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Mafia Doms #2
Control
I've been taking care of myself for as long as I can remember. Kicked out as a teen, I’ve gone from living on the streets to earning money in any way possible. My life has never been easy, but it’s still mine.
Now Evan, a mafia enforcer, has taken a liking to me. He thinks he can “save” me. Well, he can fuck right off. I'm never going to be dependent on anyone else ever again.
Because if I start to fall for him, if I start to rely on him, it'll hurt even worse when he inevitably decides to dump me just like everybody else does.
This is the second book of the Mafia Doms series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is best enjoyed after reading Submit. Content warnings include stalking, sex work, and violence. Control is a “mid-gray-to-dark” 83k word novel from Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix. Please look inside for more detailed notes.
Now Evan, a mafia enforcer, has taken a liking to me. He thinks he can “save” me. Well, he can fuck right off. I'm never going to be dependent on anyone else ever again.
Because if I start to fall for him, if I start to rely on him, it'll hurt even worse when he inevitably decides to dump me just like everybody else does.
This is the second book of the Mafia Doms series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is best enjoyed after reading Submit. Content warnings include stalking, sex work, and violence. Control is a “mid-gray-to-dark” 83k word novel from Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix. Please look inside for more detailed notes.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
258 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Adara Wolf
50 books434 followersI write almost exclusive m/m, but I have a fondness for bisexual protagonists. I enjoy a lot of darker themes, so you'll see a lot of that around here.
When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.
If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)
You can also follow me on facebook and twitter. I also have a Patreon account
When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.
If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)
You can also follow me on facebook and twitter. I also have a Patreon account
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 24, 2024
4.5 stars. You want a fluffy read? Just keep walking.
You want a big burly possessive head of the mafia security guy, who’s obsessed with a sex worker and wants him safe? Grab this with two hands!! It’s goooood!
Evan is mafia boss Silvano Cresci’s head of security, at a mob meeting in a sex club he is stunned by the beautiful dancer/sex worker Helios.
Helios doesn’t trust Evan one bit. He’s a killer, and Helios is certain he will be next.
What do you want to do?” He grins at me. “Except run away. That’s not an option.
Kept against his will, by a possible murderer, yippee that’s fun. NOT!
Evan wants to keep Helios safe, away from Steve, his club boss who steals money from his employees. He’s a dirty boss who doesn’t mind when customers are roughing up his workers.
He got Helios in his claws.
“How’s this stay in your pants, anyway? Do you have special underwear?”
Without both knowing, they have some romantic moments, on the other hand, they are arguing a lot and I wondered how patient Evan really was.
I love it when a read gives me what I want, not in a predictable way, but more in a satisfying way I didn’t know I needed.
Evan is quite the sappy one, and Helios is super reluctant, because duh, obviously, it’s mafia we’re talking about, and that means blood and killing right?
Gosh, I loved this story, it was super entertaining, bloody at times, with crazy shady characters.
The stalker parts were awesomely done! There are some delicious spicy moments to enjoy.
Overall a story I enjoyed very much!
You want a big burly possessive head of the mafia security guy, who’s obsessed with a sex worker and wants him safe? Grab this with two hands!! It’s goooood!
Evan is mafia boss Silvano Cresci’s head of security, at a mob meeting in a sex club he is stunned by the beautiful dancer/sex worker Helios.
Helios doesn’t trust Evan one bit. He’s a killer, and Helios is certain he will be next.
What do you want to do?” He grins at me. “Except run away. That’s not an option.
Kept against his will, by a possible murderer, yippee that’s fun. NOT!
Evan wants to keep Helios safe, away from Steve, his club boss who steals money from his employees. He’s a dirty boss who doesn’t mind when customers are roughing up his workers.
He got Helios in his claws.
“How’s this stay in your pants, anyway? Do you have special underwear?”
Without both knowing, they have some romantic moments, on the other hand, they are arguing a lot and I wondered how patient Evan really was.
I love it when a read gives me what I want, not in a predictable way, but more in a satisfying way I didn’t know I needed.
Evan is quite the sappy one, and Helios is super reluctant, because duh, obviously, it’s mafia we’re talking about, and that means blood and killing right?
Gosh, I loved this story, it was super entertaining, bloody at times, with crazy shady characters.
The stalker parts were awesomely done! There are some delicious spicy moments to enjoy.
Overall a story I enjoyed very much!
May 5, 2024
Solid 4 ⭐
Biggest reason? 'cuz it made me laugh, several times. their humor - or banter? - just tickled my funny bone. It really brightened my day. Mostly in the first half of the book.
I took one look at the cover and though 'choke me' . God, these hands are to be worshipped.
May contain mild spoilers ahead
For me, this wasn't that dark. From a scale of one to one hundred, maybe a 5? I mean, yes, there was stalking - only on the phone though. And aside from one scene of light bondage- with cuffs, there was zero kink. I think they could pass as a very normal couple if not for Evan's obsession with H.
Oh, and I liked Evan.
Biggest reason? 'cuz it made me laugh, several times. their humor - or banter? - just tickled my funny bone. It really brightened my day. Mostly in the first half of the book.
I took one look at the cover and though 'choke me' . God, these hands are to be worshipped.
May contain mild spoilers ahead
For me, this wasn't that dark. From a scale of one to one hundred, maybe a 5? I mean, yes, there was stalking - only on the phone though. And aside from one scene of light bondage- with cuffs, there was zero kink. I think they could pass as a very normal couple if not for Evan's obsession with H.
Oh, and I liked Evan.
March 20, 2025
3.75✨ ~ One of the minor characters is annoying but I absolutely loved the main pairing. I thought the writing was good and I loved the dynamic between Helios and Evan. It was really sweet, but definitely take a look at trigger warnings!
May 16, 2024
This was exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up: a quick, fun, smutty, dark romance. I love a lot of the tropes mentioned and I wasn't disappointed. I never really fell in love with either character, but that wasn't what I was here for. I wanted a possessive MC (check - thanks Evan), some light stalking (in a semi-good way??), and I love a good sex work trope. Evan, though kind of oblivious, was possessive and obsessive in such a fun way. Helios was strong in his own way, though beaten down by life when he meets Evan. I enjoyed the mafia aspect as well, which can be hit or miss for me. And the ending was surprisingly realistic and healthy! 3/5 spice levels.
Notes: sex worker, obsession, possessive MC, stalking, mafia, puzzles, violence, there's a dog!
Notes: sex worker, obsession, possessive MC, stalking, mafia, puzzles, violence, there's a dog!
October 2, 2024
The chokehold this audio had me in!!!!! Omg love Evan & Helios… cackled so much… now I’m dying for the other ones from this series… downloaded 😝😝😝 big shoutout to these amazing authors!!!! SN: Fox was my fav 🤣🤣🤣
February 1, 2025
Well, I ate this up quite quickly. And I loved almost everything about it (some side characters were not my vibes... I'm looking at you, Fox) and the relationship between Evan and Helios were great, especially towards the end.
March 25, 2024
I recived an ARC for this one amd I give my onest opinion. I liked it (it s very well writen loke all the books by this authors), but it s kinnd a bit to fluffy for a mafia romance. This mobsters are soooo considerate and kind. I expected something else but if are looking for something sweet the this is for you..
November 3, 2024
Oh my god, Helios got on my nerves so bad when I read this. I wanted to strangle him.
March 26, 2024
I just finished CONTROL by Adara Wolf and RPhoenix. I hadn't read any of their work before, and I really enjoyed it.
Control can be read as a standalone or as a part of the series. I didn't feel lost not having read any of the other books, Helios and Evan were their own thing.
Evan, head of security for a mafia don, meets Helios on the job. It's an instalust thing for Evan. He is just so into Helios from the get-go.
Read the content warning and trigger warnings.
Evan goes full stalker to become more involved in Helios' admittedly horrible life.
Helios is a sex worker trapped in his life. He's given up any hope of ever getting out, scared to be abandoned again. He has resigned himself to the fact that nothing good will ever happen to him. Evan doesn't quit trying to break down the walls around Helios' heart. He doesn't even think about it. Evan relentlessly pursues Helios.
This was a dark mafia romance. It had its gritty horrible parts, but to see Helios soften to Evan's campaign for a happily ever after was a joy. Chorizo was adorable and heartbreaking, too, in equal measure.
The chemistry between the mcs was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and on point for the characters. The aversion to ------- was understandable, and Evan's thoughtfulness was a treasure.
Honestly, I left the book happy for the couple, and I really want to be Helios's friend.
Absolutely recommend if you're looking for a darker Papí romance featuring mafiosos and sex workers. Again, read those content warnings. Some scenes were just absolutely heartbreaking.
Who doesn't love a possessive unhinged mafia enforcer willing to break all the rules for you?
Control can be read as a standalone or as a part of the series. I didn't feel lost not having read any of the other books, Helios and Evan were their own thing.
Evan, head of security for a mafia don, meets Helios on the job. It's an instalust thing for Evan. He is just so into Helios from the get-go.
Read the content warning and trigger warnings.
Evan goes full stalker to become more involved in Helios' admittedly horrible life.
Helios is a sex worker trapped in his life. He's given up any hope of ever getting out, scared to be abandoned again. He has resigned himself to the fact that nothing good will ever happen to him. Evan doesn't quit trying to break down the walls around Helios' heart. He doesn't even think about it. Evan relentlessly pursues Helios.
This was a dark mafia romance. It had its gritty horrible parts, but to see Helios soften to Evan's campaign for a happily ever after was a joy. Chorizo was adorable and heartbreaking, too, in equal measure.
The chemistry between the mcs was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and on point for the characters. The aversion to ------- was understandable, and Evan's thoughtfulness was a treasure.
Honestly, I left the book happy for the couple, and I really want to be Helios's friend.
Absolutely recommend if you're looking for a darker Papí romance featuring mafiosos and sex workers. Again, read those content warnings. Some scenes were just absolutely heartbreaking.
Who doesn't love a possessive unhinged mafia enforcer willing to break all the rules for you?
March 27, 2024
Another fabulous mafia doms book. I have enjoyed this series so much (starting with Cristiano and Fox in the ruthless daddies series). In this book we get to know Evan better, we met him previously when he took over as head of security for Silvano. Cristiano is the one that brought him into our lives! So thanks Cristiano cause woo, Evan is hot and just so dang sweet (well to Helios). Evan is mysterious, dangerous, and so sexy. He is just minding his own business, doing his job when Helios saunters into his life and completely turns his world upside down. Evan is hooked, he can’t focus except on Helios. Helios is a stripper at the club Silvano’s meeting is taking place at. Helios is flirty and sensual, but we learn it’s an act. The poor guy has a manager/pimp who makes sure Helios does his job. Evan tries to break down Helios walls but it’s slow going. Helios doesn’t trust easily…or at all…especially men as dangerous as Evan. He’s terrified but he knows how to play the game and survive. It’s such an intriguing and interesting plot, with lots of steamy times, blood and gore, a protective, possessive man, and a stripper that just needs a helping hand and to let those walls down. As always the writing is fantastic. This book was smoking hot, funny, sweet and twisted and dark for those of us that just have black hearts. This is a great dark mafia romance between the muscle and the stripper. And if you haven’t read Cristian and Fox’s story or Kyran and Silvano’s, I highly recommend all three books. This duo of authors always bring a great plot, endearing characters and all the feels.
April 26, 2024
Only Slightly Stalkery
We've had Silvano and Kyran, plus Christiano and his Murder Twink Fox, now we have Silvano's bodyguard Evan and his own twink Helios.
The bosses are having a meeting at a gay strip club, and Silvano is annoying Kyran by teasing Evan with the twink and giving him a dank from the lithe Latino dancer, Helios.
Thing is, after the private dance, and a bit more, Evan is obsessed.
He's sending gifts, turning up at his work and outside his home, and though Helios sees it as stalking, Evan just wants to take care of him and date him.
And his dog - though it's only a street dog, the animal has imprinted on Helios.
Helios isn't used to being treated kindly and he's stuck in the job with pimp Steve because of a debt he owes.
Evan might be big and scary but he's also sweet and sort of adorable, with Helios calling him Papi.
The washing of the dog scene is hilarious, the scenes with Fox being Fox are great too.
I look forward to seeing what Knives is about in the next book and we get a HEA - after a lot of vengeance that is.
We've had Silvano and Kyran, plus Christiano and his Murder Twink Fox, now we have Silvano's bodyguard Evan and his own twink Helios.
The bosses are having a meeting at a gay strip club, and Silvano is annoying Kyran by teasing Evan with the twink and giving him a dank from the lithe Latino dancer, Helios.
Thing is, after the private dance, and a bit more, Evan is obsessed.
He's sending gifts, turning up at his work and outside his home, and though Helios sees it as stalking, Evan just wants to take care of him and date him.
And his dog - though it's only a street dog, the animal has imprinted on Helios.
Helios isn't used to being treated kindly and he's stuck in the job with pimp Steve because of a debt he owes.
Evan might be big and scary but he's also sweet and sort of adorable, with Helios calling him Papi.
The washing of the dog scene is hilarious, the scenes with Fox being Fox are great too.
I look forward to seeing what Knives is about in the next book and we get a HEA - after a lot of vengeance that is.
March 27, 2024
OMG, I just finished reading it and absolutely loved it! This mafia series just keeps getting better and better!
Control is about Evan (Head of security of a mafia Dom) and Helios, a sex worker he meets in a club and can't stop thinking about.
Helios has had a very difficult life and doesn't trust anyone and has a lot of difficulties letting anyone in. However, Evan can't leave Helios alone and maybe resort to some "light" stalking which I absolutely loved.
These two are just so perfect for each other and they 100% deserve a HEA.
"You think you always have to be in control of every situation, that you can't relax or let someone else see you vulnerable." He secures the cuff to the bedpost, then offers his hand out for my other wrist. "But you can".
Read this if you are looking for a dark mafia romance with hurt/comfort, daddy vibes, stalking, touch him a die vibes.
Please check CW, this is a dark romance with heavy themes
Control is about Evan (Head of security of a mafia Dom) and Helios, a sex worker he meets in a club and can't stop thinking about.
Helios has had a very difficult life and doesn't trust anyone and has a lot of difficulties letting anyone in. However, Evan can't leave Helios alone and maybe resort to some "light" stalking which I absolutely loved.
These two are just so perfect for each other and they 100% deserve a HEA.
"You think you always have to be in control of every situation, that you can't relax or let someone else see you vulnerable." He secures the cuff to the bedpost, then offers his hand out for my other wrist. "But you can".
Read this if you are looking for a dark mafia romance with hurt/comfort, daddy vibes, stalking, touch him a die vibes.
Please check CW, this is a dark romance with heavy themes
June 19, 2024
Surprisingly heart-warming for a mafia story
There are definitely uncomfortable parts, especially when it comes to Helios's work and time in the club. Also, I didn't realise until it got to that part, but it's not until the end that we finally find out his name, it just got normal after a while.
Evan is definitely delusional if he's actually surprised that his behaviour freaks Helios out. I mean, under normal circumstances I'd be screaming at my kindle that Helios should get away from Evan as soon as possible. Maybe not now, considering something far worse is waiting for him.
I am glad Helios was stubborn and got a relatively normal relationship in the end (even though Evan is still overprotective).
There are definitely uncomfortable parts, especially when it comes to Helios's work and time in the club. Also, I didn't realise until it got to that part, but it's not until the end that we finally find out his name, it just got normal after a while.
Evan is definitely delusional if he's actually surprised that his behaviour freaks Helios out. I mean, under normal circumstances I'd be screaming at my kindle that Helios should get away from Evan as soon as possible. Maybe not now, considering something far worse is waiting for him.
I am glad Helios was stubborn and got a relatively normal relationship in the end (even though Evan is still overprotective).
March 24, 2024
Anticipated and delivered.
So this is my third adventure in the Mafia Doms series (if I also count the prequel novella). And I was really happy with the way the story turned out. It is just enough angsty, just enough sweet, but also dark. None of the characters are good or just bad. And I mean all of them. Silvano is provoking poor baby Kyran, Fox is a little bitch who hates competition, Cristiano was just done with Fox most of the time (and I loved that), and Evan was a fierce protector who used questionable means.
There is barely any plot but the character focus was definitely worth it. And I mean that. I usually like some plot in mafia book but here was so much character development that I just could not put it down. I only wished the authors did not tease us with them being versatile but it is just talked about. I understand that the reason may be that some readers want strict roles, but why not make it different for once? Maybe in some other story.
I received an e-ARC (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own. I never filter my opinions on books.
So this is my third adventure in the Mafia Doms series (if I also count the prequel novella). And I was really happy with the way the story turned out. It is just enough angsty, just enough sweet, but also dark. None of the characters are good or just bad. And I mean all of them. Silvano is provoking poor baby Kyran, Fox is a little bitch who hates competition, Cristiano was just done with Fox most of the time (and I loved that), and Evan was a fierce protector who used questionable means.
There is barely any plot but the character focus was definitely worth it. And I mean that. I usually like some plot in mafia book but here was so much character development that I just could not put it down. I only wished the authors did not tease us with them being versatile but it is just talked about. I understand that the reason may be that some readers want strict roles, but why not make it different for once? Maybe in some other story.
I received an e-ARC (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own. I never filter my opinions on books.
March 28, 2024
It’s just this urge to take care of him, even though he’s prickly and I don’t think he’d ever admit to wanting or needing help. Fuck, I want to lock him up in my room and keep him safe from the outside world.
—
Helios💛Evan
I have to admit I have a weakness for overprotective Bad Boys 😌
Evan is this super scary guy, deadset to protect Helios no matter what!
Helios NEEEEEDS to be protected (even if he doesn’t think so)
Their dynamic was great and I loved the whole development of CONTROL 🔥
—
Helios💛Evan
I have to admit I have a weakness for overprotective Bad Boys 😌
Evan is this super scary guy, deadset to protect Helios no matter what!
Helios NEEEEEDS to be protected (even if he doesn’t think so)
Their dynamic was great and I loved the whole development of CONTROL 🔥
March 26, 2024
Love Phoenix and Wolf's world building 😍
Helios has a rough life and Evan's life is lonely. It doesn't help Evan that his boss is flaunting his love life in Evan's face 🥲 Evan just want someone to take care of and come home to. Helios just want to survive the hand he's been dealt.
I find their story to be a sweet love story set in a Mafia world.
The quote: “You’re like a genie, you know that? Has anyone wished for your freedom before?” absolutely broke me 💔
5/5⭐️
5/5📝
3/5🌶
Helios has a rough life and Evan's life is lonely. It doesn't help Evan that his boss is flaunting his love life in Evan's face 🥲 Evan just want someone to take care of and come home to. Helios just want to survive the hand he's been dealt.
I find their story to be a sweet love story set in a Mafia world.
The quote: “You’re like a genie, you know that? Has anyone wished for your freedom before?” absolutely broke me 💔
5/5⭐️
5/5📝
3/5🌶
March 25, 2024
Wow! This story is both heartbreaking and heart-warming. That Helios couldn’t let himself believe Evan wanted the best for him, the things he had to do and say to save himself from Steve, honestly it ripped my heart out. And omg, Fox is Fox. You feel like throttling him and then… Another brilliant book by these two authors. This is an amazing series that makes me feel, hurts my heart, and then puts it all back together again.
March 26, 2024
Love this series ,,Evan works as the head of security for the Mafia and when he is in a meeting he sees Helios the stripper/ sex worker and Evan’s falls down hard for Helios now if he gets the chance to show Helios love instead of dancing for money but they have a lot to work through especially Helios boss who wants no to lose Helios there is a lot more involved in this book you have to read it,,,,,I read this book for these authors for my honest opinion
June 18, 2024
4.5 stars
November 2, 2025
these people are annoying and I stopped caring once they were together
March 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this MM Dark Mafia romance. It does have violence that happens to one of the MMCs so please check TW. It has stripping, murder, obsession, stalking and a lot of spice. I highly recommend this book.
April 2, 2024
✅ Mafia
✅ Dark Romance
✅ Daddy Kink
✅ Possessive MC
✅ Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely love this series it has all my favorite tropes and then some. It is possible to read as a standalone but I highly recommend starting from the beginning since not only will it make more sense but the previous books are fire! Previous characters continue to show up as well which is great. As for these two Evan is everything you want from a possessive a$$hole MC lol. He doesn’t want to admit that he needs Evan but he’s actually perfect for him and vice versa.
Definitely read the warnings to make sure this is your jam and if it is enjoy the ride!
✅ Dark Romance
✅ Daddy Kink
✅ Possessive MC
✅ Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely love this series it has all my favorite tropes and then some. It is possible to read as a standalone but I highly recommend starting from the beginning since not only will it make more sense but the previous books are fire! Previous characters continue to show up as well which is great. As for these two Evan is everything you want from a possessive a$$hole MC lol. He doesn’t want to admit that he needs Evan but he’s actually perfect for him and vice versa.
Definitely read the warnings to make sure this is your jam and if it is enjoy the ride!
March 26, 2024
These authors have done it again! This was everything I’ve come to love. Let me back up all the warm and fuzzy. This is NOT a fluffy book! It still delivers all I wanted in this book. Head of the mafia meets sex club worker. Perfect!
March 23, 2024
Reviewed in the United States I loved Evan and Helios. Hellos didn't care for the his boss who treated him like dirt. Evan wants to protect and control Hellos. Hellos doesn't want to be controlled like his boss did to him because it's not living
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2024
Absolutely loved! Evan was just the right amount of creepy without going to far, and thank goodness Helios didn't immediately ignore all the red flags. I love a good stalker book and this was amazing! And I enjoyed the cameos from previous characters.
October 2, 2024
Meh.
I liked “Submit” way better.
I don’t even remember these character’s names. But you have a mafia enforcer who is also a service top and can’t seem to actually protect the object of his affection which was really unattractive. He needs a lot of help doing the protecting which seemed odd to me considering he’s supposed to be like….. head of security. But okay.
The other MC is a sex worker and we have to suffer through sexual encounters with people other than the other MC. Nothing wrong with that. But not my cuppa. I thought it would be like former sex work once he got with the MC . But no he continues. Grant it, it makes sense for his character. But it was still really annoying. That coupled with the lack luster performance of our “supposedly” stronger and bigger MC. And yea just not nearly as enjoyable as Submit.
Fox was also really annoying. And it’s crazy that I remember his name ( probably because he was so annoying) but I can’t actually remember the MC’s of this book. Because Fox is a side character in this book.
Oh well, I do like these authors tho, so here hoping I love the next one.
I liked “Submit” way better.
I don’t even remember these character’s names. But you have a mafia enforcer who is also a service top and can’t seem to actually protect the object of his affection which was really unattractive. He needs a lot of help doing the protecting which seemed odd to me considering he’s supposed to be like….. head of security. But okay.
The other MC is a sex worker and we have to suffer through sexual encounters with people other than the other MC. Nothing wrong with that. But not my cuppa. I thought it would be like former sex work once he got with the MC . But no he continues. Grant it, it makes sense for his character. But it was still really annoying. That coupled with the lack luster performance of our “supposedly” stronger and bigger MC. And yea just not nearly as enjoyable as Submit.
Fox was also really annoying. And it’s crazy that I remember his name ( probably because he was so annoying) but I can’t actually remember the MC’s of this book. Because Fox is a side character in this book.
Oh well, I do like these authors tho, so here hoping I love the next one.
March 29, 2024
I didn't feel like these characters had any chemistry throughout the entire book. Helios made terrible decisions left and right, and I felt like Evan had the maturity of a teenager. It was weird, and the writing and storyline felt disjointed. Honestly, once the main storyline resolved itself, I skimmed the last chapter because I didn't find it interesting at all anymore. 🤷🏼♀️
May 29, 2024
Al igual que en el primer libro, no hay filtros, no hay bien o mal, solo unos personajes reales que hacen cosas cuestionables la mayor parte del tiempo y a los que les pasan cosas terribles. Es lo que va a hacer que sin duda yo siga leyendo a estas autoras: esa crudeza y los temas que tratan.
“Go get that boy out of your system, or tie him to your bed, or whatever it is you want to do.”
Tying him to my bed sounds like a really good idea.
“I should buy him flowers before tying him up, right?” I get up, trying to figure out if the flowers really do need to come before the bondage.
Evan y Helios no tienen el mejor comienzo. De hecho, incluso me hizo sentir bastante incómoda cuando están todos en la sala del club mirando y Evan tocando a Helios. Supongo que en una situación ideal Evan no hubiese tocado ni pagado por pasar una noche con él, siendo como el resto de sus clientes. Pero como he dicho, en los libros de esta gente los personajes no son ni perfectos ni santos, y es maravilloso porque a pesar de todos sus fallos, los quieres mucho y te hacen sentir un montón.
But what kind of person would I be if I didn’t make sure someone who’d hurt him couldn’t do it again?
A sane one, a voice pops up in the back of my mind, but I ignore it.
Al igual que las reacciones de Helios al acoso de Evan son muy lógicas. Es tan raro leer personajes racionales en los libros JAJJAJAJAJ.
“Can he come hang out with Fox?” Cristiano goes silent for a moment before bursting out laughing.
“Can he… You want Fox to babysit?”
In the background, I hear Fox’s voice answer, “I will murder any small children in my vicinity.”
Creo que las relaciones tóxicas y posesivas y de acosadores obsesionados son mi nueva cosa favorita en los libros.
“Like I said, I didn’t go to a store and pick him out! I’d have given him more self-preservation skills if this was some freaking video game, all right?”
Mi fav sigue siendo Silvano pero me lo he pasado muy bien con Evan y Helios. Silvano interesándose por la vida amorosa de Evan me ha dado vida. Y como en cada frase suya hablaba de Kyran jasjjjsj el pobre está enamoradísimo.
“And if you fuck with him about it, I will fuck you up.”
Cristiano clears his throat and hands the phone back to me.
“Careful,” he says, and I recognize the low, dangerous tone he’s using. I throw my hands in the air.
“I give up. Is your jackass always this insufferable?”
“Most of the time, yes,” Cristiano says.
“I am basically ten years old,” Fox agrees cheerfully. “But at least I can shoot straight.”
Me encanta que Helios (22) no esté super enamorado desde el principio, que lo rechace, que su primera impresión no sea buena o que lo sea pero le de igual y siga sin querer volver a verlo. Que se resista tanto porque es lo normal en esa situación!! No vas a creer al primero que te venga prometiendo cosas, ni al décimo. Me rompe el corazón cuando se asusta por lo acosador que es Evan, porque yo sé que él tenía buena intención, pero claro, Helios no. Si alguien te stalkea te asustas, no te enamoras jsjjsjsj También me rompía cuando Evan le decía algo bonito y él solo se ofrecía como objeto sexual porque no podía oírlo. Lo de que no le gustara hacer mamadas por sus pésimas experiencias y al final quisiera hacérsela a Evan me llenó el corazoncito.
“Hi, Papi,” Helios says through his broken smile. “You’re a fucking stalker, y’know that?”
Y Evan (36), madre mía, qué ser JJAJAJAJJA. Yo sé que él en el fondo solo quería amor, que se sentía solo y que estaba fascinado por Helios, y no entendía que no todo lo que estaba haciendo se vería bien o que podía incluso asustarle. Pero joder, lo de clonarle el móvil, seguirle a su casa, sacarle del trabajo, matar a su cliente (bien hecho rey)...
Then he clutches me tighter.
“Take me home, Papi.”
No soy fan del papi porque me parece que suena mucho mejor en inglés, pero al final me acostumbré y ya no lo notaba.
Unsurprisingly, Fox’s expression darkens.
“Shut up. I’m trying to be nice, but if you insult Cristiano, all bets are off.”
Tampoco soy fan del cambio de Helios. Es de la noche a la mañana literalmente. Tiene un breakdown por la noche en el que le dice de todo menos bonito, y a la mañana siguiente decide que va a confiar en él. Así, sin más, sin que Evan haga nada.
“Papi, just treat me like a normal person. We’ll have lots of fun sex, and kiss a lot, and take Chorizo on walks, and you can listen to me complain about my totally normal job and you won’t offer to kill anyone. Okay?”
“I make no promises,” he says darkly. “Some people deserve to at least be threatened.”
Creo que me ha gustado más el primero porque en este siento que Helios no se enamora de Evan, sino de la seguridad de tener un guardaespaldas mafioso de novio. No he visto florecer sentimientos románticos, solo tolerar su presencia y beneficiarse de su protección, y en ningún momento piensa en lo genial que es Evan, solo en lo protegido y seguro que está ahora que lo tiene. Aún así, ha sido una relación bastante interesante de leer, entre el novio stalker y el novio que realmente se asusta porque tiene un stalker jsjsjsjj.
Este libro solo ha cementado mi amor por Fox. Pienso leer el suyo ahora mismo.
“Go get that boy out of your system, or tie him to your bed, or whatever it is you want to do.”
Tying him to my bed sounds like a really good idea.
“I should buy him flowers before tying him up, right?” I get up, trying to figure out if the flowers really do need to come before the bondage.
Evan y Helios no tienen el mejor comienzo. De hecho, incluso me hizo sentir bastante incómoda cuando están todos en la sala del club mirando y Evan tocando a Helios. Supongo que en una situación ideal Evan no hubiese tocado ni pagado por pasar una noche con él, siendo como el resto de sus clientes. Pero como he dicho, en los libros de esta gente los personajes no son ni perfectos ni santos, y es maravilloso porque a pesar de todos sus fallos, los quieres mucho y te hacen sentir un montón.
But what kind of person would I be if I didn’t make sure someone who’d hurt him couldn’t do it again?
A sane one, a voice pops up in the back of my mind, but I ignore it.
Al igual que las reacciones de Helios al acoso de Evan son muy lógicas. Es tan raro leer personajes racionales en los libros JAJJAJAJAJ.
“Can he come hang out with Fox?” Cristiano goes silent for a moment before bursting out laughing.
“Can he… You want Fox to babysit?”
In the background, I hear Fox’s voice answer, “I will murder any small children in my vicinity.”
Creo que las relaciones tóxicas y posesivas y de acosadores obsesionados son mi nueva cosa favorita en los libros.
“Like I said, I didn’t go to a store and pick him out! I’d have given him more self-preservation skills if this was some freaking video game, all right?”
Mi fav sigue siendo Silvano pero me lo he pasado muy bien con Evan y Helios. Silvano interesándose por la vida amorosa de Evan me ha dado vida. Y como en cada frase suya hablaba de Kyran jasjjjsj el pobre está enamoradísimo.
“And if you fuck with him about it, I will fuck you up.”
Cristiano clears his throat and hands the phone back to me.
“Careful,” he says, and I recognize the low, dangerous tone he’s using. I throw my hands in the air.
“I give up. Is your jackass always this insufferable?”
“Most of the time, yes,” Cristiano says.
“I am basically ten years old,” Fox agrees cheerfully. “But at least I can shoot straight.”
Me encanta que Helios (22) no esté super enamorado desde el principio, que lo rechace, que su primera impresión no sea buena o que lo sea pero le de igual y siga sin querer volver a verlo. Que se resista tanto porque es lo normal en esa situación!! No vas a creer al primero que te venga prometiendo cosas, ni al décimo. Me rompe el corazón cuando se asusta por lo acosador que es Evan, porque yo sé que él tenía buena intención, pero claro, Helios no. Si alguien te stalkea te asustas, no te enamoras jsjjsjsj También me rompía cuando Evan le decía algo bonito y él solo se ofrecía como objeto sexual porque no podía oírlo. Lo de que no le gustara hacer mamadas por sus pésimas experiencias y al final quisiera hacérsela a Evan me llenó el corazoncito.
“Hi, Papi,” Helios says through his broken smile. “You’re a fucking stalker, y’know that?”
Y Evan (36), madre mía, qué ser JJAJAJAJJA. Yo sé que él en el fondo solo quería amor, que se sentía solo y que estaba fascinado por Helios, y no entendía que no todo lo que estaba haciendo se vería bien o que podía incluso asustarle. Pero joder, lo de clonarle el móvil, seguirle a su casa, sacarle del trabajo, matar a su cliente (bien hecho rey)...
Then he clutches me tighter.
“Take me home, Papi.”
No soy fan del papi porque me parece que suena mucho mejor en inglés, pero al final me acostumbré y ya no lo notaba.
Unsurprisingly, Fox’s expression darkens.
“Shut up. I’m trying to be nice, but if you insult Cristiano, all bets are off.”
Tampoco soy fan del cambio de Helios. Es de la noche a la mañana literalmente. Tiene un breakdown por la noche en el que le dice de todo menos bonito, y a la mañana siguiente decide que va a confiar en él. Así, sin más, sin que Evan haga nada.
“Papi, just treat me like a normal person. We’ll have lots of fun sex, and kiss a lot, and take Chorizo on walks, and you can listen to me complain about my totally normal job and you won’t offer to kill anyone. Okay?”
“I make no promises,” he says darkly. “Some people deserve to at least be threatened.”
Creo que me ha gustado más el primero porque en este siento que Helios no se enamora de Evan, sino de la seguridad de tener un guardaespaldas mafioso de novio. No he visto florecer sentimientos románticos, solo tolerar su presencia y beneficiarse de su protección, y en ningún momento piensa en lo genial que es Evan, solo en lo protegido y seguro que está ahora que lo tiene. Aún así, ha sido una relación bastante interesante de leer, entre el novio stalker y el novio que realmente se asusta porque tiene un stalker jsjsjsjj.
Este libro solo ha cementado mi amor por Fox. Pienso leer el suyo ahora mismo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
This started out okay because I was actually really curious about Evan after the Silvano/Kyran’s book but his story with Helios is a bit too…domestic? Yes there’s a lot of other things going on, not to mention that Evan is a really creepy stalker if you weren’t in his POV this book, but the relationship is less fraught than the previous book. I didn’t like this as much but what totally killed me was Helios’ nickname for Evan. It was pretty smooth going until the nickname really started up. Cringe factor was at 100.
Evan is Silvano’s head of security and the book starts off with Silvano meeting Pavone (another mob boss and has his own books) at a strip club. The club caters to gay men and that’s where we meet Helios. Helios is obviously just a nickname, and he mostly strips at the club, but if the owner (Steve) asks him to give extra favors to paying men, he’ll have to do those things too.
Everything goes pretty smoothly when Evan first sees Helios. It’s basically lust at first sight. I guess some people might be iffy on this, but Evan does pay (even one time quite substantially) for Helios to have sex with in the backrooms. Does it give me the ick? Eh it winded up being once and then nothing really came of the other times. But Helios does get pimped out to other men before he winds up pretty exclusively with Evan. So take that how you will.
The mafia plot is actually pretty thin in this book because I guess Silvano has things in hand and can give Evan some vacation days to play house with Helios (and a dog they pick up along the way that they name Chorizo, or Chori for short). Yes, Evan is a stalker to the highest degree but unlike most dark romance books featuring stalkers, there’s really not much of a creepy or anxiety factor with what Evan is doing? I don’t know. This book does not amp up the suspense in this case. It FEELS tame even though Evan does violate Helios’ privacy pretty quickly and essentially kidnap him (for his own good, but still).
Helios is Latino and has winded up in a bad spot to where he owes Steve money and it’s not a situation he can safely ever get out of. Obviously, Evan is here to figure it all out. But Helios is prickly with accepting someone’s help so easily and I can understand that. But the worst thing about this book is the dang nickname he has for Evan, which is papi. I don’t know what but it’s so much worse than Fox calling Cristino, Daddy. I think it’s because it’s the only instance to tell you that Helios is Latino? No other real effort is made until almost the very end. Him calling Evan, papi, is the only reminder you have that he’s not white and it’s just a very cringe way to go about it in my opinion. There is a significant age gap here. Evan is 36 and Helios is 22.
The writing does also leave something to be desired for writing out words like “tl;dr” in the story, and not a text message or something where I COULD have let it go. And also, writing out “twenty k” to mean $20,000 is so bad. I don’t know what happened with this book and the writing honestly.
I think Silvano and Kyran and how they’re depicted here from Evan and Helios’ POV is fine. They still seem like themselves. But Cristiano and Fox was so weird? Fox was acting more out of character than usual around Evan and Helios and so antagonistic? He wasn’t this bad around Silvano and Kyran and I don’t remember him being THIS bad in his own book with Cristiano. I don’t know why Fox got his character assassinated (metaphorically, not literally) in this book but I hated him here and I don’t want to hate him.
I will say that I did like that as much as Helios doesn’t like Fox, he does express concern that Fox had bruises all over him and that Cristiano is hurting him without consent. But I wish the book had made this more impactful by having Helios confront Fox about it directly, or even earlier in the book. I appreciated the sentiment was included in this story and observed by an outsider who doesn’t know Cristiano and Fox, but I wish the writing could support deep moments to give deep feelings.
Evan and Helios’ backstories are dark and sad. But there is something more removed in this book than I’m used to experiencing with the authors’ other books in that the angst and the overall feelings for this book are written at a very surface level and don’t dive deep enough. There’s no grit, honestly.
The overall story was…good. Too sweet for a dark romance book even though there’s a lot of dark things happening. The emotions are too removed from the story. And I did find myself skimming the sex scenes. The nicknames in this book were just too over the top for me.
Evan is Silvano’s head of security and the book starts off with Silvano meeting Pavone (another mob boss and has his own books) at a strip club. The club caters to gay men and that’s where we meet Helios. Helios is obviously just a nickname, and he mostly strips at the club, but if the owner (Steve) asks him to give extra favors to paying men, he’ll have to do those things too.
Everything goes pretty smoothly when Evan first sees Helios. It’s basically lust at first sight. I guess some people might be iffy on this, but Evan does pay (even one time quite substantially) for Helios to have sex with in the backrooms. Does it give me the ick? Eh it winded up being once and then nothing really came of the other times. But Helios does get pimped out to other men before he winds up pretty exclusively with Evan. So take that how you will.
The mafia plot is actually pretty thin in this book because I guess Silvano has things in hand and can give Evan some vacation days to play house with Helios (and a dog they pick up along the way that they name Chorizo, or Chori for short). Yes, Evan is a stalker to the highest degree but unlike most dark romance books featuring stalkers, there’s really not much of a creepy or anxiety factor with what Evan is doing? I don’t know. This book does not amp up the suspense in this case. It FEELS tame even though Evan does violate Helios’ privacy pretty quickly and essentially kidnap him (for his own good, but still).
Helios is Latino and has winded up in a bad spot to where he owes Steve money and it’s not a situation he can safely ever get out of. Obviously, Evan is here to figure it all out. But Helios is prickly with accepting someone’s help so easily and I can understand that. But the worst thing about this book is the dang nickname he has for Evan, which is papi. I don’t know what but it’s so much worse than Fox calling Cristino, Daddy. I think it’s because it’s the only instance to tell you that Helios is Latino? No other real effort is made until almost the very end. Him calling Evan, papi, is the only reminder you have that he’s not white and it’s just a very cringe way to go about it in my opinion. There is a significant age gap here. Evan is 36 and Helios is 22.
The writing does also leave something to be desired for writing out words like “tl;dr” in the story, and not a text message or something where I COULD have let it go. And also, writing out “twenty k” to mean $20,000 is so bad. I don’t know what happened with this book and the writing honestly.
I think Silvano and Kyran and how they’re depicted here from Evan and Helios’ POV is fine. They still seem like themselves. But Cristiano and Fox was so weird? Fox was acting more out of character than usual around Evan and Helios and so antagonistic? He wasn’t this bad around Silvano and Kyran and I don’t remember him being THIS bad in his own book with Cristiano. I don’t know why Fox got his character assassinated (metaphorically, not literally) in this book but I hated him here and I don’t want to hate him.
I will say that I did like that as much as Helios doesn’t like Fox, he does express concern that Fox had bruises all over him and that Cristiano is hurting him without consent. But I wish the book had made this more impactful by having Helios confront Fox about it directly, or even earlier in the book. I appreciated the sentiment was included in this story and observed by an outsider who doesn’t know Cristiano and Fox, but I wish the writing could support deep moments to give deep feelings.
Evan and Helios’ backstories are dark and sad. But there is something more removed in this book than I’m used to experiencing with the authors’ other books in that the angst and the overall feelings for this book are written at a very surface level and don’t dive deep enough. There’s no grit, honestly.
The overall story was…good. Too sweet for a dark romance book even though there’s a lot of dark things happening. The emotions are too removed from the story. And I did find myself skimming the sex scenes. The nicknames in this book were just too over the top for me.
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