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Nine Years After
Betrayal. Secrets. Lies. War.
Can love survive when nothing is what it seems?
Maeve and Callum were once inseparable—until a sudden, brutal act shattered everything. For nine years, Maeve believed that he had betrayed her.
But it’s all an elaborate lie, and Maeve soon learns that she’s surrounded by secrets.
A staged fallout. A series of calculated deceptions. An arranged marriage. A bitter rivalry. Can Maeve navigate the lies and the bloodshed to take her rightful place as a leader?
Now, with the brutal Costa family closing in, Maeve agrees to an uneasy alliance with Callum, and their life together starts falling into place as the burden of the last nine years fades away. But some things are too good to be true. And just when she learns to trust Callum again, she discovers the truth. A truth he has kept from her.
He doesn’t just want an alliance.
He wants her.
A whirlwind international trip offers a temporary calm, but the stillness feels wrong. Too quiet. Too perfect. With old feelings resurfacing and buried secrets unraveling, Maeve begins to who can she trust?
Some truths destroy more than lies ever could.
And some hearts may not survive what’s coming.
Will they all make it back?
Can love survive when nothing is what it seems?
Maeve and Callum were once inseparable—until a sudden, brutal act shattered everything. For nine years, Maeve believed that he had betrayed her.
But it’s all an elaborate lie, and Maeve soon learns that she’s surrounded by secrets.
A staged fallout. A series of calculated deceptions. An arranged marriage. A bitter rivalry. Can Maeve navigate the lies and the bloodshed to take her rightful place as a leader?
Now, with the brutal Costa family closing in, Maeve agrees to an uneasy alliance with Callum, and their life together starts falling into place as the burden of the last nine years fades away. But some things are too good to be true. And just when she learns to trust Callum again, she discovers the truth. A truth he has kept from her.
He doesn’t just want an alliance.
He wants her.
A whirlwind international trip offers a temporary calm, but the stillness feels wrong. Too quiet. Too perfect. With old feelings resurfacing and buried secrets unraveling, Maeve begins to who can she trust?
Some truths destroy more than lies ever could.
And some hearts may not survive what’s coming.
Will they all make it back?
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
167 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 9, 2026
This book will have you turning pages faster than your hatred for Nessa 😂. In all seriousness though, it is very well written, the author is amazing!
January 29, 2026
Wow what a read! Loved every minute of it. Had me on the edge of my seats J.C knows how to get a girls emotions. Maeve is definitely a strong woman. Book is an easy 5/5 ⭐️
September 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this debut novel by J.C. MACKE and was thrilled to get the chance to read it before it's release date. the story of Maeve, Callum and all those surrounding them will have you hooked and racing to the end.
There's chemistry, flirtations and spice between two people who have waited so long for each other that makes it even more intense, twists and turns and pure hatred for some characters ( IYKYK)
Your heart will break for and with Maeve, mend along side her and SHATTER all over again.
This is book 1 in a long series and I CANNOT WAIT for the rest.
5 stars from me!!
There's chemistry, flirtations and spice between two people who have waited so long for each other that makes it even more intense, twists and turns and pure hatred for some characters ( IYKYK)
Your heart will break for and with Maeve, mend along side her and SHATTER all over again.
This is book 1 in a long series and I CANNOT WAIT for the rest.
5 stars from me!!
March 6, 2026
Number 1 Best Seller
This book is phenomenal!! I feel so lucky to have found it before it blows up because it will be a best seller! Such a talented author!
This book is phenomenal!! I feel so lucky to have found it before it blows up because it will be a best seller! Such a talented author!
January 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, intense, and utterly addictive
Nine Years After had me in a chokehold from chapter one. If you’re into Irish mafia romances that serve up danger, passion, and complicated loyalties this book delivers hard.
Maeve? An absolute baddie. She’s sharp, fearless, and walks that fine line between ruthless and vulnerable in a way that had me obsessed. She doesn’t just survive in this brutal world she owns it. Every time she was on the page, I was locked in.
But let’s talk about Ronan and Orin easily my favorite characters. Ronan’s quiet intensity and loyalty hit all the right notes, and Orin? The kind of chaotic, charming menace that keeps you guessing and your heart racing. The layers to both of them made their storylines so addictive, I couldn’t get enough.
The world J.C. Macke created is gritty and violent, yes, but also full of emotional depth and tension that keeps building with every page. The relationships are messy, real, and totally captivating.
If you love mafia romance with a strong female lead and men who are dangerous, damaged, and impossible not to love. Nine Years After is a must-read. I’m already dying for the next book.
Dark, intense, and utterly addictive
Nine Years After had me in a chokehold from chapter one. If you’re into Irish mafia romances that serve up danger, passion, and complicated loyalties this book delivers hard.
Maeve? An absolute baddie. She’s sharp, fearless, and walks that fine line between ruthless and vulnerable in a way that had me obsessed. She doesn’t just survive in this brutal world she owns it. Every time she was on the page, I was locked in.
But let’s talk about Ronan and Orin easily my favorite characters. Ronan’s quiet intensity and loyalty hit all the right notes, and Orin? The kind of chaotic, charming menace that keeps you guessing and your heart racing. The layers to both of them made their storylines so addictive, I couldn’t get enough.
The world J.C. Macke created is gritty and violent, yes, but also full of emotional depth and tension that keeps building with every page. The relationships are messy, real, and totally captivating.
If you love mafia romance with a strong female lead and men who are dangerous, damaged, and impossible not to love. Nine Years After is a must-read. I’m already dying for the next book.
December 30, 2025
This book had me hooked early on because I love a story built around past misunderstandings, buried secrets, and emotional baggage that refuses to stay buried. Add in family drama and romantic tension, and I’m already seated. The yearning was there, her history carried weight, and there was so much emotional potential baked into the setup.
That said, I did struggle at times with how easily things were resolved. Some conflicts felt like they should have hurt more or lingered longer, and instead they wrapped up fairly quickly. I found myself wanting more pushback, more emotional chaos—something messier that made those resolutions feel fully earned.
Now. Ireland.
This is entirely for my own personal gain and not an expectation of other readers—but once they made it to Ireland, I was locked in. It immediately reminded me of other books I’m deeply obsessed with, and that familiarity pulled me in hard. It felt comforting and immersive in a way that hit all the right buttons for me, and I genuinely loved that part of the story. It added something special that re-anchored my emotional connection.
The writing itself was engaging, and it’s clearly setting the stage for a sequel that has a lot of potential.
All in all, this is a concept full of tropes I love to eat up. While I wanted more depth and slower, more hard-earned emotional payoff, there were moments—especially later in the book—that really worked for me and reminded me exactly why I keep coming back to stories like this.
That said, I did struggle at times with how easily things were resolved. Some conflicts felt like they should have hurt more or lingered longer, and instead they wrapped up fairly quickly. I found myself wanting more pushback, more emotional chaos—something messier that made those resolutions feel fully earned.
Now. Ireland.
This is entirely for my own personal gain and not an expectation of other readers—but once they made it to Ireland, I was locked in. It immediately reminded me of other books I’m deeply obsessed with, and that familiarity pulled me in hard. It felt comforting and immersive in a way that hit all the right buttons for me, and I genuinely loved that part of the story. It added something special that re-anchored my emotional connection.
The writing itself was engaging, and it’s clearly setting the stage for a sequel that has a lot of potential.
All in all, this is a concept full of tropes I love to eat up. While I wanted more depth and slower, more hard-earned emotional payoff, there were moments—especially later in the book—that really worked for me and reminded me exactly why I keep coming back to stories like this.
March 29, 2026
OMGOSH this book!! Absolute chef’s kiss 👏🔥
K. C. MA’AM… respectfully… how dare you leave me like that?! 😭 Be warned — there is a CLIFFHANGER and I am NOT okay. I’m gonna need book 2 ASAP because I cannot sit with these feelings!!
This is one of those love stories that just hits different. Maeve and Callum have had a once-in-a-lifetime connection since they were kids, and then ONE night — one misunderstanding — tears them apart for NINE YEARS. NINE. YEARS. 😩
When the truth finally starts unraveling… whew. The emotions? The tension? The ANGST?! It’s everything.
Maeve has been through so much, and finding out that both her family and Callum have been keeping secrets?? Yeah… the heartbreak is real. The trust issues? Valid. The pain? You feel every bit of it.
Now the question is… can they fight through all the hurt, the lies, and the years they lost to find their way back to each other? Or is the damage just too deep?
Because let me tell you… I am INVESTED. And emotionally unwell until book 2 drops. 🫠📚
K. C. MA’AM… respectfully… how dare you leave me like that?! 😭 Be warned — there is a CLIFFHANGER and I am NOT okay. I’m gonna need book 2 ASAP because I cannot sit with these feelings!!
This is one of those love stories that just hits different. Maeve and Callum have had a once-in-a-lifetime connection since they were kids, and then ONE night — one misunderstanding — tears them apart for NINE YEARS. NINE. YEARS. 😩
When the truth finally starts unraveling… whew. The emotions? The tension? The ANGST?! It’s everything.
Maeve has been through so much, and finding out that both her family and Callum have been keeping secrets?? Yeah… the heartbreak is real. The trust issues? Valid. The pain? You feel every bit of it.
Now the question is… can they fight through all the hurt, the lies, and the years they lost to find their way back to each other? Or is the damage just too deep?
Because let me tell you… I am INVESTED. And emotionally unwell until book 2 drops. 🫠📚
March 11, 2026
Poor ending
This book almost stopped like in mid sentence. There was no closing either positive or negative it just quit. Maybe they're trying to sell the next volume which is not out yet but it was really disappointing. the book was halfway decent but the ending was not.
This book almost stopped like in mid sentence. There was no closing either positive or negative it just quit. Maybe they're trying to sell the next volume which is not out yet but it was really disappointing. the book was halfway decent but the ending was not.
January 6, 2026
Strong
This was a great story. I don't want to tell you to much but if you like mafia and some spicy then this story for you. Make sure you read the triggers!
This was a great story. I don't want to tell you to much but if you like mafia and some spicy then this story for you. Make sure you read the triggers!
September 26, 2025
I am obsesssssssssed with the heat between Maeve and Callum. Obviously telling every secret you’ve ever kept is impossible, but, Callum has been keeping some BIG secrets and I feel like trusting him is going to be so hard for her moving forward in future books. I adored all of the characters in the book and cannot wait to see what J.C. does with them in the upcoming books. This book ends in a cliffhanger that we are tossed right off of. I cannot wait to watch as Maeve becomes the fierce bada55 we know she can be. Once she takes a breath and gets over her initial panic and fear, when she can channel everything Lorcan worked with her on… yeah it’s going to be epic and I’m totally here for it.
October 16, 2025
Nine Years After follows a young woman raised in an organised crime family. As a teenager, she fell for a boy from another family connected to her own, until one day she saw something that broke her heart. Nine years later he suddenly walks back into her life, and she starts to realise that maybe not everything was as it seemed back then.
I loved the premise. The whole “misunderstanding from the past” setup always hooks me, especially when you mix in family secrets, old wounds, and a bit of dark romance tension. The yearning between them and the difficulties she faced in her past gave it a lot of emotional potential.
But I did struggle a bit with how easily things were resolved. Conflicts that could have packed a big emotional punch were brushed aside so quickly that I found it hard to stay fully immersed. I just couldn’t quite believe how readily she accepted everything, and that lack of realism threw me out of the story a few times.
The Irish touches were also quite a lot. I’ll admit I don’t know any families in organised crime, but I do know plenty of Irish people, and the way it was written felt over the top to me. Maybe it’s a cultural thing, but I don’t really get the obsession with claiming distant heritage from a few generations ago. It’s not something that feels very natural to me, so it did pull me out of the story a bit.
The pacing was quick, not because loads happened, but because everything just moved so fast that it sometimes felt unrealistic, but the writing style was engaging and it's set up for an interesting sequel.
Overall, a great concept with the kind of tropes I usually love, but it just didn’t quite land the emotional depth I wanted because so much felt too easily accomplished.
I loved the premise. The whole “misunderstanding from the past” setup always hooks me, especially when you mix in family secrets, old wounds, and a bit of dark romance tension. The yearning between them and the difficulties she faced in her past gave it a lot of emotional potential.
But I did struggle a bit with how easily things were resolved. Conflicts that could have packed a big emotional punch were brushed aside so quickly that I found it hard to stay fully immersed. I just couldn’t quite believe how readily she accepted everything, and that lack of realism threw me out of the story a few times.
The Irish touches were also quite a lot. I’ll admit I don’t know any families in organised crime, but I do know plenty of Irish people, and the way it was written felt over the top to me. Maybe it’s a cultural thing, but I don’t really get the obsession with claiming distant heritage from a few generations ago. It’s not something that feels very natural to me, so it did pull me out of the story a bit.
The pacing was quick, not because loads happened, but because everything just moved so fast that it sometimes felt unrealistic, but the writing style was engaging and it's set up for an interesting sequel.
Overall, a great concept with the kind of tropes I usually love, but it just didn’t quite land the emotional depth I wanted because so much felt too easily accomplished.
October 7, 2025
Ugh! Maeve ! Callum! Listen when I tell you this book takes you on roller coaster even that is an understatement!
My favorite part of this book were the relationships between Maeve and her trusted circle. The dedication they have for one another is just everything! After everything that Maeve has been through she refuses to cower and I love a badass FMC!
Callum I love that he knows when to step up and when to take a step back, HOWEVER I am so frustrated with him! Like sir you know better PLEASE!! I still luh him !
I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out, I am so ready for book 2 !
P.S Orin will forever have my HEART!!
My favorite part of this book were the relationships between Maeve and her trusted circle. The dedication they have for one another is just everything! After everything that Maeve has been through she refuses to cower and I love a badass FMC!
Callum I love that he knows when to step up and when to take a step back, HOWEVER I am so frustrated with him! Like sir you know better PLEASE!! I still luh him !
I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out, I am so ready for book 2 !
P.S Orin will forever have my HEART!!
March 24, 2026
Dark, gritty, Irish mafia romance with a second‑chance love that refuses to die.
Nine Years After by J.C. Macke is the kind of debut that makes you sit up straight and think, “Oh, she’s not playing around.” From the first chapter, this book sinks its claws in and drags you into a world of secrets, blood, loyalty, and a love that has survived everything except the truth.
Maeve and Callum aren’t strangers circling each other — they’re endgame, and they’ve known it their entire lives. Childhood friends. First loves. Two people who grew up woven into each other’s bones. And then one night, one betrayal, and nine years of silence blew their world apart.
Now they’re back in each other’s orbit, and the chemistry is instant, explosive, and laced with nine years of hurt.
Maeve is a phenomenal FMC — not a damsel, not a sheltered princess, but a survivor with teeth. She doesn’t flinch at blood. She doesn’t crumble under pressure. She can throw hands when she needs to, and she refuses to be the girl everyone tiptoes around anymore. She’s layered, angry, resilient, and so much stronger than the men in her life ever gave her credit for.
Callum is the kind of MMC who has only ever loved one woman and never pretended otherwise. His devotion is fierce, protective, and sometimes suffocating. He holds the truth too tightly, convinced that shielding Maeve is the only way to keep her safe — even when that protection becomes the very thing driving them apart. His fear of losing her again is palpable, and it makes every argument, every touch, every moment between them feel like a live wire.
And beneath all of that?
A question that haunts every chapter:
Who took her — and why?
The mystery is sharp and relentless, peeling back layers of lies and manipulation that Maeve was never meant to uncover. She’s been coddled, controlled, and kept in the dark for years… but not anymore.
And then the ending?
A cliffhanger so brutal it literally cuts off mid‑sentence. I screamed.
This is a fantastic debut — gritty, emotional, violent, tender, and addictive. J.C. Macke came out swinging, and I devoured every page.
I ate this book up.
Nine Years After by J.C. Macke is the kind of debut that makes you sit up straight and think, “Oh, she’s not playing around.” From the first chapter, this book sinks its claws in and drags you into a world of secrets, blood, loyalty, and a love that has survived everything except the truth.
Maeve and Callum aren’t strangers circling each other — they’re endgame, and they’ve known it their entire lives. Childhood friends. First loves. Two people who grew up woven into each other’s bones. And then one night, one betrayal, and nine years of silence blew their world apart.
Now they’re back in each other’s orbit, and the chemistry is instant, explosive, and laced with nine years of hurt.
Maeve is a phenomenal FMC — not a damsel, not a sheltered princess, but a survivor with teeth. She doesn’t flinch at blood. She doesn’t crumble under pressure. She can throw hands when she needs to, and she refuses to be the girl everyone tiptoes around anymore. She’s layered, angry, resilient, and so much stronger than the men in her life ever gave her credit for.
Callum is the kind of MMC who has only ever loved one woman and never pretended otherwise. His devotion is fierce, protective, and sometimes suffocating. He holds the truth too tightly, convinced that shielding Maeve is the only way to keep her safe — even when that protection becomes the very thing driving them apart. His fear of losing her again is palpable, and it makes every argument, every touch, every moment between them feel like a live wire.
And beneath all of that?
A question that haunts every chapter:
Who took her — and why?
The mystery is sharp and relentless, peeling back layers of lies and manipulation that Maeve was never meant to uncover. She’s been coddled, controlled, and kept in the dark for years… but not anymore.
And then the ending?
A cliffhanger so brutal it literally cuts off mid‑sentence. I screamed.
This is a fantastic debut — gritty, emotional, violent, tender, and addictive. J.C. Macke came out swinging, and I devoured every page.
I ate this book up.
April 7, 2026
This story is so intricate and complex! It's a love story with a lifetime of love, lies, hidden truths and betrayals threatening to break it apart. Callum's love for Maeve is so tangible, so deep...I feel it in my soul. I believe wholeheartedly that this man would do ANYTHING for his woman. The way he can never stay away, the small touches as though she is the most precious thing to him and he can't believe he's allowed to touch her. The forehead kisses had me melting to a puddle on the floor.
And Maeve? Holy bejeezus, the things life has thrown at her and she just keeps going! This poor girl is definitely scarred, but I believe she'll never be scarred beyond repair. She is so freaking strong and no matter how often she's treated like a child or like she's glass, she just keeps proving everyone wrong! She's definitely stronger than anyone gives her credit for and I'm not sure if I hurt for her more or I'm angry for her.
Then the side characters (if you call them that). The bodyguard/best friends are so loyal and add such a great dynamic to the group. Orin is strong and stoic where Ronan feels like the class clown who grew up to work for national security (only instead it's an heir to an Irish Mafia family). I love them both equally and I love the relationship the four of them have. The villains? Oh do I hate them! Like, the way they're written, I will read their demise with pride!
This is a dual timeline, but the author utilizes it flawlessly. Each flash back is perfectly placed, giving you just enough of the backstory to aid to the current moment but not enough to give away anything more to the whole story. There are so many surprises, so many hidden truths. My heart broke for Maeve so many times, it's a wonder the girl is still standing!
This was absolutely incredible. It does end in a cliffhanger though, so if they aren't for you, read it anyway because this story is THAT GOOD! I need the next book like I need my next breath!
And Maeve? Holy bejeezus, the things life has thrown at her and she just keeps going! This poor girl is definitely scarred, but I believe she'll never be scarred beyond repair. She is so freaking strong and no matter how often she's treated like a child or like she's glass, she just keeps proving everyone wrong! She's definitely stronger than anyone gives her credit for and I'm not sure if I hurt for her more or I'm angry for her.
Then the side characters (if you call them that). The bodyguard/best friends are so loyal and add such a great dynamic to the group. Orin is strong and stoic where Ronan feels like the class clown who grew up to work for national security (only instead it's an heir to an Irish Mafia family). I love them both equally and I love the relationship the four of them have. The villains? Oh do I hate them! Like, the way they're written, I will read their demise with pride!
This is a dual timeline, but the author utilizes it flawlessly. Each flash back is perfectly placed, giving you just enough of the backstory to aid to the current moment but not enough to give away anything more to the whole story. There are so many surprises, so many hidden truths. My heart broke for Maeve so many times, it's a wonder the girl is still standing!
This was absolutely incredible. It does end in a cliffhanger though, so if they aren't for you, read it anyway because this story is THAT GOOD! I need the next book like I need my next breath!
October 5, 2025
Huge thank you to twisted chaos Pr and J.C. Macke for allowing me to be an arc reader for Nine Years After. I absolutely loved this book and am rating it 5 stars!
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn’t let go until I was finished with it. My heart absolutely loved Maeve and Callum and I am dying to know what book two has in store for them.
Maeve, our FMC, was once inseparable with a man she loved ever since she was young. His name is Callum and he was loyal towards Maeve in everywhere until Maeve caught him in a precarious position with a family member of hers. With a broken heart and broken trust, Maeve spends the next nine years in the dark thinking that Callum betrayed her, only to reunite with him and learn the truth behind what happened all those years ago. Not only does Maeve realize she was tricked this whole time by family, she soon realizes just how many lies and betrayals have been happening around her that she was too blind to notice.
With the threat of the brutal Costa mafia family closing in, Maeve teams up with Callum and during that time their kove starts to fall into place once again. With Callum’s help, Maeve starts overcoming her trauma that she suffered years ago and is finally learning to trust Callum once again. However, she discovers a truth that even she can’t excuse him for, a truth that threatens everything they have been building up together once again.
Overall, this book was filled with such a beautiful romance that grows in the middle of pure chaos. The amount of betrayals in this book had me gasping and the ending of book one had me screaming “NO!”. I loved the writing style of this author and all of the characters have a special place in my heart besides the evil ones. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn’t let go until I was finished with it. My heart absolutely loved Maeve and Callum and I am dying to know what book two has in store for them.
Maeve, our FMC, was once inseparable with a man she loved ever since she was young. His name is Callum and he was loyal towards Maeve in everywhere until Maeve caught him in a precarious position with a family member of hers. With a broken heart and broken trust, Maeve spends the next nine years in the dark thinking that Callum betrayed her, only to reunite with him and learn the truth behind what happened all those years ago. Not only does Maeve realize she was tricked this whole time by family, she soon realizes just how many lies and betrayals have been happening around her that she was too blind to notice.
With the threat of the brutal Costa mafia family closing in, Maeve teams up with Callum and during that time their kove starts to fall into place once again. With Callum’s help, Maeve starts overcoming her trauma that she suffered years ago and is finally learning to trust Callum once again. However, she discovers a truth that even she can’t excuse him for, a truth that threatens everything they have been building up together once again.
Overall, this book was filled with such a beautiful romance that grows in the middle of pure chaos. The amount of betrayals in this book had me gasping and the ending of book one had me screaming “NO!”. I loved the writing style of this author and all of the characters have a special place in my heart besides the evil ones. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
January 30, 2026
Reviewed by Dee Layton on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: Nine Years Later: An Irish Mafia Dark Romance (Ten Sinner Series)
Author: J.C.Macke
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let me start this book by saying I was hooked as soon as I read part of the blurb. Betrayal. Secrets. Lies. War. Can love survive when nothing is what it seems? Some truths destroy more than lies ever could. And some hearts may not survive what's coming. Will they make it back? Let me tell you as soon as I read that in the blurb my skin started getting tingly especially knowing it was an Irish dark romance. Maeve I will say in this story your heart's going to break with her through the book. The stuff she has to go through it's just crazy. The chemistry that her and Callum have is just mind blowing I love it. I don't like the fact that Callum has some big secrets that I feel are going to be kind of crazy to reveal through rest of the series but we'll see. I did like the character Lorcan there a lot. There were some characters that I was just not a fan of that I would love to throat punch but that's neither here nor there. Overall this book was absolutely amazing I really loved it I loved how it flowed beautifully I love how the characters look beautifully. I felt like nothing was rushed everything was explained perfectly like it was just a really good start and a strong book to start The Ten sinners series. Now I'm sitting over here like a little kid at Christmas looking at presents under a tree waiting for the next one in this series. This author now has a new loyal fan that is going to be chomping at the bits to read the rest of the series
Title: Nine Years Later: An Irish Mafia Dark Romance (Ten Sinner Series)
Author: J.C.Macke
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let me start this book by saying I was hooked as soon as I read part of the blurb. Betrayal. Secrets. Lies. War. Can love survive when nothing is what it seems? Some truths destroy more than lies ever could. And some hearts may not survive what's coming. Will they make it back? Let me tell you as soon as I read that in the blurb my skin started getting tingly especially knowing it was an Irish dark romance. Maeve I will say in this story your heart's going to break with her through the book. The stuff she has to go through it's just crazy. The chemistry that her and Callum have is just mind blowing I love it. I don't like the fact that Callum has some big secrets that I feel are going to be kind of crazy to reveal through rest of the series but we'll see. I did like the character Lorcan there a lot. There were some characters that I was just not a fan of that I would love to throat punch but that's neither here nor there. Overall this book was absolutely amazing I really loved it I loved how it flowed beautifully I love how the characters look beautifully. I felt like nothing was rushed everything was explained perfectly like it was just a really good start and a strong book to start The Ten sinners series. Now I'm sitting over here like a little kid at Christmas looking at presents under a tree waiting for the next one in this series. This author now has a new loyal fan that is going to be chomping at the bits to read the rest of the series
March 12, 2026
Nine Years After by J.C. Macke was such an emotional and beautifully written story. From the beginning, it pulls you into a world where the past still lingers and the characters are forced to face the memories and decisions that shaped their lives nearly a decade earlier.
What stood out to me most was how real the characters felt. Their emotions, regrets, and hopes were written in a way that made it easy to connect with them. The story explores how time can change people but doesn’t always erase the feelings or consequences of the past. Watching the characters navigate old wounds, unresolved feelings, and the possibility of healing made the story incredibly engaging.
The pacing allowed the emotional moments to really sink in. The author takes the time to show how complicated relationships and personal growth can be, especially when people are trying to move forward while still carrying pieces of their past with them. There were moments that felt heartbreaking, but they were balanced with hope, growth, and the idea that it’s never too late to face the truth.
Another thing I really appreciated was how immersive the story felt. The writing style made it easy to stay invested in the characters and their journey, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything would unfold.
Overall, this was a powerful and emotional read about love, regret, second chances, and healing. If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore the lasting impact of the past and the complexity of relationships, this is definitely a book worth picking up. It’s the kind of story that stays with you even after you’ve finished the final page.
What stood out to me most was how real the characters felt. Their emotions, regrets, and hopes were written in a way that made it easy to connect with them. The story explores how time can change people but doesn’t always erase the feelings or consequences of the past. Watching the characters navigate old wounds, unresolved feelings, and the possibility of healing made the story incredibly engaging.
The pacing allowed the emotional moments to really sink in. The author takes the time to show how complicated relationships and personal growth can be, especially when people are trying to move forward while still carrying pieces of their past with them. There were moments that felt heartbreaking, but they were balanced with hope, growth, and the idea that it’s never too late to face the truth.
Another thing I really appreciated was how immersive the story felt. The writing style made it easy to stay invested in the characters and their journey, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything would unfold.
Overall, this was a powerful and emotional read about love, regret, second chances, and healing. If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore the lasting impact of the past and the complexity of relationships, this is definitely a book worth picking up. It’s the kind of story that stays with you even after you’ve finished the final page.
October 5, 2025
So you know that scene in Brooklyn 99 where Jake is just screaming in the interrogation room? Yeah.... that was me aince about page 5 up to the very end of the author acknowledgements.
This was second chance on another level. The second chance trope and I exist in a bit of a love-hate relationship, when im in it, Im INNNNNNN IT. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I get INTO IT. I wanted the details of this plot to possess me and choke my soul. This was RETRIBUTION. LOVE withstanding ages. YEARNING that beats in the atoms of the space dust that makes up your existence. This was distance yet proximity, passionate need to possess and protect. I can't describe with words anymore so I'm just going to direct you back to the Jake gif. Don't even get me started on that cliffy because my brain WILL short circuit.
This FMC and MMC are like PB and J, literally perfect for each other. A strong and resilient FMC and the protective, obsessive MMC who would nuke the earth for her. These characters have curled up into a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This was second chance on another level. The second chance trope and I exist in a bit of a love-hate relationship, when im in it, Im INNNNNNN IT. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I get INTO IT. I wanted the details of this plot to possess me and choke my soul. This was RETRIBUTION. LOVE withstanding ages. YEARNING that beats in the atoms of the space dust that makes up your existence. This was distance yet proximity, passionate need to possess and protect. I can't describe with words anymore so I'm just going to direct you back to the Jake gif. Don't even get me started on that cliffy because my brain WILL short circuit.
This FMC and MMC are like PB and J, literally perfect for each other. A strong and resilient FMC and the protective, obsessive MMC who would nuke the earth for her. These characters have curled up into a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 9, 2025
First of all- very heavy on the triggers and I almost threw my kindle at the end!
Nine Years After by J.C. Macke is a darkly addictive second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance set against the dangerous pulse of the mafia world. It’s the kind of story that grabs you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go until the very last revelation — a tangled web of secrets, betrayal, and undeniable obsession.
Nine years ago, everything fell apart. Maeve once the delicate sweet teen now a fierce adult dealing with the fallout of 2 intertwined families, including her own. But what she doesn’t know is that the lies run deeper than she ever imagined — and every single person she once trusted has something to hide.
Callum is the perfect storm of ruthless and devoted — a mafia heir whose obsession with Maeve never faded, not even after nearly a decade apart. His love borders on possession, but Macke writes it with a dangerous tenderness that makes it impossible to look away. He’s the kind of man who would burn the world down for her, even if it means lying to keep her close.
The tension between them is electric — built on years of anger, heartbreak, and unspoken love. Every argument feels like foreplay, every stolen glance loaded with history. Macke masterfully balances the hostility of their past with the haunting ache of everything left unsaid, creating a chemistry that simmers with emotional and physical intensity.
Absolutely loved this story! I need Eight Days Prior soon!
Nine Years After by J.C. Macke is a darkly addictive second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance set against the dangerous pulse of the mafia world. It’s the kind of story that grabs you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go until the very last revelation — a tangled web of secrets, betrayal, and undeniable obsession.
Nine years ago, everything fell apart. Maeve once the delicate sweet teen now a fierce adult dealing with the fallout of 2 intertwined families, including her own. But what she doesn’t know is that the lies run deeper than she ever imagined — and every single person she once trusted has something to hide.
Callum is the perfect storm of ruthless and devoted — a mafia heir whose obsession with Maeve never faded, not even after nearly a decade apart. His love borders on possession, but Macke writes it with a dangerous tenderness that makes it impossible to look away. He’s the kind of man who would burn the world down for her, even if it means lying to keep her close.
The tension between them is electric — built on years of anger, heartbreak, and unspoken love. Every argument feels like foreplay, every stolen glance loaded with history. Macke masterfully balances the hostility of their past with the haunting ache of everything left unsaid, creating a chemistry that simmers with emotional and physical intensity.
Absolutely loved this story! I need Eight Days Prior soon!
February 24, 2026
Exhilarating is the best way I could describe how I felt reading the start of Nine Years After, It moved on to sheer utter agony as my heart shattered for the Maeve & Callum. Then I completely went off with that cliffhanger and fell far into the abyss of OMG WHAT!! NO, no, no, no that cant be the end! But it was and I was left stumbling over my own thoughts and emotions.
This book was a captivating read that had me gripping my page turner for dear life. It was deep, heart breaking and brought so much raw emotion to the table. The spice was intoxicating and had me blushing that right shade of red. Nine Years After is going to having you wishing you could re-read it for the first time immediately. I have so many theories and thoughts about where things are going to go in the series but I will leave you to read it and come to your own conclusions.
Side note:
I am so very delighted that the author @J. C. Macke had never given up on her dream and shared her Sensational, Unforgettable, Exquisite story with all of us readers. Join her Live as she is working on book two and other amazing books she will be releasing!
Love you Jo & The Spicy Bunch!
This book was a captivating read that had me gripping my page turner for dear life. It was deep, heart breaking and brought so much raw emotion to the table. The spice was intoxicating and had me blushing that right shade of red. Nine Years After is going to having you wishing you could re-read it for the first time immediately. I have so many theories and thoughts about where things are going to go in the series but I will leave you to read it and come to your own conclusions.
Side note:
I am so very delighted that the author @J. C. Macke had never given up on her dream and shared her Sensational, Unforgettable, Exquisite story with all of us readers. Join her Live as she is working on book two and other amazing books she will be releasing!
Love you Jo & The Spicy Bunch!
October 9, 2025
Nine Years After is a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged story that pulls you in from the very first page. J.C. Macke crafts a world where heartbreak and healing dance side by side, and the past refuses to stay buried. It’s one of those books that sneaks up on you — soft at first, then suddenly it hits like a storm, reminding you how powerful time, memory, and second chances can be.
What I loved most is how raw and real the characters feel. You can taste their pain, their longing, their what-ifs. The dialogue carries this natural rhythm that feels intimate, almost like you’re eavesdropping on something deeply personal. The chemistry between the leads isn’t just romantic — it’s electric and layered, filled with years of love, regret, and unfinished business.
Macke’s writing style is smooth and cinematic, painting emotions in every scene without ever overdoing it. There’s a quiet ache throughout the story that makes it both heartbreaking and healing at the same time. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and redemption — the kind of read that lingers long after you close the book.
If you’re into emotional slow burns, love stories that feel earned, and endings that make your heart race and your chest ache, Nine Years After will leave its mark on you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A beautifully written reminder that love doesn’t fade; it just waits for the right time to find you again.
What I loved most is how raw and real the characters feel. You can taste their pain, their longing, their what-ifs. The dialogue carries this natural rhythm that feels intimate, almost like you’re eavesdropping on something deeply personal. The chemistry between the leads isn’t just romantic — it’s electric and layered, filled with years of love, regret, and unfinished business.
Macke’s writing style is smooth and cinematic, painting emotions in every scene without ever overdoing it. There’s a quiet ache throughout the story that makes it both heartbreaking and healing at the same time. It’s a perfect mix of nostalgia and redemption — the kind of read that lingers long after you close the book.
If you’re into emotional slow burns, love stories that feel earned, and endings that make your heart race and your chest ache, Nine Years After will leave its mark on you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A beautifully written reminder that love doesn’t fade; it just waits for the right time to find you again.
October 14, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded up
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It took me a little while to get into Nine Years After — there’s a lot of world-building at the start, which I really appreciated, but it also made it harder to connect with the characters early on. The glimpses into Maeve and Callum’s past were some of my favorite parts, giving real emotional context to their complicated history.
That said, I struggled a bit with the way their relationship was rebuilt. After nine years apart, things fell back into place almost too quickly — as if those years had barely happened. I wanted a bit more tension, more emotional unpacking before they slipped back into each other’s lives.
On the other hand, the spice is plentiful, and the story definitely picks up toward the end. There’s intrigue, betrayal, and a solid cliffhanger that sets up book two nicely. If you’re into dark, twisty romances with high stakes and family rivalries, this one might just pull you in.
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It took me a little while to get into Nine Years After — there’s a lot of world-building at the start, which I really appreciated, but it also made it harder to connect with the characters early on. The glimpses into Maeve and Callum’s past were some of my favorite parts, giving real emotional context to their complicated history.
That said, I struggled a bit with the way their relationship was rebuilt. After nine years apart, things fell back into place almost too quickly — as if those years had barely happened. I wanted a bit more tension, more emotional unpacking before they slipped back into each other’s lives.
On the other hand, the spice is plentiful, and the story definitely picks up toward the end. There’s intrigue, betrayal, and a solid cliffhanger that sets up book two nicely. If you’re into dark, twisty romances with high stakes and family rivalries, this one might just pull you in.
March 18, 2026
First I’m going to explain that this is a dark Irish mafia, let me say that again people. This is a dark Irish Mafia.
At the beginning of the book you will see
-trigger warnings
-a playlist (love)
-spelling and pronunciation for characters since this is Irish based
-family trees
-At the beginning of each chapter you get fun vocabulary words (also love)
Now on to the actual book:
The writing?!? Powerful, emotional and beautiful!! J.C MACKE couldn’t have wrote a better debut novel.
From the beginning you follow the distressed and naive Maeve in her every day life and struggles of her mafia family life. Only to find out about her upbringing, trauma, and love life. (or rage life as I like to call it)
This book is filled with suspense, misinformation, family drama, trauma, and second chances with an ending that will leave you dry heaving.
If you’re feeling brave, move this book up in your TBR list because it’s truly just the start of an emotion filled series.
At the beginning of the book you will see
-trigger warnings
-a playlist (love)
-spelling and pronunciation for characters since this is Irish based
-family trees
-At the beginning of each chapter you get fun vocabulary words (also love)
Now on to the actual book:
The writing?!? Powerful, emotional and beautiful!! J.C MACKE couldn’t have wrote a better debut novel.
From the beginning you follow the distressed and naive Maeve in her every day life and struggles of her mafia family life. Only to find out about her upbringing, trauma, and love life. (or rage life as I like to call it)
This book is filled with suspense, misinformation, family drama, trauma, and second chances with an ending that will leave you dry heaving.
If you’re feeling brave, move this book up in your TBR list because it’s truly just the start of an emotion filled series.
October 2, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️.5
🖤 second chance romance
🖤 secrets
🖤 mafia
🖤 childhood friend
🖤 found family
🖤 longing
🖤 cliff hanger
This one right here brought all the feelings. You have happy moments, heart wrenching moments, moments of rage, and even pride for what our main character over comes.
You start with Maeve getting her heart shattered in the very beginning by the love her life. Then you jump to 9 years later where she is forced to be around him again. The tension, the longing, and the confused feelings are all there. There are so many moving parts and secrets.
It’s beautifully written and I ate this up within 24 hours. It does end on a pretty big cliff hanger at the end so I’ll just be here patiently waiting for the next one.
Thank you J.C. Macke and Twisted Chaos PR for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🌶️ 🌶️.5
🖤 second chance romance
🖤 secrets
🖤 mafia
🖤 childhood friend
🖤 found family
🖤 longing
🖤 cliff hanger
This one right here brought all the feelings. You have happy moments, heart wrenching moments, moments of rage, and even pride for what our main character over comes.
You start with Maeve getting her heart shattered in the very beginning by the love her life. Then you jump to 9 years later where she is forced to be around him again. The tension, the longing, and the confused feelings are all there. There are so many moving parts and secrets.
It’s beautifully written and I ate this up within 24 hours. It does end on a pretty big cliff hanger at the end so I’ll just be here patiently waiting for the next one.
Thank you J.C. Macke and Twisted Chaos PR for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
Maeve and Callum haven't seen each other for nine years - ever since he cheated on her and broke her heart when they were 16. It didn't help that their families, formerly tight knit, we're feuding. Except, not everything is as it seems and there are many secrets being kept from Maeve.
This story was full of angst, heartbreak, grief, and revenge. There was so much happening that I got a little confused at times, but I really enjoyed the story over all. Callum and Maeve had such strong chemistry from the very beginning. I feel so horrible for Maeve having so much kept from her, and not knowing who to trust. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
I recommend this if you enjoy second chance, meant to be, romances where the FMC is kind of a bad ass and the MMC supports and loves her, even from afar.
This story was full of angst, heartbreak, grief, and revenge. There was so much happening that I got a little confused at times, but I really enjoyed the story over all. Callum and Maeve had such strong chemistry from the very beginning. I feel so horrible for Maeve having so much kept from her, and not knowing who to trust. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
I recommend this if you enjoy second chance, meant to be, romances where the FMC is kind of a bad ass and the MMC supports and loves her, even from afar.
October 10, 2025
Well… These Dark Mafia Romances are becoming my palette cleansers 😎😎 (don’t judge me 🤣🤣)
I have to thank Twisted Chaos for another brilliant addition to their writing team! J.C. Macke absolutely nailed it with her debut novel Nine Years After!! I have been so lucky to be an ARC reader for Twisted Chaos… every single book that I have read has lived up to the menu of trigger warnings 😎
Nine Years After did not disappoint for the Mafia read selection. There is betrayal, lies, trauma, secrets, obsession, anger, and twists beyond turns.
The character and story development were fantastic… the author kept everything going at a pace that kept pages turning. I felt that both the characters and story had depth which is going to carry into the second book.
All in all, I am looking forward to reading more from J.C. Macke. Congratulations!!!
October 9, 2025
Who doesn't love a bad*ss FMC? After our girl feels betrayed by the one she gave her heart to and goes through a dark agonizing event she rises as a formidable opponent ready to go toe to toe with any who try to cross her or her loved ones.
Soft hearted bad boy MMC?? Yes PLEASE! How far would you go after being set up to look like you betrayed the only girl for you? Our MMC becomes a shadow always there and always watching and protecting his girl from a distance waiting for another chance to make things right.
Add in a slow burn romance, witty banter from childhood friends who understand THAT world, betrayal in the family, secrets everyone seems to know but the FMC, war with a rival mafia, and a cliffhanger and you have a book that you will be wanting to come back for more!
Soft hearted bad boy MMC?? Yes PLEASE! How far would you go after being set up to look like you betrayed the only girl for you? Our MMC becomes a shadow always there and always watching and protecting his girl from a distance waiting for another chance to make things right.
Add in a slow burn romance, witty banter from childhood friends who understand THAT world, betrayal in the family, secrets everyone seems to know but the FMC, war with a rival mafia, and a cliffhanger and you have a book that you will be wanting to come back for more!
January 2, 2026
Incredible book start to finish. From the very first words I was immediately captivated. This book delivered on every element you expect to see in a Dark Romance novel. Falling in love with Maeve was so easy to do, Callum too. Personally, I love the flashback scenes and felt like it added necessary depth to the backstories and character development. The spicy scenes were... well, let's just say it's EASY to imagine; some of them still have me sweating. The only negative thing about this book is the cliffhanger that has me LITERALLY, and I do mean literally, begging for more. I don't know what to do with myself because I wish I could just go straight into book 2. Definitely something I will probably re-read when book 2 comes out just so I can have the continuity.
January 4, 2026
This is a book you're definitely going to want to read if you love dark mafia romance, but definitely check your triggers first.
I ate this book up. I love anything mafia related in this delivered.In so many different areas. You definitely get all the thrill that you expect in a mafia book along with enemies to lovers. You get all the lies and betrayal that you can handle.
Callum amd Maeve hours later the perfect storm. She is his obsession. That desire and obsession makes him want to tear everything down just to be with her. The sheer tension between them could be cut into. They are the perfect combination of fire and ice.
This was 100% a five star read for me. If you love dark mafia romance, than you definitely need to add this to your must read list.
I ate this book up. I love anything mafia related in this delivered.In so many different areas. You definitely get all the thrill that you expect in a mafia book along with enemies to lovers. You get all the lies and betrayal that you can handle.
Callum amd Maeve hours later the perfect storm. She is his obsession. That desire and obsession makes him want to tear everything down just to be with her. The sheer tension between them could be cut into. They are the perfect combination of fire and ice.
This was 100% a five star read for me. If you love dark mafia romance, than you definitely need to add this to your must read list.
March 19, 2026
It’s almost unfair that there is a cliffhanger for this. It’s so good. Like really good and I’m really intrigued to not only see who’s behind Maeve’s kidnapping the first time but also now and if she’ll ever forgive Callum for all the secrets he kept from her. He should have known that no matter what is happening between them that Maeve has a right to know. I’d also like to know how and what Ronan will do knowing Saoirose (so?) has been kidnapped with Maeve. And what’s going to happen with Orin and Laoise. So many questions that have me willing to sell my soul for Eight Days Prior.
Plot: ongoing but so far 4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Plot: ongoing but so far 4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
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