What do you think?
Thorns of Omertà #6
Thorns of Blood
I had spent my life trapped in a gilded cage, surrounded by villains.
The cruel man I was forced to marry saw me as a lesson to be taught, stripping away every piece of my spirit until all that remained was my shadow. He left me in darkness, alone, except for the one flicker of light in my miserable existence: my adoptive daughter.
Then they took her away from me too.
It didn’t kill me, but something deep inside me died that day.
Or so I thought.
Giovanni Agosti kidnapped me to “save” me, or so he claimed.
But I was done being a pawn in anyone’s game. I would show this captor, with his smoldering gaze and dangerous allure, that no one touched Liana Volkov without consequences.
Not even the man I found myself wanting.
The cruel man I was forced to marry saw me as a lesson to be taught, stripping away every piece of my spirit until all that remained was my shadow. He left me in darkness, alone, except for the one flicker of light in my miserable existence: my adoptive daughter.
Then they took her away from me too.
It didn’t kill me, but something deep inside me died that day.
Or so I thought.
Giovanni Agosti kidnapped me to “save” me, or so he claimed.
But I was done being a pawn in anyone’s game. I would show this captor, with his smoldering gaze and dangerous allure, that no one touched Liana Volkov without consequences.
Not even the man I found myself wanting.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2024
About the author
Eva Winners
60 books4,353 followersEva released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
Want to Read
August 26, 2026I made it over halfway, I don't want this series to end 😭
Read
January 29, 2025If readers are new to this author, and this is the first book they pick, they would find themselves a bit confused. Even though each book stands alone, there are tons of connections with events and side characters from her other works. Every book and character in this massive organized crime universe has some connection to each other.
Ngl, I felt a bit lost at times trying to remember who's who and their backstories. I'm still a bit confused about the roles of some of the side characters by the end.
In the story, Liana (26) and Giovanni (40) crossed paths eight years ago when she got married to his POS uncle. As soon as he spotted her walking down the aisle, he felt a spark that he couldn't quite understand. He knew what his uncle was like, but still he didn't do anything about it.
Anyway, Liana got married and had been through abuse (physically, mentally, sexually, off page) for the next five years of her life. She made a break for it three years ago, convincing everyone in their world that she was gone for good.
So, when her twin received a tip that she's alive, she asked Giovanni to track down Liana, and he finally managed to do it. He took her for himself because, as he put it, he had been gone for her for the last eight years. 🤨
Even though he thought she was dead, he claimed that he had never experienced feelings for anyone else quite like what he felt for her. He said his infatuation began the moment he laid eyes on her and has only grown since then, knowing that she's alive.
She couldn't remember him from her wedding, and she's wary around men, feeling distrustful of just about anyone. She tried to fight him off, and I think it takes about two weeks before she starts to lower her guard around him.
I would consider this an insta-something on Liana's part because it doesn't take long for her to trust him. As for Giovanni, I just can't believe that he has been obsessed with her for years. Idk why, but it's just too unbelievable. 🤷♀️
There is no information about his life over the last eight years, but his siblings' lines hinted at his effect on women. So, while it wasn't explicitly stated, I think he had gotten around. Perhaps not a manwhore, but he had certainly been with other women. I'm not sure how to feel about it honestly.
But my rational side is winning (I think? ), because he believes she is dead and may simply want to move on. They also had no romantic connection other than the one conversation they had at her wedding reception. Maybe he's still into her and can't get over her, even though he believes she's gone. 🤷♀️
Liana, on the other hand, kept to herself and focused on protecting her adoptive daughter. With all that she went through, I can understand why she steers clear of people and men in general.
When it comes to the chemistry, it just wasn't palpable. At times, it felt like it was totally missing. This is a slow burn, but tbh, it seems like they didn't really connect on a deeper level, even after all that time together. It didn't help that this book definitely leans more towards telling rather than showing. So what they have seems superficial, even though it was said that they've gotten to know one another. I just didn't see or feel it.
Then most of the stuff was totally crammed into the last 20% of the story. That's too much to handle, tbh.
Overall, it wasn't bad, but I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the author's other books. It felt rushed, and the villain's ending was unsatisfactory.
Book info:
- Organized crime romance
- Abuse (Physical, Sexual, off page, past)
- Child kidnapping
- Age gap (14)
- Forced marriage
- Second chance-ish (??)
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- No V (had been years for h, no info on H)
- HEA (married)
Ngl, I felt a bit lost at times trying to remember who's who and their backstories. I'm still a bit confused about the roles of some of the side characters by the end.
In the story, Liana (26) and Giovanni (40) crossed paths eight years ago when she got married to his POS uncle. As soon as he spotted her walking down the aisle, he felt a spark that he couldn't quite understand. He knew what his uncle was like, but still he didn't do anything about it.
Anyway, Liana got married and had been through abuse (physically, mentally, sexually, off page) for the next five years of her life. She made a break for it three years ago, convincing everyone in their world that she was gone for good.
So, when her twin received a tip that she's alive, she asked Giovanni to track down Liana, and he finally managed to do it. He took her for himself because, as he put it, he had been gone for her for the last eight years. 🤨
Even though he thought she was dead, he claimed that he had never experienced feelings for anyone else quite like what he felt for her. He said his infatuation began the moment he laid eyes on her and has only grown since then, knowing that she's alive.
She couldn't remember him from her wedding, and she's wary around men, feeling distrustful of just about anyone. She tried to fight him off, and I think it takes about two weeks before she starts to lower her guard around him.
I would consider this an insta-something on Liana's part because it doesn't take long for her to trust him. As for Giovanni, I just can't believe that he has been obsessed with her for years. Idk why, but it's just too unbelievable. 🤷♀️
There is no information about his life over the last eight years, but his siblings' lines hinted at his effect on women. So, while it wasn't explicitly stated, I think he had gotten around. Perhaps not a manwhore, but he had certainly been with other women. I'm not sure how to feel about it honestly.
But my rational side is winning (I think? ), because he believes she is dead and may simply want to move on. They also had no romantic connection other than the one conversation they had at her wedding reception. Maybe he's still into her and can't get over her, even though he believes she's gone. 🤷♀️
Liana, on the other hand, kept to herself and focused on protecting her adoptive daughter. With all that she went through, I can understand why she steers clear of people and men in general.
When it comes to the chemistry, it just wasn't palpable. At times, it felt like it was totally missing. This is a slow burn, but tbh, it seems like they didn't really connect on a deeper level, even after all that time together. It didn't help that this book definitely leans more towards telling rather than showing. So what they have seems superficial, even though it was said that they've gotten to know one another. I just didn't see or feel it.
Then most of the stuff was totally crammed into the last 20% of the story. That's too much to handle, tbh.
Overall, it wasn't bad, but I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the author's other books. It felt rushed, and the villain's ending was unsatisfactory.
Book info:
- Organized crime romance
- Abuse (Physical, Sexual, off page, past)
- Child kidnapping
- Age gap (14)
- Forced marriage
- Second chance-ish (??)
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- No V (had been years for h, no info on H)
- HEA (married)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
Ahh! I love this series. Eva never disappoints. Oh, my, what a wild, hot, emotional ride this was.
I loved Gio and Lia's story and can't wait to read Thorns of Deceit. 🖤
I loved Gio and Lia's story and can't wait to read Thorns of Deceit. 🖤
September 1, 2026
This story doesn’t disappoint however it should be more longer.
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
February 2, 2025
Thorns of blood de Eva Winners
3.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
Esta es la historia de Liana, una de las mellizas Volkov.
La autora redime a la protagonista, (villana en otra historia), con un pasado sufrido y muy duro.
Como está en la mira de casi toda la mafia "buena", digamos.... Giovani busca salvarla.
Secuestro, casamiento forzado, lo habitual en este tipo de historias.
La historia me gustó. Soy muy fan de los villanos redimidos. Y más aún cuando es la chica. Ella tiene un buen arco evolutivo y él la apoya y le tiene mucha paciencia.
Aparecen muchos personajes de historias anteriores, (Eva Winners tiene todo su universo de DR relacionado), algunas que leí y otras que no.
En general es un buen libro de dark romance de mafia. Lo recomiendo si te gusta este subgénero.
♥️
3.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
Esta es la historia de Liana, una de las mellizas Volkov.
La autora redime a la protagonista, (villana en otra historia), con un pasado sufrido y muy duro.
Como está en la mira de casi toda la mafia "buena", digamos.... Giovani busca salvarla.
Secuestro, casamiento forzado, lo habitual en este tipo de historias.
La historia me gustó. Soy muy fan de los villanos redimidos. Y más aún cuando es la chica. Ella tiene un buen arco evolutivo y él la apoya y le tiene mucha paciencia.
Aparecen muchos personajes de historias anteriores, (Eva Winners tiene todo su universo de DR relacionado), algunas que leí y otras que no.
En general es un buen libro de dark romance de mafia. Lo recomiendo si te gusta este subgénero.
♥️
November 30, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: captive
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2
What an emotional ride! We knew her story was going to be a doozy, but Eva really delivered. I love it when the villain gets a chance at redemption and their own happy ending - especially when the villain is the heroine of the story! Such a tragic backstory - Liana was truly forged by fire, yet managed to hold onto her humanity by the smallest thread. We have already seen parts of this story play out in previous books, but it was interesting to see from Liana’s POV. Can’t wait for Thorns of Deceit!
Trope: captive
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2
What an emotional ride! We knew her story was going to be a doozy, but Eva really delivered. I love it when the villain gets a chance at redemption and their own happy ending - especially when the villain is the heroine of the story! Such a tragic backstory - Liana was truly forged by fire, yet managed to hold onto her humanity by the smallest thread. We have already seen parts of this story play out in previous books, but it was interesting to see from Liana’s POV. Can’t wait for Thorns of Deceit!
August 25, 2026
This is definitely one of my favorite series by Eva. She outdoes herself every time, and in this one? The amount of plot twists AND THE PAIN 😭
Ugh, this book was fabulous
"there’s nobody else for me but you, Lia. You are it for me. My one and only, greatest love.”
I love them so much, I was screaming throughout the whole book and the ending was perfect I cant wait to read the second generation to see more of them
“I love you, Liana. You’re my home. My heart. My soul. I love your vulnerability. I love your independence. Every single stubborn piece of you. I’ve done plenty of dumb and unforgivable shit in my life, but having you as my wife isn’t one of them. Maybe I should have done it differently, but I don’t regret it, because you’re mine and I’m yours. Now take a breath and tell me what’s really the matter.” 🥹😭
Ugh, this book was fabulous
"there’s nobody else for me but you, Lia. You are it for me. My one and only, greatest love.”
I love them so much, I was screaming throughout the whole book and the ending was perfect I cant wait to read the second generation to see more of them
“I love you, Liana. You’re my home. My heart. My soul. I love your vulnerability. I love your independence. Every single stubborn piece of you. I’ve done plenty of dumb and unforgivable shit in my life, but having you as my wife isn’t one of them. Maybe I should have done it differently, but I don’t regret it, because you’re mine and I’m yours. Now take a breath and tell me what’s really the matter.” 🥹😭
August 18, 2026
Kanın Dikenleri aka sen Romantasy değilsin herkesi memnun edemezsin..
Biraz kırıcı ve ağır olacak.. Artık Redditten görüdüğüm kitaplara atmlamayı bırakmalıyım sanırım ÇÜNKÜ HİÇBİRİ GÜZEL DEĞİL..
Belli bi yerden sonra bütün mafya kiğtapları bana aynı gibi gelmeye başladı.. Bunu kırmak için araya başka şeyler koydum ne bileyim polisiye okudum.. Fantastik okudum.. Değiştirdim yani - parfümcüde Türk kahvesi koklamak gibi..
Ama yine de işe yaramadı çünkü okuduğum şeyler kötüydü..
İkizinin yerine geçerek psikopat kocaya satılan kadın karakterimiz onun elinde uzun yıllar sürünür, travmalardan travmalara koşar.. Sonra kendini başka bi psikopat olan erkek karakterimizin gelini olarak bulur ve olaylar gelişir..
Yani aşırı cringe olaylar silsilesi..
Yani kadın panik atak geçiriyor krize girmiş adam odaya giriyor ve iç sesi şu şekilde "karım yine chanel siyah elbise giymiş bla bla" abim sen ne yüce yüreklisin ya bi bakışta anladın hadi onu geçtim o anda iç sesin ne öyle dikkat eksikliğin mi var?!
Herkes birbiriyle akraba yazarın bütün evreni birbirine girmiş durumda.. Kadının psikiyatristinin isminin Dr. Freud olması mesela ne alaka? isim mi bulamadın..
Biraz kırıcı ve ağır olacak.. Artık Redditten görüdüğüm kitaplara atmlamayı bırakmalıyım sanırım ÇÜNKÜ HİÇBİRİ GÜZEL DEĞİL..
Belli bi yerden sonra bütün mafya kiğtapları bana aynı gibi gelmeye başladı.. Bunu kırmak için araya başka şeyler koydum ne bileyim polisiye okudum.. Fantastik okudum.. Değiştirdim yani - parfümcüde Türk kahvesi koklamak gibi..
Ama yine de işe yaramadı çünkü okuduğum şeyler kötüydü..
İkizinin yerine geçerek psikopat kocaya satılan kadın karakterimiz onun elinde uzun yıllar sürünür, travmalardan travmalara koşar.. Sonra kendini başka bi psikopat olan erkek karakterimizin gelini olarak bulur ve olaylar gelişir..
Yani aşırı cringe olaylar silsilesi..
Yani kadın panik atak geçiriyor krize girmiş adam odaya giriyor ve iç sesi şu şekilde "karım yine chanel siyah elbise giymiş bla bla" abim sen ne yüce yüreklisin ya bi bakışta anladın hadi onu geçtim o anda iç sesin ne öyle dikkat eksikliğin mi var?!
Herkes birbiriyle akraba yazarın bütün evreni birbirine girmiş durumda.. Kadının psikiyatristinin isminin Dr. Freud olması mesela ne alaka? isim mi bulamadın..
March 18, 2025
what a wild, hot, and emotional ride! 🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At first, I was a little confused since I read the previous books last year, and with all the character mentions, it took me about 15% to fully remember the connections and past plots. But once I did? I was hooked. The chemistry between Gio and Lia was everything—intense, passionate, and full of that addictive push and pull. This book had all the elements I love, and Eva Winners? She never disappoints. Now, I’m counting down the days until Thorns of Deceit because I need more! 😩🔥
At first, I was a little confused since I read the previous books last year, and with all the character mentions, it took me about 15% to fully remember the connections and past plots. But once I did? I was hooked. The chemistry between Gio and Lia was everything—intense, passionate, and full of that addictive push and pull. This book had all the elements I love, and Eva Winners? She never disappoints. Now, I’m counting down the days until Thorns of Deceit because I need more! 😩🔥
December 3, 2024
This story has everything I love, everything.
Although I am very excited about the next book, I think this one will remain the best in the series.
Although I am very excited about the next book, I think this one will remain the best in the series.
May 3, 2025
Lo dicho, ya sabía que este libro no se iba a ganar más de 3 🌟.
Añado a esto que lo sentí muy apresurado. Siento que la autora no se tomó el tiempo de explicar muchas cosas, los recuerdos del pasado fueron vagos, difusos y ese final fue un drama que me pareció fastidioso, innecesario y para nada sorprendente.
La última revelación que dieron de imprevisto en realidad ya me la me la esperas, fue demasiado predecible esa parte. Es un libro sencillo para leerse en unas horas y ya, no esperen mucho más de esta historia.
Añado a esto que lo sentí muy apresurado. Siento que la autora no se tomó el tiempo de explicar muchas cosas, los recuerdos del pasado fueron vagos, difusos y ese final fue un drama que me pareció fastidioso, innecesario y para nada sorprendente.
La última revelación que dieron de imprevisto en realidad ya me la me la esperas, fue demasiado predecible esa parte. Es un libro sencillo para leerse en unas horas y ya, no esperen mucho más de esta historia.
December 20, 2025
“Thorns of Blood” is the story of Liana and Giovanni.
This is a bittersweet tale with a traumatized heroine and a protective hero. She has gone through years of abuse and now heads a mafia organization- fiercely protective of her adopted daughter and a phoenix who rose from ashes. He has been sent by her estranged twin to kidnap her.
The story follows their journey as he fights to earn her trust, while she struggles with ptsd and learns to love him. I was a bit miffed that we didn’t get more of a badass heroine but she did give in pretty quickly once the hero suggested marriage- also that she was ready to let Amara go easily after fighting for her all her life.
The second half deals with evils of the past, some relief from pain and an unexpected surprise from the past. Felt a bit rushed.
Hero was sweet, beta and caring- heroine was strong and hopeful.
Unsafe
3/5
This is a bittersweet tale with a traumatized heroine and a protective hero. She has gone through years of abuse and now heads a mafia organization- fiercely protective of her adopted daughter and a phoenix who rose from ashes. He has been sent by her estranged twin to kidnap her.
The story follows their journey as he fights to earn her trust, while she struggles with ptsd and learns to love him. I was a bit miffed that we didn’t get more of a badass heroine but she did give in pretty quickly once the hero suggested marriage- also that she was ready to let Amara go easily after fighting for her all her life.
The second half deals with evils of the past, some relief from pain and an unexpected surprise from the past. Felt a bit rushed.
Hero was sweet, beta and caring- heroine was strong and hopeful.
Unsafe
3/5
December 12, 2024
FINALLY!!! We get Liana Volkov’s story!!! This one was sooo good! Eva Winners never disappoints! I will never tire of this universe and characters that she has created , Gio and Lia’s story was amazing I couldn’t put it down this was such a emotional intense passion filled story and I can’t wait for Thorns Of Deceit next!
March 18, 2025
Ameeeeeee total y absolutamente todo de esta historia. Cada una de las luchas que pasaron los protagonistas. Quedé enamorada de la trama y el desenlace que la autora le dió a esta pareja. De verdad me la estaba esperando. Y no tengo indicios de cuál será la siguiente pareja, así que quedo en suspenso por este lado. Pero lo que si sé es que vienen otros más, quedan personajes por tener su historia.
Me pareció increíble todo lo que hizo Giovanni Agosti Tijuana para ganarse la confianza y el amor de Liana, definitivamente fue un amor, colmado de paciencia y determinación. Liana por otro lado tuvo un papel espectacular, digno de una persona que pasó por tanto sufrimiento y dolor, no esperaba menos de su actuación, de su forma de afrontar sus traumas y fantasmas. Hubieron escenas que me conmovieron y me encanta cuando pasa eso, porque se crea la bonita conexión entre nosotros los lectores con los personajes, se siente todo tan real y vívido que es difícil pasar por alto tantas emociones!
Así que considero que la autora Eva Winners se esmeró con estos personajes, Liana Volkok y Giovanni Agosti😍💖Unas merecidas 5 estrellas para la historia🏆💞
Me pareció increíble todo lo que hizo Giovanni Agosti Tijuana para ganarse la confianza y el amor de Liana, definitivamente fue un amor, colmado de paciencia y determinación. Liana por otro lado tuvo un papel espectacular, digno de una persona que pasó por tanto sufrimiento y dolor, no esperaba menos de su actuación, de su forma de afrontar sus traumas y fantasmas. Hubieron escenas que me conmovieron y me encanta cuando pasa eso, porque se crea la bonita conexión entre nosotros los lectores con los personajes, se siente todo tan real y vívido que es difícil pasar por alto tantas emociones!
Así que considero que la autora Eva Winners se esmeró con estos personajes, Liana Volkok y Giovanni Agosti😍💖Unas merecidas 5 estrellas para la historia🏆💞
December 2, 2024
This book felt like such an important installment to this series. Liana is a survivor and a warrior. Her strength hides a deep vulnerability and fear after everything she's gone through to protect her twin sister. While she may come off as cold she had such a huge heart for her loved ones and really proved the adage she'd go to any lengths for them. Gio has been an interesting side character who finally gets his time to shine. He's been such a patient man as his obsession for Liana grows. He really meets her where she is at any given moment showing how different he is from the men who stole her past. This book has some great twists and I feel like lays the ground work for future plots to come.
January 8, 2025
Love it! ❤️
What a captivating story! Liana and Giovanni are genuinely a remarkable pair. Liana's quest for vengeance is steeped in intense emotion and drenched in blood, creating a thrilling narrative full of tension and conflict. As the plot unfolds, Giovanni's entrance into Liana's life reveals his ability to penetrate the emotional barriers she has built around herself, leading to a beautifully complex connection between them. The reading experience was exhilarating, although I felt the conclusion could have benefitted from a more gradual development. Additionally, when they mentioned Nico, and it was her right hand who revealed the name of the Mistress fell flat for me; it seemed disappointing because, in my opinion, no one holds a candle to my Nico.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a captivating story! Liana and Giovanni are genuinely a remarkable pair. Liana's quest for vengeance is steeped in intense emotion and drenched in blood, creating a thrilling narrative full of tension and conflict. As the plot unfolds, Giovanni's entrance into Liana's life reveals his ability to penetrate the emotional barriers she has built around herself, leading to a beautifully complex connection between them. The reading experience was exhilarating, although I felt the conclusion could have benefitted from a more gradual development. Additionally, when they mentioned Nico, and it was her right hand who revealed the name of the Mistress fell flat for me; it seemed disappointing because, in my opinion, no one holds a candle to my Nico.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 27, 2025
Broke all the records , I will rate this to infinity , I mean what was that ??? I didn’t expect gio book to be this banger ??? I mean MAN where were you hiding ?? The way he helped her heal , a girl whose backbone is made of gold , she is the real phoenix of this series . He stood by her through everything , gave her the space she deserved, never extinguished her fire and united her with her kids ??? What are you ?? A GOD ? Angel ? How dare him to sneak in my heart when I had no expectations? The only thing you need to be aware of is- you will be highly disappointed- the book is too short - I am not exaggerating. I needed more of them , more of their domestic shit
January 21, 2025
No sabía que esperar de esta historia y gustó! Tuvo muchos enredos y plot twist que no ví venir y que hicieron la historia interesante (igual algunos no eran necesarios, pero no me desagradaron) además que ver la vulnerabilidad de Liana fue algo lindo y pobre que pasó por un montón de cosas horribles.
July 22, 2026
Saber la historia de Liana se tuvo pendiente de tantos libros atrás en esta serie y en capos de la mafia, que verla en un cierre es cerrar un capítulo más de este Evaverso. Si lo sentí algo apresurado con su 'sanación' pues que no habrá sufrido esta pobre chica. Giovanni, si es que se puede decir, es un amor. Ya de final te abre más cosas y hacia la serie de la nueva generación.
December 28, 2024
Que buena pareja, nada va a destronar de esta saga a mi Tatiana e Illias pero me encantó esta historia con estos personajes y no me esperaba el desenlace.
Slow burn? No. Mencionaron mi país 🇻🇪 como 20 veces? Súper si.
Te amamos Eva 🇻🇪🥰
Slow burn? No. Mencionaron mi país 🇻🇪 como 20 veces? Súper si.
Te amamos Eva 🇻🇪🥰
December 1, 2024
Finally Liana’s story! Giovanni is the perfect pairing for Liana. Not only has Giovanni been enamored with her for years but he seems to understand the torturous life she has led. Once Liana begins to trust Giovanni he hears more than cares to about her last eight years. Vowing to help her their relationship begins! Really enjoyed this relationship and especially the end!
December 23, 2024
i don't know what it is but i just have a fascination and an obsession with the volkov twins. i have been dying to find out what happened to liana since i read reign of a billionaire a few months back.
okay, but liana and louisa might be one of my favorite fmc's that i have read about this year. their past and their trauma is so heartbreaking. their storyline is so unique and unlike anything i have ever read before.
this follows liana and giovanni. they met eight years before this story takes place when she made herself louisa and taking her place by marrying the head of the cartel at the time, which so happened to be giovanni's uncle. from that moment it was like something clicked and the obsession for giovanni began. fast forward eight years later and liana is hiding in plain sight seeking revenge on those who did her wrong and low and behold she comes across giovanni after he kidnaps her so she doesn't get killed for kidnapping emory dilustro. she needs protection and giovanni says the best way for her to get that and get revenge on the last person on her list is to get married and she can use his resources to do so. ofc she is stubborn but so is he.
no bc my favorite parts of this book were when giovanna saw her back tattoo with all of the things that she wanted to do in her life but was never taught or learned because her childhood had been ripped away from her and it was giovanni teaching her everything. he was not only teaching her how to dance, swim, drive, etc, he was teaching her how to love and how to trust a man since she had been abused by so many of them and she had been broken by so many people in her life. she was alone but he swore that he would not make her feel that way. he needed to her to dream and to hope.
my heart broke hearing about what liana went through. if i thought louisa had it bad liana does not compare. these two women went through the wringer and came out so strong. i need to know what happens next. i feel like in this series i am left with wanting more. and i can't wait for the next book!!
5
okay, but liana and louisa might be one of my favorite fmc's that i have read about this year. their past and their trauma is so heartbreaking. their storyline is so unique and unlike anything i have ever read before.
this follows liana and giovanni. they met eight years before this story takes place when she made herself louisa and taking her place by marrying the head of the cartel at the time, which so happened to be giovanni's uncle. from that moment it was like something clicked and the obsession for giovanni began. fast forward eight years later and liana is hiding in plain sight seeking revenge on those who did her wrong and low and behold she comes across giovanni after he kidnaps her so she doesn't get killed for kidnapping emory dilustro. she needs protection and giovanni says the best way for her to get that and get revenge on the last person on her list is to get married and she can use his resources to do so. ofc she is stubborn but so is he.
no bc my favorite parts of this book were when giovanna saw her back tattoo with all of the things that she wanted to do in her life but was never taught or learned because her childhood had been ripped away from her and it was giovanni teaching her everything. he was not only teaching her how to dance, swim, drive, etc, he was teaching her how to love and how to trust a man since she had been abused by so many of them and she had been broken by so many people in her life. she was alone but he swore that he would not make her feel that way. he needed to her to dream and to hope.
my heart broke hearing about what liana went through. if i thought louisa had it bad liana does not compare. these two women went through the wringer and came out so strong. i need to know what happens next. i feel like in this series i am left with wanting more. and i can't wait for the next book!!
5
December 5, 2024
Thorns of Blood
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the 6th book in the Thorns of Omertà series and this story follows Liana Volkov and Giovanna Agosti. And BOY does Eva take you on a RIDEEEE!! The hype surrounding Lia and Gio is very real and does NOT disappoint! I highly recommend reading Evaverse books in order to get a better understanding but it’s not necessary.
Thorns of Blood in my opinion picks up from Ravenous Kingpin where Lia does what’s necessary to save Amara’s life and from there, she’s kidnapped by Gio. Gio first set his sights on Lia’s 8 years ago when she married his Uncle Santiago..more like she was forced to marry his uncle. Ever since then, he became obsessed but when it was presented to him where to find Lia, he made the choice to take her and ask questions later. When we first are introduced to Lia, I remember getting the vibe she was just like her mother and was an awful person. But in this book, it’s actually the complete opposite. She was a broken woman, who’s gone through hell and back and Amara was her light. As Eva writes her story, you can’t help but feel sad for Lia. I cried more times than I can count on her backstory. When some major secrets are revealed and this happens within 25%percent of the book immediately it’s like “HOLY S**T”!! It sets off the tone for the book and all the revelations that keep coming, and a lot of questions we had are answered! I don’t want to give too much away in my review since it’s not out yet but if you are obsessed with Evaverse, then BUCKLE UP!! @evawinners once again delivers a masterpiece!! I LOVE how she intertwines all her characters and a huge piece of a puzzle gets solves! But just as she does that, we are left with more questions!! I can’t never not highly recommend Eva’s books!! She just gets it👩🏻🍳💋!! As always, please check your triggers. This book is more on darker theme but does have a HEA♥️.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the 6th book in the Thorns of Omertà series and this story follows Liana Volkov and Giovanna Agosti. And BOY does Eva take you on a RIDEEEE!! The hype surrounding Lia and Gio is very real and does NOT disappoint! I highly recommend reading Evaverse books in order to get a better understanding but it’s not necessary.
Thorns of Blood in my opinion picks up from Ravenous Kingpin where Lia does what’s necessary to save Amara’s life and from there, she’s kidnapped by Gio. Gio first set his sights on Lia’s 8 years ago when she married his Uncle Santiago..more like she was forced to marry his uncle. Ever since then, he became obsessed but when it was presented to him where to find Lia, he made the choice to take her and ask questions later. When we first are introduced to Lia, I remember getting the vibe she was just like her mother and was an awful person. But in this book, it’s actually the complete opposite. She was a broken woman, who’s gone through hell and back and Amara was her light. As Eva writes her story, you can’t help but feel sad for Lia. I cried more times than I can count on her backstory. When some major secrets are revealed and this happens within 25%percent of the book immediately it’s like “HOLY S**T”!! It sets off the tone for the book and all the revelations that keep coming, and a lot of questions we had are answered! I don’t want to give too much away in my review since it’s not out yet but if you are obsessed with Evaverse, then BUCKLE UP!! @evawinners once again delivers a masterpiece!! I LOVE how she intertwines all her characters and a huge piece of a puzzle gets solves! But just as she does that, we are left with more questions!! I can’t never not highly recommend Eva’s books!! She just gets it👩🏻🍳💋!! As always, please check your triggers. This book is more on darker theme but does have a HEA♥️.
February 5, 2026
Liana (26) & Giovanni (40).
Their story is a mix of insta and slow. I was a bit confused about his infatuation, there were some inconsistencies regarding that part.
Liana is a wildcat who has been through A LOT, even though we don’t get all the nasty details of her past. But I could definitely understand her and explain her behaviour.
Giovanni was really cool; I liked his attitude and the lengths he’d go for her.
The pace slowed down a bit around 60% and towards the end things were slightly rushed.
But I did enjoy this book and read it in almost one sitting.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.
Their story is a mix of insta and slow. I was a bit confused about his infatuation, there were some inconsistencies regarding that part.
Liana is a wildcat who has been through A LOT, even though we don’t get all the nasty details of her past. But I could definitely understand her and explain her behaviour.
Giovanni was really cool; I liked his attitude and the lengths he’d go for her.
The pace slowed down a bit around 60% and towards the end things were slightly rushed.
But I did enjoy this book and read it in almost one sitting.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️ for me.
December 1, 2024
Each time I finish one of her books, and so exited to read the next one, because she always amazes me even more, the way that she connects all of her books for me it's always to be fantastic.
I enjoyed this book a lot, Giovanni and Liana chemistry and their relationship was one of my favourites things, but i also loved the characters in their individual self.
I was waiting for lianas book since she was first mentioned and it didn't disappoint me.
I received an Arc copy in exchange of an honest review.
I enjoyed this book a lot, Giovanni and Liana chemistry and their relationship was one of my favourites things, but i also loved the characters in their individual self.
I was waiting for lianas book since she was first mentioned and it didn't disappoint me.
I received an Arc copy in exchange of an honest review.
December 9, 2024
Buckle up, Buttercup, this review is not as short or succinct as I expected it to be…
Thorns of Blood by Eva Winners is a gripping, intense addition to the Thorns of Omertà series. While this is the sixth book in the series and can technically be read as a standalone, the complexity of the world-building and the emotional depth of the characters will resonate most strongly for readers familiar with previous installments. The book follows Liana Volkov, a woman whose tragic past has shaped her into a fiercely protective survivor, and Giovanni Agosti, a morally grey hero whose obsession with Liana takes him on a dark, twisting journey toward redemption.
Thorns of Blood opens with a devastating twist: young Liana, attempting to escape, is caught and, in a desperate bid to protect her twin sister, claims her sister’s identity, allowing the other twin to flee. This decision leads to Liana being sold into a nightmarish marriage with a cruel man, betrayed by her own mother in the process. Trapped in a horrific situation, Liana endures years of terror and torment. However, years later, Giovanni Agosti, who has been obsessed with Liana since their fateful first encounter, finds and "rescues" her, setting the stage for a tense, slow-burning, and complex romance.
Liana Volkov’s trauma doesn’t just shape her actions—it defines them. Her wariness of Giovanni, while understandable, is a defense mechanism that runs deep. But Giovanni’s patience in understanding her pain is what allows their relationship to evolve into something beautiful, even amid the darkness. Their dynamic is one of healing and eventual trust, not just passion, and Giovanni’s unwavering support provides Liana a stability she’s never known. The chemistry between them is palpable, and as trust builds, their relationship blossoms into a slow-burn romance that is both heart-wrenching and scorchingly hot.
Liana’s backstory is heartbreaking, filled with trauma, loss, and betrayal that drives much of her actions. The themes of captivity, violence, and PTSD aren’t just plot devices—they are the crucible in which Liana’s character is forged. Eva Winners handles these sensitive topics with remarkable depth, never glossing over the pain but always showing the possibility of healing. This approach doesn’t just add emotional weight to the narrative; it gives it a raw, powerful intensity that stays with you long after the book ends. Giovanni’s unwavering support for Liana’s healing process is equally captivating, and their relationship—while slow to develop—feels both real and hard-earned.
Winners weaves in powerful twists and turns, each revelation propelling the narrative forward and keeping readers on edge. Though some plot points may feel predictable, the surprises that come late in the story ensure the stakes remain high. The pacing is well-crafted, balancing emotional depth with suspenseful action, and the secondary characters provide additional layers to the story, teasing further developments in what Eva’s fan club calls the Evaverse.
One of the most striking elements of this story is Giovanni’s evolution from a man obsessed to one who is fully committed to Liana’s healing. He doesn’t simply seek redemption for his past actions; he seeks to help Liana rewrite her own story of survival. Their journey is one of mutual growth—Giovanni learns to navigate Liana’s walls, and Liana learns to trust again. This slow, emotional development is what makes their bond so impactful.
The ending delivers a satisfying HEA, but it doesn’t erase the scars of Liana’s past—an aspect that adds realism and emotional weight to the romance. This is not a story that offers easy answers or quick fixes; it’s one that shows healing is a process, and while love can be transformative, it is not a cure-all. With evocative writing, sizzling chemistry, and a powerful exploration of trauma and healing, Thorns of Blood will captivate fans of dark mafia romance.
Thorns of Blood by Eva Winners is a must-read for those who appreciate emotionally charged stories with complex characters, a slow-burn romance, and plenty of twists. If you're a reader who enjoys complex character arcs and emotionally intense narratives that focus on healing rather than just destruction, this book is for you. While the darker themes may be too much for some readers, those who are drawn to intense, gritty narratives will find Thorns of Blood to be a standout in Eva Winners' already impressive catalog.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre:
♥Dark Romance
Tropes:
♥Forced Proximity
♥Enemies to Lovers
♥Suspense
♥Strong A.F. FMA
♥Slow Burn
♥MMC falls first and HARDER!
Thorns of Blood by Eva Winners is a gripping, intense addition to the Thorns of Omertà series. While this is the sixth book in the series and can technically be read as a standalone, the complexity of the world-building and the emotional depth of the characters will resonate most strongly for readers familiar with previous installments. The book follows Liana Volkov, a woman whose tragic past has shaped her into a fiercely protective survivor, and Giovanni Agosti, a morally grey hero whose obsession with Liana takes him on a dark, twisting journey toward redemption.
Thorns of Blood opens with a devastating twist: young Liana, attempting to escape, is caught and, in a desperate bid to protect her twin sister, claims her sister’s identity, allowing the other twin to flee. This decision leads to Liana being sold into a nightmarish marriage with a cruel man, betrayed by her own mother in the process. Trapped in a horrific situation, Liana endures years of terror and torment. However, years later, Giovanni Agosti, who has been obsessed with Liana since their fateful first encounter, finds and "rescues" her, setting the stage for a tense, slow-burning, and complex romance.
Liana Volkov’s trauma doesn’t just shape her actions—it defines them. Her wariness of Giovanni, while understandable, is a defense mechanism that runs deep. But Giovanni’s patience in understanding her pain is what allows their relationship to evolve into something beautiful, even amid the darkness. Their dynamic is one of healing and eventual trust, not just passion, and Giovanni’s unwavering support provides Liana a stability she’s never known. The chemistry between them is palpable, and as trust builds, their relationship blossoms into a slow-burn romance that is both heart-wrenching and scorchingly hot.
Liana’s backstory is heartbreaking, filled with trauma, loss, and betrayal that drives much of her actions. The themes of captivity, violence, and PTSD aren’t just plot devices—they are the crucible in which Liana’s character is forged. Eva Winners handles these sensitive topics with remarkable depth, never glossing over the pain but always showing the possibility of healing. This approach doesn’t just add emotional weight to the narrative; it gives it a raw, powerful intensity that stays with you long after the book ends. Giovanni’s unwavering support for Liana’s healing process is equally captivating, and their relationship—while slow to develop—feels both real and hard-earned.
Winners weaves in powerful twists and turns, each revelation propelling the narrative forward and keeping readers on edge. Though some plot points may feel predictable, the surprises that come late in the story ensure the stakes remain high. The pacing is well-crafted, balancing emotional depth with suspenseful action, and the secondary characters provide additional layers to the story, teasing further developments in what Eva’s fan club calls the Evaverse.
One of the most striking elements of this story is Giovanni’s evolution from a man obsessed to one who is fully committed to Liana’s healing. He doesn’t simply seek redemption for his past actions; he seeks to help Liana rewrite her own story of survival. Their journey is one of mutual growth—Giovanni learns to navigate Liana’s walls, and Liana learns to trust again. This slow, emotional development is what makes their bond so impactful.
The ending delivers a satisfying HEA, but it doesn’t erase the scars of Liana’s past—an aspect that adds realism and emotional weight to the romance. This is not a story that offers easy answers or quick fixes; it’s one that shows healing is a process, and while love can be transformative, it is not a cure-all. With evocative writing, sizzling chemistry, and a powerful exploration of trauma and healing, Thorns of Blood will captivate fans of dark mafia romance.
Thorns of Blood by Eva Winners is a must-read for those who appreciate emotionally charged stories with complex characters, a slow-burn romance, and plenty of twists. If you're a reader who enjoys complex character arcs and emotionally intense narratives that focus on healing rather than just destruction, this book is for you. While the darker themes may be too much for some readers, those who are drawn to intense, gritty narratives will find Thorns of Blood to be a standout in Eva Winners' already impressive catalog.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre:
♥Dark Romance
Tropes:
♥Forced Proximity
♥Enemies to Lovers
♥Suspense
♥Strong A.F. FMA
♥Slow Burn
♥MMC falls first and HARDER!
December 2, 2024
My Rating: 4-4.5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
A kickass book fit for a kickass heroine. Broken or not, Liana Volkov is a force to be reckoned with. Giovanni Agosti added fuel to the fire, and together, they were an unbelievable pair!
This book is constantly progressing, but the storytelling felt well-paced. You’re thrown into the deep end right from the get-go, and immediately get bombarded with emotional highs and lows.
Although this book goes back and forth from past to present through flashbacks, if you haven’t already, I recommend reading Reign of a Billionaire (from the Billionaire Kings series) first, to get a fuller insight into Liana’s backstory, and how she came to be in the present time.
Liana has a truly gut-wrenching past that follows her well into the present day that’s tough to witness, but something you couldn’t tear your eyes away from either. I was wholly invested in Liana and Giovanni. I was invested in seeing her anger, her desperation to keep her fierce façade, and her determination to mete out vengeance. Her emotions leaped off the pages, and you couldn’t help but sympathise. I was invested in Giovanni striving to break through her defences, and connect with her on a deeper level.
Giovanni Agosti could not have been more of a swoon-worthy MMC, and a perfect match for Liana. Powerful, protective, patient, and loving. The list could go on. He brings in a lot of the lightness to an otherwise heavily dark and brutal narrative. He provided stability and security, when all hell felt like it was breaking loose. Some of the most memorable and favourite parts of this book for me were moments Giovanni had fulfilled.
It’s a mixture of sugar and spice. For the romantics, there are plenty of sweet, affectionate parts in the book. For spice lovers, there is plenty of heated passion throughout and a good amount of build-up to those moments.
Be prepared for a barrage of feels. This one can be a bit of a tearjerker.
It broaches on dark themes and sensitive subject matters than some readers may find triggering. It contains graphic violence, kidnapping, torture, captivity, human trafficking, sexual assault, loss of a child— all resulting in PTSD. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
Their story is of pain that one goes through, but also one of healing. Giovanni is nothing but a pillar of strength and support for Liana at a time where she felt more alone than ever. I loved seeing the gradual development of trust and ease within their relationship. The gentleness, understanding, and the pacing in which Giovanni wooed Liana was truly genuine, especially with the brutality Liana had been subjected to in her past. The trauma she exhibited was dealt with respectfully, and with thought and care.
The secondary characters were equally intriguing, with a handful of them already catching my eye from the moment they appeared. Whilst I did find the more significant plot twists predictable, seeing them coming a mile away, Winners still managed to take me by surprise in the end, which is a testament of her complex, yet addictive writing.
Dark and mafia romance readers should add this one to their TBR. It’s a gripping story that you’ll be hard-pressed to put down once you start it. It’s also a beautiful addition to the series, and to the interconnected criminal underworld Winners has created through her characters. Told from dual POVs, it’s high-intensity, character-driven, and will take you on an angsty roller-coaster ride. The ending left me sighing in contentment. It has one of my favourite HEAs Winners has ever written, and I can only hope we get to see more of Giovanni, Liana, and the mass of secondary characters that made their presence known in this book.
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
A kickass book fit for a kickass heroine. Broken or not, Liana Volkov is a force to be reckoned with. Giovanni Agosti added fuel to the fire, and together, they were an unbelievable pair!
This book is constantly progressing, but the storytelling felt well-paced. You’re thrown into the deep end right from the get-go, and immediately get bombarded with emotional highs and lows.
Although this book goes back and forth from past to present through flashbacks, if you haven’t already, I recommend reading Reign of a Billionaire (from the Billionaire Kings series) first, to get a fuller insight into Liana’s backstory, and how she came to be in the present time.
Liana has a truly gut-wrenching past that follows her well into the present day that’s tough to witness, but something you couldn’t tear your eyes away from either. I was wholly invested in Liana and Giovanni. I was invested in seeing her anger, her desperation to keep her fierce façade, and her determination to mete out vengeance. Her emotions leaped off the pages, and you couldn’t help but sympathise. I was invested in Giovanni striving to break through her defences, and connect with her on a deeper level.
Giovanni Agosti could not have been more of a swoon-worthy MMC, and a perfect match for Liana. Powerful, protective, patient, and loving. The list could go on. He brings in a lot of the lightness to an otherwise heavily dark and brutal narrative. He provided stability and security, when all hell felt like it was breaking loose. Some of the most memorable and favourite parts of this book for me were moments Giovanni had fulfilled.
It’s a mixture of sugar and spice. For the romantics, there are plenty of sweet, affectionate parts in the book. For spice lovers, there is plenty of heated passion throughout and a good amount of build-up to those moments.
Be prepared for a barrage of feels. This one can be a bit of a tearjerker.
It broaches on dark themes and sensitive subject matters than some readers may find triggering. It contains graphic violence, kidnapping, torture, captivity, human trafficking, sexual assault, loss of a child— all resulting in PTSD. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
Their story is of pain that one goes through, but also one of healing. Giovanni is nothing but a pillar of strength and support for Liana at a time where she felt more alone than ever. I loved seeing the gradual development of trust and ease within their relationship. The gentleness, understanding, and the pacing in which Giovanni wooed Liana was truly genuine, especially with the brutality Liana had been subjected to in her past. The trauma she exhibited was dealt with respectfully, and with thought and care.
The secondary characters were equally intriguing, with a handful of them already catching my eye from the moment they appeared. Whilst I did find the more significant plot twists predictable, seeing them coming a mile away, Winners still managed to take me by surprise in the end, which is a testament of her complex, yet addictive writing.
Dark and mafia romance readers should add this one to their TBR. It’s a gripping story that you’ll be hard-pressed to put down once you start it. It’s also a beautiful addition to the series, and to the interconnected criminal underworld Winners has created through her characters. Told from dual POVs, it’s high-intensity, character-driven, and will take you on an angsty roller-coaster ride. The ending left me sighing in contentment. It has one of my favourite HEAs Winners has ever written, and I can only hope we get to see more of Giovanni, Liana, and the mass of secondary characters that made their presence known in this book.
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
March 7, 2025
Riveting, Twisted & Emotional! Amazing Story & Narration🎧
Thorns of Blood
Thorns of Omertà series
By: Eva Winners
Narrated by: Gideon Frost, Mackenzie Cartwright
Eva Winners never ceases to amaze and pens another mind-blowing and thrilling story with twists and turns that you never see coming. This story captivated my attention to where nothing else mattered except what was going to happen next. The world Winners created is complex, and she is the master of crossover characters from different series set in her mafia/organized crime world. This sixth book of the "Thorns of Omertà” series is Giovanni “Gio” Agosti’s and Liana “Lia” Volkov’s story, and it is a wild story filled with betrayal, heartbreak, vengeance, and love. Eight years earlier, Liana took her twin sister’s spot in a forced marriage to a cruel and vulgar man and she was stuck living a nightmare until someone freed her from that life. The only thing that kept her human, and continues to, was her adopted daughter, Amara, but she is ill and, to save her, she may lose her. Currently living in hiding, in plain sight, she vowed to never be a victim again and to get revenge on those who wronged her. Hearing Lia’s backstory and all she endured in those eight years was absolutely heartbreaking. Gio regretted not saving Lia from having to marry his uncle and after speaking with Louisa, who recently learned that Lia was alive, he said he would be the one to find her, which he does and wow, just wow, he got more than he bargained for. Lia is a broken shell of her former self, and she does not trust easily, if at all, but for Gio to save her not only from herself but others in their world, the only thing he could do to keep her protected is to marry her. It was great to watch these two navigate their relationship, getting to know each other and learning more about them and their place in their world. Winners weaved an intricate web of power players in the different families in her mafia world. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all plays out, with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. Eva Winners, thank you for another amazing story, the wild and emotional rollercoaster ride and those twists that blew me away.
🎧📚🎧 Gideon Frost and Mackenzie Cartwright deliver an amazing performance voicing these characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Frost’s Gio was perfection, showcasing every aspect of his personality, from his cool-headedness to his caring and protective side. Cartwright was just as fantastic in Lia’s role, also grasping every aspect of her personality from her from her fierceness, strength and determination to her gut wrenching battles with her inner demons. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the secondary/side characters, too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions, their fears, and passion, having you to feel it all. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complemented each other and their captivating performance elevates the already amazing story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Thorns of Blood
Thorns of Omertà series
By: Eva Winners
Narrated by: Gideon Frost, Mackenzie Cartwright
Eva Winners never ceases to amaze and pens another mind-blowing and thrilling story with twists and turns that you never see coming. This story captivated my attention to where nothing else mattered except what was going to happen next. The world Winners created is complex, and she is the master of crossover characters from different series set in her mafia/organized crime world. This sixth book of the "Thorns of Omertà” series is Giovanni “Gio” Agosti’s and Liana “Lia” Volkov’s story, and it is a wild story filled with betrayal, heartbreak, vengeance, and love. Eight years earlier, Liana took her twin sister’s spot in a forced marriage to a cruel and vulgar man and she was stuck living a nightmare until someone freed her from that life. The only thing that kept her human, and continues to, was her adopted daughter, Amara, but she is ill and, to save her, she may lose her. Currently living in hiding, in plain sight, she vowed to never be a victim again and to get revenge on those who wronged her. Hearing Lia’s backstory and all she endured in those eight years was absolutely heartbreaking. Gio regretted not saving Lia from having to marry his uncle and after speaking with Louisa, who recently learned that Lia was alive, he said he would be the one to find her, which he does and wow, just wow, he got more than he bargained for. Lia is a broken shell of her former self, and she does not trust easily, if at all, but for Gio to save her not only from herself but others in their world, the only thing he could do to keep her protected is to marry her. It was great to watch these two navigate their relationship, getting to know each other and learning more about them and their place in their world. Winners weaved an intricate web of power players in the different families in her mafia world. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all plays out, with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. Eva Winners, thank you for another amazing story, the wild and emotional rollercoaster ride and those twists that blew me away.
🎧📚🎧 Gideon Frost and Mackenzie Cartwright deliver an amazing performance voicing these characters and delivering a perfect portrayal of each. Frost’s Gio was perfection, showcasing every aspect of his personality, from his cool-headedness to his caring and protective side. Cartwright was just as fantastic in Lia’s role, also grasping every aspect of her personality from her from her fierceness, strength and determination to her gut wrenching battles with her inner demons. Both were fabulous performing the roles of the secondary/side characters, too. They set the right tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions, their fears, and passion, having you to feel it all. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complemented each other and their captivating performance elevates the already amazing story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
November 30, 2024
4.25stars-
THORNS OF THE BLOOD is the sixth instalment in Eva Winner’s contemporary, adult THORNS OF OMERTA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series-a spin off from the author’s KINGPINS OF THE SYNDICATE. This is Giovanni Agosti, and twenty-six year old Liana Volkov’s story line. THORNS OF BLOOD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Giovanni and Liana) using present day and memories from the past THORNS OF BLOOD focuses on the search and rescue of our story line heroine. Approximately eight years earlier, in an effort to save her twin sister Louisa, Liana Volkov sacrificed herself, and spent several years at the mercy of a violent man, and a woman only known as the Mistress. Fast forward to present day, Giovanni Agosti, having located the missing daughter of Emory and Killian ( RAVENOUS KINGPIN: Kingpins of the Syndicate 4), Giovanni Agosti takes off for places unknown where he will find our story line heroine. Forced into marriage with Giovanni to protect her life, Liana struggles with issues of trust, nightmares and the loss of a child that wasn’t her own. As Liana and Giovanni’s relationship develops, there is someone else taking aim at our story line heroine.
The world building is dark and gritty. Liana’s past is filled with torture and abuse, loss and abandonment, betrayal and intent. Giovanni Agosti knows the betrayal by family, and in this, the ultimate deception ends with a dramatic flourish.
The relationship between Giovanni and Liana begins acrimoniously in the wake of Giovanni’s ‘rescue’ and ‘abduction’ of our story line heroine. Liana has never known love, and the loss of everyone she has every loved is amplified when as Giovanni’s rescue hides a heartbreaking truth. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and familiar secondary and supporting characters from the author’s interconnected series and story lines. The duplicitousness of the family blood lines wreaks havoc for everyone involved.
THORNS OF BLOOD is a story of betrayal and vengeance, abuse and madness, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the characters are broken, tragic yet determined; the romance is unavoidable yet provocative and passionate.
copy supplied for review
THORNS OF THE BLOOD is the sixth instalment in Eva Winner’s contemporary, adult THORNS OF OMERTA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series-a spin off from the author’s KINGPINS OF THE SYNDICATE. This is Giovanni Agosti, and twenty-six year old Liana Volkov’s story line. THORNS OF BLOOD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Giovanni and Liana) using present day and memories from the past THORNS OF BLOOD focuses on the search and rescue of our story line heroine. Approximately eight years earlier, in an effort to save her twin sister Louisa, Liana Volkov sacrificed herself, and spent several years at the mercy of a violent man, and a woman only known as the Mistress. Fast forward to present day, Giovanni Agosti, having located the missing daughter of Emory and Killian ( RAVENOUS KINGPIN: Kingpins of the Syndicate 4), Giovanni Agosti takes off for places unknown where he will find our story line heroine. Forced into marriage with Giovanni to protect her life, Liana struggles with issues of trust, nightmares and the loss of a child that wasn’t her own. As Liana and Giovanni’s relationship develops, there is someone else taking aim at our story line heroine.
The world building is dark and gritty. Liana’s past is filled with torture and abuse, loss and abandonment, betrayal and intent. Giovanni Agosti knows the betrayal by family, and in this, the ultimate deception ends with a dramatic flourish.
The relationship between Giovanni and Liana begins acrimoniously in the wake of Giovanni’s ‘rescue’ and ‘abduction’ of our story line heroine. Liana has never known love, and the loss of everyone she has every loved is amplified when as Giovanni’s rescue hides a heartbreaking truth. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and familiar secondary and supporting characters from the author’s interconnected series and story lines. The duplicitousness of the family blood lines wreaks havoc for everyone involved.
THORNS OF BLOOD is a story of betrayal and vengeance, abuse and madness, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the characters are broken, tragic yet determined; the romance is unavoidable yet provocative and passionate.
copy supplied for review
July 29, 2025
Thorns of Blood is an emotional, dark, and hauntingly beautiful conclusion to the Volkov twins’ storyline, and it left me absolutely captivated from start to finish.
From the moment we met Liana/Louisa Volkov in Reign of a Billionaire, her mysterious and tragic past begged for more exploration. Here, Eva Winners delivers a raw and heartbreaking story of survival, resilience, and ultimately love—wrapped in betrayal, obsession, and revenge.
Liana’s trauma is gut-wrenching. Married off to a cruel man who stripped her of everything—her safety, her trust, and even her sense of self—she’s spent years clawing back pieces of her freedom while plotting revenge. Her only light in the darkness was her adoptive daughter, and losing her nearly broke her completely. That pain shapes every choice she makes, every wall she builds.
Then comes Giovanni Agosti, a man as dangerous as he is magnetic. Their connection sparked years earlier under impossible circumstances, and when fate collides again—via a kidnapping of all things—it ignites into something both destructive and healing. Giovanni is ruthless and commanding, yet he sees Liana’s strength, her pain, and her worth. Their forced marriage arrangement becomes the start of something deeper, with Giovanni teaching Liana not just how to reclaim basic pieces of her stolen life—like dancing, driving, and swimming—but how to trust, hope, and love again. Those scenes were unexpectedly tender, and they hit harder knowing how much she’d been denied in her past.
The romance is passionate, messy, and intensely emotional. Giovanni’s obsession balances perfectly with Liana’s fierce independence and lingering scars. Watching her transform from someone consumed by pain into a woman rediscovering her dreams was easily one of my favorite aspects of the entire Thorns of Omertà series.
The Volkov twins’ story has always been one of tragedy, resilience, and sisterhood, and this book tied it together beautifully. Liana’s past is brutal—arguably even darker than Louisa’s—but her strength and Giovanni’s steadfast determination to love and protect her made for an incredibly satisfying conclusion.
Heartbreaking, healing, and unforgettable, Thorns of Blood is a must-read for fans of dark romance with deep emotional stakes. It’s the perfect closure for the Volkov sisters, yet it leaves you craving more of this complex, dangerous world.
From the moment we met Liana/Louisa Volkov in Reign of a Billionaire, her mysterious and tragic past begged for more exploration. Here, Eva Winners delivers a raw and heartbreaking story of survival, resilience, and ultimately love—wrapped in betrayal, obsession, and revenge.
Liana’s trauma is gut-wrenching. Married off to a cruel man who stripped her of everything—her safety, her trust, and even her sense of self—she’s spent years clawing back pieces of her freedom while plotting revenge. Her only light in the darkness was her adoptive daughter, and losing her nearly broke her completely. That pain shapes every choice she makes, every wall she builds.
Then comes Giovanni Agosti, a man as dangerous as he is magnetic. Their connection sparked years earlier under impossible circumstances, and when fate collides again—via a kidnapping of all things—it ignites into something both destructive and healing. Giovanni is ruthless and commanding, yet he sees Liana’s strength, her pain, and her worth. Their forced marriage arrangement becomes the start of something deeper, with Giovanni teaching Liana not just how to reclaim basic pieces of her stolen life—like dancing, driving, and swimming—but how to trust, hope, and love again. Those scenes were unexpectedly tender, and they hit harder knowing how much she’d been denied in her past.
The romance is passionate, messy, and intensely emotional. Giovanni’s obsession balances perfectly with Liana’s fierce independence and lingering scars. Watching her transform from someone consumed by pain into a woman rediscovering her dreams was easily one of my favorite aspects of the entire Thorns of Omertà series.
The Volkov twins’ story has always been one of tragedy, resilience, and sisterhood, and this book tied it together beautifully. Liana’s past is brutal—arguably even darker than Louisa’s—but her strength and Giovanni’s steadfast determination to love and protect her made for an incredibly satisfying conclusion.
Heartbreaking, healing, and unforgettable, Thorns of Blood is a must-read for fans of dark romance with deep emotional stakes. It’s the perfect closure for the Volkov sisters, yet it leaves you craving more of this complex, dangerous world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews