Crooked

by Vi Keeland

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

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

Paperback

Expected publication 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

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

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

[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!

[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!

[ShannonB2217 · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ALC provided by Hambright PR)

Overall rating: 3.5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️ 5 🎧
*Rounded up for Goodreads

This was a good listen. If you like a fast paced body guard/mafia princess read, then this will definitely be for you. The second half of the story slowed down a little which I enjoyed more than the first half. I liked the characters and the plot of the story. It was definitely a low stress book! I do wish there was more depth to the characters and their connection. Everything was moving so fast that the depth was sacrificed. However, there was a nice plot twist that I wasn’t expecting!

Narration: This was a duet narration and both narrators did a good job.

TROPES ✨
🤵‍♂️ Bodyguard
🤏🏼 Close Proximity
🤫 Mafia Daughter
🚫 Forbidden

I want to thank Hambright PR, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward for this ALC.

[Nicole Gemme · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4.25 Star

If you are looking for a fast paced, mafia romance with the perfect amount of suspense, funny banter and spice then look no further because this right here was so so good!

Following our FMC Juliette whose dad is head of the mafia and could possibly be endangered is set to have a bodyguard, our MMC Wes, go live with her for protection…

With instant attraction and sexual tension lingering in the air it is only a matter of time before the temperature rises and lines get blurred.

Tropes: bodyguard, fake dating, force proximity, mafia, plot twist.

Thank you to Hambright PR for the ALC! Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow did a fabulous job!

[Lilit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vi and Penelope can never ever do wrong in my book and this book was no exception! I don’t know how they write so many books but I ain’t complaining.


thanks hambright for the ALC!

[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 ⭐️

[Shannon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main trope: This is a contemporary, second chance romance.

Additional tropes:
✅Close proximity

Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.

Summary: Juliette is the FMC. She works in the film industry, living close to her job while working to distance herself from her family name. As the daughter of a prominent mob figure, she tries her best to make sure no one knows of her connection. A threat to the family is made, making her father worried enough to hire a bodyguard to be with her. That is how she meets our MMC, West.

The close proximity between the two main characters produces lots of angst and tension and some great banter. Juliette begins to rely on the company of the MMC while they both fight the attraction that is building. Knowing there is a reason the MMC would agree to work for her father, Wes finally gives in and tells the story of how he became associated with him and it involves his former job as a police officer.

Deep feelings grow between the main characters but the FMC begins to take notice of a change in Wes’s behavior. Her suspicions grow leaving her no choice but to try to figure out what is happening even though the MMC denies anything being wrong but it’s a feeling she can’t get rid of. The MMC is definitely holding a secret and when the FMC finds out, it changes everything.

As they deal with the fallout of her finding out what he’s been hiding, a chance job opportunity places the MMC with the opportunity to be near the FMC again while he tries to prove his trust and love. Juliette wants to open her heart again but doesn’t know if she can take that chance leaving the MMC to wonder if he can be worthy of her love or is there no future for the two of them.

⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️

✋
✋
✋

*Scenes of violence as well as past recollection of violence and abuse.
🌶️:2/5

Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. The close proximity made for some really great banter, creating both laugh out moments and angst as the attraction and tension grew between the characters.

I was not prepared for Wes’s secret as the story he told Juliette of his past and how he came to be involved with her father made so much sense. But I was shocked to find out the whole story and just knew it was going to destroy the FMC.

I really loved the ending and how everything ended up playing out. I listened to this on audiobook and the duet narration and choice of narrators made the story really come to life. I definitely recommended both if you have the chance to listen.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulously Entertaining Story, Narration & Audio Listen🎧

Crooked
By: Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward
Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Aiden Snow

Another amazing author collaboration and creation written by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, a fabulous bodyguard romance that captivates your attention the entire time. Juliette was born into a life she wanted no part of, a life her father, a head crime boss, kept her protected from. She even moved across the country and changed her last name so that no one could connect her to him. When things on his side get heated, he hires a bodyguard to stay with her 24/7, another thing she did not ask for. Wes Callahan, a former police officer, was tasked with her protection and, regardless of her objections, was there to stay. The back-and-forth banter between these two was fantastic, and it was great watching her navigate her new normal, then see their relationship grow and morph into something so much more. I adored both characters, thought they were great together and for each other. The multi-layered story has a perfect balance of drama, angst, charming and heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. And holy moly, that twist, one I never saw coming, well done, very well done! The writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, thank you for this fabulously entertaining story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow, a perfect cast and pairing, do an amazing job bringing the characters to life, giving each a voice that is fitting and believable in every role. Both were naturals in their roles, with Arndt nailing it as Juliette and Snow as Wes, each showcasing every aspect of their characters’ personalities. They were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. Their expressive performance conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. These two superbly talented voice artists are entertaining storytellers, and their captivating performance keeps you hooked to the story.

[Aubrie Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’ve never read a mafia book before. It always seemed so far fetched and maybe a little cringey with the mob bosses and hit men and what not. Maybe better for movies. But then I realized that’s insanely hypocritical coming from someone that loves books about people with pointy ears and elemental magic from far away lands. The mob life is entertaining as hell and creates a lot of suspense that you don’t get in regular romances.

Juliette has done everything she can to separate herself from her father. Being the daughter of the head mob boss in New York can be suffocating, so she packed up, changed her name and shipped off to a California to live her own life. Not that she doesn’t love her father, she just doesn’t love that life. However, being in California doesn’t relieve her of all her father’s overprotective tendencies. So when a tensions flair between her father and the other “families” in NYC, he sends her a personal body guard to keep her safe. Wes Callahan is not who she expected. He jokes a lot, he pushes her buttons, and he’s incredibly good looking. All things that annoy Juliette. As time goes by, they start to feel a connection but his position prevents him from taking that next step. Juliette won’t be told no so one day she pushes him past the breaking point. Being together is sweet bliss but that doesn’t last for long. When Wes starts acting shady, Juliette does some sleuthing and does not like what she finds. Working for a mob boss is dangerous but hurting his daughter? That’s more reckless and painful than taking a bullet in the back.

This book has the classic romance timeline. They bicker, they become friends, they become lovers, third act breakup and HEA. All great but the action and suspense that comes in the second half of the book is what really makes it great. It had some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting and I had no idea how it was going to work out. The ending was a very sweet and satisfying conclusion. Definitely interested in reading more mafia books.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

💗ARC Review💗
5⭐️/3.5🌶️

Okay but listen...there really is something about a bodyguard trope. Crooked had me in a chokehold and it was in the very best sense.
Vi and Penelope are a romance reader's power team. We have seen it time and time again and this book was no different.
This book was the perfect combination of swoony, angsty, and just enough spice to keep you feral without embarrassing yourself in public. But what I love is that it didn't overshadow the story. The chemistry was immediate. Even if Wes and Juliette refused to acknowledge it. I sure saw it! Every page screamed "This is a terrible idea" but you know they are going to do it anyway.
Let's talk about Wes for a second. Wes Callahan... good lord and holy book boyfriend. A little rough around the edges but secretly a big teddy bear with all the feels. Literally willing to burn the world and then give it all up for his Juliette. Call an ambulance and grab the difibrillator ...my heart stopped multiple times. Full on foot kicking flat line.
Then our girl, Juliette. I loved her. She was strong willed, hard headed, independent but didn't annoy me. Watching her walls slowly crumble while she took Wes' down with her had me INVESTED. She's a girls girl and I would totally be in a book club with her.
There's an underlying depth to the story that kind of sneaks up on you. I thought that I was diving in to a good bodyguard, damsel, mafia story. But then, you get punched in the face with "Wow.. ok...I have feelings about this now."
3.5 on the spice scale. It was steamy, intimate, forbidden, and purposeful. Scenes that make you do a quick reread.
This read just hits. You won't be disappointed. But let's be so for real...when have Vi and Penelope ever let us down?

Thank you so much to Hambright PR for providing me with this eARC!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC/ALC provided by Hambright PR. All thoughts are my own.

Okay, so Juliet is the daughter of a Mafia boss who wants nothing to do with the family business — which, honestly, relatable. Meanwhile Wes is a police officer trying to claw his way back onto the force, so naturally he ends up undercover as… her bodyguard. Because why not add a little “this can only go wrong” energy to a forbidden romance.

And let me tell you: their “meet‑cute” is not cute. At all. Imagine minding your business, throwing a shoe in a moment of pure chaos, and accidentally smacking a stranger in the face… only to find out he’s the man assigned to protect you. Juliet came in hot, Wes gave her attitude right back, and I was absolutely here for the messy energy of it all.

The attraction between them is immediate — the kind where you can practically hear the “we should NOT be doing this” alarm going off in the background. Forced proximity, Mafia edges, undercover tension… all the makings of a juicy setup. And this storyline was definitely a different flavor from what I usually get from this duo, which I appreciated. Sometimes romance can feel like déjà vu, so a fresh angle is always welcome.

Now, I will say the ending wrapped up a little quicker than I personally like — I’m a girl who enjoys a slow exhale after all the drama — but the emotional beats along the way were solid, and the complicated loyalties will absolutely hit for longtime fans of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.

And the audio? Top. Tier. Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow never miss. Every character had a distinct voice, the emotional cadence was on point, and honestly the narration alone is worth the listen.

If you love forbidden tension, undercover complications, and a heroine who is over everyone trying to control her life, this one might be right up your alley.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC/ALC provided by Hambright PR. All thoughts are my own.

Okay, so Juliet is the daughter of a Mafia boss who wants nothing to do with the family business — which, honestly, relatable. Meanwhile Wes is a police officer trying to claw his way back onto the force, so naturally he ends up undercover as… her bodyguard. Because why not add a little “this can only go wrong” energy to a forbidden romance.

And let me tell you: their “meet‑cute” is not cute. At all. Imagine minding your business, throwing a shoe in a moment of pure chaos, and accidentally smacking a stranger in the face… only to find out he’s the man assigned to protect you. Juliet came in hot, Wes gave her attitude right back, and I was absolutely here for the messy energy of it all.

The attraction between them is immediate — the kind where you can practically hear the “we should NOT be doing this” alarm going off in the background. Forced proximity, Mafia edges, undercover tension… all the makings of a juicy setup. And this storyline was definitely a different flavor from what I usually get from this duo, which I appreciated. Sometimes romance can feel like déjà vu, so a fresh angle is always welcome.

Now, I will say the ending wrapped up a little quicker than I personally like — I’m a girl who enjoys a slow exhale after all the drama — but the emotional beats along the way were solid, and the complicated loyalties will absolutely hit for longtime fans of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.

And the audio? Top. Tier. Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow never miss. Every character had a distinct voice, the emotional cadence was on point, and honestly the narration alone is worth the listen.

If you love forbidden tension, undercover complications, and a heroine who is over everyone trying to control her life, this one might be right up your alley.

[❤️ Mandi Listens & Reads ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎁 Source: Thank you to the author and HambrightPR for the gifted ALC!
📖Book Title: Crooked
✍️Author: Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
🎙️Narrated by: Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow

📝Duet narration
💪🏼Open door spice
📝Mob boss’s daughter
💪🏼Bodyguard romance
📝Close proximity
💪🏼Forbidden
📝Fake dating
💪🏼One bed

📝My Thoughts:
At this point, I know without a doubt that if Vi or Penelope write it, I’m going to devour it, and this one absolutely lived up to the anticipation! It had so many of my favorite things packed into one story and I was hooked from the very beginning. This was such a sweet and swoony romance with a touch of mafia and romantic suspense woven in. Add in private jets and a dreamy stay in Italy, and I was completely sold.
The banter between Wes and Juliette was sharp, witty, and fun, and the romantic tension between them was so thick you could cut it with a knife. It had that electric, addictive push and pull that sucked me right in. I really enjoyed both of these characters. Juliette was strong and determined to build a life of her own away from her family’s corruption, which made her incredibly easy to root for. And Wes? The obsessed protector done perfectly. Watching him try so hard to keep things professional while clearly failing was endlessly entertaining. And that twist… they get me every single time!

🎧 As for the audio, it was so much fun in duet, I absolutely loved it! Andi is one of my all time favorite voices, and as always, she did not disappoint! Her comedic timing was spot on, and she brought Juliette to life with so much personality and charm. Aiden was the perfect match as the grumpy bodyguard. I loved his take on Wes and the way he captured that broody, protective energy so effortlessly. Their performances were dynamic and complemented each other so well, I definitely recommend this audio!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette has spent her adult life trying to distance herself from her Mafia Don father, living in LA and working as a screenwriter. When things get heated back home, her father declares that she’s going to have a bodyguard moving forward. When the man in question shows up, she can’t deny his attractiveness, but her resentment of the situation causes her to make things difficult. As the threat level increases and they’re forced to travel together, the tension between them increases, but they both know, if they cross that line, it will be more than just his job at stake.

Wes is a former NYPD officer, now forced to work for Juliette’s father to repay a debt. When he is first sent to guard Juliette, he assumes she’s going to be a typical mafia princess, but he is pleasantly surprised to learn how wrong he is. She is smart and beautiful and keeps him on his toes, but as much as he wants her, he knows he shouldn’t cross that line. When she is there for him during a family loss, his defences begin to crumble, but can he let himself go there with her when he is still keeping things from her?

I received an early copy of this book from Hambright PR and really enjoyed it. I never thought I��d read a lighthearted mafia romance, but here we are. The tension between Juliette and Wes was there right from the beginning, and he tried so hard to be good, but in the end he was no match for love. This book had me laughing out loud so many times, I don’t think I could choose a favourite scene (although the book club is definitely up there). I appreciated the fact that this wasn’t an insta-love story, cause those tend to feel a little forced, but instead both Wes and Juliette had to overcome some of their own demons to end up together.

[canadian_girlreadfeastrepeat Basra · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ALC/ARC Review ✨
Crooked" by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Narration Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow
Pub date is March 29, 2026

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

Juliette ran from a legacy soaked in power and blood, carving out a life in LA far from her father’s empire. But you don’t escape a Mafia Don you only delay the inevitable. When threats close in, her father tightens his grip and assigns her a bodyguard. She hates the control. Hates the intrusion. And hates how quickly she notices him.

Wes is dangerous in all the wrong ways quiet, controlled, and impossible to ignore. So she pushes. Tests. Provokes. Anything to remind herself she still has a choice. But as the danger escalates and they’re forced into each other’s orbit, the line between protection and possession begins to blur… and crossing it won’t just cost him his job it could destroy them both.

Wes took the job to settle a debt. That’s it. In and out. No attachments. No complications. But Juliette is nothing like the untouchable mafia princess he expected she’s fire and defiance wrapped in sharp wit, and she gets under his skin faster than he can shut it down. Wanting her is reckless. Acting on it? Unforgivable.

When she shows up for him in his darkest moment, the walls he’s built start to crack. But secrets have weight and this might be enough to crush whatever is growing between them.
What starts as resentment turns into razor-sharp banter, charged tension, and a connection neither of them saw coming. She’s fighting for her freedom. He’s trying not to lose control. But put two people like that in close quarters, and resistance doesn’t stand a chance.

Dark, addictive, and laced with tension this one delivers on chemistry, angst, and just enough danger to keep you hooked.

Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow absolutely nailed the narration, bringing every ounce of tension and emotion to life.

Thank you to Hambright PR for the ALC!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Audiobook Review✨

OMG there is not enough stars for this book!! I fell in LOVE with Penelope's writing with Taylor's Father and OMG I'm even more in love! I've never read Vi Keelnad before but I will be now! This book was amazing in every way! This bodyguard romance will have you smiling, swooning and kicking your legs like crazy from all the giddiness it will bring!

The narrators were Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow and as always these two were PERFECTION!! I love how these two tell stories and with them together to tell Wes & Juliette's story was just chef's kiss! These two will keep you entertained and hold your attention the entire time you're listening to this book. I felt connected to the characters and this story!

Juliette is just trying to live a normal life but how do you truly live a normal life when you dad is a mob boss. So when danger is on the horizon her dad sends Wes to be her bodyguard. These two will take you on quite the journey. Wes knows how to push her buttons and his super protective of her. But she always wants to be independent and that will cause problems between these two.

But as they start to truly get to know each other her walls start coming down. They both know they shouldn't fall for each other because her dad won't stand for it but what happens when you start having a strong connection with someone and you're finding it harder to ignore?

This book had me smiling like crazy, swooning, laughing, blushing, had me on the edge of my seat of a few times and then left with such an incredible ending!! I HIGHLY recommend this book and can't wait to see what Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland have in store next! I'm HOOKED😘😘

Thank you Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland & Hambright PR for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.

[Sarah - Get Booked with Sez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this ARC within 48 hours. Easy addictive read.

- Bodyguard Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Hidden Identity
- Mafia sub-plot
- Forbidden

Juliette is a mob's daughter. Wanting to escape her fathers mobster life, she went to the west coast to be a script writer. She loves her job & loves being away from her fathers dangerous east coast. But all that comes crashing down when a rival family puts out a hit on her, resulting in her being assigned a live in bodyguard. Which is fine except this bodyguard is nothing like she imagined, in all the lustful ways possible.

Wes thought it would be an easy assignment being the bodyguard for the boss' daughter. Out on the west coast, he thought it would be all sunshine and rainbows. But with her fathers rivals after her blood, he will have to not just work 24/7 to save her life - But also follow the strong order of not putting a finger on her. Even if she keeps tempting him in all the best ways possible.

As Wes & Juliette are forced together in closer proximity, they can't stand the tension any longer & commence a forbidden affair which causes Wes' life to be in trouble, in more ways than one.

And when the rival family finally strikes, it puts both their lives in the fire line. Which also brings more truths out to play which may cause Wes to lose Juliette forever.

Will they truly ever get their happily ever after that they both crave?

4/5 stars with 3/5 steam.

I enjoyed this one but I did wish it was a little, darker. I felt like Wes was "almost too good to be true" sort of MCC. When I needed him more broody - especially in the line of duty he is working in. I loved their connection but I just needed a little more, angst.

[neeshreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Performance: 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5/5

I LOVE an immersive read and Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow did a fabulous job bringing Juliette & Wes to life! Arndt’s delivery encompassed Juliette’s independent & steadfast nature, and the snark & sass during moments of levity had me giggling. Snow’s delivery brought out Wes’s quick wit, keep calm in the face of danger mentality and had me laughing when giving as good as he got when verbally sparring with Juliette!

🖤Bodyguard Romance
🔥Close Proximity
🖤Forbidden
🔥Mäfia Daughter
🖤Banter
🔥Slow Burn Tension

Juliette never asked for a live-in bodyguard, especially not one as ridiculously handsome as Wes. But, being the daughter of a notorious mob boss who’s in the middle of a war means that Juliette has no say in the matter. It’s just her luck that Wes is annoyingly protective, loves to push her buttons, yet is thoughtful & makes her laugh…getting involved with her bodyguard? The most dangerous thing she’s ever done…

I flew through this bodyguard romance and lived for the tension between Wes & Juliette right out of the gate – you could feel that initial attraction, Juliette’s annoyance at her situation while Wes is unbothered, and the way they butt heads brought on the best banter. The more time these two spend together, it’s obvious that the tension is going to snap & I was anxiously awaiting for that moment! Wes, the ever-protective bodyguard was fighting a losing battle trying to tamper his attraction & developing feelings for Juliette, and he’s not the only one with feelings. I loved the way the connection built between these two, and when a plot twist got thrown our way?! I was SHOCKED. I honestly didn’t see that coming & I love a man who doesn’t give up on the love of his life!

[Tommie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crooked - Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

Thank you @vi_keeland and @penelopewardauthor and @hambright_pr for my gifted ebook and ALC copies of this amazing book!

Narrated by: Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow
Narrator Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They both did a perfect job bringing these characters to life. Their pacing and tone were excellent. Aiden was perfect as Wes and Andi was equally as perfect as Juliette. Duet Narration.

#HPRCrooked
#ViKeeland
#PenelopeWard
#HambrightPR

My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 369
Genre: Romance
Tropes:

🤵‍♂️ Bodyguard
🤏🏼 Close Proximity
🤫 M@fia Daughter
🚫 Forbidden
🥸Fake Dating
❤️Workplace Romance
🌪️Plot Twist

This is Wes and Juliette’s story. This book was very well written with excellent character development and storyline. Wes is assigned to protect Juliette by her mafia boss father. Juliette has distanced herself from her family and goes by her mother’s maiden name instead of her birth name. Leaving her family behind in New York she lives in California where no one knows her true identity.

They are both instantly attracted to each other but Wes is determined to keep it professional. Her father put a rather stern do not touch my daughter rule in place.

After an event at the Farmer’s Market hidden secrets are revealed that puts everything in jeopardy. Now go read the book to find out what happened at the Farmer’s Market and if their feelings for each other can survive the reveal.

I throughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

#crooked #vikeeland #penelopeward #HambrightPR #booktok #bookstagram #aidensnow #andiarndt

[Stacie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

The last thing I needed was a live-in bodyguard. And I definitely didn’t want him. Six foot two, with broad shoulders that were impossible to ignore and a talent for getting in my way, Wes Callahan was a walking bad decision.

But when you’re the daughter of a notorious mob boss, apparently your opinions stop mattering the moment your father ignites another war. I’d spent my entire life trying to escape that crooked world—new name, new city, newfound freedom. At least until I was suddenly shacked up with my new bodyguard.

Wes knew exactly how to push my buttons. He was also infuriatingly protective. And smart. And funny. And thoughtful when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. Little by little, the walls I’d built started to crack, and falling for the bodyguard became the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. Because if my father found out, Wes wouldn’t just lose his job. He’d lose his life.

Getting involved with him was reckless, yet I couldn’t find a way to stop it, no matter how hard I tried. But while I was busy losing my heart, the man who took it was hiding a secret.

And it turned out, the most dangerous man in my life wasn’t my father after all—it was the one who threatened to break my heart.

absolutely loved Wes and Juliette’s story! I was hooked from the very first few pages and couldn’t put it down. Their journey wasn’t easy, but it made their connection feel even more real and rewarding. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the tension kept me fully invested the entire time. This was such a captivating and emotional read—definitely worth it!

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

That twist!

Juliette is the daughter of a mob boss living her best life away from that life across the country when her father gets word that there may be a target on her back. So he sends one of his best guards to watch over her. And by watch over, Wes basically moves in with her. Wes is only supposed to keep Juliette safe, not fall for her but that becomes pretty hard when she walks around in her little pajamas in her small house. Or when they have to leave the area for a while only to seem like they're on a romantic vacation together. But not everything is what it seems and Juliette is still the daughter of a mob boss and knows to look out for things. So when certain truths come out, where will that leave the two of them?

Juliette and Wes get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

I loved how much Wes tried to be good and not fall for Juliette. I do wonder, if he had met her as a cop on his own, before working for her father, would he have fallen for her, or was it just because he spent so much time with her. Juliette was not really a typical mafia princess and didn't seem too high maintenance, so it would be possible. I do love that Juliette's mother was on their side, though I wonder if she did let something slip and it was really someone after Wes and not Juliette at the climax of the book. With the little surprise at the end, I wonder if the moms thought about moving to the West Coast to be closer to Wes and Juliette rather than the East Coast?

I received an advance review copy from Hambright PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Immersive Reading

Tropes:

🩶bodyguard
🩷fake dating
🩶mafia romance
🩷forbidden
🩶workplace romance
🩷plot twist
🩶dual POV / Duet Narration

I was lucky enough to be able to immerse read this new standalone book from authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. Thank you to Hambright and both authors for the copies. I absolutely ate it up.

Juliette, is our FMC, and she’s the daughter of Vince, the mob boss. She has built a life and career separate from her dads world, even using a different name. She relocated to the opposite coast but that doesn’t stop her dad from protecting her and when he thinks his enemies are coming he hires Wes, to be her bodyguard.

Wes , is the new body guard assigned to the boss’s daughter as protection detail. Wes sees beneath the surface how Juliette wants no part of this life. He develops a close bond and relationship with her , as much as he tried to keep it professional lines get blurred. Wes does his job and does it well but also knows that he’s risking his career for her.

This book was performed in duet narration by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow . Both narrators were fantastic in their respective roles. Both narrators used the right tones, temperament and emotion that told the right story. I have been reading both authors for years and will continue to read anything Vi and Penelope write.

The tension between the two of them was there from start to finish. This story had plenty of banter, found family, drama and emotion all packing a punch.

Highly recommend this book

[whatmarissareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

👔"I thought I'd understood the dangers of this job. But standing here, looking down at Juliette Ginocassi's beautiful face, I realized she was the real threat. And God help me, I wanted her anyway."

3.5⭐ 2🌶️

mafia daughter 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼 bodyguard
ohhhh I love this pairing SO MUCH!

Juliette has a new bodyguard (Wes) and she really can't stand the attraction she has to him because she is soooooo tired of being held down with bodyguards in general
She just wants to live her life freely, away from all the responsibilities and pressures of being a mob boss daugher but sadly that is not in the cards for her right now.

Threats to her safety have them in lock down multiple times with each other and the tension is SO DELICIOUS in these moments! I really LOVED the slow burn of this story. The heat kept rising and rising and rising and the moment it pops?? ohhhh man it's so so so good!

That being said… I really struggled with forgiving Wes, I I was FULLY team Juliette the entire time
But honestly, that just shows how well the inner conflict was written because I felt so invested, like I was right there with her and in my opinion… Wes still has some groveling to do 👀

I also loved the complexity of Juliette’s relationship with her father. getting those softer, more human moments from him while still seeing his role as this powerful, intimidating mob boss added so much depth to the story
the side characters really helped heighten the tension and conflict too!

Overall, I enjoyed this one!
I’d definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for a good bodyguard romance with strong tension and a satisfying slow burn 🔥

[storieswithlizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Hambright PR and the authors for the advanced listener copy of Crooked for my honest review.

4.5 stars

Crooked follows Juliette, a mafia princess hiding her identity while living in LA as a writer, and Wes, a former NYPD officer now working as a bodyguard for her kingpin father. When her father decides she needs 24/7 protection, Wes is sent to LA to become her live-in bodyguard. This sets the stage for immediate tension and undeniable chemistry.

At first, they barely tolerate each other, but as their relationship develops, the banter becomes a standout. It’s layered with anger, angst, charm, and humor, creating a dynamic that feels both authentic and addictive. Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward did an incredible job collaborating to create characters with depth and compelling backstories, making it easy to become fully invested in their journey.

The twists elevate the story even further, adding another layer of character development that keeps you hooked. I also had the chance to listen to this on audio, and it was an exceptional experience. The duet narration by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow was perfectly cast, bringing both the main and side characters to life in a way that felt immersive and engaging. The emotion carried through every line, pulling me completely into the story from start to finish.

If you enjoy forced proximity, bodyguard x mafia princess, forbidden love, dual POV, and twisty romance, that has you giggling out loud this is one you’ll definitely want to check out. My recommendation is do it in audio for the full experience.

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been quite a while since I've read a mafia romance story so I was excited when Vi and Penelope announced their co-write would be about a mafia princess who gets saddled with a bodyguard she absolutely does not want.

Juliette and Wes started out as oil and water. He infuriated her at every turn, pushing all her buttons. On the other hand, Juliette didn't make Wes's job easy, trying to protect the life of a woman who evaded him at every turn. Some of the things Juliette did made me really shake my head. For a woman who grew up as the daughter of a mafia boss, she acted as if nothing would or could ever happen to her, and all Wes wanted to do was to keep her safe. She constantly snuck out and went off on her own as if there was no chance a rival crime boss couldn't get to her. That seemed a bit unrealistic to me.

The slow burn between Juliette and Wes was fun to read about. Juliette's father threatened Wes with death if he ever touched his daughter, so what's a guy to do? But in the end, the attraction and feelings were undeniable, and they couldn't stay away from each other.

As with most mafia stories there are certain things that happen that remind me why I don't read them very much, like her father's constant mistresses and hookups that the mother turns a blind eye to all the while staying devoted to the husband because she would never cheat. Why are the women always the faithful ones?

There was a bit of suspense and drama sprinkled throughout, and I really wasn't expecting that big twist that occurs, but I loved it. I very much loved both of their moms, hated the dad, and had a soft spot for the big lugs assigned to protect Juliette when Wes couldn't.

The ending had me smiling big time! And the last line of the book was perfect!

[Dali · Rating 3 out of 5]

💫 Bodyguard romance, forced proximity, forbidden vibes, and a dangerous family lurking in the background… the setup was honestly so promising.

👩‍🦰 The FMC is trying to escape her past and build a new life, which I loved in theory. But emotionally, I struggled to connect with her choices and the speed at which her feelings escalated.

🧔‍♂️ Wes had all the right traits on paper… protective, sharp, a little funny, and clearly fighting his attraction. But the constant push-pull made him feel distant instead of swoony.

🔥 The chemistry is there, but the dynamic felt… off. It leans heavily on her pursuing while he repeatedly pulls back, reminding her of the risks. Instead of tension, it created this awkward loop that made it harder to root for them.

🔁 A big part of the story felt repetitive… lockdown, tension, resistance, repeat. Their relationship grows in those close quarters, but it didn’t feel natural enough to fully invest in.

⚡ Around the second half, things finally pick up with more action and a twist, but by then it felt a little too late to fully pull me back in.

💭 Overall, I really wanted to love this one because the concept is so good, but the execution didn’t quite land for me. The connection between the characters didn’t feel strong enough to support the intensity of their relationship.

❓ QOTD: What makes a bodyguard romance work for you… tension, danger, or emotional connection? 👀

#Crooked #ViKeeland #PenelopeWard #BodyguardRomance #MafiaRomance #ForcedProximity #RomanceReads #BookstagramRomance #SpicyReads #RomanceReview

[MaryBeth]

I absolutely devoured this book. Wes and Juliette didn’t just have chemistry—they had that slow‑burn, forbidden, can’t‑breathe-without-you kind of pull that hits you right in the chest. Wes, the fiercely loyal enforcer for a mob boss, is ordered to protect Juliette, the daughter who wants nothing to do with her father’s world. She’s built a quiet, creative life in California, chasing her dream of becoming a screenwriter… until danger forces her back into the orbit she tried so hard to escape.

When Wes moves into her home, the tension is instant and electric. Juliette keeps her house blazing hot, which means Wes is constantly shirtless—something she pretends to hate but secretly aches over. Their banter, their glances, the way they orbit each other… it’s intoxicating. Wes tries to keep his distance, bound by loyalty and the threat hanging over them, but Juliette breaks through every wall he’s ever built. And when he finally gives in? It’s explosive, tender, and absolutely worth the wait.

Just when their connection feels unshakeable, the truth hits hard. Secrets unravel. Loyalties fracture. The danger that brought them together threatens to rip them apart. But Wes isn’t the kind of man who lets go of the woman he loves—he fights for Juliette with everything he has.

This book has it all: sizzling spice, heart‑pounding suspense, raw emotion, and moments that made my chest ache in the best way. I felt every spark, every heartbreak, every breath between them. I highly recommend it.

[Kate Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crooked by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is a total win for romance lovers who crave tension, humor, and heat all in one story.

Juliette is trying to live a normal life in California, far away from her mob boss father and everything he represents. But when his dangerous world spills over into hers, she’s assigned a live-in bodyguard, Wes. She doesn’t want him there, and she definitely doesn’t make things easy for him.

What really stood out to me was their banter. The back-and-forth between Juliette and Wes is sharp, sarcastic, and so much fun to read. They constantly challenge each other, pushing buttons in the best (and funniest) ways. Their chemistry builds slowly, but when it finally snaps into place, it’s intense, fiery, and completely worth the wait.

I loved how the forced proximity brought out deeper layers in both characters. While hiding out together, they begin to open up, and their relationship grows into something much more meaningful than either expected. It’s not just steamy, it has real emotional depth.

The story also delivers some great twists, including one that genuinely caught me off guard. It added an extra layer of suspense that kept me fully invested.

The audiobook is fantastic as well. The dual narration really enhances the experience, making the characters and their emotions feel even more vivid and real.

If you’re into mafia romance, bodyguard dynamics, opposites attract, forced proximity, and plenty of spice, this book is an absolute must-read.

[Raivoso Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

🪪ARC Review: Crooked by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward🪪

I was NOT expecting to have this much fun with this book😭

From the moment Wes gets hired by Juliette’s father - a literal mafia boss👀 - to protect her at all costs…chaos begins. Because if there’s one thing that never stops between these two, it’s the banter. The tension, the teasing, the looks - everything was just chef’s kiss.

They both know there’s a line they can’t cross…after all, this is strictly professional. But Juliette? She gives him absolutely no peace. She knows exactly the effect she has on him and constantly pushes his buttons - even when he’s meters away. And me? Living for every single interaction.

Another thing I LOVED was the book club scenes!🫶🏼
Juliette being a screenplay writer already adds such a fun dynamic, but having Wes step in as the narrator? It made everything even better. More immersive, more intense, and yes - hotter, because their imagination(and mine 👀) just ran wild.

And that plot twist??? I was genuinely speechless. There was NOTHING, not from his POV or hers, that hinted at it. It completely caught me off guard in the best way.

These quotes describe the vibe perfectly:
— mafia daughter
— live-in bodyguard
— close proximity
— forbidden romance

And in the middle of all the tension, danger, and teasing…their love becomes so real, so palpable. It builds so naturally that before you even realize it, you’re completely invested.

This book was pure entertainment: fun, intense, and impossible to put down!!