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The Bacelli Crime Family #1
A Bad Man: Joey
After Joey Bacelli’s father passes away he becomes the Boss of the Bacelli crime family. The “family” is made up of violence, gore, and death, and it’s all Joey has ever known. He always gets what he wants, except for the one woman that continuously denies him.
Marra Santos knows who Joey really is, but she wants him regardless of the fact he is a dangerous mob Boss. When she witnesses a murder and Joey comes to the rescue, he isn’t the Knight in Shining Armor she hopes for. In fact, he kills the man that was about to put a gun to her head.
Once back at Joey’s place he can’t let her leave, not until the threat to her has been dealt with. He wants her, badly, and will show her they are meant for each other, despite the dark and dangerous life he leads.
Marra Santos knows who Joey really is, but she wants him regardless of the fact he is a dangerous mob Boss. When she witnesses a murder and Joey comes to the rescue, he isn’t the Knight in Shining Armor she hopes for. In fact, he kills the man that was about to put a gun to her head.
Once back at Joey’s place he can’t let her leave, not until the threat to her has been dealt with. He wants her, badly, and will show her they are meant for each other, despite the dark and dangerous life he leads.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
19 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Jenika Snow
448 books8,894 followersJenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and has been a published writer since 2009.
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 11, 2014
This was a short book but very satisfying. Ever since I read Nero I am addicted to romances with made men. The H was obsessed with the h and determined to make her his. He was a total ALPHA male who is the head of the mafia. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
January 1, 2015
Head of the Bacelli crime family, Joey Bacelli knows what he wants and it is Marra Santos. Joey has taken his time, he knows Marra is well aware of what he is but he feels she is worth the wait.
Marra knows who Joey is, she also know she is attracted the man. She doesn't want to borrow trouble so she stays away, until she is attacked. Joey wont let anyone hurt Marra and his choice of protection is himself, moving her into his place and not letting her continue to tread water where he is concerned.
Good story, it was a little rushed in some places. Joey is an intriguing mafia leader, he is tough but also tender where Marra is concerned. Will seek out more in this series.
Marra knows who Joey is, she also know she is attracted the man. She doesn't want to borrow trouble so she stays away, until she is attacked. Joey wont let anyone hurt Marra and his choice of protection is himself, moving her into his place and not letting her continue to tread water where he is concerned.
Good story, it was a little rushed in some places. Joey is an intriguing mafia leader, he is tough but also tender where Marra is concerned. Will seek out more in this series.
November 12, 2014
4.5*s
I really enjoyed this, Joey is a man who isn't used to getting what he wants and I liked that Marra held off on him for a year! It's also nice to read about women who aren't perfect models but are real woman who carry extra weight, have insecurities etc. and that a strong man will still want that and will do anything to protect it. Joey might be rough, domineering and violent but when it comes down to it - he will protect what's his in anyway he can and you have to admire that. I don't read many books involving Mafia type bosses and following this, I will be looking for more, it wasn't too long, got to the point, gave us action, violence, plots but also some nice romance and sexytime that kept me interested from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed this, Joey is a man who isn't used to getting what he wants and I liked that Marra held off on him for a year! It's also nice to read about women who aren't perfect models but are real woman who carry extra weight, have insecurities etc. and that a strong man will still want that and will do anything to protect it. Joey might be rough, domineering and violent but when it comes down to it - he will protect what's his in anyway he can and you have to admire that. I don't read many books involving Mafia type bosses and following this, I will be looking for more, it wasn't too long, got to the point, gave us action, violence, plots but also some nice romance and sexytime that kept me interested from beginning to end.
December 21, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There’s been a trend lately to write books about bad boys who are brought to their knees by a woman. So if you’re going to catch my attention with this type of book, it better be good. Well it’s no surprise that Jenika Snow managed to do just that with her latest book A Bad Man: Joey. Ms. Snow managed to write a story that I enjoyed and appreciated while staying true to the premise that Joey is a bad man.
Joey is the head of the Bacelli crime family. He is everything you would expect from a mobster – cold, ruthless and unapologetic. He has been lusting after Marra Santos for a long time, but knowing who he is, she keeps turning him down. One night while walking home alone, Marra is attacked and almost killed. Joey saves her and in doing so, kills the man who was about to kill her. He takes Marra back to his place where he refuses to let her leave while her life is still at risk. Marra finds herself unable to resist the charismatic mobster and they embark on a sexual relationship.
The main reason that I really enjoyed this story is because Ms. Snow never strayed from the idea that Joey was a bad man. Often in these types of stories, we see the hero redeemed because of the heroine. There is no redemption with Joey. He is unapologetically a mobster. He has no remorse about killing anyone who screws him, his family, or the woman he comes to love. This made Joey a fascinating three-dimensional character rather than a stereotype. I actually had more respect for him because he remained true to himself.
Marra was also an intriguing character. I always wonder about what type of woman would be involved with a mobster and why she would become involved with a criminal. Marra tried to resist at first but the chemistry between the two was too hard to ignore. I liked her internal struggle with her desire for Joey against her personal morality code.
Ms. Snow did not stay aware from the violence of the mafia which added to the authenticity of the story. Situations were not black and white, but instead the grays of the real world. These were bad men fighting bad men making it difficult to know who to root for. Yet I found myself rooting for Joey and Marra because I still believe that love conquers all.
It’s because of books like A Bad Man: Joey that I have become a fan of Ms. Snow. Her books are gritty and real and show a different type of hero. The sex is always hot and leaves you wanting more. This is the first book in the Bacelli Crime Family series. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series because I know that Ms. Snow will deliver a fascinating and intriguing story.
There’s been a trend lately to write books about bad boys who are brought to their knees by a woman. So if you’re going to catch my attention with this type of book, it better be good. Well it’s no surprise that Jenika Snow managed to do just that with her latest book A Bad Man: Joey. Ms. Snow managed to write a story that I enjoyed and appreciated while staying true to the premise that Joey is a bad man.
Joey is the head of the Bacelli crime family. He is everything you would expect from a mobster – cold, ruthless and unapologetic. He has been lusting after Marra Santos for a long time, but knowing who he is, she keeps turning him down. One night while walking home alone, Marra is attacked and almost killed. Joey saves her and in doing so, kills the man who was about to kill her. He takes Marra back to his place where he refuses to let her leave while her life is still at risk. Marra finds herself unable to resist the charismatic mobster and they embark on a sexual relationship.
The main reason that I really enjoyed this story is because Ms. Snow never strayed from the idea that Joey was a bad man. Often in these types of stories, we see the hero redeemed because of the heroine. There is no redemption with Joey. He is unapologetically a mobster. He has no remorse about killing anyone who screws him, his family, or the woman he comes to love. This made Joey a fascinating three-dimensional character rather than a stereotype. I actually had more respect for him because he remained true to himself.
Marra was also an intriguing character. I always wonder about what type of woman would be involved with a mobster and why she would become involved with a criminal. Marra tried to resist at first but the chemistry between the two was too hard to ignore. I liked her internal struggle with her desire for Joey against her personal morality code.
Ms. Snow did not stay aware from the violence of the mafia which added to the authenticity of the story. Situations were not black and white, but instead the grays of the real world. These were bad men fighting bad men making it difficult to know who to root for. Yet I found myself rooting for Joey and Marra because I still believe that love conquers all.
It’s because of books like A Bad Man: Joey that I have become a fan of Ms. Snow. Her books are gritty and real and show a different type of hero. The sex is always hot and leaves you wanting more. This is the first book in the Bacelli Crime Family series. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series because I know that Ms. Snow will deliver a fascinating and intriguing story.
November 8, 2014
I loved this book.
Marra works at Vincenzo's cafe and bakery and she loves her job but for about a year now she's been avoiding the advances of one particular regular customer Joey Bacelli, it's not that she's not attracted to him because she is, big time but because he's the Boss of the Bacelli crime family and she's not interested in being just another warm body or one night stand for him no matter how hot he is.
What Marra doesn't know is that Joey doesn't want her just for one night, he never chases women, he doesn't have to but Marra is different and everyone who knows him knows that Joey always gets what he wants.
So when Marra sees something she shouldn't and her life is in danger Joey steps in and makes sure she knows she's safe with him.
I loved this book, the characters, the story and don't forget the cover, I have to say even if I wasn't a fan of Jenika's which I am the cover that alone would make me want to read this book.
Marra works at Vincenzo's cafe and bakery and she loves her job but for about a year now she's been avoiding the advances of one particular regular customer Joey Bacelli, it's not that she's not attracted to him because she is, big time but because he's the Boss of the Bacelli crime family and she's not interested in being just another warm body or one night stand for him no matter how hot he is.
What Marra doesn't know is that Joey doesn't want her just for one night, he never chases women, he doesn't have to but Marra is different and everyone who knows him knows that Joey always gets what he wants.
So when Marra sees something she shouldn't and her life is in danger Joey steps in and makes sure she knows she's safe with him.
I loved this book, the characters, the story and don't forget the cover, I have to say even if I wasn't a fan of Jenika's which I am the cover that alone would make me want to read this book.
November 6, 2014
Joey Bacelli is the head of a major crime family, alpha male, and major bad boy! He's been watching Mara for about a year. He wants her, she also wants him but knows who he is and the violent world he lives in.
She's walking home from work one night and witnesses something she shouldn't see. Needless to say she lands under Joey's protection.
They fall for each other, even though Mara fights it.
Oh yeah....the sex between them is hot! If you haven't read Jenika Snow buy this book....you won't be disappointed!
She's walking home from work one night and witnesses something she shouldn't see. Needless to say she lands under Joey's protection.
They fall for each other, even though Mara fights it.
Oh yeah....the sex between them is hot! If you haven't read Jenika Snow buy this book....you won't be disappointed!
November 10, 2014
Disappointed
not what I thought at all...not very exciting, unemotional, disappointing.............had potential but huge let down. so much detail ok n the beginning and then just rushed
not what I thought at all...not very exciting, unemotional, disappointing.............had potential but huge let down. so much detail ok n the beginning and then just rushed
June 18, 2015
The story was enjoyable with a hot alpha and a plus sized heroine and filled with action. Although I enjoyed the story, there were inconsistencies with character description and scene progression and a little more character development would make this book even better.
November 18, 2014
3.5 - 4 stars
July 8, 2017
This is the first book in the Bacelli Crime Family series by Jenika Snow. Joey Bacelli became the boss of his crime family when his father, Marco died. He's known violence and death his whole life it's what he's grown up with. His younger brother, Niklo is the only one he truly trusts. For a year he's wanted Marra but she's turned him down every time he's asked her out. One night Marra witnesses a murder and luckily Joey saves her before the murderer can kill her. Joey soon finds out that a rival mobster named, Carlos is causing him problems and he's threatened Marra. Joey convinces Marra to stay with him in his apartment so she'll be safe and pretty soon her feelings for him change. I'm really hoping there's gonna be a book about Niklo.
July 3, 2019
Omg Jenika delivers every single time, she knows how to write about a alfa possesive sexy and hot as hell sexy times, plus givig us a good backstory .
It's a mob story not full in your face smutty mob but a short good one.
If u are n a mind set of some short mob sexy time story give it a go
It's a mob story not full in your face smutty mob but a short good one.
If u are n a mind set of some short mob sexy time story give it a go
June 20, 2018
it was an okay read. liked some parts of the book. probably not gonna re-read. I felt like it could ve been better.
December 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A very exciting and entertaining read. Looking forward to reading the next story in this series.
October 5, 2020
Tried it, not in the mood for straight up Mafia.
December 6, 2014
I heard great things about this book unfortunately for me when I think of this book I think ehhh, it was ok it wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. I was hoping for more of a Marra and Joey connection and more of time with them in this book and for some reason I just didn't feel that connected to them.
Working for a little bakery Marra has scene Joey for a year and has stopped his advances at every turn. It's known all over town Joey is the crime boss but never spoken and though that is part of the reason Marra continues to say no, she also knows she could never be one of many or a one night kind of girl. There is something different about Marra and not just that she tells Joey no, no matter what Joey can't get her off his mind and determines in his mind that he will eventually get a yes.
One night after a night out with a friend Marra see's something she shouldn't and Joey sweeps in and rescues her, and also takes this opportunity to make his move. Though the chemistry is hard to deny Marra does but spending more time with Joey she finds she can't any longer. With the threat on Marra's life Joey sets out to not only keep her safe at all costs but make her his permanently.
This wasn't bad but I felt like I was continually told how possessive Joey was instead of believing it. I did believe he was a ruthless crime boss but the aspects of his and Marra's relationship just felt not as believable and I'm not sure if it was because more time needed spent with them or if it was something else. At the end when everything comes to the big conclusion with the threat on Marra I felt like the ending just dropped off and could have pulled the story together better had it ended differently. Overall this was an fast ok read.
Working for a little bakery Marra has scene Joey for a year and has stopped his advances at every turn. It's known all over town Joey is the crime boss but never spoken and though that is part of the reason Marra continues to say no, she also knows she could never be one of many or a one night kind of girl. There is something different about Marra and not just that she tells Joey no, no matter what Joey can't get her off his mind and determines in his mind that he will eventually get a yes.
One night after a night out with a friend Marra see's something she shouldn't and Joey sweeps in and rescues her, and also takes this opportunity to make his move. Though the chemistry is hard to deny Marra does but spending more time with Joey she finds she can't any longer. With the threat on Marra's life Joey sets out to not only keep her safe at all costs but make her his permanently.
This wasn't bad but I felt like I was continually told how possessive Joey was instead of believing it. I did believe he was a ruthless crime boss but the aspects of his and Marra's relationship just felt not as believable and I'm not sure if it was because more time needed spent with them or if it was something else. At the end when everything comes to the big conclusion with the threat on Marra I felt like the ending just dropped off and could have pulled the story together better had it ended differently. Overall this was an fast ok read.
November 10, 2014
This was one of the coolest books I’ve read from Jenika, and I’ve read all of her books. The mafia aspect was very effective to the story. Joey, the leader of the Bacelli family had certain responsibilities to uphold, including exacting the family’s own brand of “justice”. Joey is a “criminal”…you want to hate him and you just can't. He is a definite alpha with feelings. I loved the fact that he was attracted to and wanted Marra, a normal curvy woman. She definitely redeemed Joey in more ways than one. Joey would do whatever it took to protect her and keep her with him. The sex scenes between them were very hot and steamy. I cannot wait until the next installment comes out…this book was a definite “keeper” in my opinion, and I highly recommend it to others. Great job Jenika!!!
April 27, 2015
I was looking forward to reading this story after the intriguing description, unfortunately the book was too short and not developed enough to leave a lasting impression.
The book centers on Joey Bacelli, a ruthless mobster and his crew. He is definitely an “anti-hero”, a cold blooded killer. He is not a sympathetic character and the violence is pretty graphic throughout. I was prepared for a darker read simply from the title, but I thought it was too violent for the length of the book. The heroine and secondary characters were interesting, but not fleshed out very well. Not a great start to the series, I wanted more.
The book centers on Joey Bacelli, a ruthless mobster and his crew. He is definitely an “anti-hero”, a cold blooded killer. He is not a sympathetic character and the violence is pretty graphic throughout. I was prepared for a darker read simply from the title, but I thought it was too violent for the length of the book. The heroine and secondary characters were interesting, but not fleshed out very well. Not a great start to the series, I wanted more.
January 19, 2015
Dangerous Love
Joey, a notorious Italian crime boss sets his sites on Mara, a simple young woman who lived and worked in the city he ran and controlled. While Joey, tried to convince Mara to go out on a date with him, she continued to turn him down. Not because she held no attraction to him, but his lifestyle was dangerous and she never wanted to be his side piece, until one night she's on her way home, she witnessed something that puts her in the middle of everything she feared and the only person who can keep her safe is Joey.
Joey, a notorious Italian crime boss sets his sites on Mara, a simple young woman who lived and worked in the city he ran and controlled. While Joey, tried to convince Mara to go out on a date with him, she continued to turn him down. Not because she held no attraction to him, but his lifestyle was dangerous and she never wanted to be his side piece, until one night she's on her way home, she witnessed something that puts her in the middle of everything she feared and the only person who can keep her safe is Joey.
July 8, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this one. Let's start with the positive. I liked that Joey was a man who got things done. One way or the other. I like his hotness that's a given of course and I like the many facets of his personality. His protectiveness towards the female lead in this one me over. But he has a lot of flaws. He is supposed to be the alpha male hero. Meaning not be ruled by fear. Not wanting to get married. And the female lead. She vacillates a lot between fearing his and wanting to jump on him and ride him. There's more but I still have a long list on my reaing section.
September 17, 2015
96 pages of total mafia action! Great short read focused on the underbelly of New York City. Joey is the Boss of the Bacelli family and he has his eye on a cute and curvy waitress, Marra. The story is really typical but the mafia action knocked the story over the fence into the four star dugout...
This story is part of a series but does not end on a cliffhanger. It is also a bit expensive for the number of pages in the book. Hopefully the series will become available in a bundle down the line.
This story is part of a series but does not end on a cliffhanger. It is also a bit expensive for the number of pages in the book. Hopefully the series will become available in a bundle down the line.
October 5, 2022
Just read updated re edited version NEW TITLE NOW called KEEP HER CLOSE .Definately worth 5stars. Joey was the mafia boss.Marra worked in a coffee shop. He wanted her for over avyear.She kept resisting. One night on her way home she hears and sees things she shouldn't.He was coming out of a bar and hears her scream. He's the only one who can protect her. They want each other but can he win her over ?can she look past what he does for a living? Hot steamy passionate jenika never disappoints.
November 8, 2014
Meh...if I could give this 2.5 stars I would. The story is trite. Maybe it's because the setting is the Italian mob, and the word "goomah" is said far too many times for my taste. I mean... do Italian gangsters even still talk like that? Not really sure, but the language just sounded old, and like it was gleaned from an episode of The Sopranos. The sex scenes are decent, but the story is short.
March 21, 2015
Not my kind of book. The plot wasn't interesting for me and I got bored halfway through. I didn't like the characters either. They were kinda of empty and I don't find a villainous hero appealing at all .. even though it's fiction I still can't stomach them. Didn't like it but will try other books since I really liked the book "on his terms" by this author.
February 16, 2017
Love me some ruthless bad boys and I don't have a problem with short stories, but it still was just okay for me.
Descriptive where it wasn't necessary and rushed where I'd have expected more. I couldn't really connect with the characters or get their deep connection with each other like this.
Descriptive where it wasn't necessary and rushed where I'd have expected more. I couldn't really connect with the characters or get their deep connection with each other like this.
December 6, 2014
Loved it! Storyline was well written, intriguing, action packed, steamy hot and has a mafia badass theme. Loved the characters. Joey is such a contradiction. He's the head of a major crime family, bossy, tough and sexy as hell. But yet with Mara he's tender, sweet and protective. Loved their passionate chemistry and interaction. OMG! I would have bought the book just for the cover. Oh yeah!
August 4, 2015
This was an interesting look into an Italian crime family. Get set-up that had me intrigued, but then it felt rushed and forced. Joey and Marra have been lusting after each other for a year. Joey saves Marra and things start to progress with them and then bamm eternal love. I liked Marra's resistance and Joey's stubborn bad ass, but there was just something that wasn't clicking for me.
November 21, 2014
This was an interesting look into the mafia. Joey and Marra have been lusting after each other for a year. Joey saves Marra and things start to really heat up between these two. Wow what a hot book!
November 19, 2014
I really liked Marra. She was the type of woman that wasn’t helpless but also not exactly a tough girl. It was a nice, realistic in between. Joey was a little harder to like.
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April 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, but it just seemed short and rushed. the author had some great characters and it just seemed like we weren't given a chance to get get to know them well. I am looking forward to more in this series.
June 11, 2016
Bad A$$
This was so awesome. Lots of action. A great read for people who like mafia romance novels. A user alpha mob boss and a strong woman to put up with him and his life. I enjoyed every word. Well done Jenika Snow. I wished there was a book 2.
This was so awesome. Lots of action. A great read for people who like mafia romance novels. A user alpha mob boss and a strong woman to put up with him and his life. I enjoyed every word. Well done Jenika Snow. I wished there was a book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews