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The Clans #3

Cherished

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Duncan

She was supposed to just be a job; a means to an end, but I can't help but be attracted to her...
Willow Kim Adame. I was assigned to protect her—“with any means necessary”—and, at first, it seemed like a simple enough job. But she tries to disobey me at ever step, seems outright intent on making not only my job but my life as difficult as possible.
And that’s not even the worst part…
I was never supposed to like her, and I certainly wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
But, here we are.

Willow

I never wanted anything to do with my father or his lifestyle, but he had other plans...
When I lost both my mother and my boyfriend, I saw no reason to stick around; I left England as soon as I could.
Running from that life, I put as much distance as I possibly could between myself and all of that. I built a life. It was a simple life, but—dammit!—it was my simple life!
Until the day it stopped being quite so simple…
Until the day the business space next door was rented out by a man who made my knees weak and my mind cloudy with desire.

ebook

First published December 15, 2018

75 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

Iris Sweetwater

83 books184 followers
I have been writing since I was just 4 years old, starting with poetry and short stories. Writing has always been in my blood, and I began writing as a professional in marketing and ghostwriting almost 7 years ago. After writing thousands of things for others, I decided it was time to share my own things with the world. I hope to start doing this full time and be at least somewhat of a success.

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5 stars
94 (51%)
4 stars
58 (32%)
3 stars
25 (13%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,392 reviews119 followers
December 27, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Duncan has been placed to guard Willow, the illegitimate daughter of a Clan leader. When someone comes for her he will do anything to protect him but who will protect her from him when he can't seem to stay away from her. Willow never wanted any part of her father's world and now she is told she has to take over his seat and marry whom he wants her to. She wants a man she can't trust but he isn't who her father has chosen for him. This book has everything; danger, passion, betrayal and stubborn people who want what they want and hell with the consequences. I loved this book and I can't wait for more from this author.
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,150 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2018
Duncan has just been assigned to protect Kristof Adame's daughter when his health is failing and the rest of his children have been killed. He is sent to Australia to try and befriend her and keep her safe from Kristof's enemies.

Willow Kim escaped from England the moment her mother and boyfriend are killed. She wants to be as far away from her father and everything he is involved in as possible. She has opened her own bakery and is happy with her new life.

When she befriends her new "neighbors" she has no idea what she is about to get involved in. Will she learn the truth and what it means for her?

I thought Duncan was a great character and you knew almost immediately that he would end up falling for Willow. Yet I wasn't too sure what that would mean for everything.

I admired Willow for having the ability to escape to Australia but you knew she was going to be dragged back into her father's life.

I was definitely mad at Kristof for dragging Willow back into his life and then for having her meet certain criteria about who she was required to marry and why.

Through the story there was also the story of the betrayal of the clans and who was behind so many deaths. I was completely shocked at what was revealed with this and everything that happened with it.

I felt terrible for Duncan as he was subject to watching Willow be with anyone that was deemed respectable to her father to carry on his legacy.

I loved what was discovered at the end with Kristof's health and then what Willow did at the end of the book!!

Such a great story and I loved how it turned out!
Profile Image for Kim.
219 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2018
Cherished by Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater is one of the best books I have read this year. This is the third book in The Clans series. This is the story of Willow and Duncan. Willow is the illegitimate daughter of the head of the Adame Clan and she wants nothing to do with her father or the clan. Duncan works for Willow’s father and is tasked with the job of protecting her from the Italians who want to eliminate the Clans. Duncan is forced to bring Willow back home when her life is threatened. Since all of her step-siblings are gone and her father is dying, Willow is the next in line to lead the clan, which she does not want to do. From the first time they met there has been a connection between them and it gets stronger every day that they spend together. Will the Italians get to Willow or will Duncan be able to protect her? Will they let the Clans rules keep them apart? Will they get their HEA? You will need to read the book to get the answers. This book has suspense, action, romance, mafia, Russian clans, twists and turns, and emotional highs and lows. This was an awesome read and I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read the next book by these two amazing authors.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,523 reviews180 followers
December 16, 2018
Elizabeth and Iris have out done themselves with this third book in the Clans series. I mean I was blown away and I have not read the first two and I need to because I was could not put this book down. I actually stopped reading a book I was reading to start this one because I read a little and I could not put it down.

Willow OMG I love me some Willow. She has left her life in England and moved on because she wants nothing to do with her father and his lifestyle. He is not a nice man and he lives a life of crime. After losing her mother and boyfriend Willow is determined to move on with her life and live a normal life.

One day Willow notices that the office space next to her bakery is rented out and when she sees the man who has rented it she is blown away. She likes what she sees and wants to get to know him but she is leery at first. Then trouble comes looking for Willow and the new guy vows to protect her.

This is where the story kicks off and things start to get heated up between Willow and the new guy Duncan. This story had it all in it suspense, love, and so much more! So go ahead and one click this one and enjoy Willow and Duncan!
708 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2025
Duncan is the top bodyguard for Kristof Adame who is the leader of the Romanian Clan Adame. Kristof is sick and getting close to dying and his only heir is Willow who lives in Melbourne. Duncan is sent to guard her and get her back to England when Kristof says so. Willow’s mother was a short affair for Kristof. Her mother was Korean. Willow didn’t see her father much growing up. Williow’s mother died when she was a teen and the love of her life Felix was killed in front of her not long after her mother died. Williow owns a bakery and she loves it. Duncan comes in to the bakery and tries to get to know Willow. Duncan starts to have feelings for Willow. Men come in to shoot Willow and Duncan gets her out the back and on a plane to England. Willow gets angry when she finds out that Duncan is taking her to her father. Kristof wants Willow to take over the Clan Adame when he dies. Willow is suppose to marry a Romanian man but she has developed feelings for Duncan her bodyguard. Will Willow take over the clan? Will Duncan be able to convince Willow to marry him an American? Will Duncan and Willow find a happy ever after?

Magnificent Clans Book 3!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
December 20, 2018
Duncan has been the right hand man of Krisof Adame who is a Romanian mob leader of the Clan Adame. The Italians are seeking war by killing women and children first. Since Kristof's health is failing, he has sent Duncan to protect his only living child and heir to the clan, Willow. An illegitimate daughter who wants nothing to do with his way of life.

Willow has to take the seat as the leader of the clan. A clan where women rule. She wants to marry for love not a prearranged marriage. 
When her past comes back to haunt her, she has to show her men just how strong she is. Wow and does she ever! 

Even though there are sparks between Duncan and Willow, he encourages her to find a Romanian husband to help her rule the Adame Clan. An ancient rule that is expected of her. His heart is breaking. How will he handle the situation once she is in the arms of another man? Afterall, he is only her bodyguard and an American.

Iris and Elizabeth have knocked Cherished out of the ballpark. A strong woman who becomes the leader of a crime family. 
94 reviews20 followers
January 2, 2019
Willow doesn't like her father
Despises him
Despises the life he lives
Despises his "job"
She is happy living her dream, running a bakery in Australia as far away from him as she could get
Life is good
And the guy running his business next door to the bakery...is slowly earning her trust

But when everything you never wanted becomes your reality, who can you trust?
Will everything change you?
Will your dreams disappear like a puff of smoke floating off in the breeze?
Will the threat of danger be what ends the clan?

Yeah...you gotta read this to find out ... but you already knew that! 😂

This was my first book by Elizabeth Knox and I was graciously provided with an ARC upon my request.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty!
I liked the story, I loved Willow! But then I am a HUGE fan of sassy women! And yeah...Duncan is a BBF I could claim 🤗

Cherished is a book that you can let emerse you into the world of mafia Families, the duties and expectations, and the threats of such a life.
But to find out if Willow can survive it, live with it, accept it...

You need to read the book!
1,533 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2019
Reasonable read

This is an okay read in this series but a little boring at times and once again a lot of mistakes which sometimes spoil the reading experience. The storyline is okay Willow is the illegitimate daughter of the leader of Clan Adame and has never been treated like a daughter by her father and had never wanted to be involved with the clans. She had made a life for herself in Australia but as her father was dying and she was the only remaining heir he sent his right hand man Duncan to watch over her and to eventually bring her home. These two are madly attracted to each other and even though she is supposed to marry a Romanian clan member they buck convention to be together. The Italians are causing trouble for the Romanian clans and kidnap Willow but she is rescued and she proves herself to be a formidable ruler and choses Duncan to rule by her side. It is a reasonably good read I think it could have been a little more interesting and all the mistakes are annoying.
2,090 reviews31 followers
December 17, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Wow! This book was off the charts crazy hot chemistry between Willow and Duncan, that I couldn’t put this book down and gobbled it up in one sitting. Elizabeth and Iris give us yet another amazing book in the Clans series and I can’t wait for more. Willow is strong and independent and wants nothing to do with her father’s life, but there are always circumstances that she may need protection and that’s where Duncan comes in. He’s been sent to do just that, but with all the feelings stirring inside him, how can she just be a job? You will be hooked from the start; these ladies have a knack of keeping you intrigued and keep turning those pages until the end. Their story is full of lust, it’s deliciously hot, steamy in all the right places and you will be left wanting more. No spoilers from me, this is a must read, highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews257 followers
December 22, 2018
This is the third book in this awesome series and is Duncan and Willow’s story. Willow is the illegitimate daughter of the head of the clans, and she wants nothing to do with her father or the clan. Duncan is assigned to protect Willow no matter what, and the chemistry is intense between them when they first meet. This is a well written flawless story, which this talented duo of authors’ has done an incredible job in penning. This story is filled with action, suspense, secrets, twists, and romance, which all had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I cannot wait to read more from these authors’ whose work I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Alicia Harrietha.
546 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2019
Like the books before in this series I found myself pulled in from the very start and couldn’t put it down till I finished. Willow ran away from a life she wanted no part of and a father that got everyone she loved killed because of his business. When she finally gets the simple life she always wanted she finally found happiness. Duncan was the man hired to protect her without her knowing. Sent by her father to watch over her, Duncan never expected to fall for her. He had a job to do but could he do it and keep her safe? The intensity is off the charts. The story is full of action and adrenaline. Loved every minute of it!!! Well done!!
742 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2019
American Mafia Prince

I'm enjoying this series but the grammatical errors are driving me crazy!
She's in mortal danger. The Clans are in trouble; they have an unseen enemy. She is his only surviving child, she needs, no must, come home.
Duncan is sent to bring Willow home... He takes a couple men with him and goes to Australia. He rents the space next to her pastry shop. He is earning her trust. One day while sitting in her shop two armed men come in and Duncan must betray that trust to get her to safety and home...London
1,789 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2019
Great!

I chose this rating because this was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed most of the characters. This was a book about compassion, being a good person and trying to do the right thing. Duncan and Willow they came together during unusual circumstances. He was supposed to be protecting her but ended up falling in love with her. But you really expect that to happen anyway because they are together all the time. Anyway this was a really interesting book. I recommend this book to all romance readers.
Profile Image for Scharme Grider.
213 reviews8 followers
December 16, 2018
Duncan & Willow are crazy hot together. The chemistry they have is there from the first page. Their story will definitely keep you turning pages and not stopping until you see “The End” and then your irritated because you want more. This book was very well written and I felt every emotion possible reading this book. Willow actually makes me laugh out loud. I love her. Definitely a 5-Star Read. Cannot wait for the next book!!!
3,164 reviews
December 23, 2018
A mafia genre must read!

This story had some all the elements of a wonderful read. There’s yummy characters, suspense, drama, danger and heat overload. I loved the characters development throughout the storyline and how their relationship evolved kept my interested. The twist and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat and was never boring. A definite must read for those who love mafia genre.
Profile Image for L.
92 reviews
December 18, 2018
A forbidden romance. Willow is suppose to marry a strong Romanian to help her run her clan, not an American. Will they survive the Romanian Mobs ancient rules. I fell in love with Duncan and Willow. I rooted for them the whole book. Can’t wait for the 4th book in this series! I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Ninive Dominguez.
802 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2022
This story broke my heart and put it back together. She is a mafia queen and he is her body guard and assignment. They fall in love but her pass has come to hunt her and put her life in dangerous. This story is what I love about mafia genres. It has suspense, steamy, action, unexpected with a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Amy Jones.
1,295 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2018
Loved it!!!!!!

I love Elizabeth Knox books but this was a first read for me with Iris Sweetwater and I was not disappointed. I freaking loved the story!!! I can't wait until the next book comes out. Awesome job.
Profile Image for Gloria.
298 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2018
A must read!!!

Willow and Duncan *swoon* she is such a badass! Cherished by Elizabeth Knox is an amazing read! The Clans series is one of my favorites that i can read on repeat! I can't wait for what's to come!!! Eeekk the suspense!
2,617 reviews25 followers
January 2, 2019
this was a really good book! he has always wanted her but knows he cant. he must protect her with his life because his boss told him to. people want her dead cause of who her father is. alot of danger and lies in this one.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,939 reviews32 followers
December 24, 2019
I very much enjoyed listening to this book!. The narrator was fantastic with her accents. She really brought the story to life, making it so worthwhile. It was my first time reading a book by these authors. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
222 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2018
Wow!!!!

Great book, great continuous of the Clan series, makes you enter in that mafia world mixed with love, tragedy and betrayal. Really recommend
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,547 reviews52 followers
December 31, 2018
What amazing read buy aqmazing authors. Cant wait for the next book in thius series.
Profile Image for Claire Powell.
116 reviews
January 27, 2019
I loved reading this series, book 3 was definitely worth the wait. Cherished lives up to it's name, push aside the MOB aspects and you've got one hell of a story with gripping twists and turns.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
835 reviews
May 4, 2024
Duncan & Willow

Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater, this Cherished (The Clans Book 3) just makes me want to continue reading these Romanian mafia series. On to Book 4!
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,671 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2021
Willow and Duncan will take you with them on an intense, emotional, action packed ride to see where they will end up. With so many enemies and evil around every corner will they he able to rise above it all and save the only person who can rule the clan. An amazing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. With each twist an new problem comes up to make them turn the way they need too or lead them down the wrong path.. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Katrina Haynes.
750 reviews21 followers
January 7, 2024
Wow, I really enjoyed this book like most of Elizabeth books.. This such a page turner from the first page. I really recommend reading but make sure you read the others in the series🖤🖤🖤
Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,560 reviews16 followers
December 16, 2018
Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater give us another great book!!

Willow is a happy, successful, beautiful woman. One day a handsome tech guy moves in next to her bakery but little did she know who he really is and how her life is about to be turned upside down.

Duncan has been asked by his Domn to do a very important job, find his daughter and protect her no matter what. When Willow’s life is in danger he will do all it takes to keep her safe whether she likes it or not.

This is the third book in The Clans Series by Elizabeth Knox. It will keep you at the edge of your seat to the very end. 🖤🔥☠️🔥🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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