What do you think?
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 books484 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 125 reviews
October 29, 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 8, 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
September 24, 2026
This author never disappoints 🙌 another 6 ⭐️ read 🫠
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.
June 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🫦🫦🫦🫦 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
I expected book two of the Mafia Babes series to be Luca's story — but instead, it's River's, Fly's brother. And honestly? I was SO curious what happened to him after they were separated. 👀
Akira is the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Yakuza, living entirely by his own rules and chaos — act first, think about consequences later, no exceptions. River is his bodyguard, right hand, friend... and so much more.
I loved how effortlessly they could read each other, the chaos Akira brings to every scene, and the nicknames they gave each other — Mad Dog and Little Bunny (guess who's who 😏) — absolute swoon material. 🥺
I also have to give a shoutout to Akira's aunt. She didn't win me over right away, but she slowly grew on me, and by the end I genuinely loved her character.
An incredible story, kind of a slow burn but you barely notice it happening. Paulina's writing style is just everything. Can't wait for Apricity — finally, Luca's story!
ALC update:
I was so happy to receive an ALC of Pragma and both narrators did an incredible job. They pulled me right back into the story an it made it feel so much more intense.
Go read this if you love possessive bodyguards, found family in unexpected places, and morally grey power dynamics with serious heart. 🖤
🐇 Yakuza
🐇 Size difference
🐇 Friends to Lovers
🐇 Pining
🐇 Bodyguard
🐇 Lingerie
🐇 Power bottom
🐇 Shibari
🐇 Dom/Sub, BDSM
🐇 💦 play, 🔪 play, Rimming, Pearling, Deep throat, Bareback
❗️ Check TW ❗️
102/26
ALC 148/26
I expected book two of the Mafia Babes series to be Luca's story — but instead, it's River's, Fly's brother. And honestly? I was SO curious what happened to him after they were separated. 👀
Akira is the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Yakuza, living entirely by his own rules and chaos — act first, think about consequences later, no exceptions. River is his bodyguard, right hand, friend... and so much more.
I loved how effortlessly they could read each other, the chaos Akira brings to every scene, and the nicknames they gave each other — Mad Dog and Little Bunny (guess who's who 😏) — absolute swoon material. 🥺
I also have to give a shoutout to Akira's aunt. She didn't win me over right away, but she slowly grew on me, and by the end I genuinely loved her character.
An incredible story, kind of a slow burn but you barely notice it happening. Paulina's writing style is just everything. Can't wait for Apricity — finally, Luca's story!
ALC update:
I was so happy to receive an ALC of Pragma and both narrators did an incredible job. They pulled me right back into the story an it made it feel so much more intense.
Go read this if you love possessive bodyguards, found family in unexpected places, and morally grey power dynamics with serious heart. 🖤
🐇 Yakuza
🐇 Size difference
🐇 Friends to Lovers
🐇 Pining
🐇 Bodyguard
🐇 Lingerie
🐇 Power bottom
🐇 Shibari
🐇 Dom/Sub, BDSM
🐇 💦 play, 🔪 play, Rimming, Pearling, Deep throat, Bareback
❗️ Check TW ❗️
102/26
ALC 148/26
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 😸🤩
March 3, 2026
I swear, these two together in an audiobook are a spiritual experience. They once again did such an incredible job bringing a Paulina book to life. They give the characters so much soul through their narrations, especially Mac Rae. The emotions he puts into his narration are genuinely something I’ve never experienced before on this scale. It adds so much to the story and makes the characters feel even more real. Also want to add Akira is just such a smart-mouthed, sassy brat, and I absolutely love him. Now that I’ve finished my review on the audio, let’s get to the book. I’ve personally reread Progma about three times in the last year it’s just that good. The plot carries the story so well that you’re completely engrossed from beginning to end and never want to put the book down. The pacing is fantastic, and there’s genuinely so much I could say about this book.
The way Paulina writes such complex characters and slowly peels their personalities back bit by bit, allowing you to fully see them develop and change, is unreal. She does it so naturally, and this book is such a great example of that. I also loved the humor mixed in. It gives you the perfect break from the heavier parts of the story, even though I do enjoy some very dark things.
The way Paulina writes such complex characters and slowly peels their personalities back bit by bit, allowing you to fully see them develop and change, is unreal. She does it so naturally, and this book is such a great example of that. I also loved the humor mixed in. It gives you the perfect break from the heavier parts of the story, even though I do enjoy some very dark things.
June 15, 2026
If Vincent Vega and Mr. Chow (The Hangover) had a lovechild it would be Akira Hebikawa. Please meet the most unhinged, crazy, OTT yakuza prince you can imagine ladies and gents. Aki is ruthless, violent, unpredictable and feared by all. But he is also loyal, caring and absolutely hilarious. River is his person since they were 15 and Aki took River in after a collaborated revenge on some motherfucker who hurt them both. Since then they are never far from each other. River is Aki’s bodyguard and fierce protector and the only one Aki trusts with his live. When they slowly discover there is more to their friendship, their dynamic evolves into something very toxic, symbiotic, kinky and strangely sweet. I have never encountered a relationship so unhinged and weird as River and Aki have. Aki is the brattiest brat who sometimes submits to the growly and brooding River but only for a short amount of time before he starts biting and demanding again. And when they start touching they never stop. Aki calls his plan to seduce River “operation snaring the bunny”, and that’s precisely what they are. A bunch of insatiable bunnies. And the fact that petite and colourful Aki calls the big, scarred and burly River my baby bunny is hilarious at itself. I absolutely adored Aki. He is one of the most funny characters ever. His bratty and unhinged personality is to die for. He totally made this story.
But I have some issues with the book as well. It took them loooooong to finally reach a emotional connection. Too long. And I get it, they are fearless made men not in tune with their emotions. No place for that in the Yakuza, but I would hve loved a bit more of the lovey dovey period. And I was a bit disappointed in the long awaited reunion between River and his brother Joel. It was Aki’s POV and he was so occupied with himself, that the emotional moment died a little in the process.
But I really enjoyed myself anyway. Don’t take this book too seriously, make sure you have enough kleenex to wipe all the blood that spills and let yourself be entertained by these fantastic Yakuza men.
But I have some issues with the book as well. It took them loooooong to finally reach a emotional connection. Too long. And I get it, they are fearless made men not in tune with their emotions. No place for that in the Yakuza, but I would hve loved a bit more of the lovey dovey period. And I was a bit disappointed in the long awaited reunion between River and his brother Joel. It was Aki’s POV and he was so occupied with himself, that the emotional moment died a little in the process.
But I really enjoyed myself anyway. Don’t take this book too seriously, make sure you have enough kleenex to wipe all the blood that spills and let yourself be entertained by these fantastic Yakuza men.
September 28, 2026
Paulina has done it again with another standout addition to the Mafia Babes series! I was so excited to get River’s story and what a pair River and Aki made.
I listened to this on audio, and J. Tipstone and Mac Rae did an extraordinary job bringing both characters’ personalities to life. Their narrations really captured everything I loved about these two characters.
Aki was bratty, chaotic, possessive, and constantly acting before thinking about the consequences, he was basically chaos on two legs! River was protective, incredibly patient, pining for Aki for years and willing to lay his life on the line for his best friend. I absolutely loved them together.
This was such a great story, with lots of action, love, laughs, and SO MUCH SPICE!
I also loved getting to see Fly and Marco again, and River rebuilding his relationship with Fly. And Aki’s aunt, I absolutely loved that woman!
I listened to this on audio, and J. Tipstone and Mac Rae did an extraordinary job bringing both characters’ personalities to life. Their narrations really captured everything I loved about these two characters.
Aki was bratty, chaotic, possessive, and constantly acting before thinking about the consequences, he was basically chaos on two legs! River was protective, incredibly patient, pining for Aki for years and willing to lay his life on the line for his best friend. I absolutely loved them together.
This was such a great story, with lots of action, love, laughs, and SO MUCH SPICE!
I also loved getting to see Fly and Marco again, and River rebuilding his relationship with Fly. And Aki’s aunt, I absolutely loved that woman!
July 22, 2026
4 ⭐
Longer than it needs to be, better than the one before it
The improvement is Akira. A yakuza heir with a katana, a rotating set of hair colours and a plan he researched online for seducing his own bodyguard — he's funny without ever stopping being dangerous.
River has loved him for ten years and filed the feeling under impossible, and the weight of him is the right counterbalance to all that noise.
What drags is the distance between the two of them knowing and saying. The pining is earned, but it outstays; a hundred pages could go and nothing essential would go with them.
Still: "Operation Snare the Bunny was a complete success" made me laugh out loud, and the pragma idea — love built rather than found — gives the book a spine Petrichor didn't have.
Longer than it needs to be, better than the one before it
The improvement is Akira. A yakuza heir with a katana, a rotating set of hair colours and a plan he researched online for seducing his own bodyguard — he's funny without ever stopping being dangerous.
River has loved him for ten years and filed the feeling under impossible, and the weight of him is the right counterbalance to all that noise.
What drags is the distance between the two of them knowing and saying. The pining is earned, but it outstays; a hundred pages could go and nothing essential would go with them.
Still: "Operation Snare the Bunny was a complete success" made me laugh out loud, and the pragma idea — love built rather than found — gives the book a spine Petrichor didn't have.
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.
June 25, 2026
4⭐️ RTC
Did Not Finish
September 9, 2026DNF @ 37%
The writing in this one…😖 I love the Angels of Wrath series by this author but the writing in this series just isn’t great.
The writing in this one…😖 I love the Angels of Wrath series by this author but the writing in this series just isn’t great.
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 21, 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
August 16, 2026
Aki and River, omg! NOW, this is my type of Friends to Lovers, hehe. This was fast-paced, fun, spicy, and wholesome. I didn't know what to expect from River at the end of Book 1, and I'm glad it wasn't overly sentimental or dragging. The brothers were reunited, but the story still focused on both MMCs because oftentimes reunions such as this take up the majority of the plot, and I'm happy that wasn't the case here.
It was also nice seeing Marco and Fly again, hehe. The found family in the series is so much fun! I loved the fact that Aki's aunt was on board the entire time—sly fox she was!
Overall, Book 2 was YUMMY, and Aki and River are my favorites so far.
It was also nice seeing Marco and Fly again, hehe. The found family in the series is so much fun! I loved the fact that Aki's aunt was on board the entire time—sly fox she was!
Overall, Book 2 was YUMMY, and Aki and River are my favorites so far.
September 26, 2026
Pragma 🎧📗
Written by: Paulina Ian-Kane
Performed by: J. Tipstone & Mac Rae
✨ALC REVIEW ✨
Thank you to the author for the ALC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I immediately need more! Please make a book 3?!
Paulina did it again! This was the cherry on top.
Let’s start with this title. Absolutely fitting for our MMC’s. Love is better when you choose it. And it chooses you.
The mixture of the cultures was done so well. The incorporation of both languages made this more magical. Especially when immersive reading. Listening and reading made it so much more real. You forget it’s not in duet. At least it was that way for me. I would care if it was braille!!
J and Mac. I’m at a loss for words with how great you two performed this. And, even though you record separately, it was seamless and flawless. You both insert personality into your characters. Love listening to both. Thank you for another great read/listen
story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
Written by: Paulina Ian-Kane
Performed by: J. Tipstone & Mac Rae
✨ALC REVIEW ✨
Thank you to the author for the ALC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I immediately need more! Please make a book 3?!
Paulina did it again! This was the cherry on top.
Let’s start with this title. Absolutely fitting for our MMC’s. Love is better when you choose it. And it chooses you.
The mixture of the cultures was done so well. The incorporation of both languages made this more magical. Especially when immersive reading. Listening and reading made it so much more real. You forget it’s not in duet. At least it was that way for me. I would care if it was braille!!
J and Mac. I’m at a loss for words with how great you two performed this. And, even though you record separately, it was seamless and flawless. You both insert personality into your characters. Love listening to both. Thank you for another great read/listen
story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
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
September 29, 2026
AN AUDIBOOK THAT SPARKS AND POPS WITH WONDERFUL CHARACTERS AND EMOTIONS!
A solid audiobook that I had so much enjoyment listening to. Another way to enjoy this complex and good story!
A solid audiobook that I had so much enjoyment listening to. Another way to enjoy this complex and good story!
October 4, 2026
3.5 stars
I love unhinged characters.
I love unhinged characters.
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!!!
June 15, 2026
Where the fuck was the plot and the chemistry???
November 27, 2025
me gusto mucho mas que el primero y me gustaria saber mas de masa, clover y soma
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