Hostile Rival: Matheus & Daniela Duet

Souza Cartel #7

by Autumn Archer

She’s an assassin. My enemy. And the only woman I want.

Although I was born into a powerful crime family, my father refused to train me as a warlord. Rather, I’m a law graduate who’s grown immune to fast cars, pretty women, and dangerous risks. Everything comes too easy when you’re a billionaire cartel prince.

But since my father and his expectations died, I’ve swapped my tailored suit for a ski mask and combat gear, swore an oath, and joined my big brother's elite squad of hitmen.

And that’s when I bumped into the biggest risk I’d ever take—her.

She’s a lethal sicario who works for my family’s biggest rival. And as it turns out, the woman who is ten years older than me is also my roommate for the foreseeable future.

The more she pushes me away, the harder I pull her back. My sights are set on learning all of her dark secrets and forcing the stubborn beauty to give into her darkest desires––me––Matheus Souza.

Falling for me is her worst nightmare. But I’m going to break her down and make her body, soul, and heart all mine because nothing feels as good as the forbidden tastes.


What to expect from Hostile Rival:

Ends on a cliff-hanger (HEA in the next book Hostile Love - coming 2024)

T/W's are included in the author's note at the beginning

J/P Hero & Heroine (Jealous Possessive)

MF (No sharing)

Older Woman & Younger Man

Grumpy Sunshine where he's her sunshine

A continuation of the Souza cartel series.

Each Souza brother has his own duet that can be read as a complete story, however the timeline should be read as follows:

Hostile Heir

Hostile King

Hostile Vows

Hostile Bond

Hostile Secret

Hostile Devil

Hostile Rival

Hostile Love

Genres: Dark Romance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2024

About the author

Autumn is a USA Today bestselling Author from Northern Ireland who romances the darkness.
Welcome to her deliciously dark books, a place where you can escape into a thrilling and gritty world of romance and suspense. Whether it's a mafia family saga, an organized crime romance, a captivating steamy suspense, or a complex anti-hero, she's passionate about creating stories that leave readers hungry for more.
Every story is crafted with raw emotion, compelling characters, and a heart-pounding plot. Her goal is to deliver page-turning stories that scorch your fingertips. So dive in and explore the depths of the darkness.


Reach out to her:
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• Website: https://www.autumnarcher.com/
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Reviews

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I have theories. First, the Souza men aren’t stupid. Matheus especially, so when he’s this cavalier about something, I’m 99% sure he’s put the pieces together and has ulterior motives come the last day he and Dani have together. Second, Dani is smart also, but she’s got anger and grief and other things clouding her judgment just enough to drop her guard. Third, who really buys that Matheus is going to let this fly? Not me. Nope. Not at all.

So I can’t wait for the rest of this one. Some folks require vengeance. Others require love and possibly some gentleness that they’re unaccustomed to having at this point. And I’m sure, I’m just SURE, that Dani and Matheus will come out of this whole. They’ll likely have a few scars, but everyone knows a good scar comes with a good story, so I’m here for it. All of it!

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★” I’m no firecracker. I’m a f*4k58g nuclear bomb.” ★

Last but not least, the youngest of the Souza Cartel, Matheus, gets his story told at a good steady pace, beginning with being assigned as roommates with “Buffalo,” assigned to missions for his brother’s organization called The Covenant, a group of elite killing machines. What he doesn’t realize is that this person he is asked to watch over is a woman, one who soon proves to be his perfect match in every way. Unfortunately, it’s their enemy Carlos Blanco’s daughter, Daniela, but he has yet to be proven innocent of their father’s murder. Mistrust and red-hot chemistry have them circling each other, compounded by their close quarters and the missions, which don’t always stay on track.

“You think you have me all worked out, don’t you, little firecracker?” he says, low and unamused.

“I’m no firecracker. I’m a f*4k58g nuclear bomb.”

Switching from studying law to becoming fully involved in the decidedly more bloodpumping aspects of the family’s cartel happenings was the switch he needed. Not only that, he soon realizes he has already found exactly what he he didn’t know he needed…Dani.

“The toxic rush fuels my veins. Because, maybe, just maybe, I could steal Blanco’s biggest asset out from under his nose and make her all mine.
Scratch that. I will make her mine.”

Dani is a force to be reckoned with. I also like the reverse age-gap here (she’s a decade older). Cannot wait to read the last installment of this amazing series, the final book entitled HOSTILE LOVE.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The youngest Matheus Souza is the only son who's not a part of the family business. He's the playboy, a lawyer and he need to be a part of the business, so he enlists to join his brother Gian's training group of assassins at the Covenant. Things get really interesting when he's paired with Buffy aka Daniela who works his godfather, for the enemy the man who he thinks killed his father. An explosive meeting and the action never stop as the pair are sent on assignments; I love their witty banter as they feel each other out. The chemistry between them is sizzling as they tangle with each, trying to figure if they can trust each other or not. Then things get really crazy, and Matheus's becomes really protective of her and things quickly change. This is a fast-paced story in which the book ends in a cliffhanger. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Dark Cartel Mafia Romance
I absolutely love the interconnected “Jungle Oasis Trilogy” and the “Souza Cartel” Series by Autumn Archer. She drew me into her Hostile Kingdom with her dark cartel mafia romances and did not let me go. Now we finally have Matheus, the youngest Sousa Brother’s story and it was definitely worth the wait. From the age of sixteen, Matheus has more or less had it all, but lately all the body guards, fast cars, narcotics, and even women leave him numb. Then he lays eyes on Daniela. It is like he came back to life, however, Daniela hates the Souza family for what they did to her. She trusts noone. This is one steamy enemies to lovers romance loaded with murder, violence, drug trafficking and kidnaping. The cliffhanger is astounding and now I cannot wait to read second book in this duet for Matheus and Daniela’s HEA and the completion of the “Souza Cartel” Series.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow omg I love this author and this series. Absolutely brilliant. Only drawback, I have to wait for the conclusion.

This was about Daniela, who joins the Covenant for training as a hitman, and is room-mates with Matheus Souza her enemy.

This plot was rich in danger, friction, suspense and drama. It really was involving from the very start and what a cliff hanger!! Can't wait for the end.

Daniela and Matheus had a steamy, friction filled romance from the start that slowly picked up as the trust between them stared to grow. They definitely had the chemistry and attraction. But I liked the spur of the moment meetings especially when they were naked. They were delightful. The secrets and lies really added depth.

Extremely well done on so many levels, and I so can not wait for more. Autumn Archer certainly outdid herself on this one.

Highly recommended!!

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to pummel Matheus right about now!
That cliffhanger ending was absolutely gutwrenching. How could he do that? Why did he do that? Aghhhhhhh

Anyhow. I've read these books for a while now and to finally make it to Matheus's story was awesome. He is self assured and cocky, unassumingly dark and dangerous, and that dirty mouth of his, sigh! Oh and knows exactly what he wants and as soon as he sees his new roomie its HER!

Daniela is a fighter. I mean that in every sense of the word. She doesn't need anyone fighting her battles. She isn't weak and there isn't anything more she hates than a Souza. Matheus Souza gets to her but she doesn't trust him.

I need the second book as in right now. I'm going to be itching to know what happens.

I sooooo recommend this book and series.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Note the trigger warnings as it's a mafia story so do expect blood, murder, drugs, trafficking, etc. I had been waiting for Matheus's story as I suspected there was a twist and it seems to be leading towards that. The story started right from the last one, with Mat joining The Covenant and meeting Daniela and it was an explosive first meeting. Each time the 2 are in the same room, you can feel the sizzle but both fight their attraction until they finally decide to give in. But the trust they've built is a fragile one and it's uncertain if it can withstand what's coming. Of course the book's cliffhanger ended just as it got exciting... so I can't wait for the final part!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Rival by Autumn Archer is the story of Matheus and Daniela. She’s a lethal sicario and Matheus is charged with determining if she’s working against them. But, he doesn’t know exactly who she is…or what she’s capable of…or what she’ll do to him. Now, his entire familia is on the line and her loyalties are put to the test.

This story is scorching!! These two have a love/hate relationship that neither can deny, but they can’t embrace it either. There’s too much at stake. He needs the truth. She has deadly secrets. Neither can trust….anybody. Fantastic!!! Filled with incredible dangers, truths, lies, and one shocking revelation after another!! I devoured this story!!! Ends in a huge cliffhanger!!!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani and Matheus - Part 1

Hostile Rival is the seventh book in the Souza Cartel series and the first book in the Matheus duet. Be prepared when you pick-up this book as it does end on a cliffhanger which will be picked up in the next book, Hostile Love. This series is explosive in so many ways and the story of Dani and Matheus is the same. There are nuances in this story as the two of them are opposites that is turned on its head. She is older, lethal, dangerous, and grumpy. He is younger, eager, wants training and is a little ray of sunshine, well not completely but he is definitely brighter than her. But Matheus is determined to get Dani to submit to him fully, even if it takes the rest of their lives.

[Bookgal13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Souza Cartel Series, and my favorite so far. I absolutely loved Matheus and Dani’s story, even though it ends on one heck of a cliffhanger…ugh!

Daniela (Dani), is such a complex character. I really liked her. Her history after her mother’s death, is just heartbreaking. The cartel world took an innocent girl and molded her into a stone cold assassin, but Matheus slowly breathes life back into her. Matheus is everything Dani wants, but feels she doesn’t deserve.

I’m definitely excited about finding out what happens next, after such a crazy twist! Definitely give this series a try!!.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intensity is off the charts in this first part of this duet. WOW! Matheus is multi-faceted and Daniela is so complex and we are given tidbits on why she is this way and it's a sad and tragic tale, but oh so rewarding as it's made her who she is today. A complex story line and fast paced read for sure, I could not keep up with all, and I was turning the pages as fast as I could, but then that meant that I would get to their end game, but I never wanted it to end. So, so very excited for the next part of this story.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Rival by Autumn Archer is the story of Matheus and Daniela. When Matheus first sees Daniela he instantly wants her but has been given orders to find out if she is working against the Souza family. The love/hate relationship between these two is off the charts. Will they be able to call a truce and admit their feelings for each other? This book ends in a cliffhanger so we have to wait to find out the answer. Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Destine Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cliff hangover tho😭 was not prepared for that. Truly praying for my girl Dani. I hope nothing happens to her… but the plot twist! Was literally not expecting that but was . Kinda had a feeling from the beginning that Blanco wanted to marry his daughter off to Mat. But finding out Elias is not Mat father… I WAS SHOOOKED😳

Can’t wait for the next book! Hopefully we can find out more about who Mat real dad is and how that all happened . And also find out who kidnapped Dani. Kinda have a feeling it could be Giovanni?

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Rival is a yummy enemies to lovers story featuring Matheus and Daniela. The chemistry between them is off the charts HOT and the dynamics between them is even better. This is an intense, fast paced story that keeps you glued to the pages from beginning to end and keeps you wondering just how it's all going to play out when we finally get the end of their journey. Another win for this author!

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading these books from the beginning. But heads down this was the best one yet. Dani is a total badass. I absolutely love Matheus. The Cliffhanger left me totally Breathless. But my favorite quote from the book is " fight with me on this and we will be drawing flip flops at dawn. Comprende's baby?" I'm biting my nails and anxiously awaiting the conclusion of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in this incredible series, and the first part of Matheus and Daniela’s duet.
This is a well written story which has enemies / lovers, secrets, family, rivals, determination, grumpy / sunshine, reverse age gap, danger, suspense, intrigue, shocking revelations, and undeniable chemistry, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy dark mafia romance, which ends in an epic cliffhanger,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dani A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay…

May contain spoilers…
I didn’t love this one. I think Andre’s story is still my top one with Gio’s being second. This book to me just dragged along. I wanted to root for them and enjoy the healing but I just didn’t. I wanted Dani to get therapy. I did like Matheus though and appreciated he wanted to be a part of what his family is doing. The plot twist at the end was a good one though. Here is to hoping their ending story is a little better than the beginning.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I have come to expect from this author, it is an intense enemies-to-lovers book with suspense and a fast paced storyline that will totally draw you in. Don't read this before bed or you won't be sleeping any time soon. I could not put it down once I started. This is a most definite must-read.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani joins the covenant and gets roomed with her enemy Mathew's, these two are electric together their push and pull will have you hooked! The story has twists that keep your interest l, and well developed characters I can't wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniela and Matheus’ story is a steamy, emotion filled, and adrenaline packed dark romance that left me gasping at the end.

With loads of twists and turns and some very heart-wrenching moments, this story had me in a chokehold the whole way through.

I can’t wait for the rest of the story after the way this one ended.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story, even though it ends in a cliffhanger. I thought the female assassin was an interesting twist. I’m not big on reverse age gap romance, but this one worked. I’m looking forward to the next book, which is the conclusion to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! A brilliantly constructed plot that kept me engaged throughout. The characters are well developed and I found myself fully invested in them. Now I am crying for Dani and desperately need the next book!
This has been an amazing series from start to finish, I will be disappointed when it's over.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven of the Souza Cartel series. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm so hooked on this series. Highly recommend reading this book. I can't wait to read the final book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of Matheus and Daniela's story. They're sworn enemies from rival crime families. That's a shame, because they're absolutely explosive together. It ends with a cliffhanger that's a real doozy. Gonna be tough to wait for the rest of this duet. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Watkins Anissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

WHAT!!! I have to wait to know we the ending?!!! This book had me so engaged!! This book is awesome. Tomas has really grown up from the first book in the series. I think Dani is perfect for him. The author wrote this story so well.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to like? A total BADA strong FMC who can take you out in a blink of an eye. Daniela and Matheus are absolutely one heck of a story. It is non-stop addictive and probably one of my favorites. Autumn did a bang up job with this one even though she leaves you hanging wanting more.

[Brandy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good!! The attraction and chemistry between Daniela and Matheus is amazing. The storyline is filled with danger, action, suspense and drama. Such a great start to their story!! I can't wait to see how their duet will end.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love! Dani is so badass and unapologetically so. Her and Mat are just delicious! I have a feeling the contract isn’t what she thought, but we shall see!!

[Carolina Montano · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

I have fallen in love with Autumn Archer work. My google search engine has her name . I just wish we didn’t have to wait so long until next book

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry between Mat and Dani explodes on the page of Hostile Rival; I need the second book as soon as possible. I am in love with the Souza men.