Blood & Heartache

Caprioni Queen #2

by Elizabeth Knight

** Please be advised this book has major triggers please read authors note**

Blood has been spilt, my heart has been broken, and there are traitors in our midst. What a great way to start as the new leader of the Caprioni Family.

Just when I thought I’d finally have everything I’d ever dreamed of, it was torn away from me. Only two weeks on the job after being brought home and everything goes to shit. No one expected this tragedy to happen—least of all me. Now rage and heartache fuel me as I lay my father to rest, plotting the demise of those who dared to steal the man I loved most from me.

To say that some are less than thrilled with my rise to power would be an understatement. That’s not surprising in the least. No, the problem was figuring out who those people are. My father warned me not to trust anyone but those he trusted with me. Even then it felt like a risk to me, each step I let them come closer gave me more to lose.

Between a secret letter, a wedding picture, a hidden heritage, a plot to ruin my name, and the police knocking on my door, it’s been one hell of an introduction to being the boss. Adding the crowning cherry of having to turn to the darkness I’d been running from inside myself… I’m not sure how much more I can take.

Those who are loyal prove they will support me to the grave and back, but it might not be enough. No matter where I turn, there’s another level of secrets and lies to unravel. Will anything I believed be the truth? Or is this just the beginning of the rabbit hole that shows me what's lurking in the shadows, having waited for my return?

Content Warning found on author site: elizabethknightbooks. c o m

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Romance, Contemporary, M M Romance, Crime

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2023

Reviews

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio: 4 stars for both Heather Firth and Wen Ross

Book: 4.5 stars

I am addicted to Astin and her men, the way this book went was good. Loved that this isn’t falling into what normally RH book two does, which is more porn than plot, but this one Astin doesn’t fall into that and I love that!

Yes there are still some steamy time, but it’s not taking over. You do have another MM scene as well.

I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Cat H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars.
Hell yeah! We finally got smut with One of the guys she’s into! Lol, if we keep going at this pace for that we’ll never get to all the guys she’s into by the end of the series. So. Hopefully we start speeding up in the area.

Also. Check trigger warnings before diving into this book. And then check them again and take a moment to think about them before diving in because they happen On page. In a very upsetting way.

And. Yeah. The destruction is fantastic. I love all the guys we’ve accumulated since the first book. Astin’s father is awesome, I mean he’s also pretty shitty at the fatherhood thing, but his boyfriend picking skills are *chef’s kiss*
😂
Yeah.
So I’m gonna go see what the hell happens next.
Slowly.
So I hopefully finish Right as the fourth book comes out and I can get to the ending.🤞🏻

[rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is the way the mafia was supposed to be, steeped in blood, loyalty, and the tears of widows whose husbands chose poorly."

I enjoyed this second book in the Caprioni Queen series! There was a lot going on from start to finish that made me not want to put it down. There’s still so much to come in all the romantic elements, too, that I’m looking forward to diving straight into the next book!

Following on from book one, the true crime of this story is still against fashion. Astin can kill whoever she wants, but is a cute outfit too much to ask for? She’s in her twenties - why is she wearing brown suede?

Towards the end, I can’t lie; Astin’s alter ego/split personality was beginning to give me the ick. I’m praying to the spicey book gods that she doesn’t become too much of a recurring feature. Please please please!

Overall, so far, I think this is a great mafia series. Potentially one of my favourites.

[Ana ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ : 4.5/5
LUCA🫶❤️

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Tried - some spoilers nothing major that you won’t see coming.

I really wanted to like this book. But it didn’t hit the mark for me. I read the first and the second hoping it would get better but honestly I should have stopped 20% in the first book when I knew I wasn’t really that into it, but I committed.
One of the reasons I absolutely hated this book was the over use of “daddy” she referred to her father constantly as daddy it drove me nuts. She is supposed to be the bada** and she acts and thinks like a stunted adult. Then later she refers to one of her guys shortly after her dad (spoiler) dies also as daddy while getting down and dirty (that was cringe for me-no judgment to you if that’s your thing but not after referring to her father the entire time as such for me). I kept reading in the hope she would grow out of that. But she doesn’t fyi there is seriously no character growth. Yes, trauma I get it… we all get it. Because it’s at least a paragraph on every page constantly shoved in my face to remind me she’s a bada**. I found the mafia aspect also childish, she’s supposed to be cold hearted (also thrown into my face so much) but she has an issue with one of her guys and she’s a blubbering mess not even a guy she seemed to like, basically treated him like garbage right from the start (honestly I kinda forgot about him). For me it was to many guys to keep track of. There was absolutely no heat from any of the men, I felt no connections between them… it was just cringy come ons from the guys and more MM then I tend to read (also no judgment there, just not my reading preference, everyone has their kinks. I don’t believe this takes away from the book it was just unexpected from me) and there was more MM then any MF scenes. So if you are looking for MF 🌶️🌶️🌶️ you won’t get that here. She had moments for me that I really liked her but then like when her Darker side emerged and she was a take no stuff kinda girl. But that was ruined with over explaining of why she’s like that. And also the writing it was explained in such a way I felt like the author was telling me to believe something instead of letting the story flow. The mafia aspect lacked in every turn for me especially when it seems like every single male except her guys and dad had issues with women. All men wanted her and also wanted her to know a woman’s place, that was really redundant and over played.
I reallllllly wanted to like this book but I just didn’t.
⭐️ for premise
⭐️ for writing a book
⭐️ because I hate leaving anything lower then a 3 star. This book was more of a two star for me but I don’t like doing that to an author they deserve better then that.
I know I complained a ton but I did read both books, so it held my interest enough to do that. I think if you don’t read super dark mafia books with accuracy and like fluffy stuff then this might be something you enjoy. I think I would have liked it better if I was being introduced to mafia, RH and that is introducing darker elements.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I really want to give this book way more than 5 stars***

My-flaming-god my mind is exploding with everything that was going on in it!!! I found myself continuing saying omg what the hell that did not just happen! With some absolute shockers with the level of traitors (and who they were?) and as well as what they actually did. One in particularly had me going no bloody way and a bit upset with how their story line ended to be honest. ((No im not giving away any spoilers about who it is)).

Astin (FMC) definitely made her mark in this book with her smarts, as well as plenty of blood and violence. Which i think was needed to clean house (in her own words). My word though did the guys steam up my kindle in this book. Im loving Atticus and Hound big time!! Liu is kinda growing on me too. Saying that all of them are hotter than hell thats for sure.

I cant tell you how much im loving this series. Its a just a knockout read with brilliant characters

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not even sure where to start with this!
Poor Astin! It's one thing at the other! And just as she was starting to get a break it ends in that cliffy! That's just mean!!!
I need the next one!!! Pleeeeaaaaasssseeee

[Jodie | GeauxGetLit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia Queen

Mafia heir and princess must step up big time once her father is murdered. This book she takes that roll spilling blood. Slow burn. MM

[Adrienne McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had a book just draw you in and not let go? That was this book for me. Normally, I don’t read contemporary stories. This series makes me glad I made an exception to my rule.

The female main character is complex. This 2nd book of the series provides an in depth insight into the history and psyche of her. She has to go through a crucible and comes out the other side stronger for it. There is deception and backstabbing. I can honestly say that some aspects of the storyline really surprised me, which is rare.

I can’t wait to see where this story goes.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes Queen!! Such a great book. The plot in this book was crazy, there was so much happening from one page to the next. So many twists and too much betrayal! Astin is such a complex character, you literally think you know and then something else happens. I wish the next book was already here, I want to know what happens next and see what Austin does.

[Sheridan Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of the series and packed full of delicious goodies! ATE with no crumbs.

[Pene|ope • Reading Slump, Send Help · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 65%. Just as horrible as the first book, for the same reasons and more. I don't get why gunner was given chapters in the first book when he becomes a villain in this book who betrays them. His inner thoughts in the last book have no indication that he had any issues with the way things were done in the family, he just felt horrible that he had caused such a potentially harmful mistake. He says in this book he hoped she'd be a better leader but until she came back he had no idea she'd be leading, and his plans began before she snapped. It was like the author just decided to suddenly put a different character in his place after the first book had already been written.

Same issues in this book as the last book. Cartoonist villains, Disney era monologues from the FMC who is not as badass as she tells everyone over and over that she is. There are much better female crime family leadership series out there, including why choose novels. This isn't even nearly as dark as many reviews say it is. If I had never read other and better mafia romances before, this might seem like a good story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Blood and Heartache was the mind-blowing second book in the Caprioni Queen series. This book was another perfect example of why Liz is one of my favorite authors.


Astin is strong, highly intelligent, and ruthless. She's a queen, but she has a lot on her plate. Her father was assassinated, enemies are all around her and she can't tell foes from allies. Not to mention the random attacks on her character, it's a lot but Astin is piecing the clues together, using that big brain of hers. However, when things get too dangerous the Darkness, Astin's alter, comes out to play once again and things get bloody. Also, also of stuff gets revealed. A crap storm is coming for Astin and it's a good thing she has the guys in her corner.


The guys are a bunch of mother hens. All of them care about Astin and a more personal relationship is developing but Astin isn't making it easy. Well, Atticus has it easy, he's absolutely adorable. Liu, the adoptive brother slash her father's assistant has finally made a play in this one and I'm not mad about it. I still need to get to know him more but he seems loyal to her and has his crap together so all good marks so far. I should also mention the Hound. He's a hacker and has a past with Astin, the guy is full of personality and a little bit of a psycho so, of course, he had me from the start, especially with that playful personality. All the other guys are doing good except for Ryker that boy is getting a twitchy eye from dealing with his explosive emotions. At least Lucas has stepped up big-time in this.


There are a couple of characters worth mentioning. Glenda deserves all the praise in the world for raising Astin. The woman is everything to Astin and cares for her like family even now. Wreck-It-Ralph aka Boykov is back. I like the bodyguard, he's someone trustworthy and Astin needs that badly from someone she's not forming a relationship with. The man is wise but knows when he should push and when to pull back.


What did I just read? This has to be one of the best plots I've ever read. Apparently, Astin has lied to her entire life. There are so many secrets it's hard to keep things straight. Her father was trying to protect and prepare her but Astin could be ready for the amount of deceit, manipulation, and betrayal that she was gonna face. I know this is mafia but even for them stuff was bad. This book is dark AF, I'm surprised Liz went there but it was what the story called for. There were so many shocking moments it was hard to keep count, one of them being truly heartbreaking, I had freaking tears. I figured a few pieces of it out but how Liz pulled it off was the twist. I was flabbergasted, it was that good. The pieces are coming together and it's leaving a pretty clear picture but I still have a few questions, one being who the heck is detective Kody White?


Blood and Heartache was epic. I think the final few chapters kinda broke my brain. I absolutely loved every single thing about this book, the plot was stupendous, the characters dark and complex but I could help but love them, and the deep emotions this invoked was something else. Of course with Heartache in the title that's what this book was gonna be filled with, that includes the cliff at the end that Liz once again shoved readers off of. Seriously, what is up with Liz and leaving readers emotionally damaged at the end of books in this series? Thank gods the wait isn't too long between books because I'm ready for Revenge and Truth.

[Kelly McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

Holy shit balls I didn’t see some of this coming, usually I’m bloody good at picking up the twists and turns way before they’re revealed but this one I didn’t pick up on until it was too late.

I obviously knew daddy dearest had to die to make her come into her powerful position but I didn’t expect some of the other twists. I knew one of the brothers would be gunning for the seat but I honestly thought it would have been the older and full blooded brother not the half bastard child, although now I think about it it makes sense for the half brother to want to be the one to take over.

I have read some other reviews who didn’t like that some of this seemed to be played out exactly how the mafia is, a male dominated world where they would never want a woman in charge. It was fully understandable and needed to be reiterated throughout to remind us that is the general consensus for that world. I also saw a lot of people who disliked her use of ‘daddy’ throughout. Some girls always call their farther daddy and it was stated she was a daddy’s girl from the moment she was born so I understand it. People seemed angry she used ‘daddy’ towards one of her men during a romp but he has a breeding kink and so actually it all fits, yes it is a bit weird so soon after her father’s death for her to be calling her conquest daddy but I get it.

There is more MM in this than MF BUT I personally don’t mind this. Seriously these MM scenes are hot as hell and the dom/sub lifestyle is explored. We will definitely see more MF in the next books.

My main shock is the idea that Liu is one of her harem. I don’t believe he fits. All of the others I understand but I feel like, especially because he is her adoptive brother and her father treated him like a son he doesn’t quite fit in. Maybe I need to see their relationship grow. If anything I’d of swapped Liu for Ralph because that makes more sense to me. The addition of Hound to this was interesting, I had worked out a lot about Hound before his chapter.

I didn’t see the thing coming with Gunner and it’s always a nice surprise to see a character killed off after we have seen their POV and when we know they are an integral part of the inner circle. That blew my mind and I was hoping he would survive but damn that boy got fucked over by Athos and I felt sorry for him in the end.

Originally I thought Harvey had been the main villain and that he was going to be who she needed to focus on but knowing the founding families are the ones she will need to fight against makes it more interesting.

I kind of like how she is letting the Darkness come out to play rather than it over taking her body. Maybe not so keen that they can now communicate but I guess that’s what happens with split personalities sometimes so I’m going with it.

I genuinely like this story line and feel like I’m being thrown off the scent whenever there is a twist and turn and I love that.

I hope the other books are as good. I don’t know why I felt like I couldn’t give this a full 5*. Maybe it was the pace of the writing or how sometimes we get to go over the same information again and again. Maybe it was because we haven’t seen as much character development with some characters as the others but just something was missing for me but I’m hoping I’ll find it in the next books.

[Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's a new dawn, a new day, and a new queen sitting on the throne. I don't give second chances to those who betray the Family."

The Caprioni Family is in mourning. Astin is now officially without a mother AND a father. She wants answers and there are too many questions piling up. You better be prepared, because shes on the hunt and she's going to get what she wants.

This book took off right after book one. Now head of the Caprioni family, Astin is forced to understand that even though this has been the plan since she was born, not everyone may be on board. Pawns. Schemes. Lies. Disloyalty. Betrayal. All a part of her new realty and she will not stand by while this continues. Finding answers she deserves and unlocking secrets she never knew; she is going to make a name for herself weather her enemies care or not.

"Be loyal to the Family or rot with those who dare to turn their backs on me."

With the guys by her side, they too are also confronted with something they never saw coming and it just may be the turning point Astin needs for "Darkness" to come out and exact her revenge. Will the Raffa and Caprioni family have her back? What will her enemies make of her cleaning house?
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I enjoyed this book so much! Astin is legit one of my favorite characters ever. I want to be her someday. Ruthless, loyal and loving!! The twist took me by surprise even though I was expecting it due to the authors warning. I wasn't expecting for things to go down like THAT. I don't know if I liked how Astin is essentially two beings, it takes away a little of the bada$$ery. lol. Buttt I still can't wait to see how this all plays out in the next book! Oh man....and the buildup for these characters is excruciating and so slow, I am ready for them all to combust soon!!!! lol. That ending was perfect and then that cliffhanger left us with our mouths open.

"Queens never allow the enemy to see them sweat."

*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Slowwww Burn
*Trigger warning, suicide
*MMFMMMM
*Multiple first person POV
*Ends on cliffhanger

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astin is one of the most complex yet straightforward characters to easily get and she is hurting badly after her father was murdered. This book is dark, emotionally destructive and sometimes disturbing but in the same vein its totally addictive! I never would have thought that this type of storey would have me hooked as much as it did and to be fair i am not normally a mafia fan but hey the title of book one has me one clicking .

I love Austin and can see how having a split personality works so well for her when hard things need to be done - she doesn’t shy away from anything and will stop at nothing to get to the truth!

The Romance side of this book is still slow burn but there is enough spice and action to keep the reader interested and the dynamics between her and her men are complex but also amazingly thought out with so many distinct different personalities all broken in one way or another.

There is one chapter that should be avoided if you have suicide triggers but can cope with it being there but don't want the graphics however if you really can’t cope with s suicide being part of a book please don’t read this one.

Cliff-hanger was brutal but then i love a good cliffy!

Amazing storey from an amazing author - cant wait for the next instalment!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BLOOD & HEARTACHE" WOW!!! What a mind-blowing rollercoaster ride full of suspense, intrigue, action, danger, deceit, murder, scerets, lies, steam, twist you didn't see coming its a pager turner you can't put down.
Astin Caprioni was raised to be a Mafia Queen when blood is spillt, her hearts broken, theirs traitors in the midst of Caprioni Family, what a way to start her leadership, no expected this tragedy to happen least of all her, now rage & heartache are what she's feeling laying her father to rest.
Astin knows some are not thrilled with her rise to power the problem is to figure out who they are her father warned her not to trust anyone but those he trusted with her even that felt like a risk.
I definitely recommend to get this dark twisted story those who prove to be loyal & support Astin still might not be enough the darkness inside her she'd been running from she's not sure how much more she can take.
Astin no matter where she turns secrets & lies unravel will anything she ever believed be the truth
or is this just the beginning of the shadows lurking waiting for her the cliffhanger you won't believe make you want the next book ASAP to see what happens next. AWESOME DARK MAFIA STORY!!!

[Kfsilver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book. I’m in love with this series. The whole series hits all the right notes for me. It’s dark, without being too dark, filled with angst, surprises, betrayals, twists and turns, a vengeful cop and a lot of tension.

I love how the series is sort of a slow burn, with lots of time spent building the characters and the integral relationships between them. Astin is a strong kickass woman, who knows what she wants and expects things from the people and men in her life. She’s coping with the death of her father and having to take over the family business, while still learning her lieutenants and how to be the boss and manage the darkness inside her. I’m loving watching her grow and really step up into her role and start to recognize the potential in her relationships.

The guys are all different. It’s been interesting seeing how they all interact with her and each other. Blood and Heartache is a slow burn, with tensions building throughout. There was some excellent spice between two of the guys, who are surprised to find themselves in a relationship, and the the slow build with Astin.

I love where this story is going. I can’t wait to see what happens next after that crazy ending.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throw yourself deep into the core of the mafia family that is on the verge the break apart. After the head of the Caprioni family, Colmazio, was murdered in front of her daughter, betrayed by so called friends, his daughter Astin was put into a difficult role. Grieving and almost broken, with traumatizing memories returning, Astin needs to collect all her strength to put herself together and take the lead of the family with an iron fist, ruthless and vengeful as she was raised to be. Yet the cold and murderous alter ego isn't the only one she possesses.. and the real Astin might hurt even more than she lets out.
Thrilling and totally addictive, this series set into the world of crime and violence is dark and could be triggering, yet makes the contrast between the world and the goodness of love and loyalty starker and sharp. Astin is a very complex heroine with many layers and personality sides, difficult to comprehend yet easy to connect with and understand on some base level. There is much we still don't know and only explore, secrets are surfacing, some characters showing their true faces, tides are changing, and it all makes the book a rush of adrenaline and excitement. Loved it.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and Heartache continues Astin's story and boy does this book take you on a trip! Book two picks up where book one left off - the old boss...is dead. Astin is the new boss, but due to the fall out from the fight she's not at 100%. Get ready for flashbacks in case you forgot what all took place at the end of book one. While Astin may be hurt, she's not down and out. She's still kicking butt and taking names. She has a course of action for certain people and that is top of the list even at a funeral.
You have to applaud her for her guts and strength. She's been through so much, but she's nowhere out of the woods yet. She's learning new secrets that her father kept from her for years. But the guys are also learning some things about her past, too. Loyalties are being questioned inside and out, but they all need to come together to fight the enemy that is looking to destroy them.
Are you ready for tons of twists, turns, drama, romance, and so much more? Well, it's coming. I think I enjoyed this book more than book one. It just gripped me so tight and had me begging for more with each turn of the page. I can't wait to find out what happens next in book three.
All hail the queen!
5 out of 5 stars

[Bookish Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

��Personal thoughts and notes on this book, for future reference since I'm forgetful.

🚨Therefore, it contains spoilers.

My Rating System
1⭐: Didn't provide the escape from reality
2⭐: Couldn't connect, meh
3⭐: Enjoyable, took my time, was ok
4⭐: Had its moments, one more chapter
5⭐: Mind-blowing, didn't see it coming


📝Tropes:
Mafia
Rh


📝Summary & Overall Review:

So the dad is dead. The stepmother is with the enemy and the uncle, thats also an enemy, while the other uncle was manipulated. A lieutenant turned, didn't understand when exactly the bath salts were given and yet again what happened to the mayor's aid? Why was the nephew killed? Her mother/fathers lover was mia. A new guy appears, connection with the thief, and just like that he was part of the group. The adopted bro not seeing her as a sis is developing. The othes are there slowly making their way.

The romance part is lacking, some guys are ignored and others is only the surface and brief.

The grandfather trained her to be the monster but did he disowned her mom? That's why her dad left the main land, took over the place they are now. And if the stepmom was with the enemy, they knew where she was all along, why not finish the job?

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Knight knows how to weave and incredible web. Her books never cease to amazing me, especially this 2nd book in the Caprioni Queen series. I mean wow. Astin is one powerful leader, even when physically wounded and recovering for the entire book. It just shows that being a leader isn't just about the physical, it is about the show of presence as well. Astin has that in spades and proved herself time and again in this book. She's the unexpected and I just know that people will continue to underestimate her in this series. I cannot wait to see them proven wrong and get what they deserve in the end.
This book has a lot of plot twists in it, some surprising, some heartbreaking, and some very very welcomed! Even with so much going on, Elizabeth had me glued to the pages, absorbing everything as it was revealed. The betrayals and secrets being kept were enough to make me want to throw my phone across the room, but boy did they make the story even more amazing. I cannot wait for the next book. I can't get enough of Astin and her guys, and the darkness that I hope will soon be accepted fully in Astin's life.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and Heartache
*Trigger warnings with this book*

This is a perfect title! It truly encapsulates the very bones of this fantastic 2nd book in this series.

Astin is surrounded by too many people all wanting or expecting her to act and carry herself in a certain way. But what they don’t want her to know is that someone thinks that they are a puppet master…and Astin’s “family” is the prize he desires to puppet. Dethroning a Queen is never easy but when the Queen in question walks with her Darkness and finally embraces it…the world and those who are hiding in the shadows are no longer safe!

As Astin finds her betrayers and goes about cleansing the rot that has been spreading like a poison within the very foundation of her circle, she is pushed to the very limits of her training and now with her chosen Lieutenants by her side, she will start exacting the retribution her heart has been longing for.

Continue Astin’s journey with her, and be prepared for an extremely emotional roller coaster ride!

[Laerke55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.K have written such Amazing books i loved her book the blood & heartache . I love following astin in her journey and i loved to read her growth as a character…. I just really love the Way this author writes… i love this book she have written it was soo good and it kept me on my toes… the Way she writes is soo intresting.. I’m sure I’m going to love future books by her… i loved Astin’s story and i love watching her relationship grow stronger and stronger…. i really loved the twist and turn…This really Kept my interest the whole Way and i really loves this book…this book was freaking good.. I’m exicted to see What the author comes up with in the next book in in the 3rd book of the story and I’m exicted to read What adventure the author bring us on


I highly recommed that people read her book blood & heartache and if you haven’t read this book yet Then What are you waiting for you are really missing out on something … blood & heartache is such good book and you wil def not regret giving this book a chance

This book is really a must read book!!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with amazing-ness in book 2 . Astin our kick butt FMC is back at it and shes as ruthless as ever. Shes the queen. She has a lot going on. Her father has been assassinated. She cant tell friend from foe. People arent happy with her being in power because shes a woman. Astin is a quirky FMC she has an alter ego that comes out to play when things get bloody and Gory. I love how much her men care about her… but that can get a little over protective but thtey do it because they care. Atticus, Liu, Hound, Ryker and Lukas, are her men and we get to learn more and love them more this book. There are a few side characters who I wouldn’t mind learning more about… Glenda is an amazing woman. Boykov is definitely entertaining to read about. There are so many secrets revealed in this book and so many new ones that AStin has to keep. This book definitely keeps you on your toes with all the emotions an twists and turns…. And of course the cliffy ending, because she has to leave you not wanting but needing more.

[Ana Gz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Same problem, same loop.

Aston is a badass, ruthless, smart (and don’t forget super beautiful) and the head of the Caprioni family… ON EVERY SINGLE PAGE!!!
The book keeps telling me how intimidating and competent she is, then it tries to sell that with nonstop threats in every tiny interaction—because apparently threatening everyone 24/7 is supposed to make her credibility automatic. It doesn’t. It just gets repetitive and performative.

And honestly, it’s a reverse harem. I’m not here expecting high literature or a deep, realistic mafia machine. I’m here for romance, tension, chemistry—something. But after two books, there’s basically nothing. Not even enough time to actually connect with the guys, and that’s a huge problem when you’ve got a crowd: six love interests plus the stepbrother (and counting). By around 30% I could only clearly place four of them. That’s not “slow burn,” that’s “who are these men again?”

So yeah. DNF.
Sorry, Atti—I was reading this for you, but I’m done.

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY CRAP…y’all are not ready for the turn this story is about to take…but damn AM I HERE for every second of it! Elizabeth Knight completely knocked me off my axis with this one but man oh man did I love every second of it. Despite the turn, it all felt completely necessary to Astin’s story and boy did Elizabeth do it justice! This story was dark, full of secrets, lies, and revenge. But it was also broken up with slivers of light and hope. Astin’s journey is far from easy, past, present, and likely future. But with the loyalty of her men and trusted members of the Family at her side she will not bow or break. But even more so, Astin is one incredible women and more than capable of handling herself and showing why she is the rightful leader to wear the crown. This book was so freaking amazing! My words don’t even begin to do this book justice. But this will for sure be a story for the books.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packs a punch!
*whychoose
*contemporary
*multi-POV
*mafia
*b@d@$$ FMC
*building harem (7)
*mid burn 🔥 inc MM ⚔️
*2/4?
Poor Astin she has soo much to deal with and it’s just keeps piling up on her, she’s being pulled this way and that 😞😞 after that shocker of an ending in the last book, I was thinking that’s got to be it….but oh no! Knight pulls out more betrayals, secrets and heartache throughout this entire book!! Honestly do no see some coming!
Thankfully she’s building herself a family of her own with her lieutenants, security and aids 😃 there’s also another blast from her past who waltzes in and brings a great dynamic! I can see him really adding something 🥰 she’s also mending some bridges and starting new relations! 🌶️🔥🌶️
We also get more insight into what Astin endured during her training and how that comes into play for the whole storyline! She’s an absolute b@d@$$!
I cannot wait to see how Aston shakes things up and wears her crown 👑
Gripping read from start to finish!

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Knight continues to blow me away with Blood & Heartache, the second installment in her Caprioni Queen series, and I cannot wait for more!!

In this story, our kick butt mafia princess turned queen Astin is still reeling after the attack in the first book that tore her world apart and set her and her trusted men Ryker, Jace, Braxton, Gunner, Atticus, and Liu on a new mission of revenge and destruction of their enemies. When the past is revealed and secrets come time light that changes everything, this story only becomes more intriguing as she works to claim and keep her rightful place as her fathers successor. However with so many secrets, betrayals and enemies lurking at every corner can she survive this or will the Darkness consume them all?

If you love your heroines bloody, vicious and utterly KA with a delicious selection of men to choose from then this is the one for you!

[T.P.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is official, I am loving this series. There is a new queen as head of the Family, but not all is glitter and power. Betrayal, vicious plots and heavily guarded secrets come crashing down on the FMC as she is trying to hold the reins of her Empire.

This second installment shows more light as to the main protagonist's backstory, the ordeals she had to overcome and ultimately it shreds some light as to her own demons. Just when I thought things will start settling down, the author threw me into another suspenseful spiral and I am loving every minute of it.

The love stories here are complex and have been building since book one, but I assume that all that tension is starting to take its tall. I did appreciate that the author took her time to allow those relationship to develop and progress rather than throw everything all at once.

I am eager to see how the story evolves as well as seeing how the connections with her lieutenants grow.