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Heirs of the Organized #2
Scandalized
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26An unwilling pawn in a game of survival, she must choose between the life she wants and the man she can’t resist.
Taryn
I’m a New York mob princess, and every step of my life has been planned for me.
Where to go to school. Who to trust. Even who to marry.
St. Agnes, a college for America’s richest and most corrupt, is supposed to be giving me the world-class education I need to walk away. But when my father promises me to the heir of Chicago’s Irish mob, our marriage a key to a crucial alliance, my dream of a new life slips further out of reach.
When my defiance spirals into a scandal, suddenly I’m a problem the mob wants to erase.
I will be known as someone other than someone’s daughter. Or someone’s wife.
Even if I have to sacrifice everything to do it.
Liam
Everyone thinks I’m a playboy.
It’s true that I navigate life with an easy smile and a quick laugh. But I always get what I want.
And I want Taryn.
The first time she opened her sassy mouth, I was hooked. Now that her world is falling apart, there’s nothing I won’t do to save her.
Even if she doesn’t want saving from a man like me.
Heirs of the Organized
Book 1: Weaponized
Book 2: Scandalized
Taryn
I’m a New York mob princess, and every step of my life has been planned for me.
Where to go to school. Who to trust. Even who to marry.
St. Agnes, a college for America’s richest and most corrupt, is supposed to be giving me the world-class education I need to walk away. But when my father promises me to the heir of Chicago’s Irish mob, our marriage a key to a crucial alliance, my dream of a new life slips further out of reach.
When my defiance spirals into a scandal, suddenly I’m a problem the mob wants to erase.
I will be known as someone other than someone’s daughter. Or someone’s wife.
Even if I have to sacrifice everything to do it.
Liam
Everyone thinks I’m a playboy.
It’s true that I navigate life with an easy smile and a quick laugh. But I always get what I want.
And I want Taryn.
The first time she opened her sassy mouth, I was hooked. Now that her world is falling apart, there’s nothing I won’t do to save her.
Even if she doesn’t want saving from a man like me.
Heirs of the Organized
Book 1: Weaponized
Book 2: Scandalized
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 20, 2026
7 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Kilburn
5 books20 followersDespite a reading addiction that takes up most of her free time, Kelly Kilburn loves to write her own romance novels. She’s an absolute sucker for a morally grey hero with a twisted path toward happily-ever-after.
Kelly lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her partner in crime (otherwise known as her husband) and occasionally their daughter (when she deems them worthy of a visit from college). When she’s not immersed in a romance, Kelly often can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee while watching the deer play in the woods outside her window.
Kelly lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her partner in crime (otherwise known as her husband) and occasionally their daughter (when she deems them worthy of a visit from college). When she’s not immersed in a romance, Kelly often can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee while watching the deer play in the woods outside her window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 14, 2025
4 ˖⁺‧✮
this was actually so good. from the interesting plot line to incredible chemistry 🤭
as the book started i wasn’t really sure about the relationship between the main characters. the guy was into the girl from the start and had this small type of obsession. she was very unresponsive and uninterested in him which made his feelings even stronger. so when they had to marry each other for their family safety👀of course it added the tension. i loved seeing the fmc being very open and straightforward about her feelings. she wasn’t mean or unreasonable to mmc which was so nice to see. for that reasons, their conversations were always good and adult like.
i don’t have anything bad to say about the characters because i truly enjoyed how sweet and genuine they were with each other. but!!! that small moment with the bank account and stalking money was a little bit manipulative. i understand wanting fmc to be safe but telling her wouldn’t really change the situation.
the plot was pretty great as well. i loved seeing the situation unveiling and rapidly evolving at the end. i wished for more tension when fmc was alsmosy captured, but overall a great story.
this book is considered a mafia romance but i wouldn’t really say it was dark or had much of mafia. pretty easy and fun for a short read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Carina Press for the arc.
this was actually so good. from the interesting plot line to incredible chemistry 🤭
as the book started i wasn’t really sure about the relationship between the main characters. the guy was into the girl from the start and had this small type of obsession. she was very unresponsive and uninterested in him which made his feelings even stronger. so when they had to marry each other for their family safety👀of course it added the tension. i loved seeing the fmc being very open and straightforward about her feelings. she wasn’t mean or unreasonable to mmc which was so nice to see. for that reasons, their conversations were always good and adult like.
i don’t have anything bad to say about the characters because i truly enjoyed how sweet and genuine they were with each other. but!!! that small moment with the bank account and stalking money was a little bit manipulative. i understand wanting fmc to be safe but telling her wouldn’t really change the situation.
the plot was pretty great as well. i loved seeing the situation unveiling and rapidly evolving at the end. i wished for more tension when fmc was alsmosy captured, but overall a great story.
this book is considered a mafia romance but i wouldn’t really say it was dark or had much of mafia. pretty easy and fun for a short read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Carina Press for the arc.
December 26, 2025
First and foremost I’d like to thank NetGalley & Harlequin audio for allowing me to listen to these 2 books. I am forever thankful and my feelings are a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.
These are my first introduction to Kelly Kilburn as an author.
I’m a sucker for a good mafia romance and this book promised to give me that.
We meet two different women as they navigate the mafia world with arranged marriages and the danger that come with being in that world.
I would like to say that I loved these books but I was a little frustrated with these characters and plot points.
The FMCs were interesting from the get go but it wasn’t long before they become what I like “dude whipped” and they pretty much become less interesting.
The main love interests when from doushe canoes to knights in shining armor without any build up.
And bam there’s the spice. Or talk of spice and I’m like 🤦🏼♂️
Overall a book series that doesn’t set itself apart from the crowded mafia romance books.
The narrator’s were pretty solid but even they couldn’t save these books from settling at a 2.5 star overall rating
These are my first introduction to Kelly Kilburn as an author.
I’m a sucker for a good mafia romance and this book promised to give me that.
We meet two different women as they navigate the mafia world with arranged marriages and the danger that come with being in that world.
I would like to say that I loved these books but I was a little frustrated with these characters and plot points.
The FMCs were interesting from the get go but it wasn’t long before they become what I like “dude whipped” and they pretty much become less interesting.
The main love interests when from doushe canoes to knights in shining armor without any build up.
And bam there’s the spice. Or talk of spice and I’m like 🤦🏼♂️
Overall a book series that doesn’t set itself apart from the crowded mafia romance books.
The narrator’s were pretty solid but even they couldn’t save these books from settling at a 2.5 star overall rating
December 6, 2025
thank you to kelly kilburn and harlequin romance for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️ 4/5
🔥 3.5/5 spice
tropes: arranged marriage, he falls first, rich heir x mob princess, forced proximity tension
scandalized is exactly the kind of dramatic & character driven escape you’d expect from a college mafia romance. taryn being a mob princess trying to navigate her own future and liam being the heir with that dangerous but playboy edge really worked for me. it delivers on the tension, the attraction, and the back and forth power dynamic that makes this trope so fun.
what stood out the most was the chemistry and emotional tension between the leads. their push pull feels addictive. the pacing is strong, the writing is super easy to devour, and the drama stays just juicy enough to keep you fully locked in. i also felt like the plotting, character depth, and overall direction were stronger and more cohesive than book one. book two just felt cleaner, more engaging, and way more confident in what it wanted to be.
now for my one big complaint.
if you’re going to tackle the mafia trope, you really have to go there.
the mob world in this series feels soft, almost cushioned, and it doesn’t totally match the stakes the story is trying to set up. when you build a world around power, danger, alliances, and organized crime, readers expect more grit and more intensity. this book hints at darkness but never fully commits to it. the consequences feel mild, the danger is muted, and the mafia side of the story just doesn’t have the bite it could have had.
that said, the romance still shines. the characters are compelling, and the vibes are dramatic and addictive in a way that kept me completely invested. it hits the emotional beats even when the worldbuilding feels a little soft.
overall, this is a strong, fast paced, emotionally charged addition to the series that improves on book one in every way. if you’re in the mood for college chaos, family pressure, and a messy mix of danger and romance, this one delivers. and it’s a short and easy read (only 245 pages!!)
i’ll definitely be continuing the series. i’m excited for whatever comes next, i cannot wait for book three, and my fingers are CROSSED that it’s about rowan and stephanie!!
⭐️ 4/5
🔥 3.5/5 spice
tropes: arranged marriage, he falls first, rich heir x mob princess, forced proximity tension
scandalized is exactly the kind of dramatic & character driven escape you’d expect from a college mafia romance. taryn being a mob princess trying to navigate her own future and liam being the heir with that dangerous but playboy edge really worked for me. it delivers on the tension, the attraction, and the back and forth power dynamic that makes this trope so fun.
what stood out the most was the chemistry and emotional tension between the leads. their push pull feels addictive. the pacing is strong, the writing is super easy to devour, and the drama stays just juicy enough to keep you fully locked in. i also felt like the plotting, character depth, and overall direction were stronger and more cohesive than book one. book two just felt cleaner, more engaging, and way more confident in what it wanted to be.
now for my one big complaint.
if you’re going to tackle the mafia trope, you really have to go there.
the mob world in this series feels soft, almost cushioned, and it doesn’t totally match the stakes the story is trying to set up. when you build a world around power, danger, alliances, and organized crime, readers expect more grit and more intensity. this book hints at darkness but never fully commits to it. the consequences feel mild, the danger is muted, and the mafia side of the story just doesn’t have the bite it could have had.
that said, the romance still shines. the characters are compelling, and the vibes are dramatic and addictive in a way that kept me completely invested. it hits the emotional beats even when the worldbuilding feels a little soft.
overall, this is a strong, fast paced, emotionally charged addition to the series that improves on book one in every way. if you’re in the mood for college chaos, family pressure, and a messy mix of danger and romance, this one delivers. and it’s a short and easy read (only 245 pages!!)
i’ll definitely be continuing the series. i’m excited for whatever comes next, i cannot wait for book three, and my fingers are CROSSED that it’s about rowan and stephanie!!
December 8, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early! <3
4 ⭐️
I absolutely love all things to do with arranged marriages and this definitely did not disappoint. I was immediately hooked from chapter one.
Liam, Liam, Liam… was so down bad and I loved it. I really enjoyed that he started off just obsessed w Taryn and it was him who had to do most of the pining vs it being her. Taryn was a tad annoying tbh for a while, I just couldn’t deal with the constant misery and not taking into account anyone else’s feelings. It didn’t last very long though. Thank god. At the same time though, I did understand the need to have her own independence, so I don’t blame her too much.
“You found me when I didn’t even know I needed to be found. And you held on, even when I didn’t make it easy.” SWOOOOON. God I love these two so much.
The ending did feel a little rushed and I wish we could’ve focused on that a little more. There was a conflict about 90% through and there just wasn’t enough time to really explore that more.
4 ⭐️
I absolutely love all things to do with arranged marriages and this definitely did not disappoint. I was immediately hooked from chapter one.
Liam, Liam, Liam… was so down bad and I loved it. I really enjoyed that he started off just obsessed w Taryn and it was him who had to do most of the pining vs it being her. Taryn was a tad annoying tbh for a while, I just couldn’t deal with the constant misery and not taking into account anyone else’s feelings. It didn’t last very long though. Thank god. At the same time though, I did understand the need to have her own independence, so I don’t blame her too much.
“You found me when I didn’t even know I needed to be found. And you held on, even when I didn’t make it easy.” SWOOOOON. God I love these two so much.
The ending did feel a little rushed and I wish we could’ve focused on that a little more. There was a conflict about 90% through and there just wasn’t enough time to really explore that more.
November 18, 2025
Oh my. I loved book one so much, but this book….YESSSS! Liam is everything. The reformed playboy, touch her & d!e, arranged marriage, GIVE IT ALL TO ME. I loved that it also had the main characters from the first one in it as well. Kelly’s writing is absolutely amazing and if you have not read this series, immediately go start book one. I’m gonna need a third book for sure!
October 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance and Kelly Kilburn for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
Scandalized is just so good. Ms. Kelly's world building, character development and writing are unmatched . I was hooked from beginning to end. There is honestly, nothing bad to say about this novel. A light-hearted easy read. The flow never felt rushed or confusing, it was perfect. The way Ms. Kelly tied everything together at the end is superb.
I truly recommend this book to all ya'll.
Scandalized is just so good. Ms. Kelly's world building, character development and writing are unmatched . I was hooked from beginning to end. There is honestly, nothing bad to say about this novel. A light-hearted easy read. The flow never felt rushed or confusing, it was perfect. The way Ms. Kelly tied everything together at the end is superb.
I truly recommend this book to all ya'll.
December 22, 2025
I liiiiiked this book but I liked the first one better. The spicy scenes were perfection but the plot line lost me a bit in the middle. The ending was really good and brought it all together well! I liked the overlap with the characters from the first book. Overall I would highly recommend!
November 29, 2025
I'm not really into New Adult romance but they did a good job of not making the characters sound like bratty tweens so there's that - they did feel like legit college age.
The "Elite" Academy was nothing special. no secret handshake or even a fancy chandelier. What I got was... a regular campus where she's taking freshman level courses for some reason.
FMC goes from having a bf to arranged marriage bliss in zero.1 seconds. There is no angsty tension here - like zero.
She goes from thinking Liam the MMC is the campus joke to next chapter? Smoldering heartthrob. Did he stumble into a Glow-Up Fairy's cottage between scenes? Was there a training montage I accidentally skipped? The man went from zero to Hemsworth with NO explanation and I feel GASLIT.
Mafia Princess" on a Budget Taryn is supposedly mafia royalty but she's squirreling away cash for law school and fretting over GROCERIES? Girl, where are the family coffers? The blood money? The comically large inheritance? She's out here living that broke college student life while allegedly being connected to organized crime. Make it make sense!
Too many F#$@#ING Friends Elizabeth. Stephanie. Grainne. Possibly others. I cannot tell you a single distinguishing trait among them because they function as one amorphous blob of girl-talk, endlessly rehashing plot points like a Greek chorus nobody asked for.
Fake rescue Taryn gets kidnapped and who swoops in? Not a morally gray love interest. Nope! Her BESTIE appears out of nowhere, blasting out tires with the confidence of someone who watched one action movie and said "I got this." It was bonkers. Is this a butch Girl Power kind of book. I was also deeply confused.
The Verdict: Cozy college romance wearing a mafia trench coat it found at a thrift store. Adjust expectations and enjoy the endlessly boring girl talk - seriously that makes up like 60% of this book.
⭐⭐½
The "Elite" Academy was nothing special. no secret handshake or even a fancy chandelier. What I got was... a regular campus where she's taking freshman level courses for some reason.
FMC goes from having a bf to arranged marriage bliss in zero.1 seconds. There is no angsty tension here - like zero.
She goes from thinking Liam the MMC is the campus joke to next chapter? Smoldering heartthrob. Did he stumble into a Glow-Up Fairy's cottage between scenes? Was there a training montage I accidentally skipped? The man went from zero to Hemsworth with NO explanation and I feel GASLIT.
Mafia Princess" on a Budget Taryn is supposedly mafia royalty but she's squirreling away cash for law school and fretting over GROCERIES? Girl, where are the family coffers? The blood money? The comically large inheritance? She's out here living that broke college student life while allegedly being connected to organized crime. Make it make sense!
Too many F#$@#ING Friends Elizabeth. Stephanie. Grainne. Possibly others. I cannot tell you a single distinguishing trait among them because they function as one amorphous blob of girl-talk, endlessly rehashing plot points like a Greek chorus nobody asked for.
Fake rescue Taryn gets kidnapped and who swoops in? Not a morally gray love interest. Nope! Her BESTIE appears out of nowhere, blasting out tires with the confidence of someone who watched one action movie and said "I got this." It was bonkers. Is this a butch Girl Power kind of book. I was also deeply confused.
The Verdict: Cozy college romance wearing a mafia trench coat it found at a thrift store. Adjust expectations and enjoy the endlessly boring girl talk - seriously that makes up like 60% of this book.
⭐⭐½
Review of advance copy received from Author
Taryn and Liam 🥰
Liam McGuiness is the next heir to the McGuiness family. The oldest of 4 sons. And he is known to be a player. Not the same woman twice. But since every heir needs to marry someday, he secretly choose Taryn Walsh. The very outspoken, sarcastic and « I don’t want to be in the Mafia business « kind of girl. She’s 22 and want to leave everything behind, to study Law in California. She has as no choice. Simple as that. She marries Liam and forges one big alliance or she run away but will never really be free. But Liam is not what everyone thinks he is. He hides it very well. Under his is armor, hides a very powerful leader that will change the business stuck in old ways for too long. And that is why Taryn might fall for him anyway…..
Second books in the Heirs of the Organized by Kelly Killburn. And if you think you love the first book with Graine and Luca, you will be really excited to read this story. The way she writes about power struggles, dreams of independence in a world, where everyone who’s born into this life just accepts it without questioning anything, these young men and women will completely change their world that their ancestors always followed. The characters are beautifully written, the world they lived in is so restricted but so realistic. And the secondary characters? They not just tagged along but made the story more interesting and so funny!!! I highly recommend to read the first book Weaponized before because they are interconnected but can be read as a standalone. Thank you for the ARC, I’m always looking forward to reading your next book!!!!
5⭐️
Liam McGuiness is the next heir to the McGuiness family. The oldest of 4 sons. And he is known to be a player. Not the same woman twice. But since every heir needs to marry someday, he secretly choose Taryn Walsh. The very outspoken, sarcastic and « I don’t want to be in the Mafia business « kind of girl. She’s 22 and want to leave everything behind, to study Law in California. She has as no choice. Simple as that. She marries Liam and forges one big alliance or she run away but will never really be free. But Liam is not what everyone thinks he is. He hides it very well. Under his is armor, hides a very powerful leader that will change the business stuck in old ways for too long. And that is why Taryn might fall for him anyway…..
Second books in the Heirs of the Organized by Kelly Killburn. And if you think you love the first book with Graine and Luca, you will be really excited to read this story. The way she writes about power struggles, dreams of independence in a world, where everyone who’s born into this life just accepts it without questioning anything, these young men and women will completely change their world that their ancestors always followed. The characters are beautifully written, the world they lived in is so restricted but so realistic. And the secondary characters? They not just tagged along but made the story more interesting and so funny!!! I highly recommend to read the first book Weaponized before because they are interconnected but can be read as a standalone. Thank you for the ARC, I’m always looking forward to reading your next book!!!!
5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📅 Release Date: January 20, 2026
An unwilling pawn in a game of survival, she must choose between the life she wants and the man she can’t resist.
My Thoughts:
What a way to close out my reading year...with an absolute banger! This book had everything I crave in mafia romance: danger, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to be defined by anyone else’s rules.
Taryn, the mob princess with a sharp tongue and a rebellious streak, completely stole my heart. Watching her fight for her own identity while navigating the treacherous world of alliances and betrayals was addictive. And Liam? The rakish playboy who hides steel beneath his charm—he’s the kind of hero you can’t help but fall for. Their banter is electric, their passion undeniable, and their loyalty tested in ways that had me flipping pages like my life depended on it.
Why You Should Read It:
❤️High-stakes mafia drama with a college twist.
❤️Explosive chemistry between a defiant heroine and a hero who refuses to let her go.
❤️Standalone friendly...you can dive right in without reading book one (though now I have to go back because I’m hooked).
❤️Unforgettable ending that left me grinning, swooning, and already desperate for more from this author.
This is hands-down my favorite mafia romance of the year. Dark, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt, it’s the perfect blend of grit and glamour. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you up past midnight, this is it.
Huge recommendation for fans of mafia romance...you won’t regret picking this one up.
* thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book
🎶gangsta by kehlani
🎶love me harder by ariana
🎶criminal by britney
An unwilling pawn in a game of survival, she must choose between the life she wants and the man she can’t resist.
My Thoughts:
What a way to close out my reading year...with an absolute banger! This book had everything I crave in mafia romance: danger, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to be defined by anyone else’s rules.
Taryn, the mob princess with a sharp tongue and a rebellious streak, completely stole my heart. Watching her fight for her own identity while navigating the treacherous world of alliances and betrayals was addictive. And Liam? The rakish playboy who hides steel beneath his charm—he’s the kind of hero you can’t help but fall for. Their banter is electric, their passion undeniable, and their loyalty tested in ways that had me flipping pages like my life depended on it.
Why You Should Read It:
❤️High-stakes mafia drama with a college twist.
❤️Explosive chemistry between a defiant heroine and a hero who refuses to let her go.
❤️Standalone friendly...you can dive right in without reading book one (though now I have to go back because I’m hooked).
❤️Unforgettable ending that left me grinning, swooning, and already desperate for more from this author.
This is hands-down my favorite mafia romance of the year. Dark, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt, it’s the perfect blend of grit and glamour. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you up past midnight, this is it.
Huge recommendation for fans of mafia romance...you won’t regret picking this one up.
* thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book
🎶gangsta by kehlani
🎶love me harder by ariana
🎶criminal by britney
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Harlequin Carina Press for the advance reader copy and to HTP Audio for the free audiobook. These opinions are my own.
Scandalized is the second book of the Heirs of the Organized series. I read Weaponized when it released last year and have been looking forward to when Scandalized would become available. While this sequel could stand alone, I think it works best if these are read in order.
They are new adult mafia romances set as a university that is a safe zone and includes children from many clans and families. In this book, we focus on Liam and Taryn. From the previous book, we know Liam as a playboy and generally happy guy. Here we get to know him much better and see what's behind the carefree mask he wears.
The book has great vibes in which he falls first and is extremely protective. I loved seeing just how nuanced and ambitious Taryn was as a character. She is such a fascinating mix of sheltered and naive and brilliant and strategic. There were a few aspects of their relationship and especially its origins that I wanted to see addressed a bit better.
But overall, this was just a delightful read that delivered on its promise. I quite literally could not go to sleep until I finished. Fortunately, I didn't have too early of a morning the next day.
Stacy Gonzalez and J. Hunter Ackerman were admirable narrators. I immersive read, alternating between reading audio, ebook, or both at once. They added enough to my enjoyment that I chose to include the audio whenever possible in my reading experience.
4.25 stars
Scandalized is the second book of the Heirs of the Organized series. I read Weaponized when it released last year and have been looking forward to when Scandalized would become available. While this sequel could stand alone, I think it works best if these are read in order.
They are new adult mafia romances set as a university that is a safe zone and includes children from many clans and families. In this book, we focus on Liam and Taryn. From the previous book, we know Liam as a playboy and generally happy guy. Here we get to know him much better and see what's behind the carefree mask he wears.
The book has great vibes in which he falls first and is extremely protective. I loved seeing just how nuanced and ambitious Taryn was as a character. She is such a fascinating mix of sheltered and naive and brilliant and strategic. There were a few aspects of their relationship and especially its origins that I wanted to see addressed a bit better.
But overall, this was just a delightful read that delivered on its promise. I quite literally could not go to sleep until I finished. Fortunately, I didn't have too early of a morning the next day.
Stacy Gonzalez and J. Hunter Ackerman were admirable narrators. I immersive read, alternating between reading audio, ebook, or both at once. They added enough to my enjoyment that I chose to include the audio whenever possible in my reading experience.
4.25 stars
November 23, 2025
At first, I wasn’t sure about Taryn and Liam’s dynamic. Liam was drawn to her from the start—intensely, maybe even obsessively—while Taryn was unresponsive, which only made him chase harder. When they’re forced into marriage for family safety 👀, the tension was unreal.
I loved how honest Taryn was about her feelings. She wasn’t mean or unreasonable, so their conversations always felt real, witty, and adult. The chemistry between them is electric, and the dialogue is sharp, adding so much to the story.
The characters are genuinely sweet and easy to root for. My only tiny gripe was a brief manipulative moment with a bank account, but it didn’t overshadow the story.
World-building, character development, and writing are all top-tier. I also loved seeing their friends and family, especially Ryan, come to life. Tropes like the reformed playboy, “touch her and die,” and arranged marriage? All in. And bringing back characters from the first book was such a treat.
The plot is fast-paced, with tension ramping up toward the end. I wished for a little more suspense when Taryn was nearly captured, and the ending felt slightly rushed, but it leaves plenty of room for what’s next. What really stands out is how seamlessly the romance blends with the mob-world setting—rival clans, forbidden love, and Liam fighting for what he wants no matter the cost.
I loved how honest Taryn was about her feelings. She wasn’t mean or unreasonable, so their conversations always felt real, witty, and adult. The chemistry between them is electric, and the dialogue is sharp, adding so much to the story.
The characters are genuinely sweet and easy to root for. My only tiny gripe was a brief manipulative moment with a bank account, but it didn’t overshadow the story.
World-building, character development, and writing are all top-tier. I also loved seeing their friends and family, especially Ryan, come to life. Tropes like the reformed playboy, “touch her and die,” and arranged marriage? All in. And bringing back characters from the first book was such a treat.
The plot is fast-paced, with tension ramping up toward the end. I wished for a little more suspense when Taryn was nearly captured, and the ending felt slightly rushed, but it leaves plenty of room for what’s next. What really stands out is how seamlessly the romance blends with the mob-world setting—rival clans, forbidden love, and Liam fighting for what he wants no matter the cost.
November 2, 2025
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Scandalized was such a fantastic read! I absolutely loved the characters: from Liam’s confident cockiness to Taryn’s hard-to-get attitude, they balanced each other perfectly. Their chemistry was off the charts, the kind that makes every scene between them feel charged and exciting.
What really stood out to me was how the author intertwined their romance with the mob world setting. The fact that they belonged to rival clans made their relationship a real challenge, but also gave the story an addictive, forbidden edge. You could really feel how much they wanted each other and how determined Liam was to fight for what he wanted, no matter the cost.
If I had one small note, it would be that the ending felt a little rushed and slightly open-ended. I would’ve loved just a bit more closure. Still, it leaves plenty of room for what might come next, and I truly hope there’s more of Liam and Taryn’s story ahead.
Scandalized is a gripping, passionate read full of chemistry, danger, and heart. It’s one of those stories that stays with you: bold, addictive, and impossible to put down.
Scandalized was such a fantastic read! I absolutely loved the characters: from Liam’s confident cockiness to Taryn’s hard-to-get attitude, they balanced each other perfectly. Their chemistry was off the charts, the kind that makes every scene between them feel charged and exciting.
What really stood out to me was how the author intertwined their romance with the mob world setting. The fact that they belonged to rival clans made their relationship a real challenge, but also gave the story an addictive, forbidden edge. You could really feel how much they wanted each other and how determined Liam was to fight for what he wanted, no matter the cost.
If I had one small note, it would be that the ending felt a little rushed and slightly open-ended. I would’ve loved just a bit more closure. Still, it leaves plenty of room for what might come next, and I truly hope there’s more of Liam and Taryn’s story ahead.
Scandalized is a gripping, passionate read full of chemistry, danger, and heart. It’s one of those stories that stays with you: bold, addictive, and impossible to put down.
November 26, 2025
Somehow this was even more insta-lusty than book 1. Despite Taryn wanting control over her life, I feel like we don't see her take the reins much. Even when she makes a bold choice later on in the book, it's told from Liam's POV of him reacting rather than Taryn's POV of her making that decision. I still just want a bit more character-wise from these books. They're very steamy, and that's great, but I wanted to be way more invested in who Liam and Taryn were as people, and I just didn't get there.
I'll keep going with this series because I'm pretty invested in the clan's activities and the potential future romances (I'm looking at you Steph and Elizabeth), but if you're looking for depth, this isn't where you'll find it. You will get a lot of graphic sex scenes though, so enjoy those.
TW: death, violence, sexual content, attempted kidnapping, car accident, murder, gun violence, injury detail; mentions blood, torture, sex trafficking, drugs
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Carina Press via Harlequin - Romance in exchange for an honest review.
I'll keep going with this series because I'm pretty invested in the clan's activities and the potential future romances (I'm looking at you Steph and Elizabeth), but if you're looking for depth, this isn't where you'll find it. You will get a lot of graphic sex scenes though, so enjoy those.
TW: death, violence, sexual content, attempted kidnapping, car accident, murder, gun violence, injury detail; mentions blood, torture, sex trafficking, drugs
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Carina Press via Harlequin - Romance in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2025
The plot. The chemistry. Everything.
I adored this book!!! This is my second book by Kelly Kilburn and I can without a doubt say she has become an instant buy author. I love the way she writes, the way she describes the characters, and the way she makes you feel.
Taryn — a strong minded woman, very opinionated, and also naive in the mob world. I think Kelly wrote her beautifully. She truly wanted her own world, a world where she could be a lawyer and get away from the mob life. I think at times she was extremely selfish and mean to Liam… but I think Kelly wrote it that way to show 1) that she wasn’t perfect and 2) so we understood her better.
Liam — he was AMAZING. So patient with Taryn (even when she didn’t deserve it). So so so kind and so in love with her from the beginning. I mean… him asking or putting feelers out there for YEARS wanting to marry that girl… yes pls. I loved his protectiveness and how much he cared for her.
I lowkey wish they had an accidental pregnancy (don’t hate me). This book was so freaking good, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I hope (literally hands and knees begging) that I can continue to get arcs for her🤌🏼
I adored this book!!! This is my second book by Kelly Kilburn and I can without a doubt say she has become an instant buy author. I love the way she writes, the way she describes the characters, and the way she makes you feel.
Taryn — a strong minded woman, very opinionated, and also naive in the mob world. I think Kelly wrote her beautifully. She truly wanted her own world, a world where she could be a lawyer and get away from the mob life. I think at times she was extremely selfish and mean to Liam… but I think Kelly wrote it that way to show 1) that she wasn’t perfect and 2) so we understood her better.
Liam — he was AMAZING. So patient with Taryn (even when she didn’t deserve it). So so so kind and so in love with her from the beginning. I mean… him asking or putting feelers out there for YEARS wanting to marry that girl… yes pls. I loved his protectiveness and how much he cared for her.
I lowkey wish they had an accidental pregnancy (don’t hate me). This book was so freaking good, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I hope (literally hands and knees begging) that I can continue to get arcs for her🤌🏼
October 19, 2025
Scandalized is a fun, spicy, action-packed mafia romance with well-written and relatable characters. I absolutely loved both Taryn and Liam as the main characters and love interests. The chemistry between the two is absolutely fantastic! The dialogue throughout is witty and well-written and definitely adds another great layer to this book. In addition to Taryn and Liam, I enjoyed getting to know their family and friends, in particular Ryan. I hope that both Taryn's and Liam's siblings star in future books. I have so many questions regarding Nolan. I actually did not read the first book, which is not necessary as Scandalized can be read as a standalone; however, I will most certainly be going back and reading Weaponized, as well as reading the following books in the series! Scandalized really is an extremely entertaining and fun romance with all the spice, drama, action, and great characters. Considering it is a mafia romance, it wasn't too dark and violent. Overall, this was an easy five stars. I will definitely be recommending this book.
November 25, 2025
When I was originally given the ARC copy of this book, I had not year read Weaponized, which is book 1 of the series. I read that one first, then read this one immediately after it so the stories felt very linked and the storylines were consistent between the two books, which I enjoyed. These are mafia-style academia romances, similar to the LORDS series. I love Liam, the MMC in this book. He's cocky and arrogant, but falls HARD for the FMC Taryn. We still get plenty of interaction with the couple from the first book, which I also really enjoyed. I love that Taryn didn't take a back seat and wait to be saved. She actively tried to participate in the mafia intrigue, much to her family's dismay. I appreciate that this is a bit lighter than other mafia and academia romances (like LORDS), so if you like those storylines but don't want as much graphic trauma, you'll really enjoy this series.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
“You make me feel whole, Taryn. Not because you fix me. But because when I’m with you, I don’t feel broken.” 💙
OMG this book was amazing! I absolutely loved the first book but I think this one was somehow even better! The tension, angst, romance, and conflict meshed together makes for one fabulous story. Seriously, if you’re a mafia romance fan, you must read this series!
“You are mine, Taryn. My beauty. My world. My wife.”
I swoon every time a man calls his wife “my wife”. Like my goodness Liam was such a good husband to Taryn I cannot believe it. Ruthless with everyone else but a softie when it comes to his wife. I love that kind of storyline every time and Kelly absolutely delivered it in this book.
I cannot wait to read more books in this world because I love all of the characters!!
Thank you so much to Harlequin for an advanced copy! Scandalized releases on January 20, 2026, so be sure to check it out!
OMG this book was amazing! I absolutely loved the first book but I think this one was somehow even better! The tension, angst, romance, and conflict meshed together makes for one fabulous story. Seriously, if you’re a mafia romance fan, you must read this series!
“You are mine, Taryn. My beauty. My world. My wife.”
I swoon every time a man calls his wife “my wife”. Like my goodness Liam was such a good husband to Taryn I cannot believe it. Ruthless with everyone else but a softie when it comes to his wife. I love that kind of storyline every time and Kelly absolutely delivered it in this book.
I cannot wait to read more books in this world because I love all of the characters!!
Thank you so much to Harlequin for an advanced copy! Scandalized releases on January 20, 2026, so be sure to check it out!
December 20, 2025
Great spicy writing? Check. Possessive MCM? Check. Great Chemistry? Check (and this wasn’t even limited to the fmc and mcm! I found myself intrigued over other storylines regarding other characters).
I did enjoy this read and Kelly Kilburn’s writing, however, I found the pacing to be a tad bit slow due to a fixation on these character’s inner turmoils and a lot of emotional rehashing. I really didn’t need multiple chapters regarding the FMC’s flightiness, and the MCM’s daddy issues took a little something away from his appeal in this book setting. I would have loved a little more character development fleshed out so the resolution to these issues didn’t feel so spontaneous.
Overall this was a fun, spicy read, but for some it may feel a little bit draggy if you’re unable to immediately connect with these characters.
I did enjoy this read and Kelly Kilburn’s writing, however, I found the pacing to be a tad bit slow due to a fixation on these character’s inner turmoils and a lot of emotional rehashing. I really didn’t need multiple chapters regarding the FMC’s flightiness, and the MCM’s daddy issues took a little something away from his appeal in this book setting. I would have loved a little more character development fleshed out so the resolution to these issues didn’t feel so spontaneous.
Overall this was a fun, spicy read, but for some it may feel a little bit draggy if you’re unable to immediately connect with these characters.
October 21, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better. Kelly delivered on the suspense and spice completely different from book one that still has me loving this series.
I am loving the development of world-building and characters. Kelly did a great job of bringing parts of book one into book two. She is always giving us enough information and suspense that I am not confused along the way.
The spicy parts came in a lot sooner than book one, but I am not complaining about it. I could feel the connection Liam and Taryn had through the whole book.
This is a series that deserves to be talked about on all platforms and all the stars!
Thank you Kelly, NetGalley, and Harlequin Romance for the opportunity!
I am loving the development of world-building and characters. Kelly did a great job of bringing parts of book one into book two. She is always giving us enough information and suspense that I am not confused along the way.
The spicy parts came in a lot sooner than book one, but I am not complaining about it. I could feel the connection Liam and Taryn had through the whole book.
This is a series that deserves to be talked about on all platforms and all the stars!
Thank you Kelly, NetGalley, and Harlequin Romance for the opportunity!
November 12, 2025
This was a pretty good mafia romance. I do love that these are the heirs of the mafia and in college, so not as involved as some mafia romance books. Definitely makes for an interesting read and so different than many of the other mafia romances out there.
I couldn’t relate much to Taryn’s character and felt the personalities of Liam and Taryn didn’t mesh very well. It could very well be his nickname for her being “beauty”. Sometimes a bad nickname ruins the book for me 😅
I do need to have a book about Matteo and Elizabeth stat. And Stephanie and Rowan because I’m loving the hints dropped between those characters.
Thank you to Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t relate much to Taryn’s character and felt the personalities of Liam and Taryn didn’t mesh very well. It could very well be his nickname for her being “beauty”. Sometimes a bad nickname ruins the book for me 😅
I do need to have a book about Matteo and Elizabeth stat. And Stephanie and Rowan because I’m loving the hints dropped between those characters.
Thank you to Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
4⭐️
4🌶️
scandalized is a spicy college mafia romance.
from the beginning i was so skeptical of liam and taryn’s relationship because even though he seemed to really be into her, she did not reciprocate the feelings. taryn is a new york mob princess who could think of a million other things she’d rather be doing. liam is heir to the chicago clan and expected to use this marriage to strengthen alliances between the two clans. i love how the author was able incorporate a love story into a ruthless mob setting. i wish the ending would have been a little more drawn out, but im hoping the ending is indicative of the possibility of a third book?? 👀
huge thank you to netgalley, harlequin romance shameless romantics, and kelly kilburn for the opportunity to read this arc!!
4🌶️
scandalized is a spicy college mafia romance.
from the beginning i was so skeptical of liam and taryn’s relationship because even though he seemed to really be into her, she did not reciprocate the feelings. taryn is a new york mob princess who could think of a million other things she’d rather be doing. liam is heir to the chicago clan and expected to use this marriage to strengthen alliances between the two clans. i love how the author was able incorporate a love story into a ruthless mob setting. i wish the ending would have been a little more drawn out, but im hoping the ending is indicative of the possibility of a third book?? 👀
huge thank you to netgalley, harlequin romance shameless romantics, and kelly kilburn for the opportunity to read this arc!!
December 6, 2025
I received this book as an ARC read. This is my first read of Kelly Kilburn. I am a sucker for Dark Romance! I enjoyed the story between the FMC and MMC. I understood the dilemma the FMC was going through and her desire to have a choice and be her own person. The MMC is a playboy but he has been thinking of the FMC and wanting to bring them together. I was lovestruck how the MMC took the blame and in the end ended up with the FMC as his wife. I respected how the MMC gave his wife the place within the clans and gave her a choice as to what she wanted. I fell in love with the MMC and at times the FMC got on my nerves with her indecisions but in the end the MMC taught her to communicate and not run away.
December 9, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
I love Liam, the mmc. He’s sweet, charming and just enough possessiveness that is sexy. I love that he falls fast and hard. He takes good care of her. He’s what I’d want in a mafia man.
The mfc does get annoying at times. Seems very juvenile and only thinks of herself. She keeps getting into trouble and the mmc is having to save her a lot. For someone trying to become a lawyer, she doesn’t seem mature enough to do so.
I do love them together, he lives her crazy and they have the cutest banter and way they are together.
I like this author and this series so far, i will most def continue to the 3rd book
I love Liam, the mmc. He’s sweet, charming and just enough possessiveness that is sexy. I love that he falls fast and hard. He takes good care of her. He’s what I’d want in a mafia man.
The mfc does get annoying at times. Seems very juvenile and only thinks of herself. She keeps getting into trouble and the mmc is having to save her a lot. For someone trying to become a lawyer, she doesn’t seem mature enough to do so.
I do love them together, he lives her crazy and they have the cutest banter and way they are together.
I like this author and this series so far, i will most def continue to the 3rd book
December 28, 2025
In the second book of the Heirs of the Organized, we get more drama and spice - this time in the form of arranged marriage.
Taryn has big plans for the future and they don’t include the family business, but when an alliance is offered in the form of marriage, Taryn is shoved to the altar with Liam McGuiness - the heir of Chicago’s Irish mob.
I love a man who is down bad, and Liam is from the very start, which I’m so thankful for dual POV for letting us see that. As we get to see Taryn and Liam’s relationship bloom, forces are working against them, and they need to reevaluate the role that they want to play in their family’s future.
One thing I really enjoy about this series is its fast-paced nature. The characters are forced to go through a lot of different things rather quickly, but the author does a great job of making them well-thought-out despite their pace. If you like a mafia romance with spice and angst, this is the book for you!
Thank you Kelly Kilburn, Carina Press, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Taryn has big plans for the future and they don’t include the family business, but when an alliance is offered in the form of marriage, Taryn is shoved to the altar with Liam McGuiness - the heir of Chicago’s Irish mob.
I love a man who is down bad, and Liam is from the very start, which I’m so thankful for dual POV for letting us see that. As we get to see Taryn and Liam’s relationship bloom, forces are working against them, and they need to reevaluate the role that they want to play in their family’s future.
One thing I really enjoy about this series is its fast-paced nature. The characters are forced to go through a lot of different things rather quickly, but the author does a great job of making them well-thought-out despite their pace. If you like a mafia romance with spice and angst, this is the book for you!
Thank you Kelly Kilburn, Carina Press, and Netgalley for the ARC!
December 9, 2025
The second book to the Heirs of the Organized - really enjoyed this one. Classic arranged marriage trope with a golden retriever goofy playboy mmc, Taryn and Liam are set up to be married by their Irish mob families to secure an alliance.
Taryn has plans to move to California to become a lawyer and wants nothing to do with Liam whatsoever LOL. Liam has been and becomes even more obsessed with her, and will do everything to make her see that. I loved how caring and tender he is with her, overall great book - perfect if you are new to the dark romance genre.
Thank you to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this early <3
Taryn has plans to move to California to become a lawyer and wants nothing to do with Liam whatsoever LOL. Liam has been and becomes even more obsessed with her, and will do everything to make her see that. I loved how caring and tender he is with her, overall great book - perfect if you are new to the dark romance genre.
Thank you to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this early <3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so good! I loved how completely different it felt from the first book, while still staying true to the overall story. I really enjoyed watching her try so hard to remove herself from the mob and build a life away from that world. It made her character feel more real and relatable. Of course, things don’t go as planned, and I loved seeing her slowly start to fall for the man she’s forced to marry. Their relationship was surprisingly sweet, with great chemistry and genuinely cute moments that made it impossible not to root for them. The balance between tension, romance, and character growth made this such an engaging and enjoyable read.
October 30, 2025
Scandalized by Kelly Kilburn is book 2 in the Heirs of the Organization series. Taryn is looking forward to graduation and moving across the country to get away from the mob life for law school. She is shocked to find out that her family has promised her in an arranged marriage to Liam, heir of Chicago’s Irish mob, fellow student at St. Agnes, and playboy. In this enemies-to-lovers romance, I really enjoyed the banter, drama, and heat between the main characters. I would recommend reading Weaponized first as it lays the foundation for the characters and storyline. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin - Romance, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin - Romance, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
This one was such a wild ride. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Taryn and Liam had instant, crackling chemistry that felt both fun and believable. Their banter was sharp, their attraction was undeniable, and their dynamic kept me smiling all the way through. The pacing was great, and the world building had just enough detail to keep things interesting without slowing the story down. Thank you so much to the author, Harlequin and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars - I received an ARC copy of this book and it’s my first by this author. I did really enjoy this & Liam was a great MMC. I think the pacing may have been a bit off for me at times, but I also think that could just be a ‘me’ thing, as I have been super busy and slumpy this past week.
If you’re in the mood for a YA arranged marriage, mafia book with an obsessive golden retriever MMC, who would still burn the world down for his girl, give this a go.
If you’re in the mood for a YA arranged marriage, mafia book with an obsessive golden retriever MMC, who would still burn the world down for his girl, give this a go.
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