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Kings of Vegas #2
Blood King
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby, writing as NATALIE KANE, comes an arranged marriage, age-gap, ex’s dad novel in her Kings of Vegas series, Blood King.
Natasha
Being a Bratva princess is not as glamorous as it sounds. Or glamorous at all.
I’ve known since I was a child that my life is not my own. That one day, my father would give me away to the Mafia family that would best serve his purposes.
So it shouldn’t surprise me when I walk into Papa’s office and meet Elliot Stavros.
I soon learn that my husband-to-be is as monstrous as my father. And I’d do anything to get out of this marriage.
Julian
I need the alliance with the Russians, and the best way to make it happen is to marry my son off to the princess.
The only problem? I can’t get the stunning blond with big blue eyes filled with pain out of my head.
And when I find out that my son has been cruel to the beautiful woman? I take matters into my own hands.
I marry her myself.
I know I’m too old for her and I don’t deserve her. Still, the thought of anyone else touching her brings out my unhinged side.
I’m falling in love with my gorgeous wife. But when I discover that she’s betraying me, will I have to destroy her?
Natasha
Being a Bratva princess is not as glamorous as it sounds. Or glamorous at all.
I’ve known since I was a child that my life is not my own. That one day, my father would give me away to the Mafia family that would best serve his purposes.
So it shouldn’t surprise me when I walk into Papa’s office and meet Elliot Stavros.
I soon learn that my husband-to-be is as monstrous as my father. And I’d do anything to get out of this marriage.
Julian
I need the alliance with the Russians, and the best way to make it happen is to marry my son off to the princess.
The only problem? I can’t get the stunning blond with big blue eyes filled with pain out of my head.
And when I find out that my son has been cruel to the beautiful woman? I take matters into my own hands.
I marry her myself.
I know I’m too old for her and I don’t deserve her. Still, the thought of anyone else touching her brings out my unhinged side.
I’m falling in love with my gorgeous wife. But when I discover that she’s betraying me, will I have to destroy her?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
859 people are currently reading
1655 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Kane
8 books216 followersNatalie Kane is the dark romance pseudonym for Kristen Proby. After publishing more than 85 titles, the majority of which are contemporary romance, Kristen wanted to dive deeper into the morally gray side of things and is enjoying her foray into mafia romance. This is where the swoon of Kristen Proby meets the obsession of dark romance. Kristen Proby after dark, if you will.
Kristen Proby is the New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, and Amazon top 3 bestselling author of more than 85 titles. When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, reading in her library, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
Source: Amazon
Kristen Proby is the New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, and Amazon top 3 bestselling author of more than 85 titles. When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, reading in her library, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
Source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
April 5, 2026
Omg it made me so angry…. I LOVE IT
This was exactly the kind of story I was in the mood for… fast-paced, smexy, and the kind that made my blood boil in the best way and the angst 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
This was exactly the kind of story I was in the mood for… fast-paced, smexy, and the kind that made my blood boil in the best way and the angst 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Read
April 6, 2026Audio available with several subscriptions! Duet style 5/5 🎧 - no complaints!
I don’t know why I thought this author might improve some aspects … but then I am a curious person and want to experience things firsthand… in this case: "La curiosidad mató al gato! "😜
Will give you a few things that didn’t work:
The down slide started early - a very traumatic event happens and the aftermath is: “let’s have a girls night” and have therapy over sweets and drinks… above the smex club!😖
A bit later in the story: on the one hand we see FMC contemplating deleting herself in the morning of her wedding day, later around the noon she is enthusiastically giving her new husband a bj and in the evening she is self conscious about her curves but the next scene is her “eating like a linebacker” (fmc’s words!) and MMC complimenting her on how he loves the way she eats! 😵💫
What is this!? This is not the way to normalize or sweep under the rug such heavy and sensitive topics (this can be beyond triggering and so reckless!)
Another unnecessary reminder happens during their first smex scene, MMC is thinking how he’s fckd his way throughthe city”… yet FMC is special because she gave him his best bj! 🤦🏻♀️🤢
FMC is just like MMC from previous book - doesn’t like to be touched !
Also the reminder about Lulu’s size continues(heroine from previous book) in the way that her clothes are big on curvy Natasha - FMC in this one. Or another reminder about Lulu’s stereotypical plus sized woman that loves to clean and cook - gosh forbid she has other hobbies🤦🏻♀️ Repetitive scenes and reoccurring themes from the previous book - same type of villain, big age gap, yada yada! Lust driven chemistry!
I don’t know why I thought this author might improve some aspects … but then I am a curious person and want to experience things firsthand… in this case: "La curiosidad mató al gato! "😜
Will give you a few things that didn’t work:
The down slide started early - a very traumatic event happens and the aftermath is: “let’s have a girls night” and have therapy over sweets and drinks… above the smex club!😖
A bit later in the story: on the one hand we see FMC contemplating deleting herself in the morning of her wedding day, later around the noon she is enthusiastically giving her new husband a bj and in the evening she is self conscious about her curves but the next scene is her “eating like a linebacker” (fmc’s words!) and MMC complimenting her on how he loves the way she eats! 😵💫
What is this!? This is not the way to normalize or sweep under the rug such heavy and sensitive topics (this can be beyond triggering and so reckless!)
Another unnecessary reminder happens during their first smex scene, MMC is thinking how he’s fckd his way throughthe city”… yet FMC is special because she gave him his best bj! 🤦🏻♀️🤢
FMC is just like MMC from previous book - doesn’t like to be touched !
Also the reminder about Lulu’s size continues(heroine from previous book) in the way that her clothes are big on curvy Natasha - FMC in this one. Or another reminder about Lulu’s stereotypical plus sized woman that loves to clean and cook - gosh forbid she has other hobbies🤦🏻♀️ Repetitive scenes and reoccurring themes from the previous book - same type of villain, big age gap, yada yada! Lust driven chemistry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2026
I was anticipating this book, stayed up all night to read it, and was sadly disappointed. Compared to the first book in this series, this one is absolutely shite.
Natasha is promised to Julian's son ... who is off his rocker on drugs, drink and gambling. He's abusive. So let's switch up the arranged marriage contract and let Julian beat up his son, put him in his dungeon, and marry his intended instead. Stupid.
Natasha is a meek mouse who has been abused by her parents her entire life, loathes being touched, but one look from Julian, and her insides light on fire. Again, stupid.
These two have this passionate love affair, and then Julian thinks she's betrayed him - nothing original in this plot twist as it happens in the first book with Lulu and Rome - yawn - so he kicks her out.
Blah blah blah.
Suddenly this traumatized girl has balls of steel and becomes a Mafia Queen ... as if.
I had such high hopes for this series, but this second book is horrid. It's so cliche and so very bad.
Natasha is promised to Julian's son ... who is off his rocker on drugs, drink and gambling. He's abusive. So let's switch up the arranged marriage contract and let Julian beat up his son, put him in his dungeon, and marry his intended instead. Stupid.
Natasha is a meek mouse who has been abused by her parents her entire life, loathes being touched, but one look from Julian, and her insides light on fire. Again, stupid.
These two have this passionate love affair, and then Julian thinks she's betrayed him - nothing original in this plot twist as it happens in the first book with Lulu and Rome - yawn - so he kicks her out.
Blah blah blah.
Suddenly this traumatized girl has balls of steel and becomes a Mafia Queen ... as if.
I had such high hopes for this series, but this second book is horrid. It's so cliche and so very bad.
April 11, 2026
The Blood King – 2.5 stars
Let me be clear: this is a 2.5-star read for me, I’m only rounding it up to 3 because otherwise it feels too generous for what this actually delivered.
The premise:
This starts as an arranged marriage. The female main character is supposed to marry the son of a Greek mafia boss… until that son proves he’s a complete monster—violent, abusive, and openly threatening her.
So the father steps in and decides he will marry her instead.
Okay. Dark. Promising. I was interested.
They get married, feelings develop, and everything is moving in that typical mafia romance direction… until the “betrayal” plot kicks in.
Shipments start going missing, and his men convince him there’s a mole. Since she was present during some conversations, he immediately suspects her.
He searches her things, finds a bug hidden in a necklace her father gave her, and that’s it—he decides she betrayed him.
No real investigation. No trust. Nothing.
He just throws her out.
And this is where it completely lost me.
He leaves her with nothing.
No money. No support. No protection.
She’s injured, starving, sick, literally struggling to survive—and he just… doesn’t care.
Then later, he actually listens to the recording and realizes she never betrayed him. She was defending him.
So of course… he goes back like:
“Baby, forgive me.”
Absolutely not.
My main problems:
The writing: very “whatever.” It didn’t pull me in emotionally, and nothing really stood out.
The tension: almost nonexistent. For a mafia romance, the stakes felt low.
The romance: I didn’t feel it. At all.
The spicy scenes: fine, but nothing memorable.
And the male main character?
This man did not feel like a mafia boss.
He’s supposed to be powerful, ruthless, intimidating—but he just came off… soft in the wrong way. Not emotionally layered, just inconsistent.
We’re told he’s dangerous, that he tortures people, that he’s brutal—but we don’t feel it.
Instead, he’s constantly like: “I would never hurt a woman,”
“I would never do this,”
“I would never do that,”
…while literally destroying his wife’s life based on assumptions.
Make it make sense.
And her reaction??
This is what annoyed me the most.
After everything he put her through, I expected anger. Distance. Consequences.
Something.
But no.
She’s basically like: “Yeah, you hurt me… but I just want my husband back.”
No backbone. No self-respect in that moment. It completely killed any satisfaction I could’ve had from the grovel.
And the worst part?
He knew her father was abusive.
He knew she came from violence.
He literally saw her bruised, broken, hurt because of that man.
So when he finds a bug in a necklace her father gave her—the first “nice” thing he ever did—
Instead of thinking: “Maybe her father set her up,”
He goes straight to: “She betrayed me.”
No hesitation. No doubt. No trust.
And she could clearly see that he wasn’t even questioning it.
That was it for me.
Final thoughts:
This book had potential. The premise was strong, the setup was there—but the execution failed hard, especially in the emotional payoff.
The lack of tension, weak character reactions, and an unsatisfying grovel completely ruined it for me.
Final rating: 2.5 stars
Let me be clear: this is a 2.5-star read for me, I’m only rounding it up to 3 because otherwise it feels too generous for what this actually delivered.
The premise:
This starts as an arranged marriage. The female main character is supposed to marry the son of a Greek mafia boss… until that son proves he’s a complete monster—violent, abusive, and openly threatening her.
So the father steps in and decides he will marry her instead.
Okay. Dark. Promising. I was interested.
They get married, feelings develop, and everything is moving in that typical mafia romance direction… until the “betrayal” plot kicks in.
Shipments start going missing, and his men convince him there’s a mole. Since she was present during some conversations, he immediately suspects her.
He searches her things, finds a bug hidden in a necklace her father gave her, and that’s it—he decides she betrayed him.
No real investigation. No trust. Nothing.
He just throws her out.
And this is where it completely lost me.
He leaves her with nothing.
No money. No support. No protection.
She’s injured, starving, sick, literally struggling to survive—and he just… doesn’t care.
Then later, he actually listens to the recording and realizes she never betrayed him. She was defending him.
So of course… he goes back like:
“Baby, forgive me.”
Absolutely not.
My main problems:
The writing: very “whatever.” It didn’t pull me in emotionally, and nothing really stood out.
The tension: almost nonexistent. For a mafia romance, the stakes felt low.
The romance: I didn’t feel it. At all.
The spicy scenes: fine, but nothing memorable.
And the male main character?
This man did not feel like a mafia boss.
He’s supposed to be powerful, ruthless, intimidating—but he just came off… soft in the wrong way. Not emotionally layered, just inconsistent.
We’re told he’s dangerous, that he tortures people, that he’s brutal—but we don’t feel it.
Instead, he’s constantly like: “I would never hurt a woman,”
“I would never do this,”
“I would never do that,”
…while literally destroying his wife’s life based on assumptions.
Make it make sense.
And her reaction??
This is what annoyed me the most.
After everything he put her through, I expected anger. Distance. Consequences.
Something.
But no.
She’s basically like: “Yeah, you hurt me… but I just want my husband back.”
No backbone. No self-respect in that moment. It completely killed any satisfaction I could’ve had from the grovel.
And the worst part?
He knew her father was abusive.
He knew she came from violence.
He literally saw her bruised, broken, hurt because of that man.
So when he finds a bug in a necklace her father gave her—the first “nice” thing he ever did—
Instead of thinking: “Maybe her father set her up,”
He goes straight to: “She betrayed me.”
No hesitation. No doubt. No trust.
And she could clearly see that he wasn’t even questioning it.
That was it for me.
Final thoughts:
This book had potential. The premise was strong, the setup was there—but the execution failed hard, especially in the emotional payoff.
The lack of tension, weak character reactions, and an unsatisfying grovel completely ruined it for me.
Final rating: 2.5 stars
March 26, 2026
OBSESSED. I think that's the only word I can use to describe how much I loved this one.
Julian is the Greek Mafia boss. He's powerful & dangerous and you definitely don't want to cross him. But when I tell you he is down badddd for Natasha!!! He would literally burn the world down for her and not even bat an eye. That girl has been through some crap so seeing go from a meek, timid girl into an absolute mafia QUEEN was amazing!!! I loved how after they had some miscommunication between the two of them, she made him work for the forgiveness 👏🏻👏🏻. And the spice?? Whew!!! This book was absolutely addicting and I'm dying for book 3!!!!!
🎧Audio:🎧
This is a duet narration by James Cassidy & Savannah Thomas. James has that deep, gravelly voice that gives off that dark, dangerous energy like a pro. It literally commands your attention. Savannah has that soft voice that portrayed all of Natasha's growth perfectly. James & Savannah are absolutely the definition of bringing characters to life. When I tell you that these two were PERFECTION. Do yourself a favor & listen to the audio!!!
What to expect:
🖤Arranged Marriage
🖤Age Gap
🖤Touch her and die
🖤Mafia Romance
Thank you so much to Natalie Kane for this ARC & ALC.
Julian is the Greek Mafia boss. He's powerful & dangerous and you definitely don't want to cross him. But when I tell you he is down badddd for Natasha!!! He would literally burn the world down for her and not even bat an eye. That girl has been through some crap so seeing go from a meek, timid girl into an absolute mafia QUEEN was amazing!!! I loved how after they had some miscommunication between the two of them, she made him work for the forgiveness 👏🏻👏🏻. And the spice?? Whew!!! This book was absolutely addicting and I'm dying for book 3!!!!!
🎧Audio:🎧
This is a duet narration by James Cassidy & Savannah Thomas. James has that deep, gravelly voice that gives off that dark, dangerous energy like a pro. It literally commands your attention. Savannah has that soft voice that portrayed all of Natasha's growth perfectly. James & Savannah are absolutely the definition of bringing characters to life. When I tell you that these two were PERFECTION. Do yourself a favor & listen to the audio!!!
What to expect:
🖤Arranged Marriage
🖤Age Gap
🖤Touch her and die
🖤Mafia Romance
Thank you so much to Natalie Kane for this ARC & ALC.
April 30, 2026
yes yes yes!!! it gave everything. check your triggers please.
April 2, 2026
Was a miss for me
I was seriously anticipating the release of this book but it was just a miss for me 🤷🏼♀️. I was really rooting for the MMC but I felt he was really cruel to Natasha at the first sign of trouble and I really felt for her even shed so many tears for her but she just took Julian back no grovel just took any crumbs he gave her 🙄. I wish she would’ve had some personal growth and made him work for her forgiveness she was really weak. Not for me wish he would’ve suffered just my opinion 🤨
I was seriously anticipating the release of this book but it was just a miss for me 🤷🏼♀️. I was really rooting for the MMC but I felt he was really cruel to Natasha at the first sign of trouble and I really felt for her even shed so many tears for her but she just took Julian back no grovel just took any crumbs he gave her 🙄. I wish she would’ve had some personal growth and made him work for her forgiveness she was really weak. Not for me wish he would’ve suffered just my opinion 🤨
April 5, 2026
I have read almost all of Kristen Proby’s backlist and I’ve had many five Star reads… I was so excited to find out she has a new pen name for mafia and dark romances however I wish she hadn’t 🙈 these books are terrible. I don’t understand how it’s possible but I don’t think this genre of romance is for her. Hands down the worst mafia romances I’ve ever read.
April 16, 2026
Not nearly enough grovel for the shit he did to her! She forgave him to easily when she was almost dead because of him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
Natalieeeeee, girl! I thought I was ready for Julian Stavros, but this man isn’t someone you can prepare for. He WRECKED Natasha and me. 😂🥵
“Mm, that’s my dirty little angel.”
This duet style narration by James Cassidy & Savannah Thomas was INCREDIBLE. Both narrators were new for me but omg I need to go find everything they’ve ever done because I freaking loved this audiobook!
“You can have literally anything in the world that you want. How many times do I have to tell you that before you believe me? There’s no limit to what I’ll give you, Angel.”
Julian Stavros, is cold, calculating, and ruthless. He has built his name and his empire and he would do anything to protect it and his ‘family’. So when he realizes how far his own son has fallen, he steps into his arranged marriage.
“You’re a Mafia queen, Natasha. If you don’t like something, or someone, you say so, and it changes immediately.”
Natasha Ivanov knows how to be a ‘perfect’ mafia wife, but she isn’t ready for the man that rewrites all the rules she thought she knew. Julian was a man obsessed, and he would burn the world down to protect her.
“I’m never too busy for you. I want you to tell me what you need or want. Always.”
I’m going to warn you now, even if Julian messes up, the GROVEL is worth it in the end! (Ohhhh, by the way, the spice in this book is NEXT LEVEL!) 🥵🫠
“Good girl. You’re so beautiful on your knees for me.”
I can’t wait for the next book in the series! These books suck you right into the dirty underworld of Vegas and they guarantee to have you entranced for the whole read!
Tropes:
💍 Arranged Marriage (Fiancé’s Dad)
🩶 Dark Romance
💎 Ruthless Greek Mafia King
🤭 He is Obsessed
🫶🏼 (Soft Only For Her)
💋 Innocent FMC
👊🏼 WHO HURT YOU?
“Mm, that’s my dirty little angel.”
This duet style narration by James Cassidy & Savannah Thomas was INCREDIBLE. Both narrators were new for me but omg I need to go find everything they’ve ever done because I freaking loved this audiobook!
“You can have literally anything in the world that you want. How many times do I have to tell you that before you believe me? There’s no limit to what I’ll give you, Angel.”
Julian Stavros, is cold, calculating, and ruthless. He has built his name and his empire and he would do anything to protect it and his ‘family’. So when he realizes how far his own son has fallen, he steps into his arranged marriage.
“You’re a Mafia queen, Natasha. If you don’t like something, or someone, you say so, and it changes immediately.”
Natasha Ivanov knows how to be a ‘perfect’ mafia wife, but she isn’t ready for the man that rewrites all the rules she thought she knew. Julian was a man obsessed, and he would burn the world down to protect her.
“I’m never too busy for you. I want you to tell me what you need or want. Always.”
I’m going to warn you now, even if Julian messes up, the GROVEL is worth it in the end! (Ohhhh, by the way, the spice in this book is NEXT LEVEL!) 🥵🫠
“Good girl. You’re so beautiful on your knees for me.”
I can’t wait for the next book in the series! These books suck you right into the dirty underworld of Vegas and they guarantee to have you entranced for the whole read!
Tropes:
💍 Arranged Marriage (Fiancé’s Dad)
🩶 Dark Romance
💎 Ruthless Greek Mafia King
🤭 He is Obsessed
🫶🏼 (Soft Only For Her)
💋 Innocent FMC
👊🏼 WHO HURT YOU?
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May 3, 2026
blood king ꒱ 2.5 stars
⌗ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥: apr 30, ‘26⌇ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥: may 1, ‘26
review with no spoilers
this book was by no means a masterpiece but i needed a palate cleanser after a very very busy week so i read this book.
if i’m being totally honest even if it wasn’t the best book ever written i had fun, i was entertained, and i ate it all up. the writing was not the best at times but again i wasn’t here for a literary masterpiece that will transcend its time.
there’s not much else i can think to say, this book is your typical mafia romance so for a light palate cleanser i totally recommend it.
⌗ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥: apr 30, ‘26⌇ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥: may 1, ‘26
review with no spoilers
this book was by no means a masterpiece but i needed a palate cleanser after a very very busy week so i read this book.
if i’m being totally honest even if it wasn’t the best book ever written i had fun, i was entertained, and i ate it all up. the writing was not the best at times but again i wasn’t here for a literary masterpiece that will transcend its time.
there’s not much else i can think to say, this book is your typical mafia romance so for a light palate cleanser i totally recommend it.
April 2, 2026
4 ⭐️/ 3🌶️
Okay, I went into this one pretty much blind with just a vague idea of the story, and honestly? That was the best decision. Not knowing much made everything hit harder, I was hooked the whole time, constantly wondering what was going to happen next 🙌🏼
Julian trying (and failing) to ignore his feelings for Natalie was equal parts frustrating and entertaining. Like sir… what was the reason? 😂 It was so obvious they were going to fall and when they did, it was fast, intense and completely consuming in the best way.
The story really delivers on everything, redemption, emotional moments that pull at you and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. It all blended together so well!
Safe to say, I’m fully invested now and already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Tropes: Father-in-law , v-H
Okay, I went into this one pretty much blind with just a vague idea of the story, and honestly? That was the best decision. Not knowing much made everything hit harder, I was hooked the whole time, constantly wondering what was going to happen next 🙌🏼
Julian trying (and failing) to ignore his feelings for Natalie was equal parts frustrating and entertaining. Like sir… what was the reason? 😂 It was so obvious they were going to fall and when they did, it was fast, intense and completely consuming in the best way.
The story really delivers on everything, redemption, emotional moments that pull at you and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. It all blended together so well!
Safe to say, I’m fully invested now and already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Tropes: Father-in-law , v-H
April 28, 2026
Julian and Natasha
Natasha and Julian’s story is here, and I loved it!! The tension between them was so good and their chemistry was off the charts - but this a mafia marriage - it’s anything but simple.
Julian is ruthless and will do anything to protect his family. No spoilers, but while her confidence really grew and I loved how supportive he was…things really take a turn!!
Natasha and Julian’s story is here, and I loved it!! The tension between them was so good and their chemistry was off the charts - but this a mafia marriage - it’s anything but simple.
Julian is ruthless and will do anything to protect his family. No spoilers, but while her confidence really grew and I loved how supportive he was…things really take a turn!!
December 11, 2025
Blood King pulled me in from the first page with its intense atmosphere and emotional depth. The arranged marriage trope is done flawlessly, blending danger with slow-burn chemistry that becomes impossible to resist. I loved how both characters grow—forced together by circumstance yet undeniably drawn to each other. The mafia world feels gritty and authentic, and every chapter builds tension that kept me turning pages late into the night. The writing is beautiful, the pacing perfect, and the romance unforgettable. This book delivers everything I expect from a dark mafia romance. Absolutely a five-star experience.
April 5, 2026
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ / ꍏ꒒ꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖩𝗎𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖭𝖺𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗁𝖺
4.5 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘶 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
Natasha, she may have been a bratva princess. But she was never treated like one. Her father was a cruel and abusive man, who only saw her as a pawn. He would get her married to whomever he wanted as long as he stood to gain something.
Julian...he was something else! 🔥
He is one of four Kings of Vegas. He has built and empire, and he alongside those he sees as his brothers rule their city and businesses with an iron fist. He doesn't trust those who aren't in his circle. And love. Well he didn't believe in it, he had an empire to run and love was the furthest thing from his mind...that's until he arranges a marriage for his son and the bride, well he wants her all for himself.
Damn you guys! The first book amazing! The second book???...downright hot.
It was supposed to be a business arrangement but Julian, he fell for his wife. And he fell had.
Natasha, she had to put her trust in a man she knew nothing about, but who had a hard exterior but was gentle and loving to her.
The misunderstanding,...it was so hard to read...but listening to it as well....😭 The emotions. My heart broke for Natasha...and well, I just wanted to knock some sense into Julian 🙈
The chemistry was so good and the spice was spicing, that's for damn sure!
꓄ꀍꏂ ꍏꀎꀷꀤꂦꌃꂦꂦꀘ ♾️⭐
𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑎ℎ 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠 & 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑦, first time listening to these narrators and yes, they are definitely one of my favourites!!!!
This was a duet narration and utter f*cking perfection. 𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑎ℎ 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠 and 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑦 did an outstanding narration. It literally had me laughing, blushing and swooning! Because damn!!! 🔥
𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒔, 𝑎𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑒. She was absolutely perfect for this character. Her narration was clear, smooth but also quite, and the emotions when we got to certain chapters really impacted the emotions which suited the character to perfection, but also had me in tears. And 𝐼 100% loved listening to her narration.
𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒚, 𝑎𝑠 𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑛🫠. His narration, oh boy...did it suit Julian Stravos. His voice was clear but gruff...deep and absolutely thundering when that one particular sentence was in all "CAPS". Shew!!! And I loved the conveying of emotions when I hit certain chapters. Without a doubt I loved his narration. ♥️
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
I loved catching up with couples and future male leads and all their second's. I can't wait to read Mateo's book...and Carson's (Im)patiently waiting for his one ♥️
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 💎🔫💎🔫💎
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧💧
*꓄ꀍꍏꈤꀘ ꌩꂦꀎ ꓄ꂦ ꈤꍏ꓄ꍏ꒒ꀤꏂ ꀘꍏꈤꏂ ꎇꂦꋪ ꓄ꀍꀤꌚ ꍏꋪꏳ & ꍏ꒒ꏳ*
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖩𝗎𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖭𝖺𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗁𝖺
4.5 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘶 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
Natasha, she may have been a bratva princess. But she was never treated like one. Her father was a cruel and abusive man, who only saw her as a pawn. He would get her married to whomever he wanted as long as he stood to gain something.
Julian...he was something else! 🔥
He is one of four Kings of Vegas. He has built and empire, and he alongside those he sees as his brothers rule their city and businesses with an iron fist. He doesn't trust those who aren't in his circle. And love. Well he didn't believe in it, he had an empire to run and love was the furthest thing from his mind...that's until he arranges a marriage for his son and the bride, well he wants her all for himself.
Damn you guys! The first book amazing! The second book???...downright hot.
It was supposed to be a business arrangement but Julian, he fell for his wife. And he fell had.
Natasha, she had to put her trust in a man she knew nothing about, but who had a hard exterior but was gentle and loving to her.
The misunderstanding,...it was so hard to read...but listening to it as well....😭 The emotions. My heart broke for Natasha...and well, I just wanted to knock some sense into Julian 🙈
The chemistry was so good and the spice was spicing, that's for damn sure!
꓄ꀍꏂ ꍏꀎꀷꀤꂦꌃꂦꂦꀘ ♾️⭐
𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑎ℎ 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠 & 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑦, first time listening to these narrators and yes, they are definitely one of my favourites!!!!
This was a duet narration and utter f*cking perfection. 𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑎ℎ 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠 and 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑦 did an outstanding narration. It literally had me laughing, blushing and swooning! Because damn!!! 🔥
𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒔, 𝑎𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑒. She was absolutely perfect for this character. Her narration was clear, smooth but also quite, and the emotions when we got to certain chapters really impacted the emotions which suited the character to perfection, but also had me in tears. And 𝐼 100% loved listening to her narration.
𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒚, 𝑎𝑠 𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑛🫠. His narration, oh boy...did it suit Julian Stravos. His voice was clear but gruff...deep and absolutely thundering when that one particular sentence was in all "CAPS". Shew!!! And I loved the conveying of emotions when I hit certain chapters. Without a doubt I loved his narration. ♥️
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
I loved catching up with couples and future male leads and all their second's. I can't wait to read Mateo's book...and Carson's (Im)patiently waiting for his one ♥️
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 💎🔫💎🔫💎
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧💧
*꓄ꀍꍏꈤꀘ ꌩꂦꀎ ꓄ꂦ ꈤꍏ꓄ꍏ꒒ꀤꏂ ꀘꍏꈤꏂ ꎇꂦꋪ ꓄ꀍꀤꌚ ꍏꋪꏳ & ꍏ꒒ꏳ*
March 21, 2026
ARC/ALC review!
Oh. My. God.
This book. This man. This woman.
Julian is sexy as sin. Natasha is one bad*ss MF. Sorry for the language but I am just in awe.
They are a match made in mafia heaven. The instant connection Julian has to Natasha is so swoon worthy. Even if it was a little unconventional since she was engaged to his son via an arranged marriage. 🫣
I must say Elliot, Julian’s son, is a Grade A *sshole, sorry more language but even that’s too nice of a word for him 😂
This story has obvious Mafia vibes with some brutal scenes but it’s what I expected for a Mafia story. It is also so spicy, I loved it! 🥵
Natasha has seen some things and has found her strength in Julian and his found family. Seeing her turn into a MAFIA QUEEN, was absolutely amazing, especially after everything she’s been through (iykyk, I don’t want to give away any spoilers 🤐)
If you have a chance to listen to the audio, I’m begging you - PLEASE DO!
James Cassidy and Savannah Thomas are absolutely STUNNING ✨
Thank you SO much for the opportunity to read and listen early Natalie Kane!
You have created a HUGE mafia fan and I cannot wait FOR Mateo’s story! 🖤✨🖤
What other mafia books do you recommend?! Send them all my way, I’m hooked!
Mafia Romance • Found Family • Age Gap • Ex’s Dad • Las Vegas
Oh. My. God.
This book. This man. This woman.
Julian is sexy as sin. Natasha is one bad*ss MF. Sorry for the language but I am just in awe.
They are a match made in mafia heaven. The instant connection Julian has to Natasha is so swoon worthy. Even if it was a little unconventional since she was engaged to his son via an arranged marriage. 🫣
I must say Elliot, Julian’s son, is a Grade A *sshole, sorry more language but even that’s too nice of a word for him 😂
This story has obvious Mafia vibes with some brutal scenes but it’s what I expected for a Mafia story. It is also so spicy, I loved it! 🥵
Natasha has seen some things and has found her strength in Julian and his found family. Seeing her turn into a MAFIA QUEEN, was absolutely amazing, especially after everything she’s been through (iykyk, I don’t want to give away any spoilers 🤐)
If you have a chance to listen to the audio, I’m begging you - PLEASE DO!
James Cassidy and Savannah Thomas are absolutely STUNNING ✨
Thank you SO much for the opportunity to read and listen early Natalie Kane!
You have created a HUGE mafia fan and I cannot wait FOR Mateo’s story! 🖤✨🖤
What other mafia books do you recommend?! Send them all my way, I’m hooked!
Mafia Romance • Found Family • Age Gap • Ex’s Dad • Las Vegas
April 2, 2026
Blood King is book 2 in the Kings of Vegas series and follows Julian and Natasha's story.
"You're everything I've ever wanted in my life. More than power, more than money. You're the beginning and the end."
Ummm excuse me Miss Natalie but did you just give us the PERFECT Mafia Boss? Why yes, yes you did! "Daddy" Julian Stavros was FIRE!! He's the feared mafia boss you don't ever want to cross but behind closed doors, with his queen, he's PERFECTION! 10/10 not kicking him out of my bed!
Blood King is full of power, obsession, and a love story that should never work but most definitely does even with the 21yr age gap! It's messy, it's complicated but absolute perfection!
Julian is ruthless, obsessive and completely off the rails when it comes to protecting Natasha. Meanwhile, Natasha is so much stronger than she thinks she is. Although she was trained to be the quiet, obedient mafia wife by her POS father, she learns to eventually find her voice and becomes the Mafia Queen she was supposed to be alongside Julian!
Oh, and just when you think everything is good, secrets and betrayal raise the stakes even higher!
Definitely a must add to your TBR!
Mafia Romance
Age Gap + Ex's Dad Trope
Obsessed Hero
Arranged Marriage
Virgin FMC
Who Hurt You
Touch Her & Die
*Thank you Natalie Kane for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
"You're everything I've ever wanted in my life. More than power, more than money. You're the beginning and the end."
Ummm excuse me Miss Natalie but did you just give us the PERFECT Mafia Boss? Why yes, yes you did! "Daddy" Julian Stavros was FIRE!! He's the feared mafia boss you don't ever want to cross but behind closed doors, with his queen, he's PERFECTION! 10/10 not kicking him out of my bed!
Blood King is full of power, obsession, and a love story that should never work but most definitely does even with the 21yr age gap! It's messy, it's complicated but absolute perfection!
Julian is ruthless, obsessive and completely off the rails when it comes to protecting Natasha. Meanwhile, Natasha is so much stronger than she thinks she is. Although she was trained to be the quiet, obedient mafia wife by her POS father, she learns to eventually find her voice and becomes the Mafia Queen she was supposed to be alongside Julian!
Oh, and just when you think everything is good, secrets and betrayal raise the stakes even higher!
Definitely a must add to your TBR!
Mafia Romance
Age Gap + Ex's Dad Trope
Obsessed Hero
Arranged Marriage
Virgin FMC
Who Hurt You
Touch Her & Die
*Thank you Natalie Kane for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
March 24, 2026
I am in love with this series!
Privileged to receive ARC by the author and read it in less than 24 hours.
I love an age gap, mafia, and protective trope book and Blood King has this all in spades.
There are times when I wanted to cry for and with Natasha and a slight time when Julian was in my bad books (he redeemed himself)
Definitely can not wait for the next book and this series will be one that I will read again and again.
Privileged to receive ARC by the author and read it in less than 24 hours.
I love an age gap, mafia, and protective trope book and Blood King has this all in spades.
There are times when I wanted to cry for and with Natasha and a slight time when Julian was in my bad books (he redeemed himself)
Definitely can not wait for the next book and this series will be one that I will read again and again.
April 6, 2026
I am not okay, I truly wish this book was longer because OH. MY. GOSH. It was so stinking good. I loved literally everything about this book. Natalie came to play when she wrote this one and my gosh, it was perfect 🙌🏻 I truly could not read this book fast enough. If you are looking for a mafia book that’s a page turner, immediately download!!
March 25, 2026
This is my new favorite from Natalie! Loved these two so much and the angst?! I’m not a crier but she got me!
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
April 4, 2026
perfect mafia book.
April 25, 2026
Cliche, cringe and badly written drivel.
April 28, 2026
⭐️ 2.5
April 28, 2026
Nahhhh he needed to grovel at her feet
April 9, 2026
Blood King is the second installment in the Kings of Vegas series, and it absolutely delivers on everything I love in a mafia romance—intensity, heat, and a strong sense of found family.
This story follows Julian and Natasha, whose journey begins with an arranged marriage that was never meant to be. Promised to someone unworthy, Natasha’s fate takes a turn when Julian steps in—and from that moment on, he falls hard and fast. I loved the dynamic between them: Julian’s ruthless, commanding presence paired with the softer side he shows only to Natasha created such a compelling contrast.
Natasha’s character really stood out to me as well. Beneath her innocence is a quiet strength that continues to grow throughout the story, making her a perfect match for Julian.
The audiobook narration elevated the experience even more. James Cassidy captured Julian’s intensity and complexity flawlessly, while Savannah Thomas brought warmth, vulnerability, and resilience to Natasha’s character. Together, they made this story even more immersive.
Overall, Blood King was a captivating, steamy, and emotional read, and I’m so excited to continue the Kings of Vegas series!
This story follows Julian and Natasha, whose journey begins with an arranged marriage that was never meant to be. Promised to someone unworthy, Natasha’s fate takes a turn when Julian steps in—and from that moment on, he falls hard and fast. I loved the dynamic between them: Julian’s ruthless, commanding presence paired with the softer side he shows only to Natasha created such a compelling contrast.
Natasha’s character really stood out to me as well. Beneath her innocence is a quiet strength that continues to grow throughout the story, making her a perfect match for Julian.
The audiobook narration elevated the experience even more. James Cassidy captured Julian’s intensity and complexity flawlessly, while Savannah Thomas brought warmth, vulnerability, and resilience to Natasha’s character. Together, they made this story even more immersive.
Overall, Blood King was a captivating, steamy, and emotional read, and I’m so excited to continue the Kings of Vegas series!
April 27, 2026
Tropes
Age gap
Exs dad
Mafia
My Wife
Arranged marriage
He plays piano for her
He helps her get her power back
I read this as Duet style narratored by James Cassidy and Savannah Thomas. If you haven't heard of James Cassidy you should. He is gruff sounds and omg 🥵 in the spicy scenes. When he says MY WIFE yes sir! He never disappoints. Savannah she is great she got the innocence of Natasha and the emotions of becoming independent deal with all the mafia men.
This my second book of Natalie Kane and so far im a fan. Julian is far from a good guy and doesnt take any shit from nobody mostly his son when it comes to Natasha. You hurt her, guess what hes hurting you 10 fold. The age difference was done well and didnt make it creepy like other book of age gap its about 19 years if I remember correctly. Just Like in the first of these interconnected standalones we got to see found family from the guys side and the female side. I was happy Natasha finally had a place to call her own and wear the colors she looked best in. Her family sucks, so be ready for your TWs. It was hard to listen, but she gets everything she wants and more and she deserves it! Julian saves Natasha, but also learns certain things along the way and glad I got to see him happy in the end. Dont get me wrong hes still a BAD guy, but the love story you route for them through out 🥰
Age gap
Exs dad
Mafia
My Wife
Arranged marriage
He plays piano for her
He helps her get her power back
I read this as Duet style narratored by James Cassidy and Savannah Thomas. If you haven't heard of James Cassidy you should. He is gruff sounds and omg 🥵 in the spicy scenes. When he says MY WIFE yes sir! He never disappoints. Savannah she is great she got the innocence of Natasha and the emotions of becoming independent deal with all the mafia men.
This my second book of Natalie Kane and so far im a fan. Julian is far from a good guy and doesnt take any shit from nobody mostly his son when it comes to Natasha. You hurt her, guess what hes hurting you 10 fold. The age difference was done well and didnt make it creepy like other book of age gap its about 19 years if I remember correctly. Just Like in the first of these interconnected standalones we got to see found family from the guys side and the female side. I was happy Natasha finally had a place to call her own and wear the colors she looked best in. Her family sucks, so be ready for your TWs. It was hard to listen, but she gets everything she wants and more and she deserves it! Julian saves Natasha, but also learns certain things along the way and glad I got to see him happy in the end. Dont get me wrong hes still a BAD guy, but the love story you route for them through out 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely LOVED Blood King by Natalie Kane; it is an incredible age gap Mafia arranged marriage love story. Mafia romance has not been one of my preferred genres in the past, but Blood King has changed that. It is the second book in Kings of Vegas series. It is the debut novel for Kristen Proby writing as Natalie Kane; she continues to show that she is an amazing storyteller. Natalie Kane will be a must-read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, and it was impossible to put Blood King down, it filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every moment on every page. Blood King is one of my favorite books that I have read recently, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? Blood King is the story of Julian Stavros, head of the Greek Mafia and one of the Kings of Vegas and Natasha Ivanov, daughter of the Sergei Ivanov, head of the Bratva. Sergei enters into a marriage contract with Julian between Sergei’s daughter, Natasha and Julian’s son Elliott, so that Sergei’s debt will be forgiven. Julian is immediately attracted to Natasha, but is concerned about their age gap. This is the reason that Julian chose Elliott to marry Natasha. Before the wedding can take place, Julian finds that his son in a private room at Rapture assaulting Natasha after he had assaulted a Rapture worker. Julian decides to punish Elliott for his behavior and puts him in a cell until he learns his lesson. Julian decides to marry Natasha and Sergei wants to use that as leverage to partner with Julian. Natasha only discovers that she is marrying Julian instead of Elliott at the altar. I love the changes that Lulu makes to Natasha’s wedding dress prior to the wedding. I love everything that Julian does for Natasha to make her feel safe and how he instructs Lulu to purchase clothing for Natasha. Julian is so patient with a naïve Natasha especially when she keeps telling him all the things that she must do as the wife of a mafia king. I love the chemistry between Natasha and Julian. I love the conversations between them that flow so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, with a dirty talking Julian. I love the nickname that Julian calls Natasha and his explanation why. I love all the little things they do for each other. I love all the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in Blood King, especially when Natasha reveals details about her relationship with her abusive father and when Julian reveals what happened to Elliott’s mother. I love everything that Julian does for Natasha. The darker side of mafia romance was very well written, intriguing, and entertaining. I loved that Blood King is more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Natasha and Julian are facing that need to be resolved, what is going on with Julian’s missing gemstone deliveries. Plot twists put their relationship and Natasha’s life in jeopardy. I love all the unexpected surprises that are exposed as a result of the plot twists. I love the changes that take place in Elliott and how he helps Julian rescue Natasha. I love everything that Julian does for Natasha following the plot twist. I love ending of Natasha and Julian’s love story, how both Natasha and Julian change because of their love for one another, and the changes they make in their lives so that they can have a life together. I love that the finally admit their love for each other. I love that it was the perfect ending to their love story. My favorite part was how Julian retrieved Natasha’s wedding ring and the changes he made to the ring. My favorite part is how Natalie Kane incorporates the picture on the cover and the title of the book into Natasha and Julian’s love story. Another favorite part is how the epilogue is told from Natasha’s perspective that take place one year later and the surprises revealed in the epilogue. My favorite part of the story is the bonus epilogue that takes place five and fifteen years later and told from Julian’s perspective. I love everything about the bonus epilogue. Another favorite part is the preview for Savage King, cannot wait to read it! I really enjoy how the book is written in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. Blood King is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments that I have come to love and expect in a love story, and Natalie Kane did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that filled this page turner. I love Natasha’s friendship with both Lulu and Scarlett. I loved catching up with all the Kings of Vegas. I love the family dynamic in Blood King, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between the Kings of Vegas. It feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I loved all the characters in Blood King, who does not love an age gap/arranged marriage Mafia romance love story. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.
April 6, 2026
✨ Romance Comfort-Read Alert ✨
This review comes from a reader who loves:
🛑 No cheating / no OW-OM drama
💞 Low angst (together > apart)
🚫💔 No third-act breakup — If there is one, I will tell you.
👑 Strong FMC
💪 Take-charge MMC
🔥 Reformed playboy > current manwhore, but never manwhore is preferred
💬 Miscommunication allowed if resolved like adults
🏡 HEA ALWAYS
🎧
Format: 🎧 on hoopla
Narrators: James Cassidy & Savannah Thomas
Triggers: Yes (abuse not by MMCs, mentions of rape, people are tortured and killed.)
Background: Julian is one of the Kings of Vegas. KoV is a group of four men who are brothers in every way but blood. They have been BFFs since childhood. Each book is about one of the men and is a standalone, but interconnected. Truthfully, for their banter/relationship, it is worth reading them in order, but not required because there are brief bits of info on backstory given by Kane (Who is really Kristen Proby, this is her Proby after dark pen name)
Anyway, Julian is the head of the Greek Mafia and is allying with the head of the Russian Bratva. The deal is that his son, Elliot, will marry the Bratva leader's daughter, Natasha. Julian is immediately attracted to Natasha, but keeps his distance because she is going to marry his son. She doesn't want to marry Elliot, but has been raised to do what she is told. She is beaten by her father regularly, so she is meek.
Elliot is a right prick. He is out of sorts: gambling, drinking, drugs, several addictions going on. He is AWFUL to Natasha, but Julian doesn't know this until he comes home and hears Elliot beating her. Julian rips Elliot a new ass, but Elliot is not phased. The very next day, he makes up with Natasha, then takes her to Rapture, Rome's adult club (Rome is the brother from the first book). Natasha doesn't like to be touched, is a V, certainly doesn't want to be in the club, and Elliot knows this. He takes her, hits her, and makes her watch as he brutally has sex with a worker there. Julian comes to the club, Rome pulls him into the control room, and he sees what Elliot is doing. He rushes in, sends Elliot to "the cell," and rescues Natasha.
He then marries Natasha, keeping the alliance. He is twenty years older than she is. That is quite the gap. Now, he is only 43. There is, of course, seemingly a betrayal, but it gets sorted-I guess this could be a 1/2 act breakup, happening a little bit after the midway point, but not the full-on last 1/3.
What I liked:
*Julian was very sweet with Natasha. He doesn't know she is a V, but knows she seems inexperienced.
*He allows himself to be open to having feelings for her, and this is probably b/c he was attracted to her from the jump.
*He is SO protective of her, which is endearing. He also hates that she has been abused and vows to avenge her, which I was in favor of.
*He is patient as she unlearns how she was raised.
*The family: Rome/Lulu, Luke/Scarlett, Mateo & Carson- all accepted her.
Annoying Bits:
*I felt like their physical relationship moved pretty quickly without a lot of emotional investment in the story. She hates to be touched, and within hours of getting married to someone she doesn't know, she is in lingerie and doing stuff. I felt like it would have been better had Kane spent time showing us their growth by getting to know one another. Give Natasha time to see that Julian is different. I would have preferred him to take things more slowly with her. It would have made it sweeter.
*Julian went from loving Natasha to believing she betrayed him without so much as one question to her. She willingly told him to go through her stuff and scan her for listening devices. When he did, and something pinged, he didn't so much as ask her about it. I get it was "for the plot," but it was weak.
*I genuinely felt so bad for her when he kicked her out, she fell & broke her wrist, and it was broken throughout their entire separation, which was weeks. she lived in a shitty motel. BUT he did grovel.
*I'm back and forth with how long it took her to forgive him.
Overall: I love a bit of an unhinged MMC. So, I was here for it. I liked Sinful King more (the first book. It is Rome/Lulu's story).
The end of this book sets up Mateo's book, which is next. I am intrigued by that one.
This review comes from a reader who loves:
🛑 No cheating / no OW-OM drama
💞 Low angst (together > apart)
🚫💔 No third-act breakup — If there is one, I will tell you.
👑 Strong FMC
💪 Take-charge MMC
🔥 Reformed playboy > current manwhore, but never manwhore is preferred
💬 Miscommunication allowed if resolved like adults
🏡 HEA ALWAYS
🎧
Format: 🎧 on hoopla
Narrators: James Cassidy & Savannah Thomas
Triggers: Yes (abuse not by MMCs, mentions of rape, people are tortured and killed.)
Background: Julian is one of the Kings of Vegas. KoV is a group of four men who are brothers in every way but blood. They have been BFFs since childhood. Each book is about one of the men and is a standalone, but interconnected. Truthfully, for their banter/relationship, it is worth reading them in order, but not required because there are brief bits of info on backstory given by Kane (Who is really Kristen Proby, this is her Proby after dark pen name)
Anyway, Julian is the head of the Greek Mafia and is allying with the head of the Russian Bratva. The deal is that his son, Elliot, will marry the Bratva leader's daughter, Natasha. Julian is immediately attracted to Natasha, but keeps his distance because she is going to marry his son. She doesn't want to marry Elliot, but has been raised to do what she is told. She is beaten by her father regularly, so she is meek.
Elliot is a right prick. He is out of sorts: gambling, drinking, drugs, several addictions going on. He is AWFUL to Natasha, but Julian doesn't know this until he comes home and hears Elliot beating her. Julian rips Elliot a new ass, but Elliot is not phased. The very next day, he makes up with Natasha, then takes her to Rapture, Rome's adult club (Rome is the brother from the first book). Natasha doesn't like to be touched, is a V, certainly doesn't want to be in the club, and Elliot knows this. He takes her, hits her, and makes her watch as he brutally has sex with a worker there. Julian comes to the club, Rome pulls him into the control room, and he sees what Elliot is doing. He rushes in, sends Elliot to "the cell," and rescues Natasha.
He then marries Natasha, keeping the alliance. He is twenty years older than she is. That is quite the gap. Now, he is only 43. There is, of course, seemingly a betrayal, but it gets sorted-I guess this could be a 1/2 act breakup, happening a little bit after the midway point, but not the full-on last 1/3.
What I liked:
*Julian was very sweet with Natasha. He doesn't know she is a V, but knows she seems inexperienced.
*He allows himself to be open to having feelings for her, and this is probably b/c he was attracted to her from the jump.
*He is SO protective of her, which is endearing. He also hates that she has been abused and vows to avenge her, which I was in favor of.
*He is patient as she unlearns how she was raised.
*The family: Rome/Lulu, Luke/Scarlett, Mateo & Carson- all accepted her.
Annoying Bits:
*I felt like their physical relationship moved pretty quickly without a lot of emotional investment in the story. She hates to be touched, and within hours of getting married to someone she doesn't know, she is in lingerie and doing stuff. I felt like it would have been better had Kane spent time showing us their growth by getting to know one another. Give Natasha time to see that Julian is different. I would have preferred him to take things more slowly with her. It would have made it sweeter.
*Julian went from loving Natasha to believing she betrayed him without so much as one question to her. She willingly told him to go through her stuff and scan her for listening devices. When he did, and something pinged, he didn't so much as ask her about it. I get it was "for the plot," but it was weak.
*I genuinely felt so bad for her when he kicked her out, she fell & broke her wrist, and it was broken throughout their entire separation, which was weeks. she lived in a shitty motel. BUT he did grovel.
*I'm back and forth with how long it took her to forgive him.
Overall: I love a bit of an unhinged MMC. So, I was here for it. I liked Sinful King more (the first book. It is Rome/Lulu's story).
The end of this book sets up Mateo's book, which is next. I am intrigued by that one.
April 7, 2026
A mafia romance! This can be 100% be read as a standalone, however, if you are coming here after Sinful King there are a few things that are a miss.
If I didn't to immersion reading at the same time, I would have given this book one star. I did stop the audio book and re-read some of the parts to be sure about my notes below, but even the amazing Savannah Thomas couldn't help the change in writing style for some of the characters. The audiobook is better in this instance.
+ FMC doesn't like to be touched, similarly to the MMC in book one - the difference is that the reasoning is clearly discussed.
+-I liked the part where (trying to be as vague as possible) MMC does something to FMC, and she doesn't forgive him right away; they also have a mature conversation after, which, compared to book one, it does show a bit more character growth but at the same time she didn't even try to fight, just took his crumbs..
- I think the steamy part was slightly missing in this one, it just wasn't it... it was just boring 🤷♂️ Losing virginity and continuing to have s*x all night is just so unrelatable I want to roll my eyes out of my head.
- Nat tries to cook Greek food.. (FOR THE GREEK MAFIA BOSS) because she wants to. I feel like this is something we need keep in mind. She does say it - she wants to, and not because she needs to. But then when learning to cook with Elouise she learns to make pasta and never tried to make him greek food again?! 0 consistency in writing, which can also be found in the points below.
- The timeline is off, I liked that this can be read as a standalone, but since they are connecting the 4 brothers during book two (Julian is age 43), it would have been nice to have the continuation of Elouise's revelation from the last chapters. Because it's not like it has been years passed. It is as if she never puked.
-If you've read book one>Sinful King, you might notice that the way Elouise and Scarlett are portrayed feels off. Don't get me wrong, they are sassy etc, but somehow it doesn't read right. As if their tone of voice has been reversed.
-
-
age-gap ; arranged-marriage ; abuse ; alc&drugs ; dark ; turture
If I didn't to immersion reading at the same time, I would have given this book one star. I did stop the audio book and re-read some of the parts to be sure about my notes below, but even the amazing Savannah Thomas couldn't help the change in writing style for some of the characters. The audiobook is better in this instance.
+ FMC doesn't like to be touched, similarly to the MMC in book one - the difference is that the reasoning is clearly discussed.
+-I liked the part where (trying to be as vague as possible) MMC does something to FMC, and she doesn't forgive him right away; they also have a mature conversation after, which, compared to book one, it does show a bit more character growth but at the same time she didn't even try to fight, just took his crumbs..
- I think the steamy part was slightly missing in this one, it just wasn't it... it was just boring 🤷♂️ Losing virginity and continuing to have s*x all night is just so unrelatable I want to roll my eyes out of my head.
- Nat tries to cook Greek food.. (FOR THE GREEK MAFIA BOSS) because she wants to. I feel like this is something we need keep in mind. She does say it - she wants to, and not because she needs to. But then when learning to cook with Elouise she learns to make pasta and never tried to make him greek food again?! 0 consistency in writing, which can also be found in the points below.
- The timeline is off, I liked that this can be read as a standalone, but since they are connecting the 4 brothers during book two (Julian is age 43), it would have been nice to have the continuation of Elouise's revelation from the last chapters. Because it's not like it has been years passed. It is as if she never puked.
-If you've read book one>Sinful King, you might notice that the way Elouise and Scarlett are portrayed feels off. Don't get me wrong, they are sassy etc, but somehow it doesn't read right. As if their tone of voice has been reversed.
-
-
age-gap ; arranged-marriage ; abuse ; alc&drugs ; dark ; turture
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