Killer for Hire

Bound to the Bad Boy/Killer Trilogy #1

by Alexis Abbott

Bruno:

I sacrificed everything for her. When I saved her from the mafia, I traded my freedom for hers. I’ve never regretted it. Never looked back. I cut her out of my life to keep her safe. She never even knew what I traded for her.

I did everything I could to protect her from the retribution of the Italian Mafia, but it wasn’t enough. They’re after her again, and all that’s standing between her and the darkest fate imaginable is me.

Serena:

It’s scary the things you can close your eyes to. Even after I was rescued from men who wanted to do the worst things to me, I went on with my life. I forgot all about the threats of the mafia, about what they forced me to do, and even the man who saved me from them.

But now, my hero has returned, and just in a nick of time. Because the mafia is coming for me, and this time, I don’t know if we’re going to get out of this alive.

This is a full-length romantic suspense novel that is Part 1 in an exciting new trilogy by Alexis Abbott. Explicit language. Safe from cheating.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Alexis Abbott is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author who writes about dangerous men and the women who love them. If you can't resist a bad boy who is a good man, you just found your next addiction. With heart-stopping action, mouth watering sex, and passionate romances that will leave you breathless, Alexis Abbott writes romantic thrillers like no one else can.

When she's not writing your next book boyfriend, you'll find her living a real life romance novel with her own bad boy soulmate in Bonavista, Newfoundland, Canada.

http://alexisabbott.com/newsletter

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Series

Alexis Abbott's Hitmen Series:


Bound to the Bad Boy Series:


Standalones
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Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those goosebumps you get when you meet a hero that touches you just right? He's got you all tingly and smiling for no damn reason? That's Luca. Italian-born, this man rose up through the ranks of the mafia. He was the go-to guy when you needed things done and done right. He was lethal, cunning, cold and deadly. But for as much wrath as he had for the enemies of la famiglia, his heart and soul belonged to the girl of his past. Serena owned him and he had claim over her. Teenage lovers, the world of the mafia tore them apart. Now they're back together, but the mafia isn't done with them. Serena's a target and Luca will cut down, cut through, and demolish anyone and anything in order to protect her.

This new-to-me author has got me completely wrapped up in this Killer Trilogy. With one 'killer' of a cliffhanger, I'm desperate to find out the fate of these characters. I'm hooked! For Luca alone, his dirty mouth, his deadly ways, the amazing action scenes, for everything that makes this guy so super awesome, read this book. I bet you'll be as fascinated as I am.

[Alexis Abbott]

Coming August 1, 2017! Make sure to add to your to-read list, shelf it, and list it!

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[Coco.V]

💝FREE in iBooks store today (5/16/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Bruno:

I sacrificed everything for her. When I saved her from the mafia, I traded my freedom for hers. I’ve never regretted it. Never looked back. I cut her out of my life to keep her safe. She never even knew what I traded for her.

I did everything I could to protect her from the retribution of the Italian Mafia, but it wasn’t enough. They’re after her again, and all that’s standing between her and the darkest fate imaginable is me.

Serena:

It’s scary the things you can close your eyes to. Even after I was rescued from men who wanted to do the worst things to me, I went on with my life. I forgot all about the threats of the mafia, about what they forced me to do, and even the man who saved me from them.

But now, my hero has returned, and just in a nick of time. Because the mafia is coming for me, and this time, I don’t know if we’re going to get out of this alive.

This is a full-length romantic suspense novel that is Part 1 in an exciting new trilogy by Alexis Abbott. Explicit language. Safe from cheating.

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Alexis has a 10 star book with this one. I absolutely love Serena and Bruno, they are amazingly sexy, combustible and explosively HOT!!!
Serena is the daughter of a ex-mafia family. She is trying to take care of her mother and run a family homemade soap store. When another mafia syndicate is coming around for shakedowns she stands her ground.
Bruno is mafia enforcer with the Costa. He decides to check in on Serena who was his girlfriend in their teenage years. He finds out that the Cleaners are trying to take over Serena's area and knock out the Costa's.
Will Bruno and Serena become an item again? Can Bruno keep the Cleaners away from Serena? Will they survive the fallout from the Mafia's?
This book is worth 100% of your time to read. It is one of the best Mafia books that I have ever read!
I received this book as an ARC copy for a voluntarily honest review.

[Elfina Renee]

DNF

[Giselle]

Romance fans! Review copies of this complete series can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG... This book was brilliant!!!
Let me tell you, Bruno kicked some serious ass. WOW!!!!! Serena wasn't bad herself. She didn't let anything bring her down. She rolled with the punches. Man I can't believe that ending. Alexis how could you do that to us?
I would highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruno gave up his life to the mafia when he decides to save Serena, and he's never regretted it. Except maybe when cutting her out of his life to keep her safe, but even that's up for question, as he would rather not have her than for her to be unsafe. Now after some time has passed, it seems that she's once again in the crosshairs of the Italian Mafia, so he inserts himself back into her life. Serena has closed her mind to the threats of the mafia, and even to her hero, although she never stopped loving him. But now as danger stalks her, Bruno comes back into her life, and this time, she's wasting no time. But will her hero be able to keep her safe again?! WOW! My heart is still racing, as I was completely transported into this story to the point that I was running from the bad guys. I fell in love with Bruno and Serena, not to mention some very entertaining secondaries. Alexis Abbot's talented writing style shone through, as she raised her own bar of excellence higher with Bound for Life! Now that I got that out of the way, let's talk about that ending that left me on a ledge with it's cliffhanger, which has me all kinds of pissed now! So that means that she's on the list of author's trying to KILL ME, and will forevermore be hash tagged #EVILWHORE! Since the next book isn't on my kindle, it CANNOT COME OUT QUICKLY ENOUGH! Anyway, even with my rage filled impatience, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another “Bad Man” who will Absolutely Steal your Heart!!!

I’m still not sure how Ms. Abbott does it…. Whether a member of the Mafia, or a Hitman (check out her Hitman series); she can take a man we “should” greatly dislike, humanize him, make us feel for him and find the tender person beneath the frequently scarred and tattooed exterior.

Our two main characters were close when they were much younger; when they meet again Serena does not immediately recognize the now-grownup Bruno. We are catapulted into their worlds; Serena from a privileged background now struggling, and Bruno doing his best to protect those he cares for while serving a violent role in the dangerous mafia.

Fireworks immediately ensue: “She turns, and our eyes meet for just a second, and it’s like lightning flashes between us. Primal desire is bursting through, even though both of us have been trying to ignore it this whole time, but its message is plain as day. We want each other. Now.”

A story of danger, struggle, fortitude, and a timeless relationship which seems to have little or no chance to endure the circumstances that surround them. Compelling read!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[Madeline ❤️ Romance Bibliophile ❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a mafia romance, this came off a little too light for my liking. Luca and Serena didn't once talk about their history together, just fell straight back into their old romance. It was obvious they loved each other, but everything from Luca's one lesson on fighting, sex scenes, and threats from Lorenzo just fell flat a were pretty cheesy. I found myself skimming through at least a third of the book. I'm not planning on reading the rest of the series.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me hooked from page 1! I love this writer and have read most of her books already. They just keep getting better. Would love me some Bruno, wow!! This book does end on a cliffhanger but hopefully we won't have to wait long for book 2!!

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive, dark romance. Gave me chills.

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

My Rating: 5 stars

[Rachel Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

h: Serena
H: Bruno
(Dual POVs)

I thought this book was pretty well balanced in action/ suspense and steamy sex scenes. The writing was easy to read, although some word choices seemed a bit funny to me. For instance, the use of the word 'honey'. It didn't ruin the book for me but just made me giggle from time to time. There was a few things about this book that didn't really scream mafia to me.. Like taking a trip to the aquarium. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the aquarium scene and the deeper connection it brought Serena and Bruno, but it just seemed a little uncharacteristic for a mafia romance.

Bruno seemed like a giant teddy bear when it came to Serena, which is exactly how I like 'em; hard and tough on the outside, but warm and adoring towards their woman. I could feel the high amount of adoration he had for Serena as well as his fierce need to protect her. And don't even get me started on the dirty talk!

I was a bit surprised that this book was missing Serena and Bruno's back story. Not sure if that was done on purpose to be explained in a later book, but I was a bit saddened by the fact we don't get the story of how these two met or how they fell in love as teenagers. There's also some unresolved questions as to what led up to the event that changed their lives and what happened after it, that I'm hoping get explained later on. Overall, I really did enjoy reading this book and I look forward to seeing what happens next for these two soulmates.

Favorite Quotes:
"As long as this heart of mine is beating, I swear, nothing will touch you unless you want it to." -Bruno

I'm a man who will please his woman well, and I'll finish when I'm good and done fucking her. -Bruno

[Shirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer for hire formally known as Bound for Life is an awesome book! Alexis Abbott is well known for her Mafia romance books. A great author.
This is the first book of the trilogy. Main couple is Luca and Serena. This does end on a cliffhanger so you know but all three books are available.
Serena and Luca must have been in some form of a relationship before but something big happened and they haven't seen each other since until the store she owns and operates by herself is in the sights of a new upcoming mafia type of gang that tries to shake her down for protection money. Luca is trying to protect her and get the new gang taken down.
I'm not sure if they were in a previous book or not or if the author is slowly showing what the big thing that happened in their past is. There is a lot of mystery in this book and a lot of twist and turns. Some you do see coming while others sneak up on you. To me that is a good thing.
I highly recommend this book.
This book is for adults only due to graphic sex, language and violence.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

received for honest review
Non stop action packed romance for mafia loving readers. Drama, suspense, danger and excitement on every page. Some of it maybe over the top but it works for this story. When the mob is involved, who can you trust? the odds are stacked against Bruno and Serena. They have to fight mentally and physically to give their love a chance. Bruno is the ultimate alpha. He is reckless and goes head first into danger to protect Serena. He laughs in the face of danger. Serena can hold her own. She stands up and fights back when she needs to. The story is fast paced and full of action but we still get our sexy scenes and romance from Bruno and Serena. This is part of a trilogy and does end a cliff hanger. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[SouthernAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An attention grabber with Mafia hit-men, drama, suspense, danger, sizzling chemistry, explosive hot sex scenes and so much more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Iza Silva]

' 4' Bem interessante ... Ansiosa para o 2

[Karen ♐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much more than I was expecting! I loved it. Yes, it does end in a cliffhanger, so beware!

Something happened to Luca & Serena when they were teenagers that broke them up. However, Serena is now running her family business (shop that sells soaps, bath needs). A really creepy mafia guy comes in and threatens her. We end up getting small pieces of info but something happened when she was a teen. Luca comes into the store and starts protecting her. She realizes that it's her boyfriend from years before and they rekindle their relationship.

This book is full of action, romance and hot, hot sex! Definitely going right on to #2...

[Samm Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING - THIS BOOK ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER (no mention is made in the blurb it just says that it is book #1 and should really be labeled as Part #1)

As usual, Alexis Abbot writes a great story.

I enjoy this writer's style and stories. The characters are three dimensional and are put into fairly reasonable situations. As it is a mafia book, there is a fair amount of violence. There is plenty of hot sex but there is actually a good story weaving everything together.

The story was a little confusing at the start. Bruno saves Serena but then there is a several year gap with no contact and no explanation of how or why or anything (not even later in the story - it might be in later books). There is a major cliffhanger, right in the middle of a scene that will leave you hanging (there is no happy for now in this book). I am looking forward to reading the other books in this story.

I received a copy from the author and I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound For Life
Alexis Abbott

This story will capture you with the very first page. You definitely won't be disappointed with this Mafia style story. Hitmen, drama, sizzling hot sex scenes and more.

Bruno is a hitman for the mafia. You want the job done all you have to do is call Bruno. Keeping his turf safe from the infesting gangs that keep popping up. The biggest example is the Cleaners. They are getting to big for their britches and trying to claim turf that's not theirs. Plus with his girl back in his life after finding her again. He has to protect her at all cost. But it seems someone is bent on making the both pay. Will he be able to protect them both?

Serena is a mafia princess. Or she was till her father was killed in a turf war. And her mom lost everything trying to keep them a float. So selling bath bombs, soaps, salts and candles. Gets them by most of the time. Till some thugs come waltzing in demanding protection money. They know who she is and think she has money hidden somewhere. Which if she did, she doubts she and her mother would be selling bath products. Then he walks in through the door once more for her. Can she trust him just like old times?

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well paced story, filled with plot twists, steam and suspense. The prose flows smoothly, although I did spot a couple of continuity errors in one sex scene and is easy to follow. There is a good balance of dialogue, thoughts/feelings and descriptive elements.



The pace was good and the book had plenty of action. Although a couple of the sex scenes felt a little long they were very hot and tastefully written, there were no crude words/phrases to make me cringe. The characters were developed nicely as the plot progressed, including some of the side characters.

The book does end on a cliff-hanger and we still don't know all of Bruno and Serena's secrets. I will definitely be continuing with this series.

[Alice Malary · Rating 2 out of 5]

received for honest review from Goodreads...

THIS BOOK ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER...The story was a little confusing.. Cliffhanger right in the middle of a scene,but then being part 1 of a trilogy wait and see...

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this Advance Reader Copy & am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Bruno & Serena's story. There was so much going on that I got pulled right in. Good book!!!

[Mary Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author always writes such intriguing and rivetting stories and this one is no exception, although it is part of a trilogy. Right from the off, book one pulls you into an amazing storyline that only draws you in deeper, and then concludes in an exciting cliff-hanger. This is certainly a book I would have no hesitation in recommending.

Mafioso; that word had cast a darkness over Bruno’s childhood. Now an important twist of fate brings Serena and Bruno together again years after the horrors that broke them apart. Serena works in her shop, Bathing Beauty: it is the one asset left of her father’s former dynasty. Lorenzo Abruzzi has been watching Serena for a while; he knows exactly who she is and it is not long before he starts intimidating her. Serena knew this day would finally come; what would be the point in fighting back when the shop has been marked. To Bruno it seems a lifetime ago since he was a teenager; he has changed so much over the years, he may as well be a different person. But what he does see is the face of a man who has done terrible things. Today though, Bruno is here to make sure Serena is safe. The Cleaners were a rival gang that had sprung up almost overnight, but they have gone from being a nuisance to a threat. Bruno has always made it clear Serena’s store was off-limits, but this has only made it a prime target for the Cleaners; something that Bruno will not tolerate. But will Serena feel differently when she finds out Bruno is an Enforcer for the Mafia? It is clear the fight that ensues between Lorenzo Abruzzi and Bruno is likely to have far reaching consequences. Serena needs to be protected at all costs and cannot be allowed to be a high value target. Lorenzo takes the affront personally and will stop at nothing to get his revenge, setting Bruno up time and again by luring him into traps and distracting him away from Serena. The story ends on a cliff-hanger which is totally unexpected, so book two will be eagerly awaited. A really exciting story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

[Julie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my debut with Alexis Abbott's work and flipping heck was an introduction.

As I'm sat here writing this I'm firing on adrenaline. What a cliff hanger, but then being part 1 of a trilogy that should have been expected, although it was still a shock, and what a blinding start to a new series. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in this Bound to the Bad Boy Series.

This was y 2nd Mafia related book in as many days, I wasn't really sure if I would like Mafia stories, but the two I have just read really adds a thrilling suspense to the romance genre.

I really enjoyed meeting Serena and Bruno, their story has you so enthralled that you can't but help it by cheering them on to make it.

This certainly has suspense, drama, intrigue, love andpassion - oh my the passion, it sizzles off the pages.

Bruno was a trained assassin, nothing phased him, he gave 100% of himself with everything he did, Serena is one lucky lady, this needs to come with a Sizzling Fan Warning, they were so hot together.

We learn that Serena is Mafia royalty, and has rival gangs after her, but she the protection offered by Bruno gives her an amazing strength to get on with her life and with providing for her mamma.

This really is a gripping story, with family and love being the forefront of everything.

I loved Rafalea, Serena's friend they were very close, and when things got rough they stood side by side together.

The final couple of chapters had me tensed right up, until I had finished ! only to come to a flipping cliff hanger! I hope I don't have to long to wait to find out how everything goes for Bruno and Serena, if I ever found myself in a terribly sticky situation I can only hope I have someone like Bruno to come to my rescue.

A great page turner, keeping you totally invested in how everything opens out throughout the pages you want to rush through it, but at the same time don't want it to end, or miss anything.

I received an Arc in return for an honest review, this is my honest review.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first pages to the last my heart was pounding as I read this book. Bruno and Serena knew each other when they were younger and we don't get their full story of what happened when they were younger but there are hints as to what they meant to each other. Years later another group is encroaching on the mafia's territory that Bruno is a part of and Serena's store just happens to be a part of it. He has watched over her in the dark and until the new group makes a move on her store and her, is when he makes his presence known and she finally recognizes him. What happens next even surprised me (pleasantly) and their story continues now as adults....and what a story.
An amazing book filled with action, some suspense, steamy oh my steamy scenes that will make you melt into a puddle. I instantly fell in love with Bruno, what he says, does and thinks about Serena (sigh,swoon,sigh) a big tough guy who will do anything and everything for the one he loves. Serena is a tough woman as well and accepts everything that Bruno does with no complaint but still worries about him. What I really enjoyed is the relationship between them, the trust is there automatically, they don't fight or bicker, they stand by each other no matter what and no one comes between them. Even though this book ends of a cliffhanger that I was not expecting, I CAN'T WAIT to see how their story unfolds, how they get out of this new situation together and what they are going to do next....LOVED IT!!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book #1 in the Bound to the Bad Boy series, something I was not aware of during my reading and leaves in a cliffhanger but not knowing was my mistake. Just be fair warned that the ending will leave you gasping for more and yelling WTF at the last word. That being said, this was a very well-written book that had me captivated from the first few words. This is the story of Serena and Bruno, yea, typical Mob guy name but Bruno is not your typical mafia hit man and like Serena, I don't think the danger that he brings would keep me from wanting a relationship with him. Sadly, his heart only belongs to Serena who he met when he first came to America as a teen and saved her from a horrible situation. We get a glimpse of that meeting but not enough to know the full story since most of the book deals with their present relationship which is SO VERY HOT! Unbeknownst to Serena, Bruno has been keeping a watchful eye on her from afar and when trouble lands on the doorstep of her business, Bruno comes out of the shadows to rescue her again and to re-claim Serena as his.

Alexis Abbott definitely knows how to write about hunky hit men in a way that you can't help but love them whether they are slitting throats or providing the most mind blowing sex possible. I cannot wait to read Book # and hope if gives me more of Bruno and Serena.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Heads up though, it does end on a cliffhanger. This story drew me in from the beginning and I need more. Bruno and Serena were together as teenagers. Serena was the mafia princess but her world was changed drastically when her father was killed. Bruno saves her and in doing so, enters the mob life to keep her safe and off limits to the current people in power. Serena doesn't know all these details, she just knows that he saved her and walked away. They are brought back together when a rival up and coming mafia family starts encroaching on the Costa territory and Serena is a target. Bruno walks back into her life and the feelings they had for each other back then are still there. Bruno didn't mean for them to start up again, he just wanted to protect her but he can't deny what's there and when Serena isn't scared of him, just happy to see him, he goes all in. The sex is explicit in this story and blended in well with the rest of the action. There's some kink, a little BDSM, but it's done well and fits the characters. There is also some action and intrigue in this story with a few twists. I definitely have to read the next book to get the rest of the story and see how they figure things out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Kat Ryker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a laborious read. Plain and simple. I forced my way to the end and wonder how it ended up with so many five star reviews. They certainly didn't review because of the story.

I wish there had been less mafia and more good writing in this book, but you get what the author is capable of. In this case, the book is long, a lot longer than I thought it would be. Yes, the "hero" if you could ever call him that is hot, but honestly, hot is easy to write. It is the character under the hot that I want to read about.

Then, its a cliffhanger. Nowhere did I read it was a cliffhanger or I would have NEVER purchased the book, so there's that. And because its a cliffhanger, I have deleted the book and won't purchase the rest of the series.

And just to be VERY VERY CLEAR. Author, if you state it is a cliffhang in your blurb, then I will happily consider reading until the end of how many ever books you write in the series, as long as they have substance and are well written, but not knowing something ends in a cliffhanger is a pain in the you know what to a reader who loves to read, but loves to have closure too. You are stretching this calling it a romance, as the happily ever after isn't going to appear for another 2 books, or more. And even then, it is a sketchy happily ever after, I'll bet on it.

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one thing this author knows how to write it is mafia books. She has the ability to suck a reader into her world and make them experience the characters first hand. This book was amazing in its ability to fulfill all the requirements if a captivating action packed romance story.

Serena is working in her store when a man comes in and demands from her. She has had interactions with the mafia before and at the time she was rescued by a man she could never forget. This time she wishes he was there again to help her out. Bruno was a young and idealistic when he saved Serena all those year ago, but times have changed and he has earned his place in the mafia. He has never forgotten her and to this day watches over her to keep her safe and his obsession in check. When he finds that there are other people interested in her, his protectiveness kicks in and the adventure of this story begins. This story is one of a second chances romance with heart stopping action.

The story sucks you in and doesn’t let you go, but be forewarned, there is a cliffhanger as this is one part of a three part series. The story is worth the wait for the next book and any reader will loved the balance of this story. I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.