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Unexpectedly Twisted #3
His Enforcer
Working for a notorious mob boss like Anthony Costello for fifteen years has taught me a thing or two about dangerous men. I myself have been chiseled and beaten into someone to be reckoned with. And I’ve even come to relish in the pain, to crave it. But no one gets under my skin quite like Luca Rossi, Anthony’s right-hand man. I hate him more than words can express, I always have. He torments me and toys with me, just a plaything in his twisted and cruel game of control, until I’m feral with rage and barely able to contain myself.
But when a series of unidentified bodies begin showing up on our property and it becomes clear someone is trying to take the Costello family down, Luca and I are teamed up to solve the mystery. And working up close and personal with this man has me realizing that there’s no one in the world quite as dangerous to me as him. Because the real reason I hate Luca so much, and maybe even the reason why I hate myself, is because he’ll never really want me.
But when a series of unidentified bodies begin showing up on our property and it becomes clear someone is trying to take the Costello family down, Luca and I are teamed up to solve the mystery. And working up close and personal with this man has me realizing that there’s no one in the world quite as dangerous to me as him. Because the real reason I hate Luca so much, and maybe even the reason why I hate myself, is because he’ll never really want me.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
330 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Cora Rose
42 books2,660 followersCora Rose loves any kind of romance and consumes way too many books each year. She currently lives in the U.S. and spends her days daydreaming about the characters inside her head.
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
You can email her at CoraRoseRomance@gmail.com or visit her website at www.coraroseromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
March 2, 2025
Is the romance in the room with us??
February 23, 2025
His Enforcer is a fun, forbidden romance between bodyguard Viktor and underboss Luca. They have a strong connection that combines reluctant angst with longing. Viktor has had a crush on Luca for years, and his forbidden feelings remain present as he navigates his precarious position.
This story, along with the forbidden nature of their romance, is very entertaining due to the huge stubbornness of both men. They both love pushing each other's buttons, which creates amusing situations where they are pulled outside their comfort zones while proving to each other that they will win each game at all costs.
Overall I enjoyed having another entry with the Costello family. I loved seeing all of the familiar faces and cannot wait for Bane and Teddy's stories. These two are so much fun and I love the many unexpected connections.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
This story, along with the forbidden nature of their romance, is very entertaining due to the huge stubbornness of both men. They both love pushing each other's buttons, which creates amusing situations where they are pulled outside their comfort zones while proving to each other that they will win each game at all costs.
Overall I enjoyed having another entry with the Costello family. I loved seeing all of the familiar faces and cannot wait for Bane and Teddy's stories. These two are so much fun and I love the many unexpected connections.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
February 18, 2025
I can’t explain the rage I feel when I look at him now. It didn’t always used to be this way. For years, it was just a blind infatuation, but year after year of torment, the infatuation turned to disappointment and then to anger. I’ll never have him, and that’s made something inside of me feral.
When Viktor met Luca fifteen years ago, it didn't take long for him to develop a crush. But after more than a decade of pining for a man who's straight and doesn't want him, Viktor is somehow even more hopelessly in love than he was before. He knows it's pointless and that he needs to move on. Problem is that Luca won't stop touching him and playing with him, and now Viktor is ready to snap. His Enforcer is a boss/employee, touch him and die, age gap, love-to-hate-to-love, biawakening romance with two antiheroes discovering love is worth the risk.
Touching him makes something flutter deep inside my stomach. Angry, razor-sharp butterflies. They slice at my chest and make those angry wounds reopen every single time. I do it anyway. I do it because I like the pain of it.
I swear Cora lives to torture her readers (we adore her for it even though we complain 😜) because FIFTEEN YEARS is a long time to crave someone you think you'll never have. Cora put poor Viktor through hell for our entertainment. And then, only one bed, Cora?! Diabolical 😍. His Enforcer was an enjoyable read with lots of Bane content (I think I am the only one who doesn't adore him, but I'll wait and see how his book goes) and some special cameos that were really fun to read. I didn't always like the was Luca treated Viktor, but he redeems himself in a way that made me happy.
Rating: 4
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 2.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
March 22, 2025
Tropes: hate to love, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, Mafia romance
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: orgasm denial, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gangbang (Viktor with OMs), double and triple penetration (Viktor with OMs), lingerie, somnophilia
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: Violence, blood, death, drug use, drug overdose, mild degradation and dub-con, on page graphic sex with others
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: the book starts off 3 years ago, and there is a lot of graphic on page sex with others. Viktor likes to go to sex clubs and offer himself up for free use, and he takes 5-15 men a night. Luca sees him one night and watches, and then takes him home after he's worn out and fucks him himself (off page). After that, they never talk about it until present, Viktor wasn't even sure it happened cuz he was high. They are both with others after, though Viktor can't bring himself to go back to the club. Once they start hooking up in the present, there is one vague reference to Luca possibly being with OW Alina, but other than that, no sharing / they are exclusive.
3.5 stars
Luca is approximately 43. Given Viktor came into Anthony's life in his teens and hadn't yet realized his sexuality then, I'm going to assume he was probably maximum 15 then. And because 15 years have passed, Viktor is probably 30.
Viktor has had a crush on Luca for 15 years. But Luca is straight, so Viktor can't have him and he's frustrated by that. Luca loves to taunt him, and because Luca is technically his boss/superior, Vik has to put up with it. As per the other person drama section above, something happened between them 3 years ago and ever since then, Luca has been ramping up his taunts, finding excuses to touch Vik and driving him crazy. When Mafia business starts getting crazy and dead bodies are showing up, they have to work together a lot and Vik has to pay for some favors from pervy twin crime scene cleaners with homemade porn videos, and they start requesting Luca participates, and it escalates. Luca turns very possessive.
It's tough to review this book. It wasn't very romantic, I felt like Luca was using Vik and being possessive of him like an object more so than respecting him as an individual. Because he was manipulating their activities and it wasn't coming off mutual, because Luca was avoiding anal, which Vik seemed to want/need. It was more about what Luca wanted. It wasn't until the very end when love entered the picture. And this book was in my mind more erotica than romance for the majority of the book (erotica to me is smut for the sake of titillation, not in pursuit of a HEA, or love). I didn't get a sense of real love until like 95%, because neither man was a romantic person and their feelings for the other person was physical more so than emotional.
I did really enjoy a lot of the book because I really like the way this author writes. It's intense, smutty, it makes you feel what the characters are feeling. There's a beloved network of supporting characters from other books. There's a lot of wild antics and humor. Bane was a scene stealer every time he appeared, he's just a wacky delight. I love Anthony and Tatum's relationship. The appearance by Lex and his old ladies slayed me. But I'd say the things that I enjoyed about this book were not so much about the romantic relationship between the mmcs for the most part. Yeah I liked the possessiveness and the steaminess of it but there was just something lacking feelings wise between the mmcs. Luca said some things in his internal monologue that just made it seem like he felt less at times. And it didn't impress me that they first hooked up 3 years ago yet they could find it in themselves to stay apart in the intervening years and hook up with others... They saw each other every day for work, it's not like there was a separation/distance.
Some notable moments:
"“See, the thing is, Vik, you may not care who I fuck, but it seems I care who you fuck. We keep this between us.” I stare at him in disbelief, and he grins. “Like I said, I own you now.” “No. You don’t.” He cocks his head to the side and steps closer until his chest is pressed against mine. His hand cups the front of my neck, his thumb tilting my head to the side. And then his lips are on my skin, sucking roughly, making my eyes roll into the back of my head. I know what he’s doing. He’s marking me."
Dead body... Lol! "The twins approach it and peel the sheet down, examining the man. “He’s hot,” Ezra says. “He is,” Cain replies. “Please stop talking about a dead body like that,” Sabrina says, but she goes ignored."
"Tatum’s eyes move to Anthony and to his arm. “Oh, what’s this?” “Bane made it,” Anthony says, and Tatum’s hand retracts. “Oh god, that’s human skin, isn’t it?” “From the bodies of our enemies,” I add and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “I mean, it’s sweet. In theory.”"
Bane is wild, so funny. The fact it's Bane is all the explanation needed. "Behind me, Luca is starting to wake, and I feel his hand travel up, bumping between Bane and me. “Why the fuck is there another man in our bed?” “It’s Bane.”"
"“Oh, the first kiss as husbands!” Bane cries and then slaps a hand over his mouth. “Why the fuck does he keep saying that?” I ask Luca. “Oh! Me! I know! He put a gun to a priest’s head and made him marry you!” Bane blurts again and then slaps another hand over his mouth, his eyes wide, dancing with laughter. “What the fuck, Luca!” “What?” He doesn’t move his eyes from me, unashamed and unrepentant. “You married me? You didn’t even get my consent, you asshole. You can’t just go around doing that shit.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: orgasm denial, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gangbang (Viktor with OMs), double and triple penetration (Viktor with OMs), lingerie, somnophilia
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: Violence, blood, death, drug use, drug overdose, mild degradation and dub-con, on page graphic sex with others
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: the book starts off 3 years ago, and there is a lot of graphic on page sex with others. Viktor likes to go to sex clubs and offer himself up for free use, and he takes 5-15 men a night. Luca sees him one night and watches, and then takes him home after he's worn out and fucks him himself (off page). After that, they never talk about it until present, Viktor wasn't even sure it happened cuz he was high. They are both with others after, though Viktor can't bring himself to go back to the club. Once they start hooking up in the present, there is one vague reference to Luca possibly being with OW Alina, but other than that, no sharing / they are exclusive.
3.5 stars
Luca is approximately 43. Given Viktor came into Anthony's life in his teens and hadn't yet realized his sexuality then, I'm going to assume he was probably maximum 15 then. And because 15 years have passed, Viktor is probably 30.
Viktor has had a crush on Luca for 15 years. But Luca is straight, so Viktor can't have him and he's frustrated by that. Luca loves to taunt him, and because Luca is technically his boss/superior, Vik has to put up with it. As per the other person drama section above, something happened between them 3 years ago and ever since then, Luca has been ramping up his taunts, finding excuses to touch Vik and driving him crazy. When Mafia business starts getting crazy and dead bodies are showing up, they have to work together a lot and Vik has to pay for some favors from pervy twin crime scene cleaners with homemade porn videos, and they start requesting Luca participates, and it escalates. Luca turns very possessive.
It's tough to review this book. It wasn't very romantic, I felt like Luca was using Vik and being possessive of him like an object more so than respecting him as an individual. Because he was manipulating their activities and it wasn't coming off mutual, because Luca was avoiding anal, which Vik seemed to want/need. It was more about what Luca wanted. It wasn't until the very end when love entered the picture. And this book was in my mind more erotica than romance for the majority of the book (erotica to me is smut for the sake of titillation, not in pursuit of a HEA, or love). I didn't get a sense of real love until like 95%, because neither man was a romantic person and their feelings for the other person was physical more so than emotional.
I did really enjoy a lot of the book because I really like the way this author writes. It's intense, smutty, it makes you feel what the characters are feeling. There's a beloved network of supporting characters from other books. There's a lot of wild antics and humor. Bane was a scene stealer every time he appeared, he's just a wacky delight. I love Anthony and Tatum's relationship. The appearance by Lex and his old ladies slayed me. But I'd say the things that I enjoyed about this book were not so much about the romantic relationship between the mmcs for the most part. Yeah I liked the possessiveness and the steaminess of it but there was just something lacking feelings wise between the mmcs. Luca said some things in his internal monologue that just made it seem like he felt less at times. And it didn't impress me that they first hooked up 3 years ago yet they could find it in themselves to stay apart in the intervening years and hook up with others... They saw each other every day for work, it's not like there was a separation/distance.
Some notable moments:
"“See, the thing is, Vik, you may not care who I fuck, but it seems I care who you fuck. We keep this between us.” I stare at him in disbelief, and he grins. “Like I said, I own you now.” “No. You don’t.” He cocks his head to the side and steps closer until his chest is pressed against mine. His hand cups the front of my neck, his thumb tilting my head to the side. And then his lips are on my skin, sucking roughly, making my eyes roll into the back of my head. I know what he’s doing. He’s marking me."
Dead body... Lol! "The twins approach it and peel the sheet down, examining the man. “He’s hot,” Ezra says. “He is,” Cain replies. “Please stop talking about a dead body like that,” Sabrina says, but she goes ignored."
"Tatum’s eyes move to Anthony and to his arm. “Oh, what’s this?” “Bane made it,” Anthony says, and Tatum’s hand retracts. “Oh god, that’s human skin, isn’t it?” “From the bodies of our enemies,” I add and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “I mean, it’s sweet. In theory.”"
Bane is wild, so funny. The fact it's Bane is all the explanation needed. "Behind me, Luca is starting to wake, and I feel his hand travel up, bumping between Bane and me. “Why the fuck is there another man in our bed?” “It’s Bane.”"
"“Oh, the first kiss as husbands!” Bane cries and then slaps a hand over his mouth. “Why the fuck does he keep saying that?” I ask Luca. “Oh! Me! I know! He put a gun to a priest’s head and made him marry you!” Bane blurts again and then slaps another hand over his mouth, his eyes wide, dancing with laughter. “What the fuck, Luca!” “What?” He doesn’t move his eyes from me, unashamed and unrepentant. “You married me? You didn’t even get my consent, you asshole. You can’t just go around doing that shit.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
The way i devoured this book. I was completely hooked right from the prologue, I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved these two, the chemistry between Viktor and Luca was insane. I’ve been looking forward to seeing more from them ever since reading The Silencer. If you’re looking for a book with high heat, touch him and 💀, age gap, hate to love and possessiveness(basically all the good stuff) then I highly recommend reading His Enforcer.
March 25, 2025
4/5 ⭐️s - I have to be honest: this book is 95% smut, 5% plot… but did I devour it like a gremlin in heat? Yes. Yes, I did.
The first scene alone? Completely unhinged. I was shocked. Confused. Intrigued. Fully invested. Viktor strolls into a sex club after a long, stressful day as a mafia bodyguard, and next thing you know 💥 bam 💥 he’s getting railed by three guys. At the same time. No breathing room. Just a hole to be used (his words, not mine!)
Enter Luca: Viktor’s boss, long-time crush, and mafia underboss with a very questionable definition of “straight.” He walks in, sees the chaos, makes eye contact with Viktor mid-railing… and doesn’t even blink. Just watches. THEN drags Viktor back to his apartment like it’s casual Tuesday behaviour. The tension after that? Unreal.
The angst in this book is next-level. Luca basically spends the entire story edging Viktor into madness, and Viktor starts to hate him even more for it. Honestly, I started to hate him too (lovingly). Luca is the most infuriating tease. Every time things almost happened, I was practically clawing at the pages.
Their dynamic is everything - years of unresolved pining, longing, teasing, and both of them pretending they don’t want it when it’s painfully obvious they do. The suspense of waiting for something, anything, to snap was so addictive.
And shoutout to Cora, because I don’t know how she managed to pack in so many smut scenes without it ever feeling repetitive. Normally I’d get bored with that much filth, but the way the edging was written? Genius. Filth with flavour👩🍳💋
If you’re looking for plot-light, tension-heavy, absolutely filthy mafia chaos - this one delivers!!
The first scene alone? Completely unhinged. I was shocked. Confused. Intrigued. Fully invested. Viktor strolls into a sex club after a long, stressful day as a mafia bodyguard, and next thing you know 💥 bam 💥 he’s getting railed by three guys. At the same time. No breathing room. Just a hole to be used (his words, not mine!)
Enter Luca: Viktor’s boss, long-time crush, and mafia underboss with a very questionable definition of “straight.” He walks in, sees the chaos, makes eye contact with Viktor mid-railing… and doesn’t even blink. Just watches. THEN drags Viktor back to his apartment like it’s casual Tuesday behaviour. The tension after that? Unreal.
The angst in this book is next-level. Luca basically spends the entire story edging Viktor into madness, and Viktor starts to hate him even more for it. Honestly, I started to hate him too (lovingly). Luca is the most infuriating tease. Every time things almost happened, I was practically clawing at the pages.
Their dynamic is everything - years of unresolved pining, longing, teasing, and both of them pretending they don’t want it when it’s painfully obvious they do. The suspense of waiting for something, anything, to snap was so addictive.
And shoutout to Cora, because I don’t know how she managed to pack in so many smut scenes without it ever feeling repetitive. Normally I’d get bored with that much filth, but the way the edging was written? Genius. Filth with flavour👩🍳💋
If you’re looking for plot-light, tension-heavy, absolutely filthy mafia chaos - this one delivers!!
March 23, 2025
Luca presses the weapons into Mick harder before pulling them away and stalking over to me. He sheathes his knife and his hand comes up to wrap around the back of my head, pulling me forward, his mouth slanting over mine. And what ensues is the filthiest kiss I’ve ever had. Open mouths, tongues, spit and clashing teeth. It’s drawn out so long that when he finally pulls away, I’m speechless and dazed, the room tilting slightly, my gun hanging limply at my side. “He’s my slut. Now keep your shitty thoughts to yourself.”
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
I’ll write a longer review later but this was good!
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
I’ll write a longer review later but this was good!
April 29, 2025
This book was so filthy, kinky and dirty and I loved every single smutty glorious minute of it. It had everything that I love pain play, dom/sub vibes and SO MUCH DELICIOUS SMUT. Like, this book had to be like 70% smut and I had a great time devouring it all.
Viktor was different than I thought he was gonna be but I enjoyed being in his head. He was such a greedy, subby babygirl which was unexpected (heh) but everyone here should know how much I enjoy subby boys 🫠
Luca was exactly as expected dominating, possessive and definitely giving alllll the Daddy vibes, again, I eat that shit up. There were definitely points in the book that I wanted to punch a fictional man 👊🏾 but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of his character.
If you love yummy smut, subby and dommy boys and a little possessiveness and more “mine” moments than you can count on one hand then go read this. I thoroughly enjoyed my read and this series continues to be funny, crazy and entertaining 🤗
And as always, I LOVE BANE 👁️🩸
Viktor was different than I thought he was gonna be but I enjoyed being in his head. He was such a greedy, subby babygirl which was unexpected (heh) but everyone here should know how much I enjoy subby boys 🫠
Luca was exactly as expected dominating, possessive and definitely giving alllll the Daddy vibes, again, I eat that shit up. There were definitely points in the book that I wanted to punch a fictional man 👊🏾 but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of his character.
If you love yummy smut, subby and dommy boys and a little possessiveness and more “mine” moments than you can count on one hand then go read this. I thoroughly enjoyed my read and this series continues to be funny, crazy and entertaining 🤗
And as always, I LOVE BANE 👁️🩸
March 12, 2025
Did I initially devour the first part of this? Yes. Was it absolutely filth? Also yes. However having the men in this book so extremely fetishized and used frequently in overly derogatory ways felt gross by 30%, especially knowing the author is a woman. It would be different if it made sense, but they'd do overly sexual things in weird or off moments just for the hell of it, even though it made no sense as to what was actually happening in the book plot-wise.
The amount of times there is gratuitous sex, nudity and masturbation just casually in the open was so odd. All of the male leads are extremely sexual, as well as childish. They speak awkwardly, giggle and bounce like children, will begin to have sex or grope in front of others until they leave, constantly announce how horny and slutty they are, and have a continuous dialogue of sex, sexual favours and getting hard. It's just a massive amount of various men who are all attracted to men and constantly trying to hit on or sleep with each other. With a semblance of a mob plot line in the background.
Viktor is a desperate, obscenely horny and needy man who's obsessed with Luca despite him hating himself for it. Luca is a domineering and controlling man who initially considers himself straight, but is possessive and devoted to ruining Viktor for himself alone, while also desperately horny. He's mean to the point of cruel and Viktor loves it, despite how much he wishes he didn't.
The other characters are very two dimensional. Tatum is childish and hypersexual, Anthony is boring and hypersexual, Bane is incredibly weird, gory and hypersexual. The twins are odd, predatory and hypersexual. Sensing a theme yet? No one else really feels remotely fleshed out, even the two leads. This book just feels like an excuse to constantly read about bjs and tight buttholes. Which, is definitely a choice.
If you want some fun math. This is a 336 page book, and in it we get "dick" 139 times and "cock" 172 times for a total of 311. Which means almost every single page is mentioning them. Add in "slut" at 41 times and we've rounded out the general content of every page. If thats what you're into, cheers! This one felt way too much like fetishizing gay men for me to ever enjoy it.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The amount of times there is gratuitous sex, nudity and masturbation just casually in the open was so odd. All of the male leads are extremely sexual, as well as childish. They speak awkwardly, giggle and bounce like children, will begin to have sex or grope in front of others until they leave, constantly announce how horny and slutty they are, and have a continuous dialogue of sex, sexual favours and getting hard. It's just a massive amount of various men who are all attracted to men and constantly trying to hit on or sleep with each other. With a semblance of a mob plot line in the background.
Viktor is a desperate, obscenely horny and needy man who's obsessed with Luca despite him hating himself for it. Luca is a domineering and controlling man who initially considers himself straight, but is possessive and devoted to ruining Viktor for himself alone, while also desperately horny. He's mean to the point of cruel and Viktor loves it, despite how much he wishes he didn't.
The other characters are very two dimensional. Tatum is childish and hypersexual, Anthony is boring and hypersexual, Bane is incredibly weird, gory and hypersexual. The twins are odd, predatory and hypersexual. Sensing a theme yet? No one else really feels remotely fleshed out, even the two leads. This book just feels like an excuse to constantly read about bjs and tight buttholes. Which, is definitely a choice.
If you want some fun math. This is a 336 page book, and in it we get "dick" 139 times and "cock" 172 times for a total of 311. Which means almost every single page is mentioning them. Add in "slut" at 41 times and we've rounded out the general content of every page. If thats what you're into, cheers! This one felt way too much like fetishizing gay men for me to ever enjoy it.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2025
Whew! This one hurt, I really liked book 1 and while I was let down by Book 2 I was still looking forward to this one but unfortunately it was a big miss for me. If you’re looking for a book full of degradation kink and literally zero plot then this is the book for you. If murder baby Banes book doesn’t bring the quality of Book 1 I will be so sad.
March 7, 2025
Whoaaa whooooo okaayyy. Man am i hot and bothered right now. I surely read it for the plot (i have no fucking idea what the plot was, i was too busy fanning myself to let off the steam)
February 27, 2025
viktor + luca
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Cora Rose and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review🫶🏼
interconnected standalone | 3rd book in Unexpectedly Twisted series | MM | hate to love | bodyguard x mafia man | touch him & d!e | age gap | voyeurism/exhibitionism | high heat | possessive & protective mc | mafia | lace panties! | lots more BANE content! | HEA
Cora is now dubbed the queen of mafia rom-com because the sheer amount of laughter that she pulled out of me amidst the mafia drama, HIGH HEAT SPICE, and the inner demons Viktor and Luca face was commendable. Viktor is a free use, lingerie wearing bby girl bodyguard for Luca and the way Viktor PINED for Luca....UGH. I couldn't get enough. Luca's backstory broke my heart, but seeing these two get their HEA was everything!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Cora Rose and The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review🫶🏼
interconnected standalone | 3rd book in Unexpectedly Twisted series | MM | hate to love | bodyguard x mafia man | touch him & d!e | age gap | voyeurism/exhibitionism | high heat | possessive & protective mc | mafia | lace panties! | lots more BANE content! | HEA
Cora is now dubbed the queen of mafia rom-com because the sheer amount of laughter that she pulled out of me amidst the mafia drama, HIGH HEAT SPICE, and the inner demons Viktor and Luca face was commendable. Viktor is a free use, lingerie wearing bby girl bodyguard for Luca and the way Viktor PINED for Luca....UGH. I couldn't get enough. Luca's backstory broke my heart, but seeing these two get their HEA was everything!
February 23, 2025
“hate that fucking mouth. I hope it falls off. Right onto my dick.”
Viktor is in a perpetual state of lust/love/desperation/hatefor Luca. ALL THE EMOTIONS.
Luca, Viktors boss, is obsessed with him. He loves to taunt Viktor that he’s straight and he won’t ever have his dick. Worst kinda foreplay .
“But even so, I feel fucking alive. My therapist said I have issues. He didn’t live long after that.”
The sexual chemistry is hot. The sexual denial is frustrating as hell, god damn it Luca - give in already. Lots of push and pull for supreme dominance in the relationship , battle of wills and hormones.
“Mine, my body thrums as I stare at him, owning him with my gaze, marking him with my body. “Come here,” I say, spreading my legs slightly.”
Gotta love growly sexy possessive mother fuckers. Also, “Mine” was said/ mentioned 137 times.
“I do my best to avoid him, confusion melting into my bones and leaking into my chest. My heart can’t stand this. It doesn’t know what to do. Fifteen years of nothing, and now this.”
O M G - 15 freaking years of pining for Luca!! But once Luca is in, he’s all in.
This book is an experience , I loved it. Loved watching these two and all the shenanigans involved and the familiar and new to me characters around them.
“I never said I was in love with you,” I reply, my voice a whisper. “Yeah, but I know you are. So admit it, kitten.” “Hell no. You first.” I purse my lips and huff in annoyance. “How about you submit for once, Luca?” “Never. That’s all you, baby.” We’re silent a moment, the tips of our fingers skimming each other’s until I finally exhale. “Fine. I may love you. A little.”
Ps That epilogue in the end just made me thirst for the next book.😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
1.5⭐️
describe the book in 2 words: horny men.
Despite that i can't wait to read Bane's book.
describe the book in 2 words: horny men.
Despite that i can't wait to read Bane's book.
Read
January 28, 2025Oh, this will be good. I enjoyed the simmering tension between Viktor and Luca in the two previous books. Luca is super hot!
This series has been an unexpected reading pleasure.
This series has been an unexpected reading pleasure.
March 3, 2025
too much
I like Cora Rose but this book is far too much humiliation kink for me making it not for me.
I like Cora Rose but this book is far too much humiliation kink for me making it not for me.
March 3, 2025
Read in another fun buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
This one was a fairly quick, but fun read.
Also aside from the prologue before they do anything to together, there is thankfully no sex scenes with others. Just mentions after the prologue and then as they get together, fully nothing with others. Thankfully because Luca because possessives AF ;)
This is mainly about these two, plot wise. The secondary plot is about the mafia stuff, with a storyline about Henry from book one still being a problem, and it might be and probably is tied to all these dead bodies being dumped at places owned by the Costello mafia, with a new deadly drug in their system.
But that plot point isn't touched on overly much compared to just focusing on these two and their relationship. It's just sprinkled throughout, and not resolved by the end.
Which, part of my star off is because of that. Why is Henry, this one guy, able to be so elusive and hard to catch with the freaking mafia??? It just seems silly to me that this one guy is able to evade a whole damn mafia. It seems a bit unrealistic to a "really having to suspect disbelief" degree. Especially after all this time he's evaded them too, for months and months.
And now he may be working with the Sirens, a biker gang? Which could offer some protection, but not a lot. It's the mafia, dude. They're scary motherfuckers, but...wow, one gay is taking them all on! Lol sure.
Another reason for my star off was...Bane. I don't get the love for him. By the author or other readers. He continues to just get away with everything and why? For what reason? He's like a psychotic puppy who doesn't realize his own destruction. But why does everyone just kind of treat him with fond exasperation? He's annoying AF and he crosses the line repeatedly and yet these big bad mafia men just chuckle and shake their head or give a look? And that's all he faces for "consequences"?
Who does everyone like him and put up with him in fond exasperation? I don't understand. Bane still is a great annoyance and unaware somehow of his own psychosis. And has done nothing to earn such fond exasperation for things that would get others killed on the spot. Like honestly he gets away with it because he's getting his own book, plain and simple.
In a world that makes sense, his character would have been killed or at least heavily tortured in book 1 for what he did. Fuck Bane, honestly.
But, will I read his and Gregoriy's book next? Lol yes. I've come too far in this series to stop now! And we'll see if getting Bane's POV will help understand him better at all. Let's hope!
Which leads me into my last reason for 1 star off - the epilogue. I hate when authors do this. I wish they would never do this. Have the epilogue be about the couple of the book, not the next one! This finishes, not entirely abruptly but feeling not entirely finished for our couple, then you turn the page and it's about Bane (and Gregoriy)? What the fuck, why? It should have been about Luca and Vik. It not being so is something I very much disliked.
So Luca and Vik were great together, I really enjoyed them, and their chemistry was top notch. The romance came along well and their sexual chemistry was really good too. They really carried this and without them working so well together, this would have been lower rated for me.
As it is, a solid 4 stars works out well for its rating. Several things just bothered me too much to give this higher.
But overall, I still enjoyed this and loved Luca and Vik together. They were wonderful togehter.
Now, I'm not entirely looking forward to Bane and Gregoriy because of Bane, but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully Gregoriy can reign Bane in a bit, or at least put a leash on him.
Guess we'll see!
My Ratings for the Unexpectedly Twisted Series:
☀️ The Silencer: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ His Prince: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ His Enforcer: 4 stars
This one was a fairly quick, but fun read.
Also aside from the prologue before they do anything to together, there is thankfully no sex scenes with others. Just mentions after the prologue and then as they get together, fully nothing with others. Thankfully because Luca because possessives AF ;)
This is mainly about these two, plot wise. The secondary plot is about the mafia stuff, with a storyline about Henry from book one still being a problem, and it might be and probably is tied to all these dead bodies being dumped at places owned by the Costello mafia, with a new deadly drug in their system.
But that plot point isn't touched on overly much compared to just focusing on these two and their relationship. It's just sprinkled throughout, and not resolved by the end.
Which, part of my star off is because of that. Why is Henry, this one guy, able to be so elusive and hard to catch with the freaking mafia??? It just seems silly to me that this one guy is able to evade a whole damn mafia. It seems a bit unrealistic to a "really having to suspect disbelief" degree. Especially after all this time he's evaded them too, for months and months.
And now he may be working with the Sirens, a biker gang? Which could offer some protection, but not a lot. It's the mafia, dude. They're scary motherfuckers, but...wow, one gay is taking them all on! Lol sure.
Another reason for my star off was...Bane. I don't get the love for him. By the author or other readers. He continues to just get away with everything and why? For what reason? He's like a psychotic puppy who doesn't realize his own destruction. But why does everyone just kind of treat him with fond exasperation? He's annoying AF and he crosses the line repeatedly and yet these big bad mafia men just chuckle and shake their head or give a look? And that's all he faces for "consequences"?
Who does everyone like him and put up with him in fond exasperation? I don't understand. Bane still is a great annoyance and unaware somehow of his own psychosis. And has done nothing to earn such fond exasperation for things that would get others killed on the spot. Like honestly he gets away with it because he's getting his own book, plain and simple.
In a world that makes sense, his character would have been killed or at least heavily tortured in book 1 for what he did. Fuck Bane, honestly.
But, will I read his and Gregoriy's book next? Lol yes. I've come too far in this series to stop now! And we'll see if getting Bane's POV will help understand him better at all. Let's hope!
Which leads me into my last reason for 1 star off - the epilogue. I hate when authors do this. I wish they would never do this. Have the epilogue be about the couple of the book, not the next one! This finishes, not entirely abruptly but feeling not entirely finished for our couple, then you turn the page and it's about Bane (and Gregoriy)? What the fuck, why? It should have been about Luca and Vik. It not being so is something I very much disliked.
So Luca and Vik were great together, I really enjoyed them, and their chemistry was top notch. The romance came along well and their sexual chemistry was really good too. They really carried this and without them working so well together, this would have been lower rated for me.
As it is, a solid 4 stars works out well for its rating. Several things just bothered me too much to give this higher.
But overall, I still enjoyed this and loved Luca and Vik together. They were wonderful togehter.
Now, I'm not entirely looking forward to Bane and Gregoriy because of Bane, but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully Gregoriy can reign Bane in a bit, or at least put a leash on him.
Guess we'll see!
My Ratings for the Unexpectedly Twisted Series:
☀️ The Silencer: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ His Prince: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ His Enforcer: 4 stars
February 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
Viktor and Luca’s story! Finally! Since book 1, I’ve been dying to read about these two. Their chemistry is insane. Luca acts aloof, but is such a shit disturber of a boss. Viktor, whose task it is to protect the second in command, has to put up with it. Their history makes the tension between these two absolutely insane. There are so many facets to their relationship, and this book follows the journey these two take to work through all of that in order to get their happily ever after.
The reason I rated this book so highly is because of the fantastic characters. The two MCs are so well done, with their personalities and quirks the main draw of the story. How they dance around each other is phenomenal. They have this hostility and tension, yet can’t deny the natural synergy that they have. There are so many moments that had my toes curling (like, in a good way!) The way they talk to each other is the best.
At this point in the series, there are SO MANY characters. And somehow it’s so easy for me to picture every single one of them and be familiar with their personalities clearly. Cora Rose does such a good job of making memorable characters that fit seamlessly together. I loved all the Anthony and Tatum we got in this book, and of course, Bane. (His book is going to be fire, I just know it).
I will say, this book is like 90% smut and 10% plot. Somehow it still manages to show depth and relationship progress so well, despite it being so filthy. The actual plot of the book is undeniably the weakest part. But if I’m honest, I’m not reading this series for the excellent murder mystery side plot anyways. I do wish there was more of a resolution in this book, but I have a feeling we will get a lot more in the next book. This book feels more like build-up for the next one.
Loved this book so much~
Viktor and Luca’s story! Finally! Since book 1, I’ve been dying to read about these two. Their chemistry is insane. Luca acts aloof, but is such a shit disturber of a boss. Viktor, whose task it is to protect the second in command, has to put up with it. Their history makes the tension between these two absolutely insane. There are so many facets to their relationship, and this book follows the journey these two take to work through all of that in order to get their happily ever after.
The reason I rated this book so highly is because of the fantastic characters. The two MCs are so well done, with their personalities and quirks the main draw of the story. How they dance around each other is phenomenal. They have this hostility and tension, yet can’t deny the natural synergy that they have. There are so many moments that had my toes curling (like, in a good way!) The way they talk to each other is the best.
At this point in the series, there are SO MANY characters. And somehow it’s so easy for me to picture every single one of them and be familiar with their personalities clearly. Cora Rose does such a good job of making memorable characters that fit seamlessly together. I loved all the Anthony and Tatum we got in this book, and of course, Bane. (His book is going to be fire, I just know it).
I will say, this book is like 90% smut and 10% plot. Somehow it still manages to show depth and relationship progress so well, despite it being so filthy. The actual plot of the book is undeniably the weakest part. But if I’m honest, I’m not reading this series for the excellent murder mystery side plot anyways. I do wish there was more of a resolution in this book, but I have a feeling we will get a lot more in the next book. This book feels more like build-up for the next one.
Loved this book so much~
February 19, 2025
This series has become one of my favorite, and I eagerly anticipate each character's book. Cora's compelling character development draws readers in, fostering strong connections with the protagonists and equally strong antipathy for the villains, ensuring complete immersion in the story.
This installment focuses on Luca and Victor, introduced in previous books, where their underlying tension was palpable. Victor's teenage crush on Luca intensified over time, eventually morphing into hate. Although Victor believes he's overcome his infatuation and now despises Luca, a sexual encounter three years prior irrevocably altered their lives. "That night" remains etched in Victor's memory, while it triggered a profound change in Luca, one he has carefully concealed until now. The appearance of dead bodies on their doorstep, threatening the Castello family's business and loved ones, forces their past into the present.
The chemistry, sexual tension, Luca's possessiveness, and Victor's brattiness are flawlessly portrayed. I devoured this book. The sex scenes are intensely passionate and, at times, blush-inducing. Luca's obsessive pursuit of Victor, once he embraces his feelings, is captivating. Their HEA is wonderfully fitting and perfectly concludes their love story.
The plot is sharp and consistently intriguing. Bane's antics add another layer of enjoyment, and I eagerly await his book with Georgiy.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series. It is a worthwhile read.
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
This installment focuses on Luca and Victor, introduced in previous books, where their underlying tension was palpable. Victor's teenage crush on Luca intensified over time, eventually morphing into hate. Although Victor believes he's overcome his infatuation and now despises Luca, a sexual encounter three years prior irrevocably altered their lives. "That night" remains etched in Victor's memory, while it triggered a profound change in Luca, one he has carefully concealed until now. The appearance of dead bodies on their doorstep, threatening the Castello family's business and loved ones, forces their past into the present.
The chemistry, sexual tension, Luca's possessiveness, and Victor's brattiness are flawlessly portrayed. I devoured this book. The sex scenes are intensely passionate and, at times, blush-inducing. Luca's obsessive pursuit of Victor, once he embraces his feelings, is captivating. Their HEA is wonderfully fitting and perfectly concludes their love story.
The plot is sharp and consistently intriguing. Bane's antics add another layer of enjoyment, and I eagerly await his book with Georgiy.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series. It is a worthwhile read.
* I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review *
March 5, 2025
So the whole prologue we were forced to read about Viktor getting railed by multiple men but we don’t get his hookup with his actual love interest🥹
Not to kink shame because in general, go you, get yours, but in a romance novel— reading the MC and four other guys ON PAGE gave me the biggest ick😭.
I’m not huge on the whole degradation kink but I’ve read it before and I didn’t react to it the way this gave me a reaction.
Luca was just mean for the most part and not in a sexy way. There were times when I felt like the degradation made sense, but there were a lot of times when I was thinking “how old is this guy” because it just came across as immature and bullying for the sake of being mean.
Anyway, back to the prologue…
I was really hoping that what actually happened was that Luca stepped in and saw what Viktor wanted that night and he took over instead because later (off page) at some point, Luca still bangs Viktor that night. So it just felt that ultimately we could have been spared reading Viktor with other people & still had the same effect except wayyy sexier because Luca was the actual love interest.
My overall feeling for the first 60% of this book could be summed up as uncomfortable and sad for Viktor.
The last 40% went okay, but I still never really felt like these characters were “in love.” And for most of the book, I was actively rooting for Viktor to find literally anyone else. So it was a no for me this time. I’m excited for Bane but I’m already afraid it won’t be my cup of tea because I’m not big on a pain kink & I think he would be so cute with Jax.
Not to kink shame because in general, go you, get yours, but in a romance novel— reading the MC and four other guys ON PAGE gave me the biggest ick😭.
I’m not huge on the whole degradation kink but I’ve read it before and I didn’t react to it the way this gave me a reaction.
Luca was just mean for the most part and not in a sexy way. There were times when I felt like the degradation made sense, but there were a lot of times when I was thinking “how old is this guy” because it just came across as immature and bullying for the sake of being mean.
Anyway, back to the prologue…
I was really hoping that what actually happened was that Luca stepped in and saw what Viktor wanted that night and he took over instead because later (off page) at some point, Luca still bangs Viktor that night. So it just felt that ultimately we could have been spared reading Viktor with other people & still had the same effect except wayyy sexier because Luca was the actual love interest.
My overall feeling for the first 60% of this book could be summed up as uncomfortable and sad for Viktor.
The last 40% went okay, but I still never really felt like these characters were “in love.” And for most of the book, I was actively rooting for Viktor to find literally anyone else. So it was a no for me this time. I’m excited for Bane but I’m already afraid it won’t be my cup of tea because I’m not big on a pain kink & I think he would be so cute with Jax.
February 28, 2025
This series really has me in a chokehold. I’m obsessed with everything and everyone.
This might be the spiciest book I’ve read by Cora Rose. Luca and Viktor had this amazing chemistry that just lit the room up. The back and forth between them, the loathing to feel anything for each other, the contempt, and the denial all hit exactly as it needed to. And despite that, they fit so well together. Luca needed someone to care for and protect and Viktor needed someone to care for him. I was pleasantly surprised by the inner look we got into Luca, especially with how he acts in front of people.
And I can’t talk about this series without bringing up Bane, the little chaos gremlin that loves to give his family and friends body parts and jars of blood as presents. From anyone else, it would be creepy, but it’s adorable and endearing coming from Bane. I’m beyond excited for his story!!!
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
This might be the spiciest book I’ve read by Cora Rose. Luca and Viktor had this amazing chemistry that just lit the room up. The back and forth between them, the loathing to feel anything for each other, the contempt, and the denial all hit exactly as it needed to. And despite that, they fit so well together. Luca needed someone to care for and protect and Viktor needed someone to care for him. I was pleasantly surprised by the inner look we got into Luca, especially with how he acts in front of people.
And I can’t talk about this series without bringing up Bane, the little chaos gremlin that loves to give his family and friends body parts and jars of blood as presents. From anyone else, it would be creepy, but it’s adorable and endearing coming from Bane. I’m beyond excited for his story!!!
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
March 2, 2025
The spice in this book was great. The characters other than the main characters added funny moments. The plot was lackluster and overall the whole book made no sense. There was no real reason why Vik or Luca actually loved each other or fell for each other in the first place. The repetition of “I hate you but I don’t” was annoying. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one just wasn’t for me. I am hoping that Bane’s book (the one I’ve been looking forward to) actually lives up to my expectations.
February 19, 2025
Oh my gosh, the build-up this series is giving us is everything. Vik and Luca so very clearly (to me and everyone besides them, probably) love each other. They're obsessed in ways that you'd probably see as unhealthy, and they mask that obsession with hate. But man, do they hate so good. It's delicious. They fight each other and try and fight their desires, all while having to work together to find the truth. They learn about each other, and they allow themselves to embrace their needs. It's sensual and hot. I loved how they interacted with each other and those around them. They don't judge the other for what they've done before, but they are protective and jealous of what they do now.
And Bane. Omg, my sweet little murder baby. Bane is on a whole new level this time, and I am living for every moment. This series is so fun, and with how this one ended, I cannot wait.
And Bane. Omg, my sweet little murder baby. Bane is on a whole new level this time, and I am living for every moment. This series is so fun, and with how this one ended, I cannot wait.
February 25, 2025
Luca and Viktor were so cute for all of their angst and prickly demeanors.
Luca is the second in command and Anthony’s life long bff. Viktor was taken in by Anthony as a teenager and the second he saw Luca, he was hooked.
I absolutely love an “I admired and fell in love with you from a far even though we interacted daily and that fact pisses me off” dynamic. Is it conventional? No. But if the three books it’s probably the most conventional and less bonkers plot wise.
It does end on a bit of a plot cliffhanger but not anything that will leave you unsatisfied. The MCs get their HEA (though Viktor would probably say he isn’t happy, he is) 😂😂
They’re so cute and honestly watching Luca open up was the best. He was a bit of an enigma in the first book of the series and I’m glad we got to know him!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
Luca is the second in command and Anthony’s life long bff. Viktor was taken in by Anthony as a teenager and the second he saw Luca, he was hooked.
I absolutely love an “I admired and fell in love with you from a far even though we interacted daily and that fact pisses me off” dynamic. Is it conventional? No. But if the three books it’s probably the most conventional and less bonkers plot wise.
It does end on a bit of a plot cliffhanger but not anything that will leave you unsatisfied. The MCs get their HEA (though Viktor would probably say he isn’t happy, he is) 😂😂
They’re so cute and honestly watching Luca open up was the best. He was a bit of an enigma in the first book of the series and I’m glad we got to know him!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
February 25, 2025
Cora Rose can write the hell out of a story and this book was...WHOA! Took me forever to wrap my brain around how twisted Luca is and I just wanted to punch him, but the banter was hilarious. These two are so freaking stubborn and hate but love each other. Viktor is Luca's body guard and has had a huge crush on Luca for years. They hooked up one night after Luca saw Viktor at a club getting served by multiples. They want each other but will never admit it lol
February 27, 2025
Hawt daaaaang that was a scorcher of a book!!! The tension between Vik and Luca is just scrumptioussss. And the twins were creepy af but def led to some extra steamy moments between our main couple, so for that I am thankful!! This book had me falling even more in love with Teddy and I just cannot wait to hear his story. And Baaaaaane ughh, in the words of Her Royal Highness Brittany Broski, I am literally gnawing at the bars of my enclosure waiting to get inside his brain!
August 10, 2025
Too much?
This had too much of certain things which weighed down an otherwise pretty decent book.
First off, the bickering went on for too long. This made the segue into the emotional connection difficult to believe.
Also, and I can’t believe I’m about to say this but twitter had too many sex scenes. I understand the need for some but the ones in this book crossed into gratuitous territory and just lost me. I skimmed them after a point.
The last one, (out of many), I’ll point out is this plot point with the villain. For such a supposedly inconsequential person, he’s proving too difficult to catch. It’s not believable and clearly it’s being done so Bane can be the one to handle him. If that’s the case(like I suspect), another big bad should have been given to this book.
As it is, I’m only continuing this series just to get Bane’s POV, then I’m done.
This had too much of certain things which weighed down an otherwise pretty decent book.
First off, the bickering went on for too long. This made the segue into the emotional connection difficult to believe.
Also, and I can’t believe I’m about to say this but twitter had too many sex scenes. I understand the need for some but the ones in this book crossed into gratuitous territory and just lost me. I skimmed them after a point.
The last one, (out of many), I’ll point out is this plot point with the villain. For such a supposedly inconsequential person, he’s proving too difficult to catch. It’s not believable and clearly it’s being done so Bane can be the one to handle him. If that’s the case(like I suspect), another big bad should have been given to this book.
As it is, I’m only continuing this series just to get Bane’s POV, then I’m done.
Read
March 9, 202533% DNF 😥
I've had to stop reading this book. I’m not sure if I’ll give it another chance in the future, but for now, it’s a definite 'NO' for me. I really hope—and I’m seriously crossing my fingers—that Cora’s next book is much better 🤞
I've had to stop reading this book. I’m not sure if I’ll give it another chance in the future, but for now, it’s a definite 'NO' for me. I really hope—and I’m seriously crossing my fingers—that Cora’s next book is much better 🤞
March 5, 2025
Book 3 of the series
Boss/employee
Violence
Lots of steam
Pining for years
Mafia steamy romance Love this series but I can not wait for Bane's book 🥺
Boss/employee
Violence
Lots of steam
Pining for years
Mafia steamy romance Love this series but I can not wait for Bane's book 🥺
June 1, 2025
4.25✨Vik and Luca were chef kiss love them so much
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