The Lieutenant

Vengeful Empire #2

by Piper Stone

I was tasked to reveal a ruthless organization. In doing so, I lured  dangerous predator.
 
Havros Nomikos was a dark mafia prince with chilling green eyes and a tattooed body meant of sin. Power and possession were his trademarks, brutal in every way.
 
After an unexpected night of unbridled passion, I discovered he was the subject of my explosive expose. I also learned his soul was as black as his heart. Although I promised myself the one night would never happen again, he wasn't taking no for an answer. He craved control, bending my body to his will.
 
While my defiance remained, I couldn't ignore the intensity of our electric connection. His touch seared my skin, his darkness calling to my soul. Soon, I found myself embroiled in his merciless world. But there were games being played, an unknown enemy threatening his empire. The weapon of choice? His only weakness. Me. Yet they underestimated his power. So did I.
 
As the smoke cleared, the line between dark destruction and desire blurred, everything I once thought I believed in had changed. The powerful and devious man had not only conquered my body, he'd also claimed my heart. 
 
Publisher's The Lieutenant is the second in the Vengeful Empire Series but can be read as a standalone. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

Genres: Audiobook

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Emerald Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Woof, okay this one had some issues... Let's dive into the good first!!!
A mafia romance based in Greece was something I didn't know I needed! The writing was pretty good and the subplots were intriguing.
There was some dubious consent that first spicy scene, which I really didn't like. Overall their relationship relied too heavily on their physical connection over anything else and that really ruined the book for me. I feel like this book was way too long for what came out of it and overall found it to be pretty disappointing. I was happy to just get this one over with.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Kitten!

Kara was a reporter who was trying to put together a piece on mafia corruption but also trying to find out who was behind the order to kill her mother so long ago,she just wanted answers and maybe peace. She went to Greece to start her piece but the meeting that she was supposed have got past off to Havros.She floored him and he put her thru her paces and she didn't give up,she may kept some secerts from him but he did too.They decided to work together she would act has his assistant and he would be there to open the doors so too speak.They grew closer together but she didn't trust him but she was having second thoughts on that.She was starting to have feelings for Havros but she had to leave to go back to New York to finish her story,Havros let her,gave space but they were both miserable. Havros decided to go to her and she decided to return to Greece but when she did a person who was dead kidnapped her,Havros wasn't having that,his brother's and father and their men went searching and called in favors and one paid off.Kara got her peace at last,her man and so much happiness!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mafia READ!!

Every time I read a book from this author I am NEVER disappointed. The second book in the Vengeful Empire series is REMARKABLE!!
Kara a journalist, gets herself into a little pickle when she begins an affair with the handsome, dangers and controlling Havros.
Writing a exposé of sorts on organized crime and mafia syndicates isn’t taken lightly by Kara who is searching for answers regarding her mother’s murder. Havros a member of the Greek mafia feels an instant attraction to the alluring Kara and will do everything to ensure that this sweet kitten falls for him.
When events get dangerous and their relationship gets heated, both of these characters discover a need they thought unattainable. Now both of them will do everything to ensure they get a chance to explore and discover each other.
Their attraction is undeniable and extremely explosive…so sizzling.
If you enjoy, powerful, dominating and sexy book boyfriends, you will be thoroughly satisfied with Havros!

Getting lost in this intriguing, entertaining and interesting story was so thrilling and captivating.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lieutenant is the 2nd book in the Vengeful Empire series and follows Kara Banning and Havros Nomikos.
Kara is an award-winning journalist doing a series of articles on different organized crime families. Her next article is on the Nomikos crime family out of Greece. Her appointment was supposed to be with the boss Dimitrios instead she's introduced to his brother Havros. While he isn't thrilled his brother gave him this assignment he soon changes his mind when he sees her.
I loved the push/pull between them and their undeniable chemistry. He's intimidating, dominating, possessive and protective she's strong, fierce, determined, headstrong and hiding why she's really so fixated on do exposes on the mafia. Their storyline has mystery, passion, angst, danger, suspense, secrets and unexpected twist.

I received a free copy an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Havros and Kara

The narrators did a great job. Like I said before I could listen and enjoy Thomas.
This is the second in command in the Greek mafia. This is also the second in the series but you can read this as a standalone but I recommend listening/reading in order. In The Boss they were looking for the hitman and in this one they are looking for who hired the hit. Havros meets Kara as he decides he will be the one that let's Kara interview him for her column. Kara is determined to interview mafia's while trying to find who is responsible for her mother's death. Havros has an immediate attraction to Kara but also finds himself possessive and protective of her. I like that this is not only focused on their relationship which is hot and sexy but you get the mafia business from trying to open legit business, trying to track down their enemies. This story is written that kept me entertained and interested.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havros serves as the lieutenant in the Nomikos family business. Cristiano, who is supposed to manage the rougher aspects of their operations, has struggled to focus since Leandro was eliminated. As a result, Havros has taken on those responsibilities as well. While most of their businesses are legitimate, there are a few that they cannot fully abandon.
Dimitrios has agreed to meet with a reporter who is working on an exposé about mafia life. He has informed Havros that he will be handling the situation. Havros is not known for his gentle nature or soft personality; he is all alpha, with a dominating presence, a keen mind, and a sharp tongue. These attributes come into play when needed.
Kara, a freelance journalist, has begun a series of articles about mafia life after her mother was killed. She believes it was a hit and is determined to discover who was responsible and why. What she did not expect was to meet Havros instead of Dimitrios. Nor did she anticipate that Havros would be the same man she encountered the night before, with whom she felt an instant chemistry.
Ms. Stone has once again brought these characters to life within a vividly described world that allows me to visualize the scenes. The chemistry between Havros and Kara is intense, and the undertones of distrust and doubt play significant roles in their relationship. It’s a push-pull dynamic between them. After all, they say that hate and love are two sides of the same coin.
This is an absolute five-star read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read with wonderful characters and plot, you will be captivated by story
Havros Nomikos has been passed a job by his younger brother and finds himself having to deal with an interview by a reporter, he has already decided that this will be fast and as impersonal as possible only Kara has other ideas.
Kara knows as soon as she meets Havros that he is going to have more of an effect on her life than she ever could have anticipated. She knows about the Nomikos family and their interaction with organised crime but she is trying to discover if they know anything about her mother murder when she had been a young girl.
As the story really starts to open up and you begin to see that there is a possibility that the Italian Mafia may also have knowledge of this incident and Kara seems to know no fear when it come to trying to find out who the perpetrator was. Havros after learning of her story knows that he has got to keep her safe, he has fallen in love with this handful of women and her need to uncover the truth could possibly be the death of them both.
Read this simply captivating read it has been brilliantly written you will not be able to put this book down till you reach the end of the book and discover the final outcome.
thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havros Nomikos doesn’t like to have his time wasted. When Dimitrios asked him to handle an interview with a reporter, he plans to make it quick. He certainly didn’t expect it to be the same woman he saw that morning. Kara has been doing a cover story about organized crime. She has been meeting with a few families. When she is scheduled to meet the Boss of the Nomikos family, she certainly didn’t expect it to be the Lieutenant and brother, Havros. These two have a spark when their eyes first met. But diving into the business can be dangerous.

We learn what the real reason Kara is talking with all these organizations. She is determined to find out what happened to her mother and why her father drew away. Rather sad. Havros sees what Dimitrios has with Willow. He is starting to want that too. I love the “agreement” that these two come to. Kara is always able to push Havros’ buttons, at times a bit too much. But we also have the danger of the one that killed Leandro. There is closer for the brothers. Kara’s career does soar and even something more. I love that Willow and Kara are able to connect. The passion that Kara and Havros has is hot. He brings out her kink side. I am looking forward to reading about the youngest brother Christos.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heart-stopping, explosive, dark, dangerous and deadly. Kara is an international journalist doing a series of stories on the mafia- she is intelligent, perceptive, edgy, confident and beautiful. She became interested in the mafia when she started investigating her mother’s death and she felt it was a mafia hit. She was here in Greece to interview the Nomikos family. To find out how they operated and see if she could gather any information that would be interesting and useful for her story and then anything on her mother’s death. She wanted to get a better understanding of the mafia’s inner workings. Havros, the lieutenant in the Nomikos family business was going to be dealing with Kara. He was big, brawny, intelligent, arrogant, dynamic, constantly on edge, ready to kill at a moment’s notice. He was intimidating and terrifying, but I would not let him get to me! But as usual things never go as you expect. This couple hate each other. Can they also love each other? “Love and hate are two sides of the same coin.” The characters are bold, aggressive, possessive, passionate and protective. Great storyline, twists and turns and action to keep you interested until the end. Uniquely raw.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara Banning is a journalist researching the mafia. Her drive to do this stems from her mother's murder when her father was the U.S. ambassador to Italy, as well as her determination to excel as a journalist. She goes to Greece to interview the Nomikos mafia family to try to get information on the Italians. She wasn't expecting her reaction to Havros Nomikos as she interviews him for her story, or his attraction to her. She can't possibly be falling for a criminal, can she?

I really liked this mafia tale. The family is trying to move into more legitimate businesses while having to continue some less scrupulous practices. Havros is harsh, dominating and possessive, but wanting to be a more decent man for Kara. Kara is strong, outspoken, and blunt. She wants to find the culprit in her mother's death while furthering her career, but she longs for a tight knit family like the Nomikos. Expect mystery, action, danger, but also love, loyalty and plenty of steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Vengeful Empire series about the Nomikos family in Greece, it centers on Havros and Kara. Kara is an investigative journalist, she is there from NY to do a story crime families. They meet the first night she arrives and have instant chemistry, but she is put off by him being who he is. His brother assigns him to work with Kara about her story, to work out the details.

Kara tries to keep her distance but Havros is having none of that, he recognizes the darkness she needs that he can provide. She has more on her agenda than her expose, she wants to find out more about her mother's murder years ago.

I love the push and pull in the interactions between the pair. Havros is a better man than he lets the world see, but Kara gets a glimpse at times.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly the unexpected job can change your whole life!
I love how Kara’s true path in life is all about discovering the mystery surrounding her mother’s death that caused her father’s withdrawal from her life. Havros isn’t thrilled about being pawned off on the journalist in to his family’s business, until Kara sparks his soul back to life. While the two dance around one another with their questions, it’s clear there is an undeniable chemistry that won’t be snuffed out. Yet as Kara helps Havros with his Italian threat, so does Havros help Kara with her goal. Will the two be able to walk away from one another or will fate play its part on cementing their union? You have to read to find out and will love their dynamics!

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a book, I loved this beginning, it started strong and just went from strength to strength. This book was well written and the storyline was perfect. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. The characters Kara and Havros are great well thought out and they bounce off each other, they are both strong characters. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between a journalist and a mafia boss. What a combination and it was fun to see where this all went. I was surprised about the turn of events that went on and how both characters dealt with all that came along. Great read, recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Havros is the second brother. He gets roped into dealing with Kara, a reporter who's doing stories on the families. She's investigating her mother's death. There's still the mystery of who killed Havros' younger brother. It was nice to see Willow finally make an appearance halfway through. I wish there was more interaction between her and the brothers and then maybe Havros wouldn't be so standoffish. Both he and Kara had to come to grips with their feelings. This one did tend to drag at times and felt difficult to push through. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ltfrombc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been impatiently waiting for this book to come out as I loved the first one. But I have to say that I had a time trying to get through it. I am not sure what it was, but normally I devour Ms Stone's books and this one, not so much. It took me a long time to read this book. It just seemed to drag and was missing the hot steamy fast paced style that she normally writes. While there was the instant attraction between Havros and Kara, the story-line that got them from Chapter 1 where they meet to the end of the book where they get their HEA, seemed to have something missing. I can't really put my finger on what was missing, but it just did not hold my attention as I had hoped.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series and Havros's book doesn't disappoint. As he finds himself dealing with a journalist, Kara, the passion the two share is electrifying but they both have issues causing doubts about any future. With someone out there determined to destroy them and Kara determined to find out why her mother was murdered, the two embark on a rollercoaster that will change their lives in a way neither of them expected. Dark, dangerous, passionate and full of drama and action, Piper has once again delved deep into a world that you don't want to leave. I can't wait to read Christo's story next.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara Banning is a reporter researching organized crime. She travels to Greece to interview Dimitrios Nomikos the head of the family. Kara needs this in hopes of finding information about her mothers death. She is surprised when the interview is with Havros Nomikos. This is Havros and Kara's romance and has suspense, danger, action, and steam. This story is captivating and will keep the reader entertained. The story is well-written and the characters are wonderful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant narration from Thomas Locklear and Scarlet Love, who bring out the angst, action, drama, chemistry and heat all to your ears.

Havros finds himself having to handle an interview with a reporter, he plans to make it quick. Havros is surprised that the reporter is the woman he saw that morning. Kara has been doing a cover story about organised crime. Kara is surprised at the meeting with the Boss of the Nomikos family the Lieutenant and brother, Havros turn up.
Kara is talking with all these organisations, determined to find out what happened to her mother. From the start Kara is always able to push Havros’ buttons.
The two have hot chemistry, and have a great connections.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havros is as appealing as his brother and Kara is as strong as Willow. The Lieutenant is a great read and it is a little different in the way there relationship unfolded. It is an interesting plot and the result may not be expected. They are a fun couple to read about, both with agendas and both reluctant to tell the other how they feel, but love will conquer. Willow plays a role in resolving their problems too. An interesting dynamic with the Sicilian mafia that helps give Kara closure. Really enjoyed this story.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with intense moments throughout. The relationship between Havros and Kara ran from 🔥to 🔥🔥🔥throughout the entire story. There is constant suspense as to what would happen next. I loved everything about the story. The writing held my attention until the very end. There were a few surprises that I was not expecting but they just added to my love of this story. By the way, absolutely loved the cover for this story. It’s an excellent story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy and exciting story. When Kara is in Greece because of her job as a journalist and has an appointment to talk to important leaders of the organized Crome Syndicates, but before everything can start Havros appears who is a lieutenant and sent by his brother to talk to her and make sure she doesn't get any wiser. A story with great characters and storyline that keeps your attention from beginning to end.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Piper Stone does not disappoint! Kara starts an affair with Havros while she is writing an article to expose organized crimes and the mafia syndicates. She is searching for answers to the death of her mother and has interviewed multiple members. Havros is taken with Kara and will do anything to make her his!

With danger and threats everywhere, will Havros and Kara get a chance to explore what they can have, or will it all come crashing down?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havros Nomikos is quite an enigmatic character. He's definitely obsessive, extremely possessive and so completely and utterly swept away by Kara Banning and it makes him totally unreasonable. He's relentless in his pursuit of her and her occupation does nothing to dissuade him. Kara is a tough cookie! She's good at her job and Havros is so out of her realm. But together they're a force to be reckoned with.

"You are my everything, as I am yours. We are connected, you and I. We are as one.”

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lieutenant

WOW! Havros was obsessed and possessive over Kara from the moment they met!

What’s a dangerous and dark mafia man to do when he finally meets the one woman who fulfills all his fantasies? Can he tell her all his secrets and keep her safe.

A super-hot read with an addictive storyline!

Lots of hot sizzling moments and a HEA you’ll love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of Vengeful Empire Series.
Wow, I fell in love with this book straight from the blurb and the book just captivated me even more! This storyline and the ups and twists and turns and downs the author takes you on was just fantastic.
The chemistry was wow! The banter I loved. And the steaminess was deliciously hot!
Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Investigation leads to something else entirely.
This book was incredible. Intense and well written. Kara and Havros held me captive with their unfolding relationship. A little bit of twists make it an exceptional book. The amount of possessiveness that Havros for Kara made me feel all warm. Fantastic book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havros is another Greek mafia god, the brother of Dimitrios from bookA Greek mafia series 1 of the series. Meeting Kara flipped his world, hers too, in a story that has darkness, mafia violence and drama, and sizzling chemistry. I'm liking the change with the Greeks, it's often the Italian, Irish or Russian mafias covered.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kara is in Greece to interview a mafia boss but the interview is passed on to Havros by his brother. Havros is surprised to find that Kara is the attractive woman he had seen in a cafe the night before. Kara has an ulterior motive for her story. She is trying to find out who murdered her mother.

This relationship has considerable challenges.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Kara Banning and Havros Nomikos. Havros is a Lieutenant to his brother, Dimitrios and was asked to help "handle" a journalist, Kara. He becomes obsessed with her, and it turns out, the feeling is mutual, and they enter into a volatile sexual relationship. I haven't read Book one which was Dimitrious's story and will be start the read as soon as possible.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Raue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only read a couple stories from this author so far and I really like the writing style. Lots of great action, nice level of spice, and a good plot as well. From start to finish the book keeps you on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. The main characters are well thought out, and have a nice depth to them. Will be going back and reading more of her books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.