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La'Belle Mafia : A Forced Marriage Romance
La’Belle Evans lives by one take from men before they take from you.
She learned the game from her mother and never once let a man get close enough to cost her anything.
Then she meets Cardez Montague, next in line to the biggest crime family in New York, and decides he’s going to be the biggest lick of her life.
What she doesn’t count on is falling for him. And when she decides to come clean, Cardez already knows everything.
She wanted his money.
He wants forever.
She learned the game from her mother and never once let a man get close enough to cost her anything.
Then she meets Cardez Montague, next in line to the biggest crime family in New York, and decides he’s going to be the biggest lick of her life.
What she doesn’t count on is falling for him. And when she decides to come clean, Cardez already knows everything.
She wanted his money.
He wants forever.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2026
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October 20, 2026
I went in blind to the actual storyline but not the author.
A scammer and a Mafia leader…what an interesting match😏
Their chemistry was amazing and I definitely think that our MMC fell first.
The spicy scenes were spicy...whew!
Our FMC believes in using 🥷🏽s for money and NOT love.
Our MMC runs his crime family. However, there’s a bylaw that puts that power into question.
A random met at a rooftop party brings their worlds together.
In the midst of all that- hidden family secrets, deception, and interesting side characters.
This story is fast- paced but well written.
The way the author writes her side characters...I LOVE! They add depth and entertainment to the story without being over/underwhelming.
Highly recommend this read!
A scammer and a Mafia leader…what an interesting match😏
Their chemistry was amazing and I definitely think that our MMC fell first.
The spicy scenes were spicy...whew!
Our FMC believes in using 🥷🏽s for money and NOT love.
Our MMC runs his crime family. However, there’s a bylaw that puts that power into question.
A random met at a rooftop party brings their worlds together.
In the midst of all that- hidden family secrets, deception, and interesting side characters.
This story is fast- paced but well written.
The way the author writes her side characters...I LOVE! They add depth and entertainment to the story without being over/underwhelming.
Highly recommend this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW ✨
Thank you to Roxanne Taylor for the advanced copy of her book.
This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed the book as well as her writing style.
If you love a scammer FMC, and a MMC who doesn’t play about her go ahead and add this to the TBR.
This story follows the FMC La’Belle Mafia, she is very independent and all about her money. She has been thought well how to use these men to her benefit and get what she wants. She has been scamming men for a while and is very good at it, that is until she meets Cardez Montague. From the moment these 2 crossed paths, La’Belle had a feeling that this one is different and not the one to play with. What happens when feelings get involved? But you know what they say old habits die hard. My girl Belle had to learn the hard way and let’s just say she wasn’t too happy about the consequences of her actions.
I really enjoyed Labelle & Cardel’s love story. It was something about their banter that kept me turning the pages. I was intrigued to see how far Labelle will go and also how they could make the attraction between them work when they are from 2 different worlds. Both characters had to learn how to open up with each other and how to trust what they were building.Cardez is not used to being this close and open with a woman, and LaBelle well she is only used to getting money and dipping. I call Cardez a gentle giant because he moves quietly but is not afraid to handle business when the time comes. The type of BDE energy, and not afraid to pull up. The crime family added to the plot and had its own twist and turn. There was family secrets, backstabbing, unaliving, and power struggles. While Labelle might be a frustrating FMC to some, she had me laughing because sis you knew better so why are you being a brat now and throwing a tantrum.
I felt this story was well written all around and I enjoyed it and looking forward to reading more by the author.
Thank you to Roxanne Taylor for the advanced copy of her book.
This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed the book as well as her writing style.
If you love a scammer FMC, and a MMC who doesn’t play about her go ahead and add this to the TBR.
This story follows the FMC La’Belle Mafia, she is very independent and all about her money. She has been thought well how to use these men to her benefit and get what she wants. She has been scamming men for a while and is very good at it, that is until she meets Cardez Montague. From the moment these 2 crossed paths, La’Belle had a feeling that this one is different and not the one to play with. What happens when feelings get involved? But you know what they say old habits die hard. My girl Belle had to learn the hard way and let’s just say she wasn’t too happy about the consequences of her actions.
I really enjoyed Labelle & Cardel’s love story. It was something about their banter that kept me turning the pages. I was intrigued to see how far Labelle will go and also how they could make the attraction between them work when they are from 2 different worlds. Both characters had to learn how to open up with each other and how to trust what they were building.Cardez is not used to being this close and open with a woman, and LaBelle well she is only used to getting money and dipping. I call Cardez a gentle giant because he moves quietly but is not afraid to handle business when the time comes. The type of BDE energy, and not afraid to pull up. The crime family added to the plot and had its own twist and turn. There was family secrets, backstabbing, unaliving, and power struggles. While Labelle might be a frustrating FMC to some, she had me laughing because sis you knew better so why are you being a brat now and throwing a tantrum.
I felt this story was well written all around and I enjoyed it and looking forward to reading more by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW: This was such a really really good read, and I see why Roxanne loved Dez character better, and I can agree as well because he was the Man! The FMC Belle I loved her character. How she carried herself as far as being independent, not being easily influenced and didn’t want to or have to depend on anyone, though she held her own in a not so legal way lol, she stood her ground did not back down to nothing or no one until Dez came along and helped her break down that wall. I love Belle and Dez relationship it is not your average relationship, but it works for them. This book was funny as hell. It was engaging a definite page turner. The suspense was there. Loved the forgiveness on both ends. The girl empowerment was great, and I love the men taking accountability for their actions. But without a doubt this book will definitely get a reread out of me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 25, 2026
A scammer, a cartel boss, and a scheme that goes WAY beyond what she expected? *La’Belle Mafia* had me SAT!
LaBelle sets her sights on a cartel boss and successfully scams him out of his money. The problem? She catches feelings, and before she can decide to come clean, Cardez reveals that he knows exactly what she did. His solution? Forcing her into the one thing she has spent her life trying to avoid: marriage.
I really enjoyed how the story was divided into two parts: the con and the fallout. Watching LaBelle work her scheme was entertaining, but the real fun came from seeing what happened once Cardez discovered the truth. The consequences of her choices gave the story a compelling dynamic, and I liked seeing how the situation developed beyond the initial con.
LaBelle and Cardez were easily my favorite part of this book. LaBelle is 38, knows who she is, and has built a life on her own terms. I can understand why some readers might find her childish, but I saw a woman whose upbringing shaped her views on love, marriage, and independence. She makes questionable decisions, and I certainly won't argue that she's always right, but I appreciated how firmly she stood in who she was and what she wanted. She wasn't about to abandon herself just to make someone else comfortable.
And Cardez? Mr. BDE, aka Papa?! BABYYYY. I love an MMC who can match a woman's energy, challenge her, and stand firm without trying to dim who she is. The chemistry and tension between these two worked for me because neither felt like they had to shrink themselves for the other. Cardez knows how to handle LaBelle's particular brand of brat, and I was absolutely here for it!
Another highlight was the balance between the mafia elements and the romance. Neither overshadowed the other, and they came together naturally to create a story that felt cohesive. I also enjoyed the ensemble cast. There were some memorable moments, and I was genuinely a little sad to see these characters' story end. It's worth noting that this is a **standalone**, so we get to enjoy this group without signing up for an entire series.
My one real critique is the antagonist. For much of the story, I thought he was playing a pretty smart game and staying a step ahead. But somewhere along the way, I felt like he lost a little of that edge, and I wanted more from his storyline. For someone who seemed to be thinking several steps ahead, I just expected a little more from him overall. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, but his storyline was the one area where I felt a little underwhelmed.
Overall, *La’Belle Mafia* was an entertaining read with a heroine who stands firmly in her choices, a book boyfriend who can hold his own, engaging worldbuilding, and a romance that kept me invested. If you enjoy Black mafia romance, confident heroines, forced marriage, and an MMC who can handle a woman with a mind of her own, I'd recommend giving this one a try.
Roxanne Taylor is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and an autobuy for me! I'm looking forward to seeing what she gives us next.
LaBelle sets her sights on a cartel boss and successfully scams him out of his money. The problem? She catches feelings, and before she can decide to come clean, Cardez reveals that he knows exactly what she did. His solution? Forcing her into the one thing she has spent her life trying to avoid: marriage.
I really enjoyed how the story was divided into two parts: the con and the fallout. Watching LaBelle work her scheme was entertaining, but the real fun came from seeing what happened once Cardez discovered the truth. The consequences of her choices gave the story a compelling dynamic, and I liked seeing how the situation developed beyond the initial con.
LaBelle and Cardez were easily my favorite part of this book. LaBelle is 38, knows who she is, and has built a life on her own terms. I can understand why some readers might find her childish, but I saw a woman whose upbringing shaped her views on love, marriage, and independence. She makes questionable decisions, and I certainly won't argue that she's always right, but I appreciated how firmly she stood in who she was and what she wanted. She wasn't about to abandon herself just to make someone else comfortable.
And Cardez? Mr. BDE, aka Papa?! BABYYYY. I love an MMC who can match a woman's energy, challenge her, and stand firm without trying to dim who she is. The chemistry and tension between these two worked for me because neither felt like they had to shrink themselves for the other. Cardez knows how to handle LaBelle's particular brand of brat, and I was absolutely here for it!
Another highlight was the balance between the mafia elements and the romance. Neither overshadowed the other, and they came together naturally to create a story that felt cohesive. I also enjoyed the ensemble cast. There were some memorable moments, and I was genuinely a little sad to see these characters' story end. It's worth noting that this is a **standalone**, so we get to enjoy this group without signing up for an entire series.
My one real critique is the antagonist. For much of the story, I thought he was playing a pretty smart game and staying a step ahead. But somewhere along the way, I felt like he lost a little of that edge, and I wanted more from his storyline. For someone who seemed to be thinking several steps ahead, I just expected a little more from him overall. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, but his storyline was the one area where I felt a little underwhelmed.
Overall, *La’Belle Mafia* was an entertaining read with a heroine who stands firmly in her choices, a book boyfriend who can hold his own, engaging worldbuilding, and a romance that kept me invested. If you enjoy Black mafia romance, confident heroines, forced marriage, and an MMC who can handle a woman with a mind of her own, I'd recommend giving this one a try.
Roxanne Taylor is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and an autobuy for me! I'm looking forward to seeing what she gives us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scammer. Con Artist. Beauty. La’Belle Evans lives by one rule: take from men before they take from you. She learned firsthand from her mom that all men lie so you may as well get what you can from them. She had been moderately successful as she never allowed herself to care. That was until she meets Cardez Montague, next in line to the biggest crime family in New York, and decides he’s going to be the biggest lick of her life.
What happens when a scammer forgets the end game? Well buckle up because La'Belle is gonna show you. Just be prepared for her to work your nerves the entire time. Life has a way of giving us the very thing we sometimes avoid. Cardez was everything and more and La'Belle was fighting a losing battle. La'Belle had a lot of ways about her that would make her a frustrating MMC. However, if you truly factored in her upbringing, it all made sense. She was in survival mode for book majority of the book and tasted every drop of patience Cardez had. Thankfully Cardez was confident and possessed just the right about of swag, BDE and leadership skills to help Belle see that he was not like then others who came before him. I was worried for a second because the lies had the potential to take things to another level. As always, there was the added comedic moments that help to ensure the book isn't overly serious. Bottle wars in a club definitely had be giggling. Despite the tension, family secrets and crime wars happening, there was a nice emphasis on character development. Both MMC and FMC grew to appreciate and understand the importance of trust, forgiveness and love. Their banter from start to finish was a true testimanent to their chemistry.
What happens when a scammer forgets the end game? Well buckle up because La'Belle is gonna show you. Just be prepared for her to work your nerves the entire time. Life has a way of giving us the very thing we sometimes avoid. Cardez was everything and more and La'Belle was fighting a losing battle. La'Belle had a lot of ways about her that would make her a frustrating MMC. However, if you truly factored in her upbringing, it all made sense. She was in survival mode for book majority of the book and tasted every drop of patience Cardez had. Thankfully Cardez was confident and possessed just the right about of swag, BDE and leadership skills to help Belle see that he was not like then others who came before him. I was worried for a second because the lies had the potential to take things to another level. As always, there was the added comedic moments that help to ensure the book isn't overly serious. Bottle wars in a club definitely had be giggling. Despite the tension, family secrets and crime wars happening, there was a nice emphasis on character development. Both MMC and FMC grew to appreciate and understand the importance of trust, forgiveness and love. Their banter from start to finish was a true testimanent to their chemistry.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Belle and Dez were a GOOD TIME!
First of all, I LOVE a story with some grown folk. Give me characters 30+ who have lived a little, made some questionable decisions, and know exactly what they want… or at least think they do.
Belle is a professional scammer looking for her biggest lick yet. But what happens when the next man she plans to set up just happens to be the unofficial King of NY?
Belle and Dez started off with those cute little moments, the chemistry was chemistry-ing, and then Belle started working my damn nerves! Roxanne wrote this story so well. The stubbornness jumped straight off the page, the spicy scenes had me going back for rereads , and the family drama and secrets? Baby, there were SECRETS for days!
I gave Belle plenty of grace because I was really hoping she wouldn’t take forever to learn her damn lesson!
And I have to shout out the supporting characters because I LOVED the friend group. They weren’t just there to fill space, they actually added to the plot, had personalities of their own, and were well-developed. Give me supporting characters that actually SUPPORT the story!
Overall, I had a good time with this one. The drama, the chemistry, the secrets, the stubbornness… ALL OF IT.
And of course, where else would all this happen! NEW YORK CITY. 😜🗽
First of all, I LOVE a story with some grown folk. Give me characters 30+ who have lived a little, made some questionable decisions, and know exactly what they want… or at least think they do.
Belle is a professional scammer looking for her biggest lick yet. But what happens when the next man she plans to set up just happens to be the unofficial King of NY?
Belle and Dez started off with those cute little moments, the chemistry was chemistry-ing, and then Belle started working my damn nerves! Roxanne wrote this story so well. The stubbornness jumped straight off the page, the spicy scenes had me going back for rereads , and the family drama and secrets? Baby, there were SECRETS for days!
I gave Belle plenty of grace because I was really hoping she wouldn’t take forever to learn her damn lesson!
And I have to shout out the supporting characters because I LOVED the friend group. They weren’t just there to fill space, they actually added to the plot, had personalities of their own, and were well-developed. Give me supporting characters that actually SUPPORT the story!
Overall, I had a good time with this one. The drama, the chemistry, the secrets, the stubbornness… ALL OF IT.
And of course, where else would all this happen! NEW YORK CITY. 😜🗽
October 24, 2026
For every action... There is a reaction
La'Bella and Cordez were a TIME! Whew! These two were extremely toxic at times, mainly because they both wanted to be the Big Dawg in the relationship.
La'Bella was a professional scammer who thought Cordez was about to be her next lick. Baby, she had another thing coming! What was supposed to be a quick finesse turned into Cordez breaking down walls she never intended to let anyone through.
The crazy part? She could've had it all without the scheming because Cordez was invested from the beginning. But La'Bella made her bed, and now she's forced to do the one thing she promised herself she never would.
This was a fast-paced, drama-filled page-turner packed with secrets, lies, and plenty of mess! I was definitely entertained. However, La'Bella was entirely too grown for some of her antics. Sis tested my patience more than once! That's honestly the only thing keeping this from being a five-star read for me.
Overall, a messy, toxic, and entertaining ride!
La'Bella and Cordez were a TIME! Whew! These two were extremely toxic at times, mainly because they both wanted to be the Big Dawg in the relationship.
La'Bella was a professional scammer who thought Cordez was about to be her next lick. Baby, she had another thing coming! What was supposed to be a quick finesse turned into Cordez breaking down walls she never intended to let anyone through.
The crazy part? She could've had it all without the scheming because Cordez was invested from the beginning. But La'Bella made her bed, and now she's forced to do the one thing she promised herself she never would.
This was a fast-paced, drama-filled page-turner packed with secrets, lies, and plenty of mess! I was definitely entertained. However, La'Bella was entirely too grown for some of her antics. Sis tested my patience more than once! That's honestly the only thing keeping this from being a five-star read for me.
Overall, a messy, toxic, and entertaining ride!
October 20, 2026
What happens when a scammer falls in love with her mark?
Just Ask La’Belle Evans. Cardez Montague tumbles into her life one night and shakes up everything she thinks she knows and believes in. Cardez has her breaking rules and doing things that’ll only end in her & her cousin caught TF up!
La’Belle used men how they used her, only she hit their pockets and never spoke to them again. She’s losing her mind at the fact she actually has feelings for Cardez, a man who won’t take lightly to being stolen from. His family is one of five important crime families in New York. Can he be with a woman who stole from him??
This book was so MESSY and I loved it. 🥰 La’Belle’s behind pissed me off at every turn! Her and Cardez together though? A timeeee. They challenged each other and at one point I was pretty sure they hated one another 🤣 if you love Mafia families, scamming FMCs, and arranged marriages, this book is definitely for you!
Thank you to Roxanne Taylor for the ARC copy 🩷
Just Ask La’Belle Evans. Cardez Montague tumbles into her life one night and shakes up everything she thinks she knows and believes in. Cardez has her breaking rules and doing things that’ll only end in her & her cousin caught TF up!
La’Belle used men how they used her, only she hit their pockets and never spoke to them again. She’s losing her mind at the fact she actually has feelings for Cardez, a man who won’t take lightly to being stolen from. His family is one of five important crime families in New York. Can he be with a woman who stole from him??
This book was so MESSY and I loved it. 🥰 La’Belle’s behind pissed me off at every turn! Her and Cardez together though? A timeeee. They challenged each other and at one point I was pretty sure they hated one another 🤣 if you love Mafia families, scamming FMCs, and arranged marriages, this book is definitely for you!
Thank you to Roxanne Taylor for the ARC copy 🩷
October 29, 2026
I went into this one completely blind. Not only did I not read the synopsis but I have never read anything by this author before.
I will start by saying her authors note was correct, Bella being 38 when the story began with her scamming ways and lack of emotional intelligence drove me completely up a wall. I was sick and tired of her scamming ass. To have so much mouth for Dez but fold when her past caught up to her killed me, bc the amount of energy she gave Gideon lame ass tuh.
Dez was a boss in his own right but his ability to turn a blind eye to Bella’s red flags were concerning AF. The author wrote a story that I connected with immediately, the plot had twist that I didn’t expect and the characters had depth. The character development for literally everyone in the book was written really well.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I will start by saying her authors note was correct, Bella being 38 when the story began with her scamming ways and lack of emotional intelligence drove me completely up a wall. I was sick and tired of her scamming ass. To have so much mouth for Dez but fold when her past caught up to her killed me, bc the amount of energy she gave Gideon lame ass tuh.
Dez was a boss in his own right but his ability to turn a blind eye to Bella’s red flags were concerning AF. The author wrote a story that I connected with immediately, the plot had twist that I didn’t expect and the characters had depth. The character development for literally everyone in the book was written really well.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC REVIEW*
I had a time reading about Cardez and Labelle!!
Let me just tell y’all… YES, Belle had me screaming at her the entire time! 😂 But my girl got it right in the end!
Belle was not expecting Dez to walk into her life and shake things all the way up! Sis was comfortable running game just like her mama taught her… until she wasn’t! 🤭
The banter between these two was everything! Watching Dez slowly break down Belle’s walls while she broke every single one of her own dang rules was funny! Especially that “I don’t call men” rule…because why were you calling that man then?! 😭
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the characters! Roxanne was a new to me author, but after this read, I’ll definitely be checking out more of her catalog!
I had a time reading about Cardez and Labelle!!
Let me just tell y’all… YES, Belle had me screaming at her the entire time! 😂 But my girl got it right in the end!
Belle was not expecting Dez to walk into her life and shake things all the way up! Sis was comfortable running game just like her mama taught her… until she wasn’t! 🤭
The banter between these two was everything! Watching Dez slowly break down Belle’s walls while she broke every single one of her own dang rules was funny! Especially that “I don’t call men” rule…because why were you calling that man then?! 😭
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the characters! Roxanne was a new to me author, but after this read, I’ll definitely be checking out more of her catalog!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Belle had me ready to lay hands on here... both for prayer and to square up.
BELLE! Girllll!! You hit the jackpot! Lean on your man and stop running from him, OMG!
Since both MCs were grown grown, I expected Belle to have a little common sense and I expected Dez to know how to communicate. But you know what they say about assuming.
I love how Dez put his foot down. Belle was not used to a man showing up consistently and not allowing her to be dodgy. He shut down her whole game from first meet.
And not we in the club having bottle warssss! OMG!!! Made me laugh out loud, literally.
Roxanne is a super writer. She leaves no stone unturned, there are never moments when you say "Well... what happened with this subplot?" I cannot wait to read more of Roxanne's work :)
BELLE! Girllll!! You hit the jackpot! Lean on your man and stop running from him, OMG!
Since both MCs were grown grown, I expected Belle to have a little common sense and I expected Dez to know how to communicate. But you know what they say about assuming.
I love how Dez put his foot down. Belle was not used to a man showing up consistently and not allowing her to be dodgy. He shut down her whole game from first meet.
And not we in the club having bottle warssss! OMG!!! Made me laugh out loud, literally.
Roxanne is a super writer. She leaves no stone unturned, there are never moments when you say "Well... what happened with this subplot?" I cannot wait to read more of Roxanne's work :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved the story of Dez and Belle. This is a definitely a book for when you want the grown and sexy vibe.
Dez is a business owner and Belle is the head bottle girl at an upscale club, they meet and the attraction is instant. Little do they know, they are each hiding secrets and lies while also falling for each other. It gets messy, sexy and violent but they are drawn together like a moth to a flame.
Belle is hardheaded and independent, can Dez break down her walls and overlook discretions in the name of love?
I love a HEA and this book did not disappoint. Thank you to the author for this ARC!
Dez is a business owner and Belle is the head bottle girl at an upscale club, they meet and the attraction is instant. Little do they know, they are each hiding secrets and lies while also falling for each other. It gets messy, sexy and violent but they are drawn together like a moth to a flame.
Belle is hardheaded and independent, can Dez break down her walls and overlook discretions in the name of love?
I love a HEA and this book did not disappoint. Thank you to the author for this ARC!
October 21, 2026
This book was everything I needed in and urban romance! La’Belle is a bad bitch through and through and Cardez matched in every way. I wasn’t able to put this book down for 2 days, it was that good. I loved how La’Belle thought she ran shit and Cardez wasn’t having none of it. This book had me swooning, reading to pew pew a few folks, and kicking my feet at the banter between the two. I had the privilege of reading an ARC of this book and I’m so happy that I got to look into the lives of these two! If you are a fan of urban romance, a bad bitch FMC, and MMC who don’t play about his lady at all? Go get La’Belle Mafia by Roxanne Taylor right now. Don’t even walk. RUN!
October 26, 2026
Thoroughly Entertained
I was thoroughly entertained! A solid 3.5 stars. The first 15% dragged a little, but I can appreciate the author taking the time to build the backstory and establish the characters’ psyches and motivations.
My biggest issue was Cardez’s reaction to the situation. I understood that he was angry, but I was confused by how easily he let himself get manipulated into feeling like he was the one in the wrong. The way he seemed to be seeking forgiveness after being betrayed had me questioning if I was reading the situation correctly. 😭
Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read!
I was thoroughly entertained! A solid 3.5 stars. The first 15% dragged a little, but I can appreciate the author taking the time to build the backstory and establish the characters’ psyches and motivations.
My biggest issue was Cardez’s reaction to the situation. I understood that he was angry, but I was confused by how easily he let himself get manipulated into feeling like he was the one in the wrong. The way he seemed to be seeking forgiveness after being betrayed had me questioning if I was reading the situation correctly. 😭
Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read!
October 27, 2026
Cardez!!!
I think this is my first read from this Author, but it won’t be my last! It’s always good to read about characters that are a little older especially FMC, noting that you can absolutely start that HEA after 30!
I loved this story, but did not care for La’Belle at all. She was too indignant to be the thief that she was, even after being found out. I just needed her to humble herself a little. Nevertheless, I was happy that she got her HEA.
I loved Cardez! He was a little too soft too fast when it came to Belle, given the circumstances and his position, but it all worked out in the end.
I think this is my first read from this Author, but it won’t be my last! It’s always good to read about characters that are a little older especially FMC, noting that you can absolutely start that HEA after 30!
I loved this story, but did not care for La’Belle at all. She was too indignant to be the thief that she was, even after being found out. I just needed her to humble herself a little. Nevertheless, I was happy that she got her HEA.
I loved Cardez! He was a little too soft too fast when it came to Belle, given the circumstances and his position, but it all worked out in the end.
October 31, 2026
City Girls Up by 10🙃
La’belle is a scammer to the highest degree that’s met her match when she meets Dez. Torn between her budding feelings or a hefty payday- La’belle struggles with her warring emotions while Dez woos her. Intriguing enough we are introduced to a myriad of characters but, ultimately Dez and La’belle’s push and pull dynamic is where this story shines. These side plot was a welcome change as to not bog us down with the romance of it all which created a balanced story. Although, this book is in the erotica section I definitely wouldn’t call it “spicy” but, for what it’s worth it works. The club scene was iconic- this didn’t disappoint!
La’belle is a scammer to the highest degree that’s met her match when she meets Dez. Torn between her budding feelings or a hefty payday- La’belle struggles with her warring emotions while Dez woos her. Intriguing enough we are introduced to a myriad of characters but, ultimately Dez and La’belle’s push and pull dynamic is where this story shines. These side plot was a welcome change as to not bog us down with the romance of it all which created a balanced story. Although, this book is in the erotica section I definitely wouldn’t call it “spicy” but, for what it’s worth it works. The club scene was iconic- this didn’t disappoint!
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC REVEW** This was a ride that I truly enjoyed. La'Belle is one of my favorite types of FMCs - self assured, independent, a boss in her own right and unapologetic - until Cardez came in and had my girl reevaluating everything, but not without a fight. Cardez made it clear in word and action that he wasn't one of the lames Belle was used to. I loved the banter between the couple - this book had me laughing out loud, fussing and cussing. La'Belle and Cardez each brought out something previously untapped in each other, that made their love story come full circle.
October 21, 2026
Arc Review:
I loveeeeed these two! Now they did stress me out a little but I was locked in from the jump. I really enjoyed how this book explored La’Belle’s fear of commitment and her coming to terms with what real love and trust meant. I’m also glad Dez took control of all the situations he was dealing with, including Belle’s issue. I really would have loved to know more about their families specifically the friends and cousins lol. Either way these two had me smiling, laughing and yelling at them both 😂
I loveeeeed these two! Now they did stress me out a little but I was locked in from the jump. I really enjoyed how this book explored La’Belle’s fear of commitment and her coming to terms with what real love and trust meant. I’m also glad Dez took control of all the situations he was dealing with, including Belle’s issue. I really would have loved to know more about their families specifically the friends and cousins lol. Either way these two had me smiling, laughing and yelling at them both 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
La’Belle thought she had life figured out, but they say what goes on in the dark will come to the light. Well in her case what’s done behind the computer screen had her caught in between!!
I enjoyed this book even though at one point I was annoyed with Belle but after the way she grew up, I can see how she became the woman she is.
Until she met Cardez, who had her moving different from the first encounter. I enjoyed seeing her meet her match & being unable to hold on to control.
I enjoyed this book even though at one point I was annoyed with Belle but after the way she grew up, I can see how she became the woman she is.
Until she met Cardez, who had her moving different from the first encounter. I enjoyed seeing her meet her match & being unable to hold on to control.
October 22, 2026
Loved so bad!!!
Love me a good forced marriage every time, and you did not disappoint! Cardez did not play about his Belle, even when he found out what she was really up too. You really tied everything together. Cant even ask for another book 😩🧞♀️🥺 lol.
Also, I just knew her father would be revealed. That’s probably the only thing I anticipated, but overall a great read and I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Love me a good forced marriage every time, and you did not disappoint! Cardez did not play about his Belle, even when he found out what she was really up too. You really tied everything together. Cant even ask for another book 😩🧞♀️🥺 lol.
Also, I just knew her father would be revealed. That’s probably the only thing I anticipated, but overall a great read and I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First chapter had me singing, Where all my scamming a$$ n*ggas at?”
ARC Review:
The first date set the tone for what type of time Dez was on! That man was not playing, which had independent-ass Belle shook because she was used to running men’s pockets. The chemistry and banter between these two were on point. This book is a fun time.
ARC Review:
The first date set the tone for what type of time Dez was on! That man was not playing, which had independent-ass Belle shook because she was used to running men’s pockets. The chemistry and banter between these two were on point. This book is a fun time.
October 21, 2026
When hitting your biggest lick goes WRONG! 😂
Belle worked my nerves! She was so blind to accountability, but I couldn’t give up on her because Dez never did. Baby, Dez was SPRUNG about that woman! 😩 He was patient with her, but he also knew when to take control and get things handled. Between the scamming, mafia politics and the family secrets, whew, this was a TIME!
Belle worked my nerves! She was so blind to accountability, but I couldn’t give up on her because Dez never did. Baby, Dez was SPRUNG about that woman! 😩 He was patient with her, but he also knew when to take control and get things handled. Between the scamming, mafia politics and the family secrets, whew, this was a TIME!
October 21, 2026
Great book
The authors note said Belle, the FMC, was going to “work my nerves” and she did just that. I wanted to shake La’Belle so many times, but I guess seeing how her mom raised her and taught her she wasn’t going to do things differently. I loved Dez. That man was patient when it came to Belle. A great love story, with great side characters
The authors note said Belle, the FMC, was going to “work my nerves” and she did just that. I wanted to shake La’Belle so many times, but I guess seeing how her mom raised her and taught her she wasn’t going to do things differently. I loved Dez. That man was patient when it came to Belle. A great love story, with great side characters
October 24, 2026
Roxanne did it AGAIN!
I didn't think i would like a man better than Cash but Cardez is the 1 AND 2! Labelle is going to piss you off but that's my gurl so not too much! I loved the forced marriage angle bc Belle could've went an easier path but actions have consequences 🤷🏾♀️ Roxanne is 4 for 4 in my book! 💃🏾💃🏾
I didn't think i would like a man better than Cash but Cardez is the 1 AND 2! Labelle is going to piss you off but that's my gurl so not too much! I loved the forced marriage angle bc Belle could've went an easier path but actions have consequences 🤷🏾♀️ Roxanne is 4 for 4 in my book! 💃🏾💃🏾
October 28, 2026
Can’t wait to read more by this author
This book was so good. I enjoyed every minute of it. I hated when I had to put it down. Belle got on my nerves that time, but I read the disclaimer in the beginning lol so I knew what to expect. I don’t wanna give any spoilers, but this was so worth to read.
This book was so good. I enjoyed every minute of it. I hated when I had to put it down. Belle got on my nerves that time, but I read the disclaimer in the beginning lol so I knew what to expect. I don’t wanna give any spoilers, but this was so worth to read.
October 26, 2026
I wish we found out who Belle's father was.
This was really good, I'm so glad it's a standalone and everything was wrapped up nicely. Cardez, the man you are! He was ten toes behind Belle even with all her issues.
This was really good, I'm so glad it's a standalone and everything was wrapped up nicely. Cardez, the man you are! He was ten toes behind Belle even with all her issues.
October 27, 2026
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how this story was going to unfold. A scammer getting involved with a man who happens to be the head of his mafia family? I was intrigued.
The way Part I ended had me surprised! I had a feeling he knew exactly who she was, but the way he played his cards and made sure he got what he wanted after she stole from him? 👏🏾
Overall, these two were definitely a match made in heaven for each other. Such a great read.
The way Part I ended had me surprised! I had a feeling he knew exactly who she was, but the way he played his cards and made sure he got what he wanted after she stole from him? 👏🏾
Overall, these two were definitely a match made in heaven for each other. Such a great read.
October 23, 2026
Belle Is Such A Badasss
I love every bit of this book. I love when a man knows what he wants and go so hard for it!!! When love Wins!!!
I love every bit of this book. I love when a man knows what he wants and go so hard for it!!! When love Wins!!!
October 26, 2026
I enjoyed every thing about this book and the banter was fantastic, the mmc was serious about her . They were hilarious
October 26, 2026
An absolute pleasure to read!
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