Marrying The Mobster

by Lady Jaguar, Jayne Lockwood

An optional extra novella to read with the Switchblade Romance series, and for new readers, a great way of introducing Richard and Tino.

After a whirlwind romance, Tino Santini has accepted his CEO’s marriage proposal, but Tino knows that due to past conflicts, his family won’t be pleased by the union. He also has to find a way to keep his vengeful lover under control before he kills someone. Again.

Richard Mason, former gangster and ruthless businessman, is extremely protective of his future husband and won’t tolerate any disrespect. He has to employ all of his restraint to solve their problems in a non-violent way.

In the meantime, a rift grows between Tino and his close-knit family which threatens to destroy his relationship with Richard before it's barely begun.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Gay, LGBT

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Lady Jaguar and S.A. Smythe are the pen names for Jayne Lockwood, who has been writing for over twenty years. Originally a traditionally published author (Savannah Smythe) with Black Lace (Virgin Books) she has worked as a ghostwriter before turning her attention to independent publishing. So far she has written around fifteen novels.

Born and based in the UK, she has also lived in New Jersey, where a lot of her books are based. Now she writes in a rural location, not too far from London, when not being bullied by her husky and house panther. As well as being an author, she is also a wife, mother and strictly amateur aerialist.

Reviews

[J.P. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tino is EVERYTHING.
Full review to come.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying The Mobster is a steamy, fast-paced novella that delves into the relationship between Tino Santini and Richard Mason, offering a glimpse into their tumultuous love story. As an optional addition to the Switchblade Romance series, this novella provides an excellent entry point for new readers while expanding on the dynamic between the established couple.

Tino and Richard's romance is marked by passion and danger, with Richard’s dark past as a former gangster always looming. Their love is intense, and the story explores the conflict between Tino’s close-knit family and his deepening commitment to Richard. The tension between family loyalty and romantic devotion creates a strong emotional thread throughout the novella. Tino’s struggles to balance these worlds, alongside Richard’s protective and often volatile nature, keep the stakes high.

The novella is filled with explicit scenes and BDSM elements, which may not be for every reader, but fans of dark romance will appreciate the raw, unapologetic portrayal of their relationship. The age and size difference between the characters adds an extra layer of intrigue, making their power dynamics even more compelling.

Marrying The Mobster is a satisfying read for fans of the Switchblade Romance series, offering plenty of heat, emotional conflict, and a touch of danger. Despite the rough edges (with a request for readers to note any typos), this novella serves as a gripping, sexy addition to Tino and Richard’s story.

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

[Julia Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark MM romance set in the deliciously shady world of the Switchblade Romance Series. Richard has asked his young lover, Tino, to marry him. It should be a joyous occasion, but the disapproval of Tino’s family casts a bitter resentment. Richard has too much personal history with Tino’s father for a blessing ever to be given, and the conflict is tearing Tino apart.

Is this a highly sexualised read? Yes. Did I mind that? No. I’m a big girl and can cope with things way worse than highly described intimate scenes, even if I did wince sometimes and wonder why it didn’t hurt. The story kept me turning the pages. It was like a modern-day Beauty and the Beast, with the young and innocent Tino taming the grumpy, dangerous Richard.

Ultimately, it’s a tale of love conquering all and that even the worst of us can find redemption through the faith of another. Tino and Richard are a shining example that love can and should achieve miracles and should never be underestimated. It’s also a morality tale of how past sins will always catch you up, and it’s how you deal with them that defines your character and your future.

An intense five-star read for the broadminded, although I would love the prudish pearl-clutchers out there to give it a go. You might learn something.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I accepted without talking to friends or family or anyone else, because when I was with Richard, nothing else seemed to matter. We were Yin and Yang, vibrant, seamless, complementing each other perfectly, yet if I had tried to explain that to anyone, I would have sounded deranged.'

I absolutely loved this book! It's so true you never get the in-between stuff in the time gaps between the end of a HEA and the epilogue. So I loved this addition (not that I wouldn't mind a sequel or five and keep their story going on for a while). Great world building. And of course I can't get enough of Tino and Richard. He's very protective, and while Tino doesn't mind it to a point, he will not be manhandled. I loved the chemistry and heat between them! Loved that they could take turns being in control. It's not all smooth going as Tino's family isn't very happy, Enzo thinks he's a fool wanting to marry Tino, and Tino's ex is causing trouble. I was so hooked!

P.S.- I LOVED the greeting from Tino and Richard at the beginning! It was adorable!

5 stars.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Switchblade Romance series is one of my favorites from Lady Jaguar, and getting the story between the engagement and after the wedding is the “icing on the cake”, so to speak. Richard and Tino are two of my favorite book characters, and this book, told from first person POV, had both characters visualized in my head as the story played out. Richard was typical Richard, fiercely protective of Tito, impulsive when it comes to anything Tino, and so head over heels he has little control. Tino is as fiery and hot headed as ever when he is frustrated by Richard’s over protective behavior, but willing to overlook most things, needing to set one hard limit. His punishments are quite creative, and Richard dreads and looks forward to them in equal measure. The chemistry between the two is hotter than ever, and spicy scenes abound. An enjoyable read back in Richard and Tino’s world.

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

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how real life gets - we struggle, we live and we suffer, then we have some joy and suffer again until one day, if we're lucky, we fall in love with someone who loves us back. Someone who really sees and accepts us just as we are, if we show our true self. And then there's drama - work problems, past issues exploding, family dynamics, sensitivities irked, children exhaution, outside temptations or maturing... and more.
And then we're old, we've overcome it all and are still together - and that right there is the happily ever after.

I like how this book is about a couple who will probably have the HEA, despite it all. The characters are interesting, and their problem solving skills are a story in themselves. The writing is good, the feelings are stark and powerful and I enjoyed it.

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

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry for the cursing but fucking hell, what a damn good ride this was. It was exceptional, crazy good.

A super protective head over heels mobster and his PA will get married. Simple? Not at all!
Tino’s family isn’t amused he wants to marry a gangster.
Richard isn’t amused by people who hurt Tino in any kind of way. Did I mention he’s super protective?

Nothing, read nothing was sugar-coated. It was harsh, chaotic, bloody frightening, ruthless, super ‘sweet’, and quite romantic. 
There were a lot of arguments, fights, and discussions, and not only between the MCs, but they all made sense.
It was convincing as fuck, hot as fuck, and at times super emotional, yes my eyes got misty.
A story with a great dynamic.

All awesomely, consistently written. It was a rollercoaster and I loved the ride!
For my Azon review, I’ll make just a one-liner lol.

[J.C. Seal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five scorching hot stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for Marrying the Mobster by Lady Jaguar

Do you need a read that has you either rolling your eyes 🙄, giggling 😆, or fanning yourself 🔥? Then this novella is the read for you.
It can be read as a standalone, but knowing Richard from the Closer than Blood series, and both Richard and Tino from the Switchblade series, makes all the little details a lot juicier 😈. I love how the author fills the gap between the whirlwind romance and their marriage vows. Just a hint: never ever underestimate Tino. He might be small, but has a heart of gold and an astounding arsenal of tricks down his sleeve 😉.

An absolute must-read for fans, or if you’re a new reader, a great way to get acquainted with the two MMCs.
I hope there’s more to come ❤️

[Rally Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of Lady Jaguar and her Switchblade Romance series, I just HAD to read this one!! Marrying the Mobster is a novella set in the Switchblade universe, nestled into the first book (towards the end of) Going Down.

I enjoyed every part of this novella. The plot unfolds at the perfect pace, the descriptions are just right, the steam is super hot, and the characters are lovely, as always. They are so well fleshed out that you might think they are real. Richard is dark and deadly and navigates the world in his own way, whereas Tino is sweet and caring but full of sass. I honestly can't get enough of the two of them, and their chemistry is practically leaping off the pages! Another favourite is Nonna Sofia - OMG, she is brilliant!

And I just MUST make a note of a scene towards the end and the "fucking swans," LOL!! That was a great finish to an equally excellent novella!

I devoured Marrying the Mobster. It keeps you on your toes, and it's exciting, emotional, funny, and absolutely Kindle-combusting HOT! Don't miss out on this gem of a novella!

[Marina Garnica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship between this two is quite complicated. I read it as a standalone so the main evolution of the characters happen in the Switchblade series, making the dynamic already quite strongly settled at this point. I liked that even though they don't have normal lifes, their problems are quite mundane, making the story more relatsble.

You will find not acceptance from a family, manipulation, people trying to overcome fears for a loved one. It is a quite interesting novela to read

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marrying the Mobster is a novella and part of the Switchblade series, I haven't read any of the other books in the series but don't feel like I'm missing anything major. This is one heck of a steamy read with wonderful characters and a storyline that had me unable to put the book down. Tino and Richard go through so much, so many emotional ups and downs, I loved it.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Richard and Tino from the Switchblade series, which if you haven't read I recommend you do first! As expected plenty of heat and reality! Nothing is hidden and a volatile relationship is intermingled with enough sweets and steamy moments! Great read.

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

[Joyffree]

I am always curious about the in-between
That period between the finale and the encore
Those months between
When the past is still fresh in our hearts
The little things that we still need to overcome and accept

This is that in between
And it isn't all cupcakes and champagne
there were some bumps and humps

Back with my review

[la review bleu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not what I expected. I couldn't get into the characters. Femme boys are just not my cup of tea, if it comes to men. And there were other things that are just not my personal taste. I hope others will enjoy this more than me. I liked the idea, of this story tho.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marrying The Mobster is a vignette and a small peak into Tino and Richard's relationship. It was wonderfully real and messy, and I loved it. Great story.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hotness. Needed a cold shower after reading this book. So hot and steamy. Characters were intense and had amazing chemistry. Plot was action packed which made for an enjoyable read. A must read book!!!.

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another good addition to the Switchblade series and showed a good insight into Tino and Richard’s relationship and how protective Richard is of Tino , but Tino is more than able to stand up for himself and takes no nonsense from anyone including Richard, good story.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Niet echt mijn verhaal.
Het eind maakt het nog een beetje goed.

[Arwen Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonna Sofia is the GOAT*

First thing first: Tino slays. He is absolutely not afraid to put his mobster in his place nor is he to flip off people who deserve it! That, I love about him as it'd be so easy to get walked on all over by all of these testosterone-filled men... And the others.

Now, Richard is still kind of an asshole but I still love him and he's learning! Well, I'm also learning. This book brought so much more depth to his character that, surprisingly enough, made me relate to him (dare I say, even more?). Although he's often overreacting, the man is learning about respect and boundaries and I love that for him. I also loved how he yeeted a certain someone to nothingness... Well deserved.

It was interesting to see how the family REALLY reacted to them though. In the first book "Going Down", I appreciated how accepting they were... But they weren't at all. It shows that without context, without really witnessing every little thing, you can easily be mislead by people's behavior. It was surprisingly realistic and raw and really made me think for a minute. That was brilliant.

Let's not forget about the heat! As always, Lady Jaguar knows how to add spice to an already amazing snack and she did just that: it was deliciously spicy.

The swans though....

"Fuck me, you murderous bastard. Give me something to believe in."

I recieved a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
*Greatest Of All Times