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The Welsh Kings Trilogy #1
Paradise Descent
Clara Prothero’s life starts when her father passes away after her eighteenth birthday, leaving her with nothing except his best friend, the Welsh Mafia King, Merrick Llwyd.
And overnight her life changes completely.
In Merrick, the head of the elusive Welsh Mafia, Clara finds a friend and a financial guardian who finally sets her free to be herself and live the way she’s always wanted.
But now, six years later, she’s back home after graduating college and something is different.
Has Merrick always been so…handsome and magnetic?
Or has everything changed?
Merrick
Merrick Llwyd finds himself tasked with arranging Clara’s marriage now that she’s done with college and back home in Providence.
The only problem?
He can’t stand the thought of marrying her off to billionaire heir, Osian Cardiff. In fact, he can’t stand the thought of her with anyone.
Except himself.
Caught between their undeniable chemistry, his duties as the Welsh King, and his growing feelings for Clara, Merrick finds himself unable to make a choice.
Until Clara makes it for him with one shocking request.
The fabric of Merrick and Clara's safe world begins to unravel in the face of deep betrayal, deceit, revenge, and a burning, new desire that can't be contained. Will opening the door to their feelings be a descent into hell or paradise?
Paradise Descent is the first book in the Welsh Kings Trilogy. It is an age gap (24&45) romance that can be read as a standalone. It contains content only suitable for an adult audience. It is dual POV and has a HEA.
And overnight her life changes completely.
In Merrick, the head of the elusive Welsh Mafia, Clara finds a friend and a financial guardian who finally sets her free to be herself and live the way she’s always wanted.
But now, six years later, she’s back home after graduating college and something is different.
Has Merrick always been so…handsome and magnetic?
Or has everything changed?
Merrick
Merrick Llwyd finds himself tasked with arranging Clara’s marriage now that she’s done with college and back home in Providence.
The only problem?
He can’t stand the thought of marrying her off to billionaire heir, Osian Cardiff. In fact, he can’t stand the thought of her with anyone.
Except himself.
Caught between their undeniable chemistry, his duties as the Welsh King, and his growing feelings for Clara, Merrick finds himself unable to make a choice.
Until Clara makes it for him with one shocking request.
The fabric of Merrick and Clara's safe world begins to unravel in the face of deep betrayal, deceit, revenge, and a burning, new desire that can't be contained. Will opening the door to their feelings be a descent into hell or paradise?
Paradise Descent is the first book in the Welsh Kings Trilogy. It is an age gap (24&45) romance that can be read as a standalone. It contains content only suitable for an adult audience. It is dual POV and has a HEA.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
445 people are currently reading
3017 people want to read
About the author
Raya Morris Edwards
25 books923 followersRaya Morris Edwards is the author of the Sovereign Mountain Series, the Welsh Kings Trilogy, and more! She lives near the mountains, but never close enough. When not writing, she's probably spending time with her family and dogs somewhere in the hills or traveling in the Blue Ridges.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 23, 2023
DNF
I have to say something girls. At the beginning of my reading, I was like 100% into it. I loved Merrick ! I mean, the guy is quite perfect with Clara, and it’s so good reading a mafia romance, a world where usually women writes misogynistic and possessive men (bcs yk it’s the vibe being possessed by a man everyone fears apparently🤨) BUT Merrick was everything but this towards women.
Clara on the other hand…well, I like my women mature enough ESPECIALLY in an age gap trope. Merrick is 45, and Clara is 24, which is not disturbing to me if the characters are both mature, know what they do, know how to deal with their desire and choices…but here, Clara made me feel like I was reading a 18 years old girl’s mind.
SHE IS 24 YEARS OLD, she’s constantly out at night and you gonna tell me she’s never EVER been educated about sex ONCE in a world like ours ? Honestly, i feel like Merrick was fucking a teenage girl ??? I was disappointed bcs the first half of the book was quite enjoying, but then the author started to writes Clara like a teenage girl who knows absolutely nothing about sex even tho she has internet and a best friend she can talk to about it because that’s what girls do : they talk about it because at some point you start being curious ! I mean, I knew she was a virgin but it shouldn’t mean that she has to be so fucking oblivious about the subject.
It just doesn’t sit right with me reading about a 24 years old who isn’t even a little bit educated about sex but manage a relationship with a 45 YEARS OLD GROWN ASS MAN. Lol. It’s just pushing the daddy kink a little too far, but gurl we don’t want to read a lolita remake.
Never mind, in my opinion things turned out in a way that was unreal for me.
Bonus bcs I laughed my ass with my best friend reading it : “What is that?” I asked softly. He glanced down. “Pre-cum. It just means I’m aroused.” “How…how much comes out?” “Maybe a few drops, it depends.”
GURL ??? YOU’RE 24 AND DONT KNOW ABOUT PRECUM ??? That was the end for me
Two stars only for Merrick.
I have to say something girls. At the beginning of my reading, I was like 100% into it. I loved Merrick ! I mean, the guy is quite perfect with Clara, and it’s so good reading a mafia romance, a world where usually women writes misogynistic and possessive men (bcs yk it’s the vibe being possessed by a man everyone fears apparently🤨) BUT Merrick was everything but this towards women.
Clara on the other hand…well, I like my women mature enough ESPECIALLY in an age gap trope. Merrick is 45, and Clara is 24, which is not disturbing to me if the characters are both mature, know what they do, know how to deal with their desire and choices…but here, Clara made me feel like I was reading a 18 years old girl’s mind.
SHE IS 24 YEARS OLD, she’s constantly out at night and you gonna tell me she’s never EVER been educated about sex ONCE in a world like ours ? Honestly, i feel like Merrick was fucking a teenage girl ??? I was disappointed bcs the first half of the book was quite enjoying, but then the author started to writes Clara like a teenage girl who knows absolutely nothing about sex even tho she has internet and a best friend she can talk to about it because that’s what girls do : they talk about it because at some point you start being curious ! I mean, I knew she was a virgin but it shouldn’t mean that she has to be so fucking oblivious about the subject.
It just doesn’t sit right with me reading about a 24 years old who isn’t even a little bit educated about sex but manage a relationship with a 45 YEARS OLD GROWN ASS MAN. Lol. It’s just pushing the daddy kink a little too far, but gurl we don’t want to read a lolita remake.
Never mind, in my opinion things turned out in a way that was unreal for me.
Bonus bcs I laughed my ass with my best friend reading it : “What is that?” I asked softly. He glanced down. “Pre-cum. It just means I’m aroused.” “How…how much comes out?” “Maybe a few drops, it depends.”
GURL ??? YOU’RE 24 AND DONT KNOW ABOUT PRECUM ??? That was the end for me
Two stars only for Merrick.
October 23, 2024
I thought this story very very good, with a solid plot, easy to read .
The chemistry between the characters is just wow but sometimes the fmc is so naive that doesn’t match her age.
It’s worth reading.
The chemistry between the characters is just wow but sometimes the fmc is so naive that doesn’t match her age.
It’s worth reading.
July 31, 2024
#1 pussy eater
November 11, 2025
2/5
TROPES:
-guardian/ward
-age gap
-mafia
I was super excited for this because these are tropes I love, but it was ultimately a let down. The heroine, who was an adult virgin (and I love me some virgin heroines), hooked up with THREE different men before allowing the hero to officially take her vcard.
The first was her “fiancée” who wasn’t her fiancée for long. She wanted to experience it. The second and third being two men she met on vacation AFTER developing feelings for the hero, and it would’ve been a threesome.
This book left me feeling things. Not hot things. Disgusting things, more like. I felt like I needed a shower after reading this.
TROPES:
-guardian/ward
-age gap
-mafia
I was super excited for this because these are tropes I love, but it was ultimately a let down. The heroine, who was an adult virgin (and I love me some virgin heroines), hooked up with THREE different men before allowing the hero to officially take her vcard.
The first was her “fiancée” who wasn’t her fiancée for long. She wanted to experience it. The second and third being two men she met on vacation AFTER developing feelings for the hero, and it would’ve been a threesome.
This book left me feeling things. Not hot things. Disgusting things, more like. I felt like I needed a shower after reading this.
February 5, 2024
2.5 stars. This was my second book by this author after I really liked her other book, Sovereign – and this wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t nearly as good.
This is an age gap mafia story (the heroine is 24, the hero is 45). If you like that, and also “virgin heroine in her 20s” and “a bit of daddy stuff,” maybe you’ll like it. He’s the head of the Welsh mafia in the US – which was the most interesting part of this book. They had some unique customs (like for example, it’s customary for a woman to get a piercing in an intimate place after getting engaged). So, that stuff made it stand out from all the other same-y mafia books out there.
In the Welsh mafia, if a woman’s relatives die– even if she’s above the age of 18 – she becomes the “ward” of another man in the organization (That’s how this starts, the hero becomes her guardian, even though they’ve never met, and she’s old enough to not need a guardian in the real world).
That’s a good set-up! But, the heroine, whose name I’ve already forgotten, came across as a vapid immature spoiled brat. I don’t mind a story where the heroine had a difficult life, and now the hero takes care of her. I like that, sometimes. This was trying to do that, but it didn’t work. It’s hard for me to like a heroine whose only aspiration is to be a trophy wife and max out the hero’s credit card (unless the story gives her a lot of depth, or makes her personality really interesting, but this didn’t do that). The hero was fine, but generic and forgettable. I got bored and lost interest because I didn't care about either of them, much. Their relationship felt surface level. And, the heroine was engaged to another man for too long, so, this had OM drama that got tedious.
Despite my complaints, this Welsh mafia world was interesting enough that I may stick around in this series, especially since it seems like book 2 will be Caden's book, and he was more interesting than these main characters. Her friend also seemed like she’d be a better heroine, if she gets a book. But otherwise, this author did a much better job with her other book, Sovereign.
This is an age gap mafia story (the heroine is 24, the hero is 45). If you like that, and also “virgin heroine in her 20s” and “a bit of daddy stuff,” maybe you’ll like it. He’s the head of the Welsh mafia in the US – which was the most interesting part of this book. They had some unique customs (like for example, it’s customary for a woman to get a piercing in an intimate place after getting engaged). So, that stuff made it stand out from all the other same-y mafia books out there.
In the Welsh mafia, if a woman’s relatives die– even if she’s above the age of 18 – she becomes the “ward” of another man in the organization (That’s how this starts, the hero becomes her guardian, even though they’ve never met, and she’s old enough to not need a guardian in the real world).
That’s a good set-up! But, the heroine, whose name I’ve already forgotten, came across as a vapid immature spoiled brat. I don’t mind a story where the heroine had a difficult life, and now the hero takes care of her. I like that, sometimes. This was trying to do that, but it didn’t work. It’s hard for me to like a heroine whose only aspiration is to be a trophy wife and max out the hero’s credit card (unless the story gives her a lot of depth, or makes her personality really interesting, but this didn’t do that). The hero was fine, but generic and forgettable. I got bored and lost interest because I didn't care about either of them, much. Their relationship felt surface level. And, the heroine was engaged to another man for too long, so, this had OM drama that got tedious.
Despite my complaints, this Welsh mafia world was interesting enough that I may stick around in this series, especially since it seems like book 2 will be Caden's book, and he was more interesting than these main characters. Her friend also seemed like she’d be a better heroine, if she gets a book. But otherwise, this author did a much better job with her other book, Sovereign.
April 7, 2023
4,75⭐️
Lemme start by saying Merrick was the least toxic, most respectful mafia boss I’ve ever read about. I loved him.
His love and need to spoil Clara was amazing and quite dreamy. We all deserve men like him.
The spice and plot ratio was good, we don’t delve too deep into the organization business which I liked. I also loved how open minded the welsh mafia seemed in comparison to Italian or Russian mafias.
Overall this was a great book which I’m sure you’ll enjoy if you liked Raya’s previous books!
Lemme start by saying Merrick was the least toxic, most respectful mafia boss I’ve ever read about. I loved him.
His love and need to spoil Clara was amazing and quite dreamy. We all deserve men like him.
The spice and plot ratio was good, we don’t delve too deep into the organization business which I liked. I also loved how open minded the welsh mafia seemed in comparison to Italian or Russian mafias.
Overall this was a great book which I’m sure you’ll enjoy if you liked Raya’s previous books!
December 3, 2023
This book is the definition of princess treatment and I absolutely loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Mafia
Age gap
Ward / guardian trope
Praise
ADHD and OCD rep
Daddy kink
Possessive hero
Bondage
V fmc
Hero that spoils her
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Mafia
Age gap
Ward / guardian trope
Praise
ADHD and OCD rep
Daddy kink
Possessive hero
Bondage
V fmc
Hero that spoils her
February 26, 2024
My new favorite author.
May 22, 2023
I loved Merrick, especially that the author promoted therapy with his character. I would have given this 5 stars but it does need editing.
December 5, 2023
i honestly did not think i would like this as much as i do. my expectations in a man has been risen so high and i fear they will never be met.
March 28, 2024
You know what I was going to give this 4 stars because of Clara but the last 7-9 chapters really did show major character development. I mean if I was raised in an environment where all I had to do was grow up and have fun and just live my best life I would end up like her too.
I have two words to say to you. Daddy Maverick.
Holy fuck, this man lives in my head rent free. So far two of my all time favorite daddies are written by this author. She is on to something. A mafia boss man, who is extremely kind, gentle, lives to spoil, raging feminist AND goes to therapy?? I might have slipped and fell and broke my brain because he certainly scrambled something in my head.
What. The. Delicious. Fuck. Is. This.
He was just…perfect from the inside out. Issues and all your honor I want him. The way I would cook and clean for this fictional man? Criminal.
Now that I have gushed enough (but is it really?) about Daddy Maverick. Everyone say thank you Daddy🫶🏼
The plot was heavily based on character development and slightly really mafia drama. I loved the growth we see Clara got in the end to be her own person out of this innocent bubble she was wrapped in her whole life.
Also aside from the fact that the smut was absolutely insane please don’t be like me and read in the park. I was about to be escorted by the police from screaming (jk). I truly appreciated the tenderness and the intimacy in the scenes. Clara’s struggles in understanding her body and learning that, Maverick’s patience and communication skills. My body went to shock.
I didn’t see the plot twist in the end there which I really loved!!
Absolutely perfect your honor💖🫡
Super excited to read about Yale and Candice these two are going to be insane!
I have two words to say to you. Daddy Maverick.
Holy fuck, this man lives in my head rent free. So far two of my all time favorite daddies are written by this author. She is on to something. A mafia boss man, who is extremely kind, gentle, lives to spoil, raging feminist AND goes to therapy?? I might have slipped and fell and broke my brain because he certainly scrambled something in my head.
What. The. Delicious. Fuck. Is. This.
He was just…perfect from the inside out. Issues and all your honor I want him. The way I would cook and clean for this fictional man? Criminal.
Now that I have gushed enough (but is it really?) about Daddy Maverick. Everyone say thank you Daddy🫶🏼
The plot was heavily based on character development and slightly really mafia drama. I loved the growth we see Clara got in the end to be her own person out of this innocent bubble she was wrapped in her whole life.
Also aside from the fact that the smut was absolutely insane please don’t be like me and read in the park. I was about to be escorted by the police from screaming (jk). I truly appreciated the tenderness and the intimacy in the scenes. Clara’s struggles in understanding her body and learning that, Maverick’s patience and communication skills. My body went to shock.
I didn’t see the plot twist in the end there which I really loved!!
Absolutely perfect your honor💖🫡
Super excited to read about Yale and Candice these two are going to be insane!
January 28, 2024
Completely and utterly OBSESSED!!! This book had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down and I know that it’s going to stay with me for a long time. I loved the unique aspect of Welsh mafia and Merrick was absolutely everything. If you’re in it for the plot I’m not sure this is for you because it’s definitely 80% romance but that romance was perfectly written and was the reason I couldn’t stop reading this. The sexual tension, the angst, the ✨spice✨, the relationship between them it was just everything I needed and more. I will definitely be rereading this in future and can’t wait for the next book.
April 2, 2023
I really liked this one. It was just the thing I needed to cleanse the palate lol. I love me an age gap. Add mafia and I’m all set. Defn a fun ride.
June 15, 2024
DNF.
It just got so boring and unbelievable
It just got so boring and unbelievable
December 19, 2023
Spoilers below 👇 TLDR version at the end.
This is a mafia romance with pretty standard tropes—strict MMC, helpless FMC. After the FMC’s shithead father (who was a mafia kingpin) dies when she’s 18, this welsh mafia princess becomes the financial ward of the MMC, who is like 20 years older than her. Their relationship is purely platonic and he gives her everything and anything she could ever want. When the FMC finishes college, the MMC (who happens to be the mafia king) arranges her future marriage. It’s a win-win: she gets a husband who is very wealthy and will allow her to live her trophy wife dreams, and he gets billions of dollars in business acquisitions. Of course, things heat up between the MCs, and the tension between them rises. The MMC can’t stand to watch the FMC and her fiancée together, despite him knowing that their marriage would be very financially beneficial. Anyways, eventually the engagement breaks off blah blah blah and the mafia princess marries the mafia king and they live happily ever after.
I’ve thought hard on what I wanted to rate this book. At first, for the first 40% of the book or so, it was on track to getting a 2 ⭐️ from me. I did not have high hopes of it getting any better. I was annoyed that the FMC didn’t seem to have anything to offer besides being an immature 20-something-year-old who had no passions or desires besides clubbing and doing nothing. I also thought the pacing was really slow—pointlessly slow—and I really had to force myself to get through it. However, while the pacing was slow, it was STEADY. It was consistent. It was a TRUE build up. Looking back, I can’t begrudge the author for this, because it made me care about the characters a lot more.
To preface, I enjoy smut. I love it, even. But I do not read solely for smut.
WHAT I LIKED:
to get it out of the way, the smut was FANTASTIC. I will say the book picked up a lot once the two character finally became physically intimate with each other. The whole plot rode on her being “pure” for her fiancée, so once this barrier was shattered, it was really fun to watch the forbidden romance bud. I loved how varied the smut was and if you are into overstimulation and a pleasure dom who LOVES 👅🐱, you’ll love this. I liked how the tension was built and how even though this book was set up as a bit of a taboo guardian x ward with an age gap situation, I honestly did not feel icky about it at all. I really appreciated how the whole age gap and the guardianship thing was acknowledged and discussed. It was not an elephant in the room that we the reader had to suspend reality to come to terms with. I also liked the writing—it did not read as a tropey wattpad mafia romance (even though it VERY EASILY could have considering the plot and personalities of the MCs). The best way I can describe the writing is: I didn’t notice it. I.e. it was not distracting to me.
WHAT I DIDNT LIKE:
The FMC annoyed me for the vast majority of the book. She was basically an alcoholic and freeloader and had no drive or passion. I am not saying that I am against a woman wanting to be a trophy wife or not wanting to work, but it was just obnoxious to me that her only attributes were how pretty she was. It wasn’t until the last 1/4 of the book that she started growing on me. I didn’t like how the MMC’s OCD and adult ADHD were not a thing for the first 1/3 of the book and then suddenly it’s a very important characteristic for him. My main quip about this is I wish that we had a glimpse of his tendencies from the get go (especially since this was dual POV so the compulsions should be apparent from the beginning, even though he has it under control for the most part). I did not think the stakes were high enough to warrant the length of the book. A compelling story needs a compelling conflict. I wish we saw more politics between the mafia business dealings with the FMC’s billionaire fiancée at the very least. I wish that we had gotten better glimpses of the fiancées abusive tendencies throughout the first half of the book, and that maybe his attack on the FMC was more brutal (NOTE: I am not condoning domestic abuse or violence. However, for the sake of the story and the development of the characters and their relationship, a harsher plot climax would’ve made the resolution a lot more satisfying to the reader). I was also like 🥴 for a fat chunk of this book whenever they mentioned the courting traditions of the mafia. You’re telling me that it’s not official until the girl gets her clit pierced?? Huh??? Also, I just have to say how overused and SOGGY the whole “she was effortlessly beautiful. Her perky perfect breasts—which were a perfect full C—were perfect. Her long legs were toned and slim. Her thick hair was long and dark and perfect to wrap around my fist. She had a flat stomach and fat ass and her skin was so clear that it looked like she had makeup on all the time. But she loved eating a nightly bowl of ice cream and always ordered lasagna and breadsticks. But she was skinny still dw.” LIKE THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A WOMAN!!! Surely you could consider that a woman is going to be woman shaped and have human flaws. Jeez.
TL,DR: was good, not great. Better than a LOT of mafia romances but still too long and draggy imo. I do not regret reading though. (But I’ll probably forget about this book in a day lol). I ended up giving it a 3 because it was a true, COMPLETE, and satisfying story with a convincing relationship, fantastic smut, and decent side characters.
This is a mafia romance with pretty standard tropes—strict MMC, helpless FMC. After the FMC’s shithead father (who was a mafia kingpin) dies when she’s 18, this welsh mafia princess becomes the financial ward of the MMC, who is like 20 years older than her. Their relationship is purely platonic and he gives her everything and anything she could ever want. When the FMC finishes college, the MMC (who happens to be the mafia king) arranges her future marriage. It’s a win-win: she gets a husband who is very wealthy and will allow her to live her trophy wife dreams, and he gets billions of dollars in business acquisitions. Of course, things heat up between the MCs, and the tension between them rises. The MMC can’t stand to watch the FMC and her fiancée together, despite him knowing that their marriage would be very financially beneficial. Anyways, eventually the engagement breaks off blah blah blah and the mafia princess marries the mafia king and they live happily ever after.
I’ve thought hard on what I wanted to rate this book. At first, for the first 40% of the book or so, it was on track to getting a 2 ⭐️ from me. I did not have high hopes of it getting any better. I was annoyed that the FMC didn’t seem to have anything to offer besides being an immature 20-something-year-old who had no passions or desires besides clubbing and doing nothing. I also thought the pacing was really slow—pointlessly slow—and I really had to force myself to get through it. However, while the pacing was slow, it was STEADY. It was consistent. It was a TRUE build up. Looking back, I can’t begrudge the author for this, because it made me care about the characters a lot more.
To preface, I enjoy smut. I love it, even. But I do not read solely for smut.
WHAT I LIKED:
to get it out of the way, the smut was FANTASTIC. I will say the book picked up a lot once the two character finally became physically intimate with each other. The whole plot rode on her being “pure” for her fiancée, so once this barrier was shattered, it was really fun to watch the forbidden romance bud. I loved how varied the smut was and if you are into overstimulation and a pleasure dom who LOVES 👅🐱, you’ll love this. I liked how the tension was built and how even though this book was set up as a bit of a taboo guardian x ward with an age gap situation, I honestly did not feel icky about it at all. I really appreciated how the whole age gap and the guardianship thing was acknowledged and discussed. It was not an elephant in the room that we the reader had to suspend reality to come to terms with. I also liked the writing—it did not read as a tropey wattpad mafia romance (even though it VERY EASILY could have considering the plot and personalities of the MCs). The best way I can describe the writing is: I didn’t notice it. I.e. it was not distracting to me.
WHAT I DIDNT LIKE:
The FMC annoyed me for the vast majority of the book. She was basically an alcoholic and freeloader and had no drive or passion. I am not saying that I am against a woman wanting to be a trophy wife or not wanting to work, but it was just obnoxious to me that her only attributes were how pretty she was. It wasn’t until the last 1/4 of the book that she started growing on me. I didn’t like how the MMC’s OCD and adult ADHD were not a thing for the first 1/3 of the book and then suddenly it’s a very important characteristic for him. My main quip about this is I wish that we had a glimpse of his tendencies from the get go (especially since this was dual POV so the compulsions should be apparent from the beginning, even though he has it under control for the most part). I did not think the stakes were high enough to warrant the length of the book. A compelling story needs a compelling conflict. I wish we saw more politics between the mafia business dealings with the FMC’s billionaire fiancée at the very least. I wish that we had gotten better glimpses of the fiancées abusive tendencies throughout the first half of the book, and that maybe his attack on the FMC was more brutal (NOTE: I am not condoning domestic abuse or violence. However, for the sake of the story and the development of the characters and their relationship, a harsher plot climax would’ve made the resolution a lot more satisfying to the reader). I was also like 🥴 for a fat chunk of this book whenever they mentioned the courting traditions of the mafia. You’re telling me that it’s not official until the girl gets her clit pierced?? Huh??? Also, I just have to say how overused and SOGGY the whole “she was effortlessly beautiful. Her perky perfect breasts—which were a perfect full C—were perfect. Her long legs were toned and slim. Her thick hair was long and dark and perfect to wrap around my fist. She had a flat stomach and fat ass and her skin was so clear that it looked like she had makeup on all the time. But she loved eating a nightly bowl of ice cream and always ordered lasagna and breadsticks. But she was skinny still dw.” LIKE THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A WOMAN!!! Surely you could consider that a woman is going to be woman shaped and have human flaws. Jeez.
TL,DR: was good, not great. Better than a LOT of mafia romances but still too long and draggy imo. I do not regret reading though. (But I’ll probably forget about this book in a day lol). I ended up giving it a 3 because it was a true, COMPLETE, and satisfying story with a convincing relationship, fantastic smut, and decent side characters.
May 18, 2023
I DEVOURED THIS BOOK AND I NEED MERRICK TO DO THE SAME WITH ME😭😊!
This book was everything I needed. I love me a good age gap sprinkle in some mafia and I’m floating with the angels. I love merrick because he’s not the ordinary mafia man he’s kind and he respects Clara and adores her to no end.He’s not toxic and that’s what I need from mafia men. I need a merrick in my life 🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️
This book was everything I needed. I love me a good age gap sprinkle in some mafia and I’m floating with the angels. I love merrick because he’s not the ordinary mafia man he’s kind and he respects Clara and adores her to no end.He’s not toxic and that’s what I need from mafia men. I need a merrick in my life 🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️
April 8, 2023
didn’t love the details
This contains spoilers so skip my review if you don’t want to read them. I’ve read several of Raya Morris Edwards and I’ll be honest, I loved them. This however; I just idk how to feel. At first I thought Clara was a spoiled brat. She had no regard for anything and spent Merricks money like it was water. I totally get that she never had anything growing up but it just was very irritating. Her mother was mentioned several times but I wish they would’ve found her and given them a better relationship after Merrick found out her father was abusive. What irritated me the most and caused me to DNF at 83% was finding out Merrick had an adult son, a man we know in the book because he’s “his right man” and always there. He’s also spoken to and has been nasty to Clara, turns out Caden is actually his son. I wish these details weren’t in the book and other details were different. Wanted to love it but couldn’t.
This contains spoilers so skip my review if you don’t want to read them. I’ve read several of Raya Morris Edwards and I’ll be honest, I loved them. This however; I just idk how to feel. At first I thought Clara was a spoiled brat. She had no regard for anything and spent Merricks money like it was water. I totally get that she never had anything growing up but it just was very irritating. Her mother was mentioned several times but I wish they would’ve found her and given them a better relationship after Merrick found out her father was abusive. What irritated me the most and caused me to DNF at 83% was finding out Merrick had an adult son, a man we know in the book because he’s “his right man” and always there. He’s also spoken to and has been nasty to Clara, turns out Caden is actually his son. I wish these details weren’t in the book and other details were different. Wanted to love it but couldn’t.
May 29, 2024
The slow burn in this book is absolutely delicious, and I ate up the 20+ year age gap. It was handled so well and tastefully.
Merrick is many things
Leader of the Welsh Mafiä
Mentor
Guardian
Teacher...
This ended up being the absolute sweetest love story. Lots of slow burn, but man, did it pay off with the spice. 🥵
Clara is a spoiled young woman, but not in a bratty way. More in a she's so taken care of way.
At first, I wasn't crazy about Clara. She's a spoiled girl who goes to college just for fun, not planning to actually use a degree for anything. But the way she grows with Merrick was beautiful. She brings out the best in him, and he just wants to take care of and spoil her.
This is definitely one of my favorite mafia books I've read. The organization is definitely there and helps move the plot forward, but the main characters are the focal point of the story.
Merrick is many things
Leader of the Welsh Mafiä
Mentor
Guardian
Teacher...
This ended up being the absolute sweetest love story. Lots of slow burn, but man, did it pay off with the spice. 🥵
Clara is a spoiled young woman, but not in a bratty way. More in a she's so taken care of way.
At first, I wasn't crazy about Clara. She's a spoiled girl who goes to college just for fun, not planning to actually use a degree for anything. But the way she grows with Merrick was beautiful. She brings out the best in him, and he just wants to take care of and spoil her.
This is definitely one of my favorite mafia books I've read. The organization is definitely there and helps move the plot forward, but the main characters are the focal point of the story.
January 3, 2025
Am I shocked I gave this book a 4 stars? YES I am because I went in thinking it was going to be good and fun but it ended up being amazing. This was such a good story both characters were so mature and so good for eachother. Really good honestly. I was presently surprised.
Read
April 26, 2024DNF 62%
was going to finish this but fell out reading about the characters :(
was going to finish this but fell out reading about the characters :(
October 29, 2025
#1 kitty lover
I liked this book.
I liked this book.
November 16, 2024
Age-Gap
Welsh Mafia Romance
Welsh Mafia Romance
May 19, 2023
This one was just okay. I really was not a fan of the FMC and couldn’t really get over it. There were some aspects in the steamy scenes that were just so odd to me and the way they were harped on in the writing made them stand out more.
April 9, 2023
Unnecessarily long
The book was good I just felt like they could have taken out 100 pages. The writing also jumped around quite a bit more in the beginning but it got a bit better in the end
The book was good I just felt like they could have taken out 100 pages. The writing also jumped around quite a bit more in the beginning but it got a bit better in the end
March 28, 2023
4/5⭐️
3/5🌶
💜 Over all thought 💜
I enjoyed Merrick and Clara's story. It was nice to read something other than a mafia romance where the MMC was a hardass and rough. I laughed through some of the parts just because ho inexperienced Clara is. It's not that it was funny but like really awkward. I thought it was a great story and was so relieved when there was no 3rd act break up. The ending was sweet and wrapped up okay.
🖤 What I liked 🖤
🌺 Merrick is very nice compared to other mafia books I have read. He treats everyone with respect including the women.
🌺 He's very protective and gives Clara what ever she wants. Even though he has to arrange a marriage for Clara he is still overly protective of her and wants to make sure that her future husband is a good man and will take good care of her and not abuse her.
🌺 I liked that Merrick was gentle with her and finally gave into her about 50% of the way through the book and took her away for the weekend to grant her wish to lose her V-card with him. She wanted to be with she wanted because she trusted him.
🌺 I love how Raya gave nice representation to adult ADHD and OCD. There was a lot of care and consideration given to these 2 types of mentql health issues and I really appreciated that as some who suffers from both.
❤️ What I didn't like ❤️
🌷 I didn't like how allowed Clara to become a spoiled brat. He overly spoiled her letting her max out her credit cards several time with not repercussions or saying anything that she spends so carelessly.
🌷 I didn't like that Clara seemed to have zero ambition to do anything with her life other than party and drink. I thought she drank way to much for someone who was young.
🌷 It doesn't get spicy until about 50% through the book which is okay but after reading some of Raya's books I was hoping it wouldn't be that long
🌷 I thought the ending could have been a bit more, but It was still a nicely wrapped story.
Overall I would read this again but after reading Captured Light, Devil I Need and Captured Solace, this is not the first book of Rayas I would recommend to some one wanting a mafia romance.
It would be the first I would recommend to someone wanting a good age-gap boor or soft dom book.
❤️ I received this book as an ARC and my review is of my opinion.
3/5🌶
💜 Over all thought 💜
I enjoyed Merrick and Clara's story. It was nice to read something other than a mafia romance where the MMC was a hardass and rough. I laughed through some of the parts just because ho inexperienced Clara is. It's not that it was funny but like really awkward. I thought it was a great story and was so relieved when there was no 3rd act break up. The ending was sweet and wrapped up okay.
🖤 What I liked 🖤
🌺 Merrick is very nice compared to other mafia books I have read. He treats everyone with respect including the women.
🌺 He's very protective and gives Clara what ever she wants. Even though he has to arrange a marriage for Clara he is still overly protective of her and wants to make sure that her future husband is a good man and will take good care of her and not abuse her.
🌺 I liked that Merrick was gentle with her and finally gave into her about 50% of the way through the book and took her away for the weekend to grant her wish to lose her V-card with him. She wanted to be with she wanted because she trusted him.
🌺 I love how Raya gave nice representation to adult ADHD and OCD. There was a lot of care and consideration given to these 2 types of mentql health issues and I really appreciated that as some who suffers from both.
❤️ What I didn't like ❤️
🌷 I didn't like how allowed Clara to become a spoiled brat. He overly spoiled her letting her max out her credit cards several time with not repercussions or saying anything that she spends so carelessly.
🌷 I didn't like that Clara seemed to have zero ambition to do anything with her life other than party and drink. I thought she drank way to much for someone who was young.
🌷 It doesn't get spicy until about 50% through the book which is okay but after reading some of Raya's books I was hoping it wouldn't be that long
🌷 I thought the ending could have been a bit more, but It was still a nicely wrapped story.
Overall I would read this again but after reading Captured Light, Devil I Need and Captured Solace, this is not the first book of Rayas I would recommend to some one wanting a mafia romance.
It would be the first I would recommend to someone wanting a good age-gap boor or soft dom book.
❤️ I received this book as an ARC and my review is of my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
3,5 stars
i’m not sure what to think of this book. i kinda loved it but also found some stuff questionable🥲
i’m not sure what to think of this book. i kinda loved it but also found some stuff questionable🥲
August 21, 2025
This book had so much potential but the bitch ass fmc has no other personality trait than being an alcoholic virgin party girl. So virginal in fact she doesn’t even know what the crude gesture for eating pussy is. And this is a 24 year old college graduate btw!!! Everything about this shallow uninteresting depthless loser pmo. What a waste of a perfect mmc.
She’s lived with him for 6 years, she was born into the welsh mafia and knows the mmc is their king, YET THE BITCH IS FLABBERGASTED WHEN SHE DISCOVERS HIS WEAPONS CLOSET AND GUN!!!!! Am i tripping, is this not common sense??????? Just because she’s a sheltered frivolous dumb bitch doesn’t mean that she should be brainless enough to not know that it would be common practice for A MAFIA KINGGGGGG to carry weapons????? She’s shocked to find out he’s had to kill people to get where he’s at. She’s appalled knowing he’s in weapons trade and carries a gun on him to a party full of big shots and criminals. Dear Lord, give me strength. Im sorry, does the dumb cunt think the mafia is a bunch of grown men braiding each other’s ball hairs and baking cupcakes?? It’s big news to her that his money that she spends like toilet paper is DIRTY MONEY EARNED BY A MAFIA KING!! Can we be so deadass for a second? She’s a grown 24 year old woman and she acts worse than a teenager. Honestly I kept thinking she was a 13 year old teenager the whole time KNOWING SHES SUPPOSED TO BE 24. No maturity, no self awareness, just a spoiled self absorbed bitch. I can’t, the more im writing this review the more riled up im getting by how utterly insufferable the fmc is.
I don’t understand merrick’s pull towards her either. She literally has no personality than spending his money and getting drunk. To me his “love” for her stems from the fact that she’s the only woman around him constantly and it’s the convenience of access. If he went out with other women more often instead of holing himself up in his house all the time to protect clara, he wouldn’t have fallen for her. It’s a mild case of Stockholm syndrome for him i think.
Anyways, 10/10 sex scenes tho. Merrick llwyd a certified EATERRRRRRRRRRRRRR 🫦
She’s lived with him for 6 years, she was born into the welsh mafia and knows the mmc is their king, YET THE BITCH IS FLABBERGASTED WHEN SHE DISCOVERS HIS WEAPONS CLOSET AND GUN!!!!! Am i tripping, is this not common sense??????? Just because she’s a sheltered frivolous dumb bitch doesn’t mean that she should be brainless enough to not know that it would be common practice for A MAFIA KINGGGGGG to carry weapons????? She’s shocked to find out he’s had to kill people to get where he’s at. She’s appalled knowing he’s in weapons trade and carries a gun on him to a party full of big shots and criminals. Dear Lord, give me strength. Im sorry, does the dumb cunt think the mafia is a bunch of grown men braiding each other’s ball hairs and baking cupcakes?? It’s big news to her that his money that she spends like toilet paper is DIRTY MONEY EARNED BY A MAFIA KING!! Can we be so deadass for a second? She’s a grown 24 year old woman and she acts worse than a teenager. Honestly I kept thinking she was a 13 year old teenager the whole time KNOWING SHES SUPPOSED TO BE 24. No maturity, no self awareness, just a spoiled self absorbed bitch. I can’t, the more im writing this review the more riled up im getting by how utterly insufferable the fmc is.
I don’t understand merrick’s pull towards her either. She literally has no personality than spending his money and getting drunk. To me his “love” for her stems from the fact that she’s the only woman around him constantly and it’s the convenience of access. If he went out with other women more often instead of holing himself up in his house all the time to protect clara, he wouldn’t have fallen for her. It’s a mild case of Stockholm syndrome for him i think.
Anyways, 10/10 sex scenes tho. Merrick llwyd a certified EATERRRRRRRRRRRRRR 🫦
February 5, 2024
4 Like A Once In A Lifetime Eclipse ⭐
Paradise Descent may have been predictable, but it didn’t detract from the allure and chemistry between the Welsh King and his much younger ward. Essentially a mafia romance, tradition dictates that a daughter’s welfare and finances are the responsibility of the male guardian. When Clara’s father passes, it is Merrick Llwyd that becomes her custodian and universe.
I knew absolutely nothing about sex, but I knew I could do dirty things to a body like his.
She is barely legal when Clara goes to live with Merrick. Having come from a home without love and affection, Merrick makes it his mission to change that, and he does. He treats Clara like a Welsh Princess and provides everything her heart desires. And it’s perfect until it’s time to find Clara a husband.
There is no issue with what is planned, as it is expected. A marriage and merger between two wealthy families. Clara is obedient and willing, and all is going to plan until reality sinks in. Clara will belong to another man, and it doesn’t sit right with Merrick
From the first chapter you know where this story is heading. I was dying for it all to unfold. The moment Clara realizes that Merrick is a hot-blooded man right under her nose, and when he in turn gives into the feelings that have been ignored.
“You love having me wrapped around your pretty little finger,” he growled. “Let’s see how you like being wrapped around my cock.”
It was the right amount of tension and anticipation. The good little virgin with a cheeky side and the dangerous, jealous protector. But all passion aside, Merrick and Clara will have to face the music for their transgressions. I lapped this all up. And let me tell you that the spicy scenes were worth the wait. Well, well, this author has done it again!
Paradise Descent may have been predictable, but it didn’t detract from the allure and chemistry between the Welsh King and his much younger ward. Essentially a mafia romance, tradition dictates that a daughter’s welfare and finances are the responsibility of the male guardian. When Clara’s father passes, it is Merrick Llwyd that becomes her custodian and universe.
I knew absolutely nothing about sex, but I knew I could do dirty things to a body like his.
She is barely legal when Clara goes to live with Merrick. Having come from a home without love and affection, Merrick makes it his mission to change that, and he does. He treats Clara like a Welsh Princess and provides everything her heart desires. And it’s perfect until it’s time to find Clara a husband.
There is no issue with what is planned, as it is expected. A marriage and merger between two wealthy families. Clara is obedient and willing, and all is going to plan until reality sinks in. Clara will belong to another man, and it doesn’t sit right with Merrick
From the first chapter you know where this story is heading. I was dying for it all to unfold. The moment Clara realizes that Merrick is a hot-blooded man right under her nose, and when he in turn gives into the feelings that have been ignored.
“You love having me wrapped around your pretty little finger,” he growled. “Let’s see how you like being wrapped around my cock.”
It was the right amount of tension and anticipation. The good little virgin with a cheeky side and the dangerous, jealous protector. But all passion aside, Merrick and Clara will have to face the music for their transgressions. I lapped this all up. And let me tell you that the spicy scenes were worth the wait. Well, well, this author has done it again!
December 17, 2023
Merrick was perfection! Any stars I give this book are for him oh that perfect man! The guy is exactly why I love to read older men, the maturity, understanding and control they practice is so freaking hot! Gosh the only reason that I actually enjoyed the book was because of Merrick being the perfect mature adult and his character actually showed the years he has lived through. His way of handling things and maintaining so much control over himself and his emotions did things to me.
That being said, the book was kinda lacking in other aspects. The writing was was good now don’t take this wrong, it was fast paced which was the reason I was able to finish the book because it did get boring in the middle for me.
One of the issues I had with this book was Clara. I didn’t hate her or something but I really didn’t connect with her. She was just there, no real use of her except to be loved, desired and spoiled by Merrick which was disappointing. Merrick was so perfect with her so giving and loving but Clara never really did anything for him except just being his peace because her just being there gave him that. She had no personality outside of wanting to be spoiled and hating her father. Her mental health wasn’t discussed well, there were issues with her but non of them were brought to light just lightly mentioned. Her character lacked character (pun intended). There was no depth to her, it was insinuated but never explored.
I kinda had to force myself to finish the book, but I did enjoy it, not too much but it definitely deserves acknowledgement. I’m impressed by the author and will definitely be giving more of her books a chance, she has a really fun writing style.
That being said, the book was kinda lacking in other aspects. The writing was was good now don’t take this wrong, it was fast paced which was the reason I was able to finish the book because it did get boring in the middle for me.
One of the issues I had with this book was Clara. I didn’t hate her or something but I really didn’t connect with her. She was just there, no real use of her except to be loved, desired and spoiled by Merrick which was disappointing. Merrick was so perfect with her so giving and loving but Clara never really did anything for him except just being his peace because her just being there gave him that. She had no personality outside of wanting to be spoiled and hating her father. Her mental health wasn’t discussed well, there were issues with her but non of them were brought to light just lightly mentioned. Her character lacked character (pun intended). There was no depth to her, it was insinuated but never explored.
I kinda had to force myself to finish the book, but I did enjoy it, not too much but it definitely deserves acknowledgement. I’m impressed by the author and will definitely be giving more of her books a chance, she has a really fun writing style.
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