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Four Points Mafia #1
It Was Always You
Owen
I’ll protect her even if it’s the last thing I do…and it just might be.
Cora Montgomery was better off with me as her unseen protector, but now, everything has changed. She needs me to keep her safe as she claims her place in this mafia world, and nothing is going to stop me from making her mine.
Not even the death threats hanging over her head.
Cora
I won’t go down without a fight, even if it seals my fate…and it just might.
As I pave my way in this newly unveiled mafia world as the daughter of the Boss of the Four Points Mafia, skeletons long buried are coming out to haunt us all.
It’s a race against the clock to stop a war that could kill us all from breaking out.
Will the cost I have to pay be something I can withstand?
It Was Always You is book one in the Four Points Mafia series and can be read as a standalone.
I’ll protect her even if it’s the last thing I do…and it just might be.
Cora Montgomery was better off with me as her unseen protector, but now, everything has changed. She needs me to keep her safe as she claims her place in this mafia world, and nothing is going to stop me from making her mine.
Not even the death threats hanging over her head.
Cora
I won’t go down without a fight, even if it seals my fate…and it just might.
As I pave my way in this newly unveiled mafia world as the daughter of the Boss of the Four Points Mafia, skeletons long buried are coming out to haunt us all.
It’s a race against the clock to stop a war that could kill us all from breaking out.
Will the cost I have to pay be something I can withstand?
It Was Always You is book one in the Four Points Mafia series and can be read as a standalone.
200 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2024
17 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Jade
4 books42 followersShannon Jade is an indie romance author and a lover of all things dark and twisted. She resides in Northern Ireland, is a full time cat mum and when she's not writing she can often be found with her Kindle in hand or travelling the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
on-hold
September 1, 2025On hold at 17%
I think the concept was okay, but everything is moving too quickly. I'm at 17%, and these are already given:
- The FMC found out her boyfriend of 7 years is cheating on her.
- The MC's history when they were teens and studying at a boarding school
- In the present time, the FMC was attacked by someone from a rival organization. She was saved before anything worse happened, was brought to a penthouse, and met her father that she didn't know existed, and apparently he's a mob boss.
- Oh, she and the MMC finally met again after five years (they're both 22).
This is a lot of information thrown into just a few chapters, and I'm not a fan of this pacing. I think I would've enjoyed it if it were fleshed out or had more depth. Imo, it's important to spend some time on the background setup to make the overall story better. The rapid-fire revelation doesn't really allow for much emotional investment. 🫣
Might come back to it at some point, as I read this has a virgin hero.
I think the concept was okay, but everything is moving too quickly. I'm at 17%, and these are already given:
- The FMC found out her boyfriend of 7 years is cheating on her.
- The MC's history when they were teens and studying at a boarding school
- In the present time, the FMC was attacked by someone from a rival organization. She was saved before anything worse happened, was brought to a penthouse, and met her father that she didn't know existed, and apparently he's a mob boss.
- Oh, she and the MMC finally met again after five years (they're both 22).
This is a lot of information thrown into just a few chapters, and I'm not a fan of this pacing. I think I would've enjoyed it if it were fleshed out or had more depth. Imo, it's important to spend some time on the background setup to make the overall story better. The rapid-fire revelation doesn't really allow for much emotional investment. 🫣
Might come back to it at some point, as I read this has a virgin hero.
August 15, 2024
This was a new to me author and a unique take on a Mafia Romance. It actually gave me some New Adult vibes which is not too common in the Mafia sub-genre.
I found the premise to be interesting and I was excited to see how this couple was going to get together. It was a fast read and I think if you also want to try something different, it could be a worthwhile read for you.
For me, I found most of the characters to be unrealistic and almost.. too young. They may have been in a Mafia world but everyone felt very "soft" and I was missing the edge that I crave in my dark romance.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
I found the premise to be interesting and I was excited to see how this couple was going to get together. It was a fast read and I think if you also want to try something different, it could be a worthwhile read for you.
For me, I found most of the characters to be unrealistic and almost.. too young. They may have been in a Mafia world but everyone felt very "soft" and I was missing the edge that I crave in my dark romance.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
July 18, 2025
I liked this. It was an easy read. But these men were too soft and sweet for me to truly believe they were part of the mafia 😅
The plot might've felt more believable if it hadn't moved so quickly. Owen repeatedly saying he'd protect Cora or kill anyone who hurt her seemed rather pointless, especially since she kept finding herself in dangerous situations anyway.
I'm excited to read Logan and Abigail's book because he doesn't seem TOO sweet, so I'm hoping I'll enjoy it more.
The plot might've felt more believable if it hadn't moved so quickly. Owen repeatedly saying he'd protect Cora or kill anyone who hurt her seemed rather pointless, especially since she kept finding herself in dangerous situations anyway.
I'm excited to read Logan and Abigail's book because he doesn't seem TOO sweet, so I'm hoping I'll enjoy it more.
July 30, 2024
I love this book. I loved every character except for Angus. Once you read, you will understand
Owen oh my owen he added to my list he simp for Cora I'm simp for him oh lordy I am simp for him and kind of simp for her Jonathan I'm so curious about him he is Cora dad 😍🤤 I'm excited for the next book & future books thank you so much for writing this amazing book
Owen oh my owen he added to my list he simp for Cora I'm simp for him oh lordy I am simp for him and kind of simp for her Jonathan I'm so curious about him he is Cora dad 😍🤤 I'm excited for the next book & future books thank you so much for writing this amazing book
April 11, 2025
Note: After finishing this review I checked and found out this is the author’s first work. So please take this into consideration.
Some parts were no more than 3 stars, some good 4 so I settle for 3,75 ⭐️
That’s the sweetest, softest and most understading mafia members I’ve ever encountered (spoiler: they even cry)😂
For some time I couldn’t understand what is wrong with the mmc’s name and then I realized Owen Hunt (from Grey’s anatomy) ruined this name for me.
First what was good:
- MMC. He said all the right things and acted in all the right ways. LOVE him!
- FMC's strong side in the end 🔥
- No break ups or any drama between mcs for that matter
- Dirty talks are perfection here, I loved those scenes.
- Potential for the next book (lowkey love mmc already)
Now what I didn’t like:
- I believed in the loving and caring side of Owen but couldn’t see his brutal side except for one scene closer to the end. Though he talked a lot about what he’ll do when someoned hurt Cora, he didn’t show it much. I can’t believe I’m saying it but more gore would be good to make his character more convincing.
- The beginning felt rushed. I’d add 50 or so pages to see more feelings and inner thoughts.
- For me mafia affairs were ill thought-out. The story fits more morally grey characters rather than mafia world.
- That repetative thought from Owen about protecting Cora and burning the world down, killing everyone and so on got tiring after the 4th time maybe.
I’m still looking forward to the next book. That’s not bad for the first work and I hope to see her grow in her future books.
Some parts were no more than 3 stars, some good 4 so I settle for 3,75 ⭐️
That’s the sweetest, softest and most understading mafia members I’ve ever encountered (spoiler: they even cry)😂
For some time I couldn’t understand what is wrong with the mmc’s name and then I realized Owen Hunt (from Grey’s anatomy) ruined this name for me.
First what was good:
- MMC. He said all the right things and acted in all the right ways. LOVE him!
- FMC's strong side in the end 🔥
- No break ups or any drama between mcs for that matter
- Dirty talks are perfection here, I loved those scenes.
- Potential for the next book (lowkey love mmc already)
Now what I didn’t like:
- I believed in the loving and caring side of Owen but couldn’t see his brutal side except for one scene closer to the end. Though he talked a lot about what he’ll do when someoned hurt Cora, he didn’t show it much. I can’t believe I’m saying it but more gore would be good to make his character more convincing.
- The beginning felt rushed. I’d add 50 or so pages to see more feelings and inner thoughts.
- For me mafia affairs were ill thought-out. The story fits more morally grey characters rather than mafia world.
- That repetative thought from Owen about protecting Cora and burning the world down, killing everyone and so on got tiring after the 4th time maybe.
I’m still looking forward to the next book. That’s not bad for the first work and I hope to see her grow in her future books.
February 6, 2025
3.5⭐️ New to me author, and mafia romance is also new to me. This wasn’t exactly a darker romance like I had expected.
With the mafia trope, I thought it might be a little more tense, but it ended up seeming a little soft. Maybe this was more of a Golden Retriever mafia story? I suppose I’ll have to explore the trope before concluding. Anyway, it was actually really good and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I need to voice the bad though—I think I would’ve rated this a true 4⭐️ but if I’m being honest, the grammatical mistakes were a huge downer. For me, it really took away from the story when I had to determine if the words should be calm vs clam, crave vs carve, faculty vs facility. You get the point. I’m hopeful the next book exceeds expectations.
With the mafia trope, I thought it might be a little more tense, but it ended up seeming a little soft. Maybe this was more of a Golden Retriever mafia story? I suppose I’ll have to explore the trope before concluding. Anyway, it was actually really good and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I need to voice the bad though—I think I would’ve rated this a true 4⭐️ but if I’m being honest, the grammatical mistakes were a huge downer. For me, it really took away from the story when I had to determine if the words should be calm vs clam, crave vs carve, faculty vs facility. You get the point. I’m hopeful the next book exceeds expectations.
July 30, 2024
POV: Dual
Story: 5/5
Characters: 4.8/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (I read a lot of spicy spice. This rating should be taken with a grain of salt)
*Extra Thoughts*
First, thank you so much to Shannon Jade for the ARC. This was a great story! I really enjoyed Cora and Owen’s romance. I LOVED Cora’s growth and confidence, she was a little bad ass 🙌🏻
Very excited for book 2!
I also messed up filling something out which caused Ms Jade to have to resend me a copy of the book. She was so sweet and accommodating when it was 10000% my fault! Shout out to a really nice author 💜
Story: 5/5
Characters: 4.8/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (I read a lot of spicy spice. This rating should be taken with a grain of salt)
*Extra Thoughts*
First, thank you so much to Shannon Jade for the ARC. This was a great story! I really enjoyed Cora and Owen’s romance. I LOVED Cora’s growth and confidence, she was a little bad ass 🙌🏻
Very excited for book 2!
I also messed up filling something out which caused Ms Jade to have to resend me a copy of the book. She was so sweet and accommodating when it was 10000% my fault! Shout out to a really nice author 💜
August 18, 2024
It Was Always You
by Shannon Jade
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ➵ ★★★★☆
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
💀 Praise
🫧 Virgin Hero
💀 Degradation
🫧 Touch Her and Die
💀 Accidental Pregnancy
🫧 He Falls First and Harder
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
Shannon Jade is a new author for me and I am not disappointed. I finished this book in one sitting, I could not put it down. I loved that the accidental pregnancy did not become the FMCs whole personality which was great, the only way I’ll accept an accidental pregnancy trope. This was such an easy read. Definitely recommended when you’re in between books.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Violence and gore. Explicit sexual content, Kidnapping and attempted SA (not by MMC). Mentions of a deceased parent.
🎀 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 🎀
This is an Advanced Reader/Advanced Listener copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own. Thank you Shannon for the opportunity to read this book early. Can’t wait to see what’s in store.
🤍 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
by Shannon Jade
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ➵ ★★★★☆
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
💀 Praise
🫧 Virgin Hero
💀 Degradation
🫧 Touch Her and Die
💀 Accidental Pregnancy
🫧 He Falls First and Harder
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
Shannon Jade is a new author for me and I am not disappointed. I finished this book in one sitting, I could not put it down. I loved that the accidental pregnancy did not become the FMCs whole personality which was great, the only way I’ll accept an accidental pregnancy trope. This was such an easy read. Definitely recommended when you’re in between books.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Violence and gore. Explicit sexual content, Kidnapping and attempted SA (not by MMC). Mentions of a deceased parent.
🎀 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 🎀
This is an Advanced Reader/Advanced Listener copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own. Thank you Shannon for the opportunity to read this book early. Can’t wait to see what’s in store.
🤍 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
September 30, 2024
a good, quick read!
Oh man, I need more!
This was a pretty quick read and I really enjoyed it!
I loved all the characters and although I would have been thrilled with another 200 pages of this story, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.
I can’t wait for book 2 to find out more about Abbie!
Oh man, I need more!
This was a pretty quick read and I really enjoyed it!
I loved all the characters and although I would have been thrilled with another 200 pages of this story, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.
I can’t wait for book 2 to find out more about Abbie!
August 3, 2025
This was a nice easy to get into Irish mafia read. I loved Owen and Cora's relationship so much! The fact that he held out for her for so longggggg!!!! He's def swoon worthy ♥️ The way he protects her and has always protected her without her knowledge ♥️ Then when she needed him to support her when she showed her darker side... he was 1st in line to hand her whatever weaponry she needed for the job!
August 1, 2024
ARC Reviewer!
4/5 ⭐️
What a debut for this author! A huge thank you for the ARC. If you love mafia romance this is the book for you. The story line is engaging, right amount of spice and I loved the short chapters and dual POV.
I took a star away because I wanted more detail on certain things.. I felt it was lacking at times. But besides that, I devoured this book.
I cannot wait for book 2, sign me up!!
4/5 ⭐️
What a debut for this author! A huge thank you for the ARC. If you love mafia romance this is the book for you. The story line is engaging, right amount of spice and I loved the short chapters and dual POV.
I took a star away because I wanted more detail on certain things.. I felt it was lacking at times. But besides that, I devoured this book.
I cannot wait for book 2, sign me up!!
August 19, 2024
It Was Always You was a great Irish Mafia book mixed with a romance where the MMC only has eyes for the FMC. I really enjoyed the main characters and the world that they were all finding themselves in, even though it was a life that they were always a part of. The thing that was just as enjoyable as the MCs and their story was all of the supporting characters. I loved reading their interactions with the MCs just as much.
This book was a good quick read. It didn’t take me that long to finish and I felt like the story was able to hold my interest the entire time. I was truly interested to see what was in store for the characters and where the story progressed. I was finished the book before I realized it and found myself wanting to read more. I liked the setup of the book as well. Having the text conversations separate, almost as if they were their own chapters, was a new take for me and I think they made things clearer.
Cora and Owen’s story was really enjoyable. Owen tried to keep his distance from Cora so she didn’t get pulled into his world, when it turned out it was all her world as well. Owen’s love for Cora was so sweet and when they finally get together it is very nice 😏. The only thing that I wished for this book was that some of the connections and back stories were a little more drawn out. That would have taken away from the quickness of the story though, so I think it’s a fair trade off.
The fact that this book is the debut book for the author gives me so much excitement for the future of this series. I loved all of the characters, including the supporting ones so I am really excited to see what the author has to give us next.
This book was a good quick read. It didn’t take me that long to finish and I felt like the story was able to hold my interest the entire time. I was truly interested to see what was in store for the characters and where the story progressed. I was finished the book before I realized it and found myself wanting to read more. I liked the setup of the book as well. Having the text conversations separate, almost as if they were their own chapters, was a new take for me and I think they made things clearer.
Cora and Owen’s story was really enjoyable. Owen tried to keep his distance from Cora so she didn’t get pulled into his world, when it turned out it was all her world as well. Owen’s love for Cora was so sweet and when they finally get together it is very nice 😏. The only thing that I wished for this book was that some of the connections and back stories were a little more drawn out. That would have taken away from the quickness of the story though, so I think it’s a fair trade off.
The fact that this book is the debut book for the author gives me so much excitement for the future of this series. I loved all of the characters, including the supporting ones so I am really excited to see what the author has to give us next.
August 25, 2024
Overall reading: 3.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Tropes:
Dark mafia romance
Touch her
Virgin hero
It's always been you
He falls first and harder
Forced Proximity
Accidental Pregnancy
*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The author wrote a Mafia romance that was, dare I say, sweet and I really enjoyed this read.
We follow the life of a girl who joins a new school and instantly clicks with a boy when she arrives. Nothing comes to fruition in the beginning, so it’s definitely a type of slow burn, but I really appreciate the journey we get to follow throughout the book! While most Mafia romances are the MMC immediately claiming what he wants, here we have someone who wants to protect the girl he desperately wishes for but pulls back for her safety.
They grow into their roles naturally, surprisingly, after a few twists and turns in the plot. It’s a fast-paced story, which I expected since it’s the length of a novella, but the author still did an amazing job at providing us with the proper plot points needed so the story didn’t feel rushed. It feels like a slow burn since it takes them a while to get together, but thanks to the time skips in the beginning, it reads more like an insta-love story and I think I really enjoyed how it played out.
You have action scenes, of course, and we have smut as well, but the FMC carried herself well! She wasn’t a damsel in distress who cried about everything that happened. Once she realized she needed to play her part to ensure her safety, she worked as hard as she could. I will say, that a big reason the book doesn’t have a higher rating was because of the FMC. Despite my honoring that she worked hard to be better, she still absolutely irritated the heck out of me. I could not stand her in the beginning and it took me a while to look past it and enjoy the rest of the book.
Despite it all, it was an enjoyable read!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotions: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Tropes:
Dark mafia romance
Touch her
Virgin hero
It's always been you
He falls first and harder
Forced Proximity
Accidental Pregnancy
*received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The author wrote a Mafia romance that was, dare I say, sweet and I really enjoyed this read.
We follow the life of a girl who joins a new school and instantly clicks with a boy when she arrives. Nothing comes to fruition in the beginning, so it’s definitely a type of slow burn, but I really appreciate the journey we get to follow throughout the book! While most Mafia romances are the MMC immediately claiming what he wants, here we have someone who wants to protect the girl he desperately wishes for but pulls back for her safety.
They grow into their roles naturally, surprisingly, after a few twists and turns in the plot. It’s a fast-paced story, which I expected since it’s the length of a novella, but the author still did an amazing job at providing us with the proper plot points needed so the story didn’t feel rushed. It feels like a slow burn since it takes them a while to get together, but thanks to the time skips in the beginning, it reads more like an insta-love story and I think I really enjoyed how it played out.
You have action scenes, of course, and we have smut as well, but the FMC carried herself well! She wasn’t a damsel in distress who cried about everything that happened. Once she realized she needed to play her part to ensure her safety, she worked as hard as she could. I will say, that a big reason the book doesn’t have a higher rating was because of the FMC. Despite my honoring that she worked hard to be better, she still absolutely irritated the heck out of me. I could not stand her in the beginning and it took me a while to look past it and enjoy the rest of the book.
Despite it all, it was an enjoyable read!
March 10, 2025
It's been a while since I've read any mafia romance, and boy this series has reminded my why I love it.
Cora is thrust into the world of the mafia, and this was a great way to learn about the inner workings of the organisation, and the feuds along with it, through her eyes. I loved the relationship he has with her Dad - whilst she is (understandably) hesitant, he is all in with her straight away, and it's clear he's been pining for that relationship from afar for some time. So many hints and crumbs were dropped about the relationship between him and Helen, and it got me so intrigued for the rest of the series. I loved that Shannon included such gentleness between families and friends within the four points, adding some softness to an otherwise dark world.
On the subject of pining, nobody does it quite as well as our man Owen. He's been watching his girl from afar, and whether he was conscious of it or not he was always going to get her. I loved that it wasn't straight in to the romance - there was a lot of flirty banter to start with - and the build up just made it all the more worth it. Owen was unapologetically obsessed with Cora and, honestly, I loved that for them both. Cora deserved people in her corner, and she absolutely found that with her mafia family.
So looking forward to unravelling the mysteries from the crumbs dropped in this book.
Cora is thrust into the world of the mafia, and this was a great way to learn about the inner workings of the organisation, and the feuds along with it, through her eyes. I loved the relationship he has with her Dad - whilst she is (understandably) hesitant, he is all in with her straight away, and it's clear he's been pining for that relationship from afar for some time. So many hints and crumbs were dropped about the relationship between him and Helen, and it got me so intrigued for the rest of the series. I loved that Shannon included such gentleness between families and friends within the four points, adding some softness to an otherwise dark world.
On the subject of pining, nobody does it quite as well as our man Owen. He's been watching his girl from afar, and whether he was conscious of it or not he was always going to get her. I loved that it wasn't straight in to the romance - there was a lot of flirty banter to start with - and the build up just made it all the more worth it. Owen was unapologetically obsessed with Cora and, honestly, I loved that for them both. Cora deserved people in her corner, and she absolutely found that with her mafia family.
So looking forward to unravelling the mysteries from the crumbs dropped in this book.
August 20, 2024
~ ARC Review
It Was Always You by Shannon Jade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶
Where do I even begin. I really liked Owen from the moment he met Cora. Its crazy that the unhinged obsession didn't fade all those years later when they finally reconnected.
Our girl Cora was really going through it this entire story, and it was cute that Owen just wanted to fix every single problem.That picnic scene? Cutest friggin thing ever!!!! I loved that this big bad maf!a guy is hanging string lights and setting out blankets.
Towards that 60-70% mark I was SWEATING!
Shannon! How could you do me like that?! A WEEK?! I should've known something was about to happen when they were happy and in love at around 50-60%.
That was brutal. But also... Thank you.😭 ♥️
PLEASE read triggers before reading.
Book Contains:
- Boy Obsessed
- Maf!a
- St@lker
- Childhood friends (High School)
- Cheating (Not between mcs)
- Suprise Pregnancy
- V!○lence
- Mutual Pining
- Big Secrets
It Was Always You by Shannon Jade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶
Where do I even begin. I really liked Owen from the moment he met Cora. Its crazy that the unhinged obsession didn't fade all those years later when they finally reconnected.
Our girl Cora was really going through it this entire story, and it was cute that Owen just wanted to fix every single problem.That picnic scene? Cutest friggin thing ever!!!! I loved that this big bad maf!a guy is hanging string lights and setting out blankets.
Towards that 60-70% mark I was SWEATING!
Shannon! How could you do me like that?! A WEEK?! I should've known something was about to happen when they were happy and in love at around 50-60%.
That was brutal. But also... Thank you.😭 ♥️
PLEASE read triggers before reading.
Book Contains:
- Boy Obsessed
- Maf!a
- St@lker
- Childhood friends (High School)
- Cheating (Not between mcs)
- Suprise Pregnancy
- V!○lence
- Mutual Pining
- Big Secrets
July 31, 2024
Okay, where’s the next one?!
Seriously this book had it all and I need more!
If you’re after a steamy Mafia Romance this is the book for you!
Cora is the strong FMC we can all relate to, recently single, lonely and just plodding through life. She never expected that her true heritage and destiny would all be revealed following a ‘mugging’, bringing back to her the one guy she never thought she’d have.
Owen is the gorgeous, muscled, tattoo dream, Mafia son, who has the girl of his dreams thrown back into his life.
This book has passion, violence, humor and spice. I was hooked from the start and loved following Cora on her journey to discover herself, find her true family and the love that blossomed finally between her and Owen.
A gritty storyline and hard passion awaits between these pages!
Seriously this book had it all and I need more!
If you’re after a steamy Mafia Romance this is the book for you!
Cora is the strong FMC we can all relate to, recently single, lonely and just plodding through life. She never expected that her true heritage and destiny would all be revealed following a ‘mugging’, bringing back to her the one guy she never thought she’d have.
Owen is the gorgeous, muscled, tattoo dream, Mafia son, who has the girl of his dreams thrown back into his life.
This book has passion, violence, humor and spice. I was hooked from the start and loved following Cora on her journey to discover herself, find her true family and the love that blossomed finally between her and Owen.
A gritty storyline and hard passion awaits between these pages!
August 1, 2024
I was so lucky to receive this book as an ARC, and wow, that speed I DEVOURED this book is a tad embarrassing! I was hooked from the moment I started reading it!
Owen and Cora are both bad ass and completely adorable, and I have so much love for these two and the idea of love at first sight and high school romance was always a thing I wanted but alas it never happened.
ANYWAY... I just feel super warm and tingly after reading this but also feel really satisfied... the writing was good, the characters were good, the introduction to each character was clear, and each of them their own personality, I loved that there was some major toe curling spice and I loved the violence! (Because we all need some violence, right? Right!)
Overall, this Mafia romance was a really pleasant read and is well worth checking out once it's released on the 18th of August!
Owen and Cora are both bad ass and completely adorable, and I have so much love for these two and the idea of love at first sight and high school romance was always a thing I wanted but alas it never happened.
ANYWAY... I just feel super warm and tingly after reading this but also feel really satisfied... the writing was good, the characters were good, the introduction to each character was clear, and each of them their own personality, I loved that there was some major toe curling spice and I loved the violence! (Because we all need some violence, right? Right!)
Overall, this Mafia romance was a really pleasant read and is well worth checking out once it's released on the 18th of August!
February 15, 2025
4.5⭐️
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Accidentally pregnancy
🖤 Virgin hero
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 It’s always been you
🖤 He falls first and harder
🖤 One bed
🖤 Praise and degradation
It was love at first sight for Owen when he met Cara. But he didn’t want her to be dragged into his world, mafia. He wanted to keep her safe so he sacrificed his own love and happiness to let her have a life away from danger. So many secrets hidden from Cara, after being attacked, she finally meeting her father, the mafia boss.
Multiple attacks and being kidnapped, bruises and a lot of pain. Finally happiness came into her life. Only for secrets to be held from her in hoping to keep her and her baby safe.
I absolutely loved they separated and even more so together. And Owen waiting to give Cara all his firsts. I can’t wait for Abigail’s story.
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Accidentally pregnancy
🖤 Virgin hero
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 It’s always been you
🖤 He falls first and harder
🖤 One bed
🖤 Praise and degradation
It was love at first sight for Owen when he met Cara. But he didn’t want her to be dragged into his world, mafia. He wanted to keep her safe so he sacrificed his own love and happiness to let her have a life away from danger. So many secrets hidden from Cara, after being attacked, she finally meeting her father, the mafia boss.
Multiple attacks and being kidnapped, bruises and a lot of pain. Finally happiness came into her life. Only for secrets to be held from her in hoping to keep her and her baby safe.
I absolutely loved they separated and even more so together. And Owen waiting to give Cara all his firsts. I can’t wait for Abigail’s story.
August 23, 2024
It Was Always You was definitely not what I was expecting. Owen and Cora were absolutely crazy about each other from the moment they met. Of course because of personal reasons they were always just friends and nothing more but they still pined over each other for years. Years later, after what life has both shaped them into, they are reacquainted in the most unimaginable way possible. Cora ends up under Owen’s protection and things between them change into more than either of them ever dreamed of.
This story is a great mix of mafia danger, loss, love and happiness. It’s a beautiful story of two people who were meant to be and would do anything to be together when the opportunity finally presented itself even in the most dangerous ways possible.
This story is a great mix of mafia danger, loss, love and happiness. It’s a beautiful story of two people who were meant to be and would do anything to be together when the opportunity finally presented itself even in the most dangerous ways possible.
September 8, 2024
Just when you think life can't get any crazier, boom—you find out you're a mafia princess! Cora’s world flips overnight when a rival mafia targets her, and suddenly Owen, the guy who’s been secretly watching out for her since school, steps in. Years later, Owen’s no longer the lanky kid Cora knew—he’s a tattooed hottie now, and yes, I’m here for it! 😍 The spice? Mild for my taste, and this mafia romance didn’t get as dark as I expected, but the fast-paced novella totally hooked me. And that surprise twist—did NOT see that coming! Cora’s right though, everyone deserves a bestie like Abbie. I’m already counting down for Abbie and Logan’s story next! Oh, and don’t forget to check the CW—mental health matters, folks!
February 3, 2025
“it was always you”
Cora and Owen have a love story that is not without trials (who would expect anything else, this is a mafia romance after all) but they will do whatever they have to in order to make sure they dont lose the other.
Shannon jade gives you all the right amount of spice and details to keep you turning page after page of this book. Though this book is book one in the series it can be read as a standalone but I suggest picking up the following books as they come out because you fall in love with the side characters just as fast as you do our MCs.
You can expect tropes such as second chance, MMCs a vir9|n, touch her & ☠️, accidental pregnancy just to name a few. If any of these are your thing please pick the book up today!
Cora and Owen have a love story that is not without trials (who would expect anything else, this is a mafia romance after all) but they will do whatever they have to in order to make sure they dont lose the other.
Shannon jade gives you all the right amount of spice and details to keep you turning page after page of this book. Though this book is book one in the series it can be read as a standalone but I suggest picking up the following books as they come out because you fall in love with the side characters just as fast as you do our MCs.
You can expect tropes such as second chance, MMCs a vir9|n, touch her & ☠️, accidental pregnancy just to name a few. If any of these are your thing please pick the book up today!
February 3, 2025
Cora and Owen have a love story that is not without trials (who would expect anything else, this is a mafia romance after all) but they will do whatever they have to in order to make sure they dont lose the other.
Shannon jade gives you all the right amount of spice and details to keep you turning page after page of this book. Though this book is book one in the series it can be read as a standalone but I suggest picking up the following books as they come out because you fall in love with the side characters just as fast as you do our MCs.
You can expect tropes such as second chance, MMCs a vir9|n, touch her & ☠️, accidental pregnancy just to name a few. If any of these are your thing please pick the book up today!
Shannon jade gives you all the right amount of spice and details to keep you turning page after page of this book. Though this book is book one in the series it can be read as a standalone but I suggest picking up the following books as they come out because you fall in love with the side characters just as fast as you do our MCs.
You can expect tropes such as second chance, MMCs a vir9|n, touch her & ☠️, accidental pregnancy just to name a few. If any of these are your thing please pick the book up today!
February 11, 2025
Hot damn 😮💨
Didn’t realize this was a book I needed to read to until I started reading it. Owen was BEYOND swoon worthy. And damn is Cora a very strong chick! The Finlay brothers cracked me up in the beginning 😂 I hope we get a book for Matt! I’m curious about that situation.
The book was written really well and flowed so well. The plot was written very smoothly and the spice that was tied in wasn’t over the top whatsoever. The small backstory and the little build up was perfect! There was very little timeline confusion. I couldn’t put it down! And when I was forced to I couldn’t wait to get back to reading it 🥰
If you love Mafia Romance, this is a book you should read! I can’t wait for the Abbie’s book ☺️
Didn’t realize this was a book I needed to read to until I started reading it. Owen was BEYOND swoon worthy. And damn is Cora a very strong chick! The Finlay brothers cracked me up in the beginning 😂 I hope we get a book for Matt! I’m curious about that situation.
The book was written really well and flowed so well. The plot was written very smoothly and the spice that was tied in wasn’t over the top whatsoever. The small backstory and the little build up was perfect! There was very little timeline confusion. I couldn’t put it down! And when I was forced to I couldn’t wait to get back to reading it 🥰
If you love Mafia Romance, this is a book you should read! I can’t wait for the Abbie’s book ☺️
November 11, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and these are, as always, my honest thoughts.
This one is book three of this series.
In contrast with the previous ones, I felt the story was well built, even though I think Helen had a very fast trauma recovery in comparison to the long and heavy trauma phase. The author managed to put more than 20 years of an epic love story in a medium long book...
I love these characters and the plot m, but please, if you’re going to read this, be careful with trigger warnings. This is a very, very heavy book. Heavier than many I read before and considered already heavy…
If the author is reading this, I want to let you know that I found (again) some typos here and there.
Another four star for me! I still love these characters ♥️
This one is book three of this series.
In contrast with the previous ones, I felt the story was well built, even though I think Helen had a very fast trauma recovery in comparison to the long and heavy trauma phase. The author managed to put more than 20 years of an epic love story in a medium long book...
I love these characters and the plot m, but please, if you’re going to read this, be careful with trigger warnings. This is a very, very heavy book. Heavier than many I read before and considered already heavy…
If the author is reading this, I want to let you know that I found (again) some typos here and there.
Another four star for me! I still love these characters ♥️
September 7, 2024
Really enjoyed it
This book is definitely a must-read. I love the chemistry between the two characters and that Owen always tries to protect Cora even if that decision means at some point distancing himself and not being with her.
The story held my interest which is something I appreciated .
I loved the way Owen loved Cora, wanting to protect her from his world at all cost while she was already a part of it The romance between them is sweet but spicy too .
Id definitely recommend and look forward to reading other books in the series.
This book is definitely a must-read. I love the chemistry between the two characters and that Owen always tries to protect Cora even if that decision means at some point distancing himself and not being with her.
The story held my interest which is something I appreciated .
I loved the way Owen loved Cora, wanting to protect her from his world at all cost while she was already a part of it The romance between them is sweet but spicy too .
Id definitely recommend and look forward to reading other books in the series.
September 10, 2025
I loved this book. So much better than the 3rd. Not cause it was horrible. But because the time gaps got confusing.
Cora and Owen were absolutely amazing. I loved that he fell I love with her in sight years ago and literally saved all his first for her. Usually it’s oh I love her but I need to get my 🍆 wet while I get my head outta my 🍑 until im ready to claim her 🙄😜
I’m working about book two and so excited for the 4th book to come.
Spice level was maybe a single pepper on this book.
Virgin MML
Mafia
Forbidden
Pregnancy
One bed
Cora and Owen were absolutely amazing. I loved that he fell I love with her in sight years ago and literally saved all his first for her. Usually it’s oh I love her but I need to get my 🍆 wet while I get my head outta my 🍑 until im ready to claim her 🙄😜
I’m working about book two and so excited for the 4th book to come.
Spice level was maybe a single pepper on this book.
Virgin MML
Mafia
Forbidden
Pregnancy
One bed
August 18, 2024
This is a new author I came across and the premise is what caught me besides it being a adult mafia romance.
I loved this book and the FMC Cora and MMC Owen really brought the story to life. Core is one badass b*tch and I love those types of FMC's. I was hooked on this story and couldn't put it down.
I can't wait to read the rest in the series. Bring it on! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
I loved this book and the FMC Cora and MMC Owen really brought the story to life. Core is one badass b*tch and I love those types of FMC's. I was hooked on this story and couldn't put it down.
I can't wait to read the rest in the series. Bring it on! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
September 4, 2024
I stumbled across this book and the author on Instagram and instantly downloaded this onto my kindle!
The prospect of having a mafia romance where the hero is a virgin and obsessed with his love interest was so unique to me. I really liked Owen and Coras story and think this was a wonderful debut and I hope more people give it this quick read a shot.
Very intrigued to see what happens next
5/5 stars
The prospect of having a mafia romance where the hero is a virgin and obsessed with his love interest was so unique to me. I really liked Owen and Coras story and think this was a wonderful debut and I hope more people give it this quick read a shot.
Very intrigued to see what happens next
5/5 stars
August 5, 2024
When Cora is whipped from her normal life on her way home from work, her life is flipped upside down. She finds out about her dad she never knew, to secrets the boy she’s always been in love with was keeping from her. When a hit is placed on her, will she be able to soak up her new life and get the answers she’s always craved?
August 11, 2024
If you’re looking for a quick read following a Mafia boss’s daughter and her protector then look no further. Cora’s familial ties leave her in trouble with a rival mafia group, and Owen, her protector, will do just about anything to keep her safe.
This novel is slightly dark, slightly sweet and definitely twisty. It feels fast paced to read, which, when paired with the suspense littered throughout it, is a perfect pace. The juxtaposition of sweet romance to dark action is beautifully crafted.
Overall, it’s a fab, quickly read to get started on Mafia Romance fiction.
This novel is slightly dark, slightly sweet and definitely twisty. It feels fast paced to read, which, when paired with the suspense littered throughout it, is a perfect pace. The juxtaposition of sweet romance to dark action is beautifully crafted.
Overall, it’s a fab, quickly read to get started on Mafia Romance fiction.
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