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Danger by Association #1
Marius Gray
When Bayou Charm Meets the French Mafia and the Cost of of Blood Comes Due...Who Will Pay the Price?
When Céline began having behavioral issues in her freshman year of high school, her father whisked her away to Canada to spend some time with her Aunt. Two years of soul searching (aka amateur sleuthing with her investigative journalist Aunt) later, Céline and her father decide the best move for them is to head back to Louisiana so she can finish out high school where she started it, in the city she loves.
Marius Gray is the young heir to the entire Gray Family Empire, the current most powerful French crime syndicate known to man. His rival dealt a devastating blow to their organization that made him and his family have to uproot from their plush life in Lyon, France and relocate. New Orleans promises strong alliances and safety until they get their affairs in order to be able to return home to Lyon. Marius plans to regroup, rebuild, and use this time wisely to make important connections at the International High School of New Orleans.
When two worlds collide, Marius will have to decide if he's going to be the cold-hearted son of a Mobster King that he was raised to be, or if he'll compromise everything he's ever known to become a better man for the spitfire of a woman who seems to defy him at every turn.
Céline will wage mental and emotional warfare between what she believes to be true and what she hopes is possible in the man whose stone facade cracks just enough for her to see what they could be together. When tragedy strikes, will she be able to find safety from corruption or will she fall prey to her grief and the war between crime lords?
Will Céline be able to escape this looming darkness before it consumes her?
Will Marius be strong enough to overcome it?
And what will be the cost if the darkness proves stronger and more cunning than them both?
When Céline began having behavioral issues in her freshman year of high school, her father whisked her away to Canada to spend some time with her Aunt. Two years of soul searching (aka amateur sleuthing with her investigative journalist Aunt) later, Céline and her father decide the best move for them is to head back to Louisiana so she can finish out high school where she started it, in the city she loves.
Marius Gray is the young heir to the entire Gray Family Empire, the current most powerful French crime syndicate known to man. His rival dealt a devastating blow to their organization that made him and his family have to uproot from their plush life in Lyon, France and relocate. New Orleans promises strong alliances and safety until they get their affairs in order to be able to return home to Lyon. Marius plans to regroup, rebuild, and use this time wisely to make important connections at the International High School of New Orleans.
When two worlds collide, Marius will have to decide if he's going to be the cold-hearted son of a Mobster King that he was raised to be, or if he'll compromise everything he's ever known to become a better man for the spitfire of a woman who seems to defy him at every turn.
Céline will wage mental and emotional warfare between what she believes to be true and what she hopes is possible in the man whose stone facade cracks just enough for her to see what they could be together. When tragedy strikes, will she be able to find safety from corruption or will she fall prey to her grief and the war between crime lords?
Will Céline be able to escape this looming darkness before it consumes her?
Will Marius be strong enough to overcome it?
And what will be the cost if the darkness proves stronger and more cunning than them both?
- GenresMafia Romance
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2024
5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 17, 2024
I very rarely wish for a book 2. I liked the characters and the plot. The banter between all 4 main characters was top notch. While I could guess some parts coming, I couldn't guess others. I desperately await the continuation of Celine and Marius's story. There are so many unanswered questions. I love that the friends are good friends. Quin and Remi are both great. It's nice to read about characters with fantastic support systems. All the characters are likable and interesting. I will be first in line to read the second book. While Celine had never properly dealt with her past, she is still a kind and caring person. I love that Marius is complex but not overly unkind. He's not used to showing any emotion, but he isn't cruel for the sake of being cruel. I can only hope the second book is as great as the first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
This was my first time reading a mafia romance and I am intrigued by what Taylor has in store for us in the next book.
A lot of the reasoning behind my 3 star rating has to do with personal preference. I don’t often enjoy YA romance or stories told in first person, present tense. My enjoyment was also hindered by the poor editing with dialogue punctuation. My editor brain couldn’t stay engaged with the story. I did read an ARC so there’s a good chance the final version is in better shape.
Now for the positives: I liked the main characters well enough and thought the story itself was well paced and balanced between the 2 POVs. Taylor does a great job at balancing the serious tones of the story with witty, swoon-worthy banter and plenty of humor. I’m also OBSESSED with the best friend character Quinn and would like to hang out with her in the French Quarter immediately. I thought Taylor did an awesome job with the setting. I felt like I was walking the streets of NOLA myself and I always appreciate an immersive setting.
I look forward to the next installment and I think Taylor has great potential!
A lot of the reasoning behind my 3 star rating has to do with personal preference. I don’t often enjoy YA romance or stories told in first person, present tense. My enjoyment was also hindered by the poor editing with dialogue punctuation. My editor brain couldn’t stay engaged with the story. I did read an ARC so there’s a good chance the final version is in better shape.
Now for the positives: I liked the main characters well enough and thought the story itself was well paced and balanced between the 2 POVs. Taylor does a great job at balancing the serious tones of the story with witty, swoon-worthy banter and plenty of humor. I’m also OBSESSED with the best friend character Quinn and would like to hang out with her in the French Quarter immediately. I thought Taylor did an awesome job with the setting. I felt like I was walking the streets of NOLA myself and I always appreciate an immersive setting.
I look forward to the next installment and I think Taylor has great potential!
October 15, 2024
First thoughts…
If Gossip Girl had a French Mafia exchange student who was also a spy for his mother’s organisation.
Good thoughts…
Mafia thriller
Romantic tension
Danger
Romantic tension
Plans derailed
By romantic tension
Not good thoughts…
Since this is an honest review, here’s why it lost a star.
The MMC was pretty consistent in maturity, but the FMC fluctuated quite a lot for my liking. This is YA, but it felt on the lower end of YA for an MC that’s 18. But this didn’t stop me enjoying the rest and it’s more a comment so readers can be prepared.
I also found the backstories a bit too vague in the beginning when we should be getting to know the characters and why they are the way they are. Again, this is my personal taste on characters going into a new story, so take it for what it is, my simple and honest opinion.
Random thoughts…
J'adore le français 😍 And though I suck at speaking it, I can read it somewhat ok, so it was fun to read in the book. It also had a glossary of important expressions or the narration translated when necessary.
Final thoughts...
Did I enjoy this? Yes. Am I invested in these characters? Yes. Would I recommend it? Obviously.
If Gossip Girl had a French Mafia exchange student who was also a spy for his mother’s organisation.
Good thoughts…
Mafia thriller
Romantic tension
Danger
Romantic tension
Plans derailed
By romantic tension
Not good thoughts…
Since this is an honest review, here’s why it lost a star.
The MMC was pretty consistent in maturity, but the FMC fluctuated quite a lot for my liking. This is YA, but it felt on the lower end of YA for an MC that’s 18. But this didn’t stop me enjoying the rest and it’s more a comment so readers can be prepared.
I also found the backstories a bit too vague in the beginning when we should be getting to know the characters and why they are the way they are. Again, this is my personal taste on characters going into a new story, so take it for what it is, my simple and honest opinion.
Random thoughts…
J'adore le français 😍 And though I suck at speaking it, I can read it somewhat ok, so it was fun to read in the book. It also had a glossary of important expressions or the narration translated when necessary.
Final thoughts...
Did I enjoy this? Yes. Am I invested in these characters? Yes. Would I recommend it? Obviously.
July 17, 2024
This book...I've never read a mafia book, and I feel like this was the perfect introduction to the genre.
The female main character was really relatable, and I felt pulled in immediately by her unwitting charm.
The meet-cute was adorable.
The mystery of our male main character was peeled back in layers that kept me wanting more. The plot that unfolded was spectacular in my opinion.
I love the progression of the story and characters and even in the end, the author was still building the characters and their backstory and setting things up for the next book which left me wanting more, immediately.
If you are contemplating trying this genre, I recommend you start here because it was perfect!
The female main character was really relatable, and I felt pulled in immediately by her unwitting charm.
The meet-cute was adorable.
The mystery of our male main character was peeled back in layers that kept me wanting more. The plot that unfolded was spectacular in my opinion.
I love the progression of the story and characters and even in the end, the author was still building the characters and their backstory and setting things up for the next book which left me wanting more, immediately.
If you are contemplating trying this genre, I recommend you start here because it was perfect!
July 6, 2024
As an ARC reader for this debut novel by S. J. Taylor I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I began. Immediately, I fell in love with the Female Main Character, Celine, and the Lead Male Protagonist, Marius. I ate this book up! Very well-written, easy-to-read, fast-paced, and engaging scenes chapter to chapter. I didn’t even want to put the book down!!! I cannot wait until it’s release day to be able to purchase this book and own it as a physical trophy within my library. I will definitely be rereading this one and annotating it through out!
July 8, 2024
O.M.G. I don't know what I thought I was in for, but it wasn't this. I was so excited to be able to read this book by a debut author.
This was AMAZING. I cannot believe how attached I got to the characters. I read the second half of the book in one sitting in about 4 hours. It's that good.
The best part, is that you get it all, but without the spice, so it's good for all of you readers out there that want a little mafia in your life without all the heat!
I highly encourage you to pick this one up. I can't wait to read the next installment!
This was AMAZING. I cannot believe how attached I got to the characters. I read the second half of the book in one sitting in about 4 hours. It's that good.
The best part, is that you get it all, but without the spice, so it's good for all of you readers out there that want a little mafia in your life without all the heat!
I highly encourage you to pick this one up. I can't wait to read the next installment!
July 18, 2024
The Price of Innocence is a cracking read that'll keep you up well past bedtime!
S J you a did bang-up job crafting this! What sets this book apart is how it tackles some heavy themes. The way you handle Céline's trauma and her journey to confront her fears is bloody brilliant. It's not all doom and gloom though - there are plenty of witty exchanges and lighter moments to balance things out. Quinn, is an absolute riot by the way!
What I love the most is you've kept it authentic while also giving the reader the French translations etc, so we don't find ourselves reaching for Google Translate haha. But honestly, it adds to the authenticity of the story. Five stars!
S J you a did bang-up job crafting this! What sets this book apart is how it tackles some heavy themes. The way you handle Céline's trauma and her journey to confront her fears is bloody brilliant. It's not all doom and gloom though - there are plenty of witty exchanges and lighter moments to balance things out. Quinn, is an absolute riot by the way!
What I love the most is you've kept it authentic while also giving the reader the French translations etc, so we don't find ourselves reaching for Google Translate haha. But honestly, it adds to the authenticity of the story. Five stars!
December 31, 2024
Read this in about 4.5 hours and finished around 330 am 😅
I could not put this down. The banter. The interactions. The way I screamed when the slapped him. The way I had to look up every single French sentence so I could hear it properly (not my butchered tries in my head lol).
Now I have a bone to pick with the author. WHAT IS THAT ENDING!? that is not a way to leave us….
Also, the way that he never told her about John Doe and the park… and what he did 😭 the way he made sure that monster could never hurt her or anyone else… the absolute relief I felt 👏🏼
I could not put this down. The banter. The interactions. The way I screamed when the slapped him. The way I had to look up every single French sentence so I could hear it properly (not my butchered tries in my head lol).
Now I have a bone to pick with the author. WHAT IS THAT ENDING!? that is not a way to leave us….
Also, the way that he never told her about John Doe and the park… and what he did 😭 the way he made sure that monster could never hurt her or anyone else… the absolute relief I felt 👏🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
24 hours…I DEVOURED this book in 24 hours…
I am normally a spicy book kinda gal…I want to feel uncomfortable reading in public. But this slow burn had me racing through pages, hanging onto the MMCs words desperately wishing I knew how to speak French. The amount of laughs, smirks, and comedic relief this book also gave made it even more with the read. If you want dangerous new love and a good side of laughter despite the events happening this is the book for you! Can’t wait to read part 2 in March ❤️
I am normally a spicy book kinda gal…I want to feel uncomfortable reading in public. But this slow burn had me racing through pages, hanging onto the MMCs words desperately wishing I knew how to speak French. The amount of laughs, smirks, and comedic relief this book also gave made it even more with the read. If you want dangerous new love and a good side of laughter despite the events happening this is the book for you! Can’t wait to read part 2 in March ❤️
July 9, 2024
I went into this book blind! I was not sure what exactly to expect, however, this was such a great read!
The animosity, the banter, the push and pull of the two main characters is so addicting to read!
This is a cleaner Mafia romance and I highly recommend for those who want to read mafia without the heavy spice.
Great writing!
The animosity, the banter, the push and pull of the two main characters is so addicting to read!
This is a cleaner Mafia romance and I highly recommend for those who want to read mafia without the heavy spice.
Great writing!
July 18, 2024
I cheered and rooted for each character in this advanced reader copy.. CeCe and Marius have a wonderful bonded relationship. They both have lives full of past traumas, and together, they help each other grow and realize they are capable of love.... but their love could be the ultimate sacrifice for one of them ... I cannot wait for Book 2... I need to know what happens.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2024
I don’t really read mafia books because they’re not really my jam. But I CANNOT get enough of this book! The twists and turns and the emotions it evokes…I just love all of it.
October 20, 2024
Absolutely loved this! The cliffhanger was definitely something!! Loved the way the characters developed over the space of the book...and I can't wait to see how it progresses
December 20, 2024
How dare you. I’m going to need book 2 asap! If you’re looking for a cool ya story with a unique plot, check this out!
October 22, 2024
From trauma, emotions, heartbreak, facing fears, mafia, revenge, morally grey mmc, touch her and die, banter, chemistry. This new adult mafia has it all, without the spice. This was the first mafia book I’ve read and I loved it. I loved the main characters, Celine and Marius and the side characters, Quinn and Remi. I can’t wait for the second book in the Danger by Association series to be released!🖤
December 17, 2024
This was the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last. Anything she writes, I am definitely reading.
This book starts with an interesting dual-POV, switching between Marius and Celine. Marius is broodish, mysterious, and at times, can even feel a bit standoff-ish. He seems to get a kick out of Celine's misery, or does he? As Celine and Marius are drawn to each other over and over, they both find themselves tackling questions on how willing they are to get close, and how safe it is to open up. Their feelings about each other can be denied at first, but the tension, the magnetism between these two characters, cannot.
I loved this book and I adored these characters. Reading their POVs was so much fun and I felt like this book went by so fast because I was enjoying it so much. There's banter, laughter, "will they, won't they" and a bit of action, too. I think this book is a great read.
This book starts with an interesting dual-POV, switching between Marius and Celine. Marius is broodish, mysterious, and at times, can even feel a bit standoff-ish. He seems to get a kick out of Celine's misery, or does he? As Celine and Marius are drawn to each other over and over, they both find themselves tackling questions on how willing they are to get close, and how safe it is to open up. Their feelings about each other can be denied at first, but the tension, the magnetism between these two characters, cannot.
I loved this book and I adored these characters. Reading their POVs was so much fun and I felt like this book went by so fast because I was enjoying it so much. There's banter, laughter, "will they, won't they" and a bit of action, too. I think this book is a great read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews