What do you think?
Rate this book
Opposites Attract #1
With This Ring
Carter Whitlock
Family means everything to me. I’ll do everything I can to keep them safe. That includes marrying my enemy.
Kaison St. Clair has been a thorn in my side for years. When we see each other, we either trade insults or blows. I hate everything about him. If it were up to me, I’d stay far away from him and the entire St. Clair family.
But someone is after both our families. The only way to keep everyone alive is an arranged marriage with my enemy to combine the might of the St. Clair’s and the Whitlock’s.
Life with Kai is supposed to be about winning the war we found ourselves in, not love and emotions. But somewhere down the line, he gets under my skin.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to make him mine in more than name.
With This Ring is an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers MM romance with two men who are forced together but find that after a while, they don’t mind.
Family means everything to me. I’ll do everything I can to keep them safe. That includes marrying my enemy.
Kaison St. Clair has been a thorn in my side for years. When we see each other, we either trade insults or blows. I hate everything about him. If it were up to me, I’d stay far away from him and the entire St. Clair family.
But someone is after both our families. The only way to keep everyone alive is an arranged marriage with my enemy to combine the might of the St. Clair’s and the Whitlock’s.
Life with Kai is supposed to be about winning the war we found ourselves in, not love and emotions. But somewhere down the line, he gets under my skin.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to make him mine in more than name.
With This Ring is an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers MM romance with two men who are forced together but find that after a while, they don’t mind.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2025
573 people are currently reading
1244 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
January 29, 2025
Enemies Kai and Carter unite their rival families with an arranged marriage, only to discover that a more dangerous threat may still be out there. Overall, the concept was interesting and the blurb sounded good, but I did not enjoy reading it and would not seek out other books by this author.
I read trigger/content warning lists like menus, so I was excited for this enemies to lovers, dark and twisty romance. I found it to be ultimately more silly than dark, with random bursts of violence to bring it back down to being 'serious' and 'dark.' I recommend reading the full list of trigger warnings to be sure this book is for you. There is one scene where Kai and Carter bring a third man into their relationship. It didn't bother me (the scene is 🔥🌶!!) but I know that sharing/open relationships can be an issue for some readers. I did enjoy the high spice in the book and the way Carter cared for Kai as time went on. (the E2L does not last long at all).
With This Ring was rough and I struggled to finish it. The book felt like a first draft with many errors, grammatical issues and sentences that were difficult to follow. For example, "The two-story modern house with large bullet proof windows that allows tons of natural light gives the house an airy look." Normally I wouldn't mention that with an ARC because I know they can be addressed in editing. However, the far bigger issue was the plot holes that made the book hard to slog through. For example, . Tweedledee and Tweedledumb running amok yet somehow running profitable businesses... alright.
Rating: 2 + 1 extra star for decent steam and an entertaining use of the word "asshat"
Angst: 2/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I read trigger/content warning lists like menus, so I was excited for this enemies to lovers, dark and twisty romance. I found it to be ultimately more silly than dark, with random bursts of violence to bring it back down to being 'serious' and 'dark.' I recommend reading the full list of trigger warnings to be sure this book is for you. There is one scene where Kai and Carter bring a third man into their relationship. It didn't bother me (the scene is 🔥🌶!!) but I know that sharing/open relationships can be an issue for some readers. I did enjoy the high spice in the book and the way Carter cared for Kai as time went on. (the E2L does not last long at all).
With This Ring was rough and I struggled to finish it. The book felt like a first draft with many errors, grammatical issues and sentences that were difficult to follow. For example, "The two-story modern house with large bullet proof windows that allows tons of natural light gives the house an airy look." Normally I wouldn't mention that with an ARC because I know they can be addressed in editing. However, the far bigger issue was the plot holes that made the book hard to slog through. For example, . Tweedledee and Tweedledumb running amok yet somehow running profitable businesses... alright.
Rating: 2 + 1 extra star for decent steam and an entertaining use of the word "asshat"
Angst: 2/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 30, 2025
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
🎵𝒮𝒪𝒩𝒢 𝑀𝒜𝒯𝒞𝐻 — 𝒰𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝓎 𝒮𝓁𝑒𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝓎 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝓅𝑒 🎵
// Yet the words that spilled out my mouth
Spell "I need you now," I
Try to push them down, but
They keep seepin' out //
TROPES:
💍 Arranged marriage
💍 Enemies to lovers
💍 Mafia
Husbands who fight, fuck, and kill anyone who dares to lay a finger on them — now that’s true love.
Kaison and Carter together were DE-LI-CIOUS.
From the mutual hatred, the fighting, the glaring, to the hidden desire, the passion, the protectiveness. God, the way Carter protected Kai from the start had me melting.
I’m not much of a mafia girly, but you throw in an arranged marriage between enemies PLUS some sweet hurt/comfort AND a couple kinks? Fuck yes, I’m in.
Big bad mafia boi goes cross-eyed when his rival calls him pretty baby? Check ✔️
Scary tattooed mafia boi almost has a heart attack when he can’t find the husband he supposedly hates? Check ✔️
Even the OTT mafia drama and unrealistic shootings wasn’t enough to kill my vibe, ‘cause these two were so hot and sweet at the same time and I’m a complete sucker for hate turning into love.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CWs & NSFW (spoilers):
- Sharing (one scene)
- Light BDSM
- Exhibitionism
- Homophobia
- Murder & torture
- Blood & gore
- Violence
- Hand necklaces
- Coming hands-free
- Spit as lube
- Rough sex
- Praise
- Felching + snowballing
- Rimming
- Restraints (epilogue)
- Impact play (epilogue)
🎵𝒮𝒪𝒩𝒢 𝑀𝒜𝒯𝒞𝐻 — 𝒰𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝓎 𝒮𝓁𝑒𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝓎 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝓅𝑒 🎵
// Yet the words that spilled out my mouth
Spell "I need you now," I
Try to push them down, but
They keep seepin' out //
« He might hate me, but he wants me. »
TROPES:
💍 Arranged marriage
💍 Enemies to lovers
💍 Mafia
Husbands who fight, fuck, and kill anyone who dares to lay a finger on them — now that’s true love.
Kaison and Carter together were DE-LI-CIOUS.
From the mutual hatred, the fighting, the glaring, to the hidden desire, the passion, the protectiveness. God, the way Carter protected Kai from the start had me melting.
“I hate you,” I say with another groan. He chuckles and nips my shoulder once more. “Doesn’t mean I don’t fucking own you.”
I’m not much of a mafia girly, but you throw in an arranged marriage between enemies PLUS some sweet hurt/comfort AND a couple kinks? Fuck yes, I’m in.
Big bad mafia boi goes cross-eyed when his rival calls him pretty baby? Check ✔️
Scary tattooed mafia boi almost has a heart attack when he can’t find the husband he supposedly hates? Check ✔️
“I love it when you say my name. Love when my pretty baby begs for me.”
Even the OTT mafia drama and unrealistic shootings wasn’t enough to kill my vibe, ‘cause these two were so hot and sweet at the same time and I’m a complete sucker for hate turning into love.
With his arms around me, he makes me feel strong. He makes me feel like I’m worth something. He makes me feel whole.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CWs & NSFW (spoilers):
- Sharing (one scene)
- Light BDSM
- Exhibitionism
- Homophobia
- Murder & torture
- Blood & gore
- Violence
- Hand necklaces
- Coming hands-free
- Spit as lube
- Rough sex
- Praise
- Felching + snowballing
- Rimming
- Restraints (epilogue)
- Impact play (epilogue)
November 30, 2025
3*** stars
dropped @50%
I was eating it up at first. It was eye roll inducing OTT but it lacked any real depth and I got tired of it eventually. Guess the mood bitch struck again.
But I was glad there was this one question answered: What in the medieval fuck do you need a marriage for to join forces? Just form a fucking alliance!
Mafia people. 🤦🏻♀️
***********
Opposites Attract Series
Book 1 - With This Ring - 3.0 stars, dropped
Book 2 - Speak Now - release 01/26
dropped @50%
I was eating it up at first. It was eye roll inducing OTT but it lacked any real depth and I got tired of it eventually. Guess the mood bitch struck again.
But I was glad there was this one question answered: What in the medieval fuck do you need a marriage for to join forces? Just form a fucking alliance!
“A marriage tells the world that we are stronger together and we will fight for each other. What are promises? Words that can be easily broken. But with you two married, you become family. When you fuck with family, you die.
Mafia people. 🤦🏻♀️
***********
Opposites Attract Series
Book 1 - With This Ring - 3.0 stars, dropped
Book 2 - Speak Now - release 01/26
September 30, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so conflicted while writing a review. This book was an A+, 5 star read for me until about the 75% mark. With that being said, I guess the best way to review it is to give my likes & dislikes.
Likes:
Enemies to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes & I thought it was done really well here.
I loved Kai & Carter. I was so happy that they didn’t turn mushy the second they caught feelings.
I also really liked some of the secondary characters, Nico, Declan, & Dominic.
RS McKenzie’s writing really works for me & drew me into the story immediately.
Dislikes:
It could’ve really benefited from another round of edits. A lot of misused words like peak instead of peek, other instead of over, etc.
If I never see the words tasty & pucker put together again it’ll be too soon. Actually if we could do away with “pucker” in that context altogether I’d be eternally grateful!
But what really kept this from being an amazing read for me was the sharing. There’s a scene where MC1 hooks up with someone else in front of MC2. I especially couldn’t wrap my head around it for these two extremely possessive characters. It is listed under the TW’s so that’s on me (didn’t factor into my rating) but I missed it.
Had I known this book had it I wouldn’t have read it, hence why I feel conflicted. I definitely want to try more from this author & the next in this series when it comes out. I’ll just be a lot more careful about reading TW’s from now on.
Likes:
Enemies to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes & I thought it was done really well here.
I loved Kai & Carter. I was so happy that they didn’t turn mushy the second they caught feelings.
I also really liked some of the secondary characters, Nico, Declan, & Dominic.
RS McKenzie’s writing really works for me & drew me into the story immediately.
Dislikes:
It could’ve really benefited from another round of edits. A lot of misused words like peak instead of peek, other instead of over, etc.
If I never see the words tasty & pucker put together again it’ll be too soon. Actually if we could do away with “pucker” in that context altogether I’d be eternally grateful!
But what really kept this from being an amazing read for me was the sharing. There’s a scene where MC1 hooks up with someone else in front of MC2. I especially couldn’t wrap my head around it for these two extremely possessive characters. It is listed under the TW’s so that’s on me (didn’t factor into my rating) but I missed it.
Had I known this book had it I wouldn’t have read it, hence why I feel conflicted. I definitely want to try more from this author & the next in this series when it comes out. I’ll just be a lot more careful about reading TW’s from now on.
March 2, 2025
S. I loved the book up until 89% into it. I cannot stand when a book does not give a warning or hell a hint about a MMM or sharing scene, and it was so unexpected. There was nothing in the book that even IMPLIED Carter would want to watch his husband fuck other men. It’s so fucking stupid. I was fully prepared to give the book 5 stars and add it to my favorite shelf, but not mentioning a sharing scene, that seems to gear more towards Poly (as far as I saw no mention) is an automatic 1 star. I just gave it an extra star because I did LOVE it so much up until that point.
February 6, 2025
Dnf at around 80%
This started off fun and enjoyable. The enemies-to-lovers mafia - arranged marriage trope immediately sold me, and I had been eager to get my hands on this since it was announced. But , it became boring and monotonous after the first half. The MCs weren’t really 'enemies' , I mean, I didn’t really feel that dynamic. They were all over each other after getting married, even though it wasn’t supposed to be in their interest. Their first kiss also felt completely out of nowhere. I didn’t feel that their emotional connection was strong enough to justify their sudden obsession with each other.
Even though I liked both Carter and Kai, I felt that their characters lacked depth. And I absolutely hate when authors include torture scenes just to force the dark/mafia romance angle and make the MCs seem morally grey. I really enjoyed the first half though, and that's the reason for the rating 🤷
This started off fun and enjoyable. The enemies-to-lovers mafia - arranged marriage trope immediately sold me, and I had been eager to get my hands on this since it was announced. But , it became boring and monotonous after the first half. The MCs weren’t really 'enemies' , I mean, I didn’t really feel that dynamic. They were all over each other after getting married, even though it wasn’t supposed to be in their interest. Their first kiss also felt completely out of nowhere. I didn’t feel that their emotional connection was strong enough to justify their sudden obsession with each other.
Even though I liked both Carter and Kai, I felt that their characters lacked depth. And I absolutely hate when authors include torture scenes just to force the dark/mafia romance angle and make the MCs seem morally grey. I really enjoyed the first half though, and that's the reason for the rating 🤷
May 7, 2025
2⭐️
I love the marriage of convenience x MM romance trope blend.
Carter x Kai are the sweetest married MM couple I read so far ( but my Niko x Bran are still rank #1)
The plot wasn’t crazy interesting but below average for me ( typical mafia romance)
The enemies to lovers transition was smooth and precise.
The things I don’t like about it was “the sharing” trope!…….like WHY?……WHY it’s even needed?
I just want to erase that part of my memory of this book. It spoiled the plot for me completely😭
Would I re-read this book?
- NO.
Did I enjoyed the book (except the sharing part)?
- YES
I love the marriage of convenience x MM romance trope blend.
Carter x Kai are the sweetest married MM couple I read so far ( but my Niko x Bran are still rank #1)
The plot wasn’t crazy interesting but below average for me ( typical mafia romance)
The enemies to lovers transition was smooth and precise.
The things I don’t like about it was “the sharing” trope!…….like WHY?……WHY it’s even needed?
I just want to erase that part of my memory of this book. It spoiled the plot for me completely😭
Would I re-read this book?
- NO.
Did I enjoyed the book (except the sharing part)?
- YES
February 5, 2025
All in all it's a good book pretty much what you'd expect from a mafia erotic romance story. That said, I feel that there were probably a few too many ideas here that just got touched upon and not fully explored.
The 'enemies' part was pretty well depicted, I mean they beat each other up in the first few pages, pretty brutal and to the point. The falling was a little abrupt, sort of insta love years in the making but they are very sweet together and that makes it all feel good.
Thoughts as reading:
Halfway through and I gotta say, it's good but also a little rough written. All the ingredients are there but needed a little more spice and better mixing.
While Carter sort of falls first it is very sudden and full on. Then once he tells Kai, he is also on board. Being pushed in a marriage freed them to take a breath and see and feel each other, giving them space to fall in love. It just needed to be written a little smoother. They are pretty sweet though, I mean, they beat each other up for years, it just had to be lust ❤️🔥
As a mafia book, it's good that the violence is depicted and so is the attitude and lifestyle. You get exactly what you thought you would.
The way Carter uplifts Kai and his worth and achievements is beautiful.
*Trigger warning: consented threesome takes place.
The 'enemies' part was pretty well depicted, I mean they beat each other up in the first few pages, pretty brutal and to the point. The falling was a little abrupt, sort of insta love years in the making but they are very sweet together and that makes it all feel good.
Thoughts as reading:
Halfway through and I gotta say, it's good but also a little rough written. All the ingredients are there but needed a little more spice and better mixing.
While Carter sort of falls first it is very sudden and full on. Then once he tells Kai, he is also on board. Being pushed in a marriage freed them to take a breath and see and feel each other, giving them space to fall in love. It just needed to be written a little smoother. They are pretty sweet though, I mean, they beat each other up for years, it just had to be lust ❤️🔥
As a mafia book, it's good that the violence is depicted and so is the attitude and lifestyle. You get exactly what you thought you would.
The way Carter uplifts Kai and his worth and achievements is beautiful.
*Trigger warning: consented threesome takes place.
December 28, 2025
This book was everything I wanted and more.
I've been waiting to read this and I was not disapointed.
The beggining of these two was everything. I was laughing, giggling, just smiling, I just adored it. Their chemistry was off the charts.
Kai was so bad*ss and then in the bedroom he just melted for Carter, I loved it. He gave him that control because he trusted him and that was so good.
Carter was so gone for Kai, it wasn't even funny.
Neither of them wanted to admit it but they couldn't stay apart for too long.
Good Lord, I really loved this book
I've been waiting to read this and I was not disapointed.
The beggining of these two was everything. I was laughing, giggling, just smiling, I just adored it. Their chemistry was off the charts.
Kai was so bad*ss and then in the bedroom he just melted for Carter, I loved it. He gave him that control because he trusted him and that was so good.
Carter was so gone for Kai, it wasn't even funny.
Neither of them wanted to admit it but they couldn't stay apart for too long.
Good Lord, I really loved this book
January 29, 2026
My guilty pleasure tropes are all here - enemies to lovers and mafia - and I am so down. Kai and Carter are mafia family rivals that hate each other and love to push the others buttons. With a mafia war, forced marriage, and plenty of steamy scenes It does not get much better than this one right here.
February 4, 2025
Kai can’t do anything good in the eyes of his vicious father. Being the son of the head of the St. Clair mafia family, and the future leader is asking a lot.
Carter’s position is way better, he can do good in the eyes of his father. But the same goes for him, being the son of the head of the Withlock mafia family, and the future leader is asking a lot.
Carter and Kai can’t stand each other. They hate each other deeply and fight verbally and physically when the opportunity is there, including bumping heads and cockblocking each other at The Devil’s Den, a kink club.
Some forces try to bring both families down. To keep the families strong, in the top position, and alive, the fathers arrange a marriage between the families.
A marriage between Kai and Carter. Excuse me… What?!
Kai and Carter are not amused, but family business goes above everything!
The tension between them is so high and something has to change.
One fuck will do to get the other out of their system.
Who could imagine when they got closer, letting their high walls down, a complete turnaround would take place?
“I marked him, so now he belongs to me.“
The business is hard, violent, and bloody, there’s still a threat to be eliminated.
I loved this story! It’s dark, rough, tough, and violent, there are softer moments, but fewer.
The characters are despite their cruelty lovable!
The plot development was wonderfully executed!
Word of the day: KILL
Review also on Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
Carter’s position is way better, he can do good in the eyes of his father. But the same goes for him, being the son of the head of the Withlock mafia family, and the future leader is asking a lot.
Carter and Kai can’t stand each other. They hate each other deeply and fight verbally and physically when the opportunity is there, including bumping heads and cockblocking each other at The Devil’s Den, a kink club.
Some forces try to bring both families down. To keep the families strong, in the top position, and alive, the fathers arrange a marriage between the families.
A marriage between Kai and Carter. Excuse me… What?!
Kai and Carter are not amused, but family business goes above everything!
The tension between them is so high and something has to change.
One fuck will do to get the other out of their system.
Who could imagine when they got closer, letting their high walls down, a complete turnaround would take place?
“I marked him, so now he belongs to me.“
The business is hard, violent, and bloody, there’s still a threat to be eliminated.
I loved this story! It’s dark, rough, tough, and violent, there are softer moments, but fewer.
The characters are despite their cruelty lovable!
The plot development was wonderfully executed!
Word of the day: KILL
Review also on Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
March 10, 2025
Missed the mark.
Something about this book is unsatisfactory. The MCs' devious sides don't come across that way at all. They're corny. The answers to all of their troubles just seems to fall into their laps. There's more, but I can't put my finger on it.
Something about this book is unsatisfactory. The MCs' devious sides don't come across that way at all. They're corny. The answers to all of their troubles just seems to fall into their laps. There's more, but I can't put my finger on it.
won-t-read-bc-nopes
January 29, 2026Sharing, late in the book. NOPE.
Seems to be a Thing authors are doing at the ends of books right now. Bad for me. Good for anyone who loves sharing.
If that won't bother you, this author is entertaining.
Seems to be a Thing authors are doing at the ends of books right now. Bad for me. Good for anyone who loves sharing.
If that won't bother you, this author is entertaining.
January 29, 2025
My heart broke for Kai but even though him and Carter had a love/hate relationship Carter was the best thing for him. I love how the book wasn’t isn’t love it was earned. This book was so good. My first mafia series from this author and I really enjoyed it.
February 15, 2025
Everything about this book is a no for me. Carter and Kai are toxic as fuck. Normally i love it. But everything was just over the top. The talking, the violence, the hate s3x.
I could barely finish it.
I could barely finish it.
Read
March 3, 2025DNF’d at 89%. I was really feeling this book up until the very end. I loathe open marriages.
July 18, 2025
Carter & Kaison
Rating: 4,5⭐️
- Mafia Heir x Mafia Heir
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced Marriage
- Praise Kink
- Exhibitionism
- Hurt/ Comfort
- High heat
- Sharing
Alright.
Look.
I normally don't like writing reviews all that much because - well- I'm lazy.
Normally, I read books, enjoy them, or not, rate them some stars here and go on with the next smut I can find on KU.
However.
This book was on my "Want to read" list since its release. Every time I thought about starting to read it, I read some reviews here and thought: Nah, I'm not up to wasting my time & dnf this shit after 50% because it sucks.
Now, I had time on my hands, stumbled upon it on Insta - again - and started.
Thanks to some here, I had absolutely no expectations. Or, scratch that, I was 80% sure I was gonna dnf it.
I didn't.
I ate it up in 2 days.
There's blood, there's fighting, there's fucking. There's hot mafia men snarking at each other & then falling in love with each other.
What's not to love about it???
2 points - then I'll leave you alone:
1. Some of you had "issues" with the plot ( or holes in it..)
Yeah - no. There are no real plot- holes ( in my humble opinion).
It's a ROMANCE BOOK about two gay (well one bi) mafia men that get married, first against their will, & fight for keeping their territory & money.
Do you understand that this is, in fact, fiction? Noone ever said it was a documentary about the mafia of New York in the 1920s !!!!
The plot is plotting & the story adds up. If you didn't like the story - just say that.
It's ok.
I also read books I didn't like. With plots that were actually messy as fuck & didn't make sense.
But this - makes sense, adds up & at least for me - was an easy read.
2. The Sharing - gasp- 😲
WTF?!
I even read "cheating" once in the reviews.
( And yes - that was also a reason why I put this read on hold for so long)
Because.
Some made it seem like one of the MCs was betraying the other.
Which is NOT happening here.
And to those that were surprised by it ( until 80 something percent into the book):
Fuck that.
It is listed as the first thing in the "Trigger & Content Warnings".
And on Instagram.
Really? You are upset/ surprised it happened???
Look.
I get it.
It's not for everyone.
Even consensual & in agreement with everyone involved, you don't have to like it.
Even if I don't get why THAT kink is a problem when y'all want to get choked & think calling someone " Daddy" is not weird but hot AF.
Because - that "sharing" scene between Kai, Carter & Jamie - THAT was hot AF.
Anyway.
Each to their own & all that.
BUT.
Beeing disappointed & "hate" a book because of a thing that was openly listed for everyone to see BEFORE you started reading - that just makes you stupid.
And a little life advice for your "real" life:
A Sharing - Kink/ situation, as well as exhibitionism, where everyone is fine with it & enjoys it is NOT fucking cheating!!!!
OK.
Now.
Please don't hate me. (Or do - I don't really care because this is the fucking internet & not a job interview.)
Don't listen too much to reviews & if a book sounds good to you - give it a try.
I listened too much & almost missed a good read because some can't read "Warnings". This is why I got so frustrated & decided to write this review noone gives a fuck about.
I really liked this book & can't wait for Nico & Declan! ❤️❤️❤️
Content Warnings:
- SHARING
- Light BDSM
- Exhibitionism
- Homophobia (not between MCs)
- Murder (on & off page)
- Torture (on & off page)
- Blood
- Gore
- Violence (also between MCs - but kinda hot)
- Strong language
- Strong sexual content (duh....)
Verse: No/ Yes (Kai is and... you'll get there..)
HEA: Yes
POV: First Person/ Double
Breakup: No
Cheat: No (Sharing is NOT cheating!!!!)
Ages: 26 & 25
Rating: 4,5⭐️
- Mafia Heir x Mafia Heir
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced Marriage
- Praise Kink
- Exhibitionism
- Hurt/ Comfort
- High heat
- Sharing
Alright.
Look.
I normally don't like writing reviews all that much because - well- I'm lazy.
Normally, I read books, enjoy them, or not, rate them some stars here and go on with the next smut I can find on KU.
However.
This book was on my "Want to read" list since its release. Every time I thought about starting to read it, I read some reviews here and thought: Nah, I'm not up to wasting my time & dnf this shit after 50% because it sucks.
Now, I had time on my hands, stumbled upon it on Insta - again - and started.
Thanks to some here, I had absolutely no expectations. Or, scratch that, I was 80% sure I was gonna dnf it.
I didn't.
I ate it up in 2 days.
There's blood, there's fighting, there's fucking. There's hot mafia men snarking at each other & then falling in love with each other.
What's not to love about it???
2 points - then I'll leave you alone:
1. Some of you had "issues" with the plot ( or holes in it..)
Yeah - no. There are no real plot- holes ( in my humble opinion).
It's a ROMANCE BOOK about two gay (well one bi) mafia men that get married, first against their will, & fight for keeping their territory & money.
Do you understand that this is, in fact, fiction? Noone ever said it was a documentary about the mafia of New York in the 1920s !!!!
The plot is plotting & the story adds up. If you didn't like the story - just say that.
It's ok.
I also read books I didn't like. With plots that were actually messy as fuck & didn't make sense.
But this - makes sense, adds up & at least for me - was an easy read.
2. The Sharing - gasp- 😲
WTF?!
I even read "cheating" once in the reviews.
( And yes - that was also a reason why I put this read on hold for so long)
Because.
Some made it seem like one of the MCs was betraying the other.
Which is NOT happening here.
And to those that were surprised by it ( until 80 something percent into the book):
Fuck that.
It is listed as the first thing in the "Trigger & Content Warnings".
And on Instagram.
Really? You are upset/ surprised it happened???
Look.
I get it.
It's not for everyone.
Even consensual & in agreement with everyone involved, you don't have to like it.
Even if I don't get why THAT kink is a problem when y'all want to get choked & think calling someone " Daddy" is not weird but hot AF.
Because - that "sharing" scene between Kai, Carter & Jamie - THAT was hot AF.
Anyway.
Each to their own & all that.
BUT.
Beeing disappointed & "hate" a book because of a thing that was openly listed for everyone to see BEFORE you started reading - that just makes you stupid.
And a little life advice for your "real" life:
A Sharing - Kink/ situation, as well as exhibitionism, where everyone is fine with it & enjoys it is NOT fucking cheating!!!!
OK.
Now.
Please don't hate me. (Or do - I don't really care because this is the fucking internet & not a job interview.)
Don't listen too much to reviews & if a book sounds good to you - give it a try.
I listened too much & almost missed a good read because some can't read "Warnings". This is why I got so frustrated & decided to write this review noone gives a fuck about.
I really liked this book & can't wait for Nico & Declan! ❤️❤️❤️
Content Warnings:
- SHARING
- Light BDSM
- Exhibitionism
- Homophobia (not between MCs)
- Murder (on & off page)
- Torture (on & off page)
- Blood
- Gore
- Violence (also between MCs - but kinda hot)
- Strong language
- Strong sexual content (duh....)
Verse: No/ Yes (Kai is and... you'll get there..)
HEA: Yes
POV: First Person/ Double
Breakup: No
Cheat: No (Sharing is NOT cheating!!!!)
Ages: 26 & 25
February 10, 2026
Where can I get myself a Carter? That man is the most romantic man ever. The way he surprised Kai made me swoon.
It’s obvious they never really hated each other. It was all a ruse to disguise their attraction to one another. I mean, you could feel the sexual tension between them a mile away.
The arranged marriage was the perfect excuse for them to screw themselves into oblivion😆 Imagine if they actually liked each other from the beginning 😏
I hated Kai’s dad! I honestly think he needed to suffer after all the crap he put Kai through. He never deserved a son like him. Kai was too good to be related to that monster.
I loved how protective of Kai Carter became even though they were supposed to hate each other. Despite his better judgment, Carter could see how much his dad’s disapproval hurt Kai. I so wanted Carter to put him in his place.
But anyway, things worked out well. Kai was shown the love and appreciation he deserved. Carter was determined to show him how wonderful he was and erase all those years of neglect from his dad.
Loved the sharing scene! People need to get over themselves about it. I didn’t find it unnecessary, on the contrary, I think it was perfectly executed considering how much Carter loved Kai and his tastes. It just proved how much he knew his husband. Plus that was hot AF🥵
Can’t wait to read Declan’s story. I have a feeling I’m gonna cry given how he’s treated by his father and brother🥺
It’s obvious they never really hated each other. It was all a ruse to disguise their attraction to one another. I mean, you could feel the sexual tension between them a mile away.
The arranged marriage was the perfect excuse for them to screw themselves into oblivion😆 Imagine if they actually liked each other from the beginning 😏
I hated Kai’s dad! I honestly think he needed to suffer after all the crap he put Kai through. He never deserved a son like him. Kai was too good to be related to that monster.
I loved how protective of Kai Carter became even though they were supposed to hate each other. Despite his better judgment, Carter could see how much his dad’s disapproval hurt Kai. I so wanted Carter to put him in his place.
But anyway, things worked out well. Kai was shown the love and appreciation he deserved. Carter was determined to show him how wonderful he was and erase all those years of neglect from his dad.
Loved the sharing scene! People need to get over themselves about it. I didn’t find it unnecessary, on the contrary, I think it was perfectly executed considering how much Carter loved Kai and his tastes. It just proved how much he knew his husband. Plus that was hot AF🥵
Can’t wait to read Declan’s story. I have a feeling I’m gonna cry given how he’s treated by his father and brother🥺
September 1, 2025
Poorly written book with a man fucking a woman over Kai's father's grave in high detail a few days after he died at 82% but sure 37% of readers rated this 5*. 🙄
This book was a mixture of cringe, boredom, and porn. You want a plot? They fuck and that's how they *fall* for each other. 🙄
To start this review, I'd like to ask how an arranged marriage can be formed between two men when their fathers are already working together in peace? They're not exactly getting an heir out of them unless men can get pregnant here (spoiler: they can't).
"Make that Whitlock boy fall for you, adopt a kid or whatever your kind do and tie him to you forever." - Page 43.
^ Let's note that it says your kind. The tw warned homophobia but it didn't warn this level of it.
"Agreed. Let’s just get past this war before you think about offing your father-in-law, okay?” - Page 57.
^ This is from Carter's father who's supposed to be a mafia boss. Not quite sure offing is the right word to use here.
I'm sure he heard me coming my brains out. - Page 74.
^ Um.. what the fuck?
25% - they're fighting and beating each other up over food, two pages later they're kissing each other and about to have sex?? No foreplay, no lube, no condoms. Just two fingers up the ass for two seconds then fuck.
--
There's using the f word, then there's excessively using it to a point where it pisses people off and makes no sense. A few examples I saw as they happened repetitively:
"E-fucking-nough."
He’s probably not doing anything in his office, probably fucking off knowing I’m waiting on him.
He likes to flaunt his money, only hanging out in the high rollers room when he comes to fuck off in our casinos.
Trust me, as a Brit we swear 24/7. But there are limitations, like swearing once in a sentence/paragraph or using swear words properly. Otherwise you sound like a rude twat.
^ I'm very aware the characters aren't British but swearing in books so poorly written.
--
The characters development didn't even happen. Every time they'd stop beating each other up and actually try to like each other they immediately switch back up.
58%:
The Whitlock family has done nothing to earn my trust. Not yet anyway.
THEY LITERALLY INVITED YOU TO FAMILY DINNERS, TOLD YOUR BAD FATHER TO FUCK OFF, CARTER CONFESSED HIS FEELINGS BUT YOU DON'T TRUST THEM? Carter has also taken him on how many dates?!
But no that's actually not trustworthy at all.
(Two other scenes that link up):
Kai runs away after Carter told Kai's father to stop treating Kai like shit. So what happens? He leaves his phone and bodyguard at home - ends up getting beaten up, knocked out, and left to die in the streets.
Furthermore: Not even 2 days after he was out of hospital he gave Carter a blowjob while on his knees and couldn't figure out why he was dizzy. HMM I WONDER?!
Kai runs away after his father is killed. He leaves his phone and bodyguard AGAIN - ends up getting drunk, but able to walk all the way to the bdsm club to hang out with a twink.
--
Did I mention the lack of detail in some areas and too much detail in other areas??
Too much detail:
- Carter describes every sentence of how to help Kai use the toilet. This goes from helping him undo his trousers, get his cock out, hold him while he urinates, wipe his dick, flush the toilet. NOT EXAGGERATING.
- Kai's father's enemy fucking a random woman on Kai's father's grave who's been dead for not even a week.
- Sex scenes. Pages and pages of it.
Too little detail:
- Everywhere that matters.
- Kai hunting down who was stealing from him. One minute he's talking to Carter then it switches chapter and he's beating the crap out of some random guy called James??
Second book hated by this author so won't be coming back. Didn't even check the author first as I went in blind so that makes this review even more honest.
This book was a mixture of cringe, boredom, and porn. You want a plot? They fuck and that's how they *fall* for each other. 🙄
To start this review, I'd like to ask how an arranged marriage can be formed between two men when their fathers are already working together in peace? They're not exactly getting an heir out of them unless men can get pregnant here (spoiler: they can't).
"Make that Whitlock boy fall for you, adopt a kid or whatever your kind do and tie him to you forever." - Page 43.
^ Let's note that it says your kind. The tw warned homophobia but it didn't warn this level of it.
"Agreed. Let’s just get past this war before you think about offing your father-in-law, okay?” - Page 57.
^ This is from Carter's father who's supposed to be a mafia boss. Not quite sure offing is the right word to use here.
I'm sure he heard me coming my brains out. - Page 74.
^ Um.. what the fuck?
25% - they're fighting and beating each other up over food, two pages later they're kissing each other and about to have sex?? No foreplay, no lube, no condoms. Just two fingers up the ass for two seconds then fuck.
--
There's using the f word, then there's excessively using it to a point where it pisses people off and makes no sense. A few examples I saw as they happened repetitively:
"E-fucking-nough."
He’s probably not doing anything in his office, probably fucking off knowing I’m waiting on him.
He likes to flaunt his money, only hanging out in the high rollers room when he comes to fuck off in our casinos.
Trust me, as a Brit we swear 24/7. But there are limitations, like swearing once in a sentence/paragraph or using swear words properly. Otherwise you sound like a rude twat.
^ I'm very aware the characters aren't British but swearing in books so poorly written.
--
The characters development didn't even happen. Every time they'd stop beating each other up and actually try to like each other they immediately switch back up.
58%:
The Whitlock family has done nothing to earn my trust. Not yet anyway.
THEY LITERALLY INVITED YOU TO FAMILY DINNERS, TOLD YOUR BAD FATHER TO FUCK OFF, CARTER CONFESSED HIS FEELINGS BUT YOU DON'T TRUST THEM? Carter has also taken him on how many dates?!
But no that's actually not trustworthy at all.
(Two other scenes that link up):
Kai runs away after Carter told Kai's father to stop treating Kai like shit. So what happens? He leaves his phone and bodyguard at home - ends up getting beaten up, knocked out, and left to die in the streets.
Furthermore: Not even 2 days after he was out of hospital he gave Carter a blowjob while on his knees and couldn't figure out why he was dizzy. HMM I WONDER?!
Kai runs away after his father is killed. He leaves his phone and bodyguard AGAIN - ends up getting drunk, but able to walk all the way to the bdsm club to hang out with a twink.
--
Did I mention the lack of detail in some areas and too much detail in other areas??
Too much detail:
- Carter describes every sentence of how to help Kai use the toilet. This goes from helping him undo his trousers, get his cock out, hold him while he urinates, wipe his dick, flush the toilet. NOT EXAGGERATING.
- Kai's father's enemy fucking a random woman on Kai's father's grave who's been dead for not even a week.
- Sex scenes. Pages and pages of it.
Too little detail:
- Everywhere that matters.
- Kai hunting down who was stealing from him. One minute he's talking to Carter then it switches chapter and he's beating the crap out of some random guy called James??
Second book hated by this author so won't be coming back. Didn't even check the author first as I went in blind so that makes this review even more honest.
February 9, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Carter and Kai were fire!
March 9, 2025
Arranged marriage, mafia heirs enemies to lovers. Carter & Kaison are unhinged, so of course they’re explosive together. There was spiciness and sweetness — the carnival date was so unexpectedly cute. Can’t wait to read more in this world.
April 2, 2025
This kept me intrigued the whole way through.
Called in on the Nico and Declan story.
I like their smexy gifts that they got each other's as well as the tattoos.
Dominic is an amazing dad.
Called in on the Nico and Declan story.
I like their smexy gifts that they got each other's as well as the tattoos.
Dominic is an amazing dad.
January 27, 2026
i need more books like this
February 13, 2025
Actually enjoyable and more realistic. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would, but it was still pretty surface level from a writing standpoint
July 31, 2025
I need someone to come peel me off the floor because With This Ring by R.S. McKenzie just ruined me (in the best possible way). This book had no business being that good, I came for a little enemies-to-lovers drama, and instead I got emotional support, fiery banter, mutual respect, and a main couple so perfect it made my standards even more unrealistic.
The MMCs? Certified hard-headed menaces. And I ate it up. Both of them were strong, independent, and stubborn as hell, but still knew how to show up for each other when it mattered. The way they hated each other with their whole chest and still managed to fall in love like it was the most natural thing ever? I was kicking my feet, giggling, and screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” every few pages.
Honestly, the balance in this book is elite. It gave cute. It gave angst. It gave chemistry. R.S. McKenzie understood the assignment and delivered a romance that felt both chaotic and emotionally satisfying. 10/10, no notes, would let these two enemies-to-lovers idiots break my heart again.
If you’re into, characters who could fight or make out at any moment (and do both), and love that feels earned, read this book. Then come scream with me about it.
The MMCs? Certified hard-headed menaces. And I ate it up. Both of them were strong, independent, and stubborn as hell, but still knew how to show up for each other when it mattered. The way they hated each other with their whole chest and still managed to fall in love like it was the most natural thing ever? I was kicking my feet, giggling, and screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” every few pages.
Honestly, the balance in this book is elite. It gave cute. It gave angst. It gave chemistry. R.S. McKenzie understood the assignment and delivered a romance that felt both chaotic and emotionally satisfying. 10/10, no notes, would let these two enemies-to-lovers idiots break my heart again.
If you’re into, characters who could fight or make out at any moment (and do both), and love that feels earned, read this book. Then come scream with me about it.
February 15, 2025
This book was exactly what I was looking for : mafia, enemies to lovers, smut, arranged marriage and just enough crazy to keep me entertained
January 26, 2026
St. Clair-Whitlock’s….YES!
I read Book #2 first as an ARC review, finished it 3 days ago and immediately purchased and read Book #1. I will end up re-reading these books in order. I ♥️ them. LOVE!
Great story, has all the feelings from hate to love and everything in between.
Definitely dark themes, please check trigger warnings before reading. There are a few editing bits but I didn’t find that to be distracting from the book.
The spice is delicious 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The blooming relationship between Carter and Kai is ♥️♥️♥️
I read Book #2 first as an ARC review, finished it 3 days ago and immediately purchased and read Book #1. I will end up re-reading these books in order. I ♥️ them. LOVE!
Great story, has all the feelings from hate to love and everything in between.
Definitely dark themes, please check trigger warnings before reading. There are a few editing bits but I didn’t find that to be distracting from the book.
The spice is delicious 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The blooming relationship between Carter and Kai is ♥️♥️♥️
February 7, 2025
Mafia books have been my jam lately, and Mafia x mafia is even better! I love how Carter and Kai protected each other even when they thought they hated each other. I thought Carters family was so sweet and I can’t wait for more of side characters to get books
February 5, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book which is only the second book that I’ve read by RS McKenzie. I’ve read only read their My Demon Mate and I’m looking forward to reading more of their books. I thought that this was a good start to the Opposites Attract Series. I thought that Carter and Kai were great together, well when they pulled their heads out of their a*ses and stopped hating each other all because their father’s have been enemies for years (they have a truce) and I thought their chemistry was completely off the charts. I do wish their hate for each other didn’t resolve as quickly after they were forced by their father’s to get married as a way of forming an alliance between their families because they were being targeted by another family, and didn’t have enough man power if war broke out on their own as I love reading enemies to lovers but that’s just a minor complaint.
I thoroughly enjoyed Carter and Kai’s dynamic and loved seeing the dates that Carter planned for Kai, especially the fair after Kai had told him that he’s never been on a Ferris Wheel. All I can say is Kai’s father is an homophonic f*cken a*sehole who has treated Kai like utter sh*t his whole life and that he thinks that he’s weak and sick because he’s gay. I absolutely love how Carter’s father’s love shines through for his boys, even when they’re doing something he doesn’t like and has to put his foot down, Declan I’m talking to you. I enjoyed immersing myself in this world that RS McKenzie has created and I’m looking forward to reading Declan and Nico’s story, To Have and to Hold which I’ve pre-ordered when it’s released, as well as reading more books by RS McKenzie in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book which is only the second book that I’ve read by RS McKenzie. I’ve read only read their My Demon Mate and I’m looking forward to reading more of their books. I thought that this was a good start to the Opposites Attract Series. I thought that Carter and Kai were great together, well when they pulled their heads out of their a*ses and stopped hating each other all because their father’s have been enemies for years (they have a truce) and I thought their chemistry was completely off the charts. I do wish their hate for each other didn’t resolve as quickly after they were forced by their father’s to get married as a way of forming an alliance between their families because they were being targeted by another family, and didn’t have enough man power if war broke out on their own as I love reading enemies to lovers but that’s just a minor complaint.
I thoroughly enjoyed Carter and Kai’s dynamic and loved seeing the dates that Carter planned for Kai, especially the fair after Kai had told him that he’s never been on a Ferris Wheel. All I can say is Kai’s father is an homophonic f*cken a*sehole who has treated Kai like utter sh*t his whole life and that he thinks that he’s weak and sick because he’s gay. I absolutely love how Carter’s father’s love shines through for his boys, even when they’re doing something he doesn’t like and has to put his foot down, Declan I’m talking to you. I enjoyed immersing myself in this world that RS McKenzie has created and I’m looking forward to reading Declan and Nico’s story, To Have and to Hold which I’ve pre-ordered when it’s released, as well as reading more books by RS McKenzie in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
February 7, 2025
“Keep dreaming, dear husband. Hell will freeze over before I bless you with the dicking of your life.”
And that is how a marriage of convenience is done.
Damn did this have me in a chokehold.
Kai & Carter are 🫠
Enemies since they could remember, family against family is the way it has always been for Carter Whitlock and Kaison St.Claire. An unknown enemy is threatening everything that made them who they are, with no end in sight to the threats to the families they must do anything that can help them gain the upper hand. Even get married.
I was not expecting this book to be filled with all the things that I love and then some but the surprise was the best part.
The dynamic between Carter & Kai is off the damn charts and then you add in the spicy scenes and phew ma'am was it so good.
The filth that is these two knocks this up a notch but with the added knives and guns and violence I was just gone for it.
The tension straight out the gate and then when it breaks was so enjoyable. You can only go so long before the truth hits you square in the face except in this case it was the ass.
I struggled right along with Kai though. Bottom line is his dad is a bastard of epic proportions.
To be who you are but not accepted is always a tough situation and leads to being hurt by those that are supposed to love you no matter what.
Carter had it right when he said you're good enough.
Another great one from this author and I cannot wait for Declans book cause damn that tension throughout was thick!
And that is how a marriage of convenience is done.
Damn did this have me in a chokehold.
Kai & Carter are 🫠
Enemies since they could remember, family against family is the way it has always been for Carter Whitlock and Kaison St.Claire. An unknown enemy is threatening everything that made them who they are, with no end in sight to the threats to the families they must do anything that can help them gain the upper hand. Even get married.
I was not expecting this book to be filled with all the things that I love and then some but the surprise was the best part.
The dynamic between Carter & Kai is off the damn charts and then you add in the spicy scenes and phew ma'am was it so good.
The filth that is these two knocks this up a notch but with the added knives and guns and violence I was just gone for it.
The tension straight out the gate and then when it breaks was so enjoyable. You can only go so long before the truth hits you square in the face except in this case it was the ass.
I struggled right along with Kai though. Bottom line is his dad is a bastard of epic proportions.
To be who you are but not accepted is always a tough situation and leads to being hurt by those that are supposed to love you no matter what.
Carter had it right when he said you're good enough.
Another great one from this author and I cannot wait for Declans book cause damn that tension throughout was thick!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews