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Carnal Desire
A romance with a mafia boss has no place in my life. But he doesn’t care–not once he’s decided he wants me anyway.
Six months after my father’s untimely death, I’m drowning in debt. Even working for one of the most respected celebrity tattoo artists in Los Angeles hasn’t been enough to fix that. I don’t have time to fall in love–or even to think about dating. Even a one-night-stand has become a distant possibility.
Then my boss asks me to fill in for him while he’s sick–and I end up in a west LA penthouse, about to tattoo the most well-known mafia boss on this side of the country.
I’m only supposed to see him once. But there’s no telling him no. Not when he asks for me to be his artist instead of my boss, and not when he convinces me to let down my walls one after another–making me forget that the two of us are worlds apart, and that we should never have met at all.
Until a night of carelessness leads to a secret I don’t dare tell him about–and upends everything I’ve ever planned for my life. But the man I’ve fallen for isn’t a man I can easily run from.
He says I’m everything he never knew he wanted. And what he desires–he gets.
Carnal Desire is a steamy full-length standalone that can be devoured in one sitting! Enjoy!
Six months after my father’s untimely death, I’m drowning in debt. Even working for one of the most respected celebrity tattoo artists in Los Angeles hasn’t been enough to fix that. I don’t have time to fall in love–or even to think about dating. Even a one-night-stand has become a distant possibility.
Then my boss asks me to fill in for him while he’s sick–and I end up in a west LA penthouse, about to tattoo the most well-known mafia boss on this side of the country.
I’m only supposed to see him once. But there’s no telling him no. Not when he asks for me to be his artist instead of my boss, and not when he convinces me to let down my walls one after another–making me forget that the two of us are worlds apart, and that we should never have met at all.
Until a night of carelessness leads to a secret I don’t dare tell him about–and upends everything I’ve ever planned for my life. But the man I’ve fallen for isn’t a man I can easily run from.
He says I’m everything he never knew he wanted. And what he desires–he gets.
Carnal Desire is a steamy full-length standalone that can be devoured in one sitting! Enjoy!
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2024
774 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books403 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 1, 2024
I really liked the premise of the book, a mafia boss & tattoo artist, yes please, the first couple of chapters were good but then I felt the plot turned bland while reading it, like there were some issues that were like: hi, here’s a unnecessary conflict to carry along. I liked the MC, he was more of a soft mafia boss, and honestly the only one thinking with logic; the FC turned quickly infuriating and I can’t approve of her pre-decisions, she was constantly running what if? questions but never actually considering anything, i think she made me tone the stars down.
February 27, 2024
Awesome read!
March 15, 2024
2.5⭐️ boring. Emma was so annoying and I really couldn’t picture Dante as a don. He was weak,imo.
December 29, 2024
Good!
Dante and Emma's story captivated me from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, finding it engaging and rich in detail. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t dive into the darker themes I had anticipated, yet it still delivered a compelling narrative that kept me hooked. Overall, it was a delightful read.
Dante and Emma's story captivated me from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, finding it engaging and rich in detail. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t dive into the darker themes I had anticipated, yet it still delivered a compelling narrative that kept me hooked. Overall, it was a delightful read.
November 14, 2024
Sadly, this was not it for me. I found myself skimming it a lot, uninterested in the story and annoyed with the characters.
Emma was impossible with the “I need to get away from him”, “I miss him so much I’d never leave him again if I had another chance”, like girl.. just stop running for a second and think.
And Dante.. he was supposed to be the mafia Don but he didn’t give that impression at all.
Anyway, it just wasn’t for me. It was free on Amazon and it had been on my tbr for a while after seeing an ad on TikTok, so…
Emma was impossible with the “I need to get away from him”, “I miss him so much I’d never leave him again if I had another chance”, like girl.. just stop running for a second and think.
And Dante.. he was supposed to be the mafia Don but he didn’t give that impression at all.
Anyway, it just wasn’t for me. It was free on Amazon and it had been on my tbr for a while after seeing an ad on TikTok, so…
March 22, 2024
A wet wipe of a mafia boss. I get that he wants modern ways but not boss vibes. And Emma needs to stop running away!!
May 1, 2024
Emma was annoying and a don with his hands tied not able to do much ,na not the type of mafia boss romance one wants to read
It turned boring after couple of chapters.
It turned boring after couple of chapters.
March 17, 2024
I’ve got to 49% in which the MMC watches another girl masterbate in his club that he owns. He tells her to do it.
He’s already met the FMC and they’ve slept together! I don’t like this. I seen a review of someone saying he’s obsessed with the FMC but this doesn’t scream obsessed so I will not be finishing it from here.
I hate not finishing a book but I can’t finish this it leaves me feeling icky after that one scene!!
He’s already met the FMC and they’ve slept together! I don’t like this. I seen a review of someone saying he’s obsessed with the FMC but this doesn’t scream obsessed so I will not be finishing it from here.
I hate not finishing a book but I can’t finish this it leaves me feeling icky after that one scene!!
November 10, 2024
3.4 ⭐️
That man was OBSESSED with her damn
That man was OBSESSED with her damn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I rounded up because I really liked the beginning, and the actual writing quality was good.
This book started off really good. The setup was interesting, the characters had potential, and the scene of Dante jerking off to the sound of Emma masturbating was hot AF. Unfortunately that felt like the highlight of the book for me.
The spice felt a bit repetitive, and I didn't love that they immediately jumped to having sex (repeatedly) pretty much the moment they next saw her. I would have liked to see a bit more build up, or more resistance on Emma's part since 90% of her internal monologue was about how she can't be with him.
The romance also didn't build very well. I think a big part of the issue is that we're told more than we're shown. Emma talks about the great conversations she has with Dante and how he makes her laugh but we barely see any of that.
Dante was the most vanilla mob boss. He was violent twice in the book and claimed he missed it, but the rest of the time he was practically the boy next door in terms of personality. I get that the author didn't want him to be too dark, so she had him trying to reform the family business, but she failed to make him an interesting character without the typical mafia MMC tropes.
Plot wise, it was fine, but formulaic. The drama with Emma's mentor Rico could have been good, but it was so over the top that it wasn't believable, especially when he started talking 100% of Emma's earnings and she just accepted it. It might have worked better if he took a smaller cut initially, then upped it to something like 50%. Enough to be painful but not so extreme we can't believe Emma goes along with it.
The "oops I'm pregnant" plot is cliche, but fine. I appreciate that Dante didn't go scorched earth when he found out, and that he knew Emma well enough that he didn't believe she'd gotten an abortion.
The same was true of him knowing right away that Emma was being held against her will when she showed up on the arm of his enemy. That whole plot resolved itself a lot quicker than I expected, and I'm guessing it was more to set up a future book with Dante's brother.
Weird gripes:
1. Every time they went to the beach, she mentioned Dante taking off his shoes but not his socks. So either he's walking on the sand in socks or raw dogging it in his dress shoes.
2. WTF was up with Dante asking Emma for her opinion on jewelry? I get plot wise it was there to make Emma feel jealous and accuse him of having her choose a gift for another woman to create more conflict. But it's never revealed what he was doing. I expected a scene later on either of him gifting her the bracelet she liked or her seeing in on Dante's sister. Anything to show what his intent was.
3. What was the point of establishing that Emma was into cars and grew up working on them? Other than one instance of Dante noticing she likes his car, it never comes up. Was it just to add another "not like the other girls" checkmark?
This book started off really good. The setup was interesting, the characters had potential, and the scene of Dante jerking off to the sound of Emma masturbating was hot AF. Unfortunately that felt like the highlight of the book for me.
The spice felt a bit repetitive, and I didn't love that they immediately jumped to having sex (repeatedly) pretty much the moment they next saw her. I would have liked to see a bit more build up, or more resistance on Emma's part since 90% of her internal monologue was about how she can't be with him.
The romance also didn't build very well. I think a big part of the issue is that we're told more than we're shown. Emma talks about the great conversations she has with Dante and how he makes her laugh but we barely see any of that.
Dante was the most vanilla mob boss. He was violent twice in the book and claimed he missed it, but the rest of the time he was practically the boy next door in terms of personality. I get that the author didn't want him to be too dark, so she had him trying to reform the family business, but she failed to make him an interesting character without the typical mafia MMC tropes.
Plot wise, it was fine, but formulaic. The drama with Emma's mentor Rico could have been good, but it was so over the top that it wasn't believable, especially when he started talking 100% of Emma's earnings and she just accepted it. It might have worked better if he took a smaller cut initially, then upped it to something like 50%. Enough to be painful but not so extreme we can't believe Emma goes along with it.
The "oops I'm pregnant" plot is cliche, but fine. I appreciate that Dante didn't go scorched earth when he found out, and that he knew Emma well enough that he didn't believe she'd gotten an abortion.
The same was true of him knowing right away that Emma was being held against her will when she showed up on the arm of his enemy. That whole plot resolved itself a lot quicker than I expected, and I'm guessing it was more to set up a future book with Dante's brother.
Weird gripes:
1. Every time they went to the beach, she mentioned Dante taking off his shoes but not his socks. So either he's walking on the sand in socks or raw dogging it in his dress shoes.
2. WTF was up with Dante asking Emma for her opinion on jewelry? I get plot wise it was there to make Emma feel jealous and accuse him of having her choose a gift for another woman to create more conflict. But it's never revealed what he was doing. I expected a scene later on either of him gifting her the bracelet she liked or her seeing in on Dante's sister. Anything to show what his intent was.
3. What was the point of establishing that Emma was into cars and grew up working on them? Other than one instance of Dante noticing she likes his car, it never comes up. Was it just to add another "not like the other girls" checkmark?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
Great Job... I really enjoyed how this author took a long overdue look at Mafia life in 2024 and brought it up to date. For some readers it may not have been bloody enough with an often OTT MMC, holding the heroine as a prisoner etc., or was based upon a revenge trope or an arranged marriage with virgins and bloody sheets which; has been written to death. I am an avid reader of this genre and was very tired of reading the same plot over and over again that seemed dated, circa The Godfather or the Sopranos. So many books felt as though they were in a time warp and were unwilling or unable to script a book that actually looked at how things may be done in 2024 vs., 1980. Those books and movies were great for their time, (are classics), but personally was hungry to see a different side to mob life.
I loved the Mafia Don and the tattoo artist's sizzling attraction. Emma was no "mafia princess" or model or movie star; just a talented artist in her own right, but no one special in the criminal underworld. The story was full of angst and attraction, but also doubt that their worlds' could be united or that they could actually become a couple. There is quite a bit of self-doubt and revisiting of that topic throughout that book, especially with Emma's character that is finally resolved toward the end of the book. I really thought the author did a good job of making these characters feel real who were dealing with a "real time" issues in the criminal underworld.
Rico got what he deserved and Brandon was a sweetheart. I am looking forward to Lorenzo's story.
I loved the Mafia Don and the tattoo artist's sizzling attraction. Emma was no "mafia princess" or model or movie star; just a talented artist in her own right, but no one special in the criminal underworld. The story was full of angst and attraction, but also doubt that their worlds' could be united or that they could actually become a couple. There is quite a bit of self-doubt and revisiting of that topic throughout that book, especially with Emma's character that is finally resolved toward the end of the book. I really thought the author did a good job of making these characters feel real who were dealing with a "real time" issues in the criminal underworld.
Rico got what he deserved and Brandon was a sweetheart. I am looking forward to Lorenzo's story.
March 12, 2024
I absolutely devoured this one!
I love how devoted these two were to each other. Even though they had everything going against them, they fought for their HEA. The FMC made some decisions that I heavily disagreed with, but I could see her reasoning behind all of them, and I was still cheering her on.
Slight spoilers:
I added the dubious cheating tag because the MMC goes to a gentlemen's club that he owns at about 50% through the book to try to get her out of his mind after she makes it clear they can't continue being together. The scene is used as a way for him to realize that there is no one else on earth who will do for him except the FMC. He does not cheat, but some may see it as dubious, as he watches one of his regulars (his favorite) strip in a private show and pleasure herself, meanwhile he's internally realizing that he's over the artifice she presents, and only wants the realness the FMC provides. He stops it from going further and then goes to the FMC, is honest about what he tried to do, and they both realize that they want to be together even if they shouldn't.
Anyway, there was a good amount of angsty push/pull since the FMC can't see herself being with a mafia boss. The MMC spends a lot of the book trying to show her that they can work out and she can have her independence. It's a very hard-won HEA.
There was one issue from an outside source that felt a little easily solved (wasn't the friend being threatened too?), but honestly I was happy it came to the ending that it did
I love how devoted these two were to each other. Even though they had everything going against them, they fought for their HEA. The FMC made some decisions that I heavily disagreed with, but I could see her reasoning behind all of them, and I was still cheering her on.
Slight spoilers:
I added the dubious cheating tag because the MMC goes to a gentlemen's club that he owns at about 50% through the book to try to get her out of his mind after she makes it clear they can't continue being together. The scene is used as a way for him to realize that there is no one else on earth who will do for him except the FMC. He does not cheat, but some may see it as dubious, as he watches one of his regulars (his favorite) strip in a private show and pleasure herself, meanwhile he's internally realizing that he's over the artifice she presents, and only wants the realness the FMC provides. He stops it from going further and then goes to the FMC, is honest about what he tried to do, and they both realize that they want to be together even if they shouldn't.
Anyway, there was a good amount of angsty push/pull since the FMC can't see herself being with a mafia boss. The MMC spends a lot of the book trying to show her that they can work out and she can have her independence. It's a very hard-won HEA.
There was one issue from an outside source that felt a little easily solved (wasn't the friend being threatened too?), but honestly I was happy it came to the ending that it did
November 12, 2024
Middle of the road kind of read for me..didn't love it..didn't hate it.
I liked the concept of a love interest developing between a Mafia don and his tattoo artist but quickly began to lose interest after Rico got what he honestly had coming to him.
Emma works for Rico (an A-list tattoo artist) who send her off to cover one of his house call appointments due to him being sick. This is where Emma meets Dante after reluctantly agreeing to filling the position.
Sparks begin to fly but not without reservations. Rico ultimately ends up extorting Emma while threatening to ruin her career. Emma values her independence and self sufficiency and is just trying to stay out of debt after her father dies. This leads her to refuse help from Dante ( a mob boss) believing their relationship has no reason to develop past anything other than professional.
The plot unfortunately kept me mildly entertained and I didn't really enjoy the whole accidental pregnancy scenario.
But if you're looking for a soft Mafia boss who falls first then this is the book for you.
Plenty of spice for those that enjoy some heat but also very vanilla..none the less..tastefully written without a lot of violence
I may have given this book a higher rating if I haven't been stuck on a dark romance kick and feel I'm just burned out a little bit.
As a mood reader this book kindly reminded me to switch to another genre, although I look forward to reading more work from this author in the future.
Two thumbs up.
I liked the concept of a love interest developing between a Mafia don and his tattoo artist but quickly began to lose interest after Rico got what he honestly had coming to him.
Emma works for Rico (an A-list tattoo artist) who send her off to cover one of his house call appointments due to him being sick. This is where Emma meets Dante after reluctantly agreeing to filling the position.
Sparks begin to fly but not without reservations. Rico ultimately ends up extorting Emma while threatening to ruin her career. Emma values her independence and self sufficiency and is just trying to stay out of debt after her father dies. This leads her to refuse help from Dante ( a mob boss) believing their relationship has no reason to develop past anything other than professional.
The plot unfortunately kept me mildly entertained and I didn't really enjoy the whole accidental pregnancy scenario.
But if you're looking for a soft Mafia boss who falls first then this is the book for you.
Plenty of spice for those that enjoy some heat but also very vanilla..none the less..tastefully written without a lot of violence
I may have given this book a higher rating if I haven't been stuck on a dark romance kick and feel I'm just burned out a little bit.
As a mood reader this book kindly reminded me to switch to another genre, although I look forward to reading more work from this author in the future.
Two thumbs up.
January 13, 2025
"There's a gentleness to her touch that's unfamiliar. It sends an ache through me that makes me uncomfortable, because l'm not sure l've ever felt it before."
BOOK DETAILS
Tropes:
🔅 Italian mafia
🔅 tattoo artist
🔅 he falls first
🔅touch her and die
⚠️ trigger warnings
MMC: Dante
FMC: Emma
Spice Level: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
MY THOUGHTS:
Reading a fiction book more so a crime organized-themed romance book is quite enjoyable for me in a way that I allow myself to suspend any reality and just go with storyline, but this book surprises me because I find myself being pulled by how torn Emma is knowing that she is falling for a mafia Don when she knows for a fact that she doesn't belong to
Dante's world. The angst surrounding the main conflict was palpable throughout but did not take away from the connection between the MCs and I still get to enjoy several steamy scenes that I did not feel redundant at all. It felt like every intimate scene is full of emotional turmoil and connection happening simultaneously making it more charged (which I like)! The ending was also sweet because we get to see him spoil her finally!
@lostwithinabook
BOOK DETAILS
Tropes:
🔅 Italian mafia
🔅 tattoo artist
🔅 he falls first
🔅touch her and die
⚠️ trigger warnings
MMC: Dante
FMC: Emma
Spice Level: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
MY THOUGHTS:
Reading a fiction book more so a crime organized-themed romance book is quite enjoyable for me in a way that I allow myself to suspend any reality and just go with storyline, but this book surprises me because I find myself being pulled by how torn Emma is knowing that she is falling for a mafia Don when she knows for a fact that she doesn't belong to
Dante's world. The angst surrounding the main conflict was palpable throughout but did not take away from the connection between the MCs and I still get to enjoy several steamy scenes that I did not feel redundant at all. It felt like every intimate scene is full of emotional turmoil and connection happening simultaneously making it more charged (which I like)! The ending was also sweet because we get to see him spoil her finally!
@lostwithinabook
June 20, 2024
Poor Emma. I'm not going to lie. My heart hurts for the loss she has dealt with. Though, I feel that fate played a part in bringing her to someone who would heal her. Emma is a strong-willed tattoo artist with an amazing talent. She meets the dark and dangerous Dante while covering for her boss. It doesn't surprise me when Dante does something to get his way. I love that this book shows it doesn't always mean things work out the way the alpha male thinks it will. Emma is made of tougher stuff though. She fights to hang on with every curve ball that is sent her way. I absolutely love how the end of this book plays out though. Mafia romances are a top favorite of mine to read and this one was just perfect. I will say that Dante's family seems like they are amazing even though the brother comes off as a jerk. My favorite thing about this book is how Dante shows he will do anything to protect the person he's come to love. Even though Emma is absolutely terrified of the whole situation.
March 8, 2025
Emma is putting in her dues to try and expand her career as a tattoo artist when she is asked to step in for her boss and work on his high profile client. She doesn't expect to meet Dante, who she knows is mafia or that he becomes infatuated with her.
Dante can have any woman he wants, but Emma is different then all of them. He can't stop thinking about her, he craves her and when he asks her to finish the tattoo she declines. Dante is a man who gets what he wants and his sole focus is on Emma. The timing is not great though when another threat makes itself known in his territory. Will he be able to keep his life with Emma separate or will the lines blur?
I enjoyed this, not quite as stalkerish as I was expecting but the chemistry is off the charts. Emma stands out, she is a fantastic character and I liked the way she didn't back down from Dante. Will be checking out the rest of the series.
Dante can have any woman he wants, but Emma is different then all of them. He can't stop thinking about her, he craves her and when he asks her to finish the tattoo she declines. Dante is a man who gets what he wants and his sole focus is on Emma. The timing is not great though when another threat makes itself known in his territory. Will he be able to keep his life with Emma separate or will the lines blur?
I enjoyed this, not quite as stalkerish as I was expecting but the chemistry is off the charts. Emma stands out, she is a fantastic character and I liked the way she didn't back down from Dante. Will be checking out the rest of the series.
February 26, 2024
This was truly great. I loved Dante as he was just gone for her from the start.
Emma is sent by her boss to tattoo Mafia Don, Dante who takes an immediate liking to her.
As I said I really loved Dante. He was arrogant, had that smirk, very protective and fought for what he wanted. He also showed vulnerability and offered change.
The connection he had with Emma, was vexing for him as she was struggling with a great deal, most of all letting him in. But the chemistry was certainly passionate and sweet at time also.
M James gives us an emotional book that works through real life issues and has a fantastic plot. Her characters really dragged me into the story and I just thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book.
Highly recommended!!
Emma is sent by her boss to tattoo Mafia Don, Dante who takes an immediate liking to her.
As I said I really loved Dante. He was arrogant, had that smirk, very protective and fought for what he wanted. He also showed vulnerability and offered change.
The connection he had with Emma, was vexing for him as she was struggling with a great deal, most of all letting him in. But the chemistry was certainly passionate and sweet at time also.
M James gives us an emotional book that works through real life issues and has a fantastic plot. Her characters really dragged me into the story and I just thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book.
Highly recommended!!
April 12, 2024
A pretty tame mafia romance, it was cutesy
Emma is a tattoo artist who fills in for her boss while he's sick and has to do a home appointment for a private client. Dante and Emma have immediate chemistry, but lines blur as they spend time together during their sessions. I enjoyed how Dante really let Emma have her freedom and didn't want to come across as pushy or disrespectful of Emma's boundaries. He was willing to let her go if that's really what she wanted - which is pretty unheard of in mafia romance where the heroins don't get much (or any) choice in their romantic partners. You could really feel Dante's heartache over letting her go after she ran off on him after her rescue. 💔 This book does have an HEA so no worries there. 😉😊
Emma is a tattoo artist who fills in for her boss while he's sick and has to do a home appointment for a private client. Dante and Emma have immediate chemistry, but lines blur as they spend time together during their sessions. I enjoyed how Dante really let Emma have her freedom and didn't want to come across as pushy or disrespectful of Emma's boundaries. He was willing to let her go if that's really what she wanted - which is pretty unheard of in mafia romance where the heroins don't get much (or any) choice in their romantic partners. You could really feel Dante's heartache over letting her go after she ran off on him after her rescue. 💔 This book does have an HEA so no worries there. 😉😊
March 1, 2024
I’m pretty much guaranteed of a great story whenever I read a book by M. James. This book is no exception! I really enjoyed it.
I did feel this book wasn’t as dark as M. James previously wrote.
It was very light on the mafia content & wasn’t as in depth with the violent scenes.
I’d rate this book more as a grey read rather than dark.
There were elements of darkness but it occurred more off story and was detailed within this story.
It was however still a very enjoyable read.
The angst between Emma & Dante!
I was kept wondering who would be the first to ‘break’ & give in to their feelings.
I can’t wait for Lorenzo’s story!
I did feel this book wasn’t as dark as M. James previously wrote.
It was very light on the mafia content & wasn’t as in depth with the violent scenes.
I’d rate this book more as a grey read rather than dark.
There were elements of darkness but it occurred more off story and was detailed within this story.
It was however still a very enjoyable read.
The angst between Emma & Dante!
I was kept wondering who would be the first to ‘break’ & give in to their feelings.
I can’t wait for Lorenzo’s story!
Read
September 30, 2024DNF at 66%
I liked the premise and the idea of the book, but I could not stand the female main character. They would be together and then pull away from the MMC and say it would never work or that It is temporary; I get it! Shut up! You don't have to have the same inner monologue every few pages. God, she was so irritating and annoying. The fact that she didn't tell the MMC what her boss was doing to her and with the money he gave just pissed me off. If you want to fix it yourself and be independent sure, but do something instead of just taking it and sucking it up! Try to correct the problem instead of doing nothing!
I liked the premise and the idea of the book, but I could not stand the female main character. They would be together and then pull away from the MMC and say it would never work or that It is temporary; I get it! Shut up! You don't have to have the same inner monologue every few pages. God, she was so irritating and annoying. The fact that she didn't tell the MMC what her boss was doing to her and with the money he gave just pissed me off. If you want to fix it yourself and be independent sure, but do something instead of just taking it and sucking it up! Try to correct the problem instead of doing nothing!
September 22, 2025
This was not for me. I felt like I was just reading the same things over and over with all the repeated words or the words would be worded different but mean the same thing. I’m not one for a slow burn, but I felt that their relationship started way too fast. Dante wasn’t really doing Don things and that just made it feel like a watered down rom-com. He wasn’t really who I imagined him to be. Emma has a good personality, but she just didn’t have enough common sense. I was skimming through most of the book because it was just uninteresting. They got to intimate to fast and didn’t even have good intimate scenes. The book also wasn’t very detailed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
I truly loved this book, the entire plot was interesting enough, and Emma <3
It’s rare I prefer a main character to a love interest, but I truly loved this woman. She’s so strong, stubborn and not once did she falter in what SHE wanted, which was so refreshing to read. I loved how human she is.
For a mafia romance, it’s moderately tame. But it’s still good, spicy and overall a fun read. If you’re looking for something easy to digest, this is definitely the book for you.
It’s rare I prefer a main character to a love interest, but I truly loved this woman. She’s so strong, stubborn and not once did she falter in what SHE wanted, which was so refreshing to read. I loved how human she is.
For a mafia romance, it’s moderately tame. But it’s still good, spicy and overall a fun read. If you’re looking for something easy to digest, this is definitely the book for you.
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April 11, 2025This one was just on okay read for me. There was nothing specifically wrong with the book it just didnt stand out to me and felt very familiar. The characters were likable but predictable and it just seemed liked it was you same typical mafia type romance. And the tattoo artist aspect just reminded me of pretty monster so it just fell a little flat for me. It wasn't a bad read, i read it finished it and liked it fine, just wasn't anything special.
February 25, 2024
This was another win for me! While a bit tamer still amazing as ever I loved the dynamics between Emma and Dante. I loved that she was a tattoo artist and that our big bad aloha fell first I am such a sucker for when the guy falls first. Another amazing read from one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait for Dante’s brother’s story!!
March 3, 2024
It's always a pleasure to read Mr. James' books; they are consistently well-written, with characters expertly depicted. Here, we have a highly independent heroine.
Dante embodies the alpha male, yet remarkably tender; he is instantly captivating.
The chemistry between the characters is palpable, with some intriguing twists and turns.
Dante embodies the alpha male, yet remarkably tender; he is instantly captivating.
The chemistry between the characters is palpable, with some intriguing twists and turns.
March 9, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This took me longer than I thought. The book was nice, nicely paced and the characters were not bad.
The plot was generic but the author added enough embellishments to make it interesting. I really liked the heroine's gri here. She was not headstrong but she was very secure with herself and I liked it.
All in all, a nice low level read but good heat if you need it.
This took me longer than I thought. The book was nice, nicely paced and the characters were not bad.
The plot was generic but the author added enough embellishments to make it interesting. I really liked the heroine's gri here. She was not headstrong but she was very secure with herself and I liked it.
All in all, a nice low level read but good heat if you need it.
May 24, 2024
not my thing
I am sure it was a nice story. I read the first chapter and realized it wasn’t for me. I am not into whole body tattoos for woman and nose and body piercings. I don’t mind a few tattoos for men and women but when they cover their entire body I find it ruins a body that is beautiful on its own. So I skipped to epilogue and read their hea.
I am sure it was a nice story. I read the first chapter and realized it wasn’t for me. I am not into whole body tattoos for woman and nose and body piercings. I don’t mind a few tattoos for men and women but when they cover their entire body I find it ruins a body that is beautiful on its own. So I skipped to epilogue and read their hea.
November 8, 2024
Dante will get what he wants!
Emma has to fill in for her boss to do a tattoo for a high profile client. When she realizes that client is Dante a mob boss, she just wants to get through the appointment and leave. Too bad the attraction between them is strong, can either of them resist the temptation?
Emma has to fill in for her boss to do a tattoo for a high profile client. When she realizes that client is Dante a mob boss, she just wants to get through the appointment and leave. Too bad the attraction between them is strong, can either of them resist the temptation?
May 2, 2025
Easy and predictable. story was what I was expecting, except I listened to the audiobook and it was read by AI. It wasn't good. I won't listen to AI again. monotone, said "apostrophe " when it clearly was an actual apostrophe in the word. not everytime it said the punctuation, but i assume it said it if there was an incorrect space in the word- editing issue.
May 10, 2025
Personally, I was well fed with this story. I really enjoyed Emma, I do wish she would’ve been honest right off the bat when she realized a certain situation but overall I understood her pov. It isn’t your typical mafia heavy storyline that I’m used to but idk it was kind of refreshing to me. I loved Dante, again not your typical mafia don but still I’d crumble under his thumb any day lol!
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