Dangerous Devotion

Sinful Mafia Daddies #4

by Natasha L. Black

"Get on your knees and beg."
The intensity in his gaze made my heart race.

I'm at a shady bar, forced here by my father's gambling debts.
The sinfully hot head of the Marino crime family offers me a job.

Jack Marino.
Feared mob boss. Desired by many. Controlled by none.
Intimidating and ruthless...
I'm trapped in his world with no way out.

I plan my escape, but everything falls apart.
I'm carrying Jack's child.

Jack's powerful enemies now have me.
I need him more than ever, to save me, to promise he’ll protect me.
But when he finds out the secret, I’m carrying...
Will he save me, or will his enemies destroy us both?

Genres: Romance

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2024

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written age gap/mafia romance with strong characters in Jack and Serena. The author does a great job developing the story as she takes you into their lives with chemistry, drama and steam and kept me turning the pages with secrets and danger. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Joy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha this book is HOT! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Five flames is what I give it. Serena is going to school bout has to stop because she wants help her dad. He has a gambling problem and owns money. It doesn’t pay and suffers the consequences. Serena patches him up and ask how much. She has been in this place before. She goes to the bar to talk to the boss about what she can do help her father. She never expected to meet the big boss. Jack Mariano is the head of the Mariano crime family. One of his trusted is having surgery and Jack is there to do the books. He is told someone wants to talk to him. Jack goes out and sees this woman in a red dress all fiery asking him what she do to pay down her father’s debt. Jack was smitten from the time he laid eyes on her. He had to have her but he knew the life he leads is not for everyone. He patiently waits to ask her out. Serena waits tables at the bar and the money goes towards her father’s debt. She wants to continue her studies to become a nurse. Serena is nothing like any woman Jack has ever met. He can’t keep his hands and lips off. They have this fiery connection. Have the pages smoking from its hotness Jack knows he can’t keep her. Serena is studying to be a nurse. One of Jacks men gets shot Serena sets up shop in the back of the bar and removes the bullet. The man she saves is Jacks cousin’s husband. He is the son of the bookie her father owns money. He cut the debt in half saving his sons life. Serena since has patched up a few of Jack’s men. She knew this wouldn’t last. What would she do when the debt is paid. Jack would take her on dates. Things she never expected. He kept the other side of his life away from until he was meeting her at this diner. He was running late with no call or text. He finally sends a message. He walk in but doesn’t seem himself. He is acting weird. She starts asking questions and sees what is going on. She rushes him to the bar and she is scared. Her training kicks in and she sees why they say never operate on your loved ones. She saves him but can’t do this. She can’t have her baby caught up in the life. She wants more for her baby. Jack doesn’t know she is pregnant. She does the ultimate and leaves Jack. She tells him she can’t handle this. Jack has never been in love before. This is hard for him. His cousin Lynne helps him through it. He is mad and angry about how Serena left things. Serena is going for a walk and a car pulls up and grabs her. She wakes up on this concrete floor in the dark. One of the other crime families took Serena and her father to get at Jack. Jack refused to let anything happen to woman he loves. That changed everything. This book was damn good! Natasha you have outdone yourself!! Again I give it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Five Hot Flames!!

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risking it All for Love -
Serena was only looking to get a repayment agreement with her father’s bookie when she went to the bar, but her night ended up different. Jack was only meant to temporarily keep an eye on the bar, but everything changed the moment he laid eyes on Serena. Jack tried everything within his power to stay away from Serena, but his intense attraction for her kept pulling him back, which led to them agreeing to a one time dalliance. However, neither one of them was able to keep their hands of the other after their night together, which drove them to embark on a relationship.

Unfortunately, not long after they settled into their relationship, Serena discovered life changing news and before she could tell Jack about it, he got himself into a near fatal incident, that really shook her to the core. Serena’s fear and insecurities caused her to make a decision that caused both of them pain, which she later realised was a mistake, after Jack rescued her from her own dangerous situation. Even though Serena was happy when she returned to Jack, his discovery of her secret before she could tell him caused friction between them.

As luck would have it, Jack and Serena were not only able to get the chance at a happily ever after, but she also got the opportunity to achieve the goals she had set for her professional life. Wow, this fascinating story had me hooked and on the edge of my seat, whilst eagerly turning the pages and not being able to stop reading until I reached the end. This book deserves to be at the top of your TBD list and a high recommendation to your friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Get on your knees and beg."
The intensity in his gaze made my heart race.

I'm at a shady bar, forced here by my father's gambling debts.
The sinfully hot head of the Marino crime family offers me a job.

Jack Marino.
Feared mob boss. Desired by many. Controlled by none.
Intimidating and ruthless...
I'm trapped in his world with no way out...

This contemporary age-gap mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are ruthless, exude power, brooding, captivating, alpha, dangerous, violent, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with dangerous devotion, mature explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, Jack has powerful enemies, secrets, drama, action, adventure, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, heartfelt emotions, a secret baby, deception, secrets, heartfelt emotions, a planned escape and everything falls apart. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers hearts and attention with dangerous devotion and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a dangerous world that is wild and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good!

Serena is trying to live life and study to be a nurse but things happen and she has more setbacks all the time,mostly cause by her father with gaming, the money he owes the mob. Her father gets into trouble again and he calls her away from work again to come home treat his injuries which she loses her job again,she fines out how much he owes and it's not pocket change,she decides to go to the club that her father owes money to make payment plans withe boss.Jackis at the club and when she talks to Jack,she doesn't realize that she is taking talking to the owner. He falls for her right away which doesn't usually happen to him. She becomes invaluable to him and they fall harder and harder and it's harder for him to be away from him long. She now has a secret but the night she was going to tell him he got hurt.She fixes him up ,but instead of the talk she had planned,she tells him she is leaving him.Jack is hurt,loss.Time goes buy and one Jack's enemies comes after her and her father.Things work out for her and her father but now Jack knows he is going to be a father but now he is hurt because she didn't tell him and he walks out on her.This was really good and it does have a happy ending! I haven't read anything by this author and I wasn't disappointed either.This story is about love,but both Jack and Serena need to trust and talk it out and don't be afraid to listen before judging!

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena is 24, and studying to be a nurse while working as a CAN. She receives a call from her father that will shut things down once again. He has an addiction to gambling, especially with the wrong people who he now owes five figures too. She has been working her tail off to pay his debts. This time, he was badly beaten.

She discovers who he owes the debt with to and decides to go talk to them to see about a payment plan. Jack is the head of his family. He does not condone killing anymore, but still runs a tight ship. When he meets Serena, and why, he decides to have her work in the bar. He cannot stay away from her. After four days, the attraction becomes physical.

She still wants to pay the debt off through working it off via medical care, waitressing, and other jobs. They are hot and heavy. She is ecstatic and he loves her. Then, he gets hurt. She fixes him up but cannot tell him her secret. So, she leaves him. What will it take to get her back? He is devastated! When she is taken by a rival group…what will he do? Will her father and she survive? If she does, will he still want her after finding out her secret? A high heat action-packed fast paced romance!

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The write-up was a little misleading. Never did I feel Serena was trapped, except for the fact that she let her father keep guilting her into paying his debts. The write-up makes it feel like Jack traps her, but it is far from it. He keeps offering her ways out, but she won't take them because she feels she has to work off the debt, honestly. He never tries to blackmail her into a relationship, which is unusual in these types of books. Jack is caring, and even though he gets a little spooked, he doesn't back off of his attraction to Serena. It is Serena who runs when she gets afraid, although that's the reason I took off half a star. I didn't feel that Serena was the type to run from anything, and while I understand her concerns, it didn't feel true to the character that she would just dump Jack and run. Of course, you have to have something that pushes them apart so he can come charging back in to the rescue.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and will read more by this author.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing a semester at nursing school Serena returns home to learn her father has gotten into trouble gambling. She goes to talk to the bookie about a payment plan and meets Jack instead. Jack lets her work in the bar to help with the debt and she also ends up stitching up the bookie's son's leg which earned her half off what her dad owed. Its not long before things heated up between her and Jack. Just when she starts to relax while seeing him Jack gets hurt and its scares her because she just learned that she is pregnant. Will his getting hurt have her ending things? Can they find a way to be together?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Joe Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love this authors work, and this did not disappoint.
Serena and Jack are great characters, chalk and cheese, in the ways they were raised. Jack has wanted for nothing except support. Serena had spent her time bailing out her father. Two very different worlds.
When Serena goes looking for a way to keep her father whole, she comes into Jacks path.
The mob doesn't help those that owe, but one look at Serena and Jack starts going against his judgement.
Their story is a rollercoaster of emotion. They are both put through the ringer and surprises along the way keep them in their toes.
I loved the feeling that flows from the page, the depth of detail, and who doesn't love a happy ending.
I highly recommend this book and author.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing a semester at nursing school Serena heads home to learn her father has gotten into trouble gambling yet again. She feels she has to bail him out yet again, and heads to the bookie about a payment plan and meets mafia boss Jack instead. He gives her a job in the bar, but when she stitches up the bookie's son's leg that earns her some money off her father's debt and more attention from Jack. And they grow closer. The characters are well-written, and the storyline is fast-paced and full of sizzle, steam, action, drama, and more. This was a solid 5 stars from me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book show how much one will do for someone in their family they love. Serena is trying to finish nursing school but has to keep taking semesters off to work full time to pay off her father’s gambling debt. Except this time, the price might be too high. She goes to the bar where she meets Jack who is covering for one of his men while out recovering to try to work out a deal to pay off the debt. And ends up with an unexpected side gig that gets money removed almost immediately. The air almost sizzles between these two as well. This book of full of romance, steam, mafia drama, and family issues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Serena's father is beaten badly because of his gambling debt to the mafia, she goes to the head man to make arrangements to pay it off. She connects with Jack and sparks ignite between them. As they dance around each other Serena is trying to figure a way out and right when she thinks he has one two things happen to her. Will Jack be able to get to her before something bad happens. This story kept me glued to thepages,.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great feel good, Mafia themed book. Not overly dark but drama filled.

When Serena's father is beat up because of gambling debts, she goes to plead his case with Mafia Don, Jack Marino.

Steamy, romantic, with characters loaded with chemistry. I enjoyed the banter between them and it turned sassy at times although the intensity never waned.

A fast paced plot and a gripping story that doesn't let go till the very end.

Very well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Devotion by Natasha L. Black is the exciting story of Jack and Serena. Her dad has massive gambling debts and she keeps digging him out of trouble. Now, she has to do something in person to try to settle the debt…extend the deadline. She meets up with Jack, who is helping out an employee. He is intrigued with Serena…and makes a plan.

Then, she finds out a shock! She has to break all contact with Jack…now, she lives in fear. The danger has stepped up to the top of the ladder and she is about to freefall…Excellent, quick read!

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Devotion: An Age Gap, Secret Baby, Mafia Romance story of Jack and Serena.;He is a mob boss whom her father owed a debt and she will do anything to save and protect him even to work for a dangerous man..She is going to school to be a nurse but because of her father's gambling issues she having a hard time but when she met him and offer to work for him in order to pay her fathers debt she didn't expect to fall for him and to carry his unborn child..can she live her life with danger? read it to find out! An intriguing,intense,steamy with a touch of drama,angst and hea..

[Joan Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devotion

Serena trying to spare her dad life from what he places himself in. Losing jobs after job so she could be there for her dad. She bargain with Jack to do the right thing by not allowing her father to gamble in any of his establishment.
Jack fast talked her into spending one night with him then he will allow her to pay half instead of paying the whole loan at one time.
Deciding to protect her unborn child, Serena made a drastic decision.

Good live story. There is a typo in the epaloge. Lucas was used, but also Luke.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is trying to do a nursing degree but her father is a gambler and they are drowning in debt. She has taken over paying off the debt but it is a lot of money. She goes to a dingy bar to face the mafia head, Jack, otherwise known as Blackjack. He is gorgeous and is attracted to Serena for some reason. She is certainly not like the woman who he usually goes for. Now the action begins. Add in a beautiful woman. A very handsome man. Mafia. A breakup. Guns. Injuries. A capture. A rescue.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I loved the characters and their story. I was all in from the start. Plenty of danger, action, betrayal and chemistry just to name a few things you will love with this book. Highly recommend. These characters have great banter and explosive chemistry that kept me glued to my kindle. Great way to spend the evening enjoying a fantastic book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elisa Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Devotion by author Natasha L. Black. This one was brilliant- filled with so many emotions. Loved that the FMC was sassy as heck. Even when she was terrified, she held her own. The MMC was so damn sexy- he was all alpha male with a touch of vulnerability! So much spice I thought the pages of my kindle were going to go up in flames;).
Enjoy!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jack and Serena’s story. She’s at a shady bar, forced here by her father's gambling debts.
The sinfully hot head of the Marino crime family offers her a job. Jack Marino. Feared mob boss. Desired by many. Controlled by none. Intimidating and ruthless...she’s trapped in his world with no way out. She plans her escape, but everything falls apart. Jack's powerful enemies now have her. It was an intriguing and suspenseful read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What will her devotion cost her in the end

Dangerous Devotion is the story of Serena and Jack. She is put into a situation because of her father's gambling debts. That ends up with her before Jack Marino, the feared head of the family. She is sweet, feisty, smart and is in school to become a nurse. But that all changes with Jack and what he wants in order to save her father. They are sexy, fun, entertaining and have a sparking chemistry that burns white hot.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is a nursing student and Jack is the head of the Marino crime family and they come from different worlds. These two meet when she tries to pay off her dad's gambling debts and sparks fly between them. When her life takes a dangerous turn will their relationship survive? This is a page turning, well written, Mafia romance with danger, suspense, intrigue, steam, and a great storyline. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heart pounding older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Jack and Serena. The story keeps us turning the pages with an unexpected connection, secrets, danger and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written mafia story that absolutely kept me engaged until the very end. Serena comes to plead for a her father and his gambling debts. Jack knows he must make her his. Fast paced storyline with steam, intriguing characters, banter, chemistry, regrets and tension. Definitely a worthwhile read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jurae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serena will do anything to save her father when his debts become out of control. Jack is the one that can save he, but he wants more. He wants her.

Their affair is not meant to be anything other than that, but things change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Serena has to figure out how to pay her dad's gambling debt so she goes to no other than head MOB boss jack Marino, jack knows the minute she comes to him he will do anything to protect her. Will she be able to handle his lifestyle or run from it?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is a nursing student that gets mixed up in her father's gambling debt. Jack is the head of the mafia family. He takes Serena as payment for the debts. Her plans if escape go up in smoke. There is plenty of steam, danger, and action to hold your attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

I really enjoyed this story, the secret baby/mafia storyline was well-written and entertaining. Serena will do anything to protect her father but he has chosen the wrong people to be indebted to with his gambling. She meets Jack when she goes to him to figure out payment for her dad's debt. Good chemistry between them, likable.

[Donna Gomez-Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Devotion I absolutely loved this story. The storyline was so interesting that it completely captivated me and was so intriguing that I couldn’t stop reading it until I finished with the very last word. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an amazing book. Enjoy happy reading 📚

[Letmommyread · Rating 2 out of 5]

drags so much

The story is so slow moving and boring. I am so glad it was short. In the beginning it just felt so rushed , they get together right away like they have some magical attraction, they get together then it just drags. There is too much detail and nothing is happening. I pretty much skimmed through it and knew exactly what was happening the whole time.