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ZOE
The moment I see the mark on my door, I know I’m in deep trouble.
Connor McCann’s mark means pain and punishment. It means he’s coming for me, and when a man like Connor decides to teach a girl like me a lesson it’s a long, hard, shameful one.
CONNOR
Someone stole from me. Zoe’s got answers, but doesn’t want to talk. Too bad.
Little girls who play games with me end up sore and sorry. She’s going to tell me what I want to know, then she’ll scream my name as I remind her who owns this city… and her.
The moment I see the mark on my door, I know I’m in deep trouble.
Connor McCann’s mark means pain and punishment. It means he’s coming for me, and when a man like Connor decides to teach a girl like me a lesson it’s a long, hard, shameful one.
CONNOR
Someone stole from me. Zoe’s got answers, but doesn’t want to talk. Too bad.
Little girls who play games with me end up sore and sorry. She’s going to tell me what I want to know, then she’ll scream my name as I remind her who owns this city… and her.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2020
1374 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Marlee Wray
24 books316 followersUSA Today and Amazon Bestselling author Marlee Wray writes dirty romances that feature dominant, alpha males and bright, engaging heroines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 20, 2020
First, this isn't "dark" in the way that so many similarly titled books are. That is, the H doesn't rape the h; he doesn't injure her; he doesn't play cruel mind games with her; he's careful of going too far; and he genuinely wants what's best for her (I really, really appreciated that he doesn't try to change her or think that her wants and needs are less than his own). While it's true that he doesn't explicitly get her consent, I believe that he would have stopped if she really wasn't into it. For me, this is a relief, but I know many readers prefer books in which all of the above happens. This, right here, is why "dark" is such a vague word: it rarely means the same thing for any two books.
If you're looking for light, competently written and edited erotica with descriptive sex scenes, you will probably enjoy this. Zoe is likeable (though her character is slightly incoherent: one moment she's very mature; the next, she's a ditz). And Connor is the "good" kind of mafia -- the kind that gets upset when "bad" mafia hurt women, children, and the elderly. Truthfully, I'm over this sub-genre, but others may enjoy it.
3 stars. I would have rated this more highly since Ms. Wray adds much-needed diversity with Zoe, but I didn't like four aspects of this book:
1) I didn't appreciate the vast number of gay stereotypes.
2) Connor punishes her for things that aren't her fault (he seems to expect her to read his mind and to adjust very quickly to circumstances that are very new to her, and she had no way of knowing what her friend would do). Others may call these "funishments," but I didn't get that vibe since Zoe seems pretty ambivalent at times. YMMV.
3) I don't like group punishments/sex or public humiliation. What Connor and his friends did to Zoe was over-the-top and it wasn't believable that she was okay with it since she had never indicated an interest in sharing before. Now, it's true that I could just chalk this up to "not my kink," but I'm increasingly frustrated at Blushing Books', SNP's, and other generic books' vague blurbs. Amazon allows "sharing" in descriptions (I've seen it); and it's something that not all readers find appealing.
4) This book ends very abruptly: the MC gets lost at the end and many lines of action remain unresolved (what, for example, happens to ?). Perhaps these questions will be answered in a subsequent book, but, if so, there should have been a disclaimer.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 3 stars because although this wasn't as harsh as it might have been, I did have problems with it and I found the ending incomplete. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
If you're looking for light, competently written and edited erotica with descriptive sex scenes, you will probably enjoy this. Zoe is likeable (though her character is slightly incoherent: one moment she's very mature; the next, she's a ditz). And Connor is the "good" kind of mafia -- the kind that gets upset when "bad" mafia hurt women, children, and the elderly. Truthfully, I'm over this sub-genre, but others may enjoy it.
3 stars. I would have rated this more highly since Ms. Wray adds much-needed diversity with Zoe, but I didn't like four aspects of this book:
1) I didn't appreciate the vast number of gay stereotypes.
2) Connor punishes her for things that aren't her fault (he seems to expect her to read his mind and to adjust very quickly to circumstances that are very new to her, and she had no way of knowing what her friend would do). Others may call these "funishments," but I didn't get that vibe since Zoe seems pretty ambivalent at times. YMMV.
3) I don't like group punishments/sex or public humiliation. What Connor and his friends did to Zoe was over-the-top and it wasn't believable that she was okay with it since she had never indicated an interest in sharing before. Now, it's true that I could just chalk this up to "not my kink," but I'm increasingly frustrated at Blushing Books', SNP's, and other generic books' vague blurbs. Amazon allows "sharing" in descriptions (I've seen it); and it's something that not all readers find appealing.
4) This book ends very abruptly: the MC gets lost at the end and many lines of action remain unresolved (what, for example, happens to ?). Perhaps these questions will be answered in a subsequent book, but, if so, there should have been a disclaimer.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 3 stars because although this wasn't as harsh as it might have been, I did have problems with it and I found the ending incomplete. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
March 3, 2020
Disgusting
Spoiler...the ending suck....why would you let the woman you love get spanked by your best friends and especially when you are possessive and dont want anyone looking at her naked and to have herself show her bare....she is also not into that scene
Spoiler...the ending suck....why would you let the woman you love get spanked by your best friends and especially when you are possessive and dont want anyone looking at her naked and to have herself show her bare....she is also not into that scene
September 2, 2020
It was good until the end. This is not a "dark story" at all. There is spanking and hot scenes but there is no harsh treatment of Zoe from Conner. I liked the story, but the dynamic of the "crue" needed better explaining, it was too vague. I am all for Conner being alpha and possessive he was in a good way, but at the end to let his "crue" do what they did to Zoe at then end was out of character. If he was the boss why did he let them tell him what do to? If you are so possessive why did you share... did you share? Hell if this was supposed to be "dark" there would have been more details at the end. It was kind of ambiguous what happened between all four of them.
The plot was a little shaky. We still don't know why Frank pays for so much of Zoe's stuff. Yeah for her mom but why? It didn't shake down well.
Over all ok but not what is advertised it's just a romance with some kink!
The plot was a little shaky. We still don't know why Frank pays for so much of Zoe's stuff. Yeah for her mom but why? It didn't shake down well.
Over all ok but not what is advertised it's just a romance with some kink!
January 27, 2020
I loved Zoe and Connor's story! Fast-paced mafia read with lots of drama and intense chemistry. The story really draws you in and the characters have lots of depth. I was hooked from beginning to end.
June 14, 2022
This has been on my TBR list forever, and what a delight I have been withholding from myself! The C Crue hold part of the town, having split from Frank Palermo. Zoe is shocked one morning to find their mark on her door; so begins her relationship with the trio of men, and especially Connor, who are the Crue. A shocking introduction into the BDSM world, a friendship which puts her life in danger, and the subsequent price she has to pay. Wray has created an intriguing trio of men, each of whom have their own stories, in this hot and steamy tale. Excellent.
April 12, 2020
Held is written by Marlee Wray. It is a dark, mafia romance with elements of a d/s relationship. As soon as I read the summary I knew this book was going to be good. Zoe and Connors story is a dark, mafia romance with elements of a d/s relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2020
Just not enough stars for this book!
I don't know about you, but lately, I am finding that the cover and synopsis of a book have been more interesting than what I have read on the inside. Numerous times, before this, I had clicked on "Held" lured in by its brief and cover but being new to this author and my previous disappointments I shied away. When a spot opened on my "kindle unlimited" subscription, I took the chance, and, honestly, I am kicking myself for not making it sooner. I have already re-read this story three times before writing this review because it is that good!!!! The intensity that is developed and maintained throughout its entirety forces you to keep reading; the sexual heat between "C" and Zoe could catch the paper on fire if it were an actual paperback!! In this particular case, the title and the cover do not do this story justice; they both pale in comparison to the wittiness, intensity, sexually charged, fast-paced, emotionally satisfying story!
I don't know about you, but lately, I am finding that the cover and synopsis of a book have been more interesting than what I have read on the inside. Numerous times, before this, I had clicked on "Held" lured in by its brief and cover but being new to this author and my previous disappointments I shied away. When a spot opened on my "kindle unlimited" subscription, I took the chance, and, honestly, I am kicking myself for not making it sooner. I have already re-read this story three times before writing this review because it is that good!!!! The intensity that is developed and maintained throughout its entirety forces you to keep reading; the sexual heat between "C" and Zoe could catch the paper on fire if it were an actual paperback!! In this particular case, the title and the cover do not do this story justice; they both pale in comparison to the wittiness, intensity, sexually charged, fast-paced, emotionally satisfying story!
August 15, 2022
All for it, til the end…spoilers ahead! 4.5 stars
This book started out with a bang and never let up! I was intrigued and LOVED how alpha the H was. He was very dominant in the bedroom and did not take well to being questioned.
Our h was a woman with a good head in her shoulders NOT looking for a hero to save her which I also loved. SPOILER AHEAD:
The only part I didn’t love was the very end where the whole crew got to “punish” her. My typical alpha would NOT share ANY part of his woman with others. Let alone letting them strip her n@ked and do “things” to her, I did do not like that…at all. Ended the book on an irritating note for me because of it. 😡 will the other 2 mens love interest be shared hmm? If this was set up to be RH then I wouldn’t have minded at all but it wasn’t set up that way.
Other than that? This was a hot, fast paced fun story! I’ll take a break before reading the next in the series to get over my irritation but I will come back!
This book started out with a bang and never let up! I was intrigued and LOVED how alpha the H was. He was very dominant in the bedroom and did not take well to being questioned.
Our h was a woman with a good head in her shoulders NOT looking for a hero to save her which I also loved. SPOILER AHEAD:
The only part I didn’t love was the very end where the whole crew got to “punish” her. My typical alpha would NOT share ANY part of his woman with others. Let alone letting them strip her n@ked and do “things” to her, I did do not like that…at all. Ended the book on an irritating note for me because of it. 😡 will the other 2 mens love interest be shared hmm? If this was set up to be RH then I wouldn’t have minded at all but it wasn’t set up that way.
Other than that? This was a hot, fast paced fun story! I’ll take a break before reading the next in the series to get over my irritation but I will come back!
January 26, 2020
A fantastic mafia romance
This is my first read by Marlee and I am really impressed. She wrote a story that pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me enthralled until the end. I loved how Zoe is so strong willed, she is the perfect match for Connor. Trick and Anvil are interesting characters as well, I would love to see their stories written.
The plot flowed beautifully, it had just the right amount of action, steam, and suspense. There is spanking and some other BDSM activities, so if those are triggers for you please tread lightly. Otherwise, do take a chance on this interesting spin of mafia romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first read by Marlee and I am really impressed. She wrote a story that pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me enthralled until the end. I loved how Zoe is so strong willed, she is the perfect match for Connor. Trick and Anvil are interesting characters as well, I would love to see their stories written.
The plot flowed beautifully, it had just the right amount of action, steam, and suspense. There is spanking and some other BDSM activities, so if those are triggers for you please tread lightly. Otherwise, do take a chance on this interesting spin of mafia romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2021
Terrific Mafia book
This is the first of a series of Mafia books by Marlee Wray, each stands on its own pretty well, but if you are like me and enjoy Mafia books quite a lot, you will want to have entire series. I really loved this book and this is the second time that I have read it. I think the characters are just great and there is steamy parts and there is action parts, it makes for a good book that is worth reading more than once.
This is the first of a series of Mafia books by Marlee Wray, each stands on its own pretty well, but if you are like me and enjoy Mafia books quite a lot, you will want to have entire series. I really loved this book and this is the second time that I have read it. I think the characters are just great and there is steamy parts and there is action parts, it makes for a good book that is worth reading more than once.
February 2, 2020
Very disappointed.
Are you kidding me? This is how the story ends. There is so much left unfinished. OMG, there is no epilogues, no nothing? Not good. It was a good read, but very, unsatisfying ending. No real ending to speak of. Way too many string left dangling. Would not recommend unless the reader wants to be left hanging.
Are you kidding me? This is how the story ends. There is so much left unfinished. OMG, there is no epilogues, no nothing? Not good. It was a good read, but very, unsatisfying ending. No real ending to speak of. Way too many string left dangling. Would not recommend unless the reader wants to be left hanging.
May 15, 2024
E' il primo libro che leggo di quest' autrice, un bel Mafia romance con una trama intrigante e con dei protagonisti passionali e ben costruiti.
Ben costruita è anche la trama che con i suoi personaggi secondari dà quello sprint in più alla lettura.
Ma parliamo un attimo della trama. Zoe è una ballerina che vive nella parte della città dominata dal gruppo di Connor McCann. La C CRUE, è una tipa solitaria e a parte la sua amicizia con Rachel cerca di non farsi notare.
Peccato però che un giorno al rientro a casa nota che sulla sua porta ci sia il marchio del clan di Connor.
Questo porta i due inevitabilmente a incontrarsi, lei è accusata di averli traditi e derubati. Connor però è palesemente sempre stato attratto da lei e vederla danzare sul palco del teatro appena inaugurato lo porta a decidere per una diversa punizione.
Zoe sarà sua prigioniera.
"Mi ci vuole tutta la mia forza di volontà per lasciarla andare, ma lo faccio. E non mi torna. Sono sempre io quello ad andarsene, mai a lasciare andare. Però è diverso, mi dico. Zoe non è un incontro occasionale."
Questi due protagonisti ci trascinano nella loro storia, un gioco di intrighi e passione, un mondo di tradimenti e dolore
Devo dire che la trama mi ha catturata da subito e infatti l'ho letto in un paio d'ore.
Interessanti anche i personaggi secondari che hanno un ruolo fondamentale nella trama: Trick e Anvil fedeli a Connor. Questo legame profondo che hanno i tre amici vi incanterà soprattutto nel finale.
"«Connor?»
«Sì?» Si gira.
«Che cosa stiamo facendo? È un piccolo niente o un piccolo qualcosa?»
«Qualcosa.»
Sorrido, più felice di quanto dovrei. È un uomo pericoloso e gli piace comandarmi a bacchetta ben sapendo che è un aspetto su cui ci scontreremo comunque. Eppure, voglio contare qualcosa, per lui."
Ci sarà l'azione e l'intrigo mafioso che renderà il tutto più elettrizzante.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il volume su Rachel e Anvil.
L'unico consiglio che posso darvi è quello di leggere il libro con la mente aperta.
Consigliatissimo
🪄🪄🪄🪄
MARIANNA
*Si ringrazia l'autrice per la copia ARC ricevuta*
Ben costruita è anche la trama che con i suoi personaggi secondari dà quello sprint in più alla lettura.
Ma parliamo un attimo della trama. Zoe è una ballerina che vive nella parte della città dominata dal gruppo di Connor McCann. La C CRUE, è una tipa solitaria e a parte la sua amicizia con Rachel cerca di non farsi notare.
Peccato però che un giorno al rientro a casa nota che sulla sua porta ci sia il marchio del clan di Connor.
Questo porta i due inevitabilmente a incontrarsi, lei è accusata di averli traditi e derubati. Connor però è palesemente sempre stato attratto da lei e vederla danzare sul palco del teatro appena inaugurato lo porta a decidere per una diversa punizione.
Zoe sarà sua prigioniera.
"Mi ci vuole tutta la mia forza di volontà per lasciarla andare, ma lo faccio. E non mi torna. Sono sempre io quello ad andarsene, mai a lasciare andare. Però è diverso, mi dico. Zoe non è un incontro occasionale."
Questi due protagonisti ci trascinano nella loro storia, un gioco di intrighi e passione, un mondo di tradimenti e dolore
Devo dire che la trama mi ha catturata da subito e infatti l'ho letto in un paio d'ore.
Interessanti anche i personaggi secondari che hanno un ruolo fondamentale nella trama: Trick e Anvil fedeli a Connor. Questo legame profondo che hanno i tre amici vi incanterà soprattutto nel finale.
"«Connor?»
«Sì?» Si gira.
«Che cosa stiamo facendo? È un piccolo niente o un piccolo qualcosa?»
«Qualcosa.»
Sorrido, più felice di quanto dovrei. È un uomo pericoloso e gli piace comandarmi a bacchetta ben sapendo che è un aspetto su cui ci scontreremo comunque. Eppure, voglio contare qualcosa, per lui."
Ci sarà l'azione e l'intrigo mafioso che renderà il tutto più elettrizzante.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il volume su Rachel e Anvil.
L'unico consiglio che posso darvi è quello di leggere il libro con la mente aperta.
Consigliatissimo
🪄🪄🪄🪄
MARIANNA
*Si ringrazia l'autrice per la copia ARC ricevuta*
July 21, 2024
Caught between warring factions
Zoe’s is an up and coming dancer, her best friend is Rachel, and Rachel’s father Frank is a mob boss.
Living in a town between the two factions is difficult and now all of a sudden the other faction the C Crue has left a marker on her door. It’s the kind of mark that usually means a reckoning is due, one that the recipient may not walk away from.
On opening night of an original play featuring Zoe as the lead dancer. The theatre hosting the play is owned by Frank’s rivals his former protégés. It could all end in a bloody shootout because C Crue has arrived.
Connor McCann of C Crue remembers Zoe and after seeing her dance he wants her, there’s just the little matter of a marker.
Ok so the majority of the “dark” in this dark romance is derived from a D/s relationship (BDSM). Several aspects of it could have been handled a lot better for the most part she was just told how things were going to be. They do finally have a version of “the talk” about limits and expectations which was a huge relief. I was disappointed that she didn’t get to explain why she needed to be seen as independent. The level of her friendship with Rachel IS integral to the story but kinda gets pushed aside.
I thought the final scene was way way over the top and for me it fell into dubcon complete with “blackmail safeword”. Other than that I did enjoy the story.
Zoe’s is an up and coming dancer, her best friend is Rachel, and Rachel’s father Frank is a mob boss.
Living in a town between the two factions is difficult and now all of a sudden the other faction the C Crue has left a marker on her door. It’s the kind of mark that usually means a reckoning is due, one that the recipient may not walk away from.
On opening night of an original play featuring Zoe as the lead dancer. The theatre hosting the play is owned by Frank’s rivals his former protégés. It could all end in a bloody shootout because C Crue has arrived.
Connor McCann of C Crue remembers Zoe and after seeing her dance he wants her, there’s just the little matter of a marker.
Ok so the majority of the “dark” in this dark romance is derived from a D/s relationship (BDSM). Several aspects of it could have been handled a lot better for the most part she was just told how things were going to be. They do finally have a version of “the talk” about limits and expectations which was a huge relief. I was disappointed that she didn’t get to explain why she needed to be seen as independent. The level of her friendship with Rachel IS integral to the story but kinda gets pushed aside.
I thought the final scene was way way over the top and for me it fell into dubcon complete with “blackmail safeword”. Other than that I did enjoy the story.
May 6, 2022
Zoe Arantes is a dancer. Her best friend is Rachel Palermo. Rachel’s dad is mob boss Frank Palermo. On the morning Zoe is to perform at the Langston Theater, she finds a CCrue mark on her door. The CCrue mark means restitution or revenge.
Connor McCann is the CCrue leader. He and his two friends, Anvil and Trick used to work for Frank Palermo but decided to break off from that organization and start their own. They bought and renovated the Langston Theater because they want to revitalize the neighborhood, not tear it down.
After watching Zoe perform, Connor arrives at her apartment. Someone robbed the CCrue and hid the stolen money at Zoe’s apartment. She had no idea and has no clue who did it. Connor remembers Zoe at a pool party at the Palermo’s house and she remembers him. Zoe had a crush on Connor.
Will Connor believe Zoe knows nothing about the robbery? Does Connor have feelings for Zoe and does Zoe still have a crush on Connor? Will Zoe and her friend Rachel be stuck in the middle of the CCrue’s battle with Frank Palermo?
Connor McCann is the CCrue leader. He and his two friends, Anvil and Trick used to work for Frank Palermo but decided to break off from that organization and start their own. They bought and renovated the Langston Theater because they want to revitalize the neighborhood, not tear it down.
After watching Zoe perform, Connor arrives at her apartment. Someone robbed the CCrue and hid the stolen money at Zoe’s apartment. She had no idea and has no clue who did it. Connor remembers Zoe at a pool party at the Palermo’s house and she remembers him. Zoe had a crush on Connor.
Will Connor believe Zoe knows nothing about the robbery? Does Connor have feelings for Zoe and does Zoe still have a crush on Connor? Will Zoe and her friend Rachel be stuck in the middle of the CCrue’s battle with Frank Palermo?
November 26, 2024
~ figging
~ mafia light
~ “bdsm” no safe words
C Crue
⚠️~ sharing, punishments, non con, spanking, painal
So funny story…I read this series back in 2022 and some of the scenes have stuck in my head and I’ve been trying to find it ever since! I accidentally stumbled on it clearing up some reading lists. The heroine, Zoe, gets marked by C Crue and ends up with Conner. In the end she gets punished for doing something stupid, one of the Crue puts ginger in her back hole, with Conners help.
I don’t mind sharing. My problem was the second book was so very inconsistent with this one and the guys who were so supportive of Z suddenly talk down about her. So I give this first book 3 stars, and the beginning of Book 2 is memorable and the scene in Book 3 where the heroine learns her guy has punished Z but overall it could be so much better with more thought, cohesion and character consistency.
But…I did remember it 2 years later and I read hundreds of books so that’s something.
~ mafia light
~ “bdsm” no safe words
C Crue
⚠️~ sharing, punishments, non con, spanking, painal
So funny story…I read this series back in 2022 and some of the scenes have stuck in my head and I’ve been trying to find it ever since! I accidentally stumbled on it clearing up some reading lists. The heroine, Zoe, gets marked by C Crue and ends up with Conner. In the end she gets punished for doing something stupid, one of the Crue puts ginger in her back hole, with Conners help.
I don’t mind sharing. My problem was the second book was so very inconsistent with this one and the guys who were so supportive of Z suddenly talk down about her. So I give this first book 3 stars, and the beginning of Book 2 is memorable and the scene in Book 3 where the heroine learns her guy has punished Z but overall it could be so much better with more thought, cohesion and character consistency.
But…I did remember it 2 years later and I read hundreds of books so that’s something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
3 1/2 stars. I do have a weakness for mafia stories. This one delivers and isn't really that dark (no non-consent). Zoe and Connor have great chemistry.
The punishment scene done by others than Connor--might be considered sharing though it doesn't seem to have been sex-- might be a turn off for some readers. I actually think it fits the story. The crue are close as family, they have fought together, bled together and for each other, risked their lives for each other and imprisonment. If Zoe wants to be considered "in" with this group, particularly after making some reckless decisions where they had to risk as much for her as they have done for each other, it makes sense that payback is that costs her something beyond her normal limits. They didn't do anything that she said no to.
The punishment scene done by others than Connor--might be considered sharing though it doesn't seem to have been sex-- might be a turn off for some readers. I actually think it fits the story. The crue are close as family, they have fought together, bled together and for each other, risked their lives for each other and imprisonment. If Zoe wants to be considered "in" with this group, particularly after making some reckless decisions where they had to risk as much for her as they have done for each other, it makes sense that payback is that costs her something beyond her normal limits. They didn't do anything that she said no to.
February 19, 2020
This book was very promising. Connor was a decent dominate. Zoe was a decent submissive. I have problems with how this book ended. There was a shooting, a war between two Mafia’s, and no resolve. Just Zoe’s punishment which leaned toward rape. She says no quiet a few times but it continues u til she eventually starts to feel pleasure. Which you don’t even know who’s giving it to her because it’s just hands everywhere in the description. It ends with Zoe and Trick in the bathtub with Connor and Trick taking care of her. That’s it. No conflict resolution on to the Mafia war. No ending to how Zoe and Connor’s relationship will work with Trick and Anvil. A lot of unanswered questions for me. Disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2020
Our heroine has attracted the attention of a very bad man and he plans to make her his.
This is a rather intense dark romance with the mafia and strong elements of D/S and spankings. The story is well written and easy to read, but there are several twists and turns to the story that keep it interesting. There is also a lot of steam, including some rather intense scenes, which will probably lose some folks that want everything to be safe and sane. Personally, I enjoyed the interacts and the development of the relationships. Both characters were strong so it definitely became a contest to see who was going to break. I'll leave it to the reader to guess that one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is a rather intense dark romance with the mafia and strong elements of D/S and spankings. The story is well written and easy to read, but there are several twists and turns to the story that keep it interesting. There is also a lot of steam, including some rather intense scenes, which will probably lose some folks that want everything to be safe and sane. Personally, I enjoyed the interacts and the development of the relationships. Both characters were strong so it definitely became a contest to see who was going to break. I'll leave it to the reader to guess that one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
March 1, 2020
No as good as it could have been.
I don’t know what I was expecting when it came to the chemistry but it didn’t click as well as I thought it would. Everything seemed to just happen for Zoey and Conner, Zoey saying she felt something was there then changing, growing scared when Conner admitted it. It was like a cat chase only this time, the cat has been caught yet refuses to admit it. It grew boring later on and quite predicting. It’s also really weird how Conner doesn’t want anyone else sleeping with her but is fine with his friend touching her??? This story didn’t flow as much as I felt it should have and that made reading it quite depressing.
I don’t know what I was expecting when it came to the chemistry but it didn’t click as well as I thought it would. Everything seemed to just happen for Zoey and Conner, Zoey saying she felt something was there then changing, growing scared when Conner admitted it. It was like a cat chase only this time, the cat has been caught yet refuses to admit it. It grew boring later on and quite predicting. It’s also really weird how Conner doesn’t want anyone else sleeping with her but is fine with his friend touching her??? This story didn’t flow as much as I felt it should have and that made reading it quite depressing.
March 18, 2020
Loved this dark mafia romance!!
Zoe is just trying to survive in a ruthless world. Her best friend's father is a ruthless crime boss and three of his men went their own way a few years ago because they didn't agree with the way he ran things. So now it's hard to stay out of the path of these ruthless men. When her door is marked by C Crue she knows she's in for it, but she doesn't know what she did to be marked. Connor is the head of C Crue and when he finds out Zoe might have information he needs he decides to pay her a visit. This is a wonderful dark mafia romance and I highly recommend it!
Zoe is just trying to survive in a ruthless world. Her best friend's father is a ruthless crime boss and three of his men went their own way a few years ago because they didn't agree with the way he ran things. So now it's hard to stay out of the path of these ruthless men. When her door is marked by C Crue she knows she's in for it, but she doesn't know what she did to be marked. Connor is the head of C Crue and when he finds out Zoe might have information he needs he decides to pay her a visit. This is a wonderful dark mafia romance and I highly recommend it!
May 3, 2020
Held was almost perfect
I liked the plot and this is well designed with the characters. Connor was intense both emotionally and sexually. Zoe was trying to fight her pull to Connor but that became impossible. He drew her right into his orbit. I would have liked more descriptive detail for some of the scenes on the book but I get the picture all the same. I also would like to see stories for Trick and Anvil. They were dedicated supporting characters in this story. Definitely worth the read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked the plot and this is well designed with the characters. Connor was intense both emotionally and sexually. Zoe was trying to fight her pull to Connor but that became impossible. He drew her right into his orbit. I would have liked more descriptive detail for some of the scenes on the book but I get the picture all the same. I also would like to see stories for Trick and Anvil. They were dedicated supporting characters in this story. Definitely worth the read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 20, 2021
This is a compelling read that stays interesting to the end! I loved this Mafia romance so hard that I didn't want it to end. Zoe is an easy-to-like character with an awful taste in friends, but I do hope someone can save Rachel too. The C Crue were bad guys with new age morals for gangsters. I also loved those guys too. The intrigue and drama of the story draw you in, but the sexual tension makes you glad to stay through the end. I continue to get blown away by the dramatic storytelling that Marlee Wray exhibits in all of the books that I've binge read so far!
November 25, 2021
C Crue is a new gang that has taken over part of the former realm of Frank Palermo. Zoe is a young woman who has been friends with Palermo’s daughter for years. Somehow, Connor believes Zoe has aided others to steal from his Crue. It takes only a short time before Connor tends to believe that she is telling the truth, but now she must stay with him for her own protection.
This is an extremely hot, erotically stimulating story that caught me easily and kept me reading until the very end.
This is an extremely hot, erotically stimulating story that caught me easily and kept me reading until the very end.
January 21, 2020
I love a spanking good mafia romance. It’s really not too dark, grayish, I’d say. But i could not put it down. I loved Zoe and C’s back and forth, and was completely intrigued by the Crue. I really, really, hope that they get their own books. Connor is the kind of man I like to read about so I was happy about that. Zoe’s friend Rachel has her own mystery going on that also held my interest and left me hoping for a second book. Oh- and the scene at the end.... BEYOND HOT!!! 🔥🔥🔥
January 26, 2020
The mark on her door should have been enough the C Crue were coming for her. But why Zoe knew them they used to be part of Frank Palermo's mafia outfit until the split and his daughter Rachel was her best friend now Connor has shown up in her flat and basically taken her to answer questions and be punished for things she knows nothing about. Very hot intense and dark completely entertaining want more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2021
This book was so hot!
Wow I really loved this book. And that ending holy hell it was hot. I do wish that scene had more details of the encounter between all 4 of them. This book is a 3 part series so if the book seems like the story isn't finished its because its not and will continue in the next books. Even with the story plot not being over this plot was still amazing. This book also had some really hot steamy sexy scenes.
Wow I really loved this book. And that ending holy hell it was hot. I do wish that scene had more details of the encounter between all 4 of them. This book is a 3 part series so if the book seems like the story isn't finished its because its not and will continue in the next books. Even with the story plot not being over this plot was still amazing. This book also had some really hot steamy sexy scenes.
September 12, 2025
I discovered Marlee Wray in the past few days I started with pretty threat and I discovered I love Marlee's writing, her books are smoking hot while still having a hell of a plot! I loved the characters in this one. I loved how Conner was the big hard boss man to everyone but with his ballerina Zoe he was dedicated loving but with a firm hand! I loved Zoe's fight her dedication to her friends and her journey to loving C.
Safe to say I've downloaded the next book
Safe to say I've downloaded the next book
January 21, 2020
Kinky Romance
This was my kind of book. A first by this author and I was so happy I gave it a read. I loved the mafia element and that Connor found his match with the heroine (sorry totally just blanked on the name). The story held my interest, the bond the crue shared was relatable. All around good book.
This was my kind of book. A first by this author and I was so happy I gave it a read. I loved the mafia element and that Connor found his match with the heroine (sorry totally just blanked on the name). The story held my interest, the bond the crue shared was relatable. All around good book.
February 2, 2020
A good mafia story. It is your typical mafia story with a war between crews and a woman in the middle. I liked the way Conner treated Zoe until the end. I was disappointed in the way Conner insisted she be initiated through a hazing like event with the crew. It felt very college rush week. Overall is was a good read.
February 2, 2020
Emotional , strong and romantic
Want to be able to get more involved with the characters and their true selves and their lives . Feel the same as they feel with the rush they get in all they do while being overwhelmed with each touch and stroke , then this is the book for you . You will love it all as much as l do a must read.
Want to be able to get more involved with the characters and their true selves and their lives . Feel the same as they feel with the rush they get in all they do while being overwhelmed with each touch and stroke , then this is the book for you . You will love it all as much as l do a must read.
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