Crooked

by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward

A new, sexy standalone from New York Times Bestsellers Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Fake Dating, Contemporary

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2026

About the author

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...

Reviews

[sasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Do you have lube?”
“I only have coconut oil. […] I don’t like chemicals up my hoo-ha.”
“Okay, then. I’ll just imagine I’m about to fry up my cock and serve it to you.”

this being an actual dialogue in the year 2026 don’t piss me off

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Juliette Grecco worked in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles as a screenwriter. She was a movie junkie growing up, and followed her dreams to Hollywood. She works with A-list actors, and loves her job. She'd spent her childhood as a mob princess in a dysfunctional crime family. She'd worked hard to create a new life for herself in California where she could be independent and live in peace. Then her father's business threatens her world with one phone call. She could be a target, and her mob boss dad is sending her a live in bodyguard to protect her twenty four seven. What she wanted was no longer important as her privacy and freedom are taken hostage.

Then she meets the stranger that she will be spending all her time with. Wes Callahan moves in with her, and they clash at every turn. He's always in the way, and how beautiful he is becomes an unwanted distraction. Then she gets to know him, and suddenly he matters to her. They've set boundaries, and he's supposed to be off limits. He works for her father, so she can only be a job to him. Soon they're fighting their feelings, while running from reality. Everything turns complicated when emotions get involved. Will Juliette end up with a broken heart, or the man of her dreams?

Crooked by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward is an all new, sexy standalone, fake dating, forced proximity, bodyguard/mafia daughter, forbidden romance full of humor, electric chemistry, secrets, danger, suspense, angst, fabulous banter and all the spice. I really loved this couple and this story! It was exciting and intriguing from start to finish. <333



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GL497T7H?...

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️'s

Ekk. I really hate giving a lower star to two of my favorite authors but I just didn't love this book. I felt it was predictable and cliche unfortunately.

Wes and Juliette were a good couple...eventually. It just took them a while to get there. And I really hate when the FC is overly brazen and throws herself on the MC.

The book picked up for me towards the end. I liked what Wes did to make things right and the epilogue was really sweet.

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate this book up !! So so good- audio version. Bodyguard meets king pins’ daughter and his job is to protect her life at all costs. She insists she does not want or need his protection— but her father won’t budge on it!

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted the ALC and let me say the narrators did a fantastic job !

I rate this a 4.25 stars ⭐️
When your father is a mob boss and you are just trying to make a life of your own but now needs a bodyguard due to situations her father had caused.

Not to mention he is hot as hell and living with her?
Well I’m sure you can guess what’s gonna happen ….

[Sammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw the tropes of bodyguard, Mafia princess, and close proximity, I was immediately sold and signed up straight away. The story had me hooked, and I was eager to find out what was going to happen and how the characters got their happy ever after.

Wes is sent to protect the mob boss's daughter, Juliette, who has done whatever she can to distance herself from her father's line of work. She moved across the country, changed her last name, and became a screenplay writer. And she is not happy about the fact that Wes has set up camp in her house.

It doesn't take long before both Wes and Juliette are pushing boundaries and falling for each other. Their feelings need to be kept a secret because the mob boss specifically told Wes not to touch his daughter, so we have that delicious forbidden fruit aspect, too.

I personally prefer my Mafia reads to have more action and be a bit darker. This is a great introduction to the Mafia genre, though, if you're looking to dip your toes in the water.

Thank you so much to the authors and Hambright PR for the arc!

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Narrated in Duet by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow
Standalone Contemporary Romance
Thank you Hambright PR for the early copy of Crooked. I was under no obligation to review, and all opinions are my own. There are Amazon Affiliate links in this post.

Whenever I pick up a book by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, or the two of them together, I always wonder why I haven’t been obsessively reading them for the last 10–15 years. I’ve loved every book I’ve read by them, and Crooked is no exception.

I don’t read a ton of mafia romance, but I do know most lean darker than this one. I’d call Crooked mafia light, which totally works for me. Juliette is the daughter of a New York City mafia don, but she’s built a life for herself in LA as a screenwriter, even using an assumed last name to stay under the radar. When trouble starts brewing and her family is threatened, her father sends a bodyguard to live with her and keep her safe…while also making it very clear what will happen if he so much as touches her.

The attraction between Juliette and Wes is immediate, and the banter between them was so much fun. There were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, which kept things interesting. When the danger gets a little too close, they head to Italy and pretend to be a couple, which only pulls them closer together. But her father is not someone to mess with, and Wes knows keeping his distance might be the only way to stay alive.



Bodyguard romances often lean heavier on action and suspense, and this one was more focused on the relationship. I was fully engaged the whole time, but I do think a little more danger could have added an extra layer. Still, Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is an easy, fun, sexy, and low-stress listen.

Likes:

•I loved both main characters.
•There was never a lull. It kept my interest the entire time.
•The banter was great.
•Fantastic chemistry.
•Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, even though I wouldn’t call it a romcom.
•A couple of twists I didn’t expect.
•Definitely spicy, but it never overwhelmed the story.

Dislikes:

•Not really a dislike, but I would have liked a bit more suspense.

The Narration:
The duet narration by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow was fantastic. Sometimes duet style can feel a little awkward with pauses, but this one flowed perfectly. Both narrators brought so much emotion to the story and really elevated the listening experience.

The Down & Dirty:
Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is a sweet, swoony romance packed with familiar tropes, but it never felt cookie-cutter. There’s something about the way these authors write that elevates even a simple premise into something special. Add in the fantastic narration, and it hits on every level. Crooked was a light, easy, feel-good listen with just the right amount of steam, and another win for Vi and Pen.

Rating: 4.5 Stars, 3.5 Heat, 5 Narration

Purchase Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Kindle | Paperback | Audible


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[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC/ALC Review

I can’t remember when exactly my obsession with both Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward started but I do know it was when I began my Audio Era, so I guess sometime after 2020. You couldn’t tell from my “reviews” how much I truly admire them both and how I think when they write as a duo, they are magic because I am the worst at reviewing in a timely manner. THE WORST! But now you know. LOL You can file this under **things some random chic added to one of her reviews that has zero impact on the story she’s reviewing but she’s extra so it’s fine.**

Mafia Princess vs Bodyguard in close proximity … Let the games begin! *wink*

My favorite aspect of this story is the emphasis on the romantic journey rather than the “suspense of the mafia” circumstance. That was used mostly as a catalyst to make Juliette and Wes have a tension fueled journey that not only was swoony but also deliciously sexy. These two were sharp and I loved them! And the best part was is that I could not have asked for a better narrating team than 🎤Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow🎤 who performed Juliette & Wes perfectly. I’ve listened to both Andi & Aiden countless times and they are powerhouses on their own, but this performance was more … it was everything I love about both of them and they did such a flawless job that not only did I feel this story as it was unfolding, but it unfolded as a reel in my head like I could have been watching a movie. Absolutely outstanding! 👏👏👏👏

My second favorite aspect were Juliette and Wes. I mean they were on fire from the get. The banter alone could have had me listening for hours on end. They were both quick witted with sharp tongues and an absolute good time for me as the listener. I’ve learned since I began my audio journey that when you have a great narrating team with this kind of writing, the audiobook shines above all else. It’s not every day I can say this, although it’s been happening more and more as of late, but even though I did more of a read-along while listening instead of two separate “reads”, I will 100% endorse the best experience for this story is via audio. The spark that Wes & Juliette had, in my opinion, was made even more dramatic by Andi and Aiden’s performances. It’s just a feeling I have. *shrug*

As per usual with these two authors, I ran the gamut of emotions, and I loved every minute of it. I was captivated from the very beginning. I was rooting for Wes & Juliette from the very beginning, and I really believe they will “last the test of time”. While I experienced their story, they weren’t fictional people living a fictional story and that’s because Vi & Penelope have the talent to draw me into a story and make me believe in it. They’ve done it countless times in the past and they sure did it this time!

[RollTide.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️forbidden, tense and wildly addictive

Margarita party of two. Cactus balls. Date crashing. Protecting emotionally + physically? STAWP it. I want a Wes.

This audiobook (AIDEN SNOW!!! ANDI ARNDT!!!) grabbed me immediately. I was LAUGHING and kicking my feet so much OUT LOUD. And I’m not someone who finds a lot of books very funny. A live in bodyguard, a dangerous family legacy, and a chemistry that SIZZLED. Wes was protective, infuriating, and impossible not to fall for, and watching those walls crumble felt so good. I ADORE bodyguard romances and this one was spectacular.

I wasn’t anticipating how sweet and touching it would be but what was I expecting? Vi and Penelope create amazing book babies together.

I did the full immersive read with the ALC + ARC, and the duet narration was one of my all time favorites. I listen to hundreds of audiobooks and that is a wild statement.


Huge thank you to Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, and Hambright PR for the gifted copies. I’m obsessed.


✨TROPES✨

🤵‍♂️ Bodyguard
🤏🏼 Close Proximity
🤫 M@fia Daughter
🚫 Forbidden

PUBLISHER, AUTHORS & NARRATORS

Authors: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Publisher: C. Scott Publishing
Duet Narration: ANDI ARNDT and AIDEN SNOW - two of my all time favorites

Check out my Booksta + BookTok: @RollTide.Reads

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟, 3🌶️

This had all the elements I enjoy and it was a really engaging read.

The bodyguard and mafia princess setup immediately pulls you in, and Juliette and Wes have that instant tension that makes every interaction feel charged. The forced proximity and forbidden dynamic add an extra layer of intrigue that kept me hooked from the start.

I really enjoyed their banter and the way their connection builds underneath all the rules and resistance. Juliette is bold and determined, while Wes tries to stay controlled and professional, which creates a steady push and pull between them. Even when the pacing slowed a little, their chemistry, the emotional weight of family and legacy, and those softer, vulnerable moments kept me invested.

The twist later in the story adds a nice lift, and the audiobook especially makes everything feel more immersive and engaging. It’s an easy, entertaining read that leans into its tropes in a really satisfying way.

A solid read that delivers on tension, romance, and emotion.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward & Hambright PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Wendy ⏃: ✦The Life of A Book Nerd✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward write, get ready for a rather unique plot.

Juliette wants nothing to do with her crime family in NY. She separated herself from that life by moving away to LA and changing her last name, but her father doesn't care. He'll send his goons out there to protect her at all costs, which brings us to Wes Callahan.

After learning that she's gonna have a bodyguard, Juliette's day is pretty much ruined. When she meets Wes for the first time, it was such a hilarious meet cute moment that had me in tears with laughter.

From that moment on Wes and Juliette are constantly butting heads. She tries to get away from him at all costs but Wes is always one step ahead. The more time they spend together the more they get to know each other and develop feelings.

I loved how vulnerable and open Wes got to be with Juliette. Undeniable chemistry and high tension, it was only a matter of time before they finally clashed and it was delicious. The spice was spicing y'all 🤌🏼.

The audiobook was so good!! Andi and Aiden's performance was perfect. They made such a phenomenal team and did a great job of bringing these characters and story to life.

Crooked was suspenseful with top tier banter. You'll be lured into the temptation until you're hit with a crazy twist at the end. So much happens before these two could get their HEA. I was swooning and frothing at the mouth for every second of it!! Bravo Vi and Penelope 👏🏼!!


Thank you so much Vi, Penelope and Team for the ALC and e-ARC copies ✨

[Lexi Cubbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always here for a new release by these two queens; that it was a mob/mafia trope just seemed like the cherry on top.

Juliette has moved to the other side of the country to escape his father's world and pursue her career. But it seems to have followed her even to LA, because when the five families are in danger, and even family members are targeted, Juliette has to live with her new personal bodyguard.
It doesn't hurt that Wes looks like a god among men, but he still reminds her of everything she tried so hard to run from.
Wes used to work for the NYPD, but after an accident on duty, he's now indebted to Juliette's dad to keep out of prison. He'll protect her with his life, but he's afraid that the attraction he feels towards her might cloud his judgment.

I liked the premise of the story, even enjoyed some aspects, and loved some scenes, but something was missing. They caught feelings so easily, but it felt a little rushed; some dialogues felt forced, and even a little cringey. If I didn't know, I'd have never guessed who wrote this.
I never thought I'd rate a book by the authors only 3 stars, but sadly, I couldn't love it. Reading other reviews, it's possibly a me problem.

[Ashley Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ki Keeland’s billionaire romances, so I knew I had to jump on the chance to read her bodyguard/mob boss’s daughter book. And I reallyyyyy liked it!! There’s nothing super heavy about this book. It had drama, flirty banter, love, and mystery with a little bit of thrill. My favorite part was the banter between Juliette and Wes. Oh my gosh it was top notch and started in the first chapter!!

Wes was the perfect bodyguard. He dealt with Juliette’s smart mouth by dishing it right back. It was all about pushing buttons, but knowing that it was part of the flirty game. These two had an obvious attraction towards each other. I mean how could you not when you’re in close proximity?! But their attraction was hard to act on when Juliette’s dad would literally make Wes disappear (if ya know what I mean). But Wes had his own secrets that made this even more intriguing and kept me invested. Their “on the DL” relationship was sweet, hot, and I loved that these two cared for each other in their own way.

If you’re into bodyguard romances, this was a quick read. Quick because it’ll grab your attention and not let it go. It’ll give you all the things you need in a gooooood book!

This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

[Mellovesaudiobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIO/E-BOOK/PAPER BACK REVIEW:

🕴🏼Crooked
By Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

🎙️ Narrated By: Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow

As a mafia boss’s daughter, protection is a must, but when Juliette has distanced herself from her father and his “business,” she doesn’t feel like it’s necessary. So when an ex-FBI agent shows up as her new LIVE IN bodyguard as a favor to her father, you can bet she’s going to make things as difficult as possible. But Juliette’s attraction to Wes sometimes gets in the way of what she wants and needs, and she really needs him.

Narrated in duet by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow, this pairing truly captured Wes and Juliette. Andi expressed Juliette with so much confidence and maturity, really proving her stubborn, strong-willed personality to Wes from the very beginning. However, once Juliette’s defenses lowered and she believed Wes was truly on her side, Andi expressed Juliettes genuine, caring, and lovable side, and Wes was completely captivated.
Aiden Snow always brings the tough guy vibe with his voice, and he did just that with his narration of Wes Callahan, highlighting that this man is serious and determined. But temptation got the better of Wes, and Aiden Snow softened his tone for the protective, sexy guy who loved to tease Juliette whenever he could, while continuing to protect her, he also brought the heat with Wes’s dirty mouth and swoony confidence.

I thoroughly enjoyed Juliette and Wes’s playful and teasing banter, the intriguing mystery woven throughout the story, and the wonderful audio narration.

🫶🏼Thank you, Hambright, for the opportunity to listen and review, and for the surprise book mail. I will continue to recommend all things Vi and Penelope and hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy their writing. Message me for any and all recommendations.

[_blondebooknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐✨


A huge thank you to Hambright PR, Vi Keeland, and Penelope Ward for the ALC! 🎧🙏💖


I am always so appreciative of this writing duo, and there were definitely some wonderful highlights in this audiobook! 🤩 First off, the duet narration was absolutely fantastic and a massive positive for the listening experience. 🎙️👏 The authors also threw in some amazing comedic relief—the side characters completely stole the show. 😂 Pam, the “nosy neighbor,” is an absolute killer character, and the book club scenes were definitely some of my favorite moments! 🍷📖 Plus, I have to hand it to the authors: they threw in a twist halfway through the book that completely got me. 🤯 I did not see it coming at all! 🫣


The Plot: 📖🕵🏼‍♀️

Juliette is the daughter of a notorious crime boss who has spent her life trying to escape her family's crooked world. 🖤 She has a new name, a new city, and newfound freedom—until her father ignites another war. 🔥 Suddenly, she is shacked up with Wes Callahan, a six-foot-two, broad-shouldered, live-in bodyguard. 🥵🛡️ Wes is infuriatingly protective, smart, funny, and knows exactly how to push her buttons. 🤭 As the walls Juliette built start to crack, falling for her bodyguard becomes a dangerous, forbidden risk. 🚫💔 But Wes is hiding a secret of his own, and getting involved with him might just break her heart. 🥺❤️‍🩹


My Thoughts: 💭🤔

While I loved the narration and the twists, the romance itself didn't quite resonate with me this time around. 😕 It was an extremely slow burn 🐢🔥, but when the burn finally hit, it never truly ignited. 🤷🏼‍♀️ The forced proximity setup is usually so fun, but the jump to feelings felt a little unnatural here, and I struggled to find the chemistry between the two main characters. 📉🧊 I also love going into books completely blind 🫣, but doing that here meant I didn't actually know why Juliette needed protection until midway through the story, leaving me a bit confused in the beginning! 😵‍💫


While this one wasn't a perfect match for my personal reading tastes, I know so many of my book besties who love mafia ties 🔫 and the touch-her-and-die bodyguard trope 😤🙌 will absolutely love this. If you are a fan of high tension and romantic suspense, definitely add it to your TBR! 📚🏃🏼‍♀️💨

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time with Crooked. This one completely pulled me in and kept me hooked from start to finish. It honestly takes a lot for a romance to really impress me, and this one delivered.

Wes was everything. Protective, sharp, and just the right amount of dangerous, but also soft in ways that completely snuck up on me. He was dreamy in the best way, and I loved watching his dynamic with Juliet unfold. The tension, the banter, and the emotional buildup all hit so well.

The story itself had the perfect balance of romance and suspense. The stakes felt real, and that underlying danger added so much intensity to their relationship. I was fully invested the entire time.

I also listened to the audiobook, and it was so well done. The narration really brought the story to life and made it even more immersive.

Thank you to the authors for sending me an advance listener and reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This was such a fun and engaging read, and I’m really glad I picked it up.

[Aimee (kanej6_reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Format 🎧

Thank you Hambright for giving me the opportunity to listen and review this ALC.

I really enjoyed this book and listened to it in 1 day. I like fiercely independent women who know their worth. I also like strong men who can show vulnerability.

My favorite part was the MMC invading his client's bookclub and getting earful of the spicy book the women were discussing. 😂 He was shook.

I had never read anything from these two authors before and I don't read much contemporary romance but I liked this one. I was hooked and listened to it all day yesterday while going about my day and well into the night.

[Brooke ✌︎㋡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awwww. Wasn’t the last line just the cutest!

Wes is sent to protect Juliette who is a mob boss’ daughter. One of the five families everyone talks about. Juliette is a screenplay writer who just wants to live her life and not have any of her father’s activities affect anyone else in her life so she goes by a different name.

Wes and Juliette obviously butt heads at first because one, he now has to live with her until a certain threat passes and two, she now can’t pursue her crush without her new bodyguard being there all up in her business. But obviously Wes is drop dead gorgeous with a jawline that rivals Henry Cavill’s and has an incredibly sexy way of winning Juliette over. That’s the fun part.

I would have loved to see more action in the book as it was mostly just Wes and Juliette exploring and growing their new love together. While I love that, I just wanted some more suspense like I went in expecting.

If you love mafia romances, this is a very vanilla version. Definitely spice but call it an entry to mafia romance.

Do I recommend? Yes! Ooh also the narrators were really good!

Tropes ✨

🤵‍♂️ Bodyguard
🤏🏼 Close Proximity
🤫 M@fia Daughter
🚫 Forbidden

Thank you Hambright PR, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Warpedmind · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out very slow. You end up waiting until about 50% in to get anywhere with these two. Wes and Juliette are a cute couple but very forgettable as a couple. Juliette father is a mob boss and has Wes to be her bodyguard. There is something going down around her father and people out to get him through his family. Wes shows up one day to her California home to be her bodyguard. Of course, she is pissed about having him around and confusing all of her friends on why he is there.
You would think at this point the story will become interesting. It doesn’t! I had to wait until 51% in the story for it to have some traction. Then it got on my nerves again about 80% in and I lost interest again. I won’t remember this story or the people in it, sorry. No spoilers, no reaction, just no interest.

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on the story from start to finish.

Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward delivered a gripping, emotional romance with incredible chemistry and just the right amount of suspense. I loved their co-writing style, and this story completely pulled me in.

I’m crushing hard on the bodyguard- just saying!

Thanks to Hambright PR for the ALC -
The narrators did a good Job also, though I think a little
More emotion with the Mae narrator would have made it even better. He seemed very monotone for my liking in this book.

Still though- a 5 star storyline!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: Advanced Listening Copy via Hambright PR
Narrators: Aiden Snow & Andi Arndt

Spice Level: 3/5
Narrators: 5/5
Story: 4.5/5

Tropes: Bodyguard x Client; Mafia daughter; enemies to lovers; forced proximity; one bed; hidden identity; boss's daughter; forbidden

I LOVED this audio so much. Andi and Aiden absolutely slayed the performance. Aiden was destined to be a northeastern, cop/body guard. I couldn’t get enough of these two together.

Juliette and Wes had so much chemistry and the banter was so good. Vi & Penelope always write some elite, sharp dialogue. I’m always here for it.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this mafia princess meets bodyguard, we are served and it delivers. 🔥

Juliette Grecco just wants a normal life in California as a screenwriter, but being the daughter of a crime boss means “normal” was never really an option. When a rival targets her, in comes Wes Callahan, her new live-in bodyguard, and suddenly her quiet life is anything but.

These two start off butting heads hard, but the tension? Top tier. The banter is sharp, the slow burn is slow burning, and when it finally tips into something more… whew. The chemistry is there.

But of course, it’s not that simple, because Wes is hiding a major secret: he’s actually undercover. And falling for Juliette? Definitely not part of the plan.

Forced proximity, emotional tension, secrets, and spice that actually hits, this one checks all the boxes.

Thank you HambrightPR!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 10/10 recommend this book. Once i picked it up i couldn’t put it down Wes and Juliette are my favorite couple.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jen Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliette has spent her entire life running from her father’s blood-soaked legacy, carving out a quiet life as a screenwriter in LA just to feel a shred of independence. But the moment her past catches up to her and her father drops Wes Callahan into her living room, everything shifts. Wes is everything she didn’t ask for: a former cop, fiercely protective, and annoyingly handsome. Their chemistry is absolute fire from the very beginning! They have a naturally sharp and witty banter that makes you want to scream and swoon at the same time. Watching Juliette fight for her freedom while Wes fights his growing desire for the one woman he’s forbidden to touch was intoxicating.

It’s a beautiful, messy journey of finding love with the one person they absolutely cannot have. Wes isn't just her bodyguard. He’s the man who sees the real Juliette, and when those walls finally crumble, the steam and the heart are off the charts. I was completely swept up in the angst and the "we shouldn't be doing this" tension, but then—BAM!! That twist! I'm still reeling from how perfectly it was executed. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that left me breathless and smiling like a fool by the final page. If you live for forced proximity, a hero who would burn the world down to keep her safe, and a story that actually makes you feel, you need to read this!

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

​Wes and Juliette had potential, but this story didn't quite deliver. The "debt-to-repayment" plot felt a bit forced, and the chemistry between the broad-shouldered bodyguard and the captive heroine never fully clicked for me.

​Despite the high stakes of the mafia-adjacent world, the pacing felt off, and the tension between Juliette and her protector was more frustrating than romantic. I usually love a good protective hero, but Wes was a bit too brooding, and the dual POV didn't save it from feeling repetitive. It’s a fast read, but ultimately a miss.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Crooked and I have a huge smile on my face! Gah!! It was so good. This forbidden romance was amazing and terrific and fantastic!! Wes and Juliette have amazing chemistry and I just adored them. And the twist! I never saw it coming!

Crooked was so much fun! I absolutely loved it!

An arc was provided for an honest review.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

~Crooked~Vee Keeland & Penelope Ward~

~Duet Narration~Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow~

~Production~

"Looking down at Juliette Ginocassi’s beautiful face, I realized she was the real threat. And God help me, I wanted her anyway."

♡Crooked has easily become one of my absolute favorite bodyguard romance books with a m@fia twist! Juliette is a m@fia princess that wants absolutely nothing to do with that side of her life so she moved away to live her life in her terms. Daddy dearest has trouble brewing in his world insisting his daughter be protected by one of his most trusted bodyguards Wes. What could go wrong when you have a hot bodyguard living in your house? The chemistry, plot, & spice were chefs kiss & I can't wait to check out more stories by these two!

The duet narration for this audiobook was perfection! Andi & Aiden brought this story & every character to life flawlessly!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

~Thank you Vi, Penelope, & Hambright PR for this Alc copy~

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read enough to know what the lines go, that’s little bit disappointed that how it’s end. it’s too easy without good explanation how it ends.

however, the background is very different than the others and really enjoy the mob’s daughter that she is truly in love her father whoever he is, she says it loud, then the mother of both, maybe different but love their family.

now one down then what’s next?

[Ariday Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creo que acabo de desarrollar una obsesión con el trope de bodyguard romance por este libro🧘🏻‍♀️!!
Me encantó como se sintió el paso de la historia, todas las interacciones entre Juliette y Wes eran ten divertidas desde el principio que ni siquiera me di cuenta cuando ya estaba al 20% del libro. Una vez lo empecé ya no pude parar de leer, me leí el 50% del libro en un día, pasaron tantas cosas que no podía parar de leer, necesitaba que esos dos se dejarán de rodeos y se besarán de una vez!😂❤️

Audiobook/ 1000+⭐️
eBook/ 4.5⭐️
🌶️/ 4
💧/2.5
——————
~Thank you Hambright PR, Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward for the ARC🩶~

Tropes:
-bodyguard romance
-forbidden romance
-forced proximity
-one bed

Juliette ✍🏻:
Ella es una mujer que toda su vida a buscado huir de la vida mafiosa. Debido a que es la hija del jefe de la mafia y siente que su padre siempre ha dictado toda su vida, se muda a otro estado para trabajar como escritora para adaptaciones literarias. Y hasta ahora todo le está yendo bien. Hasta que su padre le contrata un guardaespaldas del que no puede deshacerse 🧘🏻‍♀️

Wes💪🏼:
Después de un incidente que le cambió la vida y como consecuencia tuviera que empezar a trabajar para el jefe de la mafia, Wes se ve obligado a ser el guardaespaldas de la hija de su jefe. Él solo iba hacer su trabajo y no planeaba involucrarse con ella, pero con el paso del tiempo parece que tal vez las cosas no le van a salir como esperaba 😳

Historia 📝:
Después de un primer encuentro no muy agradable, parece que la vida de Wes y Juliette va ser un infierno viviendo juntos. Pero entonces ambos poco a poco encuentran agradándose más y más el uno al otro. Y aunque Wes tiene prohibido relacionarse con la hija de su jefe, (ya que es su guardaespaldas) que cada día la tensión entre ellos crece a tal punto que sabe que en cualquier momento su restricción se romperá y la hará suya😳.
Pronto se da cuenta que no importa cuánto se controle, viviendo con Juliette es imposible. Y ambos empiezan a algo que puede terminar con Wes 💀

Pensamientos 💭 :
(Minor spoilers)
Juro que no vi venir ese plot twist!! Me sentí mucho más engañada yo, que Juliette 😭 no puedo creer como las autoras se las ingeniaron para que no sospechara nada hasta ese momento. Debo admitir que Wes no fue tanto de mi agrado y definitivamente prefiero a Juliette, siento que me pongo en su lugar y yo ya he sentido como se siente estar en esa situación 😩.
Me gustó mucho el libro, me hizo reír, enojar, romperme el corazón y curarlo a la vez❤️‍🩹 hay drama, acción y romance todo en uno. Y el arrastre de ese hombre está 10/10🧘🏻‍♀️

Pd. Si tienen la oportunidad de escuchar el audiolibro no la desaprovechen 🎧 20/10⭐️

*ENGLISH*

I think I just developed an obsession with the bodyguard romance trope because of this book 🧘🏻‍♀️!!

I loved the pacing of the story—every interaction between Juliette and Wes was so fun from the very beginning that I didn’t even realize when I had already reached 20%. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. I read 50% of the book in a single day—so much was happening that I just needed those two to stop dancing around each other and finally kiss already! 😂❤️

Audiobook / 1000+ ⭐️
eBook / 4.5 ⭐️
🌶️ / 4
💧 / 2.5
——————
Thank you Hambright PR, Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward for the ARC 🩶

Tropes:
• bodyguard romance
• forbidden romance
• forced proximity
• one bed

Juliette ✍🏻:
She’s a woman who has spent her entire life trying to escape the mafia world. As the daughter of a mafia boss, she feels like her father has always controlled her life, so she moves to another state to work as a writer for literary adaptations. And so far, everything is going well… until her father hires a bodyguard she can’t get rid of 🧘🏻‍♀️

Wes 💪🏼:
After an incident that changed his life, Wes ends up working for a mafia boss and is assigned to protect his daughter. He only planned to do his job and stay professional, but as time goes on, things don’t seem to be going the way he expected 😳

Story 📝:
After a not-so-great first meeting, it seems like living together will be a nightmare for both Wes and Juliette. But little by little, they start to enjoy each other’s company more and more. Even though Wes is forbidden from getting involved with his boss’s daughter, the tension between them keeps growing to the point where he knows it’s only a matter of time before he breaks the rules 😳.
Soon, he realizes that no matter how much he tries to control himself, living with Juliette makes it impossible. And they both start something that could end very badly for Wes 💀

Thoughts 💭: (Minor spoilers)
I swear I did NOT see that plot twist coming!! I felt even more betrayed than Juliette 😭 I can’t believe how the authors managed to make me suspect absolutely nothing until that moment. I have to admit, Wes wasn’t my favorite, and I definitely preferred Juliette. I could really put myself in her shoes—I’ve felt what she was feeling 😩.
I really loved this book. It made me laugh, get mad, break my heart, and then heal it all at once ❤️‍🩹 There’s drama, action, and romance all in one. And the way that man grovels? 10/10 🧘🏻‍♀️

P.S. If you get the chance to listen to the audiobook, don’t miss it 🎧 20/10 ⭐️