Jake: A Southern Crime Family Novel

by Carla Swafford

Forget the Hatfields and McCoys, in a small Southern town, the Whitfields and Tallys are the real family feud. So for some unholy reason, Jake Whitfield’s old man and Angel Tally’s grandfather wrote codicils to their wills the night before they died in a suspicious fire. The codicils require Jake and Angel to marry or lose their inheritances.Jake feels like a man with two faces. One he presents to his brothers and the the criminal willing to step on anyone for a buck while mercilessly protecting the business. The the lonely man wanting a better life for himself and his family and working with an FBI agent to make it happen.To Jake, marrying Angel makes sense. With her family’s help, he can fight the new criminal organization that’s moving into his town. Immersed in the criminal world, there is no hope for Angel, but her brother is still young. She will do anything to protect him from that way of life and whoever killed their grandfather, even marry a despised Whitfield. And Angel never forgot about the sexy incident with Jake in high school ten years earlier.And if she has to go along with a Whitfield-Tally marriage, she wants a replay.**SPICY ROMANCE with consensual spankings**

312 pages, ebook

Published May 21, 2019

About the author

Carla Swafford loves romance novels, action/adventure movies, and men, and her books reflect that. And that’s not all, she’s crazy about hockey, and thankfully, no one has made her turn in her Southern Belle card. Carla is​ married to her high school sweetheart and lives in the southeastern U.S.

Be sure to check out her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and BookBub.

www.carlaswafford.com

Reviews

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two crime families who stay in each of their sides of town, but of course some of their businesses mingle. They are a modern day 'Hatfield and McCoy' families, the Tally's and Whitfield's have nothing but distrust and hate for one another!! As the leader's of the families become older they get together and realize it would be better for the future if their families were joined, so in their wills they each wrote that Jake Whitfield would marry Sally Tally after their passing and had family property divided with this in mind!!
Well, after both men are found shot and set on fire, the wills are read and the explosion begins!!! With many twists and turns, shootings and sexual tension, Jake and Angel(Sally) explore life together as they struggle to keep their family safe and their companies going.
A great story that has some amazing characters and an exciting plot.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first time that I had read from this author. These were not your ordinary crime family. So we meet Jake whose father had died and for him and his brothers it was good riddance since his father treated them horribly and they were pretty much abused. He finds out that he has to marry Sally Tally in order for him to get money and now is also in charge of Tally's family crime family and be the guardian of Sally's who goes by Angel now, younger brother. Angel claims that she hates Jake but has had a crush on him forever so even though she claims she does not want to marry him jumps straight into bed with him and pretty much stays there, she was supposed to be this badass girl, but the way she was with Jake refuted that, she turned into a weak woman doing everything he says and wants. However even though that part bugged the heck out of me since I like strong heroines I still want to know what happens with Jake's brothers.

Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters are multi faceted and are written in a way that they come to life as you go along in the story. The protagonists tortured and the perfect balance of grey morality.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and flowed nicely. The turn of events were done beautifully and the ending was terrific!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly addicted to the main characters, Jake and Angel (Sally) who are the children involved in a modern day Hatfield's and McCoy feud. When Jake's father and Angel's Grandfather are murdered, they find out that they are to be wed in an effort to end the centuries old feud. Sounds like a plan but then there is the other issue, someone is trying to kill the members of both families. The connection between Jake and Angel is very hot and seems like that attraction has been simmering since he turned "Sally" over his knee when she was just 14. When they re-connect, the sparks and attraction Angel felt so long ago can no longer remain hidden. What surprises Angel the most is that she learns that Jake has also been harboring similar feelings. The book takes you on a course full of twists, turns, mystery and betrayal until it comes to a close. However, I hope there will be more books in the "Southern Crime Family" Series as the book ended with a tease about possible stories to be written with Sen and Ethan and their love interests as main characters. One can only hope...hint, hint Carla Swafford!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that kept me guessing until the end.
by sewsummore

When the two heads of rival crime families are found dead at the scene of a fire there were questions asked. Some of them were answered when the wills were read. The families would become one, Jake the oldest son would marry the other's granddaughter. Their marriage began as a love/hate relationship but soon became much more. Jake was entranced with Angel, she was a woman who was not afraid to stand up to him, she fought as hard as she loved but became a submissive in their bedroom. Angel had been trained as an enforcer by her grandfather. She was an excellent shot and a expert with knives, but when in his arms she became the submissive woman who loved their kinky love making. There was an enemy that intended to bring both families down, suspicion was everywhere and death haunted their steps' One of the things I liked most was the honesty between Jake and Angel, they were both strong with inner strength honed through adversity. This was a book that kept me guessing until the end.

I received a free ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed this book.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG - it's the Hatfields and McCoys all over again, with a big bunch of crime tossed in for good measure. Jake's father and Angel's grandfather are sworn enemies, so it's a huge surprise when they die together in a fire. The wills are read, and it's time for the fun to begin. Jake and Angel must marry in order to get their inheritances. There is so much hotness between them - it's just been disguised as hatred. I love this book, it has it all - romance, suspense, crime, betrayal, murder. The between Jake and Angel is priceless, and she just loves to push his buttons - it was so enjoyable to see them move toward their forever. (Can we have books for Jake's brothers?)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time I have read anything from this author. This is not like the typical crime family that I have read from other authors. Perhaps that’s a good thing. Shows originality!
This is the story of Jake and Sally (who now goes by the name of Angel)
When Angels grandfather (head of the Tally’s) Jakes father (head of the Whitfield’s) are murdered , Jake and Angel are thrown together! When Jakes father dies he finds out that he is to marry Angel to get his inheritance but also he is now head of the Tally’s. This story centres around their lives once they get together. In this book you find violence, passion, treachery, and lots of action. How will it all end? Read and find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by Carla Swafford and it did not disappoint. Its the story of two crime families. It has lots of twists and turns with drama suspense betrayals and mystery. Jake and Angel (Sally) 's character's have good chemistry together. They are very hot and steamy together. They are to get married to end a age old feud after Jakes father and Angels grandfather are murdered. Its a must read for action and suspense with drama and love thrown in. I'm hoping to see other stories with Seth and Ethan stories to follow!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Angel share history entwined with drama, vendettas, and family feuds.
When Angel’s grandfather, head of the Tallys, and Jake’s father , head of the Whitfield’s are murdered in an explosion, their lives are catapulted together.
This second chance romance of sorts was filled with graphic and gritty action packed scenes filled with violence and passion.
As this power couple worked through their issues, their lives were constantly in danger with multiple enemies trying to kill them.
I loved the chemistry and connection between Jake and Angel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whitfield and Tally families have been feuding for generations. When both of the leader are killed together after making an unusual plan, it sets of a spiral of events that are dangerous and sometimes sexy.

Jake Whitfield and Angel Tally are required to get married if they want to keep the things that are important to them. While, it's a bit shocking Jake's dad and Angel's grandfather would include this in their wills, it's not the hardship that Jake and Angel think it's going to be. Maybe they will get everything they want and happy ever after too?

*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Angel and Jake has some twists and turns to it with this being a crime family sort of story. They come from two different crime families and are forced to marry! They are both trained in combat and family buisness, but it is also a love story with a thouch of mystery. I enjoyed it, but there is violence involvert like shootings and such, and some bedroom activity described, so if that is not your thing then this is not for you. It is not graffic, just a natural part of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a modern day story of a long told family feud story. Only these families are crime families and the Patriarchs die, leaving our main character Jake in charge of both families. Only catch he's got to marry Angel. She's supposed to be tough but she has had a crush on him since she was 14.
This book is full of steam, crime and dramatics. You will not be disappointed. It pulled me right in and kept me with no problem.
My only complaint is I want more!!

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance mixed within a family feud. The characters were likable and had great chemistry. This has a fantastic storyline with danger, violence, suspense, intrigue, and romance.

I would love to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started with a funeral and a shooting, from then on the pace never l lessened and the romance stayed intense. Jake and Angel have a war on their hands question is who wants them dead. Amazing, loved it want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great book has well developed and engaging characters and a storyline that flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received this book from NetGalley***

I really enjoyed this book. It keep you on your toes-wondering who was behind everything happening.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREAKING FANTASTIC!!!
Ah crap! If you're looking for a non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, page flipping thrill ride that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Congrats my friends you've found it. One impressive storyline and gripping plot rocks this baby to the core. A multitude of hapless surprises and a slew of daunting events that really shakes things up. Carla's take no prisoners attitude propels this little treat bursting to life beautifully. A vortex of spiraling emotions blazing through changing everything in its wake. All the trials and tribulations along with the throng of mishaps fuse this baby together spectacularly. Throw in the confusing drama, perilous events and you have one electrifying treat. The characters are authentic and realistic with such depth and originality its easy to relate. The scenes are written with such realism theres no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Remarkable job Carla, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake and his brothers should be happy now that their father has died, but there is a part of them that wants to find the person who killed him. Not that he was a good father he wasn’t. Now after the funeral, someone is shooting at him and his brothers and he believes that someone is Angel Talley who is part of the other crime family of the town. What Jake doesn’t know and will find out shortly is that in order to keep all of the holdings he must marry Angel if not everything goes to their cousins. Now both Angel and Jake must overcome something that happened in the past and maybe if they can she will marry him. They have a lot to work out because neither one trusts the other one nor Angel does not like to be told what to do since she was the one who ran a lot of her grandfather’s pick-up’s and was an enforcer. She is willing to the marriage to save her younger brother though. Just when you think everything is good between them she bails for she does not think Jake married her for love and did it just for the businesses. Now he must find her. There are some twists and turns and to who is the one who killed the two men and who are still trying to kill them. There are also some steamy scenes between Jake and Angel that includes some spanking. Overall I that this to be a very different crime book than other ones that I have read but for a story and a fun read it was good. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Vonn Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jake and his brothers just lost their dad in a fire and are happy about it, but when somebody is shooting at them during the funeral, they think it’s not over yet and somebody else wants them dead too.

They think it’s the man in the black van...except when confronted it turns out to be Sally “Angel” Tally, the rival families granddaughter....

This book started out with lots of information and it took a while for me to get through some backstory to understand the connections. The main story sounds like it is about finding the murderers, but the constant sex between shootings, lust and sudden love between Angel and Jake didn’t do it for me.
I didn’t feel growth between the two characters, it was all just bossy alpha male Jake and Angel, who gave up most of her control and bada**ness.

I received this ebook copy from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review

[Karen Roma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake is my first read by Carla Swafford, and definitely not your typical crime family story. There is certainly some aspects that lead to what you’d expect, like arrange marriage, a father figure who was brutal and unyielding, and a man bristling against the expectations placed upon his life. I did have trouble warming to Angel, as she had no backbone and relented to Jake’s every wish far too easily. This was just an OK read in my opinion, but it intrigued me enough to want to know more about Jake’s brothers, so I’ll definitely read the next in the series.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For an erotic, mafia romance this wasn't too bad but I cringed every time Jake said or did someone machista. He's controlling and demanding and uses Angel to that extend although she attempts to defy. Not crazy about this genre even more so when the language is basic and the storyline unoriginal.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was written well but the story was weird. You have two people from two different crime families that all of a sudden are thrown together and have to get married to keep the peace. Then there are other people that are trying to climb the ladder because of these two and want the power more. There is a lot of lust that finally turn into love but it was a lot of explicit sex to get there.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1\2 stars

The story is very much all about romance but less Hatfield and McCoys as they suggest. The story is fast paced and while it is predictable and when not trying to solve the murders romance and sex takes over the story.
While the cat and mouse romance is interesting and worth needing a cold dip in the pool the story has moments that will have readers scratching there heads wondering why the character are either in the story at all other than to have a body or why they are acting the way they are.
Readers will be able to see where the series is going and the predictable in the stories and simplistic writing style.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Carla Swafford Jake.