I hated fire. I hated how the smoke wrapped around my naked body, stinging my skin with defiant embers. I hated the smell of burnt flesh, the ashes heavy on my tongue, my charred soul like splinters deep in my chest.
She’s dead, Juliet.
There’s nothing else you can do--
Dragging my bleeding feet across the concrete, I walked toward the flames. Heat licked at my cheeks. Sirens off in the distance cursed my ears.
Dead, dead, dead.
All of this started because I made a choice. Because I fell in love. Because I was a lonely girl clinging to dangerous men.
Author Coralee June has always been passionate about storytelling and impressed by the influence it has on people and the decisions they make in life. She loves engaging with the projects she works on, diving headfirst into developing real, raw, and relatable characters that are equally flawed and beautiful. Coralee lives in Dallas, Tx with her husband and two daughters. She's been known to frequently indulge in boxed red wine and day-old pizza. When she's not writing, June is reading or substitute teaching at the local middle school.
I'm really enjoying this series! Since this is book two, I can't say too much about the plot. This is a reverse harem where the heroine falls for her friend's three brothers. Things really shake up between the brothers and I really enjoyed how this focused a lot more on their brothers, their relationship with each other, and their protectiveness over Juliet. There's a lot of danger and suspense in here too and it was definitely entertaining! I'm not sure how everything is going to wrap up!
Reverse Harem was never my go to when it came to being in books and honestly, I will never knowingly seek it out either. That changed a bit when I read Malice and I didn't think that I was going to enjoy it all but I did. So imagine my surprise when I learned that not one but two more books was in the making and do you know what I did? I took the plunge again and held my breath hoping for something even more incredible.
Wrath picks up after the devastating ending in Malice and Juliet along with the three brothers are dealing with a traumatizing blow to their tight knit unit. Everyone has changed and trying to navigate their new moods is going to be an uphill battle. What was once supposed to be a happily ever after with her men is now turning out to be a deadly cat and mouse game from the outside.
I really enjoyed the first book and after reading this one, I kind of wish that the author had just made it one book and call it a day. What made me fall in love with the characters in book one was their confidence and assertiveness and I loved how Malice took charge of everything and showed no remorse. What I got in this book was a completely different person who made everything worse. I'm really hoping that these characters will get their act together and be redeemable for the final book because they have a lot to do. Here's to hoping🥂
We open with a heartbreaking scene illustrating the emotional toll the events of Malice have taken.
We simultaneously see Nick feeling as though he’s lost control. As the head of the family, being powerless is foreign to him and he’s struggling with how to move forward.
Throughout this second book we are riding an emotional roller coaster that never lets up. I love that it’s written in multiple perspectives and that we hear from all of our main characters. I’m thankful we got insight into what led to events in Malice. But I am not okay.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Heat: 🌶🌶🌶1/2
🗂 Genre: Dark Romance
✨ Tropes: Mafia, Reverse Harem
⚠️ Safety Squad: Violence
📣 Wrath is the second book in the Malice Mafia series and ends on a cliffhanger.
I was SO excited when I saw this bad boy sitting on my kindle. Gah, I hella missed Malice. Like, it's pretty depraved how much my dark heart wants him. It should be wrong, but it feels so right.
There is dark romance and than there is this depraved mind blowing awesomeness that Coralee just thinks up.. I mean WHAT THE HELL does she eat for breakfast. It's for sure not her Wheaties. I think it's the salty tears of her readers, just bowls and bowls of them. The stuff that she conjures up - just phenomenal.
Wrath once again brings us back into Juliet's life and the life of her 3 dark and delicious misfits. The Civella Brothers... Nick, William and Anthony. They are all broken and don't just dip their toes in the darkness. They bathe in it. It's like the blood flow in their bodies. Juliet and her guys have a very unconventional relationship. She has some major egos and personalities to contend with. I feel like she had even more of a backbone than she did in Malice. Gah, that woman is a saint. She is exactly what each one of the brothers need her to be.
I don't want to say that I loved this cause that might just mean that my heart is much darker than it is, but damn I pretty much loved this read. She has a magical way of writing the most twisted characters and scenes into existence that make you squirming for more, more, more. More filth, more gore, more depravity. You want it ALL!
I don't want to say too much about this book, but it packed a punch! So much happened and you need to read it firsthand. Gosh, the goodness. I am fangirling over her.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Creatively bold and deliciously twisted, Wrath is even more emotionally intense and relationally rich. Coralee June finds that sweet spot between enchanting and disturbing, a story both savage and sweet that consumes you from the very first heart-wrenching moment to the last. Brilliantly, Coralee subverts the concept of a "happily ever after" as we dive deeper into the broken depths of these captivating characters. It's a story both entertaining and emotionally affecting, an assault on the mind and the heart. The Malice Mafia are back- and from the first word to the last, this story is a FORCE.
Like the first, we have a red herring (but grotesquely creepy) villain that subverts our perception of story telling- because in Wrath we discover yet again that this crew’s worst own enemies are themselves- only this time it’s less about their dynamic being the enemy and more about each battling themself in some way- each recognizing that the enemy is their own heart and mind, their reluctance to confront their individual baggage and issues. And after book 1’s “threat” was gone their HEA is threatened because they realize it never really existed at all- their brokenness has become the scapegoat and the threat. And when the dust settles, is love enough? Are there limits to what parts of yourself you’ll sacrifice for it? What would you forgive?
It’s like a harem existential crisis -couples in peril, the group in peril. But we also have lots of danger and surprises in the form of literal peril, dark twists and violence. Cora dips her toe deeper in the darkness- gleefully playing around the macabre. Oh, and you thought the curling iron was bad...wink wink....
It’s psychologically and emotionally messy and interesting, but also wickedly twisted and darkly playful. And just so very different - this is not an easy or happy harem, and the dynamics feel so original. I can’t wait for the finale!
I’m not sure what exactly it was but I just didn’t connect with this one as much as the first book, which makes me sad because I loved Malice and eagerly awaited the release of Wrath for months. I understand that the brothers were all at odds and pulling Juliette in different directions, but it was almost too much to the point where I couldn’t enjoy the story. I still love Anthony but I found William even more insufferable than I did in the first book. And what the hell happened to Malice? He was my favorite out of all of them in the first book, but he was an absolute DUMBASS in this one. Like an actual fuck up who made everything worse, who always said the wrong thing and did the wrong thing in every single situation, and was completely stupid when it came to running the business. He had anger and control issues in the first book but he was still cunning and manipulative in a clever way. Where did that guy go? What happened to the guy who took Juliette with him to break into his enemy’s home to get back his mother’s necklace so he could give it to the woman he loved? What happened to the man who had a lethal charm? I’m not sure if this was a way to build up William more, but I felt like it was at the expense of Nick and it annoyed me somewhat. Here’s hoping William annoys me less in the third book and I get the Nick I fell in love with from book 1, someone who isn’t a complete idiot, but I’m not holding my breath.
After reading and loving Malice, when I heard Wrath was being released I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. This second book in the Malice Mafia series was twisted, dark, and sinister and I was unable to put it down. You will be awed by the author's ability to create captivating complicated characters and a psychologically twisted tale. With twists and turns, suspense, danger and violence, this book was unlike anything I've read. A continuing love story, a new villain, and a plot that will take you on a rollercoaster ride, this story packs quite a punch and I would definitely recommend it to lovers of dark romance.
3.25⭐ Would you mind holding this? It’s a box of grief. Hold it tight to your chest for me so I can do what needs to be done.
Yes Coralee! NOW THIS IS WHAT IS CALLED DEVELOPMENT!
PURRRRRRRRR This the shit i fucking like.
tw: blood, murders, cannibalism, gory
ANTHONY AS ALWAYS OWNED my ass and this book. Nicholas getting what he should. Him fighting his own self and his guilt and his fears of letting his people down.
WILLIAM GREW A BACKBONE! And took the control.
and Juliet was being a heroine idc much about her this book is not about her. This book is about the siblings.
This was in no way a masterpiece but the ending was beautiful.
I'm actually crying at the last chapter.
I want him to know I’m coming for him. Do you think he feels fear? I get scared sometimes. Are you with me? Let’s do this together, okay? I’ll end his life. You look him in the eye so we never forget. Be quiet, everyone. The show is about to start. Get your popcorn.
The last chapter is an actual masterpiece. 5⭐ That last chapter in Anthony's pov where we get to see how his psyche works? Him talking to us and the demons in his head? HIM KILLING THE VILLIAN? real literature.
I’m going to kill him today. Have you ever killed someone? It’s easier than you think. Bones break. Veins burst. Eyes pop out. Guts spill. Necks snap. We're a painfully vulnerable species.It doesn’t take much.
Anthony being a true psycho with a fucked mind trying to be a good person and maintain his sanity and trying to get a fucking grip on reality when he talks to the dead and has a second voice in his head. Miss June I'm afraid you popped off with Anthony.
This is the second book in the Malice Mafia trilogy and I freaking loved every dark delicious minute of it. This book takes you on a different journey than the first and I wasn’t ready for it. This story delves deeper into the dynamics of their relationship and ultimately what they are really fighting which isn’t outside forces but inside ones.
Juliet has a lot to deal with in this book. She’s trying to balance out her unconventional romance with the Civella brothers. She’s trying to give each of the brothers everything that they could need and want. She’s trying to help them all deal with their internal demons but all the while she is slowly losing herself. It broke my heart watching Juliet tear herself apart trying to fix them. And the only one who really saw her doing this was ironically Malice. However, the way he chooses to handle the situation ends up making them butt heads even more, due to the alpha aggressive way he tries to fix things.
This book is darker than the first if that’s even possible. It’s gory and gritty and coated in blood. It’s hard to read at times. And the men will frustrate the crap out of you. But even though they go about things in the wrong way, one thing is certain they are all irrevocably in love with Juliet. But their love is toxic at times and damaging at others. Coralee takes you on a dangerous journey that will leave you breathless and anxious for more. I blazed through these pages furiously unable to stop because I was so enthralled. I cannot wait to see what happens next. These men have the capacity to be great they just have to fight their demons and win.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy
This was another unputdownable read by Coralee June ! This story is dark dirty and twisted with its dangerously flawed dark and depraved characters that are so loyal to each other and the ones they love this was one crazy twisted ride full of emotions twists and turns and some super hot and sexy scenes I couldn’t put it down till it ended and I’m dying for the next book!
This instalment just didn't work for me like the first book did.
Although the first book lacked depth and explanations, I forgave it for being the first book in a series and fully expecting things to be fleshed out more in book 2 but I was totally wrong.
I still have no idea who any of the characters really are, as there is no depth or backstory, or why they fell so instantly in love with Juliet, there's absolutely no chemistry between any of them and they're all unlikeable to the point of being unbearable.
If this works for you then I'm happy for you, clearly I'm in the minority with my review as many others are 4 and 5 stars so must just be a me thing.
Every time I think I know where this series is going, it veers left and I'm scrambling to catch up. There are some things I really love about this so far. These heroes aren't just psychopathic, there are realistic downsides to them being that way. Its not just a ploy to make them interesting. I also like the fact that these brothers don't just fall easily into the harem. They have real trouble sharing and it isn't just a token argument.
Wrath Coralee June Rating▪︎🌟🌟🌟🌟 Characters▪︎💋💋💋💋 Spice▪︎🥵🥵 Reverse Harem, Mafia, dark Check triggers ⚠️⚠️
Review: I was honestly so obsessed with book one and it made it to my favorite of last year. This was a good second book, with alot of twists. It just hurt My heart to see the Characters so divided. Anthony Is one of my favorite psychopaths and my heart broke for him in this one. I didn't see so much coming in this one and I need the resolution of book three and hopefully my HEA like now. Everything is so up in the air and my heart hurts. What i loved about certain Characters in book one was flipped on it's head in this one and that's why it lost a star. I still liked it but it felt so different from first in so many ways. Knowing it was only suppose to be a standalone makes sense.
CWs: References to necrophilia, ptsd, anxiety, depression, dissociation, noncon, on page assault, gore, murder, cannibalism
tropes: mafia, reverse harem, best friend’s brother(s)
I think I might read the 3rd book just to see how the story resolves, but I stick by my assessment that this could/should have been a standalone. It seems the more plot & character “development” we’re presented with, the less invested I am. I’m not opposed to experimental arcs, but this skews toward sloppy and chaotic at the best of times and far too incidentally mafia for my tastes.
Juliets inner turmoil in dealing with Nick, William, and Anthony is both dark, delicious, unapologetic and amusing even though this isn’t a humorous book at all. It’s totally understandable that there’s zero chance that Juliet can pick just one (even though I secretly have my favorite)! Looking forward to the next one
This was okay. I really believe the first book could have been a standalone. I really didn’t like Nick (Malice) attitude changes with sharing her with his brothers.
This was nothing special to me unfortunately. Still love the first book but you don’t need to read this book. You can stop at the first.
Review : When I First read Malice by Coralee, I just fell in love with these characters so badly! The darkness they all offered was addictive and it was an amazing read for me. I always wanted more of them and it made me sad that this was a standalone.
But coralee absolutely fulfilled my wish and made this series a trilogy! Now I can get so much more of my favorite characters. Anthony, will and of course Malice himself!
The second book started with a bang, right from the ending of book one. All the characters are in trauma about what happened at the end of book one. How their nearest ones are the ones who can betray them in the worst way. This book was basically them, trying to get through that trauma. The starting first half of the book had me in tears. Anthony is my most favorite character in this series and his suffering felt like physical pain to me. I love that man so much and I hope that he comes face to face with his demons and learns to love them. Because there is no other way they all can survive this dynamic. The ending threw me off a bit and now I can't wait for the next installment!
Absolutely loved this one and recommending it to all the dark mafia romance loving people! This one is a RH romance and it's very dark with a lot of triggering scenes and thrilling scenes too, so please keep that in mind before picking up this one.
I was enjoying this book till we got to the third act suspense part of the book. The "villian" and trauma at the end came out of left field. Didn't make a lot sense and I wanted more growth for each relationship.
I tend to like RH books where all the guys are on the same page and they are ok with the other relationships. These guys are fighting over her, which gets annoying.
I enjoyed this one, not as much as the first just because I felt like all the relationship drama was unnecessary. I also didn’t like that Vicky died. I was really growing to like her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Um… What did I just read?? Lol and I mean that in the best way! Wrath picks up about 6 months after Malice and it’s just as demented as the first book. This book was so creative and juicy and deliciously dark and I loved every second of it. I love Juliet and how she handles all of her guys. I love the guys and how possessive and obsessed they all are, but are still so different from each other at the same time. Oh! And I love Vicky too lol! Such a great 2nd installment and I cannot WAIT for the finale!