I spent my life mending fractured minds. Yet he was undoing mine,slowly, thorn by deliberate thorn.
I knew Greece was a mistake. But how do you resist the ghosts that have whispered your name for years, patient and unrelenting?
I never intended to step onto a battlefield of broken hearts and broken minds, yet there I stood, entangled in a silent triangle where every truth was a weapon and every silence a wound.
Each choice I made drew blood.
I was caught in the thorns of war, bound by invisible threads that kept those I loved forever just beyond my reach. The more I resisted, the deeper they cut. The harder I pulled, the more fate tightened its grip.
I began this story believing restraint was virtue, that love was mercy. I was wrong. Morality, I learned, is a luxury afforded only to those untouched by desire.
And Violet Freud was no Jane Eyre.
My conscience answered only to those I loved. And when this war ended, I would not emerge unscathed, but I would emerge victorious.
Eva released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.
She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails or exploring the beaches.
Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.
Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.
Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!
This book really pissed me off and tested my patience. Both main characters are frustratingly dumb and annoying, and their choices made zero sense. It was painfully obvious the moment Lykos and Violet met, they’d have unprotected sex and she’d end up pregnant even though her father had threatened he’d take any babies she had to make her pay for something he was responsible for. What didn’t make any sense was her having that baby girl and then giving it up to Lykos, fully aware his wife was mentally unstable and used to harm their own child. It was even made worse by the fact that Lykos took his wife out of the asylum so his kids can have a “normal” family with both loving parents. To no one’s shock, this backfired, and the wife tried to kill the daughter. This man is really sick and twisted for making that woman believe the daughter was theirs when she wasn’t.
Normally I don’t mind when the MCs cheat with each other, but here it was just distasteful considering Violet and Lykos were lusting after each other and making out under the same roof as his wife while she was shackled like an animal in a dungeon and Violet was supposedly there to help with the wife’s mental health (which she failed to do anyway). I also didn’t like how everyone treated the wife and called her a “madwoman” and Lykos and Violet even contemplated k*lling her instead of getting her the professional help she needed. I get she tried to k*ll the kids and all that but none of that would have happened if Lykos’s dumb ass hadn’t taken her out of the clinic. She needed help and would have gotten it if not for his reckless choices
Their love story also made no sense. They had a one night stand 10yrs ago, which resulted in him asking her to be his mistress and he’d offer her “loyalty” 🙄 (she refused obviously) and a pregnancy and then Violet dumped the baby on him and disappeared for a decade and then she waltzed back in like nothing happened after not even making an effort to keep in contact with the child or checking on her and yet somehow i’m expected to believe this is an epic, life changing romance?
I honestly had no idea it was part of a series when I started it, but that didn’t ruin the experience at all if anything it just made me want to dive deeper into this author’s books
Seriously without exaggeration the writing was good enough to keep me reading nonstop, and I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it
One thing I really liked was the relationship between the children and their father it was heartbreaking at times, but also incredibly interesting to watch unfold
And Lykos 💔 I felt so much pity for him he was trapped between doing what was best for his children and doing what was best for his wife, and it was impossible not to feel for him
And Violet?! I absolutely LOVED her She was so strong, and I really respected her decisions and the way she handled everything that happened.
(I’m trying SO hard not to spoil anything with this review 😭💀)
But honestly, this is one of those books that really shows how differently people can view the same situation depending on their perspective
Tropes • mafia romance •second chance • morally grey hero • he falls first
I enjoyed this story. It’s a messy, second chance romance where the heroine and hero meet on a traumatic night. She is escaping an abusive father, he is running away from a horrible marriage. Their one night stand has consequences, time moves on and we see the hero as a father to two kids, the heroine as a therapist. Past traumas are unearthed, the couple reunites under all that rubble, we get hints to future stories and get a good happy ending.
I did enjoy it but it felt a bit rushed. We didn’t learn more about the evil organization, the whole ex wife ending ended in the blink of an eye, and everything got resolved very quickly. Also ten year time jump is long , although I appreciate that they remained faithful to each other.
Ya son tantos libros de Eva que yo no sé si de aquí al año próximo tenga la energía para terminar de leerlos, pero lo voy a guardar en mi estantería por si acaso lo olvido jaja.
I have absolutely no self-control, and I am not sorry! 😭 I literally just promised myself that I was going to space things out and take a little break from Eva Winners' books for a while. But who was I kidding?! Two weeks after this masterpiece dropped, my Kindle was practically burning a hole in my hand and I completely folded. I couldn't resist, and honestly? NO REGRETS! We are officially at Book 8 in the Thorns of Omerta series, and this time we are diving into the absolute chaos that is Lykos Costello and Violet Freud. Let me set the scene: both of them are carrying some heavy, heartbreaking trauma and they end up crossing paths at a bar. One thing leads to another and—boom—we get a spicy one-night stand. But the second Violet finds out Lykos is actually married, she does what any sane person would do: she flees! Fast forward 10 YEARS LATER (yes, a whole decade!), and the landscape has completely shifted. Lykos is living with his son and daughter, dealing with a certified crazy wife, and Violet? She is the literal savior therapist who has been consistently helping everyone else in this entire interconnected universe. Both of them were absolutely adamant about NOT getting together. They were ready to keep their distance forever, but Lykos's friends decided to play matchmaker, threw them right in front of each other, and then? Complete and utter chaos unleashed! The entire storyline and plot were just so incredibly good. The way the truth finally unravels is classic, vintage Miss Eva—it was done so perfectly, and I loved every single second of it! But of course, she couldn't just leave us in peace. We are teased with some other massive secrets toward the end that left me completely and utterly confused, but also so damn hooked to see where this universe goes next. And don't even get me started on the bonus epilogue. It left me with actual crumbs, and I am starving for more, but now I have to play the painful waiting game. 😭 Thank God for my Kindle, or else I wouldn’t have been able to devour this as fast as I did! If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you actually doing?! Go grab it!
It's a book by Eva, do I need to say more? She can write a mafia romance that sucks you in on the very first page. While reading this, I felt every emotion known to man. It hurt, but it also healed me. Violet deserved the world and the things that happened to her. I liked getting Lykos' point of view because I have been wondering about him. The only issue I have is that an event happened, and it's not a trigger per se; it's just not something I want to read in a book. Now, while saying that, it does make sense in the story, especially when it all comes out. Did I expect a happy ending? No, but Eva isn't the type of author who destroys us and leaves us without a happy ending. I liked the book, but it wasn't my favorite due to the event. Does that mean I won't read any more of her books? Hell no, because Ms. Winners is one of my favorite authors.
I blinked, and I was already at 78%. That's how good this was! Violet and Lykos were interesting background characters in other books, and I really like these two together.
Violet has spent her life mending fractured minds. And Lykos is undoing hers.
She knew traveling to Greece was risky. But being there for her new patient gave her an excuse to check in on the man she sent away all those years ago.
It wasn't an easy choice, but she needed to protect the one thing her father promised he'd go after.
Only it turns out her new patient lands her right at his door. Her desire for him has never gone away and being so close to him again isn't easy.
And in the end their love will overcome all the obstacles they've had in their way.
Thanks so much to the author and Candi Kane PR for this ARC to review.
I’ve been wanting to know Lykos story since we met him few years ago, and he didn’t disappoint.
I enjoyed the characters, even if some of their choices were nuts. But i liked that we got a whole new villain and society set up for the future books!
This one genuinely hurts because Lykos was one of the characters I was most excited to read about. I’d built up such high expectations for his story, but unfortunately it just didn’t live up to them. I never fully connected with Lykos and Violet as a couple, and their chemistry felt flat compared to what I was hoping for. I kept waiting for that emotional pull that usually has me completely invested, but it never really came.
The pacing felt uneven, with parts dragging while some of the biggest moments felt rushed. There was so much going on that the romance often took a back seat, making it hard to stay emotionally invested. This wasn’t a terrible book by any means, but after looking forward to Lykos’s story for so long, I walked away feeling disappointed and wishing there had been more depth, more emotion, and a stronger connection between the characters. I give this 1.5-2 ⭐️’s.
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
We’re finally returning to the Thorns of Omertà side of Winners’ massive mafia verse and it’s one hell of a controversial storyline that I had me turning those pages like a madwoman (pardon the pun. IYKYK).
This is a fast read that readers can easily finish in one sitting. It’s constantly progressing yet did not at all feel rushed through, which I appreciated. Despite the MCs having little to no development in their relationship until years later, their respective backstories gave plenty of insight to what they were going through during those times, as well as their emotional and mental state.
Violet and Lykos are raw, imperfect characters, who display such vulnerability at times that you can’t help but get invested in their story. There are some definite thought-provoking plot points within that had me on the fence, but at the end of the day, I couldn’t dislike either MC. Sure, they make you question their actions and consider the “what-ifs”, but these characters also have heart, felt remorse, and openly share their reasons behind the choices they made that irrevocably altered and prolonged their path.
I didn’t mind the slow-burn romance between them. It only build the anticipation for when their relationship did take that step.
This story does contain adult themes and dark subject matters that some readers may find disturbing, triggering, or against their own morals. Please proceed with caution as it contains violence, domestic and child abuse, PTSD, kidnapping, death, mental illness, suicide, and infidelity. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
I’m not going to lie, with so many books interconnecting in this world, I can’t for the life of me remember all the characters and their connections to one another, but luckily, this book is still effortless to follow. It can also easily be read as a standalone. But if you want the full complex scope of their world, then I recommend starting this series from the beginning as well as following Winners’ recommended reading list.
If you like dark mafia romances with the following tropes and elements, add this one to your TBR.
- Age-gap - Chance meeting - One night stand - Forbidden romance - Secret society - Second chances - Hidden truths
Fair warning: You’ll enter their world with intrigue, only to walk away with far more questions than answers. If you’re familiar with Winners’ dark mafia-verse, then this shouldn’t come as a surprise as her books are multiple branches interconnecting through the same criminal underworld. But if this book is your introduction, just be aware that the cast of characters present and the dangers lurking are a mere drop in this gritty ocean. There’s an entire backlist of books that need to be delved into.
Besides Violet and Lykos, this book shone a light on another character that almost equally piqued my interest as much as the MCs. Winners has a knack for introducing appealing characters and ensuring her readers are left wanting more. I can’t wait to see more of this particular character. From what they’ve already displayed, they’re going to have an entertaining story to tell.
This book definitely has some darkness and some questionable content, but in my opinion, it also wasn’t simply black and white. I found the characters redeemable and I sympathised their situation. This book is not going to be for every reader, especially those who have a hardline reading about fictional infidelity. But for those who enjoy Winners’ books, and/or are intrigued by this one’s premise, I recommend keeping an open mind and giving this one a shot. I adore her writing and have always found her books to be addictive reads. In this one in particular, I love the found family trope, and seeing the opportunity for Violet and Lykos to have a second chance at a HEA. I would’ve liked to have seen a lot more in-depth character growth from both MCs, but their evolving relationship made up for it. It’s not as action-packed as other mafia romances, but it still has a good amount of suspense and angst wrapped around its characters.
It’s an engaging addition to the series and to Winners’ entire dark mafia verse. It may be a relatively fast-paced story, but it still packs a punch, with a good amount of heated banter and desperate desire that’ll keep you mentally and emotional on edge from beginning to end. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
4.25stars-- THORNS OF WAR is the eighth instalment in Eva Winners adult, contemporary, THORNS OF OMERTA dark, erotic, crime world romance series, a spinoff set in the KINGPINS OF THE SYNDICATE world. This is thirty-one year old, psychiatrist Violet Freud, and forty-one year old, Greek crime lord Lykos Costello’s story line. THORNS OF WAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. THORNS OF WAR covers ten years in the life of our story line couple.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Lykos and Violet) THORNS OF WAR focuses on love, loss, grief and betrayal. Approximately fifteen years earlier, Violet’s sister Lily disappeared without a trace leaving the family spiralling, laying the blame on a sixteen year old Violet Freud. At twenty-one years of age, Violet would meet her future in the guise of Greek crime lord Lykos Costello, and following a one-night stand neither of their lives would ever be the same. Fast forward to present day, Violet Freud, now a practicing psychiatrist has been summoned to Greece where she will come face to face with her past, and a second chance may not be an option in the wake of Lykos’ anger and pain. Lykos is now a father of two, a father whose need to protect his children is paramount, including protecting them from the woman with whom he will fall in love.
The world building is intricate and twisted as the past is revealed for our story line couple; how Violet’s connection to the present is threatened by the family she no longer acknowledges, and Lykos need to claim Violet in the face of understanding what happened and why.
The relationship between Violet and Lykos begins as a one-night stand but Violet is determined to keep her secrets, and in doing so, watches from afar as the life she wanted moves on without her. Having lived a life in a dysfunctional family unit, Violet has only ever wanted to be loved but Lykos’ pain in the wake of secrets and lies, is about to come full circle, and our couple must come to terms with a new path moving forward. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful and determined secondary and supporting characters are often questionable and controversial. We are introduced to Lykos’s children Aria and Dimitros; his best friend Salvatore; Violet’s parents Mary and Dick Freud, and her friends Sienna, and Sophie. The requisite evil is familiar yet not.
THORNS OF WAR is a fast paced story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control,dysfunctional family values and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, gritty and edgy; the romance is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are broken, desperate and charismatic.
Thorns of War is probably one of the most emotional books in the Thorns of Omerta series so far. Giving off strong Jane Eyre vibes, complete with a metaphorical madwoman in the attic, it has all the angst and yearning you’d expect from a second-chance romance. I’ll admit went into this book expecting just another mafia romance, but what I got was a much more character-driven story focusing on two lonely, broken people who have spent years weighed down by guilt, duty, and heartbreak.
My heart absolutely broke for Violet. After leaving her younger sister alone only for her to disappear, she’s lived with unimaginable guilt ever since, something that was compounded by their father actions and, who holding her responsible, vowed that if she ever had a child, he would kill it so she would experience the same unbearable loss and pain that he had. Knowing he was more than capable of carrying out such a threat, Violet had resigned herself to never daring to risk becoming a mother. The only time she let down her guard was when she’d shared one unforgettable night with Lykos Costello, only to discover afterwards that he was married so she’d walked away. Now a respected psychiatrist specialising in mafia clients, fate brings them back together when she’s finds herself lured to his villa in Greece for a consultation where she has to confront her past.
Lykos was surprisingly different from what I expected and, despite being the head of the Greek mafia, his isn’t a story about power plays or violence. Instead, it’s about a man who’s spent years trapped by duty and responsibility and, other than that one night with Violet, he has remained loyal to his wife with his children being the only light in his life. Both he and Violet are carrying so much emotional baggage that it made their reconnection feel all the more satisfying. With so much longing, regret, and unresolved tension between them, their every interaction crackled with emotion, and I loved that their relationship wasn’t rushed making it feel earned and worth the wait.
If you’re reading this book expecting lots of mafia action, you might be surprised because that takes a back seat here. Instead, the focus is on the romance and the emotional healing, while quietly laying the groundwork for a formidable new enemy. The introduction of the Obsidian Society, hiding their evil deeds under a veneer of old monied respectability, has definitely piqued my interest. From what we learn here, if they’re even half as dangerous as they’re made out to be, I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Overall, this was an angsty, emotional read that tugged at my heartstrings far more than I expected. If you love second-chance romances, that lean heavily into the emotional side of the genre and with damaged characters then I’d strongly recommend giving this one a try.
Eva's writing is effortless to sink into. She has a way of balancing danger, family, heartbreak, and romance in the best possible way.
As for Lykos and Violet... this story was quieter than many of the previous books in the series. Despite the mental illness elements, it leaned more into the emotional side, with innocent children (whom I absolutely loved—they were far wiser than their age, considering their mother's mental condition), a great best friend, a beautiful second-chance romance, and less action and drama. Maybe that's because this is a later-in-life romance, and these two finally deserved a break. After everything they had endured, they are finally fighting for happiness instead of simply surviving and accepting the hand they were dealt.
The story also blended two elements I wasn't expecting: an original storyline that felt completely fresh to me (no spoilers!) and another that reminded me of Jane Eyre, which made me smile because I love that book!
Lykos was so sweet, so patient, so protective of his children, and so deeply in love. His marriage circumstances were awful at best, and he never truly violated his vows except once with Violet. He made the story for me. I loved him. Violet carried so much guilt after her sister was taken. She spent years mending other people's minds while carrying the weight of her own impossible choices. Whether or not you agreed with every decision she made, it was impossible not to understand the burden she lived with. Yet, Violet was a bit emotionally distant at times. Maybe it was because of her job, the way she was raised, or simply her way of protecting herself. It fit her character, but it also made it a little harder for me to connect with her emotionally than I did with Lykos. When she finally had the chance, she went after the one thing she had been forced to leave behind, and Lykos was there for her. When the truth finally came out, her guilt only doubled, mixed with overwhelming hatred for the person who had wronged her and her family.
Was it the darkest book in the series? No. Was it the most action-packed? Also no. But it was heartfelt, beautifully written, emotionally satisfying, and exactly the kind of story these characters deserved after everything they'd been through.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Thorns of War is book eight in the Thorns of Ometrà series. This book features a forced single father, age-gap, second-chance Mafia romance. The story centers around Lykos Costello and Dr. Violet Freud.
This is probably one of the most anticipated couples in Winners' Mafia world, and it did not disappoint. Their journey was filled with angst, violence, betrayal, plot twists, and a full-circle, fated love. This book is also heavy on the mental health and mental trauma. Please read your trigger warnings if needed. The plot was fast-paced and intertwined the past and present seamlessly. Lykos and Violet had palpable chemistry from beginning to end.
I felt for Lykos. He wanted to do right by everyone in his life, even those who stopped deserving it. He was put through the ringer for so many years. He was morally grey but had a big heart for his family. As a father he was 100% swoony. And though he tried to deny it, his love for Violet never diminished through all the heart ache.
Violet had endured so much in through her life starting at a young age. She was never truly able to live. After the trauma she suffered it's amazing she was able to become a Doctor and help others. My heart broke for her and all the sacrifices she made to protect others.
It felt like closure for us to finally learn all about Violet and her never ending endeavor to find answers on her sister and other things. Violet is interconnected into so many of Winners Mafia stories and series, but she skillfully weaves in information from previous books without being repetitive, making it possible to enjoy these novels as standalones. Still, for maximum enjoyment, the series is best read in order.
Winners also dropped a few bread crumbs for what's coming with a certain couple but also left us in suspense on what could possibly be coming from an unknown person/threat and I'm looking forward to it all!
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 - - Mafia Romance - Second Chance Romance - Secret Child - Forced Proximity - Touch Her & Die - Protective MMC - Trauma & Healing - Found Family
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - Violet has spent years carrying the guilt of losing her little sister, Lily. After a devastating tragedy changes her life forever, she spends years believing everything was her fault. A chance encounter with Lykos gives her a glimpse of happiness, but fate pulls them apart. Ten years later, their paths cross again when Violet becomes the psychiatrist for Lykos's troubled wife. As old feelings resurface, long-buried secrets begin to unravel, revealing truths that change everything they thought they knew. This book was so was emotional, heartbreaking, and beautifully healing. Violet completely stole my heart. Watching her carry years of pain, guilt, and sacrifice while still choosing love and kindness made me admire her so much. Lykos had my emotions all over the place. I loved seeing him slowly uncover the truth and realize how much Violet had suffered. Their second chance romance felt emotional and well-earned after everything they had been through. The biggest surprise for me was how much I loved the family dynamics. The twists were shocking, the reveals were heartbreaking. The truth surrounding Lily and Violet's past absolutely shattered me. Aria (their daughter) was such a precious character and I loved every scene with her. Seeing her relationship with Violet grow throughout the story was beautiful and emotional. And I have to talk about Dimitros because he was hands down one of the best characters in this book. He loved Aria fiercely, protected her at every turn, and treated her like she was the most important person in the world. Their sibling bond was one of my favorite parts of the entire story. The romance was amazing, but the healing, forgiveness, family bonds, and mother-daughter relationship were what truly made this story unforgettable for me. Thanku candipr for the ARC!
If you’re in the mood for a romance that bruises a little before it blooms, this is your jam. Winners wastes no time dropping you into a world that’s tense and dangerous, but also intensely personal. The two leads are stubborn in all the best ways — prickly, stubborn, and magnetic — and the way they circle, clash, and finally crack open feels earned rather than manufactured. The slow-burn heat is real: it sneaks up on you, then explodes in scenes that are equal parts awkward, funny, and scorchingly romantic. I found myself rooting for them even when they made terrible choices, which is a nice sign that the characters are alive on the page.
The setting and stakes give the romance weight. There’s enough worldbuilding to make the danger feel tangible — politics, rivalries, and a backdrop that keeps the tension humming — but it never overwhelms the heart of the story. Winners balances the “big” stuff and the intimate moments well: when the plot gets thick, the quieter scenes remind you why these characters matter to one another. Supporting players add real texture; they’re not just props, and several of them are scene-stealers who bring humor and emotional heft in equal measure.
A few things kept this from being a five-star read. Some plot turns felt a little predictable, and I guessed one or two reveals before they unfolded. The ending is satisfying, but I was left craving an extra chapter or two to sit with the fallout and enjoy the characters’ new normal. Those are small knocks against an otherwise gripping, well-crafted romance.
Overall, Thorns of War is sharp, sexy, and emotionally resonant. It delivers the kind of chemistry and slow-burn payoff I love, wrapped in a world that keeps the stakes high. I’m calling it four stars because it hits almost everything I wanted — great voices, solid pacing, and scenes that linger — even if it doesn’t quite surprise me at every turn. If you like your romance with danger, grit, and a generous helping of heat, add this to your TBR.
Thorns of War is one of those books that gets under your skin and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into Violet's world—a place where love, guilt, obsession, and loyalty are constantly at war with one another.
Violet is such a fascinating FMC. As someone who spends her life helping others heal, watching her own mind and heart slowly unravel was both heartbreaking and captivating. Every decision she makes carries weight, and you can feel the emotional consequences with every page also her father is one nasty piece of work, what Violet had to endure throughout her upbringing was horrendous.
The tension is relentless, and the way Eva Winners slowly peels back each layer had me desperate to know what would happen next. The relationship between Violet and our MMC Lykos is beautifully messy. Nothing is black and white, and that's what makes this story so compelling. Every conversation feels loaded with hidden meaning, every glance says more than words ever could, and the emotional push and pull is absolutely addictive. The second chance element had me from the beginning it was just wonderful to watch these fall in love all over again.
The writing is rich, emotional, and almost poetic at times. There are moments that genuinely hurt, moments that made me smile, and plenty that left me staring at the page trying to process everything I'd just read. It's a story about love, sacrifice, and the impossible choices people make when their hearts refuse to follow the rules. If you enjoy emotionally intense romances with morally complex characters, slow-burning tension, and enough angst to leave your heart bruised, Thorns of War absolutely delivers. Eva Winners once again proves why she's so good at writing characters who are beautifully broken and impossible not to root for. This is part of a series but they can be read as standalones.
A gripping, emotional read that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Well I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways .Just as she always does Eva nailed it and delivered another unforgettable and unputdownable addition to her Thorns Of Omertá series , and I can’t forget to say one of my top reads of the summer .Lykos and Violets story really was and is everything, i mean everything. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that plays on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. You’ll experience everything from being utterly speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration. Your heart will feel like it’s beating so fast and then bam belong crushed the next , you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen from one second to the next . And you’ll find yourself rooting so freaking hard . I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for these two to get their own story , now it’s finally here and it does not disappoint. The chemistry between them was so freaking hot ( and extremely intense , but what drew me to them was so much more than that . I loved all the layers and complexities to their characters and in their relationship. I loved seeing how throughout their story they slowly opened their hearts to one another and lowered their defenses and all the walls they had built around their heart. Neither had it easy . Both had been through things that took a emotional toll on their lives . To watch them overcome all the challenges in front of them and fight for their happy ending was so beautiful and very emotional. I genuinely could not devour this book fast enough, smiling, crying, screaming and rooting them on so freaking hard
It’s been a bit since I visited the men who are members of the Omertà. So when I found out that Lykos Costello and Violet Freud would be the main characters in Thorns of WarI was even more excited!
Having heard the name Dr. Freud I had a feeling this story would be explosive! As it turns out two main characters had just that…an explosive love that was raw and spicy and dangerous.
Both Violet and Lykos had been trying to run away from pasts. One night together put Violet in a situation she never was unprepared for or understand - why her father hates her; while Lykos is fighting to keep his family safe from an threat within his own home.
Apart from each other for ten years will force these two to finally tell each other their truths. Threats from within the Costello home and finding there is a threat from an organization that just been uncovered threaten Lykos businesses and children and Violet.
There is so much that happens in Thorns of War, which keep the pages turning as Lykos and Violet have to make their way around all they are learning.
This is a true love at first sight story where lovers are separated, but come together for family, for the truths that had been hidden and now have to be shared!
Lykos and Violet along with his children Dimitros and Aria as well as his best friend Salvatore Remo (keep your eye on him) they are just beginning to see what is coming…and it definitely is War!
Thorns of War had everything love, loss, threats, along with an introduction to The Obsidian Society that kept me on the edge of my seat…..because things are just getting started! A five star read!
Thorns of War kept my attention as there were enough secrets unfolding that I wanted answers to. This wasn't a fast page-turner for me, as I found it lacked the intensity found in most of Eva's other books. The suspense and pacing of the book just wasn't there this time around. I can't say I was anticipating this one either, since Violet Freud has basically been a side character throughout the story, but I guess that is what kept me reading.
The first few chapters, where we learn about Violet's tragic past, were enough to hook me. The shocking secrets that were revealed were big! The Obsidian Society has made its way to the pages once again, but we still don't know much about it. The most intriguing part of the whole book is the bonus epilogue. It is definitely setting up something sinister to come. I do look forward to this.
Lykos Costello intrigued me, but I'm not sure it fits the persona of most mobsters Eva writes. His faithfulness to his wife was commendable, but I struggled to believe he would go years without female companionship. I also felt the reader was left without answers at times, particularly surrounding Lykos's wife, Amara. Who was she? What family was she from? How did she manage to get herself free? I was most definitely left wondering a lot about Amara. I'm also left wondering about the reason behind Dick Freud's hatred of his daughter Violet. I'm really puzzled over his planning of her death. This part of the plot felt like an afterthought to me. Almost as though the author had to come up with something and threw that out there.
Thorns of War was not one of my favorite books in this series, and I would rate it a 3.5.
Thorns of War by Eva Winners was a fabulous read! I have been DYING to get my hands on Lykos Costello and Violet Freud since I first got that spark of energy between them. To be honest, I can't even remember how long ago it was, but I read this book in almost one sitting. Unfortunately, I had to go to bed, but I finished within 30 minutes my next session. This book was one of the best books I've read in a while, and I can't believe I'm already done with it. This book was so easy to read. I started it, and the next thing I knew, I was 3 hours in and at 84%. I was in awe of how smooth the book went and how effortless it was to get lost in this world. I've missed Eva, and I can't wait for the continuation of this series and even world. Eva, you're phenomenal, and so is this book!
WOW! Lykos and Violet are amazing! We've been getting to know Dr. Freud for a very long time, and I never suspected anything remotely close to how she actually is. I've already been fond of her character for so long, but the woman is this book is even better. She's strong, kind, and so much more. No wonder Lykos fell hard... He was also amazing! We've been kept in the dark about who he is and what motivates him since we met him, but he blew up my expectations during the first few chapters. I'm in love with that man. I already miss these two, but I CAN'T wait for future glimpses... and I really can't wait for Aria's book. Thank you for a phenomenal read!
I'm a huge fan of Eva Winners - I've read all of her books and tend to love the stories and how all of the characters from the various books connect. Ever since Lykos Costello was introduced to this world, I'd been waiting for his story. Sadly, this book is weak.
I adored Lykos, the MMC, in this book and the sibling bond between Dimitros and Aria. I also enjoyed the friendship Lykos and Salvatore have (I hope he gets his own book).
The flashbacks in this book could've been done better - some pages go from past to present without any indication and you get completely lost and have to go back and reread the pages to understand what is going on. Also, it would've been nice to have a bit more reference as to what actually happened to Amara that led to her detoriating mental stability.
My biggest problem with this book is Dr. Violet Freud, the FMC. As a famous psychiatrist, she's a side note in a lot of these books, but in this one she is a woe-is-me, pathetic twat. I despise this character. There's a big "thing" that happens in this book, and she handled it so cruelly and took zero responsibility. I honestly wish that she and Lykos did not end up together.
As I mentioned at the start of this review, this book is really weak. However, the bonus epilogue is intriguing.
The author always states that the Thorns of Omertà series can be read as standalone books. I entirely disagree because all of the characters in her books are inter-connected.
Thorns of War by Eva Winners was fan-freaking-tastic!!! I love the Thorns of Omerta series and devoured this book in one sitting. This book took me on a rollercoaster ride of heartbreak, healing, mystery, suspense, angst, and spice. This book’s storyline was original and page-turning. I thought that the pace of the story was perfect and told a story of two people who went through a lot of heartbreak and loss. I thought they had an intense and undeniable chemistry, and I loved the journey they went on in this book. I love a good dark mafia romance, and this book did not disappoint. This book checked off all my boxes in tropes I love to read in books. My fairy tropes from this book are that he falls first and hard, touches her and is unalive, found family, and hours' possessive and obsessive ways. I think I felt every emotion possible while reading this book. My heart broke for what Violet went through in this book, and I loved how she was determined to survive. Lykos was dark and broody. I enjoyed how he was devoted to his family and his determination to keep them safe. I am so obsessed with Eva Winners’ writing and her creativity when she writes her books. Eva Winners is gritty, puts her heart into what she writes, and has created a dark and devious world with intriguing characters in each of her books. This book can be read as a standalone, but I totally recommend diving into all of her series to get the amazing and exciting rides she will take you on.-By Brooke
This was one of those books I’m not sure how to write my review without spoiling anything! Thorns Of Wars was so good. I was hooked right from the start and couldn’t put it down. In the beginning there were 2 things I wasn’t sure I was going to like- one the big time period this story plays out over; and the other was something related to Lykos (I don’t want to say what)- but thankfully the way Eva wrote this I didn’t care about either one- especially the second because normally it’s something that would turn me off of a book. I was majorly surprised by the course of action Violet took to protect Aria. That was something I’ve never seen in a book, normally it’s either the guy who walks or the woman keeps everything a secret. I can’t begin to imagine how hard and painful that choice she made was. My heart really broke for her. But I loved how she carried on and the life she made for herself. She was such a strong woman and I gave her so much kudos for how determined she was. Lykos was equally a great character. I wanted to really punch him though when he showed up at Violet’s school and asked her one to certain question. I was like WTF! Seriously? But the devotion and dedication that man had for a shitty situation was truly something. He was an amazing father, husband, and man. If it was me in that situation, I think I’d done what Salvatore said to do and what Lykos almost finally did. Amara was just batshit crazy and that one part where she came at Violet gave me Exorcist vibes! Lol. It would’ve freaked me the hell out if I were Violet! Probably one of my favorite things about this book was seeing the sibling bond between Aria and Dimitros. He was the best big brother- protective and caring. For sixteen, he was so grown up. But I still wanted to hug the boy during that scene where he asked Violet for a hug. He deserved so much and I was so happy to see him finally get everything from Violet he’d been missing. My second favorite part was Salvatore. The guy had me smiling and laughing. I can’t wait for his book. This book was such a great read and I loved it so much. I started it at around 10 at night, thinking I’d read just a few chapters, but I should’ve known better because I couldn’t stop. I stayed up until 3am to finish!
∆Rate⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ∆Tropes : 🖤 Mafia Romance 🖤 Second Chance 🖤 Found Family 🖤 Emotional Angst 🖤 Heartbreaking Choices
I NEED A MOMENT BECAUSE THIS BOOK ABSOLUTELY DESTROYED ME!!!
You know those books that grab you by the throat from chapter one and refuse to let go? Yeah..IT was THAT book.
Violet completely owned this book for me. She was strong, selfless, and made choices that genuinely broke my heart. Watching everything unfold from her perspective had me crying, raging, and rooting for her all at once.
And Lykos? Sir, you stressed me out. One minute I wanted to hug him, the next I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room. But underneath all the mistakes and impossible decisions was a man who loved his family with everything he had, and that absolutely wrecked me.
What surprised me most was how layered this story felt. No one was completely right, no one was completely wrong .
But can we PLEASE talk about the kids and the sibling bond? 🥹 My heart melted every time they were on page. Those relationships added so much emotion to an already heartbreaking story.
The writing was addictive, the emotions were brutal, and the characters felt so real that I forgot I was reading fiction half the time.
Thank you author eva winners and @Candipr for the eArc.
I’ve been waiting years for this one, and it definitely wasn’t what I expected.
Tropes:
* One-night stand * Secret baby * Greek billionaire * Love at first sight * Marriage of convenience * Protective hero * Second chance * Found family
Violet is a strong, independent therapist still carrying the pain of losing her little sister. After a one-night stand with the irresistible Lykos, everything changes. Due to circumstances beyond their control, she leaves their daughter in his care while trying to move on with her life.
I loved how devoted Lykos was from the very beginning. Their connection was immediate, and it was obvious they loved each other from day one. The emotional moments between them were my favorite part of the story.
That said, I was expecting more action and higher stakes. The pacing stayed fairly steady throughout, and I kept waiting for a bigger climax. I also felt the timeline and some plot points could have been organized better because a few scenes didn’t quite flow or make sense.
Even with those issues, it’s still an Eva Winners book, and I enjoyed it. If you’ve been waiting for Lykos’ story like I have, it’s definitely worth the read, and I’m happy I finally got to see his happily ever after.
Maybe one-night with a stranger wasn’t so bad and to just get away from the demons that haunted their lives, Lykos and Violet both had demons but some were not meant to be left in the dark. And that one night Lykos had broken his vows brought him even bigger consequences or maybe it was something he couldn’t hide as easy as the his demons from his past. Violet had to make the hardest decision in her life to abandon and seek the man she never wanted to see again after that night but he was the only one that had the power and would be able to help her. It didn’t matter how much time had passed or they had both made mistakes that just drifted them farther apart, in the end they might just need each other to destroy the demons from the past.
Lykos Costello the Greek god you met at a bar one lonely night and left you a little parting gift might just be the ruthless mafioso disguised as Prince Charming that you have waiting for over ten years.
Thorns of War is the 8th book in the Thorns of Omerta series by Eva Winners. It's a second chance with a Don of the Greek Mafia, an accidental pregnancy, he falls first, a morally grey hero who is a Teddy bear for her and the book ends with a HEA plus a bonus epilogue. Full of predictable suspense that spans over 10 years and it has similar features as her other books so my star rating is 3.5⭐.
I would like to Thank Candi Kane and Eva Winners for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.
Lykos Costello is an arranged marriage with a mentally unstable woman that he doesn't love and they share a son.
Violet Freud doesn't trust easily and a past traumatic event that killed her sister has her living with guilt and parents that blame and hate her.
They meet in a bar and each is lonely touched starved and they have a ONS that neither can forget as the years go by.
10 years later Violet has come to Greece in Therapist mode to help a woman who turns out to be Lykos wife. The chemistry between them is still strong but the secrets might be stronger, which will win in the end?