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Gangster Wants a Wife #1
Savage Favour
Never do a gangster a favour.
Funny business doing the right thing. Sometimes it can backfire, big time. Like when I rescue a girl from her kidnappers, only to find out she's the daughter of one of the largest crime bosses in the country. If you think doing a man like that a favour would work to my advantage… well. You’d be dead wrong.
Or maybe just dead.
Now I've made myself a target for every other upstart warlord and gang member in the country. I'm not against men fighting over me, per se, but I prefer it when they want to keep me alive to see the ending.
For my "safety," I'm now trapped inside the gangster's mansion, confined to a luxurious suite of rooms, and he insists I wear the exquisite clothing he lays out for me every morning.
The high-end labels.
The delicate scraps of lingerie.
The designer shoes.
The eye-wateringly expensive jewellery... Sorry, where was I going with this? Oh, yes.
He insists I wear everything he provides, obey his every command, or risk punishment.
All I desire is to return home and resume my lonely and monotonous existence. Instead, I'm trapped with a man I find it increasingly difficult to resist. The arrangement is meant to be for my protection, but right now…?
It feels like a predator has me right where he wants me.
This is a DARK/MAFIA romance and contains graphic violence, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your own discretion and check the warning in the preface of the book. Each book in this series is MF with an HEA and can be read as stand-alone but are even better if read in order.
Funny business doing the right thing. Sometimes it can backfire, big time. Like when I rescue a girl from her kidnappers, only to find out she's the daughter of one of the largest crime bosses in the country. If you think doing a man like that a favour would work to my advantage… well. You’d be dead wrong.
Or maybe just dead.
Now I've made myself a target for every other upstart warlord and gang member in the country. I'm not against men fighting over me, per se, but I prefer it when they want to keep me alive to see the ending.
For my "safety," I'm now trapped inside the gangster's mansion, confined to a luxurious suite of rooms, and he insists I wear the exquisite clothing he lays out for me every morning.
The high-end labels.
The delicate scraps of lingerie.
The designer shoes.
The eye-wateringly expensive jewellery... Sorry, where was I going with this? Oh, yes.
He insists I wear everything he provides, obey his every command, or risk punishment.
All I desire is to return home and resume my lonely and monotonous existence. Instead, I'm trapped with a man I find it increasingly difficult to resist. The arrangement is meant to be for my protection, but right now…?
It feels like a predator has me right where he wants me.
This is a DARK/MAFIA romance and contains graphic violence, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your own discretion and check the warning in the preface of the book. Each book in this series is MF with an HEA and can be read as stand-alone but are even better if read in order.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
675 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 6, 2024
Had to see if booktok was still bad.
Conclusion: it is.
Conclusion: it is.
November 25, 2023
DNF @ 48%/ 16 chapters
Sorry but the characters annoy me so much.
Sorry but the characters annoy me so much.
October 28, 2022
My first book by Layla Simon, 'Savage Favour' rang all the bells for me! The first in a new series, 'Gangster Wants a Wife,' the plot revolves around our heroine Isabelle and mafia boss Baxter. After pulling off a daring rescue, Isabelle encounters Baxter, who more or less entraps her in his house with demands for answers. Even though she has been a bit browbeaten by life, she stands her ground with the admittedly scary man; what follows is not your average love story.
This novel featured all my favourite tropes - dark mafia romance, suspense, and even a little dub-con. As stated above, this is not a traditional love story as the relationship between the protagonists occurs from forced proximity. It was also well-written, with flowing prose and a linear timeline.
There were a few instances where I felt some scenes could have been left out; however, this is more of a personal preference rather than any harsh criticisms of the plot.
'Savage Favour' is not meant for everyone, as triggers include domestic abuse, violence, and allusions to rape. It is definitely meant for persons aged 18 years and older as there are instances of profanity and strong sexual content.
If you are a lover of dark books, with an alpha and obsessive hero and a strong but relatable heroine, pick this one up!
*A great many thanks to BookSirens and Layla Simon for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
This novel featured all my favourite tropes - dark mafia romance, suspense, and even a little dub-con. As stated above, this is not a traditional love story as the relationship between the protagonists occurs from forced proximity. It was also well-written, with flowing prose and a linear timeline.
There were a few instances where I felt some scenes could have been left out; however, this is more of a personal preference rather than any harsh criticisms of the plot.
'Savage Favour' is not meant for everyone, as triggers include domestic abuse, violence, and allusions to rape. It is definitely meant for persons aged 18 years and older as there are instances of profanity and strong sexual content.
If you are a lover of dark books, with an alpha and obsessive hero and a strong but relatable heroine, pick this one up!
*A great many thanks to BookSirens and Layla Simon for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
June 26, 2023
confusing for me
not gonna lie, i was excited to read this book because i love romance with kids in the picture. unfortunately for me, isabelle barely tolerated sophia so i was deprived from cute moments.
anyway that one wasn’t anything important. this book was enjoyable enough. it’s just that i didn’t understand baxter’s and isabelle’s relationship. for starters, i didn’t understand why isabelle trusted baxter so easily—he literally confined you? she jumped into his bed so quickly and with absolutely no reservations at all. this isn’t me shaming her either, it’s me wondering if she had any survival skills.
i feel the same way with baxter too, i didn’t get why he trusted her so easily. you’re literally a part of a mafia, brother. hello? bottom line, i just didn’t find these two’s relationship progression all that believable and that took me out of the experience.
not gonna lie, i was excited to read this book because i love romance with kids in the picture. unfortunately for me, isabelle barely tolerated sophia so i was deprived from cute moments.
anyway that one wasn’t anything important. this book was enjoyable enough. it’s just that i didn’t understand baxter’s and isabelle’s relationship. for starters, i didn’t understand why isabelle trusted baxter so easily—he literally confined you? she jumped into his bed so quickly and with absolutely no reservations at all. this isn’t me shaming her either, it’s me wondering if she had any survival skills.
i feel the same way with baxter too, i didn’t get why he trusted her so easily. you’re literally a part of a mafia, brother. hello? bottom line, i just didn’t find these two’s relationship progression all that believable and that took me out of the experience.
November 22, 2022
Really liked the h, level-headed, didn't act childish, her witty retorts were really funny and some cute.
The story was a little vague on the "mafia" aspects, focusing more on the romance and since the book happened in the span of a week the romance is insta love.
The story was a little vague on the "mafia" aspects, focusing more on the romance and since the book happened in the span of a week the romance is insta love.
April 21, 2024
BOOKTOK LIED AGAIN
November 1, 2022
I can't get enough of mafia romance ! My first book from Laly, I really enjoyed her writing. The story and the smut was really good ! I'll definitly read the next book in that series !
October 24, 2022
The heroine of the story Isabelle is quite a character. She is quick with a quip; her witty sarcasm seems to be her defense mechanism. She is also brave and protective. She has suffered a lot in her young life. Although it has had some damage to her self-esteem, she still gets up every morning and resolves to make it through the day. I really admired her for that.
The other main characters were well written and interesting. I liked the storyline. There was danger, death, manipulations, backstabbing and mafia ties. A good read. I do recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The other main characters were well written and interesting. I liked the storyline. There was danger, death, manipulations, backstabbing and mafia ties. A good read. I do recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2024
It was Ok
Several things literally just didn’t make sense. The kidnapping was pretty much just a meet cute design, not a good one either. Then that storyline just had little baring on the story. I mean they figure out the whole but never the why so it all felt very, very pointless.
Otherwise yeah, instant love and attraction. And nothing much of importance.
It wasn’t amazing I will forget it fast but decent break from reality 🤷♀️
Several things literally just didn’t make sense. The kidnapping was pretty much just a meet cute design, not a good one either. Then that storyline just had little baring on the story. I mean they figure out the whole but never the why so it all felt very, very pointless.
Otherwise yeah, instant love and attraction. And nothing much of importance.
It wasn’t amazing I will forget it fast but decent break from reality 🤷♀️
October 25, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
OMG! Wow what an absolutely amazing book, the story was written well, the author Laylah Simon really kept you on your toes with wondering why, and the characters were sensational. This story had alot of action, suspense, violence, murder, torture, abuse, trauma, blood, killings, kidnapping, enemies, anger, frustration, manipulation, memories, friendship, betrayal, lies, pain, sorrow, struggles, secrets, feelings, pleasure, happiness, lust, passion, romance, and maybe even love. Isabelle is getting sick and tired of doing the late closes, this very night that started her whirlwind of adrenalin and endorphins rush, Isabelle was doing her normal closing she turned off the lights then sprained her ankle so she had to sit down, someone opened the door and put something in the cleaners cupboard then went upstairs to her bosses office. Isabelle decided to go and have a look, shocked at the parcel she found she decided to take it out and back to where they belong, the parcel was a little girl she didn't know her address but showed where she lived on a map, they got to this gate and got someone's attention and went inside with her. Baxter is from a well known criminal family he was devastated his daughter was kidnapped, he is on the edge he will kill anyone who has had something to do with her kidnapping. Baxter was so thrilled looking at the monitor when someone was trying to get in with his precious little girl and decided to take Isabelle hostage until he found out if she had anything to do with her kidnapping. Baxter was really liking the idea of Isabelle living with her, they started getting closer with feelings for each other and then it was getting hotter and spicier. I loved this book and would recommend this book to anyone it really was worth reading.
OMG! Wow what an absolutely amazing book, the story was written well, the author Laylah Simon really kept you on your toes with wondering why, and the characters were sensational. This story had alot of action, suspense, violence, murder, torture, abuse, trauma, blood, killings, kidnapping, enemies, anger, frustration, manipulation, memories, friendship, betrayal, lies, pain, sorrow, struggles, secrets, feelings, pleasure, happiness, lust, passion, romance, and maybe even love. Isabelle is getting sick and tired of doing the late closes, this very night that started her whirlwind of adrenalin and endorphins rush, Isabelle was doing her normal closing she turned off the lights then sprained her ankle so she had to sit down, someone opened the door and put something in the cleaners cupboard then went upstairs to her bosses office. Isabelle decided to go and have a look, shocked at the parcel she found she decided to take it out and back to where they belong, the parcel was a little girl she didn't know her address but showed where she lived on a map, they got to this gate and got someone's attention and went inside with her. Baxter is from a well known criminal family he was devastated his daughter was kidnapped, he is on the edge he will kill anyone who has had something to do with her kidnapping. Baxter was so thrilled looking at the monitor when someone was trying to get in with his precious little girl and decided to take Isabelle hostage until he found out if she had anything to do with her kidnapping. Baxter was really liking the idea of Isabelle living with her, they started getting closer with feelings for each other and then it was getting hotter and spicier. I loved this book and would recommend this book to anyone it really was worth reading.
January 22, 2024
I hated it so much that it was entertaining and that’s why I gave it 1.5/5⭐️
BookTok recommendation gone wrong! Once again… Surprise, surprise
❌SPOILER ALERT❌
Let me just start off by saying that everything important (plotwise) in this book (meaning 92% of it) happens within the span of a week.
-2 days in he wants her so much because??? Idk, no one knows why because it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. There’s no chemistry between them at all.
-3 days in she’s “submitting” to him and already talking relationship. Completely normal, yeah…
-4 days in he starts trying to get her pregnant… because he oh so lost control and forgot to wrap it up🙄 and the way he asked her for @nal seemed kind of manipulative to me, gave her two options neither of which was a no and after giving her an org@sm he was all like “oh but you know you can always say no”
-5 days in… I won’t even comment on what he does while she’s asleep… oh and let’s not forget picking up a ring and talking marriage because it’s TOTALLY normal to propose after 5 days…
It’s like there was some plot in the beginning but when they started getting intimate it was quickly put aside until the very end just because.
There were also mentions of BDSM in tw/cw and we see some¿ elements of it, but it was so poorly done… The first time they even do something he tells her he’ll punish her if she’s disobedient. Gives her a trial run of the punishment (spanking if you’re wondering) and then does it again a few hours later just because. Tells her about a safe word. Her safe word is “no”… Yeah… I couldn’t believe it either.
I cringed when he joked about chaining her to his bed while his ex wife, bodyguard and let’s not forget about his 6 year old DAUGHTER were just sitting there.
I just want to take back those two hours I wasted on this.
BookTok recommendation gone wrong! Once again… Surprise, surprise
❌SPOILER ALERT❌
Let me just start off by saying that everything important (plotwise) in this book (meaning 92% of it) happens within the span of a week.
-2 days in he wants her so much because??? Idk, no one knows why because it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. There’s no chemistry between them at all.
-3 days in she’s “submitting” to him and already talking relationship. Completely normal, yeah…
-4 days in he starts trying to get her pregnant… because he oh so lost control and forgot to wrap it up🙄 and the way he asked her for @nal seemed kind of manipulative to me, gave her two options neither of which was a no and after giving her an org@sm he was all like “oh but you know you can always say no”
-5 days in… I won’t even comment on what he does while she’s asleep… oh and let’s not forget picking up a ring and talking marriage because it’s TOTALLY normal to propose after 5 days…
It’s like there was some plot in the beginning but when they started getting intimate it was quickly put aside until the very end just because.
There were also mentions of BDSM in tw/cw and we see some¿ elements of it, but it was so poorly done… The first time they even do something he tells her he’ll punish her if she’s disobedient. Gives her a trial run of the punishment (spanking if you’re wondering) and then does it again a few hours later just because. Tells her about a safe word. Her safe word is “no”… Yeah… I couldn’t believe it either.
I cringed when he joked about chaining her to his bed while his ex wife, bodyguard and let’s not forget about his 6 year old DAUGHTER were just sitting there.
I just want to take back those two hours I wasted on this.
April 21, 2024
I totally forgot about Layla Simon until I stumbled across this book while browing KU. Unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite but I see she's released several books since I last read her and I'm excited to dive into the others.
Don't get me wrong. This one isn't bad,it's totally fine. It just didn't hit the sweet spot for me. This author still gives off those Sam Mariano vibes for me which is the appeal for me with her writing. The banter between her hero and heroine is so remininiscent of Sam's banter it's very cute. There's not noncon/dubcon in this one which actually surprised me a bit. It's been present in all the other Layla Simon books I've read. I think one of the things that was missing here was that bit of bite.
There is an OW here who was terribly obnoxious. She needled the heroine quite a bit in her scenes. Luckily she's only present briefly on page but she left a lasting memory that was offputting. What is it with OW that get jealous after they've thrown their toys away. You didn't want it anymore move on already and let someone else who appreciates it more play with it.
While this one did end up missing the mark for me I enjoyed it generally and it was overall a decent read. I'm definitely reading the next book in the series and the other Layla Simon books I missed in between.
Medium burn, things get spicy right near 52%.
No virgins
H didn't give manwhore vibes
spanking
No real push away from either
Some OW drama
No OM drama
No cheating
No separation or 3rd act breakups
HEA
Safety - the OW here is extra obnoxious, she definitely wants h jealous and it sorta works but also not to the extent OW would like. The H is completely over OW so it's a nonissue.
Don't get me wrong. This one isn't bad,it's totally fine. It just didn't hit the sweet spot for me. This author still gives off those Sam Mariano vibes for me which is the appeal for me with her writing. The banter between her hero and heroine is so remininiscent of Sam's banter it's very cute. There's not noncon/dubcon in this one which actually surprised me a bit. It's been present in all the other Layla Simon books I've read. I think one of the things that was missing here was that bit of bite.
There is an OW here who was terribly obnoxious. She needled the heroine quite a bit in her scenes. Luckily she's only present briefly on page but she left a lasting memory that was offputting. What is it with OW that get jealous after they've thrown their toys away. You didn't want it anymore move on already and let someone else who appreciates it more play with it.
While this one did end up missing the mark for me I enjoyed it generally and it was overall a decent read. I'm definitely reading the next book in the series and the other Layla Simon books I missed in between.
Medium burn, things get spicy right near 52%.
No virgins
H didn't give manwhore vibes
spanking
No real push away from either
Some OW drama
No OM drama
No cheating
No separation or 3rd act breakups
HEA
Safety - the OW here is extra obnoxious, she definitely wants h jealous and it sorta works but also not to the extent OW would like. The H is completely over OW so it's a nonissue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
I swear, god is punishing me every time that I stray from ao3 to read a “real” book.
What. The. Fuck. I don’t have many books that I dnf, but this one deserves it. I mean, is this the first week on earth for the characters? Literally what are they doing? At the very beginning, after the kidnapping fiasco, our girlypop almost faints (but does not, as our Baxter Balbanov carries with him a cloth with foul-smelling chemical, at all times), begins to feel scared, then not, goes to shower where she has violent flashbacks (of her amazing skating skills), literally fights there with ghosts, then is amazed by a hairdryer, goes to dinner (spoiler: there was no dinner), gets spooked, then drinks like four fingers of scotch in half a minute, stops being spooked, has violent multisensory flashbacks where she flops like a fish out of water, the ML pins her to the floor, she screams bloody murder, then they stand up, she has another flashback after which she realizes that she hugs him, and he hugs her????? Patting her back???? Whispering to her????????? And she likes it because he smells like alcohol and “grownup scent”. 😭 It all happened in like an hour, tops, as well.
I’m not even sure what the author was trying to portray here. Shock? PTSD? What happens in the immediate hours after something traumatic? imo it all feels very imaginative and lacks proper research. I did actually want to scream when I read “Tetris”. It kinda feels like the research was done on random TikTok posts.
I don’t even want to comment on anything else as I’ll just start to quote the rest of the book. Just, please, whoever’s reading this, go on ao3 and find yourself something, and I assure you that it would be a lot better than anything booktok recommends.
What. The. Fuck. I don’t have many books that I dnf, but this one deserves it. I mean, is this the first week on earth for the characters? Literally what are they doing? At the very beginning, after the kidnapping fiasco, our girlypop almost faints (but does not, as our Baxter Balbanov carries with him a cloth with foul-smelling chemical, at all times), begins to feel scared, then not, goes to shower where she has violent flashbacks (of her amazing skating skills), literally fights there with ghosts, then is amazed by a hairdryer, goes to dinner (spoiler: there was no dinner), gets spooked, then drinks like four fingers of scotch in half a minute, stops being spooked, has violent multisensory flashbacks where she flops like a fish out of water, the ML pins her to the floor, she screams bloody murder, then they stand up, she has another flashback after which she realizes that she hugs him, and he hugs her????? Patting her back???? Whispering to her????????? And she likes it because he smells like alcohol and “grownup scent”. 😭 It all happened in like an hour, tops, as well.
I’m not even sure what the author was trying to portray here. Shock? PTSD? What happens in the immediate hours after something traumatic? imo it all feels very imaginative and lacks proper research. I did actually want to scream when I read “Tetris”. It kinda feels like the research was done on random TikTok posts.
I don’t even want to comment on anything else as I’ll just start to quote the rest of the book. Just, please, whoever’s reading this, go on ao3 and find yourself something, and I assure you that it would be a lot better than anything booktok recommends.
December 6, 2023
3.75 stars
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Dark Mafia, Forced Proximity
Gangster Wants a Wife series Book 1
*over 18 readers only*
Trigger warnings
Money laundering
Kidnapping
Torture
Violence on females
Drugging
Tracking device
BD SM
Spanking
Violence on mfc
Isabelle (29, mfc)
Baxter Balabanov (34, mmc)
Sophia (child of mmc)
Yuri (bodyguard)
Meri (sister of mmc)
Isabelle was almost out of the building when she rolled her ankle. That cost her not just in injury, but time. While waiting to catch her breath, she hears two men talking about a *her* that needs dealing with. She can't in good conscience leave behind a woman needing help. But it wasn't a woman; it was a small child. Saving this child will change her life forever. Now, one of the heads of The Syndicate is keeping her "safe" by keeping her locked up at his house. When she's attacked anyway, will he come find her, or think she left him? Will she ever be safe again?
I enjoyed the style of writing. It's a bit different, not American, so some things are different. I thought at first Australia, but one sentence in the book proved that wrong. Maybe New Zealand? I'm still not sure. The author didn't get into the nitty-gritty of what the mafia actually does in this one. Nor does the author explain the structure (to my understanding) of the mafia/syndicate. There is no shyness about anal, dynamic of submissive, or torture. Overall, the book was good.
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Dark Mafia, Forced Proximity
Gangster Wants a Wife series Book 1
*over 18 readers only*
Trigger warnings
Money laundering
Kidnapping
Torture
Violence on females
Drugging
Tracking device
BD SM
Spanking
Violence on mfc
Isabelle (29, mfc)
Baxter Balabanov (34, mmc)
Sophia (child of mmc)
Yuri (bodyguard)
Meri (sister of mmc)
Isabelle was almost out of the building when she rolled her ankle. That cost her not just in injury, but time. While waiting to catch her breath, she hears two men talking about a *her* that needs dealing with. She can't in good conscience leave behind a woman needing help. But it wasn't a woman; it was a small child. Saving this child will change her life forever. Now, one of the heads of The Syndicate is keeping her "safe" by keeping her locked up at his house. When she's attacked anyway, will he come find her, or think she left him? Will she ever be safe again?
I enjoyed the style of writing. It's a bit different, not American, so some things are different. I thought at first Australia, but one sentence in the book proved that wrong. Maybe New Zealand? I'm still not sure. The author didn't get into the nitty-gritty of what the mafia actually does in this one. Nor does the author explain the structure (to my understanding) of the mafia/syndicate. There is no shyness about anal, dynamic of submissive, or torture. Overall, the book was good.
September 18, 2023
Boring. Got to 25% and gave up. Might try to pick it up again later but probably not. Second book by this author, the first was Time Out, whuch I read yesterday. Some parts of it were 3 star but much of it not and not enough of those parts for an overall rating more than 2 stars. A lot of it was also unbelievable, even for fiction.
What I read here had the same problem, the heroine able to fight off the huge bad guy mafia man who didn't have a gun? Reslly. While the second bad guy just stood beside them watching? Again, really. All very unlikely. With plot problems like these I got a feeling of immaturity to the author's crafting of her stories.
The writing itself isn't bad, a few missing words and wrong words. It is lacking important detail making it difficult to envisage even the main characters. it just isn't enough to say, he had dark hair, a beard, amber eyes and was almost as big as his bodyguard. But the writing is still okay. It's that this author's writing and stories don't have the depth I prefer.
Everything was just too quick, too superficial. After taking a peak at the her author page and seeing most of her books are Highscool bully stories, which really isn't my thing, it reinforced my thoughts on the immaturity of the story crafting. And this one was just too boring. So 1 star.
.
What I read here had the same problem, the heroine able to fight off the huge bad guy mafia man who didn't have a gun? Reslly. While the second bad guy just stood beside them watching? Again, really. All very unlikely. With plot problems like these I got a feeling of immaturity to the author's crafting of her stories.
The writing itself isn't bad, a few missing words and wrong words. It is lacking important detail making it difficult to envisage even the main characters. it just isn't enough to say, he had dark hair, a beard, amber eyes and was almost as big as his bodyguard. But the writing is still okay. It's that this author's writing and stories don't have the depth I prefer.
Everything was just too quick, too superficial. After taking a peak at the her author page and seeing most of her books are Highscool bully stories, which really isn't my thing, it reinforced my thoughts on the immaturity of the story crafting. And this one was just too boring. So 1 star.
.
October 11, 2024
Isabelle works in a ring. One night she was closing and a man and her boss bring in a little girl that they kidnapped. She rescues the girl, killing a man with a skate in the process.
Then she went to deliver the little girl to her father’s house. Is so happens her father - Baxter - is the head of a branch of the mafia.
What will happen when you appear in the middle of the night at the gate of a mafia don? Well, if you want to know, you have to go and read the book.
But you sure will have a gun pointing at your head. 😂
As always I’m gonna be completely honest, this book, or rather, the events of this book happen in six days.
So in six days, Baxter found his daughter’s kidnappers, killed them and had his happy ending. That’s a really fast occurrence of events…
The book is a little weird to be honest. I liked the plot! The kidnapping wasn’t of the FMC, as usual in other mafia books, and it happed in the beginning of the story. So I thought: “what could possibly happen next? What could possible be the plot twist at the end?” Well… you have to read to found out 😉
Usually a can do insta love and insta lust, but there was something off about this two. I think it was the execution of the book. Having the whole book happed in six days, did some damage… their chemistry was seriously lacking. the book needed a rewriting in my opinion.
But still I enjoyed it.
Happy Readings 🤍
Then she went to deliver the little girl to her father’s house. Is so happens her father - Baxter - is the head of a branch of the mafia.
What will happen when you appear in the middle of the night at the gate of a mafia don? Well, if you want to know, you have to go and read the book.
But you sure will have a gun pointing at your head. 😂
As always I’m gonna be completely honest, this book, or rather, the events of this book happen in six days.
So in six days, Baxter found his daughter’s kidnappers, killed them and had his happy ending. That’s a really fast occurrence of events…
The book is a little weird to be honest. I liked the plot! The kidnapping wasn’t of the FMC, as usual in other mafia books, and it happed in the beginning of the story. So I thought: “what could possibly happen next? What could possible be the plot twist at the end?” Well… you have to read to found out 😉
Usually a can do insta love and insta lust, but there was something off about this two. I think it was the execution of the book. Having the whole book happed in six days, did some damage… their chemistry was seriously lacking. the book needed a rewriting in my opinion.
But still I enjoyed it.
Happy Readings 🤍
June 22, 2025
Dnf
Ok 4th or 5th book from this author & this is first one that I'm DNFing.
Odd that her academy books that feature 18 year olds are written better than this one. .
Huge eye roll when around page 130ish the FMC asks some obnoxiously dangerous questions at dinner infront of a bunch guests that she's net like twice before. So insensitive & stupid that the questions p*ss off everyone in the room & they leave..
This is all done infront of the MMC that the FMC is all scared of.
Which then immediately jumps to him wanting to "punish her" for not stopping the rude questions when he told her too.
Mind you she's all scared of him & now he's using masking tape to bind her hands behind her back for this "punishment" she's all worried about .
His inner monologue she's a perfect sub (eye roll) like no she's not. She's chafing at being held prisoner there (the MMC lied to keep her trying to escape). She's been on her own & independent but now she'sike "okay" after the MMC tells her to let him dress her everyday & lick out her wardrobe.
Side not the FMC is just blah. Yeah she says things to be funny but she's just an emotionless character. Nothing interesting about her at all
Ok 4th or 5th book from this author & this is first one that I'm DNFing.
Odd that her academy books that feature 18 year olds are written better than this one. .
Huge eye roll when around page 130ish the FMC asks some obnoxiously dangerous questions at dinner infront of a bunch guests that she's net like twice before. So insensitive & stupid that the questions p*ss off everyone in the room & they leave..
This is all done infront of the MMC that the FMC is all scared of.
Which then immediately jumps to him wanting to "punish her" for not stopping the rude questions when he told her too.
Mind you she's all scared of him & now he's using masking tape to bind her hands behind her back for this "punishment" she's all worried about .
His inner monologue she's a perfect sub (eye roll) like no she's not. She's chafing at being held prisoner there (the MMC lied to keep her trying to escape). She's been on her own & independent but now she'sike "okay" after the MMC tells her to let him dress her everyday & lick out her wardrobe.
Side not the FMC is just blah. Yeah she says things to be funny but she's just an emotionless character. Nothing interesting about her at all
March 1, 2023
All the stars for the writing alone…
This was my first book by this author and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
As far as mafia romances go, it was rather typical. However the aspect that makes it EXTRAORDINARY (for me at least) is the writing. Layla’s writing is super witty, charming and sometimes downright funny.
The writing being great takes a story we’ve all read before (you have if you’re a regular in the mafia romance world) and makes it super new and refreshing.
As for the characters, Baxter is the best daddy. I’m not kidding, like literally the best father to his little girl. Take a big, bad mafia man and make him a father to a little girl and it’s a wrap for ovaries everywhere.
As for Isabelle, I loved this chick. She’s just so relatable in that “meh, I’m so over this crap” kind of way. She’s not super pushy and her communication skills are probably second to no other female character I’ve read.
Overall really enjoyed this…onto the next.
P.S. I just found this line REALLY REALLY funny
[“No.” I mock slap him, then fold my arms so I can’t do it again, just in case one of these days he play-hits me back and I die.]
This was my first book by this author and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
As far as mafia romances go, it was rather typical. However the aspect that makes it EXTRAORDINARY (for me at least) is the writing. Layla’s writing is super witty, charming and sometimes downright funny.
The writing being great takes a story we’ve all read before (you have if you’re a regular in the mafia romance world) and makes it super new and refreshing.
As for the characters, Baxter is the best daddy. I’m not kidding, like literally the best father to his little girl. Take a big, bad mafia man and make him a father to a little girl and it’s a wrap for ovaries everywhere.
As for Isabelle, I loved this chick. She’s just so relatable in that “meh, I’m so over this crap” kind of way. She’s not super pushy and her communication skills are probably second to no other female character I’ve read.
Overall really enjoyed this…onto the next.
P.S. I just found this line REALLY REALLY funny
[“No.” I mock slap him, then fold my arms so I can’t do it again, just in case one of these days he play-hits me back and I die.]
November 12, 2022
Right place at the right time or wrong place at the right time? Isabelle works at an ice-skating rink for Sergio (who doesn’t do things legally). Isabelle looks the other way as she needs this job to live. When Sergio comes in one night unbeknownst to him that Isabelle is still there, they have a 5 year old girl with them. Isabelle saves the girl and returns her to her home, only to find out her father is a mafia boss. Baxter is somewhat dangerous, mysterious and has gone just a little soft since becoming a father. When his daughter is kidnapped, he about loses it. But when he sees Isabelle, he keeps her at the mansion to make sure she has no part in the kidnapping.
Drama, action, passion, violence, kidnappings, revenge, and plotting will keep your interest from the 1st page. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Drama, action, passion, violence, kidnappings, revenge, and plotting will keep your interest from the 1st page. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
I loved Isabelle from the very start. She is a hot mess, but content with herself. After getting a job at a skating rink, she immediately sees potential to upgrade it and bring in more revenue. That is until she finds out it is just a front for money laundering. She accepts that fact and the pay raise that goes with it and goes about her life until she finds a kidnapped little girl. From there, the story takes off and so does Isabelle's internal thoughts, good natured chatter to whoever is in her vicinity and her attitude. She is self reliant, knows what she wants and just keeps going. I loved her interactions with Yuri, which caused a lot of laugh out loud moments. The story was enjoyable with Baxter as the alpha male, a precocious little girl, and mafia dons fighting for honor, but it was Isabelle that made me want to keep reading.
December 11, 2022
My ARC Review for Savage Favour-Gangster wants a wife series book 1 by Layla Simon.
Out on the 24th October.
This is unlike any other story I've ever read. Before I read mafia romance, the trope was completely different. Balabanov, the head of the syndicate, is a single parent; Isabelle goes through a terrible ordeal to bring his daughter back to him, unaware of whom the daughter's real father is. Things continue to grow wilder after being returned. Isabelle is now under his protection and must come to terms with it while adjusting to her new surroundings...
What an amazing book! The plot and climax were exciting. With violence and action, I couldn't put it down.
Layla takes us into her mafia world and I didn't want to leave, I love Balabanov he stole my heart.
If you enjoy dark mafia romance, you should definitely give this a shot. It was a five star.
Out on the 24th October.
This is unlike any other story I've ever read. Before I read mafia romance, the trope was completely different. Balabanov, the head of the syndicate, is a single parent; Isabelle goes through a terrible ordeal to bring his daughter back to him, unaware of whom the daughter's real father is. Things continue to grow wilder after being returned. Isabelle is now under his protection and must come to terms with it while adjusting to her new surroundings...
What an amazing book! The plot and climax were exciting. With violence and action, I couldn't put it down.
Layla takes us into her mafia world and I didn't want to leave, I love Balabanov he stole my heart.
If you enjoy dark mafia romance, you should definitely give this a shot. It was a five star.
July 4, 2023
Baxter and Isabella!
Not a bad story,Baxter was like a prince on a mission when he met Isabella,it just seem that everything click with them.Isabella went from a broken skater to a cherished wife,a stepmother to a little fairy princesses and to a little duke.When Sofia was kidnapped it changed Isabella's life,she was there when the kidnappers brought her end and she was able to get her back to Baxter's and then he realized she was telling the truth and she had nothing to hide but Baxter wouldn't let Isabella leave,either would Sophia, the house staff and even the guards love her except for Baxter's sister and his ex.Isabella almost loses her life again but Baxter was able to get her back and finally put the pieces together over his daughters kidnapping and then find the happiness her and his little family.
Not a bad story,Baxter was like a prince on a mission when he met Isabella,it just seem that everything click with them.Isabella went from a broken skater to a cherished wife,a stepmother to a little fairy princesses and to a little duke.When Sofia was kidnapped it changed Isabella's life,she was there when the kidnappers brought her end and she was able to get her back to Baxter's and then he realized she was telling the truth and she had nothing to hide but Baxter wouldn't let Isabella leave,either would Sophia, the house staff and even the guards love her except for Baxter's sister and his ex.Isabella almost loses her life again but Baxter was able to get her back and finally put the pieces together over his daughters kidnapping and then find the happiness her and his little family.
June 21, 2025
There were a lot of things that made me disconnect from the story. Overall it seemed like there were a lot of loose ends that never resolved. You’re telling me he leaves her alone for 15 mins at a party where she is beaten, SAd, and kidnapped? He should have been more careful since his daughter was JUST kidnapped a week ago. He should have killed that guy with or without permission but he couldn’t?! You’re a monster, break the fucking rules!
Also, the FMC saved the little girl but did she even like her? She seemed to barely tolerate her. I didn’t like that she resembled his ex or that his sister was allowed to be a bitch to her with no proof. That “proposal” was trash. Both times. The issue with the ex never resolved either. She just miraculously was ok after her biological daughter called the FMC mom. Lastly, breeding kinks can be hot but this wasn’t.
Also, the FMC saved the little girl but did she even like her? She seemed to barely tolerate her. I didn’t like that she resembled his ex or that his sister was allowed to be a bitch to her with no proof. That “proposal” was trash. Both times. The issue with the ex never resolved either. She just miraculously was ok after her biological daughter called the FMC mom. Lastly, breeding kinks can be hot but this wasn’t.
October 25, 2022
This is the first book I am reading by this author and I really enjoyed this story. The plot was captivating and beautifully written. It was well written , captivating and kept me hooked with the action , suspense, twists and turns that kept me on the edge guessing. It was definitely not one of those reads that’s predictable. The characters were well written. Both Isabella and Baxter were likable characters. The story is in the dark side and has triggers so please read those before reading this book. This was my first time reading this author definitely won’t be the last. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.
October 31, 2022
Fantastic book. Baxter doesn’t know what hit him when Isabelle is brought into his life. He is a billionaire, in the mafia, has a five-year-old daughter, and an estate that would make any woman happy to live in. Troubling times for his five year old daughter, Sophia, are made better by Isabelle’s quick thinking. I think Baxter fell in love with Isabelle on first sight, because it only takes just a few days for him to realize he cannot live without her. A very dramatic mafia romance that turns into the most heavenly happily ever after ending. I positively loved it. I want to read more in this series. Great.
November 4, 2022
★ “This isn’t fair. I did something good. I did you a favour.”★
—>>> Even this head of a crime syndicate finds Isabelle irresistible, and what she does not know is that he is not going to let her go. “She was born to be a sub. Her accession to my demands is all the sweeter because half her nature is built to rebel. I don’t understand how she’s gone this long with no other man claiming her.” This mafia romance had a lot going on; it ran the gamut between serious issues and lighthearted willfulness in the way Isabelle ran her mouth with questions to Baxter and Yuri/Brick Wall. Well-written, great first read from this author!
—>>> Even this head of a crime syndicate finds Isabelle irresistible, and what she does not know is that he is not going to let her go. “She was born to be a sub. Her accession to my demands is all the sweeter because half her nature is built to rebel. I don’t understand how she’s gone this long with no other man claiming her.” This mafia romance had a lot going on; it ran the gamut between serious issues and lighthearted willfulness in the way Isabelle ran her mouth with questions to Baxter and Yuri/Brick Wall. Well-written, great first read from this author!
November 3, 2022
I am shocked that this is the author's second book. The writing style and story development are outstanding, and I am impressed. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I intend to go back and read the first one now.
Baxter and Isabelle have an explosive meeting when Isabelle is a hero for Baxter's daughter Sophia. The sparks fly from there; Isabella shows that she is not a pushover, and Baxter shows that he has a soft side while still being an alpha. I love the pacing, the spice and the character development. Great new author and I am looking forward to many new books.
Baxter and Isabelle have an explosive meeting when Isabelle is a hero for Baxter's daughter Sophia. The sparks fly from there; Isabella shows that she is not a pushover, and Baxter shows that he has a soft side while still being an alpha. I love the pacing, the spice and the character development. Great new author and I am looking forward to many new books.
November 18, 2023
strange mafia book
For a mafia book this was pretty light. Like one violent scene. So like a rom com more but I do like the darker stuff so this was really tame for me. There was a few things that were not clarified like how did she pull off the driving maneuver in the beginning?? Also I thought the book was going to be more about the daughter but she was in like 5 scenes. The other thing the bio mother she came in so randomly and left just as fast like no reason why she was there and then just poofed.
For a mafia book this was pretty light. Like one violent scene. So like a rom com more but I do like the darker stuff so this was really tame for me. There was a few things that were not clarified like how did she pull off the driving maneuver in the beginning?? Also I thought the book was going to be more about the daughter but she was in like 5 scenes. The other thing the bio mother she came in so randomly and left just as fast like no reason why she was there and then just poofed.
August 31, 2025
I liked the start of the book with very many things happening like Isabelle saving Sofia from her abductors and Baxter having trust issues with her since he thought she was in on it. Later in the book was also not that bad since Isabelle was violated by Andrej. But the book didn’t have the out come I would of liked, don’t misunderstand me I am happy that Isabelle and Baxter got together, but I would wish Baxter somehow found a way around her injury so she could compete in ica skating again. 3 ⭐️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
I’ve had the privilege to be an ARC reader for Savage Favour by Layla Simon. I am so excited for others to read this story of hope even in the darkest of times!!! This book was riveting, hilarious, and tantalizing!! There is so much action, romance, drama that the term ‘being at the edge of your seat’ doesn’t even come close!! I look forward to seeing more from author Layla Simon. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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