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Wicked Souls #1
Vengeful Devotion
Gemma
I had a plan. I needed to stick to that plan.
It’s what you do when you’re on the run, hiding from the ones who want to see you dead.
Getting involved with Declan McBride, aka the King of Vegas, isn’t part of that plan. It would be my luck to run from one monster straight into the arms of another.
Just because he looks like a god, it doesn’t make him any less of a villain. Right?
Declan
Blood, my hands and soul are stained with it. I don’t recall a time they weren’t.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been training to take over the family business. Planning for every worst-case scenario. Always.
No amount of training could have prepared me for her.
Gemma De Luca, the girl with the haunted stare and a body sinful enough to tempt a priest.
She wants to run. I can see it in her eyes, the fear.
Her arrival in town has brought a war to my doorstep. A war I don’t intend on losing.
And when I’m done, I’ll present her with the hearts of her enemies. I just need to make sure she can’t escape my grasp before I deliver them to her on that silver platter.
Content
Off-Page Childhood S*xual Assault
On-Page Violence (Murder, Torture)*
On-Page Spice
Kidnapping
*Not Between MCs
Age-Gap (10 years)
Mafia Romance
Possessive MMC
Runaway/Broken FMC
Touch Her and Die
He Falls First
Happily Ever After
I had a plan. I needed to stick to that plan.
It’s what you do when you’re on the run, hiding from the ones who want to see you dead.
Getting involved with Declan McBride, aka the King of Vegas, isn’t part of that plan. It would be my luck to run from one monster straight into the arms of another.
Just because he looks like a god, it doesn’t make him any less of a villain. Right?
Declan
Blood, my hands and soul are stained with it. I don’t recall a time they weren’t.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been training to take over the family business. Planning for every worst-case scenario. Always.
No amount of training could have prepared me for her.
Gemma De Luca, the girl with the haunted stare and a body sinful enough to tempt a priest.
She wants to run. I can see it in her eyes, the fear.
Her arrival in town has brought a war to my doorstep. A war I don’t intend on losing.
And when I’m done, I’ll present her with the hearts of her enemies. I just need to make sure she can’t escape my grasp before I deliver them to her on that silver platter.
Content
Off-Page Childhood S*xual Assault
On-Page Violence (Murder, Torture)*
On-Page Spice
Kidnapping
*Not Between MCs
Age-Gap (10 years)
Mafia Romance
Possessive MMC
Runaway/Broken FMC
Touch Her and Die
He Falls First
Happily Ever After
274 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2023
About the author
Morgan Elliott
10 books141 followersMorgan Elliott is a dreamer, lover, and believer in all things romance. When she’s not busy being a mother to her five children and wife to her very own soul mate, you can usually find her in her writing cave weaving together spicy stories with strong female leads and the men who fall hard for them. Morgan wholeheartedly believes everyone deserves a happily ever after, she strives to create one for every character that lives rent free in her imagination.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 23, 2025
2.5 ✨️
What in the mafia soap opera type of book I just read!?? 😂 I actually was interested in the second book, but since I already had on my Kindle the first one as well, I said sure, let's start with the beginning.
The story was not that bad. The details, though... lacked so much. His mother annoyed the crap out of me. He, as a leader, took decisions not very brightly.
I like the female lead, though. She was the best thing about this book. She wasn't perfect, of course, but her story was so sad and tragic that I was cheering by the end since she got her revenge and HEA. What I don't understand is how she managed to get over her past without any therapeutic help. Because damn, she had tons of trauma. This should have been explored more.
So yeah, the bones of the book are fine. The delivery could have been so much better. The main conflict(s) resolved too easily. While I just couldn't feel the exact moment where they fell for each other. It was a lot of telling, telling, telling.
Either way, I'm gonna read the second one.
What to expect
- mafia set-up
- runaway h
- age gap
- he's the mafia leader of the house where, with a lot of luck, she ends up being his mother's assistant
- lust at first side, it took them a few weeks for them to admit their feelings, no manhohoo, completely devoted to her
- touch her and 💀
- she’s got lots of trauma to unpack ( the darkest part of the book is her past)
- no OP drama
- HEA
What in the mafia soap opera type of book I just read!?? 😂 I actually was interested in the second book, but since I already had on my Kindle the first one as well, I said sure, let's start with the beginning.
The story was not that bad. The details, though... lacked so much. His mother annoyed the crap out of me. He, as a leader, took decisions not very brightly.
I like the female lead, though. She was the best thing about this book. She wasn't perfect, of course, but her story was so sad and tragic that I was cheering by the end since she got her revenge and HEA. What I don't understand is how she managed to get over her past without any therapeutic help. Because damn, she had tons of trauma. This should have been explored more.
So yeah, the bones of the book are fine. The delivery could have been so much better. The main conflict(s) resolved too easily. While I just couldn't feel the exact moment where they fell for each other. It was a lot of telling, telling, telling.
Either way, I'm gonna read the second one.
What to expect
- mafia set-up
- runaway h
- age gap
- he's the mafia leader of the house where, with a lot of luck, she ends up being his mother's assistant
- lust at first side, it took them a few weeks for them to admit their feelings, no manhohoo, completely devoted to her
- touch her and 💀
- she’s got lots of trauma to unpack ( the darkest part of the book is her past)
- no OP drama
- HEA
November 4, 2023
60% in. Completely lost interest.
April 4, 2026
I didn't hate this, but I also didn't really like it. Story is fine, albeit predictable, but it's not bad.
Didn't interest me enough to want to read the rest of the series.
Some aspects of the romance just annoyed me with how sudden the leaps were into the next phase of their emotions toward each other.
Half the spicy scenes I found myself skimming over simply to be done reading the book faster.
I don't know. This just didn't hit for me.
Didn't interest me enough to want to read the rest of the series.
Some aspects of the romance just annoyed me with how sudden the leaps were into the next phase of their emotions toward each other.
Half the spicy scenes I found myself skimming over simply to be done reading the book faster.
I don't know. This just didn't hit for me.
February 14, 2025
super fast paced dark mafia romance 🖤 definitely a great palette cleanser !! and i’m excited to start the next book
gemma was living with her abusive uncle when she ran away from her home in boston. she finds herself hiding away in las vegas with no money left and struggling to find a job. she’s juggling between starting a whole life and staying off her uncle’s radar. but when she’s offered the job of a lifetime, she had no idea that she would catch the eye of the king of las vegas 🤭 declan is the boss of his mafia empire. he has many secrets that he keeps to himself. the biggest secret of all is knowing who killed his father and not having the guts to do what he was raised to do. he is so protective of his family and doing this would only ruin them. when he meets gemma, he’s instantly obsessed with her !! there’s always that thought at the back of his head that he shouldn’t trust her. but he gives into the magnetic pull towards her 🖤
this was super fast paced that it definitely felt rushed. especially with the connection between gemma and declan. but it has so much potential and i just love how declan is 🥹
🌶️
gemma was living with her abusive uncle when she ran away from her home in boston. she finds herself hiding away in las vegas with no money left and struggling to find a job. she’s juggling between starting a whole life and staying off her uncle’s radar. but when she’s offered the job of a lifetime, she had no idea that she would catch the eye of the king of las vegas 🤭 declan is the boss of his mafia empire. he has many secrets that he keeps to himself. the biggest secret of all is knowing who killed his father and not having the guts to do what he was raised to do. he is so protective of his family and doing this would only ruin them. when he meets gemma, he’s instantly obsessed with her !! there’s always that thought at the back of his head that he shouldn’t trust her. but he gives into the magnetic pull towards her 🖤
this was super fast paced that it definitely felt rushed. especially with the connection between gemma and declan. but it has so much potential and i just love how declan is 🥹
🌶️
July 8, 2023
Spice level 🔥 🔥
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
So I had the opportunity to obtain an ARC of this novel. And let me just say wow. I dont normally read books in 1 day due to busy mom life and not being able to have my attention captured but the moment i got the email with this I put my other books on hold and finished it in less then a day! This had the Mafia Romance I'm obsessed with along with the "touch her and die" trope! Let's just say I will be buying this book when it's released, so I can have a physical copy and will be waiting for the next books!
We have the powerful sexy Mafia boss Declan McBride of Las Vegas. And the small broken Gemma De Luca who is new in town running from her horrible uncle.
When they talk about this being a family business they mean it! From the sisters to the mother they all have a hand in helping Declan.
And this has it. For me I absolutely loved the change of character POVs every chapter. I loved the Declan chapters the way he wrestled with his feelings and came to realization to those feeling for Gemma was great; but also the way Gemma finds her voice being with Declan.
The way she wrote the story and set it up was amazing I knew half way through that this had to be a series because I wanted to know more about the side characters, I was happy to find out there is at least a 2nd book coming out as well. I do hope she will eventually dive into Francine and Patricks (Declans parents) story seems like that could be a great book as well!
Some favorite quotes
"A whole night of being close to Gemma and she can’t run from me."
"Gemma Rossi is not a queen I deserve, but I want to ."
"If I was a normal woman, my mouth would be watering."
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
So I had the opportunity to obtain an ARC of this novel. And let me just say wow. I dont normally read books in 1 day due to busy mom life and not being able to have my attention captured but the moment i got the email with this I put my other books on hold and finished it in less then a day! This had the Mafia Romance I'm obsessed with along with the "touch her and die" trope! Let's just say I will be buying this book when it's released, so I can have a physical copy and will be waiting for the next books!
We have the powerful sexy Mafia boss Declan McBride of Las Vegas. And the small broken Gemma De Luca who is new in town running from her horrible uncle.
When they talk about this being a family business they mean it! From the sisters to the mother they all have a hand in helping Declan.
And this has it. For me I absolutely loved the change of character POVs every chapter. I loved the Declan chapters the way he wrestled with his feelings and came to realization to those feeling for Gemma was great; but also the way Gemma finds her voice being with Declan.
The way she wrote the story and set it up was amazing I knew half way through that this had to be a series because I wanted to know more about the side characters, I was happy to find out there is at least a 2nd book coming out as well. I do hope she will eventually dive into Francine and Patricks (Declans parents) story seems like that could be a great book as well!
Some favorite quotes
"A whole night of being close to Gemma and she can’t run from me."
"Gemma Rossi is not a queen I deserve, but I want to ."
"If I was a normal woman, my mouth would be watering."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
This was such a good book.
July 11, 2023
Read as a ARC and loved it! Trauma, possessive, touch her and 💀, mafia and so much more wrapped in this book! I didn’t want it to end!
July 15, 2023
I just finished reading this book as a ARC reader and loved it.
Gemma, the MFC really drew me in with her story and how she overcame all the bad. ( I don’t want to spoil it so keeping this vague)
This book has a little of everything for the “Mafia Romance lover”
🌶️ 🌶️ spice
Touch her and ☠️
Possessive MMC who loves fiercely
Happy ending
Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Gemma, the MFC really drew me in with her story and how she overcame all the bad. ( I don’t want to spoil it so keeping this vague)
This book has a little of everything for the “Mafia Romance lover”
🌶️ 🌶️ spice
Touch her and ☠️
Possessive MMC who loves fiercely
Happy ending
Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
August 2, 2023
One issue overall good
So I did enjoy this book a lot. But I have one problem. It was so fast paced I felt everything was very rushed. And maybe that is what she wanted but I would've liked a lot more details and some more resistance. As I said it was a really good book. It just really felt rushed. There are key points missing. There wasn't a huge build for this story when I got in the middle. It just kind of became very rushed. But as I said overall it's really good. I like the tension. Wish it would have lasted more with more detail but I'll try the next book when it comes out
So I did enjoy this book a lot. But I have one problem. It was so fast paced I felt everything was very rushed. And maybe that is what she wanted but I would've liked a lot more details and some more resistance. As I said it was a really good book. It just really felt rushed. There are key points missing. There wasn't a huge build for this story when I got in the middle. It just kind of became very rushed. But as I said overall it's really good. I like the tension. Wish it would have lasted more with more detail but I'll try the next book when it comes out
June 30, 2024
What I liked:
- the plot
- Gemma being a broken h but strong as well
- the loving McBride family with different characters… sounds promising
- the setting being Vegas
What could have been different;
- I found Declan quite a weak kingpin… Gemma is being kidnapped and the guy goes to his office to break things! Not helping here Deck!
- could not see a traitor under his eyes…
- from instalust to instalove and they barely talk to one another…
- Gemma trauma is barely talked about/ dealt with
2/5 🌶️🌶️
4/5 story
No virgin h
No cheating / OW drama
- the plot
- Gemma being a broken h but strong as well
- the loving McBride family with different characters… sounds promising
- the setting being Vegas
What could have been different;
- I found Declan quite a weak kingpin… Gemma is being kidnapped and the guy goes to his office to break things! Not helping here Deck!
- could not see a traitor under his eyes…
- from instalust to instalove and they barely talk to one another…
- Gemma trauma is barely talked about/ dealt with
2/5 🌶️🌶️
4/5 story
No virgin h
No cheating / OW drama
July 23, 2023
Dnf - not enough to get me hooked. Next!
September 13, 2025
3.25⭐️
-Dual pov
-Age gap h20, H30
-Instalove
-Irish mafia
-No opd
-No third act breakup
-HEA
-Epilogue 1 year later it’s their wedding
-Dual pov
-Age gap h20, H30
-Instalove
-Irish mafia
-No opd
-No third act breakup
-HEA
-Epilogue 1 year later it’s their wedding
July 25, 2023
This book is how mafia romance should be written in my opinion. Semi mild trigger warning’s because things are mentioned and insinuated but never really explicitly stated. Genuinely on my top favorite reads of all time. This author is an amazing author and continues to amaze me in her ability to write and make me feel the feelings with each new book she releases. I can’t get enough and I can’t wait for more. I’m absolutely addicted to this series already. Spice level is about a 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️ because there are no fade to black scenes (thank goodness!) but also no non-consent scenes (ALSO THANKGOODNESS).
August 28, 2023
My heart..
I don't remember the last time I read a book that stole my heart and ran away with it by the first half of the first chapter. Morgan Elliott's writing in this now has a special place in my heart. I could feel Gemma through the pages as if it was me instead.
Kingpin Declan... his definition for "an eye for an eye" is not only word for word but multiplied a hundred times over. Don't mess with him, his girl or his family. Truly. And yet, the way he handles Gemma so tenderly, such a 180 degree from how he handles business.
Morgan gives you the words you needed to hear and the justice you deserve in Vengeful Devotion. I couldn't see a title more fitting.
I don't remember the last time I read a book that stole my heart and ran away with it by the first half of the first chapter. Morgan Elliott's writing in this now has a special place in my heart. I could feel Gemma through the pages as if it was me instead.
Kingpin Declan... his definition for "an eye for an eye" is not only word for word but multiplied a hundred times over. Don't mess with him, his girl or his family. Truly. And yet, the way he handles Gemma so tenderly, such a 180 degree from how he handles business.
Morgan gives you the words you needed to hear and the justice you deserve in Vengeful Devotion. I couldn't see a title more fitting.
July 20, 2023
The first installment in the Wicked Souls Novels didn’t disappoint! There is non stop movement throughout the book that keeps you hooked and waiting to see what happens next. I couldn’t put it down once I started. How Declan saves Gemma is the sweetest romance ever. She goes from this broken soul to a healed one through his love and devotion to her. Miss “Fanny Pack” is by far my favorite mom in a book series! Can’t wait for the ride to continue!
✔️mafia
✔️hot Irish guys
✔️touch her and die
✔️action packed
⚠️Past SA to Gemma and torchure
✔️mafia
✔️hot Irish guys
✔️touch her and die
✔️action packed
⚠️Past SA to Gemma and torchure
July 25, 2023
First, read the warnings before reading this book. Second, hold on tight because this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Even the epilogue just makes you want more. I can’t wait for the next book. This gives “touch her and die” a whole new meaning. The whole family recognizes “the one” before the MC does. Great story and great mafia vibes. Sadly this story didn’t seem far fetched which made it hit all the harder on my soul. I can’t wait for book 2.
July 18, 2023
This is great!
In not going to lie. This was my first Mafia romance so I didn't know what I was getting into. I did the arc for it and I have to say I was completely in love with the book. I think the author did a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat with the main story. There were a great many twists and turns that surprised me. I loved that not only did she have a great stand alone story BUT she added an overarching story for the series that will keep me coming back for the next book without feeling void of answers! I would definitely recommend it!
In not going to lie. This was my first Mafia romance so I didn't know what I was getting into. I did the arc for it and I have to say I was completely in love with the book. I think the author did a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat with the main story. There were a great many twists and turns that surprised me. I loved that not only did she have a great stand alone story BUT she added an overarching story for the series that will keep me coming back for the next book without feeling void of answers! I would definitely recommend it!
July 24, 2023
Interesting read
While Vengeful Devotion was pretty predictable, I was still able to enjoy the story and the characters. Declan is the cinnamon roll mafia man, but he was my favorite character in the story. The plot was pretty good, and the spice was fiery! Overall, it was a good read.
While Vengeful Devotion was pretty predictable, I was still able to enjoy the story and the characters. Declan is the cinnamon roll mafia man, but he was my favorite character in the story. The plot was pretty good, and the spice was fiery! Overall, it was a good read.
July 27, 2023
Yes Ma’am!!!
Ooh Gemma and Declan. I love their story. I have been in such a reading slump lately and Morgan gave me exactly what I needed. This pair is electrifying in the best ways possible. I honestly thought it would go a different way, but I’m so glad it didn’t. Declan’s patience with Gemma is so sweet. Amazing book! Go read now! 😁
Ooh Gemma and Declan. I love their story. I have been in such a reading slump lately and Morgan gave me exactly what I needed. This pair is electrifying in the best ways possible. I honestly thought it would go a different way, but I’m so glad it didn’t. Declan’s patience with Gemma is so sweet. Amazing book! Go read now! 😁
December 29, 2024
I was intrigued by Declan & Gemma’s story unfolding. This was a very different mafia romance for me. Declan wasn’t as ruthless as I would have liked him to be but him falling for Gemma instantly was pleasantly satisfying. The small push and pull was fun to read and I loved his protectiveness over her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
Loved this easy action packed mafia read. I only say easy because I love anything mafia and this didn’t disappoint. I loved how Gemma became a stronger character right before our eyes. All of Declan’s sisters were a hoot and were the best side characters. I can’t wait to read Simone’s story.
July 22, 2023
This is my first book by this author and I have to say it is so well written. Love mafia? Love a possessive MMC? Then this is for you! Love their story and they are perfect for each other! The way she wrote these characters are top tier! Highly recommend!!
July 21, 2023
MUST READ!!! I promise you will not want to put this one down. I fell in love with the characters, I’ve always had a soft spot for the bad boys. 🤷🏽♀️ lol
July 27, 2023
Easy read. Action packed. Instant love & slow burn vibe. Everyone could benefit from having a Declan in their lives. 😉
April 4, 2025
Quick read for me, made easier by me simply loving the plot and characters!
May 20, 2025
Absolute perfection, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
September 15, 2025
Loved it
This was such a good book. It captured my attention and refused to let it go. There was violence, drama, spice and a lot of love. I can't wait to read the next one.
This was such a good book. It captured my attention and refused to let it go. There was violence, drama, spice and a lot of love. I can't wait to read the next one.
April 3, 2026
Exceptional work and so glad my book club picked this to read! Loved the characters and the story line was amazing!
July 23, 2023
This was a pretty good read. Standard Mafia romance although you definitely feel for Gemma.
July 17, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book. After a few chapters it held my attention and I wasn't ready for it to end when the book was over. Can't wait for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews