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Trust Me
MONSTERS ARE NOT BORN
After the death of her husband, young mob princess Willa Callahan returns to her hometown of Boston, where another marriage awaits her. Her fiancé is Raphael Flynn, who’s just taken over the Flynn Syndicate—and the city. But just because Willa left Ireland doesn’t mean that the dangers she once faced have followed suit. Her soon-to-be family is teeming with secrets and betrayals—the kind that brought a vicious end to her charmed childhood and snuffed out her parents’ lives. Willa is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to them, come hell, high water, or the most terrifying enforcer Boston has ever seen—the man her father trained years ago.
THEY ARE CREATED
Lucifer Flynn is cold, calculating, and without human emotion. He’s earned a wicked reputation through blood, sweat, and tears—other people’s, of course. As his brother’s right-hand man, Lucifer keeps the peace with breathtaking violence. But what he lacks in empathy he makes up for with ruthless devotion to his clan and an uncanny ability to analyze people and situations. He knows the naive Willa from his memory is no more. In her place is a beautiful but hardened woman who stirs something . . . unfamiliar within him. She’s up to something—and is clearly in over her head—but he must stay vigilant, for Raphael’s new reign has shaken up the power structure among the crime families, and new threats are emerging.
But sometimes the most dangerous people are the people you love. The ones you would give your life for . . .
Check author website for trigger warnings. Intended for readers age 18 and older.
After the death of her husband, young mob princess Willa Callahan returns to her hometown of Boston, where another marriage awaits her. Her fiancé is Raphael Flynn, who’s just taken over the Flynn Syndicate—and the city. But just because Willa left Ireland doesn’t mean that the dangers she once faced have followed suit. Her soon-to-be family is teeming with secrets and betrayals—the kind that brought a vicious end to her charmed childhood and snuffed out her parents’ lives. Willa is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to them, come hell, high water, or the most terrifying enforcer Boston has ever seen—the man her father trained years ago.
THEY ARE CREATED
Lucifer Flynn is cold, calculating, and without human emotion. He’s earned a wicked reputation through blood, sweat, and tears—other people’s, of course. As his brother’s right-hand man, Lucifer keeps the peace with breathtaking violence. But what he lacks in empathy he makes up for with ruthless devotion to his clan and an uncanny ability to analyze people and situations. He knows the naive Willa from his memory is no more. In her place is a beautiful but hardened woman who stirs something . . . unfamiliar within him. She’s up to something—and is clearly in over her head—but he must stay vigilant, for Raphael’s new reign has shaken up the power structure among the crime families, and new threats are emerging.
But sometimes the most dangerous people are the people you love. The ones you would give your life for . . .
Check author website for trigger warnings. Intended for readers age 18 and older.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2024
43 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Reina Bell
5 books74 followersReina Bell writes romance novels that promise to inspire all the feels. As a reader, she alternates between thrill-seeking romantic suspense, deeply emotional love stories, and palate-cleansing, sassy rom-coms. Her goal as an author is to offer the best of those worlds to readers—keeping it captivating, sexy, and with a soul-satisfying happily-ever-after each and every time.
When she’s not writing or living in her head curating her next novel, you can find her helping animals (that’s her other life), cooking like it’s a paid gig (maybe in her next life), and obsessively making lists. She resides on the East Coast with her husband, son, and some furry pets in a home where football Sunday is a holy day.
When she’s not writing or living in her head curating her next novel, you can find her helping animals (that’s her other life), cooking like it’s a paid gig (maybe in her next life), and obsessively making lists. She resides on the East Coast with her husband, son, and some furry pets in a home where football Sunday is a holy day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 18, 2024
I am convinced I got a different book than everyone else.
And I am miffed at myself for buying it for $0.99 (in light of the good reviews) instead of just borrowing it from Kindle Unlimited. I know better.
Next.
And I am miffed at myself for buying it for $0.99 (in light of the good reviews) instead of just borrowing it from Kindle Unlimited. I know better.
Next.
May 13, 2024
Part 1
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
I just wasn’t thrilled… 🤷🏻♀️
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
I just wasn’t thrilled… 🤷🏻♀️
April 15, 2024
My first read by this author and it will definitely not be my last because I just can't wait for Keegan's book!!
* Age gap (20 h/30 H)
* Slow - medium burn, but so worth it
* Both of them have traumatic pasts, especially her 😭😭😭😭; but don't worry, he's still plotting a war in her name 🫡🫶
* Twists and secrets, mafia conflicts, marriage of convenience (it didn't play out in the end, pfffiu)
* He's dark, broody, merciless, but only sweet, attracted and so in loved with her; while she's broken, sassy and determined to have revenge for what happened with her parents, but not only (again, her trauma is just 💔😭)
* I loved the banter between Willa and Keegan 😂 bffs, definitely 🥹🖤
* there is spice, but it's not overdone; started around 50% of the book or so; it's understandable this being a slow burn between them, forbidden relationship, plus a lot was happening around them, they just couldn't take a breath in silence 😂
* I was rooting for this couple since they reconnected as adults 🥹 🖤
I'll keep an eye on when the next book will be released, hoping we will also get glimpses of this couple as well 🥹🥹🖤.
.
.
.
Favorite quotes:
"I would make this right. Willa deserved an avenging angel. And who was more qualified to deliver vengeance than her devil?" 🫡
"“Even if she finds the door, it’s locked, and she doesn’t know the code.” “Your woman is like a goddamn honey badger. She’ll tunnel her way into the dungeon with a spoon before we get back.”" 😂😂😂
"Willa was mine. I was utterly fucking hers." 🖤
"Then it struck me— fear. I’d never been so fucking scared in my life. Nothing had ever made me as vulnerable as the love I felt for Willa." 🥹🖤
.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
* Age gap (20 h/30 H)
* Slow - medium burn, but so worth it
* Both of them have traumatic pasts, especially her 😭😭😭😭; but don't worry, he's still plotting a war in her name 🫡🫶
* Twists and secrets, mafia conflicts, marriage of convenience (it didn't play out in the end, pfffiu)
* He's dark, broody, merciless, but only sweet, attracted and so in loved with her; while she's broken, sassy and determined to have revenge for what happened with her parents, but not only (again, her trauma is just 💔😭)
* I loved the banter between Willa and Keegan 😂 bffs, definitely 🥹🖤
* there is spice, but it's not overdone; started around 50% of the book or so; it's understandable this being a slow burn between them, forbidden relationship, plus a lot was happening around them, they just couldn't take a breath in silence 😂
* I was rooting for this couple since they reconnected as adults 🥹 🖤
I'll keep an eye on when the next book will be released, hoping we will also get glimpses of this couple as well 🥹🥹🖤.
.
.
.
Favorite quotes:
"I would make this right. Willa deserved an avenging angel. And who was more qualified to deliver vengeance than her devil?" 🫡
"“Even if she finds the door, it’s locked, and she doesn’t know the code.” “Your woman is like a goddamn honey badger. She’ll tunnel her way into the dungeon with a spoon before we get back.”" 😂😂😂
"Willa was mine. I was utterly fucking hers." 🖤
"Then it struck me— fear. I’d never been so fucking scared in my life. Nothing had ever made me as vulnerable as the love I felt for Willa." 🥹🖤
.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 6, 2024
“Whatever you want… it’s yours…But a queen doesn’t belong on her knees.”
This follows Willa 20 who moves back to her hometown in Boston where she is to marry again. The Irish Flynn family ruthless mobsters of Boston is where she is moving to and right into the hands of the top boss Raphael Flynn. But this family is full of secrets, betrayal and lies. Will the truth be uncovered and why did Will agree to such terms?
This was a good read. I overall enjoyed the story but just got lost in the first 10% and last 10% of the book. I don’t know if maybe I wasn’t in the right head space or why I couldn’t grasp what was happening. I will say I love Willa she has been through loss, grief and torment in her life. She comes off as strong but has a vulnerable side. The twin brother Lucifer, is mysterious, protective and delicious. Some of the things Lucifer would say made me weak. He may come off as a hard mobster but when he is with her beautiful. As I mentioned it was a good read, I think I just lost a bit of the storyline and it didn’t grip me from the start.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Suspenseful
🔹Mafia
🔹Forbidden
🔹Marriage Of Convenience
🔹Secrets, Betrayal and Lies
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle - ARC
Pages: 352
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Monsters Of Boston Series
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Irish), Forbidden, Marriage Of Convenience, Age Gap (10yrs), Slow Burn, Suspense, Organised Crime, Who Did That To You, Mine, Religion, Revenge, Cursing, Alcohol, Violence, Torture, Gun Violence, Gore, Murder, Death, Playlist, Sexual Content. Mentions: Drug Overdose, Trafficking and Death Of Parent.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This follows Willa 20 who moves back to her hometown in Boston where she is to marry again. The Irish Flynn family ruthless mobsters of Boston is where she is moving to and right into the hands of the top boss Raphael Flynn. But this family is full of secrets, betrayal and lies. Will the truth be uncovered and why did Will agree to such terms?
This was a good read. I overall enjoyed the story but just got lost in the first 10% and last 10% of the book. I don’t know if maybe I wasn’t in the right head space or why I couldn’t grasp what was happening. I will say I love Willa she has been through loss, grief and torment in her life. She comes off as strong but has a vulnerable side. The twin brother Lucifer, is mysterious, protective and delicious. Some of the things Lucifer would say made me weak. He may come off as a hard mobster but when he is with her beautiful. As I mentioned it was a good read, I think I just lost a bit of the storyline and it didn’t grip me from the start.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Suspenseful
🔹Mafia
🔹Forbidden
🔹Marriage Of Convenience
🔹Secrets, Betrayal and Lies
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle - ARC
Pages: 352
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Monsters Of Boston Series
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Irish), Forbidden, Marriage Of Convenience, Age Gap (10yrs), Slow Burn, Suspense, Organised Crime, Who Did That To You, Mine, Religion, Revenge, Cursing, Alcohol, Violence, Torture, Gun Violence, Gore, Murder, Death, Playlist, Sexual Content. Mentions: Drug Overdose, Trafficking and Death Of Parent.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
March 31, 2024
Spice: 3 peppers
Can my review just be “AAAAAAAAAAH!! ALL OF THE STARS!”? I bet nobody would mind.
Sometimes there are books that are so good that you can’t really put into words how good they are, and TRUST ME is one of them. This is not the first book I read by Reina Bell, but it is the first dark romance I read by this author. To be honest I didn’t doubt that she would wow me, and yet she still managed to exceed my expectations. This book was DARK and gruesome, the characters flawed, messed-up, and deadly, some with their few spare morals they cling to, others with souls that are completely rotten. This is a story about love, family and revenge. A true dark mafia romance that has officially made me fall deeper into the rabbit hole of this genre.
There is nothing smexier than a vicious man being soft for the woman he loves and only her. Lucifer was that type of character. He’s the twin destined not to inherit the empire, the ruthless enforcer of the Flynn Syndacate tormented by his demons, and he does his job well. His reputation is 100% earned. And Willa is his perfect match. The poor woman has been through hell. The amount of abuse and torment she’s suffered truly breaks my heart, but I love that we got to see how strong and fragile she was at the same time. Willa and Lucifer’s banter was fun and at the same time it matched the dark tone of the book. The forbidden aspect of their relationship, seeing as she’s engaged to Lucifer’s twin brother, only made me want them more. By the time things got physical between the two, I was begging for it.
The other characters were also very well done. A special mention has to go to Raphael, Lucifer’s twin brother, acting boss of the Flynn Syndicate and Willa’s new fiancé. While Lucifer is far from being a hero, he was definitely more morally gray compared to Raphael, whose morals were quite black. His relationship with Lucifer was one of the most interesting in the book right after the romance, and what can I say, lately I have a weak spot for the really bad bad boys. I’m looking forward to reading more about him!
So don’t walk, RUN and start this series! The book reads as a standalone, so there’s no cliffy at the end. It’s also dark and touches some delicate subjects so check your triggers of course, but dark romance fans cannot let this book pass them by.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Can my review just be “AAAAAAAAAAH!! ALL OF THE STARS!”? I bet nobody would mind.
Sometimes there are books that are so good that you can’t really put into words how good they are, and TRUST ME is one of them. This is not the first book I read by Reina Bell, but it is the first dark romance I read by this author. To be honest I didn’t doubt that she would wow me, and yet she still managed to exceed my expectations. This book was DARK and gruesome, the characters flawed, messed-up, and deadly, some with their few spare morals they cling to, others with souls that are completely rotten. This is a story about love, family and revenge. A true dark mafia romance that has officially made me fall deeper into the rabbit hole of this genre.
There is nothing smexier than a vicious man being soft for the woman he loves and only her. Lucifer was that type of character. He’s the twin destined not to inherit the empire, the ruthless enforcer of the Flynn Syndacate tormented by his demons, and he does his job well. His reputation is 100% earned. And Willa is his perfect match. The poor woman has been through hell. The amount of abuse and torment she’s suffered truly breaks my heart, but I love that we got to see how strong and fragile she was at the same time. Willa and Lucifer’s banter was fun and at the same time it matched the dark tone of the book. The forbidden aspect of their relationship, seeing as she’s engaged to Lucifer’s twin brother, only made me want them more. By the time things got physical between the two, I was begging for it.
The other characters were also very well done. A special mention has to go to Raphael, Lucifer’s twin brother, acting boss of the Flynn Syndicate and Willa’s new fiancé. While Lucifer is far from being a hero, he was definitely more morally gray compared to Raphael, whose morals were quite black. His relationship with Lucifer was one of the most interesting in the book right after the romance, and what can I say, lately I have a weak spot for the really bad bad boys. I’m looking forward to reading more about him!
So don’t walk, RUN and start this series! The book reads as a standalone, so there’s no cliffy at the end. It’s also dark and touches some delicate subjects so check your triggers of course, but dark romance fans cannot let this book pass them by.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
April 1, 2024
Ahhhhh this author never fails to disappoint!😍 This is a dark mafia romance, that reads as a standalone. a perfect combo of romance, suspense, mafia and spice!
A trope that I don’t see so often in books but that I absolutely love is the “he hates everyone but her” trope! Lucifer is a monster to everyone else BUT her 🔥 Willa is engaged to his twin brother, Rafael, head of the Irish Mafia. I love a good forbidden romance and this one doesn’t disappoint!! I’ve read multiple books by this author and I enjoy them every time. I love how the story was dark, raw and heavy but at the same time there enough light moments to balance the darker ones. I can’t wait for the next books of this series!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
A trope that I don’t see so often in books but that I absolutely love is the “he hates everyone but her” trope! Lucifer is a monster to everyone else BUT her 🔥 Willa is engaged to his twin brother, Rafael, head of the Irish Mafia. I love a good forbidden romance and this one doesn’t disappoint!! I’ve read multiple books by this author and I enjoy them every time. I love how the story was dark, raw and heavy but at the same time there enough light moments to balance the darker ones. I can’t wait for the next books of this series!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
March 6, 2024
I am OBSESSED with Reina Bells FMCs and their emotional and mental strength in the face of absolute destruction.
Not only that, but an MMC who is a monster to everyone but her???? SCREAMING
“I may be a monster, but when it comes to you, I am merely a man.”
Someone grab me a bucket and a mop because your girl is in PIECES over here.
The way Reina always draws you in, ensures you have all the nitty gritty details without feeling overwhelmed with the information and then throws the trauma, high stakes and filthy smut at you from every direction… Honestly there is NOTHING better.
Another absolute SLAY.
Not only that, but an MMC who is a monster to everyone but her???? SCREAMING
“I may be a monster, but when it comes to you, I am merely a man.”
Someone grab me a bucket and a mop because your girl is in PIECES over here.
The way Reina always draws you in, ensures you have all the nitty gritty details without feeling overwhelmed with the information and then throws the trauma, high stakes and filthy smut at you from every direction… Honestly there is NOTHING better.
Another absolute SLAY.
April 1, 2024
This book will hit all of your mafia romance needs. Bell has a way of writing swoon-worthy characters and a sizzling tension that make you want to continue to turn the page. Can't wait for more books in this series!
March 1, 2024
4,5 stars
The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls.
—Edgar Allan Poe
--
This is one of the few books where a strong female character is shown and I liked that. I mostly have a problem with the female characters because they are portrayed in a different light, this is not the case here and that's why I liked the story even more.
Willa is a badass who experienced a lot of bad things at such a young age. She learned how to survive because her life was not a fairy tale but something quite the opposite. Her mission is to do justice and to punish the people who took away her parents. She returns to Boston and fate brings her together with Lucifer, a boy she met in childhood and who is the only bright spot in her difficult life journey.
⭐️
,, My parents had been murdered in cold blood. I’d been kidnapped. Raised by a pack of savages. Raped as a child. Beaten
and defiled. Forced to marry my own nightmare.
And I’d survived.
I’d survived on faith. Not in the promise of justice. Not in
the glory of God.
Faith in myself.
Myself.
The devil could fuck all the way off.”
The only complaint I have is what concerns Raphael because that part remained somewhat vague. I wonder what happened to him, where he disappeared to, what is the background of his story… I am very satisfied with this story, I can't wait for the next part, and thanks to the author for allowing me to enjoy in this story.
--
A woman’s highest calling is to lead a man to his soul
so as to unite him with Source.
A man’s highest calling is to protect woman so she is
free to walk the earth unharmed.
—Cherokee Proverb
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls.
—Edgar Allan Poe
--
This is one of the few books where a strong female character is shown and I liked that. I mostly have a problem with the female characters because they are portrayed in a different light, this is not the case here and that's why I liked the story even more.
Willa is a badass who experienced a lot of bad things at such a young age. She learned how to survive because her life was not a fairy tale but something quite the opposite. Her mission is to do justice and to punish the people who took away her parents. She returns to Boston and fate brings her together with Lucifer, a boy she met in childhood and who is the only bright spot in her difficult life journey.
⭐️
,, My parents had been murdered in cold blood. I’d been kidnapped. Raised by a pack of savages. Raped as a child. Beaten
and defiled. Forced to marry my own nightmare.
And I’d survived.
I’d survived on faith. Not in the promise of justice. Not in
the glory of God.
Faith in myself.
Myself.
The devil could fuck all the way off.”
The only complaint I have is what concerns Raphael because that part remained somewhat vague. I wonder what happened to him, where he disappeared to, what is the background of his story… I am very satisfied with this story, I can't wait for the next part, and thanks to the author for allowing me to enjoy in this story.
--
A woman’s highest calling is to lead a man to his soul
so as to unite him with Source.
A man’s highest calling is to protect woman so she is
free to walk the earth unharmed.
—Cherokee Proverb
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2024
ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
4.5 stars.
ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ʀᴀɴ ꜰʀᴏᴍ—ᴍʏ ꜱɪɴꜱ, ʏᴇꜱ, ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ—ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟɪᴇꜱᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴜʀᴋᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɴɪɢʜᴛ.
When I read this blurb it immediately drew me in. The connection between Willa and Lucifer was instant and nothing but magnetic.
Willa was born into a mafia family, and her life had been constant highs and lows. She has nothing but a tragic past, as she makes arrangements for herself to seek her vengeance. I loved how strong she was throughout this whole story.
ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀʟʟ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴜᴍɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʙʟɪᴠɪᴏɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴜᴛᴜᴀʟ ʟᴜꜱᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅᴇᴅ.
Lucifer is basically a hit man for his family’s mafia clan. When I Willa comes into his life again after many years. His story made my heart twist.
“ɪ ᴍᴀʏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ, ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴍᴇʀᴇʟʏ ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ.”
The twists happened up until the end of this book and it was a while ride! It also sets up for future characters books! And I’m so excited for book 2 with Keegan I was immediately drawn to him. From chapter 2!
4.5 stars.
ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ʀᴀɴ ꜰʀᴏᴍ—ᴍʏ ꜱɪɴꜱ, ʏᴇꜱ, ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ—ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴀᴅʟɪᴇꜱᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴜʀᴋᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɴɪɢʜᴛ.
When I read this blurb it immediately drew me in. The connection between Willa and Lucifer was instant and nothing but magnetic.
Willa was born into a mafia family, and her life had been constant highs and lows. She has nothing but a tragic past, as she makes arrangements for herself to seek her vengeance. I loved how strong she was throughout this whole story.
ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀʟʟ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴜᴍɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʙʟɪᴠɪᴏɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴜᴛᴜᴀʟ ʟᴜꜱᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅᴇᴅ.
Lucifer is basically a hit man for his family’s mafia clan. When I Willa comes into his life again after many years. His story made my heart twist.
“ɪ ᴍᴀʏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ, ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴍᴇʀᴇʟʏ ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ.”
The twists happened up until the end of this book and it was a while ride! It also sets up for future characters books! And I’m so excited for book 2 with Keegan I was immediately drawn to him. From chapter 2!
March 13, 2024
Willa has been tossed between families since her dad and mom were unalived in her teens. She was married to the man who took her father’s life and now has passed. She is now onto a new family. She is supposed to marry the oldest Flynn son, Lucifer’s brother.
Lucifer is known as the unaliver and doesn’t take anything from anyone. His twin older brother.. by a few minutes.. gets engaged to be married to Willa, he doesn’t think anything of it. That is until he meets her and knows how much of an underlining connection he has with her. His past and her past connect. Also their physical connection is so strong her fiancé threatens both of them.
Both Lucifer and Willa have secrets but the one they have that makes them powerful is love.
Tropes:
Irish Mafia
Age Gap- 10 years
Arranged Marriage
Alpha
Slow Burn
Forbidden Love
No third Act breakup
Check TW
Lucifer is known as the unaliver and doesn’t take anything from anyone. His twin older brother.. by a few minutes.. gets engaged to be married to Willa, he doesn’t think anything of it. That is until he meets her and knows how much of an underlining connection he has with her. His past and her past connect. Also their physical connection is so strong her fiancé threatens both of them.
Both Lucifer and Willa have secrets but the one they have that makes them powerful is love.
Tropes:
Irish Mafia
Age Gap- 10 years
Arranged Marriage
Alpha
Slow Burn
Forbidden Love
No third Act breakup
Check TW
March 10, 2024
I’m luckily one of the lucky people in Reina’s Street Team, so I received a beautiful ARC copy before its release, short and sweet the story was wonderful, well written, and beautiful Irish representation.
Everyone tends to love the MMC yet not for me, we have a strong female lead, Willa is headstrong, determined, independent and as I picture her In my brain she’s beautiful. Lucifer deserves an honorable mention but I just wanted to share how beautiful their love story is. I love a mafia romance we don’t see them often.
Also Reina gave me an acknowledgment at the end and I want to thank her for giving this little book lover the opportunities she has given me <3
Everyone tends to love the MMC yet not for me, we have a strong female lead, Willa is headstrong, determined, independent and as I picture her In my brain she’s beautiful. Lucifer deserves an honorable mention but I just wanted to share how beautiful their love story is. I love a mafia romance we don’t see them often.
Also Reina gave me an acknowledgment at the end and I want to thank her for giving this little book lover the opportunities she has given me <3
March 1, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I was given this ARC for an honest review.
I went into this blind and my God was this good. This was my first time reading anything by Reina Bell, and I will definitely be going to read more of her books.
Going into this, I thought Willa was absolutely crazy. I thought she was some psycho girl who had unrequited love for a man who was simply nice to her. Little did I know there was so much more to that story.
Lucifer, hmm, he was definitely an enigma to me. He was emotionless and stayed focused on his job as enforcer. But his history with Willa was catching up to him, same with the feelings he had for her.
Reading their banter was everything 🙌🏽 ❤️ it was adorable seeing Lucifer open up more with Willa and completely forget they aren't alone. He was able to read her so well that he knew when she was deflecting or hurting. Willa was like a soothing balm for Lucifer. She calmed him or set him off, knowing exactly how to get under his skin in all of the best ways.
I freaking loved Keegan 😍 his comedic relief was hilarious. I swear whenever he was in a scene, he was like the star every time.
This was such a good slow burn with great banter and amazing chemistry between both mmc and the fmc. I will be wondering where the hell Raphael went to, though!
I was given this ARC for an honest review.
I went into this blind and my God was this good. This was my first time reading anything by Reina Bell, and I will definitely be going to read more of her books.
Going into this, I thought Willa was absolutely crazy. I thought she was some psycho girl who had unrequited love for a man who was simply nice to her. Little did I know there was so much more to that story.
Lucifer, hmm, he was definitely an enigma to me. He was emotionless and stayed focused on his job as enforcer. But his history with Willa was catching up to him, same with the feelings he had for her.
Reading their banter was everything 🙌🏽 ❤️ it was adorable seeing Lucifer open up more with Willa and completely forget they aren't alone. He was able to read her so well that he knew when she was deflecting or hurting. Willa was like a soothing balm for Lucifer. She calmed him or set him off, knowing exactly how to get under his skin in all of the best ways.
I freaking loved Keegan 😍 his comedic relief was hilarious. I swear whenever he was in a scene, he was like the star every time.
This was such a good slow burn with great banter and amazing chemistry between both mmc and the fmc. I will be wondering where the hell Raphael went to, though!
February 25, 2024
Thank you so much to Reina Bell & Grey's Promo for this ARC!
"He was a source of pleasure for body parts that only ever knew pain. A remedy for my brokenness."
This mafia romance story was so much more than just a suspenseful, darker romance. Willa and Lucifer have already both endured unspeakable trauma and heartache when they are thrown back together 10+ years after they first met. This was a whirlwind of organized crime, family conflicts, forbidden love and betrayal.
♡ mafia/suspense romance
♡ forced proximity & forbidden romance
♡ found family
♡ touch her and die & who did this to you
♡ spicyyyyy
♡ hurt / care
♡ talks of r*pe/ab*se
I felt WIlla in my soul. Although her circumstances are more extreme, her fears and her intimacy trauma are things that I could relate to tenfold. I have never cried while reading a spicy scene, but Willa and Lucifer sure did have me crying.
Lucifer is the definition of tall, dark and devilish and I am in LOVE with him. His past was something I couldn't have predicted and he shows Willa the kind of love we all deserve ♡
The side characters were a blast! I want Keegan to be my best friend. The little bits of Gaelic throughout were so much fun, and I loved the Irish slang and banter in this! This was equal parts suspenseful and intense, while also being cute and funny.
Reina knocked it out of the park with her first mafia romance, I devoured this in one sitting and am already so eager to read the rest! I've been lucky enough to read ARCs of all of Reina's books, and I am so grateful to be a part of her team ❤️
"He was a source of pleasure for body parts that only ever knew pain. A remedy for my brokenness."
This mafia romance story was so much more than just a suspenseful, darker romance. Willa and Lucifer have already both endured unspeakable trauma and heartache when they are thrown back together 10+ years after they first met. This was a whirlwind of organized crime, family conflicts, forbidden love and betrayal.
♡ mafia/suspense romance
♡ forced proximity & forbidden romance
♡ found family
♡ touch her and die & who did this to you
♡ spicyyyyy
♡ hurt / care
♡ talks of r*pe/ab*se
I felt WIlla in my soul. Although her circumstances are more extreme, her fears and her intimacy trauma are things that I could relate to tenfold. I have never cried while reading a spicy scene, but Willa and Lucifer sure did have me crying.
Lucifer is the definition of tall, dark and devilish and I am in LOVE with him. His past was something I couldn't have predicted and he shows Willa the kind of love we all deserve ♡
The side characters were a blast! I want Keegan to be my best friend. The little bits of Gaelic throughout were so much fun, and I loved the Irish slang and banter in this! This was equal parts suspenseful and intense, while also being cute and funny.
Reina knocked it out of the park with her first mafia romance, I devoured this in one sitting and am already so eager to read the rest! I've been lucky enough to read ARCs of all of Reina's books, and I am so grateful to be a part of her team ❤️
February 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I loved this book. This is hands down my favorite book of the month, maybe even year and it’s only almost March.
I honestly don’t think I cared about anything outside of Lucifer and Willa. You could just feel their chemistry. The way Willa made Lucifer feel. And the way he loved her.
That scene with Willa in the church had me speechless, it showed me what a badass she was but I do wish we got to see more of it. But at the same time it showed me how much of her innocence was stolen from her at such a young age.
I cannot wait for the next book and every book Reina publishes after this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. This is hands down my favorite book of the month, maybe even year and it’s only almost March.
I honestly don’t think I cared about anything outside of Lucifer and Willa. You could just feel their chemistry. The way Willa made Lucifer feel. And the way he loved her.
That scene with Willa in the church had me speechless, it showed me what a badass she was but I do wish we got to see more of it. But at the same time it showed me how much of her innocence was stolen from her at such a young age.
I cannot wait for the next book and every book Reina publishes after this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2024
I received an Advance Reader copy of Trust me
I had never read a Reina Bell novel before, but the second this book ended I was clicking that newsletter link and adding everything to my TBR.
You know how sometimes it takes a while to get into a new book? This book does not have that problem. The way that I was invested in these characters from the first couple of pages should be illegal.
Lucifer and Willa are perfectly imperfect. The secrets, the longing, the trauma, the dialogue, the chosen family, everything about this book drew me in and kept me reading to the point that it took me less than two days to finish.
I had never read a Reina Bell novel before, but the second this book ended I was clicking that newsletter link and adding everything to my TBR.
You know how sometimes it takes a while to get into a new book? This book does not have that problem. The way that I was invested in these characters from the first couple of pages should be illegal.
Lucifer and Willa are perfectly imperfect. The secrets, the longing, the trauma, the dialogue, the chosen family, everything about this book drew me in and kept me reading to the point that it took me less than two days to finish.
April 26, 2024
This book had me in an absolute chokehold the entire time!!! I absolutely love Lucifer and Willa and loved watching their forbidden romance bloom. With some books I can usually tell where the book is going or my theories are usually correct. However this book threw me for several loops that I was not expecting. Reina has an absolute magical way of telling a story and sucking you right in. I cannot wait for the next book! I received an ARC of this book and I am so eternally grateful to Reina for this opportunity to be on her street team. The dedication at the end of the book had me tearing up!
March 3, 2024
This book must be read. I demolished it in one sitting. I loved everything about it. The characters, the plot and the promise of so much more in the series.
Reina has a fantastic writing style it’s so easy to get immersed in her words and you feel like you’re right in it. There’s alot of pain and trauma in this book but there is also healing and love which rounds it out perfectly.
Can’t wait for what’s next.
Reina has a fantastic writing style it’s so easy to get immersed in her words and you feel like you’re right in it. There’s alot of pain and trauma in this book but there is also healing and love which rounds it out perfectly.
Can’t wait for what’s next.
March 20, 2024
4.5 🌟
Where to begin!? Trust Me is the first book in the series, Monsters of Boston. This is also the first book I’ve read by Reina Bell and will not be the last. I loved this mafia romance! Willa and Lucifer were 🔥🥵 Both with their tragics pasts, I love how their story develops…there was no denying their insta-chemistry and the angst! The storyline was easy to follow and just left me wanting more! It had action, secrets, suspense, and romance. I loved the buildup to the twisty storylines! So good! The ending did leave some questions for one of the characters, but I’m eager to read the next books to see how it will play out!
What to expect:
🍎Dual POV
🍎Irish Mafia ~ Romantic Suspense
🍎Slow Burn
🍎Forbidden Romance
🍎Touch her and die
🍎Found Family
🍎Strong FMC
Thank you so much to Grey’s Promotions and Reina Bell for providing me with this ARC. All opinions are of my own.
Where to begin!? Trust Me is the first book in the series, Monsters of Boston. This is also the first book I’ve read by Reina Bell and will not be the last. I loved this mafia romance! Willa and Lucifer were 🔥🥵 Both with their tragics pasts, I love how their story develops…there was no denying their insta-chemistry and the angst! The storyline was easy to follow and just left me wanting more! It had action, secrets, suspense, and romance. I loved the buildup to the twisty storylines! So good! The ending did leave some questions for one of the characters, but I’m eager to read the next books to see how it will play out!
What to expect:
🍎Dual POV
🍎Irish Mafia ~ Romantic Suspense
🍎Slow Burn
🍎Forbidden Romance
🍎Touch her and die
🍎Found Family
🍎Strong FMC
Thank you so much to Grey’s Promotions and Reina Bell for providing me with this ARC. All opinions are of my own.
March 4, 2024
3.5/5
Very interesting take on the mafia romance genre! One aspect that especially delighted me was the strength of the female character. I think Willa was absolutely enjoyable to read and it definitely added to the entire fun of the story!
Very interesting take on the mafia romance genre! One aspect that especially delighted me was the strength of the female character. I think Willa was absolutely enjoyable to read and it definitely added to the entire fun of the story!
April 17, 2024
I did not see the ending to this book and was blown away. I definitely didn’t expect the emotional chaos it would cause or how invested in Lucifer and Willa I would end up being! This one is definitely more for the dark romance reader (see triggers below) but if you give it a chance, the book will give your strong, damaged but determined to survive characters that you will root for until the very end.
Trust Me is an entertaining read, with complex characters and a whirlwind of twists and turns that kept me riveted and unable to look away. If you’re a fan of morally gray Heroes, this was will be a must read!
Lucifer and Willa are motivated by family loyalty and driven by revenge. Each has their own role to play in a twisted game that is very much life or death. It makes falling in love extremely dangerous. In a world that’s torn them down and tried its best to snuff out their light, these two manage, against all odds, to trust again and heal their hearts. Not without some hard knocks.
This gritty and angsty romance is one of the best dark, mafia tropes I’ve read this year and I honestly can’t wait to see where this series takes us next. I loved Lucifer and Willa and hope to see little cameos of them in the next installments. This was a great start to a new series and one I can recommend wholeheartedly :)
SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
Trust Me is an entertaining read, with complex characters and a whirlwind of twists and turns that kept me riveted and unable to look away. If you’re a fan of morally gray Heroes, this was will be a must read!
Lucifer and Willa are motivated by family loyalty and driven by revenge. Each has their own role to play in a twisted game that is very much life or death. It makes falling in love extremely dangerous. In a world that’s torn them down and tried its best to snuff out their light, these two manage, against all odds, to trust again and heal their hearts. Not without some hard knocks.
This gritty and angsty romance is one of the best dark, mafia tropes I’ve read this year and I honestly can’t wait to see where this series takes us next. I loved Lucifer and Willa and hope to see little cameos of them in the next installments. This was a great start to a new series and one I can recommend wholeheartedly :)
SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
March 29, 2024
*ARC provided via Booksirens and I'm leaving an honest review*
4.5 - 5 *
♡Contemporary
♡Romantic suspense
♡Mafia romance
♡Irish mafia
♡Mob princess
♡Enforcer / hitman
♡Age gap
♡Arranged marriage
♡Slow-burn
♡Forced proximity
♡Forbidden
♡Touch her and d!e
♡Who did this to you
♡hurt / care / comfort
♡Found family
♡Organized crime
♡Family feuds / conflicts
♡No third act break up
♡Enough emotional baggage to fill a room + emotional roller-coaster
♡Fun cast of supporting characters
♡Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
♡Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
Trust Me is the first book in Monsters of Boston series. I went into this book blind and OMG so glad I did. This book will keep a reader on toes. An incredible and deeply emotional story that will make a reader instantly fall in love with Willa and Lucifer. Emotional and healing romance with a beautiful love story. Combines action, love, intrigue, and an intricate and twisted plot with a heart-gripping, heartwarming and compelling story aiming to deepen the mysterious, enigmatic world of the Irish hitman and crime world.
Willa was born into mafia family and has nothing short of a tragic past and life. Yet she is fierce, determined, strong even though her innocence was stolen from her in early age. Lucifer is an enforcer, hitman and his brother's right-hand man. He is an enigma, cold, calculating, ruthless and without human emotion - lacks empathy, earning a wicked reputation yet with Willa he becomes a different man: protector, loving and caring. Willa and Lucifer are perfectly imperfect and so magnetic. Their connection, their past and trauma/heartbreak they both endured forced them to put up walls and not trust easily. The way Willa made Lucifer feel, making him more human but also calming him down, and the way Lucifer treats and loves Willa is beyond amazing. Their transformation and growth throughout the book is heartwarming. Willa and Lucifer's build-up while danger was surrounding them was crafted skillfully with slow-building tension, romance and suspense.
This was such a good start to this series with a great banter, slow-burn, amazing chemistry, found family, Irish mafia, forbidden yet healing love and Keegan because everyone deserves a Keegan in their life. So eager for the rest of this series.
4.5 - 5 *
♡Contemporary
♡Romantic suspense
♡Mafia romance
♡Irish mafia
♡Mob princess
♡Enforcer / hitman
♡Age gap
♡Arranged marriage
♡Slow-burn
♡Forced proximity
♡Forbidden
♡Touch her and d!e
♡Who did this to you
♡hurt / care / comfort
♡Found family
♡Organized crime
♡Family feuds / conflicts
♡No third act break up
♡Enough emotional baggage to fill a room + emotional roller-coaster
♡Fun cast of supporting characters
♡Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
♡Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
Trust Me is the first book in Monsters of Boston series. I went into this book blind and OMG so glad I did. This book will keep a reader on toes. An incredible and deeply emotional story that will make a reader instantly fall in love with Willa and Lucifer. Emotional and healing romance with a beautiful love story. Combines action, love, intrigue, and an intricate and twisted plot with a heart-gripping, heartwarming and compelling story aiming to deepen the mysterious, enigmatic world of the Irish hitman and crime world.
Willa was born into mafia family and has nothing short of a tragic past and life. Yet she is fierce, determined, strong even though her innocence was stolen from her in early age. Lucifer is an enforcer, hitman and his brother's right-hand man. He is an enigma, cold, calculating, ruthless and without human emotion - lacks empathy, earning a wicked reputation yet with Willa he becomes a different man: protector, loving and caring. Willa and Lucifer are perfectly imperfect and so magnetic. Their connection, their past and trauma/heartbreak they both endured forced them to put up walls and not trust easily. The way Willa made Lucifer feel, making him more human but also calming him down, and the way Lucifer treats and loves Willa is beyond amazing. Their transformation and growth throughout the book is heartwarming. Willa and Lucifer's build-up while danger was surrounding them was crafted skillfully with slow-building tension, romance and suspense.
This was such a good start to this series with a great banter, slow-burn, amazing chemistry, found family, Irish mafia, forbidden yet healing love and Keegan because everyone deserves a Keegan in their life. So eager for the rest of this series.
March 6, 2024
Wow oh wow.
If you enjoy mafia books this one… is one of my top mafia books I’ve ever read. Please read triggers prior to reading as it is graphic. Also it is not a clean book.
Spice level 3.5/5
A fiery, fierce female and she keeps that same personality through out the whole book - instant love.
A ruthless man who has no empathy, other than to his woman *jaw on the floor* I’ll burn the world for you type of male leads - YES !! It’s Lucifer.
Lucifer and Willa are made for each other, from the moment they met at the apple tree. I loved that foreshadowing.
Lucifer is the twin brother of Raphael, who is the boss of the Irish mafia in Boston. He is the man who handles all the dirty work, gets his hands dirty quite frequently and has the persona of an emotionless unaliver. When news of his brother’s engagement surfaces he almost has an obsession with finding out every single detail of the transaction. Until he meets with his very eyes who this bride to be is, suppressed memories start to resurface and defiance against his boss (his twin) begins. He stops at nothing to get the answers he looking for.
Willa was once a 7 year old who loved running errands with her father, even if it meant lying to her mother as to where they have gone all day. She worked hard with her father with every teaching, he encouraged her and brought out a total bada** of a daughter. Until somehow she ended in the hands of a rival gang, later married the son of said rivals. Until the sudden death of her husband, her fil ships her off back to Boston for an arrange marriage for power to Raphael, boss of the Irish/American mafia. Willa struggles with her identity and finding her ground after years and years of abuse. She is set on finding answers to her mother’s death, coming up with very thought out plans to prove her memory correct. She is a very strong, well written character.
Willa and Lucifer are a match made in hell. Their banter and personalities just click and you can feel that throughout the whole book. Their chemistry, their traumas, their respect and trust for one another is impeccable. This book did not lose one bit of mafia, romance, spice nor suspense. The only thing that has me scratching my head was Raphael at the end, that felt like a loose end.
If you enjoy mafia books this one… is one of my top mafia books I’ve ever read. Please read triggers prior to reading as it is graphic. Also it is not a clean book.
Spice level 3.5/5
A fiery, fierce female and she keeps that same personality through out the whole book - instant love.
A ruthless man who has no empathy, other than to his woman *jaw on the floor* I’ll burn the world for you type of male leads - YES !! It’s Lucifer.
Lucifer and Willa are made for each other, from the moment they met at the apple tree. I loved that foreshadowing.
Lucifer is the twin brother of Raphael, who is the boss of the Irish mafia in Boston. He is the man who handles all the dirty work, gets his hands dirty quite frequently and has the persona of an emotionless unaliver. When news of his brother’s engagement surfaces he almost has an obsession with finding out every single detail of the transaction. Until he meets with his very eyes who this bride to be is, suppressed memories start to resurface and defiance against his boss (his twin) begins. He stops at nothing to get the answers he looking for.
Willa was once a 7 year old who loved running errands with her father, even if it meant lying to her mother as to where they have gone all day. She worked hard with her father with every teaching, he encouraged her and brought out a total bada** of a daughter. Until somehow she ended in the hands of a rival gang, later married the son of said rivals. Until the sudden death of her husband, her fil ships her off back to Boston for an arrange marriage for power to Raphael, boss of the Irish/American mafia. Willa struggles with her identity and finding her ground after years and years of abuse. She is set on finding answers to her mother’s death, coming up with very thought out plans to prove her memory correct. She is a very strong, well written character.
Willa and Lucifer are a match made in hell. Their banter and personalities just click and you can feel that throughout the whole book. Their chemistry, their traumas, their respect and trust for one another is impeccable. This book did not lose one bit of mafia, romance, spice nor suspense. The only thing that has me scratching my head was Raphael at the end, that felt like a loose end.
March 19, 2024
This is my first time reading this author and she's top of my que for next read. Top Points:
First, her authenticity describing Boston and its surrounding communities was spot on. As a longtime resident of East Boston, I usual call BS for authors who skim the surface of this amazing city. Boston is a character unto itself when done right and Ms. Bell does just that!
The blurb does a wonderful job setting the stage and to say more would take away from the readers experience. I found going in cold to be so rewarding with this book.
Second, the characters. I have read my fair share of mafia romance books, and this one is definitely in the top 5. Given how crowded the genre is, to stand out is a testament to originality in plot, character development and reader experience.
Third, the introduction and evolution of our story leads. Lucifer and Willa's meeting when young provide insight into their fundamental character traits. For Lucifer, we see a young man reserved and self-contained with a bit of danger about him. Willa shows us a 7-year girl who is more fascinated than frightened by Lucifer. Her curiosity outweighs her intimidation of this young man. This determination not to let fear win serves her well the rest of her life. Their interaction actually causes Lucifer to smile, a rarity even at this young age.
As our story progresses, we see the core characteristics play out again and again. The mystery of why Willa is there and the political intrigue within the organized crime world in Boston allow plenty of opportunity.
The side characters are strong and play a prominent role in the book. While the romance is a bit of a slow burn, it's worth the wait! This author can write longing, angst and lust that you'll feel through the pages.
The description of the political intrigues in the Monsters of Boston's criminal world is exquisite. Add in the mysterious motivations and intrigue of the storyline with the incredible character development, you get one phenomenal book. I firmly believe the entire series will continue in this vein.
Do not pass go, go right to your book seller of choice and get this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First, her authenticity describing Boston and its surrounding communities was spot on. As a longtime resident of East Boston, I usual call BS for authors who skim the surface of this amazing city. Boston is a character unto itself when done right and Ms. Bell does just that!
The blurb does a wonderful job setting the stage and to say more would take away from the readers experience. I found going in cold to be so rewarding with this book.
Second, the characters. I have read my fair share of mafia romance books, and this one is definitely in the top 5. Given how crowded the genre is, to stand out is a testament to originality in plot, character development and reader experience.
Third, the introduction and evolution of our story leads. Lucifer and Willa's meeting when young provide insight into their fundamental character traits. For Lucifer, we see a young man reserved and self-contained with a bit of danger about him. Willa shows us a 7-year girl who is more fascinated than frightened by Lucifer. Her curiosity outweighs her intimidation of this young man. This determination not to let fear win serves her well the rest of her life. Their interaction actually causes Lucifer to smile, a rarity even at this young age.
As our story progresses, we see the core characteristics play out again and again. The mystery of why Willa is there and the political intrigue within the organized crime world in Boston allow plenty of opportunity.
The side characters are strong and play a prominent role in the book. While the romance is a bit of a slow burn, it's worth the wait! This author can write longing, angst and lust that you'll feel through the pages.
The description of the political intrigues in the Monsters of Boston's criminal world is exquisite. Add in the mysterious motivations and intrigue of the storyline with the incredible character development, you get one phenomenal book. I firmly believe the entire series will continue in this vein.
Do not pass go, go right to your book seller of choice and get this book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2024
Spice rating: 3
Another amazing book by Reina Bell! I have systematically loved every book by this author, no matter the genre, but this one probably became my favorite!
TRUST ME is the first book in the Monsters of Boston dark romance series, and it follows Willa Callahan, a young widow now betrothed to Raphael Flynn, one of the most influential members of the Irish mafia. But Willa has an ulterior motive for wanting this marriage. In fact, she is convinced Raphael was involved in the unalivement of her parents, and is determined to find out the truth and get her revenge. Complication: Lucifer Flynn--Raphael's brother, and a man who was once faithful to her father.
One of my favorite things about this book is the balance between all its elements. The romance and the drama were divine, but the plot component was just as strong! I found this incredibly refreshing, since oftentimes the plot takes a backseat in favor of the romance in this sort of story. Instead, the great plot filled with complex mobster dynamics allowed all the characters to shine, chief among whom was Raphael for me! He may not be the official love interest, but the way this man's mind works was so fascinating. He has main character energy, I tell you!
The main characters, however, carried the story. Willa was another surprise. She is far from the meek "accessory" the men of this world would want her to be. She's a woman with a great mind, and capable of gentleness despite the horrors and abuse she's survived at the hand of her previous husband. Seeing her going head to head with Raphael was a joy! Lucifer, on the other hand, is the perfect anti-hero character. He's no saint, but he has his own personal code, and following it often put him at odds with his own flesh and blood. Did this stop him from doing what's right, especially where Willa was concerned? Absolutely not. This flag is neon pink, not red! Needless to say, I loved Lucifer and Willa together. They delivered so much angst, heartbreak and slow burn tension.
The emotional damage is 100% recommended.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for a review. Opinions are my own.
Another amazing book by Reina Bell! I have systematically loved every book by this author, no matter the genre, but this one probably became my favorite!
TRUST ME is the first book in the Monsters of Boston dark romance series, and it follows Willa Callahan, a young widow now betrothed to Raphael Flynn, one of the most influential members of the Irish mafia. But Willa has an ulterior motive for wanting this marriage. In fact, she is convinced Raphael was involved in the unalivement of her parents, and is determined to find out the truth and get her revenge. Complication: Lucifer Flynn--Raphael's brother, and a man who was once faithful to her father.
One of my favorite things about this book is the balance between all its elements. The romance and the drama were divine, but the plot component was just as strong! I found this incredibly refreshing, since oftentimes the plot takes a backseat in favor of the romance in this sort of story. Instead, the great plot filled with complex mobster dynamics allowed all the characters to shine, chief among whom was Raphael for me! He may not be the official love interest, but the way this man's mind works was so fascinating. He has main character energy, I tell you!
The main characters, however, carried the story. Willa was another surprise. She is far from the meek "accessory" the men of this world would want her to be. She's a woman with a great mind, and capable of gentleness despite the horrors and abuse she's survived at the hand of her previous husband. Seeing her going head to head with Raphael was a joy! Lucifer, on the other hand, is the perfect anti-hero character. He's no saint, but he has his own personal code, and following it often put him at odds with his own flesh and blood. Did this stop him from doing what's right, especially where Willa was concerned? Absolutely not. This flag is neon pink, not red! Needless to say, I loved Lucifer and Willa together. They delivered so much angst, heartbreak and slow burn tension.
The emotional damage is 100% recommended.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for a review. Opinions are my own.
March 16, 2024
What a way to start a new series, it has all the features that you want in a steamy mafia romance, action, spice and danger.
Willa’s life growing up as a mafia princess was tough. She lost both her parents and ended up in an abusive marriage, but was widowed 2 years into her marriage. Now she is going back to Boston to marry underboss Raphael Flynn. Lucifer Flynn, Raphael’s twin brother and enforcer, is cold, calculated, ruthless, violent and dangerous. Lucifer was trained by Willa’s father, stood by his side right until the day he was murdered. Now Willa wants to play a dangerous game and find out who and why her parents were so brutally murdered.
Willa, Raphael and Lucifer are quite a trio of characters. Willa, forget the mafia princess part, is strong and proves early on she can hold her own. Raphael by contrast is manipulative, power hungry, selfish and hey don’t dirty my hands. Lucifer has become the almost opposite of his twin, he’s had to if only to survive.
When Willa and the twins meet for the first time since her parents murder, Willa knows exactly who Lucifer and Raphael are and were back then. There’s an instant spark between Willa and Lucifer, which is unfortunately only to apparent to Raphael and his men.
It was almost torture watching the interactions between Willa and Lucifer, the restraint they both knew they had to exercise or they would face the fatal consequences which would follow. Raphael could see the spark between them, went to some lengths to keep them apart and you could feel the tension and the unspoken threats between him and Willa.
This was to all intents and purposes a no win situation. When the secrets and lies about the events surrounding Willa’s parents death start to surface and large cracks appears in the Flynn family’s mafia world you know there’s some explosive action ahead. But, how all the events will pan out is far from a certainty.
I would have loved to understand the events of the past a bit more but it was a very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Willa’s life growing up as a mafia princess was tough. She lost both her parents and ended up in an abusive marriage, but was widowed 2 years into her marriage. Now she is going back to Boston to marry underboss Raphael Flynn. Lucifer Flynn, Raphael’s twin brother and enforcer, is cold, calculated, ruthless, violent and dangerous. Lucifer was trained by Willa’s father, stood by his side right until the day he was murdered. Now Willa wants to play a dangerous game and find out who and why her parents were so brutally murdered.
Willa, Raphael and Lucifer are quite a trio of characters. Willa, forget the mafia princess part, is strong and proves early on she can hold her own. Raphael by contrast is manipulative, power hungry, selfish and hey don’t dirty my hands. Lucifer has become the almost opposite of his twin, he’s had to if only to survive.
When Willa and the twins meet for the first time since her parents murder, Willa knows exactly who Lucifer and Raphael are and were back then. There’s an instant spark between Willa and Lucifer, which is unfortunately only to apparent to Raphael and his men.
It was almost torture watching the interactions between Willa and Lucifer, the restraint they both knew they had to exercise or they would face the fatal consequences which would follow. Raphael could see the spark between them, went to some lengths to keep them apart and you could feel the tension and the unspoken threats between him and Willa.
This was to all intents and purposes a no win situation. When the secrets and lies about the events surrounding Willa’s parents death start to surface and large cracks appears in the Flynn family’s mafia world you know there’s some explosive action ahead. But, how all the events will pan out is far from a certainty.
I would have loved to understand the events of the past a bit more but it was a very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 14, 2024
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
This was one emotion packed, dark, suspenseful romance where I honestly did not expect half the twists and turns that were thrown our way. I went into this blind, and I definitely recommend to do the same, but as with all dark romances, check the TWs before you dive in just in case.
Willa has been through the ringer; traumatic past, awful circumstances of her first marriage, and then returning to her hometown of Boston to marry Raphael, head of the Flynn syndicate of the Irish Mob. But she's keeping a lot of secrets that slowly unravel through the narrative, and each little tidbit that gets divulged has you hungrily turning the pages to find out what happens/has happened in the past.
Ezkiel, aka Lucifer, is Raph's twin and second-hand man, enforcer to the Flynn syndicate, who has been fed lies his whole life. He's stoic, not wanting to show emotions until Willa comes along and breaks down his walls - and helps to break down the lies he's been told.
This book is filled with action, suspense and drama. Your heart hurts for the two MC's, but also mends with them too. Whilst there was some spice woven into the narrative, it wasn't heavy, and it didn't detract from the main storyline or the emotional/relationship building aspect of the novel.
I also adored that Bell snuck in a little comic relief with Keegan, without being too over-the-top or out of place with his character/commentary. It was just enough to make certain situations lighthearted, but you could also see the loyalty present in him with each scene.
There were some things I feel that were left unanswered, and some things that could have been expanded upon, but overall a fantastic read. This was my first read from Bell, and I'm definitely interested to read more of her books in the future.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
This was one emotion packed, dark, suspenseful romance where I honestly did not expect half the twists and turns that were thrown our way. I went into this blind, and I definitely recommend to do the same, but as with all dark romances, check the TWs before you dive in just in case.
Willa has been through the ringer; traumatic past, awful circumstances of her first marriage, and then returning to her hometown of Boston to marry Raphael, head of the Flynn syndicate of the Irish Mob. But she's keeping a lot of secrets that slowly unravel through the narrative, and each little tidbit that gets divulged has you hungrily turning the pages to find out what happens/has happened in the past.
Ezkiel, aka Lucifer, is Raph's twin and second-hand man, enforcer to the Flynn syndicate, who has been fed lies his whole life. He's stoic, not wanting to show emotions until Willa comes along and breaks down his walls - and helps to break down the lies he's been told.
This book is filled with action, suspense and drama. Your heart hurts for the two MC's, but also mends with them too. Whilst there was some spice woven into the narrative, it wasn't heavy, and it didn't detract from the main storyline or the emotional/relationship building aspect of the novel.
I also adored that Bell snuck in a little comic relief with Keegan, without being too over-the-top or out of place with his character/commentary. It was just enough to make certain situations lighthearted, but you could also see the loyalty present in him with each scene.
There were some things I feel that were left unanswered, and some things that could have been expanded upon, but overall a fantastic read. This was my first read from Bell, and I'm definitely interested to read more of her books in the future.
March 15, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Willa Callahan is a mob princess. She has stuffed the loss of her husband and is now coming back to her hometown in Boston. There is another marriage awaiting her there. Raphael Flynn has taken over the Flynn Syndicate and the city. But she was in Ireland and danger is following her not matter where she goes even though she left the country behind. There are so many secrets and betrayals in her new family I don't know how this poor girl keeps up with it all. They even cost her her parents when she was young. Now is the time to get to the bottom of what happens. Then you add in Lucifer Flynn the monster her very own dad created years ago. He is cold and calculating and has absolutely zero emotions. He is always his brother's right hand man. He is so devoted to his brother and his clan. He knows Willa. He has memories of her but he Willa of his memories is not the Willa standing in front of him now. He knows that she is up to something, in over her head but he has a loyalty that can't be shaken. He has to protect his brother. Even from her.
This is a good book. I really loved Willa. She is stronger than even I think she thinks at times. She has been through so much in just twenty years. But I really loved her vulnerable side. Since the brothers are twins, they are alike in some ways and different as night and day in others. Lucifer is my favorite. The mystery that surrounds this man really sucks you in. This is a book well worth reading. I got a little lost at one point and that's what made this a four instead of five star read for me. I even went back and reread some parts and I am still kind of lost.
Willa Callahan is a mob princess. She has stuffed the loss of her husband and is now coming back to her hometown in Boston. There is another marriage awaiting her there. Raphael Flynn has taken over the Flynn Syndicate and the city. But she was in Ireland and danger is following her not matter where she goes even though she left the country behind. There are so many secrets and betrayals in her new family I don't know how this poor girl keeps up with it all. They even cost her her parents when she was young. Now is the time to get to the bottom of what happens. Then you add in Lucifer Flynn the monster her very own dad created years ago. He is cold and calculating and has absolutely zero emotions. He is always his brother's right hand man. He is so devoted to his brother and his clan. He knows Willa. He has memories of her but he Willa of his memories is not the Willa standing in front of him now. He knows that she is up to something, in over her head but he has a loyalty that can't be shaken. He has to protect his brother. Even from her.
This is a good book. I really loved Willa. She is stronger than even I think she thinks at times. She has been through so much in just twenty years. But I really loved her vulnerable side. Since the brothers are twins, they are alike in some ways and different as night and day in others. Lucifer is my favorite. The mystery that surrounds this man really sucks you in. This is a book well worth reading. I got a little lost at one point and that's what made this a four instead of five star read for me. I even went back and reread some parts and I am still kind of lost.
February 25, 2024
I LOVE a good mafia romance and after I read the blurb of the book I was hooked. It was so good, that I stayed up to finish it. The story follows WIlla, a recently widowed mob princess, moving back to Boston to marry Rapheal Flynn, the twin brother of Lucifer Flynn who she has met before and has some connection with. I needed to find out the secrets Willa was carrying and why she was so interested in marrying Rapheal. Willa has experienced some terrible things in her young life, but she is the mastermind behind getting herself to Boston. She is so smart and strong and never gives up with her plan. Lucifer is a silent observer who analyzes every situation and is very protective of Willa. I loved how his relationship with Willa developed and he took care of her like no one had before.
This story had a such a solid and rich storyline that was filled with action, suspense, and romance that interconnected multiple characters. Once everything came to light and secrets were revealed I could not stop reading! I am so invested now with the other characters, that I cannot wait for the next book! The side characters of Flynn and Keegan were great, and they added some comedic relief. They were also very protective of Willa and accepted Lucifer for who he was. I really despised Rapheal up until 90% of the book. He was awful to Willa and made me so furious, but then all of sudden he had the opportunity to help her during a scary situation at the end of the book, and he did. Is this his redeeming moment? Will he get his own book, I am curious to see!?
This is one of my favorite books of the year and I cannot wait to read the next book of the Monsters of Boston book series!
This story had a such a solid and rich storyline that was filled with action, suspense, and romance that interconnected multiple characters. Once everything came to light and secrets were revealed I could not stop reading! I am so invested now with the other characters, that I cannot wait for the next book! The side characters of Flynn and Keegan were great, and they added some comedic relief. They were also very protective of Willa and accepted Lucifer for who he was. I really despised Rapheal up until 90% of the book. He was awful to Willa and made me so furious, but then all of sudden he had the opportunity to help her during a scary situation at the end of the book, and he did. Is this his redeeming moment? Will he get his own book, I am curious to see!?
This is one of my favorite books of the year and I cannot wait to read the next book of the Monsters of Boston book series!
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