Merciful Lies

by C.D. Gorri

Lies can be merciful. It just depends on the why.

Meredith
I knew the second I saw him, my life would change forever. When my brother offers me as payment to Nico Fury, the king of the Vipers, how can I refuse? Tattooed, built, and tall, he was the only man I saw when I walked into the room. It was like he occupied all the available space, sitting on his throne of blood, sweat, and lies.

Nerves assailed me, but I owed my brother too much to let anything happen to him. One night. That was all. But it would leave me wrecked. Actions always had consequences. Six months later, my brother was killed by a rival organization, and now they were after me.

There was only one place I could go to keep my unborn baby safe. I just hoped the king would be merciful.

Nico
Perfect things didn’t exist, at least not in my experience. But she was pretty close. I had her in my bed for one night, and I couldn’t shake the memory. No, I wasn’t meant to keep soft things like Meredith Keller. My life belonged to my crew, and we were a vicious group. Hell, we weren’t called Vipers for nothing.

But she was different. She made me want, and I loved and hated her for it. Meredith was light in a world of constant darkness. She was all warmth and beauty like no other. And I craved her like a drug.

Six months had passed since I took her in return for clearing her brother’s debt to me, but that man attracted trouble like honey did flies. It wasn’t long before I learned Sam Keller had gotten himself killed. Less than an hour later, Meredith came back to me, on her knees, asking for sanctuary.

I knew the moment I saw the swell of her stomach she was carrying my baby. Meredith thought coming here would protect her, but she was walking right into the Viper’s nest. Before I was finished, my little runaway would be begging me for mercy.

Merciful Lies is the first in the contemporary romance series of connected standalones, Jersey Bad Boys. This series features familiar tropes such as enemies to lovers, forced proximity, arranged marriages, secret babies, and contains some violence and explicit scenes.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Amazon, Mafia Romance

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2024

About the author

C.D. Gorri is a USA Today Bestselling author of steamy contemporary & paranormal romance & urban fantasy.

She is the creator of the Grazi Kelly Universe.

Join her mailing list here: https://www.cdgorri.com/newsletter

An avid reader with a profound love for books and literature, when she is not writing or taking care of her family, she can usually be found with a book or tablet in hand. C.D. lives in her home state of New Jersey where many of her characters or stories are based. Her tales are fast paced yet detailed with satisfying conclusions.

If you enjoy powerful heroines and loyal heroes who face relatable problems in both contemporary and supernatural settings, journey into C.D. Gorri's Universe today.

You will find sassy, curvy heroines and sexy, love-driven heroes who find their HEAs between the pages. Werewolves, Bears, Dragons, Tigers, Witches, Romani, Lynxes, Foxes, Thunderbirds, Vampires, and many more Shifters and supernatural creatures dwell within her worlds. The most important thing is every mate in this universe is fated, loyal, and true lovers always get their happily-ever-afters.

Want to know how it all began? Enter the Grazi Kelly Universe with Wolf Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel or pick up Charley's Christmas Wolf and dive into the Macconwood Pack Novel Series today.

For a complete list of C.D. Gorri's books visit her website here:

https://www.cdgorri.com/complete-book...

Thank you and happy reading!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

Follow C.D. Gorri here:
http://www.cdgorri.com
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Reviews

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5 stars

So I actually really enjoyed this book.

We have Nico who is the King of the Vipers, some group that is mafia ish I guess. And we have Anna a baker who lost both of her parents and has to deal with her no good younger brother.

Her brother sells her to Nico to pay off his debts. One night with her and Nico will forgive the money he owes. But little do they both know, Nico orchestrated everything so it would end up this way. Which actually I really liked. I’m glad he wasn’t just like give me your sister and I’ll sleep with this random girl and you have no debt. No he found out about Anna a while ago and he stalked her before he finalized his plans into having her.

Nico was honestly just a softy when it came to her. Even when they had sex the first time, 2 seconds after they met, he was so gentle and sweet about it. There wasn’t a single time in this book where he was rude or hurtful to her and I appreciated that. This was very insta obsessed on his side. I would even say maybe insta love but that’s not expressed until a little later. He was super possessive of her as well and would do anything for her!

Anna was sweet as well. She wasn’t really sassy or anything but I feel like her character fit with his and they meshed well together.

So you know when you’re reading a book and you’re enjoying it so much you’re literally praying that the rest of the book will be good and you’ll love it? That’s what I was doing here. I was like “I really like this book please let the rest of it be good.” And it was! Until there was about 15% left of the book.

This is where the OW drama comes in. Now the OW drama isn’t what ruined it for me. It’s not even really much drama, it’s set up in a way that the readers can see that Nico is doing nothing wrong. So on his side there is no OW drama. We know it’s about to happen when it’s Anna’s POV though, for her it is OW drama. Her reaction and what she does after is what took this book down from a 5 star read for me. She sees Nico talking to some beautiful woman and the way it looks, looks bad so she’s immediately mad (for obvious reasons) but then…she talks about how turned on she is because he looks so good…WHILE HE LOOKS LIKE HES FLIRTING WITH THIS WOMAN! She overhears part of their convo and it sounds like they have been together behind her back so she thinks he was cheating on her. And then….and then!!! She runs away…he catches her and then THEY PROCEED TO HAVE SEX EVEN THOUGH SHE THINKS HES BEEN CHEATING ON HER!! It’s not even cleared up. She thinks he’s cheating and yet she still sleeps with him!!!! Like wtf?! Why do authors make female characters this way. We know he wasn’t cheating but she doesn’t and yet still she let her body betray her!! BBS can definitely ruin a book for me. Luckily it didn’t ruin the whole book but I cannot give it 5 starts anymore.

Also there were a few discrepancies throughout the book. In one chapter Anna is 31 and then the next chapter she is 32. In one chapter Angel is Nico’s second cousin and in the next he’s his first cousin. Anna goes to Nico for protection because she thinks someone is trying to hurt her but then her apartment gets set on fire and she wonders who would do it because no one would hurt her?! So yeah didn’t make sense.

Other than all that I liked the book. I will definitely continue the series because I want to read about Angel and Giselle. But first we have to read about Luc and Maria. Wasn’t a big fan of Maria so we will see!!

NO CHEATING
UNFOUNDED OW DRAMA (see above)
NO OM DRAMA ( he is possessive)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
PREGNANCY
MURDER
HEA

[Capt. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s rare to find a MC book that has no cheating, no double standard, club whores are not prevalent and to top it off a good decent story.

Nico is just plain and simply obsessed with Anna. To the point he concocted a plan to have Anna pay her brother’s debts to the club by having a one night stand with her (all my feminist bones just left my body in this book 🙈).

But since he doesn’t know how to have feelings, he let her go after that not knowing she became pregnant with his child. The story picked up after Anna came to him for protection since her brother was killed by some evil organization (or whatever they are called).

Nico is an asshole to everyone but her, and that’s my kind of hero y’all! I love that Anna while being a bit timid isn’t a complete dishrag.

[Retsel Koko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never expected to love this tbh. The story is engaging and characters aren’t annoying! What’s more it’s an MC story that doesn’t have any club whores and doesn’t justify cheating or sexist plots.

Nico is yummy and all the things he said and did had me biting my lip 🫦

Anna is my feisty and sweet angel. I love that she’s vulnerable at the right moments and sassy other times.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie Review: I found this new to me author through a book group by someone singing it’s praises. I grabbed it up and oh boy am I glad I did. From start to finish I was absolutely hooked. The story, the plot and the characters had me it it’s tight grip. I truly loved this book. For one, the romance was an absolute inferno! And two, my heart wholly belongs to Nico now. My sweet, delicious, and completely vicious, Nico. I cannot wait for more of this series to come out. I need it!! 5 Stars!

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merciful Lies is book 1 in the Jersey Bad Boys series. Since I didn't write a review as soon as I was done with this book, I don't remember it at all.

[Kirsten_BookRants · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️.5

When I was accepted as part of the ARC team I was excited to start this book. And it held my attention the entire time.

***Minor Spoilers Ahead***

Curvy FMC representation! And the way Nico talks about her ugh chef's kiss. 🥵

I didn't like the 6 months time skip. It felt awkward to me. And would have preferred it played out in real time. However I loved that Nico was not with other women during that time frame.

The writing was juvenile at times, with the over usage of "king of the f-ing vipers" or just mention of Nico's affiliation with them.

We all need a friend like Giselle in our lives. Not her throwing beer in Angel's face. I'm here for it.

Hmm I felt a type of way about Anna's reaction to seeing Nico with Margaret. They were talking, but the way she acted was like she walked in on them kissing or having sex. And of course it was her insecurities coming out. But Nico never gave her a reason to believe he would cheat. And yes I rolled my eyes during their argument at the house.

Anna's inner monologues about her body insecurities were heartbreaking, but relatable. When you don't necessarily feel beautiful, no matter what a person says to you, you aren't going to believe you are beautiful. But given this is fiction I do wish she did become more confident towards the end of the book.

At times I do wish conflicts were fleshed out more, or even prolonged. Because I feel there was no moments that had me on the edge of my seat. Which is fine, but I do think this book needs more action and drama. For example I feel Nico not being able to find her for 6 months was unrealistic. And I feel that him finding her and then forcing her to marry him would have made for more drama. So maybe I'm just the problem 😅.

Nevertheless I'm excited to see what the rest of this series has to offer.

[ThEAnGrYrEaDeR55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna and Nico.

Nico Fury is the King of Vipers. The Vipers? Not just a club but basically a dark underground criminal organization on the East Coast (Jersey). Money laundering, gambling, sex, loan sharking, murder, all but trafficking, crimes against children and fentanyl. He is almost 40 and has been obsessed with Anna ever since he investigated her younger brother Sammy when he learned Sammy was losing too much money at his clubs.

Anna Keller is a baker and half owner of a bread bakery that has been in her family for 3 generations. Her parents are dead and she only has Sammy (21) in her life. She is barely making ends meet, works herself to death practically and lives alone with her cat. She is a big girl, “healthy for 60 pounds overweight” which made me roll my eyes so hard. She’s 32.

Opening we find out Sammy has been beat to shit, owes the Vipers 55k and they’ll kill Sammy if Anna doesn’t pay the debt with her body. She is brought to the club and has a very hot experience/night with Nico even though lets me honest, it’s blackmail and prostitution. She leaves in the middle of the night and Nico “lets” her go.

6 months later, we find out Anna has been hiding out in Florida at her friend Giselle’s parents vacation house. She’s also 6 months pregnant but just now showing because big girls just look fat while pregnant. (Wtf?) She meets up with Giselle and is told the bakers in her own bakery want her out and don’t want to pay her a cut anymore Giselle tries to convince her to tell the baby’s father then they hear her brother being murdered outside her building. Sammy’s dead and she has no where to go.

Anna shows up at Nico’s place hoping for protection. She does not get a word out before he’s telling her they’re getting married and essentially forces her to marry him because he doesn’t want a bastard child and she needs protection. He also has not slept with anyone else since her. Loved that part.

Nico immediately takes over her life. Takes care of her, spoils her, loves the baby, sorts out her business, moves her out of her crappy apartment. It’s pretty swoon worthy. He’s absolutely OTT about Anna. He finds out a security guard is jacking off to Anna when she swims naked (she’s 7 months along and thought she was alone), he kills him.

There’s some mild OW Drama from the bartender Maria. Snarky comments. Flirting. Nico shuts it down hard. Maria becomes friends with Giselle and Anna.

He confesses he essentially stalked Anna and wants her forever. He even starts to build low-income housing because he saw where Anna lived before. Lots of delicious sex scenes. He builds her a sewing room to create things so she doesn’t have to go back to the bakery after birth. He cooks for her every day. He goes to all her prenatal appointments. He tells her who he is and doesn’t sugarcoat it. (He can’t tell her everything).

Anna gets put on bedrest while Nico goes to Boston. He’s had a problem with a new family trying to move in and undercut his business. They also killed Sammy (it was his fault). He flies back to be with her when she has a slight emergency.

Anna gives birth to a son. 6 weeks later, a woman shows up looking for Nico. (A woman another syndicate wanted him to marry). Anna goes to meet Nico to surprise him and of course sees him APPEARING to be cozy with this young hot thing when really they were just exchanging information. She runs. He chases. They argue. They fuck. He breaks down and tells her every little itty bitty detail of everything he’s ever done. They fuck again.

Epilogue is him finding his enemy and killing him. Then going home to his loving wife and son.

Will absolutely read the next one.

[Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois · Rating 5 out of 5]

NICO FREAKING FURY!!!!!!!!! I don't know where he came from, but I need more! 5 Stars!

Merciful Lies, the first book in the Jersey Bad Boys series by C.D. Gorri was absolutely fantastic! Nico Fury came and snatched my heart like a thief in the night! I don't remember the last time I devoured a book the way I did MERCIFUL LIES!

Nico Fury, the "King of the Vipers", is a morally gray business/crime boss who walks the line between shady and upstanding. What Nico wants, Nico gets and what he wants is Anna, the sister of one of his owned Markers. Anna, desperate to clear her brother Sammy's debt, gives herself to Nico for one night in exchange for her brother's clemency. A hot night of passion between the two leads to more than just the end of a debt, but the start of something more between the two. Six months later, Nico and Anna are reunited with Anna inheriting a whole new set of problems from her troublesome brother and carrying Nico's unborn child. Will Nico turn Anna away or finally get what he's wanted most, Anna in his life forever?

This book had me from chapter one! The chemistry between Nico and Anna was unmatched and I loved Nico from the second he came on page. I loved him and Anna together and the heat generated between the two created a five-alarm fire in my Kindle! I loved Anna's optimism, trusting and forgiving heart, and her passion for Nico. I loved the unapologetic possessiveness Nico had over Anna and his child. My Gawd, this man put the "P" in psychotic with his actions to protect "his Anna" and I was so here for all of his jealous shenanigans and actions no matter how brutal they were! Wow... how messed up is that?! LOL

Fans of C.D. Gorri already know that she is an excellent storyteller and is gifted at crafting amazing stories of love and the surrender of her morally grey men to their women. However, Merciful Lies takes their possessiveness to a new level with Nico Fury. His last name perfectly describes his character, as his fury was deep and his actions in this book were savage. So, you are advised to check the triggers in the book. The writing is superb, and I felt every emotion from the characters in the book. I knew from chapter one that I was going to love this book and I do. I was so sad to see it end but C.D. always gifts her readers with a satisfying HEA that will have you thinking about the characters long after you've closed the book. MERCIFUL LIES was nothing short of brilliant and C.D. Gorri has once again proven herself to be a talented Wordsmith.

This is an excellent start to the series, and I cannot wait to see what's in store for the next Jersey Bad Boy! Please write more novels like this, C.D. Gorri! I like it here! I like it here alot!

Happy Reading!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Audiobook review.
Merciful Lies is book 1 in what hopefully will be a new series from C.D Gorri,It centers around Anna and Nico who are the first couple and how they meet.
Anna works relentlessly to make ends meet but her brother is the opposite,he is in trouble owing debts to a ruthless organization.
Selfishly he offers Anna up as payment to his debt,so to stop her brother being killed Anna agrees to one night with The King of The Vipers Nico Fury.
Little does Anna know though is that Nico has manipulated the whole situation and the goal was to have her in his bed.He has been stalking Anna for a while and knows everything about her,enough to discover he wants her..Going to the lengths of using her brother allowing him to run up debts he knew he wouldn't be able to pay,so he could get to Anna.
Anna doesn't expect to be attracted to Nico and to enjoy their night of passion so much,he made her feel desirable and wanted.But as soon as daylight arrives Anna flees the scene while Nico sleeps and disappears for 6 months.
Obviously Nico is enraged Anna left without him knowing and he doesn't know where she has gone.
Until 6 months later Anna shows up when her brother is found murdered and Anna needs protection for her and her baby.!!!!!
Yes that is right Anna is pregnant with Nico's baby.!!..Surprisingly Nico seems to be happy about it and drags Anna off to get married.
But can this relationship work?
They don't know eachother?...Nico has enemies because he is a ruthless man..Plus Anna doesn't feel like she is his type..and he only wants her because of the baby.
But Anna is wrong,she doesn't know Nico had stalked her from the start,how will she react when she finds out.?
Nico is the ultimate Alpha he is very possessive and protective and is like an angry bull if anyone so much as touches Anna...I loved his softer side though and he could be so sweet with Anna and their baby.
Anna is quite reserved and a little self concious about herself and her body,she is a curvy girl and thinks she doesn't fit in...She wants to find her brothers killer.
This story is fantastically Narrated by two new narrators to me Elle Sonali and Mick Fanning.
They are Amazing portraying Anna and Nico their voices are very expressive and you can feel the passion in their voices.I really enjoyed listening to them tell this story.
This book is an intriguing,very steamy and addictive story and I want to know more about The Vipers and its members.
Loved it.
5 Stars

[Tab_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
MOOD: challenging, tense
TROPES: one-night stand, surprise pregnancy, arranged marriage (kinda)
GENRES: mafia romance, billionaire romance
FAV QUOTE:

MAIN CHARACTERS: Anna Keller (30 FMC) and Nico Fury (40 MMC)

THE GOOD: I loved that not only is Anna a curvy girl but that both main characters are older. Nico is not a good guy and that is made very clear from he start and it never bothers Anna even though she does have a few moments where she thinks she needs therapy :D The spicy scenes are good (starting at like 10% in so a fast burn?) and there's a good mix of side characters to keep the b-plot rolling.

THE NEUTRAL: Not much happens. There is a b-plot but overall the book takes place over maybe 4 months cause there is a time skip. There are a few main plot points that are hit but it still felt like nothing happens even within the relationship - they get together and that's kinda it, they're together - which might be why it was such a quick read.

THE MEH: Too much with the side characters Luc & Angel - I already know who their books are going to center around. Or at least it feels like I do but maybe there will be a surprise. I'm also not a fan of miscommunication or whatever steps in for the "third act breakup" here. Luckily it's short lived since this is a short read but I could have done without it.

CW: murder, violence, death of a sibling, death of a parent, blood, pregnancy, alcohol, drug use
Note: the author does provide a list but it's of tropes & content and covers the whole series.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

On today’s episode of Weird Things Romance Novel Writers Think Are Harmful To Babies: swimming in a pool/ pool chemicals (AKA chlorine AKA that stuff that’s in bleach? Y’all not cleaning y’all’s house with Lysol when you’re preggo?); straddling a woman’s chest for … er, mammary intercourse during pregnancy; engagement rings with stones that stick out from the band. The chemistry didn’t really work for me in this book and I think the problem is that the MMC starts the story with a pre-built obsession with the FMC, so you don’t get that build-up of him falling for her. This could’ve been salvaged if there was something keeping them apart, with unresolved guilt or yearning driving the plot, but there isn’t. There could’ve been, because the FMC was MIA for six months, but the author just decided to make that a timeskip instead of letting us suffer. As a result of these choices, the only thing preventing the MMC from confessing his undying love for the FMC is… himself. And it’s not that he is emotionally constipated and can’t tell why he’s feeling this way—he knows full well what he’s about—he just… doesn’t say anything. For no reason other than… idk, it’s too soon? The plot requires it?? 🤷🏻‍♀️ He’s metagaming this book, man! P.S. both MCs have an unhealthy obsession with their partner interacting with the opposite sex. She sees him talking to a chick for 3 seconds and storms out like he cheated; he somehow bribes/threatens (?) an entire hospital to get her only female providers.

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna’s brother Sammy has been a problem since he was a kid, drugs, gambling you name it. Well Sammy has borrowed a lot of money from the Vipers which is run by Nico. Nico let Sammy borrow all this money because he wanted access to Anna. Poor Anna has tried her best to help Sammy and support him but he is bleeding her bread company dry. When Nico decides to rein in Sammy he already owes over 55,000 dollars and Nico requests a night with Anna. The night is everything he imagined and more since Anna although reluctant was very attracted to Nico. Unfortunately their night resulted in Anna becoming pregnant and suddenly it appears as if Anna has an enemy and Nico must protect her and the baby. Nico although the fearless leader of this Viper group is a complete softie with Anna. He loves her and will eliminate anyone who dares to look at her or attempt to hurt her. Anna is a curvy, sweet young woman who just wants someone to love her. This story has action, violence and spice. This is the first in the Jersey Bad Boys Trilogy. C. D. Gorri is a new author to me and I really enjoyed her writing and her characters.

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting, page turner, mafia romance.

🔸️This is a story for all who loves big, bad, morally grey heroes. The MMC here is all red flags. 🚩🚩🚩He is ruthless, cunning and manipulating. His only soft spot is Anna and as he falls hard and fast he becomes obssessed on her point.

🔸️And FMC? She is more than happy to get herself a possessive, controling, dangerous male.😏😉

🔸️I have enjoyed concept that Anna is a plus size lady and in her 30ties. Nico is 40 y.o. and unquestionably adores her fuller curves.

🔸️The spice is juicy and delicious, bit filthy, with dirty talk. Nico's lust and craving Anna's thick, soft body is palpable through pages. 🥵🔥🌶

🔸️Well written. The author keeps great tempo and dynamic in narration. It makes you hard to book the book away.

🔸️Overall, this is a story for all fans of wicked, bad men who are evil to everyone except for their chosen sweetheart. If you like such stories, you will enjoy yourself from the first chapter. 😎
If you expect FMC to have many objections and be very sensible, then that's not a story for you. 😉

[Brittni Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all I read Merciful Lies in 3 days and it only took me that long because well mom life! But oh my, when I tell you this book had me hooked, I was HOOKED!! I thought about this book, ALL day!

The MMC Nico Fury is a business man/ crime boss- morally grey man but when it comes to the MMC Anna he is possessive and so loving. Touch her and you die vibes. He will do anything to get her and then to keep her!

As a bigger girl myself- reading that Anna was a curvy girl in her 30’s, made me love her even more and made her character more relatable. Anna is protective in her own way and trying to protect her brother and clear his debt to Nico is how the two meet. From that moment on there is no going back! The chemistry between the two of them was so amazing and I believe was part of what kept me so intrigued.

Merciful Lies had the spice in all the right places and wasn’t over the top. This is my first book by C.D. Gorri and I will definitely be reading more and I can’t wait for the next book!

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Merciful Lies which tells Nico and Anna's story, he is the King of the Vipers, they run the Jersey Shore where whatever seems to happen he or the Vipers know about it. Six months ago he arranged to meet Anna under dubious circumstances. He and Anna shared one night, and they made no plans to meet again even though he wanted her. When she returns pregnant he's shocked but determined to keep her by him so he marries her.

This is a steamy, hot story with a hero who is both good and bad I suppose you could say his character is morally grey but he'll do anything to keep his woman and child safe and by his side. Their relationship may have not had the perfect beginning but by the end, there was no denying the love between them.

The dark, twisted and steamy read is well-written, fast-paced, full of action, and palpable chemistry, as well as some morally grey areas, that said I didn't want to put my Kindle down. I loved the characters, especially Nico but all of them are great characters and very well-drawn.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

PAYING A DEBT MIGHT LEAD TO MORE THAN SHE THOUGHT

Nico and Anna, take on a read you won't be able to put down. Anna was offered to Nico to pay her brother's debt after one night, and she disappeared. After 6 months, she came back with a surprise, and after her brother's demise, she turned to him for help. What Nico wants he gets, and he wants her, she just doesn't understand why. When he takes her and decides what he has to, he won't ever let her go. Will she accept or run? Will the people after her find her? Will he come to understand he has feelings?
A fantastic, emotional, action-packed, very spicy read that will keep you glued to your Kindle, wanting more and more. These two give you everything you want in a book plus so much more. So can't wait to read what this author has next.

[Simply Adventures · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars average easy read.
would I reread? no.
would I recommend? yes but the story is very predictable but if you're looking for something to pass the time with a plot that isn't too complex it's a good one.


I will say though I don't really care about any of the characters and a lot of the story seems to be somewhat surface level. the timeline for the book also I think affects this. because you got the week that she gets pregnant then it jumped to where she's 6 months pregnant where she left New Jersey and went to Florida but then came back and then the rest of the story is in like that 3-month period but it also has too small time jumps in there like a week and then a 3 week. then you have the epilogues for the baby it's a couple months old.

the story does set up for the next two books.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changing him by MeemsAngel82

This was my first book by this author and it was sweeter than I expected! This was written well and there is never a dull moment. The two leads are different, one is a mafia leader and the other q dissatisfied baker that life had kicked around. He was strong and just what she needed without being overbearing.

She had to give herself to him for one time to settle a debt.

And it was the best thing for her. Sounds bad but he was a good man and she was attracted to him. Her brother got her into a pickle and unfortunately I wish he was redeemed, but...I felt for her. She was trying her best and yet had it hard. This H was crazy about her and cared for her so much. They fell in love and learned more about one another along the way. He was so fierce in seeing to her needs and it looks like there are some other fantastic pairings I will be reading soon!

[Marie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author & I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It was very well written & kept me engaged from the very first chapter.

Anna is basically given to Nico by her brother for a night because of his gambling debt that he owes to the Vipers. After an intense night, Anna ends up with a surprise gift & leaves town. On the evening that she returns home, her brother is murdered & she ends up going to Nico for protection. I loved the chemistry between Anna & Nico and how loyal Anna was to her brother.

I really enjoyed this book & and I hope we get Angel & Luc's stories because I'm not ready to say goodbye to the Vipers. This was a very entertaining & enjoyable story to read, and I am so glad I gave it a chance.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Merciful Lies by C.D. Gorri in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This story has everything I love- a sweet, feisty, curvy FMC, and a sexy, strong MMC that is obsessed with her. The story is a wild ride, complete with stalking, deceit, some twists and lots of spice! The story follows Anna and Nico. They met through unconventional means but had an immediate connection. Once they decided to be together, there was no turning back. Nico becomes Anna's rock, protecting and providing for her every need and desire 😉. She fills the gaps in his life, becoming the missing piece he never knew he needed. If you enjoy a morally gray MMC that would burn the world for you as much as I do, this book should be on your TBR.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merciful Lies by C.D. Gorri is awesome dark mafia romance. Elle Sonali and Mick Fanning did an excellent job with the narration. The story is entertaining, interesting, enjoyable, steamy, sexy, engaging, great chemistry between the two main characters, exciting, shocking, and more. Nico Fury is king of the Vipers an underworld organization. When Anna brother needs to pay off a debt he uses her to do it. Later her brother is killed by another underworld organization. Anna seeks help from Nico Fury because the other organization wants her dead too. Will Nico help her? What will the cost be? Can she hind the truth from him? When he find out she is pregnant what will he do then? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Highly recommend

[Toni Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I love the surprise pregnancy trope! I went into this book thinking that Nico was gonna just be rude and would make me not like him cause of his reputation, but as the story progresses he became a big teddy bear that I was so in love with. He loved Anna with all his heart and never stopped showing her throughout this story. This book showed some real glimpses on how us girls feel about our insecurities of our bodies after childbirth and even before that as well. I loved how Nico shut up her insecurities quickly and without doubt. Anna blossomed in this story and it just made my heart so happy!

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow!! This was amazing! So well written, I was hooked, couldn’t put it down. Crime lord, Nico, King of the Vipers, allowed a debt to be run up in his gambling club by Sammy as he took one look at his sister, Anna, and knew he wanted her. He used his leverage on Sammy to get a night with Anna but he didn’t want to let her go! Anna left in the night but 6 months on she needed Nico’s help when her brother is murdered but she has also been keeping secrets. Hot, explosive story that kept me on the edge of my seat! Amazing chemistry, danger, suspense, an obsessed, protective hero and a wonderful HEA. A must read, I cannot recommend enough, can’t wait for more from the Vipers

[Katie ( Spookinsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read about what happens to Anna after she becomes pregnant after agreeing to one blissful night with the King of the Vipers in exchange for her brother's debt being cleared. After the death of her brother Anna show up at Nico's door 6 months pregnant asking for protection for her and her child. So what's Nico do but marry her of course! Follow Anna and Nico as they navigate new feelings, pregnancy, and parenthood!

Tropes: Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Possessive Alpha Male, Forced Proximity, Secret Baby, Tricked Into Marriage, Morally Gray MMC, Plus Size Heroine, Sweet For Her, Touch Her and Die.

[Celina Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merciful lies follow MMC Nico the King of the Vipers and FMC Anna the sister of Sammy who owes Nico money. Anna unfortunately will have to be one to pay back Nico for Sammy's debt and paying Nico back means one night at his mercy. Anna leaves thinking she will never see Nico again until she finds out that one night with Nico has left her pregnant. Nico has done nothing but think about Anna for the last six months but since she has left without a trace Nico is unaware of her pregnancy that is until Sammy is killed, and Anna is left with no choice but to go to Nico. The moment Nico sees Anna he knows he will do anything to keep her and his baby safe, but how far is Nico really willing to go and will Anna go along with it?

I love that Nico is morally gray, yet Anna brings out a side of him has never really known. Anna is curvy, tough and she definitely takes no crap which makes her character perfect especially now that she is going to be a mother. This story had me hooked with the action, secrets, spice and side characters that have me excited for the next book in this series. I definitely suggest reading this book but as always be sure to check the tropes and triggers.

Thank you C.D. Gorri for the ARC!

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 1 in The Jersey Bad Boys Series has an amazing story, well-crafted world and intense Characters. These wonderful characters have unique personalities, detailed histories and believable interactions. I love to hate her brother and how he treated her, I loved her strength when she showed up at the MC and I loved his strentgh and his protective side. This story had obsession, trading a sister for his debts, passion, love, secret pregnancy, danger, twists, turns, family, MC violence, misunderstandings, Romance, Love and a worked for HEA. This is a must read new series from one of my favorite authors, C. D. Gorri. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Judy W · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a word "simplistic". This was extremely basic in plot and characterization. The mafia boss-with added morals to make him more hero worthy. The FMC who is insta love with the hero under dubious circumstances. Meredith has a shitty brother who offers her up for debt relief (?) and she agrees to a one off with mob boss Nico. Of course Nico arranged the whole thing because he saw her (didn't meet her mind) one time and fell hard. It was just too much. Too manufactured. The unexpected pregnancy so Nico can go over protective. Formula, formula, etc. etc. Just didn't do it for me but maybe you'll see differently.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read!

WOW! What a mean hunk of a man who when he wants something, he plans it out until it’s his and he planned to have Anna for one night!

Six months later, she turns up and not one to miss an opportunity, his one obsession and secret passion is his and tied to him for life.

A super hot series starter, Anna and Nico’s love story is a page-turning entertaining read that will fulfill all your secret fantasies.

Wonderful secondary characters shine from the pages leaving you wanting more and eager to read the next in this installment of Ms Gorri’s new series!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legit read this book in 3 hours. Who knew that you could relate to some of the issues in a Mafia Romance. Finally, a book that has real life themes, ages and representation. Anna has her a sensible side that I related to. Although, I think I would have killed her brother. Nico definitely gave golden retriever energy, but in a good way. He protects what is his and he lives up to that.
This is a book that will make you put your responsibilities to the side. Now, we need to know what happens next.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious

Normally, I avoid books with Lies in the title, but I love CD'S books, so I thought I would give it a go. What's the worst I could do? DNF? I am so glad I didn't. Possessive Alpha male desires ownership of a woman who hasn't had an easy life. He makes it possible to own her for one night, and she disappears for 6 months. When she returns, he is surprised to see her pregnant with his baby and trouble on her heels.

Would I recommend this to my Mafia book friends? Definitely. To my mom? Ah no.