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Bloodlines
He took her for leverage. She'll take him apart.
Amelia Havick wanted a fresh start, not a death sentence. But when she uncovers a secret tied to Emory Holt—the West Coast’s most notorious mafia boss—she becomes the spark that could ignite a war. Plunged into his underworld, she’s his to protect…or ruin.
Emory is no stranger to dirty business. No one leads a criminal empire without blood on their hands. With his organization on the brink of war, the key to stopping it lies within a woman too important to let go and too tempting to resist.
The plan is Get the girl. Extract the secret. Neutralize the threat.
But sweet Amelia isn’t the fragile pawn he expected. Beneath her softness is a quiet defiance that both intoxicates and infuriates him. She’s the one unraveling him, wielding the razor-thin line between lust and loathing like a weapon.
Monster. Murderer. Cold and calculating.
Amelia should hate Emory—God knows she tries—but her body betrays her better sense every time he’s near. Every brush of his hand, every heated gaze, strips away her defenses and blurs the line between captor and protector.
Forbidden desire is its own kind of war and love is a liability neither of them can afford. Not when a force from Emory’s past resurfaces, someone who once vowed to destroy everything he loves.
And this time, he’s here to finish the job.
Bloodlines is a dark mafia romance and the first book in the Unraveling series. It features enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, forbidden love, and plenty of spice. It is intended for mature audiences. Please see the content warnings on my website for more details.
Amelia Havick wanted a fresh start, not a death sentence. But when she uncovers a secret tied to Emory Holt—the West Coast’s most notorious mafia boss—she becomes the spark that could ignite a war. Plunged into his underworld, she’s his to protect…or ruin.
Emory is no stranger to dirty business. No one leads a criminal empire without blood on their hands. With his organization on the brink of war, the key to stopping it lies within a woman too important to let go and too tempting to resist.
The plan is Get the girl. Extract the secret. Neutralize the threat.
But sweet Amelia isn’t the fragile pawn he expected. Beneath her softness is a quiet defiance that both intoxicates and infuriates him. She’s the one unraveling him, wielding the razor-thin line between lust and loathing like a weapon.
Monster. Murderer. Cold and calculating.
Amelia should hate Emory—God knows she tries—but her body betrays her better sense every time he’s near. Every brush of his hand, every heated gaze, strips away her defenses and blurs the line between captor and protector.
Forbidden desire is its own kind of war and love is a liability neither of them can afford. Not when a force from Emory’s past resurfaces, someone who once vowed to destroy everything he loves.
And this time, he’s here to finish the job.
Bloodlines is a dark mafia romance and the first book in the Unraveling series. It features enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, forbidden love, and plenty of spice. It is intended for mature audiences. Please see the content warnings on my website for more details.
406 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2026
37 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
April 6, 2026
ARC REVIEW
4.5 ⭐️
Now this is what I call a DARK romance!!
This book was dark, gritty and twisted and I loved every second of it!! If you don’t enjoy going into dark romances blind then definitely check the triggers for this book before reading as there are some graphic and sensitive scenes!
The character and plot building was amazing and I was rooting for the fmc!!
Usually I prefer dual pov but the way this book was written and structured gave us insight to everything going on behind the scenes and on the sidelines and I actually really enjoyed the extra perspectives and stories!!
If you enjoyed the edge of darkness trilogy and miss Kade and Stacey then you will definitely love this book!
I believe this is a debut(??) and in that case it deserves a standing ovation, I cannot wait to devour the rest of this series when they are released!!
4.5 ⭐️
Now this is what I call a DARK romance!!
This book was dark, gritty and twisted and I loved every second of it!! If you don’t enjoy going into dark romances blind then definitely check the triggers for this book before reading as there are some graphic and sensitive scenes!
The character and plot building was amazing and I was rooting for the fmc!!
Usually I prefer dual pov but the way this book was written and structured gave us insight to everything going on behind the scenes and on the sidelines and I actually really enjoyed the extra perspectives and stories!!
If you enjoyed the edge of darkness trilogy and miss Kade and Stacey then you will definitely love this book!
I believe this is a debut(??) and in that case it deserves a standing ovation, I cannot wait to devour the rest of this series when they are released!!
April 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 Stars.
ARC REVIEW INCOMING...
Dark mafia romance is my go-to “fun” read (not something I pick up all the time), and this book delivered in every way possible.
From the very first page, I was pulled straight in. There’s an immediate intensity that makes it hard to put down, and within a few chapters, I was completely hooked and needed to know exactly what would happen next (I definitely stayed up way too late reading).
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is done so well here. The tension is sharp, layered, and constantly building in a way that feels natural and addictive. And the spice? Perfectly executed, building in a way that makes every moment hit harder.
I also really enjoyed the writing style. The third-person narration added to the atmosphere, making everything feel more cinematic and immersive. The plot, emotional weight, and twists kept me fully engaged throughout. What stood out most was the balance. The romance is strong, but the plot never takes a back seat, with tension and stakes carrying the story throughout.
Overall, this was an addictive, intense, and very well executed dark mafia romance that held my attention from start to finish. I’m excited to see where the series goes next.
Thank you to the Author, C.E. Sarrow, and to Love Notes PR for the ARC! I'm so happy I got the chance to read and review this read!! 🤭
ARC REVIEW INCOMING...
Dark mafia romance is my go-to “fun” read (not something I pick up all the time), and this book delivered in every way possible.
From the very first page, I was pulled straight in. There’s an immediate intensity that makes it hard to put down, and within a few chapters, I was completely hooked and needed to know exactly what would happen next (I definitely stayed up way too late reading).
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is done so well here. The tension is sharp, layered, and constantly building in a way that feels natural and addictive. And the spice? Perfectly executed, building in a way that makes every moment hit harder.
I also really enjoyed the writing style. The third-person narration added to the atmosphere, making everything feel more cinematic and immersive. The plot, emotional weight, and twists kept me fully engaged throughout. What stood out most was the balance. The romance is strong, but the plot never takes a back seat, with tension and stakes carrying the story throughout.
Overall, this was an addictive, intense, and very well executed dark mafia romance that held my attention from start to finish. I’m excited to see where the series goes next.
Thank you to the Author, C.E. Sarrow, and to Love Notes PR for the ARC! I'm so happy I got the chance to read and review this read!! 🤭
Read
March 22, 2026DNF @25%
it saddens me to DNF a book and truthfully i never use to do it, but ive found when I really struggle to connect with the writing i end up feeling to pressured to read so I started to learn to dnf.
just because I have DNF this book does not mean that it won't be someone else's cup of tea and will absolutely love the writing
it saddens me to DNF a book and truthfully i never use to do it, but ive found when I really struggle to connect with the writing i end up feeling to pressured to read so I started to learn to dnf.
just because I have DNF this book does not mean that it won't be someone else's cup of tea and will absolutely love the writing
April 3, 2026
4,5/5 ⭐️
Dark mafia romance is definitely a genre that appeals to me, and this book is absolutely incredible.
I was drawn in from the very first page and immediately hooked, but by chapter six I was completely consumed and just needed to know more.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is so well written, and the spice is perfectly done—the way everything builds? wow.
It’s written in third person in such a captivating way, and the way the events unfold, the emotions, and the plot twists… just amazing.
Dark mafia romance is definitely a genre that appeals to me, and this book is absolutely incredible.
I was drawn in from the very first page and immediately hooked, but by chapter six I was completely consumed and just needed to know more.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is so well written, and the spice is perfectly done—the way everything builds? wow.
It’s written in third person in such a captivating way, and the way the events unfold, the emotions, and the plot twists… just amazing.
March 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Book 1 in the Unravelling series
Forced proximity, morally grey characters, high stakes, enemies to lovers.
C. E. Sarrow’s debut dark mafia romance hits hard.
Check the trigger warnings, there are quite a few.
Wow. This book didn’t just pull me in, it held me there.
From the very beginning, there’s this underlying tension that never really lets go. Not just between the characters, but in the world itself. It feels heavy, controlled, dangerous… like everything is always one wrong move away from falling apart. And that tension builds so naturally throughout the story that by the time things start to unravel, you’re already fully invested.
What I really appreciated was how immersive the world building felt. This wasn’t just a backdrop to support the romance. The mafia world here feels structured, political, and layered. There are consequences, alliances, power shifts, and history woven into everything. You don’t just read it, you understand it, and that makes every decision, every betrayal, every moment hit harder.
The title Bloodlines is honestly perfect. Not just in the obvious sense, but in how deeply it ties into identity, loyalty, and the weight of where you come from. It’s threaded through the entire story in a way that quietly shapes everything.
FMC: Amelia stood out to me straight away. She’s in her early twenties, but she doesn’t read as naive or reactive. There’s a quiet awareness to her, like she’s constantly observing, processing, understanding more than she lets on. She’s strong without being hardened, vulnerable without feeling weak, and emotionally intelligent in a way that makes her feel very real. I loved that balance.
MMC: Emory… he is exactly the kind of morally grey character I’m drawn to, but what made him stand out was the depth beneath that surface. There’s control, yes, but also restraint, conflict, and moments where you see something softer breaking through. That contrast made him so much more compelling than your typical dark romance MMC. 🖤
Their dynamic is where this book really shines. The tension isn’t just physical, it’s layered with mistrust, curiosity, resistance, and something slowly shifting underneath it all. The banter, the clashes, the moments where neither of them wants to give anything away… it felt earned. Nothing rushed, nothing forced.
And the spice… it builds. It has weight to it. It comes from something that’s been developing, not just dropped in for effect, which made it land so much better.
What surprised me most though was how gripping the plot itself was. This isn’t a story that relies solely on romance to carry it. The action, the twists, the constant sense of not quite knowing where things are heading… it kept me completely locked in. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting.
The side characters also felt purposeful. They weren’t just there to fill space, they added tension, depth, and future potential. You can feel that this story is part of something bigger, and it made me even more invested in what’s to come.
Some lines that stayed with me:
“Piece by piece, I will destroy everything you love.”
“Thunderbolt.”
The ending… it doesn’t just tease Book 2, it demands it. Not just because of the romance, but because the story itself feels like it’s only just beginning to open up.
If this is what C. E. Sarrow delivers in a debut, then this series has the potential to be something really special.
Thank you to Lovenotes PR and C. E. Sarrow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 1 in the Unravelling series
Forced proximity, morally grey characters, high stakes, enemies to lovers.
C. E. Sarrow’s debut dark mafia romance hits hard.
Check the trigger warnings, there are quite a few.
Wow. This book didn’t just pull me in, it held me there.
From the very beginning, there’s this underlying tension that never really lets go. Not just between the characters, but in the world itself. It feels heavy, controlled, dangerous… like everything is always one wrong move away from falling apart. And that tension builds so naturally throughout the story that by the time things start to unravel, you’re already fully invested.
What I really appreciated was how immersive the world building felt. This wasn’t just a backdrop to support the romance. The mafia world here feels structured, political, and layered. There are consequences, alliances, power shifts, and history woven into everything. You don’t just read it, you understand it, and that makes every decision, every betrayal, every moment hit harder.
The title Bloodlines is honestly perfect. Not just in the obvious sense, but in how deeply it ties into identity, loyalty, and the weight of where you come from. It’s threaded through the entire story in a way that quietly shapes everything.
FMC: Amelia stood out to me straight away. She’s in her early twenties, but she doesn’t read as naive or reactive. There’s a quiet awareness to her, like she’s constantly observing, processing, understanding more than she lets on. She’s strong without being hardened, vulnerable without feeling weak, and emotionally intelligent in a way that makes her feel very real. I loved that balance.
MMC: Emory… he is exactly the kind of morally grey character I’m drawn to, but what made him stand out was the depth beneath that surface. There’s control, yes, but also restraint, conflict, and moments where you see something softer breaking through. That contrast made him so much more compelling than your typical dark romance MMC. 🖤
Their dynamic is where this book really shines. The tension isn’t just physical, it’s layered with mistrust, curiosity, resistance, and something slowly shifting underneath it all. The banter, the clashes, the moments where neither of them wants to give anything away… it felt earned. Nothing rushed, nothing forced.
And the spice… it builds. It has weight to it. It comes from something that’s been developing, not just dropped in for effect, which made it land so much better.
What surprised me most though was how gripping the plot itself was. This isn’t a story that relies solely on romance to carry it. The action, the twists, the constant sense of not quite knowing where things are heading… it kept me completely locked in. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting.
The side characters also felt purposeful. They weren’t just there to fill space, they added tension, depth, and future potential. You can feel that this story is part of something bigger, and it made me even more invested in what’s to come.
Some lines that stayed with me:
“Piece by piece, I will destroy everything you love.”
“Thunderbolt.”
The ending… it doesn’t just tease Book 2, it demands it. Not just because of the romance, but because the story itself feels like it’s only just beginning to open up.
If this is what C. E. Sarrow delivers in a debut, then this series has the potential to be something really special.
Thank you to Lovenotes PR and C. E. Sarrow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2026
ARC review of Bloodlines by C.E. Sarrow
Tropes:
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Mafia/Organized Crime
🖤Forced Proximity (Kidnapped)
🖤Dark & Spicy
🖤Forbidden Love
🖤Soft & Sweet FMC x Morally Gray MMC
🖤Spicy
This is the first book that I have read that has been written by C.E. Sarrow. I was not disappointed. Dark Mafia Romances are my top tier favorite kind of genre to read. This book did not disappoint at all. Bloodlines is written in third person POV and usually they are not my favorite kind of books to read but this one worked out for me. A couple times I had a hard time understanding who was speaking, but not enough that the book wasn’t enjoyable. This book was very tense. After Amelia sees a file that she is not supposed to, she finds herself in a damning situation that gets her mixed up in the mafia world. I love Emory and Amelias connection. Their lust was so clear and the enemies to lovers was a true trope in this book. I cannot wait to see what will happen in book two with their building love. This book was a little long but it flew by. The world building was picturesque. I could easily imagine what was being written on the pages. I cannot wait for the next book to release. This book sets up book 2 so that it is just now going to give us the mafia world we were looking for.
I would like to Thank Love Notes PR and C.E. Sarrow for the opportunity to read this amazing book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Tropes:
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Mafia/Organized Crime
🖤Forced Proximity (Kidnapped)
🖤Dark & Spicy
🖤Forbidden Love
🖤Soft & Sweet FMC x Morally Gray MMC
🖤Spicy
This is the first book that I have read that has been written by C.E. Sarrow. I was not disappointed. Dark Mafia Romances are my top tier favorite kind of genre to read. This book did not disappoint at all. Bloodlines is written in third person POV and usually they are not my favorite kind of books to read but this one worked out for me. A couple times I had a hard time understanding who was speaking, but not enough that the book wasn’t enjoyable. This book was very tense. After Amelia sees a file that she is not supposed to, she finds herself in a damning situation that gets her mixed up in the mafia world. I love Emory and Amelias connection. Their lust was so clear and the enemies to lovers was a true trope in this book. I cannot wait to see what will happen in book two with their building love. This book was a little long but it flew by. The world building was picturesque. I could easily imagine what was being written on the pages. I cannot wait for the next book to release. This book sets up book 2 so that it is just now going to give us the mafia world we were looking for.
I would like to Thank Love Notes PR and C.E. Sarrow for the opportunity to read this amazing book. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 5, 2026
Dark romance girlies, this one is for you. If you like captor/captive situations where forced proximity between a morally grey, alpha MMC and a soft, sweet FMC leads to a steamy, forbidden love affair, then you’ll want to experience Bloodlines. This novel has all the elements of a good mafia romance but also more. What I loved about Bloodlines was the development of a story that kept me at the edge of my seat. First, the villain is kept a mystery. But then you get enough hints to guess who it is, making you think “I got it!”. But really you don’t, because the villain is a far darker monster than is imaginable. His depravity is unmatched. He’s the looming threat that constantly provides the tension that threatens Emory and Amelia. In the beginning, Amelia believes that Emory kidnaps her because of information she accidentally saw in a folder from her boss. But as the story progresses, Amelia begins to realize that maybe Emory took her not just for the information she has but because he wants to protect her from a far more dangerous threat. With a mafia war on the horizon, Emory must decide what to do with the role he has inherited and Amelia must choose love or family. With a heart-pounding plot that will keep you saying just one more chapter and an intense, passionate love story that will make your heart swoon, Bloodlines is a must add to your dark romance TBR. Do check your trigger warnings though before venturing forward.
April 8, 2026
4 ⭐️♟️
This was one of the best enemies to lovers mafia romance I have read in a while a long while at that.
You have Amelia, Who's just this girl who wants to live the average life, no fancy parties, struggling to get money and actually learn to struggle who just wants to leave it all behind in hopes she can change.
You then have Emory, who has it out for anyone in his way and will make it your issue if you dont learn to quickly fall in line or find out the hard way. I definitely enjoyed this book,
the two had it out for eachother but the chemistry the emotions the longing, is gonna get me each and everytime. I enjoyed this for what it was and I cant wait for what it'll turn into. such a good book and im very thankful for Lovenotes PR and C.E for sending it to me in exchange for an honest review
This was one of the best enemies to lovers mafia romance I have read in a while a long while at that.
You have Amelia, Who's just this girl who wants to live the average life, no fancy parties, struggling to get money and actually learn to struggle who just wants to leave it all behind in hopes she can change.
You then have Emory, who has it out for anyone in his way and will make it your issue if you dont learn to quickly fall in line or find out the hard way. I definitely enjoyed this book,
the two had it out for eachother but the chemistry the emotions the longing, is gonna get me each and everytime. I enjoyed this for what it was and I cant wait for what it'll turn into. such a good book and im very thankful for Lovenotes PR and C.E for sending it to me in exchange for an honest review
March 27, 2026
My heart is still pounding after that ending!
This sizzling, high-stakes romance with a dark, gripping plot completed me. The MMC walks that dark morally gray line—dangerous, compelling, and impossible to look away from—while the MFC is as sweet as honey but proves she’s more than capable of striking when it counts.
The tension, the chemistry, the twists… it all delivered. I’m already eager to see what C. E. Sarrow does next, because if this is any indication, we’re in for something unforgettable.
Thank you so much C.E. Sarrow for selecting me to be an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This sizzling, high-stakes romance with a dark, gripping plot completed me. The MMC walks that dark morally gray line—dangerous, compelling, and impossible to look away from—while the MFC is as sweet as honey but proves she’s more than capable of striking when it counts.
The tension, the chemistry, the twists… it all delivered. I’m already eager to see what C. E. Sarrow does next, because if this is any indication, we’re in for something unforgettable.
Thank you so much C.E. Sarrow for selecting me to be an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 3, 2026
3 ⭐️
Before diving into this review, I just want to preface that I was fortunate to receive this book as an ARC from Love Notes PR.
Despite my rating of 3 stars, I do not think this is a bad book by any means, i just don’t think it was the book for me. I enjoyed the darker themes and the plot kept me gripped with its high stakes and constant twists. The writing of this book was also smooth and quick to read, making it easy to binge this book within a few sittings.
However, there were a few things that I didn’t personally enjoy within this book. One thing that was apparent from the start of the book was the insta-lust aspect to the main relationship, which is not a trope that I tend to enjoy. Along with this, I felt as though the characters weren’t very consistent, and their dynamic changed rapidly but didn’t feel authentic. The pacing of this book was also inconsistent, as some major plot moments felt quite rushed and we didn’t get to see the characters really feel the effects of what they were going through. Additionally, the changing perspectives across chapters without any subheading indicating who’s point of view we were switching to threw me off and it took me a while to figure out which character I was reading about.
Although there were elements of this book I didn’t enjoy, it was not a bad book by any means and I would still recommend this for fans of dark romance, especially if you wouldn’t be bothered by the things I have listed above. But thank you to Love Notes PR and C. E. Sarrow for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Before diving into this review, I just want to preface that I was fortunate to receive this book as an ARC from Love Notes PR.
Despite my rating of 3 stars, I do not think this is a bad book by any means, i just don’t think it was the book for me. I enjoyed the darker themes and the plot kept me gripped with its high stakes and constant twists. The writing of this book was also smooth and quick to read, making it easy to binge this book within a few sittings.
However, there were a few things that I didn’t personally enjoy within this book. One thing that was apparent from the start of the book was the insta-lust aspect to the main relationship, which is not a trope that I tend to enjoy. Along with this, I felt as though the characters weren’t very consistent, and their dynamic changed rapidly but didn’t feel authentic. The pacing of this book was also inconsistent, as some major plot moments felt quite rushed and we didn’t get to see the characters really feel the effects of what they were going through. Additionally, the changing perspectives across chapters without any subheading indicating who’s point of view we were switching to threw me off and it took me a while to figure out which character I was reading about.
Although there were elements of this book I didn’t enjoy, it was not a bad book by any means and I would still recommend this for fans of dark romance, especially if you wouldn’t be bothered by the things I have listed above. But thank you to Love Notes PR and C. E. Sarrow for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
March 27, 2026
I was picked as an ARC reader for this book.
From the very first chapter this book had me in a choke hold!
It was a slow burn, and just kept getting better and better with each chapter!
Emory; the man he is. Oof he was amazing, I loved seeing the soft side he had with Amelia.
I was so sad to get to the end, I need so much more. This book was hands down one of the best I’ve read so far this year. It earned those 5 stars! I can’t wait to read more of Emory and Amelia.
From the very first chapter this book had me in a choke hold!
It was a slow burn, and just kept getting better and better with each chapter!
Emory; the man he is. Oof he was amazing, I loved seeing the soft side he had with Amelia.
I was so sad to get to the end, I need so much more. This book was hands down one of the best I’ve read so far this year. It earned those 5 stars! I can’t wait to read more of Emory and Amelia.
April 9, 2026
Bloodlines by C. E. Sarrow delivers a dark, tension-filled romance wrapped in a dangerous mafia world, but it took me a little while to fully settle into the story.
At the beginning, I struggled with the writing style—it felt quite heavy at times, and I found myself needing to reread certain passages to fully grasp what was happening. This slowed the pacing for me and made it harder to immediately connect with the story. However, once I pushed past that initial hurdle, I found myself drawn into Amelia and Emory’s dynamic.
The chemistry between them is intense, layered with that addictive push-and-pull of enemies-to-lovers. Amelia’s quiet strength and defiance made her more than just a pawn, and Emory’s cold, calculated nature paired with glimpses of vulnerability created a compelling contrast. Their relationship walks that razor edge between tension, desire, and danger, which kept me engaged as the story progressed.
That said, while I did enjoy the book overall, it didn’t quite hit the “WOW” factor I was expecting. The premise had so much potential for explosive twists and emotional depth, and while it delivered in parts, it never fully reached that unforgettable, all-consuming level.
Still, Bloodlines is a solid read for fans of dark romance and mafia tension, especially if you enjoy a slow burn with morally grey characters and high emotional stakes.
Thank you to the author for my digital ARC in exchange for a review. As always, my reviews are my own and unbiased opinions.
At the beginning, I struggled with the writing style—it felt quite heavy at times, and I found myself needing to reread certain passages to fully grasp what was happening. This slowed the pacing for me and made it harder to immediately connect with the story. However, once I pushed past that initial hurdle, I found myself drawn into Amelia and Emory’s dynamic.
The chemistry between them is intense, layered with that addictive push-and-pull of enemies-to-lovers. Amelia’s quiet strength and defiance made her more than just a pawn, and Emory’s cold, calculated nature paired with glimpses of vulnerability created a compelling contrast. Their relationship walks that razor edge between tension, desire, and danger, which kept me engaged as the story progressed.
That said, while I did enjoy the book overall, it didn’t quite hit the “WOW” factor I was expecting. The premise had so much potential for explosive twists and emotional depth, and while it delivered in parts, it never fully reached that unforgettable, all-consuming level.
Still, Bloodlines is a solid read for fans of dark romance and mafia tension, especially if you enjoy a slow burn with morally grey characters and high emotional stakes.
Thank you to the author for my digital ARC in exchange for a review. As always, my reviews are my own and unbiased opinions.
March 27, 2026
Bloodlines
Review of Advanced Reader Copy by Other.
Book 1 of a dark mafia romance. From the very beginning, you are instantly pulled into a world full of politics, full of tension and it's dangerous. There is so much history between the Moriartys and the Velascos and for some reason, the truce has started to fracture.
I loved the dynamic between our main characters - Amelia and Emory. Amelia is soft yet stubborn and resilient. You see her character grow as she interacts with Emory and his world. You see her finally become trusting and vulnerable to the ones she loves, you see her explore grief, loneliness, and acceptance. It was truly beautiful to see the woman she became by the end of the book.
Emory is obsessive and possessive when it comes Amelia. To his colleagues, he's the dark and broody murderous alpha but to Amelia, we see his quieter side. I wish we saw more of their initial interactions and dialogues at the beginning, more banter there would have been a chef's kiss. That being said, seeing both of them confide in one another with no judgement was genuinely heartwarming.
I cannot wait for the next book, I already
anticipate more heartaches and stabbings (literally and figuratively). I'm ready for the war.
Thank you, PR, for providing the ARC of Bloodlines.
Review of Advanced Reader Copy by Other.
Book 1 of a dark mafia romance. From the very beginning, you are instantly pulled into a world full of politics, full of tension and it's dangerous. There is so much history between the Moriartys and the Velascos and for some reason, the truce has started to fracture.
I loved the dynamic between our main characters - Amelia and Emory. Amelia is soft yet stubborn and resilient. You see her character grow as she interacts with Emory and his world. You see her finally become trusting and vulnerable to the ones she loves, you see her explore grief, loneliness, and acceptance. It was truly beautiful to see the woman she became by the end of the book.
Emory is obsessive and possessive when it comes Amelia. To his colleagues, he's the dark and broody murderous alpha but to Amelia, we see his quieter side. I wish we saw more of their initial interactions and dialogues at the beginning, more banter there would have been a chef's kiss. That being said, seeing both of them confide in one another with no judgement was genuinely heartwarming.
I cannot wait for the next book, I already
anticipate more heartaches and stabbings (literally and figuratively). I'm ready for the war.
Thank you, PR, for providing the ARC of Bloodlines.
April 8, 2026
Completely hooked from start to finish.
This one had me locked in straight away,it’s intense, gritty, and full of tension that never really lets up. Everything feels on edge, like it could unravel at any moment, which made it so hard to put down.
The mafia world feels properly developed, with depth and consequences that go beyond just the romance. It adds so much more to the story.
Amelia really stood out to me shes strong, thoughtful, and believable.
Emory is that perfect morally grey type he's guarded, complex, and just soft enough underneath to keep you interested.
Their relationship builds at a steady pace, with plenty of tension and no shortcuts, When things finally shift, it feels earned, Even the spice is done well, it builds naturally and fits the story.
Loved getting Pov's of the other characters throughout it really gave the book depth.
The plot kept surprising me, and I was fully invested the whole way through. Easily a one sitting read for me.
And that ending… definitely sets things up in a way that makes you need the next book.
This one had me locked in straight away,it’s intense, gritty, and full of tension that never really lets up. Everything feels on edge, like it could unravel at any moment, which made it so hard to put down.
The mafia world feels properly developed, with depth and consequences that go beyond just the romance. It adds so much more to the story.
Amelia really stood out to me shes strong, thoughtful, and believable.
Emory is that perfect morally grey type he's guarded, complex, and just soft enough underneath to keep you interested.
Their relationship builds at a steady pace, with plenty of tension and no shortcuts, When things finally shift, it feels earned, Even the spice is done well, it builds naturally and fits the story.
Loved getting Pov's of the other characters throughout it really gave the book depth.
The plot kept surprising me, and I was fully invested the whole way through. Easily a one sitting read for me.
And that ending… definitely sets things up in a way that makes you need the next book.
April 8, 2026
I love a mafia romance and this book was pretty fun. I like some kidnapping action, and there’s so much tension between Emory and Amelia, I was so hooked! This is the first book in a series so fyi it ends on a sort of cliffhanger/open ending. I loved both characters, in my this book was a little long for the actual plot context that was there. But the plot was good, no twists that really blew me away, but was very tense and exciting overall. Emory and Amelia definitely have a very interesting relationship that I want to explore in further book. Side note, this book is in third person, and I’ve read a bunch of third person books, but the set up of this one was so little odd. Like it’s not specified who we’re following, and we just randomly jump, so I found that a little odd, and interested a little with my understanding of what was going on. However it only interferes minimally with the plot, and I still enjoyed it. I actually love Miri and Jack, and I hope they get more time in the later books! I give this a 3/5
April 10, 2026
Absolutely obsessed!! I just love a good morally grey MMC! And Emory is just that, brooding and charming in a way that screams this man is dangerous and not to be F’d with. Seriously this book had me hooked from the very first page!
Our FMC is Amelia, the young 20-something wildflower. She’s stumbled into a world unknowingly and now has the eye of Emory. She’s meant to be used as leverage for Emory but she becomes so much more to him.
The tension in this book is like its own character. You’re engulfed by it - there’s tension between Emory and Amelia but there’s also tension in the shadows of the world waiting to burst at the seams. The author does an amazing job world building, that the romance almost seems like a subplot. I was very intrigued by the overall plot of this story. The twist and turns kept me engaged. The suspense and action has me excited for Book 2!
Thank you to C.E Sarrow and Lovenotes PR for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Our FMC is Amelia, the young 20-something wildflower. She’s stumbled into a world unknowingly and now has the eye of Emory. She’s meant to be used as leverage for Emory but she becomes so much more to him.
The tension in this book is like its own character. You’re engulfed by it - there’s tension between Emory and Amelia but there’s also tension in the shadows of the world waiting to burst at the seams. The author does an amazing job world building, that the romance almost seems like a subplot. I was very intrigued by the overall plot of this story. The twist and turns kept me engaged. The suspense and action has me excited for Book 2!
Thank you to C.E Sarrow and Lovenotes PR for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2026
The start of the book had my brain spinning, trying to figure out what was going on just in the prologue. But I pushed past it and I’m so glad I did!! Not only is this a Dark Mafia Romance but it’s giving suspense/thriller as well! Be prepared for a cliff-hanger though. I’m more than ready to find out what’s in store for Emory and Amelia, a seemingly unlikely pair who might understand one another more than they expected.
Spice level: 1.5 ⭐️
Overall: 4 ⭐️ The only con I had for this book is that it felt like the amount of descriptive writing was way too much and sort of took away from the rest of the book. Otherwise it was very enjoyable!!
Huge thank you to the author for honoring me with the opportunity of doing an ARC for this book!!
Spice level: 1.5 ⭐️
Overall: 4 ⭐️ The only con I had for this book is that it felt like the amount of descriptive writing was way too much and sort of took away from the rest of the book. Otherwise it was very enjoyable!!
Huge thank you to the author for honoring me with the opportunity of doing an ARC for this book!!
March 23, 2026
This mafia romance hooked me from the very first page, I couldn’t put it down. The story follows the Moriartys and Velascos, whose fragile truce begins to unravel as tensions rise.
Amelia was such a standout FMC and exactly what our MMC Emory needed. She’s his light to his darkness, offering him patience, understanding, and a safe space to truly be himself. I loved watching her give him a chance and gently help him navigate his emotions.
Mirabelle was another character I found really intriguing. I enjoyed the parts about her, but I’m still unsure how I feel about her relationship—something about it feels off, like she isn’t truly happy.
I’m already looking forward to the next book to see if Amelia and Emory can make it through the war unscathed and get the happily ever after that they deserve.
Amelia was such a standout FMC and exactly what our MMC Emory needed. She’s his light to his darkness, offering him patience, understanding, and a safe space to truly be himself. I loved watching her give him a chance and gently help him navigate his emotions.
Mirabelle was another character I found really intriguing. I enjoyed the parts about her, but I’m still unsure how I feel about her relationship—something about it feels off, like she isn’t truly happy.
I’m already looking forward to the next book to see if Amelia and Emory can make it through the war unscathed and get the happily ever after that they deserve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
I enjoyed this Mafia Romance, It was pretty dark, but way less dark than some I’ve come across before!
The writing was really well done! I relished the “true evil” element in this book, that aspect nearly made me want to take my anti-anxiety meds!
I loved the MCs and their complicated relationship, as well as the relationship between family and friends!
This is a pretty spicy read, so I’d suggest you check out the author’s website for the full list of content warnings.
The majority of it is consensual, but there is a few, and one in particular, that is way darker!
The writing was really well done! I relished the “true evil” element in this book, that aspect nearly made me want to take my anti-anxiety meds!
I loved the MCs and their complicated relationship, as well as the relationship between family and friends!
This is a pretty spicy read, so I’d suggest you check out the author’s website for the full list of content warnings.
The majority of it is consensual, but there is a few, and one in particular, that is way darker!
April 8, 2026
This isn’t your typical mafia romance and well the MMC is wealthy. It isn’t just some billionaire bad boy trying to swing the girl or some billionaire bad boy trying to make her his. It’s a really gritty enemy still lovers. You’ve got a really really dark bad guy in this one and you’ve got an FMC that it’s just really lost. I love how this book put imperfect characters in it so it gives the book plenty of room for character arcs and character development and I love how the book kept me guessing for a good chunk of it as to really what was going on I enjoyed this story.
April 8, 2026
Thank you to the author and their team for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Let me start by saying the mafia romance type books are not my type of books.
Overall the book just left something more to be desired even with the elements that were brought in. I felt like the plot was very very drawn out more than it needed to be.
I just really didn't find it realistic that someone inside wouldn't have tortured Amelia for information given how other people were treated throughout the course of the storyline.
Let me start by saying the mafia romance type books are not my type of books.
Overall the book just left something more to be desired even with the elements that were brought in. I felt like the plot was very very drawn out more than it needed to be.
I just really didn't find it realistic that someone inside wouldn't have tortured Amelia for information given how other people were treated throughout the course of the storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
My jaw is on the floor after finishing this book !
I was immediately hooked on this story from the very beginning and found myself both wanting to turn the page as fast as I could and also savoring every moment and not wanting it to end.
The attachment I felt to these characters was so unlike any other dark romance I’ve read before. The author brought so much life and complexity to Emory and Amelia that I constantly found myself in a battle for what I wanted from them and for them. These two are truly like a mirror and their chemistry had me squirming in my seat, biting my lip and giggling and kicking my feet. The deep rooted understanding and longing these two characters have for both each other and their own personal journeys are so insanely breath taking.
I cannot believe that I am going to have to wait for the next book in this series because let me tell you, I AM HOOKED!!
Congratulations to C.E. Sarrow. This book shattered me into a million pieces that I just know Emory and Amelia will put back together.
My jaw is on the floor after finishing this book !
I was immediately hooked on this story from the very beginning and found myself both wanting to turn the page as fast as I could and also savoring every moment and not wanting it to end.
The attachment I felt to these characters was so unlike any other dark romance I’ve read before. The author brought so much life and complexity to Emory and Amelia that I constantly found myself in a battle for what I wanted from them and for them. These two are truly like a mirror and their chemistry had me squirming in my seat, biting my lip and giggling and kicking my feet. The deep rooted understanding and longing these two characters have for both each other and their own personal journeys are so insanely breath taking.
I cannot believe that I am going to have to wait for the next book in this series because let me tell you, I AM HOOKED!!
Congratulations to C.E. Sarrow. This book shattered me into a million pieces that I just know Emory and Amelia will put back together.
April 1, 2026
It was my first read by this author, and I truly loved her writing! This dark mafia romance was a page turner from the start and not like other mafia reads. Amelia's family and the internship, then the kidnapping both mafia families after her as the story unraveled. I loved the tension, politics, war ,forbidden love, and found family everything in this world tied together so perfectly. Ivan was scary, and I was not a fan of Jack!! The characters were real. I loved Emory and Amelia's chemistry and how they got to know each other despite circumstances. The banter and hate love they had , and Emorys protectiveness over Amelia! " Thunderbolt " I definitely recommend reading!
April 1, 2026
This is how to write an enemies to lovers/forbidden romance! I was captivated by Emory and Amelia within the first chapter or two! Not only was this a great romance, but it was such a great, suspenseful story line. As someone who reads dark romance like it’s my job, I truly cannot wait for more from this author!!
April 2, 2026
From the moment I read the summary, I knew this story was going to have me in a chokehold and I was absolutely right. The instant spark between Amelia and Emory is electric, and the way they connect so quickly through shared trauma feels both raw and compelling. Their chemistry pulls you in from page one, and now I’m already counting down the days until the second book releases.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
I cannot believe this is C.E. Sarrow's first book! This book was so well written and the characters were so easy to love. This was my first time exploring the sub-genre and definitely understand the appeal of mafia romances. The action and danger was so exciting and I found myself staying up way past my bedtime (more than once!!) to continue the story. I'm rating this story a 4/5 because the romance wasn't as dark as I'd hoped, but everything surrounding the romance was pitch black.
I cannot believe this is C.E. Sarrow's first book! This book was so well written and the characters were so easy to love. This was my first time exploring the sub-genre and definitely understand the appeal of mafia romances. The action and danger was so exciting and I found myself staying up way past my bedtime (more than once!!) to continue the story. I'm rating this story a 4/5 because the romance wasn't as dark as I'd hoped, but everything surrounding the romance was pitch black.
April 5, 2026
3.75⭐️ 2🌶️
Thank you LoveNotes PR for this ARC.
I liked the characters (except Ivan lol). The story flowed well and held my attention as it progressed….. however that ending?!?! I hope there is a book 2!
This book has some of my favourite tropes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Overall it was a good read.
Thank you LoveNotes PR for this ARC.
I liked the characters (except Ivan lol). The story flowed well and held my attention as it progressed….. however that ending?!?! I hope there is a book 2!
This book has some of my favourite tropes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Overall it was a good read.
April 6, 2026
*ARC Review* 3.5⭐️ Bloodlines is a dark mafia romance. While reading the story did keep my attention I didn’t feel like the characters had a ton of chemistry or depth. The ending isn’t what I had hoped for but I am curious what comes next.
April 3, 2026
I read this ARC and it’s a dark mafia romance with a captor/captive vibe and sooo much tension. Couldn’t put the book down I read it within a couple of hours!
The FMC is really sweet and sensitive, and the MMC is very morally grey and protective of her — he takes her to protect her, but she feels trapped and a prisoner. They argue and go back and forth a lot at first, but there’s a moment where everything shifts and you start to see their real feelings and yearning becomes more.
After that, they get more open and emotional with each other, even though their situation is still messy. Things get intense when an unknowing rival appears, leading to a rescue and plot twists. Really enjoyed reading their story in the mafia world.
It ends setting up the next book by getting ready for war, and I’m definitely excited to see what happens next!
The FMC is really sweet and sensitive, and the MMC is very morally grey and protective of her — he takes her to protect her, but she feels trapped and a prisoner. They argue and go back and forth a lot at first, but there’s a moment where everything shifts and you start to see their real feelings and yearning becomes more.
After that, they get more open and emotional with each other, even though their situation is still messy. Things get intense when an unknowing rival appears, leading to a rescue and plot twists. Really enjoyed reading their story in the mafia world.
It ends setting up the next book by getting ready for war, and I’m definitely excited to see what happens next!
April 9, 2026
Amelia comes into contact with some top secret information that she shouldn’t know about. Information that got her boss killed. When the one person who knows she saw the info rats her out, she is kidnapped by a mafia family and soon realizes their rival is also on the hunt for her.
This book had the perfect balance of enemies to lovers, romance, suspense, and violence.
I loved how Amelia was the only person who could truly break down the hard exterior Emory shows for everyone.
They are perfect together and you can’t convince me otherwise.
The cliff hanger this ended on has me DYING for the next book.
This book had the perfect balance of enemies to lovers, romance, suspense, and violence.
I loved how Amelia was the only person who could truly break down the hard exterior Emory shows for everyone.
They are perfect together and you can’t convince me otherwise.
The cliff hanger this ended on has me DYING for the next book.
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