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Secret Obsession
A tormented mafia boss. A fearless psychiatrist. Scorching passion that could ruin them both.
I’m New York City's most savage crime boss, men tremble before me.
They call me Hawk. I’m marred by scars, and shhhh…
Don’t tell anyone but I volunteer at an animal shelter once a week. A desperate attempt to cling to my last shred of humanity. That's where she stumbled into my life. The only woman who doesn't recoil from me and makes me hope I’m more than my sins. The one whose curvy body fills me with insatiable desire I cannot fight.
But I do fight it. The brutality of my world brings only pain and darkness. I refuse to drag her into it except...
It’s too late. I can no longer resist her.
Hello, my name is Lila and I’m a Hawkaholic.
I was hooked the moment he caught me in his arms. The mysterious hottie with the gruff voice and tattoos galore in the muscle-hugging T-shirt. The irony is I'm an addiction psychiatrist with an obsession I can’t shake.
But he’s danger personified. I must get over this fixation before it destroys the most important thing to me: my career…and maybe even my life.
Problem is, he won’t let me.
Devour this sizzling STANDALONE romance about a passion that forces a ruthless billionaire mafia king into a struggle for his soul.
Will he seek redemption or accept his fate?
See author website for CWs.
I’m New York City's most savage crime boss, men tremble before me.
They call me Hawk. I’m marred by scars, and shhhh…
Don’t tell anyone but I volunteer at an animal shelter once a week. A desperate attempt to cling to my last shred of humanity. That's where she stumbled into my life. The only woman who doesn't recoil from me and makes me hope I’m more than my sins. The one whose curvy body fills me with insatiable desire I cannot fight.
But I do fight it. The brutality of my world brings only pain and darkness. I refuse to drag her into it except...
It’s too late. I can no longer resist her.
Hello, my name is Lila and I’m a Hawkaholic.
I was hooked the moment he caught me in his arms. The mysterious hottie with the gruff voice and tattoos galore in the muscle-hugging T-shirt. The irony is I'm an addiction psychiatrist with an obsession I can’t shake.
But he’s danger personified. I must get over this fixation before it destroys the most important thing to me: my career…and maybe even my life.
Problem is, he won’t let me.
Devour this sizzling STANDALONE romance about a passion that forces a ruthless billionaire mafia king into a struggle for his soul.
Will he seek redemption or accept his fate?
See author website for CWs.
316 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2022
872 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Jocelyne
4 books38 followersJessie writes spicy romance books with a dose of humor, lots of heart, and a sweet HEA that will have you hugging your Kindle. You’ll laugh. You’ll fall in love. You’ll fan yourself in all your naughty parts.
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WEBSITE: www.jessiejocelyne.com
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❤️ Connect with Jessie ❤️
WEBSITE: www.jessiejocelyne.com
READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jessi...
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JessieJocelyne
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jessiejocel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 30, 2023
Promising to start off with but I felt as tho the book took a series dive off a cliff at some point and it never recovered. The writing all of a sudden became clunky and rushed. There was zero depth to the story and if I’m being honest there was no plot, except the MMC and FMC fighting their feeling for each other for like 200 pages 😴.
The writing was super cringey especially when they introduced nana I couldn’t wait for it to end and to be totally honest, I couldn’t stand Hawke he started out really sweet then sorted of turned into a bit of an arse, he didn’t scream boyfriend material. Lila and Hawke are not meant to be!
The writing was super cringey especially when they introduced nana I couldn’t wait for it to end and to be totally honest, I couldn’t stand Hawke he started out really sweet then sorted of turned into a bit of an arse, he didn’t scream boyfriend material. Lila and Hawke are not meant to be!
July 1, 2022
Let just start by saying I love reading this and I absolutely loved that we had a plus size lead you loved everything about herself!
Okay now, I really can't decide how I feel about his book. On one hand the plot and characters were compelling but there were moments where I had to put the book down and just breathe.
Lila was amazing even if her judgement was clouded at times. She knew exactly what she wanted, she tried hard to achieve her goals above all else, had a strongish moral compass, and loved puppies. She is exactly where I hope to be someday (with her multiple diplomas and career focus). Although I honestly wish she made Hawk get down on his hands and knees and drop his act, I still enjoyed her character and I'm glad she got her happy ending
Hawk was really frustrating and slightly cringy several times throughout the story. Honestly I can't tell if this is due to the way he was written or just personal bias (since I tend to find the overly dominant type hilarious instead of sexy). Despite this he was easy to understand and he had a strong love for puppies which made him a tolerable character (even if I imagined him with Urkel's voice at times).
Finally granny is my absolute favorite. I pray for her back because she carried this book especially in the last few chapters. There were so many moments where I stopped reading just so I could sit there and laugh without losing my spot.
All in all this book was good although I do think I would prefer to read a whole book on the adventures of granny and Lila. I applaud Jessie Jocelyn for her writing although Hawk was frustrating I loved absolutely everything about this book, there were some really cute moments. Plus despite my personal bias/taste Hawk is definitely someone people could fall in love with.
Content warnings from the book: " Violence, killing, guns, explicit sex, workplace sexual harassment (in 3 chapters from a side character), abusive parent (his father), one brief reference to a body-shaming ex, addiction (female lead is an addiction psychotherapist- 2 scenes with patients in therapy)." These are also right at the front of the book which is amazing.
Okay now, I really can't decide how I feel about his book. On one hand the plot and characters were compelling but there were moments where I had to put the book down and just breathe.
Lila was amazing even if her judgement was clouded at times. She knew exactly what she wanted, she tried hard to achieve her goals above all else, had a strongish moral compass, and loved puppies. She is exactly where I hope to be someday (with her multiple diplomas and career focus). Although I honestly wish she made Hawk get down on his hands and knees and drop his act, I still enjoyed her character and I'm glad she got her happy ending
Hawk was really frustrating and slightly cringy several times throughout the story. Honestly I can't tell if this is due to the way he was written or just personal bias (since I tend to find the overly dominant type hilarious instead of sexy). Despite this he was easy to understand and he had a strong love for puppies which made him a tolerable character (even if I imagined him with Urkel's voice at times).
Finally granny is my absolute favorite. I pray for her back because she carried this book especially in the last few chapters. There were so many moments where I stopped reading just so I could sit there and laugh without losing my spot.
All in all this book was good although I do think I would prefer to read a whole book on the adventures of granny and Lila. I applaud Jessie Jocelyn for her writing although Hawk was frustrating I loved absolutely everything about this book, there were some really cute moments. Plus despite my personal bias/taste Hawk is definitely someone people could fall in love with.
Content warnings from the book: " Violence, killing, guns, explicit sex, workplace sexual harassment (in 3 chapters from a side character), abusive parent (his father), one brief reference to a body-shaming ex, addiction (female lead is an addiction psychotherapist- 2 scenes with patients in therapy)." These are also right at the front of the book which is amazing.
dnf
September 2, 2022I was so excited to read this and I honestly don't know whether to cry and throw my phone across the room cos ts is was so disappointing.
I liked some parts of it like the FMC being plus sized, the animal shelter bit and her grandma but I disliked everything else.
The FMC got so fucking stupid around him like??? babe, it's okay to act normal, he's not a greek god so there's no need for the dramatics. It's almost like she's tryna convince herself that he's hot LMAO.
All her thoughts centered either around him or being too fat. Where's my plus sized babies who own their shit like the bad bitches they are?? I'm tired of seeing women needing some mediocre ass man to be their knight in shining armour who come in to feed them 2 lines about being "perfect the way they are" and suddenly *poof* no insecurities
Also, I get that she has some trauma over that so don't come for me but c'mon now, be fr. You're a goddamn psychiatrist, get help!!?
The MMC essentially viewed her as pussy on legs. All his thoughts about her were about sex and honestly I can't get over the sleeping w 3 women to get her out of his head while she tried to go one ONE date and couldn't get through it cos he (the date) was a dick. I'd care less about the MMC sleeping w the other women if she'd gotten the chance to do so as well instead of -as per usual w romance books- the date being a dick and them having to leave (actually most of the time the LI will run in like a caveman but it didn't happen in this case).
And besides them also having NO chemistry whatsoever, the plot had so many holes that my strainer is shaking in it's fucking boots. The doggos are the only reason I kept reading until I just couldn't anymore
I liked some parts of it like the FMC being plus sized, the animal shelter bit and her grandma but I disliked everything else.
The FMC got so fucking stupid around him like??? babe, it's okay to act normal, he's not a greek god so there's no need for the dramatics. It's almost like she's tryna convince herself that he's hot LMAO.
All her thoughts centered either around him or being too fat. Where's my plus sized babies who own their shit like the bad bitches they are?? I'm tired of seeing women needing some mediocre ass man to be their knight in shining armour who come in to feed them 2 lines about being "perfect the way they are" and suddenly *poof* no insecurities
Also, I get that she has some trauma over that so don't come for me but c'mon now, be fr. You're a goddamn psychiatrist, get help!!?
The MMC essentially viewed her as pussy on legs. All his thoughts about her were about sex and honestly I can't get over the sleeping w 3 women to get her out of his head while she tried to go one ONE date and couldn't get through it cos he (the date) was a dick. I'd care less about the MMC sleeping w the other women if she'd gotten the chance to do so as well instead of -as per usual w romance books- the date being a dick and them having to leave (actually most of the time the LI will run in like a caveman but it didn't happen in this case).
And besides them also having NO chemistry whatsoever, the plot had so many holes that my strainer is shaking in it's fucking boots. The doggos are the only reason I kept reading until I just couldn't anymore
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
There may be a spoiler or two.
This book...
The description states that it is a mafia boss that volunteers in an animal shelter. Ok, so technically that is true I guess?
We get one scene with the hero in the animal shelter and it is first thing in the book. We also get him throwing a huge fundraiser for animal shelters, which is really an excuse to get into the heroines dress.
As for the mafia boss....umm where is that? It says repeatedly that is the leader of a criminal organization. He enemy is a MC (not typical in a mafia book. Have actually never seen that in a mafia book). It also never states which mafia he runs (hello...are you Irish Mob, Russian Bratva, etc?) Then add in the coincidence that the heroines grandfather was in the Irish mob. I'm not even going to touch on the scene in the heroines apartment with the MC. The climax of the book, pun intended, and I found it laughable, but not in a good way.
The relationship was also very insta. After the first meeting, which didn't exactly go smashing, and suddenly they are both obsessed. To the point she was willing to destroy her career that is repeatedly stated is her top priority in life.
I did enjoy the fat representation in this book immensely. As a plus size girl myself....yeah this is kind of how it is. The heroines self depreciating thoughts about her body (thoughts that were put there after someone else made negative comments about her body), the ways in which she tried to hide certain parts of her body, the concern when the hero picked her up, etc. All of those are very true for a lot of plus size women (not all, but a lot). Add into that how other people treated her because of her size. The date making rude comments. The ex boyfriend making rude comments. The surgeon making comments about how if she lost a few inches she'd be perfect. Yeah. That's how it is a lot, unfortunately.
Overall it wasn't a bad book exactly. But it wasn't great either.
This book...
The description states that it is a mafia boss that volunteers in an animal shelter. Ok, so technically that is true I guess?
We get one scene with the hero in the animal shelter and it is first thing in the book. We also get him throwing a huge fundraiser for animal shelters, which is really an excuse to get into the heroines dress.
As for the mafia boss....umm where is that? It says repeatedly that is the leader of a criminal organization. He enemy is a MC (not typical in a mafia book. Have actually never seen that in a mafia book). It also never states which mafia he runs (hello...are you Irish Mob, Russian Bratva, etc?) Then add in the coincidence that the heroines grandfather was in the Irish mob. I'm not even going to touch on the scene in the heroines apartment with the MC. The climax of the book, pun intended, and I found it laughable, but not in a good way.
The relationship was also very insta. After the first meeting, which didn't exactly go smashing, and suddenly they are both obsessed. To the point she was willing to destroy her career that is repeatedly stated is her top priority in life.
I did enjoy the fat representation in this book immensely. As a plus size girl myself....yeah this is kind of how it is. The heroines self depreciating thoughts about her body (thoughts that were put there after someone else made negative comments about her body), the ways in which she tried to hide certain parts of her body, the concern when the hero picked her up, etc. All of those are very true for a lot of plus size women (not all, but a lot). Add into that how other people treated her because of her size. The date making rude comments. The ex boyfriend making rude comments. The surgeon making comments about how if she lost a few inches she'd be perfect. Yeah. That's how it is a lot, unfortunately.
Overall it wasn't a bad book exactly. But it wasn't great either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
DNF @ 46%
So here is what I liked about the book...the heroine is a plus size queen and the representation of that is amazing! But also a little too on point and while I love that we have the same thought I need to be able to escape reality a bit more. This is the only reason it got 2 stars!!! Also love that animal love was so heavily featured even if there wasn't actually a lot of scenes with animals in them.
Here's what I did not enjoy and the reason I had to just give up now...
Hero didn't feel like a mafia boss and which mafia was he in?!?!?!?! Why did the heroine get a bad date but the hero slept with multiple woman(off page) while thinking of our heroine? I don't want to know that!!!!!! I also got the insta lust thing but we are this far in and there hasn't even been a kiss yet, but she's gotten a good time by herself.
All in all while it is pretty well written I think this story is just not for me.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
So here is what I liked about the book...the heroine is a plus size queen and the representation of that is amazing! But also a little too on point and while I love that we have the same thought I need to be able to escape reality a bit more. This is the only reason it got 2 stars!!! Also love that animal love was so heavily featured even if there wasn't actually a lot of scenes with animals in them.
Here's what I did not enjoy and the reason I had to just give up now...
Hero didn't feel like a mafia boss and which mafia was he in?!?!?!?! Why did the heroine get a bad date but the hero slept with multiple woman(off page) while thinking of our heroine? I don't want to know that!!!!!! I also got the insta lust thing but we are this far in and there hasn't even been a kiss yet, but she's gotten a good time by herself.
All in all while it is pretty well written I think this story is just not for me.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 7, 2022
Tormented mafia boss and a curvy psychiatrist who in there spare time volunteer at a dog shelter.
This book was so much fun. I was laughing all the way through. I loved Hawk and Lila together. I loved the tension between them and how Hawk was trying to figure out how to be with Lila with out her getting hurt.
Lila’s Nana in this book had me in stitches she is a badass woman and honestly would love to hear all the crazy stories she has because I would sit there and listen all day.
If you love:
🔹 Mafia Romance
🔹 Mutual understanding of no feelings must happen between them
🔹 Lots of rescue dogs!
🔹Tention 🥵
🔹 Spice and smut!
This is for you!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶.5
List of triggers can be found at the start of the book ⚠️ do your research.
This book was so much fun. I was laughing all the way through. I loved Hawk and Lila together. I loved the tension between them and how Hawk was trying to figure out how to be with Lila with out her getting hurt.
Lila’s Nana in this book had me in stitches she is a badass woman and honestly would love to hear all the crazy stories she has because I would sit there and listen all day.
If you love:
🔹 Mafia Romance
🔹 Mutual understanding of no feelings must happen between them
🔹 Lots of rescue dogs!
🔹Tention 🥵
🔹 Spice and smut!
This is for you!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶🌶.5
List of triggers can be found at the start of the book ⚠️ do your research.
July 14, 2022
Watch out for Nana
Lila and Hawk agree to have one weekend together, but their chemistry is too good. This book was romantic, funny and very spicy. Nana is amusing and had me laughing. I loved all the characters, but she is the best.
Lila and Hawk agree to have one weekend together, but their chemistry is too good. This book was romantic, funny and very spicy. Nana is amusing and had me laughing. I loved all the characters, but she is the best.
June 21, 2023
A light spicy romance about a maffia bad guy who falls for a more round/chubby girl. Its softer in spicyness, but all the more still delicious.
December 10, 2022
OK
The ‘will they or won’t they‘ got old real quick. In the midst of that, I was mildly entertained by the cast of characters especially Nana. She stole the show towards the end.
The ‘will they or won’t they‘ got old real quick. In the midst of that, I was mildly entertained by the cast of characters especially Nana. She stole the show towards the end.
January 1, 2025
This book reminded me why I love tall, dark, scarred, and grumpy heroes. Top-notch romance with an amazing bang (a whole weekend, jealous? yes)
July 20, 2022
believe
What was the shock part about this story was about the dogs…I lost my dog karma and put smile on my face You name the dog in the story same as my dog great book
What was the shock part about this story was about the dogs…I lost my dog karma and put smile on my face You name the dog in the story same as my dog great book
September 9, 2022
A different kind of read
The book waz enjoyable, but moved a little slow for me. I thought Hawk was a little too over the top. Lila was little too nice for me, she needed mode of an edge. I did love her grandma though, wished for more of her.
The book waz enjoyable, but moved a little slow for me. I thought Hawk was a little too over the top. Lila was little too nice for me, she needed mode of an edge. I did love her grandma though, wished for more of her.
August 18, 2022
AGE GAP / MAFIA ROMANCE / PLUS SIZE HEROINE
Hawk is not a good person. He runs an underground crime syndicate along with his hedge fund firm. He wants to be, but his father's and his own life resides on him being the ruthless killer that he hates. So to alleviate some of the guilt, he volunteers every Sunday at the local animal shelter. Until he switches his Sunday shift to Saturday, and he meets Lila. He is instantly obsessed with her, but he acts cold towards her because, well, he is a part of the mafia and she is a therapist. She couldn't handle his lifestyle. And he knows that anyone involved with him is automatically in danger. Especially with his crazy ex running rampant in the streets.
Lila can't believe a man like Hawk spends his time at the animal shelter, but it makes her heart pitter patter watching him coo to the puppies. She wants to know more about the gruff stranger covered in tattoos but he makes it known that he isn't interested. Until, he keeps showing up at her office, that is.
Hawk sets appointments to see a therapist three times a week so he can run into Lila. He is obsessed with her. He literally goes to the therapy sessions and says nothing, which scares the hell out of Lila's best friend since she is the therapist having to deal with Hawk's broody silence. She warns Lila that she doesn't think Hawk is a good person, but Lila doesn't see that. Which is part of why Hawk likes Lila so much. She isn't afraid of him like everyone else is. She defies him, and sasses off at him like even the most dangerous men wouldn't dare to do.
Will Hawk let his guard down enough to let Lila in, or will he push her away, along with any chance of happiness?
Hawk is not a good person. He runs an underground crime syndicate along with his hedge fund firm. He wants to be, but his father's and his own life resides on him being the ruthless killer that he hates. So to alleviate some of the guilt, he volunteers every Sunday at the local animal shelter. Until he switches his Sunday shift to Saturday, and he meets Lila. He is instantly obsessed with her, but he acts cold towards her because, well, he is a part of the mafia and she is a therapist. She couldn't handle his lifestyle. And he knows that anyone involved with him is automatically in danger. Especially with his crazy ex running rampant in the streets.
Lila can't believe a man like Hawk spends his time at the animal shelter, but it makes her heart pitter patter watching him coo to the puppies. She wants to know more about the gruff stranger covered in tattoos but he makes it known that he isn't interested. Until, he keeps showing up at her office, that is.
Hawk sets appointments to see a therapist three times a week so he can run into Lila. He is obsessed with her. He literally goes to the therapy sessions and says nothing, which scares the hell out of Lila's best friend since she is the therapist having to deal with Hawk's broody silence. She warns Lila that she doesn't think Hawk is a good person, but Lila doesn't see that. Which is part of why Hawk likes Lila so much. She isn't afraid of him like everyone else is. She defies him, and sasses off at him like even the most dangerous men wouldn't dare to do.
Will Hawk let his guard down enough to let Lila in, or will he push her away, along with any chance of happiness?
June 22, 2025
I didn’t realize this book had come out years ago. Now I’ve read it and the series isn’t complete. I’d like to read John and Simone’s story.
This story was about Hawk and Lila. Hawk’s in finance and a money launderer. Lila’s a therapist. They both are really attracted to each other but have plans to remain single for their own reasons. The thing is that they can’t seem to stay away from one another. Eventually they give into temptation and promise themselves a week of sex and no strings. However things change when he takes her home. They sleep together one more time and end up attacked.
This attack changed their relationship. They save each other physically from the violence. Enter grandma. She’s the funniest and most entertaining part of the story.
This book would have been great if it was more showing instead of telling. I would have given John and Simone’s story a chance but since that isn’t out I’m going to pass on this author.
This story was about Hawk and Lila. Hawk’s in finance and a money launderer. Lila’s a therapist. They both are really attracted to each other but have plans to remain single for their own reasons. The thing is that they can’t seem to stay away from one another. Eventually they give into temptation and promise themselves a week of sex and no strings. However things change when he takes her home. They sleep together one more time and end up attacked.
This attack changed their relationship. They save each other physically from the violence. Enter grandma. She’s the funniest and most entertaining part of the story.
This book would have been great if it was more showing instead of telling. I would have given John and Simone’s story a chance but since that isn’t out I’m going to pass on this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was definitely interesting and everything I love about a mafia romance. Quickly your hooked into the story and finding out these characters back story’s, especially Hawk.
Hawk is a billionaire mafia boss that has been slowly trying to go as legit as he can against his fathers wishes. After being raised by a ruthless man he just wants to create a life that he can one day retire. That proves to be much more difficult than he thought.
After meeting a woman volunteering at the animal shelter he spends time at. Immediately there’s a mutual attraction but he absolutely can’t act on it. His world and life would just ruin her and who would want someone like him anyway?
When fighting it doesn’t work their relationship progresses but his enemy’s are still just around the corner.
October 1, 2022
When this book came up in my recommended on KU, I jumped at the chance to read it and it did not disappoint. I can see why so many people talk about it. It was definitely an enjoyable read. There was spice, comedy, with hints of drama and it all blended nicely together. I did find some parts a bit repetitive which made some chapters drag but it didn't detract from the story too much. I enjoyed the length but wish more focus was put on character development (and their histories) than just the lust between the two main characters. If you are looking for a villian-lite story with a male main character (with a soft heart) who is trying to change himself for the better and his curvy love interest who literally falls into his arms, then give this book a go. It is slow burn with a (much more realistic) age gap that will have you hoping they end up together before the story is through.
November 4, 2023
Nothing bad happens to the animals!
Since it's a Mafia light-ish and sometimes they can still be harsh, I think it's important to note that the wonderful fur babies we meet are unharmed. 💙 They're also a great addition to the story.
I enjoyed Hawk and Lila. The chemistry was definitely there from the very beginning. The psych pieces were interesting and I found they contributed to the story. The back and forth Hawk feels was an interesting take and one I hadn't read before. Lila is so smart and I enjoyed her sassy take charge attitude (she has this for the most part except on a couple of occasions). Saving the best for last-Nana is one bad a$$ queen bee.
Overall, this was a great story that moved along pretty well with not a lot of extra fluff.
Since it's a Mafia light-ish and sometimes they can still be harsh, I think it's important to note that the wonderful fur babies we meet are unharmed. 💙 They're also a great addition to the story.
I enjoyed Hawk and Lila. The chemistry was definitely there from the very beginning. The psych pieces were interesting and I found they contributed to the story. The back and forth Hawk feels was an interesting take and one I hadn't read before. Lila is so smart and I enjoyed her sassy take charge attitude (she has this for the most part except on a couple of occasions). Saving the best for last-Nana is one bad a$$ queen bee.
Overall, this was a great story that moved along pretty well with not a lot of extra fluff.
July 3, 2022
Omg I loved this story! Lila is a true plus size queen! She is a smart career focused women who has given up on dating. Hawk is a sexy, bad guy with a good heart that few see. They meet unexpectedly while volunteering at an animal shelter (can we say all the feels!!) and as hard as they try to fight it, they eventually crash together. This story has an age gap between our main couple, mafia and billionaire romance, a sexy fit man that will do anything for his thick goddess, conflicts, and some amazing steamy buildup to the main spice! I loved the supporting cast. Nana is by far the best and had me laughing non stop. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
July 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like the tension and buildup was well matched by the spice. I loved Lila as a character but I wasn't crazy about Hawk. He spent all this time almost stalking Lila and giving her fleeting moments of attention. All the while he had no intention of continuing a relationship after their "48 hours." I get he was trying to shield her from his lifestyle but he just kinda seemed like... a d!ck at times. But all in all the book was interesting and well written. The ending was wrapped up nicely as well.
I was provided with an ARC for this title in exchange for my honest review.
I was provided with an ARC for this title in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2022
Really enjoyable read.
A first read of a Jessie Jocelyne book for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Nice story, had me wondering how the hell it would pan out and end. I didn’t guess the ending, that’s for sure.
The characters were great, both main and support. It had funny banter; great dialogue from Hawk in his matter of fact, blunt, ungentlemanly way-a real change form the typical main character who would fall over himself to do anything for his girl, but he wasn’t horrible, just more realistic!
And the puppies; they were so cute.
All in all a great story, now on to the next book, about best friend Stephen. Can’t wait.
A first read of a Jessie Jocelyne book for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Nice story, had me wondering how the hell it would pan out and end. I didn’t guess the ending, that’s for sure.
The characters were great, both main and support. It had funny banter; great dialogue from Hawk in his matter of fact, blunt, ungentlemanly way-a real change form the typical main character who would fall over himself to do anything for his girl, but he wasn’t horrible, just more realistic!
And the puppies; they were so cute.
All in all a great story, now on to the next book, about best friend Stephen. Can’t wait.
July 2, 2022
ARC Review- 5stars
Dual POV/Mafia Romance/Animal Lover/plus sized sexy FMC
I love Hawk so much, as ruthless as he is in his world, he has a soft side that will melt you heart.
He is attracted to Lila but wants to turn his life around and doesn’t want her to be part of his criminal life. Lila is stubborn, curvy and doesn’t back down, she also doesn’t look at him the everyone else does. There’s no fear or disgust in her eyes. Lila also has a bad as nana that made sure she know how to defend herself at all cost. Great book
Dual POV/Mafia Romance/Animal Lover/plus sized sexy FMC
I love Hawk so much, as ruthless as he is in his world, he has a soft side that will melt you heart.
He is attracted to Lila but wants to turn his life around and doesn’t want her to be part of his criminal life. Lila is stubborn, curvy and doesn’t back down, she also doesn’t look at him the everyone else does. There’s no fear or disgust in her eyes. Lila also has a bad as nana that made sure she know how to defend herself at all cost. Great book
August 21, 2023
This started off with promise and then felt like it couldn't decide if it wanted to be a gritty drama or a fluffy comedy - there wasn't enough of either to balance it out and I quickly lost interest.
Lila tried too hard to be funny with her sass and banter and for a being a psychiatrist, her internal dilemmas made my eyes roll - really? Hawk just needed a grip on something, I just didn't feel the 'savage' boss about him.....
Even Nana couldn't save the plot.
There were still unanswered questions as it ended on a HFN but I'm not invested in either of them to carry on with book 2.
Lila tried too hard to be funny with her sass and banter and for a being a psychiatrist, her internal dilemmas made my eyes roll - really? Hawk just needed a grip on something, I just didn't feel the 'savage' boss about him.....
Even Nana couldn't save the plot.
There were still unanswered questions as it ended on a HFN but I'm not invested in either of them to carry on with book 2.
December 8, 2023
Great Book
I found it on Facebook and I thought I had bookmarked it but I didn’t. I kept looking for in for several weeks until last night!! All I can say is that I’m glad I found it. It is a mafia read but it was light. He was not mean to FMC and he loved her Nana immediately. Hawk thought he was protecting Lila but he didn’t know how strong she really was. I wish the author would had given some details of how Hawk’s died in jail( I hope ir was painful) for what he did to Hawk si se he was a child. Going to read book two now.
I found it on Facebook and I thought I had bookmarked it but I didn’t. I kept looking for in for several weeks until last night!! All I can say is that I’m glad I found it. It is a mafia read but it was light. He was not mean to FMC and he loved her Nana immediately. Hawk thought he was protecting Lila but he didn’t know how strong she really was. I wish the author would had given some details of how Hawk’s died in jail( I hope ir was painful) for what he did to Hawk si se he was a child. Going to read book two now.
August 28, 2024
I felt like this book is a mix of whatnot. There were definitely moments that I burst out laughing and that’s the main reason I overall liked the book. Nana is definitely my favourite character and the reason to be left with positive feelings of the book.
The plot is chaotic in my opinion and the characters lack depth. For a mafia romance, I didn’t see that many mafia aspects in the book with the exception of the last 50 pages. I love mafia romance books and this one is definitely not a favourite of the genre but as a funny light read I would recommend it.
The plot is chaotic in my opinion and the characters lack depth. For a mafia romance, I didn’t see that many mafia aspects in the book with the exception of the last 50 pages. I love mafia romance books and this one is definitely not a favourite of the genre but as a funny light read I would recommend it.
July 3, 2022
A dark man in a dangerous world ruled by the pain of his past desperate to keep his last shred of humanity in the gentle and unyielding loyalty of warm snouts and 4 paws until the day he meets a woman who sets his life on an unexpected course. This was a fantastic story action packed suspenseful and thrilling the struggle between the duty to their worlds and their growing feelings for each other steamy and heart felt.
July 18, 2022
I had high hopes
This book started out with so much hope but it fizzled out. I wanted to like it. This book was one where I would turn pages to get to the good parts. I wish the story had more depth and delved more into the overweight character. She was smart and funny. Yet we didn’t get to hear to much of her. Lila was vulnerable but tough and that character development was lacking.
This book started out with so much hope but it fizzled out. I wanted to like it. This book was one where I would turn pages to get to the good parts. I wish the story had more depth and delved more into the overweight character. She was smart and funny. Yet we didn’t get to hear to much of her. Lila was vulnerable but tough and that character development was lacking.
June 25, 2023
We have a curvy psychologist and a tormented mafia boss who both have a love for dogs. They met volunteering at an animal shelter and he began his obsession with her. The tension is thick in this book and they develop such a cute relationship even though they 100% know they shouldn’t be together. This book is pretty funny, cute, but also this is a dark mafia romance so please check your trigger warnings.
October 15, 2023
Fantastic book!
I took a chance and chose a book written by a new author and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Hawk and Lila’s story. The author is incredibly talented and her style of writing is creative. Jessie Jocelyne is officially added to my list of favorite authors. The happily ever after was sweet and Nan and Uncle Leo made the book absolutely perfect! I loved it! I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
I took a chance and chose a book written by a new author and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Hawk and Lila’s story. The author is incredibly talented and her style of writing is creative. Jessie Jocelyne is officially added to my list of favorite authors. The happily ever after was sweet and Nan and Uncle Leo made the book absolutely perfect! I loved it! I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
did-not-finish
February 13, 2025DNF at around 15%
Mafia romances for me are the biggest lottery, whatever the bio says you are never completely sure what you are going to get and this story was a struggle for me.
Insta lust on both sides which I normally don’t mind and a tragically misunderstood anti-hero whose POV felt like the diary entries of teenager in crisis not a 47 year old man.
Love a plus side FMC, but it doesn’t need to be there whole personality.
Mafia romances for me are the biggest lottery, whatever the bio says you are never completely sure what you are going to get and this story was a struggle for me.
Insta lust on both sides which I normally don’t mind and a tragically misunderstood anti-hero whose POV felt like the diary entries of teenager in crisis not a 47 year old man.
Love a plus side FMC, but it doesn’t need to be there whole personality.
July 1, 2022
Couldn’t put it down
I had a calendar alert to download this book the day it came out after reading Secret Desire. Loved the sneak peek of Hawk in that book and couldn’t wait to get more. I couldn’t stop reading. Loved both characters, nana was a hoot, it was all the things I love in a book.
I had a calendar alert to download this book the day it came out after reading Secret Desire. Loved the sneak peek of Hawk in that book and couldn’t wait to get more. I couldn’t stop reading. Loved both characters, nana was a hoot, it was all the things I love in a book.
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