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Bloody Halo
I was just a regular girl until notorious mafia don Burke Gallagher returned to the sleepy town he grew up in.
Despite my attempts to avoid him, I find myself trapped in his limo when I faint in front of him.
After five glorious days together, he ghosts me.
That’s when I discover I’m pregnant.
I try to start over, going into hiding to keep safe.
But Burke finds me, saying I belong to him now, and so does his son.
For my safety, I have to obey him.
I fight him, but he owns me.
Passionate nights between us prove him right.
But danger lurks in every shadow, putting me at the center of our enemies’ crosshairs.
Can Burke save us, or will I have to learn to do it myself?
Indulge in this gripping tale of forbidden love, ruthless enemies, and a bad-ass heroine. Prepare to be captivated by this pulsating story where the stakes are high, and the desire burns hotter than ever.
Despite my attempts to avoid him, I find myself trapped in his limo when I faint in front of him.
After five glorious days together, he ghosts me.
That’s when I discover I’m pregnant.
I try to start over, going into hiding to keep safe.
But Burke finds me, saying I belong to him now, and so does his son.
For my safety, I have to obey him.
I fight him, but he owns me.
Passionate nights between us prove him right.
But danger lurks in every shadow, putting me at the center of our enemies’ crosshairs.
Can Burke save us, or will I have to learn to do it myself?
Indulge in this gripping tale of forbidden love, ruthless enemies, and a bad-ass heroine. Prepare to be captivated by this pulsating story where the stakes are high, and the desire burns hotter than ever.
570 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2023
250 people are currently reading
2749 people want to read
About the author
Lara Norman
39 books107 followersLara used to scribble her fictional characters down on legal pads in high school, and then not show them to anyone. In recent years, she started posting her work in public forums for feedback, which gave her the courage to publish professionally.
She needs copious amounts of coffee and chocolate to survive. You’ll find F.R.I.E.N.D.S. references sprinkled throughout her books because it’s her favorite show. She enjoys eavesdropping on the character conversations in her head, which she has been assured doesn’t make her crazy. Unfortunately, she always gets the best ideas while in the shower, driving, or about to fall asleep.
Though she’s a Florida girl at heart, Lara currently resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband of twenty-plus years and their three children, where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age fifteen.
She needs copious amounts of coffee and chocolate to survive. You’ll find F.R.I.E.N.D.S. references sprinkled throughout her books because it’s her favorite show. She enjoys eavesdropping on the character conversations in her head, which she has been assured doesn’t make her crazy. Unfortunately, she always gets the best ideas while in the shower, driving, or about to fall asleep.
Though she’s a Florida girl at heart, Lara currently resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband of twenty-plus years and their three children, where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age fifteen.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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December 7, 2023Flat, bland and unemotional characters.
Dnf @ 37%
Dnf @ 37%
November 27, 2023
I read this book front to back, every free second I got.
Lara’s writing is detailed, beautiful and descriptive. It’s a masterpiece.
There’s spice, there’s suspense, surreal descriptions of everything that just pull you in. It makes it impossible to put down.
This is easily the best thing she’s ever written. And that says a lot coming from me, fangirl number one.
The characters are flawed and fabulous. Our couple is just swoonworthy… king and queen ♥️♥️♥️
Lara’s writing is detailed, beautiful and descriptive. It’s a masterpiece.
There’s spice, there’s suspense, surreal descriptions of everything that just pull you in. It makes it impossible to put down.
This is easily the best thing she’s ever written. And that says a lot coming from me, fangirl number one.
The characters are flawed and fabulous. Our couple is just swoonworthy… king and queen ♥️♥️♥️
November 3, 2023
I finished the title last night, and I have to say I throughly enjoyed this book. I literally couldn't put it down. I inhaled it like crack!
In the very beginning, I did feel like Kinsley was annoying. I just hated how she constantly put herself down, doubted her abilities, and was ALWAYS crying. That kinda got old. Like girl, KNOW YOUR WORTH!
Burke was great, sometimes I got aggravated with him as well (I wanted to scream at him! Baby, use your words!) But in the end he did finally open up and talk about his feelings. I loved how protective and possessive he was towards Kinsley. Mmm, some of that dirty language during their love scenes were *chef's*kiss*
There's a LOT of growing pains early on in their love story. Kinsley blossoms both in her new life and under his loving attention. I absolutely cheered for her as she matured into a strong and confident wife, mother, and independent woman.
Burke flourishes with her loving touch, becoming a stronger family man, a more compassionate leader, and devoted father to Finn despite their dangerous lifestyle.
One of the overall consistent themes is the importance of family and good friends. The little snipets of Irish added to the overall vibe. I did wish there were added translations in quotation for the Irish statements. When I searched via Kindle I couldn't get any offered translation for those snippets, which was a little disheartening. (We do find out mostly what they mean at almost the end of the book)
Definitely didn't see the ending with his Dad, so kudos to the author for blindsiding me with that little surprise.
Overall a great read! I highly recommend this one and have rated it a RARE 5 STARS! I don't give many 5 stars reviews, but Ms Norman has more than earned my elevated praise with this title!
I would also like to mention the patience with which her ARC team had during a few technical difficulties I encountered via Send To Kindle. A huge thank you to them for their efforts to ensure I received my copy of Bloody Halo for review.
I will undoubtedly be on the lookout for more tasty titles to consume from her in the near future.
In the very beginning, I did feel like Kinsley was annoying. I just hated how she constantly put herself down, doubted her abilities, and was ALWAYS crying. That kinda got old. Like girl, KNOW YOUR WORTH!
Burke was great, sometimes I got aggravated with him as well (I wanted to scream at him! Baby, use your words!) But in the end he did finally open up and talk about his feelings. I loved how protective and possessive he was towards Kinsley. Mmm, some of that dirty language during their love scenes were *chef's*kiss*
There's a LOT of growing pains early on in their love story. Kinsley blossoms both in her new life and under his loving attention. I absolutely cheered for her as she matured into a strong and confident wife, mother, and independent woman.
Burke flourishes with her loving touch, becoming a stronger family man, a more compassionate leader, and devoted father to Finn despite their dangerous lifestyle.
One of the overall consistent themes is the importance of family and good friends. The little snipets of Irish added to the overall vibe. I did wish there were added translations in quotation for the Irish statements. When I searched via Kindle I couldn't get any offered translation for those snippets, which was a little disheartening. (We do find out mostly what they mean at almost the end of the book)
Definitely didn't see the ending with his Dad, so kudos to the author for blindsiding me with that little surprise.
Overall a great read! I highly recommend this one and have rated it a RARE 5 STARS! I don't give many 5 stars reviews, but Ms Norman has more than earned my elevated praise with this title!
I would also like to mention the patience with which her ARC team had during a few technical difficulties I encountered via Send To Kindle. A huge thank you to them for their efforts to ensure I received my copy of Bloody Halo for review.
I will undoubtedly be on the lookout for more tasty titles to consume from her in the near future.
November 25, 2023
Boy this is one mafia book you don't want to miss. I loved every minute of this one. Burke is the head of the mafia, who meets Kinsley who is somewhat of scared, silent girl. They have a few days together and he leaves to go back to Boston, she finds out she's Pregent, The story goes from there. They have a lot of soul searching to do through out the book and it is a long book but so worth it. You won't see some of the twist and turns at the ending. I would highly recommend this one.
November 17, 2023
Kinsley+Burke
✨billionaire mafia don/ poor girl
✨marriage of convenience
✨hides pregnancy but he finds her anyways
✨she’s a virg!n
✨touch her and 💀
✨billionaire mafia don/ poor girl
✨marriage of convenience
✨hides pregnancy but he finds her anyways
✨she’s a virg!n
✨touch her and 💀
November 14, 2023
This story was fast paced and when I thought I knew what was going to happen I really didn’t! I really enjoyed Kinsleys transformation thru this story! She really toughened up and was able to find herself!! Burke was your typical bad boy but was a sweet loving family man in the end!
I definitely wouldn’t pass this book up!
I definitely wouldn’t pass this book up!
November 5, 2023
Believe it or not this was my first mafia dark romance book and can’t believe I didn’t read one before this. I really enjoyed both the MMC and the FMC, especially how Kinsley came into her own power throughout the book. It did have some slower parts that I struggled at times to get through, but I’m glad that I did. There’s plenty of action, drama, and spice packed into this novel.
4 ⭐️ for plot and 4 🌶️ For spice.
4 ⭐️ for plot and 4 🌶️ For spice.
May 27, 2025
I hated this book. It is a curse on my bloodline to have read this book. I genuinely believe that long ago, a witch cursed my family's blood to read the worst piece of literature to ever grace the earth, and I feel victim to the curse. May not only the author but also the editor and the publisher never have a cold pillow again, and may the bed they sleep on always be uncomfortably hot but not hot enough to do anything about it. I will hold a FEAST the day the author quits writing. I PRAYYY for when that day comes ( AMEN).
January 1, 2024
AMAZING READ!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The growth between the main characters is amazing .. Burke and Kinsley prove that opposites do attract in more ways than one.
Kinsley Hawthorne was once a meek and quiet young lady who let her parents treat her as their personal slave, but that all changed when she ran into Burke Gallagher.
Burke is a dark and dangerous mobster who knows he shouldn't want someone as pure as Kinsley, but that didn't stop him from getting her.
Their passion turned sour for a while there, but Kinsley wouldn't let Burke keep pushing her away. They say that the road to true love is never easy, and ain't that the truth with these two!
She chipped away at his carefully moulded shell and proved to him that they were stronger together and that they had a love that is worth risking it all.
I loved the dynamics between our two mains and loved the smaller characters' roles, too! Especially the cute little Finn 💖 Oh, there is nothing more adorable than a cute baby!.
There were so many twists and holy shit moments throughout, as well as some well placed curse words and a fair few. "Oh no, he didn't.", comments!
I love losing myself in a story that is written amazingly .. When the characters hurt is my hurt, their anger is my own, and their love felt through the screen .. When a writer can have you feeling 100 different emotions all at once, you know that the book is a success!
I give this story 10 stars, but since Amazon only allows 5, that's what it's given!
LOVED
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The growth between the main characters is amazing .. Burke and Kinsley prove that opposites do attract in more ways than one.
Kinsley Hawthorne was once a meek and quiet young lady who let her parents treat her as their personal slave, but that all changed when she ran into Burke Gallagher.
Burke is a dark and dangerous mobster who knows he shouldn't want someone as pure as Kinsley, but that didn't stop him from getting her.
Their passion turned sour for a while there, but Kinsley wouldn't let Burke keep pushing her away. They say that the road to true love is never easy, and ain't that the truth with these two!
She chipped away at his carefully moulded shell and proved to him that they were stronger together and that they had a love that is worth risking it all.
I loved the dynamics between our two mains and loved the smaller characters' roles, too! Especially the cute little Finn 💖 Oh, there is nothing more adorable than a cute baby!.
There were so many twists and holy shit moments throughout, as well as some well placed curse words and a fair few. "Oh no, he didn't.", comments!
I love losing myself in a story that is written amazingly .. When the characters hurt is my hurt, their anger is my own, and their love felt through the screen .. When a writer can have you feeling 100 different emotions all at once, you know that the book is a success!
I give this story 10 stars, but since Amazon only allows 5, that's what it's given!
LOVED
November 28, 2023
This is the story of Kinsley and Burke and their bumpy ride to a happily ever after. Kinsley is an innocent virginal dutiful daughter who longs to get out of her small town. Burke is head of his family and has bl00d on his hands. When these two hook up sparks fly. But then Burke slowly ghosts Kinsley as he believes she is no strong enough for his lifestyle. He is not wrong.
My opinions of Kinsley changed throughout the book. I, at first, found her sympathetic. However, after a surprise pregnancy, a forced marriage, she went from sympathetic to slightly annoying. You can only cry so much before you must put on your big girl panties and deal. Granted, Burke, while the head of the family has zero communication skills with Kinsley which lead to a lot of misunderstanding and more tears.
In the last third of the book, Kinsley finally found her strength and became the woman she was meant to be, and the woman Burke needed. Her growth, and Burke’s, allowed them to form a powerful partnership that was able to withstand family betrayal, threats and vi0lenc3 toward them.
I liked the fact that my opinion of Kinsley changed throughout the book. For me, this attests to the author’s ability to write characters with depth. This was a great read. There was a lot of action and mystery.
Please be aware of your triggers. There is vi0lence.
My opinions of Kinsley changed throughout the book. I, at first, found her sympathetic. However, after a surprise pregnancy, a forced marriage, she went from sympathetic to slightly annoying. You can only cry so much before you must put on your big girl panties and deal. Granted, Burke, while the head of the family has zero communication skills with Kinsley which lead to a lot of misunderstanding and more tears.
In the last third of the book, Kinsley finally found her strength and became the woman she was meant to be, and the woman Burke needed. Her growth, and Burke’s, allowed them to form a powerful partnership that was able to withstand family betrayal, threats and vi0lenc3 toward them.
I liked the fact that my opinion of Kinsley changed throughout the book. For me, this attests to the author’s ability to write characters with depth. This was a great read. There was a lot of action and mystery.
Please be aware of your triggers. There is vi0lence.
December 6, 2023
From the instant I opened this book, I was completely captivated. I just couldn't put it down. Would stay up late, telling myself just one more chapter, and before I knew it I'd read two or three. The chemistry between Burke and Kinsley is off the charts and staying away from each other is impossible. The journey they go on to find their happiness and the changes that Burke and Kinsley go through while they figure out how to best navigate the circumstances they've been put in are life altering. They both grow and become who they were meant to be under some extremely difficult circumstances. And lets not forget the heat. Spicey indeed. But most of all, the love they share is beautiful to watch develop. You don't want to miss out on reading this one. It has it all. Action, adventure, romance, sacrifice, and a love story. I loved every word and would highly recommend this one. Its a must read.
December 24, 2024
The book was well written, which is really nice. The FMC and MMC were very well developed and their world was too. I wanted to like this book, but honestly it was too long. I liked that the FMC became a force in her own right, but I had to suspend reality a bit and remember this is fiction. It was about 250 pages too long. There is such a thing as too wordy, too much detail. In the span of a year, this couple went through so much it's hard to even fathom. The Mafia men seemed weak and dumb in a lot of instances. Overall, I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either.
October 1, 2025
I'm not sure if I would ever read this book again. Kinsley was trapped with her parents in a small town and has a small reprieve when Burke is in town. But then he leaves with no goodbye and Kinsley finds out she's pregnant. Burke's parents were horrible and I am glad that Burke found her. I liked that Burke was so excited to be a dad. Kinsley was a sweet mom. I didn't like the way Kinsley changed on a dime from sweet to mean to sweet with a side of violent. They had good chemistry but I just didn't feel like their story was the one for me.
December 1, 2023
Loved Kinsley and Burke.
They had a couple of rough months as each of them assumed things about the other.
Kinsley gained strength and respect and became a good mate for Burke.
Burke loved Kinsley but had trouble expressing it.
These two had a difficult time until they learned to communicate.
I loved how their relationship grew and Kinsley became
exactly what Burke needed.
Excellent growth of a relationship.
They had a couple of rough months as each of them assumed things about the other.
Kinsley gained strength and respect and became a good mate for Burke.
Burke loved Kinsley but had trouble expressing it.
These two had a difficult time until they learned to communicate.
I loved how their relationship grew and Kinsley became
exactly what Burke needed.
Excellent growth of a relationship.
July 24, 2025
3.5 spice. I really liked this book. I read this when it was a Twilight fanfiction back in the day. When it got published, the fanfic was pulled. I wish I had a pdf copy because once I started reading this book, I remembered the fanfic and wanted to compare them! It was fun, and I remembered the fanfic and found myself trying to remember what Twilight character was the newly named character. It was spicy and fun.
December 24, 2024
4.5⭐️
I loved Kinsley character growth. I can understand why she was “annoying” in the beginning but I figured that’s how she was raised so people please so she was a little meek.
Burke I was happy to see his character growth as well. Him & Kinsley work well together. No it was perfect and that’s what I liked. Ups and downs like any relationship (arguments etc).
I loved Kinsley character growth. I can understand why she was “annoying” in the beginning but I figured that’s how she was raised so people please so she was a little meek.
Burke I was happy to see his character growth as well. Him & Kinsley work well together. No it was perfect and that’s what I liked. Ups and downs like any relationship (arguments etc).
December 1, 2025
The only reason i stared to read this was because i wanted a break in between reading the Gods and Monsters series and wanted a crappy romance to break things up! But this one was quite shit! Everything happened so fast it was just not good. Writing felt to childish too.
Hate falling for tiktok recommendations!
Hate falling for tiktok recommendations!
January 8, 2024
Story: Good girl falls for bad guy. The new element is good girl becomes bad. Interesting take....
Romance: modern mafia romance
Intimacy: MF only
Spice level: 7/10 spicy scenes throughout the book
Good to read anytime. It is long so might take a while but worth it.
Romance: modern mafia romance
Intimacy: MF only
Spice level: 7/10 spicy scenes throughout the book
Good to read anytime. It is long so might take a while but worth it.
January 8, 2024
This book started out really good, however, it is a very long book 600+ pages and by the time I got to 400 I gave up and jumped to the last two chapters. I just lost interest in the story line and could pretty much anticipate what was going to happen.
January 4, 2026
I convinced myself to finish this book but could only make it to 50% before I called it quits. There’s no real plot (though the story has potential to be great), badly written, characters are boring. There’s just not much going for a book that is so long with no real plot or good development.
January 7, 2025
What a long book! I really don’t think it needed to be that long. It was good and spicy at times but overall I felt it could’ve been 100-200 pages less.
January 13, 2025
Took longer than it should have to read but did finish. Got a little slow in the middle
January 18, 2025
Reads like a wattpad y/n book. Not a vibe.
February 14, 2025
Dnf
Not for me this. The beginning was weak, and the set up was too obvious. I like a bit more mystery in my mafia. I didn't finish
Not for me this. The beginning was weak, and the set up was too obvious. I like a bit more mystery in my mafia. I didn't finish
April 8, 2025
DNF 16% just very badly written story. There was no flow and I just couldn’t force myself to keep reading. Don’t waste your time
November 5, 2025
Meh
I think it had a good storyline for both the MMC and FMC. Some good Twists but just mediocre all around.
I think it had a good storyline for both the MMC and FMC. Some good Twists but just mediocre all around.
November 23, 2023
I was in a reading slump. This book was such a page turner it brought me out of that slump. I loved the characters. Kinsley is my favorite kind of FMC. A hidden little badass that comes out of her shell. Once I started this book I could not not put it down. Unfortunately I had things to do like work and take care of my family but all my free time was spent eating up this book.
This is a new author to me. I came across her on TikTok and I'm so happy I did since now I need to read more of her books. I definitely recommend reading.
This is a new author to me. I came across her on TikTok and I'm so happy I did since now I need to read more of her books. I definitely recommend reading.
January 5, 2024
If you like Dark Romance Mafia books with a good story line & solid spice, you will love this book! The characters are well developed & just when you think you know what’s going to happen it takes an unexpected turn. I also LOVED that the h in this book wasn’t a complete damsel in distress. The author wrote this character so well & with such believable strength & depth. Oh & did I mention the spice!?!🌶🥵🔥
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews