His to Protect

Mafia Kingpins #2

by Ava Gray

He’s not going to take no for an answer, and he’s willing to pay his way in…

VIN
Nothing burns like love. And I’ve been through the flames once already, so that’s been there, done that situation.
Not looking to fall in love means I want one thing only - a gorgeous woman in my arms, and an empty bed by sunrise.
Until I meet Hannah Everson at a virginity auction, and buy her to be my wife.
Because that’s how this ends. Gorgeous, innocent Hannah never stood a chance against a kingpin like me.

HANNAH
Want to know one thing that’s guaranteed to ruin your life for good?
Borrowing money from the wrong people, then owing them something you don’t have.
Sure, the money paid for my mom’s medical bills, but she’s gone now… and I have a debt to pay.
When I’m forced to sell the only valuable thing left about me, I end up in the lair of a mafia prince.
He says he’ll protect me, but is Vincentius Rossi someone I can trust?
Or will his overpowering love break us?


His to Protect is book two of the Mafia Kingpins series. This is a full-length standalone novel with these age gap, forced proximity, surprise pregnancy. Expect a happily ever after ending!

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark Romance, Adult, Forced Proximity

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

TROPES:
~age gap
~"mafia" but not really
~forced proximity
~strangers to lovers

I wasn't a huge fan of this book. It's not even really mafia, because Vin wants nothing to do with that. Anyways, Hannah needs money fast. She decides to "sell" her virginity to make up the payment she owes to another mafia family. And guess who wins her? Vin!

Things move pretty quickly between them, which I loved. But other than that, I'm disappointed in the lack of mafia in this book. :(

SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine
OM/OW drama: no
Cheating/sharing: no
HEA?: yes!

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.

[Vashti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a Mafia romance per se but enjoyable.
Insta lust
Age gap
Semi mafia
Virgin herione
Hero hurt by past love
Evil guy out to get heroine.

[andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

My fault for being literate

[Michele Boice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the way this author draws you in right from the start! This one was a bit to surreal and no real good twists......however, I am waiting patiently for Enzo.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

His to Protect is book two of the Mafia Kingpins series. This is a full-length standalone novel with many tropes and no cheating. Expect a happily ever after ending! A brilliantly written story with extraordinary characters and a fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and turning the pages. A fast paced, thrilling, and tantalizing read. This is Hannah and Vincentius story, which is told from a dual POV. An addicting and unputdownable read. A billionaires and millionaires romance, aged gap trope story, forced proximity romance, dark mafia romance, gothic romance, alpha hero romance, damsel in distress story, hero-burnt-in-love-before story, contemporary romance, virgin heroine story, auction/sold story, bought/own story, surprise pregnancy story protective hero romance, protector romance, Cinderella-like fairytale romance, damsel in distress romance with fear, secret, deception, tension, emotions, angst, passion, enemies, loss, pain, stalking, threats, danger, revelations, acceptance, survival, suspense, mystery, heartache, love, death, obsession, possessiveness, lies and kidnapping.
Twenty-two year old Hannah Everson has had poor and improvish, one where she's always the one having to take of someone and never having someone taking care of her. She works herself to the bone everyday to keep a roof over her head and to care for her sick mother, her best friend and never took the time to explore a life for herself. Hannah
mom was sick and dying from cancer and didn't have any insurance and couldn't get the necessary treatment in order to fight the disease because of no health coverage. Hannah decided that she would do anything to give her mom a fighting chance and more time together, so when a co-worker told her of a way where she could get some fast money she jumped at the chance and didn't even bothered to read the contract. She borrowed fifty thousand dollars from a loan shark name Dexter Creed, who's an nasty, vicious and unscrupulous business. As soon as she got the check she went straight to the bank to cash the check. She was finally able to pay for all her medications and doctors visits and was even able to bury her even though it was barely anything left.
And for months she had been living in fear and looking over her back and wondering when Dexter Creed would send his enforcer to come and collect the money that she didn't have. One day after she had put in a grueling day at the diner she was thinking about her debt and how she can talk to Dexter Creed to put her on a payment. She couldn't wait to make it home to get off her feet and soak in the tub then go straight to sleep. However, that plan did not work out for her as she came upstairs to her apartment door open. And when she saw a big and muscular man coming out of the apartment asking if her name was Hannah Everson she ran from him in spite of the pain in her feet. She hid behind the dumpster thinking that he had gone. But as soon as she got up he was right there and threw her over his shoulder. He kidnapped her and took her to a hotel where Dexter was waiting. This was the first time that she would actually be meeting Dexter. And he was happy that she didn't have the money because he never knew that she was so young and beautiful.
He looked her body up and down which gave her a creepy vibe. Dexter told her that she had two choices in which that she could repay him. The first one is his guy was going to break one of her arm, then returns in three days to collect the money. If she still didn't have it he would break the other one. The process would continue with her legs, then the next step would be her life. Option two is one where she would clear her debt by morning. He asked her if she was a virgin which took her aback. Hannah thought that he wanted to sleep with her and would rather have her arms and legs be broken before sleeping with him. But then he tells her that he was hosting a party where she must have something extremely valuable to auction off. Something a man would pay an exorbitant and indecent amount of money to obtain. He thinks that her sweet cherry will bring him much more money than she owes him. And as tempting as it was to keep her for himself he rather have the cold hard cash. Hannah didn't know if she could sleep with a perfect stranger but he wasn't giving much of a choice. She agrees to do the auction because her plan wasn't to go through with it because the whole time she was planning on escaping. But that plan was shot because the enforcer was post up outside of her changing room just for that same idea. She went with it because if it will get him off her back and she would no longer have to look over her shoulders that would be good.
Vincentius a.k.a. Vin Rossi is a thirty-two year billionaire mafia boss and second son of a mafia boss. He's handsome, damage, intelligent and muscular. The Rossi Mafia family is one of the Five powerful Mafia Families in New York City. They have businesses sprawl across the globe. One of their most lucrative business is their Vineyards. The Rossi Vineyard and estate is located in Southern Sicily and Miceli the eldest Rossi is at the head of the family. Over the years Vin has brought forth brilliant ideas that has heel profitable for the vineyard division. Miceli wants Vin to take over running the wine business branch that the family has in the United States. He thought that it would a good distraction for his brother after what he had recently went through, he also believed that he would be perfect for the job. Vin believes that taking on the role of President of Rossi Vineyard is huge and would keep him busy, too busy to dwell on why he haven't been happy lately. In fact for years he haven't been truly happy. For years he has had the feeling of something being missing. He can't put his finger on it nor can he explain what or why he have been feeling that way. All he knows is that there's a hole and no matter what he do, he can't seems to fill it. Vin is certain that it isn't a relationship that he's locking. Because he doesn't need a woman in his life, all he needs is a warm body, a welcoming female companion to satisfy the urges and cravings of his dick.
Because as a thirty-two year old man he as sexual needs and wants. But what he doesn't want is to get burned away while pursuing his needs. He still wears the scars from his lost heartbreak and he's not naive enough to go down that path again. After he came home and find his girlfriend Cynda in bed fucking another man he soar off woman, that was five years ago and he's still hurt. Vin wants to get his cock wet after a year long drought. But he never do repeats, now he's just a one and done man. Because Vin was feeling like something was missing, his brother Enzo thought he needed to get laid before he took over as President of the vineyard division. But Vin didn't have any prospects. Enzo told him about a very, extremely private event that was happening tonight that he had been getting invitations for over three years to attend but he was too busy making the family richer to attend. The party is not really above board and somewhat illegal. He thought that it would be the the perfect place to pick-up a woman for the evening and have some sex with no strings attached. It's an invite only party and Enzo gave his invitation to Vin. He didn't know that Dexter Creed was the one who's throwing party, it's called The White Auction.
Vin thought that it was an art auction but he wasn't planning on buying any art he just wanted to meet a nice lady so that he could blow off the dust off his cock and a fuck. He was trying to meet a woman and leave before the auction started. As he looked around it was mostly men there and the women that was there was with someone. He was wondering why they were all so excited. He called his brother to give him a few choice words on why he would send him to a place where he couldn't take a woman up to his hotel room. He have had enough and was just about to leave after he didn't meet anyone when suddenly the auctioneer appeared on the stage. After he realized what was really going on he was disgusted. Vin was heading for the door when this frighten young woman named Mary appeared on stage. He was immediately drawn to her and he could tell that she didn't want to be up there, that she was being forced. He saw the vulnerability in her eyes and her hands were shaking. She wasn't shaking her ass and boobs like the other girls. He saw the fear in her eyes and two men were fighting over her like feral dogs, no way was he going let them have her. He bid one hundred and fifty-six thousand and won her one night. He bought her but didn't have sex with her. He just wanted to save her. He took her to his room fed and got to know her and why she was there. And the next day he took Hannah back to her apartment, but he invited her out to dinner that night.
For the first time since Cynda broke his heart he fines someone who he wants to take care of. He wants to worship her, give her gifts and money and make her life easy. He doesn't know where this all consuming and unexplained urge comes from to take care of her. He won't give her his heart but sex, fucking and gifts is what he could handle. The two had sex the next day and Vin just love how innocent and vibrant and how she was easy to talk to. He offered her a job as his executive assistant after he saw how bad she was living plus he wanted to take care of her. She was definitely a repeater and the two started catching feelings for each other but Vin his scared of getting hurt again. One of the men who missed out on winning her
Caleb Durant he wanted to buy her he followed her to cemetery and threatened her that she would be his. I'll leave here. Did Vin give their relationship a chance? Did Caleb ever got close to Hannah again? Did they get their HEA ?

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Barnette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle school writer?

I don't know what other people are reading to rate this so high. The dialogue and even some of the writing was so cheesy and simplistic using descriptions and words from a YA novel but with sex added in. It was a bit ridiculous. Scooby-Doo with dirty words. At least it was short.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written story with amazing characters which was easy to read as well as a page turner. The story has drama, suspense, intrigue, thrills, action, and a steamy spicy romance with an outstanding happily ever after ending.
A story about a young woman finds love when she is bought at an white auction by a business man who is part of a mafia family.
The young woman was forced to be in the auction because she owed a loan shark money. The young woman got money from the loan shark to tend to her dying mother during her last days alive.
The business man was engaged once but the woman that he was engaged to was having affairs with other men and he found her having sex with one of the men. After that he decided he would never fall in love again.
The business man had no clue what he was in for when he got an invitation from his brother who would get the invitations but still didn’t know what the invitations was to. When the business man found out what the auction was about he was going to leave until he spotted a frightened young woman who they were auctioning off her virginity, he bought the young woman to save her from the men who he knew would hurt her.
The two from the beginning could feel something between them. The business man didn’t want to touch her unless she wanted him to. But in no time the two are having sex.
Throughout the story the two get closer and then the business man pulls away from her. The business man gives her a position at the family business that he is the head of but the woman if forms him that she wants a professional relationship if she takes the job which he agrees to but doesn’t like.
During this time a man who tried buying her at the auction keeps showing up and the last time he grabs her taking her to his office building. The man tries to force him into giving him information about top secret information that he thinks that she has.
The business man goes to a meeting of the five main mafia families of the city. The five mafia families talk about business as well as the man from the auction and him trying to do something to the businessman's family business.
The businessman’s siblings try to talk to him throughout the story about letting the past go and letting the young woman into his heart and he realizes that the young woman is already there. The young woman had already figured that out beforehand.
The business man and his brother go after the young woman after the businessman finds out where the man took the young woman. After getting her he takes her back to his place where they have sex.
The next day they get married and his siblings give them a party afterwards. The businessman informs the young woman that they’re honeymoon will be at his parent’s vineyard in Sicily.
At Sicily the young woman meets his parents. The young woman starts getting sick and they find out that she’s pregnant. The couple are in love and happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Mafia Kingpins series hang on it will get a little rough so you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way! Hanna is sweet with a touch of spice loves her mother who is fighting a losing battle with cancer Hanna is working herself to the bone to take pay her mother’s medical bills to extend her life just a little longer but the medical bills were overwhelming so she did the only thing she could think of borrow money from a loan shark at 100% interest but working at a diner and struggling to make ends meet with no way to pay the debt owed. Vin sexy as all get out brother to our lead in book one soon to take over the vineyard operation he is just as ruthless, dangerous, as his brother deadly every day stays away from relationships or wants to since his last break up was a disaster but when his brother insist on attending an auction he isn’t sure what they are auctioning off until the women come on stage and the moment he notices the scared young lady so much fear radiating off of her he makes sure he places the winning bid paying her more than what is owed. They get to know each other learning she is alone after her mother recently passed away him of course tries to stay disconnected from her but fate has a way of making you do or feel exactly what she intends you to feel and it isn’t until his girl is kidnapped that he realize what a gem he had but is he willing to fight for her, will he come for her, will he keep her protected, what happens to the loan shark, and can these two find something more than just the auction?

[S Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Vincentius Rossi and Hannah Everson. Hanna is dealing with the loss of her mother after a long and expensive cancer battle. She was desperate to pay medical bills and try to extend her mother's life and borrowed money from a loan shark. Since she works at a diner, she is struggling to make ends meet with no way to pay her debt. Vin is the brother to Miceli (book 1) and he is soon to take over the family vineyard operation. Vin is dealing with trying to avoid relationships at all cost after a particularly brutal break up with is last serious girlfriend/fiancé, but he is lonely. HIs bother offer’s him an invitation to a mysterious auction having no idea that items up for auction are women. When Hannah can’t pay her debt, the loan shark has her kidnapped and forces her to auction off her innocence. Vin sensing the real fear that Hannah has during the auction outbids everyone and takes her home.

While this a cute mafia romance its tame and not really dark so if that’s what you are after this isn’t your book. Additionally I would consider Vin mafia adjacent as he expresses no real interest in that side of the family business. While a decent second book in the series, I will say I liked book 1 a little more than I liked this, but this is still worth the read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book and I loved all the characters but I really loved Hannah’s strength and determination against everything she has gone through trying to save her mother’s life and then after loosing her trying to pay back a loan shark who doesn’t care about her he wants his money so he forces her sell the last thing of value she has her virginity at auction. Vinncentius Rossi is s Mafia Prince and has closed of his heart after his ex girlfriend but he is lonely and when his brother tells him of the auction he goes not expecting to buy anything and learns what it’s a white auction is about and until he see’s Hannah who he knows is not there willingly so he out bids everyone else and saves her but he is intrigued by the Hannah and he wants to know her better and and it isn’t long before she sleeps with him as she is attracted to him an d she learns he has been hurt before and has trust issues and so does she. Do the get there HEA or not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chronic Chihuahua · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where Is The Love

Genuinely do not understand the fed, affluent, buffered women of the world.

He hasn't admitted he loves her until way too far into this book.

And she believes that.

For some reason.

Yet she had to exercise her neuroplasticity to what he was telling her.

Either what he treated her like all book, matters or his feelings do.

When his feelings just end a story then I know its written for the people with severe absentee daddy issues.

Don't worry girls, you don't need a fathers.

You need a happy caregiver.

Thats the truth.

Monogamy was the first slavery.

So you gotta do more than one moment of pathetic vulnerability tacced on at the end of the book, if you want me to believe it.

But then, did you let your absentee father call himself father?

Did none of the work and you let him, to butter yourself for Toddler Mafia Man.

The way all these girls behave like Disney Princesses over mass murderers.

Your audience is safe as fuck, aren't they?

Haha.

Green Pilled Patriarchial Parable of Toxicity.

[Christine Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah owes money to a lone shark and in order to clear her debt decides to sell her purity at an auction. Vin stumbles upon the auction through an invite from his brother. When he sees Hannah on stage his mind is made up. He has to bid in order to protect her.

Overall this story was very sweet. I loved the dynamic between Hannah and Vin. I will say it isn't really a surprise pregnancy book and I don't get mafia vibes from this book either. The Mafia is brought up in this book but it is almost like an after thought and Vin admits he doesn't like to take part in Mafia. I honestly wish the book was a little longer I felt like the story line was rushed through. I don't feel like I missed anything but I kind of wish we got a little more. They were a fun couple to read and get to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved His to Protect Book 2 of Mafia Kingpins. Vin doesn’t date or do relationships after his ex broke him. When his brother has an invitation to an auction he thinks he can meet someone for the night. Hannah has to go to the loan shark for money for her mom’s treatment but now she has to pay and the only thing she has is her virginity. When Vin sees his upset Hannah is he knows he has to save her and he does. He doesn’t expect to have real feelings for her. Unfortunately, he continues to push her away even when he wants her but someone else wants her also and when she’s taken he will destroy the world to bet her back. I loved the storyline and the characters. True love will find a way. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jody Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

*His to Protect* by Ava Gray is the second book in the Mafia Kingpins series. It is a steamy, fast-paced romance set against a light mafia backdrop. The story follows Hannah Everson, a 22-year-old burdened by her late mother’s medical bills, who auctions her virginity to settle a loan shark's demands. Vincentius “Vin” Rossi, a 32-year-old mafia prince who has sworn off love after experiencing heartbreak, attends the auction and bids to rescue her. This decision sparks an instant and intense connection between them.

The narrative features sweet chemistry, immediate attraction, and a protective alpha hero, alongside likable characters and a satisfying happily-ever-after. However, while the plot moves quickly, some readers may feel it feels rushed and may wish for deeper character exploration and a longer narrative.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd story in the Mafia Kingpins Series where we meet Hannah a daughter who will do what is necessary to take care of her sick mother. At one point Hannah finds herself in a situation where she’s owing some nasty people a debt that’s impossible to pay until a dark man, Vin buys her virginity at an auction with the promise of more than she’s ever expected. Vin is a kingpin who has been burned by a woman so when he comes across the beauty, Hannah he takes her for his and discovers more than he ever thought possible. They will find themselves in a relationship full of surprises with chemistry, drama and a fight to keep what’s important-Love! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Second book in the Rossi family mafia series.
Vin is deeply jaded about women and love. He stumbles across a terrified Hannah at an auction.
Hannah has run afoul of a loan shark, after borrowing to ease her cancer-stricken mother’s last days. Her mom has just died and Hannah is utterly alone in the world.
Her choices: pay the loan 100%, or, (1) the loan shark will break a different body part each week until he’s paid, or, (2) auction off her virginity to the highest bidder.
That highest bidder becomes Vin. Second place better is a vile man who will stop at nothing to reclaim Hannah and destroy the Rossi family.
High drama when Hannah is kidnapped. That episode brings home to Vin how much he loves her.
HEA.
Moderate angst.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah borrowed money from the wrong people for her mother's medical bills. Now she is gone and they want their money. She is given two options; broken bones or sell her virginity to purge the debt.

Vin has been in a funk, his brother suggests he attend this party he has a invite for What his brother does not tell him is that this is a white auction. When he sees Hannah he knows he cannot leave her to her fate.

He does not do relationships but he does not know how to stay away from her. Someone is not happy they lost the auction and is out to take her away.


Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah was forced to borrow money from a shady loan shark to care for her dying mother. Her mother now dead and the loan due, she is pressured into taking a horrible decision. Auction her virginity to pay off her debts or death.

Vin was betrayed by his ex fiancee and has since kept his heart locked away. Persuaded to attend a secret auction by his brother he comes face to face with an angel. He is utterly smitten but fights his feelings and in the process nearly loses her.

A fantastic heartwarming, action packed, page turner with superb world building, likeable characters and plenty of passion. Excellent edition to a thoroughly enjoyable series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thea Kubicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincentius and Hannah

Broken

A gifted invitation to an exclusive party has Vin's hopes up that he will meet a woman to end his dry spell. Although there are no single women attending, one does catch his eye when he realizes that she is up for auction for the night and she doesn't want to be there. Hannah owes a loan shark a lot of money and the only way to pay him back is to agree to auction her innocence. Vin rescues her and becomes her hero. The second book in the Rossi family's saga once again shows the softer side of the MC and the strength of the FC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was another amazing book to read book two of the Mafia Kingpins, Vincentius Rossi a Mafia Boss, likes the company of women but their not to stay until the morning and then a gorgeous female selling her V-card at the auction. Hannah Everson needed money she was desperate and went to an auction to sell her V-card, as scared as she was she concentrated on the money so she can continue. That is when the heat pours out between the two of them but did she stay the night.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmelita Clardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

This is the 2nd book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. This is Vin’s story, he is the logical one of the brothers. He had his heart crushed in the past and refuses to love again. He rescued the h from a white auction, she owes money to a loan shark and the only way to pay him back is to auction off her virginity. She had lost her mother and was alone, she is sweet,beautiful and kind. They eventually sleep together but he has closed off his heart. They have several obstacles to overcome before they find their way back to each other. The siblings are hilarious when they interact with each other. Great epilogue.

[Áine Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delicious, though not very dark, mafia romance, the second book in the Mafia Kingpins series. Hannah Everson has got herself into debt paying for her (sadly deceased) mother's medical bills. She owes money to a loan shark who decides to auction her virginity. Vincentius Rossi attends the auction (he doesn't know women are being auctioned) and when he witnesses her terror he outbids everyone else. The relationship between them is very sweet and Vin is another teddy bear, like his brother from the first book. I enjoyed this book and have just pre-ordered the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and light reading

Vincentius Rossi. It all starts with needing to pay for medical treatments to help save her mother. But that money needs to be paid back and Hannah does not have a way.....well except for one. So an auction is the only way to get the money and Vin is the one to make the winning bid. All it took was one look at the beautiful younger woman and Vin was not about to let anyone else win her. He has plans and he is not a man to say no to, even if Hannah tries she just can't seem to really.
This is romance with Mafia light and several other tropes mixed in to make an light and entertaining story.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was second in the series. It was about Vin and Hannah.
It was okay, but not what I’d consider a dark Mafia book.
Vin was hurt by ex fiance and then he just couldn’t get past it. His brother told him to stop acting like a pussy and I agree.
While there was some heat and intensity in the interactions with Hannah, Vin came across as weak and wishy washy.
He was supposed to be protective, but he wasn’t. Hannah had more strength of character and grit than Vin.
I just was disappointed in this book.
The ending was wrapped up in a bow and it was a bit too much.
Not sure I’ll continue with this series.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the mafia kingpins. Following Vin and Hannah, bidding on women wasn't Vin's idea of blowing off steam. But when Hannah appears on the stand he's making sure his bid is the highest.

Dual pov writing, spice, alpha males, age gap romance, mafia lite romance, interlinking characters, standalone within a series, angst, no cheating (between the two main characters), heartbroken mmc, grieving fmc, HEAs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah is rescued via Vin buying her and they develop and connection. Unfortunately Bin is terrified of the connection and does a really bad pull then push with her over and over. It takes his siblings in his face a few times for him to be able to move forward only to have to do more rescuing. I love his family. They all care about each other more than anything and are there when needed at a moment’s notice. I am enjoying this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billy J Stratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

You met this family in the first book.

You met the other Rossi brothers in Miceli’s story. Vin has turned against love due to a bad ex girlfriend. He goes to an auction that his brother told him about thinking he would be looking at art and maybe meeting a hookup. It turns out to be an auction to buy people. One of the ladies catches his attention and he thinks she being forced into it. He purchased her virginity and helps her to pay off her debt. This couple caught my attention and kept it. Enjoyed this story.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG mind blowing HOT and watch out because this book is going to take on a whole new meaning of Romance and Surprises. Hannah and Vin have both had things happen to them that are tough, but when they let their guard down their hearts soften and Love starts to bloom. I thought that this book had just the right amount of ROMNACE, SUSUPENSE and a really wonderful ending with a touch of sadness when Vin goes to the cemetery with Hannah to visit her mom's gravesite. I also thought it was really romantic when Vin spoils Hannah by bringing her flowers every day. AWE what a man.

[Dewey · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fast read if you skim most of it. Simple, 1-dimensional writing. Vin isn't 'mafia' so that's not part of the story. He saves Hannah from the auction; then is instantly attracted to her in a way that baffles him since he gave up on love or emotional connections due to heartbreak. Hannah is 10 years younger, innocent, naive, fell victim to a loan shark. She's portrayed as some nearly penniless waif. But I went to DNF at 30% when she takes a hot shower, imagining his hands all over her body. Ridiculous.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah and Vin meet when Hannah put herself up for auction to pay a mountain of debt she owes to an unsavory character. Vin does not do relationships, but Hannah changes all of that. This book was a fantastic story with incredible characters. Ava Gray writes a story that drew me in. Would definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.