Lucia Valdez knew she was hated by her family, which is why she was given away as a peace offering. Boone Grinder was not a nice man, and he had been making waves for the Bonaldi mafia for quite some time.
No one knew who this man was, what he did, or why he did it. All they knew, was he was responsible for making the streets run red.
Boone Grinder wasn't your ordinary villain. He didn't deal in illegal business, and the truth was, he wanted to be left alone. Only, they wouldn’t leave him alone. He saw the injustice that was happening to small businesses at the hands of the Bonaldi mafia, and he couldn’t stand by and allow it to continue.
Taking Lucia as his wife was the first step in their downfall. They believed they had insulted him. In fact, they had given him the woman he wanted. Before things get too far, he gives her a choice—him or her father.
It's a wife’s duty to stay by her husband’s side. Boone has done nothing but show Lucia kindness, and given her a life she never thought possible. She will always pick him, and as for her family … it was their choice to let her go.
Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound. She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
i tried...i really tried.... 45% and it was so hard to even reach this point it was so slow and dragged and honestly i felt nothing for them, heck up to this point there was no intimacy, the kisses they shared weren't out of passion, needing, wanting...boring there was no chemistry, no immediately attraction ,there was nothing romantic up to this point and even if there will be later on i'm sure i won't feel it. they didn't click at all.
Lucia is hated by her family who see her as less than. To get rid of her they give her to Boone as a peace offering. What her family do not realise is that they really don't know her or Boone. Boone is the only person in her life to show her kindness and care, the question is can she get over her past so she can grab hold of the future that is now on offer for her. Boone is a classic morally grey hero that you are going to fall in love with. There is plenty of spice and action on offer in this book and once you get started you are not going to want to stop reading.
A A Wife's Duty is a steamy, slow-burn, age-gap, opposites-attract, forced-proximity, arranged marriage, curvy girl gets her morally gray hunk darkish romance. Lucia is a curvy, sweet daughter of a cruel mafia couple. Her family has always been abusive and treated her horribly as the chubby, 2nd daughter. Boone is a hunky, morally gray man who wants Lucia as he thinks she is beautiful and sweet. He wants to save her from her family. They think they have insulted him by giving her to him as a peace offering, but he wants her. He hates her family, except her, and is determined to bring them down. He gives Lucia a choice, him or her family, as if it's really a choice, Boone is loving and kind, unlike her family. I enjoyed this story but it was longer and slow to start than Sam's other books. The couple did have good chemistry and we got a happy ending. 3.5☆s
I actually started this book 3 different times .. It took me awhile to actually be able to read it and then I found it to be slow and not what I am use to reading from Sam Cresent. Her books are normally more on the hit and sexy side and this did have hot parts but it was more about revenge for stuff that was done against his wife , which his wife did not even know . They were interesting characters and had interesting side characters and there were some hot and heavy parts in the book but it was just extremely slow and hard for me to get through .
BIG problem here !!!!!!! How does anyone NOT NOTICE her name is spelt wrong on the kindle version of this book ??? They either forgot the C or her name is spelt wrong on every other boom ..WTF is up with that
This is a longer read by Sam Crescent and I loved it. It was a really well written story with twists and turns along the way and a main male character named Boone Grinder that is perfection. He is all bada$$ and takes care of business to the outside world but to his woman and those closest to him he is lovable and loyal and everything you could want in a strong and likeable character. The same for the main female lead, she wasn't whiney or needy, she was strong, stronger than many gave her credit for. Lucia Valdez had endured so much bullying and abuse at the hands of her father and family they failed to see the Diamond all the pressure had created. This age gap romance was engaging and kept me hooked from beginning to end. When Boone Grinder is offered the second daughter of The valdez family, members of the Bonaldis Mafia family they think they are insulting him. They had no clue that the precious Lucia us the prize he wanted to claim as his own all along. They crossed the wrong man and now he is going to teach them what happens when you don't stay in your own lane. Another really enjoyable story with lots of steam and plenty of heart. Just how I like it. Happy Reading. Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given. 5 out of 5 stars.
This was an interesting story. Boone was a gangster, per se. He was more of a cleaner. When he saw injustice, he stepped in. It’s just that when he stepped in, people ended up dead. When he agreed to marry Lucia, he had no plans to love her or even like her. He wanted her out of the way until she could go her own way. Lucia has lived thinking she was going to die every day of her life. Her family was awful to her and when the married her off, she just knew this was it. She never thought she was worthy and never thought anyone would ever love her. If she can stay alive, maybe she can find her own little slice of happiness.
Boy, did you feel bad for Lucia. She has hardly ever had a kind word said to her or about her. Her self esteem is so damaged, yet she finds it in herself to be kind a gentle to others. This story took us on a rollercoaster of emotions for her and watching Boone slowly pull her into herself, you grew to love her too. Boone was such a complex character but you understood him and how he came to be. You could see how others followed him.
The story is well written and you couldn’t help but love them as a couple.
I really enjoyed this story. Boone has his past, his needvdriven by events he couldn't control, but now he manages and controls everything he is involved in. Lucia is cruelly treated by her family, especially her parents and being given to him is her opportunity to gain freedom. His gentle, naive wife is Boone's redemption for his actions, because his kindness to her is reciprocated, though it something she is unsure of. He hates her family and though she doesn't know it, it is fuelled by her poor treatment. He is the modern day knight in shining armour under the cloak of the grim reaper. Do unto others as they do unto you. Don't get mad, get even. Everyone is given a choice, but not everyone chooses the right one and they suffer and perish. Lucia chooses right and the benefits are perfect for them both. Great characters, well written, a bit of sugar and spice.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucia Valdez was always told by her family that she was ugly and no one would ever want her. She was given to Boone Grinder as a peace offering. Boone was no fool. Lucia wasn’t ugly. She was beautiful. He had made them believe she was given to him but he truly wanted Lucia. Not only as his wife but to save her as well. I have to say I was surprised about their wedding night. That is all I am saying. Boone isn’t what people think he is. He isn’t an unfeeling man. He rights the wrong and makes those pay. Lucia was dealt such a horrible hand in the beginning. The connection these two had grew slowly, learning about each other. Boone defiantly protected Lucia at every turn. Who wouldn’t want a man that is looking out for his woman.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This wasn’t my favorite Sam Crescent book. I barely finished it. It was choppy, and there were so many inconsistencies throughout. It needs a good editing. One example is when they arrived at the newly renovated farm house that has no groceries. They have to go shopping the next day. But in the morning Lucia attempted to make French toast going through cartons of eggs and bread, finally makes a decent meal. Then off to the grocery store, A few chapters later, she’s attempting to learn how to make French toast AGAIN. The story is so strange, it bounces around, Lucia is a real weakling, and Boone seems to be making up his character backstory as the book progresses. It took me several attempts to finish this book. I am disappointed. Sam Crescent has always been an automatic buy for me, but I’m going to have to rethink that going forward. Just disappointing.
This is another fun read by this author that brings so much unexpected romance to a traumatized gal. Lucia is hated by her mafia family and is given to Boone to be his wife. Boone isn't part of the mafia and doesn't feel like they ripped him off with Lucia - he loves her form, her kindness and her gentleness. She is not like her family and I love that he saw that even before they wed. She's uncertain on what to expect from him but she knows she's thankful for being freed from her family. What follows is an action packed read that showcases Boone's drive to rid the streets of mafia bad-doings, and protecting everyone from them, especially his Lucia. This was a page turner of a slow burn romance but definitely know the heat is there ;D Good fun!
A Wife's Duty is a fabulous read that pulls you into a dark mafia world with more than a few twists and turns. Lucia Valdez is basically married off by her family with no say in order to broker a peace with Boone Grinder. He is a bit of an enigma as people think he is one way when he can be very much the opposite. He has a reputation in town and has made a lot of trouble for the Bonaldi mafia family. He accepts Lucia as his wife but not for the reasons they want him to. Nope he is still out to bring down the family, free the businesses of the town, and live his life the way he wants. What happens when Lucia slowly peels back who he is and just what he is up to makes for a wonderful reading experience.
Lucia and Boone, a totally addictive read that I enjoyed immensely.. He married her, a marriage arranged by her cruel and violent family. Boone is on a vendetta, to clean up the city I won’t give spoilers about this aspect of the book. Lucia is confused about what Boone wants from her. Boone wants her trust and love. So many signs of how much he cares…she wants a haircut, he takes her. They rescue a dog and adopt her. She wants a tattoo, he makes sure it happens. A steamy, romantic and loving read. I didn’t want their story to end but it did…with a HEA epilogue
Boone is going to war against the Italian mafia, however he isn't a a part of a crime family and all of his businesses are legit. He is just a man who is tired of people being hurt by them. He doesn't consider Lucia part of it, she is another person who needs to be saved from them and so he married her.
Lucia has been abused by her family all her life. Being married off to Boone is hard for her because she doesn't know what to expect from her husband. She quickly learns that Boone is nothing like her family or the mafia they belong to.
I liked Boone, it was nice that he wasn't just another criminal. Lucia is a sweet woman and really blooms under his care.
This mafia romance is on the sweeter more romantic side.
My hurt for Lucia. Her family treated her badly all her life. She thinks she's just discarded when she's married off. She slowly finds out the man she married is kind and wants to take care of her while also letting her find herself. It's very difficult for her to believe her husband wants her.
Boone is protective of his wife Lucia. He wanted her and made it to where he rescued her from her awful life with her family. He wants to give her everything while also destroying her family in the process.
Lucia feels unloved and unwanted by her family. They treat her horribly and constantly demean her with put-downs. Her father ends up offering her to one of his adversaries as a peace offering making Lucia feel even more unwanted.
What Lucia doesn’t realize is that she’s being given into the hands of her savior and protector. Boone has wanted Lucia for some time and now that he has her, he intends on showing her how amazing she really is!
This was a sweet romance with an easy going storyline. Enjoyable and nice read.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a beautiful and moving story. We are taken along in the life of Lucia and Boone. Lucia does not have it easy, she does not feel at home anywhere and her family hates her and to get rid of her she is given to Boone, and that is quite scary and insecure for her. Boone is known as a dangerous and hard-hearted man, but Lucia notices that he is different than she had thought, he is caring and gives her time to get used to their marriage and the new situation. A beautiful story that keeps your attention.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and voluntarily leave a review.
Loved this novel! What a wild ride! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight. I loved Lucia and Boone's story. My heart hurt for Lucia and how horrible her family treated her. I loved Lucia and Boone together. Their chemistry was so good! I loved how protective Boone was of Lucia. Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novel down. I was on the edge of my seat reading and cheering on the two lovers. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. So good!
I have to say this might be my most favorite character yet. Boone is sooo the man!! He has no need for revenge or mess until he is messed with better yet til he sees Lucia and the abuse her family shows toward her.
Lucia knows she is unlovable and unwanted because that is all she has experienced all her life. So, on her mind, her marriage to Boone (or Bone as she says) she thinks will be no different. Aaahhh, but the beauty of the unknown and the love of fate.
Boone and Lucia were example what I imagine love looks like when neither is sure of the other but their hearts know the truth.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucia has spent her life in fear. Being ridiculed and bullied by her own family. She's given to Boone as a means of making peace and her life changes at least for a while. Boone is a man that's greatly feared but Lucia gets to know a side of him that no one else knows. But when danger comes for Lucia it doesn't take very long to remind everyone just who he is and the lengths he'll go to for what's his. A Wife's Duty is an intense, intriguing story that keeps you glued to the pages from beginning to end.
This story hooked me from the first page to the last. Lucia was married off to Boone, the enemy of her Italian mafia family, in an attempt to bring peace. Lucia is the hated second daughter and was abused her whole life. Boone is trying to figure out why he feels the way he does for his new wife; all he knows is he wants to keep her. There is a lot of action and plenty of spicy steam. This is another fantastic book by Sam Crescent, and I look forward to the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucia is the black sheep and hated by her family so in way of brokering peace she's married off to Boone. Only Boone isn't who Lucia believes him to be. In the progress of this book as more of his backstory is revealed who he really is comes to light and what his real agenda is. Boone is very much an anti-hero but not towards Lucia. Their dynamic is very much focused on trust because of who Lucia's family is but it was endearing with how compassionate Boone was to Lucia. More so with everything Lucia has been through in this book. A bittersweet read with some steam and great characters.
This was so good. Took me by surprise no matter how many of these mafia ones that Sam does they all have their own twists and are not like any of the others she writes. This was such a fun read and I loved how he guided this timid woman to bring out her spirit and her love for things that were what she wanted. Can't forget the spice and the non-stop action that keeps you hooked. This is a must read!!
I can't help but be amazed at our MMC. He clearly marches to the beat of his own drum. It's hard to definitively label him as a good man; he's kind to those he has helped, but a burden to those he considers bad. He follows his own code of honor. What has stuck with me the most—and I find it praiseworthy—is how he helped his wife flourish.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These two MCs were made for each other. Boone and Lucia had a lot to deal with from outside forces. To see their love and trust slowly come to fruition was so special. The plot was solid and original. We need more books like this. This author is awesome. I highly recommend this book to all dark mafia romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shy, curvy, underconfident, abused heroine is married off to the much older "bad" hero. What starts as a marriage of convenience turns out to be much more.. the hero ends up becoming her savior and source of strength, and gives her all the happiness she has ever desired.
Typical SC hero and heroine set in the mafia world, very predictable romance but I enjoyed it as it was comfortable.
I’d say this was a but if a slow burn, and frankly I lm glad. Normally, I’m not much for the long drawn out burns, I mean, that’s not a main driver for my love of romance novels.
For me, it’s about the characters. And that’s why I am digging this slow burn. This time was very well spent showing us the lay of the land and helping us get to know Lucia and Boone. Two very intriguing and interesting characters.
I think this one of Sam Crescent worst effort. Besides the repeatedly recycled storyline, the doormat heroine in this one is a lot more stupid it's offensive,she's a 22 year old who doesn't know how to crack an egg. The hero is a 40 something rebel without a cause with no personality, his boring as with everything with this book. The worst part is the book is tedious slow burn that subjects you to repeated monologues and the non-existent chemistry between the MC's.
Lucia was given to Boone as an insult to him, her family where cruel and called her ugly but to Boone she's exactly who he wanted, to keep and protect. But when choices have to be made what side do loyalties lie? Well written fast paced steamy desires and more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was more intense mafia read for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love mafia books but it took me a little bit to get into it. It was very well written. Loved the aspect surrounding how Boone (MMC) gets revenge on his wife’s family. That was my favorite part. I definitely would read from this author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.