Arkham Mafia: Rise to Power

Arkham Mafia #1-2

by Des Sweet

**This omnibus combines the following His Inception, His Queen, His Retribution**


I’ve spent most of my life running from destiny but now it’s time to face my past, and fight for my future.

JE SUIS REVENU; I HAVE RETURNED

If I can’t run from him then I may as well become him. The ranks of Arkham are just as dangerous as when I left. Make no mistake that I will stop at nothing to take back what is mine. I’m all grown up and ready to exact my revenge; one body at a time.

The Don’s daughter was off-limits to everyone except me.

L’AMOUR DE MA VIE; LOVE OF MY LIFE

The streets are no longer safe in the city. Le Manchot has turned them into a criminal playground. I must keep Quinn caged, locked away, and hidden like the precious little jewel she is. Refusing to play the part of damsel in distress, she plots to take matters into her own hands. The only remaining move to end this torturous game is to conquer my queen and return her to the rightful place, wrapped in my protective arms.

I planned to start a war, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. Those who stand by Arkham will survive. While those who stand against us will perish from the birdcage forever.

LONGUE VIE AU ROI; LONG LIVE THE KING

Retribution is my destiny. The city will fall to me, and all those who stand in opposition will perish. The stakes are high as unrest grows throughout the birdcage. On the streets disobedience sets the stage for an inevitable war, as political unrest threatens to destroy the mafia from within.

Above all else, I will never sacrifice the safety of my queen.

486 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

Des Sweet writes unhinged obsessed love stories filled with morally gray characters. She loves masked stalkers and shadow daddies. Her stories end with the bad guy getting the girl every time. When Des isn’t writing she’s out exploring with family and friends.

Use the website to follow Des on social media, sign up for her newsletter, explore licensed merch, and more.

Reviews

[Brandy]

So I struggled a little with the rating to be honest. It was good but didn't always have my interest with some of the scenes because of the amount of "can't keep my hands off you" scenes. I get it, and I didn't really knock the rating down for that. For the most part, it was gripping. There is a lot of "adult" scenes in this book so if you're looking for that spice with the mafia touch, then this might be your book. this book does leave on a cliff hanger of sorts and I feel that a certain someone is pulling the strings and is the mole but I'll have to find that out in the next book.

This book is about a boy named Christian who tries to escape the Arkham Mafia and ends up finding himself overseas. He is brought back and having to work his way up (this is where the book starts off). There is glimpses of his past. He loves Quinn and keeps saying he came back to protect her. They can't keep their hands off each other. She is a kick butt character who people downgrade on her potential. I liked this POV. She wants to take over her father's kingdom but Christian wants it just as bad. The story progresses where Quinn is kidnapped and it shows how far Christian is willing to go for her but also tries to stay in the Don's graces. There are a lot of key players in this book and I can't wait to see what happens next as both Christian and Quinn are on their separate paths (but I won't say why as I don't want to spoil the story).

If you want a mafia book with spice and lots of spice scenes (they are not very graphic compared to some), then make sure to check this book out. Hopefully book 2 answers some of the questions as I feel the one that says to turn off humanity will be key to the next part..... I'll just leave that there. Thank you to the author for providing me a copy to read.

[Becky Dreyer]

Arkham Mafia Rise To Power gives you His Inception, His Queen and His Retribution all in one book. OMG I literally could not put this book down, I finished it in a few hours. If you like Joker and Harley Quinn vibes you will love this book. There's obsession, possessiveness, spice, banter, loyalty, touch her and💀 vibes and a lot of sass. It's fantastic!! I've always liked the Joker and Harley Quinn and this book does not disappoint. Christian is definitely the OTT, overbearing and protective mafia boss you expect. His obsession with Quinn is next level. The chemistry between them is out of this world. Christian is very possessive and feels that he has to protect Quinn from everything in his world due to promises he made to her mother. Quinn is a very headstrong and determined woman who proves to Christian multiple times that she is a fierce lioness that does not need to be protected all the time. Unfortunately his drive to protect her is suffocating and skewing his vision of seeing Quinn for what she truly is, his equal. Combine that with his need to reestablish his position and it could ultimately spell disaster. Will Christian and Quinn’s relationship be able to survive the secrets, lies and deceit? Can’t wait for the next book, His War, to come out!!!

[Aleksandra]

Arkham Mafia is a dark and thrilling journey through the criminal underworld of Arkham, skillfully combined in this omnibus edition. Des Sweet delivers a gritty, high-stakes saga with a powerful "rise-to-power" arc that grips from the first page. Christian—our ruthless antihero—returns to reclaim his throne and protect Quinn, the Don's daughter, with an obsessive ferocity that smacks of Joker-and-Harley energy. As Quinn reveals her inner strength and refuses to be a pawn, their intense, possessive bond deepens. Together they fight enemies, plot vengeance, and navigate the dangerous games of mafia politics. Pacing is brisk and violent, with sharp tension and explosive moments that keep readers on edge. Quinn's badass resilience and Christian's unrelenting devotion make for a compelling power couple. While the dark romance and twists are addictive, the sheer intensity sometimes overshadows emotional depth. With its dark vibes, twisted loyalty, and steamy edge, Arkham Mafia is a must for fans of mafia romance with bite. If you're craving a gritty, passionate saga and don't mind a high dose of chaos, this trilogy is a solid choice.

[SJ]

This is a must-read for all you dark mafia romance lovers. This book delivers in all the best gripping ways.
With three books all rolled into one, this story, world, and characters are well executed. I was captured and willingly taken hostage by this author and this book. With intense characters that are as twisted as the plot itself, this one kept me on the edge of my seat. Though the storyline is fast-paced there are no missing details.

This book contains:
Dark mafia romance
Suspense
Action
Arranged marriage
Violence
Joker + Harley Quinn vibes
Spice
Touch her and die
Both MCs morally-gray
Both anti-heroes
Dual POV
Check TW

Quinn is fantastically chaotic. I just love her wild character. She is stubborn and strong-willed. No damsel bones in her body. She is so funny, I loved her inner monologue.

Christian is obsessive and possessive of Quinn. He is so delicious and extreme in his protectiveness.

They share intense dark passionate chemistry and possessive/obsessive love. They truly complete each other.

Fantastic book! Looking forward to more by the author Des Sweet.

[Alimay Reads]

BEND THE KNEE!!

Bend the knee, or pay the price! Des Sweet has created the perfect omnibus of her three books His Inception, His Queen and His Retribution. Mafia meets mayhem and madness in this novel where Arkham Mafia takes us through a city asked to show their loyalty to the Arkham Mafia Family or blood will spill! With our filthy Frenchman Christian and his queen, Quinn, there relationship grows throughout this omnibus and it is wonderful to read all at once. With both characters wanting to prove they have what it takes to be the next Don, seeking revenge for their pasts and cultivating loyalty amongst the criminal underworld, this book has everything from intrigue, action, twists and turns and steamy scenes for our Joker and Harlequin main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's storytelling and world building. The characters evolving as the story progresses and I'm betting Quinn in all her madness shows us just what a powerhouse she is and definitely should not to be underestimated. Looking forward to see how the war unfolds in future books.

[bunny]

Christian and Quinn are already completely obsessed with each other from the start, so there’s no slow-burn here, just two chaotic people being fiercely protective while everyone else tries to ruin their day. Quinn is actually fun because she refuses to stand around waiting to be rescued, and her unpredictable streak fits the whole Joker-and-Harley-inspired vibe without making Christian any less unhinged about her. The mafia plot brings plenty of kidnapping, betrayal, violence, and rival trouble with Le Manchot, although some of the twists and developments move so quickly that I occasionally felt like I’d missed a page. The chemistry and banter worked for me, but the sheer amount of intimate attention these two manage to find time for during a freaking mafia crisis sometimes pulled focus from the actual plot. It’s fast, dark, ridiculous in exactly the way this kind of romance wants to be, and the power-couple dynamic is easily the strongest part. Then the ending basically slams the door in your face with a cliffhanger, because apparently 300+ pages of chaos wasn’t enough suffering.

[Cheryl]

This may be an omnibus, which means that it is thick, but it is still a fast read. It features all three books in this trilogy all rolled into this one book. I do like that I can read all three books in one. As a mafia romance reader, I liked the dark vibes.

The way that Des put her own twist on the Joker and Harley Quinn in the present day is fun. Christian and Quinn are meant for each other. Although in the first book, His Inception, Christian and Quinn do not have the fuzzy romantic vibes.

Although, the relationship between these two does shift in His Queen. This is also due to the events in the prior book that had Quinn realizing just how much Christian would do anything to protect her. In the final book, His Retribution this is where everything all comes together for Quinn and Christian.

If you are a fan of Harley Quinn and the Joker, you will want to check out this omnibus.

[Morgan Schell]

Why does 2026 have to be so far away? These first three books in the series ended in such a spectacular fashion that not having the next book, His War, in front of me right now is torturous. No one can be trusted, everyone is expendable, and sometimes evil needs to be killed more than once to stick. Christian is delicious and diabolical. His love for Quinn is limitless. There is nothing he will not do and no one he will not end to make and keep her as his queen. Quinn is no delicate creature either. She is not afraid of maiming and killing those who wrong her or get in her way. Watching each other destroy and dominate gets both of them many levels of turned on. The bedroom scenes are great, too. I want, no, I need, more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Mae]

Arkham Mafia: Rise to Power is a combination of His Inception, His Queen, and His Retribution three dark mafia romances by Des Sweet. It details the relationship between Christian, the morally grey MMC, and Quinn, the don’s daughter in the dark underworld of the Arkham mafia. Their relationship is the one thing that worked in this book. The chemistry between them was fire. What I didn’t necessarily enjoy about this book was the mafia storyline. I had trouble following the storyline, which I think that was the authors intent. It felt like it somehow gave too much and too little information at the same time. Because of this I didn’t fully connect with the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Racheal Marie]

Rise to Power is a dramatic, dark adventure of Christian and Quinn that captivates you from the start. The chemistry between these two is palpable, and they lead us on a rollercoaster full of surprises, twists, turns, danger, and turmoil. Christian, our merciless antihero, comes to regain his throne and protect Quinn, the Don's daughter, with obsessive ferocity comparable to Joker and Harley. As Quinn displays her inner power and refuses to be a puppet, their hot, possessive love grows stronger. They fight foes, plot retribution, and negotiate the perilous world of mafia politics. This author definitely delivers, and I can't wait to see more from Arkham Mafia!

I received an advance copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mandy Grepares]

I found this to be a difficult read, and the cliffhanger ending was not to my preference. The book is structured into several distinct parts, and each section presented a wealth of information, which made it somewhat challenging to follow at times. I did not find myself particularly invested in either Quinn or Christian. Christian seemed preoccupied with his involvement in the mafia, while Quinn appeared primarily focused on establishing her authority. Additionally, the writing style could benefit from some refinement, as it resembled fanfiction, which I did not find enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda]

Right out of the gate!

DARK!

This is going to be quite the ride, I said to myself. And, I was right!

Ms. Sweet certainly knows how not to shed very little light!

Christian has revenge on his mind and in his heart!
But, he and Quinn wanted to escape this life and be free!

Christian has demons he needed to face alone, but, he also had to have his soul mate!

Will Quinn forgive him!
Is she strong enough?

The push and pull for control between the two...just WOW!

Fast-paced!
STEAMY!
Crazy!

I loved it!

[Nikki Strahota]

Arkham Mafia:Rise to Power follows Christian and Quinn through the life in the Arkham mafia. The book collects His Inception, His Queen, and His Retribution. The world is vibrant and the action is intense. The story follows Christan and his return to to the Don's daughter. He is 'touch her and die' through and through. Quinn is fiesty and no one's damsel in distress. It was interesting to see the relationship evolve.

This book has dark themes, check triggers and enjoy.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jana]

Such a great dark read. Each page had me on the edge of my seat. Very spicy!


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QUOTES:

“She jumps awake. Tears of fear fill her eyes,not because of the situation, but because she’s terrified of losing me. She knows I’m dangerous and reckless enough on my own, but if I’m fighting for her safety, I won’t hesitate to sacrifice myself. She hesitates. Reaching for me one last time, pulling me in for what could be our very last kiss.”

[A. Kwarta]

A solid Mafia rise-through-the-ranks tale with Christian and the Don's daughter Quinn. Fast paced, quick read including His Inception, His Queen, and Retribution. The French our anti-hero spoke make him just that much ch more original. I enjoyed them together; Quinn was far from a damsel in distress. It was my first Des Sweet read but likely won't be my last.

[GKP2460]

Rise To Power is the intense, dark journey of Christian and Quinn and consumes you quickly from the very beginning. Chemistry is palpable between these two and they take us on a ride full of surprises, twists, turns, danger and chaos. This author definitely delivers and I can't wait for more from Arkham Mafia!

[Genoveva]

Please please please check all CW and TW before reading this one. This omnibus combines the following His Inception, His Queen, His Retribution, we get all three stories in one read. A solid mafia read that I could not put down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Johanna]

I really liked this story. It is the start to a new series and I can't wait for more. The characters were so well written and likeable. Plot was intriguing and exciting. The world building was excellent. Highly recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz Ranne]

Loved this! It's Christian & Quinn's story & they had one to tell! They've known each other for a long time & he left for a while but escaping that life is difficult. There's a lot of history between them & loved the background! The story was great & the spice was fantastic! Highly recommend this book & author!

[Belinda Clemons]

Arkham Mafia Rise to Power was amazing from the first page till the end. I was so glad to have gotten this because it's the whole trilogy in one book. Christian and Quinn were so dynamic and steamy. I absolutely loved the possessiveness of Christian. And Quinn was so bada** and hardheaded wanting to.prove that she wasnt a simpering lady. I cant wait to read more by Des.

[Lisa]

Highly addictive story that took my emotions on a roller coaster ride with all the exciting twists in the book. Characters were relatable. Their story together was interesting. Action packed scenes. Lots of danger, drama, and suspense filled pages. Emotional five star story that i definitely enjoyed reading.

[Jenni]

Quinn and Christian story will have you hooked this book nculdes his inception, his queen and his retribution all whilst awiting his war! the story dives in deep with steamy teasing scenes, engaging desires, action, violence and more!

[Cheyenne Rivera]

Arkham mafia was a different type of wild ride. The characters are off the chart with their chemistry. It was well written and the plot was insane.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bre E.]

This book has 3 titles in it: His Inception, His Queen, and His Retribution. If you loved ANY of these titles, get this book asap!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teddi Edge]

Fierce and protective with a little side of obsessive our MC comes back to take his mafia throne and claim his queen. Love that Quinn is not a pushover but a badass in her own right and that they fight together thru all but that end is a killer of a cliffy

[Robyn Tetreault]

Mafia romance and lots of spice. Pretty quick paced which is amazing because next thing you know you’ve reached the end and want more.
Christian practically spends his life making it up to Quinn because they love each other so much!!
I can’t wait for more!!

[Kerry Batchelor]

Definitely Joker and Harlequin vibes and references throughout the book.
A lot of sex scenes, honestly I skim read them from about halfway through. plenty of action with a power struggle in the city

[Ann L]

Exciting from the start, I loved the characters and thought the story was well written

[Darkangel Wagner]

I loved everything about this read. It was a mix of Godfather,Gotham and the Addams family. The characters are unique, fun and deadly. I cannot wait for the next in this series to be released.

[Ashley]

Arkham Mafia: Rise to Power is an omnibus that brings His Inception, His Queen, and His Retribution together. Arkham Mafia focuses on the evolution of Christian and Quinn romantically and them each trying to lay their claim as the head of Arkham. Christian by his choice is arranged to marry Quinn and take over Arkham from her dad. Quinn wants to prove to her father and Christian that she is a baddie and doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. Quinn is feisty, hilarious, intelligent, conniving, and is always ready to throw down. And one of her favorite things to do is see how far she can push her Puddin Pop. Christian is obsessive, possessive, dirty-talking, ruthless, and focused. He would do anything and everything to protect his Little bijou. He tries to protect her by locking her away. But she is resilient and refuses to sit on the sidelines. I love the banter, games, and the undeniable chemistry between this amazing couple. If you are into mafia, banter, twists, a lot of spice, and a baddie couple that exudes Joker and Harley Quinn vibes then this is a must read! This book does end with a major cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Quinn will get into next!