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The Hitman's Vice

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The only time hitman Dane ‘The Butcher’ Ryan makes the "right" choice, he loses the only girl he's ever loved.

Dane intends to be a Captain for the powerful Fitzgerald family, like his father. His only weakness is his (former) best friend's little sister, Zara Fitzgerald. Until he stumbles into a dark family secret and Zara swears him to silence. Dane knows staying quiet puts her at risk—so he breaks the promise. And her trust.

Years later, tragedy—and a brewing mafia war—brings them back together. Too bad The Outfit wants a marriage to settle the scores. And only a Fitzgerald daughter will do…

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2023

7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Allegra Grey

13 books33 followers
A small town Midwestern girl who grew up wanting to write stories, and then did.

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5 stars
25 (55%)
4 stars
16 (35%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Darcy’s Good Opinion.
560 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2025
Vixens and Villains

4.25 stars

MF
M@f|a
Bodyguard Romance
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Enforcer MMC
M@f|a Princess
Touch Her And Per|$h

Dane and Zara have known each other their whole lives. Each yearns for the other but their positions within the family prevent anything more than a working relationship. Will they risk everything for love and a chance with each other?

A great start to the series with crossover characters to the Storm Crows MC series.
Profile Image for Happyscribe.
947 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2023
Ohh I love me a smexy Hitman story - and Allegra Grey pulls off a perfect one here. The trope is "older brother's best friend, mafia princess falling for forbidden underling - and the author pulls it off in stellar fashion.

There's all the yearning and unrequited love, childhood crushes that morph into adult lust, the lure of the forbidden and OH. MY. HEART. the struggle Dane endures to break the mold and claim his love. SIGH !!!
Profile Image for Danielle Graves.
874 reviews29 followers
October 10, 2023
Hitman's Vice was a surprising read. It combined several tropes - best friend's sister, bodyguard, enemies to lovers, second chance, mafia, and it did them all really well.

Dane has always been a little smitten with his best friend's sister Zara, a feeling which she reciprocates. However, when he breaks a promise to her, their friendship suffers and it takes years for them to reconnect, only for his job and her family's ties to the mafia to cause more problems.

I really enjoyed the slow build of the story as we see Dane guarding Zara and missing their connection., hating the distance that has grown between them and the way they both try to hurt each other with other people. When they finally let their defenses down and communicate it's beautiful and hot and steamy, but that serenity is short-lived as Zara's family step in, not realising what the couple have. Some great moments where Zara's siblings spoke up and opened up about feelings and fighting for what you want followed with Zara's two sisters encouraging Zara to fight for Dane.

I enjoyed the story and found the characters and plot believable and well thought out. My only negative was it was written in third person and I'm not overly keen on that.


Profile Image for Linda Walters.
307 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2025
Zara & Dane, an unlikely pair. Dane, what a guy. So misunderstood and in so many ways so good. He's always felt protective of Zara and knows that his hands are bloody. He tells her he's not a good guy, way below her in status.He's loved her for YEARS and had to stand by as she grew up and while she flirted with and "dated" other guys. They never lasted long but it hurt Dane just the same. And he stood and pretended that it didn't. Stone faced.
Zara, is such a softy and her twin is not to be trusted. Dane calls her twin, "The Evil Twin". He's seen the evil one, physically hurt Zara before. But there's even more to that too. Another secret. I loved both Dane and Zara and was pulling for them to be together ! But, it's not going to be easy and it's not going to be fast. But clever, clever Zara has a plan ! I admired her chutzpah ! And, it also began to scary a couple of people, which made me laugh !
And her father Adam, has ALL kinds of family secrets. Never fear. They do get exposed. Some people WILL die ! But it won't be the good guys !
By the way, I loved this cover and it drew my attention right away !
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews72 followers
September 22, 2023
🦂🦂ONE SENSATIONAL SMACKDOWN🦂🦂
Bungling brute boo! This amazingly talented duo knocked the brakes off this bad boy, unleashing edy's with thrilling wave after wave of all the frills, spills, chills and those churning feels, bringing the heat and kicking down walls with this incredibly tumultuous, skillfully addictive, artfully beguiling, ground quaking tempest. A raging vortex chocked-full of riveting drama, nail-biting intrigue, spine tingling danger and spiraling suspense converge. Futures are forged and revelations are disclosed as each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this tangled web so securely and precise, until nothing else exists. Chicanery and mayhem run amuck, showcasing the horrendous struggles and formidable triumphs, reviewing the perilous twists and shocking turns unfolding with an astonishing culmination. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intoxicating intensity and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, bringing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into complex personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that balances out fluidly, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job guys, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Profile Image for Barbara Abatzis.
301 reviews19 followers
October 15, 2023
Emotional story - Good writing style

My rating: 4

Tropes: Forced Proximity - Mafia - Bodyguard

Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating/No OW sex
No Cliffhanger

"The Hitman's Vice" is a good mafia story, very well written.

What I did Like:
- The writing style was very good. I found the dialogues excellent and funny in some instances.
- Emotions are nicely portrayed
- The main characters were good
- There is no unnecessary misunderstanding or drama

What I didn't like:
- I don't really like mafia romances where one of the two main characters have to marry someone else. I didn't know it would be like this, i didn't get it from the blurb.
- Also, i don't like the "i am no good for you".

Overall, i enjoyed reading it, mostly because i liked the way i was written and i liked the connection the two MCs had.
I will definitely read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tisha Berry.
3 reviews
January 16, 2025
The Hitman's Vice is a compelling blend of danger, forbidden love, and family loyalty. This dark romance kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished it. The strength of this novel lies in the character development. Dane isn't your typical romantic hero - he's a hitman, yet the authors manage to make him compelling without glorifying his violent profession. Zara, meanwhile, brings depth to what could have been a standard "good girl" role, navigating the complexities of family loyalty and personal desire. The dynamics between them crackle with tension, both romantic and dangerous. The authors excel at creating an atmosphere of mounting tension, where family secrets and professional obligations collide with personal desires. The Fitzgerald family dynamics add layers of complexity to what could have been a straightforward romance.
The Hitman's Vice succeeds in delivering an exciting, dark, spicy and action-packed story that manages to be both a satisfying romance and a compelling crime thriller.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,183 reviews120 followers
September 26, 2023
MMC/FMC- Dane and Zara

POV- 3rd

Genre- Mafia Romance

Heat- they do the thing and name the parts.

Series? Y

Safety: no cheating/sharing, no s. violence, no OM/OW drama, no cliffhanger, HEA.

Triggers- Language, violence, explicit erotic content.

Tropes- Bodyguard, Off-Limits (Boss’s Daughter), Loving from Anear, Secret Crush, Do-Si-Do With The Mafioso.

What I liked- there’s a lot of action that kept me engaged with the story. The love between Dane and Zara is fierce and crazy in the best way possible. I liked the characters.

What I didn’t- I found Gia to be a conundrum. Was the stairs incident an accident, or deliberate? She seems to love Zara, but is very careless with her. Also, I don’t like it when a book lacks internal navigation.

Verdict- recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brooke Torrey.
579 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2024
The Hitman’s Vice was exciting, dark, spicy and action packed. I enjoyed the originality of the story and the rollercoaster of emotions I experimented while reading this book. I am so hoping there are more books because the side characters were just as important as the main characters. This is a dark crime family romance and touches on dark themes and dark topics.

Zara was independent, loyal and a firecracker. She knew what she wanted and went for it and usually got it. Dane was intense, broody, and loyal to his job. Their chemistry was next level spicy. I loved the angst and push and pull they both experienced throughout this book. I laughed and sniffled a few times. My heart broke for both characters but loved the path and determination they both had. Such an exciting and page turning book!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
5,983 reviews30 followers
October 4, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

OMG! Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book it was fantastic, the story was mesmerising and one you don't want to put down and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Zara and Dane, Zara is a twin and her Daddy's good girl and then she had fallen in love with the one man she cannot have especially when he is one of her fathers men he protected her when needed but to him he was protecting a Mafia Princess. Dane is a soldier for the Mafia he eliminates their enemies and does what else is expected of him. Zara was hurt by Dane when he rejected her, now it has been arranged for her to marry Joseph De Luca to tie an alliance with them because war is coming.
Profile Image for meka.
193 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2023
3.5/5

Very intriguing but it didn’t have enough to truly pull me in. I think the lack of depth was what stopped me from loving it but I did enjoy the story. Honestly it could just be that it was in third person which I’m not usually a fan of.

Loved the idea of this and the fact that it’s a bodyguard x mafia daughter type of story but the chapters are so long and are also somehow quite vague in terms of the character development and storyline. It felt like something was missing. It also didn’t have much of the suspense that I’m used to reading in mafia novels so if you’re a beginner to the trope then maybe this is for you. Overall, good read but lacked a little. I’m honoured to have received a copy of this and am leaving this honest review voluntarily <3
755 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2023
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Fast paced story that drew me in and had me turning the pages wanting to know what happens next. As it's a mafia story, do expect some violence and gory details but nothing too over the top. There are quite a few side characters introduced so not sure if they'll be getting their own stories. But this story focusing on Dane and Zara's friends to lovers to HEA amidst all the family drama and expectation was bumpy but oh so steamy and satisfying. A good read if you're looking for a fairly light mafia story mixed with some angsty romance.
1,092 reviews
October 5, 2023
What a great book. Allegra Grey is a new author to me and one I will be following. This is a book you don’t want to put down. Dane and Zara are the main characters in this first book of the Fitzgerald family. Zara is a twin and is her father’s good girl never causing any trouble and has fallen for a man that she can never have. Dane is known as the butcher in this Mafia family and eliminates their enemies and does whatever else he is told to do even if it means protecting the woman he loves but can never have. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that will keep them apart?.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
348 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2023
An intriguing, hot, mafia read

I found this book really enjoyable, it had intrigue, twists and turns, bodyguard, best friends little sister (or ex best friend), arranged marriage, the storyline had me wondering how Dane and Zara could possibly make things work (and I really, really wanted things to work for them).

Zara's siblings bring other interesting characters to the story, and I actually liked her Dad (which is pretty rare in mafia books!).

I haven't read books by these authors before, but I will be looking for more to read and I do hope the Fitzgerald saga does continue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Darcie.
1,061 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2023
These two made my head spin. The childhood crush for the older brother's best friend that grows to adult lust and love with the mafia twist was done so well. The push and pull Zara and Dane because of the love they just wouldn't admit to the other had me happy and frustrated throughout the story.

With both of them deciding they weren't giving the other up but not sharing that information made for a very sweet moment of realization that grew to a strong partnership to get their happily ever after. I loved both characters along with so many of the supporting characters in this one.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
574 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2023
It started off good with Dane being on a job and thinking he's going to have to deal with the guy's companion only to find out its Zara. She and her twin were had snuck out to go to the party. She tells Dane something in confidence, but he works for her father so feels he needs to break the promise, then it basically becomes a normal push/pull, arranged marriage, secrets etc. Unfortunately, I lost interest but pushed through hoping it was just a slow part. The very end did kind of help redeem it but not enough. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,196 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2023
5 Stars for The Hitman’s Vice

This is a new author for me & I will check out more of Allegra Grey's work as well as more of this series.

This book was a page turner for me I read pretty much in one sitting!

What I loved :

Mafia in this case Irish - the Fitzgeralds

Family childhood friends

Slight age gap

Bodyguard turned lover

Wonderful characters

Humor & funny situations / dialog

Everyone should have a Dane in their life - so glad he got Zara !

Loved this read !

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
653 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2023
Wow! I was sucked into this family the author wrote and this couple Zara and Dane and their twisty turns along their path to a happily ever after.

Such drama, angst, and a touch of sadness but plenty of action and steamy moments. But the chemistry of this couple, who had grown up together and finally found each other despite all things against them was undeniable, romantic and epic to read.

This book was a clear journey not just a simple storyline and the author wrote it so well.

Fabulous Read!.

I received an Advanced readers copy for free and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Mg Meredith.
520 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2023
The Hitmans Vice is a intriguing mixture of half truths and secrets with a complex cast of characters who each have their own agenda and personal baggage to overcome this is a fast paced action packed hang on to your seat thrilling adventure with lot's of twists turns and surprise's giving us a enjoyable reading experience.
I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
1,097 reviews
September 30, 2023
Zara has been in love with Dane since thirteen. They practically grew up together and he was her older brother's best friend. Dane knew he had no future with his boss's daughter but he loved her forever. They fight their attraction but ultimately realize they love one another. It was enjoyable and they are cute together.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Harper’s  Home.
150 reviews
October 5, 2023
Dane and Zara’s story is a quick read filled with action, suspense, arranged marriages (because it’s the Mafia, duh). The question is: Is anybody safe from foe or family?

Loved this book and need more! The story developed fast and the ride was a page turner.

Happy Reading📖🌻

I received an advance copy of this book from the via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,976 reviews
October 9, 2023
In a word, great. Zara and Dane's story keeps you glued to your book from the start, Dane is her brother's best friend and they grew up together. Because she was the boss's daughter, Dane knew he had no chance or future with her. But feelings cannot be held back. The chemistry and attraction was amazing I highly recommend reading this book.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Anij.
1,346 reviews12 followers
October 10, 2023
“This isn’t about me. It’s never been about me.”

Solid Mafia romance with a combination best friend’s sister/second chance/enemies to lovers. There is a lot more mafia action than I expected and at times it almost seemed to take priority over the love story. Still I like how it took them awhile to really build a relationship and that she had a life after he left her the first time. Three and a half stars, I rounded up because it deserved more than just three stars.
1,101 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2023
This book is a very good read, it combines several tropes (best friend's sister, bodyguard, enemies to lovers, second chance, mafia) and does it well. He’s always been smitten with his best friend's sister and so has she, but when he breaks a promise to her, it takes years for them to reconnect. I loved the slow build them reconnecting. I enjoyed the story and found the characters and plot believable and well thought out. My only negative was it was written in third person.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,541 reviews75 followers
September 14, 2023
The Hitmans Vice is my first read by these authors and definitely won't be my last. I absolutely LOVE Dane and Zara. Their journey is full of chaos, secrets, betrayal and danger. The Butcher made a mistake once that cost him, he won't be making the same mistake again. The Hitmans Vice is fantastic and I'm looking forward to more from these authors!
Profile Image for Sarah Smith.
407 reviews
October 10, 2023
This book has it all action, romance, love, spice, and all things mafia or Bratva. Lots of character and world building with twists and turns a plenty to keep you entertained. Then add in some spicy steamy love action and it’s the whole package!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,760 reviews33 followers
November 1, 2023
This is an amazing start to the Fitzgerald Sagas series. I was immediately drawn into Dane’s and Zara’s story. It’s an arranged marriage, best friend’s litter sister, mafia drama with lots of intrigue. It’s a fast paced story full of twist, turns and lots of heat! I enjoyed it. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
Profile Image for Heather.
2,869 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2025
A exciting new series, This is the third book I have read by Allegra Grey and I was hooked, This is the first book in her new series, I can't wait to read more in the series, Dane and Zara are wonderful characters, A page turner,

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,509 reviews11 followers
September 9, 2023
Great Read!

A hot, intense steamy read with wonderful characters and family situations, a great storyline with some action, finished with love and romance.

Enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,194 reviews67 followers
September 17, 2023
Dane broke Zara trust a long time ago and by breaking his promise he lost her. Now trouble is brewing and outfit demands an alliance by marriage and only Zara will do. But could their ever be more between them after their past? Well written engaging steamy action angst drama and more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews