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The Price of Innocence
There is the plan and only the plan.
Marius Gray has big plans for his family’s business, but as the heir, he must share the reign of Le Milieu, French Mafia, with his snake of an uncle until he comes of age.
His rival attacks, forcing the Gray family to uproot for the time being, causing them to sweep unexpectedly into the legendary bayou city of New Orleans.
There are new alliances to be made and new opportunities to be had on American soil, as long as Marius follows the plan. But his dark and cunning world is upturned in the most unexpected way; a snarky, intuitive senior named Celine.
When Marius’ attentions are torn between what he must do and what he finds himself inexplicably wanting with Celine, doors are opened to the enemy that may have dire consequences for Marius and his associates.
When rival mobsters go head to head, Celine is forced to confront the world of black and white, only to find that it bleeds Gray.
Will it be the formidable Marius Gray, or the resilient Celine Bouchard that pays the price of blood and tears?
And what will be the cost if the darkness proves stronger and more cunning than them both?
Marius Gray has big plans for his family’s business, but as the heir, he must share the reign of Le Milieu, French Mafia, with his snake of an uncle until he comes of age.
His rival attacks, forcing the Gray family to uproot for the time being, causing them to sweep unexpectedly into the legendary bayou city of New Orleans.
There are new alliances to be made and new opportunities to be had on American soil, as long as Marius follows the plan. But his dark and cunning world is upturned in the most unexpected way; a snarky, intuitive senior named Celine.
When Marius’ attentions are torn between what he must do and what he finds himself inexplicably wanting with Celine, doors are opened to the enemy that may have dire consequences for Marius and his associates.
When rival mobsters go head to head, Celine is forced to confront the world of black and white, only to find that it bleeds Gray.
Will it be the formidable Marius Gray, or the resilient Celine Bouchard that pays the price of blood and tears?
And what will be the cost if the darkness proves stronger and more cunning than them both?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2024
9 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Taylor
4 books19 followersWriting is like breathing most of the time, like existing in the truest form I can be. My writing is raw, my characters relatable. I am honest with my readers and use unique stories to help them escape for a bit. When you're called to write, you do it. An author doesn't know what each story's purpose is until you let us how it impacted you. Make no mistake, I don't write light and fluffy. Life is real and hard, but also significant in the seemingly mundane. That is what I write about.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 26, 2025
This book is amazing. If you want to get into mafia books and love some sass and snark, then you will enjoy this extremely slow burn no spice book 1. Marius we love you, you French Mafia man.
February 13, 2025
This book is so amazing , and grips you and gives you emotional attachments to characters and all the feels it is well written and the story just flows can’t wait for the next one !!
July 16, 2025
First off this book had me hooked from the beginning and kept me wanting more. I love the dynamic between all of the characters! The banter, the sass, the tension. This so far has been one my favorite mafia books to date!
December 31, 2025
This book flows well I love the plot and the characters it is very well written
Please check trigger warnings
I can't wait to jump on to the second book
And that ending I was like
Please check trigger warnings
I can't wait to jump on to the second book
And that ending I was like
June 7, 2025
Book Review: The Price of Innocence by SJ Taylor
Many thanks to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The Price of Innocence starts off with a slower pace, which made the beginning feel a bit sluggish. However, the tension gradually builds, and by the end, the action hits hard and fast. That late payoff is satisfying, but I found myself wishing the earlier chapters had moved with a bit more urgency to match the book’s climactic tone.
One of the areas that felt underexplored was Marius’s motivations and the reasons behind his secrecy. These were important pieces of the story that didn’t get enough attention, and I was left wanting more depth and clarity there. On the flip side, Marius’s character arc was strong — his emotional depth was compelling, and his reserved, distant voice came through clearly and consistently.
Celine is a solid protagonist, though I didn’t see a lot of growth from her in this first installment. She wavers between feeling like a typical teenager and a more mature young adult, which made her a bit hard to pin down at times. That said, I suspect her development will come more fully in the next book.
The overall vibe of the book is dark, moody, and mysterious — it reminded me of Twilight without the vampires, but with something more sinister lurking in the shadows. It leans into a criminal underworld setting that adds a gritty edge to the story’s romantic and emotional elements.
I’d recommend The Price of Innocence to readers who enjoyed the brooding, atmospheric feel of Twilight, but are looking for that dynamic in a more grounded, high-stakes setting. It’s a promising start to what looks like a deeper series arc.
Many thanks to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The Price of Innocence starts off with a slower pace, which made the beginning feel a bit sluggish. However, the tension gradually builds, and by the end, the action hits hard and fast. That late payoff is satisfying, but I found myself wishing the earlier chapters had moved with a bit more urgency to match the book’s climactic tone.
One of the areas that felt underexplored was Marius’s motivations and the reasons behind his secrecy. These were important pieces of the story that didn’t get enough attention, and I was left wanting more depth and clarity there. On the flip side, Marius’s character arc was strong — his emotional depth was compelling, and his reserved, distant voice came through clearly and consistently.
Celine is a solid protagonist, though I didn’t see a lot of growth from her in this first installment. She wavers between feeling like a typical teenager and a more mature young adult, which made her a bit hard to pin down at times. That said, I suspect her development will come more fully in the next book.
The overall vibe of the book is dark, moody, and mysterious — it reminded me of Twilight without the vampires, but with something more sinister lurking in the shadows. It leans into a criminal underworld setting that adds a gritty edge to the story’s romantic and emotional elements.
I’d recommend The Price of Innocence to readers who enjoyed the brooding, atmospheric feel of Twilight, but are looking for that dynamic in a more grounded, high-stakes setting. It’s a promising start to what looks like a deeper series arc.
May 10, 2025
Let me introduce you Marius Gray Ladies and Gentlemen! Marius Gray!
SPOILER ALERT‼️
Quote 1
“I wanted to solve her like I was in pursuit of a national treasure.”
Quote 2
“I want to understand. There is a foreign desire rising in me to be the reason she stops crying, the one who fixes her tears.”
Quote 3
“When part of your soul feels lost, you don’t just walk away. You restore it.”
With that said, here is my review. “The Price of Innocence” is a mafia romance that needs to be read. The spice level in the book is 🌶️ that is a very passionate and shattering kiss for the FMC Celine. Marius sees her passion, her fire, and her fierceness.
Celine is not your typical young FMC. She has a quiet strength she doesn’t see. I will say that sometimes you may want to knock some sense to her because of her negative self talk. However, you see her 🔥 rise throughout this book and you come to understand why sow does it. All this evokes such a need to protective and defend in Marius that he doesn’t understand.
Overall, I give this book a solid 4 to 4.5 Stars. Mrs. S.J. Taylor provides an amazing
- Plot
- Story Writing
- Unforeseen Twist
- Intrigue
- 18+
Book two is out and followed shortly by book three. I can’t wait to read book two and see Celine’s and Marius story progress. I wouldn’t doubt that Celine comes to herself own and becomes the strong Queen I believe her to be.
SPOILER ALERT‼️
Quote 1
“I wanted to solve her like I was in pursuit of a national treasure.”
Quote 2
“I want to understand. There is a foreign desire rising in me to be the reason she stops crying, the one who fixes her tears.”
Quote 3
“When part of your soul feels lost, you don’t just walk away. You restore it.”
With that said, here is my review. “The Price of Innocence” is a mafia romance that needs to be read. The spice level in the book is 🌶️ that is a very passionate and shattering kiss for the FMC Celine. Marius sees her passion, her fire, and her fierceness.
Celine is not your typical young FMC. She has a quiet strength she doesn’t see. I will say that sometimes you may want to knock some sense to her because of her negative self talk. However, you see her 🔥 rise throughout this book and you come to understand why sow does it. All this evokes such a need to protective and defend in Marius that he doesn’t understand.
Overall, I give this book a solid 4 to 4.5 Stars. Mrs. S.J. Taylor provides an amazing
- Plot
- Story Writing
- Unforeseen Twist
- Intrigue
- 18+
Book two is out and followed shortly by book three. I can’t wait to read book two and see Celine’s and Marius story progress. I wouldn’t doubt that Celine comes to herself own and becomes the strong Queen I believe her to be.
October 4, 2025
The Price of Innocence caught my eye because the author described it as a New Adult Mafia Romance. I had never encountered a boo with that mix before. I ordered the first and second book in the series and I am so glad I did.
Celine, the FMC, is starting back at her old school after spending two years in Canada. She had trouble dealing with the trauma of losing her mother as a young child. She is nervous to walk back through the door, not knowing how she will be treated.
Marius is starting at a new school after moving to the US from France.
He gets on the bus to school and goes to sit in an empty seat...or what he thought was an empty seat.
A shocked Celine is actually sitting there. After an awkward exchange, Celine with the handsome stranger she doesn't know what to think.
Marius is preoccupied by the reason he has found himself in New Orleans. There was an attack on his family's business by a rival in France. Marius is a prince in the French Mafia set to step into his father's role when he turns 25.
Both try to shove off the interaction, but find themselves intrigued. She has a quick temper and he loves to goad her any chance he gets. The more the interact the more they both fight a connection they can feel growing. Can she let go of her trauma and form a real connection? Can he let anyone into his world, knowing how dark that world is?
Books like this are the reason I try to read as many independant authors as possible. It has been a few months since a book pulled me in so much that I read it cover to cover within a few hours.
I love how much French is sprinkled through the book. Marius's endearments, my angel and my treasure, in French just melted my heart.
The ending of this book has me ready to immediately pick up the next book and continue Celine and Marius's story.
Celine, the FMC, is starting back at her old school after spending two years in Canada. She had trouble dealing with the trauma of losing her mother as a young child. She is nervous to walk back through the door, not knowing how she will be treated.
Marius is starting at a new school after moving to the US from France.
He gets on the bus to school and goes to sit in an empty seat...or what he thought was an empty seat.
A shocked Celine is actually sitting there. After an awkward exchange, Celine with the handsome stranger she doesn't know what to think.
Marius is preoccupied by the reason he has found himself in New Orleans. There was an attack on his family's business by a rival in France. Marius is a prince in the French Mafia set to step into his father's role when he turns 25.
Both try to shove off the interaction, but find themselves intrigued. She has a quick temper and he loves to goad her any chance he gets. The more the interact the more they both fight a connection they can feel growing. Can she let go of her trauma and form a real connection? Can he let anyone into his world, knowing how dark that world is?
Books like this are the reason I try to read as many independant authors as possible. It has been a few months since a book pulled me in so much that I read it cover to cover within a few hours.
I love how much French is sprinkled through the book. Marius's endearments, my angel and my treasure, in French just melted my heart.
The ending of this book has me ready to immediately pick up the next book and continue Celine and Marius's story.
November 10, 2025
If you’re looking for a book with sharp banter, epic side characters, a sassy and charismatic FMC, and a chaotic, unhinged, yet deeply misunderstood MMC—all wrapped up in a captivating storyline—then put every other book on your TBR on hold and move this one to the top!
This book had me laughing, crying, swooning, giggling, and kicking my feet while simultaneously ripping my heart out and leaving my jaw on the floor. From the immersive, vividly described setting of New Orleans to the intricately crafted details woven throughout the story—and the clever, strategically placed French phrases—I was engaged, intrigued, curious, and desperate to keep reading.
S.J. Taylor did an absolutely phenomenal job bringing this New Adult mafia romance to life with heartwarming, memorable characters that leap off the page, as well as a storyline that keeps readers hooked and eager for more. The ending was beyond cinematic and the perfect lead-up to the events of book two.
This was an amazing read, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the trilogy!
This book had me laughing, crying, swooning, giggling, and kicking my feet while simultaneously ripping my heart out and leaving my jaw on the floor. From the immersive, vividly described setting of New Orleans to the intricately crafted details woven throughout the story—and the clever, strategically placed French phrases—I was engaged, intrigued, curious, and desperate to keep reading.
S.J. Taylor did an absolutely phenomenal job bringing this New Adult mafia romance to life with heartwarming, memorable characters that leap off the page, as well as a storyline that keeps readers hooked and eager for more. The ending was beyond cinematic and the perfect lead-up to the events of book two.
This was an amazing read, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the trilogy!
June 3, 2025
I am still thinking about this book almost a year later! GO READ IT!
July 17th on a previous edition I wrote:
This book...I've never read a mafia book, and I feel like this was the perfect introduction to the genre.
The female main character was really relatable, and I felt pulled in immediately by her unwitting charm.
The meet-cute was adorable.
The mystery of our male main character was peeled back in layers that kept me wanting more. The plot that unfolded was spectacular in my opinion.
I love the progression of the story and characters and even in the end, the author was still building the characters and their backstory and setting things up for the next book which left me wanting more, immediately.
If you are contemplating trying this genre, I recommend you start here because it was perfect!
February 18, 2025
24 hours…I DEVOURED this book in 24 hours…
I am normally a spicy book kinda gal…I want to feel uncomfortable reading in public. But this slow burn had me racing through pages, hanging onto the MMCs words desperately wishing I knew how to speak French. The amount of laughs, smirks, and comedic relief this book also gave made it even more with the read. If you want dangerous new love and a good side of laughter despite the events happening this is the book for you! Can’t wait to read part 2 in March ❤️
I am normally a spicy book kinda gal…I want to feel uncomfortable reading in public. But this slow burn had me racing through pages, hanging onto the MMCs words desperately wishing I knew how to speak French. The amount of laughs, smirks, and comedic relief this book also gave made it even more with the read. If you want dangerous new love and a good side of laughter despite the events happening this is the book for you! Can’t wait to read part 2 in March ❤️
September 12, 2025
A no spice mafia novel. I’ve just finished reading the first two books and I’ll summarise that book 1 gives us a nice back story with the main characters. You begin to formulate a backstory of how the main group of characters is formed and alliances are made. The second book has more action and is a bit faster paced. Both books have banter and yearning elements.
I would recommend for those of us who want the mafia drama without the explicit nature most books have and with a stern stance against trafficking!
I would recommend for those of us who want the mafia drama without the explicit nature most books have and with a stern stance against trafficking!
November 19, 2025
This is an awesome book for those of us who enjoy the tension and longing in a good slow burn without the physical aspect of it and a little danger of the morally grey guy turned soft for his love. This more about the story and building between these two very complicated characters and slowly revealing the real danger that was only hinted at. It is slow to get there and some things are a little obvious to us readers, but not in a baltant way to insult our intelligence. The end is definitely the cliff-hanger us mafia girls crave without bending anyone over a desk.
November 9, 2025
The slow burn in this was so incredible! I love a good slow burn romance and even I found myself thinking “just kiss already damn it!” I love the MMC in this one. He’s just the right amount of brooding and mysterious and the FMC is strong willed with a mind of her own. The perfect combination. I’m very curious to see how things turn out with the mafia organization and I hope the next book gets into those details more.
December 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this,
Mafia? ✔️
Sarcastic n sassy fmc? ✔️
Mmc who has no clue how to act like an actual teen?✔️
Touch her n die? ✔️
The plot of this flowed so perfectly, had me guessing n confused, I cried, I've laughed, absolutely loved everything about this.
The way this book captivated me from page one
But left me so mad at the cliff hanger 😂
Also broke my 2 week slump 😂🫶🏼
Onto the next 🫶🏼🫶🏼
Mafia? ✔️
Sarcastic n sassy fmc? ✔️
Mmc who has no clue how to act like an actual teen?✔️
Touch her n die? ✔️
The plot of this flowed so perfectly, had me guessing n confused, I cried, I've laughed, absolutely loved everything about this.
The way this book captivated me from page one
But left me so mad at the cliff hanger 😂
Also broke my 2 week slump 😂🫶🏼
Onto the next 🫶🏼🫶🏼
December 21, 2025
The Price of Innocence by S.J. Taylor was genuinely amazing. I loved the overall theme so much, and the characters were hilarious, layered, and incredibly relatable.
Even though it’s a mafia romance, and obviously not everyone can relate to that world, the emotions, relationships, and inner conflicts felt so real. There was so much woven in that made you feel connected, like you were right there with them, fully part of the story.
It’s one of those books where the setting might be extreme, but the feelings are universal and that’s what made it hit so hard.
Even though it’s a mafia romance, and obviously not everyone can relate to that world, the emotions, relationships, and inner conflicts felt so real. There was so much woven in that made you feel connected, like you were right there with them, fully part of the story.
It’s one of those books where the setting might be extreme, but the feelings are universal and that’s what made it hit so hard.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews