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Unexpectedly Twisted #1
The Silencer
When a little harmless flirting at a biker bar suddenly takes a turn for the worse and I find myself at odds with the dangerous Fallen Aces gang, I call on the only man I know who can save me.
Anthony Costello may be a vicious mafia boss with a penchant for violence and torture, but he’s also my best friend’s father and the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. His buttoned-up demeanor and grumpy attitude only fuel my desire to take him apart. I live to push all his buttons. And though he says he’s straight, it seems Anthony may have a soft spot and possessive streak for this smart-mouthed twink. Because as war between rival gangs escalates, things between Anthony and I start to heat up. And I think I’d rather like to sit on the king’s lap to watch it all burn.
The Unexpectedly Twisted series is a rom-com mafia spin-off of the Unexpected series. It contains dark themes and triggers, please see content warnings at the beginning of each book.
Anthony Costello may be a vicious mafia boss with a penchant for violence and torture, but he’s also my best friend’s father and the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. His buttoned-up demeanor and grumpy attitude only fuel my desire to take him apart. I live to push all his buttons. And though he says he’s straight, it seems Anthony may have a soft spot and possessive streak for this smart-mouthed twink. Because as war between rival gangs escalates, things between Anthony and I start to heat up. And I think I’d rather like to sit on the king’s lap to watch it all burn.
The Unexpectedly Twisted series is a rom-com mafia spin-off of the Unexpected series. It contains dark themes and triggers, please see content warnings at the beginning of each book.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2024
973 people are currently reading
3548 people want to read
About the author
Cora Rose
45 books2,734 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 719 reviews
November 14, 2024
RTC
There was too much mafia politics going on, but it was still enjoyable.
There was too much mafia politics going on, but it was still enjoyable.
August 14, 2024
Everyone should read this. It's dark (on page torture of bad guys), it's funny (one smart mouthed MC and his mission to irritate the sternest mafia boss you ever did meet), it's sexy (so much exhibitionism).
It ends terribly though.
Because it ended.
Which...what the fuck?
But I won't dock stars for it (I'm so nice) because the sheer number of insanely hot and psychotic side characters means this series has so much delicious and sexy potential.
It ends terribly though.
Because it ended.
Which...what the fuck?
But I won't dock stars for it (I'm so nice) because the sheer number of insanely hot and psychotic side characters means this series has so much delicious and sexy potential.
August 12, 2024
I’m going to be honest. Me and Cora don’t always get along. Sometimes her books just don’t do it for me. This one though? Oh yeah. She definitely did it. Probably one of my favorites. Cora definitely embraced mafia romance, and I am so here for it.
Here’s the juice.
Tatum was at this biker bar meeting a hookup, and he was doing some harmless flirting with the bartender. The homophobic guests of this bar didn’t like that, so they started attacking him. He locked himself in the bathroom and had to think quick of who he could call to come and help him. He called his bestie Angel because his hot dad is in the mafia. And hot dad definitely comes to the rescue. The sad part is that he was too late. When he got there, Tatum was beaten to a pulp. Anthony basically kills them all, and this starts a war with the biker gang. This book jumps right into it. I was sucked in from the start. Anthony takes Tatum back to his house and doesn’t let him leave. Man is OBSESSED. And you know what? We love that.
This had so many of my favorite mafia tropes. We had torture rooms (for the bad guys), jealous/possessive/protective men, bodyguards, shootouts, and so many more tropes that I would mention, but might be spoilery if I say it. Just know it was soooooo good. Like I am literally so excited for this series. There were so many new characters that were introduced that I absolutely love. Just wait until y’all meet Bane. I love that psycho.
The sex? THE SEX!!! Cora fed us well in this one. So much sex. So much good hot obsessive sex. I am so happy.
If you have read any books by Lark Taylor, some of her characters made an appearance in this. I was like omg we are in the multiverse what is going on. It was so fun I LOVED IT.
My only complaint is there wasn’t a really good “I love you.” It might not be noticeable to some, but I am super picky about my love confessions. I want a big one. Love was mentioned and it was definitely implied that they loved each other, but the words “I love you” were never said by both parties. It’s fine. I’m fine. We’re all fine.
In conclusion, I love this so much, and I hope you do, too. Hugs and kisses to everyone.
Here’s the juice.
Tatum was at this biker bar meeting a hookup, and he was doing some harmless flirting with the bartender. The homophobic guests of this bar didn’t like that, so they started attacking him. He locked himself in the bathroom and had to think quick of who he could call to come and help him. He called his bestie Angel because his hot dad is in the mafia. And hot dad definitely comes to the rescue. The sad part is that he was too late. When he got there, Tatum was beaten to a pulp. Anthony basically kills them all, and this starts a war with the biker gang. This book jumps right into it. I was sucked in from the start. Anthony takes Tatum back to his house and doesn’t let him leave. Man is OBSESSED. And you know what? We love that.
This had so many of my favorite mafia tropes. We had torture rooms (for the bad guys), jealous/possessive/protective men, bodyguards, shootouts, and so many more tropes that I would mention, but might be spoilery if I say it. Just know it was soooooo good. Like I am literally so excited for this series. There were so many new characters that were introduced that I absolutely love. Just wait until y’all meet Bane. I love that psycho.
The sex? THE SEX!!! Cora fed us well in this one. So much sex. So much good hot obsessive sex. I am so happy.
If you have read any books by Lark Taylor, some of her characters made an appearance in this. I was like omg we are in the multiverse what is going on. It was so fun I LOVED IT.
My only complaint is there wasn’t a really good “I love you.” It might not be noticeable to some, but I am super picky about my love confessions. I want a big one. Love was mentioned and it was definitely implied that they loved each other, but the words “I love you” were never said by both parties. It’s fine. I’m fine. We’re all fine.
In conclusion, I love this so much, and I hope you do, too. Hugs and kisses to everyone.
February 20, 2025
Yes, I loved these two and devoured this book. I mean, talk about touch him and 💀
𝑻𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒎, 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕. 𝑰𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎. 𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅?
What a great start to this series. I can’t wait to read the others. 😈
𝑻𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒎, 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕. 𝑰𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎. 𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅?
What a great start to this series. I can’t wait to read the others. 😈
August 15, 2024
❝ Come here, ❞ he says and then folds the sheets back and points to his lap.
I stare at him and shake my head. ❝ I'm mad at you, Anthony. ❞
❝ Come here, ❞ he says again, this time a little softer.
That gentle tone makes my feet forward.
Cora Rose is like one of those crazy aunties who comes to your house once in a blue moon to just fucking serve good food. I feel hot and cold with regards with this author and I'm happy to say this book is one of those well-deserving hits from her. I love the characters in this not only the main characters but also those side ones. They made me laugh honestly. Also, I highly appreciate how Anthony aka the mafia boss genuinely loves his twin sons, Diablo and Angel. So refreshing. Most importantly, the chemistry between Tatum and Anthony was sooo delicious. The cat and mouse vibes slash grumpy x sunshine!
August 21, 2024
I hated Tatum. FULL STOP. It's perplexing to me why anyone would find him charming (but apparently everyone loves him?!!). Being horny 24/7 is his entire personality. He's stupid, selfish, bitchy, annoying and so damn uninteresting. But dude thinks he's Amazing, the star of the show! Talk about being delulu :/
According to Tatum and Anthony, every problem can be resolved by having sex. Anytime they faced any troublesome situation, they solved it by having lots of sex...
Tatum is mad at Anthony. He wants to take revenge. So they f*ckss...
Tatum is sad because they were attacked while he was on a escapade mission. People got hurt. So they f*cks again...
Tatum is kidnapped by the opposing gang and left traumatized. So they f*cks some more....
According to Tatum and Anthony, every problem can be resolved by having sex. Anytime they faced any troublesome situation, they solved it by having lots of sex...
Tatum is mad at Anthony. He wants to take revenge. So they f*ckss...
Tatum is sad because they were attacked while he was on a escapade mission. People got hurt. So they f*cks again...
Tatum is kidnapped by the opposing gang and left traumatized. So they f*cks some more....
November 5, 2025
Tropes: age gap, mafia, dark, hurt/comfort, BFFs dad, forced proximity, touch him and die
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: exhibitionism, cock warming, somnophilia, dubcon, bondage, toys
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: torture, hate crime / serious assault for being gay, murder, MMC is a mafia man who does bad things, drug and gun trafficking, unsafe sex
Anthony is a mafia boss probably in his 40s, given he has twin sons that are about 20 years old. His sons are Angel and Diablo, who we've met in other Cora books. Tatum is 21 and BFFs with Angel. He's only known Angel for 6 months. Tatum is gay and a twink, and he's had a thing for Anthony since he met him, he enjoys taunting and flirting with him. Anthony identifies as straight, never been with a guy. But Tatum gets to him, stirs something in him, makes him feel protective and possessive.
Tatum flirts with a bartender at a biker bar, and a gang of homophobes attack him for it. Tatum calls Angel and Anthony for help and tries to hide in the bathroom, but the men burst in and managed to beat him very very badly before help could arrive. Anthony takes Tatum home with him and gives him medical Care as he recovers. And then Tatum has to stay because Anthony's gang is being threatened by another rival gang and he's in danger because of his association with them. Tatum pushes all of Anthony's buttons while in these close quarters with him. He flirts with Anthony's men and triggers his jealousy. Anthony insists on being the one to apply salves to Tatum, which leads to sexual touches. Anthony puts up a good fight trying to stay in control of his own urges and just indulge Tatum, but that becomes a shaky line. Their relationship escalates and intensifies.
This was such a fun Cora romp. These guys were so intense and had crazy chemistry. There was the usual humor, unhinged ridiculousness, and possessive intense lust and you can expect in a Cora book. It was a wild ride of fun with a lot of bloodthirstiness. At the end it got intense with some serious plot with Tatum being abducted and the stuff with the rival game. It was a satisfying story! Tatum was a wild ride of a character. And Anthony was so possessive and obsessive about Tatum.
Fyi, there was a lot of deliberate exhibitionism, where they had sex in front of men. Because they were horny but also as a power move to claim Tatum in front of some guys that were flirting with him. Might not be everybody's cup of tea. But they were very clear about not being up for sharing!
There was a little crossover with Lark Taylor's characters, Sebastian and Matty made an appearance! I have to say, I am slightly worried about Angel. Angel is an innocent pure soul and he got married off at in an arranged marriage where it looks like he's at risk of losing some of his light. I hope in his book that gets made right and Angel isn't done dirty, he deserves only good things!
Some notable moments:
That was a swift turn of events! "“Shut up and take what I’m giving you,” he says lowly, his free arm coming around my chest to hold me against him, and I shake my head before nodding. Of course. Of course I’ll take it. Is he dumb? I’ll do anything he says at this point. “You have two minutes to come.”"
I love Tatum's energy. It's giving too stupid to live, but I am here for it. I love his chaos! "“Listen, it wasn’t the smartest, especially considering he had a jar of eyeballs with him, but listen… You show me a secret door and a secret passageway, and I’m going in. I’m telling you, I’ll die in there, but I’m going in.”"
"“Tatum,” he says, his voice a threat. “If anyone ever touches you again, I will cut them apart and bury them where no one can find them. Do you understand?” I nod and then let out a croak. “Yes.” “This is your only warning.” I nod again and wet my lips. “But you’re not gay.” “I’m not. But you’re mine. Mine. Now go the fuck to sleep.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4.5/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: exhibitionism, cock warming, somnophilia, dubcon, bondage, toys
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: torture, hate crime / serious assault for being gay, murder, MMC is a mafia man who does bad things, drug and gun trafficking, unsafe sex
Anthony is a mafia boss probably in his 40s, given he has twin sons that are about 20 years old. His sons are Angel and Diablo, who we've met in other Cora books. Tatum is 21 and BFFs with Angel. He's only known Angel for 6 months. Tatum is gay and a twink, and he's had a thing for Anthony since he met him, he enjoys taunting and flirting with him. Anthony identifies as straight, never been with a guy. But Tatum gets to him, stirs something in him, makes him feel protective and possessive.
Tatum flirts with a bartender at a biker bar, and a gang of homophobes attack him for it. Tatum calls Angel and Anthony for help and tries to hide in the bathroom, but the men burst in and managed to beat him very very badly before help could arrive. Anthony takes Tatum home with him and gives him medical Care as he recovers. And then Tatum has to stay because Anthony's gang is being threatened by another rival gang and he's in danger because of his association with them. Tatum pushes all of Anthony's buttons while in these close quarters with him. He flirts with Anthony's men and triggers his jealousy. Anthony insists on being the one to apply salves to Tatum, which leads to sexual touches. Anthony puts up a good fight trying to stay in control of his own urges and just indulge Tatum, but that becomes a shaky line. Their relationship escalates and intensifies.
This was such a fun Cora romp. These guys were so intense and had crazy chemistry. There was the usual humor, unhinged ridiculousness, and possessive intense lust and you can expect in a Cora book. It was a wild ride of fun with a lot of bloodthirstiness. At the end it got intense with some serious plot with Tatum being abducted and the stuff with the rival game. It was a satisfying story! Tatum was a wild ride of a character. And Anthony was so possessive and obsessive about Tatum.
Fyi, there was a lot of deliberate exhibitionism, where they had sex in front of men. Because they were horny but also as a power move to claim Tatum in front of some guys that were flirting with him. Might not be everybody's cup of tea. But they were very clear about not being up for sharing!
There was a little crossover with Lark Taylor's characters, Sebastian and Matty made an appearance! I have to say, I am slightly worried about Angel. Angel is an innocent pure soul and he got married off at in an arranged marriage where it looks like he's at risk of losing some of his light. I hope in his book that gets made right and Angel isn't done dirty, he deserves only good things!
Some notable moments:
That was a swift turn of events! "“Shut up and take what I’m giving you,” he says lowly, his free arm coming around my chest to hold me against him, and I shake my head before nodding. Of course. Of course I’ll take it. Is he dumb? I’ll do anything he says at this point. “You have two minutes to come.”"
I love Tatum's energy. It's giving too stupid to live, but I am here for it. I love his chaos! "“Listen, it wasn’t the smartest, especially considering he had a jar of eyeballs with him, but listen… You show me a secret door and a secret passageway, and I’m going in. I’m telling you, I’ll die in there, but I’m going in.”"
"“Tatum,” he says, his voice a threat. “If anyone ever touches you again, I will cut them apart and bury them where no one can find them. Do you understand?” I nod and then let out a croak. “Yes.” “This is your only warning.” I nod again and wet my lips. “But you’re not gay.” “I’m not. But you’re mine. Mine. Now go the fuck to sleep.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
⭐︎
4.5 stars rounded up
⭐︎
Read in another fun buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
Oh my gosh, SUCH an improvement from my last Cora Rose read, I'm so freakin' happy 🤩
This is actually honestly one of this author's best, if not her best work.
This says this is a "rom-com mafia romance" but honestly there was basically no rom-com about this. It didn't lighten the mafia world and what it's all about. It got dark and gory plenty of times.
Tatum is best friends with Angel, who is Diablo's twin brother. Anthony is their mob boss father, a forced to be reckoned with, for sure.
Tatum is 21, and ever since he met Anthony, he's been pretty obsessed.
Anthony previously thought he was straight, and also doesn't let himself lose control, really. He did with his late wife, Laura - Angel and Diablo's mother - but ever since she died he's been locked up tight.
Tatum is there to ruin all his well built walls. He becomes Anthony's 'little light' in all the darkness.
This was so fun to read and so hot. Seriously, the best sex scene this author has ever written was in this book, in my opinion. Got me all hot and bothered 😘
The mafia world is a dangerous place, though, and when in the beginning of this Tatum almost gets beaten to death by a biker gang, he calls Angel to let Anthony know he needs help, and when Anthony gets there, he fucks up the gang, kills some and then takes some hostages to be tortured and eventually killed.
Because they hurt Tatum. They touched him. And that will not stand with Anthony.
The slow giving in of Anthony to his growing obsession with Tatum was wonderful to see and so very delicious.
Anthony is a very dangerous man, but not to Tatum. And he is highly, highly possessive and I LOVE it. No one touches his little light.
Tatum was a fun character too, who was more in line with Rose's usual characters. But, he is young, and he does do some stupid stuff in this. Buttt he does learn his lesson, so I can forgive him for his idiocy a time or two. Even if he made me want to smack him upside the head once.
I did give .5 stars off for this, but mostly because of a side character, Bane. Who obviously will be getting his own book, given that he faces basically no consequences for his mistakes. Like he does some pretty big shit - even if not intentionally, he didn't think when he should have. He's part of the mafia and is fucked up in the head and then he decides to be thoughtless and too trusting?? - and yet Anthony doesn't fuck him up for indirectly causing Tatum to be hurt, when I think he totally should have and would have if it wasn't obvious the author is wanting Bane to be a future MC.
Instead he gets his 'collection' (you'll find out what that is specifically when you read this) taken away for like...less than a day, about a day, before Tatum pleads with Anthony to give it back and of course because it's Tatum, Anthony does it.
But come on, a big scary mafia boss, and whether you meant to or not, you got his boy kidnapped and hurt and he's just gonna basically let it go? Lmao give me a break. I didn't buy it, and it annoyed me that it was kinda blown over just because Bane is set up to be an MC. He should have faced real consequences.
This also suffered a tad from that "everyone loves the MC" trope with Tatum. It got a bit annoying near the end but I was able to get past it for the most part. But damn everyone clearly had the hots or feelings for Tatum like idk how super possessive Anthony didn't cut a bitch over it all.
But aside from those niggles, I absolutely loved this, so only .5 off for me.
This was still one of, if not the best, book by Cora Rose, at least in a long while, so I'm happy with this overall.
And so many characters were set up to be future MC's. I hope we get Angel's book is next. I wonder if this Mikhail will be horrible and Angel will have another LI in his book or if he will be actually good. Either way I can't wait to find out.
Can't wait for more! 😍
P.S. Also I put "alternate universe" as a tag because we get a fun surprise in this with borrowed characters, Sebastian and Matty from Lark Taylor's universe, popping up in this briefly. Which totally means the supernatural exists in Cora Rose's world too, as in they're all in the same universe, just saying.
Read in another fun buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
Oh my gosh, SUCH an improvement from my last Cora Rose read, I'm so freakin' happy 🤩
This is actually honestly one of this author's best, if not her best work.
This says this is a "rom-com mafia romance" but honestly there was basically no rom-com about this. It didn't lighten the mafia world and what it's all about. It got dark and gory plenty of times.
Tatum is best friends with Angel, who is Diablo's twin brother. Anthony is their mob boss father, a forced to be reckoned with, for sure.
Tatum is 21, and ever since he met Anthony, he's been pretty obsessed.
Anthony previously thought he was straight, and also doesn't let himself lose control, really. He did with his late wife, Laura - Angel and Diablo's mother - but ever since she died he's been locked up tight.
Tatum is there to ruin all his well built walls. He becomes Anthony's 'little light' in all the darkness.
This was so fun to read and so hot. Seriously, the best sex scene this author has ever written was in this book, in my opinion. Got me all hot and bothered 😘
The mafia world is a dangerous place, though, and when in the beginning of this Tatum almost gets beaten to death by a biker gang, he calls Angel to let Anthony know he needs help, and when Anthony gets there, he fucks up the gang, kills some and then takes some hostages to be tortured and eventually killed.
Because they hurt Tatum. They touched him. And that will not stand with Anthony.
The slow giving in of Anthony to his growing obsession with Tatum was wonderful to see and so very delicious.
Anthony is a very dangerous man, but not to Tatum. And he is highly, highly possessive and I LOVE it. No one touches his little light.
Tatum was a fun character too, who was more in line with Rose's usual characters. But, he is young, and he does do some stupid stuff in this. Buttt he does learn his lesson, so I can forgive him for his idiocy a time or two. Even if he made me want to smack him upside the head once.
I did give .5 stars off for this, but mostly because of a side character, Bane. Who obviously will be getting his own book, given that he faces basically no consequences for his mistakes. Like he does some pretty big shit - even if not intentionally, he didn't think when he should have. He's part of the mafia and is fucked up in the head and then he decides to be thoughtless and too trusting?? - and yet Anthony doesn't fuck him up for indirectly causing Tatum to be hurt, when I think he totally should have and would have if it wasn't obvious the author is wanting Bane to be a future MC.
Instead he gets his 'collection' (you'll find out what that is specifically when you read this) taken away for like...less than a day, about a day, before Tatum pleads with Anthony to give it back and of course because it's Tatum, Anthony does it.
But come on, a big scary mafia boss, and whether you meant to or not, you got his boy kidnapped and hurt and he's just gonna basically let it go? Lmao give me a break. I didn't buy it, and it annoyed me that it was kinda blown over just because Bane is set up to be an MC. He should have faced real consequences.
This also suffered a tad from that "everyone loves the MC" trope with Tatum. It got a bit annoying near the end but I was able to get past it for the most part. But damn everyone clearly had the hots or feelings for Tatum like idk how super possessive Anthony didn't cut a bitch over it all.
But aside from those niggles, I absolutely loved this, so only .5 off for me.
This was still one of, if not the best, book by Cora Rose, at least in a long while, so I'm happy with this overall.
And so many characters were set up to be future MC's. I hope we get Angel's book is next. I wonder if this Mikhail will be horrible and Angel will have another LI in his book or if he will be actually good. Either way I can't wait to find out.
Can't wait for more! 😍
P.S. Also I put "alternate universe" as a tag because we get a fun surprise in this with borrowed characters, Sebastian and Matty from Lark Taylor's universe, popping up in this briefly. Which totally means the supernatural exists in Cora Rose's world too, as in they're all in the same universe, just saying.
August 14, 2024
How do I propose to a fictional character because I need Bane to be my husband???
Anthony & Tatum were everything I knew they’d be. Aka FIRE
Angel is my sweety little baby and I think he could take over the world and bend anyone to his will via his sweetness
Sabrina the brothel running BABE that walks around looking like a model but whips a 🔫 out of her secret thigh holster and throws down without shifting a hair on her head IS A GODDESS
Basically, I’m a Costello crime family & assoc. simp and that should surprise no one.
FRTC
Anthony & Tatum were everything I knew they’d be. Aka FIRE
Angel is my sweety little baby and I think he could take over the world and bend anyone to his will via his sweetness
Sabrina the brothel running BABE that walks around looking like a model but whips a 🔫 out of her secret thigh holster and throws down without shifting a hair on her head IS A GODDESS
Basically, I’m a Costello crime family & assoc. simp and that should surprise no one.
FRTC
Read
January 6, 2026Okay I was SO hyped about this book and I’m so happy it didn’t disappoint!
I’ve been waiting for it ever since Tatum tried to rile Anthony up for the very first time!
Tatum is in trouble and calls the most dangerous man he can because he knows he will come to the rescue! He then falls under the protection of Anthony Costello and while crushing on him, he knows that the mob boss is straight! He finds out soon enough that the reasoning behind Anthony’s madness isn’t just because of the friendship Tatum has with his son.
This was a mafia romcom and I ate it right up. It had its dark parts but it was so well balanced with humour! Tatum was a sweet little brat and matched Anthony’s energy so well! The mob boss was so hot! I loved him so much and all his obsessive and possessive ways!
I am intrigued by every single side character in this book! I’m rooting for Luca and Viktor next! Bane is an unhinged psycho and I’m here for it. Teddy is the absolute sweetest huge marshmallow! I had no idea how much I needed this book!😭
And Sebastian and Matty making an appearance? The way I squealed in delight and kicked my feet, giggling! Vampy boy is expanding his horizons!
Dark romance suites Cora so well! I need more stat!👌🏻
I’ve been waiting for it ever since Tatum tried to rile Anthony up for the very first time!
Tatum is in trouble and calls the most dangerous man he can because he knows he will come to the rescue! He then falls under the protection of Anthony Costello and while crushing on him, he knows that the mob boss is straight! He finds out soon enough that the reasoning behind Anthony’s madness isn’t just because of the friendship Tatum has with his son.
This was a mafia romcom and I ate it right up. It had its dark parts but it was so well balanced with humour! Tatum was a sweet little brat and matched Anthony’s energy so well! The mob boss was so hot! I loved him so much and all his obsessive and possessive ways!
I am intrigued by every single side character in this book! I’m rooting for Luca and Viktor next! Bane is an unhinged psycho and I’m here for it. Teddy is the absolute sweetest huge marshmallow! I had no idea how much I needed this book!😭
And Sebastian and Matty making an appearance? The way I squealed in delight and kicked my feet, giggling! Vampy boy is expanding his horizons!
Dark romance suites Cora so well! I need more stat!👌🏻
February 23, 2025
I actually loved this a lot but did laugh a lot to cause I was like “oh the drama of it all” it was giving gay mafia meets like sons of anarchy vibe?? Anthony is daddy I’m sorry and his dirty talk is insane. At several parts I was like Jesus this is so hot! Anyways 😂
August 15, 2024
damn i knew cora was crazy enough to fully embrace this mafia thing. definitely a wild ride
August 18, 2024
This wasn't for me. I did read, but no, I didn't like the writing nor what happened. I was pretty much omg wtf what am I reading here - really?
Not going to try more by this author.
Not going to try more by this author.
August 16, 2024
Love Tatum !!! I love reading about a cheeky bratty boy who just captures the attention of everyone including THE (hot) grumpy mafia boss …anthony.
Is there getting better than a grumpy mean guy who softens for his chaotic man??? 😭😭😭
I loved both characters and while age gap isn’t high on my radar they just worked so well. It was everything you would want in an age gap mafia romance and I ate it up.
P.s. cannot wait for the next one
Is there getting better than a grumpy mean guy who softens for his chaotic man??? 😭😭😭
I loved both characters and while age gap isn’t high on my radar they just worked so well. It was everything you would want in an age gap mafia romance and I ate it up.
P.s. cannot wait for the next one
August 19, 2024
He’s sitting there, his thighs spread in those neatly pressed slacks, a tumbler of some kind of liquid in his hand. He looks like sex personified, all dark and angry. I wonder if he fucks like he looks.
What a fantastic introduction to Cora Rose!🤩 Can someone explain to me how I’ve never read her work before?? She ate this and left exactly ZERO crumbs.
WHY I LIKED THIS
- Finally, a proper Mafia boss. This isn’t a title slapped onto Anthony to make him seem badass or dark or dangerous. Cora Rose really leaned into that shit and the result is wonderfully refreshing. Anthony is dangerous not just because of what he does but what being close to him means. That – along with the third act follow through involving Tatum – is what sealed the deal for me.
- Tone and writing style. These matched the narrative perfectly and the humour was so perfectly balanced I more than tolerated Tatum’s sass – I’m actually looking forward to seeing more of it in whatever sequels are in store.
- The spice. ♨️♨️♨️ and I absolutely loved that Anthony let Tatum do that to him on his first time🥵
Please god let there be a sequel/prequel/spinoff/novella on the way.
September 30, 2024
There was A LOT problematic going on in this book. But honestly i drew the line when Tatum uses Anthony's toothbrush, NOT A SPARE ONE, but Anthony's to use for himself. And seriously, Cora Rose needs to control the libido of her characters. Yeah i get it Tatum's young and all but it was too horny to the point of cringe.
Coming (no pun intended) to their love (read horny) story, where was the development in between tatum being in heat like an omega all the damn time and Anthony going from glaring at him to applying ointment on him to giving him handjobs to just directly falling in love with him? Ohh and yes, the same Anthony who up to 50% of the book claimed to be straight af. And omg was their household a brothel? Because every single one of them didn't mind being a voyeur ffs.
I just wanted to know what was so special about this book bcz every other MM romance reader was ranting about it's supremacy on social media. I mean good for them they liked it but it was so bad and cringy to me to the point of dnf
Coming (no pun intended) to their love (read horny) story, where was the development in between tatum being in heat like an omega all the damn time and Anthony going from glaring at him to applying ointment on him to giving him handjobs to just directly falling in love with him? Ohh and yes, the same Anthony who up to 50% of the book claimed to be straight af. And omg was their household a brothel? Because every single one of them didn't mind being a voyeur ffs.
I just wanted to know what was so special about this book bcz every other MM romance reader was ranting about it's supremacy on social media. I mean good for them they liked it but it was so bad and cringy to me to the point of dnf
August 5, 2024
Once again, Cora Rose knocks it out of the park. I loved everything about this one, and I’m completely obsessed with Tatum and Anthony. Literally from page one I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down. I loved all of the side characters, there were so many interesting people that I can’t wait to read more from in the future. If you’re a fan of mafia and touch him and 💀, then you need to read this!!
October 21, 2024
Yet again, another amazing Cora Rose book. Loving Anthony and Tatum. The brat in Tatum worked perfect with the mob boss in Anthony. Can’t wait to read Angels book.
August 4, 2024
When reckless-but-adorable Tatum gets himself into a dangerous situation, he calls the only man he knows will help him with no questions asked- mafia boss Anthony. The Silencer is a best-friend's-Dad bi-awakening mafia rom-com. Tbh I'm not sure what I just read, but I liked it.
Anthony is more of the ringleader of a circus than the head of the mafia because the side characters are over the top unhinged. I can already tell this series is going to be an incredible amount of fun to read!
I'm kicking myself a little for not realizing that although The Silencer is book 1 in the Unexpectedly Twisted series, it's connected to the Unexpected series. It can be read as a standalone but it's a lot more fun to know more about the cameos from past couples.
Rating: 4
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3.75/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
"I want him to feel how much I want him, how much I need him. I don't even know if this is love. It goes beyond that. This is obsession, feral and deep. I need him more than I need to breathe"
Anthony is more of the ringleader of a circus than the head of the mafia because the side characters are over the top unhinged. I can already tell this series is going to be an incredible amount of fun to read!
"Anthony, do not tease me," he whispers, [...] "my dick is already at its wit's end."
I'm kicking myself a little for not realizing that although The Silencer is book 1 in the Unexpectedly Twisted series, it's connected to the Unexpected series. It can be read as a standalone but it's a lot more fun to know more about the cameos from past couples.
Rating: 4
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3.75/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 5, 2024
The Silencer is a great entertaining dark romance between mafia boss Anthony and light-hearted troublemaker Tatum. They both have sizzling chemistry, a connection that goes against their best interests, but neither can ignore their insane devotion to one another.
It was fun getting a new type of romance from this author. I have enjoyed all of her previous stories and was very curious to see her take on a dark mafia romance and I was not disappointed. This story has an intense beginning and continues its need to push, expand, and evolve these characters, and their world while cultivating an amazing new direction and tone.
There is one new character I am particularly fond of in this story that has a great introduction. His quirky passions and bizarrely wholesome antics make an impression and I cannot wait to see more from him.
Overall this is a great start to a new series. I cannot wait to get more from these characters and see where this insane, dark, and entertaining world will lead.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
It was fun getting a new type of romance from this author. I have enjoyed all of her previous stories and was very curious to see her take on a dark mafia romance and I was not disappointed. This story has an intense beginning and continues its need to push, expand, and evolve these characters, and their world while cultivating an amazing new direction and tone.
There is one new character I am particularly fond of in this story that has a great introduction. His quirky passions and bizarrely wholesome antics make an impression and I cannot wait to see more from him.
Overall this is a great start to a new series. I cannot wait to get more from these characters and see where this insane, dark, and entertaining world will lead.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
August 14, 2024
Good, solid Cora Rose.
Though I can't help but feel there was a little something missing.
Though I can't help but feel there was a little something missing.
January 4, 2025
”Oh my god, he wears reading glasses. Why is he so ungodly hot all the fucking time?
I stare at him before focusing my mind. Yes, I remember why I’m here, and I’m angry.
Very, very angry.
He’s going to sell his son off. Angel. My sweet, beautiful friend.”
This is incredibly melodramatic, but in such an entertaining way. You know in that kind of a wink and a nod manner that doesn’t take itself too seriously? Tatum is a bratty, ridiculously sassy twink after my own heart; he’s the definition of chaos in motion. Anthony, however, is a broody Mafia boss who is an absolute silver fox; his son, Angel, is Tatum’s best friend. One of the running jokes throughout the book is that although Anthony constantly pisses Tatum off, Tatum can never stay mad at him because he finds him so hot. Here’s a typical internal mental dialogue:
I also love all the zany side characters: Angel; Bane, the psycho enforcer; and all the bodyguards. I’m hoping that Bane and the bodyguards get their own books.
I stare at him before focusing my mind. Yes, I remember why I’m here, and I’m angry.
Very, very angry.
He’s going to sell his son off. Angel. My sweet, beautiful friend.”
This is incredibly melodramatic, but in such an entertaining way. You know in that kind of a wink and a nod manner that doesn’t take itself too seriously? Tatum is a bratty, ridiculously sassy twink after my own heart; he’s the definition of chaos in motion. Anthony, however, is a broody Mafia boss who is an absolute silver fox; his son, Angel, is Tatum’s best friend. One of the running jokes throughout the book is that although Anthony constantly pisses Tatum off, Tatum can never stay mad at him because he finds him so hot. Here’s a typical internal mental dialogue:
I also love all the zany side characters: Angel; Bane, the psycho enforcer; and all the bodyguards. I’m hoping that Bane and the bodyguards get their own books.
December 9, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Mafia romance
- Best friend’s dad
- Age gap romance
- Burn the world for him
- Touch him & you die
I loved the audiobook for this one! The audio performance was a 5/5! 🙌🏼
I loved every single character & can’t wait to read the next book!
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Mafia romance
- Best friend’s dad
- Age gap romance
- Burn the world for him
- Touch him & you die
I loved the audiobook for this one! The audio performance was a 5/5! 🙌🏼
I loved every single character & can’t wait to read the next book!
August 15, 2024
Filthy Dirty Pervy Sexy.
Cora Rose doing what she does best, writing comic book characters and notching up the kink to 💯%.
Cora Rose doing what she does best, writing comic book characters and notching up the kink to 💯%.
October 20, 2025
Had to do a re-read. Loved it the 2nd time around too!
I loved this book. It was perfect for what I wanted.. and what I wanted was a growls, possessive mafia daddy and his cute and flirty boy. Toss in some caretaking, age gap, best friends father, “mine”, “good boy”, exhibitionism and a dash of unaliving and it’s a fun ride!!
I loved this book. It was perfect for what I wanted.. and what I wanted was a growls, possessive mafia daddy and his cute and flirty boy. Toss in some caretaking, age gap, best friends father, “mine”, “good boy”, exhibitionism and a dash of unaliving and it’s a fun ride!!
August 18, 2024
3.5ish
This was definitely better than her more recent books though I still have a soft spot for Whit, Emery and Colin. I do love MM mafia books but this one wasn’t 100% safe and it really bugged me. Also it’s a dead wife trope which I despise!
I liked both of the characters enough. Tatum was so adorable and hilarious and I loved how possessive Anthony was. BUT he wasn’t possessive enough for me. If my guys are going to be possessive that includes not letting other people seeing them naked. I don’t mind exhibitionism but I do mind it when one of the secondary characters is jacking off to them having sex. Also it wasn’t necessary for Anthony to tell Tatum to spit his cum on Banes dick and let him use it to jack off. It felt like he was too Involved in their intimate moment. Especially since Tatum has kissed Bane multiple times after he had been hooking up with Anthony. So again not safe! I also don’t want to see a character getting off to two other characters especially when that character is going to have a book of his own in the future. Another thing I didn’t like was Tatum going and sitting on Lucas lap. Like yeah it wasn’t sexual but dude Anthony and Luca used to share Anthony’s wife so Tatum going and being all cozy with someone who was a third in Anthony’s past relationship didn’t sit well with me.
Idk I did really like aspects of this book but it was centered around sex way too much. They would have sex at the most random times and I kid you not Tatum was hard for 90% of this book. He was literally getting shot at and got hard because Anthony was protecting him like come on there’s a time and place. I wanted to see more cute moments between them but it definitely felt surface level.
ALL CHEATING AND OM INFO IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH
TORTURE
MURDER
This was definitely better than her more recent books though I still have a soft spot for Whit, Emery and Colin. I do love MM mafia books but this one wasn’t 100% safe and it really bugged me. Also it’s a dead wife trope which I despise!
I liked both of the characters enough. Tatum was so adorable and hilarious and I loved how possessive Anthony was. BUT he wasn’t possessive enough for me. If my guys are going to be possessive that includes not letting other people seeing them naked. I don’t mind exhibitionism but I do mind it when one of the secondary characters is jacking off to them having sex. Also it wasn’t necessary for Anthony to tell Tatum to spit his cum on Banes dick and let him use it to jack off. It felt like he was too Involved in their intimate moment. Especially since Tatum has kissed Bane multiple times after he had been hooking up with Anthony. So again not safe! I also don’t want to see a character getting off to two other characters especially when that character is going to have a book of his own in the future. Another thing I didn’t like was Tatum going and sitting on Lucas lap. Like yeah it wasn’t sexual but dude Anthony and Luca used to share Anthony’s wife so Tatum going and being all cozy with someone who was a third in Anthony’s past relationship didn’t sit well with me.
Idk I did really like aspects of this book but it was centered around sex way too much. They would have sex at the most random times and I kid you not Tatum was hard for 90% of this book. He was literally getting shot at and got hard because Anthony was protecting him like come on there’s a time and place. I wanted to see more cute moments between them but it definitely felt surface level.
ALL CHEATING AND OM INFO IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH
TORTURE
MURDER
September 11, 2024
if you want a daddy kink without the daddy kink 💀 surprisingly really liked the characters, the had fun-rom-com personalities.
August 14, 2024
Hated it. Almost dnfed at 50% but powered through. (Why?)
This was beyond stupid. Idiot 1 ist mad at idiot 2 for marrying the best friend/idiot 2s son off. Then he gets revenge. What revenge you ask? His revenge is fucking him and after that he is obviously not angry any more.
Idiot 1 gets kidnapped. He is hurt and traumatized. The cure? You guessed it, fucking.
I have honestly no idea how mc2 is obsessed with mc1. Why? At the beginning he has this ‚switch‘ to turn off his emotions (🙄). He gives mc1 hand jobs and doesn’t get hard (he has so much control)
Then this switch evaporates.
Mc 2 shared his late wife with his best friend but would naturally never share mc1.
Mc2 calls mc1 his little light because he is his light in the darkness. Direct quote… yeah I also threw up in my mouth
This was a beginning of a series but apparently a spin off?Every couple must have an own book, I guess. Did I read any of that? Don’t know, don’t care.
Who the next MCs will be is clear. I’m not interested in their stories.
Don’t get me started about angel, the son who got married off.
This was a half assed shit show. Not recommended. 2 stars because bane was sometimes funny.
This was beyond stupid. Idiot 1 ist mad at idiot 2 for marrying the best friend/idiot 2s son off. Then he gets revenge. What revenge you ask? His revenge is fucking him and after that he is obviously not angry any more.
Idiot 1 gets kidnapped. He is hurt and traumatized. The cure? You guessed it, fucking.
I have honestly no idea how mc2 is obsessed with mc1. Why? At the beginning he has this ‚switch‘ to turn off his emotions (🙄). He gives mc1 hand jobs and doesn’t get hard (he has so much control)
Then this switch evaporates.
Mc 2 shared his late wife with his best friend but would naturally never share mc1.
Mc2 calls mc1 his little light because he is his light in the darkness. Direct quote… yeah I also threw up in my mouth
This was a beginning of a series but apparently a spin off?Every couple must have an own book, I guess. Did I read any of that? Don’t know, don’t care.
Who the next MCs will be is clear. I’m not interested in their stories.
Don’t get me started about angel, the son who got married off.
This was a half assed shit show. Not recommended. 2 stars because bane was sometimes funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
Hot hot hot!!!!!
I love Tatum, sassy as f**k and knows exactly what he wants. Anthony the mob boss and father of Tatum's best friend, who just happens to be straight and oh so very good at his job because he can literally switch off his emotions, that is, until he takes Tatum into his home, his life, his bed and his heart.
This is book one in the unexpectedly twisted series and I can't wait for future reads where we get to so more of the characters we met in this fabulous book
I love Tatum, sassy as f**k and knows exactly what he wants. Anthony the mob boss and father of Tatum's best friend, who just happens to be straight and oh so very good at his job because he can literally switch off his emotions, that is, until he takes Tatum into his home, his life, his bed and his heart.
This is book one in the unexpectedly twisted series and I can't wait for future reads where we get to so more of the characters we met in this fabulous book
September 3, 2024
Tatum was just so fucking obnoxious and dramatic I can't stand him
It was porn with plot alright but the plot was plotting kind of and the smut was good too not gonna lie,
It turn me on 😃 Lmao
It was porn with plot alright but the plot was plotting kind of and the smut was good too not gonna lie,
It turn me on 😃 Lmao
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