The boss told me to stay away from his daughter. I married her instead.
I burned for Jessica from the moment I first locked eyes on her. One look at her body and all I could think about was what I could do to make her melt, how her lips would burn on my skin, the heat of her body. I was ready for her fire to consume me. All I wanted was a one night stand but the fire she lit inside me won't go out.
She wants out. Her mafia family is bad news, and I'll do anything to keep her.
I should stop playing with fire when her dad is threatening to burn me. The most powerful man in L.A. says I'm a dead man if I don't leave town, but what good is my life without her?
There's some authors who can manifest $exual tension and erotic magnetism in a fleeting glance. Then there's the majority who throw in everything - including the entire kitchen sink and all the dirty laundry and you're still left feeling"meh"
Alas this author is the latter. Rather than focusing on creating $exual tension, an aura of forbidden romance, and using crude words with effect - instead we're given everything and anything in a tedious repetitive manner that you're left with loads of "$mut scenes" but ZERO chemistry, $exual tension or anything much really.
I think the problem with this is that it goes right into he $mut with mediocre $mut dialogue but no chemistry, $exual tension and a lack of build-up.
There was zero character development and the plot $ucks.
After reading a book I really enjoyed and then finding out it's the author's first book? I'm even more impressed with the book. It also brings all of the basics of the book to the forefront. In this case, the writing itself was great and the plot was perfectly paced. There aren't a lot of extra characters or overly complicated storylines going on in the book. It's straightforward and sticks to its path.
In the beginning, it's established that Cain's got a wee bit (understatement) of confidence and machismo. The the story really hit it with me when we switched to Jessica's point of view and the trouble brewing with her father and Carmine. I got so wrapped up in how she was going to get around that mess I didn't realize I was already 60% into the book.
There's a lot of... frisky time in the book. In fact, there's a whole lot. I was so into the story itself (and definitely felt the chemistry between them) that I found my eyes skimming ahead to get back to the action. It's all very well-written and very steamy, but I needed them to keep their pants on so I could see how it was going to fall out in the end!
My only "wait, what?" moment was at the end.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and found myself at the last page in no time. Again, I'm in awe of anyone who can write like they've written 50 published books and this is actually their first. I hate this, but I immediately think of a few others who have many books released and their writing hasn't developed, etc. I can only imagine how far Katherine Lace's writing will go after this great debut!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review (thank you for the opportunity!!).
DNF at 65% I couldn't take the discrepancies--his shirt is off then it's on, he says they're going to run away but he had just enrolled her in college classes, etc. I found the sex scenes repetitive and after skimming five chapters, I took a deep breath and let it go.
FILTHY, a stellar debut novel by Katherine Lace, is a raw, gritty romance about a dirty talking MMA fighter who is in way over the head with the mob. Cain McAllister wants out, or at the very least, a chance to thumb his nose at dastardly Mafia kingpin Phil Spada. What better way to get under the mob boss’s skin than seduce his gorgeous daughter, Jessica? But will one night of blistering hot revenge sex ever be enough to satiate his primal desires? Or will this fearless fighter lose his heart to love…and go to battle to stake a claim on what’s his?
I had a gut feeling after reading the book blurb, and seeing this hard-muscled, heavily tatted heartthrob on the cover, that this book was going to be something special. And my instincts were right. This is not paint by numbers fighter book by any means. The premise is pretty straightforward--MMA Fighter Cain McAllister is being forced to throw fights, and is sick and tired of being controlled by the mob. He wants a way out. Or, at the very least, a way to thumb his nose at the loathsome mob boss Phil Spada, exact some delicious revenge, and get some hot sweaty action between the sheets in the process. But his mark, Jess, is no shrinking violet, and though she is a VERY willing participant in their steamy liaison, she is using Cain just as much as he is using her. She too wants to rub the relationship in Spada’s face because she feels like a virtual prisoner in his home, and yearns to break free from daddy’s iron control. She has big dreams of going to school and becoming a Physician’s Assistant but Spada, who controls every aspect of his sheltered daughter’s life, is having none of that. She’s to stay home and have babies. And that’s the end of it. In fact, he handpicked one of his mob cronies as her fiancé and eventually baby daddy. But the thought of being trapped in a marriage with the repulsive, sick, twisted Carmine makes Jess’s stomach roil. She will stop at nothing to prevent that from happening. Even if it means marrying someone else…someone who Spada may end up killing for crossing him.
I loved this book! Lost myself in the fiery sparks between the characters, the edge of your seat excitement, the forbidden passion and throbbing emotion. I rooted for this couple to get their HEA. But the specter of Daddy Mobster dogged their every move, which made for a very palpable, tension-fraught read. And at the risk of sounding predictable….the main draw for me was Cain! He is just so deliciously Alpha and roguish and brash that you just can’t help but love him. He starts off as your typical cocky scoundrel whose main agenda is to do the nasty with the heroine, but Ms. Lace did a really admirable job of peeling away his gritty layers to reveal a man of much substance…and heart. The more I got to know Cain, the more I swooned. I adored his fiercely protective nature, his gruff tenderness, his gradual evolving feelings for the heroine (though he didn’t quite understand them). A former foster kid who never got out of the system, Cain doesn’t get what love is…doesn’t think he’s capable of it or worthwhile of doing anything other than fighting for survival…in and out of the ring. But Jess, sweet, sassy Jess, who has had a very tumultuous life herself, sees so much more to Cain than what’s beneath the surface and eventually helps him heal his raw open wounds from the past. Shows him that he does in fact have a capacity for love and greatness.
I appreciated the gradual development of this romance…though to be honest, I was a bit leery at first that there was a disconnect between the characters because their relationship seemed purely based on carnal sex. For me, sex without feels just leaves me cold. Well, I needn’t have worried, there are plenty of feels in this book. Hot, sexy feels. Sweet tender feels. Heart in your throat feels. Turns out, a painstakingly slow build to deeper level of intimacy was all part of Ms. Lace’s grand plan. For as the plot unfolded and this couple faced down danger together, they forged a beautiful emotional and romantic connection that I found utterly breathtaking. Ultimately, what started out as a hot, tawdry arrangement to stick it to Frank Spada transformed into so much more.
But make no mistake…this is not a syrupy hearts and flowers love story by any means. The relationship between Cain and Jess is raw and rough and real. I loved how one moment Cain could have her pinned her up against the wall for some hot lovin’, but the next could be gently wiping away her tears and soothing her with sweet reassurances. There was also a fair amount of blood and violence, as one would expect from a mafia/fighter book, and Cain didn’t blink an eye at taking a sacrificial beating to protect what was his. Plus, every time he possessively growled “Mine” in the heat of the moment, I just about melted. Bottom line…Katherine Lace has a very bright career ahead of her. FILTHY is a pure adrenaline rush of smoldering emotion, thrilling fight sequences, mafia mayhem, and lots and lots of mind blowing sex.
If you like hot, raw, and unrelenting sex, you'll love this book. Cain is hotter than hot, and Jessica is smart and likeable. I enjoyed this a lot. The fighting (MMA) was portrayed well.
Received an Arc from the Author for an Honest Review.
My first Arc. YAY!!! Thank You, Ms. Katherine for giving me this opportunity. SO excited and afraid i'm gonna spoil the book.. LOL. and I really really want to spoil it... you know why? Because the book was soooo good.. Yes, I'm so glad my first ARC really is a great one.
Spoilers!!!
Filthy is great... like overall great. I love the characters, I love the story, I love the chemistry, the development, the action, the SEX!!! It was written really well. Had I mentioned that I really LOVED her characters. Yes!! Cain and Jess were perfect. Their chemistry...Delicious!! The story was really about fighting for freedom. Both Cain and Jess were being controlled by the same man.. although not in the same reason. Cain was an MMA fighter who was forced to win or lose the game according to the mafia boss who owned him. Jess, on the other hand, was that mafia boss's daughter but her life was like a cage albeit a golden one. Since birth, probably, she was expected to be married off to a man who her father approved to be the next boss. She was expected to be the typical trophy wife. It would not be so bad if the man was not a jerk and violent. She also wasn't allow to have higher education for much freedom at all. However, it didn't stop both Cain or Jess to try and gain controlled whenever or however they could. They were both strong in personality and characters and their passion for freedom was beautiful.
The story flowed really well. I really like the fact that although our couple had exploding chemistry. it was not a sudden lust to love. Their relationship actually developed with time, although short but meaningful one. The sex was really filthy and hard and so so good.. I loved a woman like Jess.. You have to read to know about her. She was HOT!! Cain was HOT!! too.. I would say they were both equally HOT!! and they were sweet... Dirty and Sweet.
There were actions. There was fear. There was twist. The overall book was great. There is no loose end. The ending was a bit sudden. One tiny questionable plot...
I received an ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, from the moment I started reading it I got sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. I loved Cain's dirty filthy talking and how cocky but also protective he is. Plus he's a hot guy with tattoos. I liked how you got both Jess and Cain's point of view. The story line is filled with suspense and really hot sex. Recommend if your looking for a MMA and mob story romance.
OK- based on the blurb I expected Cain to be some hot headed, muscle head, jerk. And he started that way, I guess, but even through the start of the book you could just SEE he was a deeper soul than that. His inner dialogue was fascinating and I loved him even more than I ever would've thought.
Cain is a MMA fighter being controlled by mob boss Phil Spada. Spada forces him to throw fights, and overall just controls his decisions. Cain's had enough - and wants out - or at the very least to give a big FU to Spada. He decides a hot, sweaty filthy one night stand with Spada's daughter Jessica will do the trick. Jessica, for her part, feels the same about her controlling father , who only wants to marry her off to one his mob cronies, make babies and carry on the "family". Jessica wants more - doesn't want to marry the big lug and wants to go to Grad school and become a PA. Dad won't hear of it and she feels trapped.
Cain and Jessica's scorching one night stand actually leads to more - and a deeper bond over their mutual needs develops. They are great together both in and out of bed. These two are blazing together - and the sex scenes are raw and gritty. But how can Cain be all of those things and still be such a good, gentle soul with a heart of gold. But he SOOO is.
The decisions these two make get them in some deep, deep trouble. And I was worried for them for so long, rooting, hoping...
Cain grew up in foster care and become a MMA fighter. It's all he's ever done, and he's good at it. But he's tired of having to answer to his mafia boss. Cain's also tired of having to stay away from the boss' daughter Jessica and decides to make his move.
Jessica is sick and tried of her mafia family. Her father is the boss and has dictated her entire life and all the decisions she's made. Now he wants Jessica to marry Carmine, his second in command and thinks the idea of her finishing college is crazy. But Jessica has other plans. After a hot and heavy night with Cain, she realizes that maybe marrying Cain instead could solve both their problems. It's an offer Cain can't refuse, but one that may end up getting them both killed.
I really liked Cain. What you see is what you get. He's a fighter, he likes sex, he likes to win and he wants Jess. Not in that order. Jess is also a great character. Being with Cain brings out the best in her and she begins to stand up for herself. The chemistry between Cain and Jess is hot and you'll find yourself pulling for them to find a way to be together.
Good book. Next book in this series Wrong, has been released and will be one of my next reads.
Filthy is Katherine Lace's first novel & I received an ARC from her in exchange for an honest review. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to read such a well written first novel - there's plenty of action, the characters develop throughput the story & it seems that there may be a sequel. Cain is an MMA fighter for a mafia boss who doesn't always follow instructions. Cain's got a mind of his own & he decides to make a play for the bosses daughter, Jessica. He was first drawn to her when she was too young, but now she's grown up & seems ready for whatever he's offering...There's definitely chemistry between Cain & Jessica, especially in the shower, the kitchen, the gym, the beach: they can't keep their hands off each other & it's all steaming hot. The book was an easy read, the story flowed well, with one or two unexpected twists which lifted it up to being fresh. Grab a copy of Filthy - it's a darn good read.
Katherine is a new author to me and I can't wait to read more of her books! This was a MMA book about a fighter and a woman both stuck under the thumb of a mobster. Jessica is tired of playing nice with her mobster father and the man he has chosen to marry her. She wants out of this life but doesn't know how till she meets Cain. Cain is one of Jessica's dad's fighter and he's good at what he does. He is tired of fighting for someone else and having to throw fights when he's told to. When Cain and Jessica hook up, the sex is explosive and both want more. Jessica convinces Cain to marry her, thinking her father will leave them both alone. She is so wrong and soon they find themselves looking over their shoulder for fear of being killed. This was a great read, and one I had a hard time putting down. I didn't stop till I finished!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Cain's dirty, filthy mouth and the things he did. LOVED it.
Jessica is the daughter to the mob boss, promised to one of his goons, but she loves Cain, one of her dad's fighters. To get them out of situation, Jessica proposes marriage. It could save both of them. Is this what Cain wants? What about Jessica? And will it fix everything?
Not much of a plot, but plenty of hot steamy sex. Kind of like a porno, but a damn good porno! I enjoyed this book. Like I said, I loved everything Cain said to Jessica. WOW!
The man is raging bull of testosterone. I'm all in.
I read this on my kindle, this story goes to 71% and then after that there is 2 chapters of the next book. Which looks equally as good! Can't wait to get my hands on Nick.
First off, MMA fighters are one of my weaknesses so it's hard for me not to like a book about them. Cain and Jessica had me from the very beginning. Cain could care less what anyone thought about him or his relationship with Jessica which made me love him that much more. Although Jessica lead a sheltered life, she was a little firecracker. The only person that could put her in her place was her father. She was a lonely character that nobody ever listened to. She was just a puppet to her father and fiance. Cain was the first person to every truly listen to her desires and give two shits about her and force her to finally live. Great book.
This is my first book by this author. I was given an ARC for my honest review.
Cain is a MMA fighter and he is owned by Jessica's father who is a Mob Boss. Cain has to win or throw fights according to what Jessica's father wants. Jessica is desperate to get away from her father who wants to marry her off to a man who wants to take over from her dad when he steps down as boss. Jessica does not want this match. The story takes us on a journey of how this couple decides to escape the trap set by Jessica's father, for both of their lives.
The story was relatively quick paced and kept my attention. A good story for a first attempt. I would recommend it as worth a read.
I received this book in an exchange for an honest review. Wow this really was Filthy but Filthy HOT..! I really loved this book. Main characters are Cain who is an MMA fighter and Jessica a mob's daughter. Jessica's father happens to be Cain's boss. Since Cain and his boss have some issues he sleeps with Jessica to spite him and also ends up marrying her. I loved everything about this book the storyline was perfect. It had enough of everything and sex scenes were hot. I truly believed the characters cared for each other. I recommend this book to everyone.
Cain isn't one for pretty words, just the dirty ones, “I really don’t care,” I tell her. “You want me to eff you pretty, or you want me to eff you dirty, like over the kitchen counter? The back of the couch?” I glance toward the living area. “Up against that wall?” I liked this book, Cain was fierce protective and in his own macho way caring.
Nice job. Cain is a MMA fighter that is caught up in the Mob. Mob boss Spada has him doing whatever he tells him to in the ring. Spada's daughter Jessica just wants to get her degree. He dad says she promised to someone so why bother. Cain and Jessica hook up - HOT HOT HOT. They work hard and almost don't get their HEA.
Very cool read. I did get kinda bored throughout this, but otherwise it was good. Getting married just to get out from a controlling Mob Father isn't always the best solution. It just so happens that it worked in this HEA. Cain's reaction to Jess's news wasn't his finest moment. Thank goodness he reevaluated everything before it was too late.
I really enjoyed reading this book it had your bad boy MMA fighter which I've come to love and it had your normal girl trying to break away from her father who doesn't really care for her in anyway. So she does what she thinks will help her get away which is to marry her dads "lapdog". It was a great book to read in the end it had a great HEA
It took me a while to finish this book, but I finally finished it. For some reason I just couldn't get into it. Some parts were good and others just fell flat and had me wanting more. And the characters for me just didn't work.
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023 A twisted version of Stockholm syndrome poorly dressed up as a love story.
A girl who's father is an abusive, abrasive mob boss who controls his daughters life, and has also set an arranged marriage for her with someone just as nasty and abusive as he himself.
She just falls into bed with one of her dads fighters. He's disgusting and abusive and abrasive like her father, but she accepts it because its sexual. To be honest it's degrading and humiliating the way he speaks to her and treats her. For someone who's had the life she has with her father, she is 'all too willing and accepting' of the disgusting behaviour from Cain because it turns her on.
Kinky sex scenes would have been far better without the degrading humiliation tied on. Stockholm syndrome stories are not my cup of tea at all.
I really like the Male lead Cain hes a MMA fighter who fights for a mob boss. He has had his eye on Jessica said Mob Bosses daughter and finally takes her home. Jessica is tired of being under her dad's thumb she wants to go to school , but her Dad has her promised to marry this sleazy jerk that works for him. I adored the way Cain got all Alpha protective of Jess, and they way their relationship progressed even if they did get married just to keep her Dad off her back. Steamy Steamy scenes and heart-felted kissing boos boos , I loved it.
I thought they would've at least said 'I love you' before they got married. I didn't really undrestand Cain's actions. Jessica wanted freedom from his father but Cain just wanted to fuck up with her father because he 'owned' him. Jessica asked him to marry her, he says no but changes his mind few minutes later. Cain wants to have sex without condom and then he's surprised when she gets pregnant-- like seriously?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A rebellious mafia fighter presses the boss's buttons and thankfully discovers that when it comes to his daughter Spada is really an indulgent mafia don. I don't appreciate Mafia stories because I find the language is generally crude and obscene, and the love scenes run to coarse, violent sex. I try however to not allow my preference to detract from the author's skill. If mafia is your cup of tea, this is good. Enjoy it
Cain is a MMA fighter for the mafia. Jessica is the daughter of the the mafia boss.Her father chose her marriage partner. When they are together their passion is scorching HOT🔥.Steamy! Cain has such a dirty mouth. It definitely turns her on.They do it anywhere. I loved reading this book. It has everything you need in a mafia romance. It has drama, suspense, killings, blood, fights, romance, lust, and plenty of sex. HEA!!! Read it for yourself!!
Liked it - didn't love it - typical crime family but lighter end - this wasnt too involved in much but the fighting - which was sometimes interesting to read - I felt the "drama" was overdone and the whole lovey thing was a bit annoying - I want angst and a hard time :P
I really enjoyed the book it was very exciting it kept me engaged I couldn't stop reading it. Its my first time reading the author'sbook will definitely read more of her books.
I wish Cain came with photos!!! YUM!!! I read this book years ago and just decided to revisit!!! The office scene after the wedding ceremony was hot!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Still a good read!! HIGHLY recommend!!