Arranged Control

by B.B. Hamel

I video called my boyfriend wearing nothing but pearls…
But the brutal mafia king picked up instead.

Cold gray eyes take in every inch of my exposed body before I have the chance to cover up.

Turns out, my deadbeat boyfriend has been run out of town, and now I’m supposed to marry a total stranger.

Seamus Whelan is a street-level gangster with a ruthless and terrifying reputation.

He’s gorgeous and chaotic with a red-hot passionate streak and a body that would make a Greek god jealous.

My father wants me to marry Seamus, but I’m afraid a monster like him will be my ruin.

Too bad death’s stalking me at every turn, starting with a bloody wedding present left on my doorstep.

Either I give myself over to Seamus’s possessive and controlling whims… or I’ll pay for sins that aren’t even mine.

Arranged Control is a spicy age gap standalone novel! It's full length with an HEA guaranteed.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

I'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.

I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.

Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter

Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup

Reviews

[Buffy ❤️‍🔥💀 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had potential but I just couldn’t get past the amateur writing. It was also way too fast paced and the MMC/FMC were insufferable

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Lies and Consequences -
This was a gripping, suspense-filled romance story with enough unpredictable emotional moments, that will catch you off guard as you eagerly turn the pages following Seamus and Alina’s whirlwind journey from a tension-filled first meeting to a happily ever after, with lots of twists in between. This is a fast paced, highish angst read with lots action-packed and steamy moments, read that will keep you totally engrossed from the first chapter. I highly recommend you make sure you are able to carve out a few hours where there would be no distractions, because once you start reading this book, there is no chance you will want to take a break.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Whelan story...

As we learned in the first book of this series (Arranged Obsession), the Whelan family is not to be underestimated. Cormac and Bianca have settled in, their marriage aligning the Marino family with the Whelans, and the next brother to marry is Seamus, to cement ties with the Russians. Only, he's not thrilled to be marrying a Morozov princess - one he doesn't even know - and what he doesn't know about who she is, and who she's related to is a HUGE problem for his organization and family, as they begin to turn up no longer breathing!

Alina was raised to understand her worth is tied to making an alliance (at some point) and she wished it wasn't so soon in her life, but does the right thing for her family, and agrees. Unfortunately for everyone involved, some one doesn't agree with this situation.

The intense drama and mystery about who is causing the bloodshed, and why, kept me on the edge of my seat, the page flipping effortlessly. This couple's dynamic was frosty and testy at the beginning, but turned into a longing for each other that was fun to follow. Their steamy chemistry was never in question, and I enjoyed seeing them find their way through this mystery together. The betrayals, disloyalties and lies made it difficult to pair the Morozov family with the Whelans, but in the end, it went the way I had hoped.

This has everything we love from this author, and I highly recommend reading her works. They are addictive, engaging, and enjoyable.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC (thank you) and my thoughts are my own.

[Rachel Santillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not hating on it by giving it three stars — I know most reviews are 4–5 stars, but three stars is still good! This was fine. It did what I needed it to do and gave me a little dark romance fix after coming off two five-star reads (paranormal and one contemporary). I wanted something different, and this scratched that itch.

I love a good mafia book, but this one was definitely on the lighter side. I’m always here for a possessive MMC who loves his girl, and Seamus was that. He and Alina were good together, but the whole plot felt a little rushed.

Alina herself was interesting but confusing at times. She’s painted as this “meek” mafia princess with strong leadership skills, someone who dips into the dark side but then pulls back, and then goes back again. I wanted her to be the partner she wanted to be for Seamus, to have more stake in the game. I couldn’t fully wrap my head around her, is she the meek little princess or the badass boss? I wanted to see that side of her pushed further, not necessarily the killer side, but the business, strategy, queen-of-the-upper-east-side energy. It felt like her character was stuck in the middle instead of owning her power completely.

I also wanted more development overall. More villain backstory, more buildup between Alina and Seamus. They both grew, but we didn’t really see that growth. The timeline felt fast, and everything seemed to happen in just a couple of weeks.

⚠️ LIGHT SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️

I wish we’d seen more of the behind the scenes work Alina did prepping for her brother to take over. We fast-forwarded through some great moments, and while she’s clearly capable, we only got glimpses of it. Also, I wanted at least a couple pages or her asshole brother recognizing that she is a bad ass and that he will treat her better as a sister and family, and what her role would be going forward. I needed a little gravel from that asshole too.

Overall, it was a good, easy read, perfect if you’re in the mood for a lighter dark romance/mafia story. I just needed a bit more depth, world-building, and character development to push it higher for me.

[Simply Adventures · Rating 2 out of 5]

currently reading at 35%.

So I keep seeing social media ads for this book and I decided to check it out period So far it's okay but it's very repetitive The internal dialogue of the MCs don't match what they are saying out loud to the other MC's. there's also a little time Jump and that kind of messes with the flow of the book in my opinion. then they get married but now there's this push and pull about where she wants to live and how she wants to live even though she knows she's going to live with him anyway. plus the whole dialogue around them being intimate after the wedding when they've already had sex before the wedding so the whole way that was handled was just kind of odd to me and felt more into book plot lines where they hadn't been intimate before.

plus the underlying plot line with the people being murdered it just seems very like not important and brushed off. then the whole letter outside of her window on the 33rd floor of her apartment complex and her trying to hide it after he showed her that basically anyone can break into her apartment she just is all chill about it.
. the FMC is leaning towards tstl to stupid to live.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arranged Control is a spicy age gap standalone novel! It's full length with an HEA guaranteed. This is Alina and Semaus story which is told from a dual point of view. A beautifully written story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps you riveted and turning the pages. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. A fast paced, dark, delicious and dirty read. Be swept away by the exquisite prose, evocative settings and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Experience the undeniable chemistry and sizzling tension between these two captivating characters. Indulge in the mesmerizing world of Arranged Control. This enchanting tale of weaves a spellbounding narrative of passion, destiny, and enduring the power of true love. Immerse yourself in a world of heart-stirring emotions as you follow the gripping love story that unfolds within the pages. Hang on to your seat and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with high-octane adventures, non-stop twists and turns, panty-melting passion and suspense.
Alina Morozov is a bratty and spoil Russian Bratva princess of the largest mafia family in New York City. She has a fashion boutique that she had worked hard into making it into the success that it is. As a female born in a mafia family Alina had a duty to perform for the betterment of her family whether it's for an alliance to strengthen their family or for more power. Although she know her duty is to serving the betterment of her family she still wants her own life and even have a boyfriend name Alex. Alina have not heard from nor see her boyfriend Alex in a couple of days and decided to give him a call since his last call to was through face time. She video call her boyfriend in her birthday suite wearing nothing but pearls around her neck. But it wasn't Alex who answered instead it was a brutal mafia king. He was immaculately dress and sitting in the backseat of a car. He was gorgeous and well groomed and had cold gray eyes and he took in every inch of her exposed body before she had a chance to cover up.
Semaus tells her that she's now his fiancée and that her and Alex relationship as ended. It turns out that her deadbeat boyfriend has been run out of town and now she's supposed to marry a total stranger. She immediately hang up the phone because she didn't believe anything that he had just told her. Semaus Whelan is one of the four Whelan brothers. He's an Irish mafia who handles the street grew. He's known as a street level gangster with a ruthless and terrifying reputation. He was surprised when he answers his phone and see his future wife naked in a string from the waist up in a pearl on the other end of the phone call. He agreed to the arrange marriage but didn't have any idea how beautiful his future wife was until that phone call. Alina was surprised that her father had arranged for her to be married and was livid with the situation and what surprised her even more is that the wedding will be taking place in three weeks.
The two family is joining together for an alliance. She knows that one day this time will come but that doesn't mean that she would be okay with the situation. Although Semaus is known to be ruthless he surprises Alina with the most after designer to help with her day. The two started their relationship on a tumultuous rollercoaster ride because they didn't know each other. But they eventually got a hang of it and became a happy and functional couple and him being a protective hero. Although their relationship started rocky they ended up falling in love with each other. As they finally got settled into marry life someone is attacking the Whelan family as bodies started going up on their door steps. Will the two families worked together to defeat the enemy Molchanie? Does her father know who this enemy is? And will Alina get the information needed to protect her new found family from losing anyone to this enemy? Will these two get their HEA?

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75stars—ARRANGED CONTROL by BB Hamel is contemporary, adult stand alone story line set in the author’s Dark Arranged Marriage Mafia romance series. This is heir to the Whelan Irish Crime Syndicate Seamus Whelan, and Russian Bratva princess Alina Morozov.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Seamus and Alina) ARRANGED CONTROL follows in the wake of the arranged marriage between our story line couple. In an effort to merge their powers, Alina’s father Ruslan Morozov arranged his daughter in marriage to the heir to the Whelan Irish Crime Syndicate Seamus Whelan but Alina had been broadsided, and struggles with her future to a man known to be an Irish assassin. From the outset someone is targeting people connected to our story line couple but the reality is much darker, and threatens any future happiness together for Alina and Seamus.

The world building follows the tempestuous but building relationship between Alina and Seamus. Seamus is willing to give their relationship a try but Alina is determined to defy Seamus at every turn even in the face of threats against our story line couple.

The relationship between Seamus and Alina is an arrange marriage, one of which Alina refuses to accept. Having been raised as a Bratva princes, Alina knows her life is no longer her own but our heroine is determined to prove she is a worthy opponent for our story line hero. Seamus is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but her often TSTL attitude threatens the safety of everyone involved. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

The secondary and supporting character are energetic and dynamic. We are introduced to Seamus’s brother Finn, and their parents Padraig and Siobhan; Alina’s brother Teras, and their father Ruslan Morozov.

ARRANGED CONTROL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, madness and obsession, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is passionate; the characters are determined and charismatic.


copy supplied for review

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina Morozov is the daughter of the most powerful Russian Pakhan in New York City. She has been dating Alex for about a year. She has not seen or heard from in a few days. When she sees that she missed a FaceTime call from him, she thinks this is an opportunity to put some spice back in their relationship. She impulsively puts on a set of pearls and sexy underwear and nothing else. She is nude from the waist up. She is stunned when it is not Alex who answers his phone. The man who answered Alex’s phone is in the back seat of a car dressed in a sharp, black suit. He is handsome and older than Alex and much better looking.

Padraig and Siobhan Whelan have four sons. Declan is the oldest and will take over as the head of the family when Padraig dies. Cormac is the Whelan Family ghost. He is the main enforcer especially in difficult situations. Seamus heads the crews that are on the street. Finn is the youngest who is eager and ready to prove himself.

Seamus is the one who answers Alex’s phone. He tells Alina that he knows exactly who she is. He tells her that Alex will no longer be in a relationship with her and is leaving town. He also mentions that they are getting married in a few weeks. Alina hangs up with Seamus. She hopes Seamus is lying but she knows that her father has been working more closely with the Whelan Family. Alina knew her father would do something like this eventually. Alina was given everything she needed with the agreement that one day she would pay her father back. She puts on sweats and drives over to her father’s house to confront him. He treats her like she is a property he owns. He confirms that she will be marrying Seamus Whelan.

These two are quite the pair. I was hoping Seamus would see Alina as more than just an arranged marriage. I was hoping Alina would give Seamus a chance to show that he is more than just another mafia criminal. I am loving these stories.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Arranged Control, Alina likes her independence. She lives in her own condo, has her own boutique, and is dating someone. Although, he is a deadbeat, she is in a comfortable place. The night she meets Seamus she calls her boyfriend and with confidence she video calls him wearing nothing but pearls. However, her boyfriend doesn’t answer, Seamus does and it is then when Alina finds out her father planned an arranged marriage behind her back.

Seamus Whelan is a killer. One thing he values is family. There is an instant attraction from the time he meets Alina. He is determined to make this marriage work even though she fights him at every turn. When people around him start getting killed, he makes it his mission to find out who is responsible for these deaths. He also does whatever it takes to protect Alina including moving into her place. Will they be able to put aside their differences? Will they work on this marriage?

B.B Hamel takes us back to the Whelan clan. Their enemies are more brutal based on how horrific their friends are being killed. One thing is for sure, the family goes through many lengths to protect each other. During their investigation, truths are revealed and secrets exposed. I felt bad for Alina. She refused to be scared but Seamus was the only one she trusts in the end. He proved to her he will do anything to keep her safe. This book was filled with action, spice, drama, and two shocking twists. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I am so excited for the next Whelan brother.

[Sarah S · Rating 1 out of 5]

1. She's a super slut or something - if you're looking for tension, there is none in this book. She has a boyfriend she's all sad about and then like 2 hours later she's having sex with the guy her dad arranged for her to marry and the whole time, they're like, oh, are you using me? You shouldn't do this.... C'mon - they're engaged so not sure where the danger or excitement is

2. And during those 2 hours between the facetime call and when they have sex, he ran out and bought her a pearl necklace, even though she was already wearing one.

3. But this is the best. After meeting this guy for the first time for 2 minutes in her lobby, she puts on the pearl necklace and some lingerie and then is like -let's have sex!

4. And right before this, he shows her a video of her bf with tosn of needles in his arm from doing IV drugs and having sex with homeless women in abandoned bldgs and then they have unprotected sex. If I was her, I'd run out and get an STD test but more importalyt, I don't understand why the dude was like, I want to marry her! Why can't he demand someone with less STDs.

5. And then after they have sex, she throws him out and is made him. It was so bizarre.

6. It's like she had LOSER tatooed on her forehead and DESPERATE tatooed on her chest. She just seemed so pathetic I was embarassed for her.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance
All her life Alina Morozov has done what is right. She followed the rules. She played the game. She was rewarded in some ways, but in so many others she was shoved aside and treated like nothing more than a pretty little doll. Now the time has come to do her duty for the family. She must marry Seamus Whelan. She does not want to be attracted to this gangster especially after what he did to her boyfriend, but she is. Alina is a pain to Seamus. Not because she is stubborn or because she has an obsessive neat freak. She is a pain because he care’s what she thinks and he wants to make her happy. Now everyone he cares about is in danger because he will not give her up. This is a steamy arranged mafia romance between two opposites. He drifts on the wind while she stays anchored against the storm. To her he is rot and chaos. To him she is a pain, but she is his. The twists and turns in this story are filled with secrets, betrayal, violence and so much more as Seamus tries to save his family without ruining his marriage and potentially starting a war. Definite page turner.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

All that stubborn, organized, and with a plan for everything, Alina Morozov, had ever known was to obey, be a good girl, and make her mafia family proud. Rebelling against what was already in place might seem futile, but she wasn't willing to let her insecurities control her decisions. Try, that's what she could do, and even more so with this man who attracted her so much. The ruthless yet carefree Seamus Whelan knew his duty well, but the situation he was now facing was completely unexpected and very dangerous. What was behind this and why? I found the turn this story took different and unexpected. Bravo to the author, who never ceases to surprise me with the exciting and intense plots she develops that capture my attention. I always enjoy seeing how the characters evaluate and make decisions and the outcomes, whether good or bad, and the author always seems ready to oblige. I liked how Alina handled the difficult situation that threatened many and how the mysterious circumstances surrounding the protagonist were gradually revealed. A story filled with action, suspense, violence, mystery, surprises, romance, and passion that kept me intrigued until the end. I voluntarily reviewed this copy I received from Booksprout and found it highly entertaining.

[Rebecca Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged Control is a Mafia arranged marriage story. It features Alina the daughter of a Russian family and Seamus who is the son of an Irish family. To make a new strong aliance between the Irish and Russians, its decided that Alina and Seamus will marry. Being the daughter of the Russian family its Alinas job obey and do whats expected of her. She has been given a bit of freedom by being allowed her own place, a boutique and a secret boyfriend. After not hearing from him for ages she video calls him in nothing but pearls but instead of her boyfriend answering its Seamus. He was reluctant at first with the marriage but after seeing Alina he becomes obsessed even though Alina wants nothing to do with him. On their wedding day a dead body shows up showing Seamus someone is after him so he decides hes sticking by Alina and not letting her leave his side. But when a mysterious assassin wants Seamus to let Alina go he decides to fight for her.

A great well written story. I love watching Seamus let his walls down for Alina and then he starts to let her in. Alina is stronger than others give her credit for and seeing both Seamus and Alina working together is great. This story is a action-packed, dramatic story full of twists and turns. I really enjoyed it.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Stars – Addictively Dark and Deliciously Intense!
Arranged Control by B.B. Hamel is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat from the first page and doesn’t let go until long after you’ve finished. It’s a perfect mix of dark romance, raw emotion, and gripping tension that keeps you completely hooked.
The chemistry between the main characters is absolutely explosive — forbidden, dangerous, and yet impossibly magnetic. B.B. Hamel does an incredible job of balancing power, passion, and vulnerability, making you feel every ounce of desire and defiance between them. The arranged marriage trope is done brilliantly, layered with secrets, control, and unexpected tenderness that gives the story real depth.
The writing is sharp, sensual, and emotionally charged. Every chapter leaves you wanting more, and by the end, you’re completely invested in their twisted yet beautiful love story.
If you love dark, intense, and passionately written romances with a strong heroine and an alpha who burns for her, Arranged Control is an absolute must-read. B.B. Hamel never misses — and this book proves exactly why she’s one of the best in the genre.
🔥 Unputdownable, intoxicating, and full of heart — 5 stars all the way!

[Rozebudzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alina and Seamus

Alina is a bratva princess and Seamus is an Irish mob street enforcer. She’s forced into an arranged marriage with him and is resisting it. He doesn’t seem to care one way or another and is just going along for the sake of his family’s peace.

They have distinctly different personalities. Alina is a bit of a control freak, is very organized, loves her independence tho she always knew she’d have an arranged marriage, grumpy when she doesn’t get her way. Her toxic relationship with her father made her insecure. Seamus is laid back, goes along with whatever Alina wants but obsessive about her safety, loves his family and has a positive and sunny attitude.

So they have to learn to cooperate and work together all while somebody from Alina’s past is threatening their marriage.

It took awhile for me to like Alina - her OCD got a bit annoying - but she slowly won me over. Seamus is great and I loved how he didn’t fight his attraction to Alina. I loved all the little thoughtful things he did for her, how he paid attention and listened to her and made sure she was happy.

There’s no 3rd act breakup, it’s dual POV, with interesting side characters. The plot is well paced. The ending is a little Shakespearean but Alina and Seamus get their HEA.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

BB Hamel, I don't know what magic you sprinkle into your books but it's addicting and I immediately was hooked once again. No one writes a dark arranged marriage age gap mafia romance like BB. Where the men are always obsessed and possessive in the most deliciously morally-grey way. And the women are fierce and resilient.

Seriously loved this mafia world and the characters were fantastic. The story was captivating and kept me giddy with anticipation.

Seamus and Alina had some of the best banter and sizzling chemistry.
I was giggling like a loon and melting from the heat.

“My name’s Seamus Whelan, and we’re getting married in a couple of weeks. It’s good to meet you.”

Tropes:
Mafia
Arranged marriage
Age-gap
Enemies-to-lovers
Spicy
Morally-gray
Obsessed/Possessive
Dual POV

Check TW

I couldn't get enough, this was a page-turner for sure. With all the excitement and action this mafia world brings there was never a dull moment.
I love this series of arranged marriage standalones. The Whelan family is just my favorite. I loved that we got a glimpse into Cormac and Bianca from Arranged Obsession. Can't wait for the next brother's story.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with a nude FaceTime call and pearls and ended with a happily ever after. The book did a good job of getting my attention, and better yet, kept it. I liked Seamus; he’s easy to like. But I also liked Alina, who is uptight and uber obsessive. She has organization down to a T. Normally I’m not crazy about that kind of character, but she was endearing.
One of the main themes about this book was that there’s more than one side to a story, and things are more complicated than meets the eye. Another is the importance of family, and doing right by the people who work for your family.
I enjoyed that there was more to the characters than caricature. They are complex and never boring. I did figure out the big mystery before the main characters were married, but it still thought it was well done.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Seamus and Alina
Heat- explicit
Safety? Y
Triggers- graphic violence, language, betrayal.
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Arranged Marriage, He Ain’t Heavy- He’s My Bratva, Simply Mad About the Mob, Opposites Attract, Serial Unaliver, The Nose Knows.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marcia Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged Control is a dark mafia romance that begins with an arranged marriage and includes a “touch her and die” moment right from the first chapter (but really, what else could we expect when the FMC starts the book by saying she already has a boyfriend?).
Seamus and Alina are complete opposites, he likes to live in the moment without thinking too much about the future, while she can’t survive without having everything perfectly planned and organized. But as the saying goes, opposites attract, and these love birds were no exception to the rule.
It’s the perfect example of a book you start reading and simply can’t put down until the very end!

Favorite quote:
“I explained to him that he is no longer in a relationship with you and that he’s going to leave the city for good before the sun rises tomorrow morning. He was very understanding.”.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Arranged Obsession (Book 1), the Whelan crime family proved their power. Now, Cormac and Bianca are married, tying the Marinos to the Whelans. Next up: Seamus must wed a Morozov princess to seal a Russian alliance. He’s furious—he doesn’t even know her, and her hidden ties spell deadly trouble for his family as allies start dropping dead. Alina was raised knowing her value lies in a strategic marriage. She hates the timing but agrees for her family. Problem is, someone violently opposes the union. The mystery of who’s behind the killings kept me glued to every page. Seamus and Alina start icy and combative, but their friction melts into fiery longing. The steamy chemistry sizzles, and watching them solve the danger together is a thrill. Betrayals and lies threaten to derail the alliance, but it ends exactly how I wanted.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

To seal a new aliance between the Irish and Russians they decided it will be through marriage but the choosen pair dont have the best of starts. Alina knew she couldn't have a normal relationship being the daughter of the ruthless russian pakhan but she had Alex or so she thought, when he finally returns her calls afters a few days radio silence she decides to try and spice things up by answering in just a pearl necklace only its Seamus who picks up the call and sees all of her on show. Seamus was reluctant at first but after seeing all of Alina it sparks his obsessed but Alina wants nothing to do with him, but when a body shows up on their wedding day and they become a target Seamus wont let his wife out of his sights, but will others force them apart? Well written engaging steamy desires drama action, obsession, twists and more!.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruslan Morozov wants to broker a strong alliance between his Russian Bratva and the Whealan Irish Crime Family and a marriage between his daughter Alina, and Seamus Whelan, the enforcer for the family would be the strongest link. While Seamus decides being married to the beautiful Alina wouldn't be the "worst idea", Alina is less than eager until they have sex. Despite originally being against the marriage, she begins to see Seamus as her "forever" but there is danger surrounding them as several mysterious murders happen and they seem to be related to their marriage. I loved this story but then, I have never found any of the stories BB Hamel has written to be anything but addictive to the very last word! This is a story that MUST be read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid Arranged Mafia Marriage Romance!!

Seamus is on the Irish side of things. Alina is the daughter of the Russian Pakhan. She plans a spicy face time with her boyfriend and ends up with Seamus - teaching her boyfriend a lesson for cheating on her and more. In that call he informs her they are to marry in two weeks.

The character development is sublime. Neither match the other's preconceived ideas. The chemistry is off the charts. Just as they settle into each other an assassin decides they need to divorce, and heads will roll unless that happens.

It is dark and gritty in the best way, with intrigue, romance and politics all playing their part. These stories have become top-of-list must-reads for me.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

As with the previous book, I noticed some contradictions in the writing, such as an important text message. It was written one way, and a completely different way in the next chapter. I also guessed the big reveal pretty quickly, too. Still, I loved Alina with all her organizing and planning, and I wanted her happy. Seamus was funny, arrogant, and really in need of a constant in his life, instead of just drifting from one thing to another. He definitely found that in Alina. I wish their relationship had been more developed, as a lot of their time together was focused on their physical attraction, but I appreciated that big misunderstandings weren't too drawn out. I really like Seamus's family, and I definitely want to see his other two brothers happy. Also, I love their mother.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged Control is another fast paced and well written story. It follows Bratva princess Alina and Seamus, one of the brothers from the Irish gangster family Whelan.
Their story starts of hot, and their relationship remains very hot throughout the book.

~~“That’s my girl,” he whispers, pulling one arm behind my back so I’m pinned. I’ve never been this out of control before in my life, and I love it.~~

This book had me hooked from the start, and even though I guessed who the assassin was from the beginning, it kept me on the edge of my seat.

~~I wonder what it’s like living in a world where there isn’t d3ath and pain lurking behind every doorway.
I’ll never know. (Seamus)~~.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when you least expect, the stars align!
I feel for Alina as she steps outside of her comfort zone to delight her boyfriend, only to have a total stranger, Seamus answer his phone who is very pleased to see his future bride on the other side! Alina always knew her father would expect her duty for the family, but reality is a different matter. What follows is an unexpected turn of events for Seamus and Alina who seemingly become the target of an infamous assassin that feels personal. Yet when the unexpected demand from said assassin to Seamus, leaves Seamus reeling with what to do for his family or his wife that has now broken through his armor around his heart. How it all ends, will have you turning the pages to the very end and B. B. plays the plot perfectly!

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina has everything under control, a home she loves a boutique that shes proud to call her own, a sort of on and off boyfriend( who’s a deadbeat as she later learns) but her world is soon turned upside down when she’s forced to marry Seamus Whelan in order to align the Russian mafia with the Irish mafia. We met Seamus in the previous book, he’s aloof, an enforcer and strong willed, when they meet via FaceTime attraction is evident but soon they bicker about everything but to follow their will they won’t they is riveting. It’s not all smooth sailing but they are a well matched couple , also someone is out to get the Whelan family. This was full of drama, twists, violence, unexpected treachery but also love, protective MMC, fiery FMc and steamy too. Can’t wait for the next read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina finds out that she is set to marry Seamus when she video calls her boyfriend in nothing but pearls, but Seamus answers the call. Seamus liked what he saw and decided to tell Alina that their marriage is set for a couple of weeks. Alina grew up the daughter of a Bratva leader, knowing that she would be married off one day for the good of the family. These two are complete opposites, but they bring out the best in each other. They also go through a lot of danger, violence, suspense, secrets, and crazy twists to finally get their happily ever after. Arranged Control is a well written, dark, Mafia romance with a page turning storyline and captivating characters. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[CherylB · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when your father, who happens to be the Pakhan, arranges for you to be married to a man who is over 10 years older and a high ranking Irish mafia? You do your duty of course. But then you start to care about him. And he starts to care about you. Throw in a mysterious Russian assassin to complicate matters and you have a wonderfully twisted delightful dark romance. Alina and Seamus don’t look like they will fit. She is uptight and overly organized. Seamus is a bend with the wind carefree spirit.His new obsession with pushing Alina’s buttons seems to settle him down. Can they survive the assassin’s demands? This story kept me up late reading just one more chapter.

[SassyCM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, it took a second to get oriented. After being in Philly for the last couple of books, BB Hamel takes us back to NYC. Back to our most favorite Irish crime family ...

Oh how I love the Whelan clan.

After seeing Cormac all settled down it's now Seamus' turn. He couldn't have been paired with a better counterpart. Alina absolutely rocks!

She seems all quirky with her charts and list but she is just a thoroughly organized person and a perfect addition to the family. And Seamus ... Oh Seamus. Pure darling that one. A mafia golden retriever if ever there was one.

Must read for BB Hamel fans and everybody looking for sweet but action packed mafia story.

[Crystal Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamus is chaotic, funny, but also a little deadly while Alina is the prim and proper bratva princess (who has a whole lot of sass)! They are complete opposites yet have the hottest chemistry. He makes her a little wild and she brings out his more serious side. They compliment each other despite how different they are. Someone starts murdering people at their wedding to send a message about their union. I was very surprised and who that someone turned out to be. The danger lurking in the background kept me on my toes. Between the plot and the spice, this book was perfection! Can’t wait for more Whelan brothers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.