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The Irish Rogues #2
Dust to Dust
Quinn
After barely dodging death from a car bomb, I shut out everyone but my mafia brothers. With a scarred face and body, I became an even more ruthless enforcer, cruelty and darkness radiating from my ravaged soul. Until a petite goddess with an innocent spirit swayed her hips on my stage, forcing me to let her audition for a dancer at my club. Though I expected her to balk at my marred appearance, I'm shocked to find her eager to touch and seduce me, willing to indulge my monster's cravings if it secures the job.
Isla is everything I'm not—sweet, fragile, and loving. A blinding ray of light in my dark and desolate world. When she is kidnapped from my club, I could demolish anything in my path to hunt down the animal who took her and to reclaim the only brightness left in my world. But even if I rescue her, can a broken enforcer with anger issues be what she needs?
Isla
After losing my parents, I clung to the light inside, determined not to succumb to darkness. But with a sister to support and education to pay for, I’m forced to parlay my years of competitive dance for a controversial career as an exotic dancer. At the club owned by the ruthless Irish mafia, I cross paths with the physically imposing owner. Though his hardened edges and dangerous aura should have frightened me, I found myself instantly magnetized, helplessly enthralled by his raw, rugged power. Against my better judgment, attraction simmered under my skin, a craving I knew would spell trouble.
Quinn is everything I'm not—brave, courageous, and strong. Every day I try and chisel away at his hardened veneer—to crumble the walls around him, dust to dust. Deep down, I know he is capable of giving love. When I'm abducted from the shadows of the club's parking lot, I pray nightly for Quinn to rescue me. But even if he storms the gates of hell to bring me back, how can I ever survive in his world?
In the merciless underworld, brace yourself for a tempestuous romance pulsating with red-hot danger and forbidden desire.
After barely dodging death from a car bomb, I shut out everyone but my mafia brothers. With a scarred face and body, I became an even more ruthless enforcer, cruelty and darkness radiating from my ravaged soul. Until a petite goddess with an innocent spirit swayed her hips on my stage, forcing me to let her audition for a dancer at my club. Though I expected her to balk at my marred appearance, I'm shocked to find her eager to touch and seduce me, willing to indulge my monster's cravings if it secures the job.
Isla is everything I'm not—sweet, fragile, and loving. A blinding ray of light in my dark and desolate world. When she is kidnapped from my club, I could demolish anything in my path to hunt down the animal who took her and to reclaim the only brightness left in my world. But even if I rescue her, can a broken enforcer with anger issues be what she needs?
Isla
After losing my parents, I clung to the light inside, determined not to succumb to darkness. But with a sister to support and education to pay for, I’m forced to parlay my years of competitive dance for a controversial career as an exotic dancer. At the club owned by the ruthless Irish mafia, I cross paths with the physically imposing owner. Though his hardened edges and dangerous aura should have frightened me, I found myself instantly magnetized, helplessly enthralled by his raw, rugged power. Against my better judgment, attraction simmered under my skin, a craving I knew would spell trouble.
Quinn is everything I'm not—brave, courageous, and strong. Every day I try and chisel away at his hardened veneer—to crumble the walls around him, dust to dust. Deep down, I know he is capable of giving love. When I'm abducted from the shadows of the club's parking lot, I pray nightly for Quinn to rescue me. But even if he storms the gates of hell to bring me back, how can I ever survive in his world?
In the merciless underworld, brace yourself for a tempestuous romance pulsating with red-hot danger and forbidden desire.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2024
177 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Katie Ashley
68 books9,019 followersKatie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She's written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY'S ANGELS): facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv
With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY'S ANGELS): facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 19, 2024
Why I sat on this author for so long will always be a regret of mine. I am absolutely smitten with this series, and I just know I would love anything else she wrote in the past. But this is just one of those series I will forever scream about.
I have been intrigued with Quinn since this whole thing started. So, to hear from him and get to know him better with his story, absolutely melted my heart for him more. I truly loved how he loved, although he was still new and raw to it. But he learned and boy did he love.
The romance was amazing. I always tell people my books have to have romance and Ashley has given that and more with this series. While Quinn is an absolute grump, he is most definitely a marshmallow when it comes to Isla. These two together are everything.
Mafia, romance, intrigue…Dust to Dust was phenomenal. Just absolutely incredible. All the stars!!
I have been intrigued with Quinn since this whole thing started. So, to hear from him and get to know him better with his story, absolutely melted my heart for him more. I truly loved how he loved, although he was still new and raw to it. But he learned and boy did he love.
The romance was amazing. I always tell people my books have to have romance and Ashley has given that and more with this series. While Quinn is an absolute grump, he is most definitely a marshmallow when it comes to Isla. These two together are everything.
Mafia, romance, intrigue…Dust to Dust was phenomenal. Just absolutely incredible. All the stars!!
August 15, 2024
Katie Ashely has taken on the beast of mafia romance and slayed it.
Book 2 in this stand alone series is phenomenal. Gripping story of traumatic pasts, dangerous situations and unconditional love.
The exceptional writing throws you into the Irish Mafia world and allows it to devour you. The connection between Isla and Quinn was instant and intense. The way Isla loved Quinn no matter his past, present or appearance was soul soothing. And let me tell you, the spice be spicing.
If you are a romance reader and have been apprehensive about diving into the darker mafia romance world, do it…This world by Katie Ashley is the perfect place to start. If you are a Dark Mafia Romance Pro, you won’t be disappointed with this Kavanaugh Irish Mafia family.
Book 2 in this stand alone series is phenomenal. Gripping story of traumatic pasts, dangerous situations and unconditional love.
The exceptional writing throws you into the Irish Mafia world and allows it to devour you. The connection between Isla and Quinn was instant and intense. The way Isla loved Quinn no matter his past, present or appearance was soul soothing. And let me tell you, the spice be spicing.
If you are a romance reader and have been apprehensive about diving into the darker mafia romance world, do it…This world by Katie Ashley is the perfect place to start. If you are a Dark Mafia Romance Pro, you won’t be disappointed with this Kavanaugh Irish Mafia family.
August 21, 2024
I should’ve known a from the blurb that the writing was not going to be good but no I look at the reviews, I see the positive tiktoks and delude myself into thinking that maybe this blurb is just a victim the the new annoying style of “indie” KU romance books (idk if this is indie or KU but yk the style of book I mean). Like the weird dual pov that always looks jacked reading on the Goodreads app because there’s no space between the two characters and sometimes just leaves you going “wait how did this change like this” only to realize that it’s the other main character. But anyway before I get into specific quotes, this book should never have been marketed as girl gets close to Irish mafia man and is kidnapped when the kidnapping happens so late in the book😭. Like I’m sorry but I thought she was gonna be kidnapped at like the first 25% because that seemed to be the plot but nah it’s so late, and I honestly don’t even think it was a bad choice to be late but it was so weird to be like constantly expecting a kidnapping and going “damn so she is alone rn is she getting kidnapped here” or “wow they had a nice moment”, good times for a kidnap. Okay so I started writing this before I finished the book but how tf did we get a 3rd act breakup before the kidnapping that was supposedly major to the plot 😭and also the third act breakup was actually one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen like wow this was when the authors writing was pushed to its hardest and…edits could be made like I’m sorry but the failure at creating depth in either of your main characters. Ok guys I’m here finally at the kidnapping which is btw at the 80% MARK…but yeah I’m sorry this was so typical like nothing different in any way except for the fact that the kidnapper’s big threat from like a supposed crazy criminal was something that a kinda bitchy high school girl would say like it was as if the author was scared of going too dark or idk what but pls😭 ok umm end of the book was just me fighting to get thru so I could say that I completed it anyway let’s get to my fav quotes/annotations I made
Here we go:
“I fucking hated parties.
All the people. All the noise. All the fake smiles and false bravado.
Considering I was a young, wealthy bachelor, one might assume I relished social activities. The free-flowing alcohol, the beautiful new women to seduce, the business connections to make.”
These are the first words of the book for context like this is supposed to draw the reader in, anyway my annotation at the time was: Thought the writing was bad from the blurb…should’ve listened.
““The first time she tried he threatened she’d never see her sons again. Since hers was the purest of maternal love, she endured hell to be with her children.”
Same page and this should’ve been the end bc my annotation was: “Editor? Publisher? God?” Like I’m so sorry but this is not like game of thrones why is this your inner monologue.
“While I’m sure most included a bathroom or two, I could pretty much bet their showers didn’t resemble ours with its numerous jets that sent high pressure water to rinse away blood and bodily fluids. “
I just thought this was dumb like the mmc was saying like oh our house has a torture room and like a mini hospital so like it’s different from normal house (it’s not like other girls) but like I’m sorry this is just a nice shower like anyone can have this
“Of all the hundreds and hundreds of women I’d encountered in my twenty-nine years, she was the most beautiful one I’d ever seen. So beautiful, she stole my breath.
With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she had an ethereal quality to her. She could’ve been the Irish goddess and fairy queen Cliodna–the most beautiful woman in the world according to our folklore.
For the first time since the accident, I found myself truly desiring a woman not just in the bedroom. In the past two years, I’d taken numerous women to my bed. Some became regulars and some were non-repeaters. I’d never wanted to pursue anything with them other than sex. They were a means to scratch an itch I had. “
This is the reaction after first meeting her…please be so serious
“MIT must be admitting anyone these days.”
Gritting my teeth, I replied,Just those with a 4.0 and a 38 on the ACT. Well, at least that’s true in my case.”
Wah I’m being nitpicky I know but I’m so sorry this was such a goofy response to start with stats but also ACT goes up to 36 like is she off the scale like basic editing could catch this or even a google search. Like to not to be mean or anything (this review is tearing apart the entire book) but this feels like the author went ok ACT what was the highest score again ehh I think 38 and then never looked it up.
As I continued sucking her nipple, I slid the knife down her abdomen. I worked it between her legs, the ribbed handle sliding through her slick folds.
“Quinn,” Isla panted, her head falling back.
“Do you want to come on my knife?”
“It’s so wrong,” she murmured.
“But you want it, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she pleaded.
I BEG I BEG PLEASE NO MORE, mafia authors, dark romance authors no more fucking women with guns or knives or fucking nunchucks like what happened to a dick or like a vibrator like guys I’m so sorry but I’m done
Okay done with the quotes and ending thoughts on the fmc are like the author was trying to make a stock dark romance/mafia fmc but then read TikTok comments of the critiques often made of those fmcs so tried to give her a backbone. Like it very clearly was going after that sunshine/grumpy dynamic which is fine but then the way she would to me at least randomly pop off or just get animated and I’d be like was this not the same girl who went to a stripper audition and asked the guy she was giving a dance for how to do it and like was spilling her life story like it was weird because it’s like okay growth and change in character but it’s like there seemed to be no reasoning for that change so it felt awkward and forced by the author which then took me out of the story. I’m not even gonna really discuss the mmc umm nothing different from any other book in the genre even from other books with scarred mmcs except the weird like men’s mental health shit at the end 😭 of a mafia book?
Here we go:
“I fucking hated parties.
All the people. All the noise. All the fake smiles and false bravado.
Considering I was a young, wealthy bachelor, one might assume I relished social activities. The free-flowing alcohol, the beautiful new women to seduce, the business connections to make.”
These are the first words of the book for context like this is supposed to draw the reader in, anyway my annotation at the time was: Thought the writing was bad from the blurb…should’ve listened.
““The first time she tried he threatened she’d never see her sons again. Since hers was the purest of maternal love, she endured hell to be with her children.”
Same page and this should’ve been the end bc my annotation was: “Editor? Publisher? God?” Like I’m so sorry but this is not like game of thrones why is this your inner monologue.
“While I’m sure most included a bathroom or two, I could pretty much bet their showers didn’t resemble ours with its numerous jets that sent high pressure water to rinse away blood and bodily fluids. “
I just thought this was dumb like the mmc was saying like oh our house has a torture room and like a mini hospital so like it’s different from normal house (it’s not like other girls) but like I’m sorry this is just a nice shower like anyone can have this
“Of all the hundreds and hundreds of women I’d encountered in my twenty-nine years, she was the most beautiful one I’d ever seen. So beautiful, she stole my breath.
With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she had an ethereal quality to her. She could’ve been the Irish goddess and fairy queen Cliodna–the most beautiful woman in the world according to our folklore.
For the first time since the accident, I found myself truly desiring a woman not just in the bedroom. In the past two years, I’d taken numerous women to my bed. Some became regulars and some were non-repeaters. I’d never wanted to pursue anything with them other than sex. They were a means to scratch an itch I had. “
This is the reaction after first meeting her…please be so serious
“MIT must be admitting anyone these days.”
Gritting my teeth, I replied,Just those with a 4.0 and a 38 on the ACT. Well, at least that’s true in my case.”
Wah I’m being nitpicky I know but I’m so sorry this was such a goofy response to start with stats but also ACT goes up to 36 like is she off the scale like basic editing could catch this or even a google search. Like to not to be mean or anything (this review is tearing apart the entire book) but this feels like the author went ok ACT what was the highest score again ehh I think 38 and then never looked it up.
As I continued sucking her nipple, I slid the knife down her abdomen. I worked it between her legs, the ribbed handle sliding through her slick folds.
“Quinn,” Isla panted, her head falling back.
“Do you want to come on my knife?”
“It’s so wrong,” she murmured.
“But you want it, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she pleaded.
I BEG I BEG PLEASE NO MORE, mafia authors, dark romance authors no more fucking women with guns or knives or fucking nunchucks like what happened to a dick or like a vibrator like guys I’m so sorry but I’m done
Okay done with the quotes and ending thoughts on the fmc are like the author was trying to make a stock dark romance/mafia fmc but then read TikTok comments of the critiques often made of those fmcs so tried to give her a backbone. Like it very clearly was going after that sunshine/grumpy dynamic which is fine but then the way she would to me at least randomly pop off or just get animated and I’d be like was this not the same girl who went to a stripper audition and asked the guy she was giving a dance for how to do it and like was spilling her life story like it was weird because it’s like okay growth and change in character but it’s like there seemed to be no reasoning for that change so it felt awkward and forced by the author which then took me out of the story. I’m not even gonna really discuss the mmc umm nothing different from any other book in the genre even from other books with scarred mmcs except the weird like men’s mental health shit at the end 😭 of a mafia book?
August 10, 2024
Quinn Kavanaugh, younger brother to Callum Kavanaugh from Poison and Wine, is the latest Kavanaugh sibling to steal your heart. Heartbroken and literally burnt by his past, he is a closed off enforcer whose main focus is the duty to his family, clan, and protecting his siblings. As one of the owners of Alainn nightclub, he spends his nights hiding in the shadows and keeping to himself.
Until he sees her.
He stared at me, unblinking and unmoving. Time crawled by. At that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
Isla Vaughn is a blooming ray of light who is determined, despite her tragic losses and past, to make her dreams work no matter what. After facing adversity, she works at Alainn under the watchful eye of Quinn as a dancer to make ends meet and pursue her dream of becoming a molecular biologist. Isla sees past his scars and tough exterior, determined to break through his built up walls cause she sees the man who is truly beneath. And boy, she doesn’t just break them, she bulldozes them.
“My father used to say that with each tear we shed for someone’s suffering, it eases their pain.” She cupped my cheek. “I would cry an entire ocean for you.”
I loved the grumpy x sunshine trope in this cause it really fit and brought out the best of both characters. Between their instant connection, a blossoming relationship filled with banter and cute bonding moments, Isla’s induction into the family, and the usual mafia related threats, this book was truly a fun read. The Kavanaugh family is really tight knit and after the inclusion of Caterina and Isla into the clan, I loved the dynamics and differing personalities all coming together. Brooke and Henry, Isla’s sister and nephew were also a really great element of the story and I hope to see them more in future books of the series (ahem ahem).
Up next is the youngest Kavanaugh sibling Maeve and her man’s story so I look forward to what Katie Ashley comes up with next!
Until he sees her.
He stared at me, unblinking and unmoving. Time crawled by. At that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
Isla Vaughn is a blooming ray of light who is determined, despite her tragic losses and past, to make her dreams work no matter what. After facing adversity, she works at Alainn under the watchful eye of Quinn as a dancer to make ends meet and pursue her dream of becoming a molecular biologist. Isla sees past his scars and tough exterior, determined to break through his built up walls cause she sees the man who is truly beneath. And boy, she doesn’t just break them, she bulldozes them.
“My father used to say that with each tear we shed for someone’s suffering, it eases their pain.” She cupped my cheek. “I would cry an entire ocean for you.”
I loved the grumpy x sunshine trope in this cause it really fit and brought out the best of both characters. Between their instant connection, a blossoming relationship filled with banter and cute bonding moments, Isla’s induction into the family, and the usual mafia related threats, this book was truly a fun read. The Kavanaugh family is really tight knit and after the inclusion of Caterina and Isla into the clan, I loved the dynamics and differing personalities all coming together. Brooke and Henry, Isla’s sister and nephew were also a really great element of the story and I hope to see them more in future books of the series (ahem ahem).
Up next is the youngest Kavanaugh sibling Maeve and her man’s story so I look forward to what Katie Ashley comes up with next!
April 3, 2025
4.5⭐️ WOW this story was unexpectedly one of the best mafia romances i’ve read in a while:)
this is the first book i’ve read from this author, and not only will i continue the series, but im seriously considering going back to read book 1!
Isla & Quinn were such a captivating couple. they had an instant spark, and i was actually very surprised by the vulnerability both they and other side characters exhibited throughout the story.
this had so many twists and turns, it was really hard to turn off my kindle and go to bed without knowing what would happen next. the perfect amount of tenderness, family drama, sexy time, and suspense.
this is the first book i’ve read from this author, and not only will i continue the series, but im seriously considering going back to read book 1!
Isla & Quinn were such a captivating couple. they had an instant spark, and i was actually very surprised by the vulnerability both they and other side characters exhibited throughout the story.
this had so many twists and turns, it was really hard to turn off my kindle and go to bed without knowing what would happen next. the perfect amount of tenderness, family drama, sexy time, and suspense.
April 4, 2025
Tropes
• Irish family
• mafia
• spice
• grumpy sunshine
• traumatic past
This is the second book I’ve been able to ARC read for this author and they have both been so good. This book is about Quinn and Isla. Quinn is the younger brother to Callum from poison and wine. I am slowly falling in love with all the Kavanaugh brothers. Both characters in this story have traumatic pasts. Quinn was in an explosion and has scares all over his body including his face. He has a grumpy exterior and he’s afraid of being judged and letting people in. Isla is burdened with taking care of her sister and nephew after her parents died in a car crash. She is trying to go to college for microbiology but is quickly running out of money. She is a decent dancer so she auditions to be a dancer at the club that Quinn owns with his brothers. That is where Isla and Quinn meet. From the beginning they have a strong connection and Quinn brakes down his walls for her. Isla soon finds out the truth about his family and their involvement in the mafia. At first she is scared to learn this but her feelings for Quinn win out. There is an HEA. Tons of spice from the very beginning. I’m fully invested in this series and I can’t wait to read the next book.
• Irish family
• mafia
• spice
• grumpy sunshine
• traumatic past
This is the second book I’ve been able to ARC read for this author and they have both been so good. This book is about Quinn and Isla. Quinn is the younger brother to Callum from poison and wine. I am slowly falling in love with all the Kavanaugh brothers. Both characters in this story have traumatic pasts. Quinn was in an explosion and has scares all over his body including his face. He has a grumpy exterior and he’s afraid of being judged and letting people in. Isla is burdened with taking care of her sister and nephew after her parents died in a car crash. She is trying to go to college for microbiology but is quickly running out of money. She is a decent dancer so she auditions to be a dancer at the club that Quinn owns with his brothers. That is where Isla and Quinn meet. From the beginning they have a strong connection and Quinn brakes down his walls for her. Isla soon finds out the truth about his family and their involvement in the mafia. At first she is scared to learn this but her feelings for Quinn win out. There is an HEA. Tons of spice from the very beginning. I’m fully invested in this series and I can’t wait to read the next book.
August 17, 2024
A fantastic, grumpy/sunshine mafia romance with Beauty and the Beast vibes when, after the death of her parents Isla Vaughn finds herself auditioning in front of Quinn Kavanaugh for a job as a lap dancer in the club he owns with his brothers. Like his brothers, Quinn was scarred from his brutal upbringing at the hands of their father but added to those scars were the physical ones he’d received after narrowly escaping death from a car bomb. Since then, he hadn’t liked to be touched and only cared about protecting his family until Isla that is. She was the first woman to look at him and not be repulsed by his appearance and her touch made him want more. Isla was a bit of a Pollyanna character. She was full of sweetness and light, a bit too much for me, if I’m being honest, at times I found her a bit annoying with her look on the bright side attitude, but her lightness balanced out Quinn’s darkness and there was no denying the chemistry between them.
The overall plot of Dust to Dust was strong and well written with a good flow to the story and the characters were engaging. I loved the relationship between Quinn and his brothers which was nothing to do with them being clan but more they were family. They fought amongst themselves but when danger threatened, they instantly came together. With the next book featuring the Kavanaugh family princess, I can’t wait to see how the brothers handle their baby sister falling in love.
The overall plot of Dust to Dust was strong and well written with a good flow to the story and the characters were engaging. I loved the relationship between Quinn and his brothers which was nothing to do with them being clan but more they were family. They fought amongst themselves but when danger threatened, they instantly came together. With the next book featuring the Kavanaugh family princess, I can’t wait to see how the brothers handle their baby sister falling in love.
August 19, 2024
Dust To Dust by Katie Ashley is book two in her series The Irish Rogues. This is a dark mafia, grumpy / sunshine romance between Quinn Kavanaugh and Isla Vaughn. A romance full of danger as he is the enforcer for the Irish Mafia and forbidden as she’s a dancer at his club. She has to decide if he is worth the safety of her family. He has already lost his best friend to his world, so could he risk his ‘Little Dove’.
Quinn lives in Boston with his oldest brother Callum, who is now head of the Irish clan, and other brothers Dare and Kellan. In Poison and Wine we learnt he had survived a car bomb and his injuries have given him an imposing and menacing appearance. He has endured physical and emotional trauma and suffers from grief and guilt over the event. He has a reputation for being a monster and grunts and growls at everyone. His life is turned upside down once again when the most beautiful woman auditions for a job as a dancer at their gentleman’s club.
Isla is a science graduate student at MIT and has looked after her sister since their parents died. Brooke now has a son Henry so Isla is now struggling to pay for her tuition. She is stubborn and very independent but an excellent dancer so applies for a job at Alainn. Brooke is shocked because Isla is naive and inexperienced due to her sheltered upbringing. Isla has to do a private dance for one of the owners which sets of a series of events that change her life forever.
From the start they are affected by the chemistry and her dance surprises them as desire burns and they are both overcome. He knows he can’t cross the line as she’s an employee and can't involve her in his lifestyle but becomes obsessed with her. He is shocked and confused when she’s not repulsed by his scars. She makes him want things he’s never desired before but would she be safe with him?
I loved how when she’s nervous she can’t stop talking and voices her thoughts. She sees his caring and compassionate side which no-one else sees and refuses to believe he’s a bad man. Fun scenes as they give into their feelings and she slowly learns what being in his world actually involves. An event shows her what he is prepared to do to protect her. Then a revenge plan affects her as well as Quinn, so hard decisions have to be made.
“A life lived in fear isn’t a life worth living.”
Kellan is so adorable and been through so much that I was pleased he had someone to talk to. He and Caterina supported and helped Isla understand their life. I laughed so much over the brothers with Henry. Good teaser for Rafe and Maeve’s story. Quinn can’t change the world he’s from or let down his brothers so what are the consequences of being with him, for Isla and her family? Could she deny herself the man she loves? Great twist at the end as the couple get their HEA.
Quinn lives in Boston with his oldest brother Callum, who is now head of the Irish clan, and other brothers Dare and Kellan. In Poison and Wine we learnt he had survived a car bomb and his injuries have given him an imposing and menacing appearance. He has endured physical and emotional trauma and suffers from grief and guilt over the event. He has a reputation for being a monster and grunts and growls at everyone. His life is turned upside down once again when the most beautiful woman auditions for a job as a dancer at their gentleman’s club.
Isla is a science graduate student at MIT and has looked after her sister since their parents died. Brooke now has a son Henry so Isla is now struggling to pay for her tuition. She is stubborn and very independent but an excellent dancer so applies for a job at Alainn. Brooke is shocked because Isla is naive and inexperienced due to her sheltered upbringing. Isla has to do a private dance for one of the owners which sets of a series of events that change her life forever.
From the start they are affected by the chemistry and her dance surprises them as desire burns and they are both overcome. He knows he can’t cross the line as she’s an employee and can't involve her in his lifestyle but becomes obsessed with her. He is shocked and confused when she’s not repulsed by his scars. She makes him want things he’s never desired before but would she be safe with him?
I loved how when she’s nervous she can’t stop talking and voices her thoughts. She sees his caring and compassionate side which no-one else sees and refuses to believe he’s a bad man. Fun scenes as they give into their feelings and she slowly learns what being in his world actually involves. An event shows her what he is prepared to do to protect her. Then a revenge plan affects her as well as Quinn, so hard decisions have to be made.
“A life lived in fear isn’t a life worth living.”
Kellan is so adorable and been through so much that I was pleased he had someone to talk to. He and Caterina supported and helped Isla understand their life. I laughed so much over the brothers with Henry. Good teaser for Rafe and Maeve’s story. Quinn can’t change the world he’s from or let down his brothers so what are the consequences of being with him, for Isla and her family? Could she deny herself the man she loves? Great twist at the end as the couple get their HEA.
August 19, 2024
Dust to Dust is the second Kavanaugh’s brother book and the first book I read in this series.
Dust to Dust is the story of Quinn, the enforcer to his Irish mafia family. After becoming horribly disfigured in a car bombing, he finds himself helping his family run their strip club. When he’s called to help audition a new potential dancer, he finds himself completely captivated by this complete novice.
Isla Vaughn is in debt up to her eyeballs and needs to find a job that will help her support her younger sister and baby nephew. When the opportunity presents itself to try out as a “dancer” at Alainn she’s willing to give it all she’s got. When she finds herself needing to give a lap dance as part of her audition, she struggles. She begs and pleads with Quinn to help her out. Something about Isla persuades Quinn to do something he normally doesn’t do. He helps Isla and in the process finds himself feeling things he hasn’t experienced since before the bombing.
I loved the fact that Isla doesn’t care about Quinn’s scars and is actually fascinated by them thanks to her education. The struggles that Quinn experiences nearly leapt off the pages throughout this book. The struggles he has with his feelings toward Isla and the feelings that her baby nephew also brings out in him.
I loved how both characters developed throughout this book. Isla went from being up tight to being open to more experiences. I love that she helps Quinn overcome so many personal issues.
All in all, this book was awesome and I can’t wait to read Dare and Kellan’s stories next!
Dust to Dust is the story of Quinn, the enforcer to his Irish mafia family. After becoming horribly disfigured in a car bombing, he finds himself helping his family run their strip club. When he’s called to help audition a new potential dancer, he finds himself completely captivated by this complete novice.
Isla Vaughn is in debt up to her eyeballs and needs to find a job that will help her support her younger sister and baby nephew. When the opportunity presents itself to try out as a “dancer” at Alainn she’s willing to give it all she’s got. When she finds herself needing to give a lap dance as part of her audition, she struggles. She begs and pleads with Quinn to help her out. Something about Isla persuades Quinn to do something he normally doesn’t do. He helps Isla and in the process finds himself feeling things he hasn’t experienced since before the bombing.
I loved the fact that Isla doesn’t care about Quinn’s scars and is actually fascinated by them thanks to her education. The struggles that Quinn experiences nearly leapt off the pages throughout this book. The struggles he has with his feelings toward Isla and the feelings that her baby nephew also brings out in him.
I loved how both characters developed throughout this book. Isla went from being up tight to being open to more experiences. I love that she helps Quinn overcome so many personal issues.
All in all, this book was awesome and I can’t wait to read Dare and Kellan’s stories next!
August 11, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
First book I have read from this author and most certainly won’t be the last as this was definitely an enjoyable read for me.
This book follows Quinn Kavanagh (bonus points that they are Irish, cos you know I’m an Irish woman myself ☘️) and Isla Vaughn. Isla applies for a job in Quinn’s club to support her college funding after her parents perished in a tragic car accident. Upon Isla’s audition our man Quinn is an absolute goner, he falls hard and fast. Now one of the main reasons he falls this fast is that Quinn was involved in an accident two years prior in which resulted in him being permanently scarred, and upon meeting Isla, he realises that she sees him for what is beneath the surface.
Of course in the beginning there is a bit of reluctance on Quinn’s part because he doesn’t want to involve Isla in his dangerous lifestyle but he soon realises that he just can’t give her up.
I absolutely adored Isla! She stood her ground in a lot of situations and I just loved the close bond she had with her sister Brooke and of course Caterina. Side note Henry which is Brooke’s son and Isla’s nephew, stole my heart 🥹
This book is definitely face paced and the plot kept me very intrigued. I am looking forward to reading about the next Kavanagh sibling but in the meantime I will definitely return to read Callum and Caterina’s book🫶🏼
Thank you so much to the author & The Next Step PR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
First book I have read from this author and most certainly won’t be the last as this was definitely an enjoyable read for me.
This book follows Quinn Kavanagh (bonus points that they are Irish, cos you know I’m an Irish woman myself ☘️) and Isla Vaughn. Isla applies for a job in Quinn’s club to support her college funding after her parents perished in a tragic car accident. Upon Isla’s audition our man Quinn is an absolute goner, he falls hard and fast. Now one of the main reasons he falls this fast is that Quinn was involved in an accident two years prior in which resulted in him being permanently scarred, and upon meeting Isla, he realises that she sees him for what is beneath the surface.
Of course in the beginning there is a bit of reluctance on Quinn’s part because he doesn’t want to involve Isla in his dangerous lifestyle but he soon realises that he just can’t give her up.
I absolutely adored Isla! She stood her ground in a lot of situations and I just loved the close bond she had with her sister Brooke and of course Caterina. Side note Henry which is Brooke’s son and Isla’s nephew, stole my heart 🥹
This book is definitely face paced and the plot kept me very intrigued. I am looking forward to reading about the next Kavanagh sibling but in the meantime I will definitely return to read Callum and Caterina’s book🫶🏼
Thank you so much to the author & The Next Step PR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
August 18, 2024
Dust to Dust by Katie Ashley is the touching story of Quinn and Isla. Oh this story had my emotions running amok!!! She is in a desperate situation and decides to apply for a job as an exotic dancer…much to her sister’s chagrin. The ultimate test for a dancer to pass…is Quinn…he has no moral compass and demands everything from the dancers at their club. Plus, he is the primary enforcer for the family.
Theirs is an unusual situation. She has plans after finishing college. He is bitter, resentful, and full of anger. Could she be the one who breaks through his self-erected walls? What is the cost to both of them if they continue on this doomed journey. Great read!!!
Theirs is an unusual situation. She has plans after finishing college. He is bitter, resentful, and full of anger. Could she be the one who breaks through his self-erected walls? What is the cost to both of them if they continue on this doomed journey. Great read!!!
August 19, 2024
5⭐️/3.5 🌶️
✨ This book is a sweet mafia romance that hits all the right notes!
💥 With Beauty and the Beast vibes, Quinn and Isla are what dream couples are made of.
The way they navigate their past trauma, showing so much compassion and love for each other, is everything.
There is no unnecessary drama, just good action and the perfect recipe for a mafia story.
The family dynamics are amazing, and I seriously can't wait to dive into the next brother's story! 🖤
✨ This book is a sweet mafia romance that hits all the right notes!
💥 With Beauty and the Beast vibes, Quinn and Isla are what dream couples are made of.
The way they navigate their past trauma, showing so much compassion and love for each other, is everything.
There is no unnecessary drama, just good action and the perfect recipe for a mafia story.
The family dynamics are amazing, and I seriously can't wait to dive into the next brother's story! 🖤
dnf
September 6, 2024I couldn’t even make it past the first chapter. I’m sorry I love a good angst story of a hero finding love again but if he’s saying “love of my life” about an ex and hangs onto that betrayal for god knows how long and then puts that anger on the fmc and immediately believes she’s cheating? Brother you probably shouldn’t be in the mafia. As for the fmc, girl why are you taking blame for being a good person? Because baby here couldn’t get over his ex for not wanting a mafia lifestyle?
August 12, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Isla and Quinn's story gave me Beauty and the Beast vibes and I loved it!! Isla is little Miss Naive and Quinn is Mr Grumpy Pants through and through but somehow they're perfect for each other. She needs money for school and her family and he's her boss, did a mention she works at his gentlemen's club? Yeah lines get blurred and Isla learns just how dangerous being involved with Quinn Kavanaugh's and the Kavanaugh clan really can be. This is book 2 in this series!!
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Grumpy Sunshine
- Scarred MMC
- Forced Proximity
- Touch Her and 💀
- Found Family
TW's:
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
- Language
- Violence
- Torture
- Kidnapping
- Attempted SA (Not by MMC)
- Talk of rape (Side character & in the past)
- Forced Sedation/Drugging
- Talk of Death of parents (Flashback)
- Death of a friend
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Isla and Quinn's story gave me Beauty and the Beast vibes and I loved it!! Isla is little Miss Naive and Quinn is Mr Grumpy Pants through and through but somehow they're perfect for each other. She needs money for school and her family and he's her boss, did a mention she works at his gentlemen's club? Yeah lines get blurred and Isla learns just how dangerous being involved with Quinn Kavanaugh's and the Kavanaugh clan really can be. This is book 2 in this series!!
Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Grumpy Sunshine
- Scarred MMC
- Forced Proximity
- Touch Her and 💀
- Found Family
TW's:
- Sexually Explicit Scenes
- Language
- Violence
- Torture
- Kidnapping
- Attempted SA (Not by MMC)
- Talk of rape (Side character & in the past)
- Forced Sedation/Drugging
- Talk of Death of parents (Flashback)
- Death of a friend
September 7, 2024
Absolutely loved this book and Quinn and Isla!! I am now hooked and cannot wait for the rest of the clans stories especially the next one with Maeve and Rafe❤️
August 19, 2024
Isla is a grad student living with her sister and nephew. She lost her parents and only wants the best for her sister. Their parents died in a car accident and they are all each other has. To avoid student loans and help make things easier for her sister, she auditions to dance at Alainn, a high class strip club. Her audition doesn’t go quite as she imagines though and she catches the eye of one of the owners.
Quinn Kavanagh isn’t what most would call handsome, and as a result he serves as the final task in an audition for all their dancers. As his family’s enforcer, being physically imposing and inducing fear from his looks is par for the course. He is used to reactions and revulsion but Isla’s audition is anything but the norm.
I loved both the instant attraction between these two and the way they had to work to make anything work. For as much as Isla had prepared for her audition, she was lacking knowledge that seemed like it would have been easy access: the connection between Alainn and the mob. As she learns what dangers lurk in the background, Quinn doubles down on protecting her from his world. Their grumpy/sunshine opposite personalities made for some entertaining interactions as they navigate each other’s worlds.
This was a whole lot of fun for as dark as the mafia is. I absolutely devoured this book and loved every aspect of it: the romance, the suspense, and the drama. I love how the family ties keep growing with each book in the series. I can’t wait for more of this series and the teaser we get at the end for the next book had me grinning with the possibilities!
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Quinn Kavanagh isn’t what most would call handsome, and as a result he serves as the final task in an audition for all their dancers. As his family’s enforcer, being physically imposing and inducing fear from his looks is par for the course. He is used to reactions and revulsion but Isla’s audition is anything but the norm.
I loved both the instant attraction between these two and the way they had to work to make anything work. For as much as Isla had prepared for her audition, she was lacking knowledge that seemed like it would have been easy access: the connection between Alainn and the mob. As she learns what dangers lurk in the background, Quinn doubles down on protecting her from his world. Their grumpy/sunshine opposite personalities made for some entertaining interactions as they navigate each other’s worlds.
This was a whole lot of fun for as dark as the mafia is. I absolutely devoured this book and loved every aspect of it: the romance, the suspense, and the drama. I love how the family ties keep growing with each book in the series. I can’t wait for more of this series and the teaser we get at the end for the next book had me grinning with the possibilities!
August 19, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
After escaping death, Quinn is scarred and more ruthless than ever. Until a petite woman strolled into his life and forced him to interview her for the position of a dancer in his club. She thought that she would be appalled by his scars, but she is trying to seduce him instead. The temptation is stronger than before.
Isla is fragile and kind. She really needs this job and she will do anything to secure it. When she gets taken from this club, Quinn will do anything in his power to find and protect her. She is his. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a scarred hero, opposites attract, dark romance then you’re going to love it.
After escaping death, Quinn is scarred and more ruthless than ever. Until a petite woman strolled into his life and forced him to interview her for the position of a dancer in his club. She thought that she would be appalled by his scars, but she is trying to seduce him instead. The temptation is stronger than before.
Isla is fragile and kind. She really needs this job and she will do anything to secure it. When she gets taken from this club, Quinn will do anything in his power to find and protect her. She is his. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a scarred hero, opposites attract, dark romance then you’re going to love it.
August 19, 2024
Katie does it again in this amazing story with grumpy closed off Quinn Kavanaugh and the the sunshine beauty Isla Vaughn who comes into his life and closed off heart thawing it with her warm heart and lack of fear towards him unlike so many in his world. Both stubborn and fiercely protective of those they love most Quinn and Isla truly are a match made in heaven with ups and downs as enemies of Quinn try to make him suffer in a way he never experienced
August 19, 2024
I knew when I read Poison and Wine that Quinn's story world be incredible and boy, was I right! Isla and Quinn made a perfect couple that could easily make you laugh and cry and feel and fall. A smart combination of drama, twists, emotion, action and twists will have you firmly ensnared and up late to finish it. Bring on book three ASAP.
August 19, 2024
I was incredibly happy to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of Katie’s new standalone, Dust to Dust. I have been in a book slump and hoped a little Katie Ashley literary magic would pull me out by the seat of my mafia romance-loving pants. I was not disappointed by Quinn and Isla’s story— a steamy slow-burning romance with classic Katie Ashley damaged yet endearing men and fierce strong women woven into a suspenseful and intriguing tale. It’s an additional bonus if you’ve read Poison and Wine as this story takes place in the Kavanaugh clan world, yet is a complete standalone. Like all Katie’s books that I’ve read, Dust to Dust consumed me and offered a much-needed period of escape into a world that only she can create.
August 25, 2024
3 stars
I wasn't going to read it after reflection but then i needed something easy and i read a few pages and then the all thing. (I skipped a lot too ^^)
It was cheezy a bit cliché but kinda fun.
I wasn't going to read it after reflection but then i needed something easy and i read a few pages and then the all thing. (I skipped a lot too ^^)
It was cheezy a bit cliché but kinda fun.
August 17, 2024
I love this book omg it was hard to put down. The characters and the plot were amazing. I love this book.
June 12, 2025
l'intrigue qui ouvre sur la relation entre Maeve et Rafe c'est cool, mais sinon la fin unecessary drama.
(par contre Henry qui l'appelle papa c'est drôle)
(par contre Henry qui l'appelle papa c'est drôle)
August 26, 2024
Dust to Dust by Katie Ashley, is the second book in The Irish Rogues Series, Quinn Kavanaugh, is a powerful man and anyone who knows his last name knows the power he has, he is the second in command and the enforcer of the Irish mafia in Boston, at the beginning we see Quinn a few years younger in the day when an unexpected event in which his cousin Rian loses his life and leaves Quinn with burns on a large part of his body, changes his life completely. At present he has become lonely, grumpy and only supports the closeness of his brothers, his mother and sister. Together with his brothers he owns several clubs, including Club Alainn, which is for men, one of those days where his brothers make him go to the club to review the books, his older brother Callum asks him to get in charge of the audition of the new dancer, he knows that his brother uses him because if the dancer overcomes the shock of dancing for him, she will be able to do it for anyone else, this is because of the scars they left the burns he suffered, and although this bothers him, he endures it and ends up doing what his brother asks of him. But when he arrives at the room the dancer is nothing like he imagined her and she ends up taking his presence as fascinating which disarms him and he finds himself attracted to her in a way he has never been attracted to a woman before. Isla Vaughn is sweet, innocent, very intelligent and a talented dancer, she is a grad student in science, she lost her parents and it's just her with her sister Brooke, who became a teenage mother and has a little boy, Henry, who is only a couple of months old, so it's important for her to finish her studies in order to help her sister raise Henry and have stability, but when she finds out that she must pay for the entirety of her education, she must look for a job and it must be flexible to be able to attend to her classes, and the perfect job is as a dancer at the new Alainn club. Her sister disagrees, but it's the only solution she sees and although she knows that she will have to leave her comfort zone, since that club is for strippers, but for the rich and powerful, she feels that she must do so in order to take care of her own, and that is more important than feeling comfortable, and it will only be while she graduates and thus leave without student debt. On the day of her audition, once she has passed the first part of it, the part that will get her the job is doing a private dance and this will be for one of those who will be her boss, but when the man enters she can't imagine how captivated she was going to be with him, and now when the moment of the dance comes, the nerves and the fact that she has never done anything like this, she ends up, amidst verbosity, confessing more to her future boss than she should. Quinn at first feels exasperated with her because he doesn't know how to handle what she awakens in him and when she touches him, the instinct to pull away is not there. Their first meeting is explosive and although Quinn tries to stay away from Isla, his life is dangerous and he does not want to put her on danger, but this will be inevitable when Isla in her innocence ends up making Quinn a little more like the boy he was before his burns, and although at first it's difficult to accept the truth of who really Quinn is, she is willing to take a chance with him, except that Quinn's fear will come true when danger manages to touch her and may destroy everything he has tried to protect.
This story is explosive and exciting. Isla and Quinn's relationship is fast and intense, he is protective and although he is grumpy, only Isla manages to get through to him, Isla is sweet and so innocent, the perfect counterpart to Quinn which makes them perfect for each other. Quinn's family is great, her siblings are crazy and I laughed at their interactions, and even though the moments were intense they managed to make me smile. And I loved Isla's sister and her nephew, Brooke is a little ball of energy and despite her fears she supports her sister and wants her to be happy, and when the time comes to name Henry's godfather, it's the culmination of the acceptance of his sister's relationship, the icing on the cake. I enjoy dark romance and this was a very entertaining one, I will be very attentive to the book that is to come in this series because if this one was this explosive I know that the next one will be equally or maybe more so. Totally, and Absolutely Highly Recommended!
*Thanks to Katie Ashley and The Next Step PR for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Dust to Dust de Katie Ashley, es el segundo libro de la Serie The Irish Rogues, Quinn Kavanaugh, es un hombre poderoso y aquel que conoce su apellido sabe el poder que tiene, es el segundo al mando y el enforcer de la mafia irlandesa en Boston, al comienzo vemos a Quinn con unos años menos en el día cuando un evento inesperado en el que pierde la vida su primo Rian y le deja con quemaduras en gran parte del cuerpo, le cambia su vida por completo. En el presente se ha vuelto solitario y solo soporta la cercanía de sus hermanos, su madre y hermana, junto a sus hermanos es dueño de varios clubes entre estos el Club Alainn que es para hombres, uno de esos días donde sus hermanos le hacen ir al club a revisar los libros su hermano mayor Callum le pide realizar la audición a la nueva bailarina, él sabe que su hermano lo usa porque si la bailarina supera el shock de bailar para él podrá hacerlo para cualquier otro, esto por las marcas que dejaron las quemaduras que sufrió, y aunque esto le molesta lo aguanta y termina haciendo lo que su hermano le pide. Pero cuando llega al sitio la bailarina no es nada como la imagino y ella termina tomando su presencia como fascinante lo que lo desarma y se ve atraído a ella como nunca se había sentido atraído a una mujer antes. Isla Vaughn es dulce, inocente, muy inteligente y una talentosa bailarina, esta estudiando un posgrado en ciencia, perdió a sus padres y es solo ella con su hermana Brooke, quien se convirtió en madre adolescente y tiene un pequeño niño, Henry, de solo cuatro meses, por lo que para ella es importante terminar sus estudios para asi ayudar a su hermana a criar a Henry y tener estabilidad, pero cuando se entera que debe pagara la totalidad de su educación debe buscar trabajo y este debe ser flexible para poder ir a sus clases, y el trabajo perfecto es como bailarina del nuevo club Alainn. Su hermana esta en desacuerdo, pero es la única solución que ve y aunque sabe que deberá salir de su zona de confort, ya que ese club es de strippers, pero para los ricos y poderosos, siente que debe hacerlo para poder cuidar de los suyos y eso es mas importante que sentirse cómoda, y solo será mientras se gradúa y así salir sin deudas estudiantiles. El día de su audición una vez superada la primera parte de la audición, la parte que hará que logre el puesto es hacer un baile privado y este será a uno de los que será su jefe, pero cuando el hombre entra ella no imagino lo cautivada que iba a estar con él, y ahora llegado el momento del baile, los nervios y el hecho de que nunca ha hecho nada parecido, termina, entre verborrea, confesándole a su futuro jefe más de lo que debería. Quinn al principio se siente exasperado con ella porque no sabe cómo manejar lo que ella despierta en él y cuando ella le toca, el instinto de apartarse no está. Su primera reunión es explosiva y aunque Quinn intenta mantenerse alejado de Isla, su vida es peligrosa y no quiere traerle inconvenientes a ella, pero esto será inevitable cuando Isla en su inocencia termine haciendo a Quinn un poco mas como el chico que era antes de sus quemaduras, y aunque al principio es difícil aceptar la verdad de quien es Quinn esta dispuesta a darse una oportunidad con él, solo que el miedo de Quinn se hará realidad cuando el peligro logre tocarla y puede que destruya todo lo que él ha tratado de proteger.
Esta historia es explosiva y apasionante. La relación de Isla y Quinn es rápida e intensa, él es protector y aunque es un gruñón solo Isla logra llegar a él, Isla es dulce y tan inocente, la perfecta contraparte de Quinn lo que los hace el uno para el otro. La familia de Quinn es genial sus hermanos están locos y reí con sus interacciones, y a pesar de que los momentos eran intensos ellos lograban hacerme sonreír. Y la hermana de Isla y su sobrino me encantaron, Brooke es una pequeña bola de energía y a pesar de sus temores apoya a su hermana y quiere que sea feliz, y cuando llega el momento de nombrar al padrino de Henry, es la culminación de la aceptación de la relación de su hermana, la guinda del pastel. Yo disfruto del romance oscuro y este fue uno muy entretenido, estaré muy pendiente del libro que esta por venir de esta serie porque si este fue así de explosivo se que el que viene lo será igualmente o puede que más. ¡Total, y Absolutamente Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a Katie Ashley y a The Next Step PR por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
This story is explosive and exciting. Isla and Quinn's relationship is fast and intense, he is protective and although he is grumpy, only Isla manages to get through to him, Isla is sweet and so innocent, the perfect counterpart to Quinn which makes them perfect for each other. Quinn's family is great, her siblings are crazy and I laughed at their interactions, and even though the moments were intense they managed to make me smile. And I loved Isla's sister and her nephew, Brooke is a little ball of energy and despite her fears she supports her sister and wants her to be happy, and when the time comes to name Henry's godfather, it's the culmination of the acceptance of his sister's relationship, the icing on the cake. I enjoy dark romance and this was a very entertaining one, I will be very attentive to the book that is to come in this series because if this one was this explosive I know that the next one will be equally or maybe more so. Totally, and Absolutely Highly Recommended!
*Thanks to Katie Ashley and The Next Step PR for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
Dust to Dust de Katie Ashley, es el segundo libro de la Serie The Irish Rogues, Quinn Kavanaugh, es un hombre poderoso y aquel que conoce su apellido sabe el poder que tiene, es el segundo al mando y el enforcer de la mafia irlandesa en Boston, al comienzo vemos a Quinn con unos años menos en el día cuando un evento inesperado en el que pierde la vida su primo Rian y le deja con quemaduras en gran parte del cuerpo, le cambia su vida por completo. En el presente se ha vuelto solitario y solo soporta la cercanía de sus hermanos, su madre y hermana, junto a sus hermanos es dueño de varios clubes entre estos el Club Alainn que es para hombres, uno de esos días donde sus hermanos le hacen ir al club a revisar los libros su hermano mayor Callum le pide realizar la audición a la nueva bailarina, él sabe que su hermano lo usa porque si la bailarina supera el shock de bailar para él podrá hacerlo para cualquier otro, esto por las marcas que dejaron las quemaduras que sufrió, y aunque esto le molesta lo aguanta y termina haciendo lo que su hermano le pide. Pero cuando llega al sitio la bailarina no es nada como la imagino y ella termina tomando su presencia como fascinante lo que lo desarma y se ve atraído a ella como nunca se había sentido atraído a una mujer antes. Isla Vaughn es dulce, inocente, muy inteligente y una talentosa bailarina, esta estudiando un posgrado en ciencia, perdió a sus padres y es solo ella con su hermana Brooke, quien se convirtió en madre adolescente y tiene un pequeño niño, Henry, de solo cuatro meses, por lo que para ella es importante terminar sus estudios para asi ayudar a su hermana a criar a Henry y tener estabilidad, pero cuando se entera que debe pagara la totalidad de su educación debe buscar trabajo y este debe ser flexible para poder ir a sus clases, y el trabajo perfecto es como bailarina del nuevo club Alainn. Su hermana esta en desacuerdo, pero es la única solución que ve y aunque sabe que deberá salir de su zona de confort, ya que ese club es de strippers, pero para los ricos y poderosos, siente que debe hacerlo para poder cuidar de los suyos y eso es mas importante que sentirse cómoda, y solo será mientras se gradúa y así salir sin deudas estudiantiles. El día de su audición una vez superada la primera parte de la audición, la parte que hará que logre el puesto es hacer un baile privado y este será a uno de los que será su jefe, pero cuando el hombre entra ella no imagino lo cautivada que iba a estar con él, y ahora llegado el momento del baile, los nervios y el hecho de que nunca ha hecho nada parecido, termina, entre verborrea, confesándole a su futuro jefe más de lo que debería. Quinn al principio se siente exasperado con ella porque no sabe cómo manejar lo que ella despierta en él y cuando ella le toca, el instinto de apartarse no está. Su primera reunión es explosiva y aunque Quinn intenta mantenerse alejado de Isla, su vida es peligrosa y no quiere traerle inconvenientes a ella, pero esto será inevitable cuando Isla en su inocencia termine haciendo a Quinn un poco mas como el chico que era antes de sus quemaduras, y aunque al principio es difícil aceptar la verdad de quien es Quinn esta dispuesta a darse una oportunidad con él, solo que el miedo de Quinn se hará realidad cuando el peligro logre tocarla y puede que destruya todo lo que él ha tratado de proteger.
Esta historia es explosiva y apasionante. La relación de Isla y Quinn es rápida e intensa, él es protector y aunque es un gruñón solo Isla logra llegar a él, Isla es dulce y tan inocente, la perfecta contraparte de Quinn lo que los hace el uno para el otro. La familia de Quinn es genial sus hermanos están locos y reí con sus interacciones, y a pesar de que los momentos eran intensos ellos lograban hacerme sonreír. Y la hermana de Isla y su sobrino me encantaron, Brooke es una pequeña bola de energía y a pesar de sus temores apoya a su hermana y quiere que sea feliz, y cuando llega el momento de nombrar al padrino de Henry, es la culminación de la aceptación de la relación de su hermana, la guinda del pastel. Yo disfruto del romance oscuro y este fue uno muy entretenido, estaré muy pendiente del libro que esta por venir de esta serie porque si este fue así de explosivo se que el que viene lo será igualmente o puede que más. ¡Total, y Absolutamente Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a Katie Ashley y a The Next Step PR por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
April 17, 2025
This was just...meh. The basic idea of the plot was decent - I'm a sucker for a stripper/opposites attract type of book, the writing was simplistic but not terrible even though people do NOT talk the way these characters do, the plot was pretty thin, and I just got bored more than I should have. It was very easy to put down. And there were a few things that just grated after a while.
1) Lack of consistency in the storytelling from a purely practical standpoint. For instance, in one scene where the baby is being held by the heroine, the heroine threw up her hands - as in plural. Did she throw the baby? Then she rubbed her arms (again, plural) all while she held her nephew. And then he's mentioned again.
2) The mood swings of the heroine and especially her sister, to the point that I began to think both of them were bipolar. They would be shrieking like harpies in one sentence, then teasing and laughing the next. By the end of the book, I was so tired of this. Especially when the heroine goes missing and her sister shows up and is shrieking and sobbing and then falling dramatically to the floor...after her sister missed a few phone calls.
3) The hero never - and I mean never fought for her. Granted, based on point #2, I began to think he'd be better off without the unhinged duo, but still, this supposed mafia man, the tough guy, the beast, the scarred enforcer, just packs it up and walks away with his tail between his legs. Every. Single. Time. She is always chasing after him to smooth over (what are often) his own mistakes. Even after the kidnapping mentioned in the summary - that doesn't happen until the end of the book. She tells him to go away and he does. All the way to another country. Where she eventually follows.
4) The kidnapping AKA the Third Act Breakup. I don't automatically hate a third act breakup, if it's done well, but this was not done well. It would've fit better after the weird Kellan connection (that was a stupid plot on its own - why didn't he just talk to his compassionate sister-in-law instead of fake-terrorizing and then paying someone he doesn't know?), when the hero didn't bother to take her side or even find out her side before she was interrogated. But nope, instead that's one of the moments he tucked tail and she came after him. This breakup was so stupid. You capitulate to the evil man who threatened your family because you think he's honorable enough to keep his word? Girl, please. Tell the rival family what happened, let them protect you and your family to eradicate the threat, and get on with your life.
5) The stupid resolution. So she chases him - again - and finds him in another country, just in time for the villain to grab her and threaten her and the ultimate showdown to happen.
6) And finally, when you spell your own character's names wrong, I have a fairly low tolerance for that lack of attention or pride in your work. The clipart that was tagged to the wrong character didn't help.
Even with this, I was mildly interested in the hero's sister's story and debated on giving it a try in hopes that the writing and characterizations were polished up a bit, but one glance at reviews says there's a pointless third act breakup in that one, too, so I'll pass.
1) Lack of consistency in the storytelling from a purely practical standpoint. For instance, in one scene where the baby is being held by the heroine, the heroine threw up her hands - as in plural. Did she throw the baby? Then she rubbed her arms (again, plural) all while she held her nephew. And then he's mentioned again.
2) The mood swings of the heroine and especially her sister, to the point that I began to think both of them were bipolar. They would be shrieking like harpies in one sentence, then teasing and laughing the next. By the end of the book, I was so tired of this. Especially when the heroine goes missing and her sister shows up and is shrieking and sobbing and then falling dramatically to the floor...after her sister missed a few phone calls.
3) The hero never - and I mean never fought for her. Granted, based on point #2, I began to think he'd be better off without the unhinged duo, but still, this supposed mafia man, the tough guy, the beast, the scarred enforcer, just packs it up and walks away with his tail between his legs. Every. Single. Time. She is always chasing after him to smooth over (what are often) his own mistakes. Even after the kidnapping mentioned in the summary - that doesn't happen until the end of the book. She tells him to go away and he does. All the way to another country. Where she eventually follows.
4) The kidnapping AKA the Third Act Breakup. I don't automatically hate a third act breakup, if it's done well, but this was not done well. It would've fit better after the weird Kellan connection (that was a stupid plot on its own - why didn't he just talk to his compassionate sister-in-law instead of fake-terrorizing and then paying someone he doesn't know?), when the hero didn't bother to take her side or even find out her side before she was interrogated. But nope, instead that's one of the moments he tucked tail and she came after him. This breakup was so stupid. You capitulate to the evil man who threatened your family because you think he's honorable enough to keep his word? Girl, please. Tell the rival family what happened, let them protect you and your family to eradicate the threat, and get on with your life.
5) The stupid resolution. So she chases him - again - and finds him in another country, just in time for the villain to grab her and threaten her and the ultimate showdown to happen.
6) And finally, when you spell your own character's names wrong, I have a fairly low tolerance for that lack of attention or pride in your work. The clipart that was tagged to the wrong character didn't help.
Even with this, I was mildly interested in the hero's sister's story and debated on giving it a try in hopes that the writing and characterizations were polished up a bit, but one glance at reviews says there's a pointless third act breakup in that one, too, so I'll pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Ugh I’m so sad that Quinn’s book was just a joke at this point. I wish I liked it but there were so many things that were just too stupid. I’m only giving it two stars because I still liked the family dynamics of the Kavanaughs.
Where to start…? Spoilers ahead.
So needless to say, this was incredibly disappointing. I don’t want to read any more.
Where to start…? Spoilers ahead.
So needless to say, this was incredibly disappointing. I don’t want to read any more.
August 14, 2024
Quinn Kavanaugh is a big, burly, scarred enforcer for his family. The last two years have marked him in more ways than one and he has become more of a broody loner wracked with guilt. He is used to his life in the darkness.
Isla was a competitive dancer, teaches pole classes, and is in grad school. Her past has also broken her in some ways and left her with responsibilities so she is auditioning for a job at Alainn, the strip club owned by the Kavanaugh family. She is intelligent, sweet, naive, caring, and pure sunshine.
An intense meeting with surprises for both of them. A woman who is more fascinated than repulsed by his scars and a man willing to teach a potential dancer how to properly do a lap dance. A connection they never saw coming and one that they know should be resisted. But the more they know, the more they like and appreciate about the other. She sees the worth of the man under the Beast and he knows just how to make her feel both physically and emotionally. And she is the only woman who has made him react, care, and become protective and possessive. Despite the surprise and concern of their families, these two have a bond that just seems to get stronger. And some difficult situations only increase the intensity.
I love a broken big man with a big heart and Quinn is so protective, possessive, intense, and insatiable around her. He does not feel worthy but is willing to prove he is. He worships her in all the ways. But they live in a dangerous world and perceptions can cause drama and there are always underlying threats to be concerned about. And even though she is brave and bold, she is not used to this dark world and has people in her own life that she needs to protect.
This is a passionate love story set in the darker world of the Irish mafia, a strip club, and a few other interesting locations. There is suspense, drama, spice, emotional growth, and dealing with demons. But there is also wit, banter, and a grumpy-sunshine vibe. I loved the nods to Beauty and the Beast and Pretty Woman. I liked getting more with his brothers and Caterina. And her sister, Brooke is sassy and outspoken. I am looking forward to more in this series with this family. There seem to be plenty of stories that will be interesting.
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Isla was a competitive dancer, teaches pole classes, and is in grad school. Her past has also broken her in some ways and left her with responsibilities so she is auditioning for a job at Alainn, the strip club owned by the Kavanaugh family. She is intelligent, sweet, naive, caring, and pure sunshine.
An intense meeting with surprises for both of them. A woman who is more fascinated than repulsed by his scars and a man willing to teach a potential dancer how to properly do a lap dance. A connection they never saw coming and one that they know should be resisted. But the more they know, the more they like and appreciate about the other. She sees the worth of the man under the Beast and he knows just how to make her feel both physically and emotionally. And she is the only woman who has made him react, care, and become protective and possessive. Despite the surprise and concern of their families, these two have a bond that just seems to get stronger. And some difficult situations only increase the intensity.
I love a broken big man with a big heart and Quinn is so protective, possessive, intense, and insatiable around her. He does not feel worthy but is willing to prove he is. He worships her in all the ways. But they live in a dangerous world and perceptions can cause drama and there are always underlying threats to be concerned about. And even though she is brave and bold, she is not used to this dark world and has people in her own life that she needs to protect.
This is a passionate love story set in the darker world of the Irish mafia, a strip club, and a few other interesting locations. There is suspense, drama, spice, emotional growth, and dealing with demons. But there is also wit, banter, and a grumpy-sunshine vibe. I loved the nods to Beauty and the Beast and Pretty Woman. I liked getting more with his brothers and Caterina. And her sister, Brooke is sassy and outspoken. I am looking forward to more in this series with this family. There seem to be plenty of stories that will be interesting.
June 26, 2025
„The Irish Rogues Mafia Family – Dust to Dust“ von Katie Ashley ist der zweite Band ihrer packenden Mafia Romance Reihe, in dem diesmal die Schöne das Biest retten muss.
Nach einem Anschlag auf seine Familie mit einer Autobombe hat Quinn nicht nur seinen besten Freund verloren, sondern ist auch äußerlich und innerlich schwer gezeichnet. Als Vollstrecker seines irischen Mafiaclans ist Quinn als eiskaltes Monster berüchtigt und nie hätte er gedacht, dass eine Frau sein versteinertes Herz zum Bröckeln bringen könnte. Doch genau dies passiert, als die unschuldige und äußerst verlockende Isla in seinem Stripclub vortanzt. Isla berührt nicht nur Quinns Narben ohne Scheu, sondern auch seine innersten Gefühle, die in Gegenwart des wunderschönen Engels zum Leben erwachen. Aber gleichzeitig sind da auch diese Ängste, dass Quinn Isla mit in den düsteren Abgrund ziehen könnte, der sein Leben ausmacht.
Katie Ashley schafft mit ihrer Mafia Romance genau die richtige Balance zwischen Spannung, Romantik und Spice, so dass es nie zu düster, kitschig oder langweilig wird. Die mitreißende Handlung und die sympathischen, aber morally grey Charaktere konnten mich schon im Vorgängerteil überzeugen. Gerade Quinn hat so viele Facetten und entspricht überhaupt nicht dem ersten äußeren Eindruck, was schon im berührenden Prolog deutlich wird.
Isla hat mich oft zum Lachen gebracht, denn sie ist zugegebenermaßen ziemlich behütet und naiv. Jetzt stolpert sie in ein Leben, dessen Abgründe sie gar nicht einschätzen kann, und trotzdem geht sie Quinn zuliebe unglaubliche Risiken ein. Es ist eigentlich nicht möglich, sie nicht total liebenswert zu finden, wie ja auch unser skrupelloser Vollstrecker erkennen muss.
Quinns bedrohliche Ausstrahlung verbirgt seine sensiblen und verletzlichen Seiten, die einen wirklich dahinschmelzen lassen. Er ist ein Biest mit einem riesigen Herzen und für die Menschen, die er liebt, würde er einfach alles riskieren.
Düsternis trifft auf Licht und Hoffnung und auch mit all ihren Gegensätzen sind Isla und Quinn ein Perfect Match. Ihre Liebe trotzt allen Gefahren und wir dürfen bis zum Schluss mitfiebern, ob es auch hier ein Happy End geben wird.
Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe eine klare Leseempfehlung!
Nach einem Anschlag auf seine Familie mit einer Autobombe hat Quinn nicht nur seinen besten Freund verloren, sondern ist auch äußerlich und innerlich schwer gezeichnet. Als Vollstrecker seines irischen Mafiaclans ist Quinn als eiskaltes Monster berüchtigt und nie hätte er gedacht, dass eine Frau sein versteinertes Herz zum Bröckeln bringen könnte. Doch genau dies passiert, als die unschuldige und äußerst verlockende Isla in seinem Stripclub vortanzt. Isla berührt nicht nur Quinns Narben ohne Scheu, sondern auch seine innersten Gefühle, die in Gegenwart des wunderschönen Engels zum Leben erwachen. Aber gleichzeitig sind da auch diese Ängste, dass Quinn Isla mit in den düsteren Abgrund ziehen könnte, der sein Leben ausmacht.
Katie Ashley schafft mit ihrer Mafia Romance genau die richtige Balance zwischen Spannung, Romantik und Spice, so dass es nie zu düster, kitschig oder langweilig wird. Die mitreißende Handlung und die sympathischen, aber morally grey Charaktere konnten mich schon im Vorgängerteil überzeugen. Gerade Quinn hat so viele Facetten und entspricht überhaupt nicht dem ersten äußeren Eindruck, was schon im berührenden Prolog deutlich wird.
Isla hat mich oft zum Lachen gebracht, denn sie ist zugegebenermaßen ziemlich behütet und naiv. Jetzt stolpert sie in ein Leben, dessen Abgründe sie gar nicht einschätzen kann, und trotzdem geht sie Quinn zuliebe unglaubliche Risiken ein. Es ist eigentlich nicht möglich, sie nicht total liebenswert zu finden, wie ja auch unser skrupelloser Vollstrecker erkennen muss.
Quinns bedrohliche Ausstrahlung verbirgt seine sensiblen und verletzlichen Seiten, die einen wirklich dahinschmelzen lassen. Er ist ein Biest mit einem riesigen Herzen und für die Menschen, die er liebt, würde er einfach alles riskieren.
Düsternis trifft auf Licht und Hoffnung und auch mit all ihren Gegensätzen sind Isla und Quinn ein Perfect Match. Ihre Liebe trotzt allen Gefahren und wir dürfen bis zum Schluss mitfiebern, ob es auch hier ein Happy End geben wird.
Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe eine klare Leseempfehlung!
August 17, 2024
Dust to Dust: A Dark Mafia,
Grumpy/Sunshine Romance
Irish Rogue Series
By Katie Ashley
Dust to Dust is the second book in the Kavanaugh Irish Rogue series.
This author begins Dust to Dust with a huge BANG!! a car explosion that ends up with Quinn Kavanaugh his cousin Rian in the midst of the explosion, Quinn is burned and Rian does not make it! That is quite an opener. Quinn has had two years healing and although his scars on the outside have healed, his inner scars…not so much!
He wasn’t always a “monster” but he used his scars to make sure people know he is hard and he has a temper. At least until the day he went into his family night Club Alainn to interview Isla Vaughan.
Isla Vaughan and her sister Brooke had lost their parents in a car accident a few years ago, Isla carried a lot of weight in regards to the accident. She was bound and determined to not just finish of her education but to get Brooke back in school. Right now though she needed a job. She would do anything to keep their little family safe and secure.
To say that Quinn fell first is an understatement, Quinn fell the moment he saw Isla….but this girl, she saw his scars, she saw his eyes and she saw the real Quinn…..she might have been a few hours behind them.
They clicked, the chemical attration was beyond, the spice was at an off the chart level. He was going to protect her and her family. After all he was the family enforcer, the Monster!
But this is the Irish mob and they are currently having issues with the local Bratva and this was why Quinn tried to hold back.
Author Katie Ashley has given readers a story and flies and has pages turning. Where love begins, where truths are learned and where no matter how hard you try it might all fall apart. Right until the last chapters she had me either smiling at these two as their love for each other grows or ready to scream when the curtain comes down! The story arch works and Quinn’s character is fantastic, these two only make each other better. I’m giving Dust to Dust 5 stars for the pure enjoyment I got out of this book
Grumpy/Sunshine Romance
Irish Rogue Series
By Katie Ashley
Dust to Dust is the second book in the Kavanaugh Irish Rogue series.
This author begins Dust to Dust with a huge BANG!! a car explosion that ends up with Quinn Kavanaugh his cousin Rian in the midst of the explosion, Quinn is burned and Rian does not make it! That is quite an opener. Quinn has had two years healing and although his scars on the outside have healed, his inner scars…not so much!
He wasn’t always a “monster” but he used his scars to make sure people know he is hard and he has a temper. At least until the day he went into his family night Club Alainn to interview Isla Vaughan.
Isla Vaughan and her sister Brooke had lost their parents in a car accident a few years ago, Isla carried a lot of weight in regards to the accident. She was bound and determined to not just finish of her education but to get Brooke back in school. Right now though she needed a job. She would do anything to keep their little family safe and secure.
To say that Quinn fell first is an understatement, Quinn fell the moment he saw Isla….but this girl, she saw his scars, she saw his eyes and she saw the real Quinn…..she might have been a few hours behind them.
They clicked, the chemical attration was beyond, the spice was at an off the chart level. He was going to protect her and her family. After all he was the family enforcer, the Monster!
But this is the Irish mob and they are currently having issues with the local Bratva and this was why Quinn tried to hold back.
Author Katie Ashley has given readers a story and flies and has pages turning. Where love begins, where truths are learned and where no matter how hard you try it might all fall apart. Right until the last chapters she had me either smiling at these two as their love for each other grows or ready to scream when the curtain comes down! The story arch works and Quinn’s character is fantastic, these two only make each other better. I’m giving Dust to Dust 5 stars for the pure enjoyment I got out of this book
January 18, 2025
3,5 stars
I liked the book, it wasn't bad but It also wasn't the best mafia romance I've read.
My biggest issue was with the blurb. Like, if it says the heroine is going to be kidnapped and hast PTSD from it and its the biggest problem for the love story to develop, I expect said kidnapping to happen at least in the first half of the book. But no, it happened, at the end. Like the very end (80%) of the story. Isla had trauma from her parents accident so, if wanted to write about PTSD or trauma, there was a lot to work with. Quinn, with his accident, also had his fair share of traumatic past (paired with his fathers shitty parenting), and while it was more cemented, there wasn't much depth to it. And having all that to work with, Instead they had to create some nonsense bullshit misscomunication and some weak threats to create drama (for real, had isla told Quinn about the threat over her sister and nephew he would've killed Mikita sooner and could've protected her family, it was unnecessary drama). I know I'm rambling, but I was so frustrated with the "I trusted you and you cheated with my brother" shit I needed to vent.
Nontheless, I liked the book, I mean, I enjoyed it as a light mafia romance, I liked Isla being a scientist and a bombshell and Quinn being the enforcer and big bad guy (he wasn't, he was a softie on the inside).
something that also irked me a bit is the way it's all or nothing with them. I mean, I love when the MMC is a real alpha possessive asshole and is willing to kill anyone who touches his girl, but the FMC falling so hard with all the red flags... I just expected someone as smart as Isla to at least be a bit more skeptical and slow down . Anyway, I appreciated her trying to be financially independent and taking care of her family with everything she had, but it still felt like they were moving too fast.
Overall, it's not bad, but I'm reading the next one without expecting much (not in terms of plot, but the way it's written sometimes bugged me, it had some miner mistakes that could've being prevented with were editing).
I liked the book, it wasn't bad but It also wasn't the best mafia romance I've read.
My biggest issue was with the blurb. Like, if it says the heroine is going to be kidnapped and hast PTSD from it and its the biggest problem for the love story to develop, I expect said kidnapping to happen at least in the first half of the book. But no, it happened, at the end. Like the very end (80%) of the story. Isla had trauma from her parents accident so, if wanted to write about PTSD or trauma, there was a lot to work with. Quinn, with his accident, also had his fair share of traumatic past (paired with his fathers shitty parenting), and while it was more cemented, there wasn't much depth to it. And having all that to work with, Instead they had to create some nonsense bullshit misscomunication and some weak threats to create drama (for real, had isla told Quinn about the threat over her sister and nephew he would've killed Mikita sooner and could've protected her family, it was unnecessary drama). I know I'm rambling, but I was so frustrated with the "I trusted you and you cheated with my brother" shit I needed to vent.
Nontheless, I liked the book, I mean, I enjoyed it as a light mafia romance, I liked Isla being a scientist and a bombshell and Quinn being the enforcer and big bad guy (he wasn't, he was a softie on the inside).
something that also irked me a bit is the way it's all or nothing with them. I mean, I love when the MMC is a real alpha possessive asshole and is willing to kill anyone who touches his girl, but the FMC falling so hard with all the red flags... I just expected someone as smart as Isla to at least be a bit more skeptical and slow down . Anyway, I appreciated her trying to be financially independent and taking care of her family with everything she had, but it still felt like they were moving too fast.
Overall, it's not bad, but I'm reading the next one without expecting much (not in terms of plot, but the way it's written sometimes bugged me, it had some miner mistakes that could've being prevented with were editing).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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