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Broken Crown
“She needs someone to remind her that she gets to be a woman and a ruler. She gets to have joy and power. Love and strength.”
Mari Marcosa may be head of her family’s mafia empire, but the new enemy hiding in the shadows is determined to destroy her—piece by piece.
She has no idea who she can trust.
Until three men become the very foundation of her survival.
Greyson: Her best friend, her second-in-command, her savior. The one she always needed but couldn’t have.
Dominic: Her new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He brings out a gentle side in Mari she doesn’t know if she can afford.
Nate: Her good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—she can’t let herself forget that. But resisting him isn’t an option.
These men will burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
But that may not be enough.
•••
Author’s Broken Crown is a "Why Choose?" romance with violence, dark themes, and ruthlessly possessive—and protective—men.
Mari Marcosa may be head of her family’s mafia empire, but the new enemy hiding in the shadows is determined to destroy her—piece by piece.
She has no idea who she can trust.
Until three men become the very foundation of her survival.
Greyson: Her best friend, her second-in-command, her savior. The one she always needed but couldn’t have.
Dominic: Her new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He brings out a gentle side in Mari she doesn’t know if she can afford.
Nate: Her good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—she can’t let herself forget that. But resisting him isn’t an option.
These men will burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
But that may not be enough.
•••
Author’s Broken Crown is a "Why Choose?" romance with violence, dark themes, and ruthlessly possessive—and protective—men.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2024
774 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
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July 9, 2024DNF 8%.
Probably my mood!
Probably my mood!
January 1, 2026
This is a new author to me, so I am pleased to say that I did feel in tune with the writing and the story itself has been well crafted so far. I love a good mafia romance, so I was naturally looking forward to Mari's journey as she navigates the dangerous world she has inherited.
Mari is a strong FMC and I would not expect anything less from a woman, who holds the reins of a Mafia empire. At the same time she does possess vulnerability and femininity, her understanding and compassionate nature make her an easy leader to follow, but when her family is in danger she is fierce and unyielding. The are three potential love interests here, two of whom she has known since a child. I love Greyson, friend, bodyguard - loyal without a doubt. Dominic's return in her life is unexpected, but who knows how things would develop. Now, Nate is a mystery so far and as it appears he has quite a few secrets that he keeps close to his chest. In terms of romance, this first book focuses on Greyson and Mari as it has been long time coming for them. That type of connection is difficult to compete with, so I am not sure how the other two would fit into it all.
The story does remind me of other mafia books I have read, but I have to say that I am intrigued with the looming danger that the Aces pose and Cash... an old acquaintance of the family - what is his plan, how long has he been planning this and is he in fact the mastermind behind the attacks or is there a much more ruthless player? I am intrigued enough to see how this all plays out, so off to the next book.
Mari is a strong FMC and I would not expect anything less from a woman, who holds the reins of a Mafia empire. At the same time she does possess vulnerability and femininity, her understanding and compassionate nature make her an easy leader to follow, but when her family is in danger she is fierce and unyielding. The are three potential love interests here, two of whom she has known since a child. I love Greyson, friend, bodyguard - loyal without a doubt. Dominic's return in her life is unexpected, but who knows how things would develop. Now, Nate is a mystery so far and as it appears he has quite a few secrets that he keeps close to his chest. In terms of romance, this first book focuses on Greyson and Mari as it has been long time coming for them. That type of connection is difficult to compete with, so I am not sure how the other two would fit into it all.
The story does remind me of other mafia books I have read, but I have to say that I am intrigued with the looming danger that the Aces pose and Cash... an old acquaintance of the family - what is his plan, how long has he been planning this and is he in fact the mastermind behind the attacks or is there a much more ruthless player? I am intrigued enough to see how this all plays out, so off to the next book.
May 17, 2024
Cliffhanger! This was a different book for me. While it was good I can only give 3 stars because of the cliffhanger. This was not in the description and I hate these types of books.
November 6, 2025
I would give this story 4 and 1/2 stars if Goodreads would let me. Great story and captivating characters that pulled me in and had me hooked from Chapter 1. MJ is a new to me author. This does end in a cliffhanger, so im definitely going to have to read or listen to book 2.
Dual narration by Maxine Mitchell, Sean Masters, Thor Thom, and Michael Gallagher was really good. With this many narrators, though, duet would have made it a 5 star listen.
Dual narration by Maxine Mitchell, Sean Masters, Thor Thom, and Michael Gallagher was really good. With this many narrators, though, duet would have made it a 5 star listen.
April 24, 2024
This is the first book in a new series by MJ Crouch (Janie Crouch). This is a reverse harem, mafia, dark romance series. This book does end on a cliff hanger so be prepared for that. If you don’t like cliff hangers you may just want to wait till the whole series is out. Mari is the head of all of Seattle. She has loved her right-hand man, Greyson forever but they have never tried to be together. She grew up being groomed to be a mafia wife but when her twin brother died, she shifted to being groomed to take over. Then when her father died, she did take over. Now she finds herself dealing with the loss of her cousin, her heir. When a man, Dominic she never thought she would see again comes back offering himself to her in more than one way she is taken off guard. Then there is Nate, her good Samaritan. While out for a drive she meets Nate when he stops to help her with a flat and then an ambush. She finds herself wanting all three of these men. Each one reacts differently to her. When Dominic pushes Mari and Greyson together things turn out differently than he thought. Mari isn’t the same girl he remembers. He is having trouble merging the two. Maybe he doesn’t have a place in her life in that way. Nate wants Mari but is keeping his distance in a romantic way because of his own issues. Things are coming to head as a new player is moving in and causing all kinds of issues for not just Mari. Mari is his target but he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process. Will Mari and her men be able to figure out what is going on before it is too late? I love Mari. There are so many different sides to her. She is discovering another part of herself in this book. She doesn’t have to live by others standards. If she wants these men and they want her than that is all that matters. Who cares what others think. She is the head of Seattle. Dominic is torn by his feelings for Mari. He will need to decide if he can love Mari as she is now or mourn the girl who knew her as. Nate must decide if he wants to take a chance with Mari. They could help each other more than they know. I love this book right from the start. I couldn’t put it down but I didn’t want it to end either. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Mari and her men are going to do whatever it takes. Fantastic job MJ Crouch.
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January 13, 2025Ok I'm not gonna rate this one because I didn't get all that far into it but I am going to DNF it. The reason is that I am someone who is from Washington State and lives in Puget Sound and this book is set in Seattle but it's written by someone that really doesn't get the culture here and knows the vibe so it just feels really off to me. This felt Italian mafia east coasty and Seattle was just subbed in as a location that wasn't New York or Boston. Now if you made it a tech bro hacker mafia that probably would have fit better.
September 8, 2024
The first book in the Gilded Empire series and, if you’re not a fan of cliffhangers then I’d add Broken Crown to your TBR and wait a couple of months for the full series to release because this book ends on a doozy! It’s a reverse harem, dark mafia romance with a badass heroine in Mari Marcosa, a girl raised to be a mafia wife, but a woman fated to be the ultimate mafia queen of Seattle. As for the men in her life, well first there’s her right-hand man Greyson and probably the one person she trusts and can be herself with. There’s always been an unspoken frisson of something between them that neither had acted on, not willing to risk their friendship…. until now. Then there’s Dominic, her one-time stepbrother suddenly reappeared in her life, but he still sees her as she used to be before life experiences hardened her. And finally, there’s Nate, her good samaritan or is he? With someone intent on taking her throne, was his appearance a little too convenient. Each man is different but gives Mari something she needs. With a fast paced and action-packed plot, full of intrigue and suspense, building the tension right from the start, this was an awesome start to the series, and I can’t wait to read more but will everyone survive to fight another day!
April 19, 2024
She was born to be a mafia wife, until she was forced to be a mafia queen. So starts this new series.. Mari’s story is very different to the books I’ve read by this author. We meet Mari who has become a warrior queen who controls the Mafia in Seattle with her men in book 1. The men are all very different but equally important to her, though in very different ways. As the story progresses and the reader realises there is a new player in town and war is declared between families, the storyline picks up the pace and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. There is a cliffhanger ending to this book, leaving someone in danger..fortunately book 2 is out very soon keeping the excitement, action and intrigue building. So looking forward to the next book and learning more about each of the characters and how the dynamics between them all work out.
A well written and different genre for me but am happy to delve with anticipation into the next book. Definitely recommended
A well written and different genre for me but am happy to delve with anticipation into the next book. Definitely recommended
April 19, 2024
Oh! The angst! The drama! I feel like there’s almost nothing I can say about this book that won’t give away all kinds of spoilers, and this is a book that you have to experience for yourself. The chemistry between Mari and her guys crackles from the page. Made even more potent by the slow burn of the relationships. There are plenty of secrets and revelations, but I know there are even more to come. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
April 19, 2024
Wow!!
This is not at all what I expected. This story was one Wild exciting ride. I was totally hooked from the start.
Mari is a strong woman. She has to be to run the empire she does.
I was Marianna Marcosa, queen of the Marcosa empire.
Her men are all strong in different ways. They are different but the same. The ending was a cliffhanger but it’s not long until the next book thank goodness.
This is not at all what I expected. This story was one Wild exciting ride. I was totally hooked from the start.
Mari is a strong woman. She has to be to run the empire she does.
I was Marianna Marcosa, queen of the Marcosa empire.
Her men are all strong in different ways. They are different but the same. The ending was a cliffhanger but it’s not long until the next book thank goodness.
October 3, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this! Love it when the FMC is the head mafia chick. Get it girl 😅
September 28, 2025
A bit shorter than I’d have liked but great set up for the next book for sure.
April 19, 2024
Forced by circumstances into a life that she didn't want, Marianna Marcosa has become the head of the most powerful crime family in the city. In this environment, everything she does is scrutinized, marriages are made to create alliances and the relationships between the crime families of the city are rife with infighting and politicking. Within this treacherous world, happiness is not an option for Mari.
With the assassination of her cousin Rey, the balance of the underworld has been threatened. Mari is maintaining peace between the families and gangs through sheer force of will. At her side, her lieutenant Greyson is the only one she can fully trust. Grey and Mari love each other deeply but knowing that Mari will eventually need to marry to shore up alliances, they have denied themselves anything more than a close friendship. With chaos looming, a man from Mari's past returns home to help her, creating even more stress in her relationships. Dominic was her first in the most important ways - her first crush, her first lover and the first to leave her when his mother relocated to Chicago. He wants to recapture what they once shared but has trouble accepting the person Mari has had to become over the last decade as she stepped forward to lead the family. The sweet, soft 'Butterfly' he knew as a teen has been replaced with a strong and ruthless Mafiosa.
A third male character of note to enter the fray is Nate. When Mari is ambushed, Nate wades in as a good Samaritan and helps her to survive. Nate is a bit of a wild card. While he is attracted to Mari immediately, he won't allow himself to be close to her. When Mari's new nightclub opens, she is surprised to find Nate tending the bar. While she shares his attraction, Nate holds himself separate. It seems that he will remain in her orbit and that there is much more to him than just a good Samaritan that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
While Mari may be forced to lead the criminal underworld, she has a strong moral center. She's worked to remove both the skin and drug trades from her city. When anyone harms her family (whether it's her blood family or found family), she strikes back with extreme force, however, she does not lightly take a life. Foster care and other services for family and family-adjacent people under her protection have been put in place. Grey and Dominic respect Mari for her strength and control. As Nate begins to see the events taking place around the family, he sees the good person beneath Mari's facade of the crime boss. It will be interesting to see how his character and his relationship with Mari develops.
The relationships between Mari and each of these men are unique and well written. Using multiple points of view helps to establish how the characters fit together. Mari struggles with her attraction to all three men. Each provides something different that she needs - Grey brings knowledge, strategic advice and safety; Dominic brings passion and a reminder of her youth; Nate, while still a bit of mystery, brings a calm and stable persona. As the person attacking her family and her city is revealed, she will need to rely on each of these men to help her not only survive but to protect her family.
Each of the main characters (Mari, Dominic, Grey and Nate) are well written and have distinct personalities. The development of the mystery element to the story is well done, with the villain being revealed just a bit at a time. The reader feels the chaos surrounding Mari and her men as attack after attack occurs while Mari tries to ferret out the bad guy. While Mari is a strong female character, the protectiveness and love of her men add support for her. This is a carefully balanced story of trying to do good in a very bad environment.
While the story ends on a cliffhanger, it was a great mafia romance read in its own right. I can't wait for the next part of the story.
Five stars.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
With the assassination of her cousin Rey, the balance of the underworld has been threatened. Mari is maintaining peace between the families and gangs through sheer force of will. At her side, her lieutenant Greyson is the only one she can fully trust. Grey and Mari love each other deeply but knowing that Mari will eventually need to marry to shore up alliances, they have denied themselves anything more than a close friendship. With chaos looming, a man from Mari's past returns home to help her, creating even more stress in her relationships. Dominic was her first in the most important ways - her first crush, her first lover and the first to leave her when his mother relocated to Chicago. He wants to recapture what they once shared but has trouble accepting the person Mari has had to become over the last decade as she stepped forward to lead the family. The sweet, soft 'Butterfly' he knew as a teen has been replaced with a strong and ruthless Mafiosa.
A third male character of note to enter the fray is Nate. When Mari is ambushed, Nate wades in as a good Samaritan and helps her to survive. Nate is a bit of a wild card. While he is attracted to Mari immediately, he won't allow himself to be close to her. When Mari's new nightclub opens, she is surprised to find Nate tending the bar. While she shares his attraction, Nate holds himself separate. It seems that he will remain in her orbit and that there is much more to him than just a good Samaritan that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
While Mari may be forced to lead the criminal underworld, she has a strong moral center. She's worked to remove both the skin and drug trades from her city. When anyone harms her family (whether it's her blood family or found family), she strikes back with extreme force, however, she does not lightly take a life. Foster care and other services for family and family-adjacent people under her protection have been put in place. Grey and Dominic respect Mari for her strength and control. As Nate begins to see the events taking place around the family, he sees the good person beneath Mari's facade of the crime boss. It will be interesting to see how his character and his relationship with Mari develops.
The relationships between Mari and each of these men are unique and well written. Using multiple points of view helps to establish how the characters fit together. Mari struggles with her attraction to all three men. Each provides something different that she needs - Grey brings knowledge, strategic advice and safety; Dominic brings passion and a reminder of her youth; Nate, while still a bit of mystery, brings a calm and stable persona. As the person attacking her family and her city is revealed, she will need to rely on each of these men to help her not only survive but to protect her family.
Each of the main characters (Mari, Dominic, Grey and Nate) are well written and have distinct personalities. The development of the mystery element to the story is well done, with the villain being revealed just a bit at a time. The reader feels the chaos surrounding Mari and her men as attack after attack occurs while Mari tries to ferret out the bad guy. While Mari is a strong female character, the protectiveness and love of her men add support for her. This is a carefully balanced story of trying to do good in a very bad environment.
While the story ends on a cliffhanger, it was a great mafia romance read in its own right. I can't wait for the next part of the story.
Five stars.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
September 11, 2024
I have told you more than once how much I love mafia dark romances and that is why I am pleased to present to you "Broken Crown" by MJ Crouch - the first book in her series "Gilded Empire".
A crazy but fair mafia queen, three men who are ready to do anything for her, a lot of action, mafia war and hot erotic scenes. That's what you can expect from "Broken Crown" by MJ Crouch.
I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I managed to like the story and that the first 4-5 pages do not deceive the reader, and the book is as well written as they show.
The author's style is great. It's deep and detailed, it depicts the setting very well and presents elements from the past of the characters that shaped them as a person at exactly the right moment in the right way, so that everything looks in place, and not just flattened there out of the blue. I am also sincerely impressed by how deeply the author has delved into the mafia world of the characters and how well she develops this storyline, in parallel with the love story and getting to know these four.
And speaking of them, their building is wonderful! The representation of their inner battles and thoughts shows how deep and multi-layered they all are created. Developing them through the book, showing sides that were previously unknown to the rest of their environment, the decision to fight for their desires and at the same time the respect they have for each other, make the characters so real that the reader can easily get to know them and not be able to distinguish them from real people.
✨Maybe it was the way she gave in to him, a sort of submission that she only offered him. Maybe it was the way he knew her body, the way he riled her up so much that I could see it clear as day. Maybe it was the way I could easily picture myself on the other side, boxing her in so all she could see, taste, and smell was us.✨
I really liked how smoothly, but at the same time not too slowly, the relationship between Marie, Dominic and Grayson develops, going in the perfect direction according to the characters themselves, and not according to the situation. Through this, the passion, love and care that the three of them feel for each other is clearly visible. Only Nate was a big question mark for me in the whole equation, but in a mysterious rather than not thought through way, and I'm sure we'll find out more about him in the next books.
✨If soulmates were real, Greyson was Mari's.✨
The dynamics of the book are great. Something is constantly happening that keeps the interest going, even in the moments when the action seems to have died down. Everything is logical and there are no scenes or actions that emerge out of nowhere, which I also really liked.
The climax is very good - tense, with a lot of action, but at the same time it did not lack emotional moments. And for this very reason, I think that the author has done a great job of finding the right balance so as to engage the reader as much as possible and make him wonder what will happen next.
The end is open and it certainly makes me eager to pick up the next book.
~~~
Rating: 5/5⭐
✨~~~This book was provided to me by Grey's Promo for my honest opinion.~~~✨
A crazy but fair mafia queen, three men who are ready to do anything for her, a lot of action, mafia war and hot erotic scenes. That's what you can expect from "Broken Crown" by MJ Crouch.
I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I managed to like the story and that the first 4-5 pages do not deceive the reader, and the book is as well written as they show.
The author's style is great. It's deep and detailed, it depicts the setting very well and presents elements from the past of the characters that shaped them as a person at exactly the right moment in the right way, so that everything looks in place, and not just flattened there out of the blue. I am also sincerely impressed by how deeply the author has delved into the mafia world of the characters and how well she develops this storyline, in parallel with the love story and getting to know these four.
And speaking of them, their building is wonderful! The representation of their inner battles and thoughts shows how deep and multi-layered they all are created. Developing them through the book, showing sides that were previously unknown to the rest of their environment, the decision to fight for their desires and at the same time the respect they have for each other, make the characters so real that the reader can easily get to know them and not be able to distinguish them from real people.
✨Maybe it was the way she gave in to him, a sort of submission that she only offered him. Maybe it was the way he knew her body, the way he riled her up so much that I could see it clear as day. Maybe it was the way I could easily picture myself on the other side, boxing her in so all she could see, taste, and smell was us.✨
I really liked how smoothly, but at the same time not too slowly, the relationship between Marie, Dominic and Grayson develops, going in the perfect direction according to the characters themselves, and not according to the situation. Through this, the passion, love and care that the three of them feel for each other is clearly visible. Only Nate was a big question mark for me in the whole equation, but in a mysterious rather than not thought through way, and I'm sure we'll find out more about him in the next books.
✨If soulmates were real, Greyson was Mari's.✨
The dynamics of the book are great. Something is constantly happening that keeps the interest going, even in the moments when the action seems to have died down. Everything is logical and there are no scenes or actions that emerge out of nowhere, which I also really liked.
The climax is very good - tense, with a lot of action, but at the same time it did not lack emotional moments. And for this very reason, I think that the author has done a great job of finding the right balance so as to engage the reader as much as possible and make him wonder what will happen next.
The end is open and it certainly makes me eager to pick up the next book.
~~~
Rating: 5/5⭐
✨~~~This book was provided to me by Grey's Promo for my honest opinion.~~~✨
April 18, 2024
Broken Crown by MJ Crouch
Gilded Empire #1
Marianna Elizabette Marcosa – “Mari” – was as a mafia princess knowing she was destined to be bartered in marriage to a man that would strength the mafia family. She grew up in Seattle, learned all that her twin brother was taught by their father, but never thought the leadership of the family would fall to her. She has worked hard to maintain control and though still into some shady and criminal activities, has put in effort to clean things up a bit and make Seattle safer for the crime lords and the city in general.
Mari has a well-oiled team that have promised loyalty to her and the Marcosa family – and they know the consequences for not keeping their sworn promise. Business is good but vigilance is necessary at all times as is maintaining alliances between the city’s crime lords. The boat is rocked with the assassination of a cousin followed by the arrival of a new player who intends to take over the city.
Mari has devoted her life to the Marcosa Family Enterprise, has fought and bled for them, protects them, has lost friends and family due to the business they are in, and has few people she truly trusts and can rely on. Who does she have in her corner? A young woman who is a designer and wants out from under being a mafia princess herself. A cousin that is close as a brother. A housekeeper. Her soldiers. And three men who love her and would die for her.
- There is a man who has been at her side from childhood, is her best friend, protective, and her second in command,
- There is another man she knew as a teen who has just returned, he has memories of Mari that don’t quite hive with how she is now so some things to work through while working as the underboss
- And finally, there is a good Samaritan that shows up to help change a tire, gets pulled into a shootout, works as a bartender in Gilded – he has secrets that I want to have revealed.
This is the first book in a series. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. There is a cliffhanger ending BUT I am hopeful things will work out well for the person in jeopardy because…there is a second book coming out soon. The main characters are people I can relate to and would like to have as friends. I’m not sure I could be Mari but do enjoy reading about her life and wonder how she will eventually handle the men who love her BUT I can’t wait to find out!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Gilded Empire #1
Marianna Elizabette Marcosa – “Mari” – was as a mafia princess knowing she was destined to be bartered in marriage to a man that would strength the mafia family. She grew up in Seattle, learned all that her twin brother was taught by their father, but never thought the leadership of the family would fall to her. She has worked hard to maintain control and though still into some shady and criminal activities, has put in effort to clean things up a bit and make Seattle safer for the crime lords and the city in general.
Mari has a well-oiled team that have promised loyalty to her and the Marcosa family – and they know the consequences for not keeping their sworn promise. Business is good but vigilance is necessary at all times as is maintaining alliances between the city’s crime lords. The boat is rocked with the assassination of a cousin followed by the arrival of a new player who intends to take over the city.
Mari has devoted her life to the Marcosa Family Enterprise, has fought and bled for them, protects them, has lost friends and family due to the business they are in, and has few people she truly trusts and can rely on. Who does she have in her corner? A young woman who is a designer and wants out from under being a mafia princess herself. A cousin that is close as a brother. A housekeeper. Her soldiers. And three men who love her and would die for her.
- There is a man who has been at her side from childhood, is her best friend, protective, and her second in command,
- There is another man she knew as a teen who has just returned, he has memories of Mari that don’t quite hive with how she is now so some things to work through while working as the underboss
- And finally, there is a good Samaritan that shows up to help change a tire, gets pulled into a shootout, works as a bartender in Gilded – he has secrets that I want to have revealed.
This is the first book in a series. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. There is a cliffhanger ending BUT I am hopeful things will work out well for the person in jeopardy because…there is a second book coming out soon. The main characters are people I can relate to and would like to have as friends. I’m not sure I could be Mari but do enjoy reading about her life and wonder how she will eventually handle the men who love her BUT I can’t wait to find out!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
April 19, 2024
BROKEN CROWN is the first instalment in MJ Crouch’s (Janie Crouch) contemporary, adult GILDED EMPIRE dark, reverse harem, organized crime romance series focusing on Mariana Marcosa, queen of the Marcosa empire, and the three men who will control her heart: Greyson Andrews, Dominic, and Nate Black.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from four first person perspectives (Mari, Grey, Dominic, Nate) BROKEN CROWN introduces the players in a war for power and control. In the wake of her father and her beloved brother’s murders, Mariana Marcosa ascended the throne of the Marcosa Crime empire. With her best friend Greyson Andrews, as her protector and bodyguard, Mariana set about to rebuild and remodel starting with the grand opening of a new speakeasy named The Gilded but a power struggle was on the horizon, and with the return of Dominic, Mari’s new underboss, and a rescue by Nate Black, Mari would have to confront a new enemy in the guise of Cassius “Cash” Beckstrom, and his group known as the Aces. Having kept Greyson at a distance, and Dominic’s determination to reclaim what once was, Mari is about to face her greatest fears when the men in her life become targets of a mad man demanding everything and more. Always one step ahead, Cash is about to set Mari’s world on fire.
The world building sets the groundwork for war. Death and destruction, fires, bombings, shootouts and thefts, are but a few of the trappings facing Mari and the men with whom she is falling in love but betrayal from within finds Mari facing her own mortality, and the loss of the men in her life.
The relationship between Mari and Greyson has moved beyond friends and protector to lovers; with Dominic back to usurp his position, both men are willing to share the heart of the woman they love but Nate’s arrival adds another layer of possibilities, a possibility that has yet to take shape beyond a small spark of attraction. The lone $ex scenes is passionate.
BROKEN CROWN is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and obsession. The slow building premise is intriguing and dramatic; the characters are determined, dynamic and powerful; the romance is seductive but the back and forth is frustrating. BROKEN CROWN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers
Told from four first person perspectives (Mari, Grey, Dominic, Nate) BROKEN CROWN introduces the players in a war for power and control. In the wake of her father and her beloved brother’s murders, Mariana Marcosa ascended the throne of the Marcosa Crime empire. With her best friend Greyson Andrews, as her protector and bodyguard, Mariana set about to rebuild and remodel starting with the grand opening of a new speakeasy named The Gilded but a power struggle was on the horizon, and with the return of Dominic, Mari’s new underboss, and a rescue by Nate Black, Mari would have to confront a new enemy in the guise of Cassius “Cash” Beckstrom, and his group known as the Aces. Having kept Greyson at a distance, and Dominic’s determination to reclaim what once was, Mari is about to face her greatest fears when the men in her life become targets of a mad man demanding everything and more. Always one step ahead, Cash is about to set Mari’s world on fire.
The world building sets the groundwork for war. Death and destruction, fires, bombings, shootouts and thefts, are but a few of the trappings facing Mari and the men with whom she is falling in love but betrayal from within finds Mari facing her own mortality, and the loss of the men in her life.
The relationship between Mari and Greyson has moved beyond friends and protector to lovers; with Dominic back to usurp his position, both men are willing to share the heart of the woman they love but Nate’s arrival adds another layer of possibilities, a possibility that has yet to take shape beyond a small spark of attraction. The lone $ex scenes is passionate.
BROKEN CROWN is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and obsession. The slow building premise is intriguing and dramatic; the characters are determined, dynamic and powerful; the romance is seductive but the back and forth is frustrating. BROKEN CROWN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 7, 2025
Utterly and Completely hooked!
The story the cast of Narrators… Perfection.
Broken Crown by: M J Crouch
Narrated by:
Maxine Mitchell, Tor Thom, Sean Masters, Michael Gallagher
🎧AUDIOBOOK Review 🎧📚
Overall Story:5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️so so good!
Spice Level:3/5 🌶️🌶️
Performance: 10/10 🎙️🎧Perfectly Executed performances by talented narrators!
🦋
Mari's strength personified, She's the head of her family and she ruled with strength and determination and smarts, She listens and respects others (to a point) but she makes the final decisions. She's protective and loyal, doesn't shy away from the violence of her world. But she part of three men who are more to her than imagined.Three men who will lay down their lives for her, three men who don’t want to change her but want to stand by her side as she reigns supreme.
They compliment her instead of overpowering her characteristics and love her fiercely.
Mari Marcosa may be head of her family’s mafia empire, but as she suffers a loss she is reminded how fragile life is, as an enemy hiding in the shadows is determined to destroy her—piece by piece, for reasons yet to be known, but loyalty will be tested, she trust no one but herself and three men who have become the very foundation of her survival.
Greyson:🖤
Her best friend, her second-in-command, her savior. The one she always needed but couldn’t have.
Dominic: 🖤
Her new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He brings out a gentle side in Mari she doesn’t know if she can afford.
Nate: 🖤
Her good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—she can’t let herself forget that. But resisting him isn’t an option. These men will burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
🦋
This book written by M J Crouch was a first time for me and I’m hooked!
The story grabbed my attention especially how it was told by these amazingly talented narrators Maxine Mitchell, Tor Thom, Sean Masters and Michael Gallagher a first for me… these guys have he Hooked!
Can’t wait to listen more in this series.
VIBES OF THIS AUDIOBOOK 🎧📚
🖤Mafia
🖤Mafia FMC
🖤Why Choose
🖤Strong FMC
🖤Second Chance
🦋Unrequited Love
🖤Multiple POV
🖤Series
🖤Cliffhanger
Check TW before listening this one
Thanks for reading my review and ratings hope to catch you next time.
Until then
ONE LOVE 💕
@Georgiouspb🦋
The story the cast of Narrators… Perfection.
Broken Crown by: M J Crouch
Narrated by:
Maxine Mitchell, Tor Thom, Sean Masters, Michael Gallagher
🎧AUDIOBOOK Review 🎧📚
Overall Story:5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️so so good!
Spice Level:3/5 🌶️🌶️
Performance: 10/10 🎙️🎧Perfectly Executed performances by talented narrators!
🦋
Mari's strength personified, She's the head of her family and she ruled with strength and determination and smarts, She listens and respects others (to a point) but she makes the final decisions. She's protective and loyal, doesn't shy away from the violence of her world. But she part of three men who are more to her than imagined.Three men who will lay down their lives for her, three men who don’t want to change her but want to stand by her side as she reigns supreme.
They compliment her instead of overpowering her characteristics and love her fiercely.
Mari Marcosa may be head of her family’s mafia empire, but as she suffers a loss she is reminded how fragile life is, as an enemy hiding in the shadows is determined to destroy her—piece by piece, for reasons yet to be known, but loyalty will be tested, she trust no one but herself and three men who have become the very foundation of her survival.
Greyson:🖤
Her best friend, her second-in-command, her savior. The one she always needed but couldn’t have.
Dominic: 🖤
Her new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He brings out a gentle side in Mari she doesn’t know if she can afford.
Nate: 🖤
Her good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—she can’t let herself forget that. But resisting him isn’t an option. These men will burn the world to the ground to keep her safe.
🦋
This book written by M J Crouch was a first time for me and I’m hooked!
The story grabbed my attention especially how it was told by these amazingly talented narrators Maxine Mitchell, Tor Thom, Sean Masters and Michael Gallagher a first for me… these guys have he Hooked!
Can’t wait to listen more in this series.
VIBES OF THIS AUDIOBOOK 🎧📚
🖤Mafia
🖤Mafia FMC
🖤Why Choose
🖤Strong FMC
🖤Second Chance
🦋Unrequited Love
🖤Multiple POV
🖤Series
🖤Cliffhanger
Check TW before listening this one
Thanks for reading my review and ratings hope to catch you next time.
Until then
ONE LOVE 💕
@Georgiouspb🦋
April 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! I was pulled in from beginning to end and was fully engaged the entire time. I loved getting to know our cast of characters. Mariana is now head of the Marcosa family after her father and brother are killed/gone. It was not planned for her to take over but she did and she has earned her men's' loyalty. Greyson is her best friend and confidant and loyal in all aspects of her life. He loves her and has since childhood but they have never made a move. Mari loves Greyson as well and has since childhood but since she was being raised to be a mafia wife and a bargaining chip by her father they never thought they stood a chance of being together for real so never took that step. Now her empire is under attack and Dominic comes back to town and becomes her underboss, saying he plans to stick around for good this time. He was her first but they definitely have some issues to work out. Dominic and Greyson also have some issues to work out as well, though they do find some common ground within Mari. Nate is also introduced when he stops to help Mari out, being a good Samaritan but ends up with a secrecy surrounding him as he is drawn into Mari's world. I really enjoyed the story with all the action and intrigue and fast pace of the story, while also have the story and characters develop within that. There are a lot of dynamics at play and I thought they were very well done. I loved the dynamics between Mari and her men and it is definitely going to be interesting on how they all start interacting with each other moving forward. I loved the interplay as the relationships start progressing and Mari not having to choose just one man. This story was really well written and highly entertaining and engaging. It does end on a cliffhanger and I need the next book asap!!!! I can't wait for more and I am hooked on this series!
MJ Crouch is an alter ego for Janie Crouch. This book is a little darker, more violence with it being set in the mafia and the criminal underworld of Seattle, but you still get the protective men and strong women that are willing to fight for what they believe in. If you love Janie Crouch but aren't sure about the darker mafia theme, you might still want to give it a shot.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
MJ Crouch is an alter ego for Janie Crouch. This book is a little darker, more violence with it being set in the mafia and the criminal underworld of Seattle, but you still get the protective men and strong women that are willing to fight for what they believe in. If you love Janie Crouch but aren't sure about the darker mafia theme, you might still want to give it a shot.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 17, 2024
I received this book as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review. This book is written by the "alter ego" of one of my favorite authors Janie Crouch. That in itself is why I accepted the book. There's very few of her books that I haven't loved. One must know going into this book a) it's a mafia novel b) it's a reverse harem, and c) It's a cliffhanger. So if any of those items turn you off, be warned, although I personally think it's well worth the read. I'm not saying I'm against any of those genres, they just aren't my favorite.
I couldn't put this book down, I was drawn in from the first page! Mariana Marcosa is a don of the Marcosa family. It wasn't what she was destined for, she was supposed to be a Mafia wife, however with the death of her dad and brother, she was thrust in as head of the family. Being a woman means she has to work twice as hard to be effective, and she is at the top of her game. By her side is Greyson Andrews, he is her everything, keeps her businesses running, her confidant, sometimes body guard, and deeply in love with her. He knows he isn't the right man for her to marry, so he keeps his feelings hidden. Mari feels pretty much the same way, and doesn't want to ruin what they have. Dominic Maricosa, her once step brother for about 10 minutes, but somehow he got the last name. He was her first, but didn't want the Mafia family and walked away. Ten years later he's back wanting to fill the position of underboss. They have unresolved feelings, but Dom's in love with who Mari was before she became the Don. Finally enter Nate Black, he's got some secrets there, we don't know what they are nor does Mari's deep dive background check find them. Regardless she's intrigued and protective of him because he's taken some hits because of her.
This is a fast paced novel that keeps you guessing. Mari is about to go to war with a new kid on the block family trying to assert their authority in the City. Always one step a head of her. We'll have to wait until the second book to find out what exactly happened in the battle. *sigh*.
This book was well worth the read, and I can't wait until the next installment.
I couldn't put this book down, I was drawn in from the first page! Mariana Marcosa is a don of the Marcosa family. It wasn't what she was destined for, she was supposed to be a Mafia wife, however with the death of her dad and brother, she was thrust in as head of the family. Being a woman means she has to work twice as hard to be effective, and she is at the top of her game. By her side is Greyson Andrews, he is her everything, keeps her businesses running, her confidant, sometimes body guard, and deeply in love with her. He knows he isn't the right man for her to marry, so he keeps his feelings hidden. Mari feels pretty much the same way, and doesn't want to ruin what they have. Dominic Maricosa, her once step brother for about 10 minutes, but somehow he got the last name. He was her first, but didn't want the Mafia family and walked away. Ten years later he's back wanting to fill the position of underboss. They have unresolved feelings, but Dom's in love with who Mari was before she became the Don. Finally enter Nate Black, he's got some secrets there, we don't know what they are nor does Mari's deep dive background check find them. Regardless she's intrigued and protective of him because he's taken some hits because of her.
This is a fast paced novel that keeps you guessing. Mari is about to go to war with a new kid on the block family trying to assert their authority in the City. Always one step a head of her. We'll have to wait until the second book to find out what exactly happened in the battle. *sigh*.
This book was well worth the read, and I can't wait until the next installment.
April 22, 2024
Broken Crown Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have been a fan of Janie Crouch for the longest time, this new series she has created under the pen name MJ Crouch is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE she’s ever done before!! This first book Broken Crown introduces to the world of Mari, Greyson, Dominic and Nate. Mari is running the family business and absolutely making everyone realize how amazing she is at the job. Mari is strong, beautiful, brilliant and dangerous when she needs to be, but fears allowing anyone to get too close. Greyson is her best friend and has always loved her, but promised to protect her so that’s what he does. Oh boy Dominic is the one that got away but is also Mari’s biggest pain in the you know what! Dominic is the long lost “step brother” term used loosely, he’s always enjoyed goading Greyson and time hasn’t changed that. Will Dominic be able to help Greyson to take a chance as well as mending fences with Mai? These two men would do anything and everything for this woman even protect her from herself. Greyson is insanely hot once he gets started and truly shows Mari what he’s made of inside the bedroom! It’s definitely smoking hot with a wonderful medium burn. When someone from her fathers past decides it’s time for Mari to go and do whatever they can to make that happen fate steps in with Nate. Nate is an unknown to Mari but her gut tells her she can trust him, however he chooses to put boundaries up between them. Williams Greyson, Dominic and Nate all decide to give Mari a chance or try to right some wrongs with her or will they allow their chances at a future vanishing? This story took me on a complete roller coaster with all the wonderful twists, turns, drops and completely dramatic ending. I love a good mafia romance and this one is Bryon what I expected especially when the woman is the head of the family! I absolutely can’t wait for the next installment in this series and I truly hope that MJ Crouch continues on this path of a possible RH trope, if she does it will be her first ever and IM HERE FOR IT!!!
I have been a fan of Janie Crouch for the longest time, this new series she has created under the pen name MJ Crouch is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE she’s ever done before!! This first book Broken Crown introduces to the world of Mari, Greyson, Dominic and Nate. Mari is running the family business and absolutely making everyone realize how amazing she is at the job. Mari is strong, beautiful, brilliant and dangerous when she needs to be, but fears allowing anyone to get too close. Greyson is her best friend and has always loved her, but promised to protect her so that’s what he does. Oh boy Dominic is the one that got away but is also Mari’s biggest pain in the you know what! Dominic is the long lost “step brother” term used loosely, he’s always enjoyed goading Greyson and time hasn’t changed that. Will Dominic be able to help Greyson to take a chance as well as mending fences with Mai? These two men would do anything and everything for this woman even protect her from herself. Greyson is insanely hot once he gets started and truly shows Mari what he’s made of inside the bedroom! It’s definitely smoking hot with a wonderful medium burn. When someone from her fathers past decides it’s time for Mari to go and do whatever they can to make that happen fate steps in with Nate. Nate is an unknown to Mari but her gut tells her she can trust him, however he chooses to put boundaries up between them. Williams Greyson, Dominic and Nate all decide to give Mari a chance or try to right some wrongs with her or will they allow their chances at a future vanishing? This story took me on a complete roller coaster with all the wonderful twists, turns, drops and completely dramatic ending. I love a good mafia romance and this one is Bryon what I expected especially when the woman is the head of the family! I absolutely can’t wait for the next installment in this series and I truly hope that MJ Crouch continues on this path of a possible RH trope, if she does it will be her first ever and IM HERE FOR IT!!!
April 26, 2024
Broken Crown is the first book in the brand new series, Gilded Empire, by MJ Crouch. It’s the mafia “why choose” dark romance between the queen of the city and the men that have a piece of her heart. It is also a CLIFFHANGER!!!! It’s filled with action, violence, lust, love, power, and more. It’s a great book to start off this new series and I am hooked!!!
Marianna “Mari” Marcosa was born into the life of the mafioso, but she never imaged to be at the head. She was always “trained” to be the wife of a powerful man and learned as much as she could from her father and brother. She never thought that one day she would be the powerful player herself. She rose to the challenge and the position well despite the grief it caused her, but it came at a cost. She left the girl she once was behind and became this entirely new woman.
The men in Mari’s life all have different pasts and relationships with her. In this book, we only get a glimpse at them all and I hope that we will learn more about them and their relationship status in the upcoming books. I am dying to find out what happens next between her and her men.
A new player is in town and they are always one step or five ahead. It’s up to Mari, her men, the Marcosa family, and their allies to figure out how to battle the plague that the Aces that placed on Seattle and how to kill the puppet master, Cash. So many breadcrumbs are left in this book and I can’t wait to find out who Cash really is and what comes next.
If you are looking for a great book to get lost in with some heat and action then this is the book for you. Do not pass on this book!! Go ahead and order/download it today! I highly recommend this book and all the other books in the series. I know they haven’t been released yet, but I know they will be just as good or better than Broken Crown.
Marianna “Mari” Marcosa was born into the life of the mafioso, but she never imaged to be at the head. She was always “trained” to be the wife of a powerful man and learned as much as she could from her father and brother. She never thought that one day she would be the powerful player herself. She rose to the challenge and the position well despite the grief it caused her, but it came at a cost. She left the girl she once was behind and became this entirely new woman.
The men in Mari’s life all have different pasts and relationships with her. In this book, we only get a glimpse at them all and I hope that we will learn more about them and their relationship status in the upcoming books. I am dying to find out what happens next between her and her men.
A new player is in town and they are always one step or five ahead. It’s up to Mari, her men, the Marcosa family, and their allies to figure out how to battle the plague that the Aces that placed on Seattle and how to kill the puppet master, Cash. So many breadcrumbs are left in this book and I can’t wait to find out who Cash really is and what comes next.
If you are looking for a great book to get lost in with some heat and action then this is the book for you. Do not pass on this book!! Go ahead and order/download it today! I highly recommend this book and all the other books in the series. I know they haven’t been released yet, but I know they will be just as good or better than Broken Crown.
September 5, 2024
Mari was born to be a Mafia wife only then she was forced to become a Mafia Queen.......when her family gets turned upside down with her father and brothers murders she is now the queen of her mafia empire/family. This woman is wow!!!!she's super strong and a warrior who knows what she wants and she ruddy takes it lol...that's including three very hot and very gorgeous men 💋
Those three men are...
Dominic her childhood friend and her first everything but they haven't seen each other for years but now he's back in her life and wants to be her underboss but Mari is not the same woman she once was can he just slot back into her life like nothing happened?
Greyson the man who's been by her side and never left it since they were kids he's in love with Mari but doesn't want to put himself out there and in a position that could get her killed, he will protect her at all costs and he's her second in command, but can he let Dominic back into Mari's life and bed without wanting to be there himself?
Nate a good Samaritan who shows up to change a tire and poor guy, gets pulled into a shootout.....when he works at the new bar Mari is opening as a bartender he becomes close to Mari but boy does this man have secrets can he be open and honest?
I honestly couldn't put this book down because it was super spicy plus I love that it's told in 4 person perspectives as we get to be in all their heads and not just Mari's. A lot happens in this book so many twists and turns, ups and downs.... someone is after Mari and they will stop at nothing to bring her and her empire down but boy oh boy I can't wait to see where this goes as this left on an almighty cliffhanger so I really need the next book like now!!!!
Those three men are...
Dominic her childhood friend and her first everything but they haven't seen each other for years but now he's back in her life and wants to be her underboss but Mari is not the same woman she once was can he just slot back into her life like nothing happened?
Greyson the man who's been by her side and never left it since they were kids he's in love with Mari but doesn't want to put himself out there and in a position that could get her killed, he will protect her at all costs and he's her second in command, but can he let Dominic back into Mari's life and bed without wanting to be there himself?
Nate a good Samaritan who shows up to change a tire and poor guy, gets pulled into a shootout.....when he works at the new bar Mari is opening as a bartender he becomes close to Mari but boy does this man have secrets can he be open and honest?
I honestly couldn't put this book down because it was super spicy plus I love that it's told in 4 person perspectives as we get to be in all their heads and not just Mari's. A lot happens in this book so many twists and turns, ups and downs.... someone is after Mari and they will stop at nothing to bring her and her empire down but boy oh boy I can't wait to see where this goes as this left on an almighty cliffhanger so I really need the next book like now!!!!
June 27, 2024
It's okay! Started off interesting, then it slowed down in the middle and picked right back up at the end!
Now, with the middle part, it was kinda a snooze for me. I wanted some push from the MLs and more pull from the FL, but that's just a preference thing on my behalf.🤷🏾♀️
Moving on, I got to the 2nd book, I'll say 46% in, and I just had to stop. It started to feel like a chore since I wanted to finish this book series but I lost interest midway☹️
Back with the push and pull, you'll see more in the 2nd book, but it just felt a little repetitive.
The FL position keeps getting threatened. She puts them in their place while the MLs watch. One ML pushes. FL pulls. One ML pulls. FL pushes. Gets threatened. Puts in place. Panics. Fucks. Pulls. PUSH...
_____
I once again stopped in the middle. The side quest romance of Cameron and Ash would've been cute if I was reading their book. But reading about him being possessive and saying, 'she's my wife' and blah x3 was just... And this might be some hater shi to say, but I grew tired of hearing their progress, while the Main Leads are still moving slow like a depressed turtle.🤷🏾♀️
Anyways, it's good to see a strong FL, but that's all there is to her. I don't know much about her personality since she needs to have this cold exterior and whatever. So I didn't find her interesting and kinda a bore.🤧
____
In conclusion, it's an okay book. I might come back to finish the 2nd book and the rest, but imma just stop here.
There is no M/M, but there is a representation of a gay couple!(side-characters)👍🏾
1V3 (I'm pretty sure)
There is an ML who is a switch (sub/dom)
Now, with the middle part, it was kinda a snooze for me. I wanted some push from the MLs and more pull from the FL, but that's just a preference thing on my behalf.🤷🏾♀️
Moving on, I got to the 2nd book, I'll say 46% in, and I just had to stop. It started to feel like a chore since I wanted to finish this book series but I lost interest midway☹️
Back with the push and pull, you'll see more in the 2nd book, but it just felt a little repetitive.
The FL position keeps getting threatened. She puts them in their place while the MLs watch. One ML pushes. FL pulls. One ML pulls. FL pushes. Gets threatened. Puts in place. Panics. Fucks. Pulls. PUSH...
_____
I once again stopped in the middle. The side quest romance of Cameron and Ash would've been cute if I was reading their book. But reading about him being possessive and saying, 'she's my wife' and blah x3 was just... And this might be some hater shi to say, but I grew tired of hearing their progress, while the Main Leads are still moving slow like a depressed turtle.🤷🏾♀️
Anyways, it's good to see a strong FL, but that's all there is to her. I don't know much about her personality since she needs to have this cold exterior and whatever. So I didn't find her interesting and kinda a bore.🤧
____
In conclusion, it's an okay book. I might come back to finish the 2nd book and the rest, but imma just stop here.
There is no M/M, but there is a representation of a gay couple!(side-characters)👍🏾
1V3 (I'm pretty sure)
There is an ML who is a switch (sub/dom)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
This book was pretty good, but it seemed to be missing something for me. The characters were OK, as well, but there was a lack of connection with the reader. Something just felt off.
I didn't notice any major typos or errors, so that was good.
The writing was a bit hard to get into initially, though, because it felt like I was missing something like a previous short story or even whole book to intruduce me to people and what's going on.
The connection between Mari and Grey was well done, and I totally felt their emotions for each other, and their devotion. Dominic, I could feel a little bit for, and I loved how he was pushing the other two together, as well. But then, after she got together with Grey, Dom seemed to all of a sudden change. It just felt jarring that suddenly he can't handle who she is now. Then there is Nate. I didn't feel anything for or from him. He was just some random guy who helped with a flat tire and an ambush. There was literally no reason for either of them to suddenly be obsessed with each other.
I get that RH books are popular, and I liked how this one started, but so far it has totally missed the mark. The only one she has really been with is Grey. As it stands right here at the end of book one, you could take out Dom and Nate as love interests and just have them as random people, and I would be happy with just Grey and Mari together. Honestly, that's pretty much what we have, anyway.
I was seriously considering stopping once I get done with book one, but I think I will start book two. Hopefully the story can keep me hooked, though. So far, I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone.
I didn't notice any major typos or errors, so that was good.
The writing was a bit hard to get into initially, though, because it felt like I was missing something like a previous short story or even whole book to intruduce me to people and what's going on.
The connection between Mari and Grey was well done, and I totally felt their emotions for each other, and their devotion. Dominic, I could feel a little bit for, and I loved how he was pushing the other two together, as well. But then, after she got together with Grey, Dom seemed to all of a sudden change. It just felt jarring that suddenly he can't handle who she is now. Then there is Nate. I didn't feel anything for or from him. He was just some random guy who helped with a flat tire and an ambush. There was literally no reason for either of them to suddenly be obsessed with each other.
I get that RH books are popular, and I liked how this one started, but so far it has totally missed the mark. The only one she has really been with is Grey. As it stands right here at the end of book one, you could take out Dom and Nate as love interests and just have them as random people, and I would be happy with just Grey and Mari together. Honestly, that's pretty much what we have, anyway.
I was seriously considering stopping once I get done with book one, but I think I will start book two. Hopefully the story can keep me hooked, though. So far, I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone.
April 19, 2024
Broken Crown is the start of a new mafia/reverse harem series by MJ Crouch (Janie Crouch) and it is fantastic! Mari Marcosa is the leader of the Marcosa Empire and there’s a new player in town who wants to destroy her. She, along with her two second’s – Greyson, her best friend and right hand and Dominic, her first everything and new underboss, have their work cut out for them to keep Mari’s empire, themselves, and their people safe from the coming war. There’s also a wild card – Nate, her good Samaritan, who helped her out of a bad situation and whom she’s drawn to.
Mari is a powerhouse and has her hands full between the opening of her new club – Gilded, a luxury speakeasy that will be the first of its kind in the city. Where the criminal element can find neutral ground without having to worry about being shot or stabbed in the back and the new enemy running amok in her city. After working hard for years to clean up the city, Mari has lots of people rooting for her and the Marcosa empire to keep them safe and keep out the unwanted element. She also has trouble coming from many directions for all is not as it seems. Deception, secrets, lies, betrayal, danger, and heartache are in store. There are many twists and turns along the way and a shocking ending that will leave you desperately needing the next book.
This book is an exciting ride from start to finish. It’s full of intrigue, suspense, danger, action, vengeance, power, control, love, romance, and so much more! Completely unputdownable and amazing!!
Mari is a powerhouse and has her hands full between the opening of her new club – Gilded, a luxury speakeasy that will be the first of its kind in the city. Where the criminal element can find neutral ground without having to worry about being shot or stabbed in the back and the new enemy running amok in her city. After working hard for years to clean up the city, Mari has lots of people rooting for her and the Marcosa empire to keep them safe and keep out the unwanted element. She also has trouble coming from many directions for all is not as it seems. Deception, secrets, lies, betrayal, danger, and heartache are in store. There are many twists and turns along the way and a shocking ending that will leave you desperately needing the next book.
This book is an exciting ride from start to finish. It’s full of intrigue, suspense, danger, action, vengeance, power, control, love, romance, and so much more! Completely unputdownable and amazing!!
September 13, 2024
M J Crouch is a new author to me. I love mafia books and I am just starting to enjoy reverse harem. But, the reason why I wanted I wanted to read this book was because Mari was in charge. I’m enjoying these new mafia books that have women running the family and doing the leading. New plots and storylines for a new day and age. Mari was raised to be a beautiful mafia princess married to someone who benefit her family but unfortunately after the lost of the men in her family she had no choice but to step up and lead the family. She is currently creating this new club called Gilded which would be a place where all nefarious groups and men could come relax and enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked. Now her trusty friend Grey has been by her side this whole time, assisting, guiding and protecting her. Although there is definitely love there between them, they have both refrained from acting on their desires. Now Dominic was briefly her stepbrother but he’s been in Chicago for many years and now has decided to return back to Mari’s side and currently him and Grey are adversaries yet equals as her underbosses. As if Mari’s hands aren’t full she is ambushed one night and Nate steps in to assist her but he wants no part of whatever this is. Nate is a bit of a wild card, we don’t know what his secrets or his agenda is. Each man offers her something different that she needs to make her complete. This is the 1st book in a 4 book series following these four. This first book ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared to want to read the next book for resolution.
January 16, 2026
Broken Crown by MJ Crouch (a pseudonym for one of my favorite authors - Janie Crouch) is a masterfully crafted mafia romance that fully delivers on tension, emotion, and intrigue—while embracing a why choose dynamic that works beautifully within the story.
Mari is an incredibly strong and compelling FMC, commanding an empire in a brutally male-dominated mafia world. A world that she inherited and fights every day to keep a hold on. Her strength isn’t just told to us—it’s shown in every decision she makes, every risk she takes, and every line she refuses to cross.
Mari’s three love interests in Gray, Dom & Nate are each complex, dangerous, and deeply intertwined with her rise and also her survival in this brutal world. The relationships are layered with deception, secrets, lies, and constant danger, making their emotional stakes just as high as the physical ones. Each connection feels distinct and earned, adding depth rather than chaos to the romance. I was completely engaged from start to finish and utterly enthralled by both the story and the characters.
I experienced this book as an audiobook, and the narration was phenomenal. The performances truly elevated the story, bringing out the unique personalities, power dynamics, and emotional nuance of each character. The narrators added an extra layer of intensity that made it impossible to stop listening. Broken Crown is a gripping, addictive mafia romance that left a lasting impression—and I can’t recommend it enough.
You do need to note that this book is book 1 of the series and it does end on a cliffhanger!
Mari is an incredibly strong and compelling FMC, commanding an empire in a brutally male-dominated mafia world. A world that she inherited and fights every day to keep a hold on. Her strength isn’t just told to us—it’s shown in every decision she makes, every risk she takes, and every line she refuses to cross.
Mari’s three love interests in Gray, Dom & Nate are each complex, dangerous, and deeply intertwined with her rise and also her survival in this brutal world. The relationships are layered with deception, secrets, lies, and constant danger, making their emotional stakes just as high as the physical ones. Each connection feels distinct and earned, adding depth rather than chaos to the romance. I was completely engaged from start to finish and utterly enthralled by both the story and the characters.
I experienced this book as an audiobook, and the narration was phenomenal. The performances truly elevated the story, bringing out the unique personalities, power dynamics, and emotional nuance of each character. The narrators added an extra layer of intensity that made it impossible to stop listening. Broken Crown is a gripping, addictive mafia romance that left a lasting impression—and I can’t recommend it enough.
You do need to note that this book is book 1 of the series and it does end on a cliffhanger!
April 15, 2024
I was hesitant to read Broken Crown at first as I am not a fan of Mafia romance. I am, however, a fan of Janie Crouch AKA MJ Crouch therefore if she wrote it, I will read it. I freely admit that I was captivated from the first page. Broken Crown is fast paced, riddled with intrigue and action, unapologetic in its depiction of the brutal struggle for dominance among the different factions in the criminal underworld of Seattle. It's also a interesting look into a crime family headed up by a woman. Ms Crouch has assembled an eclectic group of characters and surrounded them with a stellar story. Be warned though, this book ends in a cliffhanger with three more books to follow.
I found Mariana Marcosa quit fascinating. She's tough, no nonsense, honest, driven and a woman sitting at the top of a male dominated world. Greyson Andrews is loyal to Mari in every aspect of his and her life. He's her best friend and confidant and has loved her every day of his life. Yet, has never acted on it. Dominic Marcosa had once been important in Mari's life but walked away. Now he's back trying to reinsert himself into her life. But, at what price to her and to him? Nate Black, an enigmatic stranger turned unexpected rescuer piques Mari's interest but keeps her at arm's length. Cash Blackstrom, a man with a past connected to the Marcosa's bent on burning their empire down starting with Mari.
I found Mariana Marcosa quit fascinating. She's tough, no nonsense, honest, driven and a woman sitting at the top of a male dominated world. Greyson Andrews is loyal to Mari in every aspect of his and her life. He's her best friend and confidant and has loved her every day of his life. Yet, has never acted on it. Dominic Marcosa had once been important in Mari's life but walked away. Now he's back trying to reinsert himself into her life. But, at what price to her and to him? Nate Black, an enigmatic stranger turned unexpected rescuer piques Mari's interest but keeps her at arm's length. Cash Blackstrom, a man with a past connected to the Marcosa's bent on burning their empire down starting with Mari.
September 17, 2024
This is only the first book in this series and it ends on a cliffhanger.
This is a Mafia RH story that had me hooked from the very first page. There's suspense, danger, action, drama, heat, and so many secrets. The characters are complex and it adds a different flare to each of the romances. Greyson is her best friend, right-hand man, and Mari's forbidden crush. They each believe they need to keep the relationship professional and have done a good job of burying their feelings, until now. Dominic is Mari's first everything. He also left and broke her heart. Now he thinks he can just come back and find the girl he once loved, but too much has changed. Nate is an unknown. He helps Mari out and there's an instant spark, but there's also things he's hiding. Mari is drawn to each of them, but their paths to an HEA aren't going to be easy and not just because someone is trying to kill them all.
One of my favorite things in this story is Mari's strength. She's the head of her family and the men are literally beneath her. She listens to them and respects them (to a point) but she makes the decisions. She's protective and caring, and while she doesn't shy away from the violence of her world she's not cold. The men compliment her instead of overpowering her character.
As I stated above, it does end in a cliffhanger so now I'm anxiously waiting to read the next one.
This is a Mafia RH story that had me hooked from the very first page. There's suspense, danger, action, drama, heat, and so many secrets. The characters are complex and it adds a different flare to each of the romances. Greyson is her best friend, right-hand man, and Mari's forbidden crush. They each believe they need to keep the relationship professional and have done a good job of burying their feelings, until now. Dominic is Mari's first everything. He also left and broke her heart. Now he thinks he can just come back and find the girl he once loved, but too much has changed. Nate is an unknown. He helps Mari out and there's an instant spark, but there's also things he's hiding. Mari is drawn to each of them, but their paths to an HEA aren't going to be easy and not just because someone is trying to kill them all.
One of my favorite things in this story is Mari's strength. She's the head of her family and the men are literally beneath her. She listens to them and respects them (to a point) but she makes the decisions. She's protective and caring, and while she doesn't shy away from the violence of her world she's not cold. The men compliment her instead of overpowering her character.
As I stated above, it does end in a cliffhanger so now I'm anxiously waiting to read the next one.
April 15, 2024
This book was just brilliant. If you love Mafia books it's a must read but if you love suspense, just go for it.
This was about Mafia Don, Mari and her second in command Greyson, as well as her stepbrother Dominic and newcomer Nate who she has a vested interest in each of her men.
The suspense and drama along with the mix of the types of relationships between Mari and her men really propelled the story. This was more about the relationships but there was non stop action, that the romance interluded with.
Not a steamy story, the chemistry between each man and Mari was special. Greyson was the security guy, totally in love with her but not acting in it. Dominic was the step brother she once had a fling with but he wants more. And Nate came into her life when she needed help under attack but the trust isn't there yet but building. You can tell all three guys are intricate to the story and the next book.
So well written, characters to adore and action that surprises and pulls you along in the book. It does end with a cliffhanger but oh such a fantastic story that's takes you there and leads you on to the next.
Can't rave highly enough about this book!! So good!!
This was about Mafia Don, Mari and her second in command Greyson, as well as her stepbrother Dominic and newcomer Nate who she has a vested interest in each of her men.
The suspense and drama along with the mix of the types of relationships between Mari and her men really propelled the story. This was more about the relationships but there was non stop action, that the romance interluded with.
Not a steamy story, the chemistry between each man and Mari was special. Greyson was the security guy, totally in love with her but not acting in it. Dominic was the step brother she once had a fling with but he wants more. And Nate came into her life when she needed help under attack but the trust isn't there yet but building. You can tell all three guys are intricate to the story and the next book.
So well written, characters to adore and action that surprises and pulls you along in the book. It does end with a cliffhanger but oh such a fantastic story that's takes you there and leads you on to the next.
Can't rave highly enough about this book!! So good!!
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