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Rada

They tricked me, sold me, and stripped me of my identity. But they left behind a woman with nothing to lose. They paid with their lives for what they did. Only, my plan went wrong and I swapped one cell for another, but if this Irish mafia psychopath thinks I won’t kill him to get to my sister, he’s wrong.

Loch

She was a vision covered in the blood of her enemies, like a goddess anointed in rubies. I took her for myself, but I need her to trust me because we have a common enemy to take down and because I’m never letting her go.

Craving Revenge is a novella prequel to Hiding Desire, the first in the Obsessed Mafia Men series. It can be read as a standalone. The series is a spin-off from the Steel Ventures series and contains side characters from there. It is a contemporary dark romantic suspense. Please check the content warnings because it deals with heavy themes right from the outset. There are dual points of view, MF explicit scenes, and an HFN.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

355 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read

About the author

C.C. Gedling

14 books138 followers

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5 stars
153 (18%)
4 stars
226 (27%)
3 stars
283 (33%)
2 stars
116 (13%)
1 star
55 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Billie Arlen.
46 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2024
Aaaand now I have to wait for Sean’s book !

I was already excited about Sean O’Sullivan’s book. And now this incredible author gives me something to sink my teeth into but it doesn’t help at all with the wait. It just made me want MORE MORE MORE.

This book is a quick read, packed with action and thrills and CC manages to slap us woth some romance and some steamy stuff too.

Well done !
Profile Image for Noor.
104 reviews
February 20, 2024
Action-filled dark mafia prequel novella that has you hooked leaves you craving more

CC Gedling knocked it out of the park yet again! As with her previous books, you are hooked and invested with the characters as she really makes you feel exactly what they are feeling and going through. Be sure to read the trigger warnings as it has a bunch, and the author gets into the action right of the bat and isn't playing around. It gets messy really quick, so not for the faint of heart.

Craving Revenge is a well written and fast-paced dark mafia novella that serves as a prequel to the upcoming mafia series. It definitely serves its purpose as it delivers on a great short story with action, emotion, romance, and spice but also leaves you in anticipation of the first book of the series.

Rada the FMC is seriously brave and strong, yet so relatable with her insecurities. She has a strong sense of purpose and family and doesn’t like being treated as a broken woman despite the trauma she endured.

Loch is the growly right-hand man to the Irish mafia boss. He enjoys inflicting pain and has his demons. But when he stumbles upon Rada, his world and purpose shift to protecting her, even if it means helping her getting the revenge she craves.

Highly recommend this story for anyone looking for a quick dark mafia read with a strong female lead and protective MMC.
Profile Image for Jodi_xo✨.
72 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ the only reason I haven’t rated this book higher is because I felt it did lack a lot of things that would make it better. The story would be a lot better if it was longer with more information being added and building up the relationship between Rada and Loch. It all just happened a little too quickly, mostly because of how short the story was.

Overall, I liked the story and how it played out. The characters were a good match for each other. Some of the writing felt a little strange and how they worded some things. I understand it was supposed to be as though it was being said by an Irish person, but it just didn’t fit, but that might be because I’m Scottish and thinking about it how it’s said here rather than there.

The story definitely needed to be longer. I feel that it could be such an amazing story if it was longer with more build up and information.
Profile Image for Brianna Melick.
208 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2024
I feel like I read one page where they didn't like each other, and then on the next page, they were in love and about to get married. I am baffled but also will be reading book 1 since this was just a prequel
Profile Image for Brynn.
35 reviews
June 24, 2024
in a book rut and thought a shorter bit would help… not quite doing it but it was good
Profile Image for Erinn.
571 reviews8 followers
November 1, 2024
Short yet action filled. I enjoyed this but wished for so much more!!
Profile Image for Jess 👹.
133 reviews
January 3, 2026
3.5

A wee novella/prequel. I wish it was a full book though as I would have loved to have seen more of Rada/Loch’s story. Rada is a badass
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,711 reviews41 followers
February 16, 2024
OMG 😱 absolutely a fantastic book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry and physical attraction between these characters were spicy hot and was revenge the key. How will all these play out. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
6 reviews
February 14, 2024
Fantastic new book by C.C.Gedling.
Novella prequel to her "Mafia Men" series.
It's a fast paced dark romance with interesting storyline, great writing style, humour and hot spicy scenes.
ML - Loch is hot, morally gray and would do anything for his woman.
FL- Rada is no damsel in distress. She is strong willed woman who knows what she wants,with a soft spot for the ones she loves.

Book capture your attention from the very first page and I can't wait for the the whole series. ❤️
Profile Image for Candice.
80 reviews
February 13, 2024
I loved the story. I was sucked in from the beginning and stayed that way throughout. I loved everything about the characters too, especially the way that Rada fought for her freedom and didn’t give up on her plan, and how Loch just knew she was something he needed to keep. It was a quick story, but didn’t feel rushed. It was definitely worth the read and I can’t wait for the rest of the series! ❤️
87 reviews
February 15, 2024
Short but great prequel to the new Mafia series coming. I always love a possessive, obsessive, touch her and die male lead and this is Loch down to a T. Rada is no weak, silly, helpless female, and they are perfect match for each other. Very excited for Hiding Desire - Sean’s story.
Profile Image for Tabatha Slagle.
405 reviews15 followers
February 16, 2024
Rada has the most strength I think I've ever seen written for a character with her history. Don't get me started on the dark, depraved, growly man that is Loch. He might be one of my favorites. I can't wait for the continuation of the story!
Profile Image for Mckenna.
382 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2024


Craving Revenge is a short prequel but it is good. Read the trigger warning before starting. Super quick read! Since it is only about 100 pages it gets right to the point and doesn’t leave you waiting till the end for some action. Since it is short and the way it was written it doesn’t rush when Rada and Loch fall in love. Don’t let Rada fool you. She is one strong and feisty woman!
Profile Image for Gail Williams.
433 reviews19 followers
February 14, 2024
Loved this book. Rada and Loch fit each other like two peas in a pod. Two broken people, for different reasons, recognise the other half to their heart.
This is a teaser of what is sure to be an explosive story. 🥰
Profile Image for Chris.
15 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2024
I received this as an ARC. The author's note to her mother in every book just makes me laugh to kick it all off.

This book is HEAVY on the trigger warnings. Proceed with caution. You've been warned.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 - I read it as quickly as I could. It's a short read, a prequel to the the main series and Book 1 about Sean, whom we have met in the Steel series.

*Synopsis*
Rada and her sister have been trafficked, but are separated. Rada's sole mission in the book is to find her sister. In order to achieve this mission, she murders several men in her quest to escape. As she does so, Loch sweeps in rescues her and another girl just "on a feeling". He brings them back to Sean's mafia compound, and over the course of the days, decided Rada is his, his mot, his girl....and fights for her.

This is NOT a book with happiness as the main focus, but that doesn't mean contentment isn't found within. There is murder and bloodshed, knife play and suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for FoxyBookCorner.
64 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2024
PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS
Your mental health matters 🧡

Rada is a strong and feisty spirit main female character. In the process of escaping she gets snatched up by another mafia man. It’s such a packed with a punch novella with a in your face scene from the start. Loch is your typical mafia obsessed/possessive mafia man and it’s 🥵🥵

The entire novella is a spicy, dark read that you will not want to put down. Plus when he has her carve her name on his chest, my weakness 🤤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
350 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2024
There’s just something about psycho, growly protective man that makes me love them. Loch is definitely one of those men who would do anything to protect his woman, but Rada isn’t a delicate flower. She is able to navigate all the darkness she experiences by his side. I think the story was well written and fast paced. We knew enough of each characters’ backstory to follow along, while it’s also left open so that hopefully it can be built upon in the future. I still have so many questions that have gone unanswered, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in future books! If you like a shorter, darker story, this one is one you’ll enjoy. Just make sure to check those trigger warnings!
Profile Image for Beth Johnson.
185 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2024
Great prequel to the new series, although this is just a short introduction to the new series it gives a great insight into the characters and world that we will see in future books.
You are not waiting around for anything to happen and we are straight into a very messy situation (I’ll leave you to read it to understand)!
Although it is only a short book, the way it is written does not feel as though the falling in love was rushed. Rada, does consider her options on more than one occasion, even after she has made her initial decision showing she has not just gone from one situation to another just to try to save her sister.
Profile Image for Rachel Lawrie.
67 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2024
What a way to open the mafia series! Loch is Sean's right hand man who didn't know what he was missing until he met his goddess fighting her way out of a horific situation. Whilst it was a quick install love type read, it didn't feel forced, felt more like two perfectly broken souls meeting at the perfect time and owning it (and each other!) ! Can't wait for Sean's book... Going to be a hell of a ride I'm sure!
Profile Image for Alimay.
508 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2024
CRAVING C.C.s MAFIA

C.C. Gedling is building an intriguing Irish Mafia series, and this prequel tantalises with yet another brilliantly written story. Her male characters fall hard and fast for their heroines and Craving Revenge is an excellent start to what will no doubt be another excellent book series. I am looking forward to next book and believe this story will only get better as the world expands and the characters evolve with C.C. Gedling’s wonderful writing.
12 reviews
February 14, 2024
Very good book if you like a man that takes you at your worse and takes care of you and still is a hard-core man this is for you I love seeing Loch love her but still he is a beast. He is so protective of her but she can hold her own . Love ❤️ 😍 that
Profile Image for Elizabeth Fowler.
178 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2024
C.C. Gedling's first foray into mafia territory has left me craving more. Craving Revenge centers around a tough female lead, Rada, who has been fighting for her freedom. Along with Lochland, Sean's second in command. This book gives "soft only for her" vibes, one of my favorite tropes.
Profile Image for Amanda Ruthenberg.
61 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2024
I got this novella as an ARC and I’m glad I did. This book is dark, so please check trigger warnings.

The novella sets up a new series that I cannot wait to dive into. I love a good mafia romance even when it has the instalove factor!
Profile Image for Catherine Gwilt.
129 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2024
Loved it!

I love any books by this author!! And as a little book before the release of the big man Sean I devoured it in an evening!

Great read and can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Chloe’s Reading Corner.
90 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2024
Dark & Steamy Novella!

If you like them mafia, dark, steamy, and quick to read… get this book!

This is a quick-paced prequel to a story I have been wanting CC to write for about a year now. It is incredibly well-written and her writing and flow comes on strength to strength with every book she writes.

Our FML is strong but dealt a bad hand. She is easy to relate to and fights for what she believes in.
Loch is the quiet type but boy is he morally grey (I’d say charcoal on the scale😏). He is incredibly protective of Rada and is assisting of her rather than smothering of her wants and needs.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Writing: writing: ✍️🏼✍️🏼✍️🏼✍️🏼
Overall: 💜💜💜💜💜
Profile Image for Rate Reads.
6 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2025
Lots of potential but fell short due to pacing problems.

The author did a great job of writing a fierce FMC and a likeable, clean freak, bad boy MMC. Even the side characters like Dora and Sean were written in a way that makes you want to know what happens to them next.

But … 🥺

Although I appreciate this is only a short novella of just under 100 pages, the pacing of the book needs to be reviewed heavily.

The rate at which this story is written doesn’t make any sense - the very first time they have sex, there’s “I love you’s” exchanged and a marriage proposal?!

But let’s rewind a bit *spoilers incoming* …..
The FMC escapes a sex trafficking house of which she’s been sexually and physically abused in for at least a year then committed multiple murders, only to get groped by the MMC and rather than being traumatised, or dare I say even slightly hesitant, she instantly is aroused and “wants to be his”?

It simply doesn’t read right. Having such a bold, head strong FMC simply fall in love with a stranger in a couple of days after huge trauma and a desperate need to find her sister just doesn’t sit well.

That being said, I would’ve loved for this book to be longer so we could experience more depth as the book has a lot of promise and I’d recommend for anyone wanting a quick mafia style read. I got this book for free during a stuff your kindle day so for that alone, I’d say it’s worth a read if you wanted a taster for the rest of the series and can overlook the rushed feel 🖤

Profile Image for De_.
149 reviews
February 15, 2024
Attempting no spoilers here....


C. C. Gedling storms out hard and hits the ground running on this dark mafia prequel from the first page with the story of dark, somewhat graphic mafia revenge.  There are no flowery introductions here, C.C. aims straight for the jugular from the get-go. 

The subject matter is revenge, meant to be effectively meted out by the Mafia, it's dark, it's intense, it's strict, and it's hard. (I've run out of adjectives other than dark and hard, sorry!) Loch is the right-hand man of Mafia Boss Sean, a character the readers have met before in the preceding books.  Sean, being a likable man for the most part, is a stern businessman when necessary.  After, all, it's his Mafia.
And then there is Loch.  A no-nonsense man who will get his hands dirty, a man who surprisingly runs into the MFC accidentally, and finds feelings he didn't know his darkness was capable of.  In a nutshell, y'all, there's more involved, but why ruin it?

C. C. Gedling is a very accomplished author, able to pull the reader in with her ability to paint the pictures and offer the descriptions of the plot, twists, and turns, to keep me anyway,  enthralled from the first word to the last. The words in this plot do not just hint. No beating around the bush. And yes, once more for the delicate flowers looking for a sprinkling of gold dust glitter to fall out of the pages delivered by a unicorn --- this ain't it. Turn back now!

If you are truly delicate in what you read or cannot deal with branching out of the comfort zone most have come to know from C. C. Gedling, then refer to some of her other works, lighter in fare. Equally well written, but more suited to flowery reading than this!!

And yes, read those trigger warnings.  She supplies them for no surprises.

In my opinion, this book can also be read as a stand-alone, although it meshes with the latest of her previous offerings, the Vengeance series of the Steel Brothers: "Steel Vengeance" and "Steel Protection". An additional novella, much lighter in content, a sweet, gentle love story appropriately named "Sweet Treats" accompanies the lineup.  A bit of a light breather for the reader to regroup. This gem of a novella, "Craving Revenge", Loch and Rada's story, precedes the next in the Vengeance series, "Hiding Desire", starring Sean. 

"Craving Revenge" is a lovestory, yes I said it, of the Mafia persuasion.
570 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2024
Mafia Madness!

Craving Revenge is a prequel novella to the Obsessed Mafia Men series. Here is my reading order suggestion if you are looking for well written, plot driven stories with complex and diverse characters that are impossible to ignore…

1. Steel Vengeance- Steel Ventures book 1- sets off an explosive introduction to many of the characters coming up in the next books.
2. Sweet Treats- get this novella by signing up for CC’s newsletter via a link at the end of the Vengeance e-book
3. Steel Protection- Steel Ventures book 2
4. Craving Revenge- Prequel novella for the Obsessed Mafia Men series
5. Hiding Desire- Obsessed Mafia Men book 1
6. Seasons of Desire- A spicy collection of holiday based short stories including some characters we have met in the Steel books!

Now for Craving Revenge! This is an intense and exciting book that dives into the darkness of the mafia, the grays of morally questionable men, the lightness of love and healing and all the steamy attraction that develops between two damaged and broken people.

Craving Revenge is well written with some intricate story lines that I can definitely see continuing into book 1 in the series, Hiding Desire, and I cannot wait to jump into that next!

There may be sensitive material for some readers so check the warnings for these books but nothing written here is frivolous and although there is much trauma for some of the characters it only enhances their growth and determination for their own HEAs.
Profile Image for Zoey Day.
265 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2024
BOOK REVIEW:
Craving Revenge By CC Gedling
Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Okay First off I don't think CC Gedling could write anything bad!!! This is my second book of hers and I absolutely loved it!
Damn Rada is pretty badass... she saved herself! She is strong in so many ways, but her mental strength is insane staying alive and getting out for not only herself but her sister is incredibly strong! Wow Loch is interesting. He is drawn to Rada. I love all the times he said "my little murderess" I also love how he looks out for her even if Rada fights like she does! Also he calls her "darlin'"! I seriously love how Loch is with her. Damn that scene with the knife and his chest! Hot! Gosh damn I loved that ending! His wedding day surprise was amazing!
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