Reign of Royal

The Momento Mori #1

by Samantha Barrett

You know him as the son of Bishop and Kiara Murdoch, heir to the New York and Miami mafia but now you are about to know him as the Don of the Memento Mori.

Are you ready for the reign of the heir?

Buckle up and get ready for Royal Murdoch and the Memento Mori....

Blurb and Cover coming soon...

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Family

Unknown Binding

First published November 16, 2023

About the author

Samantha Barrett is originally from Auckland, New Zealand but living in Brisbane, Australia.

Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.

She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.

Reviews

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whooooo boy. I haven’t read a mafia romance in a hot minute, and this one welcomed me back into the fold. The first in a spin-off series, it was still completely solid as a standalone. I haven’t read the prior series, but this still was a good read! I enjoyed watching the heirs spread their wings and step into their own right. I loved watching Royal, the ultimate alpha hole, learn what love is. The tightness of this family was amazing, and I can’t wait to continue this series!

❤️Tropes❤️
💋mafia romance
💋enemies to lovers
💋 Alpha hole to cinnamon roll (for only her)

Royal is tired of waiting to take over for his dad. But when his dad and his brothers go missing, he steps up. Flying down to Miami he is ready to burn the city down to find them, but plays it smart. And the only one who is catching on to his plans? The fiancée of his target.

Thank you to Literally Yours PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karma is a bitch. A new generation of mafioso is ready to avenge their families and prove their worth. Vengeance is hers. A young woman is bent on revenge on the man who brutally took her family.  It's a game of who falls in love with the enemy first.

Royal is a complex character, always trying to prove himself to his powerful father. He's ruthless and calculating, but also surprisingly mature for his age. It's fascinating to see how he's created his own mini-mafia unit under his father's nose.

Erika is a force to be reckoned with. She's often underestimated and she's cunning and determined, willing to do whatever it takes to get the information she needs to exact her revenge. Her strength and resilience are inspiring considering her tragic past.

The chemistry between Royal and Erika is explosive and the action is nonstop. Royal and Erika are destined to be the true King and Queen of Miami.

It's nice to meet the large Murdoch family and learn the playful and serious dynamics among them all.

This is an excellent start to the new generation of Murdoch's and if you haven't read the Murdoch Mafia Series, I suggest you read the novella Stalemate which breaks down the Murdoch family dynamic and nicely prefaces Reign of Royal.

If you're a fan of sexy and suspenseful mafia romances, then you should check out the new Memento Mori series. Royal and Erika's story is an exceptional read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to Ms. Barrett for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life asked Death, why do people love me but hate you?Death responded, Because you are a beautiful lie and I am the painful truth.”

Reign of Royal is the first book in the Memento Mori series by Samantha Barrett. If you’ve read Barrett’s Murdoch Mafia series then you will recognize Royal is Bishop and Kiara’s son. I loved the Murdoch Mafia series but this book completely blew that series out of the water. It was absolutely amazing! The storyline was action-packed and had lots of steamy right from the start so I was hooked. I loved the unexpected twists and can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I loved Royal and Erika. Their chemistry was instant and explosive. I enjoyed the dynamics and relationship building between them especially when Erika refused to just go along with Royal’s demands. I really liked seeing all the Murdochs and the love and protectiveness they have for one another.

This book ends with a cliffhanger that sets us up for the next book which I can’t wait to read!!!

[Christy Davisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow couldn't put this one down!!

Ok, Royal is very much like his father but he has his own style of ruling and he's out to show everyone who he is finally.

I absolutely loved this book. I will say I was curious how much I would like him since I'm a hard-core Bishop fan and Royal won me over. He's the best version of his parents so this book was fun to read and to see the dynamics of the OG's as parents. I loved the headbutting between Bishop and Royal these two are hilarious at times but you see the love and strength they have for one another when times are tough.

This story was action-packed and full of twists and spice. I mean there isn't much missing in this one. Watching Royal find his match in Erika was fun but brought an extra layer to their story as it progressed. All I can say is if you loved the the original series then you will definitely love this next generation just as much! I'm so excited to see where this series goes because Samantha Barrett hasn't disappointed me once in her books so I'm ready to take this crazy wild journey into the unknown now!

If you love your mafia books dirty, gritty, action-packed, spicy, and full of twists then this is one you want to grab! Can't wait for more I'm already hooked!

[Alexandra Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC Review 🙌
This book has hyped up my month of November of ARC’S! Literally this book is soo good. I’m gonna be completely honest I haven’t read any other of her books! This book I felt like it was detailed and explained well to fill in any holes there might be. I somehow always end up in reading the heirs before I read the whole thing. 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️ but I love Royal and I love how he made his own Mafia in a way and family. Rika is a very strong FMC she never really was shown as weak. She’s truly a Queen 👑 I love how she never backs down and how she’s saved Royals life. Her loyalty to him is end game! I love how he gets karma for tormenting his father for so many years with his mom. I feel like there will be more then just the heir series and I can’t be anymore excited! I felt like this book isn’t like any other mafia books. I felt like the way Royal handles himself and how he doesn’t just take over or kills his father is shows already he’s a strong character he rather build his own empire. I couldn’t get over the amount emotions I went threw reading this book and I could never guess what’s gonna happen! The family dynamics is totally different and I love it.
Thank you and of course happy reading!!

[Natalie Yanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal is one true alpha male. I loved how he decided to make his own mafia family with his three cousins. The way Erika would put him in his place when needed. I loves Royal he's dirty talking mouth.I would highly recommend this book to any Murdoch or even new to this family fans. Can't wait to read Chanel's story.

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of the new series in the Murdoch mafia, but it begins at the end of Stalemate, which was a Murdoch family novella that united both the past and the present.
Book one is Royal’s story. As the future heir to both the Murdoch mafia and the Bennett empire, Royal grew tired of waiting in the wings and created the Memento Mori, working with his cousins Chanel, Chaos and Havoc, initially unbeknown to their parents. (With their skill set, Koby and Knight, the twins parents, soon figured it out).
After Chaos and Havoc had killed the Vasquez heir,
Emilio Vasquez teamed up with Chance Bennett to take both Miami and New York away from the Murdoch family and make them all suffer.
They had shot down the plane that Bishop and his brothers were on, told them they were being sent to Siberia while they waited to see what happens when the family find out.
It’s time for Royal to step up and be the leader he’s been trained to be. Little do they know but the Memento Mori are coming for them and they won’t see it happening until it’s too late.
They like to dismantle things from the inside out and nobody actually knows what any of the younger generation actually look like.
Erika is Chance’s fiancé and the niece of Emilio. She’s mute and uses ASL to communicate, which Chaos speaks fluently at the first face to face meeting with Chance, where he pretends to be Royal, while Royal is posing as a new bodyguard for Erika.
Royal realises that she has figured out the truth so gets closer to her. But the chemistry between them is electric and Royal is for the first time beginning to understand his father and his uncles standpoints with regard to their wives….
This was an excellent book to kick off the next generation of Murdoch’s. The chemistry and the fall that Royal finds himself unable to prevent with Erika is electric, and the rapport and relationship between the cousins is just as tight as the older Murdoch relationships.
The Memento Mori is a great angle, where they each leave a calling card:
King of clubs is Royal.
Chanel/Sin is the Queen of hearts.
Chaos is the Jack of spades.
Havoc is the Ace of diamonds.
It’s an interesting way to mark their next victim and instil the fear that they need.
Erika is a strong young woman who stands up to Royal despite finding herself falling for him and vice versa. But she also has a personal motive of her own for being exactly where she is, which we get flashes of but don’t see the full picture until the end of the book.
A superb addition to the original series.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I had only read the first book in the OG series and still have the others on my TBR list. I enjoyed that one, and I enjoyed this one too.
I love the tension that was built up in the prologue, it gives us a little taste of what the generation is going to be like. We're then gifted with some small introductions on who everyone is. I like this because then we're going into the book with at least some idea and it gives us something to look forward to when we get to know them better down the line.
Then things are kicked up a notch and the tension increases. I really can't say too much here without giving anything away, but it's fair to say, I am hoping Royal and his team are up to the task! He is after all Bishop's Son.
This really was a great start to the next generation of Murdochs! The chemistry between Erika and Royal was instant and I enjoyed how Erika was the type of FMC that didn’t back down or roll over and just go along with everything she was told, she could hold her own, and for a character like Royal, I think that was needed! He would not have handled a pushover.
I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through this, wondering what was going to happen! In the end Royal really lived up to his character and it was a great read! I did at times, feel like it was a little bit wordy in places, but that's just a personal thing for me and in no way did it detract from the story.
I am super excited to see what happens next!!

[Kristie-Anne Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 read for me!!!

I think I loved this book more than the parents in the Murdoch Mafia series. I do highly recommend reading that series first as it will give you a deeper understanding of the relationships between family members.

This book was an amazing start to the second gen series & OMG that cliffhanger at the end has me so excited for Sin's book!!!

I love how Royal grew into the man & leader who he was destined to become throughout this book. I also love that the cousins relationships are just as close as the parents.

Erika was an amazing addition to this family. I love how she came out of her shell & confronted her past trauma to become the woman who is capable of standing by Royals side & thriving. She may also be just as crazy as him so that helps!!!

Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:

*Enemies to Lovers
*Hidden Identity
*Mafia
*Second Generation
*Childhood Trauma
*Kidnapping
*Unaliving
*Torture

Please make sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Lisa O'D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the second generation of the amazing Murdoch Mafia series.  If you haven't read the OG series, you really must start with Bishop, not only is he the father of Royal, but the first series will set the scene for this fantastic introduction to the Memento Mori.  Also, the short novella, Stalemate, is a must read as this fills the gap between both series.


Reign of Royal is an introduction to the new ways the younger generation intend to run the Murdoch Mafia.  Despite their parents wanting to protect them and allow their children to have choices, this all changes when Royal's father and uncles are kidnaped and it's up to Royal to lead his cousins, making decisions and taking control, in order to rescue them.


This story had me on edge from the start, not only do the younger generation have to step up and try to rescue their parents, they have to handle so much conflict and danger along the way.  Add the introduction of Erika, a mute girl that Royal is attracted to, and we enjoy watching their relationship develop until she 'betrays' him but, can they get through the darkness in order to be together?  


This is a well written mafia story containing fantastic characters who develop throughout the book, not only is it fast paced but it is full of twists and turns and I cannot wait to read the next book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author so when I started Reign of Royal, I had no idea this was the first book in a new series featuring the next generation and before I got more than a couple of chapters in, I’d added a whole lot of books to my tbr as I fell in love with the Murdoch family, murderers and borderline psychopaths they might be but family is everything and the women in that family rule the roost, the only ones who can instil genuine fear into their respective menfolk.

Reign of Royal featured Royal, only child of Bishop and Klara and he’s more than ready to step out from his father’s shadow and form his own family with his three cousins, the Memento Mori. He never expected his chance would come with the abduction of his father and uncles and would set him on a spree to claim his own territory in Miami. Along the way he encounters the mysterious and silent Erika, a woman with her own agenda and vengeance in her heart. I loved everything about this book. The sizzling chemistry between Royal and Erika, the fabulous family dynamics especially between Royal and his parents which had me laughing when Klara turned on her husband for being mean to her baby boy, while said baby laughed at getting his father in trouble. With wicked dialogue and dark humour, fantastic characters and a gripping plot where the action didn’t let up for a second, I’m happy to say I’ve found a new author to obsess over.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erika is out for revenge after witnessing the murder of her family. She risks herself on several occasions but shows she has a big heart. She is also observant, quick thinking, and down to earth.

Royal is a little bit headed but proves he can be a good leader of the Momento Morí. He leads by example and will be ruthless to his enemies. He cares about his group and of his family, and will stop at nothing to ensure things work out.

These two have an instant connection but their story is definitely not a smooth one. Lined with mistrust but curiosity, they try to figure each other out while also tackling other issues. I felt a bit of hot and cold coming from Royal but there are moments that shine through to convince me why Erika falls for this alpha leader who will protect others and bring out this energy. Royal also falls hard due to Erika’s heart and resourcefulness. The two of the work well together.

We also get a lot of high octane suspense and action, with some stomach clenching details. The pace is quick and Kees you in your toes. We also see how tight the bonds between the Murdochs are and get some comedies relief from their interactions. There are definitely some twists I was expecting and they were pleasant surprises.

This was an exciting read and we get a sneak peak of what the story for our next Murdoc, Sin, will be. I Fanny wait!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Royal is book one in the Memento Mori series, which is the next generation of the Murdoch family and OMG if you thought the OG books were good, the next gen really is next level!

This is Royal and Erika’s story and as I’ve come to expect from this author, this twisted Mafia book has a brilliant storyline, lots of twists to keep you on your toes and a hot MMC who has amazing chemistry with the MFC, a woman with her own vengeance to fulfill.

Wanting to step out from under his father’s shadow, Royal - the only child of Bishop and Klara, has something to prove and that’s, that he’s ready to reign supreme, along with his cousins and with that, the Memento Mori are born - I cannot wait for the next book in this series - an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal like is father is stubborn, with his cousins they create The Memento Mori – no one knows who they are, there are no pictures, no social media nothing that anyone can identify them with.
When their parents go missing Royal knows it’s the time, he can prove that he’s ready to be the Don, even if he’s father doesn’t believe him.
Erika is determined to get her revenge and she knows to do that she’s going to have to do things that she doesn’t like. When she sits in on a meeting, she knows there’s something not quite right, but says nothing, not understanding the pull there is with the man.
Royal should unalive her, Erika is the one person that he has the feeling that knows their game, but for some reason he doesn’t want to kill her.
Royal shows his father that he is ready to lead, it’s what he wants. Everything and everyone is against Erika, including her being given Sin’s card.
Erika knows everything is against her, all she wants is her revenge, she didn’t expect Royal, and she didn’t expect the secrets that unfolded.
Royal might not be sure what he’s feeling but he knows that no one is going to harm Erika unless they go through him.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Royal Murdoch introduces himself like most heirs to the throne…cocky, sure of himself, and with a chip on his shoulder to try & prove himself.

So when a distant cousin tries to organize a hostile takeover, the opportunity for Royal to step is presents itself. One problem though….Royal (hidden in plain sight) is drawn in by his enemy’s fiancée. But Erika isn’t just what you see.
Their connection is instant - intense - and swift moving, for everyone involved.

Though a 2nd Gen series - it was easy to get caught up on the connections to the 1st Gen series. Which was helpful.
Took one star off for a couple of my own personal idiosyncrasies as a reader, and pacing felt a tiny bit choppy at times. But otherwise, interesting mafia storyline that will pull you in.

[Breana Frangipani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready for a new Mafia to takeover, Royal is ready to takeover and step out of his fathers shadow. This book has so much drama and pent up tension. Royal and Erika have great Chemistry from the beginning. This is the first book in this new series. Enemies to Lovers, drama, heartache, thrill, action, this book has it all. It does end on a cliffy but you know what that means there is another book! So happy reading!!

[Barbara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definitely read book. Royal lives up to his name. He plays and loves hard but he takes crap from no one.
Erika was a great surprise but she keeps Royal on his toes. Great chemistry. Chanel has a lot of demons to fight but that won't stop her from doing what she has to do. She protects her family 100%. I can't wait to see what goes on with the rest of the kids.

Bishop mat be getting older but he is still HOT.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly can't wait for the rest of this series,was lovely getting a insight into the momento mori group and love Royals growth through this book, love seeing how close royal and his cousins are. Super excited for Syns book, can't wait for her story and seeing more into royal and the twins, from the moment o started the book I didn't want to put it down, i was hooked from page one and highly recommend reading it, it's addictive in the best way possible ❤️

[Jennifer Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never read any of Samantha Barrett's books, I was concerned I'd be lost. Fortunately, the author note recommends a novella to read first - Stalemate. That was enough to set me at ease and give me a sense of the characters (and encourage me to read the Murdoch Mafia books)
There's never a dull moment as the characters navigate their roles, being leaders, being the Memento Mori.
Royal is a natural leader, thinks fast on his feet, and his relationship with his cousins is not what you would expect of a mafia boss. Erika starts out as an enigma, and I found myself invested in her story more than I had anticipated.
The twists and turns keep you on your toes, and I even had multiple "close the book and breathe" moments where I was just caught off guard. Not to mention a couple of moments that lightened the mood and really helped even out the tone.
I definitely recommend, and can't wait for the next book to follow Sin's story.

[Shonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Reign of royal” is the first book in the “memento mori” series by Samantha Barrett.

Royal is out to prove his worth to his father, he’s ready to take over. He knows he can be just as a good leader as his father is.

Erika is out for revenge on those who took her family away from her. Erika is determined to make those responsible pay.

Royal and Erika share explosive chemistry that will leave you desperate for several cold showers. Royal and Erika feel an undeniable pull towards each other no matter how much they try to resist.

“Reign of Royal” is a fast paced enemies to lovers romance that you will devour. If you loved the OG characters from the “Murdoch mafia” series then you will definitely enjoy this spin off series.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Royal by Samantha Barrett is the gripping story of Royal and Erika. The entire OG has been taken…leaving Royal as the acting Don until they are rightfully returned. He is determined to prove himself and he has a plan. He is surprised to meet the mute woman, Erika who is his nemesis’ fiancé.

Love the new generation…and Royal was stupendous. He makes mistakes and has a couple of blips….but, he is spectacular. But, his enchantment with the enemy may be his undoing. This story was sooooooooo good and I can’t wait for the rest of the Memento Mori’s calling cards!!!

[Never2Busy4Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I thought Bishop was bad his son is worse. Sam knows how to write a dark romance for you to get sucked into, although there was so comedy to it as well. This book will have you panting and smiling at the same time. Bring on the rest of devious Memento Mori I'm waiting for my card.

[Katelyn Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good god women this book was everything . So exciting , nail biter . Sexy as sin!
It totally kept me on the edge of my seat, but all your books due .
This book was so amazing
Royal is mouth watering and I’m
So proud of him, he really shows his family he can lead .this is a must read

[Nic_key_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that the Murdoch Mafia series is my all time favorite mafia series but I can see this series sliding into first place!


Royal and his cousins are the Memento Mori. They’re ready to earn their place and cement their name. If you thought the OGs were hard and rough then it’s no surprise their offspring’s are just as ruthless.Royal is ready to prove he’s ready to take his fathers place!!



We only got book one and Samantha set the bar high with this one. This whole series is going to blow us away I can feel it. It’s one that is not predictable and one that we will not see coming.

If you haven’t read the Murdoch Mafia series I would highly recommend reading it first. You don’t have to but you’ll get a better understanding of the dynamic of this family.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Royal by Samantha Barrett is the First book in the Memento Mori Series. This is the story of Royal and Erika. Royal is out to save his father and uncle when they are taken. Erika is out to get revenge which is leading her to be someone else. But she is strong when it comes to Royal's demands. This is the first book I have read by this author. So I am excited to read more from her soon and I will be going back to read her previous books too.

[Amber Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

I am not going to lie, I was worried I wouldn’t get into this series, but this book is truly amazing. The twists and turns, lots of things I did not see coming.. plus I love this family so much, their dynamic, and how they love each other but also be a pain in the ass to each other, kept me reading on. I didn’t want this book to end and impatiently waiting for the next one!
Amazing job yet again Samantha, you truly have a gift and love ya for it!

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite things with books, is when an author decides to the Next Gen, and carry-on with what the kids get up to when they're grown. This does not disappoint! We have Royal who has taken over from his dad, and they mean business 💪 Their relationship is one that's unique, and it warmed my heart 👌this book gives you everything a notch mafia book should be and i can not wait for the next one 😍 😍

[Linzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooohh this book was everything I wanted and more. Firstly, Royal and his dad were brilliant. I loved their relationship and how they were with each other and because of that, it’s why Royal stands up and does what he needs to do. Unbeknown to him he ends up finding the love of his life. He and Erika have this beautiful love hate relationship to start with but the love soon becomes unbreakable. Stories soon become lies and the truth is all revealed with heartbreaking outcomes for Erika but she gets her revenge in the end. What I did love about this book was the bond between Royal and Chanel, that was something else but I think given her secret and what we find out at the end might very well be tested in the next book.

You have to read this, it will seriously not disappoint you, your be hooked and begging for the next book. Well done Samantha Barrett, another fab one.

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…. This book was just amazing. It’s the first book in the Momento Mori series. This series is about the off springs of the parents in the Murdoch Mafia series. Royal is Bishop and Kiara’s son. You don’t have to read the Murdoch Mafia series to read this book. Although if you do read it you will love the series. I just love Royal’s book. Royal and Erika are awesome. Just love the chemistry between the two and how they challenge each other. She brings Royal to his knees. Royal has proven to Bishop that he is capable of leading even though it’s hard for a father like Bishop to let go. I’m so excited to read more with the rest of the kids in this series. If I could have given this book than 5 stars I would have. There is not enough stars for this book. Just love love loved it.

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Royal and Erika. It's a mafia story with many twists and turns. It's very exciting and suspenseful and will keep you guessing. This is the first book I have read by Samantha Barrett and I enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend her work.