From USA Today Bestselling Author, Eve Newton comes a dark Irish mafia romance.
He was sent to collect a hostage. I'm the mistake he can't take back.
Aoife
I wasn't taken because I'm important. I was taken because I was there. Wrong place. Wrong time. Wrong man.
Aran O'Neill doesn't do confusion, and he doesn't do mercy. When his family orders a prisoner exchange, he turns up to collect what he's owed—clean, quiet, final.
Only the exchange goes sideways, and the woman he drags out of the chaos isn't who he came for.
And the moment Aran realizes it, I become a problem with two prices on my head: the people who ambushed the deal and know what I saw… and the O'Neills, who don't tolerate loose ends.
Aran thinks the simplest fix is to lock me down until he decides what to do with me. He thinks I'll beg. He thinks I'll break. He's wrong.
Because the ambush wasn't random. Someone wanted that exchange to fail. And if Aran wants the truth—if he wants to stop the next body from dropping—he'll have to trust the woman he never meant to take.
In our world, love isn't safe. It's caught in the Crossfire.
Crossfire is a dark and twisted romance. Please read trigger warnings before reading, listed in the Preface. Each book in the Savage Crown series is interconnected, but about a different couple and will end in a HEA.
Books in the Savage Crown Series: Carnage Crucible Chaos Crossfire
Eve is a USA Today Bestselling Author with a specialty for steamy romance with strong female leads.
She lives in the UK, with her husband and five kids, so finding the time to write is short, but definitely sweet. Eve has a number of series, both completed and on the go and hopes to release some new and exciting projects, both paranormal and contemporary in the future, so stay tuned!
Ok so What happens when you have a Feisty FMC and a Sexy Dark MC??
Ok so What happens when you have a Feisty FMC and a Sexy Dark MC?? The best read you are ever going to read in one night. And I say one night because I did not put this book down, I started reading it at 1 am and did not stop until I was done. Aoife was a FMC that I really resonated with, she delt with the things that she needed to deal with and handled herself so very amazingly. It starts as a Simple Mistake and Aran accidently Kidnaps Aoife and it just gets better and better, there are touch her and die vibes, and a lot of changes, drama and intrigue. I really love the change in the relationship as the story progresses. I refuse to spoil the ending but I will say there is something that Eve threw in there that literally made me laugh out loud and double check that I read that right multiple times, I think this ending is one of the BEST ends I have EVER read.
After finishing this book I had to take a day or two to think through my review. Because honestly I wanna come here and scream at you to pick this up and read it now because it’s just that addictive!! It’s Book Crack 100% in the best possible way. If you love a Mafia romance that leaves you panting for more. Then this is for you!!! What started as a “simple” mistake turns into the best story that could possibly happen! The FMC is a fiesty woman that wants answers to her life, she deals with her issues and handled them in ways that well let’s jus say leave you praising Eve for her amazing ability to give woman such empowering roles!
Fiesty woman… check Dark and broody male… Check Touch her and Die vibes… check And a love that leaves you breathless… check!!!
What would you do if you got caught in the crossfire of a mafia hostage exchange? Faint? Run? Freeze? When mistaken identity gets Aoife taken, after the initial ‘ohmygod, ohmygod, I didn’t SEE anything’, she has to decide how to go forward. And when the person who took you looks like Aran, well, that’s an easy decision to make. There seem to be a few people against the idea of Aoife staying on this mortal coil, though. You’d think they’d know better than to go up against an O’Neill. An excellent read, with a surprising epilogue.
I absolutely loved Aran and Aoife’s story. Aoife starts off as an ordinary woman, working a quiet job cleaning hotel rooms, but there’s an undercurrent to her character. She is clearly running from something, even if the full weight of her past unfolds gradually.
The premise kicks off with a chaotic mistake: Aran kidnaps Aoife in a mix-up while attempting to retrieve his uncle’s daughter. Instead, he takes Aoife, who loosely matches the description. What could have stayed a simple abduction trope quickly shifts into something more layered. Aoife’s fear and resistance feel grounded at first, but everything pivots when someone breaks into Aran’s home and he kills to protect her. That moment changes the emotional trajectory completely. What starts as captivity evolves into a sense of safety, which adds an interesting tension to their dynamic.
Aran’s character leans heavily into the possessive, protective archetype, but it works here because of how it develops. Aoife is the catalyst for change in him. She makes him feel things he hasn’t before, and in response, he becomes fiercely devoted, sometimes to a fault, especially when it comes to his uncle. His protectiveness never feels static. It intensifies as their bond deepens.
What stood out most to me was the evolution of their relationship. The shift from fear to trust to something more intimate felt natural within the world of the story. Even more compelling was Aoife’s personal growth. She doesn’t remain the same woman we meet at the beginning. Her transformation is noticeable and adds emotional weight to the romance.
Overall, this was a character-driven story with a dynamic that kept me engaged the entire time. If you enjoy intense relationships, morally gray characters, and a romance that grows out of unusual circumstances, this one delivers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Crossfire is a high-octane, soul-searing journey. If you want a romance that plays by the rules, look elsewhere. But if you want a story where the heroes are villains and the 'happily ever after' is written in blood, this is your new favorite book.
If you’re looking for a romance that feels like a fever dream wrapped in barbed wire, Crossfire is the absolute pinnacle of the dark Irish mafia subgenre. It’s gritty, unapologetic, and features a central couple that defines the "us against the world" trope—even if the world they’re fighting is one they helped burn down.
Let’s be honest: their relationship would keep a therapist employed for decades. It is obsessive, high-stakes, and chaotic. But within the vacuum of their violent lives, it is perfect. They are two jagged puzzle pieces that shouldn’t fit anywhere else, yet they lock together seamlessly. Their love isn’t about "fixing" each other; it’s about finding the one person who understands your darkness and chooses to sit in it with you.
Without spoiling the specifics, the conclusion of Crossfire is a rare gem in the genre. It avoids the clichés of a "perfect" sunset and instead delivers an ending that is earned, shocking, and emotionally resonant. It’s the kind of finale that makes you close the book and stare at the wall for twenty minutes, processing the sheer audacity of how it all came together
1. I really wish each book had cameos from the previous couples. At most, there might be a quick mention or appearances by one of the O'Neill men, but that's it. It's like the heroines of the previous book(s) never existed when the next story is being told. They aren't wven referred to by name. I don't think Liam's woman has ever been referred to or seen since their book ended. Liam was in Sean's here and there, I believe, which makes sense as they're brothers, but even then it was minimal. Liam and Sean, minus their respective wives, are at Logan and Nuala's wedding. Logan is mentioned once, maybe twice, here. It's a little weird.
Back to the irish mafia and I can't even decide which is my favorite mafia series by this author as I love both the same. I love Aoife (eefa) as FMC as she has a great personality. Doesn't take nonsense from anyone. Now imagine her surprise being kidnapped by Aran. Course it is by accident as we later find out. Aran is an amazing MC as he is deliciously dark and possessive. I particularly love how the relationship develops from one thing into the next in an organic way almost. The author just can do anything really with words I know but every time I'm amazed.
She saved the best for last! I loved how Aran was exactly how I pictured an enforcer. Loyal, morally grey and pure deliciousness. This book had me cracking up, shaking and melting all at once. Our FMC is strong, independent and just knows when to be silent. (You have to read it to understand why she knows when to be silent) This book and series was so good from beginning to end.
Highly recommend this book and the author!
PS: HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO DADDY CONNOR!! I still want my own story for him, he is to delicious to not have a book. I said what I said.
MINE. I don't know why that word sends chills up and down my spine, but wow. This is the 4th book in the series and I loved it. Aran is a massive deadly Irishman. Aofie is just at the wrong place at the wrong time, when she witnesses something she can't unsee. Bran takes her to protect her, and boy, do the sparks fly between them!!! Once I was able to actually sit and read this, I devoured it. Eve has an uncanny ability to draw you in to a story and protect for the morally grey hotties. You can't go wrong with this series!
Knockout! Unassuming maid - Aoife got caught up with the Irish Mafia when Aran entered her life. Bringing with him all sorts of complications. These two characters couldn't be more polar opposites but for me that was what interested me the most in Aoife and Aran's book. The plot twists and turns were so flaming good as was all of the steamy scenarios too. They all went together brilliantly to make for another great addition to this series and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading it.
I have always admired the name Aoife; it is truly beautiful. Our story is far from typical eschewing moral ambiguity for a tone that is dark and uncompromising. The pacing is well-crafted, with abundant action and unexpected twists. I greatly appreciated the escape this story provided and valued its departure from typical happy endings, offering instead something different and more authentic. A must-read.
I didn’t know I needed this book until I read it. Omg. This story hit the spot. This is the 4th book in the Savage Crown series. Irish mafia. Yes please. Loved Aran and Aoife story. Aoife was a great character. Love strong FMC. One of the best storylines. Story had me completely hooked from the beginning all the way till the end. This might be my favorite book in the series. I really enjoyed reading. Definitely recommend.
This dark Irish mafia romance delivers high-stakes tension, danger, and a fast-burning connection that feels as reckless as it is inevitable. Aoife isn’t just an accidental victim—she adapts, and carves out her place in his dangerous world. Meanwhile, Aran’s ruthless edge softens just enough to make his obsession feel intoxicating rather than terrifying. My favorite line: “It’s not roses and poetry”. But it is Crossfire by Eve Newton and is a must read.
Absolutely loved this book! It was face paced and full of an accidently meet-cute (one could say, lol), a little kidnapping, danger, intrigue and so much chemistry! It checked all my Mafia Romance boxes! his book was face paced, entertaining and my favorite kind of weekend read! And the last few chapters? Pure perfection!
This book had me hooked from page one. Aoife and Arans story intrigued me right from the start. A new couple in this shared mafia world with suspense action and chemistry. If you love a fierce fmc and a strong male you will love this story. Eve creates such wonderful characters and great plots that you will want to read them all. Another outstanding read.
Aoife was in the wrong place at the wrong time...or was she? Aran sent to do an exchange and grabs Aoife instead, but what was an accident might have just become the best thing that happens to both of them. You are going to want to drop everything, grab this book and it will be the best thing for you!
What starts out as a case of mistaken identity, turns out to be a turning point for both of them. One learns how to live, and one learns how to do more than just survive. A very unlikely love story, that just seems to work
3.5 Stars Writing is good, story good, cover awesome. I just could not relate to Aoife and didn't like her at all. Will give this author another try and hope her FMCs are not all carbon copies of each other and she doesn't equate lust with love like in this book.
Another one I made it about 60% through and just finally gave up. What do you mean this dude kidnaps the wrong woman and six hours later they’re having all the sex? And within 24 hours he’s CARVING HIS NAME into her hip with a pocket knife?! COME. ON.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Interesting story. Loved the FMC who settled right in with the overprotective and possessive MMC. Her fear morphed into survival, then found a place & purpose in “him”.