A fast-paced dark, romantic read. Steamy and violent, featuring all your favorite
Irish Mafia Morally gray and possessive MMC Fake relationship Second chance
Cupid Valentine hates his name almost as much as he hates the Russian traffickers trying to do business on his turf. Cupid may be the head of the Irish Mafia, who thinks nothing of taking what he wants when he wants it, including lives, but there are just some lines you don’t cross.
He realizes the Russian human market is too big to crush on his own. So, he brings in FBI Agent Treasa Murphy, as his fake slave.
Rosie Sloane writes twisted romantic fiction for readers who crave obsession, betrayal, and love stories that never leave you. She’s the author of the Lovestruck and Valentine series—standalones and novellas where nothing is safe, especially your heart. 💌 www.rosiesloane.com/links 📸 Instagram: @rosie_sloane_author
This is a fast paced Iris mafia, spicy novella. I got drawn in immediately and I couldn't put it down. The writing style just flowed perfectly and so descriptive so you really see everything.
You are left in a cliff hanger so I can hardly wait to see what happens next.
Vice was a quick but very fun read. When I saw it was only 44 pages long, I didn't expect a whole lot of depth, but the book (or actually Novella) still managed to surprise me quite a bit! I enjoyed it so much, that I immediately delved into book two directly after finishing this one.
This novella was a great introduction to the series as a whole. It gives just enough information about the plot and characters to make you curious. It introduces you to Valentine, Bunny, Treasa, Nana, Nikolai and all the others. The mafia-theme is very strongly present and plays a very obvious part in the story as a whole.
You don't immediately get a lot of backstory and some parts are a bit confusing. Like the backstory between our two main characters: Valentine and Treasa. I think the right way to explain this is that it felt slightly disjointed in some parts. Mainly because it switched Point of View quite quickly. But as you read on, it becomes more and more clear what happened between our two main characters. In a way it untangles itself, so to say. It made reading a journey of discovery for me, egging me on to read more because I wanted to know about the backstory between Valentine and Treasa.
This disjointed feeling wasn't only present in the backstory either, the scenes sometimes also jumped around a little bit. While I, as the reader was left a little confused, the characters were anything but. These moments could use a little bit more detail, to make the transition smoother. But other than leaving me confused, it didn't take away from the overall story.
This book was a short and spicy read, with a lot of kink elements in it. The characters were very interesting to read about, revealing their secrets as the story goes on. I definitely liked that the characters were a little older than I usually read about. As a girly in her 30s I loved reading about these clearly adult characters. Vice also delves into the darker theme of Human Trafficking. It doesn't shy away from the darkest parts of humanity, showcasing just how deprived the people behind the trafficking ring are. I am not going to say more about that, because that would be spoiling too much.
Rosie Sloane's writing style is very fast paced, and that is the perfect fit for me. I am very easily distracted, so the quick changes in both the scenes and the POVs was absolutely perfect for me. It was an incredibly easy read and I will definitely pick up more of Rosie's books. Their writing style simply does it for me! It is right up my alley and I love it.
Overall, this was an incredibly fun read. Once I picked it up, I didn't put it down anymore. With its 44 pages, I was through it in an hour, but it was just the perfect length to introduce you to the story and to the characters.
Good Bits:
- Quick paced writing style - Delves into darker themes - Unravels the history between characters as you read on - It's a series! So there is more to read! - Nice introduction to the characters - Lots of spicy scenes
Bad Bits: - A little disjointed and confusing at times
Vice is a short and spicy read, with very clear warnings about its content. You know exactly what you are getting into. The mafia theme is very strong, and the writing style is fast paced. If you're like me and have an easily distracted squirrel brain, this might be the book for you!
Wow what a great little quick read! I was not expecting some of the scenes in this book - Rosie Sloane has really outdone herself with this novella. A few scenes were very unexpected but also so so good. I’m excited for the next one.
Everything you want in a mafia romance was in this short novella. I am so excited to read the rest of this series. This story was so well written for being so short.
There are some trigger warnings I will also include in this review for this book: ---Human Trafficking ----Torture (including body modifications) ----False slavery
I love a good dark romance, a plus when its mafia as well. Everything you want in a mafia romance from a FMC willing to submit to her lover, a MMC that is dark broody, and possessive, and a whole lot of spice. But when I read this, I didn't feel like it was so short, the story flowed, it actually had a story on top of the spice, THAT MADE SENSE. I hate short novellas when it doesn't make sense for the characters to get involved.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wasn't a fan at first but quickly grabbed me in the last halk, deff will be checking for when the rest are released so I can get answers. However, the name of one of the characters is gonna take some getting used to! But I already love his sister 😂
Enjoyed this short read and I can’t wait to know what happens next. I wonder if we’re going to get a back story about how they met. I for one would really enjoy that. I also can’t wait to see if they’ll complete their mission and have a HEA.
I loved this short and anything-but-sweet story. I knew there would be dark themes when I got into this series. What I got was not what I was expecting, but I did enjoy it and I feel the two main characters are very well-suited to their respective roles in this storyline.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this story!
It is super spicy and does go down a very dark path, even from this very first taste of the series. So be sure to check your content warnings, because they are dark.
This story is not a fairytale, it is a real dark romance where dark things happen and people are cruel even for good reasons.
Read at your own risk.
That being said, it was on another level from what I've read and I found myself intrigued by the story and what would happen. Not to mention, I absolutely love when awful, terrible, monstrous people get what's coming to them, especially when it isn't "fate" or "karma" that gets them, but people going after them, to tear them down.
I had an opportunity to read all 4 in this novella series from Booksirens and appreciate the copies. This is book one.
While I try (with each new to me author) to find a connection with the characters and storyline, this read did not resonate well with me. I wanted a better understanding of Treasa and Cupid. Understandably hard in a novella, I know. I found myself feeling like I should know more, like details were missing. I am clear that they are childhood friends, trying to accomplish something together, but the position he put her in, and what occurred by his hand, to me was a bit much, and not empowering for her at all. This is not my understanding of a positive D/s situation, and maybe that is what the author wanted... IDK.
This does end on a cliffhanger. I did agree to review all four, and I intend to, and fingers crossed that my feelings about the situation and characters improve. I voluntarily leave my review.
Thanks to BookSirens for the Arc but I just can't finish this: 'morally gray' should mean morally gray, it isn't code for 'huge misogynist' lmao. If the only way your MC is morally gray is that HE HATES WOMEN AND CONSTANTLY HAS WEIRD THOUGHTS AND DOUBLE STANDARDS ABOUT THEM just say that. Just say "Misogynist Hero/Sexist Hero." He's not morally gray, he has a weird obsession with women and lowkey hates them. Just say so. No big. Plenty of people have a misogyny fetish for some reason. I'm not one of them. When you say he's morally gray and a mobster I expect him to be a murderer or torturer or bully, not just an incel with sex appeal. Please. Be so for real.
Fast read.... but the darkness and the pull of it is really good! This is a lot darker than I thought it was going to be for such a short spicy read, but wow.... into the darkness we go with Cupid! Sign me up for the rest of the ride!!!
Triggers are put into this book. Please check them and make sure this book is for you. If you like to go in blind... Cupid is calling the shots, and he wants you to read this book!!!
Wasn't a fan at first but the antics between Valentine, Theresa and Bunny are what kept my attention. The name of one of the characters had me scratching my head, but I loved how Bunny fully embraced her name and had fun with it! She's definitely my favorite so far.
It'll be interesting to see how Valentine's and Theresa's story unfolds in Ace which is the next book in in these characters stories.
VICE BY ROSIE SLOANE. VALENTINE BOOK 1. An Irish Mafia Novella 5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s OHHHH HOLY MACKREL. Is this book hot, twisted and dark.🔥. My goodness I need a hosing Down big time. Well hello there Cupid Valentine 😉 This is my first Irish mafia book and oh my lord did I love it. Give me book 2 immediately
Vice, Ache, and Late are the first three novellas in Sloane's new Valentine series. All three feature Cupid Valentine (yes that is his real name and you'd better not laugh because he is the head of the Irish mafia and will punish your insolence) and FBI Agent Treasa Murphy.
Treasa grew up with Cupid, and his sister Bunny; they became like family to her. When Treasa followed her passion to join law enforcement, she had to walk away from Cupid, breaking his heart, and hers as well. Treasa has spent much of her career undercover. She now finds herself back in Boston as she believes the Russians are trafficking women and children through the city. She hopes to team up with Cupid to stop them.
Cupid is vicious and cruel. He more than happy to torture and kill, but human trafficking is a hard line he absolutely won't cross. He's all too willing to team up with Treasa, but it will be under his terms.
"As far as the rest of the world is concerned, you're my f*&%ing slave. You'll eat, sleep and breath me. I'm all that matters to you. If you can do that, we might be able to take them all down. Are you in?"
Treasa is all in if it means saving lives and putting an end to this ring, but if she's not convincing, they'll both be killed.
This mafia romance is a dark one, as one might expect when the topic of human trafficking is front and center. Cupid is naturally dominant, and when it comes to Treasa he is very possessive. What the world sees is cold and ruthless, but when he is alone with her, his dominance has heart. Treasa is strong and driven; when she's in, she's all in. She's passionate and lives her life with purpose. The two have a fiery chemistry together.
This is a spicy, quick read. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before delving in as your mental health is too important.
The story doesn't end with Vice. Readers will want to immediately jump into Ache to see how the story progresses.
Though serialized novels aren’t usually my thing, this was absolutely irresistible. I mean, seriously—an Irish mobster named Cupid Valentine. How could I possibly say no? And then there’s the kicker: an FBI agent undercover as his slave. Intrigue? Check. High stakes? Double-check. Cupid might be the head honcho of the Irish Mafia, but he’s no run-of-the-mill villain. In his world, there are rules—even for criminals—and human trafficking is a hard no. When the ruthless Russians encroach on his turf, he knows he’ll need backup to shut them down. Enter Treasa Murphy, his ex-lover and a no-nonsense FBI agent. At just over 40 pages, Rosie packs this novella with more tension, drama, and chemistry than you’d think possible. One scene, in particular, will knock you off your feet, so brace yourself. Cupid and Treasa’s fake Master/slave act might seem like a wild cover story, but to convince the Russians, Cupid has to train Treasa to perfection. Treasa’s fierce determination is one of her greatest assets, but the challenges Cupid throws her way are bound to test her limits. Meanwhile, Cupid has his own demons to wrestle, as he must bury his feelings for Treasa to play the cruel, unyielding Master the Russians expect. This is more than just a fast-paced, steamy read; it’s a high-octane setup for the explosive drama ahead. Buckle up—this is one ride you don’t want to miss! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great book by Rosie Sloane. Vice is a short, dark romance story that is Book 1 of 2 in the Valentine novella series. The story revolves around Cupid Valentine, the head of the Irish Mafia in Boston, and his long-time love, Treasa Murphy. Their relationship is complicated because she is an FBI agent working to bring down organized crime. They decide to work together to eradicate the Russian human traffickers trying to move in on Cupid’s territory. Treasa is willing to go to extremes to close the case, and Cupid is right there with her helping her along.
I liked the characters of Bunny and Nanna, Cupid’s sister and grandmother. Both are fierce, as they have to be in a man’s world. The introduction of Bunny in the story is hilarious. Cupid may be a deadly mob boss, but he still verbally banters with his sister, and she is the only one who can get away with it.
The story pulls readers in with tension, plot points and character building. I like that the story brings their past into the present and shows how far they have come since they met years ago. The book does end with a cliffhanger, but I am glad I read it. I am looking forward to reading Ache, the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"There was a darkness inside me, and the devil was coming out to play."
This book was short and spicy! I liked the unique name and the scorn the main character has for it. His named gun certainly seems like a big part of his life and I'd love to hear more about how it got it's name. I liked that there were clear warnings for triggers and mature themes. Readers will know what they are getting into, which can be extremely important. The main character has grey morals but defined lines that can't be crossed, and the fact that the characters are in an older age range makes the tone more believable in the relationship.
I think it was slightly disjointed in a few scene changes. For instance, in the town car, it was implied that they were going back to his place, but then it seemed to jump tracks to stopping outside the club, and neither character was confused by that. I'd like to see a little more background context for the shifts in what's happening, but not so much that it gives away what's about to happen.
Overall, this was the start of a series I'm very interested in continuing to read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Vice is book 1 in the Valentine Series. I really enjoyed this faced paced spicy Irish Mafia Novella. In this book you get to know the Cupid, and Bunny who are siblings and the FBI agent Tereasa Murphy and why they want to work together to take down the Russian Mafia. I think the author did a great job holding my attention with the characters and story. I am headed to book 2!
Please read TW's for this book! Your mental Health Matters!
Well this was quite the spicy little treat. This is has the perfect amoun of plot and spice. A very interesting quick read. I can't wait to start book 2 next. I'm loving Mr. Valentine.
As someone who was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy through BookSirens, diving into Rosie Sloan's "Vice" was an experience that pulled me into a world where danger and desire dance on a knife's edge. This Irish Mafia was published independently on February 7, 2024, "Vice" thrusts me headfirst into the gritty realm of the Irish Mafia, under the leadership of the mysterious Cupid Valentine. Sloan wastes no time in setting a brisk pace, weaving a story that is both steamy and brutal, with a generous sprinkling of dark humor that kept me on my toes.
The heart of the story revolves around Cupid's desperate bid to protect his territory from encroaching Russian traffickers. To combat this looming threat, he enlists the unlikely help of FBI Agent Treasa Murphy, leading to the creation of a fake relationship that blurs the lines between law enforcement and criminality. The dynamic between Cupid and Treasa crackles with tension, drawing me deeper into their dangerous game of deceit and desire.
What truly sets "Vice" apart is its masterful blend of mafia intrigue, humor, and intricate plot twists. Sloan skillfully delves into themes of power, loyalty, and the murky moralities that govern the criminal underworld. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, pulling me further into their tumultuous world with each passing chapter.
However, amidst the gripping narrative, there were moments where "Vice" stumbled. Certain aspects of the plot felt rushed, and some character motivations could have benefited from more exploration. Additionally, the graphic violence serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities that permeate this world of organized crime, making it a read best suited for those prepared for its gritty nature.
In conclusion, "Vice" provided me with a thrilling escape into a world of danger and desire, where alliances are forged and broken amidst the shadows of the underworld. Rosie Sloan's novella is sure to captivate fans of dark romance and mafia fiction alike, offering a tantalising blend of suspense, passion, and intrigue that kept me eagerly turning the pages until the very end, urging me to read the rest of the series.
“My FBI agent, my fake slave, my Treasa.” — If that line doesn’t make your jaw drop and your heart race, this book might not be for you. But if you're into morally gray antiheroes, high-stakes danger, and chemistry so intense it burns the page—buckle up.
Cupid Valentine (yes, really) is the head of the Irish Mafia, and he’s every inch the brutal, possessive, morally complex man your therapist warned you about. When Russian traffickers start creeping onto his territory, he makes an unexpected move: he enlists FBI Agent Treasa Murphy—undercover, unwilling, and posing as his slave. It’s twisted. It’s dangerous. It shouldn’t work.
But it does.
This book is fast-paced and relentless. The violence is graphic, the heat level is off the charts, and the emotional payoff sneaks up and wrecks you. Cupid is obsessive, protective, and absolutely feral when it comes to Treasa. And Treasa? Smart, fierce, and trying to hold on to her mission—until the line between pretending and feeling gets very, very blurry.
If you love:
Irish mafia mayhem
Fake relationships with actual high stakes
Possessive MMCs who would burn the world for their woman
Second chances wrapped in blood and desire
...this is your next read.
It’s not sweet. It’s not soft. But it’s unforgettable.
One of the things Cupid Valentine, head of the Boston Irish Mafia, hates more than his own name is the trafficking of women and children. He needs to take down the Russians to put a stop to the current atrocities happening in his city, but he can’t do it alone. As luck would have it, his long lost love, FBI agent Treasa Murphy, is back in town and, much to his delight, unaware of his plan to make her his fake slave. 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥'𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴?
This short novella was so dark and so spicy! I love the determination that both Cupid and Treasa possess! You can definitely tell Treasa trusts Cupid with the way she accepts his terms and plays into his games. I loved this novella so much! I cannot wait for their story to continue! Thank you, Rosie Sloane, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given!
‘Vice’ is my first toe-dip into the writings of author Rosie Sloane … I believe I have found my twin in salaciousness.
In this first installment to the Valentine series, I get a good taste of Cupid and Treasa’s dynamic—better than I imagined I would have in a lunch-hour sized read—as well as an introduction to Cupid’s crazy awesome sister Bunny. I cannot wait to sink my canines into ‘Ache’.
I. Am. Hooked.
*** Recommended ***
MMC: ✨Cupid FMC: ✨Treasa HEA/Cliffhanger: ✨ Cliffhanger and To Be Continued Series: ✨ Valentine: Book 1 Epilogue: ✨No Tropes: 👉Irish mafia romance 👉Fake relationships 👉Second chance 👉BDSM 👉MF Triggers: 💥18+ 💥Sex 💥Violence 💥Violence against women 💥Abuse 💥Profanity 💥Public: * exhibitionism, forced body modification Burn Speed: ✨Medium - ish Spice Level: ✨🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was really excited to read this because i love mafia romance. And I was enjoying it up until the whole “slave girl” thing. I just didn’t like that, and it just felt gross reading that phrase over and over. And I read dark romance but the wording there just was not it for me. Also I am a smut lover, but I felt like it was too much and not enough of the mafia plot. The length of the book was good but I just wish there was more background on Cupid’s family and Treasa’s childhood. I understand novella’s are supposed to be short, but there wasn’t really a lot of in depth background or descriptions on any of the characters. Also I felt bad for Treasa cause I don’t think she fully understood what she was getting herself into.😭 I will end with saying that I can tell Bunny is an icon
Rosie Sloane brought the spice with this short novella!
Cupid and Treasa join forces to take down the Russian mafia who is allegedly apart of a human trafficking ring. They’ve had a past since childhood that has only grown into an insane sexual tension/chemistry between each other.
Cupid was HOT. Check your trigger warnings because there are a few triggers that may bother some readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick mafia novella very much and can’t wait to see how this story continues. For a first novel to a series, it was a great way to introduce the main characters and have you ready to dive into more of their story! It does end on a slight cliffhanger, but nothing too crazy to where you would want to throw your kindle! :)
ARC Review 📖 This story is for Adults only, check TW. Cupid Valentine, Eldest son, ex-fixer, & enforcer for the Boston-Irish Mafia. An old flame & childhood friend of Cupid's. Treasa, or should I say FBI Agent Treasa Murphy, needs his help tobring them down. As the Russian mafia makes moves in Cupid's town of s*x trafficking and s*x slaves of women and children. That's not going to fly in Cupid's town. Will Cupid and Treasa work together to bring the Russians down? You'll have to read to find out. I will say this book had some spice, and some difficult subjects. It ends on a cliffhanger, but I must know what happens next. I wish the author delved into Treasa's past a bit more, as well as Cupid's. I do hope that this story will end with a HEA.
Rosie Sloane did an amazing job of getting me fully invested in Cupid and Treasa's story in only 44 pages! This novella tells the story of these childhood sweethearts that grew into enemies as Cupid became the leader of Boston's Irish mob and Treasa joined the FBI.
This story is full of delightful spice! Treasa and Cupid may be on opposite sides of the law now, but they team up to take down the Russian mob who are tråffïckïng. They might not agree on many things, but they agree that they need to come together to stop this from happening in their city.
I can't wait for the next installment of this series and to find out what happens between these two! As always with Rosie's books, I enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next one!
“Vice” by Rosie Sloane delivered what it promised a dark, fast-paced read that had an intense scene. I love that the author didn’t hold back, or play the scene off the page. She dove head first. She didn’t shy away from the human “slave” aspect and kept you hooked from the start.
I love my books to be pitch-black, or darker. Don’t worry, this one is not, but PLEASE check the trigger warnings—definitely a must when the mafia is involved, and the story overview mentions “fake (sex) slave”.
Overall it is a good story. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
By the way, this story does end on a cliffhanger. The next book is “Ache”.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Exactly as you'd expect for an Irish Mafia romance: delghfully dark, gloriously gritty, and oh so smut ridden!
This 30 minute page turner (yes, it's a quick read) explodes of the page from the start. It's fast paced and action driven, bursting with sexual tension between Cupid and Treasa as they unite in their need to take down the Russian Mafia. Their sizzling relationship proves to be a loaded dice in a game that both of them have to win.
Would be a good idea to read the TWs before reading as content is quite graphic (not a complaint from me). Being a first in a series it ends on a slight cliffhanger.
I received this as a free arc and am voluntarily leaving this honest review
This is a very quick read, only taking me half hour but my does it pull you in so quickly. Cupid 🤣 yes Cupid is a Mafia boss and Treaser is FBI.
The story line thats being set is definitely one I would like to carry on reading. As this only 50 pages long you are left with questions and cliffhangers but it is clearly a start to what promises to be a great series.
💭 🔫 Play
💭 Dark Mafia romance
💭 Submissive
"And for the love of God and all things holy, you’ll keep your fucking pretty mouth shut.”
💭 Available on Kindle Unlimited
🚨 Please check your Trigger warnings before reading 🚨