This is the fourth book in The De Luca Empire Series (not counting the prequel) - a dark mafia romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story is still really engrossing & well-developed. It captured my interest from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend reading this book! I can't wait to read what happens next.
It's written in a dual point of view style with the chapters mostly going back & forth between the main characters. It helps you understand where each are coming from & why they act in certain ways.
This is the continuing story of main characters Victoria & Elio. The lovers are trying to weed out the internal corruption in the De Luca Empire. Officer Jackson has spiraled since the untimely death of his wife. Elio welcomes a new family member. When Victoria uncovers something shady in the books, she investigates, stirring up trouble. Estranged family members attempt to reconnect with Victoria & Elio. When enemies attack & Victoria's life is threatened, Elio vows to save her. More long-held secrets come to light. Betrayals abound. Another showdown occurs. There are many twists & turns that keep the story interesting. There's a good amount of spicy scenes. The secondary characters, good & bad (some very bad), help to flesh out the world of the story. I continue to love the relationship between Victoria & Elio. I don't want to say more so as not to spoil anything. This book is a must read!
I received a free ARC of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Book 4 of The DeLuca Empire is The Shadow Kings Brother and gives us more of Elio and Victoria's intense journey. It's every bit as dramatic and consuming as the three preceeding books and completely pulls readers in from the beginning. There's lots of chaos in this one, not that it's unusual for this family, but holy hades at the drama! Big plans are coming for the De Luca’s and I can't wait to see what's in store next!
"I feel safe. I feel loved. I feel complete. I know we’ll face whatever comes next together. Because it’s us. Always us."
I enjoyed this one more than I expected to. The story has a dark atmosphere and plenty of tension, which kept me interested and wanting to see what would happen next. I also liked that the characters weren’t perfect and had their own flaws and complicated choices.
Some parts worked better for me than others, but overall it was an interesting read. I think readers who enjoy darker stories, complicated relationships, secrets, and emotional drama will probably enjoy this one.
Nica and Elio are just perfect for one another keeping the other grounded but when Jackson returns with a cryptic message it throws a twist into their lives that puts everything at risk! Well written the chemistry draws you in with suspense, steamy desires, drama action and more!
Book 4 of The De Luca Empire series brings more chaos and mystery to the mix. Elio and Victoria are going down the rabbit hole that Jackson's ramblings will take them. More betrayals, twist and turns that captivate you to continue on the journey these characters are taking you too.
More smut than plot in the beginning. Well written and not repetitive like some. Some original elements. Good book if you like thick smut. Plot does heavily thicken about halfway through, and smut decreases, and has a great ending.
This was a good read. I enjoyed. the story very much. The plot was well developed and the characters well written. world building was intriguing. Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!
OMG 😱 this was a fantastic story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The chemistry between them was sexual tension and physical intimacy was captivating of power and romance in this mafia world of life.Love was not the plan her right now in this moment. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
What you can count on: 🖤Enemies-to-lovers 🔥Forced Proximity 🖤Forbidden romance 🔥Dark Mafia 🖤Morally gray characters 🔥Touch her and 💀 vibe 🖤Steamy scenes 🔥Dual POV