He’s the man with the tortured soul she shouldn’t want. She’s the woman with the golden heart he can’t have. . . . After the sudden passing of her mother, Dr Etta Lewis takes control of her family’s failing veterinary practice. Diving into the lucrative world of organized crime is the only way she can get the business out of immense debt — quickly and quietly.
But what she didn’t sign up for, was to be kidnapped by a man too cruel to be beautiful and blackmailed into fulfilling a decades-old contract that will bind them together in holy matrimony.
On the brink of the control he’s desired for decades, Odin Bolt’s revenge is almost complete. But in the pits of the crime world, the good guys always lose. And Etta only plays to win.
As she’s thrust deeper into an underground scene she’d only flirted with before, Etta’s life — and dignity — are on the line. Forced to share her secrets and a bed with her new fiance, she is quick to hate Odin’s sad heart and intoxicating presence. Immensely. Wholeheartedly. Maybe.
Golden Burn is a slow burn, dual POV dark romance/mafia thriller perfect for fans of Sophie Lark and Ana Huang.
Bridget is an Australian born writer with a deep love of books filled with angsty characters, whimsical magic, swoon worthy romance and a healthy dose of suspense. Her debut romance Golden Burn, book one in the Songs of Crime—a four book series of interconnected standalones inspired by a different album she loves—will be coming out this year and has all of her favourite things: flawed characters, one bed and private jets!
She also has three short stories published by Romance Writers Australia. The 2024 ‘Sweet Treats: Bubbles’ Anthology, and the 2022 ‘Sweet Treats: Ice Cream' and 'Spicy Bites: Machines' Anthologies, which you can check out on Amazon.
I absolutely devoured this book. It was an exhilarating read that stayed intense from beginning to end.
The slow burn between Odin and Etta was perfectly paced—their chemistry was electric, and their budding romance was scorching. I loved getting to know their pasts, and couldn't wait to read their future (which that 1 year + 5 year later was sooo cuteee). I loved these two so much!!😭 I loved the characters and side characters they had so much depth.
For as long as this book is, it felt so shorrrt!! I want more Odin and Etta😭😭
I feel like the mafia aspect was a little lacking? or maybe I just wanted more mafia things happening? idk
Overall, this was action-packed with a sweet romance. Definitely worth a read!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹ ❥Arranged marriage / Mafia ❥One bed ❥He’s broody, she’s sassy ❥Found family ❥Good guys doing bad things ❥A doggo companion ❥Slow burn ❥Spicy ❥Kidnapping ❥World travel ❥Hidden identity
This was so good. I was hooked from the start. Etta was so fierce. She didn't take things lying down, she fought every step of the way but at the end, she couldn't stop herself from falling for him. Odin was protective and in denial and it was amazing to watch him trying to fight his feelings. He obviously lost that battle at the end. I loved all the side characters and all the diferents cities they stayed in
I read an early version of this book for Bridget and I’m SO happy I did! I loved this, the banter between the two and the way they heal each other is great!
The suspense and twists in the story also had me on the edge of my seat at times. I’m DYING for a Dom and Ford book tho, PLEASE!!
I recommend adding this to your TBR for release day! 🤩
This book was a great mix of plot, banter, and spice! With a fantastic FMC who was strong and smart and an MMC who was the perfect tortured, dark, overbearing man that you fell in love with him. The story development is so well. There was mystery, intrigue, and a great level of darkness to keep the reader interested. With great side characters, I can't wait for the next book!
Tropes: 🥀Mafia Romance ❤️🩹Scarred Hero (physical and emotional) 💍Arranged Marriage 🛩World Travelling ❤️🔥Slow Burn 💥Thriller 💗One Bed 👿Broody MMC x Sassy FMC
✨️Blurb: After the sudden passing of her mother, Dr Etta Lewis takes control of her family’s failing veterinary practice. Diving into the lucrative world of organized crime is the only way she can get the business out of immense debt — quickly and quietly.
But what she didn’t sign up for, was to be kidnapped by a man too cruel to be beautiful and blackmailed into fulfilling a decades-old contract that will bind them together in holy matrimony.
✨️Review: Stunning! This is what slow burn perfection is! We get exemplorary character building by way of Odin and Etta's deep evolving connection; bolstered by a snappy push and pull dynamic. Their hate fizzles into tempered understanding of the other and then blooms to blistering love. It really was amazing to experience such layered characters!
The suspense created from Odin's dark Mafia world adds some shades of "The Departed" for me, which I loved! His plan of vengeance he has in place begins to crumble amidst struggling emotions that he's long since buried..it's achingly painful to see the inner demons he has struggled with.
With exotic locations, superb supporting characters and found family with Dom and Ford and an irresistible couple, I was enraptured every second. The third act ramps up for some knockout action and suspense. And we have a strong and worthy villain who deviously plots and effectively threatens our protagonists, creating that tension we love.
This is a favorite of 2024 for me! Odin's character arc was just brilliant...this man feels he's unworthy of love but his road to redemption and healing in this story is truly beautiful with Etta as his north star.
I just finished Golden Burn, and I can't stop thinking about it. Releasing on October 15th, this book follows Dr. Etta Lewis, a veterinarian who finds herself thrust into the dangerous world of organised crime. Kidnapped by Odin Bolt, she’s forced into an arranged marriage that leads to a slow burn romance filled with lots of tension.
Chapter 25 is all I’ll say 😭 I’m low key more obsessed with Dom and Ford who are Odin’s right hand men.
The themes of enemies to lovers, found family, and the gritty mafia backdrop make this an unforgettable read. Just a heads up—there are some content warnings, so be sure to check those out before diving in.
Tropes/Themes:
🌶️Arranged marriage 🌶️One bed 🌶️Enemies to lovers 🌶️Found family 🌶️Mafia/dark romance 🌶️Slow burn with spice
I can't wait for the next installment to see if Odin and Etta’s story continues or we learn more about the other characters.
I was excited to dive into this book because it was a bit different than what I usually read. I loved the relationship development between Etta and Odin. They both have trauma and loss in their past and it was so heartwarming to see them open up to each other.
For this book being categorized as mafia, I felt like there could have been more story development on that side. The romance was budding and beautiful, but Odin’s job and why he was the way he was wasn’t explained thoroughly enough.
I really enjoyed this book and I loved that she wrote it based on Kacey Musgrave’s “Golden Hour” album. This is the first book in a series (each book can be read as a standalone). Golden Burn is available starting today on KU!
Golden Burn is such a great mix of dark romance, spice, and plot! the slow burn in this book is absolutely perfection, Odin and Etta have such amazing banter and chemistry! I loved the relationship development between Odin and Etta it was so exhilarating to see their hate for each other fizzle into temptation and turning into love!
The side characters add so much fun to the book and i honestly love them all. the found family aspect with Dom and Ford and our favourite couple is so heartwarming.
I really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for a book to start you journey into dark romance Golden Burn is the book for you!
Congrats to Bridget on your debut book, you smashed it! Thank you for this ARC🥰
I had a great time reading 'Golden Burn' and quickly found myself enjoying the characters and the story itself - it helped that the story kicked off quickly!
I will definitely be keeping tabs on your author journey and reading more from you and this series!
ARC review: I did enjoy reading this book! It was fast paced and lots of action. Slow burn mafia romance which I found entertaining. I wasn’t as hooked as I had hoped to be, but I definitely enjoyed it. Limited spice which can be nice as I like the focus on the plot. For a debut novel, I give a lot of props to Bridget!
Golden Burn is a phenomenal read, boasting a captivating plot and well-crafted characters. The author's masterful storytelling expertly weaves joy, sorrow, and other emotions into a rich tapestry, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
This book had the perfect balance of humor, smut, and suspense. Our MMC, Odin, is mafia adjacent. He has all the BA and protective aspects of a mafia boy, but he’s trying to put an end to one of the big names on the wrong side of the law.
Our FMC, Etta, is the sunshine to his grumpy. She’s a vet (which means we get lots of animal companions) and not afraid to let him know how much she hates him.
Then we have our side characters: Ford and Dom. And let me tell you I LOVED THEM!! They’re Odin’s right hand men. And also they’re husbands and they have the cutest relationship ever 😍 I loved the idea of your typical mafia men but with some queer representation.
My only complaint about this book was Etta. Sometimes her character felt a little too damsel in distressy. Don’t get me wrong— her reaction to being kidnapped and forced into a marriage is TOTALLY VALID. But as a dark romance reader I was on the sideline screaming at her to just fall in love already 😂 She goes from holding her own to hiding very quickly and I typically like a little stronger female lead.
Other than that this book was perfection ❤️I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting an introductory to dark romance. (Be sure to check the twitter warnings)
Golden Burn can be yours TODAY. Thank you so much to @bwdeenwrites and @trulyyours.pr for selecting me as an ARC reader 🫶🏻
Arc Review Rating: 4.5 stars Spicy: 3 Tropes: Mafia thriller Slow burn Arranged marriage "My wife" Around the world in a private jet One bed This Book LITERALLY SCREAMED ACTION MOVIE x10!! I loved being able to have the chance to read this book. I'm obsessed with mafia romances, and anything to deal with a man protecting his woman!!! This book gave such dangerous, fearlessness, and angst vibes, that I was absolutely so here for!!
Etta has such a powerful and courageous attitude that is such an inspiration and a personality you would die to have! I loveddd seeing what she wanted and how she took charge to get what she wanted. She's a feisty and play hard to get woman, but when she says, " her man and her man only!" Best believe she means it with her entire gut! She takes power and passion for her career and I loved seeing that about her throughout the storyline! Deep down she's a soft heart and wholesome woman. I literally loved every waking second of her personality and she's able to have such an attraction to her when she walks into a room, allowing people to just see her through and throughout.
Odin, Honey, this man is literally everything you want and need from a mafia man. He takes care of business, and he does it well. He lets nothing get in-between his feelings and his motivations he has set. BUT touch his woman, are you asking for a death sentence?? Hello?? I loveddd seeing him try to control his emotions towards Etta throughout the book. Like the dinner scene had me hooked I will NEVER let that go!! I will be thinking about this man for a very long time! I got to see Odin being such a gentleman but a beast in private hehe;)
I want to give a HUGE thank you to Ms. Bridget W Dee. I loved being able to dive in this story and continue to read for hours, The chapters had me hooked each second. I loved being able to see the passion and emotion throughout the book. I will be thinking about this couple for a very long time!! This storyline build up was well written and loved seeing these two together and not fighting on the love they BOTH knew they wanted.
Thank you to Bridget W Deen and Truly Yours PR for the early review copy of Golden Burn, it was a pleasure to read!
What you can expect: - Slow Burn - One Bed - Arranged Marriage - Kidnapping
He’s the man with the tortured soul she shouldn’t want. She’s the woman with the golden heart he can’t have.
After Etta’s mother passes suddenly, she’s now in charge of her family’s failing veterinary practice. The only way for her to get out of her immense debt is through the world of organised crime. She didn’t know she was signing up to be kidnapped by a man too cruel to be beautiful and blackmailed into fulfilling a decades-old contract that will bind them together in marriage. Odin’s revenge is almost complete, but in the crime world, the good guys always lose and Etta only plays to win. With her life on the line, Etta is forced to share her secrets and a bed with her new fiancé, she is quick to hate Odin’s sad heart and intoxicating presence. Immensely. Wholeheartedly. Maybe.
This one starts a little yikes like you’d expect from a dark romance but I really enjoyed the book and I think this is a good starter book for anyone interested into getting into the dark romance genre. Because Etta is a vet, there is heaps of animal love throughout the story which I really enjoyed! Both of the main characters grow significantly throughout the book and I loved seeing how their sad pasts helped them connect and grow as people. Ford and Dom were great side characters, I’d love to see more of them in the future. I’m not sure exactly where this series will go next but I’m excited to find out.
Thank you Truly Yours PR and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I had fun this one! I've been loving crime based dark romance lately, so this was just what I needed. FMC Etta is unknowingly part of the well-known crime family, the Lombardos. She is kidnapped by MMC Odin at the beginning in order to fulfill a long standing contract between their families. The terms of this contract? Etta has to marry Odin. There a lot of moving parts to how this plays out, and it was very well done. I thought our main characters were great. Even the side characters were great and I wouldn't mind getting to know more about them, to be honest. The character development was *chef's kiss.* I did think this story read like a cheesy soap opera at times. The action was very over the top. Some of our characters' reactions were over the top. It was all *a lot* at times. Etta and Odin's relationship moved very fast. It was almost like stockholm syndrome? Etta hated him so much for kidnapping her, but she found herself lusting after him. If you're into insta-love, you'd probably enjoy that about this book, but that's not my cup of tea. The contractual marriage bit was also sort of disjointed from the rest of the story, in my opinion. The concept was there, but I also find myself wondering why exactly this contractual marriage can't be broken if the man who signed it is dead? I definitely had to suspend disbelief at that plot point and just go with it. Overall, I enjoyed this story and thought it was fun. It is a very mild dark romance, so if you're thinking about dipping your toes into the genre, this is a great place to start!
What to Expect: 💍SLOWWWW BURNNN 🔥 ❤️🔥Enemies to Lovers 💍Arranged Marriage ❤️🔥One Bed🛏️ 💍Spice!🌶️ ❤️🔥Mafia World 💍“MY WIFE!” ❤️🔥 Kidnapping! 💍Hidden Identity ❤️🔥Broody MMC 💍Sassy FMC ❤️🔥Private Jet!
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I just finished Golden Burn and what can I say, other than… WOW, I’m still reeling! This book takes you on a whirlwind journey following Dr. Etta Lewis, a veterinarian forced into the dangerous world of organized crime after the sudden passing of her mother. Her unexpected connection with Odin Bolt, a man too ruthless to be charming at first glance(yeah yeah, we all know they’re big ole softies!!), slowly blossoms into a sizzling slow-burn romance that had me hooked from the first page to the last period. The chemistry between Etta and Odin is ELECTRIC—watching them evolve from enemies to lovers, and seeing their trust build, was SO SATISFYING. And that one year + five years later epilogue? OMG!!! My heart! I wasn’t ready.😭
The mafia aspect added the perfect amount of suspense and danger, though I did find myself craving more of the gritty details of Odin’s world. Still, the supporting cast—Dom and Ford in particular (IYKYK)—had so much depth and brought in those found-family vibes I love. The third act had me on the edge of my seat, and let me just say: chapter 25…wow. If you’re into slow-burn romance with a side of action, intense character development, and a plot that will keep you guessing, Golden Burn is a must-read. And Odin’s journey of redemption with Etta as his guiding light? Pure perfection!
If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t have suspected this to be a debut novel for Bridget! I have just finished this arc and I have so much to say. So much….
I absolutely devoured this book, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Just want to mention the cover is stunning and I think it’s unique how each chapter has a song name correlating to the chapter. I listened and read and it was such an exciting experience that positively enhanced the reading experience for me and the emotions I was feeling.
This book sucked me in and I never wanted it to end…it started off at 100 and never wavered, it was so thrilling to read. The slow burn aspect was burning so good… Odin’s and Etta’s chemistry was blazing hot. Their spice was spicing. I was very fond of their individual character development but together their relationship development throughout the book too. Etta was so reckless and Odin was just a ball of stress but they worked so well and reading Odin’s fight to not fall for Etta was highly enjoyable. Then how romantic they both were once they had, utterly swoon worthy.
I loved how we got a 1 year Epilogue but also a 5 year Epilogue. Bridget’s writing and her descriptive/narrative writing was unmatched. The side characters were A+ too, I loved how much they bought to the plot!
Golden Burn is releasing 15 October 2024! Go and show Bridget some love and Pre-Order the e-book on Amazon or head to her website to get your paperback! I just got mine…
Congratulations Bridget on an amazing debut novel and thank you for the ARC! This was a thrilling read that met all of my expectations in terms of plot, intrigue, endearing characters and all of the tropes advertised.
It was a really well-paced story where the romance and mystery were given equal consideration. My favourite scenes were the tension building and first inklings of attraction against the backdrop of Africa, and the high stakes, action-packed sequences in Rome. Odin and Etta embodied the concept of opposites attract - he's a broody, mysterious, morally grey antihero; she's an idealistic ray of sunshine, who shows kindness and love to all living beings despite her dire circumstances and grief.
The cast of side characters also enraptured me from the moment they were introduced - Ford and Dom in particular were my favourite people, along with Juniper and Romeo. The story was peppered with highly entertaining banter and snappy dialogue that had me laughing out loud.
Bridget teased with well-placed revelations and snippets of information that had me turning the pages well into the night to find out more. The ultimate twist at the end was the cherry on the top. Although there were some phrases and words that felt a little out of place, it didn't detract too much from the overall story and experience.
She has already hinted at what's to come in book #2 and after reading Golden Burn the bar has been set quite high.
I loved this debut so much! Everything about this book came together, meshed so well and I had such a good time with this read!!
The plot unfolded amazingly - the world travels added so much to the story and made me so eager to see the world. Yes, Ettas, been kidnapped, BUT Odin takes her around the world so it's okay!
Odin is so grumpy and closed off and it was so fun reading how his he changes through the book because he's constantly called on his attitude and it made me giggle. Etta was fearless and not prepared to let her circumstances get the best of her. Girls got no time for Odin and has no issue making that known. The sass was so good!!
OMG the tension??!?!?!? Dyingggg at the push and pull between Odin and Etta because once the spice hits, it was so good! The tension in Odin's POV was top notch and added so much to the angst!
Ford and Dom were hysterical together and in their interactions with Dom and Etta. Their role in the story was so refreshing and made me cackle a bit because they flipped their personalities so easily - I loved them calling Odin on his BS and and being an ally for Etta!
Thank you so much Bridget for the ARC! I was waiting so long to be able to read this book and I'm so happy to be able to share in your debut journey!!
WOW! Golden Burn is a gripping slow burn romance perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of dark romance. You can expect to see:
- Arranged marriage - Mafia thriller - Close proximity - Spice 18+
Very uniquely each chapter has a song that ties that whole part of the story together perfectly. This was such a fun experience and added so much to the read. Etta, Bolt, and more importantly, Juni, pull you into the dark and dangerous world of organised crime, where secrets, blackmail, and unexpected chemistry unfold.
As expected, you love the main characters, but I love the attention Bridget gave to the stories and lives of the supporting characters. They added so much to the story, and gave a lot of extra context to their MCs.
This is definitely a spicy story without being too over the top. The plot and character development takes centre stage creating an even better experience when you get to the spice.
Golden burn is going to be the first book of 4 in Bridget's series – I could not be more excited! This was 10/10 from start to end, and I suspect it will be the top of my recommended reads for a long time. I can promise this dark and steamy read will keep you hooked till the very last page!
Thank you to the author and the Yours Truly PR team for an Advanced Reader Copy!
4/5 stars
When she goes from: “I hate the way he eats. I hate the way he swallows. I fucking hate the way he can ignore me, like a lion ignores an ant when I’m the one who’s been ripped from my life."
To: “I’d go anywhere with him right now. I’d go to Antarctica and battle the arctic winds. I’d go to the Sahara and sleep amongst the blistering sand dunes. I’d go to the ends of the earth for this man.”
A slow burn mafia romance that follows fiery, pocket rocket veterinarian, Dr. Etta James, who is kidnapped by broody (with a tortured soul), property mogul, Odin Bolt, to fulfill a marriage contract that her shitty, criminal father put in place.
The banter, the chemistry was EVERYTHING I wanted and more, and if you’re a typical millennial, like me, who has a thirst for travel, you will also feel like you’re travelling the world alongside Etta and Odin.
I am SO excited to see where Bridget takes the Songs of Crime series, and whether we'll be seeing Etta and Odin make appearances in these books!
Dr. Etta Lewis has taken over her mother’s struggling veterinary practice after her death, but Etta is forced into the world of organized crime to save it. Then, when she’s kidnapped and blackmailed into marrying Odin Bolt—a ruthless, revenge-driven mafia man—she’s thrust into a dangerous game of power and secrets. As their worlds collide, Etta finds herself torn between hatred and undeniable attraction, risking everything to survive and, perhaps, to find love amidst the darkness.
I happened upon Golden Burn by complete accident (I think it was Instagram-- gotta love that algorithm) and I'm so happy I took a chance on Bridget's debut book! "Golden Burn" was one big adventure and basically every part was my favourite part. I finished it after binge-reading it for 6 hours straight. The action started straight away, the spice was well-written (and didn't take over the plot), the found family aspect of the story was so heartwarming... And the ending was satisfying!!
I was lucky enough to be selected to beta read the sequel, and I'm so excited for everyone else to read it!!
Etta is a veterinarian and owns a practice that was her mother's. Upon her passing, Etta took over but she also took over her debt. She had to find some way to pay it off so she strikes a deal with moving illegal substances. The morning Etta is set to do a deal, something feels off.
Odin is waiting at the door with a golden retriever. The person that was supposed to be there was an average man with a chihuahua. This is when things get wild. The man with the chihuahua shows up and Odin has not only stolen his dog, but is there to unalive him. He shares with Etta that this is her father.
In order to complete a contract, Etta must marry Odin and he takes her. She is in shock trying to understand why this monster is kidnapping her. Once everything is further explained, Etta sees that she has no choice. The wedding will be within 4 weeks and Etta must find a way to cope with it so they can all stay alive.
This book was action packed! The plot twists and turns kept coming and I loved the ending!
We meet Etta, a sweet/sassy veterinarian struggling to keep her vet practice afloat. She has to make some unfortunate decisions that lands her in the middle of a mafia war.
Odin bolt, the one eyed baddie 🤭🖤 his eyepatch really gave him character, I loved that. He is the leader of this organized crime and is looking for some revenge.
An old contract states Etta and Oddin must marry and to accomplish this Oddin does the only thing he can do, kindnapp his future wife 🤭
It was a slow burn but was it spicyyyy 🖤 it's the perfect read if you're trying to dip your toes into mafia romance books.
I enjoyed this book so much and the found family was an added bonus! 🖤 Thank you so much @bwdeenwrites & @trulyyours.pr for sending me this arc
Release date: October 15th on KU and paperback
What you'll find: 🖤Arranged marriage 🖤Mafia/Dark Romance 🖤One bed 🖤Dual POV 🖤Found family 🖤Hidden identity
This was a fun read! At times it felt a little slow, but it’s always nice to have some calm moments in between the action. The writing style wasn’t always my favorite, but hey, not everything is for everyone. I was left confused on some minor details, as some elements didn’t feel completely fleshed out.
Etta & Odin’s story was romantic, angsty, passionate, unconventional, and spicy. Healing each other hearts and feeling safe with each other 🤍 It was a joy to read their love story. My heart ACHED for Odin (and Etta, but mostly Odin) once we learned his backstory. His past being revealed made me feel more connected to his character, whereas before I wasn’t really feeling anything for the MCs.
All in all, this was a good book. Top of my list? No. But still good. This author really has a bright future, and I’ll definitely read more of their work once it’s published! ☺️
"If it wasn't for you, I would still be tired, angry, heartbroken. And although those feelings will never truly leave me, I know with you that I get to see the sun and smile. I know, with you, that every second I appreciate the little things, the special moments. With you, I believe I am worthy of love again and I am able to have it without fear. I am bound to you, body and soul, and I will spend the rest of my days making sure you know how kind you are, how special and how loved. And if it's just us at the end of the road and a sanctuary of animals, it'll be perfect."
I absolutely fell in love with Etta and Odin . What felt like a typical trope turned into this lovely story between two people who had gone through so much, and together found love and happiness . Now I have to go and listen to Kacey’s discography since I’ve become a fan!!
Oh I really enjoyed this one! I'm sometimes iffy on mafia romances, I feel like they can go too unhinged easily, but I really like this one! Etta's struggles and persistence was so beautifully written! I loved how she stayed true to herself through the crazy situation she ends up in! And Odin's inner battles were so heart wrenching and made me just want a happy ending for him! I loved watching these two get to know each other and navigate the crazy mafia battles they face! This story was so great, and had the perfect amount of twists and turns to it! And I did really like the side characters! I'd love to get more of Martise, Dom, and Ford in the future! Overall, this was a great read, and I'm so glad I got to be part of it's journey! 4.25 stars; 3 chili peppers
Tropes: - Arranged Marriage - Mafia Romance - Slow Burn - Enemies to Lovers - Romantic Suspense
Golden Burn is a total win if you’re after a mafia romance that’s not the usual alpha-male drama. Odin’s the perfect mix of a powerful mafia boss and a guy with real, deep scars. He’s fiercely protective, and his chemistry with Etta is spot-on paced just right, with that perfect slow-burn vibe. Etta’s such a badass, too! She doesn’t let anything slide and fights back at every turn, even when she starts falling for him. And Odin in denial? Watching him lose that battle was everything.
The African setting was written so vividly it makes me want to book a safari, like, yesterday. Even though the book is long, it flew by! I need more Odin and Etta! The mafia side could’ve used a bit more action (or maybe I just wanted more drama), but I was hooked from page one. Dom and Ford added so much charm, too, rounding out an unforgettable romance that left me wanting so much more.
Odin is being forced to fulfill a decades old contract. He has to wed a veterinarian named, Etta. She's just trying to do everything she can to keep her mom's practice open. Including some illegal things. One day she's being kidnapped by Odin and has no idea what's going on. He blackmails her into marrying him. She doesn't have a choice, but to marry the cold hearted man she meets. She's reluctant to leave her animals and practice, but he tells her it's in good hands. Unfortunately as soon as she leaves they are on the move from country to country because someone wants her dead. I loved the dual POV of this story. This was definitely on the lighter side of organized crime, but it was a great read and look forward to more.