Corrupting Her Heart

3.75

Not the best Kylie Kent I’ve read but the trademark well written, funny book. Something was missing though. Felt not a lot happened until near the end. Did enjoy it and worth a read.

Joanne Barton

619 reviews1 follower

“Corrupting Her Heart” is the second book in Kylie’s new series “Owning Vegas 2nd Generation.” Charlotte and Louie Giuliani are Frankie’s parents - a mafia princess. Evie and Emmanuel Lopez are Emilio’s parents - a Cartel Prince. Both families share a lifelong history, loyalty, amongst the danger, enemies and the tension that comes with the territory of who they are.

Emilio Lopez has loved Frankie Giuliani for as long as he can remember. Since she was sixteen, he has always been around….watching and always protecting her. Her saviour….”As a little girl, I was read all the fairy tales with white knights in shining armor coming to the rescue. At the time, I was convinced I’d find my very own white knight and we’d live out our own fairy tale.” Turns out he was closer than she knew….she wants him to leave her alone or does she?

Emilio seconds guess whether he is good enough for Frankie. His hands are tools of pain and destruction….they should not be touching someone as good and pure as Frankie. Unfortunately, the heart wants what the heart wants, and eventually she will be his….he is a very patient man. On her eighteenth birthday, his father bought Frankie her own unit so that she did not have to live on campus. Three years latter and he steps up everything by moving into the unit next door to Frankie. Let the battle begin….will Frankie finally give in?

“I run and jump at him. Thankful he has quick reflexes and catches me. My lips fuse with his as my legs wrap around his waist. I focus on Emilio. His touch, his kiss, his smell - that citrus scent that I can’t seem to get enough of. Leaning against his ear, I whisper, “Te amo.” I feel his breath catch, and then he’s kissing me again.”

The story is full of passion, humor, intrigue, betrayal, vengeance, power, control, twists and turns around every corner - most of all love. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! The book goes from pages that sizzle, to extreme violence, to the most beautiful tender moments!

“I have a feeling we’re going to be just fine. Everything happens when it’s supposed to happen. I might have loved Emilio forever, but waiting until the timing was right was what made us as strong as we are today.”

You will fall in love with Emilio and Frankie, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

Elizabeth

115 reviews

June 15, 2026

4.5 stars OMG Emilio is so his father’s son

Book two of the second generation is my favorite … yes I know there have only been 2 books released so far but this one sets the bar really high. I don’t usually feel as strongly about subsequent books as I do with the first book, but Kylie’s books seem to be the exception to the rule (Dead or Alive, the final book in the first gen is my absolute favorite, Emmanuel is the man❤️).

We follow Frankie (Louie’s daughter) and Emilio (Emmanuel’s son), a couple who have been in love with each other since they were 16. I really appreciate how we are shown their early interactions so we understand their budding relationship. But while Emilio embraces it, Frankie goes full on stop, afraid that a relationship between them would destroy their family friendship. While Frankie seeks her independence, Emilio is always there providing seen, and unseen, protection. Finally having enough, Emilio decides to go full court press and force Frankie’s hand (he knows how she really feels despite her coldness toward him). Once he gets Frankie in his grasp, we see the Lopez OTT attitude come out and I was so there for it.

Frankie and Emilio are a perfect match, each equally obsessed with the other (albeit Emilio is more outspoken about it) and protective of each other. When Emilio is threatened and everyone goes on lockdown, Frankie is no longer able to pretend her feelings aren’t there. The scene where she tells Louie about it was so real I felt my heart break for both Frankie and Louie. And the last 20% of the book had me in a chokehold when Emilio ends up protecting her after an incident and Frankie’s obsession and protectiveness boil over and she risks all she ever wanted to save him, I ended up staying up too late reading because I was so vested it the outcome. Frankie’s solution is exactly what I expect from this couple, and Emilio’s reaction is what I wanted from him, right down to when he finally surrenders to her.

These two felt more real and more connected than Jazzy and Jake from book 1. I totally knew from the start that Emilio was a chip off the Emmanuel block - and when Emilio asked his father “Would you have let them take Mom,” and Emmanuel replied with “never” my heart swooned. And the Lailani cameos are always such a treat- a take charge take no prisoners strong as nails female character always makes me smile. It is also nice to see the cousins being further fleshed out for their future books. But I will say, they have some big shoes to fill.

Heids_in_books

171 reviews12 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

This one is Frankie and Emilio’s story, and if you’ve read the other books, Frankie is Charlotte and Louie’s daughter, and Emilio is Evie and Emmanuel’s son.
So basically… mafia/cartel kids, lifelong history, family loyalty, danger, tension, and Emilio being a protective pain in Frankie’s ass.
Frankie and Emilio have loved each other since they were teenagers. Emilio has been there for her since they were around 16, always watching, always stepping in, always protecting her even when she didn’t want him to. Then they shared a kiss when they were 18, and instead of finally doing something about all those feelings, Frankie avoided him.

She knew what loving Emilio could mean. She was worried about how her father and brothers would react, and she didn’t want to be the reason a war started between her family and Emilio’s. So instead of risking it all, she tried to stay away from him.
Tried being the key word, because Emilio was not exactly easy to avoid.

Emilio knows the kind of man he is and the kind of world he comes from. He thinks Frankie is too good for him, but he also can’t stay away from her. He is protective, possessive, stubborn, and completely in love with her. The man has been holding back for years, but there was only so long that was going to last.

I loved Frankie too. She had fire, she had attitude, and she really made him work for it. I liked that she pushed back and had her reasons for keeping distance, even when her heart was clearly saying something else. She was trying to do what she thought was the right thing.

I also really loved how protective Emilio’s family were of Frankie. It wasn’t just Emilio having her back, it felt like his whole family had claimed her in their own way too. That loyalty, especially between the families, was one of my favourite parts. Kylie writes the found family trope very well!
This had the protectiveness, the family ties, the tension, the danger, and all those years of wanting each other but trying not to cross that line.
If you love mafia/cartel romance, possessive men, lifelong love, family drama, and an MMC who has been protecting his girl for years, add this one to your TBR.

🖤Mafia/cartel romance
🖤Childhood/teenage love
🖤He’s always protected her
🖤Possessive MMC
🖤Family loyalty
🖤Forbidden-ish romance
🖤Touch her and die vibes
🖤Mutual pining
🖤She tries to avoid him
🖤Protective family dynamics

4.5⭐️
3.5 🌶️

earcs read-in-26

Kim Janey

248 reviews9 followers

Frankie and Emilio have been dancing around each other for YEARS. The attraction has always been there, everyone can see it, but Frankie was terrified of what crossing that line could mean for their families. Emilio has respected her space for as long as he could…but he’s officially had enough and will do anything to pursue the girl he’s wanted all along.

Sooooo…these two just FIT. Their relationship felt so natural from start to finish, there wasn’t unnecessary chaos or forced drama between them, it genuinely felt like two people who were always meant to find their way to each other. Their relationship just felt so balanced and easy. They brought out the best in each other without ever trying to change who the other person was. They were such an easy couple to root for!

Now let’s talk about Emilio because OH MY GOD. Considering Emmanuel and Evie are literally one of my favourite first gen couples ever, Emilio had some BIG shoes to fill and thankfully he absolutely delivered cause this man is sooo his father’s son. Once he knows what he wants, it’s game over. I loved how direct he was, how he didn’t shy away from his feelings, and how determined he was to finally fight for Frankie instead of letting her run away from whatever this was between them.

And Frankie was such a good FMC too. What I appreciated most was that she wasn’t afraid of her feelings for Emilio, she was afraid of the aftermath and what it could potentially do to the people around them. That made her hesitation feel so understandable. But once she finally took that leap of faith? Ugh, yassss go girl. She’s vibrant, openhearted, and honestly matched Emilio so well.

And as always, the cousin gang absolutely stole my heart. Jazzy being such a mother hen to Emilio and Frankie was everything to me, and can we PLEASE talk about Emmanuel still spoiling all his nieces and nephews at every given point? I loved seeing that side of him continue beyond just Jazzy’s story. That man really loves his family (and extended one too!) and always has their backs. Lopez supremacy!

Also…shoutout to Matteo Valentino, the love of my life, for his cameo because anytime he pops up in this interconnected universe, I’m instantly happy.

At this point, picking up a Kylie Kent book just feels like a guaranteed good time. You know you’re going to get family chaos, chemistry, emotion, and characters that are just always so darn likeable every single time.

Nancy

226 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

If you are a sucker for second-generation mafia/cartel romance, lifelong pining, and a hero who is an absolute protective pain in the ass, you need to add Corrupting Her Heart to your TBR immediately! Getting to step back into this world and see the kids all grown up navigating their dangerous lives was such a trip. This book follows Frankie (Charlotte and Louie’s daughter) and Emilio (Evie and Emmanuel’s son). Because their parents are close friends and business partners, they basically grew up like "cousins," but Emilio has been completely, obsessively in love with Frankie since they were sixteen. He’s always been there in the shadows, watching over her, saving her, and protecting her even when she didn’t want him to. But after a forbidden kiss at eighteen, Frankie spent years trying to stay away from him—mostly because she was terrified that loving the cartel prince would start an outright war with her father and brothers.

Let's talk about the characters because the tension between them is absolutely elite! Emilio is pure perfection—protective, obsessive, stubborn, and so deeply in love it hurts. He truly reminds me of his father, Emmanuel, especially when he threatens to hunt her down if she runs! Frankie has so much fire and attitude, and she really makes him work for it. I loved her stubborn, independent side, though I will admit her headstrong nature frustrated me a little at times. Her father and brothers have only ever protected her, not restricted her, so her fear that being dependent on a man would strip away her independence felt a bit unnecessary when Emilio has literally been her savior since childhood! But the push-and-pull banter between them was so thoroughly enjoyable.

What really stole my heart, though, was the family dynamic. Kylie Kent writes the found-family trope so well! It wasn’t just Emilio having Frankie’s back; his entire family dotes on her and claimed her as their own the second they finally got together. The intense loyalty, the laughs, and the fierce protectiveness between these families make the story so warm underneath all the cartel danger. Kylie’s writing style flows perfectly with the absolute right balance of plot, suspense, and added spice. It’s a beautiful, chaotic, years-in-the-making love story, and I’m already feral for the next book in the series!

Nikki'J'

966 reviews25 followers

arc billionaire-romance close-proximity

Corrupting Her Heart is a forbidden romance in the Owning Vegas 2nd Generation series.

These two were raised as cousins due to their fathers being more like brothers than friends but there is no blood relation. They have been in love for a while and while Emilio is keen to embrace it, Frankie is stuck on the “cousin” relationship. Instead of going for what she wants she thinks about what everyone else will think and the rift it could cause in the family.

Frankie is Louie and Charlotte’s daughter, and she has plenty of both in her. She’s strong, independent, stubborn, and loving. She also seems to be good at finding herself in trouble, which has Emilio to the rescue regularly (because he’s always watching her). Frankie also hates being told what to do and tends to buck against authority.

Emilio is his father’s son. He’s embraced his life as a cartel prince and will do whatever it takes to keep his family strong. But his love for Frankie is almost stronger. Unlike his brothers who spend the majority of their time in Mexico, Emilio spends most of his time in Vegas to be near Frankie. He’s got his dad’s strength and power but unlike Emmanuel he’s not quite as unstable. Although he will end anyone coming for his family or Frankie.

This is why things are complicated, because that’s where Emilio and Emmanuel agree. Frankie is Emilio’s and though he doesn’t want to, he will even go against her family if he has to. Hence why Frankie is so concerned about starting a relationship with him. She doesn’t want the families fighting. She doesn’t want Louie and Emmanuel at odds, and she definitely doesn’t want anyone hurt.

There is no denying these two have chemistry and I kind of like Frankie’s stubbornness, but she took way too long to let herself be happy.

It’s not all about the love story though, there has to be some danger and while Emilo and his family are the targets, the bad guys will always use their weakness against them. They should know who they are messing with though because there is no way Frankie could be considered weak.

Love the cameos from a couple of the Valentino family.

I’m enjoying the continuation of the Owning Vegas series with this 2nd generation and look forward to more of them.

Happy Reading.

Vic

207 reviews1 follower

This is the second book in the Owning Vegas 2nd Gen series. In Corrupting her Heart, Frankie loves her independence. She is now living on her own and likes it that way. Every time she gets in trouble Emilio is always there. She has always crushed on Emilio but she does not think her father will ever accept him. Even if his father and hers are friends. So she always pushes him away. She treats him like dirt. She just doesn’t want her father to kill him and then for his dad to retaliate. It’s better if they can just keep being friends but she does love pushing his buttons. He is too sweet to her and there is only so much time before she gives in.

Emilio is the son of Emmanuel Lopez who is the leader of a cartel but is also good friends with Louie, Frankie’s father. Even though they are friends, he will never tolerate his son to be disrespected. He loves Frankie as his own daughter but if Louie hurts his son, he will hurt him worse. Emilio has been in love with Frankie since they were 16 years old. When it comes to Frankie, he is the sweetest. He doesn’t care how she treats him because he knows she feels something too. He will be as patient as he can until she is ready. However, there is only so much time he will wait to prove to her that they belong together.

Kylie Kent had me falling for these two since the beginning. Emilio is the nicest guy even though he is a cartel prince. Yes he kills people but when it comes to his family and Frankie he is loyal to the end. I felt bad at times because everyone knows how much he cares about Frankie and they see how she treats him and he takes it. I also felt bad for Frankie because it’s not she didn’t like him, she actually really cared about him. She just didn’t want to create a war between their families because they were so close. Their chemistry was great. I loved their banter. I love seeing all the families together. This was so entertaining. It is filled with drama, humor, danger, action, heat, and some crazy surprises. I can’t wait until the next book. I’m loving this series.

Alison turton

247 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

banter crime dark-romance

“𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓊𝓅. 𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓅𝑜𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝐼’𝓂 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼’𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒, 𝐹𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓀𝒾𝑒.”

What can I say about Corrupting Her Heart other than it was yet another slam dunk for Kylie Kent. I was expecting it to be good after all we are talking about my favourite walking red flag, Emmanuel’s progeny. But there was just something about Frankie and Emillio’s story that just grabbed ahold of me. It had everything I wanted to read about, there was the years of yearning and pining for each other, the angst, the jealousy, the over the top protection detail, the absolute devotion and the explosive chemistry that just exploded with each and every interaction.

Having grown up with their families as close as kin and with a deep love and respect for family whether by blood or by bond Emilio Lopez and Frankie spent a good amount of time together, and when their feelings for each other shifted from platonic to romantic their connection was clear for everyone to see. Well everyone except for the overprotective men within Frankie’s family, her brothers and father. Frankie, convinced that she is doing the right thing for the families and that a relationship between her and Emillio would cause an inevitable war, turns away from Emilio again and again. But, what if turning towards him could give them both everything that they’ve ever wanted? Emillio’s obsession continues and he instead becomes her silent protector in the dark waiting and hoping that Frankie will see what he sees. That they belong together.

One thing is apparent throughout the book. Emillio has grown up seeing the love, devotion and obvious obsession between his parents and yearns for that kind of love for himself, all while knowing in his heart that in Frankie he has exactly that. When danger comes calling, the need to keep Frankie safe and protected drives Emilio like never before. After all everyone knows that to find a man’s greatest weakness you just need to look inside his heart, and for Emilio every beat of his heart has always belonged to Frankie.

“𝒲𝑒’𝓋𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒻𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇. 𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓁𝒻 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁, 𝐹𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓀𝒾𝑒.”

Katie Murphy

1,126 reviews109 followers

May 25, 2026

Corrupting her heart is the second book in the Owning Vegas Second Generation spin off. After reading finishing this book I was not surprised to see that Emilio takes after his papa. Oh yes, while Tio E was possessive when it came to Evie, Emilio was just as when it came to Frankie🤭

Frankie and Emilio’s story spans over the years, in Emilio’s eyes he knew that Frankie was always going to be his endgame and deep down the feeling was quite mutual for Frankie but she definitely took some time to get there. Even though Evie (Emilio’s mother) and Charlotte (Frankie’s mother) loved the idea of their kids ending up together Frankie was actually quite afraid to take a chance just in case things didn’t pan out quite how’d she like and thus possibly ruin the friendship between her father and Emilio’s father. And look I get it, she didn’t want to ruin things but Frankie denied herself years of her own happiness for the sake of others and bless it broke my heart.

After years of pining, the pair decide to give it a shot and while Frankie wanted it to keep it on the down low for the first few weeks before she told her father, the Lopez family knew the exact moment they got together. While might I add was quite hilarious 🤣 When it came to the Lopez family she was firmly apart of it whether or not she decided to be at Emilio’s side or not because Papa Emmanuel and aunt Evie are the ever so protective bunch when it came to her.

I loved reading about Frankie and Emilio’s story, I felt like this was definitely an internal battle more so on Frankie’s part to accept Emilio’s love and devotion, while on the other hand Emilio was a constant and never giving up until he reached his goal and that was Frankie to be his.

Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

Chantell Reilly

34 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 25, 2026

ARC REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this book in about 3-4 hours because I just couldn’t put it down.

Corrupting Her Heart was everything I want from a second‑generation mafia romance; addictive, emotional, dramatic in all the right ways, and rooted in a storyline that genuinely makes you want to keep going back to it.
From the Family tree alone, I knew Frankie and Emilio were going to own me in this book and they absolutely did.
This book balances tension and tenderness so well. There’s enough drama to keep the plot moving which as family expectations, danger, loyalty, and the classic “you’re not good enough for her” energy but it never tips into unnecessary chaos. Instead, it enhances their relationship and makes every moment between them feel earned.
I’ll admit, I reached a point where I was this close to being done with the constant “he’s not good enough for you” speeches. Because let’s be real: Emilio is actually the best thing for Frankie. But I forgive Louie. We know him from the Owning Vegas series, we know how he loves, and we know he’s a walking, talking overprotective father stereotype with a gun. It tracks. And when everything finally comes together at the end? Worth it. Completely worth it.
The ending was perfect! It was emotional, satisfying, and full of that second‑gen payoff we read these books for. Seeing the family dynamics evolve, the brothers being chaotic, and Emilio finally getting his happily ever after made the whole journey feel complete.
If you love mafia romance with heart, heat, and a couple who genuinely grow into their love, this book is a must‑read. Kylie Kent delivered a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and I devoured every page.

Book Obsessed Goddess

141 reviews3 followers

June 1, 2026

@ spoils us with her stories and blesses us with so many. I am so beyond excited to read this one!! This is a spinoff off from her owning Vegas series. 2nd generation is absolutely perfect and I cant get enough of them.

Frankie
She's Louie's (Oening Vegas) only daughter and the one who gets herself in the most trouble but has a white knight to save her whether she likes it or not. Shes determined to stay independent and not be owned by anyone. Her heart is pure and she doesn't want to cause a rift in her family and their family friends. She breaks her own heart while trying to protect the ones around her. She is stubborn and determined and I love that she always stayed true to herself. I loved seeing more of the second generation and I cant wait until we see who thr brothers all find.

Emilio
He's always there to protect Frankie even when she doesn't want him to be. He knew she was his forever and has done everything he could to protect her and have her feel valued. He is Emmanuel's (Dead or alive) son who is very clearly his favorite. I loved seeing the loving father side of him. Emilio does everything he can to protect those that he loves. Seeing them all interact with his younger sister was the cutest thing. I truly loved that he never tried to change Frankie and let her be her true self.

Them waiting honestly felt perfect especially given who they were and how they grew up like one big family. Always choose to be kissing cousins (as long as not really cousins lol)

I really hope the women from the bar is the one his brother marries. I just can't wait to see what happens next. As always Kylie is a goddess and I will forever worship her and her stories 🧡

Nicoletta Tompros

328 reviews3 followers

childhood-friends-to-lovers forced-proximity mafiaa

Mafia kids + cartel family drama + lifelong obsession?? Yeah… Kylie Kent did EXACTLY what needed to be done here. 😮‍💨🖤

Frankie and Emilio had the kind of chemistry that practically jumped off the pages. The push and pull between them was INSANE. She keeps fighting him at every turn, and this man just keeps loving her harder 😭

And Emilio?? Completely obsessed with Frankie since they were SIXTEEN. Protective, possessive, emotionally vocal, and fully giving “touch her and die” energy while still somehow being a green flag morally grey MMC. I ate it UP.

Meanwhile Frankie is fiery, stubborn, chaotic, and honestly hilarious for betting 5K on him to lose 💀

What I loved most is that their relationship is built on years of history, loyalty, danger, and knowing each other better than anyone else. Since they were teenagers, Emilio has always been protecting her even when she absolutely drives him insane.

And the mafia/cartel family dynamics?? SO GOOD. Frankie comes from a mafia family while Emilio’s side is tied to the head of the Mexican cartel, so there’s tension everywhere you turn.

Also one thing Kylie ALWAYS does so well is bringing characters from past books into the story, and every time it happens I get way too excited 😭

✨ Mafia/cartel romance
✨ Childhood love
✨ Possessive MMC
✨ Family loyalty
✨ Protective obsession
✨ Forbidden vibes
✨ Touch her & die energy

Fast-paced, addictive, emotional, chaotic — exactly what dark romance girlies want. 📚

Alena Dcruz

62 reviews

May 29, 2026

Okay I have read almost 90% of Kylie Kent books and when it releases I read without even looking for story sometimes because I know it will be good. This was also nice zi would say.
But few things I wouldnlike to address like it started out good but then I don't know if they didn't had story or what, after chapter 20-25 it felt too rushed like things keep happening because story needs its happy ending, i know there union was supposed to be but it felt like just switch and they are dating without any how to say like many of kylie books you will see transformation internal or external but here it didn't it just feels weired and disconnected because frankie kept him at arms length to not get bloodbath between there fathers but on next chapter they are in mexico and dating and all? Why changed or anything no flow for that. One thing I was disappointed or disagreed is they have been pining for each other since 16 but none of them are virgin when from very first chapters it was guilt they were obessed with each other? And I learnt from kylie book itself if someone is pinning they don't bed other🤣🤣🤣🤣 so I actually don't know. Few of kylie books like vancouver knights or ignited series have been on my repeat including vegas 1st gen. Jake and jazzy stody was also good but this won't do. There fathers and brothers banter were much better then mmc and fmc🤣🤣😂. All 4 stars 2 for there fathers and 1 for there siblings1 for emilio being nice and considering frankie's feelings first.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Candy

211 reviews11 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

4 ⭐ ARC Review 'Corrupting Her Heart'

💜 Cartel Prince
💜 Mob Boss Daughter
💜 Independent FMC
💜 Possessive MMC
💜 Always Been You
💜 Raised As Cousins
💜 Forbidden

Loved stepping back into this world, with the second generation of children. Seeing them growing up navigating their lives and relationships.
Here we focus on Emilio and Frankie. Always grown up together, considered cousin's due to their parents being friends and business partners. Emilio has always had a crush and feelings for Frankie, always protective and there for her. Frankie deep down feels the same but keeps those thoughts to herself due not wanting to break the dynamics in the family and creating an out right war.
I loved the dynamics and banter between these characters. Emilio having the understanding of the Cartel world in which he lives, is constant in making sure Frankie stays safe. Frankie's stubborn but independent side, doesn't like him telling her what to do and not afraid to tell him why I thoroughly enjoyed.
Always love the protectiveness, love and laughs these families have together, no matter what they say or do, will always do anything to protect each other. Always a pleasure reading one of Kylie's reads. The writing style is fantastic and always flows perfectly with the right amount of plot, suspense and added spice. Can't wait for the next one!!

meka

201 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 25, 2026

4.5/5 stars
Damn this book was pretty good. It had a lot of similar elements of Kylie's other books but overall I found this one quite refreshing. The relationship struggles between the main characters were a bit anticlimactic for me to be honest and the cliche protective men bit is getting a bit old for me but I think that's just cause when you read it over and over again from different books with similar story lines you kinda want something different but it'll never not make me giggle (especially when Kylie writes it cause that stuffs funny). I was also nicely surprised by the ending. The story follows Louie & Charlotte's lil princessa and Evie & Emmanuel's son. The comedy in that if you've read both of their books is hilarious. I LOVE that Kylie paired Charlotte & Evie's kiddos together. The banter we get from Louie & E always has and always will be hilarious and it's so satisfyingly full circle.

I couldn't imagine writing as many books as Kylie has in such short amounts of time. I always think, surely she'd run out of ideas by now but damn each book is such a fun, spicy, short and sweet mafia romance that is super addicting. Any time I need to get out a reading slump I can always count on a Kylie Kent read. Sooo incredibly lucky and honoured to have read this, thank you Kylie!! ♡

arcs_26 ku

Chani

161 reviews1 follower

June 1, 2026

This book, like every single other Kylie Kent book, was fantastic. Emilio was so besotted and obsessed. He did so much for Frankie without her knowing. Frankie really tried to hate him and push him away but she was not immune to his charms. She came around and when she did, nothing and nobody could stop them. Emilio may have been more obvious about his feelings but that didn’t mean that Frankie loved him less. If anything, she was willing to break her own heart to protect him and their families. They were so perfect for each other and in love for years that even when they tried denying it, their families could see it. I’m honestly not sure how Louie was the only one who didn’t see it. Maybe he was in denial. The jokes and the banter from their families about the “kissing cousins” was hilarious. I also loved how overprotective Emilio’s brothers and sister were of him and trying to protect his heart. The plot was amazing and suspenseful. The spice was so good!! It was so interesting to see the OGs as parents and how each of them were the same overprotective but different. I laughed every time Evie and Charlotte were plotting their wedding and shared grandbabies. The whole book was a great mix of laughter, sweet family moments, hot af spicy scenes, dangerous suspense, and love that overcomes all obstacles.

OooLaLa Reads

868 reviews48 followers

arc-read dark-romance ebook

Frankie & Emilio Were Pure Chaos

Ok Besties... Kylie Kent really said “what if obsession came wrapped in danger, tension, and a cartel prince who ruins your life in the best way possible?” 🤔 because yes… Emilio and Frankie had me invested for their wild ride in "Corrupting Her Heart".

The chemistry between Frankie and Emilio was off the charts. The constant push-and-pull, the forbidden tension, the history between them, and Emilio’s obsessive “always been you” energy? I. Ate It Up! Frankie was a strong FMC but definitely had her bratty moments (which annoyed me at times, TBH). But I did enjoy that she challenged him constantly while he hovered like a possessive menace ready to burn the world down for her.

And Emilio? Whew. This man knew he’d destroy her innocence and still fought himself over it, which somehow made everything even darker, hotter, and more emotional. The suspense, family drama, danger, and emotional tension kept me locked in the entire time. 👀

This book felt like a dark fairy tale dipped in cartel chaos, obsession, and sinful tension. If you love forbidden romance with possessive antiheroes and intense chemistry, this one absolutely delivers! 😉

My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

781 reviews

June 22, 2026

Emilio & Frankie

Kylie Kent is one of my favorites. This one was ok. Not bad but not one of her greats. I feel like the reader did not get to see the relationship building between this couple. By time they finally started dating. They already loved each other. I didn’t feel the connection between them. And then after she had been resistant to dating him for so long and then the switch flipped and they decided to give it a try and keep it a secret. It was kept a secret for about five seconds. Then they were doing it like rabbits. It would’ve been nice for them to have waited for each other to beat each other‘s first. For two people who liked each other since they were teenagers that would’ve been a nice part of the story. And then there are some inconsistencies. At the beginning, she says that he is just a few months older than her but then why is she still in college and he’s done with college? He states that he went to college in Mexico, so why is he not still in college? I love the relationship with all the siblings and cousins and I love the banter between everyone. Emmanuel was one of my favorites from the original series and it’s funny to see how all his boys are like him. I look forward to seeing all of their stories.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Celine

114 reviews4 followers

Soft and Sinister Sisters Talita Armstrong

„I just want you to be safe. It’s the only thing in this world I want, Frankie.“

Emilio and Frankie have known each other forever and every time Frankie finds herself in a tricky situation, Emilio is there to safe her. After spending more time together they decide to give a relationship a go. Will their relationship cause a drift between the families? 
Emilio is very protective of Frankie and would do anything for her. I really enjoyed him being all in and ready for a fight, whenever someone said/did something wrong. He is very much like his father Emmanuel Lopez.
Frankie wants to be independent and has a sassy attitude at times, like her mother Charlotte Giuliani. When she has her mind set on something, there is no turning back.
I really loved how Emilio’s siblings „adopted“ Frankie after a while and accepted her a sister.
I loved seeing all the first gen couples along with their children! We had some funny scenes which make me want to read book three instantly!

This is a very fast paced book that I could read in one setting, I definitely ate it up!

Thank you Kylie Kent for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

arc with-review

98 reviews

ARC Review Alert 🚨

Corrupting Her Heart by Kylie Kent is the second book in the Owning Vegas series and honestly… this author does not miss. Another addictive, one-sitting, 5⭐ read that had me completely hooked.

Emilio — our ultimate “green flag” morally grey MMC — has been obsessed with Frankie since they were 16, and this man is DOWN BAD. Meanwhile Frankie is stubborn, fiery, and keeps him at arm’s length every chance she gets… which only makes him want her more. Their chemistry? Insane. The tension? Chef’s kiss.

This book was fast-paced, addictive, protective, obsessive, and exactly what us dark romance girlies crave. Emilio being so open and vocal about his feelings while still giving unhinged protective energy? I ate it up 👏🏻

It’s giving:
• Morally Grey MMC
• Feisty, defiant FMC
• Touch her and die 💀
• Obsession
• Light stalking
• Both fall at the same time
• MMC obsessed and vocal about his feelings

Release date: 26 May — add this one to your TBR immediately, Dark Romance Girlies 🖤

JeAna

69 reviews

Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Frankie Giuliani, the only girl in the family, is tired of being told what she can and cannot do by the men. Her older brothers and father are quite protective of her, restricting her from doing many things.
She has some feelings for Emilio Lopez, the cartel prince—better known as her "cousin"—but she is unable to express them because she fears not being the one who tears the families apart. Although their fathers are best friends, her father opposes her dating Emilio.

Emilio is quite unhinged ( not like his father), protective, patient and obsessive man who doesn't give up on Frankie until she gave in those feelings.
Frankie, on the other hand, is a strong, fierce, and confident girl who does all efforts to avoid Emilio and bury her real feelings.

Their chemistry is extremely powerful, intense, and insane and their bantering is what makes the story delicious.
The storyline is exceptionally written.
Also, side characters add to the narrative some incredible complexity.
Overall, an AMAZING story.

Steph Gracia

38 reviews

June 23, 2026

Kylie Kent
Check Trigger Warning ⚠️
Genre: Mafia Romance, Forbidden Romance
Kindle
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Serie
Tropes:
Strong FMC
Raised as Cousins
Cartel Prince
Mafia Princess
Obsessed MMC
Forbidden
Always been you

Another really good book from Kylie 😍
The banter, fighting and the pull and push of the main characters was fun to read.
Loved how the relationship between Emilio and Frankie turn out to be, from the forbidden to finally caving following their heart. They were both amazing, Frankie’s fire and determination but also the love and care she has for her family and Emilio so kind, loving and protective of her even when she gave him hell, we saw a lot of E’s genes in him. The portrayal of their love and how strong it was no matter the time or circumstance was perfect.
Of course we have appearances from other characters which was fun.
My only take was that i wanted more from the problematic part of the plot but apart from that was a really good read

Kasey England

142 reviews2 followers

May 23, 2026

Emilio is perfection. Protective, obsessive and determined. Honestly he reminds me of his father, Emmanuel, just by threatening to hunt her down if she ran. I like Frankie but her being so headstrong frustrated me. I can understand being independent but where her brothers and father have only ever protected her, no man has actually made her or other women feel like they weren’t capable of doing anything. Louie and her brothers never told her she couldn’t live life so I don’t understand why she feels like being married or dependent on a man would ever take away her independence. That’s probably the only thing that frustrated me about her. Emilio was always there saving her since they were kids and she just kept away from him. I understand why his siblings were upset with her, but they took her in as family the moment they were actually together. That’s a real family. I love how protective they are.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

83 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

Kylie Kent hits the mark again. I loved the 1st gen series and I am absolutely LOVING this one. The chemistry between Emilio and Frankie is brilliant. You can see parts of Emmanuel from this MMC which is the BEST if you've read Dead of Alive you'll understand.

The way Emilio loves and wants to please Frankie is next level. That man will do ANYTHING for his woman. He is just the right amount of loving and crazy for his woman and the protectiveness in him is chef’s kiss. Green flag protector who also understands her need to be independent. What more can I say.

Quotes I loved: “Oh yeah? You rooting for me? ”I ask her. “Nope, I bet on the other guy. I hope he knocks your c0cky ass out.” She smirks and steps back.

“You have the Lopez temperament, which means if something annoys you or challenges you, you ki** it.”

Another amazing read from Kylie can't wait to see what comes next.

Nour

311 reviews

June 6, 2026

📚 Corrupting Her Heart : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
#2
Frankie & Emilio 🤎

✨ Tropes ✨: Mafia romance / Childhood-teenage love / Possessive MMC / Protective family / lot of siblings

Histoire assez courte, on revoit plein de perso de la série Owning Vegas, puisque c'est la Scnd génération. C'est trop bien !!!! Franchement histoire sans prise de tête, à relire sans soucie, c'est drôle, y'a un peu d'action, ça avance, pas de frustration. Mais franchement j'ai adoré.

La relation des enfants avec leurs parents 🥰 La famille Lopez >>>>>>>

👥 : Frankie = daughter of Louis and Charlotte // Emilio = son of Evie and Emanuel (Lopez Family)

Spicy : 🌶️🌶️🌶️

(Ps : simple avis personnel ! Mes review sont destinés plutôt pour moi-même que pour les autres, c’est pour ça que c’est écrit de façon random mais si ça peut vous donner envie de lire le livre lets gooo 🫣 et ptit mix français-anglais parce que WHY NOT )

Cheryl

6,961 reviews245 followers