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Under the Influence
I hate him.
But, I’m tough. I can handle being dumped. What I can’t handle is him acting like I meant nothing to him when he knew he was my everything.
I’m over it. I’m over him. I’ve moved on and have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m finally happy.
At least I should be. I want to be. I pretend to be.
Now he’s back. With reasons for leaving that I don’t understand or believe. But, I don’t care anymore what he says or does. I can't trust him. No matter how hard he tries to win me back.
I’ll never forgive him.
She hates me.
My girl’s tough. She put up with all my bullshit until I had to let her go and act like she wasn’t the only good thing in my life.
I never got over it. I never got over her. But I pretended like I did to keep her safe. Until she tried to move on with some bastard who thought he could have her for himself. Could make her happy again after I almost destroyed her.
Now I’m back. I know her secrets, and she knows mine. What kills me is that she doesn’t believe me. Doesn’t care what I say or do. But I’ll prove to her she can trust me. No matter what it takes, I will get her back.
She’ll forgive me.
Even if she doesn’t, she’ll still be mine.
Under the influence is a stand alone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and a guaranteed happy ending.
But, I’m tough. I can handle being dumped. What I can’t handle is him acting like I meant nothing to him when he knew he was my everything.
I’m over it. I’m over him. I’ve moved on and have everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m finally happy.
At least I should be. I want to be. I pretend to be.
Now he’s back. With reasons for leaving that I don’t understand or believe. But, I don’t care anymore what he says or does. I can't trust him. No matter how hard he tries to win me back.
I’ll never forgive him.
She hates me.
My girl’s tough. She put up with all my bullshit until I had to let her go and act like she wasn’t the only good thing in my life.
I never got over it. I never got over her. But I pretended like I did to keep her safe. Until she tried to move on with some bastard who thought he could have her for himself. Could make her happy again after I almost destroyed her.
Now I’m back. I know her secrets, and she knows mine. What kills me is that she doesn’t believe me. Doesn’t care what I say or do. But I’ll prove to her she can trust me. No matter what it takes, I will get her back.
She’ll forgive me.
Even if she doesn’t, she’ll still be mine.
Under the influence is a stand alone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and a guaranteed happy ending.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2017
201 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Belaire
25 books413 followersNikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for bad boys, especially ones who can’t live without the strong women they love.
She spends more time in her characters’ lives than her own. But, when she’s in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her daughter.
She spends more time in her characters’ lives than her own. But, when she’s in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 24, 2018
THIS is precisely the kind of second chance romance that I LOVE. The hero does something very hurtful and breaks the heroine's heart (but with the best of intentions). They are separated. Both remain celibate. The hero is spurned on to get her back. He grovels (a little). She resists (a little). He is an incredibly over the top alpha. She is heartbroken but likable. There is hot sex. A little (far-fetched) action, and a sweet happily ever after.
This was the first time I have ever read anything by this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
January 9, 2018
This girl has ZERO backbone. "my body quiver"s this and "My body was on fire" that. Give it a rest.
And its even worse when the author has the heroine acknowledge her pitifulness. Dear author, if you want your heroine to be strong woman, WRITE HER AS A STRONG WOMAN AND NOT A 'QUIVERING' MESS.
Gah.
And its even worse when the author has the heroine acknowledge her pitifulness. Dear author, if you want your heroine to be strong woman, WRITE HER AS A STRONG WOMAN AND NOT A 'QUIVERING' MESS.
Gah.
December 31, 2017
3 stars
Do you like a hero who has to redeem himself?
If you do, then you will like this story. I wanted to throttle the hero into the next dimension when he pushed the heroine away - he was cold, callous and terribly cruel. She was heartbroken. Did I understand why he had to push her away? Yes. However, the manner was unnecessary and put him in a negative light for me. I also felt he only wanted her back because she was trying to move on. If she hadn't shown up in his building with a date, i don't feel he would have gone after her.
-no cheating - although the hero made it appear he was with others, he was not
-ow drama - see above
-om drama - heroine dated and liked another guy, but she didn't love him because she still loved the hero.
-pushing away- major by the hero, then in turn, the heroine pushed him away
-steamy
- safe with exception - hero let a woman grind on him and the heroine was dating someone else- neither had sex with others after meeting
-mafia violence- there was intent for sexual assault but it didn't happen
-ok epilogue
Do you like a hero who has to redeem himself?
If you do, then you will like this story. I wanted to throttle the hero into the next dimension when he pushed the heroine away - he was cold, callous and terribly cruel. She was heartbroken. Did I understand why he had to push her away? Yes. However, the manner was unnecessary and put him in a negative light for me. I also felt he only wanted her back because she was trying to move on. If she hadn't shown up in his building with a date, i don't feel he would have gone after her.
-no cheating - although the hero made it appear he was with others, he was not
-ow drama - see above
-om drama - heroine dated and liked another guy, but she didn't love him because she still loved the hero.
-pushing away- major by the hero, then in turn, the heroine pushed him away
-steamy
- safe with exception - hero let a woman grind on him and the heroine was dating someone else- neither had sex with others after meeting
-mafia violence- there was intent for sexual assault but it didn't happen
-ok epilogue
September 25, 2018
4.5 ⭐️ Great second chance romance. I’m usually not the biggest fan of those but this author did it right. Gio is alphalicious. He’s dominant, possessive and totally loyal.
January 7, 2018
4 Stars
First read by this author and won't be my last! I was looking for a fast read and this book fit the bill. Enjoyed this second chance love story. It was extremely fast paced and yes, I would have liked it all from the start and maybe a bit more on them being together but all in all a good second chance ott alpha male who once he re-staked his claim, there was no getting away from him, lol, not that she wanted to in the end!!!!
First read by this author and won't be my last! I was looking for a fast read and this book fit the bill. Enjoyed this second chance love story. It was extremely fast paced and yes, I would have liked it all from the start and maybe a bit more on them being together but all in all a good second chance ott alpha male who once he re-staked his claim, there was no getting away from him, lol, not that she wanted to in the end!!!!
October 29, 2018
I went into this read a little hesitant as it's my first read by this author, and some of the reviews didn't make it sound very promising. Now I'm glad I read it!
Gio messed up. Big time. But he sure did make up for it and more. God I love an OTT, possessive, growly, alpha male, and Gio was that in spades.
My heart broke for Chryseis when we finally found out why and how they actually split. She put up a good fight there for awhile, but Gio was determined, and wouldn't settle for anything less than his Books. (Is it wrong that I love that nickname so much? I melted every time he called her that.)
This story has deliciously sweet moments, raunchy sexy times, and a tad bit of action thrown in.
I will definitely be checking out this authors other books.
5 big stars!
Gio messed up. Big time. But he sure did make up for it and more. God I love an OTT, possessive, growly, alpha male, and Gio was that in spades.
My heart broke for Chryseis when we finally found out why and how they actually split. She put up a good fight there for awhile, but Gio was determined, and wouldn't settle for anything less than his Books. (Is it wrong that I love that nickname so much? I melted every time he called her that.)
This story has deliciously sweet moments, raunchy sexy times, and a tad bit of action thrown in.
I will definitely be checking out this authors other books.
5 big stars!
December 8, 2017
This book was in fast forward. The whole way through. You can’t really connect with the characters because you don’t have a chance to. In one chapter these two are arguing, then banging, the next chapter, the friend Sheena makes An appearance, chapter after that Books and the Mob King get married. After that they are pregnant. What the hell??? There is no build up what so ever. I actually thought my kindle might be missing pages and or skipped an entire chapter. Nope, this author must have been on speed when writing this lol.
February 27, 2021
This starts with the couple already separated from the lie that Gio had to tell Chryseis.
I thought I would be unable to connect because I did not see the couple meet, etc. That was not the case.
I connected immediately.
I thought I would be unable to connect because I did not see the couple meet, etc. That was not the case.
I connected immediately.
March 2, 2021
The couple: Chryseis and Gio
Romance genre: mafia/second chance
Plot: Gio is in the mafia, and even though he's in love with Chryseis, he's worried about her safety, since threats have been made. So he pushes her away by making it look like he's cheating on her and then saying hurtful things. She's moving on with a new guy now, but has never really gotten over Gio. In fact, she hasn't slept with anyone else (and neither has he). But when Gio sees her out with her new guy, he decides it's time to get her back. Cue groveling, chest-beating, ultimatums, and lots of crying.
Character development: Chryseis was pretty passive, but I like Nikki Belaire's overly sweet, submissive, dependent heroines. She did resist for longer than I thought she would. And honestly, it was understandable why he did what he did. Or he could have talked to her like a thinking human beings. I guess it could have gone either way.
Part of a series: No
Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes
I love pretty much everything Nikki Belaire writes, although at first I was like "Gasp! A second chance romance? As in they'll spend time apart?" But it worked out in the end!
Romance genre: mafia/second chance
Plot: Gio is in the mafia, and even though he's in love with Chryseis, he's worried about her safety, since threats have been made. So he pushes her away by making it look like he's cheating on her and then saying hurtful things. She's moving on with a new guy now, but has never really gotten over Gio. In fact, she hasn't slept with anyone else (and neither has he). But when Gio sees her out with her new guy, he decides it's time to get her back. Cue groveling, chest-beating, ultimatums, and lots of crying.
Character development: Chryseis was pretty passive, but I like Nikki Belaire's overly sweet, submissive, dependent heroines. She did resist for longer than I thought she would. And honestly, it was understandable why he did what he did. Or he could have talked to her like a thinking human beings. I guess it could have gone either way.
Part of a series: No
Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes
I love pretty much everything Nikki Belaire writes, although at first I was like "Gasp! A second chance romance? As in they'll spend time apart?" But it worked out in the end!
January 28, 2018
Awesomesauce!!
Wow this was such a great book! I loved Gio and his possessive, obsessive borderline stalkery self! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down!!! This is my first book from Nikki Belaire but it definitely won't be the last! The writing was great and the characters were too! I hope there's a book for Sheena and Tucker! ❤😉
Wow this was such a great book! I loved Gio and his possessive, obsessive borderline stalkery self! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down!!! This is my first book from Nikki Belaire but it definitely won't be the last! The writing was great and the characters were too! I hope there's a book for Sheena and Tucker! ❤😉
September 27, 2022
2nd chance
Sweet book. She held her ground for awhile which was a nice change. Most heroines are doormats these days. I really believed he loves her. The only thing is that I DO feel what he did was cheating. He didn’t touch them but he did get two girls into his office and watched them pleasure one another. He could have found another way to break up without that crap.
Sweet book. She held her ground for awhile which was a nice change. Most heroines are doormats these days. I really believed he loves her. The only thing is that I DO feel what he did was cheating. He didn’t touch them but he did get two girls into his office and watched them pleasure one another. He could have found another way to break up without that crap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2023
***TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions the Hero's mafia rival torturing, sexually assaulting, and murdering another rival's wife AND 12-year-old daughter. There's also an extremely graphic description of a photograph of the aftermath of that attack with the victims in the picture. (The attacker is killed by the Hero soon after this.) The heroine recounts a miscarriage. Towards the end, there's on-page general violence (it's a chaotic scene with guns). The heroine is drugged and there's threat of sexual assault, but it gets stopped before anything actually happens. ***
**Safety: No cheating. The heroine is dating another man when the story opens, but they don't have sex. More details will be under spoilers down below.
I read this for the angst and what I got was a ton of Body-Betraying Syndrome and a pushy Beta playing Alpha. And I really would've appreciated a content warning in the synopsis, so hopefully mine will help someone else who needs to know what they're getting into.
From the start, there's a lot of BBS going on, which quickly killed my hopes that this heroine would be smart. This is probably the one instance in any book that it would be good to say "she's not like other girls" about a heroine, but this heroine failed, just like all the other girls. And the first time they have sex on-page after reuniting, it's angry sex while she's drunk, so I wasn't really into it. It was consensual, but the whole scene-- especially the lead-up --just rubbed me the wrong way. I needed to see a stronger heroine to match the bull-headed Hero and to not give in to lust, especially so soon.
The writing itself was choppy due to the plethora of sentence fragments. That's ok to do once or twice in a book to get a point across or maybe make a joke with emphasizing parts of a sentence, but to have it occur on almost every page really breaks the flow of the story.
As for the romance, I ain't buying it. The Hero took care of the threat quickly and then stayed away from her as a kind of punishment for himself. (😑) And then he went after her again only because he heard she was dating someone. I get the protection angle to a point, but after the threat's gone, what if he'd never gotten word that she was dating? He went 6 months without any reports on her, so it was a fluke that he found out. What if she moved away and got married? What if she somehow flew under the radar in the same city and she didn't pop up again until after she was committed to someone else? This guy's some mafia/kingpin/I-don't-even-know, and he's not going after his girl like the alpha he's supposed to be? Sorry, it doesn't fit.
I think it's safe to say that I didn't like the Hero. I didn't like the heroine either with her completely useless spine that's apparently only good for arching her back; I lost track of how many times I read about her doing that.
Dishonorable Mention: The Hero calling her nipples "torpedoes" in his narration. Why?! 😭 Why would you choose that word?
***SPOILERS BELOW***
The Hero pushes the heroine away for her safety to make it seem like she's not important enough for his rivals to target her just to get to him; he decides to do this right after seeing the graphic photograph I mentioned in the TW. He's gotten intelligence that his rival has been watching the heroine and knows her schedule, info about her family and friends, etc., so the Hero's afraid that she's going to be the next victim. His brilliant idea is to invite two girls and a guy into his office at his club; those three have sex and the heroine comes to the door while it's happening. The Hero makes her believe that she's too boring and makes a big show of escorting her through the club while she's crying, all to make it public knowledge that they're not together anymore and let that get back to his rival. He never engages in the threesome in his office except when he's orchestrating the scene, saying he likes to watch just to get it started. And if anyone's wondering, the heroine's miscarriage takes place after the whole event, so he wasn't there with her when it happened.
**Safety: No cheating. The heroine is dating another man when the story opens, but they don't have sex. More details will be under spoilers down below.
I read this for the angst and what I got was a ton of Body-Betraying Syndrome and a pushy Beta playing Alpha. And I really would've appreciated a content warning in the synopsis, so hopefully mine will help someone else who needs to know what they're getting into.
From the start, there's a lot of BBS going on, which quickly killed my hopes that this heroine would be smart. This is probably the one instance in any book that it would be good to say "she's not like other girls" about a heroine, but this heroine failed, just like all the other girls. And the first time they have sex on-page after reuniting, it's angry sex while she's drunk, so I wasn't really into it. It was consensual, but the whole scene-- especially the lead-up --just rubbed me the wrong way. I needed to see a stronger heroine to match the bull-headed Hero and to not give in to lust, especially so soon.
The writing itself was choppy due to the plethora of sentence fragments. That's ok to do once or twice in a book to get a point across or maybe make a joke with emphasizing parts of a sentence, but to have it occur on almost every page really breaks the flow of the story.
As for the romance, I ain't buying it. The Hero took care of the threat quickly and then stayed away from her as a kind of punishment for himself. (😑) And then he went after her again only because he heard she was dating someone. I get the protection angle to a point, but after the threat's gone, what if he'd never gotten word that she was dating? He went 6 months without any reports on her, so it was a fluke that he found out. What if she moved away and got married? What if she somehow flew under the radar in the same city and she didn't pop up again until after she was committed to someone else? This guy's some mafia/kingpin/I-don't-even-know, and he's not going after his girl like the alpha he's supposed to be? Sorry, it doesn't fit.
I think it's safe to say that I didn't like the Hero. I didn't like the heroine either with her completely useless spine that's apparently only good for arching her back; I lost track of how many times I read about her doing that.
Dishonorable Mention: The Hero calling her nipples "torpedoes" in his narration. Why?! 😭 Why would you choose that word?
***SPOILERS BELOW***
The Hero pushes the heroine away for her safety to make it seem like she's not important enough for his rivals to target her just to get to him; he decides to do this right after seeing the graphic photograph I mentioned in the TW. He's gotten intelligence that his rival has been watching the heroine and knows her schedule, info about her family and friends, etc., so the Hero's afraid that she's going to be the next victim. His brilliant idea is to invite two girls and a guy into his office at his club; those three have sex and the heroine comes to the door while it's happening. The Hero makes her believe that she's too boring and makes a big show of escorting her through the club while she's crying, all to make it public knowledge that they're not together anymore and let that get back to his rival. He never engages in the threesome in his office except when he's orchestrating the scene, saying he likes to watch just to get it started. And if anyone's wondering, the heroine's miscarriage takes place after the whole event, so he wasn't there with her when it happened.
December 14, 2017
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Looking for a fast-paced second chance romance? If so then you need to pick up Under the Influence by Nikki Belaire today.
Chryseis and Giovanni‘s story is a quick read, that will leave you breathless and it is HOT! Giovanni and Chryseis had it all until her broke her heart six months ago and now that Chryseis is trying to move on Giovanni wants her back and will stop at nothing to get her back into his life where she belongs.
When we first meet Chryseis she’s trying to move forward with Leighton and agree to be his wife, but you can tell she’s definitely not in love with him. He just checks the boxes for her. But as soon as Giovanni enters the picture again BOOM sparks fly, but so does all the anger and hurt that she feels towards him. I loved how she couldn’t stop herself from wanting him, but she pushed him away as well. There was a definite push and pull between these two and even though she gave in that night, she tried as hard as she could to push him away again.
Both of these characters are so stubborn, and hard headed, and it makes their relationship interesting to stay the least. Especially since no one except for Chryseis tells Giovanni no and gets away with it. I wanted to hate him for what he put her through, but once we got to full story about why he did what he did, it all made sense, but I definitely understood Chryseis’s reluctance to fully trust him again.
Their story is definitely fast paced and it moves very quickly, but the saying does go “when you know, you know” and for these two, I think they always knew they were meant to be together, it just took a very hard road to get to where they were meant to be. I loved the back and forth banter between the two, and how things definitely weren’t easy for them, especially how Chryseis didn’t just accept Giovanni back into her life and pushed him every step of the way. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I adored these characters. My only gripe was that it wasn’t longer. I would have loved to see more of Giovanni and Chyrseis and their story, I just felt that it wasn’t long enough.
Under the Influence is a perfect read for lovers of second chance romance, and for strongly written characters. If you’re looking for a quick read, this is a perfect book for you!
Looking for a fast-paced second chance romance? If so then you need to pick up Under the Influence by Nikki Belaire today.
Chryseis and Giovanni‘s story is a quick read, that will leave you breathless and it is HOT! Giovanni and Chryseis had it all until her broke her heart six months ago and now that Chryseis is trying to move on Giovanni wants her back and will stop at nothing to get her back into his life where she belongs.
When we first meet Chryseis she’s trying to move forward with Leighton and agree to be his wife, but you can tell she’s definitely not in love with him. He just checks the boxes for her. But as soon as Giovanni enters the picture again BOOM sparks fly, but so does all the anger and hurt that she feels towards him. I loved how she couldn’t stop herself from wanting him, but she pushed him away as well. There was a definite push and pull between these two and even though she gave in that night, she tried as hard as she could to push him away again.
Both of these characters are so stubborn, and hard headed, and it makes their relationship interesting to stay the least. Especially since no one except for Chryseis tells Giovanni no and gets away with it. I wanted to hate him for what he put her through, but once we got to full story about why he did what he did, it all made sense, but I definitely understood Chryseis’s reluctance to fully trust him again.
Their story is definitely fast paced and it moves very quickly, but the saying does go “when you know, you know” and for these two, I think they always knew they were meant to be together, it just took a very hard road to get to where they were meant to be. I loved the back and forth banter between the two, and how things definitely weren’t easy for them, especially how Chryseis didn’t just accept Giovanni back into her life and pushed him every step of the way. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I adored these characters. My only gripe was that it wasn’t longer. I would have loved to see more of Giovanni and Chyrseis and their story, I just felt that it wasn’t long enough.
Under the Influence is a perfect read for lovers of second chance romance, and for strongly written characters. If you’re looking for a quick read, this is a perfect book for you!
December 13, 2017
I stumbled upon this book in a reading group and I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous cover. So I instantly downloaded the book without even reading the blurb. It was an impulsive decision. But boy, what a mess that was…I don’t even know where to start reviewing this from.
I thought Jesse Ward from This Man had no competition in the control-freak department, but hello – meet Giovanni Trivoli. This character was obsessed with controlling every aspect of the main heroine life which is a huge NO, NO for me. Pissed me up to no extent. Yes, he was worried about her safety, but you have to have a limit at one point to where you have to stop interfering and taking decisions for someone else. But then again the lead female was so not against his actions and accepted his controlling behavior, so maybe this was not an issue for her. She claimed she hated him, but then the minute he touched her, and it seemed like she forgot all about everything. I might have liked the male POV narration, because it wasn’t bad per se. He definitely had a distinct and recognizable voice and although the chapters weren’t marked with who was narrating, you instantly knew. But then 90% of his thoughts being how he is going to fuck her even in the most absurd of situations and places. I know men think with their dicks most of the time, but seriously? Give me a break!
The ending part with this action out of the blue and with such an unexpected villain was a bit laughable if you ask me. Maybe if the book stopped before the whole break in in the unbreakable mobster security, I would have liked it better, but this part was messed up on so many levels, I’m not even going to discuss it.
At least this was a short story and I managed to finish it after all. I’m giving it 2 stars because of the cover which is stunning and deserves to receive some credit. This definitely wasn’t my type of story at all, but who am I to judge? If you are into a controlling psycho obsessed man (Jesse Ward style) and a passive heroine who hardly objected him – then this might work for you. For me unfortunately this was one of those cases that confirmed my theory not to judge the book by its cover.
I thought Jesse Ward from This Man had no competition in the control-freak department, but hello – meet Giovanni Trivoli. This character was obsessed with controlling every aspect of the main heroine life which is a huge NO, NO for me. Pissed me up to no extent. Yes, he was worried about her safety, but you have to have a limit at one point to where you have to stop interfering and taking decisions for someone else. But then again the lead female was so not against his actions and accepted his controlling behavior, so maybe this was not an issue for her. She claimed she hated him, but then the minute he touched her, and it seemed like she forgot all about everything. I might have liked the male POV narration, because it wasn’t bad per se. He definitely had a distinct and recognizable voice and although the chapters weren’t marked with who was narrating, you instantly knew. But then 90% of his thoughts being how he is going to fuck her even in the most absurd of situations and places. I know men think with their dicks most of the time, but seriously? Give me a break!
The ending part with this action out of the blue and with such an unexpected villain was a bit laughable if you ask me. Maybe if the book stopped before the whole break in in the unbreakable mobster security, I would have liked it better, but this part was messed up on so many levels, I’m not even going to discuss it.
At least this was a short story and I managed to finish it after all. I’m giving it 2 stars because of the cover which is stunning and deserves to receive some credit. This definitely wasn’t my type of story at all, but who am I to judge? If you are into a controlling psycho obsessed man (Jesse Ward style) and a passive heroine who hardly objected him – then this might work for you. For me unfortunately this was one of those cases that confirmed my theory not to judge the book by its cover.
December 10, 2017
Chryseis heart was broken six months ago but Mafia boss Gio. She is ready to move on and has a plan in place....until Gio gets wind and and steps in. Chryseis is his and he will win her back. What he doesn't realize is how deep the pain goes and it is going to be an uphill battle. Can he scale the walls surrounding her heart? Will she give it to another?
This is a great story that has everything. I am a sucker for second chances, so I couldn't wait to jump into this story. I loved both of these characters. I was enthralled from the first page and thoroughly enjoyed this read
This is a great story that has everything. I am a sucker for second chances, so I couldn't wait to jump into this story. I loved both of these characters. I was enthralled from the first page and thoroughly enjoyed this read
December 13, 2017
I do love a good second chance romance and this one ticked all the boxes for me. Chryseis was in love with Gio and she gave him everything until he broke her heart. Now she is trying to move on but he is back and he wants her back in his life.
I think Gio went about pushi g her away in the wrong way and i felt she let him back a little to easily. I loved the stoey though. Gio is a real alpha and he gets what he wants.
I think Gio went about pushi g her away in the wrong way and i felt she let him back a little to easily. I loved the stoey though. Gio is a real alpha and he gets what he wants.
December 4, 2017
Chryseis and Giovanni will leave you breathless, spellbound, and panting for more with their second shot at what shoulda woulda coulda been. Chryseis has spent 6 long months trying in vain to forget the man that posses her heart. Gio’s rejection left her feeling scarred and broken and putting him in the past is proving difficult. She is trying though… she has sweet Leighton and though he doesn't invoke any of the passion that Gio could with only a glance, she is going to make it work. Gio’s life has always been a hard one. He clawed his way to the top of his empire and keeps it with an ironfist. The one bright spot he would never have expected was an angel like Chryseis. Books is his girl and for her alone he opens his heart. When it becomes clear that his enemies see fit to use Chryseis as his Achilles he knows he has to drive her away to protect her. But with her gone Gio realizes that all the light has left his life and he needs his woman back. Convincing his fiery lady to give him another shot proves to be one heck of a challenge, but when has he ever back down from a fight.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
September 25, 2023
This could’ve been so much better, but the pacing was off. The two leads were separated only for a really short period of time at the beginning of the book and then they got together and really everything else was just contrived drama. The event that separated them also could’ve been so much more salacious and shocking by putting it at a different point in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2020
If you are in the mood for a sexy, jealous, possessive, and maybe even a little bit psycho Hero, then this is the story for you!!
This was a really quick read. I finished it in just a couple hours. But it kept me flipping the pages. It wasn’t a long book but it still left me satisfied and a cute epilogue at the end. Definitely worth trying if you like your BBF’s a little crazy.
This was a really quick read. I finished it in just a couple hours. But it kept me flipping the pages. It wasn’t a long book but it still left me satisfied and a cute epilogue at the end. Definitely worth trying if you like your BBF’s a little crazy.
December 4, 2017
Just months ago, Gio did the unspeakable and wrecked Chryseis’ heart. Now, just as she’s trying to move on with another guy, Gio crashes in like a bulldozer and reclaims her. But the last thing Chryseis wants is to get back with him… at least she keeps telling herself that.
Gio is really possessive and jealous, which is hot… until it’s not. Some of the things he does crosses the line, and considering he never gets called out for most of it, it left a bad taste in my mouth. The plot is super angsty, which I love, but Chrys gave in more easily than I’d hoped. Gio broke her heart and she’s been struggling to get over him for six months, but the amount of time it takes for her to forgive him is laughably short.
The climax comes out of nowhere. It’s an interesting twist, but a little far-fetched. The relationship between Gio and Chryseis carries the story, and it’s rough to read at times, but in the end, it’s worth it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gio is really possessive and jealous, which is hot… until it’s not. Some of the things he does crosses the line, and considering he never gets called out for most of it, it left a bad taste in my mouth. The plot is super angsty, which I love, but Chrys gave in more easily than I’d hoped. Gio broke her heart and she’s been struggling to get over him for six months, but the amount of time it takes for her to forgive him is laughably short.
The climax comes out of nowhere. It’s an interesting twist, but a little far-fetched. The relationship between Gio and Chryseis carries the story, and it’s rough to read at times, but in the end, it’s worth it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2022
I gave this a five star last time but this time around rereading, some of my rose colored glasses lost its tint.
I don't think I realized the first time I read this that he is constantly saying how he's a pusssy for her 😂😂
But the flashback of him making it look like he's cheating with two girls in his office and then telling her she's boring and not worth his time was heartbreaking and made me tear up. Again. So 4 stars foe that. I love that effing angst especially when its killing him to do this since he's trying to keep her safe.
She gices in to him about....60% ish into the book so she stays strong in not giving in. And she's trying to date someone else at the start which was some good jpness 😂
It dragged a little bit when things were getting resolved but then the end was good!
I don't think I realized the first time I read this that he is constantly saying how he's a pusssy for her 😂😂
But the flashback of him making it look like he's cheating with two girls in his office and then telling her she's boring and not worth his time was heartbreaking and made me tear up. Again. So 4 stars foe that. I love that effing angst especially when its killing him to do this since he's trying to keep her safe.
She gices in to him about....60% ish into the book so she stays strong in not giving in. And she's trying to date someone else at the start which was some good jpness 😂
It dragged a little bit when things were getting resolved but then the end was good!
September 7, 2025
I loved the story, it was intense and sexy. I did feel they needed to have some conversation about what happened between them and she should have made him work a little harder. But overall very good and I would read more from this author.
December 12, 2017
I'm no stranger to Nikki Belaire; in fact, i have every single one of her books and although i only had the chance to read on e book prior to Under The Influence, and i'm seriously kicking myself in the butt for not doing it sooner. This author can write. And tell one heck of a story that will make you crave to know more about her characters and especially, you'll want to lock yourself in a room until you're done with the book.
In one single sitting, i managed to read this book and boy do i hope we'll get to see more of Gio and Chrys because they are mesmerizing, even with his overbearing ways and her ability to find something redeeming in people. I loved this story and i honestly can't wait to find out what else this author has in store for her readers!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
October 2, 2021
There were things I loved about this book and then there were things that didn’t work for me.
This was about a couple who loved each other but broke up and this is 6 months after their breakup. The Hero is a mob boss basically, he’s the head of a criminal empire. He breaks up with the heroine in a cruel way and destroys her. But we find out as the book goes on that his reasons were somewhat justifiable and it’s kind of hard to hold it against him. He really does love her and he never stopped. Something I loved about this is that he stayed faithful to her while they were apart.
The heroine is destroyed and she has to pick up the pieces and move on, it’s when she’s trying to move on that he comes back into the picture. This is where I had a problem. He comes back when he finds out she’s in his club with her new boyfriend. That’s when he goes all caveman. Would he have ever come back to her if not for that? It kind of ticked me off that he was fine living without her for 6 months until he found out she was moving on, then he snaps? Why didn’t he come back and try to make amends sooner? If he loved her sooooo much how could he live without her for so long?
Then when she caves and forgives him, I thought it was sort of out of left field. She didn’t really put up a fight. It lasted like 24 hours.
But I did love how much he loved her. I loved that he kept telling her that and that he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. He just wanted to be close to her and touching her all the time. It’s like once he allowed himself to be near her again, he couldn’t not be touching her.
This was about a couple who loved each other but broke up and this is 6 months after their breakup. The Hero is a mob boss basically, he’s the head of a criminal empire. He breaks up with the heroine in a cruel way and destroys her. But we find out as the book goes on that his reasons were somewhat justifiable and it’s kind of hard to hold it against him. He really does love her and he never stopped. Something I loved about this is that he stayed faithful to her while they were apart.
The heroine is destroyed and she has to pick up the pieces and move on, it’s when she’s trying to move on that he comes back into the picture. This is where I had a problem. He comes back when he finds out she’s in his club with her new boyfriend. That’s when he goes all caveman. Would he have ever come back to her if not for that? It kind of ticked me off that he was fine living without her for 6 months until he found out she was moving on, then he snaps? Why didn’t he come back and try to make amends sooner? If he loved her sooooo much how could he live without her for so long?
Then when she caves and forgives him, I thought it was sort of out of left field. She didn’t really put up a fight. It lasted like 24 hours.
But I did love how much he loved her. I loved that he kept telling her that and that he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. He just wanted to be close to her and touching her all the time. It’s like once he allowed himself to be near her again, he couldn’t not be touching her.
December 4, 2017
Maybe I am partial cos I kinda fan girl this author. I absolutely love her mobsters. They have this sweet sensitive side that peers out but only for that special woman. For her the rough crazy Boss becomes a sweet and crazy lovesick mess. Gio thought he was doing what was best and safest when he told her goodbye with a fierceness and very public display. Chryseis was destroyed by his actions. He works long and hard to prove his love. Of course he has this author to make that a long tedious and painful process while put us thru the wringer and him through the twist and turns of her crooked mind. True to form Ms Belaire provides us with a man with a potty mouth in the bed and out and ferocious appetite for his woman and her for him. It's hot and sexy and a good read too.
This standalone read is enjoyable and sexy with excitement and action. Loyal best friends on both side to keep them on their toes and possibly a little more. This author provides us once again with gangsters we want to hate for all their wrong doing but can't help but love for all the right reasons.
This standalone read is enjoyable and sexy with excitement and action. Loyal best friends on both side to keep them on their toes and possibly a little more. This author provides us once again with gangsters we want to hate for all their wrong doing but can't help but love for all the right reasons.
December 10, 2017
Carla's Five Star Review
Under the Influence is a second chance romance.
A few months ago, Gio broke up with Chryseis aka "Books", and in the process he not only humiliated and embarrassed her, he left her broken. A few months have passed, and Books has found a new man. His name is Leighton, and yes he is a tad boring, but she feels safe with him. Her goal is to move forward with Leighton, but Gio isn't having that! He knows that he hurt Books for reasons unbeknownst to her, and now he wants her back. When his enemies learn about Books, they decide to try and use her against him.
I really loved this book! The relationship between Gio and Books was great! They were so good together. Of course, there are a lot of hot and steamy moments that are sure to make you swoon or blush.
Why not one click this, and give it a try? I promise you will be glad you did!
Under the Influence is a second chance romance.
A few months ago, Gio broke up with Chryseis aka "Books", and in the process he not only humiliated and embarrassed her, he left her broken. A few months have passed, and Books has found a new man. His name is Leighton, and yes he is a tad boring, but she feels safe with him. Her goal is to move forward with Leighton, but Gio isn't having that! He knows that he hurt Books for reasons unbeknownst to her, and now he wants her back. When his enemies learn about Books, they decide to try and use her against him.
I really loved this book! The relationship between Gio and Books was great! They were so good together. Of course, there are a lot of hot and steamy moments that are sure to make you swoon or blush.
Why not one click this, and give it a try? I promise you will be glad you did!
November 26, 2017
OMG!!! This story has it all!
I so have to admit I wanted to throat punch Gio! He may be this big, dangerous sexy Mob boss but so what, I wanted to smack him badly!! He doesn't know how bad he screwed up, but he's about to find out!
Chryseis, awesome name isn't it? But anyway, she's been through the wringer with Gio and I don't know how she didn't do some damage to him! She just wants to live her life, away from him and the hurt he caused her!
What happens when a stubborn, sexy but dangerous man tries to convince an equally stubborn, very hurt woman to give him a second chance?
I'll tell you....Not! Sorry! Have to read it and see, but one word of advice! Make time to read it all at once, won't want to put it down once you start!
I so have to admit I wanted to throat punch Gio! He may be this big, dangerous sexy Mob boss but so what, I wanted to smack him badly!! He doesn't know how bad he screwed up, but he's about to find out!
Chryseis, awesome name isn't it? But anyway, she's been through the wringer with Gio and I don't know how she didn't do some damage to him! She just wants to live her life, away from him and the hurt he caused her!
What happens when a stubborn, sexy but dangerous man tries to convince an equally stubborn, very hurt woman to give him a second chance?
I'll tell you....Not! Sorry! Have to read it and see, but one word of advice! Make time to read it all at once, won't want to put it down once you start!
February 25, 2018
I am currently really into dark mafia romance and this was the perfect in between book to lighten the mood. The story is indeed a second chance mafia romance with a H trying to win back / force back the h. he is OTT, dominant, overbearing aside from being a ruthless mafia kingpin.
This story is short and straightforward, no deep character development, no twists and turns. But if you are in the mood for dominant and possessive mafia H trying to win back the love of his live...this is your book. I highly enjoyed it and recommend it if you love the OTT alpha character.
Story line is not very original but it is not pretending to be either. To keep her safe and protect her from the violence in his world, H breaks up with her but realizes he can't live without her.
This story is short and straightforward, no deep character development, no twists and turns. But if you are in the mood for dominant and possessive mafia H trying to win back the love of his live...this is your book. I highly enjoyed it and recommend it if you love the OTT alpha character.
Story line is not very original but it is not pretending to be either. To keep her safe and protect her from the violence in his world, H breaks up with her but realizes he can't live without her.
February 24, 2022
I struggled with this book. Part of it was because, as with every book I've read by this author, she fails to label whose point of view it is. And when it's not the typical every other chapter that it changes, I waste time at the start of each chapter, and sometimes mid-chapter, trying to figure out whose head I'm in. It's frustrating, and I wish she would just do an update on her books, and throw that in. Anyway, story-wise, I am not a fan a cheating, and while there really wasn't any here, there was the illusion of it, and that was pretty much the basis of the whole book. We also don't know why the heroine has so much hatred for the Hero until at least a quarter of the way in, and that was irritating me because they kept referencing past events, but wouldn't come out and just tell us what had happened. It was an okay ready, but not great.
December 4, 2017
Under the influence is a fantastic 4 star book by the very talented Nikki Belaire.
I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
This storyline grips you in from the very first chapter and holds on to you until you read the ending.
These two definitely know how to get you invested in their story and have you routing for the second chances even though at times he may not 100% deserve her.
You really need to one click this book as soon as you can and enjoy yourself with this Mafia goodness.
I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
This storyline grips you in from the very first chapter and holds on to you until you read the ending.
These two definitely know how to get you invested in their story and have you routing for the second chances even though at times he may not 100% deserve her.
You really need to one click this book as soon as you can and enjoy yourself with this Mafia goodness.
I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
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