I’d rather burn than belong to him. Too bad fate—and the Irish mafia—have other plans.Seamus Murphy is everything I was raised to destroy. Irish. Brutal. Unshakable. He killed my cousin. Stole my future. And now? He’s the man I’m being forced to marry.
It started with a heist. One second I was stealing back my family’s crest— The next, I was face-first in the dirt, pinned beneath a man who should’ve put a bullet in my skull. But Seamus didn’t kill me. He watched. He followed. He touched.
Now I’m his wife in name only— A pawn in a twisted truce I never agreed to. He wants answers. I want vengeance. And neither of us can stop pushing the other to the edge.
I swear I hate him. I bite. I run. I lie. And every time, he finds me.
Every time, he pulls me back in.
He kisses like he’s claiming me. Fights like he owns me. And touches like he knows I’ll eventually beg for more.
But if I fall for him… If I let my heart slip even an inch…
He won’t just ruin me. He’ll own what’s left.
A standalone dark mafia romance featuring an Irish alpha hero, forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers tension, and an HEA worth fighting for.
Author This book contains graphic, mature, and explicit content not meant for anyone under 18. There is a full trigger listing in the book.
Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling romance author, momtrepreneur, and a beauty product junkie with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis. As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…
This enemies to lovers tale was absolutely scorchingly hot. The chemistry between Seamus and Ava was incendiary and the hatred between them only fueled the fire. Their story was action packed with violence, suspense, danger and betrayal, but also family, loyalty and ultimately love. I enjoyed how fierce and uncompromising both lead characters were, but also how this morphed over time into something more and all consuming. The book was completely addictive from start to finish and I just couldn't get enough.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Could not understand for the life of me why they liked eachother (oh wait lust) legit read it so fast cz i could skip most of bcz it was so irrelevant. The section that made me want to read the book didn’t disappoint but that’s about it 💀
THE MAFIA ENFORCER’S TEMPTATION is the third instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult MAFIA OBSESSION dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Irish Mobster Seamus Murphy, and Hair to the Romanov Bratva Ava Romanov’s story line. THE MAFIA ENFORCER’S TEMPTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Seamus and Ava) THE MAFIA ENFORCER’S TEMPTATION focuses on the search for the truth. Ava is determined to regain control of the Volkov Bratva, in the wake of her father’s death but someone else is taking the reigns, and our heroine is desperate to take back control. Determined to win, Ava needs a favor from the Irish mob, a favor that involves the man she blames for the death of her cousin. A marriage of convenience to assume the mantel of Pakhan but not everyone is on side with a woman in control, and Ava refuses to step aside for the sake of appearances or anyone else.
The world building follows several intersecting paths as Ava is caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Someone she loves has been threatened but her place at the top is where she believes she can do the most good. Often TSTL, placing herself in danger, our heroine continues to push all of Seamus’ buttons, buttons that may trigger an organized crime war.
The relationship between Seamus and Ava is a marriage of convenience predicated upon a fight for power but Ava needs Seamus in order to reach the top, never intending to yield to her marriage vows, or the man with whom she will fall in love. Often placing herself in the direct line of fire, immature and arrogant, Ava refuses to follow, threatening any semblance of peace between the crime families, and the man with whom she is falling love. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.
There is a large ensemble cast of diverse and questionable secondary and supporting characters including Seamus’ extended family, and several members of the Russian Bratva.
THE MAFIA ENFORCER’S TEMPTATION is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the romance is raw; the characters are charismatic, desperate and dynamic.
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
This is an enemies-to-lovers story with Seamus and Ava as the lead characters, and holy moly, are they combustible! As soon as I started reading I was intrigued and then hooked into the storyline until the final page.
The chemistry between Seamus and Ava is as blue-flame hot as it gets. Their hatred for each other flows over to fuel the fire between them. Both are strong, independent, and determined so they clash and this leads to even more interesting moments.
Seamus is in the Irish mob and Ava is the Bratva heir. Determined to become the next pakhan after her father’s death, Ava finds herself needing the Irish mobster, Seamus, and thus their marriage of convenience unfolds. It’s what eventuates that’s the surprise! 🔥🔥🔥
There is plenty of action and drama to thrill readers with the suspense at an all-time high with intense scenes and betrayal around the corner. To balance this the family loyalty is also a priority and comes across loud and clear.
Ultimately this story is about love, learning to trust, betrayal and revenge. It is a dark, gritty story that entertains from beginning to end.
Oh - such a steamy and addictive read!! You can’t help but fall for these dangerous guys! The Murphy family will stop at nothing to get what they desire, and in this part of the storyline, Seamus is being married off for the sake of an alliance, this time with the Volkovs. However, he is completely unprepared for Ava, with her sassy, spirited nature, and her mission to bring down the Murphys, and anyone else who might stand in her way of becoming her family’s Pakhan.
The book grabbed me from the start; I was powerless to resist turning the pages because of the entertaining story of these two people. And this is why I think this author is amazing... Her characters are super relatable and lovable. Drama, danger, betrayal, underestimation, bloodshed, witty banter, steamy chemistry, and intensity define this world, and I just can't get enough!!
I absolutely love the brotherly relationships, and the way they interact with each-other, and we get to hang out with Arnold and Clawzilla again, too! Love them.
The way this couple navigated their connection was both sweet and intense, and I really enjoyed following their path to their HEA. This series is very addictive, so set aside time to read. You won’t want to stop until you’ve finished! :)
I strongly suggest reading this author, this series, and everything else she’s written. They’re amazing.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC (thank you), and happily leave my thoughts.
The Mafia Enforcer’s Temptation is another intense, enemies-to-lovers ride in Kristen Luciani’s Mafia Obsession series, and it definitely delivers on the dark, gritty drama this world is known for.
I’ll be honest—Seamus is probably my least favorite MMC of the series. There’s a roughness to him that didn’t always work for me. BUT I did appreciate his intelligence, his unwavering loyalty to his family, and the conviction behind every choice he makes. Those pieces added a depth to him that kept me invested even when I wanted to shake him.
Ava, on the other hand, is a force. Strong, fiery, and shaped by a rough past that forced her to grow up too fast. Her secret adds a lot of tension to the story—maybe dragged out a touch longer than I personally prefer, but I’ll also admit I’m impatient. The push-pull between these two is sharp, emotional, and constantly shifting.
And the writing? As always with this author, it’s solid, fast-paced, and super engaging.
Now… the spice. 🥵🥵🥵 It’s dark, it’s dirty, and it’s fueled by pure hate-chemistry. These two do not hold back. If you like your romance messy, intense, and morally questionable, this book scratches every itch.
Overall, even with a couple personal hang-ups, this was a wild, addictive read I was happy to give four stars. Fans of the series will definitely want to grab it!
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner. This is an enemies-to-lovers story with Seamus and Ava as the lead characters, and holy moly, are they combustible! As soon as I started reading I was intrigued and then hooked into the storyline until the final page.
The chemistry between Seamus and Ava is as blue-flame hot as it gets. Their hatred for each other flows over to fuel the fire between them. Both are strong, independent, and determined so they clash and this leads to even more interesting moments.
Seamus is in the Irish mob and Ava is the Bratva heir. Determined to become the next pakhan after her father’s death, Ava finds herself needing the Irish mobster, Seamus, and thus their marriage of convenience unfolds. It’s what eventuates that’s the surprise! 🔥🔥🔥
There is plenty of action and drama to thrill readers with the suspense at an all-time high with intense scenes and betrayal around the corner. To balance this the family loyalty is also a priority and comes across loud and clear.
Ultimately this story is about love, learning to trust, betrayal and revenge. It is a dark, gritty story that entertains from beginning to end.
Enemies to lovers? Check. Forced marriage for an alliance? Double check. Off-the-charts chemistry? Absolutely.
This story hooked me from the start. The two main characters are like fire and ice, constantly clashing, constantly circling each other, and somehow unable to keep their hands (or hearts) to themselves. The tension between them is palpable, and every argument feels like it could end in either a fight or a kiss (sometimes both!).
What I really loved was how neither of them has ever experienced love outside of family before. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other, to navigate loyalty and vulnerability, makes their relationship all the more compelling. It’s messy, passionate, and painfully human in the best way.
If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with sharp banter, emotional growth, and just the right amount of angst, this one’s for you. I’m so excited to see where their journey goes next.
Seamus and Avas story started off explosive and I was there for it.
I loved this enemies to lovers mafia book. I was absolutely hooked from the start to the very end. I was kept on the edge of my seat with the plot and it had me wanting more after I finished it.
The spice was hot and had me melting.
I had the absolute pleasure of being an arc reader for all 3 books and this one didn't disappoint it was up there with the other 2
Ava is a strong fmc who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it with or without help Seamus fell hard the first time they met and the tension and sexual chemistry between them was hot
Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader and thankyou for literally yours pr for graphics and arc
What to expect : ❤️Touch her and 💀 ❤️Marriage of Convenience ❤️Dark Irish Mafia ❤️Bratva ❤️Enemies to Lovers ❤️Family Saga ❤️Forced Proximity
This was a solid mafia read that gave me exactly what I wanted in the moment. Nothing too heavy, nothing too wild, just pure entertainment served with a side of chaos. It flowed well, the tension stayed steady, and the characters kept things fun enough to keep me turning the pages without stopping to overthink anything.
Seamus and Ava had great chemistry and plenty of spark, and while it didn’t send me into a spiral of obsession, it definitely kept me entertained. It felt like the kind of story you pick up when you want drama, spice, and trouble delivered on a silver platter.
Overall, a good time. And even though it didn’t climb into my top tier mafia favorites, I genuinely enjoyed the experience. I’ll absolutely be checking out more of Kristen Luciani’s work because her writing has that addictive, easy to settle into quality that makes you want to explore more of her worlds.
🖤 ARC review for The Mafia Enforcer's Temptation 💣
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
Seamus and Ava's story starts off with bullets and bombs. And it sets the pace for the entire book!
I loved this enemies to lovers mafia book! I've had the honor to ARC read the first books in the series and let me tell you this book was just as mind blowingly good as those!
The plot was plotting and the spice was sooo spicy! Who knew hate smex could be so good?!
Ava is a strong FMC with backbone and fire, she knows what she wants and would do anything to be pakhan even fake a marriage with her enemy. Seamus felt their chemistry the very first time they met so when she came with the proposal of an arranged marriage which would also be beneficial for him and his brothers he said yes after he had her begging him to say yes 😎 HEA!
Ava really despises Seamus Murphy. For reasons that she believes as truth. An attempt trying to get something that belongs to her is blocked a Murphy makes her supremely angry. Ava evades him but then she needs his help.
To marry her!
Ava has no idea that the Murphy she just made a deal with is the one person she wants to murder is Seamus.
“There comes a time, sweet thing, to let things morph into what they really are. And our hate isn’t that. It’s a slow burn, balls to the fucking wall love story, and you know it. Not a pretty one, but ours. Blood, bruises, slugged- out fuckfests that leave us torn to pieces and wanting more.”
Really enjoyed reading this book. The hate between these two was huge but seriously morphed to something less like hate.
I’d rather burn than belong to him. Too bad fate—and the Irish mafia—have other plans.
😩 🥰
The Mafia Enforcer’s Temptation grabbed me from the very first chapter. Ava and Seamus have that kind of enemies-to-lovers chemistry that hits hard—violent one second, tearing each other’s clothes off the next, and somehow still making a marriage of convenience feel like a ticking bomb waiting to explode. Their tension is sharp, messy, and delicious, and the way the author balances pure heat with actual plot had me hooked the entire time. I loved watching these two ruthless, stubborn characters push each other right to the edge, whether they were fighting, scheming, or crossing lines they swore they’d never touch. If you love dark mafia romance with revenge, forced marriage, brutal banter, and enough steam to melt your screen, this one absolutely delivers.
This is the third book in this amazing series, and this is Seamus and Ava’s story. Seamus is an Irish enforcer, who is brutal and unshakable, while Ava, who is sassy and feisty, is fueled by revenge, and she is determined to take down the Murphy family. Ava finds herself a pawn and she is forced to marry Seamus for alliances, and these two know how to push each other’s buttons. This is a well written action-packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, tension, drama, forced marriage, enemies / lovers, lies, betrayal secrets, danger, suspense, intrigue, humour, witty banter, vengeance, alliances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, dark mafia romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
When Seamus and Ava meet they hated each with a passion! She thought he kill her cousin and he couldn't figure why she was so mad at him.She is his little escape artist, he would lock her in a room and next she would be standing right next This story has anger issues, no trust at all and lies and love but it's super good.Seamus and Ava keep both on them on their toes,too many boses in that family but they learn to work on their anger issues and trust which is a good thing because that was causing a big riff between the couple! I can't wait for the next story in this series!
Another great read from one of my favourite authors.
This time it's Seamus Murphy's turn to fall, and does he ever! Ava Volkov is heir to the Volkov Bratva, but she can't have it until she's 25. Unless she gets married.... When these two meet it's instant hate and attraction at the same time and when she finds out who he is she hates him even more, after all she's been told he killed her cousin - or did he?
A good story with a great build up, lots of tension, heat, misunderstandings, betrayals, and did I mention heat??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Seamus, Seamus, Seamus! I'd love to be tortured by this man to reveal all my secrets👿👿🙊🙊🙊Holy hell, Seamus and Ava's chemistry from the moment they met is unbelievably hot. Believing that the Seamus is responsible for the death of her cousin, she risks it all to get in bed with his family. Pun definitely intended. But all is not what it seems and as the puzzles pieces start falling into place, so does her heart. A book filled with crazy hot chemistry, intrigue and a family who believes in protecting their own. Even If she wants them dead.
Luciani is a gifted storyteller and The Mafia Enforcer's Temptation is up there as one of my all-time favorites of hers. This book is filled with drama; action all centered around so many troupes that leaves you wanting more. The main characters in this book experiences so much and yet find their path to happiness. I loved Avery and Seamus love hate relationship that drove this story and had me wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Title: The Mafia Enforcer's Temptation (Mafia Obsession: Book 3) Author: Kristen Luciani
Review: This is the third book in the Mafia Obsession series where we meet MMC Seamus Murphy and FMC Ava Romanov.
The banter between these two was highly amusing to say the least. The love/hate relationship was at an all time high and I was so hear for it. The trust issues they both had felt like they were going to unalive each other before things really got going.
Although the relationship felt very surface level, more sexual chemistry rather than an emotional connection, I did like these two together as they both challenged one another in all aspects and you see who the dominate is in the end.
Ava is a very head strong FMC, which at times was annoying but she stayed true through out so I give her props. Seamus, what's not to love? He is a sexual deviate who can't keep his eyes and hands off Ava. No matter where they are or who they're with, he wants her anywhere, anytime and in any position, preferably on her knees.
The story had so much suspense and action, it kept me hooked. With so many players in the game I thought I was going to get lost but the author kept things on track and leaves you hanging for the next book in the series.
January 2026 couldn't come soon enough, I love Declan and his boyish charm and humour. I can't wait!
This story was balls to the wall from the get go. Don’t blink or you’ll miss something. But oh what a ride! Both characters are so intense, and holy cow crazy and violent. But when they clash, it’s a beautiful sight. Ava, for all her bristle actually seemed a bit naive to me. She’s a hard nut to crack, but crack her is exactly what Seamus did. Gritty and insane and just, a lot, in all the right ways! Love this family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This mafia romance was such a fun, addictive read. The enemies-to-lovers tension was chef’s kiss!! they could barely stand each other at first, and then suddenly the chemistry was off the charts. I loved the mix of danger, drama, and those soft little moments that sneak up on you. If you’re into protective, morally gray guys and stubborn heroines who don’t back down, this one is definitely worth picking up. It kept me flipping pages way later than I planned.
Once I started reading this book, I could not stop! I loved Ava and Seamus together. Honestly, I have taken a step back from the enemies to lovers’ trope but I could not pass up a chance to read Kristen’s books! I loved the drama, action, love, tensions, steam, intrigue and the HEA that this book offered. I can’t wait to read The Mafia Bodyguard's Possession next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Si, me gustó que ninguno de los dos bajara la guardia, en el mundo en el que viven no se puede confiar tan pronto y me pareció perfecto. Me hubiera gustado leer un poco más de la relación de ellos, el cómo hubieran sido en ese mundo juntos porque si son una bomba solos no me imagino juntos.
También me hubiera gustado un poco más de desarrollo de los personajes, cómo van creciendo sus sentimientos y pensamientos pero más que nada porque los personajes e historia me gustaron!
Ava is a woman who knows what she wants and thats to be the mext Pakhan but she needs a lil help and an arranged marriage aliance to the Murphys will do thar, and Seamus is the one she turns to, but he feels the spark and draw to her and together they are definitely explosive! Well written engaging steamy desires drama action, loyaltys and more!
Kristen Luciani is a wicked mastermind of phenomenal storytelling. Every single book she releases pulls me in from page one, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. I devour her stories in one sitting because putting them down is nearly impossible. Her latest release is no exception—dark, addictive, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable. Bravo!
Book 3 in the series and I’m loving the Murphy family. Seamus is no different. He and Ava are nothing if not entertaining. Secrets, lies and betrayal mixed in with the power and vengeance we’ve come to expect from the family. Edgy, dark and desperate with something like love sprinkled in made this a page turner I couldn’t put down.
I went in to this series in this third book but you don’t need to read the others to understand what is going on. I was perfectly fine. I love me some serious enemies-to-lovers. I’m talking throughout the entire book. The banter was hilarious and shocking at times. You could feel the tension between the characters.
This is book three in the Mafia Obsession series. It’s Ava and Seamus’ emotional, dark, enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, mafia romance. It’s action packed and filled with drama, danger, suspense, lies, secrets, betrayal, vengeance, and s3xual tension. The banter kept it so entertaining! Loved it!
Ava would rather do anything than marry the enemy and that enemy is Seamus.
Ava is forced to marry Seamus and she wants absolutely nothing to do with him. She constantly tries to run and fights him every step of the way, but Seamus has a way of always finding Ava and will never let her go far.
The Mafia Enforcer’s Temptation was captivating. You never quite know what is going to happen.