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Syndicate
‘Something I have always wanted, since being a little girl, is power.’
Natalie, the ambitious owner of a New York strip club has set her sights on Leo Morello, the rich, gorgeous and very dangerous leader of the Mafia. He’s the quickest way to the top - and marrying him would make her one of the most powerful women in the city.
She’s all too thrilled when he comes into her club to force her into a business deal - one that Leo makes clear is far too risky to refuse. From there, everything changes when she realizes how unstable Leo really is.
‘She would be the start of my undoing’
To complicate matters, Leo’s younger brother, Donny has fallen for Natalie and will do anything to win her over.
He’s the consigliere, Leo’s right-hand man. As Natalie becomes further intertwined in the brother’s business, Donny must choose between the woman he’s falling in love with, or the brother that he needs to protect.
Syndicate is a dark romance for adults over 18 years of age. It contains adult themes and scenes that some readers may find triggering or upsetting.
Natalie, the ambitious owner of a New York strip club has set her sights on Leo Morello, the rich, gorgeous and very dangerous leader of the Mafia. He’s the quickest way to the top - and marrying him would make her one of the most powerful women in the city.
She’s all too thrilled when he comes into her club to force her into a business deal - one that Leo makes clear is far too risky to refuse. From there, everything changes when she realizes how unstable Leo really is.
‘She would be the start of my undoing’
To complicate matters, Leo’s younger brother, Donny has fallen for Natalie and will do anything to win her over.
He’s the consigliere, Leo’s right-hand man. As Natalie becomes further intertwined in the brother’s business, Donny must choose between the woman he’s falling in love with, or the brother that he needs to protect.
Syndicate is a dark romance for adults over 18 years of age. It contains adult themes and scenes that some readers may find triggering or upsetting.
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
188 pages, Hardcover
Published May 18, 2024
34 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 5, 2024
Calling all my dark romance friends for this dark Mafia romance 📣📣
Natalie is a strong-headed, confident and determined FMC. She is determined for power to the point she'll do anything (or anyone) to get it. Daughter of a Russian crime boss, she sets her eyes on the Italian Mafia leader in hopes to secure more power.
Leo. Powerful, yet unpredictable, ill-tempered, crazy AF. An unlikely submissive to Natalie. Is he the key to securing a permanent alliance and obtaining absolute power among the crime families?
Enter.. Donny. Leo's brother and polar opposite. Dangerously calm, calculating, a man of few words and completely infatuated in Natalie, determined to dominate her and make her his.
Make sure y'all add this to your TBRs. It drops May 18th! 🖤🖤
Natalie is a strong-headed, confident and determined FMC. She is determined for power to the point she'll do anything (or anyone) to get it. Daughter of a Russian crime boss, she sets her eyes on the Italian Mafia leader in hopes to secure more power.
Leo. Powerful, yet unpredictable, ill-tempered, crazy AF. An unlikely submissive to Natalie. Is he the key to securing a permanent alliance and obtaining absolute power among the crime families?
Enter.. Donny. Leo's brother and polar opposite. Dangerously calm, calculating, a man of few words and completely infatuated in Natalie, determined to dominate her and make her his.
Make sure y'all add this to your TBRs. It drops May 18th! 🖤🖤
April 16, 2024
Spoiler free review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Relationships: MFM
Tropes/content: Mafia, plus size FMC, enemies to lovers, why choose, forbidden love, love triangle, praise, dom/sub, voyeurism, non-con, gory content.
Series: Standalone
Syndicate was beautiful written and really enjoyable to read, I thought I knew what was going to happen but I knew nothing!!!!
Natalie, Natalie, Natalie!
She’s a complete badass, she’s confident, no bullshit, strong and a go getter. Although I did not love her character, she was interesting and I liked her back story.
Leo was also not my favourite, this is not because they weren’t both well written but because of my personal preferences. Everyone’s got a favourite right!!
Donny was the highlight for me, he was my favourite and throughout the whole book I loved getting little glimpses into this mind, quiet, reserved but a beast. This is a really spicy book, it is not for the faint hearted and I recommend checking the TW before diving in.
I give syndicate a 3.5 ⭐️ and 5 🌶️, lots of spicy scenes, great and unexpected twists and turns but I didn’t love the dynamic of two of the characters and that comes down to personal preference. I will recommend this book :)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Relationships: MFM
Tropes/content: Mafia, plus size FMC, enemies to lovers, why choose, forbidden love, love triangle, praise, dom/sub, voyeurism, non-con, gory content.
Series: Standalone
Syndicate was beautiful written and really enjoyable to read, I thought I knew what was going to happen but I knew nothing!!!!
Natalie, Natalie, Natalie!
She’s a complete badass, she’s confident, no bullshit, strong and a go getter. Although I did not love her character, she was interesting and I liked her back story.
Leo was also not my favourite, this is not because they weren’t both well written but because of my personal preferences. Everyone’s got a favourite right!!
Donny was the highlight for me, he was my favourite and throughout the whole book I loved getting little glimpses into this mind, quiet, reserved but a beast. This is a really spicy book, it is not for the faint hearted and I recommend checking the TW before diving in.
I give syndicate a 3.5 ⭐️ and 5 🌶️, lots of spicy scenes, great and unexpected twists and turns but I didn’t love the dynamic of two of the characters and that comes down to personal preference. I will recommend this book :)
April 8, 2024
Syndicate, the story of a mafia love triangle between two Italian brothers and a Russian femme fatale. A modern day (and morally grey) Romeo and Juliet, with its evocative intensity and use of the forbidden love trope.
Our protagonist Natalie is a very strong plus size FMC, who exudes not only body confidence, but huge tenacity in asserting her will and desire, both sexually and in her pursuit for political power. It's very refreshing to see a plus size female protagonist embraced within the dark romance genre, and hope to see more representation in the future.
The two brothers, Leo and Donny, are very different from each other, but develop well over the course of the story; Leo is very controlling, hot headed, and quick to anger; whereas Donny is more attentive, but struggles with a crisis of conscience. Two characters that are no match for the ruthless and seductive nature of Natalie, which makes for an intense but thrilling read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it was a breath of fresh air, which is due mostly in part to the characters, especially Natalie, and the authors defiance of convention to body-normativity in romance. Not many books I’ve read approach this genre in the way Anya Clara has, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Our protagonist Natalie is a very strong plus size FMC, who exudes not only body confidence, but huge tenacity in asserting her will and desire, both sexually and in her pursuit for political power. It's very refreshing to see a plus size female protagonist embraced within the dark romance genre, and hope to see more representation in the future.
The two brothers, Leo and Donny, are very different from each other, but develop well over the course of the story; Leo is very controlling, hot headed, and quick to anger; whereas Donny is more attentive, but struggles with a crisis of conscience. Two characters that are no match for the ruthless and seductive nature of Natalie, which makes for an intense but thrilling read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it was a breath of fresh air, which is due mostly in part to the characters, especially Natalie, and the authors defiance of convention to body-normativity in romance. Not many books I’ve read approach this genre in the way Anya Clara has, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
June 2, 2024
It took me so long to read this book, only because I am a teacher who is trying to survive the end of the year. But now that the last few days are approaching I was finally able to complete it.
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING NATALIE IS THAT BI**H. I LOVED HER TOP ENERGY AND THE WAY SHE JUST KNEW HOW TO WORK A ROOM. SHE DIDN’T LET THESE MEN WALK ALL OVER HER. THIS WAS MY FIRST MAFIA ROMANCE AND I WILL HAVE TO SAY IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YOU SHOULD.
WHEN I THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN I KEPT GETTING SURPRISED! THIS BOOK IS A MODERN DAY ROMEO AND JULIET STYLE WITH A LOVE TRIANGLE.
NATALIE, CONFIDENT, DETERMINED, AND POWERFUL. DAUGHTER OF THE RUSSIAN BOSS.
LEO, SHORT-TEMPERED, CRAZY, UNPREDICTABLE. THIS MAN MIGHT BE THE ITALIAN BOSS BUT HE SECRETLY LIKES BEING SUBMISSIVE.
DONNY, BROTHER OF ITALIAN BOSS, CALM, DANGEROUSLY FOCUS. HAS AN UNEXPECTED OBSESSION OF NATALIE.
I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN APART OF THIS ARC READING TEAM! THIS IS MY THIRD ARC EVER AND I CONTINUE TO LOVE IT. I AM GIVING THIS MY HONEST REVIEW AND VOLUNTARILY
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING NATALIE IS THAT BI**H. I LOVED HER TOP ENERGY AND THE WAY SHE JUST KNEW HOW TO WORK A ROOM. SHE DIDN’T LET THESE MEN WALK ALL OVER HER. THIS WAS MY FIRST MAFIA ROMANCE AND I WILL HAVE TO SAY IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YOU SHOULD.
WHEN I THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN I KEPT GETTING SURPRISED! THIS BOOK IS A MODERN DAY ROMEO AND JULIET STYLE WITH A LOVE TRIANGLE.
NATALIE, CONFIDENT, DETERMINED, AND POWERFUL. DAUGHTER OF THE RUSSIAN BOSS.
LEO, SHORT-TEMPERED, CRAZY, UNPREDICTABLE. THIS MAN MIGHT BE THE ITALIAN BOSS BUT HE SECRETLY LIKES BEING SUBMISSIVE.
DONNY, BROTHER OF ITALIAN BOSS, CALM, DANGEROUSLY FOCUS. HAS AN UNEXPECTED OBSESSION OF NATALIE.
I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN APART OF THIS ARC READING TEAM! THIS IS MY THIRD ARC EVER AND I CONTINUE TO LOVE IT. I AM GIVING THIS MY HONEST REVIEW AND VOLUNTARILY
May 18, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book; it was even better than I expected. There were lots of surprising plot twists. Natalia was a great character—strong and unafraid of Leo, and even though she was attracted to Don, she stayed focused on her goals. Overall, it was a super entertaining and engaging read.
I really enjoyed this book; it was even better than I expected. There were lots of surprising plot twists. Natalia was a great character—strong and unafraid of Leo, and even though she was attracted to Don, she stayed focused on her goals. Overall, it was a super entertaining and engaging read.
April 3, 2024
"Your dangerous Natalie" he hisses. I want to laugh, "you have no idea"."
When i recieved an email asking to review this arc i did get a lil excited... i absolutely love enemies to lovers and all the inbetween.
Natalie is a strong femal MC who really does not give a sh*t who you are or what you do. She touches on plus size women and the book covers some all to real topics in the beginning surrounding weight and what others think of it.
The italian mafia brothers were immediately a firm fave of mine and both presented danger in different ways. Donny is smart but lethal and Leo is manic and unhinged a recipe for success if you ask me.... no red flags there at all 🚩👀 They both have a conflict of interest that interest being our girl Natalie 🤫😉
Look out for some of the more intense chapters if you give this a read *hint *hint chapter 14 it was a ride for sure!
This book had me from the get go and its full of murder, mafia gangs, revenge, sex you name it this book has it i was shook the whole time 🤣🤣😳
When i recieved an email asking to review this arc i did get a lil excited... i absolutely love enemies to lovers and all the inbetween.
Natalie is a strong femal MC who really does not give a sh*t who you are or what you do. She touches on plus size women and the book covers some all to real topics in the beginning surrounding weight and what others think of it.
The italian mafia brothers were immediately a firm fave of mine and both presented danger in different ways. Donny is smart but lethal and Leo is manic and unhinged a recipe for success if you ask me.... no red flags there at all 🚩👀 They both have a conflict of interest that interest being our girl Natalie 🤫😉
Look out for some of the more intense chapters if you give this a read *hint *hint chapter 14 it was a ride for sure!
This book had me from the get go and its full of murder, mafia gangs, revenge, sex you name it this book has it i was shook the whole time 🤣🤣😳
July 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Syndicate was my first mafia read and it didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was steamy, suspenseful and had drama all in the right places. Once finished I read left questioning a couple of things.
“You make me want to be the worst version of myself”
“Do it shchenok, make me come”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Syndicate was my first mafia read and it didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was steamy, suspenseful and had drama all in the right places. Once finished I read left questioning a couple of things.
“You make me want to be the worst version of myself”
“Do it shchenok, make me come”
May 22, 2024
I am a sucker for mafia romances, especially when they're dark and have fmc that is on eye-level with their misogynistic counterparts. Therefore, I was naturally rather intrigued to read this book. While I actually loved the idea behind both the prologue and epilogue, I really struggled with the implementation of the main plot that lead us to this remarkable ending!
While Nathalie, the main character, had the potential to be a compelling lead with her badass personality, I didn't feel a strong connection to her. I loved the idea of a power-hungry female lead, who wants to prove herself, but I needed a stronger focus on her background story and more character depth to start rooting for her and her female rage! Given that I believe it was a deliberate decision to portray her as a rather cold and distant, yet always calculating persona, I couldn't find anything remotely likable; therefore I ended up being completely detached from her personal vendetta.
One aspect that made me really struggle, and is one of my main reasons for the rating, was the portrayal of Leo. Again, the idea of a mafia-untypical dom/sub setting was actually pretty neat, but somehow the author failed to give him any character depth. I don't need him to be smart, or authoritarian, don't need him to be a typical steamrolling alpha hole mobster, but I must confess that Leo rather felt like a caricature than a real character.
One bright spot was Donny, who stood out as the only memorable character. His quiet demeanor and hidden strength added intrigue to the story, and I enjoyed the glimpses into his mind throughout the book. Yet, again, I wish we had more character development. While I like insta-attraction, the author failed to explain why he was already heart-broken after just one meeting?! Again, too superficial!
This book is quite spicy and definitely not for the faint-hearted, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
Overall, I wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t meet the style and standards I enjoy. Sorry!
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
While Nathalie, the main character, had the potential to be a compelling lead with her badass personality, I didn't feel a strong connection to her. I loved the idea of a power-hungry female lead, who wants to prove herself, but I needed a stronger focus on her background story and more character depth to start rooting for her and her female rage! Given that I believe it was a deliberate decision to portray her as a rather cold and distant, yet always calculating persona, I couldn't find anything remotely likable; therefore I ended up being completely detached from her personal vendetta.
One aspect that made me really struggle, and is one of my main reasons for the rating, was the portrayal of Leo. Again, the idea of a mafia-untypical dom/sub setting was actually pretty neat, but somehow the author failed to give him any character depth. I don't need him to be smart, or authoritarian, don't need him to be a typical steamrolling alpha hole mobster, but I must confess that Leo rather felt like a caricature than a real character.
One bright spot was Donny, who stood out as the only memorable character. His quiet demeanor and hidden strength added intrigue to the story, and I enjoyed the glimpses into his mind throughout the book. Yet, again, I wish we had more character development. While I like insta-attraction, the author failed to explain why he was already heart-broken after just one meeting?! Again, too superficial!
This book is quite spicy and definitely not for the faint-hearted, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
Overall, I wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t meet the style and standards I enjoy. Sorry!
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
May 19, 2024
A spicy mafia triangle that leaves you needing more!!
FMC is a Curvy, feisty Bratva princess who has her goals for what she wants and makes sure she gets them in every way, NO MATTER WHAT! She sets her sights on Mr. Cherry and shows him how its meant to be done.
MMC Leo is the Italian capo by default after events he caused put him there. Going around taking over business in a part of town he has no right being in, when he meets a strip club owner who tells him no.
MMC POV Donny is Leos right hand man, go to planner/ fixer and Brother. When His eyes meet a beautiful woman serving drinks in a meeting, he is lost at first glance and can not help but want to protect her against every...
Even if everything means his brother.
A dark mafia romance with dominant main characters and twists you don't see coming.
Please check your trigger warnings as there are DARK sumtty scenes that will have you wide eyed in an oh so good way!!
FMC is a Curvy, feisty Bratva princess who has her goals for what she wants and makes sure she gets them in every way, NO MATTER WHAT! She sets her sights on Mr. Cherry and shows him how its meant to be done.
MMC Leo is the Italian capo by default after events he caused put him there. Going around taking over business in a part of town he has no right being in, when he meets a strip club owner who tells him no.
MMC POV Donny is Leos right hand man, go to planner/ fixer and Brother. When His eyes meet a beautiful woman serving drinks in a meeting, he is lost at first glance and can not help but want to protect her against every...
Even if everything means his brother.
A dark mafia romance with dominant main characters and twists you don't see coming.
Please check your trigger warnings as there are DARK sumtty scenes that will have you wide eyed in an oh so good way!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
Loved this book ! If ur looking for a mafia/Russian themed dark romance this is for you.
There's one bad ass fmc who is plus sized and not to be messed with. She's not what she seems. In fact, she's a black widow in the most brilliant way.
We have too brother's completely different, but both want her for very different reasons in the end who will get her before she gets to them ? Hmmmm so many twists and turns that have u on ur knees wanting more when the book ends.
It's not often u find , plus a sized female character who loves herself with so much confidence its awsome with hot heavy scenes just topping off a brilliant book.
Well done to the author. What a book i devoured this in one nyt i needed to know how it ended.
There's one bad ass fmc who is plus sized and not to be messed with. She's not what she seems. In fact, she's a black widow in the most brilliant way.
We have too brother's completely different, but both want her for very different reasons in the end who will get her before she gets to them ? Hmmmm so many twists and turns that have u on ur knees wanting more when the book ends.
It's not often u find , plus a sized female character who loves herself with so much confidence its awsome with hot heavy scenes just topping off a brilliant book.
Well done to the author. What a book i devoured this in one nyt i needed to know how it ended.
May 18, 2024
Wow! This is one spicy quick read! If you're into mafia romance, put this one on your list. The FMC Natalie is the daughter of the head of the Russian mafia, and the two MMCs, Leo and Donny, are the head of the Italian mafia. Both sides are trying to undermine each other behind their backs and the tension and the different dynamics of dominance were just 🤌🏻🥵 The spicy scenes are on another level, and the ending left me staring at the wall and my head spinning!
The only reason I left off a star from a perfect review is because I really wish there had been a bit more back story and some more character development. I did enjoy the fact that there was nonstop action and it was a quick read, but I wished I would've gotten to know the main characters a little better.
The only reason I left off a star from a perfect review is because I really wish there had been a bit more back story and some more character development. I did enjoy the fact that there was nonstop action and it was a quick read, but I wished I would've gotten to know the main characters a little better.
April 3, 2024
Phhheewwww.
this took me on a rollercoaster!!
first off, i love NATALIE.
she’s a thick girl, full of confidence. And full of challenges.
Daughter of the Russian Mafia Boss.
Leo is the hard ass, older brother, Leader of the Italian Mafia & then there’s sweet Donny, little brother, that is the clean up crew for Leo’s mistakes.
The Dominant & Submissive roles had me sitting at the edge of my seat! I was giggling the whole time .
The pistol scene …. Is something i never thought i needed. & THEN the drunk shower !!! I was screaming .
But the ENDING ! UGH. Such a good read . Can’t wait for BOOK 2
this took me on a rollercoaster!!
first off, i love NATALIE.
she’s a thick girl, full of confidence. And full of challenges.
Daughter of the Russian Mafia Boss.
Leo is the hard ass, older brother, Leader of the Italian Mafia & then there’s sweet Donny, little brother, that is the clean up crew for Leo’s mistakes.
The Dominant & Submissive roles had me sitting at the edge of my seat! I was giggling the whole time .
The pistol scene …. Is something i never thought i needed. & THEN the drunk shower !!! I was screaming .
But the ENDING ! UGH. Such a good read . Can’t wait for BOOK 2
April 3, 2024
Read this in one sitting!! I couldn't put it down!! Natalie is a super strong FMC with FAFO energy!!
This book is full of spice, mafia and unhingedness! It will suck you in and not let go! Definitely one of my top fav reads this year!
This book is full of spice, mafia and unhingedness! It will suck you in and not let go! Definitely one of my top fav reads this year!
April 4, 2024
This book was so fun, be sure to check your TW as it is very dark. I loved Natalia, everyone underestimated her and she took whatever she wanted and is ruthless. I loved how she made everyone around her know exactly how much of a badass she is! That ending and chapter 14 had my jaw on the floor. Well done!
April 10, 2024
My emotions! The back stabbing and double crossing was giving me whiplash along with the Dom/Sub action. Our FMC is a plus size (true plus size) baddie who takes no crap from anyone and can hold her own! Did I mention she’s the daughter of the Russian mobs leader? She sets her sights on Leo, the head of the Italian Mob and wants to join forces with him. Oh but then comes Leo’s brother, Donny who is way more levelheaded than Leo. Leo’s a little psycho and impulsive but hot all the same! Poor Natalie having so many choices, two hot brothers both wanting her! There were some scenes that had me clutching my pearls and needing a break, so check your TW’s please! And the end? Ugh, I need more!!!
May 5, 2024
This book takes you on a RIDE. My jaw was dropped several times throughout this book. If you like powerful FMCs, unhinged MMCs, SPICE, and organized crime, this is for you.
May 13, 2024
The roller coaster!🎢 the back stabbing 🔪 ahhhh!!!!!!
May 5, 2024
I’m sorry what just happened!
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING!
DID SHE REALLY DO WHAT I THINK SHE DID!
The questions I have!
I need answers!
Stars: 4.3/5
Smut: 4.1/5
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING!
DID SHE REALLY DO WHAT I THINK SHE DID!
The questions I have!
I need answers!
Stars: 4.3/5
Smut: 4.1/5
May 2, 2024
Dark Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Live Triangle
Mafia
Morally grey
Revenge
Spice!!!
Obsessed! This story was so good! Natalie is a Russian Mafia Boss’s daughter. She is strong and assertive with high political power. She knows how to get what she wants! Leo and Danny are brothers that could not be more different, but that’s what makes this story so intriguing!
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Live Triangle
Mafia
Morally grey
Revenge
Spice!!!
Obsessed! This story was so good! Natalie is a Russian Mafia Boss’s daughter. She is strong and assertive with high political power. She knows how to get what she wants! Leo and Danny are brothers that could not be more different, but that’s what makes this story so intriguing!
April 15, 2024
Wow!! This book had elements that you don’t normally see in mafia books. First off Natalie was a badass! Loved that she was plus size and didn’t take crap from anyone. The brothers were both unhinged in their own ways. Leo wore his feelings on his sleeve while Donny was the quiet type. However, I needed more at the end. I felt the ending was abrupt. The prologue caught my attention but I felt nothing aligned with it besides the epilogue. Maybe it’s just me but I needed more confirmation on why she was being interviewed. All in all I really enjoyed the book just needed more at the end.
April 22, 2024
I was really excited to get my hands on this ARC - enemies to lovers, badass FMC, plus size FMC, love triangle? Sign me UP.
I will say that mafia and dark romance isn't my fav so that didn't do me any favors because this was very dark indeed. Check the content warnings. We have all the violence in all its gory glory (sexual, domestic, physical, etc), a lot of big personalities vying for power and willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
I loved that Natalie was strong willed, domineering in and out of the bedroom, and truly plus-sized (not just 'curvy'). But in the end, I didn't particularly like her all that much or feel overly invested in her seeking power. I think if we had gotten more backstory on her, I would have been rooting for her more.
The two competing love interests are hot Italian brothers that are basically polar opposites. I was surprised we only had one of their POVs told.
It was a page turner, it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, and the prologue and epilogue hint at a lot more happening that has my curiosity piqued.
CW: non-con, gun play, infidelity, DV, voyeurism
I will say that mafia and dark romance isn't my fav so that didn't do me any favors because this was very dark indeed. Check the content warnings. We have all the violence in all its gory glory (sexual, domestic, physical, etc), a lot of big personalities vying for power and willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
I loved that Natalie was strong willed, domineering in and out of the bedroom, and truly plus-sized (not just 'curvy'). But in the end, I didn't particularly like her all that much or feel overly invested in her seeking power. I think if we had gotten more backstory on her, I would have been rooting for her more.
The two competing love interests are hot Italian brothers that are basically polar opposites. I was surprised we only had one of their POVs told.
It was a page turner, it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, and the prologue and epilogue hint at a lot more happening that has my curiosity piqued.
CW: non-con, gun play, infidelity, DV, voyeurism
May 6, 2024
Dark mafia romance personified!!
A curvy bad ass FMC Natalie, who switches sides from Sub/Dom resulting in some delicious reading whiplash.
A unhinged, uncontrollable Head of the Italian Mafia MMC Leo, and his Level headed, calm covering the storm brother Donny. Both wanting Natalie.
The spice was spicing, and the kinks were kinking!
And the twists were twisting like a tornado, the ENDING!!!! can not wait for book 2 👌
A curvy bad ass FMC Natalie, who switches sides from Sub/Dom resulting in some delicious reading whiplash.
A unhinged, uncontrollable Head of the Italian Mafia MMC Leo, and his Level headed, calm covering the storm brother Donny. Both wanting Natalie.
The spice was spicing, and the kinks were kinking!
And the twists were twisting like a tornado, the ENDING!!!! can not wait for book 2 👌
May 2, 2024
Check triggers, this is a dark mafia romance!
"Over the years, some men have been intimidated by my confidence, and I don't blame them. I'm the whole package."
Natalie is a curvy badass! She is confident and driven. Then you have the Morello brothers, dangerous and gorgeous. With Leo, she is dominant. With Donny, she is submissive. Told from both Natalie and Donny's point of view, you get a delicious yet shocking steamy love triangle. The twists at the end will leave you reeling!
"Over the years, some men have been intimidated by my confidence, and I don't blame them. I'm the whole package."
Natalie is a curvy badass! She is confident and driven. Then you have the Morello brothers, dangerous and gorgeous. With Leo, she is dominant. With Donny, she is submissive. Told from both Natalie and Donny's point of view, you get a delicious yet shocking steamy love triangle. The twists at the end will leave you reeling!
May 28, 2024
Natalie the FMC (love her) is a BAB—>Bad ass bxtch!
She isn't your typically ditsy FMC. She's smart, meticulous and very calculated. If she wants something she will not stop until she's got it. How can you not love her? Better yet how can you not respect this hard working woman? That's all she really wants.
Respect. Oh and power. Respect and power.
To have ultimate power, she needs to be at the top, so she forms an alliance; a new SYNDICATE < (get it lol) between the Russian and Italian mafia by marry Leonardo. The leader of the Italian mafia. She somehow finds herself in a love triangle between the boss and the consigliere; Donny. Who just so happens to be Leo's brother. YIKES!! Talk about keeping it in the family lol.
Leo one of the MMC is chaotic. He's a hothead (emphasis on HOT). He shoots first and doesn't even bother to ask questions later. He leaves that up to Donny. Donny is the opposite of Leo. He's Mr. Cool, calm and collected which is why he's more dangerous than Leo. No one knows his next moves.
This book had me laughing as Natalie is so funny and kept me at the edge of my seat. At one point I had to put it down to collect my thoughts (if you're an arc reader of this book you'll know what scene I'm talking about).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. The characters were well written the story had substance to it and it wasn't just smut. There was an enticing plot that was not too predictable. I wish it was a little longer just so l could continue reading. I do hope to see how Natalie gets on and how she's managing being the boss of not 1 but two mafia groups.
She isn't your typically ditsy FMC. She's smart, meticulous and very calculated. If she wants something she will not stop until she's got it. How can you not love her? Better yet how can you not respect this hard working woman? That's all she really wants.
Respect. Oh and power. Respect and power.
To have ultimate power, she needs to be at the top, so she forms an alliance; a new SYNDICATE < (get it lol) between the Russian and Italian mafia by marry Leonardo. The leader of the Italian mafia. She somehow finds herself in a love triangle between the boss and the consigliere; Donny. Who just so happens to be Leo's brother. YIKES!! Talk about keeping it in the family lol.
Leo one of the MMC is chaotic. He's a hothead (emphasis on HOT). He shoots first and doesn't even bother to ask questions later. He leaves that up to Donny. Donny is the opposite of Leo. He's Mr. Cool, calm and collected which is why he's more dangerous than Leo. No one knows his next moves.
This book had me laughing as Natalie is so funny and kept me at the edge of my seat. At one point I had to put it down to collect my thoughts (if you're an arc reader of this book you'll know what scene I'm talking about).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. The characters were well written the story had substance to it and it wasn't just smut. There was an enticing plot that was not too predictable. I wish it was a little longer just so l could continue reading. I do hope to see how Natalie gets on and how she's managing being the boss of not 1 but two mafia groups.
April 7, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow. This is a dark mafia love triangle surprise! Natalie is a dominant, powerful boss. She knows what she wants and she will stop at nothing to obtain it. There are two main male characters - Leo and Donny. They’re brothers and Leo is the head of the Italian Mafia. They’re unhinged in their own ways but both want Natalie. Donny loves Natalie so much.
The trigger warnings for this book are no joke. Read them, understand them and be prepared to still be shocked by them. It’s got praise kink, lots of scenes without consent, voyeurism without consent, 🔫 play, breath play, dominant FMC until she becomes the submissive unexpectedly…
If you love dark mafia, you’ll enjoy this book. It’s gory and gruesome and doesn’t go in the direction you think. I found the start of the book very slow while it set the scene. It took a while for the story to get going but once it did, I couldn’t put the book down!
Here are some of my spoiler free thoughts while reading:
Chapter 14 👀 wow. Unexpected. But Natalie proves again that she’s not to be messed with. She gets her revenge and reminds the readers she is the one with all the power.
Chapter 17 - holy smokes who knew a kiss could be so heated!!
Chapter 18 - woooooooow 🥵
Chapter 20 - so much gore. Well done.
Chapter 23 - hot hot hot
Chapter 27 - wtf?!?!
Wow. This is a dark mafia love triangle surprise! Natalie is a dominant, powerful boss. She knows what she wants and she will stop at nothing to obtain it. There are two main male characters - Leo and Donny. They’re brothers and Leo is the head of the Italian Mafia. They’re unhinged in their own ways but both want Natalie. Donny loves Natalie so much.
The trigger warnings for this book are no joke. Read them, understand them and be prepared to still be shocked by them. It’s got praise kink, lots of scenes without consent, voyeurism without consent, 🔫 play, breath play, dominant FMC until she becomes the submissive unexpectedly…
If you love dark mafia, you’ll enjoy this book. It’s gory and gruesome and doesn’t go in the direction you think. I found the start of the book very slow while it set the scene. It took a while for the story to get going but once it did, I couldn’t put the book down!
Here are some of my spoiler free thoughts while reading:
Chapter 14 👀 wow. Unexpected. But Natalie proves again that she’s not to be messed with. She gets her revenge and reminds the readers she is the one with all the power.
Chapter 17 - holy smokes who knew a kiss could be so heated!!
Chapter 18 - woooooooow 🥵
Chapter 20 - so much gore. Well done.
Chapter 23 - hot hot hot
Chapter 27 - wtf?!?!
May 16, 2024
Syndicate is a dark mafia romance, Be sure to check the TW/CW scenes and topics may not be for everyone.
Growing up as the Russian Mafias daughter, since a little girl Natalie has always wanted power, control and respect, becoming a confident and sophisticated woman who manages her father’s strip club she still wants more. To reach her goal and get the power she craves she set her goal on men of the underworld, setting her sights on Leonardo Morella head of the city’s Italian Mafia. When an opportunity arrives Natalie has found her way in, not only with Leo but with his brother Donny too.
From there the game of dominance and submission begins.
This book is a roller coaster and I am loving it!
Natalie is a strong plus size FMC who doesn’t care who you are and won’t let anyone stand in her way to get what she wants. I loved that Leo and Donny are polar opposites. Leo being unhinged and reckless whereas Donny is calmer but still deadly.
This book definitely has everything you could want in a mafia romance and then some. Syndicate is done in a dual POV so even though there’s a love triangle you only see Natalie and Donny’s perspective which I still enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this book I definitely recommend to all the dark mafia romance lovers out there.
Growing up as the Russian Mafias daughter, since a little girl Natalie has always wanted power, control and respect, becoming a confident and sophisticated woman who manages her father’s strip club she still wants more. To reach her goal and get the power she craves she set her goal on men of the underworld, setting her sights on Leonardo Morella head of the city’s Italian Mafia. When an opportunity arrives Natalie has found her way in, not only with Leo but with his brother Donny too.
From there the game of dominance and submission begins.
This book is a roller coaster and I am loving it!
Natalie is a strong plus size FMC who doesn’t care who you are and won’t let anyone stand in her way to get what she wants. I loved that Leo and Donny are polar opposites. Leo being unhinged and reckless whereas Donny is calmer but still deadly.
This book definitely has everything you could want in a mafia romance and then some. Syndicate is done in a dual POV so even though there’s a love triangle you only see Natalie and Donny’s perspective which I still enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this book I definitely recommend to all the dark mafia romance lovers out there.
April 5, 2024
Calling all my FIVE chili pepper loving & spicy book girlies! This book is for those who enjoy Mafia, enemies to lovers, and dark romances! MY GOODNESS! This book starts out with a female character, Natalie, who wants power AND control. Boy oh boy will she do whatever she needs to in order to get there! Nat is a main character that is baaad to the bone. She grew up in a Russian mafia home life and has plenty of confidence, looks, and a high up family. But how far will all that get her until she is at the top? Later on she finally meets two Italian brothers who are (suppose to be) their enemies. Do they stay that way or become more? The two brothers differ from each other entirely. They end up wanting the same thing, but for vast different reasons. Read the trigger warnings before diving into this especially when it comes to ch. 14!! If you are a fan of Hooked by Emily Mcintire or Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton then I have no worries because you will LOVE Syndicate just as much as I did! It was well done and well written!! I never wanted to put the book down especially at the end!!!
May 19, 2024
Syndicate by Anya Clara
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶🌶
Please check your triggers
Syndicate is a dark mafia romance. The story was fast-paced, action-packed, and spicy. The writing was good, and the plot kept me intrigued. I was hooked after the first chapter.
Natalie is a strong, curvy fmc. She's independent, confident, and fierce. She knows exactly what she wants... POWER. Natalie wants to take over the Russian Bratva and has an elaborate plan to do so. The first part of the plan is to marry the head of the Italian Mafia, Leo.
Leo is absolutely unhinged. He is short tempered, impulsive, and honestly, just a psychopath. Natalie and Leo's dynamic was intense.
Leo's brother Donny is the consigliere of the mafia. He is calm, calculated, and constantly trying to reign Leo in from doing something stupid and violent.
Leo and Donny couldn't be more different except for the fact they are both gorgeous and both want Natalie 🫦
Also, the ending ... left me speechless !
If you love Mafia romance books that are fast-paced, spicy, and action-packed, you need to read Syndicate.
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Love Triangle
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forbidden Romance
🖤 DOM/SUB
Thank you for the ARC Anya, I'm looking forward to reading more about this world with Lena.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶🌶
Please check your triggers
Syndicate is a dark mafia romance. The story was fast-paced, action-packed, and spicy. The writing was good, and the plot kept me intrigued. I was hooked after the first chapter.
Natalie is a strong, curvy fmc. She's independent, confident, and fierce. She knows exactly what she wants... POWER. Natalie wants to take over the Russian Bratva and has an elaborate plan to do so. The first part of the plan is to marry the head of the Italian Mafia, Leo.
Leo is absolutely unhinged. He is short tempered, impulsive, and honestly, just a psychopath. Natalie and Leo's dynamic was intense.
Leo's brother Donny is the consigliere of the mafia. He is calm, calculated, and constantly trying to reign Leo in from doing something stupid and violent.
Leo and Donny couldn't be more different except for the fact they are both gorgeous and both want Natalie 🫦
Also, the ending ... left me speechless !
If you love Mafia romance books that are fast-paced, spicy, and action-packed, you need to read Syndicate.
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Love Triangle
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forbidden Romance
🖤 DOM/SUB
Thank you for the ARC Anya, I'm looking forward to reading more about this world with Lena.
April 20, 2024
Our Bratva princess Natalie is a woman who knows what she wants and what she wants is power!
Donny was raised a prince knowing his brother would be king. As the spare heir he tried to leave the mafia behind and carve a place in the world where he could do some good but life didn’t work out that way. Instead he is now his brother’s second in command and the one to clean up Leo’s messes. To solidify her power Natalie needs Leo and his Mafia. Leo is chaos to his brother Donny’s calm, unpredictable and probably psychotic he becomes Natalie’s (eventually) willing submissive, FYI Chapter 14 wow! But Donny is enraptured by his brother’s future bride too, his need to dominate the fiery Russian becoming an obsession to earn her love. Caught in a love triangle, a father to topple from his thrown and a psychotic brother who is the heir apparent in her way Natalie is determined to come out on top no matter how many dead bodies she needs to climb over.
That ending!!!! I am shook and I need more. Now! Check your triggers!
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Burn: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Kinks: 🫦 🫦 🫦
Donny was raised a prince knowing his brother would be king. As the spare heir he tried to leave the mafia behind and carve a place in the world where he could do some good but life didn’t work out that way. Instead he is now his brother’s second in command and the one to clean up Leo’s messes. To solidify her power Natalie needs Leo and his Mafia. Leo is chaos to his brother Donny’s calm, unpredictable and probably psychotic he becomes Natalie’s (eventually) willing submissive, FYI Chapter 14 wow! But Donny is enraptured by his brother’s future bride too, his need to dominate the fiery Russian becoming an obsession to earn her love. Caught in a love triangle, a father to topple from his thrown and a psychotic brother who is the heir apparent in her way Natalie is determined to come out on top no matter how many dead bodies she needs to climb over.
That ending!!!! I am shook and I need more. Now! Check your triggers!
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Burn: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Kinks: 🫦 🫦 🫦
May 6, 2024
I really did try to like this book. The more I read, though the more I felt myself skipping ahead the more I found myself just not able to really get into it. It just felt like there was a lot of extra verbiage that didn’t need to be there. Characters reiterating what they said. There wasn’t a lot of context in the beginning. It was just two warring mafia going at each other through the two heads. It was a lot of fluff and a lot of depth in the characters and there was some scenes. I like a lot of darkness to my books just seemed off and the way they came into being in the book again that goes with not a lot of deaths to the characters, I saw this on TikTok. I really wanted to like this book but I couldn’t. I just can’t give it a good rating. The writing itself wasn’t horrible. It just needs more more depth of a characters more backstory/information. It just seemed like some characters popped up. Some of it was just an afterthought again just not horrible. Just not up to the style and standards that I like to read.
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