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Plain Jane and the Mafia Beast
When Arika Jane is shot, Vincenzo knows he cannot dump the waitress he’s just met and leave her to die, so he takes her home in the hope of helping her heal. He’s not a normal, everyday man. He’s the mafia beast with the skill set to hunt, torture, and kill anyone who betrays the Galiza family. Arika is aware of the dangers within the world, but waking up in the bed of one of those dangers wasn’t in her plans. She doesn’t expect Vincenzo’s kindness either. He is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive, which means keeping her out of his life. It should be easy. She’s just a plain woman. Yet he craves her touch, wants her innocence for himself, and one night, he decides to have her. For one night he can claim every single part of her. But one night isn’t enough. To keep her, he has to protect her from the demons of his professional life. But he can’t keep her a secret for long. All he can hope for now is to keep her alive.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
300 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Sam Crescent
547 books5,493 followersSam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 29, 2018
I don't know why I bothered reading this book. I knew this author has a habit of having her heroes fuck prostitutes and harping on his sexual past ad nauseam. And that is precisely what this book was. Everything about this
September 1, 2018
Very steamy and great adorable epilogue! I liked it!
June 28, 2019
Loved all the twists and turns in this gritty mafia story!
The hero, Vincenzo Barbato was a beast, a killer, who worked hard for the Galiza family but it took the heroine, plain but sweet Arika Jane to calm the beast after she was in a deadly crossfire on night.
I hope we get Antonio Galiza's story !!!!!
The hero, Vincenzo Barbato was a beast, a killer, who worked hard for the Galiza family but it took the heroine, plain but sweet Arika Jane to calm the beast after she was in a deadly crossfire on night.
I hope we get Antonio Galiza's story !!!!!
August 27, 2018
I love mafia genre. And this was pretty good story. I really liked Vincenzo. Actually, he is one of those H I love in books. I always prefer beast to prince. Beasty H makes you feel more safe then straight laced H. Maybe because they would do anything, and I mean anything, to make h safe. And Vincenzo was like that towards his girl.
September 6, 2018
Arika Jane is shot in a crossfire between the mob. She is rescued by Vincenzo who saves her even though it goes against the grain of everything he is. Vincenzo is the man you bring in when you want answers, he is brutal and has a reputation but he knows he is disposable in this business if he puts his boss in jeopardy. Arika is plain so she doesn't believe Vincenzo could be interested in more, but will he take a chance in taking what he wants?
This was great. I thought the pacing was great and it was not predictable. Really liked Vincenzo, he is aloof and kind of scary but there is a whole other side to him you don't expect. Wonderful.
This was great. I thought the pacing was great and it was not predictable. Really liked Vincenzo, he is aloof and kind of scary but there is a whole other side to him you don't expect. Wonderful.
December 19, 2018
1.5/5
Safe read
Way to much talk of him with OW (whores)
Not with others after meeting
No ow drama
Pushing away
Dark read
Virgin h
Manwhore H
Technically safe, but almost DNF with all talking about his sexual past.
Safe read
Way to much talk of him with OW (whores)
Not with others after meeting
No ow drama
Pushing away
Dark read
Virgin h
Manwhore H
Technically safe, but almost DNF with all talking about his sexual past.
September 1, 2018
Ok read .
December 31, 2021
yeah... this one was a no from me.
September 12, 2018
Vincenzo Barbato is an expert killer and he works for the Galiza crime family. They were the most feared mafia family in the world. Vince was their tool, the one used to hunt, torture, and kill without remorse. Arika Jane is 21 years old and she’s a waitress at the local diner. When she’s not working at the diner she’s taking college classes so she can make something of herself. Daniel is Vince’s guard, he doesn’t need or want one but Galiza insisted on it. Daniel has lasted two years as his guard which is a record and he’s also the closest thing he has to a friend. They usually eat Italian food every night but Daniel wants something different so they end up at a diner. Vince can’t keep his eyes off of Arika, their waitress, he recognizes a darkness in her eyes. After her shift she’s walking home and hears men arguing, she keeps walking with her head down. The next thing she knows she hears a gunshot and there’s a terrible pain in her stomach. Vince and Daniel saw a traitor to their organization and pursued him. Daniel got a little trigger happy and accidentally shoots Arika. When they realize who was shot Daniel wants to kill her because she’s a lose end. Vince refuses to kill her and takes her to a doctor then takes her to his home. Will Vince be able to keep Arika alive ?
January 17, 2023
It was okay. The ending was rushed. I mean RUSHED. They killed Daniel, the hero’s friend and bodyguard, and it was mentioned in 2 sentences. Daniel was a big part of the story with the MCs.
It was insta-love. Hero sees heroine while she is working as a waitress. He develops feelings, but he is the mafia’s killing machine. He tortures people to get them to talk. She is short accidentally by Daniel and the hero comes in to save the heroine.
It was a decent read. I am not sure it was worth the $4.99 I paid for it.
Heroine’s curvy-ness is mentioned a lot.
It was insta-love. Hero sees heroine while she is working as a waitress. He develops feelings, but he is the mafia’s killing machine. He tortures people to get them to talk. She is short accidentally by Daniel and the hero comes in to save the heroine.
It was a decent read. I am not sure it was worth the $4.99 I paid for it.
Heroine’s curvy-ness is mentioned a lot.
August 1, 2019
Jane is a waitress at a greasy little diner. One night, a mafia assassin, Vincenzo, & his assistant, Daniel, just want to grab a bite after a long night of "taking care of business", when shots are fired from an alley across from the diner. Unfortunately, the hard-working, intelligent, completely average looking (and aren't 99% of us?) Jane was caught in the crossfire and wounded. Daniel did the textbook Mafia thing & pulled his gun to quickly put 2 in her skull. She'd seen too much.
Color Daniel mystfied when Vincenzo stopped Daniel. The two quietly argued. They couldn't take her to a hospital. What if she needed surgery? What if they released her once she recovered & turned the two in? Who would care for a recovering gun-shot patient? They had work to do!
Vincenzo's face softened when he looked at Jane. She had been their regular waitress for a while now. He knew she had no one, just like him. She was intelligent, slowly working her way through university, just like he had. No, she was not a rail-thin conventional beauty. Vincenzo didn't want
painted, bulimic whores; those were available in abundance due to his line of work. He wanted smart, curvy Jane, with her full breasts, an ass that would fill his large hands nicely. A woman with her own opinions who wasn't afraid to share those opinions. He would love to spar with her verbally as well as physically.
It was because of his...whatever was, for Jane, that Vincenzo wouldn't allow Daniel to kill Jane.
"I'll take her home with me," announced Vincenzo .
Daniel stared at his boss, wondering if Vin was having some sort of breakdown or psychotic episode.
"Vin," he began, "you can't just..."
"We're taking her to my house in Wood Creek, not the apartment in the city. Too many people know about that place. The house in the gated community will be perfect. No one save you and my Ma know about it."
Daniel though Vin was being very careless.
"Who will take care of her...maybe her, walk her up and down the halls?'
Vin looked at Daniel, the bleeding and unconscious Jane in his arms.
"I will.".
And coming from Vin? That was that.
Color Daniel mystfied when Vincenzo stopped Daniel. The two quietly argued. They couldn't take her to a hospital. What if she needed surgery? What if they released her once she recovered & turned the two in? Who would care for a recovering gun-shot patient? They had work to do!
Vincenzo's face softened when he looked at Jane. She had been their regular waitress for a while now. He knew she had no one, just like him. She was intelligent, slowly working her way through university, just like he had. No, she was not a rail-thin conventional beauty. Vincenzo didn't want
painted, bulimic whores; those were available in abundance due to his line of work. He wanted smart, curvy Jane, with her full breasts, an ass that would fill his large hands nicely. A woman with her own opinions who wasn't afraid to share those opinions. He would love to spar with her verbally as well as physically.
It was because of his...whatever was, for Jane, that Vincenzo wouldn't allow Daniel to kill Jane.
"I'll take her home with me," announced Vincenzo .
Daniel stared at his boss, wondering if Vin was having some sort of breakdown or psychotic episode.
"Vin," he began, "you can't just..."
"We're taking her to my house in Wood Creek, not the apartment in the city. Too many people know about that place. The house in the gated community will be perfect. No one save you and my Ma know about it."
Daniel though Vin was being very careless.
"Who will take care of her...maybe her, walk her up and down the halls?'
Vin looked at Daniel, the bleeding and unconscious Jane in his arms.
"I will.".
And coming from Vin? That was that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2018
There is always something intriguing about a mafia romance so of course I had to buy this.
Arika is just trying to get through school so she can build a life helping children lost on the foster care system. Her life is pretty nondescript working at a diner and completing her college work, it was a boring existence that is until she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets shot by a stray bullet.
Vincenzo was struck by Arika from the minute he sees her, to him she’s beautiful his friend Daniel can’t see the attractive she’s just plain. Working as the mafias head enforcer he knows he shouldn’t bring her into his world, but when she gets shot from Daniel’s stray bullet he goes against everything he knows and doesn’t follow protocol he decides to help and protect her. They soon develop real feelings for one another but could these two really be together and can Arika really accept Vincenzo’s life of danger?!?
Cute book with an action packed story. Arika although she’s described as plain is a strong woman who will stand her ground and Vincenzo is a perfect dominant alpha male. Very enjoyable read.
Arika is just trying to get through school so she can build a life helping children lost on the foster care system. Her life is pretty nondescript working at a diner and completing her college work, it was a boring existence that is until she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets shot by a stray bullet.
Vincenzo was struck by Arika from the minute he sees her, to him she’s beautiful his friend Daniel can’t see the attractive she’s just plain. Working as the mafias head enforcer he knows he shouldn’t bring her into his world, but when she gets shot from Daniel’s stray bullet he goes against everything he knows and doesn’t follow protocol he decides to help and protect her. They soon develop real feelings for one another but could these two really be together and can Arika really accept Vincenzo’s life of danger?!?
Cute book with an action packed story. Arika although she’s described as plain is a strong woman who will stand her ground and Vincenzo is a perfect dominant alpha male. Very enjoyable read.
May 24, 2019
2.5*
RTC after New Years
Update, May 2019: That "RTC after New Years" time has come. For this one. And it shall be short and to the point...because I merely vaguely remember the events of the book, mostly just the beginning and some even more vague bits of the rest of the book...I think. Sooooo, yeah, that speaks for itself.
Plain Jane, plain book.
Nothing exceptional and quite ordinary of the lesser side of the good.
Your regular mafia, your regular girl and so forth.
Somehow, I'm starting to think that I didn't even particularly like the relationship...or characters...for that is the feeling I'm getting when trying to recall the plot.
I think I'll downgrade it to 2* for I can't recall the plot/events and doesn't exactly bring forth positive feelings upon remembrance. Thus definitely not 2.5 stars for me.
2* it is.
Wouldn't recommend unless you're looking for trashy mafia book. Or you've got different tastes/standards than me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
RTC after New Years
Update, May 2019: That "RTC after New Years" time has come. For this one. And it shall be short and to the point...because I merely vaguely remember the events of the book, mostly just the beginning and some even more vague bits of the rest of the book...I think. Sooooo, yeah, that speaks for itself.
Plain Jane, plain book.
Nothing exceptional and quite ordinary of the lesser side of the good.
Your regular mafia, your regular girl and so forth.
Somehow, I'm starting to think that I didn't even particularly like the relationship...or characters...for that is the feeling I'm getting when trying to recall the plot.
I think I'll downgrade it to 2* for I can't recall the plot/events and doesn't exactly bring forth positive feelings upon remembrance. Thus definitely not 2.5 stars for me.
2* it is.
Wouldn't recommend unless you're looking for trashy mafia book. Or you've got different tastes/standards than me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
July 7, 2020
Look deeper at the overlooked ones
Another fantastic addition to this author’s repertoire. The author took us on an emotional journey for both these characters. They had to look past how the world saw them and find their true selves at the center. There is violence in the story, but not in their relationship. I felt connected to these characters and rejoiced at the HEA. I don’t know what the author has on the writing horizon, but I can’t wait to find out.
Another fantastic addition to this author’s repertoire. The author took us on an emotional journey for both these characters. They had to look past how the world saw them and find their true selves at the center. There is violence in the story, but not in their relationship. I felt connected to these characters and rejoiced at the HEA. I don’t know what the author has on the writing horizon, but I can’t wait to find out.
November 28, 2018
Arika is caught in the crossfire by a mob shootout. Vincenzo is the man you call to take care of things. He saves Arika and takes her to his place. Arika is plain jane and doesn't believe Vincenzo can be attracted to her. This couple is from different worlds but their lonely lives are the same. A good mafia read with scorching sex, murder, and love between the couple.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am leaving a review.
September 4, 2018
5 stars
Another great book by the author, i really enjoyed Arika and Vincenzo story.
Another great book by the author, i really enjoyed Arika and Vincenzo story.
September 29, 2024
3.5/4 stars
Sam has made one books similar to this one, I think this one is better.
Heroine is plain and isn't conventionally attractive yet she catches the eye of the Mafias beast (Hero) Hero goes into her resturant where she works to eat with his friend/coworker. Hero never excpects to see the heroine (she was his waitress) again after his meal but his friend accidently shoots the heroine after her shift is over. Hero takes the heroine home and takes care of her until she is recovered. They bond and get along but in order to protect the heroine the hero makes it clear they can never be in contact again after she is healed. She recovers and a month passes, heroine is at a club with her friend and the hero just so happens to be there too, he offers her a one night stand and she agrees. Again he makes it clear it can only be one time to keep her safe. The hero however keeps coming back whenever he wants a fix and the heroine tells him she doesn't want to be used anymore. The hero tells her fine but if shes gonna be his woman she has to follow his rules in order to keep her safe. He buys her a safer apartment and teachers her how to use a gun, he protects her and takes care of her and makes her promise to stay with him forever and to be careful becasue there are people who will use her since shes his weakness. Drama happens with the mafia he works for and a rival mafia but he puts it all to rest and ensures they have a happy life together.
I found this one more crazy then the other SC story she made similar to this one but this one I could really feel the love from the hero more.
Shelves/tags
-Virgin heroine/manwhore hero (he's celibate after meeting heroine and he isn't arrogant about it)
-slow insta
-age gap
-mafia
-rich
-asshole-ish hero (trust)
-angst
-no real ow drama (heroine saw the hero eating food with some random woman but he made it clear she was only his coworker) slight om drama (The heroine goes on a date to try to forget the hero but the hero intervenes on the date)
-violence/action (a lot of fucked up shit/rape is described in the book, the heroine was never raped)
-push/pull from both
-unattractive/ugly heroine/ plain jane/not conventionally pretty (need recommendations)
-forbidden love
-no sharing
-no cheating
-loyal separation
-time skip (one month and then 2 weeks I think)
-OTT
-hot
-alpha male
-after care
-one night stand
-rough sex
-anal
-no protection
-hea
-epilogue married w/ kids
-spicy lvl 4/5
-recommend
Sam has made one books similar to this one, I think this one is better.
Heroine is plain and isn't conventionally attractive yet she catches the eye of the Mafias beast (Hero) Hero goes into her resturant where she works to eat with his friend/coworker. Hero never excpects to see the heroine (she was his waitress) again after his meal but his friend accidently shoots the heroine after her shift is over. Hero takes the heroine home and takes care of her until she is recovered. They bond and get along but in order to protect the heroine the hero makes it clear they can never be in contact again after she is healed. She recovers and a month passes, heroine is at a club with her friend and the hero just so happens to be there too, he offers her a one night stand and she agrees. Again he makes it clear it can only be one time to keep her safe. The hero however keeps coming back whenever he wants a fix and the heroine tells him she doesn't want to be used anymore. The hero tells her fine but if shes gonna be his woman she has to follow his rules in order to keep her safe. He buys her a safer apartment and teachers her how to use a gun, he protects her and takes care of her and makes her promise to stay with him forever and to be careful becasue there are people who will use her since shes his weakness. Drama happens with the mafia he works for and a rival mafia but he puts it all to rest and ensures they have a happy life together.
I found this one more crazy then the other SC story she made similar to this one but this one I could really feel the love from the hero more.
Shelves/tags
-Virgin heroine/manwhore hero (he's celibate after meeting heroine and he isn't arrogant about it)
-slow insta
-age gap
-mafia
-rich
-asshole-ish hero (trust)
-angst
-no real ow drama (heroine saw the hero eating food with some random woman but he made it clear she was only his coworker) slight om drama (The heroine goes on a date to try to forget the hero but the hero intervenes on the date)
-violence/action (a lot of fucked up shit/rape is described in the book, the heroine was never raped)
-push/pull from both
-unattractive/ugly heroine/ plain jane/not conventionally pretty (need recommendations)
-forbidden love
-no sharing
-no cheating
-loyal separation
-time skip (one month and then 2 weeks I think)
-OTT
-hot
-alpha male
-after care
-one night stand
-rough sex
-anal
-no protection
-hea
-epilogue married w/ kids
-spicy lvl 4/5
-recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2019
I couldn’t put this book down.
I was so invested in what happened to the characters. I really wanted to see how it would work out for them. Even the two side characters endings were not expected. I really liked that both characters had been orphans and had similar yet different upbringings.
I did want the story to be slightly different, in that she had gotten pregnant from their first night. After the beast had walked away, he would have come back months later and found out. But still continuing with all the rest that followed. However it didn’t play out that way. I just love secret baby drama. Lol.
The HEA was perfect though. Honestly, I loved this book. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because I wanted the baby scenario. If the story allowed me to want something changed then it was either leading towards that and the author changed their minds or it was mildly lacking and my head started trying to correct it or make it better. Having said that, I did enjoy this book regardless. Enjoy!
I was so invested in what happened to the characters. I really wanted to see how it would work out for them. Even the two side characters endings were not expected. I really liked that both characters had been orphans and had similar yet different upbringings.
I did want the story to be slightly different, in that she had gotten pregnant from their first night. After the beast had walked away, he would have come back months later and found out. But still continuing with all the rest that followed. However it didn’t play out that way. I just love secret baby drama. Lol.
The HEA was perfect though. Honestly, I loved this book. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because I wanted the baby scenario. If the story allowed me to want something changed then it was either leading towards that and the author changed their minds or it was mildly lacking and my head started trying to correct it or make it better. Having said that, I did enjoy this book regardless. Enjoy!
September 28, 2018
Beautiful!
Wow this story was beautifully written, I love all the characters in it, I actually wanted this to be a series but it won't be. A ruthless man fighting his feelings for the wrong woman and at the wrong time how the mighty has fallen😂😊. Beautiful just Beautiful! Sam Crescent you did it again, 5 stars!
Wow this story was beautifully written, I love all the characters in it, I actually wanted this to be a series but it won't be. A ruthless man fighting his feelings for the wrong woman and at the wrong time how the mighty has fallen😂😊. Beautiful just Beautiful! Sam Crescent you did it again, 5 stars!
April 4, 2019
Good Mob story
Arika is a foster child and the same for Vince. By accident Arika is caught in a job hit and Vince knew she is special to him and had to take care of her. Love it...it is good story o how they both fall for each other and as usually Sam does not disappoint in the sexy side.
Arika is a foster child and the same for Vince. By accident Arika is caught in a job hit and Vince knew she is special to him and had to take care of her. Love it...it is good story o how they both fall for each other and as usually Sam does not disappoint in the sexy side.
July 12, 2022
Fantastic
He was adopted and raised to be the mafias weapon and he was good at his job , when he saw Arika at the dinner he felt a pull towards her when she was accidentally shot and he should have ended her as a witness he took her home and healed her and even though they tried to stay away from each other they couldn't and they fell in love and TBE both got their HEA
He was adopted and raised to be the mafias weapon and he was good at his job , when he saw Arika at the dinner he felt a pull towards her when she was accidentally shot and he should have ended her as a witness he took her home and healed her and even though they tried to stay away from each other they couldn't and they fell in love and TBE both got their HEA
August 28, 2018
Amazing
I absolutely loved Vincenzo and Arikas story. Its not your typical mafia story either. I love how the female main. haracter was portrayed as plain, we dont see enough of it. Arika is a strong woman and holds her ground.
I absolutely loved Vincenzo and Arikas story. Its not your typical mafia story either. I love how the female main. haracter was portrayed as plain, we dont see enough of it. Arika is a strong woman and holds her ground.
September 14, 2018
Absolutely Fantastic
I have read almost everything Sam Crescent has written and I have to say that this is the hottest book I have read of hers to date !! If you like mafia stories, you are going to love this !! I love it !! Just shows how incredible an author she is 💛
I have read almost everything Sam Crescent has written and I have to say that this is the hottest book I have read of hers to date !! If you like mafia stories, you are going to love this !! I love it !! Just shows how incredible an author she is 💛
October 15, 2018
Plain Jane and the Mafia Beast
Who knew that being in the wrong place would lead to Arika & Vincenzo coming together despite the obstacles placed in their way because of his lifestyle. I enjoyed the dynamics.
Who knew that being in the wrong place would lead to Arika & Vincenzo coming together despite the obstacles placed in their way because of his lifestyle. I enjoyed the dynamics.
August 17, 2019
This book is so good
What got me in this book was there devotion to each other. We all need that one person that just gets us. Alpha male and a woman that loves him no matter what. Sam Crescent does it again and again.
What got me in this book was there devotion to each other. We all need that one person that just gets us. Alpha male and a woman that loves him no matter what. Sam Crescent does it again and again.
February 11, 2020
Wow lots of action . Love to eAch other. They both were in foster cafe. And some how they fell in love for each other 😍
Wow lots of action. Love to each other . They both were in foster care . And some how they fell in love for each other 😍
Wow lots of action. Love to each other . They both were in foster care . And some how they fell in love for each other 😍
March 25, 2022
It was a quick easy read. I would say overall for me it was just ok. Not amazing but not horrible. Honestly kinda reminded of stories that I used to read on Wattpad. Not saying that is a bad thing because I've read some amazing stories on there.
September 7, 2022
Dark and sweet - I love Sam Crescent's writing, she captures me the moment I start reading. This one was no less - I am currently starting to read dark/mafia romance and I think this one was a good one to start.
November 7, 2022
It was not a 'wow OMG' but it was not bad either I have read worst mafia books than this. At least the hero treat the heroine well.
However my heart went to this ex mistress traitor her punishment for her betrayal was just inhumane no one deserve a death like this :(
However my heart went to this ex mistress traitor her punishment for her betrayal was just inhumane no one deserve a death like this :(
August 29, 2018
Great book
Another great book, it has sad moments. And good times. But overall a great story., by a great author Sam Crescent.
Another great book, it has sad moments. And good times. But overall a great story., by a great author Sam Crescent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews