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Tainted Hearts #1-3
The Mafia And His Angel: Parts 1-3
The Tainted Hearts box set brings you the dark tale of a ruthless mafia boss finding his angel…and then waging a war to keep her.
He was a man who wasn’t put on this earth to be loved, but to kill. And she was a woman who was nothing more than an object to be used. They weren’t meant to find each other in this dark, cruel world. But they did, and now it’s war because there’s no way in hell he’ll let anyone take her from him.
He was feared.
She was hunted.
Together they will fight to win this war.
This box set includes Parts 1-3 in The Tainted Hearts series.
He was a man who wasn’t put on this earth to be loved, but to kill. And she was a woman who was nothing more than an object to be used. They weren’t meant to find each other in this dark, cruel world. But they did, and now it’s war because there’s no way in hell he’ll let anyone take her from him.
He was feared.
She was hunted.
Together they will fight to win this war.
This box set includes Parts 1-3 in The Tainted Hearts series.
945 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2018
451 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Lylah James
22 books4,975 followersAuthor of The Mafia and His Angel. Creator of Alessio Ivanshov and Aylessio.
Reading is her first love and always will be.
Writing is her passion. She writes because the voices in her head won't stop and because they deserve to be heard and read. Lylah James writes about drool worthy and total alpha males, with strong and sweet heroines. She makes her readers cry - sob their eyes out, swoon, curse, rage and fall in love. Mostly known as the Queen of cliffhanger and the #evilauthorwithablacksoul, she likes to break her readers' hearts and then mend them again.
She uses all her spare time to write. If she is not studying, sleeping, writing or working - she can found with her nose buried in a good romance book, preferably with a hot alpha male.
Reading is her first love and always will be.
Writing is her passion. She writes because the voices in her head won't stop and because they deserve to be heard and read. Lylah James writes about drool worthy and total alpha males, with strong and sweet heroines. She makes her readers cry - sob their eyes out, swoon, curse, rage and fall in love. Mostly known as the Queen of cliffhanger and the #evilauthorwithablacksoul, she likes to break her readers' hearts and then mend them again.
She uses all her spare time to write. If she is not studying, sleeping, writing or working - she can found with her nose buried in a good romance book, preferably with a hot alpha male.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Want to read
September 30, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/24/2019)! 🎁
July 30, 2018
Unbelievably heartbreaking. It took me a while to read all three books but it was really worth it. After reading these books, I am now convinced that soul mates really exist. I admit I skipped some pages because of some gruesome moments but they absolutely needed to be there. If you are looking for a unique love them I highly recommend this box set.
August 3, 2018
I had been waiting to read these stories by Lalah James for a bit now. I couldn't tell you what the wait was but they had been on my TBR list for a while. So I finally found the time to read them and I have to say I am happy I read them, but there really wasn't anything hugely special about them. I hate to say that, but right from the beginning, I didn't feel any connection between the two main characters.
Alessio and Ayla have no feelings towards each other even when the author is trying to make you think they do. I really couldn't take it for very long. I did finish this story but it took me a few days to be honest. I am going to give the next book a try and see if those characters have a connection. Let's hope for the best.
March 14, 2024
Love this!
Thus series is si addicting. Alessio and Ayla oh my goodness. Their relationship is steamy. I cannot wait to read the second book.
Thus series is si addicting. Alessio and Ayla oh my goodness. Their relationship is steamy. I cannot wait to read the second book.
June 10, 2018
I've already read all three of these amazing books that totally drew me in & obsessed me completely, so I'm just adding my reviews to the the series box set, as I wished I had gotten to read them all at once!
Part 1:
Alessio has grown up to be a powerful leader in the Russian Bratva, who has one huge goal, which is to get rid of every member of Abandonato mafia, after they killed his mother when he was a child. He has no time for love, or distractions, until he finds a beaten girl under his bed, shaking up his controlled world. Instead of letting her go, he gives her the choice to work for him, while he tries to find out who she really is. Ayla has been through the ringer in her short existence, and has suffered immensely, so she's sure that Alessio will be another man who will use, and hurt her. And while she's under his roof, she starts to learn that there's a heart under the fearsome exterior. But will his ruthlessness, or his heart win out when he learns who she truly is?! OMG I'M SO JACKED UP after finishing this book, that my mind is blown! Every insane emotion that I possess is out in full force, and running amok now. I LOVED Ayla, but Alessio still has me pissed off completely. I'm so tired of men thinking they can do anything they want no matter who it hurts, and I just want to junk punch him over and over again. I know he's yummy and all, but still, his douche decisions still have me enraged. This story is heart pounding from cover to cover, and I'm still dropping loud f-bombs hours after finishing. Lylah James' talented writing style had me instantly captivated from the very beginning, and I didn't move until I finished every page including the credits. Now the other thing that has me insane was that ending...the cliffy that I was left with has me adding her to the list of author's trying TO KILL ME DEAD, and so she shall forevermore be hash tagged #EVILWHORE! I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on the next part two parts, and I may or may not be stalking her social media now! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Part 2:
I was super excited to get this story, as Part 1 left me hanging, but while I knew that the Tainted Heart series was 3 parts, I'm still MAD AS HELL! Especially since I'm hanging off the side of a cliff by my last finger, with the wind blowing hard, after that ending! Before I go off the deep end with my insane emotions, let me say YOU HAVE TO (let me reiterate, HAVE TO) READ PART 1 FIRST! Back to my insanity I go. Lylah James, with her brilliant writing style just upped her own ante with Part 2, and while I adore my new addiction, I called her all kinds of colorful metaphors during this one. And I added her to my list of authors trying to KILL ME DEAD, after Part 1, with a new hashtag of #EVILWHORE, she's gotten promoted to #EVILWHOREQUEEN now. Anyone who reads this review may wonder why I'm not giving an actual description of the story, but see here's the thing, if I try to do so, I will give things away, as I'm still very very very jacked up, but I don't believe in spoiler douchery. But I will give this, it's the continuing story of the powerful & dangerous Alessio, and his Angel Ayla, and boy is it a doozie! Twists and turns were around every corner which had loud f-bombs dropping out of my mouth, while waiting on secrets to be revealed had me on the edge of my seat with heart racing. And that's all I'm giving, so if you want more, I suggest you board the crazy train with me! Part 3 CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH, like I will snap if I have to wait, SOON ENOUGH, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take this exciting ride with me!
Part 3:
Oh Layla James, you brilliant genius! I wasn't sure how she was going to get out of Book 2 to a great conclusion, but she did it in SPECTACULAR FASHION! Oh and guess what? This is Part 3, so YOU MUST READ Parts 1&2 FIRST! I'm not going to go into details because no spoiler douchery happening here, so going to just post my dramatic feelings, and they are many! First of all, the author did a brilliant job at not having something so traumatic happening, and all of a sudden everything is okay. No it was a journey at it's finest, written with true emotion, which nearly brought me to my knees. The twists that have been around every corner, are ever present again, which still have me dropping f-bombs but also answering all the questions that led to said f-bombs. Ayla & Alessio are forever in my heart, while the entertaining cast of secondaries had me laughing and/or shedding a tear or two. Then when my heart was full, and yet, saddened by the end, when those magic words appeared, "The End. Or is it?" So now I'm filled with excitement & impatience to read more of these characters that I'll NEVER EVER get enough of! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Part 3, Lylah James, and the Tainted Hearts series to ALL! (Oh and #SorryNotSorry for a short review, because I don't want to waste the time it will take you to JUST READ IT YOURSELVES!)
I have to say it again, I wished that I had them all at once, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and YES, HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Part 1:
Alessio has grown up to be a powerful leader in the Russian Bratva, who has one huge goal, which is to get rid of every member of Abandonato mafia, after they killed his mother when he was a child. He has no time for love, or distractions, until he finds a beaten girl under his bed, shaking up his controlled world. Instead of letting her go, he gives her the choice to work for him, while he tries to find out who she really is. Ayla has been through the ringer in her short existence, and has suffered immensely, so she's sure that Alessio will be another man who will use, and hurt her. And while she's under his roof, she starts to learn that there's a heart under the fearsome exterior. But will his ruthlessness, or his heart win out when he learns who she truly is?! OMG I'M SO JACKED UP after finishing this book, that my mind is blown! Every insane emotion that I possess is out in full force, and running amok now. I LOVED Ayla, but Alessio still has me pissed off completely. I'm so tired of men thinking they can do anything they want no matter who it hurts, and I just want to junk punch him over and over again. I know he's yummy and all, but still, his douche decisions still have me enraged. This story is heart pounding from cover to cover, and I'm still dropping loud f-bombs hours after finishing. Lylah James' talented writing style had me instantly captivated from the very beginning, and I didn't move until I finished every page including the credits. Now the other thing that has me insane was that ending...the cliffy that I was left with has me adding her to the list of author's trying TO KILL ME DEAD, and so she shall forevermore be hash tagged #EVILWHORE! I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on the next part two parts, and I may or may not be stalking her social media now! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Part 2:
I was super excited to get this story, as Part 1 left me hanging, but while I knew that the Tainted Heart series was 3 parts, I'm still MAD AS HELL! Especially since I'm hanging off the side of a cliff by my last finger, with the wind blowing hard, after that ending! Before I go off the deep end with my insane emotions, let me say YOU HAVE TO (let me reiterate, HAVE TO) READ PART 1 FIRST! Back to my insanity I go. Lylah James, with her brilliant writing style just upped her own ante with Part 2, and while I adore my new addiction, I called her all kinds of colorful metaphors during this one. And I added her to my list of authors trying to KILL ME DEAD, after Part 1, with a new hashtag of #EVILWHORE, she's gotten promoted to #EVILWHOREQUEEN now. Anyone who reads this review may wonder why I'm not giving an actual description of the story, but see here's the thing, if I try to do so, I will give things away, as I'm still very very very jacked up, but I don't believe in spoiler douchery. But I will give this, it's the continuing story of the powerful & dangerous Alessio, and his Angel Ayla, and boy is it a doozie! Twists and turns were around every corner which had loud f-bombs dropping out of my mouth, while waiting on secrets to be revealed had me on the edge of my seat with heart racing. And that's all I'm giving, so if you want more, I suggest you board the crazy train with me! Part 3 CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH, like I will snap if I have to wait, SOON ENOUGH, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take this exciting ride with me!
Part 3:
Oh Layla James, you brilliant genius! I wasn't sure how she was going to get out of Book 2 to a great conclusion, but she did it in SPECTACULAR FASHION! Oh and guess what? This is Part 3, so YOU MUST READ Parts 1&2 FIRST! I'm not going to go into details because no spoiler douchery happening here, so going to just post my dramatic feelings, and they are many! First of all, the author did a brilliant job at not having something so traumatic happening, and all of a sudden everything is okay. No it was a journey at it's finest, written with true emotion, which nearly brought me to my knees. The twists that have been around every corner, are ever present again, which still have me dropping f-bombs but also answering all the questions that led to said f-bombs. Ayla & Alessio are forever in my heart, while the entertaining cast of secondaries had me laughing and/or shedding a tear or two. Then when my heart was full, and yet, saddened by the end, when those magic words appeared, "The End. Or is it?" So now I'm filled with excitement & impatience to read more of these characters that I'll NEVER EVER get enough of! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Part 3, Lylah James, and the Tainted Hearts series to ALL! (Oh and #SorryNotSorry for a short review, because I don't want to waste the time it will take you to JUST READ IT YOURSELVES!)
I have to say it again, I wished that I had them all at once, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and YES, HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
June 23, 2022
Heartbreaking journey to their HEA all in this box set!
If you love your characters to face angst and strife on their way to their HEA The Mafia and His Angel is a book for you.
Alessio is the king of the Russian mafia who's earned his brutal reputation. As a young boy, Alessio witnessed Alfredo Abandonato, boss of the Italian mafia, murdering Alessio's mother. On his quest to avenge his mother's death eleven year old Alessio kills his first Abandonato vowing to kill every member of that crime family.
Ayla Abandonato has suffered her whole life. Beginning with losing her mother when she was a toddler and being ignored and hidden by her father, she faces terror nightly as her fiance sexually assaults her while emotionally and mentally abusing her. When Ayla fears she can no longer go on, she attempts to flee her prison and her abusers. Making her way out a window to a nearby parked car Ayla hides in the backseat and is transported to what she hopes will be safety. How then does she find herself hiding under the bed in a stranger's room with a fierce looking Alessio Ivanshov pointing a gun at her? Scared to reveal her true identity Ayla provides a false last name. Intrigued by this small, timid girl hiding under his bed Alessio offers her room and board in return for working as a maid. Thus sets up the story of our star crossed lovers.
This romance starts off with a slow burn beginning giving us lots of scenes of desire and angst. Parts two and three heat up quickly with many sexy times in the bedroom!
However, it's the heartbreaking story of Alessio learning who his angel really is and Ayla having to once again face her tormentor that really makes this a five star read. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat and the events break your heart before giving you the satisfaction of vengeance and reuniting lovers. I highly recommend The Mafia and His Angel by Lylah James.
If you love your characters to face angst and strife on their way to their HEA The Mafia and His Angel is a book for you.
Alessio is the king of the Russian mafia who's earned his brutal reputation. As a young boy, Alessio witnessed Alfredo Abandonato, boss of the Italian mafia, murdering Alessio's mother. On his quest to avenge his mother's death eleven year old Alessio kills his first Abandonato vowing to kill every member of that crime family.
Ayla Abandonato has suffered her whole life. Beginning with losing her mother when she was a toddler and being ignored and hidden by her father, she faces terror nightly as her fiance sexually assaults her while emotionally and mentally abusing her. When Ayla fears she can no longer go on, she attempts to flee her prison and her abusers. Making her way out a window to a nearby parked car Ayla hides in the backseat and is transported to what she hopes will be safety. How then does she find herself hiding under the bed in a stranger's room with a fierce looking Alessio Ivanshov pointing a gun at her? Scared to reveal her true identity Ayla provides a false last name. Intrigued by this small, timid girl hiding under his bed Alessio offers her room and board in return for working as a maid. Thus sets up the story of our star crossed lovers.
This romance starts off with a slow burn beginning giving us lots of scenes of desire and angst. Parts two and three heat up quickly with many sexy times in the bedroom!
However, it's the heartbreaking story of Alessio learning who his angel really is and Ayla having to once again face her tormentor that really makes this a five star read. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat and the events break your heart before giving you the satisfaction of vengeance and reuniting lovers. I highly recommend The Mafia and His Angel by Lylah James.
September 2, 2019
Fantastic series!!
Want to read
April 22, 2020
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
The Tainted Hearts box set brings you the dark tale of a ruthless mafia boss finding his angel…and then waging a war to keep her.
He was a man who wasn’t put on this earth to be loved, but to kill. And she was a woman who was nothing more than an object to be used. They weren’t meant to find each other in this dark, cruel world. But they did, and now it’s war because there’s no way in hell he’ll let anyone take her from him.
He was feared.
She was hunted.
Together they will fight to win this war.
This box set includes Parts 1-3 in The Tainted Hearts series.
Merged review:
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
The Tainted Hearts box set brings you the dark tale of a ruthless mafia boss finding his angel…and then waging a war to keep her.
He was a man who wasn’t put on this earth to be loved, but to kill. And she was a woman who was nothing more than an object to be used. They weren’t meant to find each other in this dark, cruel world. But they did, and now it’s war because there’s no way in hell he’ll let anyone take her from him.
He was feared.
She was hunted.
Together they will fight to win this war.
This box set includes Parts 1-3 in The Tainted Hearts series.
Read
April 11, 2025I actually stopped reading at third book as I felt I had gone as far as I wanted to go with this couple. I struggled with some of the narrative and with multiple POVs one of my gripes is the author retelling the exact same scene in the next chapter from another point of view. It affects pace, stalls the plot and if you have been on an emotional journey through that scene, and then have to read it again, some of it word for word.... gah... I dunno.... I don’t like it.
This is fine as mafia romances go. The heroine was a bit too goody 2 shoes for me
This is fine as mafia romances go. The heroine was a bit too goody 2 shoes for me
April 12, 2023
Definitely took some time to finish reading this.
The mafia turned into a puppy the moment he met his angel. I expected at least a decent character development from the mafia but mehhh. He changed drastically to the point I thought I was reading another book.
The ending for Book 1 was suspenseful, I acknowledge that. Although some scenes in the book were described too gruesomely, it was necessary to keep the entire plot interesting.
Overall, it was okay read.
The mafia turned into a puppy the moment he met his angel. I expected at least a decent character development from the mafia but mehhh. He changed drastically to the point I thought I was reading another book.
The ending for Book 1 was suspenseful, I acknowledge that. Although some scenes in the book were described too gruesomely, it was necessary to keep the entire plot interesting.
Overall, it was okay read.
June 14, 2018
Love this series
This is my first book by Lylah and it won't be the last. It was an amazing read. This is the start to the story of Ayla and Alessio. Alessio is the king of the mafia and feared by all. No one cares disobey because if they do they know it means almost certain death. Ayla is the daughter of the rival mafia boss. She is running from her abusive fiancee that has been abusing her since she was sixteen. She ends up hiding in his car. When they stop and she's sure she won't get caught she gets out. Only to realise she can't get out the gate. She is seen and runs in Alessios house to hide. She hides under his bed. When he finds her she's brushed dirty beaten and scared. He lets her live but only to be his plaything. But he never intends to fall for her. What ensues is a dark romance tale full of angst, love and heartbreak. Warning this story ends in a cliffhanger!!!
Book 2
This is a continuation of book 1. You must read the first in order to read the second. In the second book we continue to see how Alessio and Aylas story and feelings continue to grow. We see how Ayla is becoming stronger and we also see how Alessio falls more in love with her. Some see this as his weakness and they strike and take Alyah to a part of her past she was running from. Does he find out who this traitor is and find his Angel? Or is Aylah lost forever? This story had my emotions all over the place. By the end of the book I was in tears and heartbroken.
Book 3
This is the conclusion to Alessio and Aylas story.
They say the path to love can be hard and these two characters have had it rough. From the first page to the last the story captured me and I could not put it down. This story is full of pain, obstacles, hate, fear, and love. I can only hope we will see more of Alessio!
This is my first book by Lylah and it won't be the last. It was an amazing read. This is the start to the story of Ayla and Alessio. Alessio is the king of the mafia and feared by all. No one cares disobey because if they do they know it means almost certain death. Ayla is the daughter of the rival mafia boss. She is running from her abusive fiancee that has been abusing her since she was sixteen. She ends up hiding in his car. When they stop and she's sure she won't get caught she gets out. Only to realise she can't get out the gate. She is seen and runs in Alessios house to hide. She hides under his bed. When he finds her she's brushed dirty beaten and scared. He lets her live but only to be his plaything. But he never intends to fall for her. What ensues is a dark romance tale full of angst, love and heartbreak. Warning this story ends in a cliffhanger!!!
Book 2
This is a continuation of book 1. You must read the first in order to read the second. In the second book we continue to see how Alessio and Aylas story and feelings continue to grow. We see how Ayla is becoming stronger and we also see how Alessio falls more in love with her. Some see this as his weakness and they strike and take Alyah to a part of her past she was running from. Does he find out who this traitor is and find his Angel? Or is Aylah lost forever? This story had my emotions all over the place. By the end of the book I was in tears and heartbroken.
Book 3
This is the conclusion to Alessio and Aylas story.
They say the path to love can be hard and these two characters have had it rough. From the first page to the last the story captured me and I could not put it down. This story is full of pain, obstacles, hate, fear, and love. I can only hope we will see more of Alessio!
June 26, 2019
Amazing Romance with Enough Drama
Love all the good characters even the side characters. Love the twist. The drama is in the right amount. The research is there, you can see the author knows what she’s doing because she included PTSD and abused victim in her story which I found thrilling. It makes me questioning how can someone imagine such violence in her head while also mix it with romance, empathy, and other sweet things. That’s a complete package for me as a reader and I really love this book!
This is my second time I read TMAHA. I used to read it on Wattpad before it was published and I didn’t finish it because I felt that the story was too much with all those abusive scenes. Despite that, I still memorized the romance between Ayla and Alessio. I don’t know if this book has many new things than what she had on Wattpad before, because I feel that Ayla has a stronger character here. She is not really merely a damsel in distress but she takes her life as her own responsibility and chooses to move on no matter what.
I wish the author will have sequel about Maila and her love. That would be interesting!!
Two things I don’t like about this book though:
- Grammatical errors can be found. I know this is an affordable package but still, I expect it to be clean without grammatical errors
- Some expressions in the dialogue and narration are too common. Typical lines you will find in romance books. You’ll know what I mean if you read the book.
Overall, I still love this book and give five stars because of the amount of extensive storytelling, researched topic, and consistently engaging story in every chapter that the Author had delivered!
Love all the good characters even the side characters. Love the twist. The drama is in the right amount. The research is there, you can see the author knows what she’s doing because she included PTSD and abused victim in her story which I found thrilling. It makes me questioning how can someone imagine such violence in her head while also mix it with romance, empathy, and other sweet things. That’s a complete package for me as a reader and I really love this book!
This is my second time I read TMAHA. I used to read it on Wattpad before it was published and I didn’t finish it because I felt that the story was too much with all those abusive scenes. Despite that, I still memorized the romance between Ayla and Alessio. I don’t know if this book has many new things than what she had on Wattpad before, because I feel that Ayla has a stronger character here. She is not really merely a damsel in distress but she takes her life as her own responsibility and chooses to move on no matter what.
I wish the author will have sequel about Maila and her love. That would be interesting!!
Two things I don’t like about this book though:
- Grammatical errors can be found. I know this is an affordable package but still, I expect it to be clean without grammatical errors
- Some expressions in the dialogue and narration are too common. Typical lines you will find in romance books. You’ll know what I mean if you read the book.
Overall, I still love this book and give five stars because of the amount of extensive storytelling, researched topic, and consistently engaging story in every chapter that the Author had delivered!
May 25, 2019
𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖: Mafia families at war and out for revenge. Two broken star-crossed lovers. Alessio was just a small boy when he bore witness to his mother’s murder. Now, he is the King of the Russian Bratva and he is making his move against the Italians. Ayla Abandonato is a ghost in her world. Forgotten and left to the devices of a sadistic psychopath. Finally seizing an opportunity to leave her horrifying life behind, she inadvertently runs into Alessio’s arms. Will Ayla’s wish to forget her past sabotage her future? Can Alessio set aside his hatred/vengeance to save his Queen? Or has their future already been written in the stars?
*~*~*~*
𝕊𝕖𝕩 𝕊𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤: Full disclosure, this is a DARK romance. There is A LOT of trauma that needs to be overcome before we can get SUPER STEAMY. With that being said, this is a slower burn with so much HEAT. 💦 Overall: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5.
We’ve got so much sexy talk! J/P alpha male who can be compassionate for his h. He does sweet and slow AND fast and furious. Check out our story to see our quotable quotes!! So. Hot.
*~*~*~*
【$】: FREE on KU. I downloaded the entire series and finished them all in two days. It’s one hell of a ride, but completely worth your time if you love a dark mafia romance.
**Trigger warnings: sexual assault, kidnapping, torture, violence, etc
*~*~*~*
𝕊𝕖𝕩 𝕊𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤: Full disclosure, this is a DARK romance. There is A LOT of trauma that needs to be overcome before we can get SUPER STEAMY. With that being said, this is a slower burn with so much HEAT. 💦 Overall: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5.
We’ve got so much sexy talk! J/P alpha male who can be compassionate for his h. He does sweet and slow AND fast and furious. Check out our story to see our quotable quotes!! So. Hot.
*~*~*~*
【$】: FREE on KU. I downloaded the entire series and finished them all in two days. It’s one hell of a ride, but completely worth your time if you love a dark mafia romance.
**Trigger warnings: sexual assault, kidnapping, torture, violence, etc
November 9, 2021
I love this series. I didn't know what to expect going into it but once I started I couldn't put it down definitely worth a reread.
*Contains minor spoilers.
Alessio and Ayla though I feel the series mostly centers around her.
Ayla's life was certainly not the easiest, I'm not a fan of reading about abuse and rape but the author Lylah didn't go too deep into it, she gave it a balance that tied in nicely with the overall storyline.
Alessio and Ayla found each other by accident;her trying to escape her cruel fiancee/torture rapist.
She hid in Alessio's car & that's where the story picks up, I won't divulge too much but, it's a tale full of heartbreak, love, gruesome (& I mean gruesome) revenge and death, the perfect components for a mafia story.
I respected the fact that Ayla never truly got over what she endured but Alessio supported her throughout it all, it made her more appealing and relatable, I think some authors miss that when incorporating abuse into character development.
I enjoyed the supportive characters Lylah created (except for the horrid ones), I can't wait to read their stories.
I would recommend this book to any mafia lovers out there. Have your tissues ready though, Ayla's journey to happiness was a rough one.
*Contains minor spoilers.
Alessio and Ayla though I feel the series mostly centers around her.
Ayla's life was certainly not the easiest, I'm not a fan of reading about abuse and rape but the author Lylah didn't go too deep into it, she gave it a balance that tied in nicely with the overall storyline.
Alessio and Ayla found each other by accident;her trying to escape her cruel fiancee/torture rapist.
She hid in Alessio's car & that's where the story picks up, I won't divulge too much but, it's a tale full of heartbreak, love, gruesome (& I mean gruesome) revenge and death, the perfect components for a mafia story.
I respected the fact that Ayla never truly got over what she endured but Alessio supported her throughout it all, it made her more appealing and relatable, I think some authors miss that when incorporating abuse into character development.
I enjoyed the supportive characters Lylah created (except for the horrid ones), I can't wait to read their stories.
I would recommend this book to any mafia lovers out there. Have your tissues ready though, Ayla's journey to happiness was a rough one.
May 26, 2019
Amazing book series!!!
This book series blew me away. Dark, sexy, and so touching.
Alessio is man who is powerful and feared by many. What he says goes and that's that, but things go a little differently when Ayla is brought into his life. For some reason he finds his own rules not applying to Ayla, no matter how hard he fights it.
Ayla has lived a horrible past of abuse and being controlled. She escapes her old life just to land in enemy territory. She keeps who she is a secret and in doing so finds herself falling for the enemy himself.
This story was written with such raw, dark emotion, but it shows that with darkness there is light. Even if it's just a small amount. I was so moved by this story that I found myself at times crying for the characters pain and my heart pounding at the suspense. But this wasn't just a book about misfortune. It delves deeper, they start to find there can be happiness in each other. Lylah James really has a way for making you feel the characters emotions and pulling you in. I find it so hard to put into words how dark and beautiful this story is. Hands down the best I've ever read, and I've read so many.
This book series blew me away. Dark, sexy, and so touching.
Alessio is man who is powerful and feared by many. What he says goes and that's that, but things go a little differently when Ayla is brought into his life. For some reason he finds his own rules not applying to Ayla, no matter how hard he fights it.
Ayla has lived a horrible past of abuse and being controlled. She escapes her old life just to land in enemy territory. She keeps who she is a secret and in doing so finds herself falling for the enemy himself.
This story was written with such raw, dark emotion, but it shows that with darkness there is light. Even if it's just a small amount. I was so moved by this story that I found myself at times crying for the characters pain and my heart pounding at the suspense. But this wasn't just a book about misfortune. It delves deeper, they start to find there can be happiness in each other. Lylah James really has a way for making you feel the characters emotions and pulling you in. I find it so hard to put into words how dark and beautiful this story is. Hands down the best I've ever read, and I've read so many.
February 10, 2019
Absolute disaster
Everything was going good and great and awesome until it wasn’t.
I honestly thought I’d read the end of the book by the 70% mark.
The rest to me wasn’t needed. At all.
My reading dragged like you have no idea.
And I just made myself finish it because of all the time I had spent and invested in the story.
I needed to know what happened with the main characters and now I know more than I ever needed to know.
The trilogy was recommended to me years ago but I finally took the plunge this year and started it.
And while I never quite liked the writing style (even though I hoped that it would change as the story progressed because of this being firstly published on whatpad or the editing that was done on the book I could still appreciate a nice quick read with a little too much of description but a lot of love.
I can definitely say that I liked the last half of the second book and the first part of this book the best.
Maddie’s, Nina’s and Nikolai’s backgrounds would definitely be the ones that might make me come back to this world.
Everything was going good and great and awesome until it wasn’t.
I honestly thought I’d read the end of the book by the 70% mark.
The rest to me wasn’t needed. At all.
My reading dragged like you have no idea.
And I just made myself finish it because of all the time I had spent and invested in the story.
I needed to know what happened with the main characters and now I know more than I ever needed to know.
The trilogy was recommended to me years ago but I finally took the plunge this year and started it.
And while I never quite liked the writing style (even though I hoped that it would change as the story progressed because of this being firstly published on whatpad or the editing that was done on the book I could still appreciate a nice quick read with a little too much of description but a lot of love.
I can definitely say that I liked the last half of the second book and the first part of this book the best.
Maddie’s, Nina’s and Nikolai’s backgrounds would definitely be the ones that might make me come back to this world.
June 11, 2018
Part 1
Okay I have been wanting a really great mafia book lately after reading blood and secrets that book left me with a book hangover for weeks and all the other mafia books fall flat but Omg! This book is everything mafia book should be and then more. Poor Ayla she had such a horrible life before she found her way into Alessio life and home. Everyone needs to read this book.
Part 2
These books just keep getting better and better when I first started this series I thought what couple needs three books and I was kinda worry that it would become repetitive but honestly book two is better than book one if you havent read this series what are you waiting for.
Part 3
Omg you need tissue, and you need to be ready to have your heart rip out and by the end have it be put back together slowly. Omg my heart hurts reading this one. This author has become one of my favorite authors I cant wait to see what she does next
Okay I have been wanting a really great mafia book lately after reading blood and secrets that book left me with a book hangover for weeks and all the other mafia books fall flat but Omg! This book is everything mafia book should be and then more. Poor Ayla she had such a horrible life before she found her way into Alessio life and home. Everyone needs to read this book.
Part 2
These books just keep getting better and better when I first started this series I thought what couple needs three books and I was kinda worry that it would become repetitive but honestly book two is better than book one if you havent read this series what are you waiting for.
Part 3
Omg you need tissue, and you need to be ready to have your heart rip out and by the end have it be put back together slowly. Omg my heart hurts reading this one. This author has become one of my favorite authors I cant wait to see what she does next
July 23, 2018
Great set
The characters in this set really stand out because of the raw primal nature of the emotions. It's graphic but not to a grotesque scale. Aylas history is horrible and the mental scars are there front and center. The author didn't sugar coat Alessios nature either. Sometimes you were struck with how brutal he is and in the next scene he's tender and sweet. Unlike other books where it's a jekyle and Hyde on/off switch you seen in both main characters that the emotions bled through to the next scene. The supporting characters were so amazing I loved Nikolai and the scene with the little girl omg. He had me getting real upset with him for a bit there until we found out who the real traitor was. Which btw I hated that character from the start. All in all a fantastic read definitely a five star for me.
The characters in this set really stand out because of the raw primal nature of the emotions. It's graphic but not to a grotesque scale. Aylas history is horrible and the mental scars are there front and center. The author didn't sugar coat Alessios nature either. Sometimes you were struck with how brutal he is and in the next scene he's tender and sweet. Unlike other books where it's a jekyle and Hyde on/off switch you seen in both main characters that the emotions bled through to the next scene. The supporting characters were so amazing I loved Nikolai and the scene with the little girl omg. He had me getting real upset with him for a bit there until we found out who the real traitor was. Which btw I hated that character from the start. All in all a fantastic read definitely a five star for me.
June 23, 2019
I do not normally do five start reviews however this series really stuck with me. I read all three books in one day/night I could not put it down. These books got me emotionally invested from the start I felt so sad for Alya and what she had to go through and what she went through in book two I felt that this author did not sugar coat the reality of obsession and abuse or revenge. Alessio was a monster and a savior and while he did unspeakable things and would not change I still felt that he was a good man. I also felt for all the side characters as well they really made the story and while there were not many funny parts until the end the story was amazingly well done. I will say there were some parts that had me scratching my head and a few times where Alya kind of annoyed me however these were few. This series is worth a read, in fact, I can see myself reading it more than once.
February 1, 2021
The first book sucked me in. I was invested.
OMG in the second book and I have never screamed at a book so much in my life. I am taking a break only to update the iPad because I needed to walk away or I would have thrown it at the wall or my husband for interrupting my reading time. I have the cold sweats....and im itching for it to hurry up so I can keep reading. Omg this is an amazing series. Its dark!! Its perfect!! But omg you just fall in love with the characters and then want to jump in the book and rip some heads off. I have never wanted to be so violently involved in a series. F%$CK!!! HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN IPAD TO UPDATE. I think I need a cigarette lmao. Such a good series. It leaves its mark.
OMG in the second book and I have never screamed at a book so much in my life. I am taking a break only to update the iPad because I needed to walk away or I would have thrown it at the wall or my husband for interrupting my reading time. I have the cold sweats....and im itching for it to hurry up so I can keep reading. Omg this is an amazing series. Its dark!! Its perfect!! But omg you just fall in love with the characters and then want to jump in the book and rip some heads off. I have never wanted to be so violently involved in a series. F%$CK!!! HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN IPAD TO UPDATE. I think I need a cigarette lmao. Such a good series. It leaves its mark.
June 18, 2018
This is the story of Alessio and Ayla. Alessio is the Russian mob royalty who has sworn to wipe out every Abandanato, but he never would have thought that his Italian enemy's daughter would become his lifeline. This story is grittyand yet has it romantic elementary. It was a very entertaining read and I kept wanting to know what happens next. Alessio's father, Lyov already owns my heart (go and read his story) and I really enjoyed how ruthless, yet romantic Alessio can be Lylah James has her mafia facts all correct, she gives us a ruthless hero who isn't afraid to show his softer side without undergoing a lobotomy. Go and grab this series, it's totally worth it.
June 30, 2018
Ive been here since the beginning
This book for sure has to be #1 in my forever favorite books because its an amazing book and has an amazing plot and drama and romance and some hardcore smut for all you freaks out there 😉 Ive been following her ever since her days on Wattpad and I honestly am so effing proud of how far she has gone and although I was kinda sad when she Removed the book from Wattpad but so proud when she was getting it published. This is the first time im reading the published version and i feel like a fucking proud mother even though she is older than me and could maybe be my mother 😂
This book for sure has to be #1 in my forever favorite books because its an amazing book and has an amazing plot and drama and romance and some hardcore smut for all you freaks out there 😉 Ive been following her ever since her days on Wattpad and I honestly am so effing proud of how far she has gone and although I was kinda sad when she Removed the book from Wattpad but so proud when she was getting it published. This is the first time im reading the published version and i feel like a fucking proud mother even though she is older than me and could maybe be my mother 😂
September 9, 2018
Awesome
This book was absolutely incredible. The main characters and second characters made the book stand out. And the storyline was breathtakingly amazing. The pain they go through together and separately is heart breaking at times but together they are strong and prove that even when their broken they have the power inside each other to come out on top and finally get their HEA which they both deserve. Lylah James is an incredible author and i recommend this book to everyone.
This book was absolutely incredible. The main characters and second characters made the book stand out. And the storyline was breathtakingly amazing. The pain they go through together and separately is heart breaking at times but together they are strong and prove that even when their broken they have the power inside each other to come out on top and finally get their HEA which they both deserve. Lylah James is an incredible author and i recommend this book to everyone.
July 4, 2019
Love it !!
I scrolled through Amazon searching for a good Mafia series and came upon this one , this will be the first time reading from this Author. I felt like I won the lotto with this story , the Russian Bratva Alessio was scary and sexy to read about I couldn’t get enough ! Every character was was fascinating , this series is just so well written it pulls you in and I found myself in tears a few times then laughing the next . LOVED THIS SERIES !!! Now I’m definitely going to find more books from this Author!!!
I scrolled through Amazon searching for a good Mafia series and came upon this one , this will be the first time reading from this Author. I felt like I won the lotto with this story , the Russian Bratva Alessio was scary and sexy to read about I couldn’t get enough ! Every character was was fascinating , this series is just so well written it pulls you in and I found myself in tears a few times then laughing the next . LOVED THIS SERIES !!! Now I’m definitely going to find more books from this Author!!!
January 26, 2021
Stunning
In the last 3 days I have read 5 books by this author. I came across her and I haven’t been able to put her books down. They make me feel things. I read every single night and it not often that I have to contain my emotions but everything I have read by her so far has at some point made me stop and weap. She’s not afraid to push her characters and shake down her readers walls. Most of all, in what I have read so far she never sugar coats love and commitment and
I think that is what makes her stories stand out amongst others.
In the last 3 days I have read 5 books by this author. I came across her and I haven’t been able to put her books down. They make me feel things. I read every single night and it not often that I have to contain my emotions but everything I have read by her so far has at some point made me stop and weap. She’s not afraid to push her characters and shake down her readers walls. Most of all, in what I have read so far she never sugar coats love and commitment and
I think that is what makes her stories stand out amongst others.
September 8, 2018
Let me first compliment Lylah for her writing. When starting with book 1 I couldn't stop. I had to read all 3 books after each other about Alessio ans Alya. It was really a heartbreaking romance. So sad and a lot of painfullstoryline moments for me. I have stored these series to reread again and again. If it was possible to give a 10* rate, them i would have done it. You will not be able to stop after book 1 and will make you addicted to go straight to book 2and finish with book 3!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
March 6, 2019
I enjoyed this series - the steadfast love of Alessio and the indomitable spirit of Ayla. I'm also glad that each book in the series was a full novel rather than a 100 page book that simply continued in the next installment. Maybe because I read near 1000 pages at one time, I felt like a lot could've been edited out. If I read them one at a time and spaced as published, I might've felt differently. Don't let my review stop you from this epic love story.
July 9, 2019
First book is good but the last one is boring
I loved the first book and parts of the second book. But the third one got so boring. Mafia matters were too dramatic and childish.. King and Queen thing were crazy.. Ayla suddenly became a know it all in the last book.. I was tired of reading Blue to Green so many times.. Same repeated sentences every few chapters.. Overall a okay read..
I loved the first book and parts of the second book. But the third one got so boring. Mafia matters were too dramatic and childish.. King and Queen thing were crazy.. Ayla suddenly became a know it all in the last book.. I was tired of reading Blue to Green so many times.. Same repeated sentences every few chapters.. Overall a okay read..
November 22, 2022
Omg I loved Alessio & Ayla. This trilogy was great I enjoyed the different points of view beside the main characters like the side characters and even the villain. I found that to be different and something I haven’t seen in other books. The patience that Alessio had toward Ayla was everything. He was so calm and gentle with her whenever she was having a breakdown. Always made sure to put her first before himself.
March 20, 2023
Lylah James is one of the exceptional writers I have been following from the Wattpad days as she is one who writes the very little details we never knew we needed. From the gory torture to the panic attacks and the suicide attempt, we have it all. The exceptional way this was written and expressed in the books is beyond me! I have never read books that portray all of this with such eye to detail.
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