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The Irish Rogues #1
Poison and Wine
Caterina
As the only daughter of a formidable capo, my existence unfolded within the confines of a gilded cage. At eighteen, I would become a pawn in the intricate game of power, destined to be wed to a high-ranking member of my father’s regime. My fate oscillated between my father's grasp and that of my future husband. Fleeing was not an option; they would track me down relentlessly. In an act of both self-preservation and rebellion, I sought refuge in a local convent—the sole sanctuary untouched by the shadows of the mafia. Yet, before I could take my final vows, the devil himself knocked at my door — a devastatingly handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed rogue. With an Irish accent that sent shivers down my spine, he declared me his future wife. No one had touched me; no one would. But despite my aversion to a forced marriage, an irresistible attraction brewed between us— for he was both poison and wine.
Callum
When I abducted a nun, my expectations were simple—she'd be submissive, pliable, the ideal mafia wife. Little did I imagine that the fiery brunette would wield a mouth and body I craved, both in and out of the bedroom. She was a means to an end—a marriage forged out of convenience, a strategic alliance with an enemy family to solidify our standing in the underworld. Tradition dictated that I claim her, yet the last thing I'd do is coerce her. She won't be forced. I promised she would beg me to take her, and anyone who dared to touch her would die. For she was mine and mine alone.
In the unforgiving realm of the underworld, brace yourself for an electrifying romance pulsating with danger and desire.
As the only daughter of a formidable capo, my existence unfolded within the confines of a gilded cage. At eighteen, I would become a pawn in the intricate game of power, destined to be wed to a high-ranking member of my father’s regime. My fate oscillated between my father's grasp and that of my future husband. Fleeing was not an option; they would track me down relentlessly. In an act of both self-preservation and rebellion, I sought refuge in a local convent—the sole sanctuary untouched by the shadows of the mafia. Yet, before I could take my final vows, the devil himself knocked at my door — a devastatingly handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed rogue. With an Irish accent that sent shivers down my spine, he declared me his future wife. No one had touched me; no one would. But despite my aversion to a forced marriage, an irresistible attraction brewed between us— for he was both poison and wine.
Callum
When I abducted a nun, my expectations were simple—she'd be submissive, pliable, the ideal mafia wife. Little did I imagine that the fiery brunette would wield a mouth and body I craved, both in and out of the bedroom. She was a means to an end—a marriage forged out of convenience, a strategic alliance with an enemy family to solidify our standing in the underworld. Tradition dictated that I claim her, yet the last thing I'd do is coerce her. She won't be forced. I promised she would beg me to take her, and anyone who dared to touch her would die. For she was mine and mine alone.
In the unforgiving realm of the underworld, brace yourself for an electrifying romance pulsating with danger and desire.
392 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2024
729 people are currently reading
3996 people want to read
About the author
Katie Ashley
67 books9,020 followersKatie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She's written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY'S ANGELS): facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv
With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY'S ANGELS): facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
July 1, 2024
-=- DNF: 36% -=-
Not there being more chemistry between the h and all 3 of the H's brothers than himself 😭. He was so bland- and then he would say things like:
And they say romance is dead 🤩🤩.
Anyways, this wasn't a bad book- I just wasn't feeling it 🤷♀️.
Not there being more chemistry between the h and all 3 of the H's brothers than himself 😭. He was so bland- and then he would say things like:
“I don’t know if it’s the same for Made Men, but in Irish Clans, we don’t hurt women. They’re considered innocents. They’re to be protected and cared for at all costs.” He swallowed another gulp of whiskey. “But you…it’s taking everything within me not to hurt you, Caterina.”
And they say romance is dead 🤩🤩.
Anyways, this wasn't a bad book- I just wasn't feeling it 🤷♀️.
May 12, 2024
Poison and Wine was everything I want in a mafia romance. It had all my most favorite tropes: age gap, arranged marriage, and he falls first. Yeah, he absolutely did. It may not have been in your face with it, but I could read between the lines. He was done for the minute he met Caterina.
The romance was absolute perfection. It was a delicious slowburn that kept me and the characters on our toes until the moment these two came together. I am not one that usually goes for a slowburn, but with this being an arranged marriage, it’s pretty much a given that’s what you are going to get. Even still, Ashley paced the romance just right and I was one happy gal. Wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Oh man, these characters. And not just Callum and Caterina. I am talking all these Kavanaugh men. I absolutely adored them. They each had something that made my heart just ache for them. I can’t wait to delve deeper into each of them and find out their secrets.
Through the writing of this book you can tell lots of emotions went in and most definitely lots of emotions poured out. Truly a beautifully, well written story. I am addicted and cannot wait to see what comes next for this amazing series. Big fan! Huge! 5 Stars.
The romance was absolute perfection. It was a delicious slowburn that kept me and the characters on our toes until the moment these two came together. I am not one that usually goes for a slowburn, but with this being an arranged marriage, it’s pretty much a given that’s what you are going to get. Even still, Ashley paced the romance just right and I was one happy gal. Wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Oh man, these characters. And not just Callum and Caterina. I am talking all these Kavanaugh men. I absolutely adored them. They each had something that made my heart just ache for them. I can’t wait to delve deeper into each of them and find out their secrets.
Through the writing of this book you can tell lots of emotions went in and most definitely lots of emotions poured out. Truly a beautifully, well written story. I am addicted and cannot wait to see what comes next for this amazing series. Big fan! Huge! 5 Stars.
May 3, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up!
This was so much fun.
Callum is the head of the Irish mob and Caterina is a nun just a short time away from making her final vows. She also happens to be the daughter of the head of the Italian mafia. She was born and raised to be married off so she choose her own destiny by devoting herself to God instead of a man. Callum sees the power that could come with a marriage to Caterina so he simply takes her in the middle of the night from the nunnery and forcers her to marry him.
I love a good forced marriage and I love a burnt cinnamon roll MMC. Callum does some questionable things, but he is obsessed with his wife.
I laughed out loud multiple times reading this. I really like the chemistry and the banter. There were a few far fetched unbelievable moments (hence the 4.5 instead of 5), but they weren't bad enough to pull me out of the story. This book was a seriously good time and I enjoyed it so much.
This was so much fun.
Callum is the head of the Irish mob and Caterina is a nun just a short time away from making her final vows. She also happens to be the daughter of the head of the Italian mafia. She was born and raised to be married off so she choose her own destiny by devoting herself to God instead of a man. Callum sees the power that could come with a marriage to Caterina so he simply takes her in the middle of the night from the nunnery and forcers her to marry him.
I love a good forced marriage and I love a burnt cinnamon roll MMC. Callum does some questionable things, but he is obsessed with his wife.
I laughed out loud multiple times reading this. I really like the chemistry and the banter. There were a few far fetched unbelievable moments (hence the 4.5 instead of 5), but they weren't bad enough to pull me out of the story. This book was a seriously good time and I enjoyed it so much.
May 5, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you're looking for a book with a sassy Italian FMC and a stubborn cocky MMC, look no further!! Caterina is a feisty little Italian girl who's the daughter of an Italian Mafia clan and her world collide with Callum the heir to an Irish Mafia clan. Well when sassy meets stubborn sparks fly, especially when Callum takes her!! Hold on tight for this wild ride between these two, is it going to be a match made in heaven or hell?
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Age Gap
- Virgin FMC
- Forced Proximity
- Arranged/Forced Marriage
- Touch Her and 💀
- Enemies to Lovers
TW's:
- Violence
- Murder
- Attempted SA of FMC
- Attempted Miscarriage (Not by FMC or MMC)
- Assault to FMC (Not by MMC)
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
- Rape (Not FMC and off scene)
- Kidnapping/Abduction
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you're looking for a book with a sassy Italian FMC and a stubborn cocky MMC, look no further!! Caterina is a feisty little Italian girl who's the daughter of an Italian Mafia clan and her world collide with Callum the heir to an Irish Mafia clan. Well when sassy meets stubborn sparks fly, especially when Callum takes her!! Hold on tight for this wild ride between these two, is it going to be a match made in heaven or hell?
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Age Gap
- Virgin FMC
- Forced Proximity
- Arranged/Forced Marriage
- Touch Her and 💀
- Enemies to Lovers
TW's:
- Violence
- Murder
- Attempted SA of FMC
- Attempted Miscarriage (Not by FMC or MMC)
- Assault to FMC (Not by MMC)
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
- Rape (Not FMC and off scene)
- Kidnapping/Abduction
July 24, 2024
This book might make you think it's just another 'Mafia romance' cliché, but trust me, it's not!
Callum and Caterina are legit my new OTP (One True Pairing).
Their chemistry? Off the charts!
Enemies to lovers? Yup, they nailed it! The tension between them had me flipping pages like crazy. 📚😍
I literally devoured this book and couldn't put it down for a second!
The plot? Oh man, it keeps you hooked till the very end.
And let's talk about the spice level; it's like they turned up the heat to the max! 🔥🌶️
If you're into addictive, steamy reads, this one's for you. I'd give it a solid 5 ⭐️, no doubt!
Callum and Caterina are legit my new OTP (One True Pairing).
Their chemistry? Off the charts!
Enemies to lovers? Yup, they nailed it! The tension between them had me flipping pages like crazy. 📚😍
I literally devoured this book and couldn't put it down for a second!
The plot? Oh man, it keeps you hooked till the very end.
And let's talk about the spice level; it's like they turned up the heat to the max! 🔥🌶️
If you're into addictive, steamy reads, this one's for you. I'd give it a solid 5 ⭐️, no doubt!
May 2, 2024
My rating: 4 1/2 stars
What I loved: I loved how this book made me laugh. The way Caterina(h) stood up to Callum(H) had me cheering her on. She was just the right amount of sassy and sweet. Callum was a great hero (even when he was grumpy) and the way he didn’t force Caterina made him even better. Their chemistry was off the charts. Lastly, I absolutely loved all the side characters. Can’t wait to read each of their stories (especially Maeve’s).
What I didn’t like: I kinda wish we got to read Caterina’s dad getting what he deserved.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Mafia, kidnapping, SA and physical assault on h and a secondary character. H is the head of the mafia in Boston and needs to make an alliance. His uncle picks the h who’s dad is a capo for New York. The only problem is the h is a novice for a local convent because she refused to marry a man her father picked. H kidnaps the h. They finally come to an agreement which later turns into love. h’s father disapproves with the marriage. H handles things and they get their HEA
Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and I hope the rest of the brothers get a book. I also really want to see Maeve and Rafe get together <3
What I loved: I loved how this book made me laugh. The way Caterina(h) stood up to Callum(H) had me cheering her on. She was just the right amount of sassy and sweet. Callum was a great hero (even when he was grumpy) and the way he didn’t force Caterina made him even better. Their chemistry was off the charts. Lastly, I absolutely loved all the side characters. Can’t wait to read each of their stories (especially Maeve’s).
What I didn’t like: I kinda wish we got to read Caterina’s dad getting what he deserved.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Mafia, kidnapping, SA and physical assault on h and a secondary character. H is the head of the mafia in Boston and needs to make an alliance. His uncle picks the h who’s dad is a capo for New York. The only problem is the h is a novice for a local convent because she refused to marry a man her father picked. H kidnaps the h. They finally come to an agreement which later turns into love. h’s father disapproves with the marriage. H handles things and they get their HEA
Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and I hope the rest of the brothers get a book. I also really want to see Maeve and Rafe get together <3
May 9, 2024
This mafia romance, was phenomenal!!!
Callum and Caterina are my new favorite couple.
Tension-filled chemistry, Enemies to Lovers they lit the pages on fire!!!
I devoured this. Devoured it!!
The plot keeps you glued and it's deliciously spicy and addicting.
10 out of 10 recommend!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Callum and Caterina are my new favorite couple.
Tension-filled chemistry, Enemies to Lovers they lit the pages on fire!!!
I devoured this. Devoured it!!
The plot keeps you glued and it's deliciously spicy and addicting.
10 out of 10 recommend!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
May 7, 2024
Callum who is the head of the Irish Mafia in the states, decides to unite his family with an Italian Mafia family and the plans don't go accordingly.
You get shot in the leg, and a brother gets knocked out. Caterina, boy she wasn't what the Irish boys were expecting to say the least. Yes, she is the daughter of an Italian Mafia boss. So in a way you wouldn't expect her to fight like she did. Boy did she!!
The humor between Caterina and Callm was down right hilarious.
I loved how Callum waited to make sure Caterina was ready before he went all the way. That gave her a piece of mind. Granted the history with his sister and what she went through, and his morals played a part.
Callum and his brothers were nothing like other mafia bosses and their made men. They respected their woman and Callum showed Caterina that.
Callum might be a bad mafioso but deep down he is a big softy.
You get shot in the leg, and a brother gets knocked out. Caterina, boy she wasn't what the Irish boys were expecting to say the least. Yes, she is the daughter of an Italian Mafia boss. So in a way you wouldn't expect her to fight like she did. Boy did she!!
The humor between Caterina and Callm was down right hilarious.
I loved how Callum waited to make sure Caterina was ready before he went all the way. That gave her a piece of mind. Granted the history with his sister and what she went through, and his morals played a part.
Callum and his brothers were nothing like other mafia bosses and their made men. They respected their woman and Callum showed Caterina that.
Callum might be a bad mafioso but deep down he is a big softy.
May 8, 2024
I thought this was a great read. The story and characters grab your attention and have you feeling invested quickly. The combination of drama, intensity, action, twists, humor, emotion and steam was smart and read smoothly. Callum and Caterina were compelling characters that I found exceedingly likable. The tension, chemistry and sparks they generated were absolutely divine! I find myself drawn to his brothers and sister and also her brothers. I would very much like to be able to read their stories.
May 2, 2024
Bravo Katie Ashley, Poison and Wine was absolutely fantastic. Meeting Callum & Caterina was incredible, from the very first meeting which was unconventional to the banter between them you couldn’t help feel that this couple was going to take life by storm.
The head of the Irish Mob, Callum knows that marrying Caterina he would secure an alliance that would make him untouchable but what he didn’t expect that Caterina wasn’t a wallflower that he expected and when they come together let the fun begin.
I loved this story from the very first page right up till the words The End and definitely has me wanting more of this family.
The head of the Irish Mob, Callum knows that marrying Caterina he would secure an alliance that would make him untouchable but what he didn’t expect that Caterina wasn’t a wallflower that he expected and when they come together let the fun begin.
I loved this story from the very first page right up till the words The End and definitely has me wanting more of this family.
May 7, 2024
I have never disliked a MMC more in my life, but man he grew on me as the book progressed. I love how the FMC pushed his development throughout the story, and I just lived for her strong character. This was a slow burn Mafia romance that was completely worth the wait. I'm looking forward to checking out more books by this author.
April 28, 2024
I laughed so much throughout this book 🤣🙌 the banter was perfection, but also watching them fall in love was perfect!
May 7, 2024
A fantastic, enemies to lovers’ mafia romance when Irish mob boss Callum Kavanaugh, looking to form alliances and strengthen his ties with other crime families breaks into a convent to kidnap Caterina, the only daughter of the Neretti family and who just happens to be a nun. But Caterina is no docile, retiring girl intent on devoting herself to God. The only reason she entered the convent in the first place was to avoid marriage to a brutal man, apparently even the mafia fear angering the All Mighty, so she wasn’t about to willingly walk up the aisle now just because this proposed groom was more appealing than the last one.
For me, Poison and Wine has got to be one of the best books with a forced marriage trope I’ve read recently, and this well written story had me engrossed from the start. There was a great flow to the story, and in Caterina and Callum we had a hero and heroine who made for a perfect match. There were explosions from the moment they met, their chemistry so palpable, the air literally sizzled around them, and that’s before I get to their dialogue which was seriously wicked. The fiery Caterina wasn’t about to let any man dictate to her even if he was her husband and was more than capable of getting that point across. Against his will Callum was falling for his feisty wife and I loved how jealous he was of her relationship with his brothers much to their delight. With a strong cast of intriguing secondary characters, I’m hoping for a lot more from the Kavanaugh and Neretti families and I’ll definitely be watching this author for news of their next release.
For me, Poison and Wine has got to be one of the best books with a forced marriage trope I’ve read recently, and this well written story had me engrossed from the start. There was a great flow to the story, and in Caterina and Callum we had a hero and heroine who made for a perfect match. There were explosions from the moment they met, their chemistry so palpable, the air literally sizzled around them, and that’s before I get to their dialogue which was seriously wicked. The fiery Caterina wasn’t about to let any man dictate to her even if he was her husband and was more than capable of getting that point across. Against his will Callum was falling for his feisty wife and I loved how jealous he was of her relationship with his brothers much to their delight. With a strong cast of intriguing secondary characters, I’m hoping for a lot more from the Kavanaugh and Neretti families and I’ll definitely be watching this author for news of their next release.
May 23, 2024
4.5+ stars
Caterina is the only daughter of a powerful capo. In order to avoid an arranged marriage, she joins a convent and has lived cloistered for the last 3 years. Her simple life may not be what she originally dreamed of, but she has made the best of it and has found comfort in her simple life.
Callum needs a wife to strengthen his claim as the leader of his family. Under the guidance of his uncle, he chooses a bride from an Italian family to bring in additional allies. The only problem is his intended bride is a nun who has already shied away from one marriage. He anticipates she will be pliant and willing to go along with his plan, but when he uses the cloak of darkness to take his bride, he learns she is anything but biddable.
I loved watching the balance of power develop between these two. While it seems that Callum would have all the power as Cat’s kidnapper, she quickly turns the tables on him and plays with every thread of power she can wrestle from him. As they strike up a tentative peace between them with an arrangement that benefits them both, they also recognize the threat that Cat’s family could pose as word will inevitably reach them of her change of situation.
The story itself kept things moving as each time Cat and Callum started to feel comfortable with each other, something in their lives shifted to give them a new challenge to face. Despite being brought up in the mafia underworld, Cat seemed to be rather sheltered to the reality of the darkness of the men around her and the things they were capable of. As she has to face the actions of Callum, she often reacts with derision to parts of the mafia life that she hadn’t been faced with until living with Callum.
By the time I reached the end of the book, I was in love with this whole extended family. Both Callum and Cat’s brothers were so much fun to read as side characters. I hope both sets of brothers eventually get their own books -- from the quick banter of Callum’s brothers to the protective streaks in Cat’s.
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Caterina is the only daughter of a powerful capo. In order to avoid an arranged marriage, she joins a convent and has lived cloistered for the last 3 years. Her simple life may not be what she originally dreamed of, but she has made the best of it and has found comfort in her simple life.
Callum needs a wife to strengthen his claim as the leader of his family. Under the guidance of his uncle, he chooses a bride from an Italian family to bring in additional allies. The only problem is his intended bride is a nun who has already shied away from one marriage. He anticipates she will be pliant and willing to go along with his plan, but when he uses the cloak of darkness to take his bride, he learns she is anything but biddable.
I loved watching the balance of power develop between these two. While it seems that Callum would have all the power as Cat’s kidnapper, she quickly turns the tables on him and plays with every thread of power she can wrestle from him. As they strike up a tentative peace between them with an arrangement that benefits them both, they also recognize the threat that Cat’s family could pose as word will inevitably reach them of her change of situation.
The story itself kept things moving as each time Cat and Callum started to feel comfortable with each other, something in their lives shifted to give them a new challenge to face. Despite being brought up in the mafia underworld, Cat seemed to be rather sheltered to the reality of the darkness of the men around her and the things they were capable of. As she has to face the actions of Callum, she often reacts with derision to parts of the mafia life that she hadn’t been faced with until living with Callum.
By the time I reached the end of the book, I was in love with this whole extended family. Both Callum and Cat’s brothers were so much fun to read as side characters. I hope both sets of brothers eventually get their own books -- from the quick banter of Callum’s brothers to the protective streaks in Cat’s.
May 9, 2024
This book captivated me with its gripping blend of mafia intrigue and intense romance. The story unfolds with Caterina, destined to be a mafia pawn, who nearly escapes into a life of piety before Callum, a powerful Irish mob leader, disrupts her sanctuary. What starts as a strategic abduction evolves into a complex relationship marked by deep attraction and mutual respect. Callum's unconventional approach to their arranged marriage, emphasizing consent and genuine affection, adds a refreshing depth to their dynamic. The story balances dark mafia elements with humor and sizzling chemistry, making each page thrilling. This book delivers a compelling love story and sets a promising stage for more exhilarating tales in the series.
May 9, 2024
This was just as I needed. A tension filled, dirty talking Irish man who takes his future wife from a nunnery…
There were some sexy, heavily delivered one liners from Callum. I really enjoyed that even though he was obviously a feared mob leader, Caterina got under his skin so quickly.
She was the essence of purity but also had this ferocity that knocked him.
I really enjoyed the way their marriage blossomed and how they came to trust one another.
There were some sexy, heavily delivered one liners from Callum. I really enjoyed that even though he was obviously a feared mob leader, Caterina got under his skin so quickly.
She was the essence of purity but also had this ferocity that knocked him.
I really enjoyed the way their marriage blossomed and how they came to trust one another.
June 4, 2024
Comical, full of angst, and slow burn made for a fun read!
May 9, 2024
POISON AND WINE by KATIE ASHLEY is the story of Caterina and Callum. Callum is in the leader of the Irish mob and feels that a marriage to Caterina will better their family. Caterina is a mafia princess of the Italian Mafia. But she has chosen the path to become a nun instead of marriage. But Callum ends up kidnapping her before she takes her vows.
July 22, 2025
Wow! Callum and Caterina were amazing! These two had me at the edge of seat! I just knew they would get along once they trusted one another! I love how Callum was understanding of Caterina. They definitely brought out the best of one another! I’m glad they had each other! Can’t wait to read about this family! ❤️
May 4, 2024
4.5 STARS for Poison and Wine by ( new for me ) author Katie Ashley
This was a great enemies to lovers dark romance with lots of spice. A mafia dark romance with wonderful characters in Callum and Caterina. A strong MFC - enemies to lovers.
It was also surprisingly funny in dialog and situations. Great chemistry as well !
Great read and I can’t wait to check out more from this author !
This was a great enemies to lovers dark romance with lots of spice. A mafia dark romance with wonderful characters in Callum and Caterina. A strong MFC - enemies to lovers.
It was also surprisingly funny in dialog and situations. Great chemistry as well !
Great read and I can’t wait to check out more from this author !
May 10, 2024
One of the best mafia romances I've ever read!
March 11, 2025
Poison And Wine by Katie Ashley is book one in her new Mafia series. This is an enemies to lovers story about Callum Kavanaugh and Caterina Neretti. Although this is a dark romance you will enjoy the banter between this couple and the bond between the siblings in both families. She is an innocent pawn caught up in events out of her control, so is her life over or is it just beginning. When neither of them had had a choice, could they find a way to love each other.
Callum is head of the Irish Clan after taking over from his father. He is a cold-hearted killer and loyal to his family. He agrees with his uncle that they need to make an alliance to keep their power and gain territory. They have the manpower the Italians Mafia need so the only possible outcome is for him to marry the Capo’s daughter. They know both Alessio Neretti and Caterina wouldn’t agree to it, so have to come up with an idea for the marriage to happen.
Caterina is currently a novice nun at a convent in Sicily. She choose this life to escape a previous arranged marriage because she refuses to marry a man she doesn’t love or one who would hurt her. All she has heard and experienced within the mafia were controlling and abusive men.
Callum is shocked when his attempt to kidnap the Italian princess doesn’t go as planned. He definitely underestimated her because she is not the wallflower he’d been led to believe, instead she fights back. Both are surprised by the other. Caterina finds him powerful and intimidating but also very handsome. He finds her sassy and fiery. I loved her negotiations to willingly consent to marrying him.
Once back in America the sparks between them ignite very quickly. The chemistry and sexual tension builds nicely and it doesn’t take long for them to realise they actually get on and like each other. Callum turns out to be an unexpected Made Man, he shows his soft side to her and she is grateful but confused. He is so thoughtful with her and helps her cope with her situation. His sister went through a traumatic event which affected the whole family so he understands Caterina’s fears and worries. He explains that Irish Clans don’t hurt women but protect and care for them.
I loved the teasing between Callum and his brothers as they make sure he treats Caterina right.
I adored Kellan, found Dare funny and was intrigued by Quinn. Her three brothers Raphael, Leandro and Gianni are all Made Men and high ranking in the Famiglia but like Callum don’t like the way their father is running things.They are very supportive of their sister but need to be convinced she safe with Callum. I wonder who the next book will be about, I hope it is Raphael and Callum’s sister Maeve, because the author teases how well they get on !!
As it is an arranged marriage things between the couple are rocky at times. Callum wants to tame his ‘Kitten’ and Caterina wants some freedom. The alliance has a long way to go and her father is
furious that Callum went behind his back and married her. Can they overcome everything and find the trust and love as husband and wife. A great couple and a thoroughly enjoyable Mafia Romance.
Callum is head of the Irish Clan after taking over from his father. He is a cold-hearted killer and loyal to his family. He agrees with his uncle that they need to make an alliance to keep their power and gain territory. They have the manpower the Italians Mafia need so the only possible outcome is for him to marry the Capo’s daughter. They know both Alessio Neretti and Caterina wouldn’t agree to it, so have to come up with an idea for the marriage to happen.
Caterina is currently a novice nun at a convent in Sicily. She choose this life to escape a previous arranged marriage because she refuses to marry a man she doesn’t love or one who would hurt her. All she has heard and experienced within the mafia were controlling and abusive men.
Callum is shocked when his attempt to kidnap the Italian princess doesn’t go as planned. He definitely underestimated her because she is not the wallflower he’d been led to believe, instead she fights back. Both are surprised by the other. Caterina finds him powerful and intimidating but also very handsome. He finds her sassy and fiery. I loved her negotiations to willingly consent to marrying him.
Once back in America the sparks between them ignite very quickly. The chemistry and sexual tension builds nicely and it doesn’t take long for them to realise they actually get on and like each other. Callum turns out to be an unexpected Made Man, he shows his soft side to her and she is grateful but confused. He is so thoughtful with her and helps her cope with her situation. His sister went through a traumatic event which affected the whole family so he understands Caterina’s fears and worries. He explains that Irish Clans don’t hurt women but protect and care for them.
I loved the teasing between Callum and his brothers as they make sure he treats Caterina right.
I adored Kellan, found Dare funny and was intrigued by Quinn. Her three brothers Raphael, Leandro and Gianni are all Made Men and high ranking in the Famiglia but like Callum don’t like the way their father is running things.They are very supportive of their sister but need to be convinced she safe with Callum. I wonder who the next book will be about, I hope it is Raphael and Callum’s sister Maeve, because the author teases how well they get on !!
As it is an arranged marriage things between the couple are rocky at times. Callum wants to tame his ‘Kitten’ and Caterina wants some freedom. The alliance has a long way to go and her father is
furious that Callum went behind his back and married her. Can they overcome everything and find the trust and love as husband and wife. A great couple and a thoroughly enjoyable Mafia Romance.
July 9, 2025
“The best loves are the ones that are fiery and passionate.”
This follows Caterina who has escaped her father’s clutches at 18 by living aboard in Italy at a place called Sacred Heart to protect herself and seek refuge in a local convent. Before taking her final vows in the sisterhood a broody, handsome man with an Irish accent took me away and claimed me as his wife. But he underestimated how strong I am and I won’t make this arrangement easy for him.
I had a great time with this book. First off the hate banter and chemistry between Caterina and Callum was fantastic and made me laugh at times. Callum may have a cold heart but when Caterina challenges him at every turn and surprises him, he opens up and becomes a caring protective and possessive man. Loved Quinn and Dare who are Callum’s brothers. They were kind to Caterina. Loved the storyline, vulnerable moments and the last few chapters at the end melted my heart. I would have loved to see this man grovel some more. We got a tiny bit but I would have screamed at this man grovelling on his knees.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Mafia (Irish and Italian)
🔹Forced Marriage
🔹Age Gap (10yrs)
🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Delicious Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 376
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Irish and Italian), Rivals To Lovers, Forced Marriage, Age Gap (10yrs), Forced Proximity, One Bed, He Falls First, Slow Burn, Made Me Laugh, Banter, Tension, Chemistry, My Wife, Touch Her and Die Vibes, Kidnapping, Violence, Gun Violence, Drugged Situation, Vomiting, Pregnancy, Religion, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise and Car Scene
Mentions: Rape and Torture
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This follows Caterina who has escaped her father’s clutches at 18 by living aboard in Italy at a place called Sacred Heart to protect herself and seek refuge in a local convent. Before taking her final vows in the sisterhood a broody, handsome man with an Irish accent took me away and claimed me as his wife. But he underestimated how strong I am and I won’t make this arrangement easy for him.
I had a great time with this book. First off the hate banter and chemistry between Caterina and Callum was fantastic and made me laugh at times. Callum may have a cold heart but when Caterina challenges him at every turn and surprises him, he opens up and becomes a caring protective and possessive man. Loved Quinn and Dare who are Callum’s brothers. They were kind to Caterina. Loved the storyline, vulnerable moments and the last few chapters at the end melted my heart. I would have loved to see this man grovel some more. We got a tiny bit but I would have screamed at this man grovelling on his knees.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Mafia (Irish and Italian)
🔹Forced Marriage
🔹Age Gap (10yrs)
🔹Forced Proximity
🔹Delicious Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 376
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Irish and Italian), Rivals To Lovers, Forced Marriage, Age Gap (10yrs), Forced Proximity, One Bed, He Falls First, Slow Burn, Made Me Laugh, Banter, Tension, Chemistry, My Wife, Touch Her and Die Vibes, Kidnapping, Violence, Gun Violence, Drugged Situation, Vomiting, Pregnancy, Religion, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise and Car Scene
Mentions: Rape and Torture
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
May 9, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the first book in a new mafia series.
Callum is the head of the Irish mob. It has come time for him to get a wife. His uncle has the perfect match for him. From the moment he saw her picture, he knew he had to have her. Even if he had to kidnap her from the convent.
As the daughter of the Italian mob, Caterina, was promised to a horrible man. Instead of marrying him, she decided to join the church and live out the rest of her days as a nun. Or so she thought.
With them now married, her father is after them. He will stop at nothing to end Callum, so Caterina can take her rightful place and join the alliance he had previously arranged for her.
What a great start to a new series. It's dark and spicey. These Kavanaugh men are going to be unstoppable. Can't wait for more from this series.
Callum is the head of the Irish mob. It has come time for him to get a wife. His uncle has the perfect match for him. From the moment he saw her picture, he knew he had to have her. Even if he had to kidnap her from the convent.
As the daughter of the Italian mob, Caterina, was promised to a horrible man. Instead of marrying him, she decided to join the church and live out the rest of her days as a nun. Or so she thought.
With them now married, her father is after them. He will stop at nothing to end Callum, so Caterina can take her rightful place and join the alliance he had previously arranged for her.
What a great start to a new series. It's dark and spicey. These Kavanaugh men are going to be unstoppable. Can't wait for more from this series.
March 6, 2025
Not what I expected but I definitely enjoyed this read. Can't seem to go wrong with a forced marriage trope in a mafia romance, it makes things interesting, just like here. The best part? The obsession of the MMC Callum has with Caterina, why can't men like that exist IRL?! I suppose that's why we all read these books and enjoy them as much as we do. Between that and the banter, I loved this book.
May 9, 2024
First mafia romance book for Katie Ashley and I need more! I need more and I need the rest of the stories for the Kavanaugh & Neretti siblings! Each sibling in this book brought something special to the story and I liked the glimpses we got to see so far. Caterina from the very beginning was a delightful surprise as she was constantly underestimated. Plus, I love the grief she gave Callum! If I had a dollar every time he said she would be the death of him! 😅 And my dear, Callum with his Irish accent and his touch her and die vibes for his Kitten. 😍 I hope we get to see more of both families soon! 🖤
May 20, 2024
Okay first off, huge thanks to the author for this opportunity because, LOVED 😍
I’m a sucker for mafia romance and this one did not disappoint. A nice good slow burn that did not feel dragged out, but kept me completely invested in Callum and Caterina’s relationship. This story does have an arranged marriage trope so that definitely gives it some fun 😏 Cause of course, what could go wrong? Or right…. 🙈 also… I was obsessed with Caterina’s desire to make her own future by taking away what was expected of her, and instead working to become a nun… however… things don’t always work the way you want them too… like idk, being kidnapped by a mafia boss in the middle of the night before you officially become a nun…. 👀👀👀
And Callum…. Y’all. YALL 👏🏼🖤🥵
Like, okay sure he does some morally grey things that doesn’t exactly win him any points with the wifey… BUT 👀🥵 he absolutely makes up for it.
Oh and did I say Spicy? No? Okay, the spice in this story is SPICYYYYY perfection🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I definitely went through a range of emotions as I read but in the BEST way 🖤🖤🖤
I’m a sucker for mafia romance and this one did not disappoint. A nice good slow burn that did not feel dragged out, but kept me completely invested in Callum and Caterina’s relationship. This story does have an arranged marriage trope so that definitely gives it some fun 😏 Cause of course, what could go wrong? Or right…. 🙈 also… I was obsessed with Caterina’s desire to make her own future by taking away what was expected of her, and instead working to become a nun… however… things don’t always work the way you want them too… like idk, being kidnapped by a mafia boss in the middle of the night before you officially become a nun…. 👀👀👀
And Callum…. Y’all. YALL 👏🏼🖤🥵
Like, okay sure he does some morally grey things that doesn’t exactly win him any points with the wifey… BUT 👀🥵 he absolutely makes up for it.
Oh and did I say Spicy? No? Okay, the spice in this story is SPICYYYYY perfection🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I definitely went through a range of emotions as I read but in the BEST way 🖤🖤🖤
May 8, 2024
Great read!
Catarina is full is sass, heart and strength. Watching Callum get beyond ingrained thoughts to find love. The banter is so fun and I really enjoy all the brothers. The mom and sister are fabulous side characters.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Catarina is full is sass, heart and strength. Watching Callum get beyond ingrained thoughts to find love. The banter is so fun and I really enjoy all the brothers. The mom and sister are fabulous side characters.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
June 17, 2025
It had potential unfortunately not enough to keep me engaged.
April 29, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. Beyond the expected violence and ruthlessness, it offers depth, banter, humor, and wit. The story revolves around the Kavanaugh brothers, portraying the best in supportive family dynamics.
Callum, who recently orchestrated his own ascent to the top of the Irish mafia family, exudes cockiness, intimidation, and a love for control. Advised to marry an Italian mafia princess to solidify an alliance, he hadn’t realised kidnapping her from a nunnery was no easy task.
Caterina Neretti, a novice in the nunnery to escape being married off by her father, had vowed to leave that life behind. Dragged back into it against her will, she refuses to be a pushover and fights every step of the way.
This book is a captivating read from the very beginning. Katie Ashley’s storytelling is remarkable. Do yourself a favor and add this book to your TBR list.
Callum, who recently orchestrated his own ascent to the top of the Irish mafia family, exudes cockiness, intimidation, and a love for control. Advised to marry an Italian mafia princess to solidify an alliance, he hadn’t realised kidnapping her from a nunnery was no easy task.
Caterina Neretti, a novice in the nunnery to escape being married off by her father, had vowed to leave that life behind. Dragged back into it against her will, she refuses to be a pushover and fights every step of the way.
This book is a captivating read from the very beginning. Katie Ashley’s storytelling is remarkable. Do yourself a favor and add this book to your TBR list.
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