What do you think?
Rate this book
Cartel Wars #1
Out for Blood
Gabriel
I hate the Juventinos.
They destroy everything around them.
All they know how to do is take. But Mateo is cut from a different cloth. He's not your average drug lord's progeny, and that makes him an even easier target.
Once I learn he's nothing like his father or me, I'm more at war with myself than his family. I forget he's part of a plan greater than us. I forget I'm supposed to use and ruin him.
When the time comes for me to leave him behind broken, will I be able to walk away? Or will I choose to live with my princesa at my side over avenging my family?
I hate the Juventinos.
They destroy everything around them.
All they know how to do is take. But Mateo is cut from a different cloth. He's not your average drug lord's progeny, and that makes him an even easier target.
Once I learn he's nothing like his father or me, I'm more at war with myself than his family. I forget he's part of a plan greater than us. I forget I'm supposed to use and ruin him.
When the time comes for me to leave him behind broken, will I be able to walk away? Or will I choose to live with my princesa at my side over avenging my family?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2024
128 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Ashlynn Mills
62 books379 followersAshlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 18, 2025
Mateo + Gabriel 🖤
Mafia | Virgin MC | Somno | Possession | "Princesa"
....
"I didn't come this far for some Dawson's Creek asshole to take what should be mine. If anyone is going to steal his innocence and give him the first taste of what he's been missing from another human being, it's going to be me."
“So fucking responsive. Tell me, princesa, has anyone ever touched you here before?” The gentle pad of his thumb slides over my slit causing me to shudder. I shake my head, unable to form words.
“How about here?” His other hand slides in the back of my pants, slipping between the cleft of my ass. My breath quickens when his fingers softly graze my hole. “Or here?”
"You are pretty everywhere."
"He keeps calling me pretty. I'm his pretty princesa and don't want to be anything else right now."
"This guy could be planning to kill me in my weakest moment, and I wouldn’t know it. If I died right now, it would be worth it. Especially being able to watch him lift his fingers to his mouth, sucking and licking at my cum as if it was the sweetest candy."
"I want you and I go after what I want, mi princesa."
“Gabriel?”
“Hmm?” His fingers trace my hip bone.
“Come inside me next time?”
A soft groan crawls up his throat. “Okay, princesa. If that's what you want.”
It's what I need.
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Mafia
Virgin
Somnophilia
Possessiveness
Mine
First times
The only one who's made him feel
Touch him and die
Who did this to you?
Cheating (kind of) Mateo is in forced engagement
Rimming
"Princesa"
Stalking
Good boy
Dirty ass eating
Begging
No kissing rule
"Has anyone ever touched you here?"
TWs:
Torture
Betrayal from parents
Abusive fiance
Violence
Child abuse
Childhood trauma
Traumatic flashbacks
Severe scarring on MC from abuse as a child
Mafia | Virgin MC | Somno | Possession | "Princesa"
....
"I didn't come this far for some Dawson's Creek asshole to take what should be mine. If anyone is going to steal his innocence and give him the first taste of what he's been missing from another human being, it's going to be me."
“So fucking responsive. Tell me, princesa, has anyone ever touched you here before?” The gentle pad of his thumb slides over my slit causing me to shudder. I shake my head, unable to form words.
“How about here?” His other hand slides in the back of my pants, slipping between the cleft of my ass. My breath quickens when his fingers softly graze my hole. “Or here?”
"You are pretty everywhere."
"He keeps calling me pretty. I'm his pretty princesa and don't want to be anything else right now."
"This guy could be planning to kill me in my weakest moment, and I wouldn’t know it. If I died right now, it would be worth it. Especially being able to watch him lift his fingers to his mouth, sucking and licking at my cum as if it was the sweetest candy."
"I want you and I go after what I want, mi princesa."
“Gabriel?”
“Hmm?” His fingers trace my hip bone.
“Come inside me next time?”
A soft groan crawls up his throat. “Okay, princesa. If that's what you want.”
It's what I need.
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Mafia
Virgin
Somnophilia
Possessiveness
Mine
First times
The only one who's made him feel
Touch him and die
Who did this to you?
Cheating (kind of) Mateo is in forced engagement
Rimming
"Princesa"
Stalking
Good boy
Dirty ass eating
Begging
No kissing rule
"Has anyone ever touched you here?"
TWs:
Torture
Betrayal from parents
Abusive fiance
Violence
Child abuse
Childhood trauma
Traumatic flashbacks
Severe scarring on MC from abuse as a child
September 8, 2024
4.5 stars. I downloaded this book on a whim as I’m not a huge fan of mafia romances but something caught my eye with this one. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed the writing and the story! I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy mafia romances, morally grey characters, sex in some inappropriate places/times and borderline dub/non-con.
I absolutely loved Mateo! Everything about him was perfect! I loved seeing things slowly get better for him as the story went on. I totally disliked Gabriel at first but I feel like that was the point with his character. As he started to actually feel for Mateo I started liking him more and more! They do have their issues but they are solved well for their type of story!
It did take me a little bit to get into the story and I ended up stopping and coming back to it a few weeks later but I’m so glad I did because the farther I read the more I got into it! This is definitely a romance but there is a lot of plot and action and other things going on as well.
I really enjoyed their HEA and the way the author ended their story. I would love to read book 4 but seen that this series isn’t standalone and needs to be read in order so not sure if I will yet but would definitely read more by this author in the future!
I absolutely loved Mateo! Everything about him was perfect! I loved seeing things slowly get better for him as the story went on. I totally disliked Gabriel at first but I feel like that was the point with his character. As he started to actually feel for Mateo I started liking him more and more! They do have their issues but they are solved well for their type of story!
It did take me a little bit to get into the story and I ended up stopping and coming back to it a few weeks later but I’m so glad I did because the farther I read the more I got into it! This is definitely a romance but there is a lot of plot and action and other things going on as well.
I really enjoyed their HEA and the way the author ended their story. I would love to read book 4 but seen that this series isn’t standalone and needs to be read in order so not sure if I will yet but would definitely read more by this author in the future!
May 2, 2024
Always love reading Ashlynn's books. You never know where they will lead. Mateo was just a broken young man, who was a pawn no matter who's life he was involved. Never loved like he should have been whether it was family or his fiance.
Gabriel was just a man on a mission of vengeance. He originally set out to ruin Mateo and his family for killing his, to make them pay, never imagining he would fall for him. Everything that happened took us on a whirlwind of pain, lust, blood and love and I loved it.
Gabriel was just a man on a mission of vengeance. He originally set out to ruin Mateo and his family for killing his, to make them pay, never imagining he would fall for him. Everything that happened took us on a whirlwind of pain, lust, blood and love and I loved it.
August 23, 2024
Disappointment is all I feel 🙂
April 26, 2024
If you like mafia romances and possessive, touch-him-and-die MCs, this is your book. The series is one of Ashlynn Mills first, but it is being re-published with an additional 10k+ words.
Mateo never wanted to be the person his family expects him to be. While his dad has accepted him being gay, the fiancé chosen for him is someone he hates. He’s miserable, but he knows the risks of pushing back. Gabriel has his mind set on revenge…until he sees and gets to know Mateo.
The book itself has insta-lust, but the love takes a bit longer. They aren’t really personal enemies, but more family enemies-to-lovers. Mateo is drawn to the way Gabriel makes him feel. And Gabriel enjoys Mateo’s reactions to him, inspiring some secret rendezvous and mild stalking. The chemistry between them is fire.
The book has Ashlynn’s awesome brand of dark romance meets interesting characters. As the reader learns how much more there is to the story, we are brought into this fantastic world that Ashlynn has created where different cartels are vying for power and the men within them are far more complex than you’d expect. It’s definitely one of my favorites of hers!
Mateo never wanted to be the person his family expects him to be. While his dad has accepted him being gay, the fiancé chosen for him is someone he hates. He’s miserable, but he knows the risks of pushing back. Gabriel has his mind set on revenge…until he sees and gets to know Mateo.
The book itself has insta-lust, but the love takes a bit longer. They aren’t really personal enemies, but more family enemies-to-lovers. Mateo is drawn to the way Gabriel makes him feel. And Gabriel enjoys Mateo’s reactions to him, inspiring some secret rendezvous and mild stalking. The chemistry between them is fire.
The book has Ashlynn’s awesome brand of dark romance meets interesting characters. As the reader learns how much more there is to the story, we are brought into this fantastic world that Ashlynn has created where different cartels are vying for power and the men within them are far more complex than you’d expect. It’s definitely one of my favorites of hers!
September 15, 2024
Something’s didn’t seem too “mafioso”. And I really wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Mateo and Gabriel.
April 30, 2024
Out for Blood gives you interesting characters with chemistry, an interesting storyline, Blood, revenge, betrayal... if you like Mafia Romance Books, you WILL like this one too. It can be read as a standalone, as it is the first one of a New series. The next one has a teaser at the end of the book with characters we already got to know. Throughout the plot, the MCs are definitly developing, I just would have liked a little more space for the Traumas (multiples), some Kind of aftereffects and how the MCs are working with it. For me, its a 4/5☆.
April 22, 2024
I loved Gabriel and Mateo. Mateo didn't want to get married Santiago. He wasn't attracted to him. Mateo"s father is only making Mateo get married because it's best for the business. Mateo found out his mother is the one who messed up and that's why he has to get married to somebody he doesn't like at all and stand to be around them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
2.5 stars. I love MM mafia books so I wanted to like this soo bad but this book did not do it for me.
Gabriel wants revenge on Mateo’s dad so he seduces Mateo so he can break his heart. But for most of the book we think Mateo’s dad doesn’t even care about him so why would his heart being broken even matter to him? Idk nothing in this book worked for me. Gabriel and Mateo fell in love. HOW? Gabriel would show up out of no where and hook up with Mateo and then he would leave and come back next time and do the same thing. They NEVER even spoke about anything. They said dirty stuff when they had sex but that’s literally it. I hated the scene when Gabriel took Mateo’s virginity. He does it while Mateo has his hands tied behind his back, a gag in his mouth and he’s blind folded. This maybe would have been alright for another scene but now when it’s his first time!
It’s also super unrealistic that Gabriel just keeps showing up at Mateo’s heavily guarded house without anyone noticing. There’s no way that would happen!! And then he just takes down like 10 guys by himself to rescue Mateo. He runs through the woods and zig zags and dodges multiple bullets while carrying Mateo over his back. He does all that to get Mateo back but then easily loses him again to the same man. Makes no sense. Also after he rescues him, Mateo is still handcuffed and blind folded and Gabriel decides now is the time to take all Mateo’s clothes off and have sex with him?! Literally 5 minutes after he rescues him and he’s still beaten up and bruised?! Like wtf?
I’m sorry but this book annoyed me on so many levels so I wont be continuing the series.
CHEATING (but not between MCs. Mateo is cheating on his fiancé but it’s an arranged marriage)
OM DRAMA (Mateo gets hit on by the same guy a few times and he’s also engaged to a horrible man)
THEY ARE SEPARATED WHEN MATEO IS TAKEN
MURDER
Gabriel wants revenge on Mateo’s dad so he seduces Mateo so he can break his heart. But for most of the book we think Mateo’s dad doesn’t even care about him so why would his heart being broken even matter to him? Idk nothing in this book worked for me. Gabriel and Mateo fell in love. HOW? Gabriel would show up out of no where and hook up with Mateo and then he would leave and come back next time and do the same thing. They NEVER even spoke about anything. They said dirty stuff when they had sex but that’s literally it. I hated the scene when Gabriel took Mateo’s virginity. He does it while Mateo has his hands tied behind his back, a gag in his mouth and he’s blind folded. This maybe would have been alright for another scene but now when it’s his first time!
It’s also super unrealistic that Gabriel just keeps showing up at Mateo’s heavily guarded house without anyone noticing. There’s no way that would happen!! And then he just takes down like 10 guys by himself to rescue Mateo. He runs through the woods and zig zags and dodges multiple bullets while carrying Mateo over his back. He does all that to get Mateo back but then easily loses him again to the same man. Makes no sense. Also after he rescues him, Mateo is still handcuffed and blind folded and Gabriel decides now is the time to take all Mateo’s clothes off and have sex with him?! Literally 5 minutes after he rescues him and he’s still beaten up and bruised?! Like wtf?
I’m sorry but this book annoyed me on so many levels so I wont be continuing the series.
CHEATING (but not between MCs. Mateo is cheating on his fiancé but it’s an arranged marriage)
OM DRAMA (Mateo gets hit on by the same guy a few times and he’s also engaged to a horrible man)
THEY ARE SEPARATED WHEN MATEO IS TAKEN
MURDER
October 24, 2024
Honestly I am so disappointed by this. The premise was so interesting but the execution was pretty lacklustre. It felt like there were twists coming out of every chapter just for the sake of it. There was no point.
- Gabriel is only using Mateo to get revenge on his father.
Psych, no he falls in love with him.
- Mateo is kidnapped?!
Surprise! It’s just Gabriel.
- Mateo is kidnapped again and Gabriel and his father are dead?!
Psych, Gabriel and his father fine.
- Mateos father is working with Santiago and secretly hates Mateo?
Surprise! It’s actually his mom.
- Santiago put out a hit on Mateo?
Surprise! It was actually Mateos mom.
- Mateos dad killed Gabriel’s dad?
Surprise! It was actually Mateos mom the whole time.
- Gabriels dad is dead?
Surprise! He might not be 👀
Like ok we get it.
And don’t even get me started on the romance. Gabriel and Mateo had no chemistry whatsoever. And in what world was it a good idea to write a sex scene right after Mateo is rescued from being kidnapped???? Like he has literally peed and probably shit himself, was force fed, beaten, and traumatized. Read the room, Gabriel! Keep it in your pants! Not to mention that he cuts Mateos clothes off of him so Mateo ends up having to sit naked while being re-kidnapped by Santiago, all while Gabriel knew this might happen.
I hate this book.
- Gabriel is only using Mateo to get revenge on his father.
Psych, no he falls in love with him.
- Mateo is kidnapped?!
Surprise! It’s just Gabriel.
- Mateo is kidnapped again and Gabriel and his father are dead?!
Psych, Gabriel and his father fine.
- Mateos father is working with Santiago and secretly hates Mateo?
Surprise! It’s actually his mom.
- Santiago put out a hit on Mateo?
Surprise! It was actually Mateos mom.
- Mateos dad killed Gabriel’s dad?
Surprise! It was actually Mateos mom the whole time.
- Gabriels dad is dead?
Surprise! He might not be 👀
Like ok we get it.
And don’t even get me started on the romance. Gabriel and Mateo had no chemistry whatsoever. And in what world was it a good idea to write a sex scene right after Mateo is rescued from being kidnapped???? Like he has literally peed and probably shit himself, was force fed, beaten, and traumatized. Read the room, Gabriel! Keep it in your pants! Not to mention that he cuts Mateos clothes off of him so Mateo ends up having to sit naked while being re-kidnapped by Santiago, all while Gabriel knew this might happen.
I hate this book.
Read
September 10, 2024DNF. I've tried this author a few times, and the writing just isn't for me. 🤷🏼♀️
May 2, 2024
« ARC REVIEW »
Out for Blood by Ashlynn Mills is book one in the Cartel Wars series. This book was originally published in 2020 and was one of Ashlynn’s first series. It has been re-published with some minor changes and 14k words added.
« cartel heir x hitman »
« family enemies »
« stalking »
« family secrets »
« revenge »
« opposites attract »
« virgin MC »
« instalust »
« possessive »
« touch him & die »
« secret meet ups/hookups »
Mateo is forced into an arranged marriage to a man he hates, Santiago Morales, to form an alliance between the Juventino and Morales families. In comes Gabriel Castaneda who has his eyes on revenge for his family. His plan is to use Mateo to get to his father, Miguel and get his revenge. Things don’t go according to plan when Gabriel realizes Mateo is nothing like his father. Gabriel becomes obsessive and possessive. The more Gabriel gets to know Mateo, the more he can’t seem to stay away. Mateo and Gabriel are both a bit broken from their past traumas. Mateo is drawn to Gabriel and how he makes him feel. Gabriel becomes his escape that he hangs on to. The instalust soon turns into obsession and love with scorching hot chemistry.
Gabriel is ruthless, a bit unhinged, and can come off cold. But with Mateo and his brothers, there is a softness there. Gabriel cares for Mateo in the way that he touches him, with his words, and what he is willing to do to protect him. I loved how unpredictable this book really was. There were so many twists and turns, secrets revealed and many characters at play. It had to guessing throughout the whole book, just when I thought I might have figured out another bomb was dropped!
If you like your men a bit unhinged who get a little stabby and shoot happy with “touch him and die” and “you’re mine” vibes, a little lingerie with your mafia men, twists and turns, and painting a white wedding red, this book is for you! This book is full of hurt, pain, betrayal, spicy times, obsession, and a hard won HEA that takes you on a wild ride.
[I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.]
Out for Blood by Ashlynn Mills is book one in the Cartel Wars series. This book was originally published in 2020 and was one of Ashlynn’s first series. It has been re-published with some minor changes and 14k words added.
« cartel heir x hitman »
« family enemies »
« stalking »
« family secrets »
« revenge »
« opposites attract »
« virgin MC »
« instalust »
« possessive »
« touch him & die »
« secret meet ups/hookups »
Mateo is forced into an arranged marriage to a man he hates, Santiago Morales, to form an alliance between the Juventino and Morales families. In comes Gabriel Castaneda who has his eyes on revenge for his family. His plan is to use Mateo to get to his father, Miguel and get his revenge. Things don’t go according to plan when Gabriel realizes Mateo is nothing like his father. Gabriel becomes obsessive and possessive. The more Gabriel gets to know Mateo, the more he can’t seem to stay away. Mateo and Gabriel are both a bit broken from their past traumas. Mateo is drawn to Gabriel and how he makes him feel. Gabriel becomes his escape that he hangs on to. The instalust soon turns into obsession and love with scorching hot chemistry.
Gabriel is ruthless, a bit unhinged, and can come off cold. But with Mateo and his brothers, there is a softness there. Gabriel cares for Mateo in the way that he touches him, with his words, and what he is willing to do to protect him. I loved how unpredictable this book really was. There were so many twists and turns, secrets revealed and many characters at play. It had to guessing throughout the whole book, just when I thought I might have figured out another bomb was dropped!
If you like your men a bit unhinged who get a little stabby and shoot happy with “touch him and die” and “you’re mine” vibes, a little lingerie with your mafia men, twists and turns, and painting a white wedding red, this book is for you! This book is full of hurt, pain, betrayal, spicy times, obsession, and a hard won HEA that takes you on a wild ride.
[I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.]
November 28, 2025
Man this sounded so promising I was sure this will be a 5 star read. I am fucking disappointed. The writing was horrible. Every conversation was as if you missed half of it. The father was bad then suddenly plot twist he was not bad. I fully expect the brother and fathers lover being alive but I will not know because I will not read another word from this author.
Gabriel was like oh I don’t care about hurting Mateo he is bad for reasons. Also I will fuck him but he can’t touch me haha I am so bad. And then Mateo is jogging (?). I have no idea if I skipped a part or why he was randomly running around without guards. So then the confrontation dun dun dun. Never have I ever read a dramatic scene this badly written. So Mateo is like I know you just want to hurt my family you don’t care about me. And Gabriel is like yeah. And Mateo says never come near me again only for three pages later be pining after Gabriel like a little bitch. Also his family is shit. Why does he suddenly want to protect him. At the beginning Gabriel is undercover at the engagement party because nobody knows him. 20 chapters later the fiance comes to his bar (which he has suddenly or was it a club?) and they know each other when they were kids. What? Oh and don’t let me start how ridiculous the fiancé was. Or how bad the guards were.
I admit this review is all over the place. I know I used the word suddenly a lot. But that’s what it was. Nothing was explained everything came all of the sudden (see variety in words).
Horrible writing, plot bunny was excellent, execution was absolutely awful.
Save yourself some time a don’t read this. I’m also convinced the 5 star reviews never read a book before.
I would recommend one use for this. A buddy read when you have to read out loud to each other. I guarantee you will die laughing.
In this rant I only described the surface of this shitshow. It’s worse.
Not recommended (omg who would recommend this)
Gabriel was like oh I don’t care about hurting Mateo he is bad for reasons. Also I will fuck him but he can’t touch me haha I am so bad. And then Mateo is jogging (?). I have no idea if I skipped a part or why he was randomly running around without guards. So then the confrontation dun dun dun. Never have I ever read a dramatic scene this badly written. So Mateo is like I know you just want to hurt my family you don’t care about me. And Gabriel is like yeah. And Mateo says never come near me again only for three pages later be pining after Gabriel like a little bitch. Also his family is shit. Why does he suddenly want to protect him. At the beginning Gabriel is undercover at the engagement party because nobody knows him. 20 chapters later the fiance comes to his bar (which he has suddenly or was it a club?) and they know each other when they were kids. What? Oh and don’t let me start how ridiculous the fiancé was. Or how bad the guards were.
I admit this review is all over the place. I know I used the word suddenly a lot. But that’s what it was. Nothing was explained everything came all of the sudden (see variety in words).
Horrible writing, plot bunny was excellent, execution was absolutely awful.
Save yourself some time a don’t read this. I’m also convinced the 5 star reviews never read a book before.
I would recommend one use for this. A buddy read when you have to read out loud to each other. I guarantee you will die laughing.
In this rant I only described the surface of this shitshow. It’s worse.
Not recommended (omg who would recommend this)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
ARC
While Mateo’s father does accept him being gay, Mateo finds himself in an impossible situation: an arranged marriage to Santiago, who he can’t stand in any way. He feels the need to breathe as he finds himself trapped in a life he never wanted and forced to share space and air with people he doesn’t want to have anything to do with.
Enters Gabriel Castaneda… Set on revenge on the Juventinos, mostly on Mateo’s father, due to his past and his traumas. But his plan for revenge involving our precious boy won’t be lasting for long.
These two have amazing chemistry from the start, we get an insta-lust that rapidly turns into obsession and love, they become the answer to the other’s questions, the calm in a world full of pretenses and lies.
We get mild stalking and some secret meetings in a secret place👀 This one is an enemies to lovers on a greater scale, more like a family enemies-to-lovers, cause you know, in the mafia world, if you’re an enemy to one, you’re an enemy to the whole family (fiends, colleagues, acquaintances, pets………. Basically you’re everyone’s enemy) 🤷🏼♀️
Mateo and Gabriel go through so much before being able to get their own happy ending, but sometimes one needs to get shooty and stabby, and maybe make a white wedding turn red, and all that to achieve a goal, like, you know… Everyday things😂
It’s always so good to enter a new mafia world, where families and cartels are vying for power, where every move has to be calculated to the max and where men are way more complicated than they seem!
Also… That little Miguel cameo? Yeah, it hurt a bit… So thank you Ashlynn for stabbing us readers too! 🔪
Side note: the prequel “Cold Blood” is where we meet Mateo’s family for the first time and we get a glimpse into another couple’s story… DO NOT miss out!
While Mateo’s father does accept him being gay, Mateo finds himself in an impossible situation: an arranged marriage to Santiago, who he can’t stand in any way. He feels the need to breathe as he finds himself trapped in a life he never wanted and forced to share space and air with people he doesn’t want to have anything to do with.
Enters Gabriel Castaneda… Set on revenge on the Juventinos, mostly on Mateo’s father, due to his past and his traumas. But his plan for revenge involving our precious boy won’t be lasting for long.
These two have amazing chemistry from the start, we get an insta-lust that rapidly turns into obsession and love, they become the answer to the other’s questions, the calm in a world full of pretenses and lies.
We get mild stalking and some secret meetings in a secret place👀 This one is an enemies to lovers on a greater scale, more like a family enemies-to-lovers, cause you know, in the mafia world, if you’re an enemy to one, you’re an enemy to the whole family (fiends, colleagues, acquaintances, pets………. Basically you’re everyone’s enemy) 🤷🏼♀️
Mateo and Gabriel go through so much before being able to get their own happy ending, but sometimes one needs to get shooty and stabby, and maybe make a white wedding turn red, and all that to achieve a goal, like, you know… Everyday things😂
It’s always so good to enter a new mafia world, where families and cartels are vying for power, where every move has to be calculated to the max and where men are way more complicated than they seem!
Also… That little Miguel cameo? Yeah, it hurt a bit… So thank you Ashlynn for stabbing us readers too! 🔪
Side note: the prequel “Cold Blood” is where we meet Mateo’s family for the first time and we get a glimpse into another couple’s story… DO NOT miss out!
August 2, 2024
After reading the prequel, I hoped to love Out for Blood, and I am so happy I had a helluva fun. 🥹 (I made like 40 highlights which is rare for me! 📝🤓)
Okay, so I looove MM mafia romances, and this one definitely delivered in that area. We have drugs, violence, arranged marriage, and cruel characters. I also love D/s elements, and while this one was light on that, it still gave the MCs an unusual dynamic (without treating the sub as someone less than) and allowed them to explore some kinks. The way Mateo loses his V-card? HOT! Hot, hot. Was it romantic? Heck no. Was it hot af? Yep.
I loved the way both MCs transform. Gabriel goes from this indifferent guy thirsting for revenge, not afraid to involve innocents, to a guy who is so down bad and protective of Mateo. Speaking of Mateo, he changes from the guarded son of a mobster to a strong and feisty man. The things he does in the finale??? Wow. The finale (and things right before that) was a rollercoaster. I wanted to go to bed, to save the last 30 or 40% of the book for the next day, but in the end, I could not put the book down and read it in one day. I simply had to know what happens next. And it was a wild ride, with twists and turns, some revelations, and setting up the following stories the way I like. I am not a fan of having the last chapter dedicated only to setting up other characters and creating superficial plotlines. Here, the storyline is interwoven through major events, and I already cannot wait for the second book.
The two MCs are so hot together. The spice was to die for. There is so much 👅🍑, like really. I was melting at times. Combine it with 💦 eating/play and I was in heaven.
Okay, so I looove MM mafia romances, and this one definitely delivered in that area. We have drugs, violence, arranged marriage, and cruel characters. I also love D/s elements, and while this one was light on that, it still gave the MCs an unusual dynamic (without treating the sub as someone less than) and allowed them to explore some kinks. The way Mateo loses his V-card? HOT! Hot, hot. Was it romantic? Heck no. Was it hot af? Yep.
I loved the way both MCs transform. Gabriel goes from this indifferent guy thirsting for revenge, not afraid to involve innocents, to a guy who is so down bad and protective of Mateo. Speaking of Mateo, he changes from the guarded son of a mobster to a strong and feisty man. The things he does in the finale??? Wow. The finale (and things right before that) was a rollercoaster. I wanted to go to bed, to save the last 30 or 40% of the book for the next day, but in the end, I could not put the book down and read it in one day. I simply had to know what happens next. And it was a wild ride, with twists and turns, some revelations, and setting up the following stories the way I like. I am not a fan of having the last chapter dedicated only to setting up other characters and creating superficial plotlines. Here, the storyline is interwoven through major events, and I already cannot wait for the second book.
The two MCs are so hot together. The spice was to die for. There is so much 👅🍑, like really. I was melting at times. Combine it with 💦 eating/play and I was in heaven.
May 5, 2024
This book is pure fire! I love mafia romances and I loved this book! Mills has delivered a deliciously captivating book with lots of suspense. You should definitely check out the Trigger Warnings before you read this book.
Mateo and Gabriel have an intense connection. They are attracted to one another from the start and the chemistry between them is palpable. They have plenty of passion to burn between the two of them.
Mateo is trapped in the obligations of being a cartel boss’s son. He’s a pawn in the need to form an alliance and tries to find brief moments of escape/freedom when he can. Gabriel has plans for Mateo and his revenge is at the forefront of his mind. Both men are drawn to one another for reasons they shouldn’t be - dangerous ones. Things go slightly off plan, in terms of emotional attachments. But the love they have for one another (one it becomes apparent) cannot be easily broken.
There’s a lot of action, plotting, and manipulation in this book. Both from external sources and internal conflict. The MCs have a lot to contend with, but they manage to reach their bloody and hard-won HEA.
This book is a gripping and fascinating read. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two, because that sneak peek at the end of this book gave me chills! Santiago and Angel’s book is going to be insane (in the best way possible, of course).
Mateo and Gabriel have an intense connection. They are attracted to one another from the start and the chemistry between them is palpable. They have plenty of passion to burn between the two of them.
Mateo is trapped in the obligations of being a cartel boss’s son. He’s a pawn in the need to form an alliance and tries to find brief moments of escape/freedom when he can. Gabriel has plans for Mateo and his revenge is at the forefront of his mind. Both men are drawn to one another for reasons they shouldn’t be - dangerous ones. Things go slightly off plan, in terms of emotional attachments. But the love they have for one another (one it becomes apparent) cannot be easily broken.
There’s a lot of action, plotting, and manipulation in this book. Both from external sources and internal conflict. The MCs have a lot to contend with, but they manage to reach their bloody and hard-won HEA.
This book is a gripping and fascinating read. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two, because that sneak peek at the end of this book gave me chills! Santiago and Angel’s book is going to be insane (in the best way possible, of course).
December 10, 2024
Gave up at 57%
There’s no point to this book. I kept waiting for something to happen or be revealed, and by 57%, I didn’t care anymore. Furthermore, the feelings and internal thoughts of the MCs held zero believability. Just because a character says or thinks one way doesn’t mean it’s convincing or believable to the reader. When there’s no evidence to back it up, it won’t ring true.
I hated how Mateo’s first time was handled. And Gabriel’s “no kissing rule” is an asinine trope. Their chemistry is also flat, lacks passion, and is uninspired. Just boring really. I felt zero connection to either MC, and couldn’t care less what happens to them. I saw a rave review of this book, which is what prompted me to give it a try. Sadly, it didn’t deliver, and even the sex scenes failed to elicit any emotions from me.
The plot (what little there is) moves at a glacial pace, and there are not enough breadcrumbs being dropped to keep me invested or interested. The writing is fine, as far as not many errors, but I’d take some typos and a great story over a perfectly written snooze fest.
After I debated not finishing, I read the synopses of the rest of the series, and decided this is not the series for me. I got this book free through a “stuff your kindle”-type event, so nothing lost but some time. You win some, you lose some.
There’s no point to this book. I kept waiting for something to happen or be revealed, and by 57%, I didn’t care anymore. Furthermore, the feelings and internal thoughts of the MCs held zero believability. Just because a character says or thinks one way doesn’t mean it’s convincing or believable to the reader. When there’s no evidence to back it up, it won’t ring true.
I hated how Mateo’s first time was handled. And Gabriel’s “no kissing rule” is an asinine trope. Their chemistry is also flat, lacks passion, and is uninspired. Just boring really. I felt zero connection to either MC, and couldn’t care less what happens to them. I saw a rave review of this book, which is what prompted me to give it a try. Sadly, it didn’t deliver, and even the sex scenes failed to elicit any emotions from me.
The plot (what little there is) moves at a glacial pace, and there are not enough breadcrumbs being dropped to keep me invested or interested. The writing is fine, as far as not many errors, but I’d take some typos and a great story over a perfectly written snooze fest.
After I debated not finishing, I read the synopses of the rest of the series, and decided this is not the series for me. I got this book free through a “stuff your kindle”-type event, so nothing lost but some time. You win some, you lose some.
May 8, 2024
"Because your mine. Nobody touches what's mine."
🤍Enemies to lovers-ish
🤍Grumpy/Sunshine
🤍Praise
🤍You're Mine
🤍Touch Him & Die
🤍A touch of Somno 😉
🤍Cartel Heirs
Gah this book!
I thought I knew what I was getting into but ho ho baby I was not even on the mark at all, it was soo much more.
Mateo Juventino is the quiet type because he has to be to survive until someone comes along and makes him feel alive.
Gabriel Castaneda is the silent killer that the world thinks to be dead except surviving in the shadows is what he does best. Or until he sees a way to come out of them to get revenge.
Is it hard to just keep surviving and not living the life you have? It is when you have no choice in how your life turns out, Mateo finds this the hardest pill to swallow.
This book will take you on a ride through heartbreak, pain, loss, spicy times and a hard fought happy ending. I got so stabby cause a bitch needed to get cut, she deserved more than what she got in my opinion but I digress.
Gabriel & Mateo's pasts hurt so much that it makes sense that these two would come together and survive the life they live in. Both having so much alike trauma is what brings them together even more.
Gabriel had me in a chokehold with his mouth alone, cause 🫠.
He's filthy, unrestrained, unhinged in his own way, uncaring unless it's his family and Mateo. He is Mateos calm to the chaos in his head.
I love that little tid bit about Miguel once everything comes to light and I wanted to hate him so badly but now I get why he is the way that he is, still doesn't make it okay but I get it. After his chapter I was rethinking some things.
Out for Blood had me in its clutches and did not let me go, Gabriel & Mateo are the perfect start to this series and I cannot wait for more.
By the way... who is that stranger that left that familiar gun with Mateo? Me thinks I know but I will wait with bated breath to find out if I am right.
🤍Enemies to lovers-ish
🤍Grumpy/Sunshine
🤍Praise
🤍You're Mine
🤍Touch Him & Die
🤍A touch of Somno 😉
🤍Cartel Heirs
Gah this book!
I thought I knew what I was getting into but ho ho baby I was not even on the mark at all, it was soo much more.
Mateo Juventino is the quiet type because he has to be to survive until someone comes along and makes him feel alive.
Gabriel Castaneda is the silent killer that the world thinks to be dead except surviving in the shadows is what he does best. Or until he sees a way to come out of them to get revenge.
Is it hard to just keep surviving and not living the life you have? It is when you have no choice in how your life turns out, Mateo finds this the hardest pill to swallow.
This book will take you on a ride through heartbreak, pain, loss, spicy times and a hard fought happy ending. I got so stabby cause a bitch needed to get cut, she deserved more than what she got in my opinion but I digress.
Gabriel & Mateo's pasts hurt so much that it makes sense that these two would come together and survive the life they live in. Both having so much alike trauma is what brings them together even more.
Gabriel had me in a chokehold with his mouth alone, cause 🫠.
He's filthy, unrestrained, unhinged in his own way, uncaring unless it's his family and Mateo. He is Mateos calm to the chaos in his head.
I love that little tid bit about Miguel once everything comes to light and I wanted to hate him so badly but now I get why he is the way that he is, still doesn't make it okay but I get it. After his chapter I was rethinking some things.
Out for Blood had me in its clutches and did not let me go, Gabriel & Mateo are the perfect start to this series and I cannot wait for more.
By the way... who is that stranger that left that familiar gun with Mateo? Me thinks I know but I will wait with bated breath to find out if I am right.
May 2, 2024
😈🖤Out For Blood // Cartel Wars 1 // Ashlynn Mills🖤😈
Ashlynn Mills fulfilled all of my cartel, telenovela dreams with this one! It is WILD in the best way.
What happens when a sweet princesa” of a mafia heir and a hitman on a path of revenge find their perfect match in each other? Gabriel and Mateo gives us the steamiest lil game of cat and mouse and I AM HERE FOR IT! A lil femme boy with a taste for corsets and a big bad hitman with a somno shmink?!? Does Ashlynn write this stuff just for me?? 😇😈.
Don’t even get me started on all the drama! The twists and turns had me CAPTIVATED! If you love dark romance, with all the drama and shmink … don’t sleep on this one!
I am so intrigued by the characters and CANNOT WAIT for this series to continue!
🖤 Mistreated Mafia Pretty Boy
😈 Villainous Hitman
✨Cheating/ Unwanted Engagement To Another
🖤 Hurt Comfort
😈 Revenge
✨ Stalking
🖤 Touch Him and ☠️
😈 Vi•lence, Gore
🔥K!nky tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: Yes.
D/s
Corsets
Size difference
First Times
S•mn•philia
Degradation / H-miliation
C-m Play
B•ndage
Needy greedy bottom
✅ book has listed trigger warning:Yes.
💋 @read.me.romance
Ashlynn Mills fulfilled all of my cartel, telenovela dreams with this one! It is WILD in the best way.
What happens when a sweet princesa” of a mafia heir and a hitman on a path of revenge find their perfect match in each other? Gabriel and Mateo gives us the steamiest lil game of cat and mouse and I AM HERE FOR IT! A lil femme boy with a taste for corsets and a big bad hitman with a somno shmink?!? Does Ashlynn write this stuff just for me?? 😇😈.
Don’t even get me started on all the drama! The twists and turns had me CAPTIVATED! If you love dark romance, with all the drama and shmink … don’t sleep on this one!
I am so intrigued by the characters and CANNOT WAIT for this series to continue!
🖤 Mistreated Mafia Pretty Boy
😈 Villainous Hitman
✨Cheating/ Unwanted Engagement To Another
🖤 Hurt Comfort
😈 Revenge
✨ Stalking
🖤 Touch Him and ☠️
😈 Vi•lence, Gore
🔥K!nky tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: Yes.
D/s
Corsets
Size difference
First Times
S•mn•philia
Degradation / H-miliation
C-m Play
B•ndage
Needy greedy bottom
✅ book has listed trigger warning:Yes.
💋 @read.me.romance
May 7, 2024
Absolutely brilliant.
I have got to say as soon as I started this book, I just couldn’t put it down. It had everything for me. I wasn’t sure about Gabriel at the beginning because he was such a dark character, always there, always popping up to Mateo. But there was no denying that these two had chemistry you could feel the electric current running through them every time they met. Oh, and Mateo fiance made my skin crawl. I did not like that man at all. But I did love all the twists and turns that happen in this book and how dark it got. This is another fantastic book by Ashlynn Mills. This is the first book of the Cartel Wars series, and I am super excited for the next book where I am so eager to see what Angel does. Reading a little bit of the next book made my skin tingle. I really hope Angel lives up to my expectations. Honestly, I am really bite my tongue because I just wanna talk about this book so much and I know I’m gonna give away some twist so I’m gonna stop this review now lol
I guarantee you are going to love this book.
I received a ARC and this is me choosing to leave my honest review.
I have got to say as soon as I started this book, I just couldn’t put it down. It had everything for me. I wasn’t sure about Gabriel at the beginning because he was such a dark character, always there, always popping up to Mateo. But there was no denying that these two had chemistry you could feel the electric current running through them every time they met. Oh, and Mateo fiance made my skin crawl. I did not like that man at all. But I did love all the twists and turns that happen in this book and how dark it got. This is another fantastic book by Ashlynn Mills. This is the first book of the Cartel Wars series, and I am super excited for the next book where I am so eager to see what Angel does. Reading a little bit of the next book made my skin tingle. I really hope Angel lives up to my expectations. Honestly, I am really bite my tongue because I just wanna talk about this book so much and I know I’m gonna give away some twist so I’m gonna stop this review now lol
I guarantee you are going to love this book.
I received a ARC and this is me choosing to leave my honest review.
June 8, 2024
Out For Blood by Ashlynn Mills is book 1 in the Cartel Wars series. Oh! My! Word!! This story is so good. Mateo is a pawn for his father and is being married off to Santiago to form an alliance. Santiago is not a very nice man and he is cruel to Mateo. Gabriel wants to take out Mateo's family and decides he is going to use Mateo to do it. But, the closer they get the harder it is to remember what the plan was.
This story is fun. A little gross in the dark spots, as expected with a mafia story. Very sexy. Very steamy. Very intriguing. The ending threw me and now I NEED Angel and Santiago's story. I mean, how can we go from Santiago being the villain in this story and in Mateo's life to loving him in Angel's story????
If you like and want:
*Stalking
*Going after your enemies son
*Forbidden romance
*A next in line cartel boss who loves corsets and to be called pincesa
*Family secrets
*Lots of unaliving
*Somnophillia
*Dub con
*Hitman
*Kidnapping (not between MCs)
Then I highly recommend Out For Blood!
This story is fun. A little gross in the dark spots, as expected with a mafia story. Very sexy. Very steamy. Very intriguing. The ending threw me and now I NEED Angel and Santiago's story. I mean, how can we go from Santiago being the villain in this story and in Mateo's life to loving him in Angel's story????
If you like and want:
*Stalking
*Going after your enemies son
*Forbidden romance
*A next in line cartel boss who loves corsets and to be called pincesa
*Family secrets
*Lots of unaliving
*Somnophillia
*Dub con
*Hitman
*Kidnapping (not between MCs)
Then I highly recommend Out For Blood!
May 28, 2025
DNF @ 41%
I'm tired of authors writing MF romances and then swapping out the F for another M and trying to pass it as an MM romance. Which is exactly what this read like.
Also, I know the author says you need to suspend reality to enjoy the book, which I'm all for, but you really expect me to believe the son of a mob boss acts the way Mateo does? I also understand that the author says mafia romances aren't usually her thing, but bro, none of the story (so far) made sense. Like, I get wanting to dabble in something new, but maybe just stick with what you know?
Also, also, there's zero depth to either character. At almost halfway through the book I would think we would know more about the characters other than Mateo has mommy/daddy issues and Gabriel wants revenge.
Idk, maybe I'm a harsh critic because mafia/organized crime/cartel romances are my jam so my standards are high 🤷🏼♀️
I'm tired of authors writing MF romances and then swapping out the F for another M and trying to pass it as an MM romance. Which is exactly what this read like.
Also, I know the author says you need to suspend reality to enjoy the book, which I'm all for, but you really expect me to believe the son of a mob boss acts the way Mateo does? I also understand that the author says mafia romances aren't usually her thing, but bro, none of the story (so far) made sense. Like, I get wanting to dabble in something new, but maybe just stick with what you know?
Also, also, there's zero depth to either character. At almost halfway through the book I would think we would know more about the characters other than Mateo has mommy/daddy issues and Gabriel wants revenge.
Idk, maybe I'm a harsh critic because mafia/organized crime/cartel romances are my jam so my standards are high 🤷🏼♀️
May 3, 2024
Wow I loved the first make of this story Bad blood but Holy Moly I absolutely love the new extended remake with so much more hotness and brutality.
Gabriel and Mateo are just hotness overloaded, with a white rose thrown in.
Mateo is set to marry another high powered son in the hopes of helping out their family, little do they know that the betrayals are far closer than they expected and the connection between Mateo and Gabriel goes back far more further than either expected.
Again having read the first version of this series and knowing all the players definitely takes away from some of the suspence but most certainly doesn't stop me from enjoying the new twists and wanting the next right now lol.
If you haven't read this book you need to.
Gabriel and Mateo are just hotness overloaded, with a white rose thrown in.
Mateo is set to marry another high powered son in the hopes of helping out their family, little do they know that the betrayals are far closer than they expected and the connection between Mateo and Gabriel goes back far more further than either expected.
Again having read the first version of this series and knowing all the players definitely takes away from some of the suspence but most certainly doesn't stop me from enjoying the new twists and wanting the next right now lol.
If you haven't read this book you need to.
April 30, 2024
This has become one of my favorites by Ashlynn Mills! This is the story of Mateo and Gabriel. Mateo is in an arranged marriage situation with a man named Santiago. Gabriel is a man out for revenge on Mateo's father. They meet at a party, where Gabriel keeps his identity very much a secret, but at the same time, seems very enamored by Mateo. They start meeting in secret, Gabriel leaving notes for Mateo. Eventually, their time together turns super steamy, and Gabriel's feelings start turning away from revenge and towards something sweeter. This was a really good part of this book for me, I loved watching the evolution of Gabriel's feelings in this, the way his thoughts on certain things changed over time. Their buildup was perfectly paced for me, and they developed an amazing connection. I loved the possession in this! This was such an amazing read!
**This story was previously released as Bad Blood, but Out for Blood is a story that has been re-worked with additional content**
**This story was previously released as Bad Blood, but Out for Blood is a story that has been re-worked with additional content**
May 3, 2024
I read the original and this one about four years apart so I can’t tell where the newer parts are (because that’s like two million years in book years) but it’s still a pretty good start to the series. A couple things had me rolling my eyes but I was still very invested in finding out what was going on.
I really hated Miguel but he was redeemed at the end. I especially HATED Santiago and was really wondering how Ashlynn could pull off redemption for him because his book is next. Yeah… just wait, it’s epic!
Highly recommend and definitely need to read in order.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really hated Miguel but he was redeemed at the end. I especially HATED Santiago and was really wondering how Ashlynn could pull off redemption for him because his book is next. Yeah… just wait, it’s epic!
Highly recommend and definitely need to read in order.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
Love at first read
I fell in love with this story the first I read it years ago when it was known as Bad Blood. I love the new revision just as much as I love the original, maybe even more. Cartel Wars is the reason I fell in love with Ashlynn Mills writing.
Out for Blood is the first book in the series Cartel Wars, it is the story of Mateo and Gabriel. Gabriel is seeking revenge on the man who wronged his family years ago Miguel Juventinos, he puts his son Mateo in his crosshairs. There is something about Mateo that Gabriel can't let go of
"I saw something I wanted and now I can't stop going after it."
<3
I fell in love with this story the first I read it years ago when it was known as Bad Blood. I love the new revision just as much as I love the original, maybe even more. Cartel Wars is the reason I fell in love with Ashlynn Mills writing.
Out for Blood is the first book in the series Cartel Wars, it is the story of Mateo and Gabriel. Gabriel is seeking revenge on the man who wronged his family years ago Miguel Juventinos, he puts his son Mateo in his crosshairs. There is something about Mateo that Gabriel can't let go of
"I saw something I wanted and now I can't stop going after it."
<3
May 2, 2024
Mateo is being forced to marry Santiago by his Mafia father. He meets an attractive stranger who flirts outrageously and can't stop fixating on him but Gabriel is really an enemy out for revenge. Soon both are caught in that trap of attraction. This book is hot and steamy and a forbidden lust rules them. You will have to read this with a fan on with the intensity of their needs. All the while they are surrounded by danger, intrigue, violence and death. I loved this down and dirty book, I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
August 13, 2024
Average
Some glaring issues for me. Its a book about Mexican Cartels in Mexico. Everyone should be speaking Spanish so the author needed to not be obvious that they were all speaking English. They actually added a few Spanish words in randomly and pointed out when someone was speaking Spanish. They ALL should be. Then there's the ridiculous timing of intimate moments. You've been held hostage for 5 days and had no bathroom and so dirty your clothes are black. Yummy lets eat butt and get it on........
Some glaring issues for me. Its a book about Mexican Cartels in Mexico. Everyone should be speaking Spanish so the author needed to not be obvious that they were all speaking English. They actually added a few Spanish words in randomly and pointed out when someone was speaking Spanish. They ALL should be. Then there's the ridiculous timing of intimate moments. You've been held hostage for 5 days and had no bathroom and so dirty your clothes are black. Yummy lets eat butt and get it on........
November 20, 2024
This book was super mid. The characters had zero chemistry until the last 100 pages and a lot of the plot points just seem thrown in. Mateo's scars feel that way. The book explains how he got them but never why so it just feels out of place. Earlier in the book he says that he could use some shooting practice but then at the end he's a sharp shooter all of a sudden? Also any time he does something remotely cool it's almost immediately followed up by him being bested and then just giving up. I also feel like the sex scenes were lacking a lot of detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews