Cruel Surprise

Dragons #1

by B.B. Hamel

My one night stand just crashed my wedding…
And put a bullet in my groom.

I got pregnant. Now I'm ruined. At least that's what my family says.

My only option is to marry a stranger and salvage what's left of my reputation.

I'm willing to do it… until Mass Cardone decides to take back what's his.

Mass is a monster ripped from my darkest nightmares. He’s a beautiful beast in designer suits with a body like an athlete and a stare that makes me break. His commands topple governments. His hands are drenched in blood. Every word from those beautiful lips cuts straight to my core.

We spent one night together and he gave me the best gift my daughter.

But I don't want him anywhere near my baby.

There's nothing I can do when he drags me to his private island and forces me to be his wife.

Mass is keeping secrets while pulling me deeper into his lair. I'm trapped in his bed, but I can hear screams beneath the floorboards.

If I can't escape soon, my daughter will grow up in a prison, and I'll be that psychopath's plaything for the rest of our days.

Cruel Surprise is a full length dark mafia romance with no cliffhanger and a happily-ever-after guaranteed. Check those content warnings and enjoy!!

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Crime, Forced Proximity

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming His Family -
Allie had resigned herself to accepting the arranged by her father after she had a baby out of wedlock, so the last thing she expected was for her baby daddy to crash her wedding and caused a huge disaster, so he could marry her and claim his daughter. Mass only mission was to claim what he saw as his, but he never expected Allie to fight him all the way until they arrived at home on the island. Even though Mass tried everything to coax Allie after they arrived on the island, she still couldn’t settle and was looking for a way the escape.

However, Mass tried to continue spending more time with Allie, which led to them getting closer and their attraction leading them to engaging in steamy sexual activities. Unfortunately, Allie’s attempt to leave soon got her into trouble, as one of Mass’s enemies took the opportunity to wreak havoc on their lives, which nearly cost their daughter her life. Luckily, Moss formed an unexpected alliance to help him deal with the crisis permanently, so he could get back on track towards the future with Allie.

This was an incredible romance story with a deliciously dark storyline filled with suspense, drama, action-packed moments and lots of steamy scenes. The development of each of the characters was brilliant, which is evident with the way they came alive on the page and made my reading experience worth the time it took me to finish reading this definite must read book.

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

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes What Belongs To Him! Cruel Surprise is a dark mafia romance with a 20 year age gap, action packed, steamy and a HEA. A psychopath monster falls in love with his wife and daughter and they become more important than his whole empire.

TW: explicit sexual content, graphic violence, death on page, kidnapping/captivity, forced marriage, and a possessive and morally gray hero.


Allie Russo is bored and just wants to have a little fun so she sneaks out of her cage to go dancing but ends up in a strangers bed, who she knows only on a first name basis as Mass, then he ghosts her the next morning.

Massimo Cardone obtained Dragon status 5 years ago and everyone considers him a monster. He had one wonderful night 2 years ago with Allie but when he finds out that she will be marrying her arranged finance...

Allie knows she's considered ruined but she only wants her daughter to be taken care of. Hence, the arranged marriage, but she never thought her one night stand would blow her grooms brains out, marry and kidnap them.

Mass takes them back to his Fortress where he will provide them with everything they desire and never let them go. But someone who is out for the Dragon title wants them as pawns...

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark mafia romance!!

This is Mass and Allie's journey.
This is the well written action packed story, which has family dynamics, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, challenges, violence, surprises, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and unconditional love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a very good read. Mass and Allie's story takes intensity to a whole other level as things progress. Secrets, twists, drama, action, darkness, feels and heat are all skillfully wielded to pull you in and get and keep you invested.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was action packed!! :)

[Trisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually enjoy this authors books for the most part but this book just wasn’t good….at all! I found myself skimming through a lot of this book just to get it over with. I’m not sure how it had such high star ratings.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Surprise is a full length dark mafia romance with no cliffhanger and a happily-ever-after guaranteed. A woman's one night stand crashes her arranged marriage, kill her groom, and forces her to become his wife on a private island. Contains mature adult themes. This story sets the stage for an interconnected series. A brilliantly crafted story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the beginning and keeps audience transfixed and on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. 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, suspense, mystery and surprises. This is Mass and Allie's story which was told from a dual point of view. Dark. Dangerous. Twisted. Captivating. Sinful. Dirty. Intense.
A contemporary romance, steamy romance, dark mafia romance, organize crime story, romantic suspense story, arranged marriage romance, forced proximity romance, polar opposite attracts story, protective alpha hero story, he-rescues-her story, enemies-to-lovers romance, touch-her-and-die romance, taboo romance, off-limits romance, crime thriller story, steamy romance, forbidden romance, billionaire romance, damsel-in-distress story, forced marriage romance, surprise pregnancy story, morally-gray antihero story, possessive OTT alpha hero romance, with hatred, angst, possessiveness, lies, obsession, power play, fear, love, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, threats, revelations, power and control, anger, attacks, murder, bloodshed, lies, deception, darkness, push and pull, witty banter, madness, explicit sexual content, kidnapping/captivity, family, violence, enemies, rivalry, revenge, retaliation, danger, resilience, mob war, survival, action packed, family found, tension, emotions, and so much more.
Twenty-three year old mafia princess Allie Russo as left a stain on her family's name after getting pregnant out of wedlock. She's the baby of her three siblings and the oopsie baby that her parents didn't want. She as been bored and restless and waiting for her father to find the perfect match. And with her being twenty-one she snuck out of the house to the city to go and have some fun. Two year ago Mass meets Allie outside of club after a business meeting. The two spent one mind-blowing passion-filled night that both will never forget which in their daughter Rosie. Because of that one reckless night with Mass she as brought shame to her family. Allie's father set her up with an older man, who was the same age as her father. He has arranged a marriage with Sal Mancini, a big shot lawyer who will be able to provide a good life for her and her one year old daughter Rosie.
The arrangement will also be beneficial for her family as well. Sal is unable to have kids of his own and promise to treat Rosie as if she was his own with the best school and life. The Russo family had decline over the years, but they were still old royalty and their name still matters around the New York Cosa Nostra. He never thought that he would see her again but when he learned that he had his child he had to make his. Mass killed her fiance in front of her, her family and some of New York most powerful criminal family and then took his place. He then took his family back to the Fortress. Forty year old Massimo Cardone a.k.a. Dragon is a billionaire and reclusive Dragon. A position that he was raised to five years ago which brought new levels of power and respect. He's ruthless, powerful, dangerous and feared. Mass built his empire from a small crew in the slums of Northern Naples to a multinational conglomerate alongside his second in command Lucy. A hydra with many heads and even more talons.
Mass prefer to stay at his Fortress which was built on a private island in the Caribbean. He's running his empire there but Lucy remains him that he as to get out sometimes and remain everyone who the Dragon was. The only reason why he's going to New York is because that's the only way that he could close a deal with Giulio Ferrante. He'll supply him with Giulo with vodka for the use of his clubs and his heroin for his dealers. Their meeting was at one Giulio exclusive high-end club. He was disgusted at the scene with men and women grinding against each other, pouring alcohol down their throats yelling and laughing over the music. He was searching for a familiar face but stop when he saw small, pretty big brown eyes and thick dark hair woman. She's Italian heritage with delicate features sitting at the bar looking bored and daring someone to come up to her. And their eyes met and she looked back at him boldly something that most people shrink from his stare.
Mass doesn’t do people he's empty inside, cold, a shell and only ever filled by power, money and death. His only focus is on business. Allie didn't know anything about him and that night was a regret to her except for Rosie. And since that night she has never been with anyone else and neither does he. He also thinks about her and never thought that they would see each other again. When Allie learn that he was new Dragon fear comes over her immediately because of what he had to do in order to get where he is. It was bloody, murderous, robbery etc. Allie didn't trust him and was plotting on ways how to get off the island. But the more time that they spend together as a family she saw a different side of him then the cold-blooded murderer that he is. But as she finally lower her guard and was finally finding happiness with him as a family with their daughter; one of his enemy Medved wants to take him down for his power and attack.
Because they Mass finally as a weakness that they could exploit in gaining the upper hand in this war. They're secret, double-cross, treachery, rivalry, enemies, danger, violence, betrayal, backstabbing, darkness, madness, all around them. Mass and Allie must learn to accept, trust and forgive each other in order for their relationship to work. Will he defeat his enemy so that he can have peace with his family? Will she forgive him for keeping secrets from her? A great story that demands to be read.

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

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF - A very generous 2.75 rating.

I expected so much more from this story and it's characters based upon the reviews and was very disappointed. I have read many books by this author, some I liked while other I did not, which is to be expected with any author. I was pushing myself to get through the story, skimming and speed reading when I finally threw in the towel and stopped.

Mass and Allie are single dimensional characters. They had no depth. I grew bored of their story early in this book. It wasn't anything unusual or unexpected in this genre, aka "the one night stand "that produces a baby. Then the baby daddy comes in to claim what he believes is his because he is a sperm donor. Another inexperienced virgin who apparently doesn't know that unprotected sex could produce a pregnancy. The response from Allie's failing crime family after learning she is pregnant is disturbing, considering crime families have mistress's and girlfriends that produce children all the time, but for some reason her pregnancy is a sin. Same old thing in these books, her virginity has a sales price that daddy and mommy can use to further their personal wealth, until she no longer is a virgin and the price of her vagina goes in the toilet.

Allie's character has many faces and is in constant flux. Her character is very immature for my taste and yet there are times she shows resilience and fortitude only to do something stupid. Her character that was told that she would marry a man her father's age because she had disgraced the family and no one else wants her, and the one night stand vs., who she is when Mass kills her fiancé and kidnaps her; are very different. Still all in all I just couldn't connect with her. She is a good mother but her lack of maturity was present throughout the parts of the book, I read.

Mass is in an elite group of worldwide criminal leaders that has nothing to do with who your family is, but your ability to out maneuver and keep your position which is being constantly undermined by someone else not just wanting territories, but wanting your position and power. It is a different pecking order than the normal crime family association and it is a unique idea. His character comes off very flat and very boring. No personality, no depth as a man. He lives 24-7 running his kingdom. He has no boundaries and condemns nothing. Everything from sex trafficking to killing women children if it is necessary is on the table. Half of his island is a place for the rich and famous to engage in debauchery, sex trafficking, drugs, BDSM; you name it.

Allie's character may have been more interesting if she had been older and knew when to push and when to pull. She was a young woman who vacillated between one frame of mind to the next. She wasn't grounded and has very little life experiences which were very conflicting at times.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRUEL SURPRISE by BB Hamel is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, dark Mafia, arranged marriage romance focusing on forty-two year old, underworld crime Lord Massimo ‘Mass’ Cardone, and twenty-three year old, Mafia princess/ single mother Allie Russo.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mass and Allie) CRUEL SURPRISE follows approximately two years after a one night stand in which Allie was left a single mother, never knowing the truth about the man with whom she would one day fall in love. Fast forward to present day, Mass abducts Allie and her daughter moments before she was about to marry an older man, an abduction that reveals there is more to our hero than anyone could have ever known. Massimo Cordone is one of the five most powerful underworld crime bosses known as the Dragons, a position that now threatens our story line heroine. A private island fortress, personal guards, and a new life find Allie in the middle of a fight for power, a fight that will see the people she has grown to love not only be betrayed but betrayers themselves.

The world building follows several intersecting pathways as Massimo Cordone’s empire is threatened by a ghost, a Russian crime lord who is determined to take his place at the top. With his family and island targeted, Massimo must become the aggressor before he loses everything he loves.

The relationship between Mass and Allie begins as a one -night stand, forced marriage in the face of an upcoming war. Massimo is determined to claim our heroine and his daughter but someone else is taking aim, intending to take down our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Massimo’s housekeeper Satya, his second in command Lucy; Allie’s brother Gabe, and their father Francesco Russo. The requisite evil has many faces.

CRUEL SURPRISE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is twisted, dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and spicy ; the characters are dark and determined. CRUEL SURPRISE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

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[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cruel surprise, Mass is one ruthless man. He is in charge of many things. He doesn’t have attachments and he does not show emotions. He only trusts a few people. It is how he has remained on top. One night, he meets Allie and for the first time is intrigued. He knows he should not take her home but he does. They have a passionate night and then he leaves her never to see her again. Until he finds out she is engaged and refuses to let her get married. He becomes possessive and jealous and shows up to her wedding. Threatening everyone, he kills her fiancé and kidnaps her and her daughter. He does not understand but he needs to keep them close, he tells himself it is for their protection.

The night Allie met Mass, she was reckless. she never had a one night stand but she was attracted to him so she went for it. She never thought she would see him again and thought their time would be a wonderful memory. Two years later, she is raising their daughter. Her family told her it’s damaging to her reputation to have gotten pregnant. So they arrange a marriage for her to have a powerful husband and a father for her child. She was not expecting Mass to show up at her wedding and kill her fiancé let alone kidnap her and her daughter. He takes them to his private island where no one will find them. The attraction and desire is still there but will it be enough? Will she give in to her feelings for Mass? Will she feel like a prisoner especially when she finds out what secrets he’s been keeping?

BB Hamel took us into a different type of mafia world. Poor Allie, all she wanted was to raise her daughter away from as much violence as she can. Mass has dragged her into the center of it all. She is still attracted to Mass, that hasn’t changed but she does not want to be his prisoner. Mass, himself does not know how to navigate what he feels for her and finds himself genuinely caring for her daughter and trying to make them both comfortable. I felt bad when his guilt was crushing him when keeping secrets from her. Their chemistry was intense. Their scenes were hot. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. This was an emotional roller coaster, filled with drama, action, heat, danger, secrets, and shocking twists. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie has a one-night stand after a night out and cant tell anyone. In her family's eyes, she is ruined, and they arrange a marriage for her to an man close to her father's age. She's not happy, but there's not much she can do. Then disaster strikes when the priest who was supposed to marry them goes missing. When the replacement priest is found, the marriage can begin. To her horror, Allie finds the replacement priest is Dragon Mass Cardone, and he's here to kidnap Allie and her toddler Rosie. Then a shoot-out begins, and, when everything has calmed down, Allie finds herself getting married to Mass. She is then whisked away with Rosie to Mass's private island. So begins the stormy relationship with Allie determined not to have anything to do with Mass. Mass finds himself a father, unsure what to do with a child, even if she is his. Plus, her mother is pushing him back at every turn. Allie finds herself doing the unthinkable and falling for Mass despite everything that has happened. Other forces are trying to kidnap her back to get her away from Mass.
I recieved an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. The author keeps you turning the pages with the tempestuous relationship between Mass and Allie. Along with all the twists and turns that you dont see coming. If you love a fast-paced Mafia romance with a strong FMC pushing her husband at every turn, then you will love this read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is a unique story about a mafia princess Allie and how her life was never hers so one night she makes her own decision with a dark, powerful and mysterious stranger. Massimo is one of five elite dragons who earn their positions with brutality, death at all cost for power. Their one night leaves Allie a single parent whose family is ashamed of her so when they find an older man to marry her Allie knows it will give her security for Rosie her little girl but unknown to everyone Mass is the priest who turns the situation to his wishes, killing her groom, marrying Allie against her wishes and takes her and Rosie to his island Fortress. Their interactions and chemistry between them is full of fight, undeniable feelings, along with a hard man learning to show he has a heart for Allie and Rosie. The threat to Mass’s dragon position is exposed to be dangerous for them all and a friend who Mass has secretly protected. Their worlds crash and those who are out to cause death and destruction for power find themselves in a fight of their lives while Mass, Allie and his people show how to end those out to end their lives. The betrayal by those closest to us causes harm to those who are a pulled into this dangerous world of powerful men. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie Russo is twenty-three with a one-year old daughter named Rosie. Two years ago, she snuck out and went dancing. She ended up having a one-night fling with a very handsome man. It resulted in her being pregnant. Her family has arranged a marriage for Allie to save her family’s reputation. Allie agreed to marry Sal Mancini to give Rosie a stable life. They are waiting for Father Michael. The Russo family is finally told that Father Michael sent a replacement because he came down with something.

Massimo Cardone is the “replacement priest” standing up front. In reality, he is the man that Allie slept with two years ago. He is the biological father of Rosie. Massimo is known as one of the Dragons. Mass kills Sal and Father Michael is brought up front. He has the priest marry him and Allie. He then marches Allie out of there and has Lucy, his right-hand woman, bring Rosie. They get on a plane and are headed to The Fortress, Massimo’s house in the Caribbean. It is on a private island.

I was curious to find out how Allie and Mass ended up together two years ago. I hoped that Allie could protect Rosie and I hoped that Mass could protect both Allie and Rosie from his enemies. I also wondered if the two of them had real feelings for each other and if they would end up a real couple.

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

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

good but had some plot holes

the age gap had me cringing, but you eventually forget it once the plot intensifies.

as for the plot itself, there were a number of bad instances that could have been avoided. I'm not sure that someone of Mass's power could forget something as simple as briefing his people AND house AI about the traitors in his territory.

and I'm surprised that a heavily guarded fortress could have nobody protecting the AI. Where are the tech people? why wasn't there a failsafe/backup? AI got hacked multiple times! how is that secure? (if this is a way of the author to say that you can't rely on AI then I heartily agree). And how did the bad guy get into the secret room? you'd think they'd have upped the security and changed passcodes but nope... he just walked right in.

the FMC was a tad annoying but not too much that you stop reading. it's weird because she said she had a "gift" for reading people but then she wasn't able to read the traitor, and I don't believe the traitor was that good of an actor.

anyway. well written in the sense that there was good pacing and narration, but the plot holes were too many to ignore so this is an optimistic and generous 3.5⭐️rating (rounded up)

[Rozebudzz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Allie and Mass

Mass is head of a criminal empire. He and Allie had a one night stand and she found herself pregnant. When he finds out, he crashes her wedding, marries her and whisks her off to his private island.

It’s difficult to like Mass. He’s cold and detached. He’s also very calculating. Allie was just a means to an end for him and he didn’t care about her at all. Allie could be likable except for some of her questionable decisions. If only she trusted her gut feelings, which is something you should do as a young mom anyway, she would e been a more compelling character. A,lie was written with very little depth.

I didn’t feel the chemistry between these two people. They really didn’t communicate much, there was no trust built between them, and they both kept so many secrets. The side characters and villains were superficial and one dimensional. And tho there was an HEA between the main characters, it felt like there was a very soft cliffhanger, like there was more to come. It’s a little different and twisty.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Dark Mafia Romance
Allie Russo cannot think of Mass Cardone as her husband or her daughter’s father. He is beautiful and she cannot pretend otherwise, but he is her kidnapper and nothing more. The sick part is that she likes the idea of what he could do to her. Mass is obsessed with Allie. She is perfection. She is the only one that can make him feel so out of control. What will she do when she finds out the secrets he is keeping from her though? This is a steamy dark mafia romance loaded with violence, danger and suspense. The twists and turns come from every angle making for a gripping read. It does not stop there though as there is also lots of emotion, spice and tender moments making for a intriguing romance. Cannot to wait to read more about the Mafia Dragons as Allie’s brother Gabe strives to become a Dragon as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Not A Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! This story comes in hot from page one. What happens when a one‑night encounter spirals into a baby, a disgraced family, and a forced arranged marriage to someone who isn’t the father? Let’s just say the actual father isn’t about to fade quietly into the background—he steps forward in the boldest, most jaw‑dropping way possible, and the fallout is deliciously dramatic.

This book delivers a fast‑paced mix of high heat, tension, betrayal, and political intrigue, all wrapped inside a vividly imagined world complete with an unforgettable fortress setting. The twists kept coming, and I was so hooked that I devoured the entire thing in one sitting. If you love stories packed with intensity, power plays, and emotional stakes, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Highly recommend!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming a Dragon meant reaching the pinnacle of power, and Mass had achieved it by remaining ruthless and destroying every obstacle in his path. Allie felt her family considered her inadequate. Mass's attention made her feel different and valuable, but the secrets and mystery surrounding him, which somehow seemed to envelop her as well, made her doubt. The struggle for power was fascinating, and the intrigue, betrayal, and violence were commonplace. I was surprised by some of the plot twists, which I found unexpected. I enjoyed the scenes between Mass and Rosie and Allie's reaction. I love how the intensity of these stories escalates, drawing me in completely. I hope the author continues with these interesting protagonists, these Dragons—not the fire-breathing kind—who kept me very entertained, enjoying intense and exciting action with plenty of suspense.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well you'll never guess where this story turns out!
To say that Allie finds herself in a tight situation with her family is an understatement. To say that Mass takes the whole "Dragon rules" in an over the top entrance at Allie's arranged wedding would be an even bigger understatement. Yet Mass is one of the five Dragons and he rules from his private island where there is also a private invitation only resort where the five families of NY gather at Mass' invite to reveal that Mass' enemy Medved has gotten in to their folds. Allie slowly comes to realize there is another side to Mass than the Dragon he shows the world and especially to their daughter. Yet Mass' secret and the ever encroaching Medved will keep Mass struggling to keep his family safe! This is definitely a read in one sitting as no good place to stop!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew - Phenomenal Mafia Marriage Romance!!

Young Allie Russo, aged 23 is preparing to marry. Her daughter Rosie, age 1, proves she cannot be trusted, and her marriage is to a man her fathers age, but who will provide for her.

During the ceremony, the groom is shot, and Rosie’s biological father, Massimo 42, takes his place and the two females. Trapped on an island, Allie is treated well, but kept under tight control. The chemistry is off the charts, Rosie has him smitten, and a careful truce begins.

Allie was raised in a mafia family, and finds she can read people well, which assists Mass. A mysterious communication comes in with hints of a way to escape. The house is run by AI.

Complex, full of intrigue, politics, dragons (not paranormal), alliances, and scintillating romance. Truly incendiary

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

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF’d it early. The white supremacist and Epstein motifs were strong in this book. I usually like to give folks a little grace and assume that they might not know what they’re doing, but outside of the KKK, I’ve never heard of anyone at the top of an organization being referred to as a “dragon.” It’s a VERY specific term and the use of it in this book was a major red flag. Maybe if it was a shifter book or if the book took place somewhere where dragons were much more culturally relevant then I could maybe determine some kind of ignorance, but it wasn’t. It was white mafia folks. Pair that with the fact that this “dragon” lived on a private island where half of it was a “resort” for billionaires. Absolutely not. Like MAYBE if this was all to describe the villain of the book then it might be tolerable, but the MMC??? Absolutely not!

[Rachel Santillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mafia read with some action!!!
Murdered groom
Kidnapped bride who was a ONS and hid their resulting daughter whose now a little over 1
Dragon 🐉 and I don’t mean the fantasy kind, the first time I’ve read about Dragons a team of 5 who oversee conflict and controls the rules for all mafia families kinda like the Supreme Court but for crime lords, their term limit is death itself.
He’s only ever been soft for her (emotionally) but he still kidnapped her
Age gap - I forgot how many, less than 10 I believe, so not really a age gap.
Secrets - lots of those
Another kidnapping
Inside traitor’s
New allegiances
Found family
Chemistry
He’ll burn it all for her and kill anyone necessary
War - like all out war
HEA

It was fun, a wild ride. Definitely a lot on the romance too but all that was going on with it, enjoyable read with a lot going on.

[CherylB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes us to the Mafia elite world. There are 5 dragons that control everything. The only way to obtain a dragon seat is by force. Allie Russo spends one night with a mysterious, powerful stranger. She doesn’t know his last name and refuses to tell anything about him. To save her name and family she is arranged to marry a much older man. He will help the Russo family and will adopt her daughter as his heir. But Mass Cardone murders her groom at the alter and takes his place. He then whisks Allie and Rosie away to his private fortress on a mysterious island. This sets the stage for a romance full of twists and turns. Who can Allie trust? Can Mass convince her to stay? Will his enemies prevail? This is a stay up all night unputdownable book full of wonderful characters and unique situations.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy I Hated To See This Story End!

This story was so good but it made me cry ,where Mass leaves Allie known he may never come back alive!This story is filled with evil,jealousy, greed but also filled with love,kindness,joy and yes tears!Mass has a heart of gold but he is a Dragon, a powerful one but power,money may make his heart hard if the enemy mess with him and his family which is Allie and Rosie.I can't really leave a decent review, but Mass is very powerful and loyal but gets stab in the back by people who think are loyal to him and he almost loses the daughter he didn't see born and he loses a very dear friend!Please read this story,it's so good and very hard to but down,worth more than five stars for sure!

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Surprise is another great story from this very talented author. I always enjoy her stories.

Allie has a one night stand with Massimo and keeps the secret to herself. She then becomes a single parent. Her family is ashamed of her and feels she is no value. They arrange a marriage for her to a much older man. She is unhappy with the situation but there is not much choice for her.

At Allie's wedding, Massimo is the priest. The situation escalates when he kills her groom and takes Allie and her daughter.

I loved the chemistry between Allie and Massimo. I loved how he was with Allie and her daughter. Their story is full of suspense and betrayal. I look forward to the next story.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy and Action Packed

Cruel Surprise is a wild ride with a very possessive 'Hero", Massimo Cardone, that will do anything to get and keep the woman who he wants forever. He met that woman is Allie Russo. They met and had a one nigh stand filled with wild and reckless passion. It unexpectedly resulted in a pregnancy which has her parents not happy. When her daughter Rosie is one year old they arrange for her to marry another man. But when Mass discovers what is happening and why he will stop at nothing to get Allie and the baby under his protection and in his bed again....and again....and again. Add in the Mafia, long held traditions, family, danger, alliances, promises, violence, greed, surprises and a lot of sizzling hot and steamy chemistry/passion.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie is a daughter in a mafia family. Allie sneaks out often due to feeling trapped at home. One night results in a pregnancy. Allie is about to fulfill an obligation to an arranged marriage to a much older man who vowed to care for her and the baby. Then Mass arrives. Once these two are together again (Mass is the father of her child) they have time to get to know one another. Mass takes Allie to a secluded island. Not sure who to trust there is a lot of action next as the bratva is breathing down his door. Really fun and exciting read!

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

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tangled web of lies and deceit with a romance that burned so hot it scorched. Massimo had designs on Allie long before they met and enjoyed a delicious one night stand, one with consequences. As Allie stands at the altar putting on a brave face by entering into an arranged marriage after disgracing her family, Massimo it seems has other ideas, and he takes matters into his own hands, leaving no question about who Allie belongs to. This was a well written story with a lot of twist, turns, drama, love and family. Thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read and review her work.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mass, a dashing man comes to Allie's rescue one night and sets into motion something she never realized had been her long awaited destiny. Her one-night stand resulted in the birth of Allie's darling daughter, Rosie and her future seemed destined to be married to a man years older than her until Mass Cardone crashes her arranged wedding and takes her for his own. This is a story of instant attraction, a woman learning that she can love a monster and a violent man who learns that there is beauty in the simplicity of a child's smile and a life her never thought was in the cards for him.

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

[SassyCM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Surprise was quite literally a huge surprise but fortunately not a cruel but very welcome one.

Obviously the outstanding thrill and quality of the book wasn't the surprise, since you can always count on this authors brilliance when picking up on of her books ...

No, the surprise was B.B. Hamel throwing us into a new series and gifting us with all new characters!
And all that without a warning.

And let me tell you, you won't be ready for the deliciousness of Massimo Cordone.

Speaking about Mass, I wonder. Is black considered a dark shade of grey?

Ladies and gents you better clear your schedules, the Dragon deserves no less then your undivided attention...