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Society of Villains #2
Twisted Pawn
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 13:25:12
5 copies available
U.S. only
From New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a dark romance about an assassin Mafia heir and the villainess who refuses to become his next victim.
Tierney
There's a bullet with my name on it. And Achilles Ferrante is the man who'll pull the trigger. I'd always known one of us would kill the other. I'd just hoped to do the honor.
Twice I betrayed him. First, I broke his heart. Then, I sold him out to the Feds. Even if I hadn't, I doubt he could spell mercy, much less spare me any.
The Camorra prince promised he'd make a spectacle of my death when he caught me. Let him try. He could chase me until the end of Earth.
I will always run faster.
Achilles
To love is to destroy, and I'd loved Tierney Callaghan far too long, and far too much. She's a fatal weakness, but unlike the Greek mythology warrior - I will remain undefeated.
My little flame can run fast, but my bullet is faster.
Once upon a time, she was the only person who saw my humanity. She's about to meet the monster everyone else knows.
Tierney
There's a bullet with my name on it. And Achilles Ferrante is the man who'll pull the trigger. I'd always known one of us would kill the other. I'd just hoped to do the honor.
Twice I betrayed him. First, I broke his heart. Then, I sold him out to the Feds. Even if I hadn't, I doubt he could spell mercy, much less spare me any.
The Camorra prince promised he'd make a spectacle of my death when he caught me. Let him try. He could chase me until the end of Earth.
I will always run faster.
Achilles
To love is to destroy, and I'd loved Tierney Callaghan far too long, and far too much. She's a fatal weakness, but unlike the Greek mythology warrior - I will remain undefeated.
My little flame can run fast, but my bullet is faster.
Once upon a time, she was the only person who saw my humanity. She's about to meet the monster everyone else knows.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2026
117 people are currently reading
29586 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Shen
108 books57.8k followersL.J. Shen is a New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 28, 2025
I really hope this is about Tierney and Achilles
!!! I need this so bad! 😭🤍🙏🏻 please
!!! I need this so bad! 😭🤍🙏🏻 please
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
📚 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬 📚 [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star Review]...T𝐖I𝐒T𝐄D P𝐀W𝐍: Is the second full length book in the (Society of Villains) series by Author L.J. Shen. Spoken in daul POV's.
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
Tropes:
❥ ENEMIES TO LOVERS
❥ SECOND CHANCE
❥ ASSASSIN HEROINE
❥ MORALLY PITCH BLACK HERO (MINE)
❥ OBSESSED ANTI HERO ( YET AGAIN MINE)
❥ SLOW BURN TENSION
This one hits those feels like a mack truck oblibering that beating heart of yours like no other, there was a scene in this (not going to give spoilers) but it broke me, my heart broke for this man watching the woman he loved gaining back control, that control he took from her, I wished it had've been done in a different way. But that's not how this story unfolds. I literally had tears running down my face and it was unbearable to read. Comfort zones may be put to the test. Be prepared.
But it didn't stop me from enjoying this, I loved the too and fro, the fashbacks, the want to kill you but want to have you angst, the darkness of her past, their story wasn't made up of puppy dogs and unicorns farting glitter, it was raw, and it suited their story, their journey, their pasts.
These two met when they were teenagers, he was the boy who climbed through her bedroom window standing in the shadows a strong force keeping nightmares at bay. She was fighting the demons of her past. Their story was one I couldn't wait to get my hands on, that slow burn simmering in the background, Loved him, loved her for him, together they were perfection, two broken souls mended as one.
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
Tropes:
❥ ENEMIES TO LOVERS
❥ SECOND CHANCE
❥ ASSASSIN HEROINE
❥ MORALLY PITCH BLACK HERO (MINE)
❥ OBSESSED ANTI HERO ( YET AGAIN MINE)
❥ SLOW BURN TENSION
This one hits those feels like a mack truck oblibering that beating heart of yours like no other, there was a scene in this (not going to give spoilers) but it broke me, my heart broke for this man watching the woman he loved gaining back control, that control he took from her, I wished it had've been done in a different way. But that's not how this story unfolds. I literally had tears running down my face and it was unbearable to read. Comfort zones may be put to the test. Be prepared.
But it didn't stop me from enjoying this, I loved the too and fro, the fashbacks, the want to kill you but want to have you angst, the darkness of her past, their story wasn't made up of puppy dogs and unicorns farting glitter, it was raw, and it suited their story, their journey, their pasts.
These two met when they were teenagers, he was the boy who climbed through her bedroom window standing in the shadows a strong force keeping nightmares at bay. She was fighting the demons of her past. Their story was one I couldn't wait to get my hands on, that slow burn simmering in the background, Loved him, loved her for him, together they were perfection, two broken souls mended as one.
Read
March 16, 2026TWISTED PAWN
♙ eBook: https://amzn.to/4sRpnoH
♙ Paperback: https://amzn.to/4sNUpxC
♙ Walmart Exclusive: http://shor.by/bw13
♙ Audiobook (duet narration: Stephen Dexter and Lila Winters, with Corvin King as Tiernan and Lucy Rivers as Lila): https://amzn.to/3N5ROQz
♙ UK/Commonwealth: http://shor.by/RLXz
🚩 Please read trigger warnings if you have any.
♙ eBook: https://amzn.to/4sRpnoH
♙ Paperback: https://amzn.to/4sNUpxC
♙ Walmart Exclusive: http://shor.by/bw13
♙ Audiobook (duet narration: Stephen Dexter and Lila Winters, with Corvin King as Tiernan and Lucy Rivers as Lila): https://amzn.to/3N5ROQz
♙ UK/Commonwealth: http://shor.by/RLXz
🚩 Please read trigger warnings if you have any.
Want to read
December 2, 2025𝒜𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓈 𝐹𝑒𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒 & 𝒯𝒾𝑒𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒞𝒶𝓁𝓁𝒶𝑔𝒽𝒶𝓃 "𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓪 𝓯𝓲𝓪𝓶𝓶𝓪" ??
𝙰𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚙𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘 & 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚗 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕 - ʜᴀɴᴅꜱᴏᴍᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ
"𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬?"
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐁𝐈 𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥.
𝙰𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚙𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘 & 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚗 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕 - ʜᴀɴᴅꜱᴏᴍᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ
"𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬?"
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐁𝐈 𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥.
Want to read
January 9, 2026After that L.J. Shen Instagram tease, I need this book ASAP 😭📖✨
March 3, 2026
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OH MY GOD! This book was everything!!
I really loved how it jumped to past scenes, it truly helped understand Tierney and Achilles’ past with each-other and what led to the present.
She betrays him, TWICE! For starters, after the first betrayal he stalks her, puts security detail on her every move, cameras in her house and unaliv€s anyone she is “with” 🤭
My baby Tierney really went through it 💔 I just wish she would have spoke up and been honest with Achilles! 😭
That plane scene! 🥵
This man truly would do ANYTHING for her. Including something towards the end of the book that really annoyed me!! It was including a “Alex”. If you know you know 🙄
The plot at the end with Tristan really took the ending to another level! I need the next book, NOW!
OH MY GOD! This book was everything!!
I really loved how it jumped to past scenes, it truly helped understand Tierney and Achilles’ past with each-other and what led to the present.
She betrays him, TWICE! For starters, after the first betrayal he stalks her, puts security detail on her every move, cameras in her house and unaliv€s anyone she is “with” 🤭
My baby Tierney really went through it 💔 I just wish she would have spoke up and been honest with Achilles! 😭
That plane scene! 🥵
This man truly would do ANYTHING for her. Including something towards the end of the book that really annoyed me!! It was including a “Alex”. If you know you know 🙄
The plot at the end with Tristan really took the ending to another level! I need the next book, NOW!
Read
March 27, 2026This lusty, hate-filled lovers saga could've been named ☞ Clash Of The Assasins
Shen takes your breath way in this adrenaline pumping drama that takes you by surprise at every turn. Inserting tear-welling emotions at unexpected places and yearning love where you'd least expect it, I was completely gobsmacked at intensity of passion and venom in equal dosages, in the same breath.
How does one get over Achilles Ferrante. We met him in Bad Bishop. He seemed to be made of stone. Completely silent, stoic and closed off. What we didn't see was the roiling storm inside. This book unleashes this storm and we, along with Tierney Callaghan, are swept away.
I need this man injected in my veins!!
I should've been scared of his bloody hands, but the circumstances he's stuck in soften their corners
“The eternal chicken-or-the-egg dilemma—was I a stone-cold killer because I was groomed to become one, or was it in my DNA to kill, just like my mobster father? Both nature and nurture worked against me. A perfect storm, and guess which motherfucker was the eye of it? Dead center. That’s me.”
Multi-layered, enticing alpha who OBSESSES, STALKS, is INFECTED with his Tier, his Piccola Fiamma has his both arms twisted to hand over his pawn.
But wiat...THERE'S MORE!!
This flame is burning inside him too, till their chemistry sparks the fire that engulfs us all.
Tierney is a Steel Magnolia. Heart as vulnerable, as the hardened shell that protects her.
FANTASTIC doesn't even begin to cover the magnitude and impact of this story. I'm now waiting for more
5 stars for Achilles heel
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
Shen takes your breath way in this adrenaline pumping drama that takes you by surprise at every turn. Inserting tear-welling emotions at unexpected places and yearning love where you'd least expect it, I was completely gobsmacked at intensity of passion and venom in equal dosages, in the same breath.
How does one get over Achilles Ferrante. We met him in Bad Bishop. He seemed to be made of stone. Completely silent, stoic and closed off. What we didn't see was the roiling storm inside. This book unleashes this storm and we, along with Tierney Callaghan, are swept away.
I need this man injected in my veins!!
I should've been scared of his bloody hands, but the circumstances he's stuck in soften their corners
“The eternal chicken-or-the-egg dilemma—was I a stone-cold killer because I was groomed to become one, or was it in my DNA to kill, just like my mobster father? Both nature and nurture worked against me. A perfect storm, and guess which motherfucker was the eye of it? Dead center. That’s me.”
Multi-layered, enticing alpha who OBSESSES, STALKS, is INFECTED with his Tier, his Piccola Fiamma has his both arms twisted to hand over his pawn.
But wiat...THERE'S MORE!!
This flame is burning inside him too, till their chemistry sparks the fire that engulfs us all.
Tierney is a Steel Magnolia. Heart as vulnerable, as the hardened shell that protects her.
FANTASTIC doesn't even begin to cover the magnitude and impact of this story. I'm now waiting for more
5 stars for Achilles heel
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
March 12, 2026
Twisted Pawn
(Society of Villains, 2)
L.J. Shen
Pub: 4/7/26
5☆
He’s an assassin Mafia heir.
She’s his achilles heel.
Since flipping the last page of Bad Bishop I could not wait for the next book. Then when I found out we were getting Tierney and Achilles… well let’s just say I was feral. Luckily my friends over at Bloom heard my cries and sent me this stunning ARC. TYSM for the #gifted copy!
I was so nervous going in because of how much I loved Lila and Tiernan’s story, and wondering could Shen deliver back to back? Friends she DELIVERED in jaw dropping, heart pounding fashion.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚? ALL of them.
Oh holy heck did this hit the mark. Over and over again. Tierney and Achille’s were EVERYTHING! Their enemies to lovers story was absolute 🔥in every which way you could imagine. It was dark(er), chaotic, and even more unhinged. The banter, angst, tension, and chemistry between these two… ALL done to perfection and damn if it didn’t radiated off the pages. Shen is an absolute master at writing all things mafia romance and I am SO here for it. Twisted Pawn had me utterly addicted and fighting to put it down.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩?
I loved getting a look into their past and the unresolved history/betrayal that led us to the present.
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
♟️ Readers who enjoy:
♟️ Enemies To Lovers
♟️ Dark Romance
♟️ Mafia
♟️ Second Chance
♟️ Unputdownable Reads
♟️ Sizzling Spice
♟️ Touch Her And ☠️ (Literally)
I don’t know which was greater, it consuming me or me consuming it. Either way, I am already so damn excited and greedy for Fallen Rook.
Thank you again to Bloom Books for the opportunity to be an early reader.
(Society of Villains, 2)
L.J. Shen
Pub: 4/7/26
5☆
He’s an assassin Mafia heir.
She’s his achilles heel.
Since flipping the last page of Bad Bishop I could not wait for the next book. Then when I found out we were getting Tierney and Achilles… well let’s just say I was feral. Luckily my friends over at Bloom heard my cries and sent me this stunning ARC. TYSM for the #gifted copy!
I was so nervous going in because of how much I loved Lila and Tiernan’s story, and wondering could Shen deliver back to back? Friends she DELIVERED in jaw dropping, heart pounding fashion.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚? ALL of them.
Oh holy heck did this hit the mark. Over and over again. Tierney and Achille’s were EVERYTHING! Their enemies to lovers story was absolute 🔥in every which way you could imagine. It was dark(er), chaotic, and even more unhinged. The banter, angst, tension, and chemistry between these two… ALL done to perfection and damn if it didn’t radiated off the pages. Shen is an absolute master at writing all things mafia romance and I am SO here for it. Twisted Pawn had me utterly addicted and fighting to put it down.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩?
I loved getting a look into their past and the unresolved history/betrayal that led us to the present.
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
♟️ Readers who enjoy:
♟️ Enemies To Lovers
♟️ Dark Romance
♟️ Mafia
♟️ Second Chance
♟️ Unputdownable Reads
♟️ Sizzling Spice
♟️ Touch Her And ☠️ (Literally)
I don’t know which was greater, it consuming me or me consuming it. Either way, I am already so damn excited and greedy for Fallen Rook.
Thank you again to Bloom Books for the opportunity to be an early reader.
April 1, 2026
This is LJ’s writing at its best.
Twisted Pawn has been my most anticipated read of this year,and I couldn’t be more pleased with the depth of emotion she brought out with her careful consideration of its subject matter,and attention to detail. These characters are incredibly compelling,and their stories are unique in nature. The twisty family dynamics and dark brooding mmc’s have me hooked and eagerly awaiting each installment in this series.
Achilles and Tierney are my favorite couple,and I absolutely loved every second of their story.
Twisted Pawn has been my most anticipated read of this year,and I couldn’t be more pleased with the depth of emotion she brought out with her careful consideration of its subject matter,and attention to detail. These characters are incredibly compelling,and their stories are unique in nature. The twisty family dynamics and dark brooding mmc’s have me hooked and eagerly awaiting each installment in this series.
Achilles and Tierney are my favorite couple,and I absolutely loved every second of their story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Enemies to lovers? Yes.
Second chance romance? Absolutely.
Childhood love turned enemies? Inject it straight into my veins.
L. J. Shen truly is a master of emotionally charged chaos. She takes revenge, heartbreak, and unresolved history, tosses them into a glittering pressure cooker, and somehow delivers something addictive and unforgettable. The tension? Immaculate. The angst? Deliciously painful. The payoff? Worth every single page.
And can we talk about the fact that she swoons over Henry Cavill too? Honestly, she was already an auto-buy author for me, but that little detail sealed the deal forever. Amen and hallelujah.
Tierney is an absolute force. A badass with sharp edges and a guarded heart, she doesn't just walk into a scene, she owns it. Watching her navigate revenge, love, and that undeniable pull toward the past was everything.
This book delivers revenge, love, lust, and swoon-worthy spice in perfect balance. If you're craving high tension, emotional warfare, and chemistry that practically crackles off the page, consider this your sign. Your next read is calling.
Second chance romance? Absolutely.
Childhood love turned enemies? Inject it straight into my veins.
L. J. Shen truly is a master of emotionally charged chaos. She takes revenge, heartbreak, and unresolved history, tosses them into a glittering pressure cooker, and somehow delivers something addictive and unforgettable. The tension? Immaculate. The angst? Deliciously painful. The payoff? Worth every single page.
And can we talk about the fact that she swoons over Henry Cavill too? Honestly, she was already an auto-buy author for me, but that little detail sealed the deal forever. Amen and hallelujah.
Tierney is an absolute force. A badass with sharp edges and a guarded heart, she doesn't just walk into a scene, she owns it. Watching her navigate revenge, love, and that undeniable pull toward the past was everything.
This book delivers revenge, love, lust, and swoon-worthy spice in perfect balance. If you're craving high tension, emotional warfare, and chemistry that practically crackles off the page, consider this your sign. Your next read is calling.
March 27, 2026
I am in both agony and bliss somehow. HOW is this book this incredible??
Tierney and Achilles’ story has this magnetic push and pull that sways you along lyrically. You can feel the tension and chemistry practically radiating off the page!
I’ve known their story would be special, ever since meeting them in Bad Bishop, but nothing could have properly prepared me.
Somehow life has handed these two bad a** rival mafia members the true crap end of the stick, and yet…and yet they overcome. They get up the next day and just keep going.
But what happens when you can’t keep up appearances and all those things you thought you locked away, come to the surface? What happens when you can’t run?
Tierney and Achilles are strong, capable, intelligent, and truly, spectacularly hilarious!
If you are looking for incredible banter, magnificent spice, and don’t mind some bl**dshed, dive in! This series will rock your world!
Bring on book 3 LJ!
I had the true pleasure of reading AND listening to this title in advance of its release and I have to say, I am SO thankful I got to listen as well as read. The narrators are fantastic and I love the cast of characters and how they were portrayed! Perfect fit for these voices and the story came to life so beautifully well.
Tierney and Achilles’ story has this magnetic push and pull that sways you along lyrically. You can feel the tension and chemistry practically radiating off the page!
I’ve known their story would be special, ever since meeting them in Bad Bishop, but nothing could have properly prepared me.
Somehow life has handed these two bad a** rival mafia members the true crap end of the stick, and yet…and yet they overcome. They get up the next day and just keep going.
But what happens when you can’t keep up appearances and all those things you thought you locked away, come to the surface? What happens when you can’t run?
Tierney and Achilles are strong, capable, intelligent, and truly, spectacularly hilarious!
If you are looking for incredible banter, magnificent spice, and don’t mind some bl**dshed, dive in! This series will rock your world!
Bring on book 3 LJ!
I had the true pleasure of reading AND listening to this title in advance of its release and I have to say, I am SO thankful I got to listen as well as read. The narrators are fantastic and I love the cast of characters and how they were portrayed! Perfect fit for these voices and the story came to life so beautifully well.
March 22, 2026
I am so giddy that this book is Achilles and Tierney’s story!!! Ever since Bad Bishop I’ve been dying for it and then I couldn’t believe when the blurb came out and we found out that these two have history!!!! Twisted Pawn takes us through over a decade of these two broken babies loving and hating each other. It’s so incredibly sad!!! Achilles met Tierney not long after she escaped the work camp with Tiernan and came to America. Present day is a few months after Bad Bishop, the two HATE each other, and Achilles is ready to marry Tierney off to someone. We know from Bad Bishop that he’s in charge of who she will be married to. Everyone kind of thinks that marriage will make her settle and keep her out of trouble. But Tierney’s middle name is Chaos and nothing is going to go to plan. SO MUCH happened in this book it was actually crazy!!! I had no idea where we were going, but I was happy to be on the ride!!! This book was completely addictive and unputdownable. Achilles was so much sweeter than I expected!!! I think that was the most unexpected part of this story. Tierney was so much more broken than I knew. These poor broken babies went through hell their whole lives, from childhood on, and fought so hard for their HEA 😭😭😭 No one deserved it more than them.
I’m still obsessed with this series and cannot wait for book three!!!!!!
I’m still obsessed with this series and cannot wait for book three!!!!!!
Want to read
November 15, 2025Tierney and Achilles’s story.
The term "transgressive" comes to mind?
Darker than dark, I’m sure, if the author continues with them in the same vein as in book 1.
They were merely SIDE characters but I could feel the burn.
I’m not the target audience and shouldn’t read it.
But I have to know.
Auth fb page:
🖤NEW SERIES ANNOUNCEMENT🖤
Coming in hot with a brand new, SEVEN-book mafia series.
Society of Villains will comprise seven interconnected standalones. You'll meet some of the key players in Handsome Devil (including our anti-hero and heroine 👀).
Think if Peaky Blinders and Succession had a baby.
What you can expect:
🔱 Mafia wars
🔱 Taboo tropes
🔱 Plot twists to make your jaw drop
🔱 One MM book (told ya' it was coming)
🔱 Cameos from your favorite characters (Sinners, Boston Belles, ASH, Forbidden Love)
🔱 BEST. COVERS. EVER.
Publishing schedule:
♟ Bad Bishop - Nov 18, 2025
♟ Twisted Pawn - March 31, 2026
♟ Fallen Rook
♟ Corrupt Knight
♟ Heartless King
♟ Wicked Queen
♟ Devil's Gambit
The term "transgressive" comes to mind?
Darker than dark, I’m sure, if the author continues with them in the same vein as in book 1.
They were merely SIDE characters but I could feel the burn.
I’m not the target audience and shouldn’t read it.
But I have to know.
Auth fb page:
🖤NEW SERIES ANNOUNCEMENT🖤
Coming in hot with a brand new, SEVEN-book mafia series.
Society of Villains will comprise seven interconnected standalones. You'll meet some of the key players in Handsome Devil (including our anti-hero and heroine 👀).
Think if Peaky Blinders and Succession had a baby.
What you can expect:
🔱 Mafia wars
🔱 Taboo tropes
🔱 Plot twists to make your jaw drop
🔱 One MM book (told ya' it was coming)
🔱 Cameos from your favorite characters (Sinners, Boston Belles, ASH, Forbidden Love)
🔱 BEST. COVERS. EVER.
Publishing schedule:
♟ Bad Bishop - Nov 18, 2025
♟ Twisted Pawn - March 31, 2026
♟ Fallen Rook
♟ Corrupt Knight
♟ Heartless King
♟ Wicked Queen
♟ Devil's Gambit
Want to read
March 8, 2026Aahhhhh Bloom sent me an arc?!?!
This is gonna be MESSY and I’m gonna eat it the fuck up
This is gonna be MESSY and I’m gonna eat it the fuck up
March 30, 2026
★♾️★
To say I love this story would be an understatement, to say I’m obsessed is accurate but still not close to describe the way I feel about this opus. All descriptions would fall short in portraying how deeply this story has affected me.
Ms Shen pours her heart and soul into these pages, her sweat and fatigue seeps through them; I didn’t just breathe Achilles and Tierney, I inhaled them, I absorbed them, and I’m still not cured from my addiction. They have, and will forever, live rent free in my heart, from the very first moment I touched their tale, they have taken over my soul and I don’t want it back.
This second instalment, as you might have read sees Achilles and Tierney’s story. And as we navigate through new chapters we discover more of this universe and its inhabitants. I won’t tell you this is an easy journey but I will tell you that it’s worth every tear and painful moment. This author’s skills are evolving and growing in a magnificent way, she gives us so much raw energy and heart wrenching moments.
We are delving into a darker shade, so I would recommend reading the TW before going in. As a lover of anything dark I truly appreciate how beautifully Ms Shen handles this tale, the characters arcs are masterfully drafted, woven into each chapter are moments linked to a bigger picture that will be revealed as the series continues. This perfectly executed story is book two of the Society of Villains series, and although it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the previous book in order to enjoy it to the maximum. Achilles and Tierney’s incipit can be glimpsed from book one, besides not reading book one would be a travesty 😉
Thank you Leigh for sharing a piece of your heart with us 🖤
To say I love this story would be an understatement, to say I’m obsessed is accurate but still not close to describe the way I feel about this opus. All descriptions would fall short in portraying how deeply this story has affected me.
Ms Shen pours her heart and soul into these pages, her sweat and fatigue seeps through them; I didn’t just breathe Achilles and Tierney, I inhaled them, I absorbed them, and I’m still not cured from my addiction. They have, and will forever, live rent free in my heart, from the very first moment I touched their tale, they have taken over my soul and I don’t want it back.
This second instalment, as you might have read sees Achilles and Tierney’s story. And as we navigate through new chapters we discover more of this universe and its inhabitants. I won’t tell you this is an easy journey but I will tell you that it’s worth every tear and painful moment. This author’s skills are evolving and growing in a magnificent way, she gives us so much raw energy and heart wrenching moments.
We are delving into a darker shade, so I would recommend reading the TW before going in. As a lover of anything dark I truly appreciate how beautifully Ms Shen handles this tale, the characters arcs are masterfully drafted, woven into each chapter are moments linked to a bigger picture that will be revealed as the series continues. This perfectly executed story is book two of the Society of Villains series, and although it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the previous book in order to enjoy it to the maximum. Achilles and Tierney’s incipit can be glimpsed from book one, besides not reading book one would be a travesty 😉
Thank you Leigh for sharing a piece of your heart with us 🖤
March 25, 2026
When I tell you that I could not put this down...I nearly cancelled a previous engagment to finish this! I only got 3 hours of sleep but I read this in a DAY.
Our main characters were perfect together. I love how strong Tierney were. This is a woman who carries trauma in her mind, body, and soul. Yet she doesn't back down. She owns who she is. She's smart, resourceful and everything I love about a MFC who doesn't need a man to save her.
Achillies *fans self* My favorite male of this series so far (as if we aren't only on book 2) because he is someone worthy of love and the way he is with Tierney by the end warmed my heart.
There's so many factors in this story that kept me engaged. We still get to see a lot from book one's couple. We have a good set up for book three and the way everything was told and flowed was so well done. I'm already itching for book three like someone needing their next hit.
Our main characters were perfect together. I love how strong Tierney were. This is a woman who carries trauma in her mind, body, and soul. Yet she doesn't back down. She owns who she is. She's smart, resourceful and everything I love about a MFC who doesn't need a man to save her.
Achillies *fans self* My favorite male of this series so far (as if we aren't only on book 2) because he is someone worthy of love and the way he is with Tierney by the end warmed my heart.
There's so many factors in this story that kept me engaged. We still get to see a lot from book one's couple. We have a good set up for book three and the way everything was told and flowed was so well done. I'm already itching for book three like someone needing their next hit.
March 23, 2026
The trauma of this book is beautiful in the most dark and twisted way.
Lj has upped the ante with this series. If you’re not a lover of dark then treat lightly because Tierney and Achilles are not for the faint of heart. Their love story is gory is the most gut wrenching way and even though I gasped in shock many times I couldn’t put their book down because Tierney is just that amazing and Achilles love for her is beautifully wild.
The journey these two went through is WOW! My jaw dropped many times and I loved uncovering their secrets and their history. I loved getting to see what made Tierney the fierce heroine she is. The connecting storyline takes on a life of its own in this book and you will find yourself shocked on almost every page. I loved the angst, the passion and the many twists.
I am excited for more in this series and to see where it all goes! Hands down one of the best mafia romances out there!
Lj has upped the ante with this series. If you’re not a lover of dark then treat lightly because Tierney and Achilles are not for the faint of heart. Their love story is gory is the most gut wrenching way and even though I gasped in shock many times I couldn’t put their book down because Tierney is just that amazing and Achilles love for her is beautifully wild.
The journey these two went through is WOW! My jaw dropped many times and I loved uncovering their secrets and their history. I loved getting to see what made Tierney the fierce heroine she is. The connecting storyline takes on a life of its own in this book and you will find yourself shocked on almost every page. I loved the angst, the passion and the many twists.
I am excited for more in this series and to see where it all goes! Hands down one of the best mafia romances out there!
March 24, 2026
“L.J. DELIVERS an all-consuming enthralling, spicy, raw, dark mind-blowing story!”
The chemistry between Tierney and Achilles was beyond explosive, I expected my kindle to combust! I couldn’t help but fall head over heels irrevocably in love with them they are pure chaos and I loved it..
This book has in-printed it self on My Soul L. J. Will have you craving the dark.
The way the words flowed off the pages like lyrics, was everything This book was visceral and addicting! Mrs, shen
Has crafted a unputdownable series. I can’t wait for the next one!!
6 stars!”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
The chemistry between Tierney and Achilles was beyond explosive, I expected my kindle to combust! I couldn’t help but fall head over heels irrevocably in love with them they are pure chaos and I loved it..
This book has in-printed it self on My Soul L. J. Will have you craving the dark.
The way the words flowed off the pages like lyrics, was everything This book was visceral and addicting! Mrs, shen
Has crafted a unputdownable series. I can’t wait for the next one!!
6 stars!”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
TWISTED PAWN- LJ Shen!!!
ACHILLES, ACHILLES, ACHILLES!!!!! Where do I even begin!!! First and foremost, there is no doubt that this is one of the best dark mafia romances I’ve ever read! It was WONDERFUL! Dark, sultry, toxic, violent, lust-filled, beautiful, soft, and absolutely incredible! I will give zero spoilers for this so without further ado let me introduce you to Tierney Callaghan! Fierce, traumatized, vicious, broken ,beautiful and completely unhealthy in regards to a certain man!!! She is an incredible FMC. Throughout this book she was an enigma. Just when I think I have her figured out,, BAM she has gone and changed course. The complexity and trauma of all her relationships and experiences really shaped her as a woman. The growth that occurs for her from beginning to end in this was really amazing to watch!
Achilles was so similar but then completely different from Tierney. He was soft, tender, relatively simple in who he is, but no doubt brutal, vicious and starved. Considering these two are essentially a childhood to lovers story, that relationship dynamic is so incredible and complicated! How the navigate all that has happened is so messy and painful to watch at times! The depth of healing that is needed is ginormous! However, this made for ONE HELL OF A READ!!!
As far as the audio of this, UMMMMMM…. PHENOMENAL!!!!!! I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY with this entree cast! Lucy Rivers and Corbin King returned as supporting castmates, Lila and Tiernan! Stephen Dexter and Lila Winters were INCREDIBLEBLE!!!! The chemistry between the two is unexplainable!!!! I am so happy I got to experience this through the voices of these two!!!It elevated the entire reading experience !!!! I am so obsessed with this book and don’t feel like rating it 5 stars is enough!!! Its SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!!
ACHILLES, ACHILLES, ACHILLES!!!!! Where do I even begin!!! First and foremost, there is no doubt that this is one of the best dark mafia romances I’ve ever read! It was WONDERFUL! Dark, sultry, toxic, violent, lust-filled, beautiful, soft, and absolutely incredible! I will give zero spoilers for this so without further ado let me introduce you to Tierney Callaghan! Fierce, traumatized, vicious, broken ,beautiful and completely unhealthy in regards to a certain man!!! She is an incredible FMC. Throughout this book she was an enigma. Just when I think I have her figured out,, BAM she has gone and changed course. The complexity and trauma of all her relationships and experiences really shaped her as a woman. The growth that occurs for her from beginning to end in this was really amazing to watch!
Achilles was so similar but then completely different from Tierney. He was soft, tender, relatively simple in who he is, but no doubt brutal, vicious and starved. Considering these two are essentially a childhood to lovers story, that relationship dynamic is so incredible and complicated! How the navigate all that has happened is so messy and painful to watch at times! The depth of healing that is needed is ginormous! However, this made for ONE HELL OF A READ!!!
As far as the audio of this, UMMMMMM…. PHENOMENAL!!!!!! I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY with this entree cast! Lucy Rivers and Corbin King returned as supporting castmates, Lila and Tiernan! Stephen Dexter and Lila Winters were INCREDIBLEBLE!!!! The chemistry between the two is unexplainable!!!! I am so happy I got to experience this through the voices of these two!!!It elevated the entire reading experience !!!! I am so obsessed with this book and don’t feel like rating it 5 stars is enough!!! Its SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!!
March 29, 2026
Ahhhhhh!!! Honestly, I’m such a mood reader - do you know what mood I’m always in?!! LJ Shen!
This has been a highly anticipated release for me and Twisted Pawn was everything I expected it to be! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥hunter x hunter
🔥second chance
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥assassin x girl who fights back
🔥morally pitch black hero
We not only get Tierney and Achilles backstory 💔 but we also get SO many answers for what is to come!
“With time, I got better. Better but never whole. I’m only whole when I’m with you. And if that’s toxic, or unhealthy, then so be it. Because the truth is, there isn’t me if there isn’t you.”
“Let me love you. Show me every jagged, ugly piece of you, and watch me stay anyway. I will stay. But you have to let me.”
I ate this up, loved every minute and can’t wait for Enzo’s story. 🖤
“Luca ran a hand over his jawline, his wedding band catching the sunlight pouring in the window. “Pride is a sin.”
Enzo choked on his vodka soda. “Bitch, so is murder, and I don’t see you stopping your violent killing sprees anytime soon.”
Thank you to The Author Agency (and LJ Shen) for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This has been a highly anticipated release for me and Twisted Pawn was everything I expected it to be! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥hunter x hunter
🔥second chance
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥assassin x girl who fights back
🔥morally pitch black hero
We not only get Tierney and Achilles backstory 💔 but we also get SO many answers for what is to come!
“With time, I got better. Better but never whole. I’m only whole when I’m with you. And if that’s toxic, or unhealthy, then so be it. Because the truth is, there isn’t me if there isn’t you.”
“Let me love you. Show me every jagged, ugly piece of you, and watch me stay anyway. I will stay. But you have to let me.”
I ate this up, loved every minute and can’t wait for Enzo’s story. 🖤
“Luca ran a hand over his jawline, his wedding band catching the sunlight pouring in the window. “Pride is a sin.”
Enzo choked on his vodka soda. “Bitch, so is murder, and I don’t see you stopping your violent killing sprees anytime soon.”
Thank you to The Author Agency (and LJ Shen) for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2026
HONESTLY this was a 6⭐️ for me! This book was re GOAT of enemies to lovers! Also second chance romance! 🙂↕️❤️🔥
I wanted to take my time reading this book but I couldn’t put down! LK did you put crack in this, or something?
The story was so fucking good! The “hate” these two think they have for each other was amazing to read and Achilles 😮💨 he’s a crazy, obsessed man and I love him! He really is the other part of Tierney’s soul! I can forgive everything he did! And Tierney she’s the most badass fmc! I love how fierce she is and that she doesn’t take shit from anyone! Her strength is really something!
Nowwwww I loooove all the Easter eggs la left for us 🤩 Enzo!! Jeremyyyy!! Omg I love it and Tristan Hale 🤯 I didn’t see tat coming tbh!
I can’t wait for everyone to read this amazing book!! Thank you so much for this ARC 💖
I wanted to take my time reading this book but I couldn’t put down! LK did you put crack in this, or something?
The story was so fucking good! The “hate” these two think they have for each other was amazing to read and Achilles 😮💨 he’s a crazy, obsessed man and I love him! He really is the other part of Tierney’s soul! I can forgive everything he did! And Tierney she’s the most badass fmc! I love how fierce she is and that she doesn’t take shit from anyone! Her strength is really something!
Nowwwww I loooove all the Easter eggs la left for us 🤩 Enzo!! Jeremyyyy!! Omg I love it and Tristan Hale 🤯 I didn’t see tat coming tbh!
I can’t wait for everyone to read this amazing book!! Thank you so much for this ARC 💖
March 28, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from The Author Agency. I didn’t think anyone could be more unhinged than Tiernan but Achilles & Tierney both take the cake for that 😂 I absolutely devoured every second of this book. I absolutely loved getting their origin story and seeing it all come together. Their constant cat & mouse game along with their banter had me kicking my feet & giggling. If only we could all have an obsessed, unhinged, hottie like Achilles. I love how this is a standalone but the overall main plot carries through each book. (So I would recommend you read Bad Bishop first if you haven’t) The spice is spicing 🌶️ I can’t wait until the audio comes out, I know it’s going to elevate this story 10 fold. Luca annoyed me so bad in this story, so I know his redemption story is going to be phenomenal. This book left me so eager for Enzo’s story in Fallen Rook. I can already tell he will be a favorite for me.
March 25, 2026
Easily one of my top favorite books of 2026!!
L.J. Shen wrote a beautiful masterpiece and I know this whole series is going to be explosive and my new obsession 🔥🫶🏻
The audiobook was off the charts and the narrators did a phenomenal job with bringing Achilles & Tierney to life. You could hear the undeniable chemistry and if I could give this audiobook/book infinite stars, it is well deserved! 👏🏼🫶🏻
Review to follow!
L.J. Shen wrote a beautiful masterpiece and I know this whole series is going to be explosive and my new obsession 🔥🫶🏻
The audiobook was off the charts and the narrators did a phenomenal job with bringing Achilles & Tierney to life. You could hear the undeniable chemistry and if I could give this audiobook/book infinite stars, it is well deserved! 👏🏼🫶🏻
Review to follow!
March 29, 2026
ARC Review
Thank you LJ Shen and The Author Agency for an advanced copy of this book.
I’ve been hooked on LJ Shen when I accidentally stumbled on Truly Madly Deeply. This newest series is jam packed with over the top, obsessive and possessive MMCs. And I’m here for it.
Tierney is phenomenal. I love her.
Check all your triggers before jumping into this book. It discusses a lot of things that a lot of people may not me comfortable reading.
Also. Chapter 62. 🔥 yes. Sign me up.
Thank you LJ Shen and The Author Agency for an advanced copy of this book.
I’ve been hooked on LJ Shen when I accidentally stumbled on Truly Madly Deeply. This newest series is jam packed with over the top, obsessive and possessive MMCs. And I’m here for it.
Tierney is phenomenal. I love her.
Check all your triggers before jumping into this book. It discusses a lot of things that a lot of people may not me comfortable reading.
Also. Chapter 62. 🔥 yes. Sign me up.
March 31, 2026
Twisted Pawn by L.J. Shen completely pulled me into a world where love feels like a game—but the stakes are real.
This story is messy in the best way. It’s intense, emotional, and full of that signature LJ Shen angst that keeps you turning pages even when your heart is lowkey breaking. The characters aren’t perfect—they’re flawed, complicated, and sometimes make you question everything… but that’s exactly what makes them feel so real.
The chemistry? Undeniable.
The tension? Through the roof.
The emotional damage? Yeah… prepare for that.
What I loved most was how layered the story felt. It wasn’t just romance—it was power, vulnerability, control, and what happens when love doesn’t come easy. You really feel the push and pull between the characters, and it keeps you hooked the entire time.
If you love:
✨ Dark romance vibes
✨ Strong emotional tension
✨ Morally gray characters
✨ That “I shouldn’t love you… but I do” energy
…then this one is definitely worth the read.
This story is messy in the best way. It’s intense, emotional, and full of that signature LJ Shen angst that keeps you turning pages even when your heart is lowkey breaking. The characters aren’t perfect—they’re flawed, complicated, and sometimes make you question everything… but that’s exactly what makes them feel so real.
The chemistry? Undeniable.
The tension? Through the roof.
The emotional damage? Yeah… prepare for that.
What I loved most was how layered the story felt. It wasn’t just romance—it was power, vulnerability, control, and what happens when love doesn’t come easy. You really feel the push and pull between the characters, and it keeps you hooked the entire time.
If you love:
✨ Dark romance vibes
✨ Strong emotional tension
✨ Morally gray characters
✨ That “I shouldn’t love you… but I do” energy
…then this one is definitely worth the read.
March 23, 2026
I’ve been anticipating this book since I finished the last one and it did not disappoint! Twisted Pawn is such an intense read with characters that have explosive chemistry. Achilles and Tierney are both characters that have an intensity to them that makes reading their moments very interesting. I felt like the more I read I truly felt for these characters. I absolutely love them together for many reasons, one being how strong they are and their relationship development. Their chemistry is insane and I will never get over it. Tierney is truly one of those characters that you know you will attach yourself to once you read their pov and I will always protect her.
This series so far has been intriguing and I honestly can’t wait for what’s to come with these characters and the storylines. Achilles and Tierney you are so loved by me.
This series so far has been intriguing and I honestly can’t wait for what’s to come with these characters and the storylines. Achilles and Tierney you are so loved by me.
March 31, 2026
This was the wildest ride and I couldn’t put it down! Full RTC
Want to read
March 9, 2026ACHILLES and TIERNEY have been living rent free in my head since I read that scene in Handsome Devil where Achilles is literally holding Tierney over the bridge by her heel while negotiating
I just know this is gonna be fire
I just know this is gonna be fire
Want to read
March 27, 2026Im on my knees praying for this book to be Achilles and Tierney. I know for a fact they will serve top tier enemies to lovers and Im of course gonna eat that shit up. CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK.
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