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Rose and Thorns #1
Emerald
This is a steamy, protector, strong female lead, mafia romance.
Finn Gallagher has always been by my side - my protector and the man who makes my knickers melt with a single glance. With enemies on all sides and secrets that could tear us apart, we'll have to decide just how much we're willing to risk for a chance at happiness. Because when it comes to the Irish, there's no such thing as playing it safe - in love or in war.
Cara Maguire is going to be the death of me. I've been in love with her since her father first put me in charge of protecting her. But when Cara was attacked, something in me snapped. I knew then and there that I would do anything, be anything, to keep her safe. To help her reclaim her power and take her rightful place at the head of the Irish mob.
In a world where power is everything and love is a liability, will Cara become the Emerald Queen she is meant to be.
Finn Gallagher has always been by my side - my protector and the man who makes my knickers melt with a single glance. With enemies on all sides and secrets that could tear us apart, we'll have to decide just how much we're willing to risk for a chance at happiness. Because when it comes to the Irish, there's no such thing as playing it safe - in love or in war.
Cara Maguire is going to be the death of me. I've been in love with her since her father first put me in charge of protecting her. But when Cara was attacked, something in me snapped. I knew then and there that I would do anything, be anything, to keep her safe. To help her reclaim her power and take her rightful place at the head of the Irish mob.
In a world where power is everything and love is a liability, will Cara become the Emerald Queen she is meant to be.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2024
15 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Kalli Dean
33 books107 followersKalli Dean lives on coffee, chocolate and Baileys. Not necessarily in that order. She lives on the Mid North Coast of Australia and if she’s not eating, hiking or reading, she’s definitely plotting some scheme for her characters, based on her friend’s real life events (sorry, not sorry!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 26, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved reading this book I was hooked from the start until the very end, the story was well developed and the characters were sensational. The war continues between the Irish and the Russians, Cara has a target on her back she is oblivious to it all, her father gets Finn Gallagher has been given a task of being a bodyguard he is the only one his boss trusts with his daughter. Cara is handed over to the Russians, she was not expecting the treatment she received. The emotions ran high with the action, betrayal, rape, torture, lies, secrets, killings, violence, kidnapping, Nievety, justice, lust, passion and maybe even love.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved reading this book I was hooked from the start until the very end, the story was well developed and the characters were sensational. The war continues between the Irish and the Russians, Cara has a target on her back she is oblivious to it all, her father gets Finn Gallagher has been given a task of being a bodyguard he is the only one his boss trusts with his daughter. Cara is handed over to the Russians, she was not expecting the treatment she received. The emotions ran high with the action, betrayal, rape, torture, lies, secrets, killings, violence, kidnapping, Nievety, justice, lust, passion and maybe even love.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters in Cara and Finn. The author does a great job building the relationship quickly and smoothly and takes you into their lives with flirting and steam. She kept me turning the pages with the dark, intense storyline with the Irish and Russian mobs, action, violence and all the happenings along the way. She paints her scenes in vivid detail and delivers a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
August 25, 2024
Lots of spicy spice! This book also has a great story line. Loved Cara and Finn relationship they seemed to fit each other great.
If you like extra spicy, and mafia stories this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you like extra spicy, and mafia stories this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2024
If you’re craving a steamy, high-stakes mafia romance with a strong female lead and a protective alpha hero, Emerald by Kalli Dean is a must-read. From the very first page, I was captivated by the intense chemistry between Cara Maguire and Finn Gallagher, two characters whose lives are intricately intertwined in a world where danger lurks around every corner.
Cara is a force to be reckoned with—a woman who’s been through hell and back, yet refuses to let the darkness of her past define her. Her journey from being a victim of a brutal attack to reclaiming her power as a potential leader of the Irish mob is both inspiring and thrilling. Cara isn’t just strong; she’s resilient, determined, and unafraid to take on whatever challenges come her way. Kalli Dean does an incredible job of crafting a heroine who is equal parts vulnerable and fierce, making Cara a character you can’t help but root for.
Finn, on the other hand, is the epitome of a protective alpha hero. He’s been in love with Cara for as long as he can remember, but his love isn’t just about passion—it’s about devotion. Finn’s fierce protectiveness is both heartwarming and intense, and it’s clear that he would go to any lengths to keep Cara safe, even if it means putting his own life on the line. The dynamic between them is electric, filled with tension, longing, and an undeniable connection that sizzles off the page.
What I loved most about Emerald is the way it balances the romance with the gritty, dangerous world of the Irish mafia. The stakes are always high, with enemies closing in and secrets that could tear Cara and Finn apart. But it’s this very danger that brings them closer, forcing them to confront their feelings and decide just how much they’re willing to risk for a chance at happiness. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
In a world where power is everything and love is a liability, Cara and Finn’s story is one of passion, loyalty, and the fight for survival. Kalli Dean has crafted a compelling and addictive start to the Rose and Thorns series with Emerald, leaving readers eager to see where Cara and Finn’s journey will take them next. If you’re a fan of mafia romances with strong heroines and protective heroes, this book is definitely for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cara is a force to be reckoned with—a woman who’s been through hell and back, yet refuses to let the darkness of her past define her. Her journey from being a victim of a brutal attack to reclaiming her power as a potential leader of the Irish mob is both inspiring and thrilling. Cara isn’t just strong; she’s resilient, determined, and unafraid to take on whatever challenges come her way. Kalli Dean does an incredible job of crafting a heroine who is equal parts vulnerable and fierce, making Cara a character you can’t help but root for.
Finn, on the other hand, is the epitome of a protective alpha hero. He’s been in love with Cara for as long as he can remember, but his love isn’t just about passion—it’s about devotion. Finn’s fierce protectiveness is both heartwarming and intense, and it’s clear that he would go to any lengths to keep Cara safe, even if it means putting his own life on the line. The dynamic between them is electric, filled with tension, longing, and an undeniable connection that sizzles off the page.
What I loved most about Emerald is the way it balances the romance with the gritty, dangerous world of the Irish mafia. The stakes are always high, with enemies closing in and secrets that could tear Cara and Finn apart. But it’s this very danger that brings them closer, forcing them to confront their feelings and decide just how much they’re willing to risk for a chance at happiness. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
In a world where power is everything and love is a liability, Cara and Finn’s story is one of passion, loyalty, and the fight for survival. Kalli Dean has crafted a compelling and addictive start to the Rose and Thorns series with Emerald, leaving readers eager to see where Cara and Finn’s journey will take them next. If you’re a fan of mafia romances with strong heroines and protective heroes, this book is definitely for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2024
This book dragged me right into the life of Cara Maguire and what she thought her life was suppose to be until the reality of what she always knew came true. Her father using her to end a war. Finn Gallagher a man who has watched this little princess mature from a 17 year old girl to this beautiful woman and now he needs to be her bodyguard because there was a target on her back. Except she doesn’t really care about that she is just interested in driving Finn crazy with her teasing.
Book was intense, eventful, action packed, really spicy scenes, emotion filled torture and the events after. Book does contain, sexual assault, torture, betrayal, kidnapping, War between Irish and Russians, manipulation, crush on older man, age gap. This book has some very intense scenes that may be uncomfortable if you are new to reading mafia dark romance type books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book was intense, eventful, action packed, really spicy scenes, emotion filled torture and the events after. Book does contain, sexual assault, torture, betrayal, kidnapping, War between Irish and Russians, manipulation, crush on older man, age gap. This book has some very intense scenes that may be uncomfortable if you are new to reading mafia dark romance type books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2024
Even though this was a short book, I didn’t feel like really anything was left out of the story and it was very well rounded.
Cara is an Irish mafia princess. Little to her knowledge though, her father has been planning on using her to end a war that is brewing between the Irish and the Russians.
Finn has been tasked to be Cara’s bodyguard because her father sees him as trustworthy. He has been watching Cara grow into the woman she is today and there is no denying his feelings towards her. But he tries to be respectful and Cara is relentless on her flirting and teasing.
When Cara is told she is to marry Mikhail from the Russian bratva, everything goes up in flames.
It’s up to Finn to rescue Cara from the clutches her father had put her in.
**TW** mentions of kidnapping, torture, rape, and physical violence towards women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cara is an Irish mafia princess. Little to her knowledge though, her father has been planning on using her to end a war that is brewing between the Irish and the Russians.
Finn has been tasked to be Cara’s bodyguard because her father sees him as trustworthy. He has been watching Cara grow into the woman she is today and there is no denying his feelings towards her. But he tries to be respectful and Cara is relentless on her flirting and teasing.
When Cara is told she is to marry Mikhail from the Russian bratva, everything goes up in flames.
It’s up to Finn to rescue Cara from the clutches her father had put her in.
**TW** mentions of kidnapping, torture, rape, and physical violence towards women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2024
Emerald is book one of the Rose and Thorns series. Emerald follows the beginning of Cara and Finn’s story. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading the story. I felt that the storyline was captivating, entertaining, and enjoyable. I found both Cara and Finn to be fascinating characters and I’m hoping there will be a continuation of Cara and Finn’s story because it felt at the end of this book was left on a cliffhanger. Emerald is beautifully written, with an outstanding storyline, and amazing characters. I would most certainly encourage anyone to read this book. I’m looking forward to read the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2024
Emerald is the 1st Book of Rose and Thorns Series and is Finn and Cara's story. Declan Maguire is the head of the Irish Mob and Finn Gallagher is his right-hand man. Declan has appointed Finn as Cara Maguire's bodyguard. Trouble always seems to find Cara. This book is well-written, so entertaining and the characters Finn and Cara are wonderful and work so well together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 12, 2024Emerald: Rose and Thorns is the first book in the Rose and Thorns series. The book takes us on a wild ride of intense passion, romance, betrayal, redemption, and vengeance. Along with characters you will root for and adore, action, drama, suspense, and steamy moments are part of that ride as well.
This book is a quick page-turning read. Note that there are situations such as physical abuse, torture, and rape that some might find triggering that should be considered before reading the book. I look forward to reading Sapphire, the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a quick page-turning read. Note that there are situations such as physical abuse, torture, and rape that some might find triggering that should be considered before reading the book. I look forward to reading Sapphire, the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2024
This captivating romance novel introduces us to Cara and Finn Gallagher. Finn has consistently served as Cara's protector, and their undeniable chemistry is evident. Amidst lurking adversaries and the threat of secrets tearing them apart, they must make a critical decision regarding the extent of risk they are willing to undertake for a chance at happiness. This narrative delves into the complexities of power, love, and loyalty.
The book offers a concise and engaging read, author Kalli Dean skillfully weaves a tale of passion and peril, establishing this work as an intriguing addition to the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book offers a concise and engaging read, author Kalli Dean skillfully weaves a tale of passion and peril, establishing this work as an intriguing addition to the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2024
An amazing start to this series. This is a new author for me, and I am looking forward to reading more from them. This is dark, Mafia romance story. This is the journey of Finn the alpha male who is assigned to protect, Cara his Queen. There is a conflict between the Irish and Russians, and Cara is the bargaining chip. Her father has promised the Russians. She will not go without a fight. Finn will do anything to protect the woman that he loves.
The story pulls you in right from the beginning and holds you there till the end. The characters are well developed and have amazing chemistry.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story pulls you in right from the beginning and holds you there till the end. The characters are well developed and have amazing chemistry.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Emerald, I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to keep reading so I could see what was going to happen next. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information about the book. I recommend reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2024
Cara was the Mafia princess to everyone that knew her. But all she ever wanted was to be normal and fall in love.
Only she had fallen in love with Finn, her protector and she was ready to do whatever for him to give into their desires and love her back.
But with her dad, she found out quickly how things could go wrong until Finn rescues and vows his live and love to her.
Can't wait to read Sapphire the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Only she had fallen in love with Finn, her protector and she was ready to do whatever for him to give into their desires and love her back.
But with her dad, she found out quickly how things could go wrong until Finn rescues and vows his live and love to her.
Can't wait to read Sapphire the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2024
This is the first in the series and it is off to a great start. Cara first saw Finn when she was seventeen and was determined to make him hers. Who cares that he works for her father and is 10’years older than her.
Finn has wanted Cara since the first time he saw her. She is totally off limits. He has orders to protect her. What happens when the one she needs protecting from includes her father.
I hate lengths will Finn go to protect Cara.
I love Cara’s character. She is so head strong and will not take no as an answer.
Everyone needs a Finn I. Their life. Enjoyable read.
Finn has wanted Cara since the first time he saw her. She is totally off limits. He has orders to protect her. What happens when the one she needs protecting from includes her father.
I hate lengths will Finn go to protect Cara.
I love Cara’s character. She is so head strong and will not take no as an answer.
Everyone needs a Finn I. Their life. Enjoyable read.
October 15, 2025
OMG Cara & Finn dragged me in from the first chapter and held me captive until the very end!!
Our girl knew what she wanted and she went after it. How could he possibly resist!
The spice was hot! and the plot was compelling, taking a sudden and dramatic turn. I could not put it down and had to see where the story went!
Our girl overcame incredible trauma and unspeakable violence to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and get her happily ever after. Perfectly setting us up for the next book.
This was my first Kalli Dean book, I am off to binge the rest!
Our girl knew what she wanted and she went after it. How could he possibly resist!
The spice was hot! and the plot was compelling, taking a sudden and dramatic turn. I could not put it down and had to see where the story went!
Our girl overcame incredible trauma and unspeakable violence to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and get her happily ever after. Perfectly setting us up for the next book.
This was my first Kalli Dean book, I am off to binge the rest!
August 15, 2024
This book was outside my normal genre but I loved the book.
Cara is the daughter of an Irish Mafia boss who is told that she is being married off to a leader of a rival Russian gang to cement a new treaty.
Finn is her bodyguard who has to rescue her when things go wrong.
This is a very gritty read with plenty of spice so not for everyone but I throughly enjoyed this short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cara is the daughter of an Irish Mafia boss who is told that she is being married off to a leader of a rival Russian gang to cement a new treaty.
Finn is her bodyguard who has to rescue her when things go wrong.
This is a very gritty read with plenty of spice so not for everyone but I throughly enjoyed this short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2024
If you're looking for a quick, mafia read where there is a fierce FMC, then you'll enjoy this book.
This book is heat over story with the spice practically starting on page 1. The book features some very dark themes and trauma, so please read the trigger before starting this book.
I recommend this book if you enjoy:
🍀 Irish mafia
🍀 spice
🍀 instalove
Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is heat over story with the spice practically starting on page 1. The book features some very dark themes and trauma, so please read the trigger before starting this book.
I recommend this book if you enjoy:
🍀 Irish mafia
🍀 spice
🍀 instalove
Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2024
This is more on the dark side, but there is still the element of romance and revenge. Intriguing new series set in the dark underworld of mob ties from the Irish and Bratva of the Russians. Some explicit scenes in this book that will have you turning page after page to find out what comes next, although this does leave you with a cliffhanger for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2025
Unspecified setting. 112 pp. Your basic mafia romance (I guess... this is my first one). Basically an excuse for some pretty hard smut. Strong female lead and alpha protector male lead.
Emerald (Rose and Thorns, #1) by Kalli Dean
Emerald (Rose and Thorns, #1) by Kalli Dean
July 20, 2024
I loved this book! Very quick mafia romance read. The spice was on par and didn’t feel to out of the story. The relationship between Cara and Finn developed quickly but had enough context to the past that it didn’t feel unrealistic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2024
First of the Rose and Thorns series, this is a quick and fun mafia romance. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC is great and it is steamy. If Mafia romance with a protective MMC, this will be a good one for you. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2024
This is an entertaining short story packed full of steamy romance and action. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities, and the storyline is interesting and intriguing with some suspenseful moments. I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2024
Just loved it! Loved the characters! Intense, and oh boy lots of Hott and steamy to keep you up all night! A definite must read!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and I loved the characters. I can't wait to read more from this author. I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2024
If you like spicy books this one is for you. It’s about a body guard who is guarding a daughter of a known mafia head.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2024
This was such a great dark Mafia romance! I binge read it not being able to keep my hands off the book at all! The characters ate amazing as well as the story! I can't wait to read more books from this author and I will definitely be recommending!
August 31, 2024
This was a great book, the author has created a world I can immerse myself in and get lost for a few hours. The story of Cara and Finn kept me glued to the pages. It was perfectly spicy, perfectly steamy short read. I eagerly await book 2
August 30, 2024
Well written. Great characters, brilliant journey and easy to read.
September 18, 2024
I enjoyed the book and want to read more of it. There were parts that I felt could be fleshed out more that would have given it a higher star rating but I am invested enough to read the next in the series.
January 21, 2025
Where are the fucking trigger warnings girl? And the plot? I didn't see it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews