When a Kimura has you in their sights, there’s nowhere you can hide. As a single mother of two, I will do anything, and I mean anything for my children. Even if it means sacrificing my dreams of independence after my husband’s death by moving in with my mother-in-law. She hates me, but she loves my son and daughter. When an opportunity arises to escape her relentless criticisms for one week, I grab it. But nothing could prepare me for meeting Katsuo Kimura. He’s rude and ruthless, but he ignites a passion in me I’ve never experienced. I know he’s part of the Japanese mafia and our one night together should be just that. I go home to my complicated life, thinking I’ll never see him again. But life is never predictable, and neither is a Kimura who’s claimed me for himself.
So I was apprehensive about this book, I’ve read some of this author’s other stories and they didn’t do it for me (nothing wrong with them, just not my jam). But I liked this one a lot. The characters had some depth to them and the children were a nice touch. We got the right amount of them. A lot of times when there are children you barely see them in stories but here it felt natural.
When Portia meets Katsuo at her estranged sister’s wedding she takes that time for herself to indulge and shed the meek persona that has beaten into her literally and figuratively.
From there their journey begins. I was glad Portia told him her secret in her own, I was sure he was going to find out first and it was going to be a whole thing. Now that MIL and her husband’s friend were the absolute worst!
The only thing I wanted to see more of was his Yakuza work, like why does everyone fear him?
Check this one out! It was very entertaining. 4.5 stars
Mild-mannered Portia Waters meets Katsuo Kimura at the wedding of her estranged sister where she propositions him. Intrigued, he takes her up on her offer and he decides he wants to turn a one-night-stand into seven days. Afterwards, they part ways, Portia thinking they'll never see each again and Katsuo making plans to return to her life.
While time passes on, Portia is stuck in a rut, living with her dead husband's mother who bad mouths her every opportunity she gets. When she discovers Portia's secret, she issues an ultimatum. Portia's mother-in-law makes it clear she cannot be trusted and she fears she will try to take her children.
Portia needs a miracle and she gets one and slowly plans to escape her life with her tyrant. When we meet again, Portia is a successful business woman and she hardly gives a thought to Katsuo, until he returns to her life in a big way. Her daughter, Serafina (Fina) immediately takes to Katsuo, her son, Ezekiel (Zee), not so much and it will be a battle of wills to see who will be victorious in influencing Portia's life decisions.
Her son has a lot of anger issues and Katsuo is a great help in redirecting that anger and giving Zee the tools he needs to navigate his pain. I loved the fact that this book utilized therapy on an ongoing basis. I also found it interesting that Zee still loved his grandmother after everything was said and done and seemed to hold his biological dad in some sort of reverence even though he was not a participate in interacting with his wife or kids.
Lastly, when one of the pivotal moments arrived I actually didn't understand Portia's issue given the alternatives. I thought it was much ado about nothing on her part and I wanted her to see the bigger picture. She was going to of the way. She never arrived at this particular conclusion, much to my disappointment.
Overall, I loved this book ... the glimpse into Japanese Culture ... how Fina had immediate love for him ... how Katsuo handled Zee and all his pain ... his resolutions with issues and most of all, how he loved on children that were not his, biologically speaking. It takes a special person to love your kids just or almost as much as you love them. It was beautiful.
There is a chapter preview into the next book Escorting for the Yakuza that features Katsuo's cousin/best friend and right hand man, Takeshi and his husband Shinji and the mystery woman that kept besting Shinji, how they will all come together promises to be interesting.
Highly Recommended: Read this Book!
Oops, I forgot something ... interestingly enough, I love how the hero was obsessed with touching her hair/scalp ... though it's not a thing most of us love. It seemed to soothe him and bring him some type of comfort.
The End.
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The book could have been great but there were too many missing pieces. One issue is the lack of background story on both Portia and Katsuo. Starting with Portia why was she a runaway ? Why she never contacted Jessie, where did she meet her husband ? What did he do for work making him so powerful ? Why did she kill him exactly? (The whole he threatened the kids was too vague). As for Katsuo same thing, how did he end up in the States, how did he cut his father off and what exactly does he do now. A proper explicit physical description was lacking making it difficult to connect with them as people. How old are they? The lack of relationship with Jessie after all this time wasn’t explained making her wedding feel like nothing more than a prop. This leads me to my main gripe with the book. Portia never accepting accountability for her actions. Everything just happened to her or she blamed others. The worst case was with her abortion. I realize it’s a difficult decision but she made it no one else is responsible for that. Not Mildred, although she threatened her and not Katsuo for not being there sooner. If she was really prepared to do anything she would have been honest with Gio as to why she needed to speak to Katsuo or she would have asked him for help even if she barely knew him. As an aside, if Katsuo expects her be involved, she should at least learn basic self defense.
Melverna McFarlene is an exceptionally skilled✍🏼, with amazing story telling aptitude . She reels you in from page1 & holds you to the end! This📕was so immersive & entertaining , I had a lot of difficulty completing my numerous IRL responsibilities 🥹. I honestly resented having to put this book down 😅Katsuo Kimura is one of the most complex MMCs I have ever read about! He is dangerously scary as he unalives enemies with extreme vengeance , without remorse. His interactions with everyone comes with a price, that must be paid -he is a Yakuza boss after all 😳🫣His love for Portia & her children is unconditional & extraordinary ! Yes, he pursues her with passionate ♥️♥️♥️with Scoville level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️that renders you 🥵🥵, but he is also genuinely supportive & manipulative to give her the opportunities to build & flex her strength to self- sufficiency 🙌🏽Portia in turn, eventually accepts all of Katsuo, the 💯alpha beast & the sweet loving man! Let the fireworks begin 🎆🎇💫 The epilogue was too short for me , as I def. wanted more of Katsuo & Portia 🥳I can’t wait to read the next 📚 in the series, as I know they’re gonna be lit 🔥🔥!!!! Happy Reading🍷
At first I wasn't sure how I would take this story. The title in itself is deceiving. The intro starts with a bang, making what happens next slow the story to now getting to know the characters. I enjoyed reading this story, iT kept my interest. Not just the couple was developed but the children, the in-laws, the villains and even a second couple had a personality. There were a few twist and turns, that added tension and excitement to the story. The one thing that was a problem for me was ages. The ten years age gap was confusing with the couple, her dead husband, and especially the children. Three years may have passes but the little girl was still in kindergarten at 7. At times they acted younger than they were. Glossing over that it was a good story worth the read.
I still can’t believe that Katasou spent 3 years behind the scenes puppeteering Portia’s life to make her strong enough to be his Yakuza Bride. He gave her cash, her own company but one catch was she had to clean up crime scenes from Yakuza dirty work. She really was a maid for this mafia. In the end, Katasou gave her agency and authority. He intentionally carved her to be a boss because he did not want a wife in the dark, or one who couldn’t command his men is his absence. Portia always wanted to an equal partnership with Katasou and she got it.
They were flirting with each other at a wedding reception. She then approached him and made him an offer that he thought about refusing. The ended up spending a week together.
She didn't know, that he was moving chess pieces to set her up for a better life. However, when she returns to her life, she found herself having to make a few tough decisions. One of them leaves her feeling guilty and the other brought out her protective side.
Years later she is running her own company and Katsuo had returned and making a claim for her and doesn't plan to let her get away this time.
Kiotsu was a great character and Portia was a great partner. I loved his obsession with her and this is probably my favorite book that this Arthur has wrote.
Unlike Gio, Kiotsu was obsessed with his woman and he was in the under-handed at some things, and kind of heavy-handed in other ways but he was never cruel, he didn't hurt her in the ways that Gio hurt Jessie and called it love. (Worst character ever)
Anyways, I look forward to the next book. It looks like it will be a throuole and IMO, Mrs. McFarlane write the best stories in that genre.
I think that this book was a great combination of dark romance And sweet romance. I usually don't enjoy stories where children are a main feature but I found myself Chuckling out loud When the children meet the yakoza boss. I enjoy reading this author's work and look forward to the next Book . I would have liked to some of the characters From her previous works, including the main character's sister. Overall I was satisfied with this book. Highly recommend.
Melverna did not disappoint!!! This is another fav!
I stayed late to finish this book in a day and yes, I will read it again!!! This is right up there with Gio and Jesse’s story for me. I was completely captivated by every word from beginning to end!! I wouldn’t mind a number two to this one. Maybe a reunion with Jesse and the Oliveris’??? READ THIS BOOK you will not be disappointed!
First and foremost this author should’ve put the LBGT stuff in it’s on genre. His cousins character was so out of place and should’ve been in the book. Also, none of the characters had enough of a background information. The characters where not descriptive. I could barely get through the book. I don’t think I’ll read anymore books from this author. I love mafia books, but this wasn’t it
Okay my new favorite author I just started reading your stories the past two weeks so far I’ve read 5 stories I’m men there so good you have to go to the next then the next. I did the series before this one because it connected to it. But now I’m going to see what else you have because your stories make me feel I’m inside the book watching everything, that is good. 🙏🏾🥰🙏🏾
Spiller alert!!!! I really love everything about this book with the interracial relationship that was going on the domestic violence the hateful grandmother, who really seemed to be having psychological issues and the twist was awesome that the fact that the best friend was in love with the ex-husband and did all this just to get the guy to notice him that shits crazy like I love it. I love it
My Goodness! I just finished and this book and it is beyond fire! From scene one until the very end-so good! One of the best reads of 2023. I had heard of this author but have zero idea why this is the first book I have read from them but trust and believe after being impressed by this book it will not be my last. I loved it.
So So good! Just the right amount of storyline to match all the sexiness! Characters were convincing, I thought i wanted more Yakuza gangster but story was well told!!! Katsuo was a gentle-beast...and his koneko-chan had secret claws of steel!!! Now I gotta binge watch some Asian dramas on Netflix to appease my need for more!
Maid for the Yakuza was a good read. I liked Katsuo and Portia characters. Sometimes Portia's character did get on nerves. But that one she did I found that to be very creative. Read the book to find out what I'm talking about. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
Ms. McFarland did her thing! Katsuo is intense and stealthy. A hero who waits for his woman and she doesn’t even know he’s been bidding his time waiting on her!? I loved how Portia came into herself. My heart broke a little for Z, Katsou did not let me down. When I said he wanted this woman and her children! Yes Katsuo is my new book boyfriend!
I found the story well written with strong defined characters that allowed for their cultural differences to stand out but not to impede emotional and social growth, plus a considerable but enjoyable amount of sexy times. Especially with the addition of the two children and the crazy behavior of the two opposing characters. Again a good read and worth the time as it is 300 plus pages.
This was so good. I cannot even give away any of the big plot twist at the end. But just seeing someone who is a victim turning into a tiger, just was so enlightening. Not to mention I’ve already read the blurb for book 2 and I am so here for it. I am sad. I have to wait for book 2, but I can read read book one until then this is a must read it was so good.
I loved this book from start to finish. It was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I especially loved the family dynamics, drama, & the revelation of shocking secrets. The level love, devotion, commitment & forgiveness in this story was epic! I may have to read it again, just like riding your favorite roller coaster!
This story had me hooked from the beginning! I couldn't stop reading! The things that Portia went through with her crazy mother in law to becoming who she was meant to be was very moving! I don't want to give any spoilers, but this book is well written and worth every minute spent reading!!!!
I love the storyline and I love the characters I would recommend this book for anyone. Interested in a good mafia base book of the Asian persuasion. I also gave it five stars because it’s a freaking amazing story.
This was a riveting action packed read that I didn’t want to put down. The hero is swoon worthy and dangerous. All the makings for a new book boyfriend! Kudos to this author for a magnificent read… I will definitely read more of her work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this love story. One is confident, strong appearing to have a heart of stone. The other docile, beat down by circumstances out of her control meet and form something so powerful and loving and unique. Unstoppable!❣️
There were a lot of moving parts that I really didn't see coming and it was a pleasant surprise that added to the intrigue. However, I won't be following the next book, as that storyline is not my cup of tea. But I still like this author
I'm not going to reveal the ending other to say it is good. The chemistry between Portia and Katsuo is fire. Enough to make me want my own Yakusa? No except in my dreams.
I hated that this ended and I can not wait until the next is released. I laughed, cried, and fell in love with these characters. One of my wishes was that Portia's sisterhood would have improved with time after the reconnection.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. I happened across this through kindle unlimited and I'm glad I did. The story and plot was good, it was sexy and erotic, good editing and didn't drag. Can't wait to read more.
Can I say it again? Wow! This was a roller coaster 🎢! Both main characters & the supporting characters rounded out the story really good. I wasn’t expecting certain situations that came to light as the story unfolded. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
An engrossing read, I left everyone to their own devices to read this book, and I am happy to say it was well worth the sacrifice. Great full characters with immersive storytelling. Excellent read can't wait for the next book. I recommend.