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Baby for the Brute
“Pretend you’re my boyfriend. Please.”
She’s a stranger. Big blue eyes. Innocent.
Way too pure for my dirty hands.
I should tell her to run. I’m bad news. The worst kind.
But I’ve never made a habit of doing the right thing.
I kiss her because I want her.
I want those cherry lips tangled up with mine.
I want to claim her. Own her.
I want her to learn that she doesn’t make the rules.
She doesn’t get to decide what’s pretend and what’s real.
I do.
But she’ll have plenty of time to learn to obey me. To surrender.
I’ll enjoy every pleasure-soaked minute of teaching her.
But she has no idea who I am.
I’m Angelo Luciani. Head of the Luciani crime family.
It turns out I’m not the only one with a secret.
She’s the daughter of my most bitter rival: Rosiano Torretti.
They say nothing can come between a man and his daughter.
But they’re wrong, I did one better...
I knocked her up.
*As always, this is a totally SAFE, full-length book with a happily ever after, no cheating, and plenty of steam.*
She’s a stranger. Big blue eyes. Innocent.
Way too pure for my dirty hands.
I should tell her to run. I’m bad news. The worst kind.
But I’ve never made a habit of doing the right thing.
I kiss her because I want her.
I want those cherry lips tangled up with mine.
I want to claim her. Own her.
I want her to learn that she doesn’t make the rules.
She doesn’t get to decide what’s pretend and what’s real.
I do.
But she’ll have plenty of time to learn to obey me. To surrender.
I’ll enjoy every pleasure-soaked minute of teaching her.
But she has no idea who I am.
I’m Angelo Luciani. Head of the Luciani crime family.
It turns out I’m not the only one with a secret.
She’s the daughter of my most bitter rival: Rosiano Torretti.
They say nothing can come between a man and his daughter.
But they’re wrong, I did one better...
I knocked her up.
*As always, this is a totally SAFE, full-length book with a happily ever after, no cheating, and plenty of steam.*
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2018
386 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Bloom
69 books2,624 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy—and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.
Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.
Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 20, 2018
2.5 stars
I didn't know going in that it was BDSM, and that's on me because I didn't investigate like I normally do. I felt like Angelo gave up to easy on Ana at first. He waited months and only went after her because he found out she was pregnant. For the big, bad head of a mafia crime family, I expected more. By the end, the author was showing more fight from him but in my opinion it was too little too late. Two unnecessary instances of OW drama- both from women he has slept with in the past. Added nothing to the story. The one was his sister in laws sister and they had something before- she stormed off upset at something that is said and he looks like he was going after her. Thank goodness he didn't or it would have been an immediate DNF. It's not definitive if he is celibate during the separation (especially since she shows up unexpectedly and a woman is trying to come on to him. It was someone he said he slept with years ago but why was she there that morning if its been so long? And why was he telling her it was over of their fling happened years ago?)
The epilogue is just ok. Several months later and I needed more of a look into their future. (oh and the old FB (his sister in law's sister was at the hospital- ick! Maybe I'm crazy but I wouldn't want MY husband's ex FB in the lobby while I'm delivering our child, especially since she still wants him and is waiting for him)
I didn't know going in that it was BDSM, and that's on me because I didn't investigate like I normally do. I felt like Angelo gave up to easy on Ana at first. He waited months and only went after her because he found out she was pregnant. For the big, bad head of a mafia crime family, I expected more. By the end, the author was showing more fight from him but in my opinion it was too little too late. Two unnecessary instances of OW drama- both from women he has slept with in the past. Added nothing to the story. The one was his sister in laws sister and they had something before- she stormed off upset at something that is said and he looks like he was going after her. Thank goodness he didn't or it would have been an immediate DNF. It's not definitive if he is celibate during the separation (especially since she shows up unexpectedly and a woman is trying to come on to him. It was someone he said he slept with years ago but why was she there that morning if its been so long? And why was he telling her it was over of their fling happened years ago?)
The epilogue is just ok. Several months later and I needed more of a look into their future. (oh and the old FB (his sister in law's sister was at the hospital- ick! Maybe I'm crazy but I wouldn't want MY husband's ex FB in the lobby while I'm delivering our child, especially since she still wants him and is waiting for him)
not-reading
May 20, 2018Not rating, only sharing this -
Claims to be totally safe, but I disagree based on my friend's review. https://bit.ly/2k9DuFn
Two instances of unnecessary OW drama, both women he's slept with previously. One is his SIL's sister, too close for comfort. Oh, and when she leaves after seeing them, H almost goes after her! That should've never even crossed his mind. Focus on the heroine, the woman you're with who just had to deal with someone you've been intimate with before and IS STILL IN YOUR LIFE. And she shows up again at the hospital when H/h have their baby? No. Just no. That's tacky.
The second happens during H/h separation. Heroine shows unexpectedly at H's house, and this woman was there...in the morning, coming on to him. Ugh. What now? And apparently it was never confirmed why she was there and if he slept with her again, years after the other times. If she was hitting on him, it implies they did nothing, but still doesn't explain why she was even there, let alone IN HIS HOUSE, or for that matter, why he was giving her the time of day if he was all about the heroine.
Claims to be totally safe, but I disagree based on my friend's review. https://bit.ly/2k9DuFn
Two instances of unnecessary OW drama, both women he's slept with previously. One is his SIL's sister, too close for comfort. Oh, and when she leaves after seeing them, H almost goes after her! That should've never even crossed his mind. Focus on the heroine, the woman you're with who just had to deal with someone you've been intimate with before and IS STILL IN YOUR LIFE. And she shows up again at the hospital when H/h have their baby? No. Just no. That's tacky.
The second happens during H/h separation. Heroine shows unexpectedly at H's house, and this woman was there...in the morning, coming on to him. Ugh. What now? And apparently it was never confirmed why she was there and if he slept with her again, years after the other times. If she was hitting on him, it implies they did nothing, but still doesn't explain why she was even there, let alone IN HIS HOUSE, or for that matter, why he was giving her the time of day if he was all about the heroine.
May 23, 2018
Fake It💕 Til You Make It 💘
Alpha Male Mafia🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 Romance with BDSM👋 Elements.
Falling In Love💘 With A Sex Crazed Animal🐺🍆🌋.
What are the chances that Ana Torretti💃💋, the daughter of a mob boss, would arbitrarily pick Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, the young Don of the Luciano Crime Family🔪🔫, the Torretti's mob rivals, out of a coffee house crowd?
She told her father she has a boyfriend. It's either Ana💋💃 comes up with a boyfriend or her father picks one of his own choosing for her! He'll pick a man who can eventually take over the Torretti family mob🔪🔫.
Ana💃💋 picks the tall, brutally handsome, Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 as her instant boyfriend to cover up the fact she doesn't have even a prospect of one !
Why Pretend? Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 thinks Ana💃💋 looks pretty hot, so he decides to play along. When he kisses💋 her, he knows He isn't going to play, this will be for real! He doesn't know she's the daughter of his bitter rival!
Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 owns a seven level BDSM👋 club called Seven, and he coerces Ana💃💋 to come there to see him. Each level upstairs in the club is more seriously into the BDSM👋 lifestyle, with level seven being the level where complete and total BDSM👋 submission is practiced.
Ana💃💋 wants to be free of the gilded cage her domineering father keeps her in. Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 thinks her surrendering and submitting to him sexually will free her from that cage. Yeah RIGHT.
That's like jumping from the frying pan into the 🔥fire! She's gonna get burned🔥🔥🔥!
Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 is a very baaaad naaasssty lover boy sex toy! Ana💃💋 is absolutely enthralled and mesmerized!
YEHAW! Ride Em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book📑with KU.
I liked this book📑 a lot, because I like mafia🔪🔫 romances, and because it's well written, cute, and sexy at the same time.
Alpha Male Mafia🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 Romance with BDSM👋 Elements.
Falling In Love💘 With A Sex Crazed Animal🐺🍆🌋.
What are the chances that Ana Torretti💃💋, the daughter of a mob boss, would arbitrarily pick Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, the young Don of the Luciano Crime Family🔪🔫, the Torretti's mob rivals, out of a coffee house crowd?
She told her father she has a boyfriend. It's either Ana💋💃 comes up with a boyfriend or her father picks one of his own choosing for her! He'll pick a man who can eventually take over the Torretti family mob🔪🔫.
Ana💃💋 picks the tall, brutally handsome, Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 as her instant boyfriend to cover up the fact she doesn't have even a prospect of one !
Why Pretend? Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 thinks Ana💃💋 looks pretty hot, so he decides to play along. When he kisses💋 her, he knows He isn't going to play, this will be for real! He doesn't know she's the daughter of his bitter rival!
Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 owns a seven level BDSM👋 club called Seven, and he coerces Ana💃💋 to come there to see him. Each level upstairs in the club is more seriously into the BDSM👋 lifestyle, with level seven being the level where complete and total BDSM👋 submission is practiced.
Ana💃💋 wants to be free of the gilded cage her domineering father keeps her in. Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 thinks her surrendering and submitting to him sexually will free her from that cage. Yeah RIGHT.
That's like jumping from the frying pan into the 🔥fire! She's gonna get burned🔥🔥🔥!
Angelo🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 is a very baaaad naaasssty lover boy sex toy! Ana💃💋 is absolutely enthralled and mesmerized!
YEHAW! Ride Em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book📑with KU.
I liked this book📑 a lot, because I like mafia🔪🔫 romances, and because it's well written, cute, and sexy at the same time.
May 21, 2018
I really enjoy Penelope Bloom and her books. This one is a mafia type book with the forbidden love story involved.
Ana is in need of a boyfriend. So when she finds someone in the coffee shop that she thinks will work, she walks right up to him and asks for his help.
Angelo has no idea what is going on when this beautiful woman asks him to be her fake boyfriend. But he does know he wants her. So when she stands him up at his club he goes and looks for her.
These two have some hot chemistry. Even when they find out they are from rival mafia families it doesn't stop them from wanting each other. They know they shouldn't and they know it might get them killed, but they want a future together and nothing will stop them, even a mobster.
I enjoyed this story and would reread it in a heartbeat. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review.
July 24, 2022
Anna feels like she is a tool for her father to use and when he tries to get her to meet the man, he has picked out for her, she has had enough so she does what any girl in her situation would do she lied and told her father that she already has a boyfriend now all she has to do is go out and find one. Desperate she asks the boy at the coffee shop to pretend to be her boyfriend but what she doesn't know is that he is an arch enemy of her fathers and now the fun begins. Angelo is captivated right from the start, but will this mafia princess be his downfall that is six feet under! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2018
I gave this story a 4 star because I like my heroines to have a backbone. I felt like Ana never stood up for herself. She basically did everything her father told her to do but complained about it. She did everything Angelo told her to do as well. I felt like she didn't have a mind of her own. I liked Angelo alot because to me he knew what he wanted and did whatever it took to get it. Good Mafia read!!!
May 23, 2018
Ana & Angelo have a connection as soon as they meet but both don’t realize they are each other’s enemies( well her fathers). Ana & Angelo, I really enjoyed their story and I like seeing what was going on with Enzo and Neela. The story was great, the characters I love and I’m hoping maybe to get more of Damian story.
May 23, 2018
I loved this book.
Everything about it made me smile and squeal.
I could not be more ready for Damian's story.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everything about it made me smile and squeal.
I could not be more ready for Damian's story.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2020
Excellent dark mafia romance, with some BDSM thrown in there. Loved it!!!!
This is an excellent story. Ana is a mafia princess. Her father, Rosiano Torretti, head of one the big mafia crime families. Ana's been raised her whole life knowing she is just "bait" for someone in her father's organization. She was trained to be the perfect wife so her father can marry her off to someone he deems worthy of running his organization. She is sick of hearing about how she needs to start dating an appropriate man so he can start training him to take over. She blurts out that she has a boyfriend and doesn't want to date someone else. Her father makes her text this so called boyfriend to meet her at a coffee shop so he can see if she's lying and to get a good look at the guy his daughter is dating. Ana texts some random guy in her phone and they sit outside the coffee shop waiting for her nonexistent boyfriend to show. When Angelo Luciani goes into the coffee shop Ana tells her dad that he is her boyfriend. She jumps out of the car and ends up convincing Angelo to pretend to be her boyfriend. Angelo decides he definitely wants a piece of Ana and he always gets what he wants. Grab this book today, you will not be disappointed. What happens when Ana's pretend boyfriend turns out to be the head of the Luciani crime family and is her dad's biggest rival? This is a wonderfully dark, intriguing tale with some BDSM thrown in. It captivated me from the very beginning and had some interesting twists and turns throughout the story. This is a must read for all dark mafia romance lovers out there.
This is an excellent story. Ana is a mafia princess. Her father, Rosiano Torretti, head of one the big mafia crime families. Ana's been raised her whole life knowing she is just "bait" for someone in her father's organization. She was trained to be the perfect wife so her father can marry her off to someone he deems worthy of running his organization. She is sick of hearing about how she needs to start dating an appropriate man so he can start training him to take over. She blurts out that she has a boyfriend and doesn't want to date someone else. Her father makes her text this so called boyfriend to meet her at a coffee shop so he can see if she's lying and to get a good look at the guy his daughter is dating. Ana texts some random guy in her phone and they sit outside the coffee shop waiting for her nonexistent boyfriend to show. When Angelo Luciani goes into the coffee shop Ana tells her dad that he is her boyfriend. She jumps out of the car and ends up convincing Angelo to pretend to be her boyfriend. Angelo decides he definitely wants a piece of Ana and he always gets what he wants. Grab this book today, you will not be disappointed. What happens when Ana's pretend boyfriend turns out to be the head of the Luciani crime family and is her dad's biggest rival? This is a wonderfully dark, intriguing tale with some BDSM thrown in. It captivated me from the very beginning and had some interesting twists and turns throughout the story. This is a must read for all dark mafia romance lovers out there.
May 20, 2018
Baby for the Brute: A Fake Boyfriend Romance By:Penelope BloomBattling Mafiosos with a Touch of Romeo & Juliet...
They're both Mafia, only they don't know it!
She's determined to gain some autonomy from her father & desperately approaches an out of her reach stranger in a coffee shop...
Her shakily asked question, "Will You Be My Boyfriend?!" sets both their world's on Fire in many ways!!
D@mn, She's a looker! That's ALL He's thinking as He grabs the Sweetest @$$ & k¡$$€$$ the daylights outta the Redheaded beauty in front of him...
Little does He realize that his k¡$$€$$ are going to lead to More than just a simple F*(|<...
This book contains BDSM elements, & is intended for readers over 18; if that's not your type of reading genre, please don't tip your toes into this book because you won't enjoy it. Plus, leaving an unfavorable review, because it's not your cup of tea, is unfair to the author. That said, you've been warned to expect KINK & that's what you'll get here.
I was granted an ARC of Penelope Bloom's "Baby for the Brute: A Fake Boyfriend Romance" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
June 16, 2018
I read this book as part of an arc program. I really enjoyed this romance between Angelo and Ana. Ana was a mob princess and she told her father she had a boyfriend in order to get him to stop trying to marry her off. When she was in a coffee shop, she saw a man and asked him if he would play along and pretend to be her boyfriend. Angelo agrees if she would meet him later at his club. Angelo owned his own private club that was a nightclub on the lower level and each level above had a different level of BDSM. Angelo was a Dom and also head of a mob family. He knew Ana was a submissive and he wanted to get her to submit to him. Angelo didn't have relationships, but there was something about Ana that captivated him. When she didn't show at the club, he tracked her down in college and told her to show up that night, or he would find her again. Ana did go and they had a great connection. Angelo didn't know who her father was and she didn't know he was head of the rival family until they were together for awhile and they wanted to keep seeing each other. When Ana's father found out they were seeing each other, he took her home and wouldn't let her go out alone anymore. Angelo wanted to try and forget about her, but found he couldn't and he wanted to still be with her. When Angelo learned Ana was pregnant, he vowed to stop at nothing to get her back. I really liked this story and thought Ana was really good for Angelo. Ana helped him feel again and showed him he was more than the head of a crime family. Angelo wanted her to be his, but also wanted her to be herself and choose him. Good one.
May 20, 2018
Baby for the Brute is a mafia romance with a slight Romeo and Juliet feel, mixed in with a pretend boyfriend, light scenes of dominance, and a fight for their love. Mafia Princess Ana tries to be a good girl for her father to keep the peace, but she knows she’s just a pawn in his game. Running into Angelo was just supposed to be a show for her father, a pretend boyfriend, but at first glance, he knows he needs more. Knowing their relationship could only result in flames and war, Ana and Angelo still try, but once a baby is in her belly all bets are off. Can Ana and Angelo be together for their baby or will their relationship end like as a tragedy?
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book! There was a lot of drama and a big hill in front of Ana and Angelo, but their love kept me reading until past my bedtime! Angelo was all alpha, and I loved all that he was willing to do for Ana! I actually really loved that their passion resulted in a way for Ana to let go of all of her stress and proprietary that she needs around her father. She was so strong and sure of her love for Angelo, too. Her father made a pretty great villain and I loved the scene of Angelo’s men vs. her father’s men and just seeing the physical differences. I also loved seeing familiar faces and characters, because this book can completely stand alone, it does relate to Baby for the Beast. All around, I really enjoyed this fabulous book!
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book! There was a lot of drama and a big hill in front of Ana and Angelo, but their love kept me reading until past my bedtime! Angelo was all alpha, and I loved all that he was willing to do for Ana! I actually really loved that their passion resulted in a way for Ana to let go of all of her stress and proprietary that she needs around her father. She was so strong and sure of her love for Angelo, too. Her father made a pretty great villain and I loved the scene of Angelo’s men vs. her father’s men and just seeing the physical differences. I also loved seeing familiar faces and characters, because this book can completely stand alone, it does relate to Baby for the Beast. All around, I really enjoyed this fabulous book!
May 30, 2018
Possible spoilers after the first part.
I liked the relationship between Ana and Angelo. It had a semblance of truth to it than made you believe in their love. The story was ok. The hint of BDSM was there but never really played out. The hint of mafia was there but it was never fully played out either. The story was more about the two main characters meeting and how their life complicated their relationship. I really thought it might take off in another tangent. It could have gone very dark. However, the story was written well enough to feel satisfied with it hence the rating. But the rating does reflect some dissatisfaction.
Nella's sister might have added a depth to the story as another victim or villian who then might have redeemed herself later on or in another book. The hint was there too. So much was left on the table which might have given this book a ... must read...one of the best...comments.
I was a bit baffled at the ignorance early on in the story when Ana meets Angelo. Why wouldn't one head of a crime family recognize the other? That someone in either organization wouldn't recognize him? Why would he be alone without one of his men? An explanation was given for why the two main characters didn't know each other but the rest didn't make sense. Imagine the fireworks if her father realized that she was acknowledging his rival as her boyfriend, the story as written falls apart but it might have lead to a whole other, more intriguing and darker read.
I liked the relationship between Ana and Angelo. It had a semblance of truth to it than made you believe in their love. The story was ok. The hint of BDSM was there but never really played out. The hint of mafia was there but it was never fully played out either. The story was more about the two main characters meeting and how their life complicated their relationship. I really thought it might take off in another tangent. It could have gone very dark. However, the story was written well enough to feel satisfied with it hence the rating. But the rating does reflect some dissatisfaction.
Nella's sister might have added a depth to the story as another victim or villian who then might have redeemed herself later on or in another book. The hint was there too. So much was left on the table which might have given this book a ... must read...one of the best...comments.
I was a bit baffled at the ignorance early on in the story when Ana meets Angelo. Why wouldn't one head of a crime family recognize the other? That someone in either organization wouldn't recognize him? Why would he be alone without one of his men? An explanation was given for why the two main characters didn't know each other but the rest didn't make sense. Imagine the fireworks if her father realized that she was acknowledging his rival as her boyfriend, the story as written falls apart but it might have lead to a whole other, more intriguing and darker read.
May 23, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Ana has always been brought up to be a bargaining chip in her fathers business. Being the daughter of a Mafia boss has had its advantages but now her father is trying to set her up on a date. She lies and says she already has a boyfriend so her father makes her message him to meet them at the coffee shop. She doesn’t have many options that fit the description she gave until Angelo walks in. He agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend but expects a date from her in return. When she stands him up he hunts her down and gets her to meet him at his club. On date two she realises that he is Angelo Luciani head of the other rival family in the city. After their date he takes her to his brother Enzo’s house and her father and his goons show up to retrieve her. She goes with him to keep the peace but finds herself housebound for her troubles. Months later Angelo notices she disappears and finds her father is trying to hide her pregnancy. This is where the chaos begins.
I don’t really like mafia stories, probably because we were inundated with them a year ago. I have already read the previous book in the series so seemed like I should give it a go. I can say it’s okay, it didn’t wow me so I can’t give five stars but it is completely readable.
Ana has always been brought up to be a bargaining chip in her fathers business. Being the daughter of a Mafia boss has had its advantages but now her father is trying to set her up on a date. She lies and says she already has a boyfriend so her father makes her message him to meet them at the coffee shop. She doesn’t have many options that fit the description she gave until Angelo walks in. He agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend but expects a date from her in return. When she stands him up he hunts her down and gets her to meet him at his club. On date two she realises that he is Angelo Luciani head of the other rival family in the city. After their date he takes her to his brother Enzo’s house and her father and his goons show up to retrieve her. She goes with him to keep the peace but finds herself housebound for her troubles. Months later Angelo notices she disappears and finds her father is trying to hide her pregnancy. This is where the chaos begins.
I don’t really like mafia stories, probably because we were inundated with them a year ago. I have already read the previous book in the series so seemed like I should give it a go. I can say it’s okay, it didn’t wow me so I can’t give five stars but it is completely readable.
June 15, 2018
Ana is a mafia princess and her father wants to set her up with a suitable suitor but she doesn't want that for her life so she claims that she has a boyfriend already. So as he wants to meet him she tells her father that she's meeting her boyfriend at a coffee shop, but is she to do as she has no boyfriend?? In walks Angelo and, oh my, he is gorgeous! She goes up and he agrees to pretend on the understanding that she will actually go on a date with him. What neither knows is that they both belong to rival mafia families!! This latest story by Penelope Bloom will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, unwilling to put your book down until you reach the fantastic conclusion. The passion between these two lovers is throughout the story and is what keeps them hoping for a HEA with all the discord and the animosity between the two families. But how is this going to be possible?? Secrets will come out that could make things better or worse? I loved baby For The Beast, but this is even better and I couldn't pit it down. I am really looking forward to reading Penelope's next romantic adventure!! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
May 18, 2018
This is a Mafia love story between two rival families. Ana has been raised knowing she would have to marry and become the perfect Mafia wife and it’s her father’s goal is to marry her to someone in his organization and have him take over the family business. Ana’s father pressures her to start dating an appropriate man and Ana being feed up tells him she has a boyfriend. Her dad makes Ana meet him at a local coffee shop so he can get a good look at him and they wait until a man walks in and Ana goes in to speak with him. The man is Angelo and he listens to her plan and sees what he likes and agrees to be her pretend boyfriend. Angelo is man who gets what he wants and he definitely wants Ana. There is a problem that Ana and Angelo never realized that they are from rival mob families. Her dad, Ana and Angelo have an interesting journey. This story has some darkness with some BDSM and a fairy tale feel to it! Can Angelo get Ana to be his for real and will Ana be able to handle what she got herself into? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2018
The saga continues on the Luciani brother’s and this one about Angelo, the brother who takes over for Enzo in the family mob. A chance meeting with Ana at a coffee shop has her coming on t him and pretending that he is her boyfriend to get her father off of her back. Problem is she’s the daughter of a rival mob family and her dad is the head. They can’t stay away from each other and when her father finds out...blood will be spilled but can the two find a HEA or will they end up like Romeo & Juliet.
A great read with some action, mob rivals, steamy scenes and BDSM and I loved what happened when Angelo pushes past her limits on the 3rd floor...wasn’t expected and took me by surprise and secretly I was hoping it would happen. I enjoyed these two and what they go through to be together, as well as how open and honest they were with each other, not hiding their true selves. I also loved their ending, what Angelo does for Ana and how it all works out. Only thing that bothered me was I still don’t know what happened between Angelo and Jess in the first book and it isn’t explained in this one either.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A great read with some action, mob rivals, steamy scenes and BDSM and I loved what happened when Angelo pushes past her limits on the 3rd floor...wasn’t expected and took me by surprise and secretly I was hoping it would happen. I enjoyed these two and what they go through to be together, as well as how open and honest they were with each other, not hiding their true selves. I also loved their ending, what Angelo does for Ana and how it all works out. Only thing that bothered me was I still don’t know what happened between Angelo and Jess in the first book and it isn’t explained in this one either.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
May 20, 2018
This is a wonderful, intriguing book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book is about: the rivalry between two opposing mafia families and the love that develops between a mafia princess (Anabella aka Ana) and a mafia crime lord (Angelo), the two of them go through a lot of trials & tribulations to get their HEA. What you will find in this book is: drama, intrigue, suspense, twists & turns, adventure, action, rivalry, a domineering controlling father, attractions, secrets, some violence, fear, threats, some BDSM, a unexpected surprise, lust, passion, love and steamy scenes. The characters are well developed and entwine well with each other with regards to the situation they find themselves in and react with fears, doubts, needs and desires. The story-line is well thought out and written, it keeps the readers attention. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a well-written mafia romance.
May 20, 2018
This is a good fake boyfriend Mafia romance featuring a sheltered, subservient Mafioso princess with a growing rebellious streak, and the Dominant, alpha Don of a rival crime family. The story is well written and flows smoothly, with some intrigue, minor threats of violence, some humour and some steamy, but mild BDSM scenes. We were first introduced to Angelo in ‘Baby for the Beast’ and now find him the head of the Luciani crime family. He’s a man with a violent past and a nothing-to-lose attitude. Unwittingly, Ana approaches Angelo to be her fake boyfriend. She’s desperate to keep her father from forcing her to date a man he’s considering for her husband. Sparks fly between the H&h and their chemistry is hot. There’s definitely a Romeo and Juliet forbidden romance vibe to this tale and as such I found the story a bit predictable at times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2018
This is a great second story about the Luciani family, about the second brother, Angelo. I love how meeting the right woman can totally change these strong men's lives for the better but of course they resist the fall into love and then they must fight to keep their love with them, in this case Ana comes from his mortal enemies family... lol.
Their love stays strong despite all the ups and downs they must go through to get their happy ever after.
Love this family, I fall in love with them even more each story that shares more of their lives. While this is a second story, you could read this story without reading the first one (Baby for the Beast) but I'd highly recommend you do because you'll understand more of the families background when you meet up again with Enzo and Neela; plus their story is pretty awesome too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their love stays strong despite all the ups and downs they must go through to get their happy ever after.
Love this family, I fall in love with them even more each story that shares more of their lives. While this is a second story, you could read this story without reading the first one (Baby for the Beast) but I'd highly recommend you do because you'll understand more of the families background when you meet up again with Enzo and Neela; plus their story is pretty awesome too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2018
This was was such a cute take on the whole romeo and juliet warring families and someone falling in love with someone they shouldnt even be talking to. Bringing back some folks that we have fallen in lovewith from past books. Remener that hard working office worker that was finally going on vacation and didnt want to take a second away from her vacation so she wore her bathing suit to the airport and ended up not being able to fly out but met an incredible hunk and hooked up with him inan empty room! Hes there. But back to the book baby for the brute. So this story follows Enzo's (baby for the beast) middle brother Angelo. Whowas just trying to get himself a cup of coffee when a frighten little bird comes in and ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend, little does she know that one look at her and he doesnt want to settle for pretend boyfriend. This is a quick mafia story by the talented Ms Penelope Bloom. You will not be disappointed with this story. 🍷🌃👪🔰
May 25, 2018
Penelope Bloom has always been a favorite author of mine. Her books are not cookie-cutter. And this is a great example. Although we have all read mafia romances, in how many of them have you heard of the head, in this case they are referring to older brother Enzo from book 1, giving up his position as Don, to be with his wife and child? Original, right? It casts a different light on the Luciani brothers. Also the fact that one of their best friends, billionaire Damian, is around them all the time, and has absolutely nothing to do with the mafia! This book is steamy, sexy, a little dark, romantic, shows both a loving family and a controlling family, love, support, fun, brutality, all aspects of emotion from the characters. Penelope Bloom proves once again she is a great writer and storyteller, keeping us captivated until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2018
Ana Torretti is a college student that happens to be a prisoner in her own home. She wants more out of life than being a mafia princess. Ana's rebellious streak comes forward when she says she has a boyfriend but clearly doesn't have one. Ana approaches a handsome stranger asking to be her fake boyfriend. Angelo Luciani is stunned by this beautiful doe-eyed girl asking to be her fake boyfriend. Little did either of them know their worlds are about to collide in ways neither of them expected. Will Angelo become Ana's boyfriend? Will Ana's rebellion work? Your answers await you in Baby for the Brute.
I loved the characters and story! The characters and story were rich, bold, flawed, dangerous, mysterious, unique, complicated, complex, raw, and real. I look forward to more of Ms. Bloom's work in the future.
I loved the characters and story! The characters and story were rich, bold, flawed, dangerous, mysterious, unique, complicated, complex, raw, and real. I look forward to more of Ms. Bloom's work in the future.
May 19, 2018
Good read...
Ana's father is the head of a mafia family. She feels like bait, like an imprisoned tool her father is waiting to use for his own gain. When he tries to get her to meet a suitor he has picked out for her, Ana lies and says she has a boyfriend. Then she sees Angelo at a coffee shop and asks him to play boyfriend for her. The attraction is immediate and they end up meeting up and exploring their desires. Then they realize who they are. She's a mafia princess and he is her father's biggest rival. What happens now that they have a true connection? What happens when they find out a baby is on its way?
This is an entertaining story with steam and sweetness.... Definitely a feces read.
Ana's father is the head of a mafia family. She feels like bait, like an imprisoned tool her father is waiting to use for his own gain. When he tries to get her to meet a suitor he has picked out for her, Ana lies and says she has a boyfriend. Then she sees Angelo at a coffee shop and asks him to play boyfriend for her. The attraction is immediate and they end up meeting up and exploring their desires. Then they realize who they are. She's a mafia princess and he is her father's biggest rival. What happens now that they have a true connection? What happens when they find out a baby is on its way?
This is an entertaining story with steam and sweetness.... Definitely a feces read.
May 19, 2018
What happens when Mafia Princess Ana Torretti unknowingly propositions Angelo Luciani Dom for a rival crime family?
OH.....
A new world opens up for them both finding physical and emotional pleasures, seeing the world beyond the mafia.. but getting to the happier times these two chance loves, will have to face some dark times.
Okay, I thought Enzo was my favorite, SIGH move over Enz, you have been replaced! Angelo is all male alpha, with a heart of gold thats tainted, gruff, witty and protective to a fault, I couldn't help but like the guy!
Passion filled pages, hearts breaking, mending, then breaking again, this fast-moving delectable mobbed up on the dark side, needed a fake boyfriend romance was pure genius!
OH.....
A new world opens up for them both finding physical and emotional pleasures, seeing the world beyond the mafia.. but getting to the happier times these two chance loves, will have to face some dark times.
Okay, I thought Enzo was my favorite, SIGH move over Enz, you have been replaced! Angelo is all male alpha, with a heart of gold thats tainted, gruff, witty and protective to a fault, I couldn't help but like the guy!
Passion filled pages, hearts breaking, mending, then breaking again, this fast-moving delectable mobbed up on the dark side, needed a fake boyfriend romance was pure genius!
May 20, 2018
I received this book in advance for a voluntary honest review. Anabella has been groomed to be bait for the perfect man to take over her father’s place as head of a mafia family. Desperate for a chance at her own life she lies and tells him she has a boyfriend. Running into a coffee shop she approaches the sexiest man she’s ever met and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend. Angelo runs a rival mafia and as spouses he lays eyes on Ana he vows to have her. Unbeknownst to each other they have no idea they’re rival families. Soon that doesn’t matter when Angelo learns Ana is pregnant with his baby and her father is holding her hostage. Love conquers all in this sexy, action packed mafia story with hotness and steam.
May 20, 2018
This story detailing the romance between a mafia crime boss and a mafia princess from a rival family is a great read. Common sense would say there's no way that a couple from opposing families could ever succeed but this story proves that with love, anything is possible! Ana's rebellion against her father's iron fist sparks at the beginning of the story and continues to grow throughout; and while Angelo might be the mafia bad boy when the story opens, falling for Ana turns him into a sweet and caring hero. The characters are very likable and have a lot of chemistry. The story kept me turning the pages and I really enjoyed it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
May 20, 2018
I loved the way book started out. It was really great moment when they met and the chemistry already sizzling between them.
The moment that Angelo got me on his side is when he took Ana to the private screening of a veeery good movie. I'm not telling which, but I loved it.
The theme of the book is fresh and the book itself is funny on some parts and on the other nail - biteingly interesting that I really couldn't put it down.
"I need your walls choking the life out of my cock. I need your hands on my back. Your tongue on my mouth. I need to taste you. I need you Ana. I F***ing need you so bad it hurts!"
Angelo
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The moment that Angelo got me on his side is when he took Ana to the private screening of a veeery good movie. I'm not telling which, but I loved it.
The theme of the book is fresh and the book itself is funny on some parts and on the other nail - biteingly interesting that I really couldn't put it down.
"I need your walls choking the life out of my cock. I need your hands on my back. Your tongue on my mouth. I need to taste you. I need you Ana. I F***ing need you so bad it hurts!"
Angelo
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2018
I love Ana and Angelo's story. Ana is the daughter of one of the two rival mafia leaders. He has kept her under his strict control for her entire life. She has been accepting of that until she decides to pretend to have a boyfriend. She ends up meeting sexy Angelo, when she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend. The attraction is instantaneous for both of them. They quickly find that there are some serious problems that make their relationship a terrible idea. Angelo turns out to be a stand up guy and willing to do whatever it takes to overcome the obstacles. The characters were well written and lovable. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2018
This was a good read! The writing flowed well, and the story was good. I was tired of mafia stories for awhile, but after taking a break, I was ready to jump back in :) Angelo and Ana were great together, and their chemistry was hot! I love the fake boyfriend story line, and it had even more of a twist with the mafia angle thrown in. Ana's father was a pretty crappy human being, and I would have loved to have more of a closure with that. I felt like he got off too easy with the things he had done to her. I liked that Angelo wasn't willing to give up on Ana and fight for her. I'm hoping that Gino and Damien get their own stories as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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