Crime Lord's Paradise

Crime Lord #4.5

by Mia Knight

After Gavin Pyre steps down from his position as crime lord, he and Lyla focus on picking up the pieces of their lives and creating the paradise they deserve.

Note: This novella intersects with book 4, Awakened by Sin, so books should be read in sequence.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Novella, Dark, Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2018

About the author

Mia is the author of the Crime Lord and Singed Series. She writes dark, contemporary romances that make you question your beliefs and leave you feeling drained and emotionally bereft. If you like your men dark with questionable morals and a possessive edge, you’ve come to the right place.

When Mia isn’t writing, she’s most likely on a road trip. She loves coffee, daydreaming, and the sound of rain storms. She is constantly shadowed by her dogs who don’t judge her when she laughs and cries with the voices in her head. Mia’s also a notorious hermit so please be patient if she doesn’t get back to you promptly.

You can follow her on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mia-k...

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my top all time favorite series ever.

I have read books 1-4 multiple times and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Gavin Pyre and his batshit possessive, emotionally abusive, borderline personality rings my bell in so many way, it's insane. He is totally fucked up. Totally not anyone you would want your daughter dating. And totally one of my #1 Dreamboats.



Period.

Lyla also grew on me pretty hard throughout the series and I love her too.

Thus, getting more Gavin and Lyla in this installment was a book dream come true and I am jonesing so hard for books 5 and 6 (the rest of Carmen's story), that I might actually explode with the tension.



But alas, I shall do my best to pull up my first-world-problems-panties and forge ahead with life until "early 2019" aka when Knight says she plans to release said crack.

Until then, my friends...

[Phuong ✯ · Rating 2 out of 5]

My OTP for this series will always be GAVIN + JAIL 🖤

Even tho I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone, cause the Hero is trash on every level, the series was addicting in a way that I even gave the third book 3 stars despite hating the Hero, but then this cute novella reminded me again why I hated these characters. So thank you very much. 🥰

┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
CRIME LORD SERIES

#1 Crime Lord's Captive – 2.25 stars (Layla / Gavin)
#2 Recaptured by the Crime Lord – 2.5 stars (Layla / Gavin)
#3 Once a Crime Lord – 3 stars (Layla / Gavin)
#4 Awakened by Sin – 3.5 stars (Carmen)
#4.5 Crime Lord's Paradise – 2 stars (Layla / Gavin)
#5 (...) – tbr
#6 (...) – tbr
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙

[Coco.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this couple so much! Book 5 cannot come soon enough. Can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short featuring Gavin and Lyla as they spend time together in Bora Bora.

Lyla is still suffering nightmares and hallucinations. She’s trying her best to fight her demons with exercise but it’s taking its toll.

A relaxing break could be just what she needs. Just what hey both need.

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

God, will these two never let up?
And Gavin, you are such a ruthless, dominant as*hole!
Still, love these two!

[Expresso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare yourselves readers! CLP is a novella NOT a full novel. I needed to convey that tidbit for obvious reasons. However! Although not as long as we may desire, the story is chocked full of Gavin in all his glory!

Without spoilers I will confirm Lyla is the focus of this novella. BUT there are plenty of scenes where Gavin’s beast is allowed to “roam”. We also see some secondary characters shine in this segment.

This novella has all the intensity, drama, epic intimate scenes as a full novel. Blade is not the usual Blade...read to find out what I mean. Marcus is the sexiest alpha in creation! He’s so perfect! Carmen is well Carmen. Enough said!

Five stars!

Disclaimer: This review is my personal opinion of this story. As usual my personal opinion should have ZERO influence on your experience with the story. With that being said, read, enjoy, and leave a review!

[Ana Laura]

Oh, please !! Writing a character of this as jealous and possessive is nothing more than an offense !!!!! Would he be like that if he hadn't stuck his cock in all the women when he CHEATED? Here in my country we have a saying that says "Who is very jealous is because has a heavy conscience" And this book perfectly portrays this. It's just ridiculous and hypocritical. But I did not expect anything different from this author.

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 1 out of 5]

Не им е лесно на авторките в този жанр. Тези, които имат дар слово, се разкъсват между различните видове читателки (не мога да си представя мъж да чете това, те четат други тъмни сюжети). Една част пищят от удоволствие колкото по-гадно е всичко. Други искат хем да е мрачно, хем да е безопасно и захаросано. А трети искат реализъм, но с малко фентъзи и задължителен хепи енд.

В първите три книги от поредицата Миа Найт горе-долу нацелва третата категория. В този де факто епилог се е отплеснала в първата. Всичко трудно извоювано от героите отиде в канавката. Лайла се превърна в отвратителен човек, който загуби всякакви устои и морален компас, и вече взе да приема убийствата шеговито и да пита весело мъжа си убил ли е някого днес. А на болната си майка (самата тя гадина) ѝ каза, че няма да умира, ако не е пречукана от дъщеря си. WTF??? Защо да чета за някаква деградирала откачалка, която не просто е за затвора, а и за психиатрия със строг режим, и страда от комплекса на самодоволна и назидателна светица-мъченица? Това не е мрачно, Миа, а просто гнусно.

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Crime Lord’s Paradise” is a short foray into Layla and Gavin’s vacation.

Gavin is still OTT insane, Layla has her moments of confusion and pain, we see the beautiful baby Nora, haunting dreams of the past, relationship with family and friends before ending in the cliffhanger we read in Carmen’s book.

I enjoyed it!

Safe
4/5

[Unapologetically Book Obsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is everything...more time with my favorite OTT alpha Gavin and his obsessive, possessive love Lyla, as well as some appearances by some other favorite series characters. Did I mention more Gavin?!? Gavin may have given up the Crime Lord seat, but he hasn’t lost his edge at all, or his holy moly growly hotness. Example #1: Boxing and sparring with Lyla in their home gym. How that girl doesn’t just maul him every time he enters a room, I don’t know.

[Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original, OTT Alpha madman is back (at least in a novella ☺️) but, hey, I’ll take Mr. Pyre anyway I can get him. Mia Knight has crafted an absolutely fantastic story with the hero, “HE-MAN” Gavin Pyre, his everlasting obsession, the heroine, Lyla, and a cast of ruthless characters which exist in the Las Vegas underworld.

The enjoyment of this novella requires that you begin with book 1, Crime Lord’s Captive. Read it! I must warn you, however, you too will find yourself a Captive of this Crime Lord!

Disclaimer: If you like anti-heroes who change their ways, see the light, turn over a new leaf, or get in touch with their softer side, this ain’t the dude for you! However, if you need an OTT, J/P hero who can’t take no for an answer, and think you’ve already found him, prepare to dethrone him. Gavin Pyre is taking over!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Can Never Get Enough Gavin & Lyla

I want to thank the author for giving me some more of this series. It was a much needed relief in the wait for part 2 of Carmen's story. Gavin is so extreme in his love for Lyla as he is in his need for total control. He definitely is an Alphahole. Lyla grounds him to be more human and less beast. I want to know Blade's story. He intrigues me. I sure hope gets his own book.

[Renee Schlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Enough Alpha Male

Can't get enough of Gavin and Lyla., and the cover - wow, that really brought the visual. I love the possessive way that Gavin loves Lyla and the strength that she has to keep fighting for life, love and family. Then there's Carmen, she's my soul sister, she lives life to the fullest and grabs on to all of life's experiences. Book 5 and 6 can't come soon enough.

[billie jo oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I love Lyla, and Gavin I can never get enough of these two. It was hot, funny, intense at times, and of course just the right amount of crazy coming from Gavin. Also the interactions with Blade in this story were fantastic. Mia nailed it! Beautifully written, and as usual left me wanting more! I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait to see what’s to come!

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my God, Gavin is too much sometimes! I actually felt smothered a couple of times when he wouldn't give Lyla ANY space. I love the relationship that she and Blade have and would love a Blade-centric book. I also loved when she finally stood up for herself and went off on her mother. Their vacation was great, and that ending?? Brought me right back to Carmen. Can't wait for the next book.

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart

Mia Knight never disappoints. Weather it's a short story like this one or the entire series, her characters grab you by the throat and drag you into their world. You feel for each character and cant help but love them. Thank you for another taste of Gavin and Lyla!

[Jacki Turpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Love with twisted sacrifice. Gavin's and Lyla's love is hard, deep and breathtaking. The story drags you in page after page. Mia's writing is beyond anything you can imagine, but need....Read it you won't put it down

[LORRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, sad, happy, funny and romantic

[Marissa LeMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got my fix

Ok so waiting for book 5 sucks.. this was just the fix I needed.. not sure if I can patiently wait until 2019.. as always Mia sucks you in and leaves you wanting more

[Hilal Kahraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

bu noktada benim ana shipim Gavin 💜 Terapi

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERS

and THAT is how you do a novella.

“If you follow me, you know I love character development and am always down for digging a little deeper, which is what this novella is about—adjusting the lens so we can see more color and depth in these characters for the future”
- Author's Note

and BOY can Mia Knight write the fuck out of a character. Gavin and Lyla are so complex. Lyla started off in a very different position than where she is now, but her change wasn't one-dimensional. It wasn't just a case of trauma -> ptsd but rather a slow process of her changing and accommodating in her lifestyle, her morals, her priorities, etc. until she grew into the person she is now. It's always amazing to look back at a character and see how different they were, but not really be able to pinpoint a single moment of change. It happens slowly because that's how change in real life happens, and I love it. I love how fierce and strong and beautiful she is while also being achingly relatable. I love that she's the light of everyone's life even though she's a little darker now. She's... she's just amazing, 10/10 character.

and GAVIN. Boy, how he pisses me the fuck off but i love him. There's something about his cruelty, how completely and utterly terrifying he can be, coupled with his sweet moments and the natural attraction to his power and UGH. The way he can be both a monster (to everyone AND to her; mia knight doesn't shy away from that and i love it!!) but also have this tortured soul kinda vibe. Is it bad that there's an appeal to a guy who's so obsessed with you and psychopathic/murderous that he literally needs to be sedated so he doesn't hurt you in his anger at the idea of losing you?



and NORA my bby i love her so much. Also... LOVE THE BLADE CONTENT, MY FAVORITE DETACHED BODYGUARD.

“Blade wasn’t necessarily a brother to her. He was caught somewhere between best guy friend and disapproving uncle.”

“Get the fuck out,” Gavin snarled.
“Gavin—”
“Out, Blade!”
“Don’t make me fucking kill you,” Blade said in a menacing voice she had never heard from him before.”

and my smutty bbys, y'all are insane.

“You think I can watch you fight and not fuck you?”

“Blade’s training is showing,” he said gruffly as his eyes moved over her topless body. “You’re not allowed to train with anyone but him. I don’t want anyone seeing you like this.”
“Like what?”
“Angry, slick, fierce. That’s mine.”

“He immediately pressed his cock to her opening and penetrated. He buried his face against her breasts and let out a jagged breath as she settled on his lap.
She looped her arms around his neck. “You feel good.”
His hands flexed on her. “You talk like that; this slow shit ends.” Apple Books.

...

...

and HES SO CUTE AND ANGRY AND SOFT AND DEADLY ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
LIKE, HIM GIVING LYLA A PIGGYBACK RIDE IS MY SOLE REASON FOR EXISTING RN.

“Even if I was dead and buried, you wouldn’t have a chance in hell of going back to him.”
She bit his palm and yanked his hand down. “How would you stop me if you’re dead?”
“You wouldn’t …” she whispered. “You did not give Blade orders to …” No change in expression, which was answer enough. “You put Blade on cock block duty for the rest of his life? Are you crazy?”
“He’ll never get to you.” ... “I don’t want you to be happy without me,” he declared.
He had no qualms stating what he wanted. He didn’t care how it made him look or what others thought. He was blunt, jealous, and relentless about his claim on her.
“What about Nora?” she asked indignantly.
“She has godfathers.”
“And I get nothing?”
“Your memories of me will be enough. No one could fill my shoes.”
“I can’t believe you made plans for me even if you’re dead.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”

There was enough to keep her occupied in the present. Besides, only he was allowed to make her cry.

THE WHOLE SCENE WHERE SHES HAVING A NIGHTMARE AND SO HES ANGRY AT HER AND FUCKING HER AND I- I JUST DONT- I JUST DONT LIKE THE PERSON THAT GAVIN PYRE TURNS ME INTO BC THAT SHOULD NOT BE OK-

“I like seeing you helpless,” he murmured in her ear. “Even in sleep, you respond to me. You’re getting wet. Such a good girl. You know daddy’s voice, hmm?”
She gave him another whimper, but she wasn’t near tears anymore. She was still locked in sleep while he played her body.
“You sore, baby? Is that why you’re squeezing me so tight?” He licked her ear and then bit down. “Good. You’re gonna think of me every time you try to sit or bend over today.”

AND THIS BOOK IS SO FUCKING FUNNY SOMETIMES TOO

“He cocked his head to the side. Nora copied him, which almost made her laugh,”

“He lifted the back of her robe and examined her ass in the mirror. He didn’t look the least bit contrite. On the contrary, he looked pleased.”

“I know.” He released her and kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I know.”
Hazel eyes bored into hers. “Say it back.”
“I love you, boss.”
He relaxed instantly. “That’s what I want to hear. Do you want me to stay home?”
Gavin Pyre was hot, cold, sweet, and brutal wrapped up into one confounding male. He beat her ass for something she couldn’t control and then asked her if she wanted him to stay home.”

“My watch went off during your nightmare, and I took Nora downstairs while Gavin disciplined you.”
She flushed with mortification. Blade sure knew how to put her in her place.
“From the looks of it, he took it easy on you.”
She gaped. “Are you fucking serious?”
His eyes flicked to Nora again, and this time, he actually looked upset. “Watch it.”
“You think he took it easy on me? I won’t be able to sit down for days!”
“At least you can stand.”
She stared at him. “Seriously?”
He shrugged. “You marked him.”
She stomped her foot. “A tiny scratch!”
“Gavin’s on a hair trigger, and he doesn’t have another outlet.”
“And I’m supposed to be the punching bag?”

LIKE I SHOULD NOT BE ENJOYING THIS AND YET IM CACKLING

BUT GAVIN CAN BE SUCH A SAP AND LIKE... SAME

“I have you and Nora. I don’t care about anything else.”
To him, it was that simple. This man battled to keep her at his side and bonded her to him so tightly, she couldn’t imagine life without him.
“I love you,” she said.
He buried his face in the crook of her neck and breathed deep.
“Whatever you want, Lyla, it’s yours,” he said gruffly.
She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. “I have what I want.” How could she not love this psycho?
“I’m going to give you more,” he vowed.
“You can’t give me more than you have already.”
He placed his lips on her ear as he said, “Watch me.”

“You know how I never ask you for anything?” she murmured.
He settled his chin on her head. “Debatable.”
“What have I asked for?” she demanded.
“There’s two dogs in my house.”
“You love them!”
“Your ex is still breathing.”
“You hired him,” she muttered.
“And I still allow you to speak to your crazy cousin.”
“He grunted and kissed his bite mark. “What do you want?”
She turned in the circle of his arms. “I want an island,” she said bluntly.
He looked beyond her to the sunset. “An island, hmm?”
She tapped his chest nervously. She had never asked Gavin for anything extravagant. She didn’t ask for jewelry or designer labels, but the peace she experienced here—that was worth asking for.
His hand smoothed over her bare back as he contemplated the view. She wanted to plead her case but remained quiet instead. She didn’t need an answer now, but knowing that she could come back anytime, that she had her own haven waiting would make anything she experienced in Las Vegas bearable.
“We’ll look tomorrow. There’s a bunch of tiny islands all over the place,” he said.
Her mouth sagged. “Really?”
“Of course. You think I can’t see for myself how happy you are here?”
“But … you’ll really buy me an island?”
“I promised you paradise.”
“You meant figuratively.”
“I mean it whatever way it needs to be.”

OK NOW IT IS TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE BIRTH CONTROL SCENE BC THAT KNOCKED THE FUCKING AIR OUT OF ME. LIKE.
EXCUSE ME?
GAVIN?
LYLA?
I CANT DO SHIT RN BC THAT SCENE IS RUNNING RENT FREE IN MY HEAD. LIKE CAN I JUST PRINT OUT ALL OF CHAPTER 8 AND JUST KEEP IT UNDER MY PILLOW?

“She turned and saw Gavin standing in the doorway leading to the bathroom. He had a half empty pack of birth control pills in his hand. The cloud of contentment she had been floating on evaporated. Oh, fuck.
“How long have you been on these?” he asked.
She licked her lips before she said, “A month.”
Her heartbeat thudded in her ears as he stalked toward her. Even as her body tensed for flight, she forced herself to stay where she was. He held the packet between them as his eyes shot daggers at her.
“Where the fuck did you get these?”

“Fucking answer me, Lyla.”
It was an indication of how far gone he was that he didn’t tend to Nora. Normally, one peep was all it took for him to drop everything to soothe his daughter. Right now, his daughter’s distress made no impact upon him. He was completely focused on her and not budging an inch.
“We’re back to this?” he hissed
He tossed the packet on the floor and stomped on them.
“Gavin!”

“Blade slammed the door so hard it shuddered in its frame. Gavin rested his lips against her temple in a mockery of affection as the hand against her throat trembled.
“Every time I think we’re on the same page, every time I think I have you where I want you, you do something that makes me feel unsure of you again.” His tone was soft, almost gentle, which made his words all the more chilling. “I’ve fought long and hard for you. Now, tell me why you’re guarding your body against having more kids with me and don’t you fucking lie to me.”

“Lyla.”
She blinked several times before she was able to focus on Gavin who stood several feet away.
“I would do anything for you,” he said in a voice that gave away his thirst for violence. “And I expect the same in return.”

LIKE, GODDAMN I CAN'T FUNCTION-

“I sacrificed everything to have you, and I’m going to get everything I can out of you. I need.” His head kicked back as he lost himself in her. “Too much. I’ll never stop needing.”

basically, this series ruined me and whatever moral compass i had left after reading anna zaires

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end pissed me off like c’mon.. but I loved coming back to Gavin and Lyla.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

After the third book in the series, I was completely over Gavin and Lyla. The more that is written about them, the more I dislike their characters. Gavin is controlling but not in a good way. He's extremely abusive. I can't tell if this is supposed to be a dark romance or not. At times it feels like it and I would understand and support Gavin's character more if the books were marketed as that, but I don't think they are. It's very confusing. I also can't pinpoint if Lyla's character is supposed to be strong or weak. I'm not talking about her dealing with trauma, but rather decisions she has made. One minute she's a badass who takes on eight men to save her daughter and the next she's dumbly putting herself in danger for no reason.

This novella comes after Carmen's book which I LOVED. I probably would have rated this higher had I not read that first. At this point, I'm ready to move on to other, more interesting characters.

[EducatedBookFreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is utterly amazing and bleeds emotion and romance into every word she writes. You are captivated by these characters and they are a partner of your family simply by the amazing descriptions and words she writes. This couple, along with the family members, will always leave you begging for more. Their steaminess, love, alpha males, suspense, and altogether support are truly amazing!! Just when I think this author can’t get better, she proves me wrong. Amazing job Mia Knight!!

Gavin and Lyla have come so far in their relationship. This continues this story, connecting to story 4. They have had many tough times, but in the end, they always end up together. I can’t wait for more characters to develop and how their story continues. This author will keep you on your toes with a book in your hand!!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime Lord’s Paradise is a novella in the continuation of the Crime Lord Series by Mia Knight. This hot and at the same time sweet book focuses on Lyla and Gavin Pyre including both of their POV’s. Lyla is still shaken up after the past events that have scarred her both mentally and physically however with Gavin by her side he won’t let anything stop them from having the future that he desires.
Once again Mia has brought us a amazingly written story with a bunch of heated scenes and moments that made me smile. Really loved the Blade & Lyla scenes, can’t wait for his story and especially can’t wait to find out what happens with Carmen in the next release!

[Sugus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okey necesito YA un libro de la historia de sus hijos de grande,necesito más de Nora es muy tierna.

Me gusto al final esta saga. Al principio la estuve por dar de baja millones de veces. Pero los personajes evolucionaron y son todo lo que esperaba.

Así q yeihhhh! Final feliz ponele

[Leanne McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!

Once again another great book from mia knight, I love this series and all the characters. I can't wait for the next book

[Series Of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

That cliffhanger tho 🥺🥺🥺

[honeycoves · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate when people review this type of book and says the H is a terrible person, because that is so obvious and you can definitely guess what kind of “love” history you are going to read, but these books really took me off. I didnt finish neither, but what i did read made me so upset and sad. I guess i reacted this way bc i got some awful flashbacks of a boyfriend who had similarities whit Gavin. He was so manipulator that it made me sick. In these type of books i understand this kind of behavior is appeling (and only on books, never allow yourself to like this on real life) but this is only justified to certain point bc the h is ALWAYS aware the he would NEVER harm her. We definitely cant say this about Gavin. Every damn time they fight she is SCARED shitless of him and he is constantly attacking her phsycally. He doesnt respect her in the sightless and doesnt care about what she needs or desires. I get that he could “remeed” himself as often happens with the kind of books, but even in their final book he threatens her with PUNCHING HER. Want to know why? Bc she wasnt ready to have another baby and he is mad by that. Im all about OTT alphas but this was not it. This is just an abusive man, physycally an emotionally. I hated him and scripted a whole new story where she kills him or escapes him and ran away with Jonathan. He was everything she deserved. A sweet man who actually CARES about her and isnt someone who needs to control her every move and abuse her every day of her life, she didnt deserve to wake up every day and wonder if he was going to be violent/ agressive with her or manipulate her just bc she did something he didnt like or aprove. I hated it so much and if you enjoyed this thats ok, but please RUN the other way SO FAST if you ever saw something on a partner/lover that resembles Gavin.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark part of the series,not for the faint of heart

Hmmm...not sure about this one. This book is like an interlude,it tells the story of Gavin and Lyla when they go away for a holiday to Bora Bora,and how they are all still coping with the aftermath of Lyla’s abduction etc
Now I’ve loved and raves about this series so far..and have literally now out the books down. I love the alpha male,dominated characters..live the feisty female characters and think the sex scenes are hot. There’s always been an element of extreme dominance and controlling behaviour from Gavin,but for me,this book takes it that step too far. I feel it goes from being dominant to just over the line of serious controlling,obsessive behaviour.
The majority of the sex scenes in this book have definite dubious consent,something I’m not a fan of. Having sex with someone in their sleep when they’re not aware of what is happening?..hmm dodgy..forcing someone to have sex cause you’re mad at them,even if she gets turned on and eventually enjoys it...nope,not sexy for me I’m afraid.
I love how this book links in to Carmens story(which by the way is the best book in the series so far) and I can’t wait for the next one..but some of the scenes in this one just didn’t sit right with me at all..and I’m not sure are really that necessary tbh.
So,read it if you’re into the series and want that link and background story,but be warned..not always comfortable reading IMHO.