Is there a better way to stick it to your ex than to have a fling with the hot mafia guy?
Fresh out of a relationship, Harper was ready to get out of Oklahoma and away from outlaw bikers. All she had to do was pass her LSATs, get into law school, oh and convince her crazy ex-boyfriend things were over.
Totally doable.
The family business had grown with their casino in the laundromat’s basement. Paul settled into a groove until Harper came along. Driven, foul-mouthed, and addicting. Of course, she came with baggage.
Listen. It was never thatserious. She wasn’t his problem. Right? When the bullets flew, they find out.
Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.
She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.
When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
Quick Vibe We are introduced to Harper, who’s stuck working at a laundromat that’s actually a cover for an illegal gambling ring, thanks to her outlaw biker father. While working there, she meets Paul, the son of the man who runs the operation, and there’s an immediate pull between them.Things get messier when Harper’s ex won’t leave her alone and starts showing up at her job putting everyone on edge.
What I Liked This was an easy read that did exactly what it set out to do. I liked how it created a solid base for the rest of the series and made me curious without overcomplicating things. For something short, it delivered enough feeling to make me want to continue.
What I Didn’t Love It was very fast, and a lot happens in a short amount of time. Some parts of it felt like they could’ve easily been folded into the beginning of the first full book or even handled as a prologue instead of a standalone novella.
Overall Thoughts Overall, I think Fling of Hearts succeeded at what it wanted to be. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid setup piece. Not a must-read—but a nice bonus if you’re continuing the series.
I recently read Queen of Blades by Victoria Jayne and I absolutely cannot sing its praises enough!! So when I saw that Victoria had a prequel with our beloved Paul and Harper, I immediately needed to get my hands on it! Thank you so much to Victoria for blessing me with an arc for this prequel!!
I absolutely loved this prequel and I’m so happy I read it after Queen of Blades where I really got to know everyone. I loved seeing how Paul and Harper met, what Harper and Dwight’s relationship really looked like and the series of events that went down there, and even getting to see a little bit more of Snoopy. I loved that we definitely got to see that even at 21 Harper was still never a damsel in distress and Paul was still the man who would take care of everything regardless.
I absolutely loved that we got to witness the scene where Paul and Harper exchanged their gifts that they carried with them in Queen of Blades. As soon as Paul pulled out that box, I literally shrieked with giddiness!!
Finally, even though this was a novella, there was plenty of spice. I absolutely loved their instant connection and really loved how during their first time together when she didn’t O from penetration he immediately took care of her after. He may be a walking red flag, but Paul gets the job done 😉
I literally cannot wait for book 2 in the series!!
This was a great book for the prequel. I'm excited to see what happens and where it goes next. Paul and Harper were already hot and heavy in this, so I'm expecting it to continue and hopefully more in the next book. Great book to kick off the story
DNF. I wanted to like this—especially because it's a novella. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get through it. Even for a novella, it was rushed. Just not my cup of tea! Nothing against the author!
3.75stars-FLING OF HEARTS is the prequel novella in Victoria Jayne’s contemporary, new adult DIXIE MAFIA erotic, Mafia romance series, and a part of the multi-authored LUST, LOVE AND POKER CHIPS charity anthology. This is twenty-one year old college student Harper Myers, and twenty-four year old,security specialist Paul Ricci’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Harper and Paul) FLING OF HEARTS follows MC princess Harper Myers in the wake of starting a new job at a local laundromat. Harper was busy studying for her LSATs but her father, president of the Roughneck Riders MC didn’t accept her lack of a job so found her employment at the local laundromat, a laundromat where so much more is happening underground. Paul Ricci works for his father, behind the scenes, where Harper is working, and finds himself attracted to a woman whose past refuses to let go.
The world building introduces a few of the characters, and some of the background in the author’s new Dixie Mafia series. Harper’s father is controlling, and refuses to accept his daughter’s difficult situation; Paul is determined to keeps tabs of the woman that is calling to his heart.
The relationship between Paul and Harper is quick to develop. Protective of Harper, Paul finds himself pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine, and is determined to claim Harper as his own. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.
We are introduced to Harper’s father, Roughneck Riders MC president Snoopy, Harper’s ex Dwight, as well as Paul’s brother Eddie.
FLING OF HEARTS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, obsession and madness, friendships and family. The character driven premise is fast paced and entertaining; the romance is limited; the characters are desperate and dynamic. FLING OF HEARTS ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
In “Fling of Hearts," the author delivers a captivating tale that fuses romance, crime, and self discovery.
The story follows Harper, a determined young woman keen on transforming her life after a difficult breakup. As she focuses on her LSATs and aspirations for law school, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Paul, a charming yet enigmatic mafia figure who throws her plans into disarray.
Harper's character, is driven, resilience, resourceful, she just needs to get away and find herself and the new start age has promised herself. Paul's character, took me a little while to come round to him, his rough exterior but alluring charisma, made me question was he really the guy for Harper. 🤔
The plot weaves a balance of lighthearted moments and intense scenes, particularly as Harper grapples with her persistent ex-boyfriend and the ensuing chaos from her connections with her biker family (dad is the president of the local club!)
The pacing is relatively brisk, which was good as it’s only a novella. I loved the humour, the spice, but also the crossroads that they both have to come too.
So, "Fling of Hearts" is an entertaining read that combines romance with high stakes drama. With a few unexpected twists, it's the perfect way to start the “Dixie Mafia” Series.
This is a prequel in the way that it’s the meeting of the main characters of the first full book in this series. That means it doesn’t have your typical HEA or HFN. Harper and Paul are attracted to each other, but neither is looking for a relationship. On top of that, their family situations would make it nearly impossible to be together if they did want that. But they cannot deny their attraction, and literally get caught with their pants down, and things get crazy.
The story of how Paul and Harper came to know each other and the fallout of their attraction has me curious. It did its job of getting me interested in their book, so I can see how things play out. Until I read that book, I don’t know if this short story is a necessary addition to the series or just a fun romp. I’ll get back to you on that. (see above)
One note, I don’t tend to read much mafia or motorcycle (unless they’re the soft, cuddly type of bikers) romance, so there were a few scenes that were like record scratches to me. There is violence on the page, and Paul is not a soft and squishy hero. I still liked his feelings about family and his protectiveness over Harper enough to want to know more. I just need to prepare myself for his brutal side.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
This was a good prequel and the main characters Paul and Harper intrigued me from the get go.
Harper is studying for to get into Law school and has just gotten out of a relationship after she found out her boyfriend cheated on her, I say good riddance to him. Meanwhile her father who is the president of the local MC gets her a job in the local laundromat which is owned by a crime family and this is where she meets Paul.
Paul’s interest was instantly piqued by Harper and vice versa. Of course Harpers annoying ex didn’t manage to get the hint that they were done for good and tried to slither his way back in trying to get her back and while Harper is most certainly capable of taking out the trash, Paul stepped in by her side from time to time.
Of course the attraction won, as it always does and Harper and Paul decided to give in to one another. Of course they labeled it as a once off but is it really a once off???
The book is a prequel so it does set up further books to come but I am really excited to see where the author takes us on Harper and Paul’s journey.
Thank you so much for the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
I haven’t read the book series that this is a prequel to, however, I can say very confidently that you don’t need to read it at all if you don’t want to. This novella takes place before the Dixie Mafia series begins, and you can follow it without knowing anything about the series, but that being said, the ending is clearly set up to lead into the events of the series, so the ending isn’t necessarily satisfying if you only read the novella.
Our lovely FMC and MMC are part of somewhat rival, somewhat friendly crime families, and they’re thrown together due to circumstances neither of them really had a say in. Sparks fly, drama ensues, and relationships are definitely formed.
If you’re looking for a short, spicy read involving mafia families, this one is for you.
Thank you very much to Victoria Jayne for an ARC of this novella. All opinions are my own and in no way are influenced by the manner in which I received this book.
I absolutely loved this story. It was a quick ready with spice, suspense, action and leaving you wanting more!! I love the characters and the world building. With your descriptions, I can picture it all in my mind as I read. Love Paul, he is so bad ass. He reminds me of my hubby. Such grace and precision in all his moves and actions. Dwight, Ugg what a slime. I can relate to having a guy like that in my past. You did an amazing job of making the reader hate him. I adore how goofy Paul gets with Harper.
But still Paul gave into the adrenaline. In his defense, she looked at him with those eyes!!! I loved this line. I love they dynamic between Paul and Harper. His FAFO attitude is something else. The ending left me wanting more. It is a cliff hanger, leaving the reader waiting for the next book. If it is just a taste of what is to come, then I am all in. Let me get my leather jacket and bookbag.
"Harper wasn’t his type with the tattoos, a crazy ex, and a biker daddy, but there was something about the way she smiled. It made his balls tingle."
🩷My Thoughts: Short, fun , sweet read with insane chemistry. I inhaled this book so fast. Honestly, I don't what is going to happen with Paul and Harper but I'm here for it. Something definitely is cooking between them, and I'm so excited to see where it goes.
Dwight is an asshole! I need him dead already like WTF!! There's a lot going on in this book especially with the motorcycle club and i need to know what the hell is up. Aside from that there's also humor in this book. There's this one scene which had me cackling even though I know was not supposed to be funny, but here we are.
This was my first time reading this Author, so I didn’t get my hopes up too much.
This Author blew me away!! The prequel was gripping. While having suspense, spice, action, and danger. This novella is a short and easy read. The characters are well built out the world as well. When I read it I can picture the scenes and what’s happening in my head from the description.
Drama with a cheating, crazy, and possessive ex- boyfriend. The FMC is trying to get out of the life she is in to go law school. She’s forced to get a job working for Paul’s family. Harper and Paul have a great chemistry and I can’t wait to see where it goes. It ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
Fling of Hearts is a great introduction to Harper and Paul—and yes, I read their story backwards at first, but honestly? It worked. Going back to see how they met added depth and made their connection even more satisfying. This story is laid out perfectly so it can be read either as a prequel or after finishing Queen of Blades, and it flows seamlessly either way.
The chemistry between Harper and Paul is undeniable and absolutely delivers on the heat. Add in plenty of action and rising tension, and this becomes a must-read that leaves you trusting the process and immediately reaching for the next book.
Huge thank you to Victoria for gifting me a copy and introducing me to her writing—I’m officially invested. 🖤📚
ARC given for a honest review - This was a fast fun read.
Harper is the daughter of the Local MC President. She is studying to get into college so but also to get away from her cheating Ex.. who just cant seem to get it thru his head that its over..
Paul is Mafia..
What happens at the Laundry Mat does not always stay at the laundry Mat.. One would think that if you go to the Laundry mat you are going to get thing clean.. Not this laundry Mat..
This was a fun little read!! This Novella is a prequel to the Dixie Mafia series. I’m truly invested I what happens next?? I definitely want more info and will be reading the next book in this series! The characters are so well described I can picture them in my head. The setting and plot is crazy, as you would expect from a mafia romance! This novella sucked me in for sure!!
Fling Of Hearts is part of Lust, Love and Poker Chips available now! I gave this novella 4 Stars and 3 Spice
This is a quick action packed novella. We are following Harper after she finds her boyfriend cheating on her. Finding a new place to work thanks to a favour to her dad, she meets Paul. They are the epitome of opposites-attract. Both from powerful families they know they shouldn't be involved. I'm excited to see what happens next in the series.
Short and fast paced hook up no string attached story. Bad boys, bad girls and a chance meeting. I like it. but it was kinda short,here's to upsetting your ex that won't go away and trying to get out of town for a new life. I'm hoping theres more to the story coming soon. Can't wait to see. Definitely worth the read.
Harper is inked and part of the biker world, struggling with a few things in her life. Then we have Paul, who is all Mafia and suits. These two opposites are instantly attracted to each other. This is a quickie fix you'll enjoy. It has a bit of everything for you to savor this Novella.
Fling of Hearts is currently available in the Lust, Love, and Poker Chips charity anthology.
The innocent meeting The undeniable attraction and desire The feeding of that desire The moment things went F U B A R
A quick prequel to the Dixie Mafia series Sets up the back story for our couple, Paul and Harper. Which comes in handy when you begin Queen of Blades. It also introduces various supporting characters and the families
The characters are a little dark but you can feel the little bit of goodness in Harper and Paul. They live in a different world of crime. There is an attraction between the two and I can't wait to see where it goes in the next book. Paul was kind of sweet at the end.
Fast paced novella. Very quick with the hook up aspect, but detailed on who characters are. The reason for three stars is the spice scenes. They felt super unemotional. No chemistry or anything. Story was a prequel but lead to what is to come. Looking forward to what is to come.
This is a fast-paced Novella explaining Paul and Harper's backstory before Queen of Hearts takes place.
For as fast-paced as it was, it was easy to follow along. The spice, spiced, and the set up for their relationship (however complicated it is in Queen of Hearts) is there.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment 😍
I NEED MORE! Even in just a short novella/prequel I was completely captivated by Paul and Harper's story! I absolutely can't wait to read the series when it comes out!
A Spicy Little Read! This really gets all in with the spice and the action right away. It’s a great lead in to a series and I’m looking forward to book 1!
Thank you to Victoria for sending me the prequel to her new series "Dixie Mafia"
The short novella takes place before the Dixie Mafia Series and with it, we get to know our two main characters and the circumstances in which they meet.
It follows Paul who belongs to the mafia and the hard studying Harper known as a biker princess. Somehow their paths get entangled and that's how their story begans.
This was short, fast to read, spicy, cute and a little bittersweet because of its ending (a cliffhanger), which is the perfect set up for the events in the next book.
We get a little peak in how the series will be set up and for what I read we will definitely get some action, some spice and maybe some cute moments.
I kinda want to know more about these characters and their story, specially Paul whom I really liked. He was just cute in some way and I loved that he immediately wanted the best for Harper.
So you can consider me intrigued with this series and I will definitely be reading the next book "Queen of Blades" that's coming out on June this year.
If you're looking for the next things, get a start with this!
✨mafia romance ✨biker princess ✨work place ✨no strings attached