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Bloodlust
Sentenced to anger management after a public outburst, reigning mafia queen Camilla Bianco finds herself at the mercy of the mysterious Dr. Hayden Malcolm, a man with desires as dark as her own.
Groomed from birth to take over The Angels, NYC's most notorious gang, Camilla thought her path to power and revenge was clear- until Hayden's enigmatic presence upends her whole world. As their dangerous attraction deepens, Camilla uncovers a web of deception that threatens her grip on The Angels and her very future.
Will her crown survive the wicked revelations, or will she burn her empire to the ground?
Please check content warnings on the author's website.
Groomed from birth to take over The Angels, NYC's most notorious gang, Camilla thought her path to power and revenge was clear- until Hayden's enigmatic presence upends her whole world. As their dangerous attraction deepens, Camilla uncovers a web of deception that threatens her grip on The Angels and her very future.
Will her crown survive the wicked revelations, or will she burn her empire to the ground?
Please check content warnings on the author's website.
374 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2025
62 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Lewis
9 books263 followersE.L. Lewis has always been a die-hard romantic. Born in Ukraine and raised in Canada, she grew up devouring love stories in every form she could find—and now she writes her own. A multi-genre romance author, she brings readers tales filled with sugar, spice, and heart, ranging from dangerous mafia romances to laugh-out-loud rom-coms. Between the pages of her books, readers will find first loves, last loves, and the epic journeys in between.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
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January 3, 2025
Bloodlust by EL Lewis
4/5⭐
2/5🌶️
"I want my arms to break the ties, the sackles, the cage in which she's trapped inside."
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it! I'm a huge fan of mafia romances, so when I saw that the FMC was the leader, I couldn't sign up fast enough. The book is fast-paced and filled with intriguing plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat—I devoured it in less than a day! The romance has a slow-burn vibe, but it fits perfectly with the story.
Camilla is such a fascinating character! As the mafia queen ruling the New York family after her father's retirement, she’s intelligent, confident, bold, and undeniably badass. After losing someone she loved dearly, she has put up emotional walls, believing she can't afford to feel love or hope anymore. Instead, she dives headfirst into leading the organization to make her father proud. I admire how she stands strong and never backs down, even when others underestimate her just because she’s a woman. There's something so powerful about how she maintains her authority in a male-dominated world.
"I'm a villain. Villains don't get to fall in love."
Then there's Dr. Malcolm, the psychologist assigned to help Camilla manage her fiery personality. From the moment he stepped onto the page, I was intrigued by him—he's such a mysterious character! I found myself guessing whether he had his agenda. When his true identity was revealed, I was kicking myself for not figuring it out sooner! The slow-burn romance between him and Camilla is filled with palpable tension and chemistry from the start. Their dynamic is explosive, and I loved how protective he becomes of her as the story unfolds.
All in all, this book was an exhilarating read with tons of action and unexpected twists. I enjoyed watching Camilla’s character develop throughout the story. The ending wrapped up beautifully, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Huge thanks to EL Lewis for the gifted eARC!
"I want you and every piece of your deranged fucking heart."
4/5⭐
2/5🌶️
"I want my arms to break the ties, the sackles, the cage in which she's trapped inside."
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it! I'm a huge fan of mafia romances, so when I saw that the FMC was the leader, I couldn't sign up fast enough. The book is fast-paced and filled with intriguing plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat—I devoured it in less than a day! The romance has a slow-burn vibe, but it fits perfectly with the story.
Camilla is such a fascinating character! As the mafia queen ruling the New York family after her father's retirement, she’s intelligent, confident, bold, and undeniably badass. After losing someone she loved dearly, she has put up emotional walls, believing she can't afford to feel love or hope anymore. Instead, she dives headfirst into leading the organization to make her father proud. I admire how she stands strong and never backs down, even when others underestimate her just because she’s a woman. There's something so powerful about how she maintains her authority in a male-dominated world.
"I'm a villain. Villains don't get to fall in love."
Then there's Dr. Malcolm, the psychologist assigned to help Camilla manage her fiery personality. From the moment he stepped onto the page, I was intrigued by him—he's such a mysterious character! I found myself guessing whether he had his agenda. When his true identity was revealed, I was kicking myself for not figuring it out sooner! The slow-burn romance between him and Camilla is filled with palpable tension and chemistry from the start. Their dynamic is explosive, and I loved how protective he becomes of her as the story unfolds.
All in all, this book was an exhilarating read with tons of action and unexpected twists. I enjoyed watching Camilla’s character develop throughout the story. The ending wrapped up beautifully, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Huge thanks to EL Lewis for the gifted eARC!
"I want you and every piece of your deranged fucking heart."
January 17, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆. 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗲𝘁... 𝗜 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆!
When I saw this mafia romance had a mafia queen, I had to read to it. Camilla Bianco is truly a queen—fierce and brash. She speaks her mind and doesn’t take anyone’s crap. The type of person you don’t want to piss off. Reading her perspective was so entertaining, yet refreshing and validating to see how hard it is to be a woman in a male-dominating world.
Hayden Malcolm is the mysterious therapist she couldn’t pay off when she refused to take anger management therapy. I could NOT wait for their interactions. Their banter, tension, and chemistry was just perfection. I really enjoyed the side characters, plot, and twists as well.
If you love mafia romance, you need to add this to your tbr.
Thank you to the author for this eARC.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆. 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗲𝘁... 𝗜 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝗰𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆!
When I saw this mafia romance had a mafia queen, I had to read to it. Camilla Bianco is truly a queen—fierce and brash. She speaks her mind and doesn’t take anyone’s crap. The type of person you don’t want to piss off. Reading her perspective was so entertaining, yet refreshing and validating to see how hard it is to be a woman in a male-dominating world.
Hayden Malcolm is the mysterious therapist she couldn’t pay off when she refused to take anger management therapy. I could NOT wait for their interactions. Their banter, tension, and chemistry was just perfection. I really enjoyed the side characters, plot, and twists as well.
If you love mafia romance, you need to add this to your tbr.
Thank you to the author for this eARC.
December 14, 2024
Somewhere between a 4 and 5 star read for me. I really enjoyed this book and it’s a quick fun sexy thrilling read. For how quick of a read it is I was very impressed with the characters and story that was created and developed. It balances the elements of mafia, romance, and character development very well. A lot of mafia books fall into a very specific cliche territory in my opinion and this one didn’t feel like that which was refreshing!
A powerful cunning mafia queen and an equally cunning, intelligent, and dark therapist make for a dynamic I didn’t know I wanted but learned I needed in my book life. Also the fact that a mafia queen has a dog named pinto and she called it bean was a level of quirky and cute that I desire in all of my books moving forward. The ending was perfect for this book and I was satisfied finishing the book and the story lines came to a nice close.
A powerful cunning mafia queen and an equally cunning, intelligent, and dark therapist make for a dynamic I didn’t know I wanted but learned I needed in my book life. Also the fact that a mafia queen has a dog named pinto and she called it bean was a level of quirky and cute that I desire in all of my books moving forward. The ending was perfect for this book and I was satisfied finishing the book and the story lines came to a nice close.
December 27, 2024
3.75⭐️ I don't normally do quarter star ratings but it was the only rating that felt truly right for this book. Huge thank you to E.L. Lewis for providing me with an e-ARC of Bloodlust in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly didn’t think I’d like this book as much as I did! I immediately fell in love with Camilla's character and was instantly hooked with the premise of HER being the Mafia boss, because honestly that's so cool, and you don't see that gender swap much in this genre. Reading about how she was having to navigate all of the sexism not only in her own organization, but in how others viewed her was probably one of my favorite parts. Camilla was portrayed as a very strong, badass FMC, and I loved her for that. Additionally, I felt like the plot was pretty strong and made sense in the context of the story. Where I began to have problems was with Dr. Hayden Malcolm. I don't feel like we got a lot of character development with him and it left me not very invested in him or the romance between him and Camilla. To me, their romance did not make much sense and left me feeling overall uninterested in anything that involved him. I feel like with the Doctor x Patient forbidden love trope, there can be so much tension build up, but I feel like Hayden was willing to cross that line too easily. There were a few things that happened in the plot that LITERALLY had me gasping and kept me hooked and invested until the end. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for readers who love mafia romances and strong, outspoken FMC's that dominate in every aspect of their life!
I honestly didn’t think I’d like this book as much as I did! I immediately fell in love with Camilla's character and was instantly hooked with the premise of HER being the Mafia boss, because honestly that's so cool, and you don't see that gender swap much in this genre. Reading about how she was having to navigate all of the sexism not only in her own organization, but in how others viewed her was probably one of my favorite parts. Camilla was portrayed as a very strong, badass FMC, and I loved her for that. Additionally, I felt like the plot was pretty strong and made sense in the context of the story. Where I began to have problems was with Dr. Hayden Malcolm. I don't feel like we got a lot of character development with him and it left me not very invested in him or the romance between him and Camilla. To me, their romance did not make much sense and left me feeling overall uninterested in anything that involved him. I feel like with the Doctor x Patient forbidden love trope, there can be so much tension build up, but I feel like Hayden was willing to cross that line too easily. There were a few things that happened in the plot that LITERALLY had me gasping and kept me hooked and invested until the end. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for readers who love mafia romances and strong, outspoken FMC's that dominate in every aspect of their life!
January 5, 2025
I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC read, and was pleasantly surprised.
4⭐️/5
2.5 🌶
The story for me, really picked up around 50% through, and then I couldn't put it down. I loved the female mafia leader perspective, cuz #girlpower. And frankly, she's an absolute QUEEN 👸 I appreciated her characters growth and willingness to let go...I found i related to her more than I thought!
This was a fun ride with a few shocking plot twists, steamy slow-burn romance with a few hot & spicy scenes 🔥 oof...and Dr. M's perspective chapter...ugh, so swoon-worthy! 😍 it's not often the male is the one holding out & I felt Camis frustration & desire to "break" him for lack of a better phrase 😝
For being a first time reader of E.L. Lewis, and I'll definitely be looking into other works by this author as well ❤️
>> side note I cried about 3 times....grab the tissues!!
4⭐️/5
2.5 🌶
The story for me, really picked up around 50% through, and then I couldn't put it down. I loved the female mafia leader perspective, cuz #girlpower. And frankly, she's an absolute QUEEN 👸 I appreciated her characters growth and willingness to let go...I found i related to her more than I thought!
This was a fun ride with a few shocking plot twists, steamy slow-burn romance with a few hot & spicy scenes 🔥 oof...and Dr. M's perspective chapter...ugh, so swoon-worthy! 😍 it's not often the male is the one holding out & I felt Camis frustration & desire to "break" him for lack of a better phrase 😝
For being a first time reader of E.L. Lewis, and I'll definitely be looking into other works by this author as well ❤️
>> side note I cried about 3 times....grab the tissues!!
December 21, 2024
ARC Review
The reigning mafia queen, Camilla Bianco, is sentenced to anger management after a public outburst. From birth, she’s raised to take over The Angels, NYC’s most notorious gang.
The enigmatic presence of dr. Hayden Malcolm, a mysterious man, upends Camilla Bianco’s whole world.
Attractions deepen and secrets uncovers.
Will Camilla’s empire survive these wicked revelations, or will everything she knows, along with her, burn to the ground?
This is a world where loyalty is everything, desires simmer beneath the surface and be careful of who you rely on.
Our FMC is on a journey of power, revenge and self-discovery. It's very interesting and it’s also heart-wrenching.
There are twists in this book. Twists turns that I didn’t even predict and left me shocked. It was hard to put the book down. This book had slowly put its claws into me and kept me reading. It was always: “one chapter more”, “one chapter more”. Camilla’s story is very intriguing and it will capture your attention.
Camilla is someone you don’t just order around. She’s a strong character, maybe she has been strong for too long? She got a lot of pressure on her, especially after she took over the crown after her father retired. She can’t be the first in her family to get the whole empire burned. When dr. Hayden Malcolm appears, he immediately captures your interest. He’s mysterious which leaves you wanting to know more about him.
Sacrifices are a must in this.
The writing is good. The story has a good pacing and I really liked the building of the attraction between Camilla and Hayden.
If you like a strong fmc, romance, mysterious mmc, slow burn, twists and turns... This book might be for you.
Enjoy the ride.
Check content warnings on the author’s website.
I’ll give this book 4/5 stars ⭐️
The reigning mafia queen, Camilla Bianco, is sentenced to anger management after a public outburst. From birth, she’s raised to take over The Angels, NYC’s most notorious gang.
The enigmatic presence of dr. Hayden Malcolm, a mysterious man, upends Camilla Bianco’s whole world.
Attractions deepen and secrets uncovers.
Will Camilla’s empire survive these wicked revelations, or will everything she knows, along with her, burn to the ground?
This is a world where loyalty is everything, desires simmer beneath the surface and be careful of who you rely on.
Our FMC is on a journey of power, revenge and self-discovery. It's very interesting and it’s also heart-wrenching.
There are twists in this book. Twists turns that I didn’t even predict and left me shocked. It was hard to put the book down. This book had slowly put its claws into me and kept me reading. It was always: “one chapter more”, “one chapter more”. Camilla’s story is very intriguing and it will capture your attention.
Camilla is someone you don’t just order around. She’s a strong character, maybe she has been strong for too long? She got a lot of pressure on her, especially after she took over the crown after her father retired. She can’t be the first in her family to get the whole empire burned. When dr. Hayden Malcolm appears, he immediately captures your interest. He’s mysterious which leaves you wanting to know more about him.
Sacrifices are a must in this.
The writing is good. The story has a good pacing and I really liked the building of the attraction between Camilla and Hayden.
If you like a strong fmc, romance, mysterious mmc, slow burn, twists and turns... This book might be for you.
Enjoy the ride.
Check content warnings on the author’s website.
I’ll give this book 4/5 stars ⭐️
July 31, 2025
Arc Review:
I was absolutely blown away by this book—it was nothing short of phenomenal. The story was packed with unexpected twists and turns that left me audibly gasping more than once. Just when I thought I had figured out where the plot was heading, the author threw in another shocking revelation that completely upended my expectations. The pacing was masterful, allowing the story to unfold seamlessly while keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last. I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know.
From the moment I read the dedication, I had a feeling this book would resonate with me—and I was right. I’ve always been drawn to strong, complex female protagonists, and Cami did not disappoint. 🔥
Cami, a mafia princess, is thrust into the position of leading New York’s mafia families. Her journey begins with a court-ordered therapy mandate after a minor assault charge, and from there, the story takes off in ways I never anticipated. Cami is pure fire—a volatile, fearless force of nature who’s unapologetically ruthless. Her impulsiveness and raw fury make her a captivating character, embodying everything I love about bold, uncompromising female energy.
Dr. Hayden Malcolm the mysterious psychologist assigned to work with her, adds an entirely different layer of intrigue. His character is enigmatic, and every time I thought I had him figured out, the story proved me wrong. The reveals about him were so unexpected that I had to pause just to process what I had read. The tension between Cami and Dr. is electric, and their dynamic kept me guessing until the very end.
This book is also a fantastic introduction to dark romance, with just the right amount of grit for beginners in the genre. It’s a slow-burn romance, with a spice level of about 2 , but the intense character dynamics and shocking twists make it impossible to put down.
In short, this book is a masterpiece of suspense, romance, and shocking plot twists. I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work and share this incredible story with others. 💕
I was absolutely blown away by this book—it was nothing short of phenomenal. The story was packed with unexpected twists and turns that left me audibly gasping more than once. Just when I thought I had figured out where the plot was heading, the author threw in another shocking revelation that completely upended my expectations. The pacing was masterful, allowing the story to unfold seamlessly while keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last. I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know.
From the moment I read the dedication, I had a feeling this book would resonate with me—and I was right. I’ve always been drawn to strong, complex female protagonists, and Cami did not disappoint. 🔥
Cami, a mafia princess, is thrust into the position of leading New York’s mafia families. Her journey begins with a court-ordered therapy mandate after a minor assault charge, and from there, the story takes off in ways I never anticipated. Cami is pure fire—a volatile, fearless force of nature who’s unapologetically ruthless. Her impulsiveness and raw fury make her a captivating character, embodying everything I love about bold, uncompromising female energy.
Dr. Hayden Malcolm the mysterious psychologist assigned to work with her, adds an entirely different layer of intrigue. His character is enigmatic, and every time I thought I had him figured out, the story proved me wrong. The reveals about him were so unexpected that I had to pause just to process what I had read. The tension between Cami and Dr. is electric, and their dynamic kept me guessing until the very end.
This book is also a fantastic introduction to dark romance, with just the right amount of grit for beginners in the genre. It’s a slow-burn romance, with a spice level of about 2 , but the intense character dynamics and shocking twists make it impossible to put down.
In short, this book is a masterpiece of suspense, romance, and shocking plot twists. I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work and share this incredible story with others. 💕
January 4, 2025
Thank you to the author who provided me with an ARC of this read in exchange for my honest review!
Bloodlust is a romantic suspense mafia standalone that pulls you into the gritty, dangerous streets of NYC with a strong FMC at its helm. Camilla Bianco, the reigning mafia queen of The Angels finds herself in a precarious situation after a public outburst lands her in anger management with the mysterious Dr. Hayden Malcolm. Their relationship begins with a forbidden allure, but as secrets unravel and danger looms, the stakes for both her empire and her heart reach dizzying heights.
I love stories where the main characters find each other in the darkness, and Camilla & Hayden’s dynamic delivers on that front. The NYC setting felt vivid and gritty, perfectly complementing the high-stakes world of organized crime. Camilla’s position as a powerful, unapologetic leader was a highlight for me. The authors dedication: 𝑇𝑜 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒. 𝐷𝑜 𝑖𝑡. set the tone for her fierce personality.
At first, I struggled to buy into the chemistry between Camilla & Hayden - something about the therapist-patient dynamic felt off. However, the twist changed everything, making their connection feel more layered. It was at this point I became more invested in their relationship.
While I was able to guess some of the twists, they were still enjoyable and I appreciated the political intrigue and powerful dynamics of woven throughout the story. The politics amongst the different crime organizations felt super high stakes adding more excitement to the plot. That said, something about the book felt slightly incomplete - like a missing puzzle piece I couldn’t quite identify..
Despite this I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing, the gritty NYC world she built, and most of the characters. I definitely want to read more of her books especially if future ones delve deeper into this interconnected series.
If you’re a fan of romantic suspense with a dark edge, powerful female lead and intricate political intrigue this one is a good read!
Bloodlust is a romantic suspense mafia standalone that pulls you into the gritty, dangerous streets of NYC with a strong FMC at its helm. Camilla Bianco, the reigning mafia queen of The Angels finds herself in a precarious situation after a public outburst lands her in anger management with the mysterious Dr. Hayden Malcolm. Their relationship begins with a forbidden allure, but as secrets unravel and danger looms, the stakes for both her empire and her heart reach dizzying heights.
I love stories where the main characters find each other in the darkness, and Camilla & Hayden’s dynamic delivers on that front. The NYC setting felt vivid and gritty, perfectly complementing the high-stakes world of organized crime. Camilla’s position as a powerful, unapologetic leader was a highlight for me. The authors dedication: 𝑇𝑜 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒. 𝐷𝑜 𝑖𝑡. set the tone for her fierce personality.
At first, I struggled to buy into the chemistry between Camilla & Hayden - something about the therapist-patient dynamic felt off. However, the twist changed everything, making their connection feel more layered. It was at this point I became more invested in their relationship.
While I was able to guess some of the twists, they were still enjoyable and I appreciated the political intrigue and powerful dynamics of woven throughout the story. The politics amongst the different crime organizations felt super high stakes adding more excitement to the plot. That said, something about the book felt slightly incomplete - like a missing puzzle piece I couldn’t quite identify..
Despite this I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing, the gritty NYC world she built, and most of the characters. I definitely want to read more of her books especially if future ones delve deeper into this interconnected series.
If you’re a fan of romantic suspense with a dark edge, powerful female lead and intricate political intrigue this one is a good read!
January 7, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.8
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
Bloodlust is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat (in the best way) and refuses to let go. It’s dangerous, alluring, and full of twists that left me wide-eyed and clutching my Kindle. E.L. Lewis masterfully combines action, intrigue, and just the right amount of spice to create a story that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
The FMC, Camilla Bianco, is everything I never knew I needed in a mafia queen. She’s sharp, fierce, and unapologetically herself, commanding every scene she’s in with a presence that’s both magnetic and intimidating. She’s the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability, navigating the murky waters of power, loyalty, and heartbreak with a tenacity that left me in awe. Her journey felt so raw and authentic—I was rooting for her every step of the way.
And then there’s Dr. Hayden Malcolm. What can I even say? The man is an enigma wrapped in layers of charm and mystery. His dynamic with Camilla is pure electricity, crackling with tension and unspoken words that left me screaming at my Kindle for them to just do something already. The push-and-pull between them? Perfection. Hayden isn’t just your typical stoic MMC; he’s layered, complex, and oh-so-captivating.
The pacing of this book is impeccable. The twists? Chef’s kiss🤌🏼. Just when I thought I had things figured out, E.L. Lewis threw a curveball that had me gasping out loud. The balance between plot and romance is flawless—neither overshadows the other, and both are woven together seamlessly. And let’s talk about the spice. It’s just enough to add a layer of heat without overwhelming the story. You’ll be blushing, trust me!
If you love dark romance with a slow-burn that’s worth every second of the wait, a heroine who’s as badass as she is relatable, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end, Bloodlust is your next obsession. I devoured this book in one sitting and am now desperately waiting for more from this author. E.L. Lewis, you have a fan for life🫶🏼.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.8
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
Bloodlust is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat (in the best way) and refuses to let go. It’s dangerous, alluring, and full of twists that left me wide-eyed and clutching my Kindle. E.L. Lewis masterfully combines action, intrigue, and just the right amount of spice to create a story that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
The FMC, Camilla Bianco, is everything I never knew I needed in a mafia queen. She’s sharp, fierce, and unapologetically herself, commanding every scene she’s in with a presence that’s both magnetic and intimidating. She’s the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability, navigating the murky waters of power, loyalty, and heartbreak with a tenacity that left me in awe. Her journey felt so raw and authentic—I was rooting for her every step of the way.
And then there’s Dr. Hayden Malcolm. What can I even say? The man is an enigma wrapped in layers of charm and mystery. His dynamic with Camilla is pure electricity, crackling with tension and unspoken words that left me screaming at my Kindle for them to just do something already. The push-and-pull between them? Perfection. Hayden isn’t just your typical stoic MMC; he’s layered, complex, and oh-so-captivating.
The pacing of this book is impeccable. The twists? Chef’s kiss🤌🏼. Just when I thought I had things figured out, E.L. Lewis threw a curveball that had me gasping out loud. The balance between plot and romance is flawless—neither overshadows the other, and both are woven together seamlessly. And let’s talk about the spice. It’s just enough to add a layer of heat without overwhelming the story. You’ll be blushing, trust me!
If you love dark romance with a slow-burn that’s worth every second of the wait, a heroine who’s as badass as she is relatable, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end, Bloodlust is your next obsession. I devoured this book in one sitting and am now desperately waiting for more from this author. E.L. Lewis, you have a fan for life🫶🏼.
January 6, 2025
This book, WHEW! 🔥 It was such an unexpected 5 star read, since I went in blind not knowing much more than it is a mafia dark romance. I read a decent amount of mafia dark romance books but never have I read one with the FMC as the mob boss, living in a man’s world being a complete bad ass.
“I have this entire city wrapped around my manicured finger. I hear everything. I see everything. I control everything.”
I loved cami. I loved her temper, her loyalty, all of the glimpses we got into how she was raised and came to be who she is, and the growth she has. I loved her soft side as much as her hard side. And good lord Hayden the MMC was so hot and so dynamic and utterly perfect. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on mafia romances, let our FMC Cami falling for her court ordered therapist rock your world like they did mine. It was so twisty, I could never predict what was coming next! The sexual tension starts in chapter 2 and it just gets better from there. Cami’s dog Pinto was just the goodest boy and I loved his nickname “bean”.
I did cry at one point in this book because the depth of plot is just so fantastic. There were so many twists and so many heart pounding moments. I loved it!
5 ⭐️ stars
3.5 🌶️ spice
“I have this entire city wrapped around my manicured finger. I hear everything. I see everything. I control everything.”
“Why is it that you only need me after midnight?”
“"I want you." He inhales as if he's breathless, unable to absorb enough oxygen. "I want all of you." He brushes my hair away. His lips find my neck as he grumbles, "Every inch of your skin." My core clenches, heat collecting in the most infuriating way. He feathers microscopic kisses against my shoulders. "And every piece of your deranged fucking heart."
An amazing first read of 2025!!!! 10/10 for plot twists and story pacing.
“I have this entire city wrapped around my manicured finger. I hear everything. I see everything. I control everything.”
I loved cami. I loved her temper, her loyalty, all of the glimpses we got into how she was raised and came to be who she is, and the growth she has. I loved her soft side as much as her hard side. And good lord Hayden the MMC was so hot and so dynamic and utterly perfect. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on mafia romances, let our FMC Cami falling for her court ordered therapist rock your world like they did mine. It was so twisty, I could never predict what was coming next! The sexual tension starts in chapter 2 and it just gets better from there. Cami’s dog Pinto was just the goodest boy and I loved his nickname “bean”.
I did cry at one point in this book because the depth of plot is just so fantastic. There were so many twists and so many heart pounding moments. I loved it!
5 ⭐️ stars
3.5 🌶️ spice
“I have this entire city wrapped around my manicured finger. I hear everything. I see everything. I control everything.”
“Why is it that you only need me after midnight?”
“"I want you." He inhales as if he's breathless, unable to absorb enough oxygen. "I want all of you." He brushes my hair away. His lips find my neck as he grumbles, "Every inch of your skin." My core clenches, heat collecting in the most infuriating way. He feathers microscopic kisses against my shoulders. "And every piece of your deranged fucking heart."
An amazing first read of 2025!!!! 10/10 for plot twists and story pacing.
December 23, 2024
“Love never lasts. It's always taken.”
This is one of those books that’s immediately sucks you in. From the dedication and the first chapter I knew I wasn’t gonna put it down till it finished.
Camilla is a fiery mafia princess with an act now ask questions later kinda attitude. When court mandated therapy sessions are put in place for her, Camilla meets Dr. Hayden Malcolm. As she works through the transition of accepting her new roll in the family business, an important deal must be made. Can Camilla handle it? All while the intense attraction builds between Dr. Malcolm? We shall see 👀
I really enjoyed the fast pace of this story. I felt you were kept on your toes wondering “why” or “what’s gonna happen next”. At first Camilla’s attitude seems OTT, but once you hear her trauma, you begin to understand her so much more. Hayden was a wonderful MMC. Perfectly sweet, and dark. Their banter was *chefs kiss* 👌🏼
There was just enough spice to not overwhelm from the plot. The spice that was there was 🥵
If you’re looking for a dark romance // mafia story on the lighter side this may be a good place to start.
The one thing I cannot forgive is Pinto 😢😩
This is one of those books that’s immediately sucks you in. From the dedication and the first chapter I knew I wasn’t gonna put it down till it finished.
Camilla is a fiery mafia princess with an act now ask questions later kinda attitude. When court mandated therapy sessions are put in place for her, Camilla meets Dr. Hayden Malcolm. As she works through the transition of accepting her new roll in the family business, an important deal must be made. Can Camilla handle it? All while the intense attraction builds between Dr. Malcolm? We shall see 👀
I really enjoyed the fast pace of this story. I felt you were kept on your toes wondering “why” or “what’s gonna happen next”. At first Camilla’s attitude seems OTT, but once you hear her trauma, you begin to understand her so much more. Hayden was a wonderful MMC. Perfectly sweet, and dark. Their banter was *chefs kiss* 👌🏼
There was just enough spice to not overwhelm from the plot. The spice that was there was 🥵
If you’re looking for a dark romance // mafia story on the lighter side this may be a good place to start.
The one thing I cannot forgive is Pinto 😢😩
December 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Do not let the first chapter fool you. The hard and sense of unearned respect by name alone does not carry through the entire book. 😜
Camilla is a born and raised badA** who takes no ish, from anyone. Through her upbringing and her heartbreaks, she has a very beautiful yet rough exterior.
Hayden, the mystery I would love to unpack myself. But EL Lewis did a mighty fine job of it. Learning about him was extra fun and left me panting … I mean wanting more. 🤣
Bloodlust is a book about a woman who has witnessed and suffered at the hands of others, for deeds she never committed. Her saving grace is the man she least expected let alone wanted. This isn’t a contemporary romance but it also isn’t as dark as some I’ve read.
New year means new books, check this one out and you won’t be disappointed!
Do not let the first chapter fool you. The hard and sense of unearned respect by name alone does not carry through the entire book. 😜
Camilla is a born and raised badA** who takes no ish, from anyone. Through her upbringing and her heartbreaks, she has a very beautiful yet rough exterior.
Hayden, the mystery I would love to unpack myself. But EL Lewis did a mighty fine job of it. Learning about him was extra fun and left me panting … I mean wanting more. 🤣
Bloodlust is a book about a woman who has witnessed and suffered at the hands of others, for deeds she never committed. Her saving grace is the man she least expected let alone wanted. This isn’t a contemporary romance but it also isn’t as dark as some I’ve read.
New year means new books, check this one out and you won’t be disappointed!
December 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
⚠️ Check Your TWs
Fast-paced, spicy, mafia read from E.L. and with a badass FMC that you don't want to mess with. Cami rules just like the men. No one pushes her around. She cares fiercely for those around her, but she isn't going to let anyone push her around either. Then Dr. Hayden comes along. After being by herself for a long time and swearing off love, she slowly lets him in. This is all while the Angels and Dragons are wheeling and dealing.
E.L. is the queen at twists and and turns, and you won't see them coming. This book had my mouth open. Tears in my eyes, and more. Read Bloodlust. You won't regret it.
🌶🌶🌶
⚠️ Check Your TWs
Fast-paced, spicy, mafia read from E.L. and with a badass FMC that you don't want to mess with. Cami rules just like the men. No one pushes her around. She cares fiercely for those around her, but she isn't going to let anyone push her around either. Then Dr. Hayden comes along. After being by herself for a long time and swearing off love, she slowly lets him in. This is all while the Angels and Dragons are wheeling and dealing.
E.L. is the queen at twists and and turns, and you won't see them coming. This book had my mouth open. Tears in my eyes, and more. Read Bloodlust. You won't regret it.
January 3, 2025
Some books just have you snared from the dedication all the way to the end, and Bloodlust is most certainly one of them.
"To all the boss ass bitches who want to set the world on fire. Do it."
Camilla is running the mafia in New York since her father turned the family over to her, but as a woman, she still has to prove herself over and over again. She's angry and being forced into court-ordered anger management, which is where she meets Doctor Hayden Malcolm. The chemistry is palpable and the banter Cami and the Doctor share is witty and entertaining all throughout the book. The twists, oh the twists! Bloodlust is a page-turner that kept me on my toes to the very end.
"This is what happens when you lie, Hayden. You're left with no choice but to be alone."
"To all the boss ass bitches who want to set the world on fire. Do it."
Camilla is running the mafia in New York since her father turned the family over to her, but as a woman, she still has to prove herself over and over again. She's angry and being forced into court-ordered anger management, which is where she meets Doctor Hayden Malcolm. The chemistry is palpable and the banter Cami and the Doctor share is witty and entertaining all throughout the book. The twists, oh the twists! Bloodlust is a page-turner that kept me on my toes to the very end.
"This is what happens when you lie, Hayden. You're left with no choice but to be alone."
January 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Firstly I would love to thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Bloodlust book one in the Agents of sin this a top read of the year in a must read I highly recommend others to give it a read if you love girl boss who is also morally grey then this book is for you. Now let’s talk about Camilla Bianco she is like perfect like she speak her mind that what caught my attention through the whole book like she don’t stand down.
Lastly let talk about Dr. Hayden Malcolm I felt like they was match from the very beginning when they met like I would marry him like he the perfect person for her.
Happy Release Day!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Firstly I would love to thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Bloodlust book one in the Agents of sin this a top read of the year in a must read I highly recommend others to give it a read if you love girl boss who is also morally grey then this book is for you. Now let’s talk about Camilla Bianco she is like perfect like she speak her mind that what caught my attention through the whole book like she don’t stand down.
Lastly let talk about Dr. Hayden Malcolm I felt like they was match from the very beginning when they met like I would marry him like he the perfect person for her.
Happy Release Day!
January 14, 2025
Bloodlust by E.L Lewis is a different take to mafia romance. I loved it.
Our main female is Camilla. She was a firecracker with real DEEP flaws and that spoke to me on many levels. It was done excellently. The main male character Hayden is a therapist. This also was interesting. I usually have no issue guessing the plot twist. I guessed wrong so many times it's not even funny on this guy. When it was all said and done I was thrilled that I was so wrong.
I cannot wait to read more by Lewis. She is amazing at the plot twist and twisting a trope on its head. PERFECTION.
Our main female is Camilla. She was a firecracker with real DEEP flaws and that spoke to me on many levels. It was done excellently. The main male character Hayden is a therapist. This also was interesting. I usually have no issue guessing the plot twist. I guessed wrong so many times it's not even funny on this guy. When it was all said and done I was thrilled that I was so wrong.
I cannot wait to read more by Lewis. She is amazing at the plot twist and twisting a trope on its head. PERFECTION.
December 31, 2024
I ended up really enjoying this lol
FULL REVIEW
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Listen, I will admit that I had concerns about my like for Camilla early on. In plain terms: she is a bitch. HowEVER. She isn't wholly unlikable. She is very complex. As such an unreliable narrator, it all kind of makes sense once you continue on. I also love that she is the boss! She is pretty bad ass.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Camilla and Hayden. It's one of those attractions that just works and IS and doesn't need a lot of page time to develop. The sexual tension is intense and just *chefs kiss*
I did enjoy how the story progressed - it takes a bit to get into the writing (at least for me) but once I got the flow, it again, all made sense. The foreshadowing in the book was well done and was very organic, she she did such an amazing job writing such an unreliable narrator.
One of my only gripes - I wish it was longer!
If you are looking for a romantic suspense on the darker side with spice, this is for you!
FULL REVIEW
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Listen, I will admit that I had concerns about my like for Camilla early on. In plain terms: she is a bitch. HowEVER. She isn't wholly unlikable. She is very complex. As such an unreliable narrator, it all kind of makes sense once you continue on. I also love that she is the boss! She is pretty bad ass.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Camilla and Hayden. It's one of those attractions that just works and IS and doesn't need a lot of page time to develop. The sexual tension is intense and just *chefs kiss*
I did enjoy how the story progressed - it takes a bit to get into the writing (at least for me) but once I got the flow, it again, all made sense. The foreshadowing in the book was well done and was very organic, she she did such an amazing job writing such an unreliable narrator.
One of my only gripes - I wish it was longer!
If you are looking for a romantic suspense on the darker side with spice, this is for you!
December 29, 2024
3.75/5
Loved the dynamic between Hayden and Cami! The plot felt a bit out of place at times but I enjoyed the action sequences and reveals with the mafia storyline. Overall very “wattpad-esque”’book but that’s just what I was expecting because I like the author’s writing. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series!
(Thank you the author and publisher for the ARC)
Loved the dynamic between Hayden and Cami! The plot felt a bit out of place at times but I enjoyed the action sequences and reveals with the mafia storyline. Overall very “wattpad-esque”’book but that’s just what I was expecting because I like the author’s writing. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series!
(Thank you the author and publisher for the ARC)
December 14, 2024
Ohhhh another hit from E.L. Lewis!! A deranged mafia queen fmc forced to go to therapy where she meets the very mysterious Dr Malcolm. The slow burn of tension between the two will drive you crazy! Enemies to lovers, romantic suspense. Just all the things that make a dark romance read!!!
January 12, 2025
My first book by E.L Lewis and definitely not my last!! I was excited to receive an ARC read for Blood Lust. If you love your FMC morally grey with a little spice 😉 please meet Camilla 🖤
January 15, 2025
ARC Review
3.75 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️
My second ARC by new to me author E.L Lewis did NOT disappoint. I love her writing, it is so clear to picture her story and she carries the plot so well. This was another mafia storyline with our main character Camille the mafia queen herself which made this story unique right off the bat. Then we had our mysterious MMC Hayden. These two had instant chemistry and I loved the way this story unraveled. Overall I didn’t feel that connected to the characters but would absolutely recommend the book!
3.75 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️
My second ARC by new to me author E.L Lewis did NOT disappoint. I love her writing, it is so clear to picture her story and she carries the plot so well. This was another mafia storyline with our main character Camille the mafia queen herself which made this story unique right off the bat. Then we had our mysterious MMC Hayden. These two had instant chemistry and I loved the way this story unraveled. Overall I didn’t feel that connected to the characters but would absolutely recommend the book!
February 1, 2025
** ARC Review**
Full review coming soon
Full review coming soon
March 28, 2025
*ARC provided by E.L. Lewis*
Official rating: 4.5/5 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tissue Sessions: 🤧🤧🤧
Favorite tropes: “Who did this to you?”, “Where did you go?”, Mafia, Cuff Breakage, Connecting Over Trauma
Favorite Quote: “Logic can wait, Camilla.” He gives me a spine-tingling smile, so warm that the seasons could change. “Tonight, let’s be reckless.”
Tagline: When a golden retriever therapist with a dark past meets a stubborn mafia heiress with a broken heart, fire and water collide to bring a very steamy healing.
~~
Camilla “Cami” is forced to meet with Dr. Hayden Malcolm as per her court mandate, but what neither of them expected to find was an undeniable bond between two like-minded souls.
Cami is the epitome of a sassy stubborn firecracker mafia heiress of New York, and the best part is she felt powerful! She was such a nice breath of fresh air compared to my recent mafia novels where women are always portrayed as innocent or victims (not that I don’t love those novels cause I do 🤫)! Throughout the novel, even when she dealt with difficult situations she maintained this level of authority you just couldn’t deny.
And don’t even get me started on Hayden. If I could discover a machine that turned book boyfriends real, he’d be at the top of my list! His sessions with Cami truly hit me at my core, and felt more like personal therapy sessions. He was incredibly sweet and passionate and somehow knew exactly what she needed when she needed it.
I could talk forever about this book, but I’ll be quiet now & just say go read it yourself! Oh and tell me when you get to Chapter 31, it’s my favorite ❤️
~~
Rating commentary: So I did take off .5 stars, but this was more for a personal nitpick that I have a feeling most readers won’t mind. I found that some (not all) of the hazy revelations of important plot points to sometimes leave me wondering if I missed information. But don’t let this deter you from the book! It is so worth reading!
Trigger Warnings: *Will be uploaded after the release*
Official rating: 4.5/5 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tissue Sessions: 🤧🤧🤧
Favorite tropes: “Who did this to you?”, “Where did you go?”, Mafia, Cuff Breakage, Connecting Over Trauma
Favorite Quote: “Logic can wait, Camilla.” He gives me a spine-tingling smile, so warm that the seasons could change. “Tonight, let’s be reckless.”
Tagline: When a golden retriever therapist with a dark past meets a stubborn mafia heiress with a broken heart, fire and water collide to bring a very steamy healing.
~~
Camilla “Cami” is forced to meet with Dr. Hayden Malcolm as per her court mandate, but what neither of them expected to find was an undeniable bond between two like-minded souls.
Cami is the epitome of a sassy stubborn firecracker mafia heiress of New York, and the best part is she felt powerful! She was such a nice breath of fresh air compared to my recent mafia novels where women are always portrayed as innocent or victims (not that I don’t love those novels cause I do 🤫)! Throughout the novel, even when she dealt with difficult situations she maintained this level of authority you just couldn’t deny.
And don’t even get me started on Hayden. If I could discover a machine that turned book boyfriends real, he’d be at the top of my list! His sessions with Cami truly hit me at my core, and felt more like personal therapy sessions. He was incredibly sweet and passionate and somehow knew exactly what she needed when she needed it.
I could talk forever about this book, but I’ll be quiet now & just say go read it yourself! Oh and tell me when you get to Chapter 31, it’s my favorite ❤️
~~
Rating commentary: So I did take off .5 stars, but this was more for a personal nitpick that I have a feeling most readers won’t mind. I found that some (not all) of the hazy revelations of important plot points to sometimes leave me wondering if I missed information. But don’t let this deter you from the book! It is so worth reading!
Trigger Warnings: *Will be uploaded after the release*
January 8, 2025
𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓 by E. L Lewis | Short Review
#1 in Agents of Sin — ★★★★.5 stars
I’d like to make the public announcement that I am E. L Lewis biggest fan.
I read Milo (her debut) for the first time years ago on Wattpad and it stuck with me. So much so when I heard it was being published, I rushed to download it on my kindle and experience that story once more. And once again, I was stunned by an amazing plot, cast and storyline. Imagine my excitement when she dives into dark romance again?
Words aren’t enough to express this wonderful book. There is something about Lewis writing that really gets to me. It generally feels flawless. It feels like it was something difficult (though I’m sure it was), it was just born perfect without a single flaw like EL Louis the way she writes a story, dark romance specifically, without it so much concentrating on the smut, but more of the storyline, the feelings, the emotions, the characters, the back stories — there is so much put into every single little detail with so much care with so much thought. It is honestly breathtaking to read because as I finish this book, I sat with the same sentiment I felt when I read Milo. Where I felt I had really just read a story which is so rare with dark romance these days.
I feel as thought, with dark romance, specifically when it comes to the mafia genre, there is a lot of space for mediocrity and repetitiveness, but the way Lewis was able to take the genre, take these tropes and make it unique, make it hers, make it different, make it properly! Not once with the moment of boredom. Every single character had a purpose, and I’m sure will continue to have a purpose in this ongoing series as this is book one but my excitement cannot even begin after reading this book.
I love Camilla from the jump, but as I kept reading her character, I just fell in love even more. I love a confident character and EL Louis is the one to write them like oh my God, you could never get sick of her books like I don’t understand how anybody could everybody hate this because it’s so perfect. It might be because I’m an English major, but I have a profound appreciativeness for the way that EL Louis writes like it’s just so literate in a really interesting way and I never find myself bored. The best thing about Louis is the way she writes a character and you can see their development so clear throughout the story. I know she takes her time with it and that’s what I really appreciate it because then you’ll realize like you’re only halfway through the book and so much as you have to happen, but you know what’s gonna be written out in a perfectly floated way. The way she writes a relationship between through MCS something like actual real life where it’s float of progressiveness I do so much and I love Hayden. I love how he was closed off sometimes but also kind of playing into Camila. I did not expect that plot twist. It actually slapped me in the face, but at the same time, I don’t know how I didn’t see it because it made so much sense about his behaviour in general. But this is what kept this book from 5 stars for me — felt like there was some vulnerability we were missing!
But that plot twist seriously hello? It was even a hint about it early on that I clocked, but I didn’t realize what it meant it was just so good. It was just so fucking good. And wow, does she know how to world build. The shift from the beginning and end of this story is stark, but smooth like butter in the middle.
All this to say, this book is one that you can’t miss out on. Read it. Like — yesterday.
#1 in Agents of Sin — ★★★★.5 stars
I’d like to make the public announcement that I am E. L Lewis biggest fan.
I read Milo (her debut) for the first time years ago on Wattpad and it stuck with me. So much so when I heard it was being published, I rushed to download it on my kindle and experience that story once more. And once again, I was stunned by an amazing plot, cast and storyline. Imagine my excitement when she dives into dark romance again?
Words aren’t enough to express this wonderful book. There is something about Lewis writing that really gets to me. It generally feels flawless. It feels like it was something difficult (though I’m sure it was), it was just born perfect without a single flaw like EL Louis the way she writes a story, dark romance specifically, without it so much concentrating on the smut, but more of the storyline, the feelings, the emotions, the characters, the back stories — there is so much put into every single little detail with so much care with so much thought. It is honestly breathtaking to read because as I finish this book, I sat with the same sentiment I felt when I read Milo. Where I felt I had really just read a story which is so rare with dark romance these days.
I feel as thought, with dark romance, specifically when it comes to the mafia genre, there is a lot of space for mediocrity and repetitiveness, but the way Lewis was able to take the genre, take these tropes and make it unique, make it hers, make it different, make it properly! Not once with the moment of boredom. Every single character had a purpose, and I’m sure will continue to have a purpose in this ongoing series as this is book one but my excitement cannot even begin after reading this book.
I love Camilla from the jump, but as I kept reading her character, I just fell in love even more. I love a confident character and EL Louis is the one to write them like oh my God, you could never get sick of her books like I don’t understand how anybody could everybody hate this because it’s so perfect. It might be because I’m an English major, but I have a profound appreciativeness for the way that EL Louis writes like it’s just so literate in a really interesting way and I never find myself bored. The best thing about Louis is the way she writes a character and you can see their development so clear throughout the story. I know she takes her time with it and that’s what I really appreciate it because then you’ll realize like you’re only halfway through the book and so much as you have to happen, but you know what’s gonna be written out in a perfectly floated way. The way she writes a relationship between through MCS something like actual real life where it’s float of progressiveness I do so much and I love Hayden. I love how he was closed off sometimes but also kind of playing into Camila. I did not expect that plot twist. It actually slapped me in the face, but at the same time, I don’t know how I didn’t see it because it made so much sense about his behaviour in general. But this is what kept this book from 5 stars for me — felt like there was some vulnerability we were missing!
But that plot twist seriously hello? It was even a hint about it early on that I clocked, but I didn’t realize what it meant it was just so good. It was just so fucking good. And wow, does she know how to world build. The shift from the beginning and end of this story is stark, but smooth like butter in the middle.
All this to say, this book is one that you can’t miss out on. Read it. Like — yesterday.
December 29, 2024
Is it everyday that you see a woman as a mafia boss? Probably not. However, Camilla Bianco was raised to take over in her father's stead. When an unfortunate outburst at a makeup counter gets her court ordered anger management, she doesn't realize what she's up against. Dr. Hayden Malcolm, mysterious and maybe a bit hot, may yet help her with her anger issues. With a load of twists and turns, the real question is how will Camilla keep her crown as reigning mafia queen.
I almost called out of work for this book. Hooked? Immediately. Obsessed? Naturally. Actually while I am here I want to tell you something. I fucking hate mafia romance books. Yet somehow this is ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS?! I do not say that lightly. I stand on business when I mean this book is taking the cake for dark romances for me. I am also not one to re-read books often, and 10 minutes after finishing it I am ready to pick it back up again.
Starting with the obvious Camilla Bianco probably one of my most favorite badass FMC's to date, as a snarky person myself I felt at home with Camilla. (She may be my new comfort character? Is that weird? Nah.) So much character DEVELOPMENTTTTTTTTT. I live for it. Not only Camilla, but Hayden as well, he is so elusive and mysterious that I could not figure out his motives. Every time I came to a conclusion, within a page or two that was debunked, which I am not at all mad about. Is this the time to mention the emotional pull this had on me. I wasn't bawling my eyes out at about the 50% mark. Okay. Yes I was, but how couldn't I? I wasn't expecting that ya know. The writing was just so beautiful (in a dark romance mafia way..) I was captivated by Camilla being a badass and the never ending twists and turns that kept me on my literal toes. I was clicking through those pages so fast my poor kindle couldn't keep up.
This plot was intense. There were points where I was convinced it was supposed to come to a close or be wrapping up soon then BAM plot twist. The settings with the club and world building were wonderful. I was eating this up. The romance was a definite slow-burn, and the tension between the MC's was phenomenal. While this book definitely had the spicy spice in it, the balance between story and spice was perfect. There were no pieces of this story that left me aching for more. (Except where I didn't want the book to end.) I'd love to give an honorable mention to the side characters, Zoe and Leo, both wonderful and well written. I didn't expect much from either, yet I was pleasantly surprised on how much I loved when they popped up.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
Quote: "Love never lasts. It's always taken"
A major thank you to E.L. Lewis for letting me ARC read this story. I am honestly not sure how I am supposed to pick up another book ever again because you have put me in the most glorious book slump ever. Also thank you for popping my mafia romance cherry and being the first to get me to love a mafia romance!
I almost called out of work for this book. Hooked? Immediately. Obsessed? Naturally. Actually while I am here I want to tell you something. I fucking hate mafia romance books. Yet somehow this is ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS?! I do not say that lightly. I stand on business when I mean this book is taking the cake for dark romances for me. I am also not one to re-read books often, and 10 minutes after finishing it I am ready to pick it back up again.
Starting with the obvious Camilla Bianco probably one of my most favorite badass FMC's to date, as a snarky person myself I felt at home with Camilla. (She may be my new comfort character? Is that weird? Nah.) So much character DEVELOPMENTTTTTTTTT. I live for it. Not only Camilla, but Hayden as well, he is so elusive and mysterious that I could not figure out his motives. Every time I came to a conclusion, within a page or two that was debunked, which I am not at all mad about. Is this the time to mention the emotional pull this had on me. I wasn't bawling my eyes out at about the 50% mark. Okay. Yes I was, but how couldn't I? I wasn't expecting that ya know. The writing was just so beautiful (in a dark romance mafia way..) I was captivated by Camilla being a badass and the never ending twists and turns that kept me on my literal toes. I was clicking through those pages so fast my poor kindle couldn't keep up.
This plot was intense. There were points where I was convinced it was supposed to come to a close or be wrapping up soon then BAM plot twist. The settings with the club and world building were wonderful. I was eating this up. The romance was a definite slow-burn, and the tension between the MC's was phenomenal. While this book definitely had the spicy spice in it, the balance between story and spice was perfect. There were no pieces of this story that left me aching for more. (Except where I didn't want the book to end.) I'd love to give an honorable mention to the side characters, Zoe and Leo, both wonderful and well written. I didn't expect much from either, yet I was pleasantly surprised on how much I loved when they popped up.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
Quote: "Love never lasts. It's always taken"
A major thank you to E.L. Lewis for letting me ARC read this story. I am honestly not sure how I am supposed to pick up another book ever again because you have put me in the most glorious book slump ever. Also thank you for popping my mafia romance cherry and being the first to get me to love a mafia romance!
dnf
January 3, 2025Good god, this book was hard to read. At about 12% I knew that I would DNF but I wanted to give it a fair shot and reach at least 20-30%. Then I was curious about what a scene between the lead and the love interest would be like, and it was enough to make me finally quit. If I had finished this book, it would be a 1-2 star rating.
As far as I can tell, Bloodlust is the story of a mafia princess named Camilla who has anger issues and needs to see a sexy anger management therapist. She has to make deals and lead meetings as the leader of the mafia but is too hot-headed and bratty to accomplish anything, and she is abusive to everyone around her except the sexy man who getting involved with would be a conflict of interest.
This book offers absolutely nothing. The only character with a full description is the main love interest. It took nine chapters to learn that the female lead had brown eyes, and other than that, I have no idea what she looked like, much less what any other characters looked like (except the male rival who is partially described.). There was almost no description of the surroundings or actions, only dialogue and inner monologue delivered in short sentences. Very short. For no reason. It was awful. At one point she stripped out of a robe and it was assumed that she was naked, though it was never actually stated. I was shocked because I had no idea she had been wearing a robe. Nothing was explicitly stated or described until some action was being taken with an item. It felt like a first draft.
I wanted to give an intimate scene between the two leads a shot because it seems that sometimes authors who do a poor job everywhere else in the story will at least put some time and effort into making those scenes stand out. Once that was very clearly not the case, I threw in the towel.
It read like fanfic – but wattpad fanfic, not ao3. And because it is a mafia romance, I was excited because I read and write mafia fanfic and I was looking forward to seeing this kind of story in novel format with fully fleshed-out characters. How disappointing. A blank slate y/n character has more personality and drive than Camilla. And I really feel like this book was headed toward her only learning to not be an abusive brat because of the love of a man, which is something I am not interested in. She has a lot of trauma but she uses it as an excuse to be horrible to everyone around her, including friends who genuinely care about her, and it just felt very immature. Even if my prediction is wrong and she actually works through her problems in a healthy way, I am sure that I will not be pleased with the journey of reaching that conclusion.
I am grateful to the author for offering an eARC of her story. However, I will not be reading anything by this author again.
Come find me on thestorygraph, instagram, and fable!
As far as I can tell, Bloodlust is the story of a mafia princess named Camilla who has anger issues and needs to see a sexy anger management therapist. She has to make deals and lead meetings as the leader of the mafia but is too hot-headed and bratty to accomplish anything, and she is abusive to everyone around her except the sexy man who getting involved with would be a conflict of interest.
This book offers absolutely nothing. The only character with a full description is the main love interest. It took nine chapters to learn that the female lead had brown eyes, and other than that, I have no idea what she looked like, much less what any other characters looked like (except the male rival who is partially described.). There was almost no description of the surroundings or actions, only dialogue and inner monologue delivered in short sentences. Very short. For no reason. It was awful. At one point she stripped out of a robe and it was assumed that she was naked, though it was never actually stated. I was shocked because I had no idea she had been wearing a robe. Nothing was explicitly stated or described until some action was being taken with an item. It felt like a first draft.
I wanted to give an intimate scene between the two leads a shot because it seems that sometimes authors who do a poor job everywhere else in the story will at least put some time and effort into making those scenes stand out. Once that was very clearly not the case, I threw in the towel.
It read like fanfic – but wattpad fanfic, not ao3. And because it is a mafia romance, I was excited because I read and write mafia fanfic and I was looking forward to seeing this kind of story in novel format with fully fleshed-out characters. How disappointing. A blank slate y/n character has more personality and drive than Camilla. And I really feel like this book was headed toward her only learning to not be an abusive brat because of the love of a man, which is something I am not interested in. She has a lot of trauma but she uses it as an excuse to be horrible to everyone around her, including friends who genuinely care about her, and it just felt very immature. Even if my prediction is wrong and she actually works through her problems in a healthy way, I am sure that I will not be pleased with the journey of reaching that conclusion.
I am grateful to the author for offering an eARC of her story. However, I will not be reading anything by this author again.
Come find me on thestorygraph, instagram, and fable!
January 7, 2025
I just want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to be part of the arc team and this is my honest review.
This book did not go the way I thought it would…and I LOVE it!! When I read the blurb to sign up for the arc, I went in with certain expectations from my usual mafia reads. And I am so glad they were thrown out of the park. There were some things I sort of predicted while reading but there were others that made my jaw drop. Especially one that is a really big plot point that I am definitely not spoiling! The background, the building of the story, the way the author revealed things bit by bit. This was a slow burn alright but not just in the spice department, and it was done beautifully. There wasn’t as much spice as I usually read, but the plot makes up completely for it! And the spice we did get was delicious!
There are more characters in this book and they were done very well to mold with Camilla, but I will be talking more about Camilla because she was the star of this story, and she did shine. When we first meet Camilla, she seems so hot headed and thinking very highly of herself. A woman with power and yet seems to let it get to her head. But soon we find out that the crown she wears is heavier than we thought. Without spoiling too much, we see within each chapter that behind that mask of strength and power, there is a woman that hasn’t healed from her loss. A woman broken by her surroundings and using that pain for her strength. She has her moments of rage, but it’s because the anger and pain inside her needed to find its release. And Hayden helped her to find her release. She has people around her that love her, yet she keeps them at arms length not only to protect them, but also herself. She says her heart is of ice, but really, it’s blazing fire surrounded by ice, ice that can slowly melt with time.
I find the moments Hayden is able to read her like a book funny because it shows how much he cares, noticing the little things about her. I will say though, the way Camilla and Hayden are with each other (and I’m using this as the example because of personal experience) it’s like watching a brat REALLY pushing the lines with their Dom, and their Dom doesn’t know to allow it for fun or actually punish them for testing the boundaries waaay too much. But that push and shove between them is what works, especially for Camilla since it’s what helps her slowly make progress in her healing (or so how it felt while I read).
I really enjoyed Bloodlust and would definitely recommend this book to this looking for an interesting plot, a strong female character, and has some sprinkle of spice. And definitely checking out the author’s other book, Milo.
This book did not go the way I thought it would…and I LOVE it!! When I read the blurb to sign up for the arc, I went in with certain expectations from my usual mafia reads. And I am so glad they were thrown out of the park. There were some things I sort of predicted while reading but there were others that made my jaw drop. Especially one that is a really big plot point that I am definitely not spoiling! The background, the building of the story, the way the author revealed things bit by bit. This was a slow burn alright but not just in the spice department, and it was done beautifully. There wasn’t as much spice as I usually read, but the plot makes up completely for it! And the spice we did get was delicious!
There are more characters in this book and they were done very well to mold with Camilla, but I will be talking more about Camilla because she was the star of this story, and she did shine. When we first meet Camilla, she seems so hot headed and thinking very highly of herself. A woman with power and yet seems to let it get to her head. But soon we find out that the crown she wears is heavier than we thought. Without spoiling too much, we see within each chapter that behind that mask of strength and power, there is a woman that hasn’t healed from her loss. A woman broken by her surroundings and using that pain for her strength. She has her moments of rage, but it’s because the anger and pain inside her needed to find its release. And Hayden helped her to find her release. She has people around her that love her, yet she keeps them at arms length not only to protect them, but also herself. She says her heart is of ice, but really, it’s blazing fire surrounded by ice, ice that can slowly melt with time.
I find the moments Hayden is able to read her like a book funny because it shows how much he cares, noticing the little things about her. I will say though, the way Camilla and Hayden are with each other (and I’m using this as the example because of personal experience) it’s like watching a brat REALLY pushing the lines with their Dom, and their Dom doesn’t know to allow it for fun or actually punish them for testing the boundaries waaay too much. But that push and shove between them is what works, especially for Camilla since it’s what helps her slowly make progress in her healing (or so how it felt while I read).
I really enjoyed Bloodlust and would definitely recommend this book to this looking for an interesting plot, a strong female character, and has some sprinkle of spice. And definitely checking out the author’s other book, Milo.
January 6, 2025
Bloodlust is an astounding maelstrom of power, vengeance, forbidden desire and tantalizing secrets! Camilla Bianco, the reigning mafia queen, is the type of character who feels like a tempest trapped in human form—ferocious, domineering, and heartbreakingly vulnerable behind her rough edges. E.L. Lewis' story pulses with explosive energy, it propelled me to Camilla's world of hidden allegiance and merciless ambition! The story's structure is as riveting as its queen, revealing secrets and falsehoods with delicate precision that keeps your heart pumping and head racing!
.
Every chapter felt like stepping into a dark, smoky room where danger lingers in the air, yet you can’t help but breathe it in. It’s a tale of survival and sovereignty, where love is a threat and a salvation. I was addicted and the Author surely knows to keep you entertained in every chapter and every detail!
.
Dr. Hayden Malcolm is the mysterious psychologist who is tasked with dealing with Camilla's volatile personality, he's a character whose mystery coils around the plot like a taut wire! Their slow-burn romance is a delicate collision of trust and betrayal, desire and disaster. Hayden's presence is unalterable, and his goals are shrouded in mystery, which intrigued and unnerved me. When his genuine identity was revealed, it was like the plummet from a rollercoaster—unexpected, thrilling, and completely mind-blowing. Following their bond grow against a pattern of betrayal and bloodshed was hauntingly beautiful and deliciously chaotic!
.
Bloodlust's story is aesthetically spectacular, with thrilling twists and turns. Camilla's fight to maintain her empire while facing her problems was entertaining and cathartic. Every action she makes feels weighed down by the ghosts of her past, but her courage is unbreakable! It's a story that doesn't shy away from the severity of its universe, but balances it with moments of real, agonizing humanity. E.L. Lewis contrasts the intensity with a beautiful style that makes the story unputdownable—each scene is designed to attract you deeper into the unrest and keep you there, breathless and wanting more!
.
By the end of the book, I was astounded by the wonderful variety of emotions it revealed! The ending was all I hoped for: emotional, satisfying, and as sharp as Camilla's razor in her fight for survival! Bloodlust is a visceral investigation into power, trust, and the scars that define us. E.L. Lewis has written a masterpiece that blew my mind and raises the bar for what comes next. If you want a novel that feels like an adrenaline rush straight to your heart, Bloodlust will keep you riveted. This is dark romance at its best: irresistible, exhilarating, and completely addictive!!!
.
Every chapter felt like stepping into a dark, smoky room where danger lingers in the air, yet you can’t help but breathe it in. It’s a tale of survival and sovereignty, where love is a threat and a salvation. I was addicted and the Author surely knows to keep you entertained in every chapter and every detail!
.
Dr. Hayden Malcolm is the mysterious psychologist who is tasked with dealing with Camilla's volatile personality, he's a character whose mystery coils around the plot like a taut wire! Their slow-burn romance is a delicate collision of trust and betrayal, desire and disaster. Hayden's presence is unalterable, and his goals are shrouded in mystery, which intrigued and unnerved me. When his genuine identity was revealed, it was like the plummet from a rollercoaster—unexpected, thrilling, and completely mind-blowing. Following their bond grow against a pattern of betrayal and bloodshed was hauntingly beautiful and deliciously chaotic!
.
Bloodlust's story is aesthetically spectacular, with thrilling twists and turns. Camilla's fight to maintain her empire while facing her problems was entertaining and cathartic. Every action she makes feels weighed down by the ghosts of her past, but her courage is unbreakable! It's a story that doesn't shy away from the severity of its universe, but balances it with moments of real, agonizing humanity. E.L. Lewis contrasts the intensity with a beautiful style that makes the story unputdownable—each scene is designed to attract you deeper into the unrest and keep you there, breathless and wanting more!
.
By the end of the book, I was astounded by the wonderful variety of emotions it revealed! The ending was all I hoped for: emotional, satisfying, and as sharp as Camilla's razor in her fight for survival! Bloodlust is a visceral investigation into power, trust, and the scars that define us. E.L. Lewis has written a masterpiece that blew my mind and raises the bar for what comes next. If you want a novel that feels like an adrenaline rush straight to your heart, Bloodlust will keep you riveted. This is dark romance at its best: irresistible, exhilarating, and completely addictive!!!
January 2, 2025
This was a fast paced story, so it was an easy and quick read! I loved the organized crime storyline and thought it was pretty engaging most of the time!
Hayden was probably my favorite character in this book! And the plot twist involving him had me SHOOK. I take that back, Pinto was my favorite character (iykyk). When the story dives back into Camilla’s past, you realize she’s been through hell and back. Hearing the backstory on her was heartbreaking, and maybe this is just my soft spot for animals speaking..but the explanation on how she got Pinto was probably what emotionally impacted me the most😭😂
There were a few other twists that were surprising and kept me interested to see how it all played out!
The were only a few things that just fell a little short for me. For some reason I didn’t fall in love with the characters as much as I would’ve liked. Camilla was constantly grinding my gears with her childish and rude behavior. I’m down for a snarky and badass FMC all day long, but it’s like Camilla was trying so hard to be a “baddie” that she just turned out to be an annoyance for me. I did see some character development from her by the end of the story, and since the beginning, I’ve absolutely LOVED her protectiveness of Zoey. Camilla’s loyalty was always strong and admirable. However, I still think she could’ve developed a bit more. Although her priorities straightened out, her unnecessary and juvenile demeanor was still present to me.
As for Hayden, I did like him, but I didn’t feel SUPER connected to him either. I felt like I didn’t learn that much about him other than his name, occupation, and one thing from his past. His mysterious aura did keep luring me in though!
The plot felt a little sporadic at times for me, but there were other things that kept capturing my interest in this story so I stuck it out. And I’m glad I did, regardless of my slight “gripes”.
Thank you E.L Lewis for this eARC!
January 4, 2025
The badass mafia queen Camilla Bianco gets sentenced to anger management and with none other than the mysterious Hayden Malcolm and just when she thinks she can lie, buy or seduce her way into getting out of this arrangement she has something else coming for her. She has worked her whole life to take over her family’s gang ‘The Angels’ and she will do anything to stay the queen and prove herself to all the men who don’t see her fit for the throne. The gravitational pull she feels towards the doctor is the last thing she needs.
This book was everything you could ever want!!!The banter, the twists, the secrets that have you turning page after page and on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next.
I couldn’t get enough of it!!
Hayden is brooding, sexy and I could see the enigma behind that man that will have you in a chokehold🙂↕️
The slow burn was S L O W burning but in the most delicious way possible. It made every agonizing moment worth it🤭
I was swooning, giggling, crying, sweating and biting my nails the entire time, and the last 25% OMG!!! You just have to read to find out 👀
Thank you E.L. Lewis for writing such a feisty and bad ass FMC that I felt I related to down to my core and the experiences and feelings she had were so strong I felt like I was her and she was me. Camilla has so much unpacked trauma and she is filled with so much hurt, pain and anger and the way you explain it, is so devastatingly beautiful. I never related so much to the feelings and emotions Camilla felt and I could never express how much I love her character and to see her grow and develop into a true queen🥹
This book was such an amazing start to the new year and I can’t thank you enough for letting me have the chance to be an early reader in this beautiful story.
If you haven’t read any of her books please do! She writes in such a poetic way that makes you feel every emotion you need to know exactly what it’s like to be her characters.
This book was everything you could ever want!!!The banter, the twists, the secrets that have you turning page after page and on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next.
I couldn’t get enough of it!!
Hayden is brooding, sexy and I could see the enigma behind that man that will have you in a chokehold🙂↕️
The slow burn was S L O W burning but in the most delicious way possible. It made every agonizing moment worth it🤭
I was swooning, giggling, crying, sweating and biting my nails the entire time, and the last 25% OMG!!! You just have to read to find out 👀
Thank you E.L. Lewis for writing such a feisty and bad ass FMC that I felt I related to down to my core and the experiences and feelings she had were so strong I felt like I was her and she was me. Camilla has so much unpacked trauma and she is filled with so much hurt, pain and anger and the way you explain it, is so devastatingly beautiful. I never related so much to the feelings and emotions Camilla felt and I could never express how much I love her character and to see her grow and develop into a true queen🥹
This book was such an amazing start to the new year and I can’t thank you enough for letting me have the chance to be an early reader in this beautiful story.
If you haven’t read any of her books please do! She writes in such a poetic way that makes you feel every emotion you need to know exactly what it’s like to be her characters.
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