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Mafia Babes #2
Pragma
He comes first.
Akira Hebikawa, the heir of the strongest ruling Yakuza family. Unhinged, impulsive, belligerent, careless. A continuous pain in the butt for his bodyguard and right hand. Me.
We couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites who got together to fight against a common enemy, then never parted. He took me in out of curiosity and boredom, and with nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to, I followed him.
It was hardly love at first sight. I can’t pinpoint when these inconvenient feelings started to develop. Nevertheless they did, and slowly grew with time. Years to be precise. I quickly learned to push them down where no one could see. Not even myself.
Now out of the blue, the big boss orders Akira to get married, digging an even deeper grave for my ever-growing affection. I never had a chance, though. I’m a gaijin—an outsider—and I always will be. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been part of the family, how obedient or loyal I am.
But Akira? He’s a Yakuza prince. A straight prince, with a future already planned and paved for him. Or so I thought. Because suddenly he wants to experiment…with me. How can I say no to that when I’ve been dying to have him under me? Skin to skin, breath to breath.
But each suitable marriage candidate he meets makes my heart ache, my desperation grow, and my inner fight rage. On top of that, danger is lurking. Old and new enemies are closing in from all sides, just as someone from my past comes back into my life without warning.
One false move, and I could lose everything. But don’t I need to actually have something to lose it? Have him?
WARNING: This is book two in the Mafia Babes series, a dark-themed, action-packed, grumpy beefcake/unhinged twink, size difference, MM romance. Most characters in this series are morally gray, ruthless, and rough criminals. The second book features a merciless, arrogant, possessive, and OTT Yakuza prince and a loyal, unwavering, protective, besotted hunk. There are rough s*x scenes between the MCs, a sir kink, a power bottom, Shibari (the Japanese art of intricate rope bondage) and pearling . The story contains on-page descriptions of violence, torture, discussions of domestic abuse, and gun use. Morality’s gray area is quite stretched in this story. Please check the more detailed triggers at the beginning of the book.
*Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but because of the recurrent characters, reading them in order will give a more complete sense of the stories
Akira Hebikawa, the heir of the strongest ruling Yakuza family. Unhinged, impulsive, belligerent, careless. A continuous pain in the butt for his bodyguard and right hand. Me.
We couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites who got together to fight against a common enemy, then never parted. He took me in out of curiosity and boredom, and with nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to, I followed him.
It was hardly love at first sight. I can’t pinpoint when these inconvenient feelings started to develop. Nevertheless they did, and slowly grew with time. Years to be precise. I quickly learned to push them down where no one could see. Not even myself.
Now out of the blue, the big boss orders Akira to get married, digging an even deeper grave for my ever-growing affection. I never had a chance, though. I’m a gaijin—an outsider—and I always will be. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been part of the family, how obedient or loyal I am.
But Akira? He’s a Yakuza prince. A straight prince, with a future already planned and paved for him. Or so I thought. Because suddenly he wants to experiment…with me. How can I say no to that when I’ve been dying to have him under me? Skin to skin, breath to breath.
But each suitable marriage candidate he meets makes my heart ache, my desperation grow, and my inner fight rage. On top of that, danger is lurking. Old and new enemies are closing in from all sides, just as someone from my past comes back into my life without warning.
One false move, and I could lose everything. But don’t I need to actually have something to lose it? Have him?
WARNING: This is book two in the Mafia Babes series, a dark-themed, action-packed, grumpy beefcake/unhinged twink, size difference, MM romance. Most characters in this series are morally gray, ruthless, and rough criminals. The second book features a merciless, arrogant, possessive, and OTT Yakuza prince and a loyal, unwavering, protective, besotted hunk. There are rough s*x scenes between the MCs, a sir kink, a power bottom, Shibari (the Japanese art of intricate rope bondage) and pearling . The story contains on-page descriptions of violence, torture, discussions of domestic abuse, and gun use. Morality’s gray area is quite stretched in this story. Please check the more detailed triggers at the beginning of the book.
*Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but because of the recurrent characters, reading them in order will give a more complete sense of the stories
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
About the author
Paulina Ian-Kane
21 books415 followersI can't remember a time when I wasn't reading a book. Whether it was sci-fi, romance or a detective story didn't matter, because it was the perfect way to escape from reality for a little while. When I wasn't reading, I was imagining my own stories, and after a while I started writing them, hoping to give other people that little escape I still enjoy so much.
My books are full of dark humor, spicy kinky scenes, possessive, obsessed, protective MCs and always have happy endings.
I live in Japan with my two kids and my stinky, super cute Frenchie.
Find me online:
@paulinaiankanebooks on Facebook and Instagram!
My books are full of dark humor, spicy kinky scenes, possessive, obsessed, protective MCs and always have happy endings.
I live in Japan with my two kids and my stinky, super cute Frenchie.
Find me online:
@paulinaiankanebooks on Facebook and Instagram!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 1, 2025
5 ⭐️
THESE 2 CRAZY MFS STRAIGHT UP BLESSED ME WITH THE BEST BREAKDOWNS OF THE YEAR🤧🤧🤧😮💨😭🫶🫶🥰🥰🥰🥰
I’M LOSING IT 😭😭😭 THE BROTHERS ARE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN 😭😭😭😭 THEY FOUND THEIR WAY BACK TO EACH OTHER I’M SOBBINGGGGGG 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭THEY’RE BACK 😭😭😭I’M SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW I COULD EXPLODE😭😭😭😭😭🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧THE BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THISSS 😭😭😭MY SOUL JUST ASCENDED🥲🥲🥲🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
THESE 2 CRAZY MFS STRAIGHT UP BLESSED ME WITH THE BEST BREAKDOWNS OF THE YEAR🤧🤧🤧😮💨😭🫶🫶🥰🥰🥰🥰
I’M LOSING IT 😭😭😭 THE BROTHERS ARE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN 😭😭😭😭 THEY FOUND THEIR WAY BACK TO EACH OTHER I’M SOBBINGGGGGG 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭THEY’RE BACK 😭😭😭I’M SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW I COULD EXPLODE😭😭😭😭😭🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧THE BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THISSS 😭😭😭MY SOUL JUST ASCENDED🥲🥲🥲🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
November 9, 2025
River + Akira (Aki) 🖤
Posessive AF | Bratty power bottom | Size difference | First times
The intensity and possessiveness these two have for each other is 🔥🔥🔥. The fact that little Aki calls big ol River his baby bunny is probably one of the cutest things I've ever read.
....
"If you ever do this with someone else, they will die."
"Am I the first to take your hole? Answer me."
“Before meeting you, I was fucking lost, miserable, reckless. I had nothing to lose, nothing to live for. I was merely existing in a bleak reality where I wished it would keep raining until my tears turned into water, filled my lungs and I drowned. Is this the shit that you want to hear?”
“When we met… that fuck- off sign on your forehead… is what did me in. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was… taking you with me.”
“Fuuuuck. Don’t let it spill out, Aki, not after all the work I put in.”
“Do you know what pragma soulmates are? Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot. You, bunny, are my made soulmate. We built this love day after day, year after year. There isn’t a me without you anymore. There’ll never be again.”
“Now take me home and fuck me. But stop at that café on the way, I feel like a matcha latte.”
“Shit, bunny, I can feel you in my stomach, and it’s so good.”
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Japanese mafia heir + bodyguard
Interracial relationship
Severely scarred MC
Aki gives platonic cuddles and holds Rivers hand to help ground himself. He's oblivious of what it does to River.
River doesn't allow anyone to touch him besides Aki. Even when he's had sex with other people.
Aki gets mad at River when he gets hurt doing his job
Aki calls River "my baby bunny"
River tries to hide his face from the scarring. But Aki likes to put Rivers hair up in a pony tail so he can see him fully.
Play fighting and wrestling. River lets Aki win
Bossy brat with a submissive side in the bedroom
Snark
Lacey boxer briefs
Biting as a love language
Possessive AF
Dry hump that stays dry (they don't finish)
Clothes getting cut off with a knife
Sex in public (clothing store changing room)
Size difference
Codependency
Thigh fucking
First times
Cum as lube
Pearling
River makes Aki call him sir during sex
Pink thong
"If you want me to stop, make me."
Aki fucks himself with Rivers knife handle to try and get him to finally fuck him all the way (spoiler, it works)
River takes over with the knife and blocks the blade to protect Aki, ends up cutting himself. Once Rivers dick replaces the knife, Aki licks the blood off his hand.
Bareback
Power bottom
Limo sex
Both uncut
Tons of dirty talk
What are you doing to me
Sword fighting as foreplay
Degredation (not overly used) - slut, bitch, whore
Sex against a window
River stands and walks around while Aki is impaled on him, back to chest
Crotchless panties
💦 untouched
Light breeding
Rimming
Marking
Aftercare (cleaning, soothing cream)
Both of them worry the other is just wants the sex and nothing more
Road head
Shibari
Touch lick kiss each others scars
"Tell me what you want"
Only I can hurt you
Belly bulge
No sex with other people
No third act breakup
Strict roles
Warnings:
Violence
Murder
Torture
Random body parts getting chopped
Burn scars on MC (happened in the past, not on page)
Aki's aunt makes him go on dates with both women and men to pick someone for an arranged marriage. The first date is more interested in River and kisses him. River doesn't want it. Aki loses his mind. Which ends up pushing each other over the edge to finally start exploring this thing with each other.
Losing consciousness after sex
Aki gets drugged by side character who's a candidate for marriage that his aunt setup. There's an attempted SA where the man tries to force Aki to suck him off. He's not successful though. He does tear open his shirt and hurt his nipple. His pants never get taken off before he's saved
River crushes the dick of the guy who tried to rape Aki under his foot.
Third act drama and suspense that was external to the relationship but no breakup
Posessive AF | Bratty power bottom | Size difference | First times
The intensity and possessiveness these two have for each other is 🔥🔥🔥. The fact that little Aki calls big ol River his baby bunny is probably one of the cutest things I've ever read.
....
"If you ever do this with someone else, they will die."
"Am I the first to take your hole? Answer me."
“Before meeting you, I was fucking lost, miserable, reckless. I had nothing to lose, nothing to live for. I was merely existing in a bleak reality where I wished it would keep raining until my tears turned into water, filled my lungs and I drowned. Is this the shit that you want to hear?”
“When we met… that fuck- off sign on your forehead… is what did me in. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was… taking you with me.”
“Fuuuuck. Don’t let it spill out, Aki, not after all the work I put in.”
“Do you know what pragma soulmates are? Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot. You, bunny, are my made soulmate. We built this love day after day, year after year. There isn’t a me without you anymore. There’ll never be again.”
“Now take me home and fuck me. But stop at that café on the way, I feel like a matcha latte.”
“Shit, bunny, I can feel you in my stomach, and it’s so good.”
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Japanese mafia heir + bodyguard
Interracial relationship
Severely scarred MC
Aki gives platonic cuddles and holds Rivers hand to help ground himself. He's oblivious of what it does to River.
River doesn't allow anyone to touch him besides Aki. Even when he's had sex with other people.
Aki gets mad at River when he gets hurt doing his job
Aki calls River "my baby bunny"
River tries to hide his face from the scarring. But Aki likes to put Rivers hair up in a pony tail so he can see him fully.
Play fighting and wrestling. River lets Aki win
Bossy brat with a submissive side in the bedroom
Snark
Lacey boxer briefs
Biting as a love language
Possessive AF
Dry hump that stays dry (they don't finish)
Clothes getting cut off with a knife
Sex in public (clothing store changing room)
Size difference
Codependency
Thigh fucking
First times
Cum as lube
Pearling
River makes Aki call him sir during sex
Pink thong
"If you want me to stop, make me."
Aki fucks himself with Rivers knife handle to try and get him to finally fuck him all the way (spoiler, it works)
River takes over with the knife and blocks the blade to protect Aki, ends up cutting himself. Once Rivers dick replaces the knife, Aki licks the blood off his hand.
Bareback
Power bottom
Limo sex
Both uncut
Tons of dirty talk
What are you doing to me
Sword fighting as foreplay
Degredation (not overly used) - slut, bitch, whore
Sex against a window
River stands and walks around while Aki is impaled on him, back to chest
Crotchless panties
💦 untouched
Light breeding
Rimming
Marking
Aftercare (cleaning, soothing cream)
Both of them worry the other is just wants the sex and nothing more
Road head
Shibari
Touch lick kiss each others scars
"Tell me what you want"
Only I can hurt you
Belly bulge
No sex with other people
No third act breakup
Strict roles
Warnings:
Violence
Murder
Torture
Random body parts getting chopped
Burn scars on MC (happened in the past, not on page)
Aki's aunt makes him go on dates with both women and men to pick someone for an arranged marriage. The first date is more interested in River and kisses him. River doesn't want it. Aki loses his mind. Which ends up pushing each other over the edge to finally start exploring this thing with each other.
Losing consciousness after sex
Aki gets drugged by side character who's a candidate for marriage that his aunt setup. There's an attempted SA where the man tries to force Aki to suck him off. He's not successful though. He does tear open his shirt and hurt his nipple. His pants never get taken off before he's saved
River crushes the dick of the guy who tried to rape Aki under his foot.
Third act drama and suspense that was external to the relationship but no breakup
April 21, 2026
This is my official breakup letter to this author. Honestly, I've only read a handful of her books anyway and I didn't love any of them (in fact I hated the first book in this series) so I'm obviously part of the problem, but don't worry, I am breaking the cycle.
I don't even know where to begin with this mess. The only reason I picked it up is because it has a Japanese MC and I was assured that it did not have the same issue as the first book (MC1 having an on page sex scene with someone else while MC2 is in the next room, on purpose to hurt him after they had already been together). At the very least it was safe in that regard, so I appreciated that if nothing else. But the writing.... yikes. It's been a while since I've read a book by her so I have no idea if this was a rush job, if it was always this bad and my standards have changed, if it has just gotten worse, or if I simply have hate in my heart right now and need to aim it somewhere. No matter the reason, the writing absolutely did not work for me. It felt all over the place, the scenes were weird sometimes like it was a rough draft where she put a few ideas in one place but forgot to take some out before the final. I'm probably not explaining it right but it didn't flow well and it sometimes felt like I missed a sentence, or a scene was tweaked but not every part was checked for consistency. It was also terribly cringey.
At the very, very beginning I was into the fact that Akira was chaotic - I liked the idea that the Asian guy wasn't stoic and it was the white guy that was cold and repressed, but it became clear that he wasn't ever gonna be given a more substantial emotional range and that dampened things for me. He also felt way too close to Harlow from Say I Do by Brea Alepou which is super popular but I really didn't like, so the comparison is not a compliment. He was impulsive and messy which I usually like, but it added to the disparity in the relationship because it already felt kind of bad to me that River had loved him for so long and it was so hard for him, and it was so easy for Akira to just wake up one day and decide that he wanted River romantically and so it was just gonna happen. Plus, he had the cringiest dialogue. I think the author wanted him to come off as unhinged in an intimidating way but he just came off as childish.
And my god the things he would say during sex were a fucking crime. It's one thing (I guess) to call your man's cock "Dumbo's dad's dick" in a maybe joking way outside of sex, but it's another thing to be referring to it that way in the middle of a smut scene. Straight to jail for that shit. In fact, the "dirty talk" became so bad that I found myself wanting to skim through the spicy scenes which I never do. It wasn't just not sexy, it was actively UNsexy. River was better, but since he was into what Akira was saying he doesn't get a pass. What a waste of men's lingerie, shibari, pearling (a new one for me!) and possessiveness. Oh! And the Sir thing? Yikes! It didn't fit at all and I know it initially started because River didn't think Aki would do it, but then they tried to keep it up and I'm just like... stop trying to make Sir happen! Ugh!
River was kind of the only saving grace here. Like, I actually liked him. He wasn't a complete caricature and the pining was pretty good. The problem is that pining isn't a trope I'm super into, so that couldn't redeem everything. Plus his self sacrifice shit went on for too long. His reasoning was sound for the most part but the further along things got, the more I was just annoyed with him too.
No complaints about the mafia part. It was completely ridiculous, but I expect that - I know I struggle with mafia stories so I don't weigh that against it. I will put a mark against for the fact that Marco from the first book was featured. I realize that one's on me too because I KNEW going in that he'd be there, and to be fair he didn't get much page time at all, but it doesn't change the fact that I want to murder his face. He can fuck off into the sun. Points taken off just because she wrote him.
I did appreciate that there wasn't rampant queerphobia. It's completely unrealistic but I tire of that shit so I will take the idea that these toxic men didn't bat an eye at it. And I liked that the yakuza head was a woman, and that a sapphic couple was positively featured. I also anticipated (once I realized the quality of the writing) that I'd get pissed about the representation of the Japanese characters, but it was more about the yakuza lifestyle than Japanese culture at large, so there wasn't much to complain about.
There's probably a ton more I could go on about but why bother? Now I know, no more Paulina Ian-Kane for me.
Pet names: bunny (ya know, what's crazy is that I didn't hate this at all), baby
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: One of Akira's dates gropes his thigh and makes a harassing comment. Towards the end, Akira is drugged and almost assaulted (antagonist ripped Aki's shirt and grabbed his nipple and then got his own pants down) but River stopped it.
Other person drama: None, really. Akira is forced to go on a couple dates because his aunt wants him to marry but nothing happens with them and he is never interested in anyone but River (he's written like he's on the ace spectrum). River's past is mentioned but not dwelled on - nothing detailed and he's never been in a relationship. They are both jelly all the time but there's no need for it.
I don't even know where to begin with this mess. The only reason I picked it up is because it has a Japanese MC and I was assured that it did not have the same issue as the first book (MC1 having an on page sex scene with someone else while MC2 is in the next room, on purpose to hurt him after they had already been together). At the very least it was safe in that regard, so I appreciated that if nothing else. But the writing.... yikes. It's been a while since I've read a book by her so I have no idea if this was a rush job, if it was always this bad and my standards have changed, if it has just gotten worse, or if I simply have hate in my heart right now and need to aim it somewhere. No matter the reason, the writing absolutely did not work for me. It felt all over the place, the scenes were weird sometimes like it was a rough draft where she put a few ideas in one place but forgot to take some out before the final. I'm probably not explaining it right but it didn't flow well and it sometimes felt like I missed a sentence, or a scene was tweaked but not every part was checked for consistency. It was also terribly cringey.
At the very, very beginning I was into the fact that Akira was chaotic - I liked the idea that the Asian guy wasn't stoic and it was the white guy that was cold and repressed, but it became clear that he wasn't ever gonna be given a more substantial emotional range and that dampened things for me. He also felt way too close to Harlow from Say I Do by Brea Alepou which is super popular but I really didn't like, so the comparison is not a compliment. He was impulsive and messy which I usually like, but it added to the disparity in the relationship because it already felt kind of bad to me that River had loved him for so long and it was so hard for him, and it was so easy for Akira to just wake up one day and decide that he wanted River romantically and so it was just gonna happen. Plus, he had the cringiest dialogue. I think the author wanted him to come off as unhinged in an intimidating way but he just came off as childish.
And my god the things he would say during sex were a fucking crime. It's one thing (I guess) to call your man's cock "Dumbo's dad's dick" in a maybe joking way outside of sex, but it's another thing to be referring to it that way in the middle of a smut scene. Straight to jail for that shit. In fact, the "dirty talk" became so bad that I found myself wanting to skim through the spicy scenes which I never do. It wasn't just not sexy, it was actively UNsexy. River was better, but since he was into what Akira was saying he doesn't get a pass. What a waste of men's lingerie, shibari, pearling (a new one for me!) and possessiveness. Oh! And the Sir thing? Yikes! It didn't fit at all and I know it initially started because River didn't think Aki would do it, but then they tried to keep it up and I'm just like... stop trying to make Sir happen! Ugh!
River was kind of the only saving grace here. Like, I actually liked him. He wasn't a complete caricature and the pining was pretty good. The problem is that pining isn't a trope I'm super into, so that couldn't redeem everything. Plus his self sacrifice shit went on for too long. His reasoning was sound for the most part but the further along things got, the more I was just annoyed with him too.
No complaints about the mafia part. It was completely ridiculous, but I expect that - I know I struggle with mafia stories so I don't weigh that against it. I will put a mark against for the fact that Marco from the first book was featured. I realize that one's on me too because I KNEW going in that he'd be there, and to be fair he didn't get much page time at all, but it doesn't change the fact that I want to murder his face. He can fuck off into the sun. Points taken off just because she wrote him.
I did appreciate that there wasn't rampant queerphobia. It's completely unrealistic but I tire of that shit so I will take the idea that these toxic men didn't bat an eye at it. And I liked that the yakuza head was a woman, and that a sapphic couple was positively featured. I also anticipated (once I realized the quality of the writing) that I'd get pissed about the representation of the Japanese characters, but it was more about the yakuza lifestyle than Japanese culture at large, so there wasn't much to complain about.
There's probably a ton more I could go on about but why bother? Now I know, no more Paulina Ian-Kane for me.
Pet names: bunny (ya know, what's crazy is that I didn't hate this at all), baby
“If you were anybody else, that would have cost you an ear.” I know he’s serious—he has done worse for less. And I also know I’m special to him, but not the same way he is to me.
Some things grow when they’re shared, some things are halved. I now know what that saying means. My feelings toward him have multiplied, and as they did, I’ve given parts of myself to him, time after time. Until…I discovered half of myself missing. That obstinate, foolish half that resides within him.
I feel the tips of my fingers ache when I hear people talking about River as a mere bodyguard. Only I can fuck with him about it because the reality is that not one label fits him, but all of them at once do. Right hand, loyal shadow, bodyguard, adviser, the only person I’d trust with my life, my most precious friend. He’s someone who sticks by me even when I’m wrong. Even if facing certain death, he’ll still stand near me, ready to take my place. How can I possibly summarize all that in a measly word?
“If you ever do this with someone else, they will die.”
“Fuuuuck. Don’t let it spill out, Aki, not after all the work I put in.”
“Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot. You, bunny, are my made soulmate. We built this love day after day, year after year. There isn’t a me without you anymore. There’ll never be again.”
Umarekawattara, kondo wa motto hayaku omae o sagashi dasu—if I were to live my life again, I'd find you sooner
Orega saki ni mitsukeru— not if I find your first
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: One of Akira's dates gropes his thigh and makes a harassing comment. Towards the end, Akira is drugged and almost assaulted (antagonist ripped Aki's shirt and grabbed his nipple and then got his own pants down) but River stopped it.
Other person drama: None, really. Akira is forced to go on a couple dates because his aunt wants him to marry but nothing happens with them and he is never interested in anyone but River (he's written like he's on the ace spectrum). River's past is mentioned but not dwelled on - nothing detailed and he's never been in a relationship. They are both jelly all the time but there's no need for it.
November 5, 2025
⭐️
3.75 stars rounded up!
⭐️
The second in the Mafia Babes series, and my second read by this author. Overall, it wasn't as good, in my opinion, as the first book.
I still enjoyed River and Akira aka Aki, together. They had good chemistry and the sex scenes were just deliciously hot and sexy.
But I didn't find the connection quite as well as with Marco and Fly. That book took me about a day to read, this took me about 4ish days. It was just more slow going for me, I didn't connect instantly and fully with them like with the first couple.
I didn't quite understand River's devotion to Aki either. I came to love it and enjoy it, but did we ever really get shown why River would have fallen so hard for Aki? Not really. I mean, I guess they just knew each other really well, and we get one example of it from when they were younger for why River gained feelings, which was good, but not much.
That said, I still dug the ultra possessiveness from both of them, especially on Aki's end toward River. It was deliciously fun. So in the end how they got there wasn't quite that important, even if I would have liked to have seen it. River is a bit unhinged when push comes to shove, but he is quite level headed compared to Aki's chaotic spirit. I guess he is the calm to Aki's storm, so they compliment each other in that way.
One of my biggest grievances, and the reason I gave this a bit less than 4 stars, is the lack of River and Fly/Joel in this. We get their reunion scene, that I enjoyed overall, but then...nothing. Like...what the fuck?
As much as I enjoyed Aki and River together, these two brothers were apart for 10 years, they finally get to be in each other's lives again, and we don't get shit after the reunion??? What the hell? And since I loved Fly and Marco so much, I of course wanted a bit more of them in the narrative as well, even aside from just getting the brothers reconnecting.
But seriously, River and Fly are going to meet for coffee to start reconnecting and the book skips over it! Like?? Yes, as much as I enjoyed River and Aki together, we get them having sex to send River off to meet his brother, and then we start the new chapter to get into...more sex. As hot as their sex scenes were, we could have taken a break from that and gotten some brother bonding time. Since we love Fly and River at this point, getting their brotherhood back on track and seeing them talking would have been awesome.
And some sneaky moments of Marco and Fly together. I missed Marco and Fly in this. We see them briefly at the very end in the epilogue, but that's it, and it was very brief.
We get more Marco than Fly, even, as he shows up briefly for Yakuza/Mafia business. Like what the hell? We get left with that cliffhanger in the first book, have to wait about halfway through *this* book to get that scene, and then it's all a bit anticlimactic with not much else done with that storyline *sigh*
That bothered me the most in this. The slowness/not connecting as much with these two was just secondary to that annoyance, to be honest, and it was what pushed my rating down below 4 stars most of all.
But aside from that, focusing on Aki and River only, they were good together, this story was solid and fun, with good chemistry.
I will definitely check out this author more in the future. This one just didn't hit quite as well as the first one for me, but still very good overall.
Until the next one! 😘
My Ratings for the Mafia Babes series:
✨ Petrichor: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Pragma: 3.75 stars
The second in the Mafia Babes series, and my second read by this author. Overall, it wasn't as good, in my opinion, as the first book.
I still enjoyed River and Akira aka Aki, together. They had good chemistry and the sex scenes were just deliciously hot and sexy.
But I didn't find the connection quite as well as with Marco and Fly. That book took me about a day to read, this took me about 4ish days. It was just more slow going for me, I didn't connect instantly and fully with them like with the first couple.
I didn't quite understand River's devotion to Aki either. I came to love it and enjoy it, but did we ever really get shown why River would have fallen so hard for Aki? Not really. I mean, I guess they just knew each other really well, and we get one example of it from when they were younger for why River gained feelings, which was good, but not much.
That said, I still dug the ultra possessiveness from both of them, especially on Aki's end toward River. It was deliciously fun. So in the end how they got there wasn't quite that important, even if I would have liked to have seen it. River is a bit unhinged when push comes to shove, but he is quite level headed compared to Aki's chaotic spirit. I guess he is the calm to Aki's storm, so they compliment each other in that way.
One of my biggest grievances, and the reason I gave this a bit less than 4 stars, is the lack of River and Fly/Joel in this. We get their reunion scene, that I enjoyed overall, but then...nothing. Like...what the fuck?
As much as I enjoyed Aki and River together, these two brothers were apart for 10 years, they finally get to be in each other's lives again, and we don't get shit after the reunion??? What the hell? And since I loved Fly and Marco so much, I of course wanted a bit more of them in the narrative as well, even aside from just getting the brothers reconnecting.
But seriously, River and Fly are going to meet for coffee to start reconnecting and the book skips over it! Like?? Yes, as much as I enjoyed River and Aki together, we get them having sex to send River off to meet his brother, and then we start the new chapter to get into...more sex. As hot as their sex scenes were, we could have taken a break from that and gotten some brother bonding time. Since we love Fly and River at this point, getting their brotherhood back on track and seeing them talking would have been awesome.
And some sneaky moments of Marco and Fly together. I missed Marco and Fly in this. We see them briefly at the very end in the epilogue, but that's it, and it was very brief.
We get more Marco than Fly, even, as he shows up briefly for Yakuza/Mafia business. Like what the hell? We get left with that cliffhanger in the first book, have to wait about halfway through *this* book to get that scene, and then it's all a bit anticlimactic with not much else done with that storyline *sigh*
That bothered me the most in this. The slowness/not connecting as much with these two was just secondary to that annoyance, to be honest, and it was what pushed my rating down below 4 stars most of all.
But aside from that, focusing on Aki and River only, they were good together, this story was solid and fun, with good chemistry.
I will definitely check out this author more in the future. This one just didn't hit quite as well as the first one for me, but still very good overall.
Until the next one! 😘
My Ratings for the Mafia Babes series:
✨ Petrichor: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Pragma: 3.75 stars
October 31, 2025
All the stars
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
Wow! What a power house this book was 🥵 !! It took a while for the ILu, but in the meantime it was bloody, gorey, and absolutely filthy in the best way.
.*warning: many many clothes were ruined in this book.😁
Half of this book felt like it had the breaks on. Slow burn back and forth and overthinking. The Yakuza / mafioso mentality was strong and the imagery (fight scenes/dialogues) were straight out of comic books and the Kill Bill movies. Very enjoyable stuff. It took a while for River to figure out his mentality while Akira was doing literally everything to get under him. Speaking of Akira, I loved him. Over the top in everything and the best at all he did. And with the power to back it up. He was Joel (Fly) 2.0🤩
I was a little let down by the much awaited reunion, the banter between Yakuza vs mafioso stole their thunder, but still, lovely.
I absolutely loved Akira and River's story!
*now I know I have to read Paulina Ian-Kane's other books 😸🤩
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨
Wow! What a power house this book was 🥵 !! It took a while for the ILu, but in the meantime it was bloody, gorey, and absolutely filthy in the best way.
.*warning: many many clothes were ruined in this book.😁
Half of this book felt like it had the breaks on. Slow burn back and forth and overthinking. The Yakuza / mafioso mentality was strong and the imagery (fight scenes/dialogues) were straight out of comic books and the Kill Bill movies. Very enjoyable stuff. It took a while for River to figure out his mentality while Akira was doing literally everything to get under him. Speaking of Akira, I loved him. Over the top in everything and the best at all he did. And with the power to back it up. He was Joel (Fly) 2.0🤩
I was a little let down by the much awaited reunion, the banter between Yakuza vs mafioso stole their thunder, but still, lovely.
I absolutely loved Akira and River's story!
*now I know I have to read Paulina Ian-Kane's other books 😸🤩
December 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
January 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This one is River’s story and honestly, I was in from the moment I realized this was Fly’s brother from Petrichor. I was so happy at the end of book one to see he is alive because even in that book my heart broke for what he went through and after reading his story here I felt more for him River is one of those characters who feels like he’s survived too much, and it shows in every part of him. He’s big, scarred, quiet in that heavy way, and his entire life has been shaped by sacrifice.
Abused by an absolute asshole of a father, then doing the unthinkable giving up his own safety so his then blind little brother could be taken in and stay in safety River’s story is survival stacked on top of survival. Streets, gangs, nearly burned alive, scars that never fade. Nothing about his past is softened or romanticized, and that’s what makes him hit so hard.
Then comes Akira. Sassy, dangerous, batshit crazy, Yakuza heir Akira. Their dynamic is perfection They meet right after River has survived the fire injury and he gets a proposal from Akira to deal with a mutual enemy in exchange of being taken with him once the job is done, and fast forward ten years later, River is the most trusted person in Akira’s world. Loyal. Steady. Completely, painfully in love with a man he’s convinced will never love him back.
Except—of course—Akira has it just as bad.
The miscommunication in this book is STRONG. Capital letters strong. They have both been pining hard for each other. When they finally fall into bed together, it’s raw and desperate and full of unsaid things and damn it’s HOT.
Loved how they had it bad for each other and had all these soft moments:
“Love your hair,” I say out loud after a while, thinking he’s out again.
But he whispers softly, “When we met…that fuck-off sign on your forehead…is what did me in. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was…taking you with me.”
A snore then comes out of his lips, letting me know he fell asleep again.
Fuck Aki. Why are you doing this to me?
Any idiot can see from this exchange that they are both in the same spot when it comes to loving each other but sigh not them.
Solid read. Strong characters. Pain, pining, scars, and a happy ending that was so satisfying 💙
This one is River’s story and honestly, I was in from the moment I realized this was Fly’s brother from Petrichor. I was so happy at the end of book one to see he is alive because even in that book my heart broke for what he went through and after reading his story here I felt more for him River is one of those characters who feels like he’s survived too much, and it shows in every part of him. He’s big, scarred, quiet in that heavy way, and his entire life has been shaped by sacrifice.
Abused by an absolute asshole of a father, then doing the unthinkable giving up his own safety so his then blind little brother could be taken in and stay in safety River’s story is survival stacked on top of survival. Streets, gangs, nearly burned alive, scars that never fade. Nothing about his past is softened or romanticized, and that’s what makes him hit so hard.
Then comes Akira. Sassy, dangerous, batshit crazy, Yakuza heir Akira. Their dynamic is perfection They meet right after River has survived the fire injury and he gets a proposal from Akira to deal with a mutual enemy in exchange of being taken with him once the job is done, and fast forward ten years later, River is the most trusted person in Akira’s world. Loyal. Steady. Completely, painfully in love with a man he’s convinced will never love him back.
Except—of course—Akira has it just as bad.
The miscommunication in this book is STRONG. Capital letters strong. They have both been pining hard for each other. When they finally fall into bed together, it’s raw and desperate and full of unsaid things and damn it’s HOT.
Loved how they had it bad for each other and had all these soft moments:
“Love your hair,” I say out loud after a while, thinking he’s out again.
But he whispers softly, “When we met…that fuck-off sign on your forehead…is what did me in. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was…taking you with me.”
A snore then comes out of his lips, letting me know he fell asleep again.
Fuck Aki. Why are you doing this to me?
Any idiot can see from this exchange that they are both in the same spot when it comes to loving each other but sigh not them.
Solid read. Strong characters. Pain, pining, scars, and a happy ending that was so satisfying 💙
October 29, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
OMG. I loved them in a crazy way… especially Akira. Like that man had me cracking up left and right!!! I used to not like twinks but now I find myself loving them more because of how funny and unserious they are when it comes to their men 🤣 Like the pure filth and obscenity that came out of Aki’s mouth was actually crazy!! The spice was INSANE and I wasn’t expecting all that but I loved it of course 🙂↕️ The way he just went full send into wanting River after that kiss while River was sleeping.. like Operation Snare the Bunny was DEF CON 1 for him and he was going to make sure he succeeded 😤 Give me obsessive, I’ll kill for you, and I hate that I love you energy, aka Aki.
And then we have River who pined over Aki for so long 😭😭 man was convinced he fell in love with a straight man and thank GAWD he didn’t have to suffer through that unrequited love!! While Avi has the obsessiveness, River brought in the possessiveness at full force!!! They balanced each other so well and I loved it so much. True definition of pragma mates 🥺 And OMG @ Kumicho for setting them up like honestly she played me too!! Somehow she knew they were each others person before they knew and it absolutely gagged me when she told them. Like yeah, they were actually destined for each other and she been knew that🙄. It was equally heartwarming as it was funny to see their reactions when she told them about that and the marriage scheming. But they were like oh of course that makes sense because of the bond they’d always had with each other. I just loved how they brought out sides of each other no one got to see. I loved how Aki basically bullied River into showing his scars (aka the incessant biting lol) because he truly loved every single part of him and needed him to know that!! And then the epilogue where River doesn’t hide his face anymore like I can’t 😭
Anyway I need to stop before I rant too much (although I feel like I missed some points I wanted to touch on). I absolutely love them. Akira is one of the best twinks I’ve ever read and I will forever be thinking about his obsessive murderous ass self when it comes to his man. I had never heard of pragma in my life but this book showed it in every way possible. What a beautiful everlasting bond these two get to share forever.
Operation Snare the Bunny was a success 😎
— quotes :)
“Aki is notorious for his savage behavior, deranged tendencies, and penchant for breathing violence instead of oxygen.”
“I’m the rabbit and he’s the snake. Fighting while embracing each other everyday.”
“I hadn’t thought the nickname Mad Dog would suit him this perfectly. Biting me seems to be a pastime for him.”
“Who would have thought I’d go from jealous and possessive to obsessed over the guy? The signs were all there, though. Always keeping him close, sharing everything with him, trusting him when I don’t even trust myself. The need to touch him and bite him and know where he is at all times.”
“The Prey Master’s words about easing the prey and making him feel comfortable suddenly come to mind. Operation Snare the Bunny, plan commenced. What could go wrong?”
“That outdated shade of lipstick won’t look good around his dick, I can assure you. He’s into a more natural color.” (LMFAOOOO)
“On your fucking knees, Akira.” — “Go to hell.” “I’m already there. You torture me every fucking day.”
“Cinnamon and sex. Aki’s flavor is the most decadent treat; I can’t help myself from craving it. His taste is already imprinted inside my head.”
“I want to hear everything, River. Every-fucking-thing. I want the good, the grim, and the gory. I want it all.”
“I’m going to thrust into you until you’re not pissed anymore,” I let him know. “For eternity then.”
“When we met… that fuck-off sign on your forehead… is what did me in. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was… taking you with me.”
“We are birds of a feather. That’s what we are. If River doesn’t know it yet, he’ll soon find out what it means to be utterly mine.”
“If he could see himself through my eyes… he looks like a valiant, ferocious warrior who had a taste of blood and pain, but fearless, keeps looking for more.”
“There’s a likeness between our inner demons; that’s why they get along so well. I’ve found that someone who matches my level of fuckedness, who endures my moods and has an oversized dick. Ugh! I’m never going to let him go.” (So real Aki)
“I read somewhere that wounds are the passage where light shines through. If that’s the case, you are the most luminous person I know, River.” My fingers feel the scars. “You are… radiant.” (Stop😭😭)
“So I can touch you if I’m ready to die? Kill me if you want, I’d give you my life a hundred times over.”
“Shit, but he tastes so good, like the rarest exotic fruit, and at the same time the safest place I’ve ever been.”
“I crave you. Every little aspect of you—breath, look, touch, thought. And yes, I want you to fuck me, seal the deal, and own you entirely, you fucking mammoth of an idiot!”
“Those fucking teeth hurt,” he growls. “Loving you hurts! I love you so much, I hate you.” — “Yeah? Well I’ve been longing for you for too many fucking years. You tucked yourself in that small space where breath and beat meet.” He presses his palm over his chest. “You’ll never leave it. Me. Doesn’t matter where I am.”
“I like when he turns possessive over me. But my obsession wins over his. Hands down. Hands. Down.”
“Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot. You, bunny, are my made soulmate. We built this love day after day, year after year. There isn’t a me without you anymore. There’ll never be again.”
“This is the love your father wanted for you.” — “And how the hell it took you so long to see it is beyond me! How can you become the kumicho if you are so blind?” (Lmaooo)
“River Ichigo Hebikawa. Sounds good.”
“Kisses like the one he’s giving me now, needy and warm. They make me feel as though I did it. I found out the meaning of life, of my life. And it’s River.”
“From today forward, I’m yours and you are mine, until we die,” — “Nonsense. We’ve always belonged to each other.”
“My heart beats for every breath you take, every word you say, every rule you break.” I smirk at that. “There’s no end to it. There never will be. Ima ijo ni anata o aisenai to chikau. Daga ashita ni wa, motto ashite iru.” (Yup i’ll cry!)
“My pragma soulmate, you can be tooth-achingly sweet, cheek-pinchingly annoying, and stubbornly maddening all in one.” — “But you are my every impulse, my most uncontrollable urges, my ups and downs, my every purpose, and the sole meaning to my existence.”
“The only important thing in my life is River Ichigo Hebikawa. Operation Snare the Bunny was a complete success.”
OMG. I loved them in a crazy way… especially Akira. Like that man had me cracking up left and right!!! I used to not like twinks but now I find myself loving them more because of how funny and unserious they are when it comes to their men 🤣 Like the pure filth and obscenity that came out of Aki’s mouth was actually crazy!! The spice was INSANE and I wasn’t expecting all that but I loved it of course 🙂↕️ The way he just went full send into wanting River after that kiss while River was sleeping.. like Operation Snare the Bunny was DEF CON 1 for him and he was going to make sure he succeeded 😤 Give me obsessive, I’ll kill for you, and I hate that I love you energy, aka Aki.
And then we have River who pined over Aki for so long 😭😭 man was convinced he fell in love with a straight man and thank GAWD he didn’t have to suffer through that unrequited love!! While Avi has the obsessiveness, River brought in the possessiveness at full force!!! They balanced each other so well and I loved it so much. True definition of pragma mates 🥺 And OMG @ Kumicho for setting them up like honestly she played me too!! Somehow she knew they were each others person before they knew and it absolutely gagged me when she told them. Like yeah, they were actually destined for each other and she been knew that🙄. It was equally heartwarming as it was funny to see their reactions when she told them about that and the marriage scheming. But they were like oh of course that makes sense because of the bond they’d always had with each other. I just loved how they brought out sides of each other no one got to see. I loved how Aki basically bullied River into showing his scars (aka the incessant biting lol) because he truly loved every single part of him and needed him to know that!! And then the epilogue where River doesn’t hide his face anymore like I can’t 😭
Anyway I need to stop before I rant too much (although I feel like I missed some points I wanted to touch on). I absolutely love them. Akira is one of the best twinks I’ve ever read and I will forever be thinking about his obsessive murderous ass self when it comes to his man. I had never heard of pragma in my life but this book showed it in every way possible. What a beautiful everlasting bond these two get to share forever.
Operation Snare the Bunny was a success 😎
— quotes :)
“Aki is notorious for his savage behavior, deranged tendencies, and penchant for breathing violence instead of oxygen.”
“I’m the rabbit and he’s the snake. Fighting while embracing each other everyday.”
“I hadn’t thought the nickname Mad Dog would suit him this perfectly. Biting me seems to be a pastime for him.”
“Who would have thought I’d go from jealous and possessive to obsessed over the guy? The signs were all there, though. Always keeping him close, sharing everything with him, trusting him when I don’t even trust myself. The need to touch him and bite him and know where he is at all times.”
“The Prey Master’s words about easing the prey and making him feel comfortable suddenly come to mind. Operation Snare the Bunny, plan commenced. What could go wrong?”
“That outdated shade of lipstick won’t look good around his dick, I can assure you. He’s into a more natural color.” (LMFAOOOO)
“On your fucking knees, Akira.” — “Go to hell.” “I’m already there. You torture me every fucking day.”
“Cinnamon and sex. Aki’s flavor is the most decadent treat; I can’t help myself from craving it. His taste is already imprinted inside my head.”
“I want to hear everything, River. Every-fucking-thing. I want the good, the grim, and the gory. I want it all.”
“I’m going to thrust into you until you’re not pissed anymore,” I let him know. “For eternity then.”
“When we met… that fuck-off sign on your forehead… is what did me in. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life was… taking you with me.”
“We are birds of a feather. That’s what we are. If River doesn’t know it yet, he’ll soon find out what it means to be utterly mine.”
“If he could see himself through my eyes… he looks like a valiant, ferocious warrior who had a taste of blood and pain, but fearless, keeps looking for more.”
“There’s a likeness between our inner demons; that’s why they get along so well. I’ve found that someone who matches my level of fuckedness, who endures my moods and has an oversized dick. Ugh! I’m never going to let him go.” (So real Aki)
“I read somewhere that wounds are the passage where light shines through. If that’s the case, you are the most luminous person I know, River.” My fingers feel the scars. “You are… radiant.” (Stop😭😭)
“So I can touch you if I’m ready to die? Kill me if you want, I’d give you my life a hundred times over.”
“Shit, but he tastes so good, like the rarest exotic fruit, and at the same time the safest place I’ve ever been.”
“I crave you. Every little aspect of you—breath, look, touch, thought. And yes, I want you to fuck me, seal the deal, and own you entirely, you fucking mammoth of an idiot!”
“Those fucking teeth hurt,” he growls. “Loving you hurts! I love you so much, I hate you.” — “Yeah? Well I’ve been longing for you for too many fucking years. You tucked yourself in that small space where breath and beat meet.” He presses his palm over his chest. “You’ll never leave it. Me. Doesn’t matter where I am.”
“I like when he turns possessive over me. But my obsession wins over his. Hands down. Hands. Down.”
“Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot. You, bunny, are my made soulmate. We built this love day after day, year after year. There isn’t a me without you anymore. There’ll never be again.”
“This is the love your father wanted for you.” — “And how the hell it took you so long to see it is beyond me! How can you become the kumicho if you are so blind?” (Lmaooo)
“River Ichigo Hebikawa. Sounds good.”
“Kisses like the one he’s giving me now, needy and warm. They make me feel as though I did it. I found out the meaning of life, of my life. And it’s River.”
“From today forward, I’m yours and you are mine, until we die,” — “Nonsense. We’ve always belonged to each other.”
“My heart beats for every breath you take, every word you say, every rule you break.” I smirk at that. “There’s no end to it. There never will be. Ima ijo ni anata o aisenai to chikau. Daga ashita ni wa, motto ashite iru.” (Yup i’ll cry!)
“My pragma soulmate, you can be tooth-achingly sweet, cheek-pinchingly annoying, and stubbornly maddening all in one.” — “But you are my every impulse, my most uncontrollable urges, my ups and downs, my every purpose, and the sole meaning to my existence.”
“The only important thing in my life is River Ichigo Hebikawa. Operation Snare the Bunny was a complete success.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
If I thought the first book was good this one completely blew it out out of the water. Akira is such a good character oh my God, his brattyness is so well written he’s not overly annoying, and I love how he never actually fully submits he he’s still always has to be bratty and bossy just a little and I love how playful he is even though he’s such a high ranking member of the yakuza and has some of the most brutal kills. I’ve read about. He’s just so fucking adorable sometimes. And the way he defends river and always takes care of him especially with his burns 😭😭 This is by far my favorite read of the year so far.
November 1, 2025
Loved this! I do love me a crazy power bottom 🤭 Also loved the cameos of characters from other books!
December 3, 2025
Dios mío paren todo, este libro es maravilloso. THIS IS REAL CONNECTION BABEEEE.
No pensé que este libro me fuera a gustar tanto y OMGGGG, amé la conexión entre este par, la preocupación sincera que se tienen, que hermoso todo viva el amor marika soy feliz
No pensé que este libro me fuera a gustar tanto y OMGGGG, amé la conexión entre este par, la preocupación sincera que se tienen, que hermoso todo viva el amor marika soy feliz
October 22, 2025
This book was everything I wanted from a Paulina Ian-Kane story. It’s the second installment in the Mafia Babes series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I devoured it—I didn’t want it to end! River and Akira are absolute perfection together—true pragma soulmates. Their relationship has such a solid foundation that every step of their development feels completely natural. Akira is a delightfully psychotic brat (in the best way possible), and River supports him in every way imaginable. Once the mad dog sank his teeth into his bunny, he wasn’t letting go (you’ll understand once you’ve read it 😉). I also loved the cameo and can’t wait to see more in future books. I fully recommend this one, go read Pragma!
January 5, 2026
“You are like two peas in an idiot pod.”
That was just GOOD! And I'm genuinely happy, like I did smile a LOT while reading!
Firstly, I really appreciated the Before You Read note; it was great to have some insight into the author’s idea and mindset going into the book.
I’m not usually a fan of mafia romance. I mostly find it kind of ridiculous, so I don't really care about all the "mafia" nonsense and idiotic power plays, but honestly, here it was somehow funny, I guess?
“Wow, he’s so filthily perfect. I’m not sure who’s seducing whom here anymore.”
The characters were surprisingly well written. Well, not surprising really because I love Paulina Ian-Kane for her very distinctive writing style, in all the books that I read the characters were very strongly written. But here it was SO GOOD, to the point where that twist at the end completely caught me off guard! which is rare! I genuinely mouthed a very loud “WHAT” at that moment!
And let me just say: I’ve read my fair share of smut in many different forms, but here spicy scenes were so delicious!! I did enjoy all of them 🫠
“I want to swallow every breath that comes out of his swollen mouth and drink up his entire being in one long, interminable sip.”
And a special mention for Akira 💖
I love a good bratty power bottom, but Akira is on a whole different level. You literally fall in love with him from the very first scene 💖
Long story short - I absolutely recommend Pragma!! And now I’m off to Petrichor 🤍
That was just GOOD! And I'm genuinely happy, like I did smile a LOT while reading!
Firstly, I really appreciated the Before You Read note; it was great to have some insight into the author’s idea and mindset going into the book.
I’m not usually a fan of mafia romance. I mostly find it kind of ridiculous, so I don't really care about all the "mafia" nonsense and idiotic power plays, but honestly, here it was somehow funny, I guess?
“Wow, he’s so filthily perfect. I’m not sure who’s seducing whom here anymore.”
The characters were surprisingly well written. Well, not surprising really because I love Paulina Ian-Kane for her very distinctive writing style, in all the books that I read the characters were very strongly written. But here it was SO GOOD, to the point where that twist at the end completely caught me off guard! which is rare! I genuinely mouthed a very loud “WHAT” at that moment!
And let me just say: I’ve read my fair share of smut in many different forms, but here spicy scenes were so delicious!! I did enjoy all of them 🫠
“I want to swallow every breath that comes out of his swollen mouth and drink up his entire being in one long, interminable sip.”
And a special mention for Akira 💖
I love a good bratty power bottom, but Akira is on a whole different level. You literally fall in love with him from the very first scene 💖
Long story short - I absolutely recommend Pragma!! And now I’m off to Petrichor 🤍
October 23, 2025
Oh boy, their dynamic is off the charts. It’s such a powerful read.
Akira Hebikawa is the Yakuza prince, the heir of the Yakuza family. The family is now ruled by his aunt, one day he will be the head.
He saved River years ago when they were young.
River is always at Akira’s side he’s his bodyguard.
He’s in love with Akira, but knows he’s a nobody, a low-ranked man.
He’s loyal and will give his life for Akira.
Akira is an unhinged brat, smart but has only just discovered his feelings for River.
Now his aunt demands he get married soon, she has five candidates, and if he doesn’t choose, she will.
River is anxious, he can’t lose Akira. Ha! Akira made his own plan!
Watch them navigate through the world of maffiose.
They are getting closer and way more intimate.
Dang! There are many hot scorching moments between them.
When you understand the meaning of Pragma 😍
Some threats gave this story an awesome violent twist.
The author did an amazing job with this story, the Japanese culture was excellently executed.
It was like watching a movie, everything was so well directed
.
.
.
.
.
I received an arc
Akira Hebikawa is the Yakuza prince, the heir of the Yakuza family. The family is now ruled by his aunt, one day he will be the head.
He saved River years ago when they were young.
River is always at Akira’s side he’s his bodyguard.
He’s in love with Akira, but knows he’s a nobody, a low-ranked man.
He’s loyal and will give his life for Akira.
Akira is an unhinged brat, smart but has only just discovered his feelings for River.
Now his aunt demands he get married soon, she has five candidates, and if he doesn’t choose, she will.
River is anxious, he can’t lose Akira. Ha! Akira made his own plan!
Watch them navigate through the world of maffiose.
They are getting closer and way more intimate.
Dang! There are many hot scorching moments between them.
When you understand the meaning of Pragma 😍
Some threats gave this story an awesome violent twist.
The author did an amazing job with this story, the Japanese culture was excellently executed.
It was like watching a movie, everything was so well directed
.
.
.
.
.
I received an arc
October 27, 2025
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶
darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
feelings: 😭🥰😱🥵☠️😍🫠😡🤣🥹
WOW! Pragma is the first book by Paulina Ian-Kane that I've read, and I'm thrilled!
The story of River and Akira had me hooked from the first page. I fell in love with River instantly. I love well-written psychos, and Aki is perfect! His level of unhinged fascinated me! His deep connection to River is beautiful, if a little crazy.
Although the book deals with very dark themes and the characters are morally gray at best, I also laughed a lot. Operation Snaring the Bunny is hilarious!
My favorite supporting character is Kumicho! This woman is a total bada$$!
What a pleasure! Now I definitely have to read Petrichor, the first part of the series!
I strongly recommend paying attention to the TWs.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶
darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
feelings: 😭🥰😱🥵☠️😍🫠😡🤣🥹
WOW! Pragma is the first book by Paulina Ian-Kane that I've read, and I'm thrilled!
The story of River and Akira had me hooked from the first page. I fell in love with River instantly. I love well-written psychos, and Aki is perfect! His level of unhinged fascinated me! His deep connection to River is beautiful, if a little crazy.
Although the book deals with very dark themes and the characters are morally gray at best, I also laughed a lot. Operation Snaring the Bunny is hilarious!
My favorite supporting character is Kumicho! This woman is a total bada$$!
What a pleasure! Now I definitely have to read Petrichor, the first part of the series!
I strongly recommend paying attention to the TWs.
October 23, 2025
I have been in a book rut for way too long and I wasn't able to put this book down! I am in love with both these MC's. Aki in his bossy, pouty, cute badass ways. Being surprised at who has been hiding their feelings. I loved getting the backstory and how River has been there for Fly (even though still mad at him for letting Fly think he was dead, yet glad cause Fly probably wouldn't have met Marco). I was also pleasantly surprised by the kumicho and her scheming which made it so much better because I am usually not surprised!
January 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️6 stars
February 23, 2026
2.5⭐️ maybe 3??? Idk I didn’t really feel the chemistry and yearning you would expect. Total bummer cause I really liked the first one!!!
November 27, 2025
me gusto mucho mas que el primero y me gustaria saber mas de masa, clover y soma
November 4, 2025
2.5 stars!
It was a fun time while it lasted, but the chapters were way too long (like ~25 pages per chapter, which should be illegal for cont./dark romances). I couldn't connect any of the MCs and didn't really like them much. The plot was interesting though to keep going. A small dislike of mine is when authors use non-english and have the translations in the front of the book. It's very annoying having to change chapters on an e-reader, so I prefer it if the translations are on the page or it's just mentioned the characters are speaking that language while using english in italic or so.
I do want to go back and read the first book though. Joel and Marco sounded more interesting to me.
It was a fun time while it lasted, but the chapters were way too long (like ~25 pages per chapter, which should be illegal for cont./dark romances). I couldn't connect any of the MCs and didn't really like them much. The plot was interesting though to keep going. A small dislike of mine is when authors use non-english and have the translations in the front of the book. It's very annoying having to change chapters on an e-reader, so I prefer it if the translations are on the page or it's just mentioned the characters are speaking that language while using english in italic or so.
I do want to go back and read the first book though. Joel and Marco sounded more interesting to me.
November 27, 2025
I. AM. SO. FUCKING. OBSESSED.
I love EVERYTHING about this….the storyline, banter, characters, tension, possessiveness...UGH!
Akira and River's first meeting was hilarious. River slowly losing it while Akira just freaking plays with him. 😭 There's just something about childhood friends to best friends to lovers that just does it for me.
I loved that Akira called him “bunny” or “baby bunny” just to mess with him. I mean, he even wore bunny earrings just to mess the guy even more.😭 The nickname was even more special because he gave it to him when they first met!
Then THE kiss happened. Like how does River not remember that? It was such a life-changing moment for Akira...his awakening, actually. That kiss changed everything! 🤣 Akira went from messing with him for the fun of it to scheming and trying to find ways to get that kiss, and more.
It was hilarious, really. I mean bro started watching videos from a relationship wellness guide: "How to ensnare the bunny you have eyes on" I could not stop laughing.
I love Akira so much. He is crazy. All smiles and playful but only a fool would trust that...the guy was vicious. I mean he carried a Katana everywhere he went 😭 YES! a freaking Katana! He was just so badass!
I just can’t believe that all River had to do was kiss Akira to get what he’s wanted the whole time. After all the years of pining and repressing his attraction for Akira! Thinking he was straight and off limits! Oh, and how the tables turned.
Akira started chasing him. He called himself a spoiled brat 😭 Plus, he gets whatever he wants so. River never stood a chance, Akira had him completely wrapped around his finger. Their whole friendship was almost codependent. They were both possessive of each other.
The fact that Akira was even more possessive. 😭 He was jealous of River’s brother, Joel. When Akira and River visited Marco and Joel, I couldn’t stop laughing at the whole interaction.
Marco’s overprotectiveness, Akira threatening Marco with his katana…. because how dare he threaten his bunny 🤣 Then Luca just added more fuel to the fire by threatening Akira. I had to stop myself from wheezing so much from how funny this chapter was.
Can we talk about how interesting the whole concept of the Yakuza was? I loved it so much actually. I loved Akira’s crew especially Masa 🤣 I mean he joined later, but still! He was the only one in the crew, who caught onto Akira and River’s attraction for each other.
I loved the girls too. I loved it even more that, THE Kumicho was a woman. But I hated her. So much 😭 Hear me out: This book made Kumicho out to be incredibly smart and cunning, and I’m not going to refute that….but i’m so going to criticise.
She takes Akira to go meet Ling Wang for the marriage of convenience situation. Then she leaves everything in the hands of Ling Wang, follows all his instructions which by the way made no sense to me. They dropped their phones and coat before entering the restaurant.
Whole time River refused to comply because it made no sense. It’s just a date Akira was supposed to be on why the hell do they need all these useless precautions? And why is the big bad Kumicho allowing this to happen?
What made me even angrier is that she went to this said restaurant with just five bodyguards! 😭 then later as she was acting all-knowing and smiled like she knew Ling Wang didn’t actually want to marry Akira and that the Ishida-san was the rat, I wanted to scream!
So she knew all this yet acted so stupidly? ���� Is this the same Kumicho everyone was yapping about? What a rookie move. And when River said Akira could be in danger, her response was along the lines of “Akira can take care of himself”
I mean, yeah, he’s the future Kumicho but I don’t think he can fight alone if he’s outnumbered and in this case, drugged! Akira was drugged. A fucking date-rape drug. I was fuming! I was so scared Ling Wang was gonna have his way with him. Even though I knew River would save him. I just hated reading that part.
And while Akira fought back as expected, he was outnumbered and too weak to really fight back like he’d have wanted to. This is part of why I hate Kumicho! Without the help of the Leones, they’d have gotten themselves killed. Then in the latter part of the book, she revealed she’d picked River as Akira’s husband and that she knew they’d wanted each other for years.
Bitch PLEASE! I just couldn’t believe that 🤣🤣 what a freaking lie. I mean make it believable eh? I mean I get that she helped River a lot yeah. Thank God for her. And it’s nice that she did that. River had felt like he owed Ane-san all his life.
My hate started when she kept calling River a foreigner instead of just using his freaking name! 😭 I hated the bitch i’m sorry. I still loved that the Kumicho was woman though. I just happen to hate Ane-san so much.
She reminded me of Grandma Windsor from
Catharina Maura’s Windsor Series. The same level of annoyance I feel for her. Except I hate Ane-san more.
Anyway, I enjoyed this one so much more than the first heh. It’s miles clear! 😭 so much better! the depth of Aki and Riv’s relationship! When they said they loved each other I believed it. I saw it before they even uttered the words 😭 You could literally feel how deeply they felt about each other.
Not to compare or anything but heh I loved their relationship more than Marco and Fly hehehehe.
Okay one last thing that I thought was so freaking cute! When Akira bites River 🤣 this man just stands there and takes it. He takes everything Akira gives him it’s hilarious really. And mind you the biting was even before they started their relationship.
And when Aki gets so jealous and starts to throw a tantrum, he just bites River…a lot 😭 They’re just so cute. That was when I realised River might just be in love with Aki. Even when he casually brushed his hands through Akira’s hair…affectionately too. I said to myself “I know what you are”
I remember when Aki threw a tantrum because he felt like River wasn’t telling him about his every thought He wanted to know every single thing about Riv. 😭 And this tantrum was all because of the little speech River gave to Joel. 🤣 He bit him and everything.
This was amazing! I’m just so sad I finished it. I didn’t even realise I’d gotten to the last chapter till I saw “The End” 😭 I miss Akira and River so much already.
I love EVERYTHING about this….the storyline, banter, characters, tension, possessiveness...UGH!
Akira and River's first meeting was hilarious. River slowly losing it while Akira just freaking plays with him. 😭 There's just something about childhood friends to best friends to lovers that just does it for me.
I loved that Akira called him “bunny” or “baby bunny” just to mess with him. I mean, he even wore bunny earrings just to mess the guy even more.😭 The nickname was even more special because he gave it to him when they first met!
Then THE kiss happened. Like how does River not remember that? It was such a life-changing moment for Akira...his awakening, actually. That kiss changed everything! 🤣 Akira went from messing with him for the fun of it to scheming and trying to find ways to get that kiss, and more.
It was hilarious, really. I mean bro started watching videos from a relationship wellness guide: "How to ensnare the bunny you have eyes on" I could not stop laughing.
I love Akira so much. He is crazy. All smiles and playful but only a fool would trust that...the guy was vicious. I mean he carried a Katana everywhere he went 😭 YES! a freaking Katana! He was just so badass!
I just can’t believe that all River had to do was kiss Akira to get what he’s wanted the whole time. After all the years of pining and repressing his attraction for Akira! Thinking he was straight and off limits! Oh, and how the tables turned.
Akira started chasing him. He called himself a spoiled brat 😭 Plus, he gets whatever he wants so. River never stood a chance, Akira had him completely wrapped around his finger. Their whole friendship was almost codependent. They were both possessive of each other.
The fact that Akira was even more possessive. 😭 He was jealous of River’s brother, Joel. When Akira and River visited Marco and Joel, I couldn’t stop laughing at the whole interaction.
Marco’s overprotectiveness, Akira threatening Marco with his katana…. because how dare he threaten his bunny 🤣 Then Luca just added more fuel to the fire by threatening Akira. I had to stop myself from wheezing so much from how funny this chapter was.
Can we talk about how interesting the whole concept of the Yakuza was? I loved it so much actually. I loved Akira’s crew especially Masa 🤣 I mean he joined later, but still! He was the only one in the crew, who caught onto Akira and River’s attraction for each other.
I loved the girls too. I loved it even more that, THE Kumicho was a woman. But I hated her. So much 😭 Hear me out: This book made Kumicho out to be incredibly smart and cunning, and I’m not going to refute that….but i’m so going to criticise.
She takes Akira to go meet Ling Wang for the marriage of convenience situation. Then she leaves everything in the hands of Ling Wang, follows all his instructions which by the way made no sense to me. They dropped their phones and coat before entering the restaurant.
Whole time River refused to comply because it made no sense. It’s just a date Akira was supposed to be on why the hell do they need all these useless precautions? And why is the big bad Kumicho allowing this to happen?
What made me even angrier is that she went to this said restaurant with just five bodyguards! 😭 then later as she was acting all-knowing and smiled like she knew Ling Wang didn’t actually want to marry Akira and that the Ishida-san was the rat, I wanted to scream!
So she knew all this yet acted so stupidly? ���� Is this the same Kumicho everyone was yapping about? What a rookie move. And when River said Akira could be in danger, her response was along the lines of “Akira can take care of himself”
I mean, yeah, he’s the future Kumicho but I don’t think he can fight alone if he’s outnumbered and in this case, drugged! Akira was drugged. A fucking date-rape drug. I was fuming! I was so scared Ling Wang was gonna have his way with him. Even though I knew River would save him. I just hated reading that part.
And while Akira fought back as expected, he was outnumbered and too weak to really fight back like he’d have wanted to. This is part of why I hate Kumicho! Without the help of the Leones, they’d have gotten themselves killed. Then in the latter part of the book, she revealed she’d picked River as Akira’s husband and that she knew they’d wanted each other for years.
Bitch PLEASE! I just couldn’t believe that 🤣🤣 what a freaking lie. I mean make it believable eh? I mean I get that she helped River a lot yeah. Thank God for her. And it’s nice that she did that. River had felt like he owed Ane-san all his life.
My hate started when she kept calling River a foreigner instead of just using his freaking name! 😭 I hated the bitch i’m sorry. I still loved that the Kumicho was woman though. I just happen to hate Ane-san so much.
She reminded me of Grandma Windsor from
Catharina Maura’s Windsor Series. The same level of annoyance I feel for her. Except I hate Ane-san more.
Anyway, I enjoyed this one so much more than the first heh. It’s miles clear! 😭 so much better! the depth of Aki and Riv’s relationship! When they said they loved each other I believed it. I saw it before they even uttered the words 😭 You could literally feel how deeply they felt about each other.
Not to compare or anything but heh I loved their relationship more than Marco and Fly hehehehe.
Okay one last thing that I thought was so freaking cute! When Akira bites River 🤣 this man just stands there and takes it. He takes everything Akira gives him it’s hilarious really. And mind you the biting was even before they started their relationship.
And when Aki gets so jealous and starts to throw a tantrum, he just bites River…a lot 😭 They’re just so cute. That was when I realised River might just be in love with Aki. Even when he casually brushed his hands through Akira’s hair…affectionately too. I said to myself “I know what you are”
I remember when Aki threw a tantrum because he felt like River wasn’t telling him about his every thought He wanted to know every single thing about Riv. 😭 And this tantrum was all because of the little speech River gave to Joel. 🤣 He bit him and everything.
This was amazing! I’m just so sad I finished it. I didn’t even realise I’d gotten to the last chapter till I saw “The End” 😭 I miss Akira and River so much already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
somewhere between 2-3 stars for me. 🤷🏼♀️
October 18, 2025
I really don't know what to write or how to write this.
-I inhaled this book in 3 days, which means I loved it (that's my personal enjoy-o-meter; fine tuned from Harlequin 1-day books; non-Harlequins get 2-3 days to reach this status). I think I even loved this book MORE than Petrichor.
-I loved the name tie in, just like Petrichor. And even that kinda tied in, because River explained his love of rain in this book. But Pragma also had its tie in, and no I will not spoil it.
-I cannot wait for Clover's book; he had my loyalty as soon as he revealed Mr. Squishynuts.
in fact, my thoughts around this portion when something like this: Paulina Ian-Kane, you are calling me insane! How dare you! Proof of this call out:
~~~Clover rescuing Mr. squishynuts and getting called insane for it. I see nothing wrong here! In fact earlier in the book I wanted to cry when the mice were fed to the snake, and I was literally envisioning rescuing one as the scene happened and how it would be a close call but I'd save him in the end.
~~~ "heels over head" makes more sense to me too.
Ppfffttt Paulina calling me out, but its fine because Clover's obviously a kindred spirit!!! Am so happy to see Mr Squishynuts lives, is okay, and even gets WAY more starring time. Am kinda sad he won't be with Masa, because I really loved the encouraging-crazy energy Masa was giving back to Clover, when he was like "do me! Do me!" For the password And then seemingly ignoring him, Clover did not ignore his plea. Why are characters in these books always so lovable?! 🥹🥹 Clover, Masa, Joel, Joel's bag; which reminds me
-Joels mary poppins bag makes a very brief appearance 🥹🥹
-I guess the Wrath series and this series take place in the same universe which is kind of a mindfuck.
-I giggled like a Mad Dog through the last part of this book. What an excited, happy HEA. I totally believed it and was totally here for it.
-Aki changes his hair. Like a LOT. Sometimes its casually mentioned, just by description, so I'm super sure there's more hair changes that were never mentioned (reminder: when they show up at Joels its pink (in case you didnt reread the ending of Petrichor, I got chu boos) in case it's not clear: I'm here for it. So here for it.
-Aki was the perfect amount of crazy and posessive, and River was the perfect amount of dom energy.
-i loved this book
-did you know i loved this book? Because i did.
-did not get bored. Accepted the crazy. Breathed in the crazy. Celebrated the crazy.
-it's really hard to write without spoilers but i tried. I enjoyed the aunt too, but thats all i can say.
-10/10 bad guys get what they deserve in this one
-*FAMILY* iykyk #marcoreluctantlyPewPews [swoon]
-I inhaled this book in 3 days, which means I loved it (that's my personal enjoy-o-meter; fine tuned from Harlequin 1-day books; non-Harlequins get 2-3 days to reach this status). I think I even loved this book MORE than Petrichor.
-I loved the name tie in, just like Petrichor. And even that kinda tied in, because River explained his love of rain in this book. But Pragma also had its tie in, and no I will not spoil it.
-I cannot wait for Clover's book; he had my loyalty as soon as he revealed Mr. Squishynuts.
in fact, my thoughts around this portion when something like this: Paulina Ian-Kane, you are calling me insane! How dare you! Proof of this call out:
~~~Clover rescuing Mr. squishynuts and getting called insane for it. I see nothing wrong here! In fact earlier in the book I wanted to cry when the mice were fed to the snake, and I was literally envisioning rescuing one as the scene happened and how it would be a close call but I'd save him in the end.
~~~ "heels over head" makes more sense to me too.
Ppfffttt Paulina calling me out, but its fine because Clover's obviously a kindred spirit!!! Am so happy to see Mr Squishynuts lives, is okay, and even gets WAY more starring time. Am kinda sad he won't be with Masa, because I really loved the encouraging-crazy energy Masa was giving back to Clover, when he was like "do me! Do me!" For the password And then seemingly ignoring him, Clover did not ignore his plea. Why are characters in these books always so lovable?! 🥹🥹 Clover, Masa, Joel, Joel's bag; which reminds me
-Joels mary poppins bag makes a very brief appearance 🥹🥹
-I guess the Wrath series and this series take place in the same universe which is kind of a mindfuck.
-I giggled like a Mad Dog through the last part of this book. What an excited, happy HEA. I totally believed it and was totally here for it.
-Aki changes his hair. Like a LOT. Sometimes its casually mentioned, just by description, so I'm super sure there's more hair changes that were never mentioned (reminder: when they show up at Joels its pink (in case you didnt reread the ending of Petrichor, I got chu boos) in case it's not clear: I'm here for it. So here for it.
-Aki was the perfect amount of crazy and posessive, and River was the perfect amount of dom energy.
-i loved this book
-did you know i loved this book? Because i did.
-did not get bored. Accepted the crazy. Breathed in the crazy. Celebrated the crazy.
-it's really hard to write without spoilers but i tried. I enjoyed the aunt too, but thats all i can say.
-10/10 bad guys get what they deserve in this one
-*FAMILY* iykyk #marcoreluctantlyPewPews [swoon]
April 16, 2026
Here's "Pragma" by Paulina Ian-Kane. This is the second novel her Mafia Babes series.
["He comes first.
Akira Hebikawa, the heir of the strongest ruling Yakuza family. Unhinged, impulsive, belligerent, careless. A continuous pain in the butt for his bodyguard and right hand. Me.
We couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites who got together to fight against a common enemy, then never parted. He took me in out of curiosity and boredom, and with nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to, I followed him.
It was hardly love at first sight. I can’t pinpoint when these inconvenient feelings started to develop. Nevertheless they did, and slowly grew with time. Years to be precise. I quickly learned to push them down where no one could see. Not even myself.
Now out of the blue, the big boss orders Akira to get married, digging an even deeper grave for my ever-growing affection. I never had a chance, though. I’m a gaijin—an outsider—and I always will be. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been part of the family, how obedient or loyal I am.
But Akira? He’s a Yakuza prince. A straight prince, with a future already planned and paved for him. Or so I thought. Because suddenly he wants to experiment…with me. How can I say no to that when I’ve been dying to have him under me? Skin to skin, breath to breath.
But each suitable marriage candidate he meets makes my heart ache, my desperation grow, and my inner fight rage. On top of that, danger is lurking. Old and new enemies are closing in from all sides, just as someone from my past comes back into my life without warning.
One false move, and I could lose everything. But don’t I need to actually have something to lose it? Have him?"]
Akira really tried to out-brat all of the other brats Paulina wrote previously. Plus he had swords. Swords, sass, sexual prowess. River tried to resist him, he had for sooo long, but Aki didn't really give him a choice. Then again, Riv was so head-over-heals obsessed and in love that having that 'choice' taken from him was a blessing (and a curse).
Plus a Clover cameo!!! God, I fucking love that guy!!!
Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, on-page reference to past child kidnapping, references to drug use/paraphernalia, one-page description of injuries, descriptions of past child abuse, torture, knife play, no established safe word, and more.
#petrichor #pragma #apricity #mafiababes #mafiababesseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["He comes first.
Akira Hebikawa, the heir of the strongest ruling Yakuza family. Unhinged, impulsive, belligerent, careless. A continuous pain in the butt for his bodyguard and right hand. Me.
We couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites who got together to fight against a common enemy, then never parted. He took me in out of curiosity and boredom, and with nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to, I followed him.
It was hardly love at first sight. I can’t pinpoint when these inconvenient feelings started to develop. Nevertheless they did, and slowly grew with time. Years to be precise. I quickly learned to push them down where no one could see. Not even myself.
Now out of the blue, the big boss orders Akira to get married, digging an even deeper grave for my ever-growing affection. I never had a chance, though. I’m a gaijin—an outsider—and I always will be. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been part of the family, how obedient or loyal I am.
But Akira? He’s a Yakuza prince. A straight prince, with a future already planned and paved for him. Or so I thought. Because suddenly he wants to experiment…with me. How can I say no to that when I’ve been dying to have him under me? Skin to skin, breath to breath.
But each suitable marriage candidate he meets makes my heart ache, my desperation grow, and my inner fight rage. On top of that, danger is lurking. Old and new enemies are closing in from all sides, just as someone from my past comes back into my life without warning.
One false move, and I could lose everything. But don’t I need to actually have something to lose it? Have him?"]
Akira really tried to out-brat all of the other brats Paulina wrote previously. Plus he had swords. Swords, sass, sexual prowess. River tried to resist him, he had for sooo long, but Aki didn't really give him a choice. Then again, Riv was so head-over-heals obsessed and in love that having that 'choice' taken from him was a blessing (and a curse).
Plus a Clover cameo!!! God, I fucking love that guy!!!
Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, on-page reference to past child kidnapping, references to drug use/paraphernalia, one-page description of injuries, descriptions of past child abuse, torture, knife play, no established safe word, and more.
#petrichor #pragma #apricity #mafiababes #mafiababesseries #paulinaiankane #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 19, 2025
This is a Dark Mafia Romance so check the TWs before heading in. This is also the second book in The Mafia Babes series, they are written as standalones so you don't need to read them in order but I do recommend it because you get a better background on River.
🌶🌶🌶🌶
"Do you know what Pragma Soulmates are?"
He shakes his head
“Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot."
I was so excited and could not wait for this book! The teeny tiny peek at River we got at the end of Petrichor was both not enough and the perfect amount to set up this book. Paulina did amazing with paying tribute to the Japanese culture through the book. She was able to teach you with out making it obvious or messing up the flow of the story so you were able to understand the meaning of some art or phrases without being pulled from the moment in the book...just perfection!
River was lost and alone and after being attacked by the gang he called family he was ready to burn the world down. Akira was also recently attacked by the same gang so when he spotted River he tossed the idea of mutual revenge into the air and the rest was history. Since that day River has been by Akira's side as he moved his was up through the Yakuza. Looking to spread his wings Akira moves to New York where some of the older Yakuza who are less convinced of his worth currently reside. He now has to worry about proving them wrong while growing his both legal and illegal businesses, on top of handling his already established rivalries with the Chinese Triad. There is no short of action/drama is this book it is nonstop from the first page! I absolutely loved how OTT and Unhinged Aki was and River was just there for it! Never judgemental just there to support his bat shit BFF 🤣 I could not ask for more from this series and I can't wait to see where we go from here now that we got some established families/enemies and little sneak peaks at side characters it's going to be amazing 🤩
🌶🌶🌶🌶
"Do you know what Pragma Soulmates are?"
He shakes his head
“Pragma soulmates are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling. Nothing monumental, just two people connecting. Moments and events shared slowly and steadily build the foundation for an unbreakable relationship that one day morphs into something deep and blazing hot."
I was so excited and could not wait for this book! The teeny tiny peek at River we got at the end of Petrichor was both not enough and the perfect amount to set up this book. Paulina did amazing with paying tribute to the Japanese culture through the book. She was able to teach you with out making it obvious or messing up the flow of the story so you were able to understand the meaning of some art or phrases without being pulled from the moment in the book...just perfection!
River was lost and alone and after being attacked by the gang he called family he was ready to burn the world down. Akira was also recently attacked by the same gang so when he spotted River he tossed the idea of mutual revenge into the air and the rest was history. Since that day River has been by Akira's side as he moved his was up through the Yakuza. Looking to spread his wings Akira moves to New York where some of the older Yakuza who are less convinced of his worth currently reside. He now has to worry about proving them wrong while growing his both legal and illegal businesses, on top of handling his already established rivalries with the Chinese Triad. There is no short of action/drama is this book it is nonstop from the first page! I absolutely loved how OTT and Unhinged Aki was and River was just there for it! Never judgemental just there to support his bat shit BFF 🤣 I could not ask for more from this series and I can't wait to see where we go from here now that we got some established families/enemies and little sneak peaks at side characters it's going to be amazing 🤩
October 28, 2025
“Pragma soulmares are not found. They are made. You meet someone and get a good feeling.”
.
.
First and foremost, Paulina never disappoints. Pragma is yet another hot, unhinged installment to her already stellar catalog.
Pragma follows the story of Akira (Aki), a yakuza prince, and his ever-so stoic bodyguard, River. Aki can best be described as unhinged, a chaos gremlin with a fabulous fashion sense, and obsessed with his bunny (River). In retrospect, River is broody, ruthless, and secretly in love with Aki.
What started as a friendship built on seeking revenge has evolved into River being Akira’s closest confidant, right-hand, and best friend. As Akira seeks to explore his budding feelings for River, the kumicho orders Aki to find a spouse.
With a rat amongst his group, expanding his empire to the east coast, and trying to capture his bunny, Aki has his hands full. However, like the brat he is, nothing will stop Akira from getting his man.
Pragma is not only ghost pepper hot (shibari, pearling, lingerie), but it is also an immersion into Japanese culture. Paulina dives headfirst into the yakuza culture. From the usage of Japanese, the fashion, food, tattoos to explain wealth, and the family name. If Ian-Kane does anything, she gives you a front-row experience into being a part of a yakuza family.
For me, Pragma does so many things well. Specifically, the evolution of Aki and River’s relationship. Throughout Pragma, you watch Aki and River give way to feelings that have been festering for quite some time. You experience them as friends, then lovers, and finally soulmates.
Overall, Pragma gets five stars from me. For its immersive, world-building, and engrossing setting. Because the characters had me laughing, swooning, and on the edge of my seat. Because in true Ian-Kane fashion, there was no shortage of smut and red-hot kinkiness. In conclusion, Pragma is a sexy, chaotic, and gripping ride from start to finish.
.
.
First and foremost, Paulina never disappoints. Pragma is yet another hot, unhinged installment to her already stellar catalog.
Pragma follows the story of Akira (Aki), a yakuza prince, and his ever-so stoic bodyguard, River. Aki can best be described as unhinged, a chaos gremlin with a fabulous fashion sense, and obsessed with his bunny (River). In retrospect, River is broody, ruthless, and secretly in love with Aki.
What started as a friendship built on seeking revenge has evolved into River being Akira’s closest confidant, right-hand, and best friend. As Akira seeks to explore his budding feelings for River, the kumicho orders Aki to find a spouse.
With a rat amongst his group, expanding his empire to the east coast, and trying to capture his bunny, Aki has his hands full. However, like the brat he is, nothing will stop Akira from getting his man.
Pragma is not only ghost pepper hot (shibari, pearling, lingerie), but it is also an immersion into Japanese culture. Paulina dives headfirst into the yakuza culture. From the usage of Japanese, the fashion, food, tattoos to explain wealth, and the family name. If Ian-Kane does anything, she gives you a front-row experience into being a part of a yakuza family.
For me, Pragma does so many things well. Specifically, the evolution of Aki and River’s relationship. Throughout Pragma, you watch Aki and River give way to feelings that have been festering for quite some time. You experience them as friends, then lovers, and finally soulmates.
Overall, Pragma gets five stars from me. For its immersive, world-building, and engrossing setting. Because the characters had me laughing, swooning, and on the edge of my seat. Because in true Ian-Kane fashion, there was no shortage of smut and red-hot kinkiness. In conclusion, Pragma is a sexy, chaotic, and gripping ride from start to finish.
October 30, 2025
This was a poignant, volatile bodyguard romance set against the backdrop of Yakuza power and personal exile. River is a loyal, emotionally restrained outsider who has spent years at the side of Akira Hebikawa, the reckless heir to Japan’s most powerful crime family. Their bond began in battle and calcified into something deeper: devotion, dependence, and unspoken love. But River is a gaijin, forever marked as other. Akira is a prince with a legacy carved in stone—until a sudden desire to “experiment” cracks the surface of their dynamic. What follows is a dangerous dance of lust, longing, and heartbreak, as River grapples with being wanted physically but never fully claimed. As Akira meets potential brides and enemies close in, River’s buried feelings erupt into desperation. The return of someone from his past threatens to unravel everything. And through it all, one question burns: can you lose something you never truly had?
I loved this dark story of forbidden desire, emotional repression, and the aching hope that love might transcend legacy, loyalty, and the brutal lines drawn between belonging and exile. I enjoyed that River's identity as a gaijin—a foreigner—cast a long shadow over every interaction. He’s loyal, embedded in the Yakuza world, and intimately tied to Akira, yet never truly accepted. That meant he was a man who protects, who obeys, who stays close, but who never truly belongs. And that makes his love all the more devastating. Akira was chaos incarnate—volatile, reckless, magnetic. But beneath the bravado lies a man shaped by legacy and expectation. Their dynamic was shaped by this imbalance: Akira holds the power, but River holds the emotional truth. And when Akira begins to shift—when he starts to see—the story pivots from repression to possibility. This was full of passion, emotions and feelings. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings.
I loved this dark story of forbidden desire, emotional repression, and the aching hope that love might transcend legacy, loyalty, and the brutal lines drawn between belonging and exile. I enjoyed that River's identity as a gaijin—a foreigner—cast a long shadow over every interaction. He’s loyal, embedded in the Yakuza world, and intimately tied to Akira, yet never truly accepted. That meant he was a man who protects, who obeys, who stays close, but who never truly belongs. And that makes his love all the more devastating. Akira was chaos incarnate—volatile, reckless, magnetic. But beneath the bravado lies a man shaped by legacy and expectation. Their dynamic was shaped by this imbalance: Akira holds the power, but River holds the emotional truth. And when Akira begins to shift—when he starts to see—the story pivots from repression to possibility. This was full of passion, emotions and feelings. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings.
October 30, 2025
This was a poignant, volatile bodyguard romance set against the backdrop of Yakuza power and personal exile. River is a loyal, emotionally restrained outsider who has spent years at the side of Akira Hebikawa, the reckless heir to Japan’s most powerful crime family. Their bond began in battle and calcified into something deeper: devotion, dependence, and unspoken love. But River is a gaijin, forever marked as other. Akira is a prince with a legacy carved in stone—until a sudden desire to “experiment” cracks the surface of their dynamic. What follows is a dangerous dance of lust, longing, and heartbreak, as River grapples with being wanted physically but never fully claimed. As Akira meets potential brides and enemies close in, River’s buried feelings erupt into desperation. The return of someone from his past threatens to unravel everything. And through it all, one question burns: can you lose something you never truly had?
I loved this dark story of forbidden desire, emotional repression, and the aching hope that love might transcend legacy, loyalty, and the brutal lines drawn between belonging and exile. I enjoyed that River's identity as a gaijin—a foreigner—cast a long shadow over every interaction. He’s loyal, embedded in the Yakuza world, and intimately tied to Akira, yet never truly accepted. That meant he was a man who protects, who obeys, who stays close, but who never truly belongs. And that makes his love all the more devastating. Akira was chaos incarnate—volatile, reckless, magnetic. But beneath the bravado lies a man shaped by legacy and expectation. Their dynamic was shaped by this imbalance: Akira holds the power, but River holds the emotional truth. And when Akira begins to shift—when he starts to see—the story pivots from repression to possibility. This was full of passion, emotions and feelings. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings.
I loved this dark story of forbidden desire, emotional repression, and the aching hope that love might transcend legacy, loyalty, and the brutal lines drawn between belonging and exile. I enjoyed that River's identity as a gaijin—a foreigner—cast a long shadow over every interaction. He’s loyal, embedded in the Yakuza world, and intimately tied to Akira, yet never truly accepted. That meant he was a man who protects, who obeys, who stays close, but who never truly belongs. And that makes his love all the more devastating. Akira was chaos incarnate—volatile, reckless, magnetic. But beneath the bravado lies a man shaped by legacy and expectation. Their dynamic was shaped by this imbalance: Akira holds the power, but River holds the emotional truth. And when Akira begins to shift—when he starts to see—the story pivots from repression to possibility. This was full of passion, emotions and feelings. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings.
October 31, 2025
Perfection❤️
This book was amazing which came as no surprise to me because Paulina Ian-Kane has become my must read author. The Angels of Wrath will always be my favorite but this series is turning out just as wonderful so far with so many delicious and hysterically funny characters. This one was no exception. Aki is amazeballs honestly so bat sh*t crazy but genuinely himself and i could have read another 200 pages easily with him and his antics. River was loyal,sweet and deliciously dirty so good. I enjoyed Akis crew and getting a pop in from Clover and his squishy nut rat cant wait for all that awesomeness to happen with his own story. The love for Japanese culture was evident and very interesting without being overwhelming so i appreciated that a lot. The story was superbly written as always by this author and the pacing was great it keeps you invested the whole time. I really have no complaints at all. If i had to find a fault anywhere the only thing that gave me pause was River explaining the amount of trust and connection Shabari takes between two people but yet he had done it with others clearly which we aren't led to believe he has had anyone else like that other than Aki. That's it though i couldn't find anything else i could pick anywhere in this story that didn't work perfectly. So highly recommend if you want a spicy, thrilling and perfectly written story with awesome characters that are loyal to one another this is for you :) Keep up the excellent writing i cant get enough and soooo look forward to all the angel of wrath spinoffs and your future Omega verses yesss please!!!
This book was amazing which came as no surprise to me because Paulina Ian-Kane has become my must read author. The Angels of Wrath will always be my favorite but this series is turning out just as wonderful so far with so many delicious and hysterically funny characters. This one was no exception. Aki is amazeballs honestly so bat sh*t crazy but genuinely himself and i could have read another 200 pages easily with him and his antics. River was loyal,sweet and deliciously dirty so good. I enjoyed Akis crew and getting a pop in from Clover and his squishy nut rat cant wait for all that awesomeness to happen with his own story. The love for Japanese culture was evident and very interesting without being overwhelming so i appreciated that a lot. The story was superbly written as always by this author and the pacing was great it keeps you invested the whole time. I really have no complaints at all. If i had to find a fault anywhere the only thing that gave me pause was River explaining the amount of trust and connection Shabari takes between two people but yet he had done it with others clearly which we aren't led to believe he has had anyone else like that other than Aki. That's it though i couldn't find anything else i could pick anywhere in this story that didn't work perfectly. So highly recommend if you want a spicy, thrilling and perfectly written story with awesome characters that are loyal to one another this is for you :) Keep up the excellent writing i cant get enough and soooo look forward to all the angel of wrath spinoffs and your future Omega verses yesss please!!!
January 17, 2026
Okay, after reading Pragma, I can confidently say Paulina has me by my non-present lady balls 🫠. Like, how the hell can her books be so hot 🔥? Okay, where to start… Again, my brain loved the intro, and honestly, I also totally loved the little language lesson 🧠. The fact that the book contains Japanese and is on the yakuza made me instantly hooked. Whoever might have asked me about my trip to Japan might have realised my deep love for this country and how calm and organized everything is 🩷.
Anyways… back to the topic. We meet River and Akira at a time in River’s life when shit hit the fan 💔. River has been betrayed, and rage bubbled under the surface. What a welcome coincidence that Akira has the same enemy and wants River’s help with said enemy 💥. The two agree to work together, and a connection forms, slowly towards a long-term friendship… 💛
We meet them again some years in the future, and wow, these two are simply incredible. River is calm, cold, collected, and seems rather unfeeling, but worry not, buried under the surface, heat and love are boiling ❤️🔥. He has been Akira’s bodyguard, confidant, and friend for many years, and the familiarity and trust between those two is palpable.
Akira, my god, did I love him, heir to a yakuza family, he is a menace, crazy, unhinged, bloodthirsty, and oh so lovable. I had to laugh so hard in some scenes because he is just incredible 😍.
Their connection is starting slowly, calmly, with a deep trust and friendship; the unrequited love felt so tangible, and I felt like I had to kick them, until they finally realised. Lucky me, they did, and when they did, all the longing and hunger came alive… 🔥 dear good grab onto something because you will be in for a bumpy and scorching hot ride with these two 🔥. I loved how, for them, the other came first, but for each in their own way, how they support each other and deeply feel for each other, it just pulled all my heartstrings, and I am so in love with their connection, like I am already thinking about visiting them again 💕.
Summa summarum, I totally loved the book, Aki as a character, and especially Paulina’s humor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Who else is in for a little instant connection, slow burn? Do share your favourites because I need more of this! ❤️🔥
The tropes:
💛 Friends-To-Lovers
💛 Power Bottom
💛 Bodyguard x Yakuza Prince
💛 Grump x Unhinged Twink
The k!nks:
❤️🔥 Public Foreplay
❤️🔥 Pearling
❤️🔥 D/S
❤️🔥 Knife handle fu**ing
❤️🔥 Bl**d Play
❤️🔥 R*mming
❤️🔥 Hands Free
❤️🔥 Shibari
Anyways… back to the topic. We meet River and Akira at a time in River’s life when shit hit the fan 💔. River has been betrayed, and rage bubbled under the surface. What a welcome coincidence that Akira has the same enemy and wants River’s help with said enemy 💥. The two agree to work together, and a connection forms, slowly towards a long-term friendship… 💛
We meet them again some years in the future, and wow, these two are simply incredible. River is calm, cold, collected, and seems rather unfeeling, but worry not, buried under the surface, heat and love are boiling ❤️🔥. He has been Akira’s bodyguard, confidant, and friend for many years, and the familiarity and trust between those two is palpable.
Akira, my god, did I love him, heir to a yakuza family, he is a menace, crazy, unhinged, bloodthirsty, and oh so lovable. I had to laugh so hard in some scenes because he is just incredible 😍.
Their connection is starting slowly, calmly, with a deep trust and friendship; the unrequited love felt so tangible, and I felt like I had to kick them, until they finally realised. Lucky me, they did, and when they did, all the longing and hunger came alive… 🔥 dear good grab onto something because you will be in for a bumpy and scorching hot ride with these two 🔥. I loved how, for them, the other came first, but for each in their own way, how they support each other and deeply feel for each other, it just pulled all my heartstrings, and I am so in love with their connection, like I am already thinking about visiting them again 💕.
Summa summarum, I totally loved the book, Aki as a character, and especially Paulina’s humor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Who else is in for a little instant connection, slow burn? Do share your favourites because I need more of this! ❤️🔥
The tropes:
💛 Friends-To-Lovers
💛 Power Bottom
💛 Bodyguard x Yakuza Prince
💛 Grump x Unhinged Twink
The k!nks:
❤️🔥 Public Foreplay
❤️🔥 Pearling
❤️🔥 D/S
❤️🔥 Knife handle fu**ing
❤️🔥 Bl**d Play
❤️🔥 R*mming
❤️🔥 Hands Free
❤️🔥 Shibari
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews