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Made Men #1
Set the City on Fire
Two in one: Leo and Freya’s story was originally published as a two-book duet (Set the City on Fire and Burn It Down). Both books have been combined into one in order to simplify the Made Men series.
Please don't die. Please don't die. Please don't die.
Leo heard the frantic whisper over and over in his head. She begged him to stay alive, and he couldn't very well disappoint her by dying.
Leonardo Costa
Someone tried to kill Leo, heir to the Costa family. Call it luck, call it a miracle, or simply say it wasn't his time, but Leo survived thanks to Freya. Those who tried to kill him were dealt with, swiftly and painfully, but there was someone else controlling the rats, someone close to the family.
Leo had an enemy to eliminate, but when fate throws Freya back in his path, he knew he wasn't letting go. She saved his life, and it was his duty to protect her.
Freya Santos
Her only alibi was Leo. She couldn't remember what happened, but she knew there was no way she would have anything to do with the missing man. Right?
She had no choice but to depend on Leo and play the role of a happy fiancé, even if it’s temporary-very temporary. But when bullets start flying, Freya knew there was more to Leo and his family than meets the eye.
Contains strong language, violence, and sexual content. Reader’s discretion is advised.
Please don't die. Please don't die. Please don't die.
Leo heard the frantic whisper over and over in his head. She begged him to stay alive, and he couldn't very well disappoint her by dying.
Leonardo Costa
Someone tried to kill Leo, heir to the Costa family. Call it luck, call it a miracle, or simply say it wasn't his time, but Leo survived thanks to Freya. Those who tried to kill him were dealt with, swiftly and painfully, but there was someone else controlling the rats, someone close to the family.
Leo had an enemy to eliminate, but when fate throws Freya back in his path, he knew he wasn't letting go. She saved his life, and it was his duty to protect her.
Freya Santos
Her only alibi was Leo. She couldn't remember what happened, but she knew there was no way she would have anything to do with the missing man. Right?
She had no choice but to depend on Leo and play the role of a happy fiancé, even if it’s temporary-very temporary. But when bullets start flying, Freya knew there was more to Leo and his family than meets the eye.
Contains strong language, violence, and sexual content. Reader’s discretion is advised.
369 pages, ebook
First published April 5, 2018
32 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Peony
19 books138 followers
Writing about dangerous women, antiheroes, the biggest stars, and a little magic.
Sophia Peony is a writer from San Francisco. As a former ESL student, she used to hate reading and writing. It wasn’t until college that she learned to tolerate the arts of English because she accidentally chose a major that was all about writing papers. Figures! After four years of writing research papers, she began to love writing, and decided to explore creative writing. She published her first book in 2018. When she’s not writing, she’s a corporate fodder who is an Asian drama addict. She has a cat obsession and will befriend any cat she meets.
Sophia Peony is a writer from San Francisco. As a former ESL student, she used to hate reading and writing. It wasn’t until college that she learned to tolerate the arts of English because she accidentally chose a major that was all about writing papers. Figures! After four years of writing research papers, she began to love writing, and decided to explore creative writing. She published her first book in 2018. When she’s not writing, she’s a corporate fodder who is an Asian drama addict. She has a cat obsession and will befriend any cat she meets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 22, 2018
Surprise. Surprise. SUR-FRIGGIN-PRISE! This gray mafia stunned the beegeebies out of me! Peony is a new to me author so I don’t know her from a can of paint. I do know she writes Mafia. And she writes mafia very well!
The mafia genre is near and dear to me. I have a very special list of mafia favorite couples that I don’t share for obvious reasons. However, I can tell you Leo and Freya made that list. From their initial meeting, which occurred in the most unusual way and it fit so well, to their HEA, is total TOTAL AMAZEBALLS!
Major kudos and applause to Peony! I didn’t quite understand how the title fit the story until the 80ish percentile but trust and believe when it became obvious, Leo already had that city by the balls and squeezing as if he was holding marshmallows! Keep in mind readers this is mafia so although Leo and Freya are nurturing their relationship, there’s evilness in “these here parts”! Really messed up stuff! Lesson here...careful who you trust. If you betray that trust and Leo finds you.....*shutters dramatically* I can’t say it!!!
Five stars!
Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
The mafia genre is near and dear to me. I have a very special list of mafia favorite couples that I don’t share for obvious reasons. However, I can tell you Leo and Freya made that list. From their initial meeting, which occurred in the most unusual way and it fit so well, to their HEA, is total TOTAL AMAZEBALLS!
Major kudos and applause to Peony! I didn’t quite understand how the title fit the story until the 80ish percentile but trust and believe when it became obvious, Leo already had that city by the balls and squeezing as if he was holding marshmallows! Keep in mind readers this is mafia so although Leo and Freya are nurturing their relationship, there’s evilness in “these here parts”! Really messed up stuff! Lesson here...careful who you trust. If you betray that trust and Leo finds you.....*shutters dramatically* I can’t say it!!!
Five stars!
Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!
June 12, 2018
Oh, Leo Costa, you did things to me! I mean, I would have gone to live with him too and pretended to be affianced to that gorgeous Mafia man. Good for you, Freya!
They had some serious heat between them but I also swooned for their cute moments. I'm a sucker for the cute from a big powerful, dangerous man.
Sophie's style was really enjoyable and I'm ready for book two, please!
They had some serious heat between them but I also swooned for their cute moments. I'm a sucker for the cute from a big powerful, dangerous man.
Sophie's style was really enjoyable and I'm ready for book two, please!
April 25, 2018
Set the City on Fire was a fantastic mafia story filled with action, suspense, and sizzling hot romance. Sophia Peony wove a terrific storyline that captured the mafia aspect flawlessly, while giving readers a beautiful romance between two people from different worlds.
The characters of the story were really well written. I loved Freya's realness, her vulnerabilities, and her independence. She was a strong woman, yet soft at the same time. Meeting Leo changed her life, and the way she handled everything that was thrown at her made me like her even more. As for Leo, I have to give major props to the author because he was alpha male perfection. Strong, possessive, loyal, and absolutely brutal when it came to protecting what was his. I really liked that he was so faithful, and that none the overused manwhore tropes were used with his character. He was fierce in and out of the bedroom, and I loved how good he was to Freya.
The storyline was well-balanced and laid out in a way that made it hard to put the book down. Peony did a great job with the build up of the plot, mixing in action with the romance, leading to an explosive conclusion. I am so thrilled that this is the first of a series, because I will be anxiously waiting for more books. This was my first book by Sophia Peony, but it definitely won't be my last.
The characters of the story were really well written. I loved Freya's realness, her vulnerabilities, and her independence. She was a strong woman, yet soft at the same time. Meeting Leo changed her life, and the way she handled everything that was thrown at her made me like her even more. As for Leo, I have to give major props to the author because he was alpha male perfection. Strong, possessive, loyal, and absolutely brutal when it came to protecting what was his. I really liked that he was so faithful, and that none the overused manwhore tropes were used with his character. He was fierce in and out of the bedroom, and I loved how good he was to Freya.
The storyline was well-balanced and laid out in a way that made it hard to put the book down. Peony did a great job with the build up of the plot, mixing in action with the romance, leading to an explosive conclusion. I am so thrilled that this is the first of a series, because I will be anxiously waiting for more books. This was my first book by Sophia Peony, but it definitely won't be my last.
April 7, 2018
Set the City on Fire is the first Sophia Peony I've read and I really loved it!!! Freya and Leo made me fall in love hard. From the start up to the last, I was hooked! Despite on how their relationship started, their chemistry is easily felt. Leo, my gawd!! This man got me hooked. With someone hell bent on wanting Leo gone, things will get more interesting and intense. Loved it! I can't wait for more of the series!
April 7, 2018
This is the first time I've read a book by Sophia, it'll not be the last as I found her writing addictive and thrilling. The story was a mix of violence, sensual and possessive. The characters were so different from each other but they worked so well! I'd love to see more, this was a good fire to watch burn.
***Reviewed by Codie***
***Reviewed by Codie***
March 1, 2018
Review Coming Soon!
April 5, 2018
Freya is just a woman who works her day job and spends her nights at home, occasionally going out with her friends. Little does she know that finding that man while she was hiking will change the course of her life forever. Leo is bossy, domineering, and all up in her business, but the more she gets to know him, the more those start to become her favorite qualities of him. While these two may come from two completely different worlds, they couldn't be more suited for each other. Set the City on Fire tells a story of a man who will burn the city to the ground for the woman he loves. From moments of edge of your seat action to swoon-worthy scenes between the two, it's a must-read for fans of mafia romances.
April 5, 2018
This is the first mafia story I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I enjoyed it immensely. Leo is kidnapped and almost dies, but Freya comes to his rescue not realizes that she’s saving someone that’s part of the mafia. What really caught my attention is when Freya is put in a position at the club and is questioned about a dead man. You eventually find out that Leo does everything in his power to protect her. That protection begins with duty because she saved his life but eventually turns into a protection due to love.
Things take a spin and we eventually find out who has been trying to kill Leo when they target Freya instead. I was a bit surprised and couldn’t stop reading to find out his motives. Awesome story and I can’t wait to read the next!
Things take a spin and we eventually find out who has been trying to kill Leo when they target Freya instead. I was a bit surprised and couldn’t stop reading to find out his motives. Awesome story and I can’t wait to read the next!
April 9, 2018
This is a new author to me, and I will certainly be reading more from her in the future. Freya finds a man’s body in the woods, and rescues him unknowingly that he is the heir of the Costa mafia family. Somebody is out to kill Leo, and now he has to protect Freya as she has become a target as well. This is an addictive read, and I was intrigued and hooked throughout.
April 7, 2018
First time author for me and this was explosive, I couldn't put it down even if I tried, it's action packed, sensual an nd all out dangerous, I was hooked
I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
April 7, 2018
Full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 9, 2018
2.5 stars. This was just okay. There is some drama. There is some steamy sex but nothing to wow me.
June 8, 2018
Ok
This was ok. I just couldn’t get into the characters. They had great hot sex, but had no chemistry. I didn’t feel strong about their connection.
It was an ok read. Not bad not great
This was ok. I just couldn’t get into the characters. They had great hot sex, but had no chemistry. I didn’t feel strong about their connection.
It was an ok read. Not bad not great
August 23, 2018
What an amazing book to read. From the start I just couldnt out the book down. I loved it. I want a Leo in my life... Wow, just wow!! A dominant, alpha male, who sets your world on fire and Freya a saviour who helps someone and in the process falls so hard for the guy!
It's got betrayal, loads of drama, fun elements, chemistry, hot sex and emotion all in one book.
I loved the story and all the characters. It a great read.
An amazing book to read. Fabulous xx
It's got betrayal, loads of drama, fun elements, chemistry, hot sex and emotion all in one book.
I loved the story and all the characters. It a great read.
An amazing book to read. Fabulous xx
August 22, 2018
Oh my... This book is amazing. I'm in love with Mr tough guy Leo Costa and how he fell for the complete opposite girl anyone would ever think he would. This book is just amazing to the point I read it in one day!! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It is full of romance, danger, and a crazy storyline all at the same time. I don't think I can say enough about this book.
August 23, 2018
Good book
I would give this 4.5 stars. I think it needed an epilogue. I loved Leo and Freya and how they met.
I would give this 4.5 stars. I think it needed an epilogue. I loved Leo and Freya and how they met.
August 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not much of a Mafia fan but this book pulls you in. I really enjoyed it. This book has it all Hot sex, lies, betrayal, family, friendship and love how can you go wrong. This book is pretty simple story line girl save boy and boy repays her. Of course there is way more to the book but you have to read for that. Love Freya and Leo's story.
This is a voluntary review as I received the ARC from author for honest review.
This is a voluntary review as I received the ARC from author for honest review.
August 9, 2018
What can I say about this outstanding book.
Sophia’s writing in this book just blew my mind. First of all Leo is now my one and only book bf!
I have not read any mafia type romance books before and I am glad I started with this one.
Freya is a low drama, smart, independent woman. She saves the life of the right man in Leo.
Unlike your typical gold digger she wants nothing from them. Then after a night at the club she now finds herself needing Leo.
Can I just saw how all the men in this book are hot AF! And if you follow Sophia on fb she shares not only her inspirations for each but their outfits! I mean how can you not love that?!? No seriously how..I want answers.
Also I love how her pets are just as important as the people.
I need more more
More more more more...get the hint now good buy this book!
Sophia’s writing in this book just blew my mind. First of all Leo is now my one and only book bf!
I have not read any mafia type romance books before and I am glad I started with this one.
Freya is a low drama, smart, independent woman. She saves the life of the right man in Leo.
Unlike your typical gold digger she wants nothing from them. Then after a night at the club she now finds herself needing Leo.
Can I just saw how all the men in this book are hot AF! And if you follow Sophia on fb she shares not only her inspirations for each but their outfits! I mean how can you not love that?!? No seriously how..I want answers.
Also I love how her pets are just as important as the people.
I need more more
More more more more...get the hint now good buy this book!
August 15, 2018
I loved Leo and Freya if I had one thing I would love this to have been longer. I really wanted to see the wedding and how they are happy. Leo was amazing and I think I fell for him to be honest I think I have a thing for Mafia men. I can’t wait to read the next one.
August 9, 2018
Needs editing
I would have given this book 5 stars because the characters were great and the storyline was excellent, but the editing killed me. There were no spelling or punctuation problems, but I couldn't begin to count how many times the writing would go from past tense to present tense ( often in the middle of a sentence). Several places also had wrong word choices. I really enjoyed the author, but she needs a much better editor.
I would have given this book 5 stars because the characters were great and the storyline was excellent, but the editing killed me. There were no spelling or punctuation problems, but I couldn't begin to count how many times the writing would go from past tense to present tense ( often in the middle of a sentence). Several places also had wrong word choices. I really enjoyed the author, but she needs a much better editor.
April 11, 2018
3 1/2*
Freya found & saved Leo after he was kidnapped & beaten he’s the head of the Costa family. When their lives cross again months later it’s his turn to repay the favour.
who is trying to eliminate him & why?
A little confusing at times due to lots of characters but I’m sure they will be important in other books in the series.
A complete story with a true ending no cliffhanger.
A new author for me & hope to read more from her.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Freya found & saved Leo after he was kidnapped & beaten he’s the head of the Costa family. When their lives cross again months later it’s his turn to repay the favour.
who is trying to eliminate him & why?
A little confusing at times due to lots of characters but I’m sure they will be important in other books in the series.
A complete story with a true ending no cliffhanger.
A new author for me & hope to read more from her.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 8, 2018
Once you've picked this book up there is no way you can put it down until it's finished.
Freya may be shy, & likes to live a quiet life but she is strong & loyal & will always protect those she loves .
Leo is all about family, THE FAMILY. He is next in line to take over as the head of the Costa family . Nothing is more important, until Freya.
Such a great story , with great characters
Freya may be shy, & likes to live a quiet life but she is strong & loyal & will always protect those she loves .
Leo is all about family, THE FAMILY. He is next in line to take over as the head of the Costa family . Nothing is more important, until Freya.
Such a great story , with great characters
August 12, 2018
Sophia Peony is a new author to me and this won't be the last of her books I read.
Set the City in Fire is a brilliant example of a contemporary romance as a I can't wait for the sequel.
Set the City in Fire is a brilliant example of a contemporary romance as a I can't wait for the sequel.
May 16, 2018
WOW! Just WOW! There is always the joke, of a book hangover, after ending a book...
And, after this book, it was a book hangover, like no other!
First, I had Never read anything by Sophia Peony, before. But the description of the book, had me very interested.
And, The book/ the author did not disappoint. I loved the story! Loved the characters! Loved the Mafia romance! I could NOT put the book down & read it, every spare minute I had. Her take on the family dynamics, of a mafia family, was great. This book seemed to give you a taste of the Good & the bad... The close knit, loyal, family over everything part & the jealous, betrayal, you have to watch your back part.
I loved loved Leo!!
And, I have to admit, I was NOT ready to end the story of Freya & Leo. I am eagerly awaiting the next book by her!
And, after this book, it was a book hangover, like no other!
First, I had Never read anything by Sophia Peony, before. But the description of the book, had me very interested.
And, The book/ the author did not disappoint. I loved the story! Loved the characters! Loved the Mafia romance! I could NOT put the book down & read it, every spare minute I had. Her take on the family dynamics, of a mafia family, was great. This book seemed to give you a taste of the Good & the bad... The close knit, loyal, family over everything part & the jealous, betrayal, you have to watch your back part.
I loved loved Leo!!
And, I have to admit, I was NOT ready to end the story of Freya & Leo. I am eagerly awaiting the next book by her!
Read
June 29, 2020DNF
The author is new to me. but someone had reviewed this as "they had great hot sex" so i picked it up!
The beginning felt as if i was reading from middle, then everything started happening in the past tense - when he had woken up, he remembered her voice , blah blah blah she doesn't accept his money , some more blah blah blah
5months later - she visits his club with her frnds, gets drugged almost raped but accidentally kills her rapist! while she was drugged, cldnt walk properly, didnt have functioning limbs, picks up a rod and hits him with such force while lying down that he dies!
their first kiss was so causal, that it was despairing! the leading event should have been impactful, but they were an after thought!
i literally didnt bother to seek out the "great hot sex"!
oh well!
onward to the hunt for a good mafia book.
The author is new to me. but someone had reviewed this as "they had great hot sex" so i picked it up!
The beginning felt as if i was reading from middle, then everything started happening in the past tense - when he had woken up, he remembered her voice , blah blah blah she doesn't accept his money , some more blah blah blah
5months later - she visits his club with her frnds, gets drugged almost raped but accidentally kills her rapist! while she was drugged, cldnt walk properly, didnt have functioning limbs, picks up a rod and hits him with such force while lying down that he dies!
their first kiss was so causal, that it was despairing! the leading event should have been impactful, but they were an after thought!
i literally didnt bother to seek out the "great hot sex"!
oh well!
onward to the hunt for a good mafia book.
April 15, 2018
Gunfire and unexpected chance encounters go from one plot to the next!
Leo has to be careful who he trusts... When Freya saves him and wants nothing in return, he takes interest in her.
Freya doesn't know what to make of Leo at first. He is kind of take charge, ask questions later guy by he worships her with tender kisses.
Fake engagements and devious plotting twist the story line around that no one can be trusted, one hundred percent.
It's a quick novel that is easy to dive into the la familla.
Leo has to be careful who he trusts... When Freya saves him and wants nothing in return, he takes interest in her.
Freya doesn't know what to make of Leo at first. He is kind of take charge, ask questions later guy by he worships her with tender kisses.
Fake engagements and devious plotting twist the story line around that no one can be trusted, one hundred percent.
It's a quick novel that is easy to dive into the la familla.
May 1, 2018
Set the City on Fire is the first mafia romance I’ve read, and I found it engaging. I enjoyed the development of the story line and the chemistry between Freya and Leo as the story progressed. A lot of action and excitement punctuated this story. If you’ve never a mafia romance, read this riveting book by Sophia Peony.
April 6, 2018
Freya had no idea that her simple hike to take pictures would change her life so drastically. Leo, head of the family and Boss, didn't know how much Freya would come to mean to him. After Freya saves Leo's life he wants to save hers and protect her after a night out gone wrong. These two start a "relationship" as a cover...but it grows to be so much more.
March 30, 2018
wow this book had me on the edge of my seat at times! she saves his life. so months later he returns the favor only she doesnt remember the night. now he asked her to marry him only as fake. someone close is trying to kill him off. will she be the next victim? read to find out.
April 3, 2018
my first read by this author and I was not disappointed! amazing characters...amazing story line..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews