Devil's Last Dance

by Sam Crescent

Antwone has a responsibility. A duty. He must find a wife and produce heirs, otherwise he runs the risk of ruining everything he and his brother Draven have worked for. The only problem is … he doesn’t want a young, scared bride. So rather than face his problems, he goes and finds a bar, which happens to have the prettiest barmaid he has ever seen.

Candice has known loss. She has known heartache. The guy who comes into her bar, he’s distant, vague, and aloof, but he seems to enjoy coming to see her. Each night, he’s there, waiting for her. She has no idea who he is or what he does.

For a few hours, Antwone can pretend he is a regular guy, but time is running out. He is going to have to leave Candice and their friendship behind. But, he can’t leave, not until he has a taste of her. She's gotten under his skin and there's no way he can leave the curvy woman without enjoying just one night with her.

Candice has fallen in love with Antwone. The one night they spent together was magical, but the next morning, he was gone. He doesn’t answer nor does he return her calls. He broke her heart and her trust. She will not try to find him. However, one month after their night together, there is a problem. She's pregnant, and she knows she cannot keep it from Antwone. But he doesn’t answer her calls.

The months tick on by. Will Antwone turn up, or will he allow her to have a life far away from him?

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

TROPES:
~mafia
~instalove

PLOT: Curvy barmaid gets her mafia man.

THOUGHTS: I liked it, the plot was a little overplayed but it was cute in places. There was plenty of steam. There just wasn't any feeling, I guess. I'll probably forget I read this in an hour.

SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate?: no virgins
OM/OW?: yes, OM
Cheating/sharing?: no
HEA? yes

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author is sooooo hit n miss. And this one is a MISS ME WITH THAT BS—the heroine had given her body and innocence to another and I have zero interest in a romance where the connection and bond that comes from giving the hero the primal connection in claiming those gifts has been severed by a heroine who has spread her legs for another man to crawl between them and break her in and rut her.

There ain’t no swoon in another man laying claim to what can only be given once, grunting and heaving and sliming all over her.

Returned with a quickness!

[CriSsStina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second read by this author in the last month. I will continue reading this author's books because I love that despite these being short reads, the couple's story is satisfying and complete.

He is a dangerous man, and she is a sweet but lonely woman who secretly craves to find love, just like the one her parents had.

This was somehow of a medium burn story between them, despite the length of the book. But the story still had angst, lovely moments, spice, and a great epilogue.

I really believed they loved each other when the proclamation came, again, despite this being a short read, so applause for the author for showing not telling.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.




I dropped a star because
1 - The MMC was sometimes quite frustrating
2 - The MMC brother's name (Draven) and her ex-boyfriend's name (Devon) were too similar; I got so confused in one particular chapter 🤷‍♀️

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story.
Told from dual povs.
A lot of telling and paraphrasing rather than showing and depth.
The H was sweet and soft for his h - especially during the time-frame she’s cold to him since she felt he betrayed her.
Didn’t feel like a typical mafia or made men story. Probably due to lack of depth.

If it had been more in-depth and drawn out, I would have loved it much more and my rating would have been higher. I’m not a fan of skipping or summing up details. I need to see how the story plays out in its fullness.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mafia Boss and the Bartender

With Antwone is being the head guy in his mafia family he is being pressured by the Capos to take a wife and produce an heir but the young girls they are throwing his way does not interest him in the least

. One night he goes to a bar and is able to have great conversation with the beautiful bartender, Candice. Things really click with them and after spending an amazing night together Antwone walks away from her. Shortly after something pops up and Candice tries to reach out to him with no luck. A few months later Antwone has a decision to make.

Even with this being a quick read it was very well put together and had me hoping this couple would find their HEA.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil's Last Dance - Sam Crescent

Firstly I must say that this book follows on from Dance With The Devil by Sam Crescent and to fully appreciate this story and know more about the characters I recommend that you read that book first because that too is a great read.
This book is set five years after Dance with the Devil.
Antwone Bianchi is the boss of the biggest crime family that there is. He rules with an iron fist to keep the family and their businesses in line. Anyone that crosses him knows that they sealed their fate, he is feared by many but also understands that holding his place as boss has certain expectations such as having a wife from within the family who must be a Virgin and an heir to continue the family line. When he tries to find some space to think things through he never expected to find 30 year old, cute as a button, sweet as apple pie, bartending Candice Swift who has a smile that lights up a room and quickly becomes his favourite thing to see and especially be the cause of. Candice has no idea that Antwone is The Boss she falls for him long before she learns the truth. However, when Antwone makes the decision he thinks is best for both of them and leaves Candice without a word, they soon realise their feelings but struggle to find their connection again after Antwone broke her heart. This story was so well written, heartbreaking and heart warming all at once. Antwone thought he was doing the right thing but as Draven said he was the boss he could change rules but I think he was a little intimidated by his own feelings at first. The spark between Antwone and Candice is beautiful I loved how their bond grew and the banter that they shared and how they eventually found their very own happily ever after, it was perfect. I also appreciated the appearances from Draven and Maria. Overall another great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Happy Reading!

5 out of 5 stars
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really felt the struggle. Antwone was really feeling the pressure of having to marry and produce an heir.. So one night while he was alone aimlessly, he found a bar with the prettiest barmaid you have ever seen. Her name is Candice and she was not scared of him She told it how it was and he really enjoyed the banter with her.
Candice had just lost her mum so really working the nights at the bar kept her busy. That was until Antwone walked in one night and there was this attraction between them but any question she asked he answered with another question and when he asked to walk her home that first night she wasn’t sure if he was a good man or not, but as promised he walked to the door and left.
They first started out as a friendship, but then it changed into one magical night That was ruined the next day when his brother and DRaven told him he was putting her at risk. What would he do? Would he carry on seeing her and put guards on her to keep her safe? would he explain who he was to her?? Or would he just ghost her ???
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and had to finish it in one sitting. I really felt the intensity of Antwone going through his dilemma. I instantly liked Candice. I was glad that she had a backbone and she wasn’t scared of him or the way she was attracted to him because let’s be honest when these two got together the passion flies. A really good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil's Last Dance is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her mafia man dark romance. Candice is a curvy barmaid. Antwone is the boss in a high-profile crime organization. He and his brother have had a hard life and worked their way to the top. Antwone is frustrated that he is getting pressure to marry and breed a young virgin of another capo family. He doesn't want that. He walks into a bar one night and finds himself drawn to Candice night after night. They strike up and unlikely friendship. For her safety, he needs to walk away, but he wants one night with her. It's hot, steamy, and magical, but he then disappears, leaving Candice pregnant and devastated. Can these two find their way back to each other? Can Candice forgive him and learn to trust him again. What about the secrets he's been keeping? The chemistry was hot between these two, but it was also heartbreaking seeing how much they missed each other and were hurting. We finally got an HEA, but I was sweating it. Overall, it was a good read but not as good as some of the others by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Last Dance was a an amazing book. This book is a dark mafia romance and touches on dark themes and topics. This books storyline was original and kept me turning the pages. I loved the characters; they were complex and had a slow building chemistry.

Candice was an independent, caring, and smart h. I loved her steel spine she had throughout this book. She definitely wasn’t a doormat h. She stood her ground and made Antwone work for his forgiveness. Antwone was guarded, stubborn and loyal. I really felt for him in this book because he had a duty to uphold and ended up doing things he didn’t want to do. I loved his grovel and his patience. I especially loved how they had a slow build in their chemistry. It was nice to see their relationship grow, being a slow spicy simmer and then explode. My heart broke for both characters and I fist-pumped a few times. Such a beautifully written love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antwone and Candice are friends first, but he doesn’t tell her who he is or what he does. She feels close to him, likes talking to him, and has deeper feelings for him as they get closer. He’s The Boss with secrets, responsibilities, and expectations that are traditional, but he’s avoiding the truth and that causes so much heartbreak.
Sam Crescent is so good at telling a story with emotional, physical, and sexual tension between the characters. Antwone believes he’s protecting his loved ones by making huge sacrifices: denying his true feelings for Candice is the most difficult. I loved their encounters and when they became intimate it was undeniably beautiful. Thank goodness for nosey family! I loved the ending!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book. You meet Antwone in the first book but that one revolves more around his brother Draven. Responsibility and duty is what Antwone understands. Unfortunately, that means finding a wife among the daughters of the capos. Too bad they're all too young and he doesn't want a frightened virgin bride. While sitting alone in a dive bar, trying to ignore his cellphone, Antwone meets Candice. She's beautiful, hard working, has known loss and heartache and has no idea who he is. Antwone continues to come in the bar, which is like a refuge from the real world, and each time he and Candice grow closer through their conversations and spending time together. One night it all changes. After Antwone rips her world apart, can Candice forgive him when he finally comes around? The story is a great read!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I love that once you start you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned and that our overprotective guy isn’t your typical mafia boss. Antwone sexy as all get out mafia boss dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day and being pressured to marry in traditional style but the women they keep sending his way are marriage material. Candice sweet bartender does what most bartenders do listen so when a tattooed sexy man comes in, they start talking immediately she is drawn to him and the more she talks the stronger the pull between them grows. But what happens when she finds out the truth about him, who he really is will she still accept him as the man she got to know before his job, will she be enough to settle their demands of settling down, and are these two headed for something more than just secrets?

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antwone is head of the family, it is his duty to marry and produce heirs, if not it puts everything at risk that he and his brother Daven (Dance with the Devil) accomplished. He does not want any of the many little girls that are being paraded before him. So, in order to avoid his problem, he finds a bar, where he meets Candice. She tries to engage him in conversation but her tells her not much of anything. It becomes a nightly thing; he can pretend he is not a mob boss.

They spend one night together, he leaves and Antwone does not return the bar. Candice finds out later she is pregnant, she tries to let him know but does not answer. Will she be raising the child on her own, now that he broke her heart?.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carlise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, but I didn’t love it.

I had high hopes for Antwone and his quest to find a wife. The story started out slow, and slow, and slow until finally we were getting somewhere. Then, “bam” stupid man issue.

I liked the story, but Antwone just wasn’t behaving like a mob boss to me. He seemed very passive and I found his pursuit of Candice, while nice, to be a bit of a snoozer. In Draven’s book, he seemed a bit more Alpha male like you would expect, but in this book, he was far from it.

Candice was a nice diversion. It would have been nice for her to have more connection with Maria..especially since Candice knows nothing about Mafia life. There were just so many opportunities to make the story more engaging that were missed.

It’s a good read, it don’t expect a great love story.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antwone is the Big Boss. The one that is leading his crew. He and his brother Draven are trying to make changes but it isn’t easy. And to make matters worse they are all looking for him to settle down. Even wanting to pick with whom. Candice was hard working woman tending bar when Antwone walked in. He seemed to look like a man needing an ear to talk to. Things are simple in Antwone's world. He has to find a wife and have an heir. I love how these two meet. Nothing flashy. Just a bar and some relaxing conversation. It was all good till his world kept butting in. And then he made a big mistake. THAT part, I was disappointed in him. The story did get a bit sad but then it became a matter of coming to terms and saying I messed up. Love always conquers.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Last Dance is a well written full circle Mafia romance.
Antwone is the Mafia boss of the biggest crime syndicate, he is constantly trying to pull his weight and stay on top.
Candice is a bar tender with a passionate and positive outlook on life.
As it was meant to be Antwone walked into a bar and much more than substandard whiskey, he found peace.
Over the course of a few weeks a friendship blossoms into something much more.
Unfortunately after one passionate night Antwone flees his much found peace leaving Candice heartbroken and unbeknownst pregnant.
Their reunion would be problematic and eventually their spark is rekindled over time.
Greatly enjoyed this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows on from Dance with the Devil, it can be read as a standalone, however has more depth if you read both in order.

Antwone is struggling with the idea of his obligation as The Boss, to marry a young, innocent mafia woman, that isn't what he wants - enter Candice, a Bartender who intrigues Antwone, who becomes torn between his obligations and desires.

I enjoyed this book, it was a little different to the "usual" mafia storyline, with Candice not being "from the family", or a young, innocent girl. It is a quick read with some angst and spice, good to see a little bit of Draven (Antwone's brother from Dance with the Devil) in the story too.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K Webz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and steamy romance that will have a reader turning the pages. Antwone and his brothers have worked hard and worked their way to where they are at the top of an organized crime organization. He is getting pressure to get married and produce an heir with another crime family.
One night he walks into a bar where he meets Candice, a barmaid. They instantly connect and he starts going more to spend more time with her. They spend one steamy night together before he disappears, leaving her pregnant and devastated.
Their journey to HEA is so heartbreaking at times. It kept this reader so invested to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance for Antwone and Candice if you can ignore the mafia responsibilities he has to deal with. These two clicked and sparked hot chemistry but they took their time in getting to know each other - aside from him not disclosing his role in the city as a crime boss. However, for safety reasons, he ghosts her after their night together. Yep, things did not go as either expected when she found out she was pregnant and he ignored her message...until he just couldn't any more. I love how hard he worked to get back in her good books and that they got their HEA ;D This was a well written slow burn romance that really hit just right.

[Spender of Money · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last, at last it’s Antwone’s story! I’ve been thinking about The Boss since I turned the last page on Dance with the Devil, and Antwone’s HEA didn’t disappoint.

This story focused on Antwone and Candice, with the mafia dealings happening around the edges and in the background.

I found Candice to be a very memorable character. She had a riveting inner strength and sense of self. The author really did a wonderful job matching-up the characters to their story. This was Candice’s story and she was shining.

Antwone’s quiet strength, focus, dedication and fit beautifully with Candice. These two were and are perfect for each other. And their story was worth the wait.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5
I enjoyed the closeness Antwone felt toward Candice but also
appreciated his desire to keep her safe. Antwone is head of a mafia family but this story deals more with the relationship between Antwone and Candice. He made a major sacrifice to keep her safe but an unexpected surprise brought her back into his life. Now all he has to do is get her to forgive him for leaving without a word. The mafia is secondary to their relationship and I liked that. I really enjoyed the story and the fact they got their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antwone has been maneuvering his men into relationships; it is finally his turn. His men are pushing for him to settle down and produce an heir. Candice isn't part of their world. They meet in the bar she works as a bartender and she keeps him coming back. Antwone is determined to protect her from his enemies which means leaving her. Having Antwone walk away is hard for Candace as he left her with a broken heart and a little something extra.

Candace is a strong character, and you feel for her when Antwone leaves. You understand his motivations, however, it doesn't make you feel any better about what he did.

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a relatively short read and not massively detailed when it came to the Mafia side of the story I really enjoyed the emphasis this book put on the tradition of arranged marriages and how as a grown man the MMC didn’t agree with it and wasn’t interested in the women he was supposed to choose as a wife. Antwone thought himself unworthy of a happy ever after but he actually showed how much he did care by the sacrifices he was willing to make for Draven. Unfortunately Candice wasn’t privy to all the information and felt hurt by Antwon’s actions so there was some much needed grovel required.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything He Wanted He Left!

He’d fallen in love with her but he couldn’t be with her so for six months he’d kept away to protect her only to find her pregnant with his child.

Antwone knew he had a lot of making up to do, she had never known who he was and now she didn’t want to know but he was determined to claim what he wanted to months ago and he didn’t care who he upset in the process.

An emotional mafia read with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the one hand this was a beautiful and good story, but on the other hand there is a lot of pain, sadness, many emotions, and the suffering of the characters Candice and Antwone. They have both been through a lot and what they used to have broke down due to not communicating or not being ready for a relationship. When they meet again later, you hope that they can put all the heartache behind them and work together on their health. Despite the emotions and pain, it is a great book to read.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antwone and Candice meet and grow together through their conversations and spending time together but all changes after one night. Can Candice forgive Antwone when he finally comes around? This story is filled with well thought out banter, has some implied violence and a episode of violence. The story is an interesting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antwone must marry to keep his and his brothers empire going and produce an heir but hes never been one to settle for a unwilling arranged bride. Instead he burrows his head deep at a bar when her meets barmaid Candice. Candice is intrigued by the mystery man who comes in for a drink every night, but despite their growing connection and one magical night together Antwone disappears the next day, leaving Candice alone, but not for long as 2 pink lines show, what happens when Antwone reappears? Well written slow burning, teasingly hot, desires, steamy scenes, drama and more.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just swoon for the tortured, tarnish boss of the crime family. I really enjoyed this story and was glad that Antwone got his own story. There is enough information of their previous life to help us understand why they are where they are today. It also explains a lot of why they are drawn to each other. It is worth reading and I get my HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author's novels and novellas and this novel was no exception. I was excited to start reading this novel to catch up with Antwone, who has a character in the previous novel. I loved the relationship between Antwone and Candace. I loved that they were friends first. I love when a novel catches hold of me and just won't let me put it down, because I need to know what is coming next. I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to see what this author has coming next.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was certainly steamy, romantic, with a little action on the side, and a lot of secrets!! The romance and steamy sections were amazing, but what really made this book wonderful was all the love and respect contained in the pages. The action was very minor and low-key, but added to the book as a Bratva HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.