Joker's Wild

Vegas Underground #4

by Renee Rose

HE KIDNAPPED ME. HELD ME PRISONER.
I knew Junior Tacone was dangerous.
I worked for him once taking care of his mother.
I thought when the job was over I’d be safe.
Out of his awareness. Out of his reach.
But his brother took a bullet and Junior chose me to be his nurse.
So I’m his prisoner, trapped in his beautiful house, subject to his rule.
And it seems he’s developed a thing for me.
Which means he may never let me go...

Note: This steamy stand-alone romance is the fifth in USA Today bestselling author Renee Rose's Vegas Underground series. No cheating, no cliffhangers

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Contemporary

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2019

About the author

15-Time USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over five million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.

For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp

**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
**Follow Renee at www.Facebook.com/ReneeRoseRomance - She loves to chat with readers!
**Follow her on Tiktok @authorreneerose
**Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/reneeroseromance

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:

"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright

"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley

"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews

"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews

"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol

"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith

"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight

"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]

"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers

"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews

Reviews

[AvidReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.!
I didn’t like the story (at least first part) and characters. Couldn’t also enjoy the writing style. I think this author isn’t for me.

[Mahima · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This series is pretty interesting with all the alpha male with the history of high profile mobster father now shifting towards legal business. That too because of the genuine ladies in their lives.

This story is the same. The head of the brother's i.e. Junior Tacone who is considered as the most hated brother fell in love with the nurse of his brother. I really loved their chemistry.💞
Junior and Desiree are so good with each other. And she has brought a better person out of him💞

The story is very finely written.
Plotting too is good.
We already knew the characters from the previous books.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mafia with hot steamy romance!

I haven’t read all the books in this series, but the ones I have read I’ve enjoyed. If you enjoy quick mafia romances, (I love them long and short, but these are pretty quick) then these will do the trick. You get the mafia vibes with a hot smutty romance. Can’t complain too much about that. Super excited to read the next book with the younger sister!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Brava Ragazza”

If you have not yet read the “Vegas Underground Series” do yourself a huge favor and do it now, each novel is a standalone story within the same sphere. “Joker’s Wild”, the fifth entry within the series, is incredibly well written, demonstrating Ms. Rose’s unique talent for writing women’s erotica. “Joker’s Wild” immerses fans as well as new readers into a world where la famiglia, the code of omerta and dominance reigns supreme. The story-line is complex and includes in-depth characterizations which are additionally supported through previous novels within the series. Fast paced as well as thoroughly engaging “Joker’s Wild” is an intense thrill ride of emotion with one hot Mafioso hero and an independent, totally competent heroine. “Joker’s Wild” is guaranteed to start a five-alarm fire you won’t want to put out! Alessia & Vlad’s story is next to be released and the intermingling of two opposing factions, the American (Sicilian) Mafia and the Bratva, should prove interesting as well as intriguing.

Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18+ only due to sensitive subject matter, explicit sexual content within an unequal power exchange relationship.

Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar, misplaced commas or illegal use of overly descriptive language.

RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
Steam Factor: 5 Dominant Stars
Writing Style: 5 Professional Stars
Plot: 5 Captivating Stars
Engaging Characters: 5 Hot Blooded Stars
Satisfying Conclusions: 5 Gratifying Stars

[100sweet · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 31%.

Maybe it's just me but if my young child was kidnapped, I wouldn't be devouring pints of ice cream and lusting after my boss. Plus, she sleeps with him so quickly after he threatened her mother, I was appalled.

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This lost a star for me.. cuz well he was married.. yes him and his wife have been estranged for 10 years.. due to her mental health and never wanted to divorce her or get remarried until Des.. its not "Cheating" but he still married.. i guess a plus he told her.. and didn't hide it.. its only mentioned.. you dont see the ex wife.. beside that..

 this was a good book drama, blackmail and very hawt scenes.. Santo aka Junior is the oldest brother dealing with the family business has a problem a deal goes south and Gio his brother gets shot.. not wanting to deal with a hospital or questions he kidnaps Desiree who he has met before she worked and was a nurse for his mother.. sassyness, banter and punishments.. lord its hawt.. but both have some secrets.. they discover.. we also get hints to the next book

Angst, no ow/om but mentions of ex's, drama, secondary chara, sexy times, not a manwhore and no virgin..

Instalove/lust
Anal play/sex
Separate for 13 weeks
Push/pull feelings
Punishment
Hea
Epilogue

[MrsJoseph *grouchy* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a letdown, tbh. I was expecting...something a bit hotter and maybe with more spanking?

There are 2 brothers and a sister left in the Tacone family. I'm excited about the sister's story - tentatively excited. It sounds like it'll be a lot more explosive.

[Marishka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safety -
*He never officially divorced his wife even though they been separated for ten years. They had a child together that they lost to an accident.
*She is divorced and has a child.

[Cherry Pie]

Arrivata al quinto capitolo di questa serie ed avendo un bel po’ di esperienza di lettura di mafiaromance, credevo di sapere esattamente cosa aspettarmi e perfino di annoiarmi un po’. Nossignore, cara Renee. Perché, d’accordo, c’è l’efferato assassino che tutto può e tutto domina, e c’è la donna che rimane conquistata dai suoi modi vieni-chinati-godi-taci, ma ci sono anche i presupposti per una storia d’amore, più che per un rapporto cacciatore/preda. E i dialoghi, soprattutto le risposte sfacciate della protagonista, sono tra i migliori mai letti in questo genere, dove generalmente tutta la trama e gli equilibri sono puntati sulle azioni.

«Che cosa ho detto a proposito del rompermi le palle?»

«Non lo so, lo considero quasi il mio lavoro. Non sono certa che te le abbiano spaccate abbastanza nella tua vita.»

Per non parlare poi della presenza di molti altri personaggi, in particolare i fratelli di Junior, che rendono più avvincente e variegata la trama. Ma soprattutto è la natura ‘umana’ che viene data ai suoi personaggi, quel loro mettersi in discussione, le loro esitazioni, i momenti di debolezza che danno il valore aggiunto ai romanzi della Rose. Una donna forte e volitiva, saggia e di sani principi morali può innamorarsi del gangster senza regole né dio? Verrebbe da rispondere no. No, a meno che tanto lei quanto lui abbiano dubbi nella loro personale morale. Ovvero l’armatura da duro di lui presenti delle crepe, e la ferrea morigeratezza di lei sia… non così ferrea.

“Forse il mio cazzo è uno stronzo opportunista a cui non frega nulla di chi rovino.”

Povera Desiree, mai amata davvero, mai coccolata o viziata anche solo un po’, come può resistere a un uomo sexy come l’inferno che la guarda come fosse il suo paradiso personale e in più le fa regali che nemmeno Babbo Natale?

Oggettivamente, solo una pazza scapperebbe, e Desiree non è pazza.

“Mi mancano molte qualità, come le buone maniere, la gentilezza, le mani incontaminate dal sangue, un cuore libero dalla violenza e dal dolore… ma non i soldi. Non sono così stupido da credere di poterla comprare, ma almeno oggi posso darle qualcosa.”

“Qualcosa” che non sono solo regali, ma nuove possibilità, nuovi orizzonti, una spalla a cui appoggiarsi e sesso strepitoso fanno di Junior un bonus irrinunciabile per Desiree e per ogni lettrice di questo delizioso romance.

Navillus.
https://www.thedirtyclubofbooks.it/jo...

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I wasn’t sure I would since the little bits of Junior we have seen in previous books painted him as the dangerous asshole older brother. It didn’t take much for me to get on board. Excited for the next one with the Tacone sister.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santo and Desiree's was kinda sweet. I wanted to re-read some of the older books I've read by Renee Rose and this one was just perfect!

Re-Read: 08/2024

[Janice Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the story of 'Junior" Tacone and Desiree Lopez. I enjoyed reading and devoured it.
"Junior" is the head of the Chicago Tacone family. The family has changed the way back to lending money. But today he is meeting with the Russian mafiya. The meeting is to discuss territory. They will all be outside in the sidewalk cafe.
Junior, Gio, Paolo and their soldiers get out of the car. Junior asks Ivan where Vlad is and Ivan says he's coming. Ivan says let's go inside and Junior looks through the window and see all the seats are taken which is unusual at this time of the day and declines to go inside. The next thing that happens is all the guns are blazing and it ends with Gio being shot and the Russians dead and the cafe in a shambles.
They get Gio in the car and head out to home. Once they are home and Gio upstairs in bed Junior orders the men to go pick up, Desiree Lopez. Ma's nurse. She works at Cook County. If she's not there go to where she lives. Find her and bring her to my house...

[Lady Raven Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

This story is absolutely amazing. Junior and Desiree are just devine. From the beginning to the end is one none stop adventure. You just want to go on this journey with them. The writing and flow of this book is perfect. I absolutely recommend this book and series.

[JenReadsRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

DESIREE & JUNIOR'S BOOK.

[fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hated "the mentally unstable wife" trope.
Apart from this, it's was short and entertaining

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting on Junior's story ever since he was introduced. He is such a great character, always such a harda$$ that you just wanted no needed to know what made him tick. And Renee did an excellent job of it. But not only did she give Junior a wonderful back story but she gave him a strong female character to give him someone to give as good as he gave.

Desiree is perfect for him. She is younger by a few years, but she has her own crap to deal with. So when she is kidnapped to help Junior it is really the last thing she needs. And she lets him know in no uncertain terms how she feels about everything and anything. I loved the chemistry between the two, but it didn't override the story behind these two. I have enjoyed this series and hope we get more in the future.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mob boss, Junior Tacone and two of his brothers were set up by the Russian mafia where Gio was shot! Immediately Junior recalls his mother's former nurse, Desiree and he has his soldiers to bring her to his home-- yes, KIDNAP! When she's brought to the Mafia's boss's house she instantly remembers Junior along with the bloodied Gio and begins to take care of him. Although Junior has gotten her involved in this crime, they both are really attracted to one another. As they get closer, they discover each others flaws and demons but will they be able to face them together?

Yes they will! Loved this couple, secondary characters and the push and pull of H/h was amazing!

“Into my heart. It’s like I was living life in black and white before I met you. And then you showed me technicolor. And since you’ve been gone—I’m not living life at all."

5 Team Junior Tacone! *****

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Vegas Underground series but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. However, since I have read the rest of the series, I have to say I was surprised by Junior's character. In the earlier books, Junior came across as your typical mobster but in this story you can tell that isn't really Junior. Not to say that Junior doesn't have some mobster in him, but there is more to Junior than meets the eye, especially when it comes to Desiree.
Definitely one of my favorites in this series so far.

[Morgan (youarethelibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This one has been my favorite so far of the Tacone brothers’ stories! It was great to see Junior’s side of things, since the perspective from Nico and Stefano’s stories was that he’s the “stronzo” brother. There is a lot more to Junior than meets the eye, and I loved that he met his match in Desiree. She is strong and doesn’t take his BS, and she makes him a softer, better man.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 5th book of this series, we get Junior and Desiree's story. In the other books, Junior is a lot "harder" but in this one, you can tell he's changed. Maybe his brother getting shot and then making Desiree, who is a nurse, come stay with him to take care of his brother. I loved it because we get to see a more human side of Junior and find out why he was so closed off in the other books. Learning what happened in his life earlier was heartbreaking and I think that is why when he found out what was going on in Desiree's life, he was so gungho to help out!! Hot, intense, sexy as all get out, this book hit all the right notes for me. I can't wait for the next book because there is going to be hell to pay, I can already tell! LOL

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

RR rocks!!! great read from Renee Rose, i prefer another ones i have read to this one ...but this still is a hot steamy read. curious what number this is ... one book i thought had a similar cover on Goodreads ... was a #5 ... gotta do some research?? love her style. great cover!! well done!

[KFForever · Rating 4 out of 5]

kfforever

Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KindleFriendsForever

This is my first book by this author and I’m sure it won’t be the last. This is book number five in the series and features Junior’s story. This can be read as a standalone although I wish I read the other books first because I felt that I needed to know the dynamics of the Tacone family.

Desiree is an ER nurse, she is tough and good at her job. She is divorced and got full custody of her son but her ex-husband took their little boy and has disappeared. She’s still searching for her son and trying to get by with life. Unexpectedly she finds herself holed up in Junior’s house caring for one of the injured brothers. Her conflicting emotions towards Junior put her knickers in a twist, literally.

Junior is the eldest of the Tacone siblings and is in charge of the family business whilst their father is away serving a long prison sentence. When one of the brothers was wounded in a gunfight they have no option but temporarily hijack Desiree’s time. He has met her before and there has always been that attraction between them.

Told in dual points of view, this mafia romance is a quick and easy read. Junior and Desiree’s chemistry is obvious from day one. Actually, it was more of lust at first sight and bonking each other from the first chapter right until the last. This pair’s relationship packs a lot of heat not only from gunfights but more from their trysts in the bedroom, kitchen, foyer, etc... you catch my drift?

I love Desiree’s sassy personality and realistic attitude towards life. Junior’s surly demeanour is justified when you learn his back story. Desiree is the perfect match for his persona, her feisty character balances out his brooding hotness. Although this is a mafia romance, there isn’t a lot of dark drama. The other brothers are quite involved in this book too, and give you a glimpse of how they interact with each other. I admire Junior’s commitment to his family but when he realises he has to make life-changing choices, he gets the job done and gets his girl. Or maybe he waits a bit and then gets his girl. A quick entertaining read that will make you want to read more of the Tacone brothers.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense mafia romance!

This author truly has a gift for taking guys we hate and giving them their own redemptive stories. Junior, as the de facto leader of his family's "business," was not a likable guy in this series' first book, but once we get to know him - and the reasons behind his actions - we see that he's not a bad guy at heart. It takes Desiree a while to see that, too, especially when she's kidnapped by his men so that she can treat his brother's gunshot wound and nurse him back to health.

These two really click - they're perfectly matched in their temperaments and preferences, which not only leads to quite a bit of steamy connecting but also gives them each a solid understanding of the other. Trust is a big issue in any relationship, but it takes on additional layers of importance here.

The story moved quickly and kept me hooked all the way through, but I did feel that the ending fell a little flat. Everything is tied up nicely - terrific HEA, really - but Desiree's reaction just didn't seem proportionate to Junior's actions. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about the Tacone family. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junior and Desiree story

I was hesitant to read Junior's story bc he was for pg ratings a jerk!!! But like everyone in life you don't know what someone is really like or what their home situation is so... Don't judge! But I judged Junior, I decided I didn't like him before truly knowing him and I was wrong!! Yes junior has seen and committed violence but he had no choice! From the moment he was born his fate was sealed as first born son to a don! And Desiree she was the perfect sassy, strong female lead Junior needed to get his head outta his @$$! Their story is filled with sass, heat oh soo much heat and good characters. I love this family and I am very intrigued to see how Alessia Tacone and Vlad( the head of the Russian mob in Chicago) story plays out. Italian and Russian tempers?! This should be interesting and hot!
Renee Rose is a queen at writing hot alpha men and strong female leads! This series is awesome and I highly recommend reading. You don't have to read in order but it'll make more sense if you do!

[Shirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Junior is the stand in head of the mafia. Dad is in jail and still has a lot more time to do so it's up to Junior to be the head asshole.

Apparently not too long ago his Mom had surgery and needed a home health care nurse. Desiree is the only one who could handle the Mom because she must not be a good patient. Skip ahead to the beginning of this book and let's just say Junior needs to hire a nurse who he can trust and needs her now so he has her kidnapped. Scared but smart she does what she has to until she finds out it will be a couple of weeks work. When working with Mom Desiree had a little crush on Junior but knew not to let it show. They get under each other's skin and she pushes every one of his buttons. Of course he does have to punish her. She is hiding a secret.

Junior hates the role he has to play. Dad brought him up to rule one day and taught him to rule with fear and no feelings. After being with Desiree and learning to show feelings can he make a go of things. Can he let the violence go? For her??

[Coline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5⭐️

⚠️ Soft dark romance

Junior c’était un sacrée connard dans les premiers tomes donc j’avais hâte de voir un peu plus le personnage dans ce tome. Pas de panique c’est toujours un connard mais on voit aussi à quelle point sa position au sein du clan lui pèse, Desiree l’aide à être moins strict.
Desiree est sympa, elle lui tient tête mais elle a vraiment des délires spéciaux.

Mais les deux ils ont un peu une mentalité arriérée a des moments, aussi ils doivent avoir vers 40 ans mais vraiment on dirait ils en ont 20.

Par contre je trouve que la là contexte et l’ambiance change des premiers tomes donc plutôt cool.
Je trouve aussi les personnages plus profonds avec chacun leurs passés, on a une vrai évolution des personnages.

Au début j’aimais bof mais la fin j’ai adorée.

On voit enfin aussi les autres frères Gio, Paolo et la sœur Alessia qui vont avoir chacun un tome car depuis le début on en entend pas parler.

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junior and Desiree

I was surprised by how much I liked Junior. He came off as a big stronzo in the other books. But in this book we were able to see the real Junior. Junior has the hots for his ma's home health nurse. Desiree was the fifth nurse Junior had to hire and she was able to get along with Ma. That definitely caught his attention. Desiree thought Junior was hot and he starred in her fantasies.
Junior's brother is shot and he sends his men to bring Desiree to help him. At first she isn't thrilled being kidnapped to take care of a man who's been shot. She and Junior have amazing chemistry but both are cautious with their hearts. The decide to have NSA sex. Of course, feelings get involved. Both of them have pretty big secrets and they need to be truly honest with each other. This book has it all alpha mafia man, love, great sex scenes, and family drama. This was my favorite so far in the series I love Junior and Desiree. I'm also looking forward to see what's going on with the other couples.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, intense and absolutely delicious! Junior and Desiree's book was so good! The attraction and chemistry between these two was so powerful and hot. Junior is 100% alpha male and Desiree is sassy and spunky. The plot was fun and held my interest from the first chapter and all the way through. An amazing, enjoyable read. This is my truthful, voluntary review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! I have followed every book in this series and each one gets better. Yes the lead character is not a nice man, yes he is into illegal activities, yes I have actively disliked him in previous books, but oh yes he made me squirm in all the right ways! Renee Rose outdoes herself by making me root for the villain, the storyline is just that good. I hated reaching the end of the book and can’t wait for more of the Tacones! Five - left me breathless - stars.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. I had received this as an ARC for an honest review. Spoiler ahead. The book is written very well but the H is married. He does stay with the h and divorces his wife in the end of the book. To me it takes away from the enjoyment of the book. Cheating is cheating to me. I am recommending it but it was my least favorite of all of her books.