Two enemy mafia families in a dangerous struggle for power. He thought it would be easy to deceive her. Once she learns the truth, the only answer is war. But what can two hearts do when they’re already entwined?
He wants to destroy my father’s throne. I should avoid him, but I can’t keep my hands off him.
Brody O'Connor is tall, rugged, and hell-bent on obliterating my family. He seduced me on purpose, and now I’m paying the price.
He’s my sworn enemy--part of a rival clan.
But no matter how much I try to shake him, or our heated encounters, I can’t.
Every step I take, he’s there, lurking in the shadows, studying me, waiting for any chance to undermine my efforts to become my father’s successor.
Brody says I’m naive--in the dark about Da’s true dealings. He’s screwing with my head.
Da is cruel, but he’s not capable of something so heinous.
Or is he?
If Brody’s right, then where does that leave me?
Where does it leave us?
Illicit King is book one of Mafia Wars Ireland. It’s a forbidden love, enemies to lovers, age gap, dark mafia romance.
Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.
She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.
Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.
Her current series were written in the order below: All In (Stand alones with entwined characters) It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters) Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order) Behind Closed Doors (Read in order) Mafia Wars Mafia Wars New York Club Indulgence Duet Mafia Wars Ireland Wilted Kingdom Duet The Underworld The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)
Here we are, in the middle of a new mafia war. This time between the O'Leary's and O'Connor's. And it's gonna get ugly. Brody O'Connor will go to any lengths to make their enemies play. Including seduction. Only, he isn't prepared for how appealing Alaina is to him or how much they actually have in common. And seeing a female kicking butt and taking names was awesome! She does a lot of her own dirty work and I felt like that is rare.
I loved their chemistry and how they were drawn together. It was a wild ride and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I am dying for Illicit Captor as we were left on the hook for that one.
Overall, if you love how Maggie Cole tells a story, you will eat this one up!
3,5 This story about Irish mafia is really good with a lot of surprises. My rate is because the difference between the male character’s age and his actions. Silly yes, but is what I think . It’s worth the reading.
Abso-fracking-lutely loved it! It's alls fair in love and the war between the O'Connors and the O'Learys. Alaina O'Leary has spent her whole life trying to prove herself to her father while cleaning up after her brothers messes, but that hasn't left her with a lot of time for romantic experience. Once Brody sees a picture of the O'Leary queen, he formulates a plan to put him close to her and seduce her. He just doesn't count on the fact that he's seduced as well and that he may have a hard time killing her as planned.
I was so super excited for this new Mafia Wars series and Maggie Cole did not disappoint! The combination of the deception, enemies to lovers, and forbidden love tropes blended spectacularly into a fantastic storyline that will keep you on edge until the very last page. I loved Alaina. She was a great combination of bad ass and vulnerable that made her super relatable and likable. And Brody 🥵. Loved how he was all in right from the beginning - even when he thought he was still plotting her demise, lol. This book doesn't have the BDSM that was in the last mafia series, but honestly, I enjoyed it more. The smexy times were still super hot and the characters had a TON of chemistry going for them. I can't wait for Illicit Captor and that teaser chapter has me totally salivating for it!
Illicit King is the first book in the Mafia Wars Ireland series by Maggie Cole. It is a standalone HEA for the couple, but the series ends on a cliffhanger for the next book. It is told in first person, from dual perspective.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction Illicit King is the first book in a new series by Maggie Cole but it is connected to her Mafia Wars series. I do recommend if you want the full experience to read these books in order. You can read them as standalones, but they will make much more sense if you read them in order and it will give you more family depth to the stories as a while. I have had this book in my KU queue for a few weeks, I knew that this would be so angst filled, so I really wanted to make sure that I was in the right mood for this. So be ready for some delicious sexual tension and enemies to lovers vibes (and yes this is a true enemies to lovers) alongside with a romeo/juliet retelling and forbidden love and both characters being kick ass. And it has really authentic feeling mafia vibes to it so be prepared for the gritty mafia feel that so many mafia these days tend to lack at times.
My Outlook I absolutely had a blast with Illicit King and it was so delightful to read this story and get back to Maggie Cole. I just love the way in which she writes mafia romance and the fact that she is starting a new series set in Ireland, just has me so hopeful for these books. Now this book is far from perfect, the heroine is very ignorant in her family. I am not sure why, she grows up with these men, like I wonder, why is she so so shocked? They also turn against her at every single turn. And the hero understands how the men in her family work way better than she comprehends. While I get some of it, its dragged out in a way that just doesn't appeal. It got to a point, where she was acting a bit "tstl" type of heroine. She is such a badass, and crafty, and you would think she would understand especially after what they do to her sister. But she just never ever learns. And I wonder how she survives as long as she does. It was hard though seeing so many people she trusts turn against her and I was also a bit disappointed that nothing happened to them. I mean she is a mafia badass, and she just lets it all go? Maybe I am complaining about nothing? I am not sure. While I enjoyed some aspects to the character, I think my primary issue was how long it gets dragged out through the story. The hero however, is fabulous; I love how much he is willing to sacrifice for her. He is definitely a hero that you can get behind and want to fight for. The romance was fiery hot and multi dimensional in some respects but there are some plot holes that may bother some readers. It didn't bother me too much, but I didn't exactly love it. Does that mean I didn't love this book? Hell no, I had so much fun with this book and I NEED the next book so badly. I can already feel the tension that book is going to bring.
Overall View Illicit King is such a action packed mafia romance that will fuel your heart in such tension filled ways. Be ready for action, drama, and thrills to curl your toes from beginning to end!
Fell in love with this book after the first chapter. It’s one of those that you put down to prolong finishing it. I know this is the prelude to the rest of this series and can’t wait for the rest of them. Not going to give anything away but this book has it all, gripping, gritty and hot. Love me some Irish🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At this point, I think Maggie Cole is not for me. Alaina had real promise, but she didn’t have a backbone and stood up to her dad. I want her to strong.
It’s finally here the new series Maria Wars Ireland we get to meet Tully O’Connor’s son’s and our first book is the eldest son Brody.
Brody and his brother are sent to London to claim back a race track that been taken over my a rival clan O’Leary’s and when Brody finds out who is at the head of this.He’s surprised but also he has feeling he hasn’t had before when he looks at a picture of Alaina.
Maggie has written another good book but for some reason it didn’t hit me like her others, the chemistry between these two is off the chart and i love O’Connor family as we get to meet all of them.
Alaina character is not to be messed with but Brody has the effect on her as she never been looked at like that before as she a O’Leary, it is good you follow them to see if two enemy family can be together .
No spoilers 4 ⭐️
looking for to Aidan and Scarlett’s story as he brings something that i love
I absolutely loved this book. The tension - both sexual and otherwise between these two main characters was off the charts. Two families sworn to hate each other but somehow so totally drawn to each other. The heat was like nothing else and I just couldn’t get enough. A forbidden love like nothing you’ve ever read before.
Cliffhanger? No, for this couple, but yes, for the series arc.
Trigger Warnings: ☠️☠️☠️
Tropes: dark mafia romance, star-crossed lovers, enemies-to-lovers, age gap, forbidden love
Brody O'Conner and Alaina O'Leary are from rival families in the Ireland mafia. Both are preparing to step into their future roles in their corresponding families, which involves getting rid of the other. There can be no love or mercy. There is an unchangeable truth about who they are and the oaths they are sworn to uphold. They know its forbidden to be together, and the two of them can never be. Fate may have other plans.
One trope I absolutely can not refuse is star-crossed lovers, and I loved this one!! This author always entertains me, and this was no different. Brody has watched and waited. When they first meet, their chemistry is undeniable. I love books with badass female main characters, and Alaina definitely fit that to perfection. From the beginning, the plot was fast-paced with the perfect ratio of push and pull. Although this ends on an HEA for Brody and Alaina, the series story arc ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what happens next. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Wen Ross and Mia Madison. The severe Irish accent was a little difficult to get used to, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
I was in the mood for mafia and began reading a book recommended to me by a friend. I especially requested a "strong heroine," and I believe I got it because the coupling was one of the best I'd read in a mafia book. Except for little elements like how quickly they fell for each other, I understand this is mafia, but it felt more like lust than love initially, and I wanted a growth to their "romance." Another thing that irritated me was how the heroine's father punished her for her sister's mistake.... She attempted to help her sister,but the girl wanted to be “free” but overall it was fun to read
It was 3.6 stars, but I'll round it up to 4 stars.
Refreshing Romeo & Juliet love story retelling mafia style - directed & written by Maggie Cole
It's is the battle of O'Connor & O'Leary families ⚔️ Let the story begin....
I love the prologue scene 😅🤣 It all started with a plane ✈️ & a crazy pkilot called Shea.
"There aren't a lot of parts lying around for this old of a plane." Never doubt the confidence of a pilot hired by your dad....
Brody O'Connor is handsome and confident man.Alaina O'Leary beautiful and confident women. You can say match made in heaven but this a peaceful seducing and war
Love and War will they live happily ever after in the Clan families...it ends with a vow of the Clan 🍀
Brody O'Connor and Alaina O'Leary families are long term enemies. So When a Brody Kelly gets Alaina O"Leary in his bed she doesn't realize its her enemy. Brody plays his part but that doesn't mean Alaina isn't suspicious of everyone even Brody. When the truth comes out she is devasted but she knows how to control her world and has to fight herself not to cave to the man she has fallen for. As time moves forward and new truths and old pasts come to light Alanina has to figure out if everything Brody ever said was a line to make her believe he could care for her and use her or if the impossible could be true and he is trying to help her.
I found this to be on the lighter side of dark Mafia Romances. I have read all of Maggie Cole's Mafia Wars series and love them all in their own way. If you looking for an independent woman who starts to question what she has been taught and what is right for her and that doesn't stand for being disrespected then grab a copy of Maggie Coles Illicit King which is the first installment of her Mafia Wars Ireland series.
Illicit King is a fast pace, non stop push and pull relationship with a alpha man and a independent feisty female.
If you want to start at the beginning of the Mafia Wars start with Ruthless Stranger in the Mafia Wars Series.
Maggie's characters are in the Mid to late 30s usually for the Mafia Wars women and the men are in their late 30 to mid 40's which each know what they want in a partner and relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had a very different rhythm and feel to it than that NY Mafia Wars. I liked the differences between the way Brody handled his feelings for Alaina and how they came together. The climax is fantastic and very well laid out. It drags a little bit in the middle and I was disappointed in some of the things that Alaina did but overall it's a great story and start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every thing Maggie cole seems to write 🖋️ just turns to gold!Brody was introduced in the last series of books and he finally gets his own story! Loved his and Alaina story what a connection and emotional ride, Alaina is trying to prove her self within their family and a brody is to take the reins the from his father. I love where Maggie mind goes and I can’t believe she manages to keep all the families and stories together. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am just so excited about this new instalment of the Mafia Wars series. Because I've loved every single one of them. And this is no exception. I loved that the storyline of Alaina and Brody is unique, it's not one I've read from the other books/series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I couldn't stop even if I tried. The drama in their love story (or not) is one that captivated me throughout.
This is the first book in a new mafia series and I really enjoyed it!
-Irish mafia -enemies-to-lovers -forbidden love -spicy -age gap
All the things I love in a mafia romance and it did not disappoint! The tension between Brody and Alaina was perfect and I loved how much of a baddy she is. I could not put this down and kept needing to know what would happen. Amazing start to a new series and I definitely recommend!
Definitely got the Romeo and Juliet vibe with the whole enemies to lovers trope but freaking A! This book was so good! Bot characters are amazing characters… Alaina was such a fierce badass heroine. Brady is *swoon* I really liked his protective subtlety The chemistry between these two is off the charts …I’m surprised that my kindle didn’t burst into flames. But in all honesty, there’s a maturity to the characters and the storyline that was really well written by Maggie Cole. This is my first Maggie Cole book and I must say that I am looking forward to reading more.
Illicit King Mafia Wars Ireland, Book 1 By: Maggie Cole Narrated by: Wen Ross, Mia Madison
Maggie Cole continues to wow her readers and audiobook listeners with another amazing dark mafia romance novel, the first in her Mafia Wars Ireland series and what a start it is. I loved her original “Mafia Wars” series, followed by her Mafia Wars New York series, she created something very special when she created this mafia world and she continues to build on it with different families/clans and territories. If you are new to her books, no worries, you can start here, it includes everything you need to know is in the descriptive details and you will never feel lost or if something is missing. If you love dark mafia romantic suspense, those series are not to be missed, and if you are not a dark mafia fan, Maggie Cole’s books will make you one, they are that good. “Illicit King” is Brody O’Connor and Alaina O’Leary’s story and, like Cole’s other books, it is well written, with interesting and original storylines that are captivating from start to end. Brody is on a mission, a mission of revenge for taking something that belongs to the O’Connors, and the O’Leary’s are his target, starting with Alaina. Alaina is ruthless, and she does whatever it takes to get things done and to get respect from her father, the boss of the O’Leary clan. She also wants to prove that she is the one who should be next in line to take over when her father retires, despite his old-fashioned way of thinking that females can not be mob bosses. Brody works his way into her good graces while she is taking care of business in the UK and winds up following her back to Ireland when her father makes her return home, taking a risk of being in enemy territory. Cole holds nothing back, and this book has everything you want in a dark mafia romantic suspense, and she pushes these characters even further. Alaina is a complete badarse, fearless, and did not stand down to anyone, not even to her father, who was a piece of work. Brody, swoon worthy Brody, is the type of guy you want in your corner. There is never a dull moment in this cleverly plotted story, a story that has plenty of drama, angst, action, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Maggie Cole, thank you for another brilliant story and wild ride. I am looking forward to what comes next and with that tease at the end, I know it is going to be just as brilliant.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fantastic narration, Mia Madison and Wen Ross are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and do so with a complete understanding of who they are portraying, giving each their own voice, accent and all. Madison killed it as Alaina, grasping every side of her personality, her fierceness, determination and her strength. Ross nailed it as Brody and played his role with perfection. Both were great performing the roles of the secondary characters too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into their performance. These versatile voice artists are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the amazing listen.
I was so excited to step in the new mafia world by Maggie Cole and Illicit King is an explosive jaw dropping sexy start to the Irish Mafia saga. Alaina and Brody took enemies to lovers to a whole new level. The best part of mafia romance by Maggie Cole is the action and suspense plays a major role. The mafia world with it's violence, mind games, power plays and cruel players keep me glued to the pages.. along with the sizzling hot chemistry and complicated emotional dynamic
Brody O'Connor has a job as the eldest heir to O'Connor mafia clan. To take down Alaina O'Leary from their rival clan. He plans to go undercover and seduce her and get close to her for all information and then kill her. But when he starts the plan as Brody Kelly, he realises there is so much more to Alaina than a ruthless mafia princess. Fighting for her rightful place in her own family, proving herself better than her brothers and yet failing to make her father to see it. Will Brody be her downfall or her redemption?
I have been so angry and upset on behalf of Alaina. She is so fierce and smart and she knows how to handle and improve their family business. But because she is female, her father and family keeps on neglecting her and trying to get her married. Old tale, right? I feel Alaina is the representative of all these women in all the work fields who have to work harder and prove themselves over and over again than their male colleagues. She sacrificed everything in her life and yet, it was not enough. So I was rooting for her so hard. Brody is from mafia family too but he doesn’t hold the same traditional Outlook. He sees how beautifully lethal Alaina is with her sharp brain, cruel tongue and vicious planning. He fell for a woman worthy to be a queen. But it was not easy. They are from two enemy families. It is considered ultimate betrayal. Brody did his best not to develop feelings for the enemy. But it was impossible not to fall for Alaina, specially when she trusted him and exposed her soft underbelly to her. Brody is an epic mafia hero. Ultimate alpha. He can be brutal and merciless in his mafia boss role. And also when it comes to protecting his woman. The way he put himself out there to be hit and fought for her till his body almost gave out..pure swoon alert. It was a mess of shock and twists when his true identity was revealed to Alaina. But it takes one great alpha hero to show an extraordinary heroine that he has claimed her and he will go to any length to save and protect her. There cannot be a better match than Alaina and Brody...but I feel I will swallow my words in Aiden and Scarlet's book next!
It’s not you, it’s me. I’m annoyed with this book.
How can someone be so strong and badass but at the same time the dirtiest, the most scattered doormat ever exist?
Idk, I think my experience was heavily affected by the way the FMC kept trying to please her dad, who didn’t even respect or deserve her, from the beginning til around 80% of the book. From the way she was described as this ruthless and cold-hearted person throughout the book, and she did btw but not to her dad tho, I’d never expected this. I got real tired after a while.
The MMC was also someone I’d never expected to act the way he acted. He seemed a bit quirky, sappy, weepy and too easily emotionally affected, especially for someone who was 46 years old and a mafia. I know I know I’m being prejudiced here but if I didn’t know better, I’d think he was in his mid 20s, or even his teens, with the way he acted lol. On the bright side, he wasn’t a doormat like she was, and he kept pushing her out of her comfort zone, so points for that.
The chemistry between the MMC and FMC was, idk, somewhat okay? At some points, it was good, I really enjoyed it; but at other points, it felt so insta-lovey and kinda flat and dry tho. I couldn’t really feel it.
Moreover, things were handled too easily for my liking. The build up, to the drama(s)/ problem(s), was great, I was so looking forward to seeing how everything would unfold and resolve, because yes they were all very interesting, but somehow all ended so easily and abruptly that got me wondering why didn’t they do this sooner if it was this easy. My feeling was kinda slumped because of it tbh.
Illicit King Mafia Wars Ireland, Book 1 By: Maggie Cole Narrated by: Wen Ross, Mia Madison
Maggie Cole does it again, getting me into a book I cannot put down. This is some of my favorite mafia romance and now we are going across the pond to the O'Connor Clan for Brody's story. He is ruthless, ready to take back what belongs to him, and taking the O'Leary's down is what he needs to do. He knows reaching them through Alaina is a start, so using his charm and keeps his anonymity, he begins his mission. Alaina is merciless. She takes on the tasks her brothers fail at, no matter the cost, she can be merciless. But while it helps the clan, she still has not won the favor of her father. The attention from Brody is welcomed, especially knowing who her father wants her to marry. As these two get to know each other, feelings grow, and now the stakes begin to change for Brody. But family traditions are strong, men are difficult, and now Brody has a real task at his feet. Keep Alaina from marriage, yet still reach his goal. But what will happen when his secret comes out? Will Alaina accept an O'Connor? Will the O'Connor's accept Alaina? Will Alaina ever get her father's approval? This is fast paced with twists and turns that not only made me cringe but had me cheering all at the same time. I love the dynamics, the struggle, the joy of hating some of evil characters and the true love that builds. It's fantastic and now I can't wait for the next book!
Wen Ross brings his Irish brogue to this one, so good and enjoyable, I was thrilled to see him as the narrator. He creates so many good characters in this, from the dangerous to the loving. He becomes Brody and creates that dark, daring man that has a teddy bear heart. Mia Madison too nails her accent and as Alaina comes through as the strong, resiliant woman. She gives her the tough exterior and at times even brought me to tears with her vulnerability. Loved this team!
Illicit King is book one in the Mafia Wars Ireland series. It is a forbidden mafia romance. The O’Connors and the O’Learys are sworn enemies, warring for territory in the UK. Brody is the successor to the O’Connor clan. He’s powerful, smart and charismatic. He’s sent to uncover how the racetrack in London ended up in O’Leary control and vows vengeance. That is until he sees who’s in charge. Alaina is the problem solver in the O’Leary clan and vying to be the successor. She is smart and cunning, a killer in her own right. She’s lethal and violent when she has to be. Alaina is a powerful leader but is constantly having to prove her worth in the clan, fighting to not end up like all the women and married off to one of her Dad’s men. What started out as a seduction plot to retake the racetrack quickly evolves to a love that neither Brody or Alaina wants. Their families are enemies and they are taught to hate each other. But their connection and attraction are too strong to ignore. There are huge obstacles and their own pride and past to overcome, but Brody is fierce in his love for Alaina and he does everything in his power to make her an O’Connor. This is everything I look for in a mafia romance - violence, secrets, betrayal, smut and badass characters who are relentless in their pursuit of happiness and love. Alaina and Brody are a powerful duo and together they are stronger. There is love and hot smutty times. Illicit King is an exciting read and a great start to this new series! I can’t wait to read Aidan and Scarlet’s story!
This story was so good, I actually was far more in love with the story line than the actual couple 😂 they were great but the storyline was more unique and I loved it.
"You're mine, Alaina. And I don't take well to losing what's mine."
Alaina and Brody are from rival families but can’t keep their hands off eachother. He knows who she is but she has no idea who he is.
"I'm glad you're a bit territorial," he declares. My pulse speeds up. "Ya are?" "Aye. Wouldn't be fair if I was the only one. Sláinte."
Alaina is just as protective as Brody is she feels crazy about it but Brody loves it. Also Brody has a feminist side which we love to see.
The issues in the story got a bit repetitive - so towards the end it was a little annoying. Other than that I loved it!
So the heroine is supposedly a big bad mafia boss who is unaffected by anything in the "business" and yet she is so stupid she tells everything to the first man that pays her a sliver of attention? And than gives him access to the "business"? The man she met 5 sec ago?
And the "i don't have sex on the first date" but "I'll suck you off though" 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
The hero is the same. The heroine stole his "business" and basically for her beautiful eyes he doesn't do shit about it.
And how come you are in a mafia, steal a "business" from rivals and yet don't know the members of said rival family?
Actually, every single character is stupid.
Also i think I've already read something too similar.
I've read a few books by this author and now I see her storytelling is not for me.
Welcome to the amazing world of Mafia Wars: Ireland! This new series from Maggie is beyond amazing! You will devour it in one sitting. You will not be able to put this book down. We love our Irish clans and this book is sheer perfection. It is sexy, sinful, enticing, and romantic.
You are going to fall hard for the O’Connor’s and especially Brody! Brody is set to take over for his Da when retires and him and his brothers are determined to make a name for themselves in the Ireland & New York. They know their enemies are close and they have to be prepared for anything. The one thing Brody didn’t expect was when he saw Alaina O'Leary’s photo he couldn’t believe the emotions pouring from him. She was beautiful but also a hardworking, deadly, dangerous, and most of she’s his enemy. He shouldn’t be feeling anything except when can he kill her and take what was stolen from his clan back.
However, when he meets her she takes his breathe away. She is everything he could ever want in a woman but she can’t find out who he really is until his job is done. The more time they spend together makes it harder to remember that he’s suppose to kill her. His Da and his Clan are counting on him! He has no idea what he’s going to do….
Alaina O'Leary has worked ten times harder than any of her stupid brothers and she is constantly trying to prove her worth to her Da. He hasn’t names his successor yet and Alaina is trying to make him see that she should be the one in charge. She believes her worth but will her Da really let her be in charge??? Alaina never has time for anything but when she meets “Brody Kelly” she is beyond smitten by him. He is sexy, strong, and he makes her feel alive! Their chemistry is explosive and you will devour every second of their time together.
Secrets and lies never stay hidden for long. Both Alaina and Brody have hard decisions to make and if they want to be together after all of the lies are exposed it will change their lives forever!! Walk don’t run to read their amazing story!! Great cliffhanger for Book 2 at the end that you don’t want to miss. I know it’s going to be just as phenomenal as this book. Happy Reading!!
How is it that Maggie Cole just keeps getting better and better? I thought her stories were great three series ago, two series ago they were amazing, the last series fantastic ... I have now run out of words of greatness. This time we get Tully's sons and up first is Brody, and for an even bigger change, we now find ourselves over the pond in England for a bit then on to Ireland. The O'Connors and the O'Learys are mortal enemies, each trying to gain more power in a feud that is decades old. Brody has decided that he will try and get a foothold in the way of Alaina, the oldest O'Leary daughter that is working her way up the chain towards her goal of one day being the boss. What he doesn't expect is the feelings he catches when it comes to her, and the lines start to blur a bit. What happens when Alaina finds out just who he is, will he lose her for good?
This story sucked me in and had me hanging on till the very last word. I wonder if this played out a bit like Peaky Blinders in anyone else's head. With all the danger, violence, drama, add in the accent and it was on FIRE! I give this 5 stars.
Illicit King is the first book in the new Mafia Wars Ireland series and OMG, what can I say, this book is beautifully written and another fantastic read from Maggie Cole. Great strong characters who we have met previously in the Mafia Wars New York series, steamy love scenes and a lovely HEA, not to mention the short bonus chapter that you can download at the end.
It’s an enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, age-gap, dark Mafia romance which I literally could not put down. I look forward to the next instalment, which will be Aidan story, in what looks to be another very promising series. Five excellent stars!.
I received an ARC of this book via the author and Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.