Scorned Love

Scorned Fate #3

by Victoria Paige

Shallow. Unappealing.

Nico De Lucci’s biting opinion of her is seared into Ivy’s brain.
Not that she should care.
No way is she giving Nico the power to whittle away at her self-confidence.
Confidence she fought so hard to achieve.

Obnoxious. Mr. Satan.

Choice words Ivy Wu reserves especially for him.
He will do anything and say anything to protect his sister from Ivy’s influence.
Even if she paints him as the villain.

When Ivy gets entangled with Nico’s old rival,
he steps in to protect her because she’s his friend’s baby sister.
Combustible heat flares between them.
They give in to one scorching hate-filled night.
But one night is not enough.
Especially when a De Lucci becomes obsessed.

* Can be read as a standalone

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Dark Romance, Romance, Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2024

About the author

Victoria Paige writes smart, edgy, seductive romance.

Her heroes are badass alpha males and her smart, strong-willed heroines can hold their own against a bossy hero. Her books are sexually explicit and may contain dark themes, morally ambiguous choices, and disturbing situations as she injects realism into her stories and gives them her own twist.

Victoria lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and playful German Shepherd Dog, Loki.


Find her at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriapaig...

Twitter: @vpaigebooks

Join my newsletter for new release info, extended epilogues, giveaways and other freebies: https://www.subscribepage.com/victori...

Reviews

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ I would give this a 3.75 ⭐]
Good mafia romance with a kickass heroine! Ivy was as fierce as a tigress, I loved her personality so much. Nico hates Ivy or does he think so? His intense desire for Ivy made every moment sizzle. She was becoming his obsession, and I loved every single second of it. Both of them had a painful past which became their insecurity but overcame together.

There was one major om drama and I fucking loved it, seeing Nico jealous and possessive was so hot! Then it leads to jealous sex which again was 🥵

‼️SAFETY DETAILS‼️
- no cheating, no ow drama (not in a typical sense, hero had a date in the start when there was nothing between h and H)
- no virgins ( thank you for not making heroine typical doormat virgin 😮‍💨)

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Victoria Paige completely knocks it out of the park with her 3rd installment of the Scorned Love series. Well written with great storytelling, there are just so many things to love about this book:

✅ fantastic banter
✅ a heroine who can literally kick some ass
✅ an obsessed hero who’s no afraid to let it be known she’s taken, lol
✅ no third act break up
✅ growth for both the FMC and the MMC

Scorned Love is a standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. Can’t wait for Bianca and Sandro’s book next!!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Faizareads]

Dnf at 7%
Mmc was with a date (ex gf dated for two years since then he dated more while fmc is in dry spell of a year since her ex ) and there is on page kissing between them in front of fmc . Mmc like curvy and think fmc lacks sex appeal and she is shallow. Yeah he give me the ick.
Some lines from the book

Olga’s hand touched my forearm. I forced myself not to recoil and smiled briefly at her. “You need your rest.”
“And I was hoping you would help me relax. I love it when you leave me boneless.”
I dominated and fucked hard, but that wasn’t something I wanted implied in front of my sister.

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, Victoria, I knew Nico would be everything; I couldn’t put it down; this book is more than I was expecting; you will find action; the rollercoaster is fun, and the sexy scenes omg 🫠🫠 Guys, get ready for the grovel 👅❤️‍🔥
But Ivy is not the fragile girl you may think she is.
She is fantastic, and I loved it! Well done
I can't wait for the next book.
I Recommend 100%
All these De Lucci men are everything

[Yeri (wildflowerreader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay… I didn’t hate it but I also just didn’t quite like it

I am really confused…

I don’t know what happened but I started this story with high hopes and my expectations and wants were being met until they weren’t because I lost interest.

I can’t remember at what point in the book everything became predictable and so damned obvious but it did.

I also don’t feel like the issue that made the MCs “enemies” was really resolved (unless because I lost interest I missed it). They went from hate to live in a blink of an eye and I wasn’t even sure why exactly they “hated” each other.

[Bookaholic Shaima · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈𝐯𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬.”

@victoriapaigebooks knocked it out of the park with the 3rd instalment of the "Scorned Fate" series, crossed-over with the "De Lucci’s Curse".

I've been obsessively OBSESSING over this couple since getting a glimpse of them in " Scorned Heir", the banter and verbal sparring was UNMATCHED.

I love a good Enemies to Lovers,and boy!! Did these two buttheads! Their nicknames for each other sums it up "𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐯𝐲 & 𝐌𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧".

Every single interaction, conversation between Ivy and Nico, left me giggling and kicking my feet over how cute and swooning they were, also so oblivion 😁.
This book was thrilling, suspenseful gripping and such a page-turner ,( I swear I finished it in no time albeit the late review 😭😭).

I'd read anything by Victoria Paige, the way her books are a rollercoaster of emotions and events, her Mafia world building, plotting and spice are some of the best I've read.

🧡 Enemies to Lovers
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Billionaire Romance
🧡 Banter and verbal sparring
🧡 He falls first
🧡 Diverse characters
🧡 Interracial couple
🧡Bad-a$$ FMC
🧡 Groveling

I loved how in this book, the author put so much of herself and culture into the heroine " Ivy", being Chinese herself, it was well and properly represented , which is something I love and appreciate when authors share cultural facts with readers, it does, really, feel like traveling.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy is NOTHING like you’re thinking. I promise. She’s so much more. She’s sort of everything here. She’s 100% on her cousin’s side in family drama. She’s far more susceptible to being hurt by cruel, careless words than she wants to admit. And she’s also far more capable of taking care of both herself and everyone else than anybody knew. Well, until now. Not only does she take down some dangerous men, on camera, no less, but she reminds Nico why he’s tried to claim he can’t stand her. Because man oh man, he’s eating those words now.

When Nico decides he’s all-in, it means every last fiber of his being is in on the full court press to win Ivy. He learns to curtail the sharp words because he doesn’t want to actually hurt Ivy. He steps up to be her support and her everything if she’ll just let him. And he will burn down the entire city to keep her safe. He just needs to come to terms with the fact that she’ll do the same for him. So they’re perfectly matched, and just like the other men of this series, Nico isn’t afraid to grovel. To lay it all on the line. To beg the woman he loves to please just stay and give him a chance. He’s also quick to correct any mistakes and “I’m sorry” is definitely in his vocabulary—for the right woman.

This family has grabbed me. They won’t let go. And I’m pretty sure Sandro is going to provide a grovel to end all grovels in order to win his love back. I’m definitely here for it!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5⭐️

I think this was my fav so far. Ivy was my fav character in all the books! Seeing her story was everything i wanted it to be.

[Nina Dinc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, he abuse me violently, shattered my confidence and self esteem, but let me go back to him very quickly to help launch my business.
For real?

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and Nico don’t get along. They have had passion between them but not the good kind!When Ivy stands up for her team at work, as well as herself, she’s seen in a new light. Nico realizes how sexy she is and he’s drawn to her. I enjoyed the chemistry between them. The tension, whew! I liked how they let their guards down around the other and really took the time to get to know each other. I couldn’t put this book down! Grab your copy!

[Alyvia Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico … 100% an exceptional book boyfriend

Nico … 100% an exceptional book boyfriend! Wowza, Michelle Rene wasn’t lying when she said Nico would likely be my favorite De Lucci! This story was so captivating to me, the twists and turns, the humor and spice, but most of all it was the overall character development being so wonderfully done! Off to Bianca’s story!

[K Hearring · Rating 3 out of 5]

ehh

This was hard to keep reading, at times it was cringey. I don’t think this story needed to be told, it seemed like a forced plot. ‘What can I do to make them fall in love? Oh ok, she’ll get attacked, she’ll fight back, and he’ll like it and it’ll invoke his protectiveness’. Then we’ll build around that. I don’t know, the other stories in this series are way better. I liked Matteo’s story, I liked Luca’s even more. I am looking forward to Bianca and Sandro. This story basically set up theirs to be told, I already knew it was coming.

Every brother and sidekick friend’s story doesn’t need to be told. Just my opinion.

[Frida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scorned Love by Victoria Paige is like stumbling upon a hidden gem when diving into ARCs from new-to-me authors. This third installment in the Scorned Fate series is a thrilling enemies-to-lovers romance packed with mafia drama, personal vendettas, and banter that just leaves you grinning from ear to ear. Even if you haven't read the previous books, fear not! There's enough backstory sprinkled throughout to keep you hooked and in the loop.

Centering on Ivy Wu and Nico De Lucci, the plot is a delicious mix of opposites attracting and sparks flying. Nico, with his protective and domineering nature, initially sees Ivy, a friend of his little sister Bianca, as someone he needs to shield Bianca from. But Ivy, with her newfound confidence, doesn’t back down, and their clash sets the stage for some seriously steamy encounters. From there, it's a rollercoaster of emotions as they navigate their complicated feelings amid the dangers of the mafia and their own troubled pasts.

Told from both Nico and Ivy's perspectives, the story delves into themes of obsession, protection, and the blurred lines between love and hate. As they battle their inner demons and outer threats, their relationship evolves, shedding light on their prejudices and deepening their connection. It's a light-hearted yet emotionally charged read, perfect for fans of light-ish dark romance who crave intricate plots and well-rounded characters.

Nico and Ivy's chemistry is off the charts, fueled by fiery banter and simmering tension. Nico's determination to win Ivy over is palpable, and Ivy's fierce loyalty only adds to the allure of their relationship. Despite the undeniable chemistry between Nico and Ivy, I felt their individual growth sometimes took a back seat to the intensity of their relationship and the surrounding drama. I wish the process of falling in love could have been a bit slower and that there was a bit more introspection on both sides, especially considering their respective trauma.

Finally, the abundance of familial ties adds layers to the story, making it even more immersive and enjoyable. Though the plot may tread familiar ground in places and the suspense factor could've been amped up a notch, the twists, and turns keep you on your toes, culminating in a satisfyingly unexpected finale.

In essence, Scorned Love is a captivating read that combines passion, intrigue, and a touch of danger in all the right ways. So, if you're in the mood for a romance that'll keep you glued to the pages until the very end, look no further. 3.75-4 stars!

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

4.5/5 ⭐

This is the third book in the series 'Scorned Fate'. This book consists of Nico De Lucci and Ivy Wu as the main characters.

Nico De Lucci is Matteo's (from book 1 scorned heir) younger brother who acts as Archer Prime in his absence. These De Lucci brothers are not mafias per se, they look after the legitimate front of the business but their family or the extended family is basically mafia. So you could say there is a fine line between them being mafia and not a mafia.

Ivy Wu is Sera's best friend (Matteo's wife) and Daniel's baby sister. If you have read the first book you could easily relate to the characters. She owns the fashion house 'Donateka' along with his cousin Xander being the head designer. Bianca who is also Nico's sister works with Ivy and Xander and Nico doesn't like it one bit.

Nico considers Ivy as shallow and unappealing, he once even called her the fence post on her face. He hates her guts because he thinks she is the wrong influence on Bianca. She hates Nico because she knows he's the bad boy De Lucci, just cashing in on his family's name.

As they say there is a fine line between love and hate. Their relationship progressed like that only. From "you are the bane of my existence Nico De Lucci to I love you Nico De Lucci" and from "poison Ivy to my Ivy", it was interesting to witness the transition.

Since it's an ARC I'm not supposed to give you spoilers. It's going to be released on June 2nd, do grab your copies and read it to know the full extent of this enemies to lovers story.

As usual the character build-up was flawless. The slow-burn, the angst, the vulnerabilities, the insecurities, the jaded past, the hate, the banter, the sass, the spice, the love, everything, every emotion was on point. The story was written exceptionally well and there were no loose ends to the story. Some may find it a bit predictable but I liked it a lot.

I loved and enjoyed reading Nico De Lucci and Ivy Wu thoroughly, but Luca is my favourite.

PS: I'm looking forward to reading Bianca and Sandro's book "Scorned Obsession".

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has straight-up stolen my heart. ❤️ 'Scorned Love' is the 4th book in the Scorned Fate series, it is like the cherry on top, but guess what? You can totally dive in even if you missed the first three!

I tore through this book like a kid in a candy store. Nico and Ivy? They had me wrapped around their fingers from the get-go. Their whole push-and-pull thing? Chef's kiss It's like they're playing tug-of-war with my emotions, and I'm loving every second of it. 💖

Let's talk characters. Nico? Morally grey, and I'm here for it. Ivy? Total badass chick, and I wanna be her best friend. The chemistry between them? It's so electric, I half expected my Kindle to start sparking!

And oh boy, don't even get me started on the side characters. It's like a reunion with old friends from the previous books, giving me all those warm fuzzy feelings of a found family. Plus, the plot? Twists and turns that'll leave you breathless, with a sprinkle of thriller to keep you on your toes. 📚

Victoria is a freakin' magician with words. 💞

Bottom line: 'Scorned Love' is a must-read. Seriously, you won't regret it! So. Darn. Good!

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

The obsession curse strikes again with Nico and Ivy, who can’t stand each other but underneath all that animosity is more than annoyance which proves true after Ivy shows Nico and all the other men, she can handle herself. Ivy is being targeted and whether it’s because of Nico and his enemies or something else has Nico guarding Ivy. With more incidents happening around them, Nico and Ivy learn that there is more between them hate, the fireworks prove more is between them and nothing can stop them from moving forward…or is there.
A great read with some suspense, twists and turns, surprises, secrets revealed and steam…ahem steam. I loved these two, the sparks and fireworks, the kick a** woman and the man who is not intimidated by her but is in awe of her strength and resilience. The obsession curse does not disappoint and I loved the little to no drama between them.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Michelle Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Wu and Nico De Lucci are two powerhouse characters that have no business being together, but they are perfection. The dislike that these two have for Mather is so strong and because of that, the witty banter is soooooo good. And the hate sex?! F***********ck.

But this book also has suspense and a great dialog with an amazing cast of characters. I love all of the diversity amongst them and even love that they all band together in the end for one another.

While this is a mafia romance, it’s not an intensely mafia one. There’s not too much gruesomeness and bloodshed, but it does deal with being part of the five families. It works for this story though and I think it really brings the main characters histories and stories together.

I couldn’t put this book down and in the end, I’m so glad that Ivy found someone who cherished the badass that she is!

Thank you Greys Promo and author Victoria Paige for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kricketland · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Scorned Love
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: Victoria Paige
TROPE: Enemies-to-Lovers, Billionaire Romance
TYPE: Standalone (Scorned Fate Book 3)
POV: Dual POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5

WHAT TO EXPECT:
🌸 Forced proximity
🌸 Workplace-like romance
🌸 Bodyguard
🌸 Mafia drama
🌸 Interracial couple
🌸 Enemies to Lovers
🌸 Broody hero
🌸 Heroine with surprises

I enjoyed Ivy & Nico's story and delving back into this cast of characters. I was not a fan of Nico at the beginning of the story because he looked down upon Ivy, which was intentionally part of his storyline, but he managed to win me over by the end. The storyline flowed well and kept me reading late into the night to see what would happen next. I loved Ivy and her strength after overcoming her past. I am rating Scorned Love 4.5 / 5 Stars and will continue with the series when the next book comes out.

[Billie Pariseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy is painted as shallow and self absorbed, yet she is anything but. Nico can’t stand her and what she represents. In his eyes, she shouldn’t be anywhere near his little sister. Until Ivy is attacked and he has to step up to protect not only his sisters friend but also his friends little sister. Neither him nor Ivy are a fan of this situation. That is until they start to see each others true colors.

In all honesty, I went into this thinking there is no way Nico could top Matteo. I mean come on, how could he? HE COULLLDDD, he can, he did. Nico is officially my favorite of this series and probably one of my favorite book boyfriends. He is protective, he is caring, and he’s all consuming. He protects her with such a fierceness I can’t even describe you just gotta read it.

Ivy. A queen. A warrior. A bad bitch. I’m so glad Ivy is nothing like how Nico painted her. Her past is messy, her life isn’t what everyone paints it out to be, yet she keeps her head held high and conquers what life throws at her. I absolutely devoured this book and will reread it.

[Kimberly V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Nico and Ivy’s story! This is a great Enemies to lovers story.
Nico never thought much about Ivy Wu except that she was a bad influence for his sister. He has even gone as far as insulting her.
Ivy is not what she seems! Due to things from her past she made herself strong mentally and physically! Ivy is a can of whoop ass!
As Nico sees how wrong he was about Ivy he fell, and fell fast!
This was a great angsty thriller with some mafia ties and some mystery as well.
There are some twist and turns that keeps you guessing and keeps you turning the pages. Towards the end of the book my anxiety was high! I love a book that can get my emotions going! Another great book in the Scorned Fate Series!
Looking forward for Bianca’s book!

[Stephanie Munguia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!!!!
Holy crap this book is everything! Nico and Ivy are everything!! I love how it was only 300 something pages long but it felt so much longer and flowed so nicely!
Enemies to lovers, best friends brother, hot banter, found family, and so much more!!! I love how Nico's family included Ivy and Xander for everything! It was such a cute moment throughout the book!
It did start off with Nico hating Ivy due to thinking she was a bad influence on his sister, Bianca, after he was gone due to some problems he needed to get away from. Both Nico and Ivy had their own messed up past they haven't been able to move from. Ivy is dealing with a relationship that included an NDA that resulted with the mess up relationship of her dad. Nico is dealing with a bully that tormented him in school and has moved into adult life.
This book has everything you are looking for, I was giggling like a school girl, cried, and was on the edge of my seat. Mafia life is included in this! Check your trigger warnings!
4.5 stars!!

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't anything I can or would say bad about this book. Victoria knows how to write her stories. In the first book we get a back story on this couple and trust me you will want to read their book. Ivy is not what you expect and her story is full of so many surprises. Nico well that man is the typical big brother jerk but watching Ivy knock him on his knees was everything. When I grow up I want to be an Ivy. The back and forth with these two was perfect foreplay. I ate up every action, every reaction, and I just wanted more. Now while I did love this couple and can't wait for the next book my heart still belongs to Luca (book 2) but I have a feeling book 4 will knock him out of rank.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Why you’ll love this book!!
Heroine Has A Secret
Age Gap ( 11 years)
Arranged Marriage
Epic Grovel
V- Card Heroine
Touch Her and 💀
Jealous Possessive Scenes
Morally Gray Romance x Mafia Romance

Love how Ivy kicked butt and took names and could defend herself.. I also love the top tier banter I am a sucker for banter and Victoria Paige knows how to right amazing books with amazing banter!! I swear she has not disappointed me in any of her books that I have read of hers!! I also loved and ate up the body positivity in this book between Nico and Ivy!! I didn’t like Nico in the beginning and if you feel that way hang in there he makes up for it I promise!!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great series to get lost in for a few days! The characters are complex, intriguing and entertaining! Seeing each character grow together and individually was an exciting journey! Each book is about a different couple so you can read each one as a standalone and in any order you like! This was the first time I read anything by Victoria Paige but it won't be my last! Thank you The Author Agency and Victoria Paige for sharing these books with me!

🔥Fantastic banter
🔥A kick ass main female character
🔥A male character who isn't afraid to say she's mine!
🔥Jealous male
🔥Lots of drama

[Tamra Dubis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemy’s to Lovers

This was the third books in the Scorned series. From Sera’s book to Luca’s I wanted to read about Nico’s story. I knew him and Ivy had this chemistry and I wanted to see where it led. Victoria Paige did not disappoint in writing this story for everyone. These two had explosive chemistry throughout the book. The gov and take between them was great to read. This book kept me so enthralled. If you like books with lots of emotions and female lead who can kick butt this is a great read. I also loved how it sets you up for the next book. I can’t wait for it to come out. Highly recommend the series. You won’t be disappointed.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nico’s Not Letting Go

The pull between these two from Scorned Heir on had me ready for their moment. From the initial flirting at the bunch these two carved out their own space of curiosity for me ever since.

Nico continued to stand out for me. This man steams up the pages. I definitely got a deeper appreciation for the woman Ivy is as she got a true spotlight as I finally got her complete POV of things.

I received a free copy of this book from Victoria Paige and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

[A.H. Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In one word: thrilling. This one was an absolute page-turner!

Nico and Ivy were so much fun, and the brother’s best friend trope was executed perfectly. Ivy is a multi-layered woman who should definitely not be underestimated. I totally understand why Nico was into her—she’s sweet, but she can kick ass in both business and, literally, in any fight.

Nico, our typical broody guy, is a character we can't help but love. His intense desire for Ivy made every moment sizzle. She was becoming his kryptonite, and I loved every single second of it.

What really stood out to me were the histories of both Nico and Ivy. Nico’s past had a hold on him, but so did Ivy’s, and their histories sometimes crossed in fascinating ways.

This is mafia romance at its peak: vengeance, love, spice, and everything nice.

I loved every second of this book and I'm sure you will too!

* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[The Lushy Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adoreeeee Nico and Ivy!! Fun and feisty, these two take us on an exciting journey with some crazy surprises that left a smirk on my face.

I love their banter and their chemistry. How they kept each other on their toes and were also severely protective of each other. Give me more of these cast of characters!!

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of action, suspense, and romance, this book is perfect for you. It will make you laugh, cheer, and fall in love with Nico. I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the start. The tension was clear right away. I jumped into this novel with excitement, and it didn’t let me down. From the first chapter, it grabbed me and held on until the end.

This was the first book I've read by you, Victoria, and it definitely won't be the last. Highly recommended!!