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Queens of Khula City #0.5

Queen of Low Blows

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Mafia Queens aren't born; they're made.

Digger, Jet, Pony, and Boss—four names synonymous with danger, power, and pain. As part of a blackjack bet, I've been given to these mafia kings by my father to do with as they please—but they don't know what cards I'm hiding up my own sleeve.

Welcome to Khula City, where four legendary Mafia remnants of a bygone era cling desperately to power. My father was indebted to these four men thanks to his gambling addiction, but when the price got too steep, he played himself into a corner and bid me, his only daughter, like a mail-order bride—on a losing hand, no less.

Now, I belonged to these men who held my life—and my body—in their iron grip.

I went with these criminal bosses, but I didn't go quietly, and if they thought I'd be a submissive little captive, they had another thing coming. I would fight them tooth and nail and make them rue the day they accepted me as collateral. I was Angeline Hernandez, daughter of fallen mafia princess Renata Torini, and I bowed to no man.

This book and all subsequent books in the standalone series contain many themes and tropes that some may find unsuitable, unsavory, or downright dark. You can find a TW list on my website.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

152 people are currently reading
316 people want to read

About the author

Heleva Risque

11 books111 followers
Heleva Risque is not afraid to get her hands dirty, and neither are the heroes she writes. From complete alphaholes to grumpy, brooding bad boys, and everything in between, her heroes are walking red flags and trauma-filled shells of their former selves, but by the end of each story, not only will you want to cry for these wounded, unhinged men, but you'll be crawling into their beds, begging to be their good girls.
And you'll love every minute of it.
Ms. Risque has several series on the docket, including her leading mafia romance series, the Khula City Crime Syndicate, and a standalone, one-shot romance so dark, so filthy, so sinful, that you'll need the confessional on Sunday to cleanse your soul.
If you've got a kindle reads list that would make conversations at Thanksgiving dinner awkward, you're in the right place.

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5 stars
101 (33%)
4 stars
92 (30%)
3 stars
76 (25%)
2 stars
25 (8%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
112 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2024
I love the tension that comes with men who try to hold a woman at arms length; and a woman who is determined to woo them.

This was a super quick read. Angeline, our stabby FMC, gets thrown into mafia life with four men. She is drawn to each man and works to break down their walls. I would have loved to dive more into each of the men and into their operation. I think their relationships with Angeline would have been not only fiery but so sweet to see grow.

This is a perfect read for someone needing a palette cleanser or someone new to mafia why choose and is unsure of how dark they would like to read into.

Thankfully, Heleva Risque has more why choose mafia romance in this world. Each of them are standalones and I am already fully into the next book!
Profile Image for Shantelle.
202 reviews12 followers
November 26, 2023
Queen of Low blows by Heleva Risque

I am a why choose girly through and through so there was no way I wasn't gonna love this book. Who doesn't like the idea of four hot men falling at your feet?!? Its every dark morally gray loving girls dream.. well atleast mine! Plus no 3rd act kidnapping or break up! Yes please! Don't get me wrong I love that in my books but every now and again I love when it all just works out for the HEA..ya know 🙃😏 now I am off to read the other 2 books in the Queens of Khula City series. 😘


This is a Novella lengh book so plot isn't going to be the focus. 🙃
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Plot: ⭐️⭐️
1,156 reviews23 followers
February 26, 2024
Couldn’t Put It Down



I loved this wild choose, Mafia read! This is the first book of this author’s that I read and it won’t be the last.  I loved how developed all of the characters were and could feel the draw between Angelene and her four men - Boss, Pony, Jet and Digger. The story moved quickly and before I knew it, it was over. I read it in one sitting without even realizing it! That’s how absorbed in it I was.  Now I’m off to grab another from this series of standalones. 

Profile Image for Chubby Romance Reader .
437 reviews185 followers
November 20, 2023
Good short read

Queen of low blows was a good mafia read. I don't really consider it a dark read, and it didn't have very many of the normal things that happen in mafia stories, but it was still an enjoyable read. It had high steam and no angst or very many triggering scenes.
Profile Image for Tabatha Slagle.
405 reviews16 followers
February 6, 2024
There's age gap, why choose, light mafia, and plenty of spice. Angeline's father, Sammy, bid her in a blackjack game, lost, and paid the ultimate price. Angeline ends up being taken back to crime bosses Jet, Pony, Digger, and Boss's compound. She keeps her promise of not making life easy on them. It does end on a bit of cliffhanger, so be prepared for that.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,464 reviews22 followers
February 4, 2024
Why didn’t anyone tell me? Angeline Hernandez is no stranger to the mafia world. It is just her and her dad now. They are struggling because every cent her father makes, he gambles away. Ange is just trying to keep a roof over their heads by any means necessary. Even if that means is hanging out with her dad’s old partner. Angeline enjoys older men. She was shocked when her dad invited her to the”mafia gambling hall.” Everyone in there knew her dad had something up his sleeve even the mafia bosses present.

Pony, Jet, Digger and Boss knew that Angeline’s father would not be walking out of this establishment alive. It had already been decided. He owed too much money to the house. It became painfully obvious that he was in over his head when he bet Angeline on his last hand. The guys lost all respect for him and knew they needed to get Angeline away from this toxic environment.

Angeline knew she was a boss and these men were hers, they just didn’t know it yet. These bosses fell hard. I can’t wait to continue on with this series. This series is just going to be a group of women that run men that are considered bosses. I am so here for all of that. A woman that can handle herself and handle her men as well. I’m lovin’ it.
Profile Image for Dusty Shirley.
952 reviews11 followers
April 3, 2024
Age Gaps anyone?

Who has Daddy issues? Why , Angelina, of course. What do you do when said Dad loses you in a Card game to the mafia well, seduce them of course and become their queen.
Profile Image for Jawa Kween Reads.
283 reviews24 followers
February 11, 2024
Mafia why choose best believe I’m reading it!

This book is a short read and it was amazing. A daughter who is given to the mafia because of her father. She ends up with 4 sexy mafia men. 🥵 don’t pass this book up.
Profile Image for Alyx Reese.
358 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2023
First up in the Queens of Khula City this novella is merely a taste of what’s to come. This is mafia dark, dark romance, and dark kinky smut. Be warned, or in some cases like mine, use it as a shopping list. This is a reverse harem, why choose, age gap romance. It has a happy ending, (or I wouldn’t be here, right?).

Angeline is the daughter of a disowned mafia princess and a low level mob thug with an alcohol and gambling addiction. Sadly, when her Mom died when she was 10 she promised her that she’d look out for her Dad. Addicts don’t need a reason to use, win, lose, rich, poor, in love, out of love, all of it is a reason to over indulge in their addiction of choice. Angeline’s father goes too far, and bets her on a hand of Blackjack that he loses. So she becomes the ‘property’ of Boss, Jet, Pony and Digger.

Not really sure who owns who, they certainly ‘think’ they’re in charge. But Angeline is fierce and strong, forced to grow up way to soon, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Despite the unconventional way their relationship begins, they all genuinely care for her, even if some of them tried to hide it. It was hysterical seeing them frantically try to fight her tricks. She turned the tables on all of them.

Age gaps are tricky, in this case Heleva does an amazing job not only with her world building, but in creating characters that slowly grow as the book progresses. It’s not a stretch to understand why Angeline would gravitate towards older men, her father was a rat b*****d. Each in their own way, show her affection and attention in ways that she needs, and never received. Angeline grows with them, and they grow with her as well. The four of them have their own baggage, she is just present in a way that allows them to let go. It’s not easy to write that of dialogue and characters, but Heleva does it again and again.

Of course the sex is off the charts hotness, and while the scene in Boss’s office made me choke, I have an all new appreciate for why kitchen islands are necessary.
Profile Image for Kyla Lockwood.
162 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2024
Not bad

This book was not as expected. Let's start for the reason of the four stars...originally while reading I thought it would be a five star but I was having some struggle with the growth of the charcters and the connections. The main charcter has trauma and it is only pointed out once, there was no change or growth from it no tying that to another, nothing. Like a side note, that caused it to feel unneeded to even bring up since it didn't explain anything about the charcter itself really. Same for Boss, his trauma only spoke of fear and then nothing, no change. That's the only reason for four stars.

Now the rest of the book. I loved the plot, found it easy to read and interesting. Sure this is a steam book of smut, but it's a wonderfully put together book of Smut. My favorite scene is the first time she is alone with the guys in the house. It made me laugh out loud. As you move through the chapters you watch each of the guys break to the first queen.
I do wish more of the Mafia comes out if there is a book two but overall not bad.
The ending better mean there is a book two since it just stops in the middle of the story for me.

Would I recommend, well if you like SMUT, you like mafia vibes, and older guys this is the book for you and I would definitely recommend.
569 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2024
Queen of Low Blows is the first book in the series and although any of the books could be read as a standalone I would recommend starting here and reading in published order. There are a few little events and interactions with other characters and some of the minor characters themselves that carry forward into the next books.

Queen of Low Blows is an interesting set up into the mafia world of Khula City and how Angeline meets and gets involved with Digger, Jet, Pony and Boss could be described as suspenseful, intense, spicy and little bonkers. I thought each character, though morally grey, were intriguing and I wanted to know more about them, especially the men. I got a good sense of what made Angeline tic and the bits of personal info about the men only teased me into wanting more back history about them which is why only 4 stars. I wanted more because they captivated me!

I had inadvertently started with Queen of Wildcards which gave me exactly what was missing here which was a deeper dive into the characters and I loved it!

I highly recommend the Queen of Khula City series and definitely start here with The Queen of Low Blows, it should not be missed!
450 reviews15 followers
February 3, 2024
While this mafia why choose has the standard de@dbe@t parent gambling away their daughter, this story is anything by standard.

Angeline, FMC, is a feisty 20-year-old that has been responsible for her father since her mother’s passing. She has done some things she is not proud of, but it paid the rent. The guys who “won” her from her father (Boss, Pony, Digger, and Jet) are older and run their own crew. This group relationship went from hands off to Angeline seducing each one.

I will admit that at first, I was not a fan of Angeline. However, based on her life and what she had to do when her father kept taking her money, I can understand a lot of her actions. By the end of the book, I was fully on team Angeline. The smexy times between her and the guys burn up the pages. This group does get their HEA.

I really enjoyed this author’s writing style. This was a quick easy read with plenty of spice. It is a wonderful way to spend a few hours reading. I want to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Magik.
723 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2024
So I've been curious about mafia romance since I fell in love with the webtoon Mafia Nanny and I must be more curious than I thought because this was not the book I thought it was when I downloaded it on my kindle app XD I was so confused. I guess I have a couple mafia romances waiting for me to read them. Anyway, this was a fun read (and uh definitely not at all like Mafia Nanny but even if it wasn't the book I thought it was I still knew going in it wouldn't be since webtoon doesn't do anything spicy (and boy was this spicy *fans self*)). I would have liked to have a little more depth to the story especially surrounding Boss and Angeline with more of a buildup of him being angry with her and then maybe showing her overhearing his phone call with the therapist. That one scene (ifykyk) felt a little "wait what?" so more build up would've made it more impactful? or something? But that all aside, it was an entertaining read with plenty of spice and a little fucked up at times which who doesn't love getting a little twisted?
Profile Image for Charlene Alana  Henderson .
1,322 reviews33 followers
January 20, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author and boy oh boy it won't be my last, I fucking loved it. It was a super quick read that I ate it up, so delicious.

It's a rollercoaster ride with twists you don't see coming. It's dark, twisted, spicy, thrilling, interesting and loads more.

Our fmc Angeline hasn't had a great time of it, she has an awful father, but selling your daughter to 4 ruthless mafia men is right up there. But she don't need to worry about dear old father anymore, the mafia hunks took care of that. But now she's belongs to the boss, jet, digger and pony. She's to follow their rules. But she isn't having any of it. She will fight her way to the top and one by one each man will be on their knees. After all she is the daughter of the fallen mafia princess! What mafia man will fall first? Will they rule together?

Fuck me what a ride this was, I couldn't put it down, the characters storyline and plot where excellent it has me gripped. I will definitely read more from this author. Highly recommend.
1,101 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2023
Angeline grew up rough and this taught her to be bold, unapologetic, and to embrace her sexuality. Her father is a low life and stole from the wrong men. Boss, Digger, Jet, and Pony are nearly twice her age, scarred emotionally, and own her after her dad wagered her and lost. Ange surprises these men with her resilience, her courage, and her responsiveness.

Helena Risqué creates an atmosphere of danger in a dark world of violence while bringing Ange and her intoxicating men together to form a family. Their personalities mesh as she pursues each man, the carnally dirty encounters convey the deepening feelings they have for each other. I love her character and how her men love and support her. I hope to see more of them as more Queens of Khula are revealed!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daria.
2,003 reviews42 followers
February 8, 2024
Well... I got what I didn't expect. A new to me author and a pretty great story.
Why choose is all the rage at the moment and this right here totally let's you immerse yourself.
The girl - whew saying she had a hard life a understatement for sure. With a dad that's less than a father figure. She makes her life the best way she can.
The Crew - a set up or payback? The four are ruthless, Dangerous and play by their own rules. Each a specific personality that brings their specialized niche to the table. Ah, a night of gambling and circumstances change.
The write gave a wee bit of insight on each characters back story. As the story progresses we see an evolution per se 🙂 in wants, needs even acceptance.
A little bit of dark, a mix of heat, passion, element of danger. 'Giggity' o.m.g. loved. Well done. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Victoria Wilson.
276 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2024
Spicy mafia age gap x 4…

Angeline finds herself in the hands of four older mafia legends after her father uses her in a bet against them at their own gambling table. His gambling addiction takes it a step too far on a losing hand. Now she's theirs but she doesn't make it easy for them. She definitely has a thing for older men and she's determined to turn the tables in her favor. After all, being with them puts her in a much better place than where she was before.

If you're looking for a super spicy age gap with not one but four older hot and dangerous men, this novella has you covered big time. Angeline turns things upside down for Digger, Jet, Pony, and Boss whether they're ready for it or not. She knows what she wants and she goes after it.

This book is the prequel to the Queens of Khula City series and it definitely sets the tone. It was so good and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for TheSugaredBookworm.
691 reviews14 followers
November 16, 2023
Super hot!!

I was sucked in IMMEDIATELY!! Angeline is a tornado of a character! She's fierce, she's strong, she's sultry, and she wrecks havoc and chaos! Lol!! I loved her!! I loved her guys as well! She had an immediate attraction to all of them. Despite the unorthodox way their relationship begins, they all genuinely care for her. It was funny seeing them frantically try to fight her wiles. She turned all their flirtations against them, lol. She was completely comfortable in herself and unapologetic about what she wanted. It was super steamy and I loved it!!
Profile Image for Gemma Osment.
274 reviews
February 5, 2024
You have 4 guys who are mafia boss,pony, digger and jet.they are all mafia.when they are playing a game of poker with someone who has been cheating and stealing from them,he loses and bets his daughter,so afterwards they kill him and take angeline.
I loved that she was fiesty and gave as good as she got.digger was the softy when it came to her,where as boss fought tooth and nail against his attraction to her..jet and pony were kinda the jokers,all 4 of them were pure dirty mouthed.i would loved to have seen what happened with them all in the future
Profile Image for Aleana.
87 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2024
I can always tell a great book when I am able to visualize the characters and story easily in my head like watching a movie. This book did not disappoint. Though there wasn’t a huge plot, the story with mob type intentions and a four guys to one girl was a perfect read for me. The characters were well balanced, the spice 🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and the urge to read more of the story was on point. Plus that ending … chefs kiss 😍
Can’t wait to read more from this author and find out more about the guys and their queen!
94 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2024
Angeline and her scary mafia men 10/10 I could not get enough of this book! And the sadness I felt when it was over! I want more of this crew! (I’ve said that about the other two groups as well! 😂) this world that the author has created is easily one of my FAVORITES! This book had gatsby vibes with some hunky, possessive and dangerous men. The FMC is a strong willed captive. The spice in this did not disappoint! If you haven’t started reading about Khula City yet then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? A sign??…. Well here it is!! 10/10 recommend this whole series 🖤
Profile Image for Carley Misener.
386 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2024
5/5⭐️, 4/5🌶️

I absolutely loved this. All the details just went together smoothly. The characters were so well written. Putting up their walls and trying to block Ange out. She was definitely my favourite character. A strong tell ya how it is women who gets what she wants, from who she wants. Pony, Jet, Digger and Boss were all so well written. Id love to read more on the 5 of them and see where their life take's them. It would be the icing on the cake. But I highly recommend this!
Profile Image for Dennis.
952 reviews27 followers
June 20, 2024
Spicy 🌶️ Why Choose Mafia

Ok this is a Why Choose Mafia Romance that is seriously terrific and really hot and spicy 🌶️.
I like the Main Female Character, she systematically seduces her Mafia guys one by one and it is really hot 🥵 in One scene they are spit roasting her and there is more butt stuff as well.

There is sort of a cliffhanger, but it is not a life and death 💀 one.

I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too.
Profile Image for Angie Richards.
270 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2023
I seriously love this book from start to finish. I felt so bad for the girl in the very beginning because her dad seriously did not give a crap about her but she gets a happy ending or more like many happy endings lol. The plot is amazing and I absolutely loved all of the characters I highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Chris06.
607 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2023
Angeline… lost in a bet by her dad but ends up the winner.

4 smoking 🔥silver fox Mafia men…. I mean wowzers.

They are supposed to be hands off but yeah .. she wants nothing more than their hands on.

This chick is tough … strong … and goes after what she wants and she wants them all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,326 reviews73 followers
January 19, 2024
Queen Of Low Blows is my first read by this author and it's quite the story. Digger, Pony, Jet, Boss and Angeline take us on a fun, intense, exciting journey. Their story is an easy read with great characters and storyline that pulls you in immediately and keeps you there all the way through. I may want a Khula City where I live if there's guys like these four to keep me occupied.
Profile Image for Library.of.linds.
698 reviews31 followers
February 5, 2024
Queen of Low Blows

This is the first books I’ve read from this author but I loved it. It’s a quick read but packed full of spice! If you’re looking for a good mafia read, give this one a try.

This is the first book in the Queens of Khula series and I’m so glad that there are others! I can’t wait to read the rest from Heleva!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Lanz.
154 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
dark mafia reverse harem

SPOILER ALERT : So this story starts off with Angie and her awful dad who sells her to a group of 4 mafia men and they try to resist Angie but fail miserable and that’s how the rest is history but I would like to know


SPOILER ALERT : who is the father of the baby and how many twins? Boy ? Girl etc
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
602 reviews14 followers
August 24, 2024
Queen of Low Blows is the prequal Queens of Khula City Series, and the first book I read by this author. Let me tell you that this book grabbed me and didn’t let go. It’s a pretty quick read but oh so good! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!


As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!
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