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McGowan Mafia #2
Dark Enemies
My sister fled from her arranged marriage, leaving me to fill her shoes.
Cameron Thompson is the last man I want to marry.
His father has my brother, sending him home piece by piece, until I agree to head up the aisle.
I hate him.
I hate them all. I'm going to burn their world down.
When I see the man behind the icy mask, there is more to him than just the enemy I believed him to be. We start a dangerous game of pretending that will lead to broken hearts when I get my revenge.
Dark Enemies is a stand alone dark romance (that is included in a wider series but can be read as a complete story) involving the mafia.
Cameron Thompson is the last man I want to marry.
His father has my brother, sending him home piece by piece, until I agree to head up the aisle.
I hate him.
I hate them all. I'm going to burn their world down.
When I see the man behind the icy mask, there is more to him than just the enemy I believed him to be. We start a dangerous game of pretending that will lead to broken hearts when I get my revenge.
Dark Enemies is a stand alone dark romance (that is included in a wider series but can be read as a complete story) involving the mafia.
252 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2023
341 people are currently reading
4546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
June 16, 2023
Forced marriage that turns into something a little more or unexpected so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Maeve is so strong, super brave but coming from a mafia family she knows she has no purpose but to be used as a pawn she is anything but humble, and wanting to help her brother’s take revenge on a rival family but that chances the moment she is forced to marry into the rival family. Cameron sexy as all get out son of one of the most hated men, he was abused by the same father who loves controlling everyone/everything so making his son marry into the McGowan family is just another one of his tactics but the moment he sees his bride there is something more between them although, he doesn’t know she plans on taking their family down from the inside. He knows his father is extremely cruel putting her father in the hospital, forcing his son to marry just to keep control not and his father doesn’t realize his is digging his own grave. These two are forced to spend time with one another learning that neither is what they thought the other was allowing them to get to know each other and deciding they are stronger together then alone especially against a man like his father but where are they headed, do they cut the head of the snake off, will her father wake up from his coma, will they find her sister, will they be honest with one another about their feelings, and can they find the happiness they both really need some where along the way?
March 12, 2024
This was better than the first book but still just meh. It started out pretty decent but went downhill 60% in..
Not sure if I'll be continuing this series.
Not sure if I'll be continuing this series.
September 14, 2023
Dark Enemies by Effie Campbell is a mafia forced marriage story. There’s a lot of tropes in this book, and most of them are my favorites so this was a great book in my opinion. The following tropes are the ones I was most aware of and I might be missing some: forced marriage, one bed, forced proximity, icy male character, heart of gold male character, possessive/obsessive male character, protective male, strong woman with abandonment issues, mafia romance, mafia princess/prince, he falls first, slow burn, praise, dirty talk, and my ultimate favorite enemies to lovers.
This is a standalone story but it does reference the first book in the series a couple times. The book starts off where the sister of Maeve left her responsibility of marrying their mafia rival’s leader. Due to this, Maeve now has to marrying the leader’s son and heir Cam to make for the loss of the marriage. Maeve has been ignored by her brothers and always forced to think the only role of a woman in the mafia is to be the wife, a prize to give away, and to not have an actual opinion on the business. Cam is the icy cold son who has to protect his sister from his abusive murderous mafia father. Maeve wants to take down the Thompsons from within and show her brothers that she is strong and can be a valuable asset. She tries to work with Cam to end his father’s rule and in doing so they fall in love after trying to fight their feelings for each other. The turning point is when Maeve finds out that his dad is dealing in the one thing that’s not even acceptable in the mafia world and Cam helps her end his reign. The book then ends in a happily ever after and enough to make you want to read the next book in the series.
My favorite thing about this book is either the smut because good lord or that Cam realizes her worth for the business when she’s been so undervalued. He makes her his “queen” when he takes over and wants her to know how important she is to him and his success.
The thing I liked least about this book was that for a standalone it referenced the first book quite often. I was able to understand the book without needing to read the first one but I felt like it could have been less spoken about. If you don’t read the first book, you know that her sister left but not the real reason. You know that her dad is in a coma, but you don’t how it happened. It just is little things that are brought up throughout the story that would have been helpful to have read the first one instead of this being a complete standalone.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It has all of the tropes I like, it was a good plot, and loved the HEA ending. It would have gotten 5 stars if not for the standalone issues stated before. Highly recommend this book and very curious to read the first one and then read the next by this author.
This is a standalone story but it does reference the first book in the series a couple times. The book starts off where the sister of Maeve left her responsibility of marrying their mafia rival’s leader. Due to this, Maeve now has to marrying the leader’s son and heir Cam to make for the loss of the marriage. Maeve has been ignored by her brothers and always forced to think the only role of a woman in the mafia is to be the wife, a prize to give away, and to not have an actual opinion on the business. Cam is the icy cold son who has to protect his sister from his abusive murderous mafia father. Maeve wants to take down the Thompsons from within and show her brothers that she is strong and can be a valuable asset. She tries to work with Cam to end his father’s rule and in doing so they fall in love after trying to fight their feelings for each other. The turning point is when Maeve finds out that his dad is dealing in the one thing that’s not even acceptable in the mafia world and Cam helps her end his reign. The book then ends in a happily ever after and enough to make you want to read the next book in the series.
My favorite thing about this book is either the smut because good lord or that Cam realizes her worth for the business when she’s been so undervalued. He makes her his “queen” when he takes over and wants her to know how important she is to him and his success.
The thing I liked least about this book was that for a standalone it referenced the first book quite often. I was able to understand the book without needing to read the first one but I felt like it could have been less spoken about. If you don’t read the first book, you know that her sister left but not the real reason. You know that her dad is in a coma, but you don’t how it happened. It just is little things that are brought up throughout the story that would have been helpful to have read the first one instead of this being a complete standalone.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It has all of the tropes I like, it was a good plot, and loved the HEA ending. It would have gotten 5 stars if not for the standalone issues stated before. Highly recommend this book and very curious to read the first one and then read the next by this author.
February 23, 2024
Oh wow, I was not ready for the twist this book took.
Enimies to lovers eat your heart out!
And not only to have me needy for the love story but the character growth in this book LORD effie knows how to pull on them heart strings
Enimies to lovers eat your heart out!
And not only to have me needy for the love story but the character growth in this book LORD effie knows how to pull on them heart strings
September 14, 2025
“𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐞.”
Arranged into a marriage with her rival family, but he isn’t as he appears, and neither is she.
I absolutely loved the strength that Maeve shows through this story. Yes, give me all the brave and snarky FMCs that aren’t afraid to do what needs to be done!
Her character has such a stellar personality and she follows through. This FMC was written really well.
Cameron is more under the thumb in this world and being the next in line, takes the brutal teachings his father deals. Though his moral compass is much more positive then his father.
I love their story, even though this is my first read/listen to the series. I can see it is done well. Great mafia elements and a HEA.
James Joseph narrated this along with Zoe Baxter and did so well bringing their accents to life! JJ is quickly becoming one of my faves!
Thank you for the alc BNA + Effie 🖤🖤
[ ✩ 3.5 ]
[ 🌶️ 3 ]
[ 🎧 4 ]
Arranged into a marriage with her rival family, but he isn’t as he appears, and neither is she.
I absolutely loved the strength that Maeve shows through this story. Yes, give me all the brave and snarky FMCs that aren’t afraid to do what needs to be done!
Her character has such a stellar personality and she follows through. This FMC was written really well.
Cameron is more under the thumb in this world and being the next in line, takes the brutal teachings his father deals. Though his moral compass is much more positive then his father.
I love their story, even though this is my first read/listen to the series. I can see it is done well. Great mafia elements and a HEA.
James Joseph narrated this along with Zoe Baxter and did so well bringing their accents to life! JJ is quickly becoming one of my faves!
Thank you for the alc BNA + Effie 🖤🖤
[ ✩ 3.5 ]
[ 🌶️ 3 ]
[ 🎧 4 ]
June 2, 2023
Wow, oh wow.
I loved this book. I don’t know what I was expecting to be honest. I love Mafia romances, but I haven’t read lots of them, so I haven’t completely explored the sub-genre, and all of the general tropes, but I very much enjoyed this book. I read it within 24 hours, and just could not put it down.
As a book, it’s somehow both a slow burn within a fast paced novel. It’s the perfect book for a relaxing weekend read, a beach read, or even just a great read to steal you away for the evening. Honestly, it’s just a fab read.
This book certainly contains tropes from other darker mafia romances, so I highly recommend that you check the TWs before reading, but when comparing it to other mafia romance novels, I’d say it would be on the lighter end of the sub-genre. So this really is a good book for any other reader thinking of expanding into mafia romance.
For a fast paced, short read, I loved how well developed everything is throughout the book. The characters (both main and secondary), the context behind the feuding families, the development of feelings and relationships both romantic and platonic. Often when reading fast paced books I find myself lost when plot holes arise; unable to understand how or why the characters got to that specific part of the book. However, that is not the case for this book. Everything flowed so easily and as a reader I was not left with any confusion or questions surrounding the plot.
How Effie Campbell manages to write a book with a strong, attractive, broody, yet also soft, caring and loving MMC, I will never know. I immediately loved him. Cameron is just *swoon*. He worships the ground that Maeve walks on, even when they’re feuding at the beginning of the book, and he’s perfect at helping Maeve understand the strength and power she has. He’s such a great character.
Now, Maeve. Where do I start? She’s such a fierce, strong, sassy character. She knew from the get go, that she was being underestimated and wanted to both overthrow the misogynistic undertones of the Mafia, and take own her family’s enemy. She knew she was capable of it, and she certainly did not let her brothers stop her. If you’re looking for a book with a strong female lead, this is the book for you my friend.
Happy Reading!
I loved this book. I don’t know what I was expecting to be honest. I love Mafia romances, but I haven’t read lots of them, so I haven’t completely explored the sub-genre, and all of the general tropes, but I very much enjoyed this book. I read it within 24 hours, and just could not put it down.
As a book, it’s somehow both a slow burn within a fast paced novel. It’s the perfect book for a relaxing weekend read, a beach read, or even just a great read to steal you away for the evening. Honestly, it’s just a fab read.
This book certainly contains tropes from other darker mafia romances, so I highly recommend that you check the TWs before reading, but when comparing it to other mafia romance novels, I’d say it would be on the lighter end of the sub-genre. So this really is a good book for any other reader thinking of expanding into mafia romance.
For a fast paced, short read, I loved how well developed everything is throughout the book. The characters (both main and secondary), the context behind the feuding families, the development of feelings and relationships both romantic and platonic. Often when reading fast paced books I find myself lost when plot holes arise; unable to understand how or why the characters got to that specific part of the book. However, that is not the case for this book. Everything flowed so easily and as a reader I was not left with any confusion or questions surrounding the plot.
How Effie Campbell manages to write a book with a strong, attractive, broody, yet also soft, caring and loving MMC, I will never know. I immediately loved him. Cameron is just *swoon*. He worships the ground that Maeve walks on, even when they’re feuding at the beginning of the book, and he’s perfect at helping Maeve understand the strength and power she has. He’s such a great character.
Now, Maeve. Where do I start? She’s such a fierce, strong, sassy character. She knew from the get go, that she was being underestimated and wanted to both overthrow the misogynistic undertones of the Mafia, and take own her family’s enemy. She knew she was capable of it, and she certainly did not let her brothers stop her. If you’re looking for a book with a strong female lead, this is the book for you my friend.
Happy Reading!
June 5, 2023
Maeve is brave and courageous. She wants to help her brothers take down the rival family in order to get revenge. As a woman, she’s always been ignored but we see she is anything but a wallflower. She also had a big heart and is down to earth.
Cameron is the brooding son. He has faced abuse but the expectation of undying loyalty forces him to stay within bounds. He tries to hide his emotions under an icy exterior but deep down has a good heart. He watches out for his sister and does not want to risk feeling for others, only for them to be used against him.
Maeve and Cam are more similar than they think even coming from enemy families. They might not like this arrangement but over time they cannot deny their growing feelings as they begin to understand each other more and wish that things were different (it almost read like Romeo and Juliet with the families pushing against them and each other). You can see though that Cameron adores Maeve and wants her to stand by him as his equal, to be seen and heard, while Maeve finds security in Cameron Nd someone she can trust to help her be her best self. The two of them are a couple you root for, and it was refreshing to see Maeve really take the reigns with Cameron there to help her along the way.
We also get a suspenseful plot of whether Cameron’s father will get his just desserts and the tension/strain this puts on Cameron and Maeve’s budding relationship. We have supporting characters like Katie who might be the impetus to Maeve warming up to Cameron. There is also hints of a future coupling.
I also hadn’t read the first book in this series, and while it might help to understand the war between the families better, I think you can jump into this one and then go back.
Overall, this was an engaging read. I plan to go back to book 1 as I wait for book 3!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cameron is the brooding son. He has faced abuse but the expectation of undying loyalty forces him to stay within bounds. He tries to hide his emotions under an icy exterior but deep down has a good heart. He watches out for his sister and does not want to risk feeling for others, only for them to be used against him.
Maeve and Cam are more similar than they think even coming from enemy families. They might not like this arrangement but over time they cannot deny their growing feelings as they begin to understand each other more and wish that things were different (it almost read like Romeo and Juliet with the families pushing against them and each other). You can see though that Cameron adores Maeve and wants her to stand by him as his equal, to be seen and heard, while Maeve finds security in Cameron Nd someone she can trust to help her be her best self. The two of them are a couple you root for, and it was refreshing to see Maeve really take the reigns with Cameron there to help her along the way.
We also get a suspenseful plot of whether Cameron’s father will get his just desserts and the tension/strain this puts on Cameron and Maeve’s budding relationship. We have supporting characters like Katie who might be the impetus to Maeve warming up to Cameron. There is also hints of a future coupling.
I also hadn’t read the first book in this series, and while it might help to understand the war between the families better, I think you can jump into this one and then go back.
Overall, this was an engaging read. I plan to go back to book 1 as I wait for book 3!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
June 12, 2023
Good Story with Nice Characters
My rating: 4.5
Tropes: Forced Marriage - Mafia - Enemies to Lovers
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 8/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
"Dark Enemies" is a well written mafia romance with steam, action and some violence. Is not as dark as other Mafia romances i have read, but is very good.
A forced marriage turned into a very strong connection and love.
Main Characters were well developed and nice.
I will read more from the author, but also the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating: 4.5
Tropes: Forced Marriage - Mafia - Enemies to Lovers
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 8/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
"Dark Enemies" is a well written mafia romance with steam, action and some violence. Is not as dark as other Mafia romances i have read, but is very good.
A forced marriage turned into a very strong connection and love.
Main Characters were well developed and nice.
I will read more from the author, but also the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2024
Loved Maeve & Cam’s story so freaking much. The hate-filled lust that turned to love was *chefs kiss*. My favorite part though was Maeve’s character development. Loved seeing her become an empowered baddie who took charge and took what she wanted!
September 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Blue Nose Audio for the ALC of Dark Enemies by Effie Campbell, brilliantly narrated by Zoe Baxter and James Joseph.
This book was everything I crave in a dark romance—danger, betrayal, and a love story that shouldn’t exist but burns all the hotter because of it. With Romeo & Juliet–style rival families, a forced-proximity arranged marriage, and enemies-to-lovers tension that crackles on every page, I was hooked from the very first chapter.
Effie Campbell layers the story with raw emotion and impossible choices—vengeance, loyalty, love, survival—and the stakes never let up. Zoe Baxter and James Joseph brought this world to life flawlessly; their performances captured the tension, the chemistry, and the heartbreak in a way that made it impossible to stop listening.
Dark Enemies is a gripping, darkly romantic ride with explosive chemistry and perfectly executed enemies-to-lovers heat. I devoured it and already know it will stick with me for a long time.
Thank you to Blue Nose Audio for the ALC of Dark Enemies by Effie Campbell, brilliantly narrated by Zoe Baxter and James Joseph.
This book was everything I crave in a dark romance—danger, betrayal, and a love story that shouldn’t exist but burns all the hotter because of it. With Romeo & Juliet–style rival families, a forced-proximity arranged marriage, and enemies-to-lovers tension that crackles on every page, I was hooked from the very first chapter.
Effie Campbell layers the story with raw emotion and impossible choices—vengeance, loyalty, love, survival—and the stakes never let up. Zoe Baxter and James Joseph brought this world to life flawlessly; their performances captured the tension, the chemistry, and the heartbreak in a way that made it impossible to stop listening.
Dark Enemies is a gripping, darkly romantic ride with explosive chemistry and perfectly executed enemies-to-lovers heat. I devoured it and already know it will stick with me for a long time.
March 2, 2025
This book repeatedly had Cameron calling Maeve a “good girl” and man it was hot. This book oozed power from all characters and in the end they are all learning how powerful they can be together, and it’s all thanks to Maeve joining two enemy families together.
December 7, 2023
Cam + Maeve
Another epic steamy and sweet story on the McGowan series! Get ready for Maeve kicking ass and taking names. Love a good strong female main character
Another epic steamy and sweet story on the McGowan series! Get ready for Maeve kicking ass and taking names. Love a good strong female main character
April 6, 2025
2.5🌶
I loved Mauve and Cam together ❤️ I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to get to book 3!
I loved Mauve and Cam together ❤️ I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to get to book 3!
August 25, 2025
Alright, Cam and Maeve are so cute! This was enemies to lovers & arranged marriage between two rival mobs. Yes please, absolutely enjoyed this one! 😍
February 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book! I liked the story and the characters and the spice! The only reason it isn't getting the 4 stars is because of the multitude of errors (spelling, missing capitalization, missing quotation marks, etc) that I noticed throughout the entire story, and I'm not talking about the difference in UK and US spelling.
Rating: 3.5⭐️
Rating: 3.5⭐️
July 19, 2024
I already know I’m going to unhinge my jaw and inhale this series and I have 0 regrets.
June 2, 2023
☆ARC Review☆
I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Dark Enemies and I am so thankful I was! Mafia families at odds, (basically at war, but not complete blood shed), kidnapping, an arranged marriage, misogynistic men, and their heirs who don't share the same principles.
The marriage *should* end the war, but it causes more issues as Mauve refuses to be a dutiful, silent wife. Can Cam control her before his father gets ahold of her?
Tension, both sexual and emotional, keeps the book moving quickly. However, it's not so quick that it's not interesting. Enjoy!
I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Dark Enemies and I am so thankful I was! Mafia families at odds, (basically at war, but not complete blood shed), kidnapping, an arranged marriage, misogynistic men, and their heirs who don't share the same principles.
The marriage *should* end the war, but it causes more issues as Mauve refuses to be a dutiful, silent wife. Can Cam control her before his father gets ahold of her?
Tension, both sexual and emotional, keeps the book moving quickly. However, it's not so quick that it's not interesting. Enjoy!
March 18, 2024
Effie truly never misses. This was your typical enemies to lovers and I loved every minute of it. Forced marriage, mafia, one bed you name it you’ll get it. Watching Maeve and Cam’s love evolve throughout the book was so well done. Maeve is also a badass FMC. She takes matters into her own hands and I fell in love with her character even more for not needing a man to save her. This one is a bit lighter on the dark romance side but there are definitely some triggers any reader should look out for. I’m adoring the McGowan clan and can’t wait to see what Dark Obsessions has to offer.
June 15, 2023
3.5
This is the first book I read from this author and already can't wait to read the next one because there's so much potential in that couple.
I liked that this story was set in Scotland. The forced marriage trope was well written as well as the enemies to lovers one, although I think that it was a little bit strange as at the beginning it was a slow burn, but then they quickly fell in love.
Overall, I enjoyed very much their teasing and their scenes and my heart cracked when Cameron said, "it's okay. Everyone leaves eventually. I'm used to it".
But what a happy ending they got, expanding also their family and his mother comeback helped him to close for good the pain.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I read from this author and already can't wait to read the next one because there's so much potential in that couple.
I liked that this story was set in Scotland. The forced marriage trope was well written as well as the enemies to lovers one, although I think that it was a little bit strange as at the beginning it was a slow burn, but then they quickly fell in love.
Overall, I enjoyed very much their teasing and their scenes and my heart cracked when Cameron said, "it's okay. Everyone leaves eventually. I'm used to it".
But what a happy ending they got, expanding also their family and his mother comeback helped him to close for good the pain.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐. Dual POV. Arranged marriage/enemies to lovers type tropes.
MFC is the sister of the MC in book one and is supposed to take her place in the arranged marriage since she done R-U-N-N-O-F-T.
Not very dark, but a good palate cleanser read like the first one. Maintained the standards set by the first in the series, if not exceeded them slightly. The two characters were less frustrating and with more depth than those of the first book, but there's not a lot of angst after the first third of the book really. Spice was good.
All in all, good read. Will pick up the next in the series when I need another palate cleanser.
MFC is the sister of the MC in book one and is supposed to take her place in the arranged marriage since she done R-U-N-N-O-F-T.
Not very dark, but a good palate cleanser read like the first one. Maintained the standards set by the first in the series, if not exceeded them slightly. The two characters were less frustrating and with more depth than those of the first book, but there's not a lot of angst after the first third of the book really. Spice was good.
All in all, good read. Will pick up the next in the series when I need another palate cleanser.
November 22, 2024
This was my first read from this author and I look forward to reading more of her books. I always appreciate the enemies to lovers trope and this one did not disappoint. Without giving away too much of the storyline I will say that I do appreciate the slower burn relationship between the two main characters. And I thought this was well executed with the timing of the book. It was to the point and had plenty of drama to keep me turning each page. If you like dark mafia romance and forced proximity style tale that still has a great plot, you want to read Dark enemies!
February 21, 2025
This author is soon becoming a fav!
I love how she depicts her MFC, they are strong without being badass, they are sassy without being brat.
I might find the MMC a bit too loved-sick as soon as he realises he is love … but that would be my only negative point
✅enemies to lovers
✅arranged marriage
✅forced proximity
❌no Virgin
❌no cheating / OW drama
❌no spanking (thank you very much!)
SA on the MFC twice so please check TW(not by the MMC)
Trafficking but it’s only a small part of the book
✅lots of 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ but no special kink
I love how she depicts her MFC, they are strong without being badass, they are sassy without being brat.
I might find the MMC a bit too loved-sick as soon as he realises he is love … but that would be my only negative point
✅enemies to lovers
✅arranged marriage
✅forced proximity
❌no Virgin
❌no cheating / OW drama
❌no spanking (thank you very much!)
SA on the MFC twice so please check TW(not by the MMC)
Trafficking but it’s only a small part of the book
✅lots of 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ but no special kink
October 16, 2024
Oh, this one was perfect. It was a true enemies-to-lovers story, and I'm always here for that. Opposing families, forced marriage—I mean, what more could you want? Steam, I hear you cry. Well, I can assure you there is that and then some. I absolutely loved these two characters, and of course, I will now be downloading the next one.
November 23, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
4/5 🌶️
August 26, 2024
My favourite out of the series.
🩷
Enemies to lovers, Cam & Maeve.
Forced mafia marriage. HEA.
The tension between these two! Phwooar!
🌹
🩷
Enemies to lovers, Cam & Maeve.
Forced mafia marriage. HEA.
The tension between these two! Phwooar!
🌹
September 17, 2025
Maeve & Cam!
🎧 ebook and Audiobook Review 🎧
Dark Enemies, is a standalone and book two in the McGowan Mafia series written by Effie Campbell. We follow Maeve McGowan, the youngest daughter in the McGowan family. Maeve is desperately trying to change her destiny. For her to save her brother, Maeve reluctantly enters into an agreement to an arranged marriage with Cameron Thompson, the son of the horrid Harold Thompson who has long terrorised her family. Maeve, is determined to make an impact with her feisty and daring unafraid attitude. She was fed up with being seen as weak by her father and brothers and made to feel inferior, invisible. Maeve was going to fight for herself, for her family. Can she change the course of her and their future?
Cameron Thompson is a hardened and ruthless member of a feared rival mafia family. Feeling the pressure of his position within the family, he is wrestling with loyalty to his father and his unexpected affection and obsession with his new wife Maeve.
Zoe Baxter plays Maeve. Zoe, your performance is the standout for me. I was taken by how you delivered Maeve’s fire and fight. Maeve’s tenacity, grit and determination to change the course of her future came to the fore, my favourite part of this story. Oh, and your voices for the supporting female characters are so good, especially the close connection with Katie, Cam’s younger sister.
Cameron is big, bold and brazen. James Joseph portrays all these traits that I come to expect from a mafia character. I do feel James conveyed Cameron’s conflicting emotions with convincing flair.
The pairing of Zoe Baxter and James Joseph performing Effie’s characters kept me engaged throughout the entire story. I enjoyed their accents and felt they suited the characters well.
Dark Enemies is a standalone, in the McGowan Mafia series. Whilst I don’t feel it necessary to have read book one, Dark Escapes. I do feel it has enhanced my enjoyment of this series. Having said this, Effie has provided sufficient insight into each character in Dark Enemies.
Thank you Effie Campbell for an incredibly engaging story. Thank you to Blue Nose for a wonderfully entertaining Advanced Listener Copy.
🎧 ebook and Audiobook Review 🎧
Dark Enemies, is a standalone and book two in the McGowan Mafia series written by Effie Campbell. We follow Maeve McGowan, the youngest daughter in the McGowan family. Maeve is desperately trying to change her destiny. For her to save her brother, Maeve reluctantly enters into an agreement to an arranged marriage with Cameron Thompson, the son of the horrid Harold Thompson who has long terrorised her family. Maeve, is determined to make an impact with her feisty and daring unafraid attitude. She was fed up with being seen as weak by her father and brothers and made to feel inferior, invisible. Maeve was going to fight for herself, for her family. Can she change the course of her and their future?
Cameron Thompson is a hardened and ruthless member of a feared rival mafia family. Feeling the pressure of his position within the family, he is wrestling with loyalty to his father and his unexpected affection and obsession with his new wife Maeve.
Zoe Baxter plays Maeve. Zoe, your performance is the standout for me. I was taken by how you delivered Maeve’s fire and fight. Maeve’s tenacity, grit and determination to change the course of her future came to the fore, my favourite part of this story. Oh, and your voices for the supporting female characters are so good, especially the close connection with Katie, Cam’s younger sister.
Cameron is big, bold and brazen. James Joseph portrays all these traits that I come to expect from a mafia character. I do feel James conveyed Cameron’s conflicting emotions with convincing flair.
The pairing of Zoe Baxter and James Joseph performing Effie’s characters kept me engaged throughout the entire story. I enjoyed their accents and felt they suited the characters well.
Dark Enemies is a standalone, in the McGowan Mafia series. Whilst I don’t feel it necessary to have read book one, Dark Escapes. I do feel it has enhanced my enjoyment of this series. Having said this, Effie has provided sufficient insight into each character in Dark Enemies.
Thank you Effie Campbell for an incredibly engaging story. Thank you to Blue Nose for a wonderfully entertaining Advanced Listener Copy.
June 11, 2024
Smitten, simply smitten.
Whatever I have done in my life to deserve this book, I AM BEYOND THANKFUL FOR. Effie Campbell, this book now holds a OTP for me. I don’t know what you did to me, I don’t know how you did it, but Maeve and Cam are my soul couple. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. Worst part about this book? It came to an end! If this book was made into a movie, I would watch it every day. This book is one of few that I didn’t have any anger towards to MC’s at any point and I delighted in that feeling. I could not get enough.
Quickie into this book. This is the second book for the McGowan Mafia Series. It is not necessary to read the first book, but it does help for character recognition. This book does contain a delicious amount of tasteful spice, and a few trigger warning scenes. *Force Marriage *Enemies to lovers *Mafia Romance *and all around yummy.
After Esther runs away from Harold (yet again), Maeve is thrust into a forced marriage with Cameron, son of the warring mafia. Stepping up to the plate, Maeve agrees with the intention of bringing down the Thompson family. Is Cameron all that Maeve thought? Is Cameron really like his father? As walls start to fall and feeling start to arise, what are comes next for these kids that are just trying to make their family happy?
MAEVE. Even though life through her terrible bones, she picked them up and made a fricken statue. Shes powerful, knows her worth, knows how to stand her ground for what she believes in, knows what she deserves, and most of all, she knows what she wants! And damn, if that isn’t beautiful, I don’t know what is. Maeve was beautifully written and I would love to be her best friend.
CAM. You made me fall in love with you and I don’t even know why or how. Watching your walls fall, watching you choose Maeve, watching you protect. Good lord, how could I not? Thank you for choosing my girl!
Whatever I have done in my life to deserve this book, I AM BEYOND THANKFUL FOR. Effie Campbell, this book now holds a OTP for me. I don’t know what you did to me, I don’t know how you did it, but Maeve and Cam are my soul couple. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. Worst part about this book? It came to an end! If this book was made into a movie, I would watch it every day. This book is one of few that I didn’t have any anger towards to MC’s at any point and I delighted in that feeling. I could not get enough.
Quickie into this book. This is the second book for the McGowan Mafia Series. It is not necessary to read the first book, but it does help for character recognition. This book does contain a delicious amount of tasteful spice, and a few trigger warning scenes. *Force Marriage *Enemies to lovers *Mafia Romance *and all around yummy.
After Esther runs away from Harold (yet again), Maeve is thrust into a forced marriage with Cameron, son of the warring mafia. Stepping up to the plate, Maeve agrees with the intention of bringing down the Thompson family. Is Cameron all that Maeve thought? Is Cameron really like his father? As walls start to fall and feeling start to arise, what are comes next for these kids that are just trying to make their family happy?
MAEVE. Even though life through her terrible bones, she picked them up and made a fricken statue. Shes powerful, knows her worth, knows how to stand her ground for what she believes in, knows what she deserves, and most of all, she knows what she wants! And damn, if that isn’t beautiful, I don’t know what is. Maeve was beautifully written and I would love to be her best friend.
CAM. You made me fall in love with you and I don’t even know why or how. Watching your walls fall, watching you choose Maeve, watching you protect. Good lord, how could I not? Thank you for choosing my girl!
September 16, 2025
Book 2 of the McGowan Mafia Series
As much as this series can be read as standalone, i do recommend reading in order to fill in back story of the characters.
Maeves sister was supposed to marry a rival mafia leader Harold Thompson. But due to her fleeing in book 1, Maeve is now expected to fulfil this responsibility.
harold realises that the age gap is not ideal and proposes that she should marry his Son Cameron instead.
Maeve is anything but weak. All she wants is an opportunity, a chance to prove to her brothers, that shes not the baby sister they treat her to be, women deserve to be acknowledged just as much as the men in this family so, She'll marry Cameron and she'll take down the Thompson family from the inside. But what happens when she realises that Cam isn't at all what she expected?
Cam is the icy cold son who has to protected his sister from his abusive power-hungry mafia father. He's been conditioned by Harold to exhibit no feelings and have nothing but loyalty to his father. But when presented with the evidence, will Cam forego his feelings for maeve, which he's struggled to acknowledge, or will he finally see his father for what he is?
the narration for this book was perfectly selected (yet again)
James Joseph and Zoe baxter were the perfect pairing.
And yet again, another narrator that effie and bluenose have selected that had me blushing - being Scottish, this is a hard task as i hear my accent and normally cringe 😬... But James was phenomenal! His praise to maeve hit me in the core 🤭 Cam's obsession with Maeve's thighs was 🥵
Zoe, gave a strong performance as maeve, which i thoroughly enjoyed.
i love tandem reading this series and cant wait to get into the next book featuring mac and kate.
Mafia romance / Enemies to lovers / Forced marriage / Forced proximity / Touch her & die / references of s.a.
As always please familiarise yourself with the content before reading. Reader discretion is advised
As much as this series can be read as standalone, i do recommend reading in order to fill in back story of the characters.
Maeves sister was supposed to marry a rival mafia leader Harold Thompson. But due to her fleeing in book 1, Maeve is now expected to fulfil this responsibility.
harold realises that the age gap is not ideal and proposes that she should marry his Son Cameron instead.
Maeve is anything but weak. All she wants is an opportunity, a chance to prove to her brothers, that shes not the baby sister they treat her to be, women deserve to be acknowledged just as much as the men in this family so, She'll marry Cameron and she'll take down the Thompson family from the inside. But what happens when she realises that Cam isn't at all what she expected?
Cam is the icy cold son who has to protected his sister from his abusive power-hungry mafia father. He's been conditioned by Harold to exhibit no feelings and have nothing but loyalty to his father. But when presented with the evidence, will Cam forego his feelings for maeve, which he's struggled to acknowledge, or will he finally see his father for what he is?
the narration for this book was perfectly selected (yet again)
James Joseph and Zoe baxter were the perfect pairing.
And yet again, another narrator that effie and bluenose have selected that had me blushing - being Scottish, this is a hard task as i hear my accent and normally cringe 😬... But James was phenomenal! His praise to maeve hit me in the core 🤭 Cam's obsession with Maeve's thighs was 🥵
Zoe, gave a strong performance as maeve, which i thoroughly enjoyed.
i love tandem reading this series and cant wait to get into the next book featuring mac and kate.
Mafia romance / Enemies to lovers / Forced marriage / Forced proximity / Touch her & die / references of s.a.
As always please familiarise yourself with the content before reading. Reader discretion is advised
June 8, 2023
Dark Enemies by Effie Campbell is a delightfully dark and deliciously steamy novel about Maeve McGowan, a young woman forced into marriage with Cameron Thompson, the son of Harold Thompson, her family’s sworn enemy. Maeve is no pushover, or timid little miss, quite the opposite and Ms. Campbell portrays her wonderfully as compassionate, loving, and strategically quite smart. Harold is one sick puppy; the depths of his depravity are not known by enough people to end his reign until Maeve decides she is going to learn exactly what he is up to. And take- your-breath-away-Cameron, despite all of the atrocities visited on his childhood, remains steadfast, strong, and protective of his little sister and those within the family that he cares for. This story stirred up all kinds of feelings in me as I read page after page, unable to put it down. The human capacity to believe in the goodness of men, despite all evidence to the contrary; and to accept the shortcomings of one’s own family out of loyalty to that family, are front and center in this novel, as is the limitless power of love to heal all wounds, no matter how old or how gaping. Ms. Campbell handles the sensitive subject of human trafficking with such respect and delicacy for its victims that she instantly held my admiration as a master at the art of crafting words. Creating and conveying such dark and terrifying emotions with enough passion to bring the reader front and center into the novel is no small feat, but Ms. Campbell has done this. Dark Enemies touched my heart in many ways that will remain with me for a lifetime.
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