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He won an hour with me from a stupid bet. We were several shots of whiskey and two pints of Guinness in when Devin suggested we play his game. That hour turned into the next morning. Then all hell broke loose. I ransacked his wallet to find his identification card. Our bliss disappeared into anger, hate, and accusations. When he rejected me in that room, he didn't just leave me with a pounding headache and remorse. He left me with a forever reminder of that night—the mix of two enemy bloods. And now no one can ever know…including him. Illicit Heir is book three of Mafia Wars Ireland. It’s a one-night-stand accidental pregnancy, secret baby, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, dark mafia romance.

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2023

618 people are currently reading
803 people want to read

About the author

Maggie Cole

64 books2,301 followers
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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)

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,713 reviews1,125 followers
August 25, 2023
Keeping this review short.

I wasn't a fan of this one. First the author changed the covers and they are awful. And this has aspects to the story I didn't care for. The couple isn't together for 90% of the book and I wasn't a fan in how the secret baby aspects were implemented. The author really dragged out the conflict way too much and kept the couple apart way too long. I just felt like reading this was a waste of time and I just felt disappointed by this book as I had been really looking forward to this one and it felt so lackluster.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,719 reviews204 followers
September 2, 2023
Angel or Vixen?

The breath play is breathtaking in it's beauty and command! Literally for Lauren, figuratively for me. Devin O'Connor certainly has some tricks up his sleeve!

I love Lauren Byrne, even when she's rationally irrational. She asks for her desires to be met, she takes necessary steps to preserve herself and her future, and she doesn't back down from making some really hard decisions.

Angel? Vixen? I'm unsure which one I like better when he calls me those names, but he seems to know which one to call me at the right time.
-- Lauren Byrne

I love when Devin goes all alpha. I also absolutely love how he reacts to the news about Lauren that's shared. 💙 He went from being fourth on the list of love for O'Connor siblings to top of the heap, with Bridget in second.

There's one thing that drove me a little bonkers. I don't get why Devin doesn't do a better job of muzzling Tynan on occasion. For a charmer, he isn't very good at reading the room. 😱 I expected, and still demand, that Devin would give him a real blow to do a better job of bringing him in line. It's not as if either is a young, dumb twenty-something to excuse the man-child behavior.

Maggie-Cole-Mafia-Wars-Ireland-bk-03-Illicit-Heir-CS03

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.


UPDATED 8/2023:

Maggie Cole Mafia Wars Ireland bk 03 Illicit Heir

I'm so glad I added audio to the mix! It was worth every minute!

Somehow , some way, I will forget Lauren Byrne.

If it were only that easy to pretend I never dipped my wick into the forbidden zone.

-- Devin O'Connor

The narrators, Jacob Morgan and Alyssa Avery, are terrific. I loved their voices and accents! 💙🎧 🇮🇪 Duet narration is the only thing that could've made this better.

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,757 reviews970 followers
August 20, 2023
Book info:
- No cheating / owd
- OM (her ex wouldn't leave her alone)
- Violence
- ONS resulting to pregnancy
- No protection
- Non-virgin MCs (H - manhoe, h - limited dating expi)
- Age gap
- Irish clans rivalry
- Enemies-to-lovers (but not really, they came from rival clans but they didn't hate each other, they are actually waaaay too attracted to one another)
- HEA and no epilogue (married)


MCs:
- Devin, 40, part of O'Connor clan
- Lauren, 28, part of O'Leary clan


The story started with Devin getting bored with his life in Dublin, and he and his brother were in a bar. The women didn't do it for him cuz based in his POV he fucked most of them if not all and he's not interested having a repeat. So, he likes the idea of being reckless, they decided they would go to the enemy's territory and "find out what how does it feel to be inside an O'leary woman" fucking gross, btw. 🤮 His two sister-in-laws were O'Leary and he can't stop wondering why his brothers were pussy whipped with these women. So he wanted to see it for himself.

They came to Lauren's pub, had a drink, and played a card game that Lauren lost and they ended up doing the deed. It was hot, tbf, but he didn't use a condom and he's a manwhore! Uhm, hello STD??? They didn't even talk about birth control 🤦‍♀️ Anyway, Devin got what he wanted, he finally got to sleep with an enemy. The next day Lauren found out who he is, and she kicked him out of their pub. She was so mad after finding out that Devin knew her and purposely chose her and her pub. She told him to never come back and to leave her alone.

For some reason, Devin got obsessed with Lauren. He cannot stop thinking about her, and after 6 weeks, he went to see her again. He defied his brother's order and still went to the enemy's side just to see Lauren. Of course, even though she's mad that he lied, the body betraying syndrome always wins, and they slept together again.

She got pregnant (from the first time), and she didn't tell Devin immediately because her witch mom told her that if she did, the O'Connor would get her baby. So she ran away and was able to hide up to the 8th month of her pregnancy. But Caleb, her ex and leader of the O'Leary clan is obsessed with her and wants to get her back. He found her and took her as captive. He knew that the baby isn't his but since he's evil, he would use this as a means to control Lauren.

All the while, Devin has been doing everything he could to find Lauren. He went to every clue and potential lead that was given to him. But he didn't find her. I would like to assume that he was celibate during this period, cuz his focus was to get Lauren and their baby back.

Then Maeve, the person who told Caleb about Lauren's location came to Devin to fix her mistake. They worked together secretly and Devin was able to stop Lauren and Caleb's wedding. It's ridiculous really that they only met again after almost 10 months and that happened at the 90% of the book. I felt like everything was rushed and were thrown in the last 10% of the book. But, I did still enjoy it even though some of the events were anticlimactic.


What I would've wanted:

- For Caleb to suffer so much more for all that he did to Lauren. He is an abusive and cheating asshole, and I really hoped that his demise would be slow and painful, but it didn't happen. Well I guess, being stabbed in the face is still painful.

- For Lauren's mom to rot in a cell instead of dying. I mean, she's an awful person, but I think it would make her suffer more if she could see her daughter and grandson but couldn't be with them. I think she had it way easy when she died. 🤷‍♀️

- For Devin and Lauren to meet a little earlier, 90% is almost at the end of the book 😭 so much time had been wasted. He didn't get to see his son growing in her stomach and he wasn't there during his birth. He missed so much and I would've wanted for them to have more screentime father and son. I think they met around 94% of the book. Maeve wasn't able to bring their son back immediately because Caleb's men were going after her and she had to hide for a few days.

Overall, still a good read and could've been a few pages shorter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria.
132 reviews18 followers
August 18, 2023
The forbidden fruit, two waring Irish families the O'Leary's and O'Connors. Devin the hero quite reckless bored with the local women , he goes into enemy territory for a bit of fun. Lauren runs a pub in enemy territory, the rival leader girl . I loved the two main characters dynamic, he's flirty sunshine she's grumpy 😂. Devin wins a bet , and the consequences will stay with them forever
🇮🇪 Forbidden
🇮🇪Age gap he's older 40 she's 28
🇮🇪 Deceit he knows who she is she doesn't know him
🇮🇪🔥🔥 Filthy always welcome
🇮🇪 Fantastic chemistry
🇮🇪 Obsessed Hero
🇮🇪Push and pull
🇮🇪 Action/ violence
🇮🇪No OW drama
🇮🇪OM drama the rival leader wants her , he's a absolute 🍆

" It was just a itch I needed to scratch "

Fantastic story, I'm going to go back and read the others. Safety squad no cheating, triggers violence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JJ.
57 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2023
I'm going to use three letters for this review: O.M.G.! This book had me going right at the beginning. Devin O'Malley and Lauren Byrne had immediate chemistry, even though they shouldn't have.

Devin is a sly little devil, going down to Dublin to see what all the fuss is about since his older brothers are now with O'Leary women. It should have been one night to get a taste and get it out of his system. Key word is should have.

Lauren works hard to keep her mother's bar afloat along with her cousins. All her mother wants is for her to be safe and marry Caleb O'Leary, head of their clan. But Lauren knows better.

After Devin and Lauren meet, sparks fly, and the unexpected happens, Lauren knows things can only end badly and it's best if she just disappears. But things are never that easy and now Devin needs to come and make things right.

Their forbidden love broke me to pieces so many times throughout this book.... I just couldn't put it down! So many twists and turns in this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I actually had to read it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything because I devoured it the first time! This is truly one of Maggie Cole's best so far in my opinion. Maggie keeps turning up the heat with each Mafia Wars Ireland book. I cannot wait for Tynan's book and what Maggie has up her sleeve for him!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,553 reviews52 followers
August 26, 2023
It's rare to come across a book that grabs hold of your emotions and takes you on a roller coaster ride from start to finish, but Illicit Heir accomplishes just that. This suspenseful tale is a whirlwind of drama, intrigue, and thrilling elements that had me hooked from the very beginning.

The abundance of twists and turns in this novel had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly flipping through the pages to uncover the next revelation. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, the narrative would take an unexpected turn that left me utterly surprised and craving for more.

Devin and Lauren's journey is nothing short of tumultuous. The intensity of their emotions leaps off the pages, making their story feel raw, genuine, and incredibly relatable. The complex dynamics between them are explored with depth, giving their interactions an authentic and magnetic quality. The chemistry between Devin and Lauren is not just palpable, but scorching, adding a layer of sensuality that heightens the reading experience.

Maggie Cole skillfully weaves together various elements to create a story that's both engaging and addictive. From the well-crafted suspense that keeps you guessing to the moments of heart-pounding tension, Illicit Heir keeps you thoroughly invested in the characters' fates. The way the drama unfolds and the intricacies of the plot are interwoven showcase the author's talent for storytelling.
Profile Image for Susan-Justavoraciousreader.
589 reviews17 followers
August 16, 2023
Illicit Heir is suspenseful, breathtaking, thought-provoking, heartbreaking and basically a roller coaster of emotions. Maggie Cole's third book of Mafia Wars Ireland is simply the best!! This book had it all - drama, intrigue and thrilling elements - a riveting tale of love, sacrifice and courage that kept you engrossed from page 1. Devin and Lauren tumultuous journey was intense, raw, and sexy. I enjoyed trying to figure out the angles and plot while Maggie Cole pulled me deeper into her tangled web. Bravo!
128 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2023
Devon's story did not disappoint. I was caught up in the book right from the beginning. As soon as he meets Lauren, the chemistry hits and sparks fly. The book is so good, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Keeana Estrada.
Author 15 books148 followers
August 16, 2023
This book was so addictive the plot was blazing Maggie’s words are pure-magic I really couldn’t get enough of this story it’s a must read.

“5 stars!”
Profile Image for Clare.
297 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2023
I knew Devin's story was going to be as good as the others,and it didn't disappoint!
Devin was getting "itchy feet" and he wanted to see what else was out there,so took it upon himself to take one night away from everything what was his life...only to find this one huge decision would change his life forever! He knew of Lauren,but that didn't stop them from having that one night of passion,but being from rival families,it was inevitable they couldn't be together.
The unimaginable happened,and Lauren ran from her problems,thinking it was the right thing to do,but truthfully you never can get away from everything coming out!!!!
Oh don't get me wrong,there are plenty of secrets,plenty of arguments and plenty of heat that you don't know what to do with,but when it came down to it,Devin and Lauren belonged together,they had each other's hearts,souls and everything in between! This series is getting better and better...I need more! Well deserved five stars!
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews23 followers
August 17, 2023
This series keeps getting better and better with every book. We’ve all fallen hard for these O’Connor men and Devin is so exception. He’s demanding, possessive, protective, and consumed by Lauren even if she’s the enemy. Devin knew going to Dublin was always a risk but he never knew his whole world would change when he walked into that pub. He knew who she was but the pull towards her was all consuming!! He’s always gave his family crap for falling for the enemy but now he’s sneaking out and defying his brother Brody and Alaina! He doesn’t know why he can’t stop wanting her and their moments together are scorching hot! Their story is filled with angst, secrets meetings, hidden secrets, and a life changing moment that changes everything!!

You will devour their story! Devin & Lauren are so perfect for each other even though their last names are their downfall! Devin will not give up until she knows who she belongs to but Caleb is never far from the chaos and everything is hanging in the balance between them. This is an action packed age gap romance that will entertain you on every page. Another amazing addition to this phenomenal series by Maggie Cole. She never disappoints and this new book is no exception! Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Booze Boobs Books.
667 reviews
August 15, 2023
I loved this story and have been enjoying the entire series. Devin and Lauren were doomed from the start being from rival families but the one night they spent together changes everything. I love all the drama and of course the super hot and heavy scenes! I The perfect mix of thrills and steam. Another great installment in the Mafia Wars Ireland series and one that you won't want to miss. 5 Stars all the way!
Profile Image for Bette.
3,288 reviews24 followers
August 13, 2023
Exceptional Story & Narration🎧A Wild & Steamy Ride!

Illicit Heir
Mafia Wars Ireland, Book 3
By: Maggie Cole
Narrated by: Jacob Morgan, Alyssa Avery

Wow, this book is absolutely amazing, the story drew me in like no other, grabbed my attention and held it hostage the entire time. Once I started this book, nothing else mattered except what was going to happen next in the story. I would like to say this is Maggie Cole’s best book ever, but that would not be fair to her other books, which are equally amazing, plus I have said the same thing for each one of her books and have loved them all. “Illicit Heir”, the third book of “Mafia Wars Ireland” stands on its own, but is beneficial to enjoy the books in order written to get the most out of the world building. It is also great to know the back stories of the characters from earlier books and seeing them again is like seeing an old friend. Devin and a few of the other O’Connor boys are restless and looking for new lasses to play with. So they decide to take a ride and go bar hopping where they are not supposed to go, in O’Leary territory. When they arrive, the bar is closed, but Devin smooth talks his way in with an offer that was very enticing. Lauren Brynne helps run the bar with her mother, who is a diehard O’Leary supporter and trying to marry Lauren off to Caleb, the leader of the clan, except Lauren hates him and wants nothing to do with him. When the football team loses, the men in the bar, including Caleb, wreck the bar, and not for the first time. Laure is at her wit’s end with their behavior, especially since they are struggling financially and are stuck footing the bill for the damage they caused. After the bar is emptied, a group of guys come in wanting a drink, which she refuses, but then he comes back with a challenge and bets that she could not beat him in a card game. If she lost, he got an hour of her time, if she won, she would get the money to fix up the bar. She went for it because it was a sure bet and she never loses, but there is a first time for everything. Lauren is a real spitfire, does not put up with any crap and speaks her mind freely. Devin, over a decade older than her, like that in her, he also liked the challenge. Neither one could deny that the chemistry between them was sizzling hot, and so was the time they spent together. Because he was in enemy territory, Devin’s time was limited and he knew he had to leave quickly. She did not know that they were O’Connors and when she found out, she only told her bestie, who had her own fun that night. Devin knew he was playing with fire, but he could not get her out of his mind and went to go see her again. Lauren knew it too, but he pushed all her buttons and despite her mind telling her not to, her body told her otherwise. And then the unthinkable happens, actually several things happened including her Caleb coming for her and her mother pushing her to marry him.  I loved how everything played out in this book, the writing and plotting is fantastic, as are the character growth and development. There is never a dull moment in this book, it is an action packed story with plenty of drama, twists and turns, some angst, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions, and a steamy romance that lights up the pages. Maggie Cole, thank you for another amazing story and wild ride. 

🎧📚🎧 Maggie Cole cast the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. The superbly talented Jacob Morgan and Alyssa Avery did a fabulous job portraying these characters, giving each a voice that suited their character’s persona, accent and all. I loved how they took each role, ran with it and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers are versatile voice artists and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the fantastic listen.
Profile Image for Nicole A.
487 reviews15 followers
August 19, 2023
Illicit Heir is book 3 in the Mafia Wars Ireland series. It’s a secret pregnancy mafia romance.
Devin is an arrogant and powerful leader in the O’Connor clan. He’s tired of women in their territory and bored with life so he disobeys orders and heads into enemy territory for a night of fun.
Lauren is a responsible bartender and pub owner in O’Leary territory. She is strong and stubborn. She doesn’t back down or give in to the demands of Caleb O’Leary, leader of the O’Leary clan.
One night as Lauren was closing the pub after and violence and damages to the pub, 4 strangers, dangerous men, came in. The dangerous men were Devin, Tynan and two of their friends. They wanted to have a drink and chat with her and the other bartenders. Against Lauren’s protests, they were invited in. Devin and Lauren were immediately attracted to each other. After a few drinks and cards games, Devin made a bet with Lauren, involving enough money to fix the pub. She couldn’t resist, but she lost and Devin won some time with her. Their attraction was instant and their connection was so deep and passionate. But they are from warring families and they both knew nothing could come from it. Little did they know, that night would change their lives forever.
This story was packed with secrets, betrayals and action. It kept me glued to the book, excited to read what happens next.
The characters were so great! Even the side characters added to the intrigue and emotions of the story. And the spice was so hot!! I loved that the author added some breath play to the story. It added to the allure and intensity of their relationship.
Illicit Heir was a fantastic read and I can’t wait for Illicit Monster!
Profile Image for The Dragon Den Book Blog.
2,964 reviews66 followers
August 14, 2023
ARC Review of Illicit Heir by Maggie Cole
* * * * *
A romance born against enemy clans, sizzling with reluctant sexual desire and emotional connection, with one big surprise waiting for them around the corner that will test the truth of friendship and family.

Lauren was just trying to make it through a shift in her family pub without someone of breaking things. Thousands of dollars in damage later, here she was again, cleaning up the mess and being urged to marry a creep for protection.
In walks trouble.
A little heavy flirting on his part and some snapping from her, a game of cards has her losing an 'hour' to this stranger. The hour became a nightly event...a very LONG and ACTIVE nightly event.
A stranger she now regrets ever letting step foot into her pub.
He's an O'Connor.
She's with the O'Leary clan.
Even as the territory is being fought over and their connection must be hidden, Devin cannot forget Lauren or ignore protecting her.
Now, she's in even bigger trouble when she disappears to protect her secret as the head of the O'Leary clan is wanting her as his own

The beginning of Lauren and Devin was entertaining. He was into her, she just wanted him the hell out of her pub. Lots of playful and aggressive banter on their part. Even as Devin could not fight off his thoughts towards her, Lauren tried very hard. However, those feelings developed when she needed him. The age gap trope is not overly highlighted in the read. It was lightly mentioned at who points, and I myself am a loved of the age gap trope.
The betrayals in this book were handed out like smarties. Lauren has no idea who to trust. Some throw her under the bus to help their family members, while some want to do it for their own needs. Nasty!
Head of the O'Leary clan...massive creep. Massive ego. Why didn't someone shot him earlier?
Liked the read, will be going to the previous books before to cover more characters.
50 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2023
Maggie Cole delivers another incredible story (this is my audio review)

I'm going to start with the actual performance of both narrator, both Alyssa and Jacob brought  this story to life. Alyssa was new to me but she did a fantastic job and Jacob well nobody delivers a narration like Jacob Morgan and I wish more narrators would be delivering like he does...if the characters are feeling something I want to feel it as well and both him and Alyssa did made me feel the love, pain, and those 72h were absolutely nerve-wracking 😬
Devin and Lauren are from 2 rival clans and omg the banter between this two was 🔥 so was the chemistry between them. I was hooked from the beginning. Devin sweet talking and not really thinking about consequences specially after getting like obsessed with Lauren is causing a bit of trouble for him family and he doesn't  give flying you know  what about the consequences and I really liked that about him. Loved Lauren because  she's spit fire but sweet at the time trying  to take care her family and her pub. There's  soo much drama around this poor girl and her mom (I really don't like her) doesn't help. There a few surprises and shocking moments in this story plus really good  spicy hot moments 🥵
This book might be my favorite  in the Mafia Wars series and highly recommended it. It is a standalone and don't really have  to listen to the first 3 to enjoy it but highly recommend you do since in this series you always get to revisit some characters from Mafia Wars world.
I cannot wait for Illicit  Monster specially after the end of this story...yeah I really didn't see it coming 😲
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,147 reviews107 followers
December 4, 2023
Illicit Heir by Maggie Cole is a dark mafia romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Jacob Morgan and Alyssa Avery. This is the third book in the Mafia Wars Ireland series.

I really enjoyed the relationship that bloomed between Devin and Lauren. It was extremely messy, but you couldn't help but root for them to be together. I liked that we got both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series Illicit Monster so I can get Tynan and Maeve's story.

Jacob and Alyssa did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a dark romance, mafia romance, enemies to lovers romance, or secret baby romance.
Profile Image for Anushka.
419 reviews31 followers
January 28, 2024
I liked this story but I feel there was something missing, like the inconsequential parts and conversations were given too much emphasis whereas the important parts were very briefly described. The connection between the MMC AND FMC also didn’t develop properly, it was a bit too hurried for my taste, this story gave more significance to the adventure than the romance. So yea. However it was Intriguing enough to make me keep on reading till the end, so 3 stars ;”)
202 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2023
Devin and Lauren's story. Another fab book by Maggie.

Devin goes off to find an O'Leary lass to find out what all the fuss is about after 2 of his brothers have married O'learys. He was convinced his head wouldn't be turned, until he set his sights on Lauren and he was soon under her spell, but their road to happy ever after was not that simple.

Loved the story of their chemistry and journey to their happy ever after. Can't wait until Book 4 and Tynan's story
Profile Image for Christina.
195 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2023
Oh man, Devin O'Connor definitely holds his own in this book. He wanted to know why his brothers couldn't stay away from their O'Leary women. He definitely finds out when he crosses paths with Lauren in the pub owned by her family in O'Leary territory. One night is not enough, and it changes everything for them. The chemistry between Devin and Lauren is off the charts. It was so hot and intense. I absolutely loved watching both of them grow and change during this journey. These two definitely don't have it easy. Not only are their families part of the problem, but they both try to keep the other safe by fighting their attraction to each other. Devin is strong, protective, intense, and will stop at nothing to protect those he loves. I loved that Lauren stands strong not only for herself, but what she feels is the right decision. This one kept me on the edge of my seat and never let up.

Maggie just keeps turning up the heat with these O'Connor brothers. I can't wait to see what Tynan has is store for us. I definitely recommend starting with book 1 in the Mafia Wars Ireland Series. Trust me, you need all the O'Connor brothers in your life.


I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,230 reviews60 followers
August 13, 2023
Maggie Cole delivered a heart-stopping, hot thrilling and dangerous ride in the third book in the must-read Mafia Wars Ireland series, Illicit Heir is dark, sexy, and it holds no prisoners.

The O’Connors and the O’Leary’s are at war, so when Devin O’Connor decides to have some fun in O’Leary territory, it is only going to end one way, and that is badly, especially when you have fun with Lauren Byrne, who used to go out with the leader of the O’Leary family, and still believes she belongs to him, Lauren is a wonderful MC, she is a strong Irish woman helping her mom run the family pub while dealing with all the issues that come with it, Lauren tries to keep her distant from Caleb O’Leary since she broke up with him, but it isn’t easy when her mum believes that becoming an O’Leary is what every girl wants! When unexpectedly a group of guys come into the pub one night, her life is about to change forever - from that moment, hold on to your seat because you won’t be able to put this book down as it ramps up to full speed, twists and turns, tragedy, loss, lies and unimaginable danger, there is nothing sweet about Illicit Heir it is a true dark Mafia read, just as they should be.
Profile Image for Mary Sosa.
212 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2023
illicit

Another great book by Maggie! I would say this’s my favorite book from this series so far. I’m loving that Maggie has continued her way of writing in this book I’m not sure if she was trying something different in the first two books but I can truly feel her in this one! Can’t wait for the next one.
1,250 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2023
Wow!! Just all I can say...Another exciting, suspenseful, mafia story from Maggie Cole. This continues the O"Connors And the O'Leary Irish mafia war.
Devin O'Connor has met his match with Lauren.She's a spitfire,, independent, who caught Devin"s eye at the bar. He knew he was in O'leary territory, but went after her anyway. It was one hot, sexy, steamy night that neither one would forget.
Caleb O'Leary, head of his clan, considers Lauren belongs to him. Lauren has no allegiance to him. She knows he is dangerous, ruthless, soul less. When he wants something nothing will stop him from getting it..Murder, revenge, bullying, and threats. Lauren knows he will follow up on those threats.
Devin is determined to find her when she disappeared. He knew he had to find her before Caleb O'leary did. Wonderfully written , that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout this story.
I can't say enough about Jacob Morgan and Alyssa Avery exceptional narration. I could feel the anguish, intensity, anger, despair in their performance. Very well done!
55 reviews
August 16, 2023
Maggie Cole just keeps bringing the heat with her Mafia Wars Series!
Illicit Heir has us following Devin and Lauren from a meeting that should have never have happened to being enemies to happily ever after. But there is definately plenty of action, toe curling steam and attraction, sitting on the edge of your seat, page turning , can't stop reading because here comes another plot twist from beginning to end. I really enjoyed getting to see the character development throughout the book. Also, where can I get a Devin? I love that even though the male characters are alpha it doesn't leave her female characters weak. Lauren has an amazing strength and willpower about her and is strong in her own rights.
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,309 reviews159 followers
August 23, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔💔💔💔

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend it? ✅️

Tropes: dark mafia romance, one-night stand, accidental pregnancy, secret baby, forbidden romance, enemies-to-lovers, age gap

Devin O'Connor won an hour with Lauren Bryne from a stupid bet. They were several shots of whiskey and two pints of Guinness in when Devin suggested she play his game. That hour turned into the next morning. Then all hell broke loose. She ransacked his wallet to find his identification card. Their bliss disappeared into anger, hate, and accusations. When he rejected her in that room, he didn't just leave her with a pounding headache and remorse. He left her with a forever reminder of that night—the mix of two enemy bloods. And now no one can ever know…including him.

What an exciting addition to this already amazing series. The plot was seriously addictive with so much going on. The author layered the plot just right. The push and pull lit their sizzling chemistry up and had me eating up the pages, along with the twists and turns. I couldn't recommend this read more. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for Laura Blakey.
58 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2023
I’m so privileged to me on Maggie Arc team and to read these books before they come out!
From first reading about the Ivanov’s and the O’Malleys now to read about the O’Connors I’m loving this series it’s distill the same thing Mafia families against the world trying to conquer everything but it’s not always that simple,
Devin and his brothers are drinking in a pub owned by Lauren whose mum wants to set her up with a guy called Caleb but he’s just brutal and underhanded.
Lauren ends up having a one night stand with Devin that leaves her with a surprise and all starts after a stupid bet
Is a gripping story and I thought it did drag it out slightly until Devin and Lauren met again and he found out she was as with child,
Great story and I can’t wait to go back and read it again.
congrats Maggie you have a gift for writing these stories.
586 reviews
August 21, 2023
LGJ

I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me in suspense until the very end and was easy on the eyes
46 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2023
Book 3 of 4 in the Irish Mafia series will have you on pins and needles to see if Devin and Lauren can overcome the odds and be together.
Two of my brothers have married sisters from the O'Leary mafia family. We have been enemies with them forever. The O'Leary family is a ruthless and mean group who treat their women like trash. I don't understand why my brothers were so obsessed with O'Leary women until I won a night with Lauren in a card game after sneaking into an O'Leary pub afterhours.
Now I understand because I can't get her out of my head and I'm afraid out of my heart. Would there ever be a future for us? Especially when I find out she is pregnant with my child.
My sisters-in-law brother is now head of the O'Leary family and he wants Lauren for himself, and her mum wants Lauren to marry him. So she runs away from both of us. Can I find her before he does and what about my son? Can I find them and keep them safe?
This is my favorite of the series so far.

Profile Image for Kristy.
80 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2023
I am absolutely loving this series. I binge read the first few books before I got this book and they are so good.
I love all the plot lines and characters, there is a lot of character growth within the characters.
I knew Devins book was going to be an alpha hole spicy read, there are so many hot moments but he has an insanely sweet soft spot for Lauren and we see this all throughout the book.
A really enjoyable enemies to lovers ( enemy clans ) book.
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