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The Last Call

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I’m no angel, and he’s definitely no saint. We’ve crossed paths on the way to hell, and now he thinks we’re going to enjoy the rest of the ride together...

I said no. He said yes.
I turned him down. He kicked in my door.
He told me to stay. I ran as far as I could.
I hate him. He adores me.
I’m crazy. He’s worse.
I want to leave. He won’t let me go.
I’m a bitch. He loves me anyway.
He’s a killer. I don’t really care.
He says I’m strong, beautiful, talented. I say he’s lying.
He’s doing everything he can to make me believe it. I’m doing everything I can to resist him.
He fights and f*cks as hard as I do, and now...I think I might like him too.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2019

901 people are currently reading
628 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Belaire

25 books411 followers
Nikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for bad boys, especially ones who can’t live without the strong women they love.

She spends more time in her characters’ lives than her own. But, when she’s in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her daughter.

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5 stars
267 (32%)
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196 (23%)
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79 (9%)
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32 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,029 reviews2,858 followers
April 2, 2019
description I really liked the previous book I read from this author, and this one seemed to get a lot of positive press, so I figured I'd give it a go. I liked it. Not nearly as much as the other book I read (UNDER THE INFLUENCE), but it wasn't horrible either.

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The hero in this one was an over the top bonkers alpha, and that aspect 100% worked for me. What didn't work for me was the utterly annoying and completely unlikable heroine. She acted like some spazzy ungrateful (and if I am honest...stupid) bitch for most of the book. Then just when she became somewhat more likable, she again acted like an idiot. Frankly, I was hoping the hero would kick her to the curb and find someone better. (lol) The other "issue" I had was this was too much of a slow burn for me.

So, yea, like I said, it was OK, but I was expecting more...onwards.

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Profile Image for Samantha K.
141 reviews110 followers
April 1, 2019
H - He was a huge, wealthy, OTT j/p, dirty talking, very dominant and controlling alpha. He was also an anti-H as he was the boss of a criminal organization and totally obsessed with the h. He’s like a non-abusive, possibly more psychotic Gavin Pyre imo.
h - She was beautiful, financially secure and very successful in her vocation. She was initially feisty and somewhat argumentative but this wasn't throughout the book. She was also a sympathetic character imo. She had reasons for acting the way she did and you do learn more about her reasons for resisting the H at the end.
First person POV with POV from H and h.
Sex - Open door, steamy but delayed until about the 65% mark. There are sexy times prior to that though.
Potential Triggers

Other than the above mentioned things - no ow/om, no cheating, no abuse by H, no rape by H.
HEA - with epilogue
Fyi - I was a beta reader for this book.

I loved this book and I love Nikki Belaire's H's! They're so devoted to their h's and are very j/p. This H was no different. Julis was the epitome of a jealous/possessive hero. I loved him!!

" "You are the only woman I've ever dreamed about fucking." "

Yes, that's our H. Oh my goodness, this H was insanely gone for the h. I'm not kidding. He was truly psycho for her very possessive, from just about the moment he met her and there were some great j/p moments throughout the book.

The H - "What I don't fucking love is the two men at the table next to ours enjoying her magnificence as much as I do.........I'm going to have to do a better job of shielding her from assholes who think they have the right to ogle what belongs to me."

As the book progressed, the h's past was slowly revealed. She had been traumatized and hurt yet she tried to harness that trauma so it wouldn't break her. Even though she did this, it became apparent that she was broken. She thought badly about herself, yet the H never did.

The H to the h - " "Don't ever fucking disparage yourself Sydney. I will not have it." "

This H was so good to the h. He never looked down on her for being a call girl and never treated her as anything less than the woman he, fanatically, adored.

" "Thank you."
Her gorgeous eyes filled with gratitude as she stares up at me. "For what?"
"For not being completely repulsed by me."
Never. "

The H never abused the h and pretty much put her on a pedestal. He wanted to take care of her and protect her. He had little tolerance for anyone hurting her. In fact,
I loved this H and how the h was his everything. Other women did not exist for him. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her, except let her leave him. She was his sun, his moon and his stars.

The H to the h - " "You are the one. The only one. Always the one." "

I also loved that there was relationship development in the story. Yes, the H fell in love with her right away but the h did not. (She was attracted to him though.) It took time for the h to believe in his love and that she was even worthy of love. That felt very realistic to me.
Profile Image for Sonia.
1,279 reviews2,006 followers
May 14, 2023
An OTT J/P H who loves fiercely, aggressively, gently, and lovingly? Yes please

Wanna read about an over the top, jealous and possessive hero who loves deeply, unconditionally, and goes all in? Then Julius is your man!

The prologue is the aftermath of Sydney’s assault. Years later, she becomes a call girl, an escort, or some would even say is in the oldest profession out there. The book opens up with her being on a date with an older, not attractive, and nerdy looking man and is at the bar getting a drink. In walks in Julius, who is a huge, hunky, handsome man and kind of starts flirting with her at the bar. She scoffs at him, showing her sassy self and how conceited she knows he is, and immediately walks away. Of course, this piques his interest and causes him to do some investigative work on her. She is the first woman to walk away from him, and now he wants her to himself.

When he seeks her out, she quickly puts him in his place, not allowing him to think that he owns her or can do anything for her, because she’s been doing things on her own for years. But, he loves challenges and is quickly falling in love with her; she can push all she wants, he’s going to get his way, and he’s going to protect her at all costs. This sets up a delicious enemies-to-lovers scenario.

After they meet, she attempts to do two jobs, but both times, Julius swoops in and gets rid of the problem, the men she works for LOL. After the second attempt, he kidnaps her in the sweetest way possible LOL in order to ensure her safety, and to let her know that she is his.

Oh Julius! So dedicated, so strong, so understanding… I just love that about you! He’s so patient and willing to get Sydney to slowly bend to his will, cracking the frozen ice she has around her heart. They actually don’t have sex until well over 60%, but it definitely had exquisite smexual tension and lust-filled appetizers leading up to it that I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. Their chemistry and connection is scorching 🔥🥵😅. And although he’s so alpha and dominant in every way, he was more subtle in his approach toward her. He was very tuned into her emotions and could see when she needed space and when he could continue to push her 🥰❤️. I loved it!!!

He craved when his Lioness would pop out, but then also enjoyed her submissive side as well. All of it was 😋. We do find out some crucial information that led her to do what she was doing towards the end.

Why not a full 5 stars? Two reasons. One- there were many grammar mistakes. Sometimes, I found myself scratching my head, other times I ignored it, but I find it distracting when there are many fragments, one after the other, in a paragraph. The other reason is that this is dual perspective, but we never know whose perspective it is until you start reading into the paragraph. Usually, it would go from Sydney‘s perspective, to Julius’s perspective, and back to Sydney‘s, etc. But then, it changed towards the end when some thing happened in the book. It would’ve been nice to be able to figure out who’s perspective I was about to read.

Overall, I loved the storyline!

⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-the prologue is the aftermath of the h’s rape
-many people were killed (some really deserved it 🤷🏻‍♀️lol)
-OMD1- first job the h gets interrupted when she’s in the middle of a job. The OM gets beat up. Nothing had happened but it was going to happen (client had a D/lg fantasy)
-OMD2- second job of h interrupted. Again, nothing happened but it was gonna. H to the rescue 😅
Profile Image for Allyson.
493 reviews48 followers
August 6, 2020
3.75 Stars...

This was the first book by this author that I have read. Her writing is good and I would read her again. This book has the bossy, crazy, protective alpha with a smart mouth, independent, damaged heroine.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
2,975 reviews785 followers
June 9, 2019
Talk about a crazy, possessive SOB. It’s got insta love...at least by him, kidnapping...again by him, and extreme violence to anyone who dares to hurt his Sidney. It’s pretty over the top and I loved it.

This is a good chase story. Julius kidnaps Sydney since she won’t obey like she should. She’s outraged and escapes, he captures her and she escapes again only to be captured over and over. Their back and forth was highly entertaining.

As much as I loved the chasing it did leave less for us to see them working together as a couple. It’s the only thing I wanted more of. Julius wanted nothing more than to take care and spoil Sydney. She just thought he was another jerk trying to own her. It took some time for her to accept he just wanted her.

This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I look forward to see what other goodies she has published.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews361 followers
March 31, 2019
-Sara, 5 stars

There is nothing better than two tortured souls falling in love. It’s not your typical love. It’s actually not like any love story I have read but I didn’t love it any less!

I was angry, shocked and happy reading this book. I had to read from start to finish, anxious to know what happened and I wasn’t disappointed. I hope to be able to read more of their lives together.
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,660 reviews2,390 followers
April 5, 2019
When i read the blurb i wanted to read it so bad!! I enjoy this type of darkish romance.. this book was okayish for me.. i enjoyed it but few things that felt unfinished or meh to me..

Julius is a king pin whatever he wants he gets he's protective to those he's close to, very vicious and deadly and when he sets his sights on a sassy brash slightly annoying Sydney he wants her and when he wants something he has some really twisted demanding ways.. like driving away clients, killing clients and anyone who hurt her and well kinda kidnapping her to keep her safe and well visiting his grandmother.

List of clients she was with..

As for Sydney... she wasnt special to me.. she was sometimes annoying dumb.. and well just didn't work for me.. and when you start to enjoy her.. she turns around and annoys you again.. :/ also the ending felt.. very rush to me..

Angst, mentions om (nothing sexual and almost sexual)no ow, drama, steamy sex, not a manwhore and not a virgin

Reccomend- Maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prologue
Slowish-insta
Push/pull from h
Past abuse and sexual abuse
Present almost sexual abused
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
Profile Image for Lynn Thinking out loud .
1,481 reviews64 followers
February 27, 2019
Such an emotionally charged story. This story deals with some sensitive topics, so be warned.
There are twist in this drama filled epic story.
Julius and Sydney definitely have the chemistry.
I'd highly recommend it
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews448 followers
April 2, 2019
Sydney and Julius's dark romance is so OTT amazing!!! Theirs was a chance meeting that turned into more. Julius wasn't about to let Sydney go and he'd do whatever it took to keep her in his life. This is a dark, delicious, OTT, alpha-hot, dramatic, angsty, steamy, intense, sexy, sensitive, mindblowing and insta- love affair that will keep you glued from start to finish. This read isn't a bubble gum romance but more of the raw and gritty dark romance that will have you enthralled with immediately. Julius and Sydney are captivating characters- strong willed, intelligent; she- confident while he- arrogant. Theirs is a match made and it's a push/pull type relationship. This is an interesting and intense read which ends quite well. Loved the plot and the main characters. Great chemistry and connection



My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Profile Image for Sheena.
988 reviews26 followers
April 1, 2019
Obsession and vengeance...

I loved this dark and compelling story of Julius a kingpin of the underworld... who becomes infatuated and then obsessed with Syd following a chance meeting...she is beautiful, damaged, self-possessed and with the heart of a lion; their relationship is destined to be threatened by the internal battles they both have to face as much as the external forces surrounding them...

The characters are strong and fascinating... the majority are dysfunctional both the secondary as well as the MCs. The story is told from Syd and Julius’ perspectives, providing the reader with an intimate ring side seat into their inner thoughts and machinations.

I really enjoyed reading the push and pull between Julius and Syd. But make no mistake there is a ruthlessness in Julius: he is an anti-hero, ultra-dominant, possessive and a man who is used to getting what he wants... and what he wants is Syd; he is willing to exact brutal punishment on any and all he perceives as a threat to her and their relationship. But although his actions are often heinous as his thirst for vengeance wreaks havoc far and wide, there is still something compelling about his need to make things right and safe for those he loves.

The author has skilfully created a world where death and destruction are commonplace, and placed in it centre stage two broken individuals who take a complex and unorthodox path on their journey to find love...I received and advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee).
880 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2019
Wow, this book was so damn good that I didn't expect some of things that I read. We find it hard to full understand what was happening because we got both points of view at the same time. Julius is this mob boss who falls  so in love with Sydney that it surprise me with his affection. Sydney is a escort wanting to get out of that life but when things go from bad to worse, we watch as her world domes crumpling down. As we watch from the outside looking in things come full circle by the end. I hope that this story gets more because there are some unanswered questions. I hope that you read it and love it as much as I did. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
1,757 reviews35 followers
March 21, 2019
Let me start off by saying the story of Julius and Sydney will hold you captive from beginning to end. This is a dark story, and it definitely isn't for the feint of heart, but being I'm a lover of dark stories, I loved every minute of it. And this author blew this right out of the park with how good it is! Julius is a take charge guy, and when he meets Sydney, he knows he wants her and will do anything to make her his. But Sydney isn't your typical woman, she has a mind of her own, and is a strong character, who has a secret in her past that prevents her from having any relationships. Julius is out to prove to her that they belong together, and he will do whatever it takes, with methods that may seem over the top, but comes from his heart. These two may battle each other, but you can't help but feel the chemistry between them and know they really do belong together. But will they end up together? Can Julius break down her walls that she has so carefully built? This story also has all the feels, sadness, hate, anger, lust and even possibly love. Please do yourself a favor and read this story, you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
March 21, 2019
I loved Julius's granny, woman didn't hold back on her opinions, “you will fix it. You will make her happy.” Definitive and final. No room for an argument or question." Julius will just not leave his woman, "eff that s***. Lion needs me, and I’m never effing leaving her. “No.” I liked this book, I loved Julius even though the man was just bossy as heck.
Profile Image for Jessica {Litnoob}.
1,300 reviews100 followers
Read
December 14, 2019
DNF 34%

I’ve never seen a worse “Hero” in a book ever! How many times can a girl tell you no before you get that stalking, assault and kidnapping are all you are actually doing? Taking her to meet granny doesn’t make you any less of a rapist my dude. If o could I would give this negative amounts of stars it was that cringe.
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
dnf
July 28, 2021
DNF - didn’t realize that h was a prostitute - not for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
150 reviews
October 2, 2019
This is my first book by this author and it definetely isn't my last. This book was scorching hot !
Profile Image for Jena .
2,313 reviews2 followers
dnf-try-again-later
May 14, 2023
DNF 10%
Didn’t like the writing, felt like a Wattpad book.
H tries so hard to sound badass that he came across as weak. A cartoon alpha.
There’s almost no character development. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The H is obsessed with the h, but the insta is so unbelievable that I didn’t buy it. And this coming from someone who loves insta lust/love fated stories.

Pros: h is a genuine high class escort. She’s not one of those fake ass, slut shaming virgins who meets the H on her first sex job. She’s been one for years.
- liked the prologue, that was angsty and made me feel.
Profile Image for Tasha Talks Books Blog.
1,125 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2019
This book was so freaking amazing. I totally took it out in one sitting. I fell totally in love with "Saint" the love and passion that he had, that doesn't normally come to him so easily. I loved the passion and it made me laugh and just feel the characters. This isn't your typical dark romance. No. It is so much more, because it isn't too dark, it gives you the right balance. Yo! "Saint" is one crazy mofo! But, it was so freaking attractive, shoot, I even got wet from all of his gun play.

"Is there anyone else you want me to take care of? Any other men who hurt you> Say the word and I'll kill them. I',l be damn thrilled to kill anyone else you want. All you have to do is ask. Or even if you don't, I'll do it anyway." - Julius (Saint)

You have Resort Owner, who also leads the Mafia and makes boss moves. Then you have a woman who has been hurt by the person she wanted to love her. She then turns a new leaf and decides that she will take ownership of all actions that happens to her. Little does she know, she may have no choice but to loose all control. I loved this story so hard.
34 reviews
March 29, 2019
Genuinely cannot put into words how much I adored this book. It’s not a book I would usually gravitate towards due to the nature of the heroine’s career choice, however that didn’t once hinder my reading.

Sydney is a strong, independent woman who needs no man in her life, until Julius tumbled into her life. She tries with all her might to resist his advances but once he saves her from a terrible situation, she’s literally stuck with him. Julius refuses to let her go, going so far as to take her back to Sicily to stay with his grandmother until Sydney can calm down and accept her feelings for him.

This book is a constant battle between Sydney and Julius. Julius knows no bounds when it comes to professing his love for Sydney but she feels the opposite - she’ll stop at nothing to get her independence back.

I liked that the heroine had so much character and depth, in many romance novels the focus is primarily on the hero rather than the heroine but this book is has a happy median. If you like a strong-willed, feisty heroine, you’ll love this book.

ARC given in exchange for an honest, fair review.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,019 reviews64 followers
March 31, 2019
Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)

Julius is a ruthless boss, everyone is scared of him as they all know what he is capable of. Sydney is just trying to make a living, and Julius is not happy about that. He wants her, he wants her to be his. Sydney fights him at every twist and turn. Who will be the victor with all is said and done?

I hate when I read a book, and I look at reviews after and think that maybe I missed something. Thats how I feel right now. I found the writing to be very choppy, and the story felt incomplete. There was a mention of an explosion and all I could think was... there was an explosion, when did that happen? There was tons of drama, violence, danger, and some naughty bits. Julius comes off as an amazing alpha male, while Sydney does come off as the lion she is nicknamed for. I just wish this made more sense for me. I give this 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12k reviews90 followers
April 2, 2019
Sydney has a painful past and because of that she has made choices that she believes gives her the upper hand when it comes to men. All that is about to change when Julius comes crashing into her life.

Julius is a very powerful man with a dark side who will do anything to protect those he cares about. From the moment that he met Sydney he knew that she was meant to be his and is willing to give her time to realize it as well.

Sydney is so much stronger than even she realizes and challenges Julius at every turn but rather than forcing him away it only makes her that much more intriguing and he is not about to let anyone, or anything stand between them.
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,136 reviews52 followers
March 27, 2019
This book starts with a bang and will keep you captivated until the very end. Keep in mind that this is a dark read and there are some very sensitive subjects that are talked about through the entire story.

Julius is a kingpin who has a take no prisoner attitude and has earned himself one hell of reputation. When he spots Sydney all bets are off. Lets just say obsession is not a strong enough word to describe just how Julius feels. He stops at nothing and no one and I mean no one stands in his way. Not even Miss Sydney herself. Sydney is jaded from a past experience. She has made up her mind that no one will ever be in control of her again. The walls she has built over the years have kept her where she likes to be. Their relationship starts out rockier than rocky. Julius has his worked cut out for him if he thinks Sydney would bend to his whim. I loved how even though she is jaded, she does falter and we get a glimpse at the girl she once was. Julius stops at nothing to prove to her that she is exactly what he needs and wants.

2,278 reviews91 followers
March 24, 2019
With a very dramatic start to this story I can honestly say I was hooked straight away and didn’t want to put it down.

Julius Sabatini is a man who solves problems like this..’If I hate you, I murder you.’ He is extremely arrogant and self assured but does have a slight vulnerability about him. He is also obsessed with Sydney Martin, who is extremely confident in her life plans and although has known what it’s like to be bitterly destroyed emotionally and physically hurt, she follows the attitude of making ‘omelettes with the cracked eggs of her life’ and is resilient.

Unexpected humour, granted much of it is sarcastic but still funny, is sprinkled throughout this otherwise darker story. Underlying everything is the true value of family and how much it means and is definitely worth fighting for in life.

This Last Call is easy to read because of its smoothly written storyline. There are a few good twists that are unexpected and really add to that storyline. Yes we can’t all go around shooting people Willy billy but even this is addressed slightly, of course this is a fictional mafia book!
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
March 31, 2019
Wow, it's not often that the first book from a new to me author makes me adore them but The Last Call did.
This book is well written and had me hooked from the prologue. I couldn't put it down. I was a bit unsure about Julius early on but that faded pretty quickly.
One little book has made me a Nikki Belaire fan, I cannot wait to read more.
Profile Image for Belinda Visser.
410 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2019
Wow! I loved Julius and Sydney’s story. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to read to the end. I love the push and pull between the two and their chemistry is sizzling hot. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for more books from Nikki. Fantastic read.
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,740 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2019
Piccola Leone. Little lion. These two words encapsulates Sydney perfectly. She's strong, courageous and determined to show all men that she's in charge. Yet she's also tender, caring and passionate. Julius is a possessive, domineering, extreme alpha who gets what he wants. He wants Sydney. End of discussion. Sydney defies him at every turn and tries to deny their arousing chemistry. She thinks she's weak, incapable of being what Julius wants or needs. He's confident that he can prove to her just how much pride and respect he has for her. That she is regal and befitting to be his. Their story touches on some very sensitive issues and isn't for the faint of heart. There is blood, there are tears, but there is a little bit of light mixed in with the angst. If you're a lover of dark romance, this is a definite must read!
2,063 reviews31 followers
March 22, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. This my first book by this author and will not be my last. What an emotionally charged story, I absolutely loved it. Julius and Sydney were explosive together. When they meet, Julius knows she’s the one for him and he will do whatever it takes to get her and make her see that. Sydney is a force to be reckoned with, she’s strong, passionate, caring and is the perfect match for Julius, even if she doesn’t know it yet. Their chemistry is off the charts smoldering hot, she can deny her feelings all she wants, but he will break her down and prove to her they belong together. No spoilers from me, I loved this book, and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Lori Amey.
425 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2019
This book kept me on the edge, from the beginning until the end. Julius is one man, you don't want to go up against. Sydney is a strong independent woman, who doesn't back down from anyone. Apart, they are two lonely souls. Together, they are fierce, loyal and combustible. I highly recommend you read this book, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for lovestoread.
953 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2019
Hard hitting, violent in fight, retribution and love.

Sydney lives her life by her rules and in her way, answering to no one. She has been hurt and disillusioned by the men in her life so she has no interest in having one in her life.

Julius can have whatever and whomever he wants whenever he wants.

Let's just say Syd gives him a serious run for his money!

Another great Belaire creation.
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