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A Hateful Negotiation

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In a slow-burn mafia romance from New York Times bestselling author Tijan, a dangerous psychopath—and deadly crime boss—drops his defenses for the one girl he’s vowed to protect.

Creighton was a dangerous crime boss with a growing empire. And he’s a psychopath.

He’s also obsessed with Blake.

She wanted a normal life. That meant new friends and a life without Creighton.

Except when Blake moves to New York for her senior year of college, Creighton follows because he knows that danger is close behind. He has always protected Blake, and he always will protect her, even if Blake hates how ruthless Creighton has become for her.

However, once they’re in New York, the dynamics between the two begin to change. Tensions heat up, and soon their chemistry is sizzling beyond what Blake can handle.

That means that their usual back-and-forth has to change, with new rules and a new agreement.

Perhaps this negotiation could be for their happily ever after?

They’ll just need to survive each other first…

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First published January 13, 2026

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Tijan

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,012 reviews800 followers
October 19, 2025
Creighton is one of my very favorite types of heroes. There’s just something about a stone cold killer who only feels when it comes to a woman. I was worried a bit with his war on Trace and Ashton. You can’t have me fall in love with them in their own books to have them fall to Creighton. It got scary there for a while but I’m satisfied with how it all ended. This turned out to be way more emotional than I was expecting and I just loved it!
Profile Image for Sammi.
231 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2025
This instantly hooked me in.

If you like the touch her and die trope this is for you! Mafia Romance, unapologetically psychopathic MMC, badass FMC, foster family.

The MMC is a pitch black villain, and when it comes to her he will burn the entire world down. I'm obsessed!
I'm completely in love with the FMC as well. She can hold her own and she challenges the MMC.

It's a bit of a slow burn with the main characters but that chemistry is always there, the bickering, the challenging, the love-hate.

I enjoyed the foster system element of this and Blake wanting to help kids like her. This added good depth to the plot and to her character.

I didn't realise this was part of a series and after reading this and seeing the other players in this mafia world I need to go back and read of all them.

This would be a great way to ease into the mafia dark romance world.

Thank you to the publisher for this advanced copy.
Profile Image for Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads).
162 reviews82 followers
Read
January 17, 2026
4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️
🔥Mafia Romance
🔥Bad Boy/ Good Girl
🔥Found Family
🔥Grumpy/Grumpy
🔥Loathe to Love
🔥Neurodivergent Hero
🔥Slow Burn
🔥Stalker
🔥Tortured Heroine
🔥Touch Her & ☠️
🔥Dual First Person POV

I would describe A Hateful Negotiation as mafia with a twist. Creighton’s organization isn’t run like a family or driven by money, just his need to protect Blake and control his environment. Blake and Creighton have a complicated relationship. They first met when Blake was placed in a new foster home and immediately he felt protective of her. He was drawn to her light and over the years their relationship changes from protector to more. Creighton is something else, his psychopathic tendencies means he doesn’t feel emotions, which comes in handy in his line of business. Creighton does whatever he wants, only following the rules she gave him, no one innocent and no one good. Blake wants a chance at a normal life, a life without Creighton. She’s transferred schools for her senior year to get away from him and he’s agreed to stay away. But if she seeks him out, all bets are off. Just when she thought she was free from him, she finds it hard to stay away. He sets traps for her, like when her new roommate wants to go to a new club and it just so happens to be one of his. He’s been slowly taking over the neighborhoods surrounding her college, making it known she was his. Creighton’s world starts to bleed into hers and soon her housemates knows who he is and what he does. This is described as loathe to love, but Blake never really hated Creighton. She’s always had feelings for him, although complicated ones, because of who he is. Blake has always understood Creighton better than anyone, but struggled to accept his need to seek retribution for the smallest slight against her. From their background, to the complicated feelings, and dangers they’re now facing, this is a turbulent roller coaster ride. Blake struggled to believe she was important or special enough. Creighton shows her, in his own ways, just how much she means to him. Slow burns are not always my favorite thing to read, but between the building tension and chemistry, weaving in complicated emotions, I was hooked. At first it was hard to like Creighton, but Tijan is able to make any mmc, even a psychopathic Wolverine, redeemable. Now Blake is no push over, with her sass and determination she holds her own. There is a third act break up, but not because of any miscommunication. Blake is confused and conflicted over her feelings for Creighton. He gives her more space than ever, but is there for her when she needs him. This is the fourth in the interconnected series, but is so well written that I wasn’t lost, even though I’ve only read the first book. I am definitely going to read the rest of this series.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5

Thank you Tijan and Valentine PR for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“I don’t think I’d classify us as friends. Family. Mortal enemies. Either would work better than friends.”

“I am not like your women. You won’t have to worry what Eight will do to you. I’ll handle you myself. I’ll come out swinging with a gun in one hand and a machete in the other. That’s who I am.”

“I met a little girl when she was eight years old, and suddenly I understood the world. You gave me the world. You gave me everything. I use the parameters that you gave me. Don’t you remember, Blake? No one good. No one innocent. Everyone else, fair game. You said those words to me. I’ve been living by those parameters for the last fourteen years.”

“His next words should’ve chilled me. “You’re mine now, Blake. In every way.” They didn’t. They sent my pulse soaring all over again.”

“Would you carry me over a mountain if it were in my way?” “I would blow up the mountain for you.”

“I’d rather she hate me and be alive than be nice and have her dead.”

“You are a gift that I will never deserve, but too selfish to give back.”

She looked at me, saw my monster, then claimed my monster as hers.

“I love you, my little Quokka.” “Yeah, yeah. I love you too, my psychopathic wolverine.”
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,270 reviews519 followers
January 18, 2026
RTC
Creighton my love you deserved better, for your psychopathic ass I'd probably rate this 5 stars but alas I just can't .....2.5*




thoughts while reading

“He wasn’t disclosing his sexually transmitted diseases to his partners. But I’ll be very clear here.” He stepped aside and I could see him from the light again. There was nothing on his face. His same dead eyes. He was a statue, a pretty, empty, and murderous statue. “If his diseased dick had gotten anywhere near you, I would’ve hanged everyone he loved.”

🤭🤭🤭

he's literally almost perfect man I don't get h's like Blake resisting men like this! Like gurllllll sure he'll kill anyone who hurts you but can't you see that's a good thing?!? I mean cmon! get it together!!!! All this pushing away and I'm here swooning 😑you don't deserve him atp..... sure he's a little psycho but that's like a good thing 🥴


ughhhhh.......authors always have to fucking ruin a good thing!!!!!! he's fucking obsessed with her!!!! he doesn't have feelings like regular folks why tf does he even need sex?????????? MF!!!!!!!! and of course she's a virgin!!!!! I want to kill someone atp because why tf do y'all do this shit??? he was fucking perfect. PERFECT!! an obsessed psycho doesn't fuck op fuck do you mean 😒😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

There was one more thing, and my throat swelled at the idea of bringing it up because we had never talked about other people before. “I don’t want you touching anyone else.” I knew he had used others in the past for his sexual needs.
His hand stilled on my hair before he continued running his fingers through my strands. “I will not let anyone else touch me. Just you.”


I'm so over Blake..... why is he even obsessed with her??? she's annoying AF!! the other 2 roommates have much more interesting personalities than little miss woe is me foster child . Like just let the man just *be* who he is damn 🥴😂

“What are you asking for?”
“Scale back. Don’t go to the extremes you do. Not everyone is the same. There’s a difference between someone robbing me and someone who said a word that hurt my feelings.”
“Not to me.”


As if I couldn't hate this stupid bitch anymore of course her dumb ass gets kidnapped!!!!!! why TF would you just go off with someone!?????? omggggggg Blake has been doing my head in from the moment she became an adult 😂 I'd like 8 year old Blake back please because adult Blake is stupid AF!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,842 reviews119 followers
January 13, 2026
Wow! This book….emotional, ups and down, and the reason why I love Tijan.

This story was such a wild ride of a read but captured me and kept my attention. Blake and Creighton are bonded by the pains of life. Their love for the other is more than most could ever imagine and the reason why Creighton will burn the world down to protect Blake!

This story is packed with some crazy twists, a lot of turns but is a story that I couldn’t get enough of. We were introduced to some new peeps and I am hoping we get more because I need to know their stories. Another great addition to this series!
Profile Image for theswooncollector.
312 reviews8 followers
tbr-arcs
September 19, 2025
♥---PRE-READ---♥

So excited to read this! Got the eARC from NetGalley on "Read Now" today, 8/23/2025 (US time).
113 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2025
This was such an addictive slow burn! The writing really pulled me in, and I loved every character. Blake and Creighton’s chemistry was slow, intense, and completely captivating. I especially loved how the author gave Creighton this menacing, dangerous aura, yet showed such a different side to him with his foster siblings—it made him so layered and fascinating.

The secondary characters were great as well, and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of their stories in the future (which I’d absolutely love).

Overall, this was a dark, tense, and thoroughly enjoyable read. I enjoyed it tremendously and will definitely be picking up more of Tijan’s novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Profile Image for SuzieQuzie7973.
142 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Tijan for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion and thoughts.
I really loved the characters and the plot. Tijan’s writing is amazing. I couldn’t put it down! It’s an elegant slow-burn, mafia love story with just the right amount of chaos.
I highly recommend this book. I promise you, this is a book you won’t soon forget.
Profile Image for Yana Lately.
256 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2025
After reading the last book, A Captive Situation, I was ecstatic to finally dive into Blake and Creighton’s story.

Blake and Creighton were orphans who came from a broken foster system. The moment a young, bruised Blake arrived at the driveway of her new home, Creighton became instantly protective of her. He became almost too obsessively protective to the point where she felt suffocated. She wanted him to be normal, but over the years, she realized that was impossible because, outside of his obsession with her, he showed no emotions.

Their story picks up where the last book ended. In A Captive Situation, Blake was kidnapped and used as leverage by Creighton’s cousin. Creighton promised Blake that he wouldn’t kill Sawyer and Jake only if she promised not to run away from him anymore. In this book, we see her moving into a college house with roommates, trying her best to live a normal life while finishing her senior year of college. Of course, Creighton won’t allow her to live in a new city without the necessary precautions in place to ensure her safety.

The characters were well developed, but the overall story just fell kinda flat. How many times can the heroine get kidnapped and escape on her own? I seriously couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. It felt like the same plot in a different book all over again. I was so disappointed because I really loved them. Their sad upbringings and character development were so compelling, and their story had a lot of potential, but the recycled plot completely killed it for me.

I did enjoy the romance, and it was obvious how much love they both held for each other, but even so, I felt like it could’ve been developed further.

What To Expect:
• Mafia Romance
• Foster siblings
• Boy Obsessed
• Stalker
• Heroine in Danger
• Good girl x Bad Boy

⚠️: Off page child abuse, kidnapping, violence, and more.

Thank you to the author and Montlake Romance for an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Denna.
59 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 10, 2026
Another book that’s hard for me to rate. It wasn’t bad. It was actually kind of sweet… if I’m allowed to say that. But honestly, I’m glad it’s over. I felt like I had been reading this book forever and couldn’t really make any progress, often struggling to even push myself to continue.

Don’t get me wrong, the story was fine. There was quite a bit of action, which I like, even though the developments between the characters took a long time (they knew each other, but definitely slow burn for me). The problem was that I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. I didn’t dislike them, but I didn’t feel any connection.

Even though Blake was a fairly strong FMC and Creighton was obsessive in the way I usually love, I just didn’t feel it here. The characters were good, but they seemed a bit flat to me. I don’t know why. I really can’t explain what bothered me. I just didn’t feel any chemistry between them, even though the story itself was good. It’s probably just a matter of personal preference.

Honestly, the character that interested me the most was Niko, but she appeared very little, and I don’t know why, but it felt like she had more chemistry with Creighton than Blake did. I would read a book with those two. Otherwise, I don’t feel any need to know more about any of the other characters.

This story was readable, and I believe many people will love it. It just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,986 reviews210 followers
January 14, 2026
Tijan - you never fail to deliver a gripping story that keeps me invested from start to finish.

We met Blake in a previous book (A Captive Situation) but we really get to know her in this book. And boy do I love her so much.

Creighton is without a doubt, a villain. But Blake is his kryptonite. However, she just wants her freedom from him. I won't on into their background (you will know if you read A Captive Situation) as I want new readers to experience their connection authentically without knowing before diving into this book.

I will that reading A Captive Situation before this one will probably help in setting the stage for this story, but isn't necessary as only the ending of that book is helpful to the start of this one. But you will probably want to read other books in this series (Kings of New York) after reading this and see what they're all about.

I digress, this is a slow-burn romance. Blake and Creighton have a past, but it's not one you expect. The chemistry is there but can an obsession lead to a healthy relationship between Creighton and Blake?

Definitely a recommended read for those slow-burn, mafia romances.
Profile Image for Rose.
706 reviews46 followers
August 30, 2025
Reading Tijan books is always such a fun and compelling experience for me because her characters are always so well developed so I was surprised that I didn’t instantly love these two. I think too much happens between them before the book starts that I found it hard to really feel their connection. They aren’t the most likable characters at first either. They’re flawed, damaged, raw and gritty and the beginning of the book has a lot of scenes that are emotionally hard to read. It’s the darkest story so far in this series. It did take me a while to really appreciate the characters in this one. It was hard to see the Hs from book one and two so vulnerable. The H was at fault, so the blame was on him which made it hard to see him as anyone but a villain. He isn’t an antihero though so it was just all messy and confusing and uncomfortable in the beginning. She did a good job of making this reader extremely conflicted! Of course, as the book goes on and we get to know him, his motivations (gah so sweet) and understood his character more then everything made sense and I could really enjoy this read and how different it is. His character development and redemption arc were so satisfying!! I honestly did not think I was ever going to like him! This is such a “trust the process” book with this H. My fav aspect of this read.

The h is a little more likable at first but she is really struggling with the H being back in her life. In a romance I want the h to want to be around the H so, similarly to the situation with the H, it took a hot minute to really connect with her especially with so much happening in the 14 years they’ve known each other being off page. The start of this one reads similarly to a second chance trope even though it’s not. By about midway the book really takes off, things come together, there starts to be some levity and the connection between the two of them really dragged me in. My only real issue in the end was that I wish that the h would have seen all that the H did earlier instead of just focusing on his violence and her rules for him. The h played up the “Survive me, to love me” vibes way more than was necessary for the scenes we were given. She’s an overdramatic little thing, lol. Every time she learned of something good he did she was like shocked and that bummed me out.

For a good portion of the book, I wasn’t sure how their happy ending or the plot resolution was going to be reached. I honestly thought she was just blowing up this whole series! Nerve wracking!! I was pleasantly surprised by all the outcomes and their HEA. This one gave me Bren and Cross, my fav Tijan couple, vibes so that alone made it so much fun and a bit nostalgic to read. I think this is a read that would be even better on a reread though. And, oh that epilogue!! Gah! So good!!

Overall: 4.5
Profile Image for Tori Thompson.
175 reviews
December 6, 2025
A tale of "he hates everyone but her and will unalive anyone who dare hurt her” was promising, but overall this story fell flat for me. This was my second book by Tijan and unfortunately, I have to come to the conclusion that her writing style is just not for me.

The main characters Blake and Creighton are developed fairly well. Complicated backstories that lead the reader to present day and how each character has come to be. There was just something off about their chemistry, making their coming together a bit anticlimactic. The reaction to Creighton by the roommates also felt off for me too. I did not feel like he was charismatic enough to illicit responses of submission from Heath and Palma and more than deserved the reaction he got from Marshall instead.

One thing about Tijan is that you can expect these characters to go through it! Trauma upon trauma, with way too quick resolutions and characters brushing off these incidents like they were no big thing, at least until the next trauma. This may work for some readers, but for me, this much trauma dumping didn’t add anything to the plot and just felt like filler.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc!
Profile Image for Oana.
439 reviews36 followers
October 28, 2025
The best mafia of hourrrr

It has been such a long time since i found an actual good mafia book that when i started reading this i had zero expectations but colourme purple this was UNBELIEVABLE

From the story, to the characters, to the psychopath MMC/ the best book boyfriend from a mafia romance, to the found family, it was all so perfect and so amazingly written that i was so sadthe book ended.
Blake and Creighton had such an amazing pull, they made me yearn for them in the same way they yearned for each other, and the chemistry…. That’s how you write chemistry and tension in a good mafia book.

I may reread them soon just to feel something ….

Thank you to the publisher for the arc.
Profile Image for Emmy Wong.
333 reviews10 followers
January 7, 2026
I'm the biggest fan of psychopath mcs so it's safe to say I really enjoyed this book. I honestly wasn't expecting it to get so emotional at the end too! I almost cried in a public place. This book is giving Little Stranger vibes with mafia mixed in. Blake and Creighton are foster siblings, and he's been obsessed with her since the day she walked into the foster home. And my god when I say obsessed, I mean psychotic, possessive, crazy obsession. This man took over the New York Mafia because she was going to New York for college and he wanted to protect her. The plot was pretty good, Blake just moved to a new place and wants to fit in, without having an overbearing obsessed foster brother chasing trouble for her. Honestly their relationship is adorable. There's so much push and pull, and major emphasis on the will they or won't they trope. She's doing her best not to give in, but when he changes for her... how can she not? My one problem is that's there's an awful lot of kidnapping in this book, and it kinda became an overused annoying plot device
I admit, some of the plot twists in it were good, we just didn't need so many kidnappings for the happen. However both of the characters go through significant development whichied. admit, I didn't like Blake that much at the start but by the end Noved her. that I love Creighton, because this man was willing to basically do anything for her. But by the end their couple chemistry was just off the charts. This book was amazing and I give it a 4.5/5
Profile Image for Shantal  (VERIFED BOOK LOVER).
756 reviews37 followers
January 15, 2026
I liked the plot and premise for this book but I'm a bit mystified due to the ramblings of the female lead. I liked her but she was so confusing with her musing, even when everything was in her face. She tried very hard to not accept the hero for what he was, and I get it somewhat, but it never quite seemed as bad as she portrayed. What solidified it for me, was her roommate pointing out how he cherished her, yet the female lead always saw it as an inconvenience.

Idk it was okay but I just wish it had more depth, more passion, chemistry. The obsessive aspect was well done but it lacked that extra “je ne sais quoi" to tie it in nicely for me.

I also agreed with the kidnapping aspect from other reviewers , my eyes rolled in every scene in which that happened, all seemingly pointless.

3.25 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,100 reviews38 followers
January 14, 2026
STF

The characters were not likeable.
Not only that, but the author cheapened her earlier books by making her main characters into weak chinned cosplay mafia bosses.
Profile Image for Alyssa Haigood Brutlag.
156 reviews14 followers
November 13, 2025
Thank you to Montlake and Tijan for the advanced readers copy of "A Hateful Negotiation" via NetGalley.

This was my first book to read by Tijan and I absolutely devoured it! I love a good mafia romance, there's not much better in my opinion!!

This book follows Creighton (MMC) and Blake (FMC) as they grow up together in foster care and then into college/their adult lives. It's primarily set in the present, but it does flashback. It's also a dual POV book, so the chapters switch between Creighton and Blake's perspectives.

Creighton is an overprotective mob boss, with touch her and die vibes and I'M OBSESSED!! Blake has a tough upbringing in the foster care system, so check for trigger warnings!

I would say this is a delicious slow burn book. The build up is great, but the delivery is even better!

The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars was Lassiter. His storyline was very odd to me, I feel like we needed more depth from him as a character to understand his feelings.

Otherwise, I would totally recommend this read! It was just what I was in the mood for, which lead me to read it super quickly!!
17 reviews
September 2, 2025
Recieved an arc. Did not finish. Main guy literally chopped a kid hand off and killed another one. How is this dark romance. Not redeeming even for dark.
183 reviews
January 16, 2026
Not my favorite from Tijan. Creighton was so crazy and did the most insane stuff for Blake. He killed so many people and chopped off this guys hand. That’s just the light stuff and I’m sure there stuff he never told Blake. The main issue with this story was the outside conflict. There’s a couple other people in this story that had books prior that I haven’t read. For the most part you can understand the story without reading them but I wish Blake’s first kidnapping from Ashton and idk his name was explained or got a flashback. Also I wish we got more childhood flashbacks. It was definitely weird that a 14 year old was obsessed with an 8 and killed people that did anything to hurt. But I wish we saw there relationship growing up and not just a couple chapters. And they didn’t even stay in the same foster home because Creighton was 6 years older. So I wish we saw more of the childhood. I also wish we saw the conversation Blake had with Creighton regarding her move to New York and the rules she gave him. And it would have been nice to also see Creighton finding the pamphlet for the school and New York and how he came to the decision to start taking over some of the territory’s. I really did like Blake and Creighton relationship but just wanted to see more of it and how it evolved since they have know each other since childhood. Also I would have loved to see childhood Levi and Lassiter. Not much else to say. Every other mafia/group seemed weak compared to Creighton and I do wonder if that is how it was portrayed in the previous books. Also hate when a man says they only care about the fmc and then sleeps with other people. We don’t see this in the book but it’s mentioned in the man of a man’s sexual needs. Mind you Creighton killed anyone who tried to date Blake and he was also classified a psychopath so he lacked emotion unless it came to Blake which he didn’t reliease til later. The double standard bothers me quite a bit I would have like both to save themselves lol not just the fmc. Anyway we need more men like Creighton very lowkey crazy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,498 reviews49 followers
January 16, 2026
Blake was in the foster care system, and moved into the same house as Creighton when she was 8. They had a almost instant friendship connection. He was protecting her for everything and everyone bigger than her when she was smaller. Blake has been kidnapped and held more times than she can count. She decided to leave Cincinnati, Ohio, for the big New York City life. She was also leaving Creighton behind. Although, she didn't know it he followed her. Blake was trying to start a new life, a life on her own, out of the mob / mafia life involving Creighton. But, he couldn't let her go. The opposing mafia families realize that Blake is meaningful to Creighton and they can use her again him. They can also use her new roommates she considers family against her by harming them.

Creighton is a dangerous crime boss with a growing empire. And he’s a psychopath. He doesn't care who survives the mafia wars, as long as his side wins the war. Everyone is scared of Creighton, but not Blake. She knows how to stand up to him. But, other people in the opposing families realize that Blake is something meaningful to Creighton, and they can use her against him by harming her.

Creighton, Blake, Levi, Lassiter, have all known each other since they were young and in foster care together. Lassiter lived down the street from them, but, as he was beaten almost daily by his father, he stayed in the same house with the others sleeping on the couch most nights.

Will Blake be able to save Creighton from total darkness? Or has being the boss and taking over the streets already turned Creighton to far into the darkness? If Blake leaves him again will he be able to find her?

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest book review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Burow.
179 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2026
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC of A Hateful Negotiation in exchange for an honest review.

Confession time: this is my first dark mafia romance. I haven’t had much interest in them in the past, so I simply never dabbled. However, when this ARC became available, there was certainly something alluring about it that made me want to take the plunge, and I’m glad I did. Will I turn into a mafia romance loving junkie? Not likely..but I’m always down to try something new and I’ve heard great things about Tijan’s writing style.

I have to assume that based off this book, there are likely other mafia romances that may link to this book in some way? There are quite a few complicated character dynamics that took me a minute to wrap my head around, so I assume some of these may be explained in other books? Regardless, the story arcs for each character were outstanding and well outlined. I can definitely see the twisted allure that many people may have over Creighton’s character. The man is a psychopath, but a sexy dominating psychopath, which I’m sure appeals to many. I also enjoyed Blake’s headstrong nature. There was certainly some dialogue that went a bit over my head, likely because I’m new to this genre, but nothing that interrupted the storyline.

Overall, I think this was a great introduction to mafia romance novels for those that are curious and I would declare it a great place to start!
Profile Image for I’m a Paula too… Thompson.
1,352 reviews6 followers
January 18, 2026
Not sure about the title…

This is as close to perfect a book as I’ve seen in a long time. Not going to get into the plot on this one because it’s enough to say it’s in the Cole and Kai mafia universe.

Blake is the FMC, and she’s been in foster care most of her life. I couldn’t get a feel for her because there’s no real physical description except that her skin is brown and her hair is long, black, and sleek. Creighton is the MMC and he’s got grey eyes, and he’s a psychopath. But he feels love for her, so maybe not a complete one. Psychopaths can mirror emotions back to the person in front of them, but they do not feel those emotions. So this guy is really emotionally retarded more than anything. Learned about this in my social work days… so I certainly could be wrong.

Anyway, there are a number of interesting characters that are in the “normal” world, like the people attending college in the house they are in. And there are people in the criminal world that are equally as interesting. The story was really good and I enjoyed the way the worlds came together.

Tijan is usually a no brainer for me, and this one was no exception. The previous book was the one I didn’t like too much. But I really liked this story a lot, and I’m so glad I bought it. Tijan is definitely one of my favorites and I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,512 reviews55 followers
January 14, 2026
A Hateful Negotiation is a contemporary, slow-burn, found family, mafia romance with a psychopathic, obsessive, and possessive MMC and a strong, feisty FMC who gives him a run for his money.

From the moment that Creighton met Blake, he was determined to keep her safe. She is for him what he alone never possessed and he doesn't want to lose that. She gives him something that no one else is capable of giving to him. The measures that he is willing to go to to keep her safe and in his life is very impressive and dangerous.

I loved Creighton and Blake and their complex and spicy relationship. I loved seeing their character growth and relationship development throughout the story. I loved how they both learned to adjust their views and expectations of each other in order to achieve their HEA with each other.

This was an intriguing and entertaining read that I very much enjoyed. I loved the found family aspect of the story and enjoyed all of the characters, both main and secondary. The writing, pace, and flow of the story were terrific, as were the plot, storyline, storytelling, and world building.

This was such an incredible story that I would definitely recommend for anyone who loves mafia romance with a morally black MMC and a FMC that takes no sh!t.
Profile Image for ♡M♡.
129 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

I genuinely clicked well with book. I could tell I’d love it from when I read the synopsis. Every trope just HIT! I mean - what more could you want with a psychopath mmc in the mafia, a found family dynamic that just…works, a fmc that’s easy to like, and a plot that truly, never, EVER, leaves you bored?!!

Pros:
- The flashback scenes hooked me just as much as the main story
- The writing style flowed really well. Sometimes it’s all about how well you can tell a story, and not merely the story itself!
- Found family UGH YES. I love a good friendship circle
- Creighton was a scary genius. I loved being inside his mind the most!

Cons:
- A tad unrealistic in the sense of : the mmc is ruthless and will unalive anyone, but his soft spot is only for Blake? Where did this stem from? How can he only feel things for her and nothing else at all?

That being said, I thought the pacing was excellently executed. We don’t realise how truly difficult it is to have a reader hooked 24/7, but Tijan pulls this off EFFORTLESSLY. Bravo 👏🏻

From now on I’ll be reading all of her books 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ (thank you @ valentinepr for this alc, all opinions are my own!)❤️
Profile Image for Lindsay Pape.
167 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2026
I received this ALC and really enjoyed it. If you like a dark mafia romance I highly recommend it. Blake meets Creighton when she goes to a foster home when she is young. Years pass and Blake is now a senior in college. Creighton is a psychopath who cares about nothing except Blake. People around him know if you want the monster you mess with Blake. This was my first book by Tijan and I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more books by them. Thank you so much for sending me this ALC.
Profile Image for Laura Prindable.
1,357 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 3, 2026
Creighton meet Blake when she moved to yet another foster home. It was like their souls connected even though he was so much older. He protected her. Fast forward to adulthood, he was the head of a mafia style group. And he was ruthless and he would burn the world down for Blake.

I really enjoyed this. The narrators did a fantastic job. 4 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for micolreads.
768 reviews63 followers
August 31, 2025
3,75 ⭐

a great addition to this series, even though I have to say I didn't particularly like the main couple. I feel like they will split in the future
Profile Image for Amelia Blackmon.
911 reviews37 followers
September 4, 2025
Title: A Hateful Negotiation
Author: Tijan

What to expect:
*Mafia romance
*Virgin FMC
*Foster family/home

Pros:
I love an unhinged psychopath MMC!!! Creighton was only a good person for Blake, and he would burn the world to the ground if anyone ever hurt her. Blake is definitely Creighton’s moral compass.

Cons:
This is my first time reading this author, it was written very well but there are a lot of side characters in this story that I’m assuming have their own books in her universe. I wasn’t lost in the story but I could have benefited by reading some of her prior books first to get the characters straight.

Safety:
No OW/OM drama within the relationship. Some graphic violence to side characters. Does have a third act breakup, neither of the main characters are with others during the break.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Blake (FMC) & Creighton (MMC)
Profile Image for Just A Little Book Addiction.
493 reviews44 followers
November 8, 2025
I love mmcs like Creighton. The ones that are harsh, unforgiving, and maybe even a complete psycho but the soften for the one woman they love. Tijan does a fantastic job of making you question things in the beginning, even Creighton, but then ties it all together and you. And help but fall for both of them!

This book is darker and more emotional than the previous books but definitely such an amazing journey. I did not expect to like Creighton and Blake as much as I did because of the previous books but they might be top couple in this series!
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