Surrendered Hearts

by Nina Levine

An arranged marriage, cartel romance.

Javier Torres is the kind of man most run from.

He’s ruthless. Brutal. Unforgiving.

He’s dark power in an expensive suit.

I met him at fifteen, loved him at nineteen, and was broken by him two years ago when he shattered my heart and sent me away.

Now, our families want us married.

Joining in this way will strengthen the cartel Javier is poised to take over.

I’ll marry Javier.

I’ll give him my loyalty.

I’ll do what I must for my family.

But I will never give him my heart again or bow down to him.

Except, Javier demands everything from me.

And as far as he’s concerned, all is fair in love and war because when Javier wants something, nothing will stop him.

As our enemies close in on us, my fiancé pushes me to my limits and I discover that things might not be as they’ve always seemed. That maybe this man I’ve always loved would bleed for me in the same way I would for him.

Welcome to the Badlands underworld where ruthless men wage wars for power and the love of a strong woman, and where queens always stand next to their king.

The Badlands world is a gritty, mafia-inspired world that is all shades of grey. Raw, emotional romantic suspense with high heat and dark themes. It contains some situations that may upset the reader.

Genres: Second Chance, Novella, Contemporary, Anthologies

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2024

About the author

ESCAPE WITH AN ALPHA

USA Today Bestselling Author Nina Levine is an Aussie author who writes alphas with a side of dirty and sassy women who don't hand their hearts over easily.

When she isn't creating with words, she loves to create with paint and paper. Often though, she can be found curled up with a good book and some chocolate.

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Reviews

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally part of an anthology, this novella has all the moments of a dark romance. Javier Torres is a mafia leader and is to be wed to Emilia Sanchez to combine families. They haven’t seen each other in a few years but can these two head strong personalities flourish or combust? A steamy dark romance short that makes you wanting more.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Javier Torres is hard headed and expects everyone to abide by his demands, he dominates in everything he does.

Emilia Sanchez is a strong, independent woman, who bows down to no-one, not even Javier, who despite having already broken her heart, still holds it firmly in his hands.

But with an arranged marriage from two mafia families, that is happening in a matter of days, how do you expect this to go down….

I love all of Nina’s writing genres and this is no different, a great read, with brilliant characters, I love this book and hope Nina will consider a longer length version in the future

[Missy Rafidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot!

Javier and Emilia are fire and ice, I love how Emilia doesn't take Javier's crap, she gives as well as he does, that's why they complement each other.

Nina has done it again!

[Karie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick hot read

This book was a great fast read. Javier and Emilia were scorching together. His power was sexy. Emily's confidence and strength were amazing.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon!!!! Where can I get me my own Javier!!! HOT HOT HOT!!! Loved this novella. It gives you everything you want from a short read from laughs to all the good steamy bits. Definitely recommend reading this one.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over King. Move over Winter. And move over all the rest of the sexy alphas Nina Levine has so graciously created over the years. Javier Torres may just have taken the top spot for this faithful reader!! Even with a shorter storyline, Levine managed to get right down to business as the arranged marriage between Javier and Emilia brings out the very worst in both of them. With Emilia still hurting from how Javier broke off their romance two years prior, she digs in her heels like only the cartel princess can, driving her fiance to distraction.

Danger is forever looming over Javier and there is nothing and no one to stop him from protecting Emilia and he'll take her wrath as long as she stays safe. These two have the game of cat and mouse perfected, although at times I often wonder who the true cat is in their fiery relationship.

Things move at a fast pace as their wedding day is upon them and there is plenty of action both in and out of the bedroom as Javier and Emilia take their attraction and deeply held love to yet another level. Theirs is a passion like no other and they are true soulmates in every sense of the word.

Surrendered Hearts is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the stellar storytelling that only Nina Levine can produce. Her characters are filled with an intensity that is as addictive as it is riveting. Give this one a go, I promise you'll fall hard for Javier and his deliciously dastardly ways just like I have.

5 big stars!

[Jaymie | Girlogic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this Novella.

Javier is about to be the head of the Serrano Cartel. He is used to being in control and demands people to follow his orders. At all times.

Emilia is head strong, confident and ready to put Javier in his place when it comes to telling her what to do. She’s a boss bitch and refuses to bow down to any man.

Javier is over the top possessive and domineering but it doesn’t come over as anything other than hot. Emilia has a fighters spirit and challenges him at every turn.

These two characters have all the explosive chemistry you could ever ask for in a book. The angst, the push and pull and the surrender to each other is everything. I was completely glued to it.

Nina has written a perfect novella that introduces you to a whole new world, while making you fall in love with two characters and then leaves you wanting more but also somewhat satisfied. It’s a strange combination but I’m here for it.

This is a second chance, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers mafia romance. It gives you a taste of what’s to come.

Oh and the spice! 🔥🔥🔥

My lawd…

[Yvette | The Saucy Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore everything Nina Levine writes, and this was no exception. I read it all in one sitting. Yes, it’s short, but that’s not the reason. I just couldn’t put it down.

The depth you feel from these characters and their backstories is not often found in novellas. I L O V E D the FMC, Emilia. Talk about spitfire! She’s been brought up in the cartel world where women know their place and obey everything… she, however, does not, and the way she battles with her fiancé—soon-to-be head of the cartel—is brilliant. She riles him up to no end, and it’s explosive! He hates it and loves it all at once.

The MMC, Javier, is everything you want a cartel man to be: dominant, confident, arrogant, and sexy AF!! He instantly added himself to my book boyfriend list.

This was so so good; I can’t recommend it enough.

If you like mafia romance, novellas, fiery FMCs, spice (the spice was yum!), and a MMC who would do anything to protect this woman, you definitely need to read this.

Thanks, Nina, for this brilliant book 🖤

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoy the interactions between Javier & Emilia. i think there would, could have, should have been more info. like i mean there was a story. don't get me wrong but i wanted more. u know. almost a high four, but the short of the story, it was so short for me. that really took it down to a low 3 ... case in point ... due to the short read, i love the love interest ... they are steamy prefer that part to others reads but in past the other reads are more my style in her collection than this one. released Dec 30, 2024. two-hour romance short reads. mafia romance ebooks. alpha male romance ebooks. i will say i wish it had been longer .. for me a 2 hour read is chump change. if you know me ... u know i love Nina's writing ... so that is not a slight against her at all. just saying i prefer longer reads. point is there. see it? you can get an bonus epilogue by email ... using a link the book provides at the end. getting ready to read that now.

[Madelyn Barrios · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Surrendered Hearts you have an alpha male that will stop at nothing to protect the one he loves. What do you do when you are set to marry the one that broke your heart with no explanation....you give him hell and don’t make it easy on him. The plot alone sold me and I wish it would have been a full book. Javier and Emilia have a business arrangement and will do what they need to do for their family. Javier is demanding and all alpha but Emilia is just as alpha and fights him every step of the way. Will Emilia be able to avoid another heartbreak or will she finally get the answers she’s been waiting for. You will have to read to find out but I promise you will not be disappointed. If you haven’t done so pick up this book today!

[Jazmyne [Ramblings of a Bookworm] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love a good arranged marriage turned love story. Javier and Emilia are set to be married to join their powerful families, but ... there's a history between them.

I really enjoyed how independent and stubborn Emilia was. I know stubborn usually comes with a negative connotation, but in this case it served her well in trying to protect her heart. Javier left her years ago with no explanation, just when she was prepared to give him everything. Coming back together, albeit not exactly on their own terms, Javier is still hiding things from Emilia. Why is it these men always seem to underestimate their women?! I'm all for a protective hero, but c'mon ... Emilia at least deserves to know!

By the end, though, Javier recognizes exactly what it is he has in Emilia and they can finally find their way back together.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tomorrow you will be mine and that is all that matters

This novella is a second chance, arranged marriage, cartel romance. The arranged marriage trope is my kryptonite so I devoured this in no time. While this was a quick read, it still had an interesting storyline. I loved Emilia and her fire and sass. Javier was more of an acquired taste though. I did love how he was willing to do whatever he needs to for those he loves but he really needs to learn to communicate and not be so overbearing. There was still lots to like with this one and it was the perfect read for what I needed!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilia has been in love with Javier for years. He broke her heart when he ended their relationship. Javier is obsessed with her and left her to save her life. Their marriage is supposed to unite these two cartel families, but the same threat is there. Javier tries to keep his feelings in check and he doesn't want Emilia to know his true feelings.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, they are like s ticking bomb and when she finally gives in they explode that the earth shakes.
He is domineering and she refuses to submit, of course Javier secretly loves that his woman is headstrong. This book was so good and fast paced I couldn't put it down.

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance with a twist.
Javier Torres, a mafia leader and Emilia Sanchez, the daughter of another mafia family, have known each other through their mafia families for many years.
A six month relationship between them ended two 2years ago.

Now to keep the families bond strong it was decided by their families that they will marry.

Plenty of chemistry and unresolved anger and hurt from Emila has her keeping her heart guarded.

This strong character will keep him on his toes as she won't willingly bow to his demands.
Javier Torres must keep you safe just as he fid 2 years ago.

[Tianna ❀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan. There was way too much sexual tension and very very little communication. Javier expected to order Emilia around without giving her any information and have her just accept things for what he says. Emilia gets props for trying to be strong-willed but she also allowed a lot of foolishness, especially in the epilogue.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally read this as part of the Reign anthology. It’s been a few years, so I reread it. Here is my updated review:

This short story has Nina’s usual strong and fierce heroine who challenges the hero at every turn. This was a quick, enjoyable, hot read. While I enjoyed the story, I didn’t really connect with the characters.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilio may have to marry Javier the cement their family alliance but she will no give him.her heart again after he broke it two years ago. Javier has kept the threat to Emilia's life from two years ago a secret but he still loves her, though she can't know it and she will marry him. This is a scintillating read that will.keep you engaged.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing quick read this was. Nina Levine never disappoints when she writes that alpha, need for control, dominant man, who has a spicy woman he wants to control. Javier and Emilia have history, some was amazing but some not so much, so this reunion is definitely a spicy one in all ways. I could of read about these two for the rest of the night.

[Rock Hard Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally released as part of an Anthology, it has been re-released as a novella. It is a quick read with some heat, history between Javier and Emilia, told in Dual POV's, and I did enjoy reading their story, and the bonus Epilogue written was a nice addition, (although I would have liked more)

Reviewing for ROCK HARD ROMANCE by Vicki RHR RATING 4*/5

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and fast paced read. I loved the arranged marriage second chance romance. I love Nina’s characters. The overbearing, over protective, alpha male and his strong-willed, stubborn woman. These were well matched. Chemistry was there. This short read left me wanting more of this couple!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book.

[Tatenisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Javier knows that he wants Emilia but from their past he knows that she will challenge him. He was her everything before and he dumped her so now she has to marry him for her family but she will never let him be close to her again. Quick and good story.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and fast-paced, I read the story of Javier and Emilia in a night. I loved the push and pull of their relationship. Two strong-willed people, with the weight of joining two cartels on their shoulders. Well worth the read. Nina Levine you've done it again❤️

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrender Hearts is a great surprise and a new awesome story from a very talented author Nina Levine. This is Javier Torres & Emilia Sanchez story. This book is incredible! The writing was superb and the story line was dark, exciting, and romantic.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cartel novella

I love this author! I am 100% a Storm MC girl! However this story was to short to build a relationship with the characters or storyline. Maybe there's a book before this or its part of a series, if so read it first! Free with k.u.!✌

[Kim K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive

Love Nina Levine’s books, and this one especially. Wonderful characters and storyline that immerses the reader immediately. Strong characters. A must for those who enjoy organized crime fiction.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these two characters!

[Esther T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much fighting between Javier and Emilia both characters are strong willed so that made for a very frustrating read. Glad they got their HEA

[Welterl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very, very short story. It’s 3-1/3 stars.

[andrea holliway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Read

This.was an enjoyable snd quick read! I liked the push and pull of Javier and Emilia’s relationship plus the steam was on point!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5* this was a short story.
I felt like this story is lacking something in the writing, storyline, characters.
There is a secret Javier is keeping and he comes off like an alphahole.