shades of Grey.
And I've never felt warm toward h, or I would liked this story more.
The reason I emphasized this was a safe read because at some point I almost certain sth terrible would happen to h, fortunately, this was a safe read.
Read
October 3, 2015I am so totally not in with the masses on this one...It was a DNF so I can't in all honesty rate it. I did not feel that the characters had a connection and up until 46% all they ever did was have sex and I mean 9 or 10 pages of way too much details and not enough talking. It reminded me somewhat of FSOG with the contract and the eating and the dressing and of course Juliette fought Killian at every turn.
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