Vicious Temptation

The Severed Heirloom #2

by Elle Maldonado

She drives a hundred miles an hour to feel something.
One touch from him and she feels everything.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Sports, Sports Romance, Spicy

740 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 5, 2026

Reviews

[Cozy Puppy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love movies like John Wick and The Fast and the Furious, and as soon as I learned that Vicious Temptation by Elle Maldonado was a mashup of both, I knew I had to read it! And it definitely did not disappoint. It felt like all of the fast-paced suspense and action vibes from those movies, but in book form. I haven't been able to find anything quite like this before.

What really shined for me right from the jump was the way she writes really strong, badass female main characters. They are absolutely unapologetic women who know how to defend themselves, aren't afraid to stand up for themselves, and fight back when put in dangerous situations. That, and how incredibly obsessed and down-bad the male lead was for her. I love action movies, but it is funny because I haven't read any books that capture similar vibes until this one. I usually read rom-coms, and with all of the action, fast-paced racing, and fight scenes in this book, it was outside of my usual reading comfort zone, and I loved it.

I was so hooked early on. Remi’s background, her lethal family dynamic, and her upbringing instantly gave me John Wick assassin training vibes, especially reminiscent of the Ballerina spin-off movie. Blend that with her passion for cars and underground street racing, and the Fast & Furious influence shines through completely.

I love an opposites-attract romance, and the chemistry and story between the female main character, Remi Cain, and the male main character, Thiago Braga, was electric from the start. Braga is an undercover investigator tasked with investigating Remi, which immediately sets the foundation for intense forbidden love, suspense, and high stakes.

This is the second book in the Severed Heirloom series, and I loved the emphasis on loyalty and found family, especially the bond and sisterhood between Remi and her best friend, Valentina. Their banter was hilarious, and their racing scenes together were so fun to read. Even though I read Vicious Temptation first, I immediately added Valentina’s book (book one!) to my list to see more of her story. That found family and legacy extends right into the Cain family dynamic with Remi, her brothers, and her parents. It made them so fascinating that I already feel the need to dive into the other books just to explore their history and past.

Beneath all the speed and adrenaline, the emotional stakes run deep with themes of grief, loyalty, and healing, particularly with Braga coping with personal loss. Plus, you don't need any prior mechanical or street racing knowledge to stay immersed. I felt like the author captures the speed and tension without ever bogging the pacing down in overly technical jargon.

I loved the sharp banter and the back-and-forth exchanges between the characters. I seriously can't wait to hear this as an audiobook! It was announced on the author's social media on February 12, 2026, that an audiobook is coming with Podium Audio, and if it features dual or duet narration, it’s going to bring this cast to life on a whole other level.

And that ending? Chilling. I am genuinely still thinking about all of the action in those final few pages. It leaves you with that wild, brain-exploding sense of cinematic anticipation, proving there are so many larger, mysterious forces at play in this universe. I already need to read book three immediately!

I love supporting BIPOC authors who also feature BIPOC lead characters! This story had me hooked with the level of emotions and complex, high-octane romantic suspense. If you love badass heroines, fiercely protective heroes, found family, high-speed stakes, and cinematic-level action, Vicious Temptation is definitely worth adding to your TBR list.

Thank you to the author, Elle Maldonado, for an advance reader copy of this book for review consideration. I am choosing to write this review voluntarily, and these are my honest opinions.

Perfect if you love:
🔥 The Fast and the Furious Movies
🤍 John Wick & Ballerina Movie Franchise
🖤 Enemies to lovers and forbidden romance
🔥 Fast-paced action and spice
🧡 Street racer / mechanic FMC
🖤 SWAT / tactical MMC
🔥 BIPOC Representation (Two Latine Lead Characters!)
🧡 Rapid-fire banter
🖤 Bold, unapologetic female characters
🔥 An absolutely down-bad MMC!
🤍 Loyalty, sisterhood, and family
🖤 Grief and healing

[Darkest Bellé · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ | 4🌶️

Vicious Temptation has an emotionally complicated SWAT officer, a badass street-racing heroine, forbidden attraction, secrets, betrayal, and enough tension to keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. 😮‍💨🔥

Remi is the kind of FMC I will ALWAYS root for. She’s fiercely independent, stubborn as hell, loyal to the people she loves, and absolutely refuses to let anyone tell her how to live her life. Between racing, running her shop, and trying to keep her family’s secrets from catching up with her, this woman does NOT have time for a certain very persistent SWAT officer.

Enter Thiago. 🥵

He’s supposed to get close to Remi for an assignment, gather information, uncover what her family is hiding, and walk away.

Simple, right?

Absolutely not.

Because somewhere between the undercover mission, unexpected rescues, heated arguments, undeniable chemistry, and all those moments where he should've been keeping his distance… Thiago starts falling for the one woman he was never supposed to want.

And watching that man fight his feelings while simultaneously trying to protect her? I ate that up. 🤭
Their relationship had everything I wanted: tension, banter, emotional vulnerability, secrets that could completely destroy their trust, and that delicious “I know I shouldn't want you, but I absolutely cannot stay away from you” energy.

But what really got me was how fiercely these two love. Beneath all the secrets and complications, they're both people who would put themselves on the line for the ones they care about. And once they finally let each other in? WHEW. ❤️‍🔥
There’s also SO much happening outside the romance—family drama, action, betrayal, hidden identities, dangerous enemies, and twists that kept me wondering who could actually be trusted.

And the spice? Thiago and Remi understood the assignment. Extremely Spicy, had me blushing.

I took my time through this one and honestly wasn't ready for it to end. Vicious Temptation delivered the kind of romance that makes you want to scream at the characters, hug them, and then immediately demand the next book.

If you love badass heroines, SWAT heroes, street racing, enemies-to-lovers tension, undercover secrets, family drama, and a romance packed with chemistry, put this one on your TBR. Remi and Thiago were one vicious temptation I had absolutely no intention of resisting. 🖤🔥

Thank you Elle and Team for the ARC opportunity, this review is my own thoughts and opinions never paid for.

[Darkreader · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Vicious Temptation
I received an advance reader copy from the author and am sharing my honest thoughts

Pre-read for Vicious Temptation

I am so excited to finally read it. This is my first-ever ARC, which makes the experience even more special, especially since it's Vicious Temptation. I wanna thank the Author for allowing me to become one of the ARC readers.

Post-read for Vicious Temptation

So here's the final update. I do wanna warn that my reviews always contain spoilers, so i rec to read other reviews if you don't want spoilers.
I have been waiting for Remi's book ever since I read Val's book for so long, and now that I am done, I want the third book already 😭(To the author, the extended epilogue was rude to add when we don't have the third book yet).

So, main question: does the book live up to my expectation well its a yes, but a lil bit no.

I truly loved the relationship between Thiago and Remi; she's always gonna be my gurl, and we knew how her personality was and is, but I am so glad she never reveals the ledger info to Thiago despite telling her BG also because he never pushed. I know a lot of people hated the fact that he betrayed Remi, so they reduced the rating, but for me it kept entertaining because I wanted to know when Remi was gonna know the truth, and obv it's always when the MMC decides to tell the truth that the FMC finds out the other way. Plus I didn't expect Thiago to be already whipped by Remi, which is cute, but I wanted him to show his tough side, knowing his SWAT officer (but ik why he couldn't because of the whole undercover situation). Whereas Remi showed who she truly was, and I loved her for that, ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE GETS TO KNOW THE TRUTH. The way my gurl literally was slashing through, idk why I wanted her to shoot at least one bullet as well 😭 (call me sadist, don't care) because after what Thaigo did, because he truly deserved that. Nonetheless, their relationship was really beautiful; the way she kept him at a distance and didn't allow him to get closer despite his attempts made me laugh and happy because even he knew he won't get in that easily, but even though Thiago was undercover, he really did treat Remi with love and patience.

And can we talk about the relationship between Val and Remi, because every girl needs her lifeline that they can lean on, and Val did that. As well as Matteo having Remi's back when Val isn't there showed how close they got now. Plus, I can never forget Ryuji, even though he was never the main character; I still missed him, and knowing he happily protected Remi and she still can't get over him after 3 years, part of me wanted a yakuza trope, but I think that might be set for AJ.
And how can I forget about my Leni...that woman will always be in my heart; no one can beat her (generally no one can beat the first gen series imo compared to second gen), and the way she had Remi's back and the fact that all of her family had her back in every situation showed how close they were. And Thiago being connected to Athena and Amalia, I didn't think of that even though his dad's name sounded familiar to me; I forgot about it.

Here's the part which i wasnt fan of; the book didn't need to be that long, personally speaking. If it added more to the plot, I wouldn't say so. Because the way it unfolded at the end was good but not great, we still have no clue about Helios and the scorpion situation in the epilogue, leaving more questions unsolved. We never get to know who told Rafe or how people keep finding out; we might find out in the future book, but this remains unsolved.
The main thing I still feel something was missing in the book: Elle gave action, yearning, sorrow, longing, chemistry, and a smooth ride to the book, but I felt like Thiago's character was missing something that I can't point out yet; Remi's character didn't miss the beat; it made me love her more (despite some of her stupid mistakes).

Plus, Thiago being hypocritical in situations pissed me off, like dude you are lying to her on her face, and you get pissed when she draws the line cmon. I do love him for not giving in to the commander's orders, but it didn't change the fact that he still betrayed her, which, honestly, not complaining about the plot, but waiting till the end to reveal was really a hit-or-miss move on the author's part; for me it was a hit move. But the smut I will for sure remember. I really want Elle to commission the smut scene in the Miami gym.

I really hope Elle gives a pure enemies-to-lovers book in the next book because the ending of the book left me wanting to read their book ASAP 😏

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author -

I was over the MOON when I found out I was going to get a chance to ARC read this. I loved Book 1 and I couldn’t wait for Remi’s story ✨

Once again, Elle blew me away with her storytelling.

Remi & Thiago gave us everything. Past trauma. Trust issues. Resentment. Trying to do the right thing even though it may feel like it isn’t.

This was a rollercoaster I didn’t want to get off. This book was a THICC one but it didn’t even feel like it.

Thiago the beast that you are. Can’t call him a man when he looks like he does 😩 Being an undercover agent assigned to gather intel on a target with a shady background and then falling in love with said target was not on his bingo card.

These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other in my opinion. Remi loves HARD. Thiago, with his job, needed someone like Remi, someone he could let his walls down with and not have to be tough and strong all the time. They were each other’s safe space and it was just so touching 🥲

The gym scene… with handcuffs… I dunno. Spicy time with handcuffs with a cop? 🥵 very hot.
Also questionable use of a lollipop 🤣 I was eating all of that up

That Extended Epilogue at the end already has me gassed up and ready for book 3. 👀 I neeeeeed it

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Remi in Scarred Angel and was really excite that this was going to be her book

The tension between remi and thiago was electric and the way he supported remi and was always there but never pushing made me fall in love with him.

The Attraction between them was hot and the spice scenes had me blushing and hot around the collar

The storyline had me gripped from the very start to the end, with having Moore background on the cain family and the understanding of the the secret -society that's interwovered in family was really interesting to read.

I loved remi she was literally a force of nature and did things on her scale as chaotic as they were thiago loved that about her.

The plot twists in this book has me on the edge of my seat.. Very sneaky
It was an explosive book with lots of tension and suspense that you will be left wanting more especially with that ending

This is my honest review

[Stephanie Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝔻𝕒𝕪!⁣
⁣
If you were like me, growing up watching 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, obsessed with Letty's character, then you're going to LOVE 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. ⁣
⁣
Remi is officially my favorite FMC of Elle's. ⁣
⁣
The story follows an operative whose mission is to infiltrate the world of Remi Isabel Cain and she is absolutely unapologetically a baddddddassss. What begins as a calculated deception quickly spirals into a battle between duty and desire, truth and betrayal.⁣
⁣
The emotional core lies in the MMC's realization is that his greatest deception, his false identity, has led to the most genuine feeling he’s ever known. "𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥."⁣
⁣
Also... that ending? ELLLEEEEE, you're killing me. I can't wait for the next book! ⁣
⁣
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⁣
Thank you so much Elle, for this ARC!

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty long but still enjoyed! 3.75 ★


Safety
•no vs
•No others after meeting
•h: experienced, her last bf was 4 years ago and he passed (you see this happen in first book) I don’t think she was celibate since then just she hadn’t kissed anyone since him.
•H:like no mentions of his past at all just that he’s never felt like this before, did not seem like a manwhore.
•owd:no
•omd:no

[Nicoles_bookcorner10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed. Loved this read so much! I love Thiago he’s quickly top book boyfriend. Minus his betrayal. But he would literally do anything for Remi

[Zuley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

I love Thiago and Remi sooo much!
Ugh the girlhood and relationship Remi and Val have is so heartwarming and special.

Remi is the baddest b and I loved her racing and the fact that she does not back down. This book makes me itch to read the parents books and Elle’s backlog, thank you for allowing me to arc read this

[Hailey Goshert · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 4🌶️ huge thank you to the author, Elle Maldonado, for gifting me the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review & feedback!

🔥double latine leads
🏁gearhead/street racer FMC
🧡SWAT MMC
🛞her mugshot goes viral
🔥enemies to lovers
🏁nicknames in another language
🧡ADHD rep
🛞hidden identity/betrayal

no you don't understand... i'm obsessed🤭 do yourself a favor and go to the author's instagram to see some of the most delicious character art ever made hehehe

this was everything i needed it to be! there was mutual pining, angst, emotional depth, lots of action, family drama, betrayal, super sexy scenes, swoony moments that made my heart melt, and a very satisfying ending that also left me begging for the next book asap!

Remi is a ride or die (literally) for the people in her corner. getting her to drop her guard is next to impossible, but once you're in... she's going to give you everything she's got. she takes no shit, has a backbone of steel, and isn't afraid to call it like she sees it. Thiago has a rough & tough exterior that you just knowww hides some squishy insides. the man was BESOTTED with our Remi girl, and he made it clear from the get-go that he's never felt a connection like this before, let alone for a feisty woman who initially wants nothing to do with him because of his badge. that, of course, caused some pretty heavy internal turmoil for Mr. Undercover, but he did his best to always put her first even when he knew he couldn't have his cake and eat it too.

i think you ~can~ read this as a true standalone, but going back and reading some previous books first would definitely help add some context to Remi's family dynamics and past... and they're just as fun as this so like why not?! but if reading a whole parent series (4 books: The Severed Signet) feels too intimidating, i'd still suggest jumping in with Scarred Angel (book 1 of this second gen series: The Severed Heirloom) since it's sooo good and that is where we meet Remi for the first time!

once again- the biggest thank you to Elle Maldonado for letting me read this early! this sequel was perfection and i can't wait to read the next installment, Gilded Sin, and fall even more in love with all of the badass characters you write!❤️‍🔥

[My_book_obsession25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4,75
This is only my second book by Elle Maldonado and this woman is officially ON FIRE because I’m already ready to read whatever she writes next. 🔥
I already loved Remi from the first book, but getting her POV and actually getting to know her?? I LOVE THIS WOMAN. She is such a badass queen and honestly one of my favorite FMCs now. She’s chaotic, stubborn, protective, doesn’t take shit from anyone and I’m here for ALL of it.
And Thiago… OMFG THIS MAN. 🥵 A huge, sexy SWAT officer who is undercover and supposed to get close to Remi and her family?? Yeah… I was sold immediately. The chemistry between these two was SO GOOD.
I loved watching him slowly fall for her while knowing he was supposed to be there for a completely different reason. The tension, the secrets, the banter… I was eating it up.
I also really loved seeing the characters from the first book again. I love when a series actually feels connected and we get to see what’s happening with everyone instead of them just disappearing once their book is over.
Remi and Thiago had me HOOKED. I laughed, I stressed, I got annoyed, I swooned… basically I went through it with these two. 😭
Elle Maldonado is definitely becoming an author I need to keep an eye on because if this is only my second book from her and I’m already this obsessed… yeah, I’m in trouble. 🤭

Also… that ending?! Girl. 😭 I NEED THE NEXT BOOK.
Thank you so much for the ARC it was my pleasure to read it!

[Paula P · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚🥀 ARC BOOK REVIEW🥀📚

My Overall Rating: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

TROPES

ENEMIES TO LOVERS
SWAT MMC
DOUBLE LATINE LEADS
STREET RACER FMC
DARK ROMANCE
BOTH PIERCED
HIDDEN IDENTITY

I am in love with this series. I thought I loved Scarred Angel but Vicious Temptation was so good. I did not want to put this one down. Remi is just a bad ass character and she takes absolutely no prisoners. I was hooked in her and Thiago’s dynamic from the beginning all the way until the absolute very end of this book. I am definitely getting the physical copy of this one when released. I am so excited for Matteo’s book and need to read it already he is probably my favourite character.

Pros in my opinion:
I love Remi’s ride or die mindset when it comes to her family. I adored how Thiago is her safe space and she is his. Matteo is officially my favourite character in this whole series. I love how he was protective but also understanding and caring. The spice in this book was insane and the banter during made it hilarious. In true typical Latina fashion, Remi is never wrong….. fine rarely wrong but I also love how Thiago loves the good and bad in her.

Cons in my opinion:
I had wished we had a little bit more Valentina helping Remi the way she helped in Scarred Angela. The villain’s backstory felt like it needed more exploration. However, I did spend the majority of the book hating the villain I just wanted them out of the picture already.

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶

Wow....just wow!!

We meet Thiago, SWAT and now a Helios operative. He is tasked with gaining intel from Remi Cain to find out if her family has smtg called a ledger. We meet Remi, badass mechanic slash illegal racer slash gun range owner. After a race, her car decides to be a pain and die on the side of the highway and a truck pulls up and a very large and sexy man gets out. Thiago offers her a ride home which Remi never does but it seems her brain isnt working. Thiago has orders but there is smtg about this spitfire of a woman that has him hooked. He tries to find reasons to see her and when they are kissing her family shows up and that is where Remi learns he's a cop. No nope not happening. She doesn't get friendly with cops...its bad for business. But along the way of their flirting and hot sexy times feelings get in the way and all hell breaks loose...literally. so much drama, OMG moments, badassery, deceit, uncovered truths and learning to trust is the hardest lesson to learn!! Hot hot hot!!

[Aimee (aimee.unbound) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicious Temptation by Elle Maldonado was an immediate five-star read for me, and my very first book by this author needless to say, I'm completely hooked.

The writing style, storytelling, and character development were absolute perfection. It’s a long book, but I genuinely didn't want it to end; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, angst, family dynamics, and spice that I refused to get off of.

And the characters? Remi is the ultimate fierce, independent badass FMC, and watching the MMC turn into a massive softie exclusively for his girl was the most swoon-worthy thing ever.

An absolute must read!

[Jillian Fairfax · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH!

Hands down one of the HOTTEST couples I’ve ever read! These two were going AT IT! I loved every second of their push and pull and her smart mouth and his secrecy and denial and her trust issues. Gah! So good!!!

I was in tears for a good part of this book, but I also giggled and smiled and thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Also, her mugshot…. 🔥 like let’s go!!!

I loved everything about this book! That epilogue has me HOOKED and ready for book 3!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love, love love love this book ! From the plot to the way that she framed the storyline in the pacing everything just flow beautifully, and how she built up the characters we got to learn both Remi and Thiago as individuals and then them as a couple and the story was just so beautiful beautifully written that I could not put the story down. I loved each and everything and aspects about this book and I can’t wait for the third.

[Hannah Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own. ✨

Sleep? Never heard of her. Especially when you give me a Elle Maldonado book. I ate this book up, I truly didn't think anyone was going to top Maskim, but Thiago? My man, my man, my man. Actually, if Remi ever saw this she would literally end me. I take it back, respectfully, her man is literally everything, and Remi? I have a literal girl crush. This book will have you clutching your pearls, obsessed, losing sleep, and giggling like a maniac at 2 in the morning. From secret society, cop x bad girl, badas$ fmc, touch him/her & 💀. I simply couldn't put it down. From the spice to the storyline, it is an interconnect standalone, but the plot continues through the series and that snippet at the end for book 3? Diabolical. I can't wait for Odette and Matteo. Thank you so much to Elle and her team for allowing me to review this book. Releasing on September 30th. If you love a strong FMC, and an MMC who will hand her the match to burn the world down, add this to your TBR asap.

[nat ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

if i could give this book more than 5 stars i would. remi and thiago hold such a special place in my heart. these two and their story was one that i was sitting on the edge of my seat for for almost a year. i fell in love with elle and her writing earlier this year and i never looked back. these two are amazing. their banter, their foreplay, the way that remi is scared to let someone in but yet she loves so big. the way that thiago has just the kindest heart and he struggles between his duty and what is right.

i saw myself so much in remi. the mental health rep is done beautifully and the way that thiago picked up on it from the beginning because he is so attuned to remi. this one is for the women who "feel" like they're too much. you are seen. you are loved. i hope you see yourself in remi and you love her so big.

elle you killed it. i’m so proud of you. i can’t wait for the world to read this one. its an honor and privilege to arc read for you <3

5⭐

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc
4.5

[ana lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, a huge thank you to Elle Maldonado for trusting me with an ARC of Vicious Temptation. But even more than that, thank you for being there throughout this entire reading experience, because Elle literally followed along with ALL my little freak-outs, my screaming, my reactions, my theories, and every moment when I desperately needed to yell at someone about what was happening. 😂 There is something incredibly special about reading a book and knowing that the author is right there with you, watching you experience all those important moments of her story for the very first time. It made this ARC experience even more special to me, and honestly, this is also part of what makes Elle such a fantastic author — not only the stories she writes, but the way she connects with her readers and genuinely shares their excitement for the worlds and characters she creates.
I already loved Scarred Angel, I already knew I loved Elle’s writing, and I was ridiculously curious about Remi from the moment I met her in Valentina’s story… but I genuinely wasn’t prepared for just how much I was going to LOVE this book.
And now I’m sitting here trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to say about it, because sometimes a book gives you so much that putting it into words becomes almost impossible.
I loved EVERYTHING.
There are books that get five stars because they are beautifully written, books that get five stars because you fall hopelessly in love with the characters, books that get five stars because they keep you glued to your Kindle, and books that get five stars because they make you laugh, hurt, panic, swoon and forget about everything happening around you.
Vicious Temptation somehow did all of that.
For me, this was the perfect balance of everything a really f*cking good book should have to earn those five stars. Romance, action, emotion, humor, tension, pain, family, incredible banter, two unforgettable characters and a story that simply DOES. NOT. STOP.
And can we talk about the fact that this book is around 700 pages? Because I felt every single one of those pages was there for a reason. There wasn’t one moment where I thought, this could have been shorter. Actually, I finished it feeling that if you removed anything, you would probably lose some essential part of the story, the characters or their journey. And honestly? I could have happily stayed with Remi and Thiago for another hundred pages.
Especially Remi.
I already loved Valentina in Scarred Angel, but Remi caught my attention immediately in that book and I knew I needed her story. And she gave me EVERYTHING I wanted from her and so much more.
Remi is exactly my kind of FMC. She is a true badass, fierce, reckless, stubborn, chaotic, powerful, completely unapologetic and perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She knows exactly who she is, she knows she’s beautiful, she can dominate an entire room simply by walking into it, but she can also put on her red lipstick because sometimes she just wants to feel beautiful… And I LOVE that contradiction.
Actually, if you know Letty from Fast & Furious… imagine Letty 2.0….That’s Remi.
Seriously. The entire time I was reading this book, I kept getting Fast & Furious vibes, and I mean that in the BEST possible way. The cars, the adrenaline, the danger, the family, the loyalty, that feeling that these people would burn the entire fucking world down for one another… Remi could walk into that universe tomorrow and nobody would question it.
But underneath all that strength is a woman carrying so much pain.
And this was probably one of my favorite things about the way Elle wrote her. Remi is strong without being invulnerable. The loss she has experienced left wounds that never completely healed, and underneath all that chaos and confidence there are fears and insecurities she still has to face. I especially loved the way her need for noise was written … because silence means being alone with her thoughts, and sometimes what is inside your own head is far scarier than anything waiting for you outside of it. There was something incredibly human about that.
And then… Thiago…Jesus fucking Christ, Thiago.
What am I supposed to say about this giant Brazilian man? 😂
He is enormous in every possible sense of the word, physically, emotionally, in his presence, in the way he protects, and especially in the way he LOVES.
This is a man who never expected to fall in love, who absolutely should NOT have fallen for this particular woman considering who they are and the positions they occupy, and yet he falls for her so completely that eventually logic simply doesn’t stand a chance.
And I loved that he never needed Remi to become smaller so he could be the man beside her.
He doesn't need to tame her, control her or turn her into someone easier to love. He sees exactly who she is, all the chaos, the danger, the attitude, the vulnerability, the stubbornness… and THAT is the woman he wants.
Thiago makes mistakes. Oh yes, he fucking does and apparently I forgive this man EVERYTHING. 😂
But what mattered to me was that when he gets things wrong, he owns those mistakes. And when it finally comes down to choosing what matters, this man goes after the woman he loves with absolutely everything he has. This man who had never loved before loves Remi so fiercely that he would literally give his life for her, and there is something about a man completely losing the battle against his own feelings that will get me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
And together? These two are fucking dynamite.
The banter between Remi and Thiago is genuinely some of the best I’ve read in a long time. Their chemistry is immediate, their push and pull is addictive, their arguments are hilarious, the tension is insane, and even after their feelings become undeniable they somehow never lose that spark. They keep teasing, challenging and provoking each other, and I was constantly giggling while reading their interactions.
And Remi loves just as hard as Thiago does. When she finally gives someone her heart, she gives them EVERYTHING.
There is also basically no moment to breathe in this book. There is always something happening , much action, danger, secrets, family, racing, emotions, chaos and I was completely entertained from beginning to end. Even the masquerade ball was perfection, and Remi and Thiago running around dressed as Catwoman and Batman was one of those scenes that made me think: yes, of course these two idiots would do this. 😂
But Remi and Thiago are Remi and Thiago. There is something about these two that is entirely their own.
And then we reached 93%.
ELLE…..WHAT. THE. FUCK.
My heart didn’t skip a beat. I think it skipped SEVERAL.
I was genuinely sitting there thinking, No. No, no, no. You are NOT doing this to me. The pain, the desperation, everything that was happening… I was not coping. At all.
But every second of that pain was worth it.
And after finishing this book, I think what stays with me the most is how complete their story felt. Remi didn't need Thiago to save her, and Thiago didn't need to change Remi to love her. They met each other as two incredibly strong, complicated people carrying their own wounds, mistakes and fears, and somehow found the person who could stand beside them through all of it.
I loved the action.
I loved the chaos.
I loved the family.
I loved the emotional moments.
I loved the Fast & Furious vibes.
I loved the Batman and Catwoman madness.
I loved the banter.
I loved Thiago.
I fucking ADORED Remi.
And I loved them together even more.
So yes, five stars. Without hesitation.
Elle already had me with Scarred Angel, but Vicious Temptation went far beyond what I was expecting from Remi’s story. Seven hundred pages later, I wasn’t tired of these characters.
I simply wasn’t ready to leave them and considering that ending and what Elle is teasing us with next…
I need Gilded Sin. Like, yesterday. ❤️‍🔥

[Kinley Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD. I knew when I started seeing all the art for this book on instagram that I was going to be in love. I decided to read the first book in this series (Scarred Angel) earlier this year before this came out to see if I liked the writing style and just to start the series, but I really didn't love that book. I think it was the fact that I didn't totally fall in love with the characters in that book and I didn't connect to them very much even though the writing was still good. I am so happy to report back that this was 100x better than the first book. I felt completely in love with both of these characters and this storyline was so exciting. Even though this is a very long book I was extremely happy with it. I never felt bored reading this and I was constantly wanting to pick this up over and over again to see what would happen. I even read 300 pages of this book in one day which is the most pages I've read in one day in a very long time. It held my attention so well I just couldn't stop reading it. I'm so happy with the outcome of this because I truly loved it.



I am so completely obsessed with Remi. She's like the definition of a baddie. Honestly she is so hot and I think I'm in love with her. All of the art that I would constantly see online before this released had me just itching for it to come out because both of these characters were so hot and I was so excited to read about them. Remi had the best fiery personality and did not take any shit from anyone. She is the blueprint for a strong FMC and that is exactly what I want to read. I love that she could defend herself so well and did not need anyone to take care of her. I felt like this really worked well for the dynamic of the relationship in this book because even though she didn't need anyone, Thiago still brought something to the table being her sense of comfort. I loved Remi's viral mug shot because it was just so her. I also really liked that she was so standoffish with Thiago for so long because it made the tension so much better. I LOVE WHEN HOT PEOPLE DATE HOT PEOPLE! I will scream this from the rooftops. These characters were the definition of hot people dating hot people. It was absolute perfection and I am sending all of my love to the author for this.



Thiago was so down bad for Remi and I loved every second of it. I love how obsessed he was with her and how he was so enamored by her strength as well as the way she carried herself. I loved that he let her be exactly who she was without trying to dim her light at all. These characters had so much chemistry between each other you could feel the entire time. Also... give me a 6'6, tattooed, jacked MMC with curly hair and you have my immediate attention. I really just loved how huge this author made him because it made my attraction towards him immediately skyrocket. Thiago was also so protective of Remi and I loved that he became slowly more and more corrupt as the story went on just to be able to protect her. I also really enjoyed that he felt so guilty knowing how them meeting started out a bit deceptive. I feel like this added another really good layer to the story even though there's already a lot of craziness going on with Remi being targeted. When it came down to it for the third act I actually really enjoyed how everything unfolded. I'm so happy these characters got their HEA because it was very well-deserved.



These characters literally matched each other's freak so well so you know the spicy scenes were about to go crazy. Exactly what I wanna see. It wasn't boring, too vanilla, or lame and that is the right way to do it. They had so much tension and chemistry so I was so happy when we finally got to these scenes because you could feel it so much. All of it was hot so I'm just gonna leave it here and say it was great.



This book pretty much gave me everything I expected and wanted from it and maybe even a little more. I have a really strong feeling this book is going to stay my absolute favorite out of this series but I guess I will have to see where this series will continue first. I think this was written to perfection and I am so glad I came across this series on Instagram so I could be blessed with this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟♾️

How do I even begin to explain the amount of fucking LOVE I have for this story and Remi and Thiago. If there was a word to describe something better than a masterpiece—it would be that. Believe me or not—but this—this fucking book is absolutely, top tier, one of my absolute favorite books I have read this year. And I have read a lot. But REMI AND THIAGO—they are perfection. Their story is fun and interesting and secretive and questionable and heartbreaking all in one—but I was hooked on every single letter, every single sentence, every single page.

I loved Remi from the first time I met her in “Scarred Angel” and I love her even more getting to know her through her eyes. My god—I’d go feral for this woman. She is without a doubt a fucking fierce ass woman—no fucks given and never cross her family. But the way she loves and cares is the most precious and heartwarming thing. I loved seeing her softer side, I loved seeing her fun side and her chaotic energy. But I loved seeing her grow and be happy. It was hell to get there but she is a motherfucking Queen.

Thiago—that fucking dude, built like a god damn tank—fought so hard for his feelings and emotions to not take over. And we love a man that can’t deny them and throws all logic out the window for a woman he is dying to have. We saw his cop side, we saw his vulnerable side, we saw his anger—but most of all we saw the way he LOVED. And he loved—HARD.

Remi and Thiago’s chemistry could start a fire. The moment they met, Remi didn’t hold back and it didn’t deter Thiago one bit. It only made him more curious. And thank god he kept at it. I could not contain my excitement, giddiness and the heat these two put off. I loved their banter, their tension, their push-pull, absolutely everything about their relationship. One of my absolute favorite couples of all time that I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. There’s just something about the two of them. 🥰

While absolutely getting lost in their lives—I was so happy to see more of the family. I enjoyed every part of Valentina’s presence and I loved seeing Matteo and Gio and Madden be apart of it all too. Obsessed with her parents and her aunts and uncles as I was before and I absolutely fucking ADORED Zara. That sweet girl had me even wrapped around her finger. I loved seeing her little personality come through.

The moment I began reading this I knew without even a question I would be immersed in it and never want it to end. The small moments, the action, the anticipation, the chaos—I could not be bothered to put this down. I had my kindle permanently attached to my hand while trying to get my dog’s dinner around. I had no intentions of stopping even for a minute.

AND THAT EPILOGUE?! I NEED ANSWERS. AND THE EXTENDED EPILOGUE—FUCKING HELL YEAH. I’M STOKED FOR BOOK 3.

Absolutely, one million times infinity recommend this book and series and every single one of Elle’s books. The world keeps you guessing, the characters keep getting better and better and more unhinged and I’m obsessed with it all.

Elle is officially an auto buy author. I need every edition possible and to display her art proudly on my trophy shelves.

••Lastly—I broke my record of highlighting with this book. Honestly, I’m surprised I didn’t highlight the whole damn thing. But according to my list on my kindle—479 HIGHLIGHTS. How the hell am I supposed to narrow down my favorite quotes?! If that doesn’t tell you how good this fucking book was, then I don’t know what will at this point.••

[Faiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m honestly still thinking about Vicious Temptation. Elle Maldonado somehow took everything that made me curious about Remi in Scarred Angel and turned it into a story that completely consumed me.

Remi is an absolute force of nature. She’s reckless, fierce, unapologetic, and more than capable of taking care of herself. I loved that she never became softer or less herself just because Thiago entered her life. She remained stubborn, dangerous, chaotic, and wonderfully unpredictable—and Thiago loved every single bit of it.

And Thiago? Oh, Thiago. What a man. The way he stood beside Remi instead of trying to control or fix her made me fall for him so hard. He gave her space to be exactly who she was while still making it clear that he would be there when she needed him. Watching Remi slowly lower her walls and allow herself to trust him was one of my favorite parts of their relationship.

Their dynamic was EVERYTHING. The teasing, arguments, tension, attraction, and sheer amount of attitude between them kept me glued to the pages. That whole “she’s difficult and he’s absolutely into it” energy worked ridiculously well for these two. And the chemistry? 🔥🔥🔥 Let’s just say my Kindle highlights are probably judging me after this book. That gym scene alone… IYKYK.

Beyond the romance, I really enjoyed how much the larger storyline was woven into their book. Getting to see the Cain family again, reconnect with the previous couples, and spend more time inside that dangerous secret-society/underworld world made everything feel bigger than just Remi and Thiago’s romance. I especially appreciated seeing how Remi’s history with Ryuji continued to affect her and how Thiago handled the parts of her past that she struggled to confront.

There was also a surprisingly emotional side to this story. Between grief, violence, healing, and Remi’s neurodivergence, there were moments that felt incredibly personal. Her ADHD representation was especially meaningful and felt natural rather than simply being added as a character trait. I found myself recognizing so many of her thoughts and reactions.

The pacing kept me invested from beginning to end, and I loved how the humor balanced the heavier moments. I laughed, got emotional, blushed, and probably stared at my screen more than once because these two had me in a chokehold.

And that ending?! Elle, excuse me?! 😭 The final moments had me completely stressed, and then that little Drakos tease appeared and immediately had me wondering what she has planned next. If Drakos really is next, I am already impatient.

I genuinely could have spent another hundred pages with Remi and Thiago and still not been ready to let them go. They have officially joined my favorite book couples, and Thiago has absolutely earned a spot among my favorite MMCs.

While Vicious Temptation can be enjoyed for Remi and Thiago’s romance, I’d definitely recommend reading Scarred Angel first. It gives so much more context to Remi, her past, and the world around her.

Elle Maldonado absolutely delivered with this one. If you enjoy fierce FMCs, protective but non-controlling MMCs, enemies-to-lovers energy, ridiculous banter, intense chemistry, and plenty of spice, Remi and Thiago are going to be a problem in the best possible way.

And now I’m over here impatiently waiting for Gilded Sin. ❤️‍🔥

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m already a huge fan of Elle, and ohhh, she did it again. Vicious Temptation brings the action, the tension, the spice, but also so many feels, and I absolutely ate it up.

First of all, Remi. Oh my god, that woman is a BADASS, and I absolutely love her. She’s strong, resilient, and doesn’t take shit from anyone, but she also has her vulnerabilities, which made her feel so much more real. I loved seeing those different sides of her, especially as she slowly learns to open herself up and let someone else in. And Thiago? That mammoth of a man is hot as sin, but underneath all of that, he’s a damn cinnamon roll wrapped in one very yummy package. I loved him. There’s something about this massive, dangerous-looking man having that softer side that just gets me every damn time. And Remi and Thiago together? Ohhh, they are PERFECT.

The banter between these two was one of my absolute favourite parts of the book. Remi does NOT make things easy for him, and yeahhhh, I love love LOVE that. Their chemistry was there from the beginning, and watching everything between them develop was so much fun. And the spice? Holy smokes. The spice is SPICING.

But it wasn’t only their relationship that kept me hooked. The plot was so good. I was constantly looking for little hints and trying to figure out what was going to happen next or whether I could catch something before the reveal. It kept my attention the entire way through. And then there was the heartbreak. Ohhh my goodness. I knew it was coming. I KNEW IT WAS COMING, and god damn, I still wasn’t ready for it. Even knowing something was going to happen did absolutely nothing to prepare me for the emotions when it actually did.

I devoured this book in basically two days because the pacing was an absolute beast. I just wanted to curl up somewhere and keep reading until I finished it. Every time something happened, there was another reason for me to keep turning the pages.

Elle’s writing really shines in this one too. The action scenes were SO damn good and incredibly visual. There were moments where it genuinely felt like I had a movie playing out in front of me. And THE RACES?! As a car girly, I was ridiculously happy. You could practically feel everything happening around you, and I loved every second of it.

But as much as I loved the action, the races, the banter and the spice, it was actually the quieter and more emotional moments between Remi and Thiago that made me love this book as much as I did. Watching Remi slowly learn that she can open herself up to someone and watching Thiago find something that feels like a family with Remi just hit differently. There was so much emotion underneath everything else happening in this story, and that is what really made these two steal my heart.

Action, tension, racing, banter, spice, heartbreak, found family and two characters I became completely obsessed with. Yeah… I absolutely devoured this one.

Thank you so much, Elle, for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Vicious Temptation.

[Jen • Reading_in_the_City · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The world you think you know is far darker than the one most people ever see.”

🧡 Street Racer FMC
🏍️ SWAT MMC
🧡 Hidden Identity
🏍️ Both Pierced
🧡 Double Latine Leads
🏍️ Viral Mugshot
🧡 Enemies to Lovers
🏍️ Dark Romance

“We all have a story, Thiago. Sometimes it’s ugly and tainted, but without it, we wouldn’t be who we are.”

Fair warning, you absolutely won’t be able to put this book down. From start to finish it is a rollercoaster, full of twists that you won’t see coming. Action that will have you quite literally on the edge of your seat. A romance that will have you swooning. Seriously… every tension filled moment between these two is so charged.

“I’m not here to play hard to get, Officer Braga. I’m just here to make you earn it.”

Remi… I adored her from the very moment she was introduced. She is a pure force of nature and she loves so fiercely, once she lets someone past her guard… she is a true ride or die.

And then you have Thiago. With his job, and especially with his training, he has had to be this strong invincible character. It is only with Remi that he can show his softer side. He is a man who yearns, so naturally… my favourite kind. Seriously this man is down bad for Remi, as he should be. She deserves to be worshiped. His inner conflict and turmoil just added so much depth to his character.

“With him, I can simply exist”

The way these two are each other safe space… it’s everything. Both of them lead lives that the average person wouldn’t have the first clue how to navigate, for them to both let their guard down for each other is monumental. So in other words, be ready to have your heart utter shattered by these two and love every second of it.

These two will give you everything you could hope for. Their mutual pining, the drama and the ANGST… and then you have the chemistry between these two. Which makes for the best spice, and heartfelt moments that will melt your heart.

“I don’t want pieces of you when they’re convenient, Remi. I want all of you.”

I haven’t read Elle’s the First Gen series yet but after finishing Vicious Temptation I absolutely NEED to. The family dynamic is everything and I need to read their stories desperately. Saying this, you can absolutely read this as a standalone, it really does hold its own completely and it doesn’t feel like you are missing out on context.

If you aren’t already following Elle Maldonado’s Instagram, you absolutely need to check it out because the art she has for this book? I am OBSESSED.

“The irony isn’t lost on me. I was sent into Remi’s life to find her weaknesses, and she became mine.”

~ Thank you Elle Maldonado for this ARC

[Cris Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

UMMMMM EXCUSE ME????

ELLE MALDONADO??? WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU PUTTING IN THESE BOOKS BECAUSE I AM NOT OKAY!?! 😭

When I received the email saying I was accepted as an ARC reader for Vicious Temptation, I literally screamed. I remember reading Scarred Angel (the first book in the Severed Heirloom series) last year. I fell so in love with Elle’s writing and world, I read it in one night and couldn’t put it down for even a second. I remember falling in love with the characters (especially and Remi), so when I first found out Remi was getting a book, I was not okay!

Remi is a complete badass FMC. She makes no apologies, races and beats men’s asses 🤭 and puts her family and loved ones above everything and never trusts anyone. She is such a strong character and I was rooting for her and Thiago the whole entire book.

Thiago was definitely made to be with Remi (and he’s a hot, swat officer I mean?). Their relationship was so electric and so intense, there was just no stopping it no matter how hard Remi tried. And lemme tell you she did try, but I mean 😮‍💨

Vicious Temptation had everything I always want in a romance and then some: enemies to lovers, double Latine leads, a hidden identity, a street-racing/gearhead FMC, a pierced-and-problematic love interest, and chemistry that had me staring at the pages like 👁️👄👁️

But honestly? The tropes are only part of why this worked for me.

Elle Maldonado KNOWS how to write tension. The kind where you can feel the chemistry building and you’re just waiting for these two to finally give in!! The characters have personality, the banter hits, and there’s enough mystery woven in to keep you turning pages because you NEED to know what’s really going on. And plot twists that are so huge, you don’t even wanna believe them 😭 like wtf 😳

And can we talk about how freaking good the author is at creating characters you actually want to follow beyond one book?! Because I am officially attached, invested, and emotionally inconvenienced 🫠

I went into this expecting a good romance and some suspense and maybeeeee some ass kicking and came out of it needing the NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATELY.

Elle, respectfully… I need more. I need the next book. 😂

This series has me hooked, and I already know I’m going to be watching for whatever Elle Maldonado drops next because she has officially earned a spot on my “I’ll read whatever you write” authors list.

If you love:

🏎️ a street racing FMC
🔥 enemies to lovers
🖤 hidden identities
💋 double Latine leads
📚 romance with plenty of tension
😮‍💨 pierced characters 🥵
🫠 and chemistry that makes you yell at your book

Put this one on your TBR. Right now. Do it. Thank me later 🤭

Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book like it’s somehow going to arrive faster because I’m staring at the calendar😭🖤

[Heidi Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 WOW. JUST WOW. 🔥

This is my first ARC review, and I take great pride in this one! I was SO excited to be selected that I probably drove my husband absolutely crazy—but who gives a f***? 😂 Because after reading this book, I have ZERO regrets!

BY FAR, A 5-STAR READ!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the very first moment Thiago and Remi met in the rain on the side of the road—with Remi pulling her g*n on him—I was hooked! 👀🔥 Talk about an introduction! Their chemistry, tension, and undeniable pull toward each other had me turning pages like my life depended on it.

Their love story started with hidden identities, secrets, danger, betrayal, and temptation, and whew… these two went THROUGH IT! The twists and turns kept coming, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story would throw another curveball at me.

And let's talk about Thiago and Remi! 🥵 The chemistry between these two was EVERYTHING. They love hard, fight hard, and protect the people they care about with everything they have. Their relationship was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions—one minute I was swooning, the next I was stressed, and the next I was yelling at my book like the characters could actually hear me! 😂

But through all the chaos, secrets, heartbreak, and temptation, LOVE CONQUERS ALL. ❤️‍🔥

I also LOVED how the previous characters were woven into this storyline. Everything came together so beautifully, and seeing their stories continue while watching Remi and Thiago's relationship unfold made this book even more special.

And Zara?! I love that woman to death! 😂❤️ She was out here playing matchmaker and bringing Remi and Thiago together time after time.

“Stay with me, Vicious…” 🥹🔥

Okay… NOW I understand the title Vicious Temptation because that title is PERFECT. Like mother, like daughter—they both love HARD, and apparently they don't know how to do anything halfway! 😂❤️‍🔥

My heart rate was through the roof reading this entire book! I was stressed, swooning, screaming, and genuinely worried for Remi and Thiago. There were moments when I was like, “OH HELL NO… WHAT IS HAPPENING?!” 😂

Trust me—you'll understand exactly what I mean when you read this one!

If you're looking for danger, secrets, betrayal, undeniable chemistry, emotional chaos, and a love story that will have you feeling ALL the feelings, you NEED to pick this one up!

🔥 Vicious Temptation absolutely delivered! 🔥

And make sure you check out the first-generation series, The Severed Signet Series, so you can experience where it all began! 📚❤️‍🔥

5 STARS FROM ME! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Ash Reads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I feel like I was waiting to read this book for about a year (not actually that long) when Elle started teasing it. So let me start by saying that the wait for Remi and Thiago was totally worth it!!

I was immediately invested and sucked into this story because of the black cat attitude that is Remi! Thiago’s character is just icing on the cake because he falls hard and fast and it is the best thing to watch! I loved these two together. I felt like they were a believable couple and that their struggles were believable. I do however, wish that Thiago would have came clean sooner, but if he had Remi might not have admitted she was in love with him. So there are pros and cons there. My absolute favorite part about this couple was their banter!!

Outside of the banter in this book, my favorite moments were seeing Remi with her parents! Kai has been my favorite male character that Elle has written so getting to see him come full circle and be a protective papa was the best ever! But he was also such a calm and neutering dad. Both of her parents went street racing with Remi, got in a shoot out with her, and showed up for her in more ways than one! It was almost like going back in time to Bound by Betrayal! I LOVE that we get to see all of the other parents and the side characters also, because I absolutely adore them!

As for the overall storyline, I felt like the pacing was good. The story flowed really well. There was only one small scene that I personally felt was placed in the story oddly, but it served a purpose just not the purpose I thought was coming from it. I do wish we would have gotten a little more detail about Val and Maksim’s new life since it has been four years, but we still got small glimpses of them. I also feel like Remi gave her entire self to Thiago and we really never got to know him. Also, by the end of the book because of the way it all plays out and him never coming clean and then deciding to work together?! Like why not?! We still know nothing more about Helios, the Scorpion tattoo, or who sent R. So I feel like it ended with a lot of unanswered questions that I am hoping get answered in Matteo’s book!

Ultimately, you should read this book if you love a good action packed romance filled with these vibes:

- Hidden Identity
- Betrayal
- Street Racing
- He Falls First
- Black Cat / Golden Retriever
- Swat MMC
- BANTER
- Both Pierced
- Family of Trained Killers (hers)

As always, be sure to check the trigger warnings!

Happy Reading!!
- Whiskey

[Kyeesha Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 STARS 🖤🔥

UMMMMM… WHAT DID I JUST READ?! 😭

I went into this book already knowing Remi was probably going to become one of my favorite FMCs, and THIS WOMAN DID NOT DISAPPOINT. She is fierce, protective, traumatized, chaotic, badass, and completely unhinged when it comes to the people she loves. Basically… I would like to formally request Remi as my new best friend. 😂🖤

And THIAGO. 🥵

Sir. You were supposed to get close to her for a MISSION. You were NOT supposed to fall in love with her. You were definitely NOT supposed to start questioning everything you believed in. And you absolutely were NOT supposed to have me screaming at my Kindle every five minutes.

The chemistry between these two?! 🔥🔥🔥

The tension. The lies. The denial. The “we're just friends” act, when we ALL know damn well that was never going to work. The angst. The betrayal. The obsession. I WAS INVESTED.

And the family?! GIVE ME ALL OF THEM. 😭

I absolutely loved seeing the first-generation characters again and getting to know more of the second generation. The loyalty and protectiveness this family has for each other is EVERYTHING. They may be completely terrifying, but the way they love each other? 🥹🖤

Also, this book had NO BUSINESS keeping me this stressed.

Racing? ✔️
SWAT officers? ✔️
Assassins? ✔️
Shootouts? ✔️
Secrets? ✔️
Family drama? ✔️
Betrayal? ✔️
Morally questionable decisions? ✔️
Two people desperately trying NOT to fall in love while falling harder by the chapter? CHECK. ✔️✔️✔️

I swear every time I thought, okay, surely things are going to calm down now…

THE AUTHOR SAID: LOL. NO.

And that betrayal?! 😭💔
I will be taking absolutely no questions at this time.

I loved this book SO damn much. Remi completely stole my heart, Thiago had me simultaneously wanting to hug him and yell at him, and the entire storyline had me glued to the pages.

This was everything I wanted and then some.

And that ending????

EXCUSE ME??? 👀

Because I NEED BOOK THREE like yesterday. I already know I'm going to be sitting here staring at my bookshelf like a feral little gremlin waiting for it. 🧍🏻‍♀️📚

10/10 would let this book emotionally destroy me again. 🖤

And now I’m DYING to know what’s coming next. After that ending, I have approximately zero patience for book three. 👀 I need answers, I need more chaos, and I NEED to know where this story is going next. The waiting is going to be torture. 😭🖤🔥

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off with a thank you for the opportunity to get an ARC.
We’re going to start off with officer Theo Braga. He’s everything you would expect. Big and strong with a good sense of doing the right thing to do even when he’s questioning his decision to be an officer. He was part of a group to bring down the Cains. And was tasked to work Remi and get everything he can on her. Even though he was doing his job very good I might add he was starting to see her as more of a person than a job. I liked that it wasn’t a fast live at first sight type of thing that even he was developing feelings for her he still tried to do his job. They’re were some things he did for her but still he wanted things done by the law. Now Remi is good for him to in a way that she brings out the more funner side more unpredictable side of things. She kept him on his toes that’s for sure. She was doing things and he was there helping her out of situations or just being with her. He was more free with her and he seemed more happy and less quiet less just about the job and onto the next. Now comes the part where I don’t really like but i need to say what I didn’t like about this story. It was really good don’t get me wrong. But I felt like Remi and Theo were not what I was expecting. Maybe because of the mafia type remis parents where well her mom more like it. But I felt that she was just so simple like I had this whole different perspective of her I was expecting more of a killer wild type of persona that I had built this as more different than what it was. I was expecting more from Remi but she’s honestly just normal nothing exciting about her nothing that makes me think of her as a member of this mafia cartel like person. Just genuinely normal the only thing is that she does illegal street racing and abviously enemies because of the races but other than that normal. As for Theo well I was also expecting more from him. I had this other idea of him to idk maybe because of the teasers it made him sound more wild more than just a normal officer. Idk I guess I was missing more of the whole “enemies” because of her family and him being a Swat officer and finding out he’s more than that. But I had more expectations of both them but I
Likes the book don’t get me wrong but for me it needed more.