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Reckless Seduction: A Captive Mafia Romance
All new captive mafia romance with forbidden love, two sexy alpha males, and more betrayal than a soap opera. Jo McCall delivers another deliciously dark romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Cheated on. Kidnapped. But hey, at least I have a bottle of Whiskey to keep me warm.
Bailey Jameson had hit a new low when she found her fiance in bed with her best friend.
And apparently not for the first time.
Life couldn’t get any worse.
That was until she suddenly became the captive of a pair of Irish Twins who are set on owning every inch of her.
They command her. Own her. Make her feel things she’d never experienced before.
Secrets will be revealed.
Truths will tear apart everything she has ever known.
Can Bailey spy on the man who rescued and raised her or will she betray the only people who ever made her feel wanted?
Layers of subterfuge slowly begin to unravel and the house of cards has begun to crumble.
Will the truth set her free or bind her to another cage?
The truth may be buried and dead, but secrets have a way of speaking from the grave.
***
Author *Sigh* Seamus and Kiernan. Carefree and fun-loving mixed with a hard nut to crack. These two are the loves of my life. Introducing them in Poisoned Empire had my heart pounding and I couldn't wait to tell their story. They are the very foundation of what makes a book boyfriend. And Bailey, sweet, naive, Bailey. They'll never let her go, but that doesn't mean she won't try to get away. She's as sweet at she is sassy. As cunning as she is naive. These two alpha males do not play by the rules.
Reckless Seduction is the first book in a 'dark' series of stand-alones, gritty, with an HEA, no cliffhangers, and plenty of spicy sandwiches. See author site for CWs.
Cheated on. Kidnapped. But hey, at least I have a bottle of Whiskey to keep me warm.
Bailey Jameson had hit a new low when she found her fiance in bed with her best friend.
And apparently not for the first time.
Life couldn’t get any worse.
That was until she suddenly became the captive of a pair of Irish Twins who are set on owning every inch of her.
They command her. Own her. Make her feel things she’d never experienced before.
Secrets will be revealed.
Truths will tear apart everything she has ever known.
Can Bailey spy on the man who rescued and raised her or will she betray the only people who ever made her feel wanted?
Layers of subterfuge slowly begin to unravel and the house of cards has begun to crumble.
Will the truth set her free or bind her to another cage?
The truth may be buried and dead, but secrets have a way of speaking from the grave.
***
Author *Sigh* Seamus and Kiernan. Carefree and fun-loving mixed with a hard nut to crack. These two are the loves of my life. Introducing them in Poisoned Empire had my heart pounding and I couldn't wait to tell their story. They are the very foundation of what makes a book boyfriend. And Bailey, sweet, naive, Bailey. They'll never let her go, but that doesn't mean she won't try to get away. She's as sweet at she is sassy. As cunning as she is naive. These two alpha males do not play by the rules.
Reckless Seduction is the first book in a 'dark' series of stand-alones, gritty, with an HEA, no cliffhangers, and plenty of spicy sandwiches. See author site for CWs.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2023
About the author
Jo McCall
20 books264 followersJo McCall writes dark, contemporary and paranormal romance with a mafia focus.
A paramedic for over ten years, Jo traded in her stethoscope for paper and pen after an injury left her unable to finish out her career.
She is an avid reader of anything dark and steamy and when she isn’t writing, you can find her making a rather large dent in her TBR.
She is a lover of strong but vulnerable heroines who find their own and hot, sexy alpha males who might be a tad bit over-possessive. Jo loves to lose herself in her characters and the flaws and darkness that surround them.
There is no shame found here, and she often gets lost when writing out those erotic, steamy scenes that make women’s (and men’s) fantasies come true.
“There is nothing like getting lost in something. you know is wrong, but still can’t resist.”
Jo currently resides in the beautiful state of Washington with her two dogs.
A paramedic for over ten years, Jo traded in her stethoscope for paper and pen after an injury left her unable to finish out her career.
She is an avid reader of anything dark and steamy and when she isn’t writing, you can find her making a rather large dent in her TBR.
She is a lover of strong but vulnerable heroines who find their own and hot, sexy alpha males who might be a tad bit over-possessive. Jo loves to lose herself in her characters and the flaws and darkness that surround them.
There is no shame found here, and she often gets lost when writing out those erotic, steamy scenes that make women’s (and men’s) fantasies come true.
“There is nothing like getting lost in something. you know is wrong, but still can’t resist.”
Jo currently resides in the beautiful state of Washington with her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 17, 2026
3.5 stars, In this mafia book Bailey ends up catching her fiancé cheating on her with her best friend. She doesn't think her life can get any worse until she witnesses something she shouldn't and becomes the captive of a pair of Irish Twins who are set on owning every inch of her. If you're into why choose and mafia, this is a good book for you.
May 27, 2026
1/5 ⭐️
I couldn’t really get into this story. It was mentioned in the beginning of the book that this is part of an interconnected series, but can be read as a standalone. I would disagree, as it makes a lot of references I didn’t understand and got confusing especially with all of the plot twists. I think that, along with not enough lead up and descriptive background on the characters and story, made it difficult to understand.
The characters seemingly liked each other right away, despite the MMCs Seamus and Kiernan, kidnapping the FMC Bailey. I found Bailey’s inner monologue absolutely cringe, too. She constantly refers to her “inner hussy” and everything came off so immature. I couldn’t connect at all with the characters or the writing.
Thank you Jo McCall and The Smuthood for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
#RecklessSeduction #JoMcCall #TheSmuthood #ARC
I couldn’t really get into this story. It was mentioned in the beginning of the book that this is part of an interconnected series, but can be read as a standalone. I would disagree, as it makes a lot of references I didn’t understand and got confusing especially with all of the plot twists. I think that, along with not enough lead up and descriptive background on the characters and story, made it difficult to understand.
The characters seemingly liked each other right away, despite the MMCs Seamus and Kiernan, kidnapping the FMC Bailey. I found Bailey’s inner monologue absolutely cringe, too. She constantly refers to her “inner hussy” and everything came off so immature. I couldn’t connect at all with the characters or the writing.
Thank you Jo McCall and The Smuthood for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
#RecklessSeduction #JoMcCall #TheSmuthood #ARC
May 10, 2026
ARC Review - 3.25 ⭐️
This dark mafia romance follows twin Irish mobsters and an investigative journalist FMC, and while I enjoyed parts of it, I definitely wished I connected with it a little more overall. The storyline had a few issues for me personally, but nothing major enough to completely take me out of the story.
That being said, if you’re looking for a quick read with plenty of spice and enough plot to keep things moving, this one might work for you. The twins were honestly the highlight of the entire book for me. Their dynamic kept things entertaining the whole way through.
There’s betrayal, danger, and discussions involving trafficking, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Also… they kept mentioning edging and I’m still sitting here trying to figure out where it was because I did not see it.
Just because this one wasn’t fully for me doesn’t mean it won’t hit perfectly for someone else!
This dark mafia romance follows twin Irish mobsters and an investigative journalist FMC, and while I enjoyed parts of it, I definitely wished I connected with it a little more overall. The storyline had a few issues for me personally, but nothing major enough to completely take me out of the story.
That being said, if you’re looking for a quick read with plenty of spice and enough plot to keep things moving, this one might work for you. The twins were honestly the highlight of the entire book for me. Their dynamic kept things entertaining the whole way through.
There’s betrayal, danger, and discussions involving trafficking, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Also… they kept mentioning edging and I’m still sitting here trying to figure out where it was because I did not see it.
Just because this one wasn’t fully for me doesn’t mean it won’t hit perfectly for someone else!
May 24, 2026
This book had me on the edge of my seat for the whole book. Trying to figure out who exactly Bailey really was and how she fit into the whole grand scheme of things. I loved trying to piece the puzzle together as I read and little bread crumbs kept me guessing up until near the reveal. Which I loved because I'm usually able to figure things out fairly quickly but the author did an amazing job of only dropping enough clues throughout to hold you until they were ready for you to have the entire picture. The spice in this book was great! Seamus and Kiernan were the perfect Irish twins for an amazing twin sandwich! The betrayals that take place throughout this book will have you ready to throw it against a wall but the payback and make-ups are amazing! If you're looking for an action filled, suspense, romance this is definitely the book for you!
May 11, 2026
[4 ⭐️] ARC Review ✨ I will start off by saying, please, please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. While it isn’t the darkest romance I’ve read, it touches a lot of sensitive topics.
That being said…I truly enjoyed this book! Got to love a good “why choose” and the Kavanaugh twins… 🤤 I don’t blame Bailey one bit, cause I’d fold just as easy girl. I did feel like it took a bit to get to the plot (first half the book is all smut with a sprinkle of plot), but I’m not complaining. The story and events that happen in the second half the book definitely made up for it and balanced out the content well, in my opinion. I definitely will be reading more of Jo McCall’s mafia romance books!
Thank you to The Smuthood and author Jo McCall for the opportunity to read the advance copy! 🫶🏼
That being said…I truly enjoyed this book! Got to love a good “why choose” and the Kavanaugh twins… 🤤 I don’t blame Bailey one bit, cause I’d fold just as easy girl. I did feel like it took a bit to get to the plot (first half the book is all smut with a sprinkle of plot), but I’m not complaining. The story and events that happen in the second half the book definitely made up for it and balanced out the content well, in my opinion. I definitely will be reading more of Jo McCall’s mafia romance books!
Thank you to The Smuthood and author Jo McCall for the opportunity to read the advance copy! 🫶🏼
May 15, 2026
⭐️Arc Review⭐️
Reckless Seduction
Kavanaugh Crime Family Book 1
Available Now
🖤CAPTIVE ROMANCE
🖤FIERY FMC
🖤MENAGE WHY-CHOOSE
🖤TWISTS AND TURNS YOU DON'T SEE COMING
🖤PIERCED
🖤TWINS WHO SHARE
The spice absolutely carried me through the first half of this book — and honestly? I wasn’t even mad about it. I’m convinced this was the definition of a mood read because once I hit the 60% mark, I FLEW through the rest and couldn’t put it down.
There’s betrayal, danger, trauma, and themes involving trafficking, so definitely check trigger warnings before diving in. But whew… this book was a ride.
Huge thank you to The Smuthood and author Jo McCall for the ARC opportunity! I’ll definitely be picking up more of Jo McCall’s mafia romances.
Reckless Seduction
Kavanaugh Crime Family Book 1
Available Now
🖤CAPTIVE ROMANCE
🖤FIERY FMC
🖤MENAGE WHY-CHOOSE
🖤TWISTS AND TURNS YOU DON'T SEE COMING
🖤PIERCED
🖤TWINS WHO SHARE
The spice absolutely carried me through the first half of this book — and honestly? I wasn’t even mad about it. I’m convinced this was the definition of a mood read because once I hit the 60% mark, I FLEW through the rest and couldn’t put it down.
There’s betrayal, danger, trauma, and themes involving trafficking, so definitely check trigger warnings before diving in. But whew… this book was a ride.
Huge thank you to The Smuthood and author Jo McCall for the ARC opportunity! I’ll definitely be picking up more of Jo McCall’s mafia romances.
Did Not Finish
May 12, 2026Not rating since I DNF'd the ARC at 25% but wanted to explain that I just couldn't get into this story. Too much coming at you all at once and things get physical almost instantly but I don't feel the passion or anything as to why other than she's female and there.
The other characters may be from other books by the author but having not read those there's just too many introduced from the get go before we even really meet the main characters of this book. I don't usually mind jumping into interconnected standalones out of order but we get too much about these other stories so it derails this main one.
The other characters may be from other books by the author but having not read those there's just too many introduced from the get go before we even really meet the main characters of this book. I don't usually mind jumping into interconnected standalones out of order but we get too much about these other stories so it derails this main one.
May 13, 2026
I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately, so maybe I’m being slightly harsher than usual, but unfortunately Reckless Seduction just didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would.
On paper, this had so many elements that should have been a win: dark romance, Irish mafia, twin why choose, kidnapping/captive setup, betrayal, morally gray alpha MMCs, and lots of spice. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t quite land for me.
My biggest issue throughout the entire book was Bailey. I really wanted to connect with her, but her internal monologue constantly pulled me out of the story. The repeated use of phrases like “my inner hussy,” “my inner feminist,” and other similar personifications of her thoughts felt strange, juvenile, and honestly just repetitive after a while. Every time it popped up, I cringed a little. It felt like the author was trying to make Bailey quirky or self-aware, but instead it made her narration feel immature in a way that didn’t fit the darker tone of the book. There were much cleaner ways to communicate her internal conflict without those recurring phrases.
I also really struggle with miscommunication as a trope, and this book leaned heavily into it. So much of the conflict felt rooted in characters simply not saying what needed to be said, which is personally frustrating for me as a reader. On top of that, some of the twists and reveals felt like they existed more for dramatic shock value than because they were naturally built into the plot. There is definitely a soap-opera level of betrayal and chaos here (which, to be fair, is basically promised in the blurb), but some of it felt a little over the top rather than emotionally impactful.
Another issue for me was the “standalone” aspect. While this is marketed as part of a series of interconnected standalones, I personally did not feel like this functioned well as a true standalone. There was so much backstory, relationship history, and world context that clearly stemmed from previous books, and I spent a decent amount of time feeling like I had missed something important. I don’t necessarily mind interconnected universes, but I do think standalone entries still need to provide enough context for new readers to feel grounded—and I just didn’t get that here.
As for the romance itself: I love why choose romance and have read several that I absolutely adored, including another twin why choose that was done incredibly well. Because of that, I had certain expectations going in, and this one just didn’t hit those for me. Some of my favorite elements commonly found in why choose romances were hinted at early on, which got my hopes up, but they never really materialized in the way I expected. That was probably one of my bigger disappointments.
That said, this book wasn’t a total miss.
I did genuinely enjoy the Irish mafia angle. We get so much Italian mafia and Bratva content in dark romance, so having something a little different felt refreshing. In fact, I actually wish the book had leaned even harder into that aspect. I would have loved more cultural immersion—Irish traditions, family customs, food, superstitions, slang, mannerisms, etc. There were opportunities to make the setting and characters feel even more distinct, and I found myself wanting more of that throughout the story.
The spice was definitely there (4/5 for me), and overall it was a relatively quick read, which I appreciated. I can absolutely see this working better for readers who enjoy over-the-top drama, heavy possessiveness, lots of chaos, and don’t mind some missing context from interconnected worlds.
For me, though, this ended up being just okay. Not terrible, not amazing—just not the right fit for my tastes.
Overall this was a quick, spicy dark romance with an interesting premise, but the FMC’s narration style, heavy miscommunication, and lack of standalone context made this a miss for me personally.
On paper, this had so many elements that should have been a win: dark romance, Irish mafia, twin why choose, kidnapping/captive setup, betrayal, morally gray alpha MMCs, and lots of spice. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t quite land for me.
My biggest issue throughout the entire book was Bailey. I really wanted to connect with her, but her internal monologue constantly pulled me out of the story. The repeated use of phrases like “my inner hussy,” “my inner feminist,” and other similar personifications of her thoughts felt strange, juvenile, and honestly just repetitive after a while. Every time it popped up, I cringed a little. It felt like the author was trying to make Bailey quirky or self-aware, but instead it made her narration feel immature in a way that didn’t fit the darker tone of the book. There were much cleaner ways to communicate her internal conflict without those recurring phrases.
I also really struggle with miscommunication as a trope, and this book leaned heavily into it. So much of the conflict felt rooted in characters simply not saying what needed to be said, which is personally frustrating for me as a reader. On top of that, some of the twists and reveals felt like they existed more for dramatic shock value than because they were naturally built into the plot. There is definitely a soap-opera level of betrayal and chaos here (which, to be fair, is basically promised in the blurb), but some of it felt a little over the top rather than emotionally impactful.
Another issue for me was the “standalone” aspect. While this is marketed as part of a series of interconnected standalones, I personally did not feel like this functioned well as a true standalone. There was so much backstory, relationship history, and world context that clearly stemmed from previous books, and I spent a decent amount of time feeling like I had missed something important. I don’t necessarily mind interconnected universes, but I do think standalone entries still need to provide enough context for new readers to feel grounded—and I just didn’t get that here.
As for the romance itself: I love why choose romance and have read several that I absolutely adored, including another twin why choose that was done incredibly well. Because of that, I had certain expectations going in, and this one just didn’t hit those for me. Some of my favorite elements commonly found in why choose romances were hinted at early on, which got my hopes up, but they never really materialized in the way I expected. That was probably one of my bigger disappointments.
That said, this book wasn’t a total miss.
I did genuinely enjoy the Irish mafia angle. We get so much Italian mafia and Bratva content in dark romance, so having something a little different felt refreshing. In fact, I actually wish the book had leaned even harder into that aspect. I would have loved more cultural immersion—Irish traditions, family customs, food, superstitions, slang, mannerisms, etc. There were opportunities to make the setting and characters feel even more distinct, and I found myself wanting more of that throughout the story.
The spice was definitely there (4/5 for me), and overall it was a relatively quick read, which I appreciated. I can absolutely see this working better for readers who enjoy over-the-top drama, heavy possessiveness, lots of chaos, and don’t mind some missing context from interconnected worlds.
For me, though, this ended up being just okay. Not terrible, not amazing—just not the right fit for my tastes.
Overall this was a quick, spicy dark romance with an interesting premise, but the FMC’s narration style, heavy miscommunication, and lack of standalone context made this a miss for me personally.
June 13, 2026
Thank you so much to Jo McCall and Smuthood PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Some books ease you into the chaos. Reckless Seduction grabs you by the hand, throws you into the deep end, and dares you to keep up.
First things first: please read the trigger warnings before starting this one. While it isn't the darkest mafia romance I've read, it does touch on several sensitive topics, including betrayal, trauma, violence, and trafficking themes.
I love a good why choose romance, and the Kavanaugh twins had me hooked from the beginning. Seamus and Keirnan are possessive, protective, morally grey, and completely devoted once Bailey gets under their skin. Honestly, I don't blame Bailey one bit for struggling to resist them.
What really worked for me was Bailey herself. She's sharp, stubborn, and refuses to be intimidated, even when she's completely out of her depth. The banter between her and the twins was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their dynamic felt playful at times, intense at others, and it kept me invested throughout.
I'll be honest and say the first half of the book focuses much more heavily on the romance than the larger mafia storyline. Thankfully, once the plot starts gaining momentum, it really takes off. The second half delivers plenty of twists, family drama, betrayals, and secrets that add depth to the story and raise the emotional stakes considerably.
Not every twist landed perfectly for me. Some of the bigger reveals felt like they arrived very quickly, and I would have loved a little more groundwork before certain revelations were dropped. There were also a few moments where communication issues between characters stretched on longer than I personally enjoy. Those things kept this from being a full five-star read.
That said, I had a genuinely great time with this book. There were multiple moments where I told myself I'd read "just one more chapter" only to realise another hour had disappeared. The chemistry was addictive, the atmosphere was dark and dramatic, and the emotional messiness of it all kept me thoroughly entertained.
If you enjoy why choose romance, Irish mafia men, morally grey heroes, strong-willed heroines, high emotional stakes, and stories where danger and romance collide, I think you'll have a lot of fun with this one.
I'll definitely be checking out more of Jo McCall's mafia romances in the future.
Some books ease you into the chaos. Reckless Seduction grabs you by the hand, throws you into the deep end, and dares you to keep up.
First things first: please read the trigger warnings before starting this one. While it isn't the darkest mafia romance I've read, it does touch on several sensitive topics, including betrayal, trauma, violence, and trafficking themes.
I love a good why choose romance, and the Kavanaugh twins had me hooked from the beginning. Seamus and Keirnan are possessive, protective, morally grey, and completely devoted once Bailey gets under their skin. Honestly, I don't blame Bailey one bit for struggling to resist them.
What really worked for me was Bailey herself. She's sharp, stubborn, and refuses to be intimidated, even when she's completely out of her depth. The banter between her and the twins was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their dynamic felt playful at times, intense at others, and it kept me invested throughout.
I'll be honest and say the first half of the book focuses much more heavily on the romance than the larger mafia storyline. Thankfully, once the plot starts gaining momentum, it really takes off. The second half delivers plenty of twists, family drama, betrayals, and secrets that add depth to the story and raise the emotional stakes considerably.
Not every twist landed perfectly for me. Some of the bigger reveals felt like they arrived very quickly, and I would have loved a little more groundwork before certain revelations were dropped. There were also a few moments where communication issues between characters stretched on longer than I personally enjoy. Those things kept this from being a full five-star read.
That said, I had a genuinely great time with this book. There were multiple moments where I told myself I'd read "just one more chapter" only to realise another hour had disappeared. The chemistry was addictive, the atmosphere was dark and dramatic, and the emotional messiness of it all kept me thoroughly entertained.
If you enjoy why choose romance, Irish mafia men, morally grey heroes, strong-willed heroines, high emotional stakes, and stories where danger and romance collide, I think you'll have a lot of fun with this one.
I'll definitely be checking out more of Jo McCall's mafia romances in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bailey Jameson’s world implodes in the most gut-wrenching way possible — her fiancé and her best friend, tangled together in a betrayal she never saw coming. With no desire to face her powerful, controlling father and the fallout of a broken arrangement, she does what any woman on the edge might do: she grabs a bottle of whiskey and drives. When her car dies in the parking lot of a club, she stumbles inside to drown her heartbreak — and walks straight into something that will upend her life all over again.
Seamus and Keirnan are not men you want to catch doing business in the dark. When the twins realize the woman watching them is an investigative reporter with sharp eyes and sharper instincts, the options are limited. Killing her is off the table — these men have a code — but letting her walk isn’t either. So they take her. What begins as cold, calculated strategy shifts the moment they realize exactly who Bailey is: the daughter of a powerful and deeply corrupt politician who has been a thorn in their side for years. She’s leverage. She’s a weapon. She’s a plan. What she isn’t, is easy to contain.
The plot thickens considerably as buried secrets begin to surface — layers of betrayal that stretch back years and reframe everything the twins and Bailey thought they knew. The conspiracy threading through the story keeps the pace urgent, and the emotional stakes climb right alongside the heat.
If you love your romance morally grey, your heroes dangerously possessive, and your heroines capable of burning it all down right alongside them, this one is absolutely worth the ride.
Bailey Jameson’s world implodes in the most gut-wrenching way possible — her fiancé and her best friend, tangled together in a betrayal she never saw coming. With no desire to face her powerful, controlling father and the fallout of a broken arrangement, she does what any woman on the edge might do: she grabs a bottle of whiskey and drives. When her car dies in the parking lot of a club, she stumbles inside to drown her heartbreak — and walks straight into something that will upend her life all over again.
Seamus and Keirnan are not men you want to catch doing business in the dark. When the twins realize the woman watching them is an investigative reporter with sharp eyes and sharper instincts, the options are limited. Killing her is off the table — these men have a code — but letting her walk isn’t either. So they take her. What begins as cold, calculated strategy shifts the moment they realize exactly who Bailey is: the daughter of a powerful and deeply corrupt politician who has been a thorn in their side for years. She’s leverage. She’s a weapon. She’s a plan. What she isn’t, is easy to contain.
The plot thickens considerably as buried secrets begin to surface — layers of betrayal that stretch back years and reframe everything the twins and Bailey thought they knew. The conspiracy threading through the story keeps the pace urgent, and the emotional stakes climb right alongside the heat.
If you love your romance morally grey, your heroes dangerously possessive, and your heroines capable of burning it all down right alongside them, this one is absolutely worth the ride.
May 19, 2026
I read this as an ARC, but it is easily something I could have picked out myself based on the blurb anyway.
The plot itself is interesting and I think it is actually fairly good. However, as with a lot of other mafia books, I find that there is something lacking. There could have been a lot more happening in between the kidnapping and the first naked encounter. I also wish we had more dialogue and events to build the book up further, not just sex (though the smut was top tier!).
For me, the time frame of this book is way too short to make sense, and I can't really wrap my head around the FMC being a super intelligent investigative journalist and also not seeing any warning signs or thinking of her family's treatment of her as "off" in any way.
There is also an issue with inconsistencies in this book:
- I believe Bailey initially was described as a brunette, but then she turned raven-haired for the rest of the book
- Is one or both twins pierced? If one, who? Because that has seemed to change throughout the book, even though I initially thought it was only Kiernan
- Some sentences changed their verb conjugations midway through, for no apparent reason
- When the chapters had a change in perspective, we were sometimes brought back a little in time. When this happened, there were sometimes descriptions in the chapter which didn't match the previous one's descriptions/events. Like the pin on Drew's lapel at the gala.
All in all, I think this book will be a bullseye for the right audience, but I think it would reach more readers if the author went over the inconsistencies and also wrote in more of a timeline to build the characters up more. Letting the audience get to know them better and having them getting to know each other better as well.
The plot itself is interesting and I think it is actually fairly good. However, as with a lot of other mafia books, I find that there is something lacking. There could have been a lot more happening in between the kidnapping and the first naked encounter. I also wish we had more dialogue and events to build the book up further, not just sex (though the smut was top tier!).
For me, the time frame of this book is way too short to make sense, and I can't really wrap my head around the FMC being a super intelligent investigative journalist and also not seeing any warning signs or thinking of her family's treatment of her as "off" in any way.
There is also an issue with inconsistencies in this book:
- I believe Bailey initially was described as a brunette, but then she turned raven-haired for the rest of the book
- Is one or both twins pierced? If one, who? Because that has seemed to change throughout the book, even though I initially thought it was only Kiernan
- Some sentences changed their verb conjugations midway through, for no apparent reason
- When the chapters had a change in perspective, we were sometimes brought back a little in time. When this happened, there were sometimes descriptions in the chapter which didn't match the previous one's descriptions/events. Like the pin on Drew's lapel at the gala.
All in all, I think this book will be a bullseye for the right audience, but I think it would reach more readers if the author went over the inconsistencies and also wrote in more of a timeline to build the characters up more. Letting the audience get to know them better and having them getting to know each other better as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
“I’m pretty sure my va***a would pull a Paris Hilton.”
Bailey is having a bad day so she decides to drown her sorrows in a bottle of whiskey but things take a drastic turn when she sees something she shouldn’t. Now she is being held against her will by twins Seamus and Kiernan. Now they may be hold her against her will but her inner hussy doesn’t care these twins are hot. Seamus and Kiernan have some plans for Bailey and as long as she’s a good girl she might like it. This book is moving fast. One minute it’s what are we doing with her then the next it’s plotting time. I can’t tell you what they’re plotting, just know it’s about to go down. And all while this is going one we have some kinkery in between. Bailey’s life is full of secrets heck she didn’t even know they were there. Something is going on with the twins. Kiernan is keeping secrets. It’s whole lotta whole lotta. Now sh*t is about to get messy. It really got messy and a bit bl**dy. Bailey is not a girl that you can walk all over that girl has some spunk. Though they may be twins they are different, Seamus is more attentive and Kiernan is more assertive. I did like this book but I’m not in love. For me it was the pacing. The first half of the book it moved fast and I was like wait a minute how did we get here. The last half of the book was a bit slow and dragged. I would have like to seen more of the relationship between the twins and Bailey. I felt like the glimpses we did get were rushed. There were some speed bumps along the way but they ended up happy.
Bailey is having a bad day so she decides to drown her sorrows in a bottle of whiskey but things take a drastic turn when she sees something she shouldn’t. Now she is being held against her will by twins Seamus and Kiernan. Now they may be hold her against her will but her inner hussy doesn’t care these twins are hot. Seamus and Kiernan have some plans for Bailey and as long as she’s a good girl she might like it. This book is moving fast. One minute it’s what are we doing with her then the next it’s plotting time. I can’t tell you what they’re plotting, just know it’s about to go down. And all while this is going one we have some kinkery in between. Bailey’s life is full of secrets heck she didn’t even know they were there. Something is going on with the twins. Kiernan is keeping secrets. It’s whole lotta whole lotta. Now sh*t is about to get messy. It really got messy and a bit bl**dy. Bailey is not a girl that you can walk all over that girl has some spunk. Though they may be twins they are different, Seamus is more attentive and Kiernan is more assertive. I did like this book but I’m not in love. For me it was the pacing. The first half of the book it moved fast and I was like wait a minute how did we get here. The last half of the book was a bit slow and dragged. I would have like to seen more of the relationship between the twins and Bailey. I felt like the glimpses we did get were rushed. There were some speed bumps along the way but they ended up happy.
May 23, 2026
My girl Bailey...damn your back must be achin from carrying all the humour in that family...she was a real show stopping FMC I loved her so much. Her inner monologue slapped and the rage baiting sent me. I was in stitches at her one-liners, those twins really have their work cut out for themselves 😅. Another reason I loved Bailey was because I could really relate to her. The over thinking, the spiraling, the use of dark humour...she's impeccable; even if she is an orgasm obsessed hussy! The twinnies, Kiernan and Seamus were the Alpha-male brothers we didn't know we needed. They complimented each other and Bailey perfectly. If Seamus is the soft angel, then Kiernan is the bold devil. Obviously both are bad boys in all the best ways possible, all the way down to those Jacob's ladders IYKYK. I do, however, wish we got more from Seamus and while I normally prefer a quick paced romance like this one, I really think the first half of the story could have benefited from a more slow burn approach with a little more world building and plot. I also feel like the first half was mostly immediate smut, without that tense relationship build up you'd normally get from kidnapper and kidnapee. I'm not saying that immediate smut is bad...definitely not 👀, I just would have loved more of Bailey's defiance, the twins' edging and those insane twists and turns spread throughout the book than just crammed in the last half, but that is just my own personal preference. This does not take away from the authors' writing at all. I will most definitely be adding the rest of Jo's works to my TBR.
May 14, 2026
I love a good Irish mafia romance and some good ole kidnapping with a healthy dose of Stockholm syndrome! And you don’t just get one hot Irish kidnapper…you get his twin too! Love the buy one get one free deal on this one. And there’s literally nothing I love more than a sassy heroine who puts the mmcs in their place. The plot was great, despite the murdering someone then kidnapping the witness part, there was a lot of vigilante justice which I loved. The banter and chemistry between Bailey and the twins had me hooked and I love their playful dynamic. There were a lot of plot twists near the end, totally unexpected and surprising, but I think there’s a limit to how “surprising” a plot twist can be because it has to be within reason if that makes sense? There has to be some sort of build up, and while there was a little, most of the twists were really just thrown out there and then explained in a very rushed manner. I just wished we got a little more explanation with some things, with suddenly new characters being added and lots of “life changing” plot twists. I did love the romance though, it’s hilarious how she was so attracted to them from the get go and constantly had to remind herself that they kidnapped her to stop herself from jumping their bones. But clearly they did not have the same regard and did not hesitate to jump hers. The smut was great, I don’t read a lot of harems or sharing so this one was extra spicy and fun for me. I give this a 3.5/5
May 16, 2026
✨✨✨
First off thank you to the author Jo McCall for sending me this for an arc read and also the smuthood!
WOW! I was hooked from the second Bailey punched Kiernan in the nose! That was bada**!!!
We follow Bailey as we watch her whole life unravel and everything she’s been told, made to feel and more is all a lie. All it takes is her walking into her apartment finding her fiancé and “best friend” in bed together. Finally at her breaking point she leaves!!!!!!!!
With no home and refusal to face her parent’s criticism, she does what any semi-functional woman does. Cries in the car with a bottle of whisky 🤷🏽♀️ but out of all the places her car gets broken down, it had to be infront of the bar owned by the Kavanaugh crime Family!!!!
All she wants is another drink so she see’s a bar! Lucky right?!? NOPE, it leads to her witnessing something and being captured by the Irish twins Seamus and Kiernan. Here lies Bailey for being a dumba** and if she wasn’t so nosy… oh did I forget she is a journalist who has quite the reputation?!? Well her nose brought her to the twins even if it was merely a coincidence!
This book has everything, it has humour, violence, spice, found family and so much more!!! Some of the one liners have you howling. And if anyone says “to defeat the huns” as a reply then SOLD! Watch as we see Bailey not only find out about herself, but actually find the power to stand up for herself for the first time in her life and finally see where she comes from!🙌🏽
✨✨✨
First off thank you to the author Jo McCall for sending me this for an arc read and also the smuthood!
WOW! I was hooked from the second Bailey punched Kiernan in the nose! That was bada**!!!
We follow Bailey as we watch her whole life unravel and everything she’s been told, made to feel and more is all a lie. All it takes is her walking into her apartment finding her fiancé and “best friend” in bed together. Finally at her breaking point she leaves!!!!!!!!
With no home and refusal to face her parent’s criticism, she does what any semi-functional woman does. Cries in the car with a bottle of whisky 🤷🏽♀️ but out of all the places her car gets broken down, it had to be infront of the bar owned by the Kavanaugh crime Family!!!!
All she wants is another drink so she see’s a bar! Lucky right?!? NOPE, it leads to her witnessing something and being captured by the Irish twins Seamus and Kiernan. Here lies Bailey for being a dumba** and if she wasn’t so nosy… oh did I forget she is a journalist who has quite the reputation?!? Well her nose brought her to the twins even if it was merely a coincidence!
This book has everything, it has humour, violence, spice, found family and so much more!!! Some of the one liners have you howling. And if anyone says “to defeat the huns” as a reply then SOLD! Watch as we see Bailey not only find out about herself, but actually find the power to stand up for herself for the first time in her life and finally see where she comes from!🙌🏽
✨✨✨
May 16, 2026
This book really said what if your life imploded then you got taken by hot Irish mafia twins and somehow things STILL got messier😈🫠
Finding out your fiancé is cheating with your best friend….BUT THEN getting dragged into mafia mess by Seamus and Kiernan after…
The Kavanaugh twins are dangerous, possessive, and unhinged. Just the way we like them huh babes?👏🏾😈
One minute they’re threatening her…the next they’re obsessed with her…then suddenly they’re sharing her and calling her Wildcat.😏 🖤 captive romance 🖤 morally gray mafia men 🖤 twins who share 🖤 betrayal and secrets
Everybody was hiding something and Bailey was over here realizing her entire life might’ve been built on secrets. But babes….Bailey is not weak. She’s fiery. She pushes back. She questions everything.
As always check trigger warnings because this book touches on some heavy themes and your mental health is always important.💛
But if you love: 🖤 dark mafia romance 🔥 why choose / ménage romance 🥀 captive romance ✨ Irish mafia men 😮💨 morally gray MMCs 🖤 spicy chaos with plot twists 🔪 dangerous family secrets
then Reckless Seduction absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR
“Don’t worry, Wildcat… we always share.”
Finding out your fiancé is cheating with your best friend….BUT THEN getting dragged into mafia mess by Seamus and Kiernan after…
The Kavanaugh twins are dangerous, possessive, and unhinged. Just the way we like them huh babes?👏🏾😈
One minute they’re threatening her…the next they’re obsessed with her…then suddenly they’re sharing her and calling her Wildcat.😏 🖤 captive romance 🖤 morally gray mafia men 🖤 twins who share 🖤 betrayal and secrets
Everybody was hiding something and Bailey was over here realizing her entire life might’ve been built on secrets. But babes….Bailey is not weak. She’s fiery. She pushes back. She questions everything.
As always check trigger warnings because this book touches on some heavy themes and your mental health is always important.💛
But if you love: 🖤 dark mafia romance 🔥 why choose / ménage romance 🥀 captive romance ✨ Irish mafia men 😮💨 morally gray MMCs 🖤 spicy chaos with plot twists 🔪 dangerous family secrets
then Reckless Seduction absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR
“Don’t worry, Wildcat… we always share.”
May 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
☠️☠️☠️
This book honestly took me for a SPIN and I was not prepared for half the things that happened 👀 the twists and turns??? OMG. The author had me at the edge of my seat, fully gasping, screaming “NO WAY,” and emotionally spiraling multiple times 😭 I was genuinely devastated at some parts for sure.
I can’t even go into too much detail without spoiling things, but what really got me was the FMC’s journey. Her entire life has basically been built on lies, manipulation, and being treated like a pawn for other people’s plans. Watching her slowly realize that and fight for herself had me rooting for her so hard.
And then enter the twins… 🫠
These two are technically her captors, but somehow they become the first people to actually give her the attention, protection, and care she’s been denied her whole life. The dynamic between all three of them was intense, messy, emotional, and VERY 🥵 pierced twins? Yeah. Hot very hot
That said, this one definitely leans a little darker, so PLEASE check the trigger warnings before jumping in. I enjoyed the story a lot, but some themes and scenes could absolutely be too much depending on your comfort level
☠️☠️☠️
This book honestly took me for a SPIN and I was not prepared for half the things that happened 👀 the twists and turns??? OMG. The author had me at the edge of my seat, fully gasping, screaming “NO WAY,” and emotionally spiraling multiple times 😭 I was genuinely devastated at some parts for sure.
I can’t even go into too much detail without spoiling things, but what really got me was the FMC’s journey. Her entire life has basically been built on lies, manipulation, and being treated like a pawn for other people’s plans. Watching her slowly realize that and fight for herself had me rooting for her so hard.
And then enter the twins… 🫠
These two are technically her captors, but somehow they become the first people to actually give her the attention, protection, and care she’s been denied her whole life. The dynamic between all three of them was intense, messy, emotional, and VERY 🥵 pierced twins? Yeah. Hot very hot
That said, this one definitely leans a little darker, so PLEASE check the trigger warnings before jumping in. I enjoyed the story a lot, but some themes and scenes could absolutely be too much depending on your comfort level
May 17, 2026
Reckless Seduction absolutely hooked me once the story really got moving. The first half definitely leans heavier on the spice than the plot, but honestly? I wasn’t mad about it at all. The chemistry between Bailey and the Kavanaugh twins was intense from the start, and the “why choose” dynamic kept me turning the pages.
Once the twists started kicking in though, that’s when the book really found its footing for me. The betrayal, secrets, family drama, and mafia tension added so much more depth to the story and made the second half impossible to put down. I especially loved how chaotic and emotionally messy everything became without completely losing the romance element.
Bailey frustrated me at times, and there were a few moments where the communication issues dragged on longer than I wanted, which is why this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me. But overall, I still had such a fun time reading it. The dark atmosphere, possessive twins, high spice, and dramatic reveals made this such an addictive read
Once the twists started kicking in though, that’s when the book really found its footing for me. The betrayal, secrets, family drama, and mafia tension added so much more depth to the story and made the second half impossible to put down. I especially loved how chaotic and emotionally messy everything became without completely losing the romance element.
Bailey frustrated me at times, and there were a few moments where the communication issues dragged on longer than I wanted, which is why this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me. But overall, I still had such a fun time reading it. The dark atmosphere, possessive twins, high spice, and dramatic reveals made this such an addictive read
May 17, 2026
3.8/5
The mafia books with an Irish setting always have this rawness and unique charm that I enjoy so much, and the accents? Yes, sir!
This story is very character driven, because although we know there is a big plot developing in the back there’s no much action, we mostly see the twins dynamic with Bailey. The chemistry between them is so good and the spicy scenes with all the sharing were 🔥, I mean who doesn’t want to be sandwiched between two delicious iris man? haha
Where I really lost a little bit of connection with the book was towards the end, and this is entirely personal preference, I prefer my mafia MMC more passionate and totally committed to keeping the FMC and protect her, like ok we have her, nobody is going to touch her or use her so that was a pretty big break up point for me here because the actions of the twins (mostly one of them)
With that being said, I’m 100% sure that if you like mafia romance you’re going to enjoy it and have a good time so definitely give it a try!
The mafia books with an Irish setting always have this rawness and unique charm that I enjoy so much, and the accents? Yes, sir!
This story is very character driven, because although we know there is a big plot developing in the back there’s no much action, we mostly see the twins dynamic with Bailey. The chemistry between them is so good and the spicy scenes with all the sharing were 🔥, I mean who doesn’t want to be sandwiched between two delicious iris man? haha
Where I really lost a little bit of connection with the book was towards the end, and this is entirely personal preference, I prefer my mafia MMC more passionate and totally committed to keeping the FMC and protect her, like ok we have her, nobody is going to touch her or use her so that was a pretty big break up point for me here because the actions of the twins (mostly one of them)
With that being said, I’m 100% sure that if you like mafia romance you’re going to enjoy it and have a good time so definitely give it a try!
May 21, 2026
Oh what a ride!
Poor Bailey just busted her fiancé and best friend, then her car breaks down while she's drowning her sorrows. Her day couldn't get any worse though, right? Wrong. Bailey's stumbled across an Irish pub, and as she walks in the back alley, she sees something she really shouldn't see. But the reporter that she is, can't look away. And that's when her eyes lock with the Kavanaugh twins. Brothers destined to be the next heads of the Irish Mafia. And they've decided she's theirs.
But wait, there's more.
Bailey's new captors have their own score to settle with her father, Senator Crowe, as they look to right the wrongs against their family. But looking more closely, something doesn't add up.
Bailey's past and present collide and now there's a race against time to save her and the future that the twins want with her.
This one has heavy themes so be sure to check the authors notes and be kind to yourself. But if Morally grey is your favourite colour? Jump in friend!
Poor Bailey just busted her fiancé and best friend, then her car breaks down while she's drowning her sorrows. Her day couldn't get any worse though, right? Wrong. Bailey's stumbled across an Irish pub, and as she walks in the back alley, she sees something she really shouldn't see. But the reporter that she is, can't look away. And that's when her eyes lock with the Kavanaugh twins. Brothers destined to be the next heads of the Irish Mafia. And they've decided she's theirs.
But wait, there's more.
Bailey's new captors have their own score to settle with her father, Senator Crowe, as they look to right the wrongs against their family. But looking more closely, something doesn't add up.
Bailey's past and present collide and now there's a race against time to save her and the future that the twins want with her.
This one has heavy themes so be sure to check the authors notes and be kind to yourself. But if Morally grey is your favourite colour? Jump in friend!
May 26, 2026
It was difficult to put this book down. If I didn’t have to work or sleep, I would’ve read this in one sitting. So, so good. The FMC, Bailey, is someone I would love to hang out with. She is intelligent, funny, fierce and tenacious. Life has been cruel to her: evil (and I do mean evil) parents, fake friends, a cheating ex, and being kidnapped and s0ld like property. But she survived it all and got the hot Irish twins for the win!
If you are a fan of anything mafioso, this book has the Bratva, Irish Mob and a local MC. They all come together to take down an underground trafficking ring; and I cheered super loud when Bailey and the other freed women got their well deserved revenge. Bits of the story are DARK, but there is a good balance of light hearted and heart warming moments, as well as super steamy scenes between Bailey and the Twins for a good balance.
This is a DARK Romance, so please check all the trigger warnings before reading. But this book is well worth the read.
Overall Rating:5/5
Spice Level:5/5
Tropes: Why Choose, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Impact Play, Kidnapping, Mafia/Mob/Bratva/MC, Power Play, Found Family, HEA
If you are a fan of anything mafioso, this book has the Bratva, Irish Mob and a local MC. They all come together to take down an underground trafficking ring; and I cheered super loud when Bailey and the other freed women got their well deserved revenge. Bits of the story are DARK, but there is a good balance of light hearted and heart warming moments, as well as super steamy scenes between Bailey and the Twins for a good balance.
This is a DARK Romance, so please check all the trigger warnings before reading. But this book is well worth the read.
Overall Rating:5/5
Spice Level:5/5
Tropes: Why Choose, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Impact Play, Kidnapping, Mafia/Mob/Bratva/MC, Power Play, Found Family, HEA
May 16, 2026
If you grew up watching The Boondock Saints and always loved the McManus brothers, then you should definitely read this book.
This story had me almost crying, it had me laughing, it had me wanting to strangle the MMCs. The story was fantastic. Not only do we get Irish mafia twins, we get twins that like to share and when they come across fierce Bailey it’s love at first punch.
The plot in this story was amazing and the spice definitely didnt take away from it.
My only issue with this book was that fact that there seemed to be almost black spots in the plot. Like the author expects you to just know what is happening and yet skips over it. It could be because her series are all interconnected and I have not read any of her other books. But just as a warning if you also have not read her other books.
Thank you The Smuthood and Jo McCall for the book!
This story had me almost crying, it had me laughing, it had me wanting to strangle the MMCs. The story was fantastic. Not only do we get Irish mafia twins, we get twins that like to share and when they come across fierce Bailey it’s love at first punch.
The plot in this story was amazing and the spice definitely didnt take away from it.
My only issue with this book was that fact that there seemed to be almost black spots in the plot. Like the author expects you to just know what is happening and yet skips over it. It could be because her series are all interconnected and I have not read any of her other books. But just as a warning if you also have not read her other books.
Thank you The Smuthood and Jo McCall for the book!
May 19, 2026
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 4
Reckless Seduction had me hooked from the start with action and spice. I love a feisty FMC and Bailey definitely delivered, along with not 1 but 2 hot mafia men.
Being captured by Mafia Irish Twins who by the way love to share, this book was a little bit of everything. Spice, twists and turns, trauma and ends with a HEA. The why choose had me clenching my pearls during the spice scenes and the Banter with these three had me cracking up.
There is a lot of back story being told , with lots of secrets and family drama which I was told reading Vengeful Oath & Poisoned Empire does help the story however, this is considered a stand alone. I will be reading these two to get the full story! I couldn’t put this one down and definitely will be doing a re read .
Thank you @authorjomccall and @thesmuthood for the ARC opportunity!!
🌶️ 4
Reckless Seduction had me hooked from the start with action and spice. I love a feisty FMC and Bailey definitely delivered, along with not 1 but 2 hot mafia men.
Being captured by Mafia Irish Twins who by the way love to share, this book was a little bit of everything. Spice, twists and turns, trauma and ends with a HEA. The why choose had me clenching my pearls during the spice scenes and the Banter with these three had me cracking up.
There is a lot of back story being told , with lots of secrets and family drama which I was told reading Vengeful Oath & Poisoned Empire does help the story however, this is considered a stand alone. I will be reading these two to get the full story! I couldn’t put this one down and definitely will be doing a re read .
Thank you @authorjomccall and @thesmuthood for the ARC opportunity!!
May 24, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was my first book by Jo McCall and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Just based on the blurb I knew this book would have everything I love… Irish mobster twins who like to share, fun piercings (😉), a dark plot line with some very protective and possessive MMC moments… The plot AND the spice thoroughly lived up to expectations.
My only complaint is that the beginning felt very insta-lovey and I feel like we bypassed the whole kidnapped thing and went straight to “I feel things for my kidnappers”. I would have loved a little bit of a slower burn in the beginning for a little more realistic relationship building.
The plot was definitely intriguing and full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes the whole time.
Thank you to author Jo McCall and The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy!
This was my first book by Jo McCall and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Just based on the blurb I knew this book would have everything I love… Irish mobster twins who like to share, fun piercings (😉), a dark plot line with some very protective and possessive MMC moments… The plot AND the spice thoroughly lived up to expectations.
My only complaint is that the beginning felt very insta-lovey and I feel like we bypassed the whole kidnapped thing and went straight to “I feel things for my kidnappers”. I would have loved a little bit of a slower burn in the beginning for a little more realistic relationship building.
The plot was definitely intriguing and full of twists and turns that kept me on my toes the whole time.
Thank you to author Jo McCall and The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy!
May 28, 2026
Reckless Seduction is a Kavanaugh Crime Family book written by Jo McCall.
💜 mafia
💜 corruption
💜 betrayal
💜 forced proximity
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice
Bailey can’t believe her luck, or lack there of. She walked in at home to witness her fiancé in bed with her best friend. Then, they tell her it’s been going on for the last three years. So, naturally she now finds herself knee deep in a bottle of whiskey. The other problem? All hotels are booked and now her car won’t start. What’s a girl to do? Maybe go into this club where her car is at for a drink? At least she can keep her drinking going, right?
This was a good addition to the mafia world that Jo McCall has built. This story is set in the same world as the Dashkov Crime Family trilogy. There’s more world building and character building done in this story as well. It’s fun to read a story of things going on with characters knowing that there’s a parallel story going on in another series with other characters. I liked seeing them come together at times throughout the book. Then having twin main male characters makes for a steamy time as well. This was a fun book and good addition to this world.
💜 mafia
💜 corruption
💜 betrayal
💜 forced proximity
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice
Bailey can’t believe her luck, or lack there of. She walked in at home to witness her fiancé in bed with her best friend. Then, they tell her it’s been going on for the last three years. So, naturally she now finds herself knee deep in a bottle of whiskey. The other problem? All hotels are booked and now her car won’t start. What’s a girl to do? Maybe go into this club where her car is at for a drink? At least she can keep her drinking going, right?
This was a good addition to the mafia world that Jo McCall has built. This story is set in the same world as the Dashkov Crime Family trilogy. There’s more world building and character building done in this story as well. It’s fun to read a story of things going on with characters knowing that there’s a parallel story going on in another series with other characters. I liked seeing them come together at times throughout the book. Then having twin main male characters makes for a steamy time as well. This was a fun book and good addition to this world.
May 16, 2026
3.5/5⭐️
ARC provided by Smuthood
Ok so to start off there are clearly other books that I probably should’ve read before I read this. I’m sure the backstory would’ve helped tie this all together. Overall, the spice was spicing and this was a solid, light on the triggers dark romance.
Some feedback - the editing needs some work. A lot of times the writing felt insanely formal for an inner monologue (think it is instead of it’s, things like that) which didn’t match the cadence of how the character spoke. Also - the name of the underground trafficking ring is the same (and some of the plot surrounding it, honestly) as a very well known dark romance series. I don’t think it was blatantly intentional but it was enough to make me raise my brows.
ARC provided by Smuthood
Ok so to start off there are clearly other books that I probably should’ve read before I read this. I’m sure the backstory would’ve helped tie this all together. Overall, the spice was spicing and this was a solid, light on the triggers dark romance.
Some feedback - the editing needs some work. A lot of times the writing felt insanely formal for an inner monologue (think it is instead of it’s, things like that) which didn’t match the cadence of how the character spoke. Also - the name of the underground trafficking ring is the same (and some of the plot surrounding it, honestly) as a very well known dark romance series. I don’t think it was blatantly intentional but it was enough to make me raise my brows.
May 19, 2026
Quick, spicy mafia read with why choose and some trigger warnings, so tread carefully.
Bailey witnesses something she shouldn't have and is taken to make sure she doesn't talk, basically. However, Bailey has a lot of secrets she needs to uncover and the twin captors can help figure it out, sort of. Twins, Basil. Twins.
Some of the backstories, like the twins' mother, left me a bit confused trying to piece it all together. And the twin's sister story - she hates her husband? Or likes him? Did he die? I was a bit lost around there. I also wasn't a fan of Bailey's inner anything. It was a bit repetitive and maybe a little bit cringe.
I did love the plot twists and turns, and the spice was spicy.
Bailey witnesses something she shouldn't have and is taken to make sure she doesn't talk, basically. However, Bailey has a lot of secrets she needs to uncover and the twin captors can help figure it out, sort of. Twins, Basil. Twins.
Some of the backstories, like the twins' mother, left me a bit confused trying to piece it all together. And the twin's sister story - she hates her husband? Or likes him? Did he die? I was a bit lost around there. I also wasn't a fan of Bailey's inner anything. It was a bit repetitive and maybe a little bit cringe.
I did love the plot twists and turns, and the spice was spicy.
May 20, 2026
✨ARC✨
First of all, due to personal reasons I read the ARC copy I received a little bit too late.
That being said, I enjoyed the book.
Unfortunately I can get bored pretty easily, therefore I love it when a book throws me into the fire from the start.
As a mafia dark romance, I hoped it would have a lot in it, but it was wonderfully measured.
I laughed and giggled at some points, which made the reading more enjoyable.
Loved the banter between the characters.
If someone wants to get into dark romance I would suggest this book, because in my opinion, it's not too heavy to read.
Also I do suggest reading the trigger warnings, because I don't have any triggers, and your mental health matters.
Had a lot of fun.
Hope the following books will deliver just as this book did.
First of all, due to personal reasons I read the ARC copy I received a little bit too late.
That being said, I enjoyed the book.
Unfortunately I can get bored pretty easily, therefore I love it when a book throws me into the fire from the start.
As a mafia dark romance, I hoped it would have a lot in it, but it was wonderfully measured.
I laughed and giggled at some points, which made the reading more enjoyable.
Loved the banter between the characters.
If someone wants to get into dark romance I would suggest this book, because in my opinion, it's not too heavy to read.
Also I do suggest reading the trigger warnings, because I don't have any triggers, and your mental health matters.
Had a lot of fun.
Hope the following books will deliver just as this book did.
May 20, 2026
Reckless Seduction by Jo McCall
MMCs: Seamus & Kiernan
FMC: Bailey
☘️MFM
🖤Contemporary
☘️Multi-1st-PoV
🖤Triggers
☘️ Irish Mob
Thank you to The Smuthood and author Jo McCall for the opportunity to read the advance copy! 🫶🏼 I will say; please, please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. While it isn’t the darkest romance I’ve read, it touches a lot of sensitive topics.
Bailey finds out her arranged fiancé is cheating and leaves to drown the heartbreak. This is where her car breaks down and things go downhill from there. She is kidnapped by the twin heirs to the local Irish mafia. They want her but they also have plans of their own. Theres a lot of layers to keep up with on this one and sometimes it felt like too much.
MMCs: Seamus & Kiernan
FMC: Bailey
☘️MFM
🖤Contemporary
☘️Multi-1st-PoV
🖤Triggers
☘️ Irish Mob
Thank you to The Smuthood and author Jo McCall for the opportunity to read the advance copy! 🫶🏼 I will say; please, please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. While it isn’t the darkest romance I’ve read, it touches a lot of sensitive topics.
Bailey finds out her arranged fiancé is cheating and leaves to drown the heartbreak. This is where her car breaks down and things go downhill from there. She is kidnapped by the twin heirs to the local Irish mafia. They want her but they also have plans of their own. Theres a lot of layers to keep up with on this one and sometimes it felt like too much.
May 20, 2026
This book omg! was dark, addictive, and completely unhinged in the best way. Bailey gets thrown into a world full of dangerous men, twisted loyalty, secrets, and enough tension to set the whole damn mafia empire on fire.
Kiernan and the twins brought the possessive alpha energy hard, and the chemistry was filthy, intense, and impossible to look away from. The story balances violence, obsession, vulnerability, and emotional chaos in a way that keeps you flipping pages at 2 a.m. wondering why sleep suddenly became optional.
Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in, because this book does not play nice. But if you love dark mafia romance, morally gray men, captive tension, and explosive spice, this one delivers.
Kiernan and the twins brought the possessive alpha energy hard, and the chemistry was filthy, intense, and impossible to look away from. The story balances violence, obsession, vulnerability, and emotional chaos in a way that keeps you flipping pages at 2 a.m. wondering why sleep suddenly became optional.
Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in, because this book does not play nice. But if you love dark mafia romance, morally gray men, captive tension, and explosive spice, this one delivers.
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