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Ties of Steel #4
Sabato: The Cross
Sabato Efisto is a cursed man. Born from sin, raised in revenge, he’s made a name for himself doling out pleasure and punishment in the lush Italian Riviera.
io brucio....
When the sins of his father come to rest on his shoulders, Sabato trades his privileged—but dangerous—life as the son of a mafia kingpin for the untested—but willing—shores of New Jersey. Acquiring a sex club called Steelettos is only the first phase in his plan to seduce and tame his new American landscape. Phase two involves finding a woman who can meet his...very singular, and definitely less-than-legal needs.
io conquisto....
Enter Melyssa Chance, a sassy southern law student who is as untested as they come. From the first glance, Melyssa knows that the sexy Italian is going to leave a mark on her reputation...and maybe a few other parts of her, while he’s at it. But what she doesn’t know is why she somehow caught his eye in return, what he really wants from her, and how far he’s willing to go to get it.
che consumo…
io brucio....
When the sins of his father come to rest on his shoulders, Sabato trades his privileged—but dangerous—life as the son of a mafia kingpin for the untested—but willing—shores of New Jersey. Acquiring a sex club called Steelettos is only the first phase in his plan to seduce and tame his new American landscape. Phase two involves finding a woman who can meet his...very singular, and definitely less-than-legal needs.
io conquisto....
Enter Melyssa Chance, a sassy southern law student who is as untested as they come. From the first glance, Melyssa knows that the sexy Italian is going to leave a mark on her reputation...and maybe a few other parts of her, while he’s at it. But what she doesn’t know is why she somehow caught his eye in return, what he really wants from her, and how far he’s willing to go to get it.
che consumo…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
128 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Fields
151 books3,963 followersMJ Fields is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She lives in New York with her daughter Miss A, smoochie faced Newfie, Theo and the newest member to the 'fields crew, rescue diva / holy terror Eleanor.
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.
Forever Steel!
Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.
Forever Steel!
Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 6, 2016
4 Sabato Stars
In Eroe you understand why Sabato is the way he is. And you really can’t blame him. He has been through a lot.
He is the kind of man who likes things just so, and if that doesn’t happen it irritates him, frustrates him. And boy oh boy does Melyssa turn his world upside down.
She doesn’t do as he asks, she is always challenging him. Heck she even runs away from him.
He is afraid of love, she is afraid to feel. This book is filled with passion, hate, guns and compromise. Now if the compromising had happened more along the way a lot of drama could have been prevented.
I enjoyed this unique love story, because it wasn’t smooth or cookie cutter, there were rough times and there were rougher times. But what I always love the most is when a big bad alpha male comes to see that if he just stops fighting it, love always finds its way if it’s meant to be.
Wen and Kai do an amazing job with this audio, the Italian accent and language I loved it. I always love when these two narrate but this book and Eroe, wow I can’t even. I have no words to describe the yummy goodness of their performance in these two books. Very worth the credit in my opinion.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
In Eroe you understand why Sabato is the way he is. And you really can’t blame him. He has been through a lot.
He is the kind of man who likes things just so, and if that doesn’t happen it irritates him, frustrates him. And boy oh boy does Melyssa turn his world upside down.
She doesn’t do as he asks, she is always challenging him. Heck she even runs away from him.
He is afraid of love, she is afraid to feel. This book is filled with passion, hate, guns and compromise. Now if the compromising had happened more along the way a lot of drama could have been prevented.
I enjoyed this unique love story, because it wasn’t smooth or cookie cutter, there were rough times and there were rougher times. But what I always love the most is when a big bad alpha male comes to see that if he just stops fighting it, love always finds its way if it’s meant to be.
Wen and Kai do an amazing job with this audio, the Italian accent and language I loved it. I always love when these two narrate but this book and Eroe, wow I can’t even. I have no words to describe the yummy goodness of their performance in these two books. Very worth the credit in my opinion.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
July 17, 2018
4.5 stars!!!
This story….my goodness…..wrecked me for awhile. Sabato was introduced to us in previous books on the Ties of Steel series. He seemed dark and moody in those books and oh boy, he has tormented down to a science! Sabato despises his father and everything the man stands for. He wants nothing more than to take the man down and finally be free. What he didn’t anticipate was how Melyssa fit into his plan. Where Sabato is all darkness, Melyssa is purity and light. She is intrigued by Sabato but afraid to let go and enjoy what she is feeling. As the two spend more time together, they both realize that two can be better than one. Each has an effect on the other. My heart was crying for all the pain that Sabato holds. He deserved so much better in life. I hope to see him in future books and see that he continues to heal.
“It’s an illusion. I point up to the stars. There is a glass ceiling up there waiting to fall down on us, Melyssa. All the twinkling stars will come tumbling down, causing a kind of hell only some people can understand.”
Melyssa was ok as heroine. She had lots of bravado, yet when she was dealing with Sabato at times, I felt she slipped out of character. I couldn’t understand why she would not share with him her inexperience. I did love when she was giving attitude to Sabato and reminding him he could not boss her around all the time. It was also great to see the college friends all back together. Sabato carries the story for me to the point where all other characters seem secondary.
This can be a stand alone but you will enjoy the story more if you have read the previous books. You will especially want to read Eroe, a short story, about Sabato as a young man and how his life has shaped him into what he is now. MJ has written some awesome books. Be sure to check out the Men of Steel series and Irons series for more great alpha heros!
This story….my goodness…..wrecked me for awhile. Sabato was introduced to us in previous books on the Ties of Steel series. He seemed dark and moody in those books and oh boy, he has tormented down to a science! Sabato despises his father and everything the man stands for. He wants nothing more than to take the man down and finally be free. What he didn’t anticipate was how Melyssa fit into his plan. Where Sabato is all darkness, Melyssa is purity and light. She is intrigued by Sabato but afraid to let go and enjoy what she is feeling. As the two spend more time together, they both realize that two can be better than one. Each has an effect on the other. My heart was crying for all the pain that Sabato holds. He deserved so much better in life. I hope to see him in future books and see that he continues to heal.
“It’s an illusion. I point up to the stars. There is a glass ceiling up there waiting to fall down on us, Melyssa. All the twinkling stars will come tumbling down, causing a kind of hell only some people can understand.”
Melyssa was ok as heroine. She had lots of bravado, yet when she was dealing with Sabato at times, I felt she slipped out of character. I couldn’t understand why she would not share with him her inexperience. I did love when she was giving attitude to Sabato and reminding him he could not boss her around all the time. It was also great to see the college friends all back together. Sabato carries the story for me to the point where all other characters seem secondary.
This can be a stand alone but you will enjoy the story more if you have read the previous books. You will especially want to read Eroe, a short story, about Sabato as a young man and how his life has shaped him into what he is now. MJ has written some awesome books. Be sure to check out the Men of Steel series and Irons series for more great alpha heros!
April 15, 2015
I feel like it just ended and everything was wrapped up too quick. I hate that I had to read about him having sex with so many other women and that he still wanted to after he had been with Melyssa. I mean really? He tried to tell her he would be discrete about his affairs after they were married?!?!?!?? I just never got to really like him. I mean the things he did, kidnapping her at gunpoint, not even realizing he took her virginity, and the things he said when he found out. Ugh. Valentina was disgusting, how could Mel even talk to her. And he still wants to be friends with Valentina? Um NO! And she wants to be friends with Mel??? Um double FUCK NO! I know he puts himself in the line of fire for her at the end but I just couldn't get past his actions from the previous chapters. The book does have a HEA I guess, or a HFN, whatever. He finally admits he loves her but I question why she loves him. She has seen him have sex with multiple women, he kidnaps her at gunpoint, threatens her, forces a marriage on her, disrespects her by openly flirting with other women...etc. why does she take it? That's my biggest thing with her. Why the heck would you want him ?
Anyway, he makes the big gesture at the end and it's done. Mel waits for him at the hospital and it's all good. It was okay all in all but I just hate OW scenes. He should only want Mel. Anyway, that's what I got from it, try it and see what you think.
Anyway, he makes the big gesture at the end and it's done. Mel waits for him at the hospital and it's all good. It was okay all in all but I just hate OW scenes. He should only want Mel. Anyway, that's what I got from it, try it and see what you think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2016
first I loved the men of steel series. And I hate to give a horrible review, but this was far and away the worst book I have ever read. sabato is a horribly evil twisted man. he has no redeemable qualities. Melyssa? seriously? why would you even wrote a character that ignorant? this isn't a love story it is extremely emotionless flat. And please don't.even get me started on the italian she understands not one word of it and yet asks for no explanations not only that but it's never translated. ummmmm what's the point of that? when both the character and the reader have no idea what's being spoken? you write a "love" story about a woman who pretty much loves being emotionally,sexually and physically abused( remember he held a gun to her through the first part of the book) and the character loves it? I seriously can not say enough bad things about the characters the plot . extremely disappointed. like want my money and the time I spent reading it back. And don't get me started about the whole virgin. thing poorly written. And when. he finally does find out, eh no big Beal still would have happened the same way? but he is a broken soul and a gentleman? no try soulless and arrogant. sorry for the rant but save your money.
March 31, 2015
First off let me say there is no love triangle and even though one quote insinuates there is there's not it's just Melyssa having balls telling another woman off. I think she is going to be perfect for Sabato, "then we go somewhere that doesn’t smell like—” She walks to a booth and sits. I follow her. “Are you disobeying me?" He can be harsh and blunt and hurtful at times but I think he's scared to feel something, "you want me to be monogamous? Fine, then you’re going to have to stop being a little effing tease. In case you haven’t noticed, I like to eff, Melyssa. A lot." Melyssa I liked she had balls, "just so you know, he won’t be banging you in the bathroom again. While he and I are married, I’ll be the only one bent over the counter." Sabato acts like a caveman sometimes alright all the time, "I go to grab a shirt and suddenly he is standing in front of me, naked and erect. “Yours.” He nudges me with his c***." I enjoyed this book I liked seeing Sabato slowly change
March 6, 2025
3.5- Whew!! These two gave me whiplash! I’m happy for the outcome but I knew it would take something dramatic to happen for him to finally come around and for her to stop being so childish. Great concept. Definitely better than the first book
February 27, 2020
Believing that by being unattainable you are better off...
Eroe's heart breaking story continues years later... the seven year old boy grows up into a cold, heartless man who has put his heart on ice and focuses only on revenge and destruction of the people who took everything he ever loved away from him. life though always has a way of changing things around. Melyssa comes into his life out of nowhere and everything changes... and Sabato is unable to understand why. A heart breaking romance about forgiving yourself for matters that were beyond your control. 5 Destructively Beautiful Stars for "Sabato"... where even the toughest fall.
Eroe's heart breaking story continues years later... the seven year old boy grows up into a cold, heartless man who has put his heart on ice and focuses only on revenge and destruction of the people who took everything he ever loved away from him. life though always has a way of changing things around. Melyssa comes into his life out of nowhere and everything changes... and Sabato is unable to understand why. A heart breaking romance about forgiving yourself for matters that were beyond your control. 5 Destructively Beautiful Stars for "Sabato"... where even the toughest fall.
May 6, 2015
This is a sexy, dirty talking, Italian Alpha Man and he had me squirming and clenching my legs throughout the entire book!
Sabato has been patiently waiting to set his plan in motion; to seek revenge on his father and those that have been helping him and to claim what is his, but he knows he can’t do it alone. As he gets help from the Steel Men and Dominic to take down his ruthless father, Sabato runs into a Southern Belle who has him rethinking his life…
Whoa! The chemistry between Melyssa and Sabato is freaking hot so make sure you have ice cold water and a fan to cool yourself and your Kindle/tablet! While reading their story, I could feel the hatred Sabato had for those that had taken from him, as well as why he felt unlovable. And yet, I could also see the inner battle he had with himself over the feelings he had for Melyssa.
I loved seeing the feistiness as well as the love Melyssa was developing for Sabato. Deep down, she knows he is capable of loving despite everything he's been through, and she makes it her mission to show him.
I must say, MJ Fields, you caught me off guard towards the end; there were some secrets coming out that I definitely did not see coming, so bravo for throwing those curve balls! A beautiful love story about second chances at life, love and forgiveness! ~ Kara, 5 stars
Sabato has been patiently waiting to set his plan in motion; to seek revenge on his father and those that have been helping him and to claim what is his, but he knows he can’t do it alone. As he gets help from the Steel Men and Dominic to take down his ruthless father, Sabato runs into a Southern Belle who has him rethinking his life…
Whoa! The chemistry between Melyssa and Sabato is freaking hot so make sure you have ice cold water and a fan to cool yourself and your Kindle/tablet! While reading their story, I could feel the hatred Sabato had for those that had taken from him, as well as why he felt unlovable. And yet, I could also see the inner battle he had with himself over the feelings he had for Melyssa.
I loved seeing the feistiness as well as the love Melyssa was developing for Sabato. Deep down, she knows he is capable of loving despite everything he's been through, and she makes it her mission to show him.
I must say, MJ Fields, you caught me off guard towards the end; there were some secrets coming out that I definitely did not see coming, so bravo for throwing those curve balls! A beautiful love story about second chances at life, love and forgiveness! ~ Kara, 5 stars
April 7, 2015
While this is part of the Ties Of Steel series, Sabato can be read as a S/A. Please note, however, that MJ released a short novella prior to this, Eroe, and while you don't necessarily need to have read that, I really would recommend reading Eroe first, as this is a prequel novella and provides Sabato's back story.
The storyline had me gripped from the start and it really is a wicked page turner. Sabato and Melyssa are really well developed characters and Sabato in particular really manages to pull at the heartstrings, knowing all he's been through. And let's not forget that the sex scenes in this book are smoking!
MJ delivered another scorcher of a book and I would be more than happy to recommend this book/series.
The storyline had me gripped from the start and it really is a wicked page turner. Sabato and Melyssa are really well developed characters and Sabato in particular really manages to pull at the heartstrings, knowing all he's been through. And let's not forget that the sex scenes in this book are smoking!
MJ delivered another scorcher of a book and I would be more than happy to recommend this book/series.
June 1, 2015
This book just didn't work for me. Super confusing, and yes, I have read the other books in the series. Sabato wasn't a sexy alpha Italian, he was simply an asshole. Melyssa (annoying name spelling), is TSTL. This book is a train wreck of confusion, lack of character connection, and grammatical errors. Reminds me of this author's other Steele series, which I couldn't get into for some of the same reasons. I have no clue why the ratings are so high.
April 16, 2015
Loved it
Again ms fields you did it !! Absolutely loved the characters, sabato such a troubled soul but could see how he definitely wanted love. Totally loved Mel's crazy side, wonder if valentina and Franco have a storyline some day ? I think I know who the kids are
Again ms fields you did it !! Absolutely loved the characters, sabato such a troubled soul but could see how he definitely wanted love. Totally loved Mel's crazy side, wonder if valentina and Franco have a storyline some day ? I think I know who the kids are
September 18, 2017
MJ Fields just keeps writing excellent stories with the Steels and their family. Each one different from the last and keeping me intrigued. Meeting Sabato in Eroes gave the background needed to know why he handles things as he does in his own story. Now we see the matured man come to terms with his past, find the family he always longed for and the woman of his dreams. Melissa is captivated by Sabato's looks from the start but soon sees the man underneath all the hurt. She is able to help him through his tough times and deal with her own past. MJ Fields always give us the alpha male, loving Sabato's style, but pairs them with a strong woman. Mel is incredibly intuitive, hard headed and loving all rolled into one. Though she is frustrating at times, she is able to get under that armor Sabato has up and warm his heart.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are amazing with their performance of this book. They both add their Italian accents, giving Sabato and Valenitina credibility. Love their chemistry together, it comes through the story and draws you completely in.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are amazing with their performance of this book. They both add their Italian accents, giving Sabato and Valenitina credibility. Love their chemistry together, it comes through the story and draws you completely in.
August 1, 2018
I really felt for Sabato in Eroe and wanted him to finally have his HEA. After reading this book he is a selfish asshole. He comes across as a hate filled vengeful ass. He is out for revenge on his father. Nothing is going to get in his way.
Melynne hasn't given it up yet to any of the guys she has dated. When she first see Sabato she is enthralled with him. Enough so that she spys on him having sex with multiple partners. She doesn't totally understand the feeling that she is having but knows that Sabato is the only one who can make her feel this way and do something about it.
Sadly Mel is a pathetic heroin. The way that Sabato takes her virginity was barbaric and then she doesn't even have the guts to tell him she was a virgin. He repeatedly treats her like crap and she keeps runs back for more.
They aren't officially a couple but he is with multiple people even though he is pursuing her. In the end he does come to care for her but by then it's to late. He isn't redeemable and very unlikeable. I hate doormat's and that is what Mel was through this whole book.
Melynne hasn't given it up yet to any of the guys she has dated. When she first see Sabato she is enthralled with him. Enough so that she spys on him having sex with multiple partners. She doesn't totally understand the feeling that she is having but knows that Sabato is the only one who can make her feel this way and do something about it.
Sadly Mel is a pathetic heroin. The way that Sabato takes her virginity was barbaric and then she doesn't even have the guts to tell him she was a virgin. He repeatedly treats her like crap and she keeps runs back for more.
They aren't officially a couple but he is with multiple people even though he is pursuing her. In the end he does come to care for her but by then it's to late. He isn't redeemable and very unlikeable. I hate doormat's and that is what Mel was through this whole book.
June 5, 2020
♥️🌼I Was Right...I Love Sabato🌼♥️
Sabato Efisto is a straight up badass...He lost his mother and his first love and was raised by a cold, abusive, mob-boss, father...and it made him who he is today....Sabato owns a serious sex club, and he’s an experienced Dom with mob connections, strict rules and few warm feelings...until he sees Melyssa...♥️🌼
If you’ve read the other books in this Ties of Steel series, Melyssa Chance is Nikki’s and Laney’s friend Mel...and she’s not at all who Sabato (or I) thought she was...Mel is a sweet, funny law student...She’s more innocent and vulnerable than she appears in previous books...It even seems like she has always felt like she’s different and she’s accepting those differences....One being she’s still a virgin.....and Sabato’s lifestyle excites her....I loved Sabato and Mel...and I have really loved this whole series...♥️🌼
Sabato Efisto is a straight up badass...He lost his mother and his first love and was raised by a cold, abusive, mob-boss, father...and it made him who he is today....Sabato owns a serious sex club, and he’s an experienced Dom with mob connections, strict rules and few warm feelings...until he sees Melyssa...♥️🌼
If you’ve read the other books in this Ties of Steel series, Melyssa Chance is Nikki’s and Laney’s friend Mel...and she’s not at all who Sabato (or I) thought she was...Mel is a sweet, funny law student...She’s more innocent and vulnerable than she appears in previous books...It even seems like she has always felt like she’s different and she’s accepting those differences....One being she’s still a virgin.....and Sabato’s lifestyle excites her....I loved Sabato and Mel...and I have really loved this whole series...♥️🌼
September 18, 2024
I went into all the Ties of Steel books knowing that they weren't going to be my favorites because I do not enjoy these types of books (some BDSM, Billionaire, morally gray, sex clubs, and Mafia). I refuse to give it lower than 3 stars because I know it's just not for me but it's a well-written book. I DNFed at 70% but I think it's just not my jam, I may go back and finish it just to be sure I haven't missed anything important for the series.
May 14, 2020
This one was hard for me, I disliked Sabato almost the entire book. He was a total a**hole most of the book. I am glad I finished it though as I love this series and wouldn't be complete if I didn't read it.
July 30, 2020
A wild and thrilling ride to go on with Sabato and Melyssa. They have an instant connection that takes them on a intense journey. They have a beautiful intensity with lots of back and forth but their destination is one that should not be missed. I enjoyed every single moment of this book.
September 17, 2022
👎🏼 Uninteresting, bloody weird, very disjointed, very poorly written.
Each POV jumps all around the place, I was so damn confused. Melyssa’s inner dialogue was just weird and dumb and awkward AF.
Didn’t finish, won’t read again and definitely do not recommend.
Each POV jumps all around the place, I was so damn confused. Melyssa’s inner dialogue was just weird and dumb and awkward AF.
Didn’t finish, won’t read again and definitely do not recommend.
May 13, 2017
I love this Series! I just could not put this series down!!
July 5, 2017
It was just okay. A disappointing read for me.
February 12, 2018
Wow
Omg!!! What can I say? This series leaves you wanting more. The ups and the downs.... Just get the series and find out.
Omg!!! What can I say? This series leaves you wanting more. The ups and the downs.... Just get the series and find out.
Want to read
February 13, 2020🎁 The complete Ties of Steel series (Ties of Steel #1-4) is FREE on Amazon today (2/13/2020)! 🎁
March 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Can’t wait to read more by MJ Fields.
July 7, 2020
I really like the ending to the series.
August 23, 2020
Okay read
Not the best in the series and I really struggled to like sabato as I love all the steel guys. Dark and challenging.
Not the best in the series and I really struggled to like sabato as I love all the steel guys. Dark and challenging.
August 4, 2021
Loved it!
This book was hot and so steamy it had my glasses foggy. Definitely a page turner. Long time since I had a book like this. Must read!
This book was hot and so steamy it had my glasses foggy. Definitely a page turner. Long time since I had a book like this. Must read!
September 16, 2021
Eroe gave us a glimpse of why Sabato is the way he is.
Still waiting for the author to write a lead female with backbone though, this is yet another crying, emotional character.
Still waiting for the author to write a lead female with backbone though, this is yet another crying, emotional character.
March 1, 2025
bro what even was this mel bestie go seek therapy
March 10, 2025
4.5⭐️🎧
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌶🌶🌶🌶
March 10, 2025
4.5⭐️🎧
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews