Top Dog

by Rye Hart

My mafia family rejected our love.
So I loved him all the more.
When I was forced to leave I took my secret with me.
Now I'm back. And I'm not alone.
This forbidden love affair is about to start a war.


Romeo

They call me a thug. Vengeful. Fierce.
And I don't give a f*ck.

I'm here to make things right with Julia.
The only woman I've ever wanted.
And the only one I could never have.

Her ruthless uncle wants to take me down.
And he'll use Julia to get his way.
Let the b*astard try. This time nothing comes between us - or my son.

The world will finally accept our love - even if I have to bring them h*ll to take what's mine.


**Top Dog is a 70,000+ word full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliff-hangers. Additional exclusive mafia romance novel and bonus content included for your reading pleasure! - Rye Hart (USA Today Bestselling Author)**

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2018

About the author

Rye Hart. Own Your Naughty.

Rye Hart writes about powerfully sexy women and the hot alpha bad boys who love them. You will not find any cheating here. Rye's books are packed with hot passionate love and happy ever after endings.

Personal Note from The Author:
Rye Hart here! Thank you for supporting a new indie romance author. Anything you can do, whether it be writing a review, or even simply telling a fellow reader that you enjoyed my book means the world!

Join me in the fun by subscribing to my Naughty Girl Newsletter.

Subscribe to my newsletter, and get my Bad Boy Romance series FREE: http://bit.ly/RYEHART

Like my Face Book page to join the naughty girl community: http://bit.ly/RYEHARTFACEBOOK

I want to wow you in every way. If you have any feedback just shoot me an email here: Rye@RyeHartBooks.com

Until next time, stay naughty!
XOXO
Rye Hart

Reviews

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story with nice storyline and plot. The characters are very well described and they have an amazing chemistry. I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating.
A mix of family issues, mafia, drama, action, secret child, love and emotions makes it an amazing read. The twists are unexpected.
This story is written with the intension of captivating the reader. You can almost feel the characters. At times I was so in to the story that I felt I was there. It has an amazing writing style.
A fantastic second chance romance that I only can recommend to others.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love mafia romances that are second chances. This is for you! Rye Hart nails it with Top Dog!
Teens have such black and white thinking even as young adults. There’s lots of drama and quick hot intense sex! Another one to add to your collection. One I will reread over and over!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Romeo & Julia's story. Wow. Couldn't get enough of these two. I'm voluntarily leaving a review for a copy of the book.

[Roxana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

An AMAZING read about two people who are from opposing mafia families that fell in love as teenagers until one was whisked away and hidden when the father finds out about the relationship. Julia has been away for 6 years and returns with her son Matt, when her uncle convinces her to come home and broker a peace with the opposing family. Romeo hasn’t forgotten about Julia and has had his eyes on her since she left, now he is the head of his mafia family, wanting to make a difference and to get out of the shadow of his father’s legacy.
WOW....Rye Hart doesn’t waste anytime with this read...from the first pages it pulls you right in, not wasting anytime with Romeo and Julia’s tension, diving right into the conflict and not letting go. A fast paced read with suspense, steamy scenes, action and two star crossed lovers that are determined to protect the ones they love. I LOVED that there were no women crawling out of the woodwork and jealousies...I LOVED what Romeo was trying to do and how he was with Julia...I LOVED Julia and her determination, her strength, her fierce protectiveness of Matt and her weakness Romeo. I LOVED how the it al played out, the conflict, how they discovered the truth and how it all ended....5 ++++ stars.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance Mafia love story between Julia and Romeo, a modern day tale of the old story. As young teenagers they feel in love but we’re from opposite Mafia families so Julia’s father moves her away from the city to protect her. Once he finds out she is pregnant and some time passses he realizes that the feud needs to end and works on a deal for peace with Romeo’s father. Julia’s father dies and then years later Romeo’s father dies. There are many moving pieces in this story and full of intrigue and twist. Years later Julia is asked to come back by her uncle who is the head of the family to help bring peace with Romeo. Julia comes home with her son, Romeo is the father and he knows about him and Julia is surprised. Things seem innocent at first but as their journey gets going the many pieces start creating more and more issues for Romeo and a Julia. The two want the same thing, Peace and no more war! Will the evil plans of others keep them from achieving this goal? Will Matteo ever know that Romeo is his dad? Romeo and Julia have a wonderful connection and chemistry, it’s as if all those year they were never apart. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is Julia who was sent away when she was eighteen because she got pregnant from a boy who is from a rival family. In the mafia, you don't mix blood, especially feuding blood. Then there is Romeo, who still has strong feelings for Julia and is trying to legitimize his family "business" to be able to be worthy of her especially when he learns he has a son by her. She has been taking care of him for six years and does not want him involved in any of the family business. When circumstances has her moving back to NY and communicating again with Romeo, will she be able to convince him to call a truce and bring peace to their families? Will their love be strong enough to survive what he has to do to make that happen? With some in the families not wanting peace, will it all fall apart? Can they be a family? You'll need to read the story to find out. Enjoy!

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this fresh take on a classic love story. Julia and Romeo are two people whose families are rivals. They fall in love and when it is discovered, Julia's father sends her away. Shortly after her father realizes she is pregnant and he decides that the feud between the families needs to stop. Things get messy and before that happens her father dies. Years pass before Julie returns home and is reunited with Romeo whose own father has also passed. There are so many twists and turns to this story and throughout it Romeo and Julia a long with the child Romeo did not know about find a way to get through it all and find the HEA they had always wanted from the beginning. This is a well written story and the chemistry between Julia and Romeo is so steamy and hot. Romeo will do all that he can to protect his family. This was an exciting read from beginning to end and I could not put it down.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely wonderful story. Romeo and Julia come from two rival mafia families. They were sneaking around behind their father's backs and when their dad's found out they split them up and Julia's dad sent her away. Over six years later Julia returns at the request of her uncle. With both Julia's and Romeo's fathers being dead now, Romeo runs his father's empire, while Julia's uncle runs her dad's empire. Julia's uncle wants peace and believes that if Julia speaks with Romeo then maybe he would be willing to broker peace with Julia's uncle. Julia has a secret that she has kept from Romeo and she doesn't want to be involved in anything to do with the mafia. But there are people who want nothing more than to take over both mafia families. There are lies, secrets, betrayals and crooked cops to contend with. This is an excellent second chance mafia romance that you don't want to miss.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Romeo and Juliet story is not a tragedy like Shakespere's though I say the thrills along the way far outpass it. This Romeo and Julie are NYC born although the families are rival Mafia when the two fall in love and conceive a son who is five years old and has never met his father. Their fathers have both been killed, purportedly Romeo's father killed Julie's and was killed in retaliation. Now Romeo is his family's head, which Julie finds hard to believe and Julie has been brought to the city from upstate NY by her uncle, who now heads her family, to meet with Romeo. This story has many twists and turns: which family is trying to go legit, what was burglarized from Romeo's home, which family is using the police? From planted evidence to kidnapping, torture, and blackmail, you will be on the edge of your seat throughout this book. One thing remains: Romeo and Julie's passion for one another!

[Linda Lagrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romances are some of my favorite stories and “Top Dog” does not disappoint. Romeo and Julia are in love but have been separated for almost seven years. Julia gave birth to Romeo's son but because their families are bitter rivals, her father has kept her hidden from Romeo. Now that the heads of each family is dead Romeo is trying to lead his own family away from criminal activities and bring peace between the two families. Will Romeo and Julia finally find their HEA? This story keeps you on the edge of your seat with the intrigue, suspense, drama, intense sexual chemistry, betrayal, murder and unexpected twists. If you appreciate a superbly written suspenseful romance specifically Mafia romance, “Top Dog” is for you. Don't miss out.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me so deeply into the dark and dangerous world of rival mafia families and the children caught in the middle. A crime world Romeo and Julia(ette). The story is fantastic, it’s sweet and brutal by turns. I loved everything about Romeo, but it took me almost three quarters of the book before I even liked Julia. I understand her protective mama bear instincts, I just found her to be cruel and selfish and a bit hypocritical. Not once does she apologize for keeping his son from him for nearly ten years, and then she holds it against him for doing everything in his power to protect his family? That kind of attitude didn’t fly with me. Once she stepped up and started to actively do something to change the situation, that’s when I started to like her. By the end, I thought they made a really adorable couple.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written second chance romance mafia style with scheming relatives, legitimate business versus staying illegal and hot passion! Romeo and Julia's story is almost a parody of Romeo and Juliet with their rival families forbidding their love. These two did consumate their love and Matteo was the result. As adults Romeo has inherited the family business and Julia is back with their son, as they try to make peace and forge a new life and have a family her uncles are scheming to take down Romeo and will use Julia and her son to do so. They do not know how ruthless Romeo will be to protect the woman he never stopped loving and his son. Get your copy and enjoy their journey, I did! My voluntary and honest review for an ARC!

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rye Hart has taken Romeo and Juliet to the next level. Two people from mafia families, once with a secret romance, are now reunited. This book is so thrilling, with drama, secrets, subterfuge and sex. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the next move and when it was revealed, I was shocked. I really great book that will move you and a great modern twist on the greatest tragedy written. I voluntarily reveiwed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Romeo= 5/5
Heroine, Julia = 5/5
Chemistry, = 5/5
Sex, = 5/5
Plot, = 5/5
Mystery, = 3/5
Action, = 3/5
Darkness, = 4/5
Humor, = 2/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this auther = yes

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Julia teenage lovers looking for a second chance if only their families can be brought into line.
Julia and Romeo were teenage lovers but they were from different Mafia families which was not good for a future together. Then Julia is sent away and has a child. Seven years later she returns to the city and Romeo still wants her and his son but the family business is still getting in the way. How can they find a way for peace between their families and what lengths will they have to go to. A Mafia romance to snuggle down and enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars 🌟

This was a great mafia romance, the Romeo & Julia backstory of star-crossed lovers from opposing mafioso families sets the scene for a reunion 7 years later when upon the death of her father Julia moved back to NYC with her 6 year old son, in theory to broker peace with Romeo’s family, of which he is now the head (& is the father of little Matteo).

This is action packed with plenty of intrigue and suspense, twists and turns and steamy chemistry. It is an exciting page turner which will keep you hooked to the very end.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia and Romeo were in love as teenagers but it was forbidden because they were from rival mafia families. Julis was sent away one day and didn’t return until seven years later. She runs into Romeo and the fire is still there between them but she has to tell him that he has a six year old son Matteo that he’s never seen. They want to be together but have to get their families to have peace so that his son will be safe. But there are some that doesn’t want the families to have peace, will Romeo and Julia get what they want or will they stay enemies? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Lisa Towns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
So this reminds you of a modern Romeo & Juliet story. Here we got two Italian Families in NY, two rivals, two who live the mafia live. But their kids fell in love and now everything is about to change.
I really really liked this story. Rye has a awesome way of writing her stories and turning them in to real page turners. Everything was just perfect. I love how she describes her erotic Scenes. It’s sensual and detailed in a dirty but not nasty way, if you know what I mean. When there‘s action it’s well portioned and let’s you hold your breath at times. If you like Love among mafia Rivals with some great hot scenes then go on

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo took over for his father, determined to clean up the family. Julia has been away from her family for the last 6 years. Their love is forbidden, but someone is out to destroy them. Will Julia be able to realize the truth before it is to late? Will Romeo be able to keep his family safe?

Loved the fact that these two were like Romeo and Juliet. I didn't blame Julia for being scared of having her son around the mafia lifestyle, but wanted to shake my head when technically having him around her uncle was the same thing. I loved how Romeo was a tough guy, but really had a gentle soul. Romeo proved how protective he was time and again. Great read!

[Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You got to love mafia books. They brings out our darker sides. I'm this story we get two families trying to make peace and do right by the son they created.Julia and Romeo show is that through everything love still has a big part in life. Never give up on what you want and it will go e true. They fought so hard to achieve that and look how it turned out...a happily ever after. The i want you to know that with each book you bring us we get more and more attached to your writing style. I'm a huge fan and can't wait to see you give us next. I absolutely give 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.

[CassieLC · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, a really good read from Ms. Hart. She’s a very talented author who creates characters that are intriguing and storylines that will keep you hooked!
This story in particular, while not my favorite by her, was still a really good book that I didn’t want to put down. Unfortunately I had some personal issues come up this week so I couldn’t invest the time I wanted into reading it.
One thing I will say about the book itself, is that mafia stories aren’t my favorite. There’s been some that I really haven’t liked but luckily that wasn’t the case with this book. It was really good and I highly recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome story, I read it in one sitting. It had a well written storyline and strong, determined and exciting characters. This story has everything, suspense, intrigue, past love, secret baby and twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Romeo is now the head of the family and he wants to change their image and do things legally. Julia is his true love and he's never forgotten her, but she wants to keep her son away from the Mafia and all the crime. The chemistry is still there between them. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and highly recommend it.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense mafia romance filled with action, suspense, hot sex and a very satisfying happily ever after.

I do think the story is a little slow to build but, once you realize all the players and the action is in play it takes off. You won't be disappointed if you really enjoy the mafia aspect of this romance. Then, to top that off, the whole forbidden love of two young people, Julia and Romeo, from rival families destined to be together is a classic.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is normally the best, but for Romeo and Julia, family can be a big block to love. An exciting read that I couldn't put down, theirs is a bumpy road for sure, but the chemistry is intense, despite the betrayal coming from outside forces. The author does a fantastic job of increasing tension and getting us invested in Romeo and Julia's love. It's an incredibly touching and unexpected story, but I won't give away anything even close to a spoiler, I will just highly encourage picking up a copy asap. Totally worth it. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Crazy Dance Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bad boy turning good gets me everytime. But this story is so full of family drama its hard to see if he's really turning good or not. And certainlyJulia has reason to doubt. And just when you think you've got the bad guys figured out...you don't. That's why I loved this book so much. It had me on my toes through the whole way. And let's not forget the second chance love that blossoms. Totally beautiful and makes the troubles they faced so heartbreaking. I loved it!

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I love reading about the mafia. Julia and Romeo were trying to do the right thing and clean up the dirty dealings to make their families clean. Matteo was a cutie that grab your heart and no child should ever have to live in fear and be tied to a chair and watch his mom get beat up and threatened to kill them. This story was different from most of the other mafia stories but I really liked it. I wasn't sure about it with the title but now I understand it. I voluntarily read this book for my honest opinion.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance mafia romance between Julia and Romeo. The author does a fantastic job bringing a multitude of strong and well developed characters and weaving a story that moves quickly and smoothly. She brings drama,suspense,intrigue and danger as well as the hot chemistry and romance. She brings tons of action and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what's happening next. She has a way of pulling you in and making you you're there in the story. I loved reading their story and loved the ending. I would highly recommend this book.

[Nora Flood-Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Julia were young lovers until their families tore them apart. The Bianchi and Maritine families are rival mob families. Six years have passed and Julia has spent those years protecting their son, a son that Romeo has never met. Now Romeo is trying to go legit. But someone is setting him up. Julia will be betrayed by the last person she ever expected. I stated that Rye’s last book Bad seed was my favorite, this is my new favorite! Excellent writing and it kept me enthralled! Real love stays forever! A fantastic sexy read. I obtained an arc and left a honest review.

[Darlene Fessenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Julia were children of two different mafia families in New York. When Julia’s father found out that they were dating he moved her away to keep them apart but she was pregnant. After Romeo’s father died six years later he took over as head of his family and Julia came back because her uncle was trying to use her and her son to get control of both families. Rye Hart has written a wonderful story that brings the characters to life. I highly recommend it to all romance enthusiasts. I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Mary Getz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC . BRAVO ! 😍 A GREAT CAPTIVATING SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE

AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING DELIGHTFUL ROMANCE by Rye Hart . She writes a fast-paced strong thrilling compelling structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters in a exquisitely brilliant Mafia Second Chance Romance . The story is well written drama rom-com adventure emotional rollar coaster provocative captivating sizzling chemistry strength of character hostilities suspense mystery and captivating from start to finish 💋 💖 . I love and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 . I voluntarily ARC for honest review .