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Jayson

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I’m the mob’s deadliest enforcer, and I’ve just made one mistake - I let her live.

JAYSON

She thinks I spared her. But I didnt. I just changed the method of destruction.”

The job was take the shot. Leave no witnesses.
But I didn’t count on her.
Keira.
Daughter of the man I executed.
A girl who should be dead.
I should’ve pulled the trigger.
Instead, I took her.
And when the walls closed in, I made her mine…

KEIRA

I wear his ring. Sleep in his house. Breathe his air. And every second, Im plotting how to burn it all down.”

I’ve always known my father was a monster.
But I never expected to watch him die at the hands of someone worse.
A man with dead eyes. A stranger in the dark.
He didn’t just murder my father.
He shattered everything I thought I knew—and then he took me.
Now I’m trapped in his mansion, bound by a ring I didn’t choose and a name that isn’t mine.
He thinks he’s a threat.
But I’m the executioner. He just doesn’t know it yet.

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

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About the author

Iris T. Cannon

25 books146 followers

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5 stars
88 (72%)
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22 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Wolff.
249 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2025
Excuse my while I sit and ugly cry in the corner! 😭😩 Iris T Cannon never ceases to amaze me with her writing ability. I am absolutely crushed. This book…gahhhh! I can’t even. I think I need to process more but I’ll try to make sense of this review.

If you haven’t read any of her books, this series and the Gatti Brothers series are AMAZING, life changing, earth shattering, heart melting, brain frying, spicier than any 🌶️ rating you can imagine.

I am floored by book 3. Jayson is an enforcer. Forged from blood and bone, reborn into the Gatti family through sheer force of will to live.

He is the silent killer who stalks and is in and out before you can blink, or even loose a breathe. He is efficient and cunning and strategic in his methods. But one op has a loose end he didn’t see coming and definitely never planned on. Now he’s stuck with a girl. He never intended to interact with and doesn’t know what to do with.

Kiera was supposed to be at her university. She was never supposed to be home. Fate brought her into Jayson’s world the night. He took her father from her and now she’s stuck in his world as his prisoner until he decides her fate. The question is will she survive him?? Or will she let the nightmares consume her?

This book was so addictive. This series is addictive. But holy cow, this was a different level of roller coaster.

I have loved and laughed and cried through each book in these series. It’s an emotional roller coaster I can’t wait to get back on.

If you like dark romance, mafia families, revenge, betrayal, bound by blood shed shared not born into and love that surfaces in the darkness then this book is for you. While you could read it as a stand alone it helps to know the other characters in play by reading the other books.

I didn’t expect the turn this story took. I mean you always have a feeling that love will win but the depths that these men in these books have for their women always floors me. To know someone would burn down the world to find me, to save me, even from myself is a huge thing. And doesn’t feel realistic until you read her books. It just hits differently.

I can’t recommend this series enough. If I could about it from the rooftops and thought people would actually listen I would. I’m telling you that you won’t be let down if you decide to dive in.

Remember that feeling as a little girl watching the little mermaid and wanting so badly to be there in the water with her. Iris T cannon brings that same emotion back in this book. You want to feel all the things, anger, frustration, helplessness, hopelessness, loss and love. And say thank you for it after uou crawl your way back out.

Ugh I could talk for days about this series but you won’t get until you go read it. So GO read it, them! All of them! Now! I promise it will be one you come back to again and again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,307 reviews16 followers
October 24, 2025
WILL BREAK YOUR HEART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Jayson and Keira. She should be dead. Instead shes a captive with a ring. Shes not what she seems. Cruelty and havoc came early for him. Killing to feel human. She makes him feel things.

Well written. Twisted with feelings and chaos. Couldnt put it down. Somehow they heal each other and loved watching them become one. A mafia alpha that will protect whats his with his life. This will pull at your heartstrings and make you cry so grab a tissue or two.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kim H.
136 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2025
Jayson and Keira have an intense and unique chemistry and the journey these two have set out on will keep you intrigued and wanting to know more! Jayson is all things protective when it comes to Keira. She wasn't supposed to live, but he just couldn't kill her. They are both fragile and broken and don't trust easily. The writing was so good and the characters are entertaining and interesting. I enjoyed every captivating moment in this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
300 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2025
Intense read

Jayson and Keira's story is an intense read full of chemistry, heartbreak and healing. Theirs is a complicated dark love story. So much is going on and I didn't want to put this down because I just wanted to know what was going to happen. I've liked each book in this series more than the last. I love the MMCs who are fiercely loyal to their family but would still burn down the world for their wives. I seriously can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Kasey.
287 reviews
August 9, 2025
I immediately abandoned everything I was doing to read this after receiving the confirmation email that I had been selected for the ARC. While I had enjoyed The Vagabond, I must say that Jayson surpasses it in my opinion. The blurb had piqued my interest from the very beginning. Jayson, the mafia’s enforcer, is driven by a singular objective: to silence the mayor forever and infiltrate his house undetected. However, he fails to anticipate the presence of the mayor’s daughter, Keira, who happens to be home and witnesses the entire incident. Consequently, Jayson makes the fateful decision to kidnap her. Faced with the prospect of death or a marriage of convenience with Jayson, Keira choosers the latter which gives the option of spousal privilege if the police question her. The narrative unfolds as the repercussions of Jayson’s actions, revealing secrets that should have remained concealed in the past.

Jayson was an exceptional read that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The plot was meticulously detailed and thought-out, delving into the consequences of bringing down The Aviary from the previous books. Initially, we assume Keira, the daughter of the mayor and a college student, as merely a bystander in the unfolding events. However, we soon discover that she holds a crucial role as the missing piece to the Aviary’s puzzle. Keira has become my new favorite female protagonist. She embodies fierce strength and inner resilience, standing up for herself and refusing to back down from Jayson’s threats. The realization that she has nothing left to lose intensifies the urgency of the story, especially when the twist unfolds.

I devoured the book in a matter of hours, driven by the desire to unravel the secrets Keira was keeping. Her discovery is both painful, traumatic, and heartbreaking, yet it brings a sense of comfort knowing that Jayson is there for her. Throughout the story, he consistently prioritizes her well-being and goes to great lengths to protect her. The trust she places in him is unwavering, and even the unexpected support from the mafia wives adds to the story. Jayson, now one of my favorite male protagonists, also has a traumatic past that has made him stoic and emotionless. However, his transformation as he softens under Keira’s influence is a heartwarming aspect of his character development. While he retains his brooding enforcer persona, he opens his heart to protect his family.

The romance in the book takes a backseat to the complex plot and Keira’s healing journey, which I wholeheartedly support. She must confront her past, face her demons, and be broken before she can rebuild her life with Jayson. The inclusion of nightmares and flashbacks enhances the storytelling.

I’m rambling now, but this story is an exceptional masterpiece that demands your attention to fully comprehend its brilliance. I have the feeling that the stories will keep getting better and better with each book.
Profile Image for Shelley G.
910 reviews10 followers
August 30, 2025
a new author for me i loved this book. I haven't read bk 1 or 2 but this as a stand alone was amazing. jayson after being abused and blamed for something he didn't do by his father turns his back on the family and leaves home at 19 to make his own way in the world of violence and mafia, to survive. for 10 long years he perfects the art of killing without emotion becoming the cold, violent, deadly man his father molded him to be caring only about the men he calls brother living with guilt day after day. then one night after taking care of a hit, he turns to find the daughter standing their staring at him. though he lifts the gun to take the shot, no witnesses, he can't bring himself to do it so takes her hostage. stuck with a girl he has no idea what to do with, he returns to the one place he said he'd never go. now he must decide Keira's fate. there's only two choices to protect the fallout. kill her or marry her so they are forced into a marriage of convenience neither want, to protect them both though some want her dead. Keira fights it tooth and nail, yet hasn't reacted at all as jayson expecte seeing her father murdered by him. she's so young yet tough, strong, and determined to escape but her past rears its ugly head bringing fragments of memories that don't fit while suffering severe reactions to them. suffering over the death of her friend as a younger teen she can't get her brain to remember what happened. slowly those old memories start to resurface and someone out there is afraid of what she may remember so are out to silence her for good and torments her from the shadows. she becomes fragile, broken, afraid and jayson's heart begins to thaw as he watches her struggle. he is determined to protect his new wife and she begins to trust he will keep her safe as she struggles to heal her fractured mind and put the pieces back together. slowly feelings deepen as they work together to reveal the past, find and punish those responsible and keep them both alive. she shows jayson he is more than death and jayson proves he will burn down the world to keep her safe.
the author wove an amazing story among real life trauma of childhood abuse, sexual exploitation, murder, secrets, violence and more handling it sensitively and showing the trauma response and the courage and strength it takes to recover from such an event in the life of a young teen girl. and that no matter how hard u try to ice your heart to deal with death and trauma from a family member love will always find its way into the tiniest of cracks esp when the protective instinct is brought out. richly developed and detailed characters in this powerful story where both keira and jayson prove that no matter how broken, a phoenix will always rise from the ashes with strength courage and determination to heal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Loverulesall_books.
278 reviews6 followers
September 8, 2025
4.5⭐
1🌶️

Iris has yet again delivered. This book had me hook, line and sinker - once again deep diving in the mafia world Iris has created. Jayson has appeared seamlessly through the previous Gatti books and I am sat for his story! 🙋🏻‍♀️

A hit has been put on Mayor Bishop and Jayson has been tasked to prove his worth within the Moreno family. Loyalty is what has kept him alive and failing is not an option.

The mission was supposed be to easy. In. Out. Done. Everything goes according to plan until Keira - the Mayor's daughter is unexpectedly home and witnesses the whole ordeal. Jayson can't leave loose ends untied and subsequently kidnaps Keira, locking her up in the basement of his old home.

Jayson's moral compass doesn't have it in him to eliminate the problem aka Keira. However, every interaction with her unlocks a part of him - making him start to 'feel' things. Tortured souls recognise another and he soon starts to realise Keira has demons of her own... But is he willing to help her with them, despite him fighting his own?

Iris has very intricately weaved a story of two people who shouldn't have worked on paper, but made it work. Especially when Keira is forced into a marriage of convenience for spousal privileges. I love her character - she was strong and resilient, but carries far too much guilt over the disappearance of her best friend. She is haunted with memories of her and I loved the "touch her and 💀 vibes" emanating from Jayson, who wanted to protect her at all costs.

Jayson too has been running away from his past, but Keira becomes the only one who makes him face it head on. I loved how we see him change for the better in this book, how he opens his once stone heart to love.... that he too can have dreams and a future. Together, Keira and Jayson were a true force to be reckoned with and I adored that for them!

The found family aspect in this book was also touching - how the girls all rallied around Keira and made her finally feel like she wasn't alone. They never rushed nor judged her, despite not knowing her and it was heartwarming to see Keira accept that she wasn't broken beyond repair nor did she have to be perfect for someone worthy of love.

Definitely sad to see the end of the Gatti Enforcer series, but also highly anticipating to what Iris has in store for us next 🫶🏻💗

⚠️ Please do proceed with caution as Jayson is also one of the darkest books I've read from Iris, so may not be suitable for all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,988 reviews30 followers
September 15, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved reading this book it was definitely one I couldn't put down, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. This story was about

Jayson Caluna and Keira Bishop's story, Jayson is an Enforcer for the Moreno family, he has been asked to do a job, just as he thought how easy it was, he turned around and she was standing there so now he kidnapped her and she became his problem. Jayson thought she was suppose to be at college except she just witnessed what he had done with a gun in her hand. Keira is the daughter to the Mayor of Seattle, she keeps trying to get away until she is threatened to be tied to his bed. When he brings her home, he takes her to the basement she panicked and pleaded not to be left there and being cold didn't help. Jayson is given options to keep her silent she can either be killed or marry him then for some reason he wants to protect her from everyone else, but will she trust what he says. When they delt with her nightmare, she was his everything and she wants him but she still has her nightmares but not as much. They finally have their HEA.
51 reviews
September 1, 2025
Jayson was a heartfelt, emotional romance that drew me in right away. Iris T. Cannon has a talent for writing characters that feel real—Jayson especially stood out with his mix of strength, vulnerability, and deep loyalty. I liked how his journey wasn’t just about love, but also about family and identity, which gave the story an extra emotional layer.

The chemistry in this book was strong, and the banter between characters kept things lively even during heavier moments. I’ll admit, there were times I wanted the pacing to slow down so the emotional beats could hit even harder, but the fast-moving story definitely kept me engaged from start to finish.

Personally, I enjoyed how the romance blended with themes of healing and self-discovery. The ending was satisfying without being too predictable, leaving me with that warm, full-hearted feeling I look for in contemporary romance. If you love stories with family-centered drama, swoony romance, and characters you can root for, this is a great pick.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
3⭐️/5

The story was good and all but the way it was written wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m not saying that it was badly written or anything. There wasn’t too many typos and it wasn’t Wattpad-y, but there was too many comparison and too many metaphors.

It got to the point where I wasn’t able to feel anything for the MCs because the writing kept distracting me from the story. So I won’t be able to give you any opinion on the MCs since I wasn’t able to form any. I was grateful that the love story was a slow burn, but it did feel like their love started out of nowhere.

The plot was good and interesting, I ended up reading more for the plot than the love story.

It wasn’t bad just not my style in terms of writing, so that made it really less enjoyable for me. But it might be perfect for other people, so if you’re still interested give it a chance.
Profile Image for Bree.
39 reviews
September 8, 2025
This is my first Gatti Enforcers book and I'm immediately adding the others to my TBR!!

I really enjoyed the story of Jayson and Keira. The twists and turns that the plot took kept me really intrigued throughout and this read almost like a thriller as well as a mafia romance.

Dual POV will forever be my favourite way to read a romance book, seeing the inner working on the male mind can be super hard to write but I feel like Iris did a great job! Jayson was grumpy and protective and had the perfect amount of yearning.

Keira's trauma and backstory kept me coming back for more and I loved uncovering more of her truth while she learned about herself and how to overcome her past. I was on the edge of my seat!

Overall a really great read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Angela Andrea.
178 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2025
This is the final book in the Gatti series and it wraps up nicely. Jayson is an enforcer he gets in and gets the job done. After a job goes wrong, he takes Keira to keep her safe and to figure out what to do with her. Marriage to keep her safe and to keep him safe "spousal privilege.

Just when you think everything to do with the Aviary was put to rest in the last book, we find out that there is so much more and its not truly dead yet.

Jayson is on a mission to help Keira unlock the secrets buried and locked away so deep in her brain. She see's snippets, but can't make it all out. The more they dig, the more she remembers, but still can't figure it all out.

Jayson and Keira are perfect for each other. Two broken souls, who are determined to get their hea.
Profile Image for Elise Jordan.
625 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2025
Jayson and Kiera have a relationship based on one night when he was sent and did murder her very bad and evil Father. She wasn’t supposed to be there but witnessed the murder. Jayson made the decision to let her live ( maybe ) and took her as his prisoner. This is where this unique dark romance begins. Slowly unswerving the angst between the two and this now captor and captive find that they may just have found each other ( although not perfect circumstances ) and they are exactly what the other truly longed for. This is dark and has many twists and turns that put me on an emotional roller coaster. It has an HEA so after all that should have torn these two apart only made them realize life can be different if you allow it to be.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
364 reviews
August 17, 2025
This is the third book in the Gatti Enforcers series and the second book I'm reviewing. I mentioned this in my previous review but it applies again. The story grabs you from the first page and with the vivid writing, character development and perfectly paced storyline,  you feel like you are a invisible observer. I like how other characters from previous books are included which makes the story even better. Jayson and Keira are incredible characters and the fact that their relationship is not the main storyline makes this a more compelling read. This is definitely a must read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
616 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2025
Jayson has been a character who has slowly unfolded since the Gatti brothers' books. He's actually a bit darker than I expected. That we learned is from his background. He's called to eliminate an issue. He's planned it well; his target will be alone. His only daughter away at college. We know all about well laid plans. Jayson makes a split-second decision to take Keira with him and with that decision, his life changes. Keira knows her father was a monster, but her memories aren't complete. They need each other's help. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,359 reviews29 followers
September 10, 2025
Jayson is an enforcer for the Moreno family. He is sent a special job by the Saint, to take out Mayor Bishop, it is supposed to be an easy job, he should be the only one home. Except he is not in the house alone, his daughter, Keira, should be away at college but is in the house. She does not seem to be distraught to witness her father's murder but he cannot leave any witnesses, so he takes her with him.

She is not happy with that nor with him saying that they need to marry. Both of them have lived thru trauma, can they make the path together? This is a dark story, and emotional ride for both characters.

I received a free copy of this book via and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crystal Junebug.
475 reviews
September 12, 2025
This is the third book in the Gatti Enforcers series and the MMC in this one is Jayson (duh...) his obsession, Keira. This author has a way of presenting the MMC in a way that the reader cannot help but to be attracted to him. The man is legitimately swoon worthy. I love the pacing of the story and how well fleshed out the MCs are. It had me riveted to my seat and had to tear myself away to do adult things. It had intense conflict, fantastic dialogue, and premium spice. I devoured this book and would highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
321 reviews
August 14, 2025
Jayson and Keira's story starts with a bang. We haven't heard much about Jayson in the previous books but when you find out why, you understand. Jayson's traumatic and damaged past allows him to connect with Keira and hers during this marriage of convenience story.
Both their stories were so heartbreaking and brings up the whole concept of blood and family. But throughout this book, they find a new family and it was just absolutely beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12 reviews
August 16, 2025
Jayson is the third book in the Gatti Enforcers series.

The book centers around Jayson and Keira. Jayson is an enforcer for the Gatti family. Keira is a college student plagued with a fractured past. Their story may have started off unconventionally, but together they began to heal.

I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates mafia romance, vindication, betrayal, found family, and love that emerges in the shadows.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beena K.
182 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2025
This story exceeded my expectations. It's dark, morally grey, he is possessive, it's twisted and bonus point his grandma is just the baddest grandma ever been out there. The way Jayson and Keira end together? Well that's complicated. How he is possessive of her from the beginning, that was wow. If you are not into dark romance, mafia and a lot of morally grey or sometimes even black decisions, this book is not for you. But if you are like me, and use dark romance as a cleanser between super sweet ones, you will enjoy this one
Profile Image for Crystal Grimshaw.
159 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2025
These two souls were meant to find each other. Jayson and Kiera both have so much trauma in the history and understand each other in a way I feel privileged to have read about. Both of them, separately and together brought tears to my eyes several times. This story is a rollercoaster of emotions and hits so many dark mafia themes so please check triggers but the story is so beautiful. I loved watching them grow as individuals and in their unlikely pairing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
816 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2025
Jayson is the final book in this series. This story will keep you glued to the pages and is filled with so much emotion.

Jayson is the enforcer of the family. He works to get the job done. After a job doesn't go the way it should he takes Keira. She is the daughter of his target. This decision will forever change their lives.

Jayson and Keira's story is filled with trauma and finding the beauty with damaged people. It is very well-written. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
276 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2026
disappointed

I was looking forward to this book since I read the first. I thought Mason was ok. The best book is the 1st book. But I waited because I thought this one was gonna be the best. And it wasn’t. It barely held my interest. I couldn’t get into it. And worse I didn’t like the fmc at all!!! Since the beginning til the end I did not like her. Not sure if that’s why I couldn’t get into this story. Ugh! I felt like Jayson deserved more. Better!
9,334 reviews66 followers
August 12, 2025
Jayson had one goal for his revenge and that's taking out the mayor only he didnt plan on having a witness in the msyors daughter Keira. Her life hadnt been easy with a monster like her father  but when Jayson ends him and offers her a deal to live by being his wife so she cant testify, but does Keira have more secrets? Well written engaging  high emotions, twists, desires, action, violence and more!
6,040 reviews
September 7, 2025
I love dark mafia romance and Ms. Cannon is a queen!

Jayson, is the mafia’s enforcer, and boy is he ever intense!

While on a job, Keira witnesses EVERYTHING! Uh oh!

This, like all of Ms. Cannon's stories was totally captivating, immersive, and un-put-down-able! Despite it's length, I put the story down ONCE!
Yes, I dare you to put it down more frequently than that!

The Gatti Enforcers series have been totally the BOMB!!!

Love, love, love them all!
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,209 reviews11 followers
September 22, 2025
5 STARS for Jayson by Iris Cannon

This author definitely writes a great mafia dark romance. Jayson is part of the Gatti enforcers.

Jayson and Kiera were never supposed to meet but fate had other plans for them. Keira’s prison becomes a cage taken until Jayson decided what to do with her - so many great twists and turns but ultimately one of the best happily ever afters. Great chemistry that sizzles and actually laugh out loud humor !

So good highly recommend !
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,064 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2025
Expected good, got better…

Jayson was just the story I needed to break out of boredom! From the first page, I was trying to see what would happen, how the characters would make the next move, and how there could be a HEA! Had a hard time putting it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mrs Reads Between The Lines.
496 reviews7 followers
August 19, 2025
‘Jayson’ will grab onto your soul and hold onto it until the end. From the first word until the last. Two lost souls, who never should have crossed paths, somehow have to learn to fight their own demons while at the same time helping the other to fight theirs. Every word, every sentence, every paragraph will leave you wanting more. Jayson & Keira’s journey will rock you to your core.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,626 reviews76 followers
August 21, 2025
Jayson is book 3 of the Gatti Enforcers series. Gatti Enforcer Jayson hasone job is to take down the mayor. However he doesn't bargain on Kiera, the mayor's daughter. Jayson is an intense, intriguing story that keeps you glued to the pages. It's full of drama, excitement, suspense and secrets. It's one big rollercoaster of a ride and you don't want to miss out!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,916 reviews34 followers
August 22, 2025
Jayson is the third book in the Gatti Enforcers series. His job as an enforcer was to take down the mayor but, he wasn’t prepared for his attraction to the mayor’s daughter. Jayson & Keira’s story is emotional, gripping and full of drama, suspense, twists, violence, secrets and intrigue. It’s a rollercoaster ride of excitement that kept me reading non-stop.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews