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Mafia Brothers #1

Her Twisted Saviors

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Rescued by the mafia brothers, I'm whisked into a life I could never have imagined, and suddenly, fear of my fiancé seems to be the least of my worries. But with three doting men who'd kill for me, I need to decide just who I am and who I want to be. It's the only way I'll survive.

I’d not thought I’d survive the night after I did the unthinkable to escape my soon-to-be husband, and then three men come to my rescue, snatching me up from what could have been my last night on this earth and treating me like a princess.

But these charming men hide something sinister behind their smiles and affection, and when I learn just who it is I’m slowly falling for, I realize I’ve fallen into a pit of vipers. Ruthless men with blood on their hands, and they’ve coaxed me right into their home and beds.

Just what do they have in store for me? And do I have any hope of surviving?

Zane Slade

When we find the little stray woman bruised and battered on the road, we decide to throw a spanner in the works of this whole laying low while the heat on us dies down. There’s no way we can just leave her to die.

But she ignites something in us, something that will cage her in with us, three sinners who would do wretched things both to her and for her.

Is she up for task, or will she flee? And if she does, I already know we’ll be giving chase.

Whether she likes it or not, we want her, and we always get what we want.

*** This is a why choose Mafia Brothers series with darker themes. ***

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2023

724 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read

About the author

J.E. Cluney

101 books292 followers
J.E. Cluney is a full-time author who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. She spends her days writing, binging on TV shows, and reading. With a slight addiction to chocolate to fuel her midnight writing.

J.E. Cluney has many projects lined up in the reverse harem genre, and her best-selling series, 'Corviticus University' is only one of many.

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5 stars
637 (40%)
4 stars
503 (31%)
3 stars
334 (21%)
2 stars
90 (5%)
1 star
25 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
26 reviews
May 17, 2024
I gave it two stars because I finished. But this a bad story not even enough spice to make up for the bad plot. I couldn’t care less about what happens next! Boo!
154 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2024
Meh. This was simultaneously shallow on emotional depth and overly flowery narrative. 3 mafia men, killers, wax poetically about art, beauty, nature, etc., but nothing about real feelings, themselves, their lives, hopes, or dreams. Over the top insta-love without a real reason. Vee went through multiple horrendous physical traumas all with a few hours yet miraculously she has superficial wounds only. She should have died, but at least have some stitches and broken bones. But her being actually injured would not have worked with them initiating sex acts within 24 hours of picking her up on the side of the road. This is a series so the author could have included more build up. They don't even know each other, at all, but the 3 men have decided that she's the one and she's willing to drop all her morals because they spoil her. The second part would have been fine, if it was consciously acknowledged by Vee. Instead she floats through the whole book without any character at all. The men keep saying how sweet and innocent she is but have literally never had a whole conversation with her until halfway through the book and have no means to back that conclusion up.

Overall the book was an easy read that didn't spike my blood pressure as long as the reader doesn't have any similar personal triggers. It isn't quite a dark romance. It's more like beauty and the beast if the beast was 3 mafia men.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,956 reviews61 followers
December 29, 2023
Veronica (FMC) lands in the hands of 3 men - Kieran, Enzo and Zane when she has to escape her violent and abusive boyfriend - Callum. Only the men that are helping her have their own dark backgrounds which were only slightly touched upon in this book. I kind of liked that because it gave us a chance to get to know each character individually away from that life. I loved the dynamic they all had together with a little bit of steam too. Not really a cliff-hanger ending but it left me wanting more. A great start to this series.
Profile Image for Lanae (findmeonsmutlane).
783 reviews23 followers
March 10, 2024
This book simultaneously intrigued me and irritated me. I really like the concept, a woman escaping a DV situation saved by three dark mafia men. The beginning got me hooked and I desperately wanted more.

But then the book turning into a mushy insta-love story with no grit. These supposed mafia men were too mushy and too sweet. I wanted mafia men that treated her like a queen but also didn't sugar coat things or hide their darkness. They treated her like glass, and it was annoying.

I also wanted our FMC to overcome her trauma and embrace the darkness. Instead she was insecure and meek.

The smut is too nice. We got very mild spice, and it was typical of contemporary romance, not dark romance.

There are moments where I can see possible good things happening. But then I'm like, ugh this is just too vanilla. Not sure if I'll continue the series.
Profile Image for Sydney Webb.
27 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2023
Thank you @jecluneyauthor for sending me this ARC! 🫶🏻
My reviews are always honest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Please check TW if you wish to read this book✨
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“Rescued by the mafia brothers, I’m whisked into a life I could never have imagined, and suddenly, fear of my fiancé seems to be the least of my worries. But with three doting men who’d kill for me, I need to decide just who I am and who I want to be. It’s the only way I’ll survive.”
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First I have to say, i felt like this book was specifically targeted to get me to read it! It had nearly everything I love in a Why Choose book; Protective men, a FMC at her wits end, hot brothers, and “Who hurt you” 🥵.
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Veronica is my favorite type of FMC. She is strong enough to do whatever it takes to gain her freedom from an abusive situation, even if it results in her death. Miraculously, she survives her leap to freedom, and is saved by two of our MMC’s, mafia brothers Kieran and Zane 🥵. They bring her to their cabin and call in a family Dr to ensure she’s alright, and they learn of the abuse Veronica has been suffering at the hands of her fiancé. Once they have a name, they send their third brother, Lorenzo, to find him and bring him to them. As Veronica starts to heal from her injuries, she finds herself falling for all three of the brothers. But how will she react when she finds out not only who they are, but what surprise they have hidden away in the guards quarters? 👀
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Overall, I really loved this book! Veronica feels well developed, and the men are easy to fall for. The writing is very good with very little errors made that I believe have been edited out of the final version. There were a couple of moments throughout the book that I wish the pacing had been a bit slower so we had more time to get in to the story, but it wasn’t so rushed that I felt I couldn’t enjoy the story. It’s a 4/5 stars for me, and 3/5 on the spice level, but I definitely can see there being more spice in the 2nd book. 👀
Her Twisted Saviors is available on Paperback, and will be available 12/31 on KU. It’s worth the read!
Profile Image for Brittney.
610 reviews36 followers
August 20, 2024
Ah, the struggles of gray morality. I love it. I'm here for it.

I love when an author really leans in and gives a character a terrible life. There's no going shy here. Heed those trigger warnings if you need them. But if you're here for the darkness, in this book and the promise of it going forward... *chef's kiss*
Profile Image for nancy_booknerd_.
238 reviews
December 5, 2024
The plot was decent. It started off strong but became overly sappy for my taste.
It bumped me out with how quickly the FMC entered into a physical relationship with the three brothers. The instant attraction of the brothers towards her was passable but lacked the spark or chemistry.

Overall, the story was okay for me.
Profile Image for Katie Kissel.
418 reviews
March 4, 2025
This was a fun romance but I don’t know how dark I’d really call it. It seemed a bit tame as far as dark romances go or maybe I’ve just gone too deep it’s hard to know lol.

I tend to prefer a stronger heroine but in the end she did save herself. I was a little disappointed how squeamish she was about who they turned out to be but was happy with how the book ultimately ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,230 reviews14 followers
December 12, 2024
Parts were really good but most of it wasn’t written well.

While I did enjoy some of it, in parts it’s terrible. I think the author got way too carried away with some of the torture scenes and it was unnecessarily gruesome. The author wants us to believe that Veronica who has been badly beaten, then seriously injured would be fit for having s*x the next day! With three men! 🤦‍♀️ Kieron one of the brothers is psychotic and I would running for the hills if I was her, but she’s been abused all her life so she grabs every tiny bit of affection from them. She needs serious counselling to help her through her childhood trauma, and her previous relationships BEFORE she gets into any relationship. As she makes one bad decision after another.

Veronica is engaged to a controlling and abusive man who beats her badly. When she flees from him after another brutal beating, and nearly dies, she’s saved by three brothers. Enzo, (The only sane one.) isn’t actually blood related and was adopted into the family. Zane who is brutal and Kieron who is seriously crazy and calls torturing men ‘his art.’ 🤮🤮 As she recovers from her injuries with really strong painkillers and WINE, (She would be really sick with that combination.) the brothers all look after and are really sweet with her. When she finds out who they really are, she has a decision to make whether she can accept what they do or they’ll set her free.

Of course as she doesn’t make great decisions she stays with them and they’re all in a relationship. I think if it had only been Zane and Enzo I would have enjoyed it more but Kieron is insane. He loves thinking up new evil torture to do to men who have wronged them, and calling it his art as he maniacally grins. Quite a few times I questioned my own sanity for carrying in reading it!

I’m now onto the third book, and I’m still torn whether I’m enjoying it or not. There’s parts of it I really like, Enzo is a great character, and he doesn’t take any enjoyment out of killing. Zane is ice cold at times and shuts off from Veronica.





Profile Image for Lory.
3,264 reviews33 followers
April 22, 2025
This book both *hooked* me and *frustrated* me like a dark, glittery promise that didn’t fully go where I wanted it to.

The concept? *Obsessed.* A woman escaping a DV situation, saved by three dark, dangerous mafia men? Sign me up. The beginning pulled me in hard I was so ready for the chaos, the danger, the tension. But the execution left me a little underwhelmed.

The “mafia men” in question? Honestly… too soft. Too sweet. I wanted sharp edges, shadowy control, and the kind of devotion that comes with a bite. Yes, they treated Veronica with care which I respect but it felt more like walking on eggshells than protecting a queen. I needed *dangerous men* who didn’t feel the need to constantly soften themselves.

As for Veronica she had moments where I really wanted to root for her, but her meekness and insecurity made it hard at times. I kept hoping she'd step into her power, embrace the darkness a bit more. She *does* save herself in the end, which I appreciated, but I was left wishing for more growth and grit along the way.

This isn’t a dark romance in the traditional sense it’s more like *Beauty and the Beast*, if the Beast was three brooding, overly gentle mafia men. There’s trauma, healing, and love here, but the darkness is very muted.

Still, it’s a quick, easy read with a unique premise and a satisfying (if slightly soft) ending. Just go in knowing it’s more heart than heat, more sweet than savage.
654 reviews19 followers
May 17, 2024
Veronica is running from her abusive fiancé and in attempt to escape him decides to literally jump off a bridge because death by her choice is better than what Callum has planned. Somehow she manages to survive and manages to come upon three men running from their own issues. They take her in and decide to help her heal.

This is exactly the type of book I love. There is a damaged fmc, possessive and protective alpha males, reverse harem, mafia, revenge on the person that hurt her, and instalove.

I don't mind instalove but somehow the men seeing past her swollen eye and bruises and seeing a beautiful is just so unrealistic. Can we at least have them just be attracted to her resilience or something? Leave her looks out of it until the swelling goes down at least. There is instalove with chemistry and then there is instalove because the author is rushing relationships... This is the latter.

I'm still giving it four stars because it was the first book that I wasn't able to put down in awhile. However, I don't plan on continuing the series. I like where this one ended and just don't have the energy for more.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,790 reviews23 followers
December 22, 2023
Her Twisted Saviors - Survivor

“Here I was thinking mafia men take what they want,” I managed to say with a smirk, even though my stomach was a knotted mess. “We do, but you’re special, stray.” He finally moved, crossing the space between us in a few big strides so that he stood before me. “We found you in the darkness, something that makes me wonder if we were supposed to.” His gaze searched mine, and I sucked in a breath as he touched my bruised cheek, inspecting it. “From one darkness into another. This world is a cruel thing, but we can make the best of it, if we choose to,” he said, his voice awfully low.‘

JE Cluney confronts us with a Dark Mafia Tale in Her Twisted Saviors. Veronica, attempting to fee her abusive fiancé, finds herself in possible more danger from her decision.

Shining light on a family of made-men, Kieran, Zane and Enzo have retreated to their fancy safe house to avoid a hot mafia power struggle. They never expect to find a beaten, but beautiful, woman in their woods but once they’ve had a taste of her, they recognize she may be the one saving them.
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
2,319 reviews41 followers
December 21, 2023
Excellent
Mafia and RH are two of my favorite tropes found in this book!! From first few pages this book grabbed my attention!
There was some suspense, a bit of humor, spice and lots of feelings.
I loved each of the main characters.
I loved that regardless of what Veronica had been through, she was still kind and always tried to find a brighter side to things. I also liked that she had conflicted feelings about her situation.
Zane, Kieran, and Enzo truly are her twisted saviors. They may be brutal men, but they have only showed her kindness and pleasure. The steamy scenes were perfect. The relationship between Veronica and the men grew naturally and was very realistic. This made the intimacy all the more real.
I wasn't expecting the ending, mostly because I didn't know we were getting more books. I'm so excited though, because after that ending I can't wait for book 2!!!
What an excellent way to start Veronica's story!
Profile Image for jennifer morton.
317 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2024
This story isn't for the faint of hearts and dose come with some trigger warnings but saying that I think Veronica brings a lightness to the story that makes this story worth reading. from the very start I really felt for Veronica and didn't know if things would turn out ok especially with an abusive partner and everything she had to face in live.Then she meets three mafia men Zane, Kieran and Enzo who will do anything to keep her safe even kill those who threaten there family. I loved how Veronica brought out another side to these men when it came to her and how mush they wanted her in their life even doing everything possible to help her, and i found the affection adorable even with the little nicknames and just doting on her and showing her another side to them that you wouldn't normally see. Veronica has some hard choices to make, but i think she'll become stronger for it and finally face things head-on. And I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next.
4 reviews
March 31, 2024
Such High Hopes…

I had such high hopes for this book as I continue to try to find a book to get me out of my book slump. I really thought this could be the one. I was wrong.

I just kept feeling like there needed to be something more…maybe the “more” will come in book 2, but you shouldn’t have to read a whole book to get to the good parts. The FMC (Vee) was just ok…and the MMCs were all 3 what my kids would call “try-hards”. It just didn’t feel like there was a natural relationship progression, and I get this is fiction, but some of the dialogue was almost cringy for how “sweet” the author was trying make the men.

*Spoilers*
With all that being said, kudos to the author for going full-send in torturing the ex. Not many times has an author surprised me, but the part about cutting off the man’s balls and feeding them back to him for beating his significant other…yeah... 🫢
2,538 reviews21 followers
April 28, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed "HER TWISTED SAVIORS" I love a great Dark Twisted Menage Mafia Romance full of suspense, intrigue, danger, violence, abusive ex-fiance, steam, angst, secrets, twists that keeps you on edge.
Veronica is running from a very abusive ex-fiance Callum she couldn't think of spending her life with him, she ends up being rescued by three Mafia made men Zane, Kieran & Enzo who will do everything they can to keep her safe, they take her to their safe house after seeing her with bruised & battered something inside makes them want her to he with them, while waiting for the heat to die down on them.
I definitely recommend to get this intense story, will Veronica be able to handle who & what they are Kieran, Zane & Enzo want her no matter what if she trys to run they'll give chase its a must read you don't want to miss.
AWESOME START TO THIS DARK TWISTED MENAGE MAFIA ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,506 reviews55 followers
December 31, 2023
Her Twisted Saviors is the first book in the Mafia Brothers Series. It is a dark, why choose, mafia romance with a heroine who is a survivor of DV and has suffered an unthinkable loss, and three heroes who are her morally grey saviors and have plenty to hide.

I loved Veronica, Zane, Kieran, and Enzo. Their chemistry and relationships are inspiring. They are all amazing together and their story is terrific, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It tackles some hard hitting issues such as domestic violence and related loss, as well as feelings of giving up on life. It is definitely an emotional story at its core.

The writing, pace, and flow of the story are excellent, as are the characters, character development, relationship development, storyline, storytelling, and world building. I loved this book and would absolutely recommend it. I am very excited for, and looking forward to, the next book.
86 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2024
This was a first time read from this author and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the duet. Whilst this is a Mafia book I wouldn't call it extremely dark all things considering but it definitely has dark themes throughout the first book so please check the TWs. Veronica is trying to escape her abusive ex and finds herself in the arms of 3 men. Whilst they show her how a woman should be treated and respected. They also have their own secrets and when they finally come to light, Veronica has some decisions to make and it's kind of head vs heart. This is an insta love, they fall first, who hurt you, why choose, fast paced romance and definitely worth a read if you're not into the extreme dark romances. I really can't wait to for the next book in the duet especially to see how much more Veronica grows and to see what comes next for them and their relationship.
861 reviews17 followers
May 16, 2024
Honestly, I keep falling for good blurbs/good ideas that just keep falling short for me. Spoilers ahead.




I read dark romance on the regular, and the themes don't bother me. However. Instalove/instalust and sex scenes when the women's eye is still swelled shut from being brutally beaten? And it's not after she had an established connection and was kidnapped by a crazy ex or enemy? Not my favorite.

I also wasn't a fan of 3 men just all of a sudden loving her automatically. I don't have a problem with instalove usually but this one seemed forced and over the top

Also, take a shot for every time they use a nickname and you won't survive the first chapter of this book. Stray, princess, mi amore toppolina, all repeated 20 times a conversation. Especially in the sex scenes just stop this madness.



I won't be moving on in the series.
Profile Image for Airy M..
375 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2024
an intense beginning

This story starts out with the Veronica driving with her abusive fiancé. She had made an attempt to escape from the domestic violence and he caught her. In a last chance attempt Veronica throws herself off a bridge. This is the start and boy did it get good. She happens across two men after somehow surviving the fall. And they take her home and care for her where she meets a third man. The chemistry was electric, it’s just the beginning of the trilogy so everything was pretty contained and the spice and violence are building. We are seeing Veronica blossom from a shy DV survivor to someone determined to thrive in her new world with three sexy men ready to dote on her. The men are all a little deranged but they adore her and are willing to do anything to make her happy. Cannot wait for the next book I’m intrigued as to how this will develop.
Profile Image for Colleen.
435 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2024
Veronica is found on the side of the road after she had to take drastic measures to get away from her abusive fiance, she’s found and taken in by 3 men who are all instantly taken with her. So during the next few days while she is healing they are all telling her and trying to show her how she should be treated because they want her to choose to stay with them. She finds out that they’re mafia men and is conflicted about her feelings for them now she knows this, she’s just starting to come around to them again when they show her that they’ve had her fiance kept captive and been hurting him since she’s been there. They give her the choice of what happens to him, she tells them to make him pay and then the book ends. This was an ok, quick easy read so onto book 2 I guess

Multi pov
Ages?? I don’t think we were told.
Why choose no mm
1h 3H
No owd/omd
Cliffhanger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
340 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2023
I loved everything about this book. Veronica found herself wanting to end it all, only to survive and end up in the care of 3 men who dote on her. But these men aren’t all they seem to be. They hide a secret that Veronica doesn’t know if she can handle. I loved how strong Veronica became throughout this book. She really grew a backbone, and Kieran, Enzo and Zane really made sure to be honest and support her decisions, even if they didn’t like them. This book really gives an emphasis on honesty and communication, even when that honesty might not be something that someone likes. I thought this was a great first book in this series and I can’t wait to see what happens with the group next!
Profile Image for Andrea Green.
815 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2024
A Tumultuous Journey of Survival and Self-Discovery

Life took an unexpected turn for Veronica when, on the brink of despair and seeking an escape from an impending marriage to a controlling man with a future filled with abuse,

She found herself rescued by three enigmatic mafia brothers. Little did she know that their charismatic charm masked a darker reality, One she may not survive intact and this time its her heart that could be shattered if she allows herself to accept everything they offer

Brilliant storey with a wonderful twist at the end - Cant wait for book 2 as this had just the right balance of dark and light, love and lust, want and deceipt!
77 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2024
Apparently this is J.E. Cluney's first dip into the dark world, but you wouldn't know that just by reading it. She wrote the dark, possessive, protective men so perfectly that I don't even know if I can choose a favorite. Zane, Enzo, and Kieran are smokin' hot and every woman's fantasy. They're mafia men, but they treat her like she's the most precious thing ever. The story got it's hooks into me from the beginning and wouldn't let go. I started having withdrawals as soon as I was done, and I CANNOT wait for the next book! Considering this is her first dark book, I think J.E. Cluney absolutely nailed it.
Profile Image for Heather Owen.
167 reviews
January 2, 2024
Her Twisted Saviors is a dark mafia, RH romance with a heroine who is a survivor and in my opinion a fighter. And her three morally grey saviors who have a a few secrets to hide.
I fell in love with Z automatically but the chemistry between all of them is great. You can feel their emotions and love. The irritation and protectiveness. It has some triggers but they aren't to bad. DV at the beginning attempt to unalive her self also at begging, talk of miscarriage. I loved this book and would recommend to anyone especially those who like RH Romance books I can't wait for the second book to come out witch will be in April
Profile Image for Kira.
1,636 reviews
January 9, 2024
A great start to a dark, why-choose romance, Her Twisted Saviors introduces readers to Veronica and the three men who will change her life forever. When Veronica is forced to flee her abusive fiancé, it is lucky she is rescued by Kieran, Zane and Enzo. Or so she thinks until she discovers their own darkness. However, these men while living in a world of dark and sin are also protective and kind to her, and through their time together, they discover how much they all care for one another. What follow is tons of heated moments, and some intense action and suspense. I cannot wait to find out what will happen next for these characters!
474 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2024
I think you'll love it.

So far so good. I'm loving it. These men may be mafia but the are angels in my book dark angels. I'm sad we didn't get much Zane with her but I get it. He has different tastes per se but I really hope in the next we get some wild times because we didn't get much in the 1st which is totally understandable too. Now I'm off to book 2. I really wanna see how she intertwines in this life. With so much worry and confusion innocence I totally get it but if I had these guys doting on my like a princess I definitely would be with them. I didnt care what they did. I wouldn't even care or ask questions any further. Please read you'll enjoy I'm sure.
Profile Image for Risa Lynn.
210 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2023
Great start to this series! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. Veronica went through so much during her life, and she seriously deserves a break and a vacation.

The men are all fabulous. Kieran is my favorite so far, but both Enzo and Zane are pretty close. They genuinely treat Vee like a princess, and it’s so cute. They’re definitely cinnamon rolls and teddy bears with her despite being wonderfully morally grey.

I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds in the next book! They all deserve a happy ending.
Profile Image for Deborah.
847 reviews14 followers
December 22, 2023
I thought this was a beautiful story of light and darkness. Veronica has been touched by darkness throughout her life, culminating in Callum, who abuses her both physically and psychologically until she has nothing left and tries to end it. She is found by brothers Keiran and Zane, who can see the light within her and along with their adopted brother Enzo, nurse her back to life, try to show her how she deserves to be treated. But will their secrets scare her away or can she bring light to their darkness? And I was so proud of Veronica at the end.
Profile Image for Chris06.
607 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2024
Just wow. Veronica makes a decision to get out of the life she has been existing in and comes into the path of three Mafia men.

Zane, Kieran and Enzo … three men who are brothers that share everything.

Veronica gets a glimpse into what life could be like .. but there’s darkness as well ..

Decisions need to be made …
Can she accept the dark…
Is her light enough for them?

I loved how they loved on her ..
The patience …
Her strength… she is a survivor who is learning she deserves mores

The ending though … wow 😯
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