Explicit

The Sons of Victor Black #1

by Cassie Verano

A BWWM Billionaire Romance

He’s one of the heirs to the Black Hospitality Group billionaire fortune.
Mitch Black is entitled. He’s an arrogant asshole.
He’s my new employee. And he’s a bad boy.
I’m used to bad boys and I know to evade them every chance I get.
But no matter where I turn, Mitch is around every corner waiting for me.
As the Chief Human Resources Officer, I’m determined to prevent sexual harassment.

She’s the CHRO of my family’s company. And she’s my new boss.
Professional. Stuck up. Prude. That’s Blake Phoenix.
She’s determined to make me into the model employee.
I’m determined to just get her into my bed for one night.
One night and Blake Phoenix won’t be the same woman.
I get my wish. One run-in. One kiss. One taste.
Now, I’m hooked, and I want more than just a one-night stand.
Blake’s erecting barriers. But I know a secret that she doesn’t.
One taste of me, and she can’t forget my rules.
I don’t do professional. But I do explicit so damned good.
But just when she starts to trust me, all hell breaks loose.

Genres: Romance

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2020

About the author

Cassie Verano pens romance for readers of all cultures and backgrounds. Her love of romance is borne from the beauty and joy she sees in the relationships around her. She enjoys creating works of fiction about women discovering true love, and women who aren’t afraid to explore their sexuality. Sometimes her writing gets a bit intense, but she loves cranking up the heat level.

As a professional administrator, she dreamed of the day she could toss her paperwork aside and craft stories that inspired love and romance in the hearts of women around the world. As a wife and mother, she enjoys playing quirky games and singing with her family.

This southern belle is a native Georgia peach, who enjoys reading, writing, and trying different cuisines from around the world. On rainy days she can be found cuddling under a blanket with a good mystery book in her hands or watching a romance movie on Hallmark or LMN.

Connecting with her readers is the highlight of her day. She invites you to connect with her at: cassiepensromance@gmail.com, or join her for intense conversations about her characters, love, and more at Cassie Verano's Wickedness!

Reviews

[Tashiya Swinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, can’t get behind trifling heroines...

I downloaded the sample chapters and based on those I decided to borrow the book. And all was well until I got to the part about Blake not only sexing an engaged man but screwing him the night before his nuptials and then going to his wedding the next day! But does it stop there? H*ll no. Nah, sis goes on to carry on a two year relationship with him, while continuing to be in his wife’s face. WTF!!!! Then she has the nerve to judge someone else’s character. SMDH! Look I believe most all Jacks are wild when it comes to fiction, but trash can people, whether real or fictional, deserves consequences and lessons not HEA.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Mitch and Blake were such a great couple. Two broken people finding their way to each other despite all the static and resistance that they put up between each other. As you reading this story, you are feeling each emotion that the characters are. The hurt, sadness, anger and the love just comes off the pages. Loved this story and I can’t wait to read more of this series.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both of these characters still had some growing up to do. The behavior and actions of the heroine in this story was unacceptable. What happened to the consequences? I like this author's writing style and I look forward to reading her future books. Read it, your opinion may differ!

ARC.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be careful how you judge

I have this story a four star rating, because of how truly well it was written. Mitch and Blake have a lot of similarities, they both crave to be truly seen as who they are and to be loved. The things that they go through, how they each judge one another. Great Read! This is the fourth book I've read of Cassie's and it will not be the last.

[Nene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This is my first book by this author. The storyline and the main character was okay. The story was kind of slow for me but this is only my opinion for someone else it could be different.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast and furious, hot and sexy

This ain’t your mommas romance novel. Mitch Black, notorious bad boy, son of a hotel Billionaire, is always up for a good lay and a good fight. Until his latest adventure lands him in prison for the last time. When daddy dearest, Victor Black arrives to bail out his wayward son, he also delivers an ultimatum to Mitch..... clean up your act or get out of the family.

After delivering the ultimatum, Victor delivers Mitch to his LA offices where he becomes Blake’s headache. Blake has her own screwed up personal life, and she and Mitch are oil and water, until they allow the sexual tension to draw them into a lust filled non-relationship.

The sex is hot and gritty, the emotions are volatile because both Mitch and Blake are stubborn, dominant characters, but Blake gets her HEA once Mitch matures and owns up to his shortcomings and Blake learns to love herself first.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I really felt sorry for Mitch as his father Victor really is an A$$ ! It irritates me bad when parents talk to and treats their children like he does. Mitch does bring a lot on him with his alcohol, sex and fights. The last time he went to jail his dad came to bail him out as well as give him an ultimatum. Get it together or get out of the family. Getting it together also meant a job in the family business....which then turned him being Blake’s problem.

Blake’s in HR or should I say the boss of HR and she has been warned about Mitch by Victor. Immediately they get off on the wrong foot and she has it out for him. That is until they give into their sexual tension.

Mitch being in the news or tabloids is nothing new but being in them for something false is definitely new. Never scorn a woman...

I received this as an ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

[Nichol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch Black is a spoiled rich kid that is forced to clean up his act by his father. Blake is the Head of HR at the company his father owns and is forced to keep Mitch out of trouble. Mitch falls into lust at first site, Blake into instant dislike. Both of them are a hot mess in their personal lives. In real life they needed serious therapy. It's a difficult task to make both of them relatable and invested in their lives, but the author does a great job. Overall I liked the story and looking forward to the next one.

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

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed this book but the characters were very frustrating. Blake was very judgemental and downright rude to Mitch as soon as they met. Granted he did deserve some of it. But even as their relationship evolved she seemed to still see him the exact same way even though he had shown her a different side of him. She wanted him to grow and change but didnt want to see it if he did. Good read still.

[Afolasade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot
Very hot and steamy read about Blake and Mitch. They both understand each other based on their pasts and that made them gelled. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy for my voluntary honest review

[Jacqueline Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This is a good teaching book about how you should never put people down whether their your children or your friend.

[D. Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
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LONG REVIEW
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SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS



BLAKE:
WOOOOOOOOOOO HONEY CHILE

✅Yes, Blake cheated with a married man
(her "so called" Best Friend Lloyd)
She knew she was wrong.
Especially when he stated his wife was pregnant. She was in the right mindset to end it.

🗣️IT. TAKES. TWO. TO. CHEAT
🗣️IT. TAKES. TWO. TO. CHEAT.

😐*(reading some of these comments, WOW, I DIDN'T see one person JUDGING Lloyd funky cheating ass!!!!)😐 if I'm wrong I will correct it


😞Blake KNEW she was wrong and ended it
-She stated to herself, she would apologize, even if Gwyn didn't accept the apology (wish that was actually put in the book)
-She told him to work on his marriage

Kat- she's that friend, that calls you out when you're in the wrong. Yet, she still loves her friend.🥰

Lloyd: DUSTY ASS
TRIED TO KEEP IT GOING
His MARRIED ASS SHOWED UP TO HER HOME
- after she stopped taking his call / cut contact
HIS MARRIED ASS KEPT CALLING HER
HIS MARRIED ASS KEPT TRYING TO GET TO HER
Lloyd LIED TO Blake


+ Mama Max- called her out on it, but said nothing about that trifling ass son of hers being in the wrong, as well
(maybe in a round about way she did)

+ Gwyn- she was wrong to call Blake, she needed to handle her Community Dick Husband (Like Kat told her)
- IF she is staying with Lloyd, she should concentrate on him NOT Blake.
-yea I understand she was hurt and that's her husband, however she needed to take that up with HER HUSBAND
- UNDERSTAND this- yes Blake KNEW he was married. Lloyd KNEW he was married as well

Lloyd to Blake
🗣️ It should be you I'm married to and having my child
-WTAF!!! SIR SERIOUSLY

Blake was hard, harsh, unfair, and judgmental to Mitch.
-All because of Victor's LIES.
-Mitch reacted to Blake because of the way she was treating him

MITCH:
Traumatized from Victor's repeated belittling insults, controlling manipulation

He admitted that he acted out, to get some type of attention from Victor
(I refuse to call that man a dad or father - he is NEITHER)

Mitch understood he was dysfunctional and messed up. He admitted.

Dawn😐
well that didn't work out well for her.

VICTOR BLACK
All because Mitch TOLD THE TRUTH, to his Mother, about his cheating.
-He made Mitch out to be this person, he truly wasn't.
-I wouldn't put it past Victor, if he was the one feeding rumors and lies, to the press, about Mitch
He can not love his child 😭
What TF kind of parent is he

MEGAN:
How does Megan stay married to this trifling ass man.
-A man that is intentionally cruel to his own children.
-She can "fire" the women he screws and give him no consequences. (that we saw)
-He is still a cheating ass bastard, no way he just "stopped cheating"
- I hope by the end of this series she leaves and divorces him.


I am so happy they got their Happy Ending 🥰
Blake stood up to Victor in Mitch's defense
+PROUD OF THEM+

Woo Chile let me go to Book 2
Happy Reading 📚

[Josine Thomas]

To call either Blake or Mitch a "heroine" or "hero" is kind of an oxymoron.
Full Disclosure In All Fairness: I only made it to 17%, so there is a possibility the story got much better, and the characters had significant growth, after that percentage point. But I just had to stop reading because it was putting me in a bad mood. Here's why (keep in mind, this is only the first 17%): The heroine was not enjoyable - she talked about a man she was living with who went to jail in the middle of their 4 year relationship. What did he go to jail for, you might ask? Not paying child support, that's what. But here's the kicker. It was a child he conceived during their relationship, while cheating on her. What does she do? Does she rip him a new one for cheating on her? Rip on him for being a deadbeat dad? Hell no. Instead, she ends up taking out a restraining order on the baby mama, and only broke up with him because he begged her to have the restraining order lifted so he could see his child (needed the order lifted since he was living with her). smh *toss back a shot* smh again with dubious amounts of more liquor *** Then, when she meets the "hero" she is having an affair with a married man. (Lord save me from dumb@ss hoes) The "hero" is just a typical a-hole, nothing special. He's a rich man from daddy's money. At this point, I threw up the deuces and bounced out. It was all just shaping up to be frustrating and disappointing, because it seemed so immoral, and not in an obvious immoral or criminal way, which I happen to ADORE in my smut...no, it was presented almost like that stuff is okay? Who thinks any of that crap is okay? I like my heroines to be heroines. Flawed, yes, but still a heroine.

[Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize each brother was getting their own book, but it was a welcome surprise! This book captured my attention from the beginning and held me until the end.

The story is written in dual pov, which helps to see the whole picture. The writing is well done. Blake's sternness and no-nonsense attitude jump off the pages, as does her guilt, remorse, and addiction. The pacing was perfect for the story and the plot was interesting. Even when I had to put it down to do mundane things, like eat, the characters and their issues were floating through my mind. There were things about Blake that I did not like, but Verano gave me a different lens (through Mama Max) to see Blake's position without dismissing her bad choices. The message that strength does not mean perfect resonated with me, loudly. It's so true! I liked Mitch's character as well. Though, my heart broke for him. Blake's realization of Mitch's lack of a loving father was pivotal for her (she realized they weren't so different in that). Mitch and Blake had some growing to do in order to get their HEA. Several parts had me all kinds of hot and bothered, which rarely happens when I'm reading. I attribute this to the absence of the cheesy lines that are commonly used during adult moments. I look forward to Grant and Kent's stories! I recommend this book for an anytime read.

This is an adult read with language and scenes. There is a mention of attempted rape and infidelity which may be a trigger for some readers.

I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Mitch make a very unlikely couple. Blake works for Black Hospitality Group. in a senior position. Mitch is the errant son of the owner Victor Black. Mitch has a way of always finding himself in the middle of a scandal or two making headline news. Mitch is sent to work within the company and immediately crosses paths with Blake who does not need his kind of trouble and lets him know this. It is Blake's job to ensure that employer and employees a like work in a harmonious environment. Mitch threatens this good working environment within minutes of arriving on site with his don't and won't care attitude. Will Mitch survive the probation period and clauses set by Victor? or will Blake kill him her self for the trouble he is about to cause. A very good read and continuation of the Black Boys.

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

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch Black is the son that always needs bailing out, well now it is time for him to get his act together or he will be cut off. Victor Black gives him one last chance and gives him a job in the family business, Mitch is determined to prove to his father that he is not a total screw up. Blake Phoenix is the CHRO of the Black company and she is determined to prevent sexual harassment in the company, Blake forgot to include herself from falling for Mitch Black.


I enjoyed this enemy to lovers trope, Mitch and Blake’s chemistry was very 🔥🔥🔥 and they could not resist each other. They always say once you find the right woman you will settle down and do right. I know Victor wished he would have thought this plan a long time ago it might would have saved him some money in the long wrong, but every thing happens for a reason and in its season. The son’s of Victor Black has a been a great serious so far and I am looking forward to reading about the baby boy.

[Sher19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reluctant 4 because it was difficult to reconcile Blake’s and Lloyd’s decision to cheat despite him being married with a child on board.

I understand the author’s attempt to understand that the dynamics of Blake and Lloyd were anchored in trauma bonding and hero complex. That Blake’s trauma invited her to cling to relationships that felt familiar thus safe. However I had a hard time absolving them of their decisions.

I very much disliked Victor’s character. His actions while Mitch was growing up had a profound impact on his emotional development but everyone seemed to want to gloss over it.

The pull between Blake and Mitch was based on mutual sense of loss, need for connection and self acceptance. It was interesting to read how they managed to navigate through their own anxiety and fight their way to each other. Although they seem to have a lot more emotional growth to endure they made the first right steps to reclaiming themselves.

I look forward to the sequels.

[Mzlegz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Mitch may have grown up in different social classes, but they both experienced traumatic childhoods. This goes to prove that just because a person CAN reproduce, doesn’t mean they SHOULD!! From foster homes to boarding schools; dating the wrong guys to racking up an extensive rap sheet; a crackhead mama to a jerk of a father...these two have seen a lot!! Despite the abuse, they proved they could do anything they put their minds to and their passion was on RED!! What happened to Greyson and his wife?? They went from expecting a baby to being divorced???And can someone help Vic have SEVERAL seats??!! He just doesn’t know when to stop!! Anywho, I loved this one and can’t wait to see who Grant’s mystery lady is in the next one!!

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ka-Bee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch was a spoiled brat, all of his other brothers found a way to get along with their dad, and I think Mitch should have found a way also. Mitch‘s mother, who did a little more then her husband, when it came to interacting with their children, but I still think Mitch‘s dad was a hard task master.
When Mitch met Blake he was an Arse right from the beginning, and I like the way she called him on his “Shit” because it was the right thing to do as the head of Human Resources.
When Mitch decided he wanted Blake, nothing was going to stop him from having her, not even Blake herself. They both had issues that they needed to overcome in order to be together.
Overall I enjoyed reading this ARC in advance.

[Cammyjoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake & Mitch 's journey

To quote Blake : "...together they are a powerful duo"!!
Yes indeed,..!
Blake , beautiful,smart,intelligent, educated,dedicated to her carrier,and damn good at her top executive position at the BHG,.And you have Mitch Black, the boss's son who never hold a job in all his 32years... Wow!
Their personality clashed, ... Mitch openly let her know of his attraction,however, Blake in the other hand fought her attraction for him...fast forward, they ended up in clandestine HOT sexual type of " relationship ",that can cause Blake her job. That is, until something happened.

I don't want to spoil it for you, so buy your own copy and let Mitch and Blake tell you, in their own words. You won't regret it... Very fascinating!

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved the book!! The chemistry between Mitch and Blake was off the charts. They are two broken people putting on a brave front, but are desperately searching for love. Blake's past kept her tied to Lloyd for entirely too long and what she thought was love. Mitch's need for his father's approval and love found him searching for it in all the wrong places. Sadly, there are so many people like this in the world, but fortunately love rescues some of them. That makes the story completely relatable on so many levels. It's well written, and I got my happily ever after. Can't wait to read Grant's story!

[La Vida Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch Black is a hot mess. He's one of four sons of the rich and powerful Victor Black. He's been in and out of drug and alcohol rehabs, jail and..women lol He's sort of the black sheep of the family. His dad gives him another chance to redeem himself by giving him a job with the company. It's here he meets the HR director and our heroine and sparks fly. She's got her own dirty laundry to deal with as well, but her no nonsense and strong willed ways and ability to deny Mitch has his nose wide open. He's not going to give up either. I liked this couple though. Very hot love scenes, nice progression from that FWB sort of scenario to real love. I also liked the character development here. It's a good story!

[CaroMommie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, first thing’s first, you can’t judge a book by its cover 🙂. This was a really really good story. Mitch and Blake’s take is filled with all sorts of fun and explicit things 😊.

They both have angst and complications to spare and I loooooooved every minute of it. There is chaos galore but it is beautifully done.

This also has emotions seeping off the pages, their pain is part of the beauty that is their path to HEA. Ms. Carano fleshes out their personalities very well .

I enjoyed this book, I think you will as well 😉.

[Marneta Heller Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS STEAMY GOOD! If you've read any of her other books and enjoyed them, this one will not disappoint either. This author hit another one out the park! Baaaby! At times it was hard for me to remember that I was reading a book because I got so caught up in the story. I wanted to slap Victor for Mitch and then slap Mitch for Blake. The story resonated so strong with me. I have read EVERYTHING Cassie has written and cannot wait to read the next installment of this series. Well done Cassie; well done!

[Yvonne]

LOVED IT ❤

I enjoyed reading Mitch and Blake's story and loved it. This was a very good read lots of emotional things for both characters to overcome and have their HEA. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you will regret it. This is my third book in this series and have enjoyed all of them great stories, I'm getting ready to read the fourth brother's story and hope to enjoy it just as much as the rest of Victor Black sons. Great job as always Cassie love reading your books. Thank you.🙏👍❤

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic and brilliantly written with a story line that is flawless, witty, funny, well developed, emotionally deep, and very interesting. The story flows smoothly, consistent, intriguing, and moves along at a brisk pace. Likeable characters; the chemistry between them is undeniable. This book met all of my expectations and then some! A really enjoyable read!

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

[Adalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough But Sexy Love

This Book is so inspirational, sexy and extremely addictive. If nothing else, great way to start the weekend.

You'll want to read this with a box of tissues. If not for your eyes for other things as well...lol...

This is just the beginning and I love it. Grant is on deck, and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me, and I'm happily leaving this review.

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the other books that I have read by Cassie Verano but this book frustrated me! Blake the heroine was difficult to read about her. She kept prejudging Mitch and until she saw his relationship with Victor (the father), then she understood why he was out of control. In my opinion, Mitch needs counseling and so does Blake. Anyway, I am glad that they both gained a bit of clarity and maturity and got their HEA.

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

I have not read a bad book from this author yet and this book is no exception! The great plot and character development kept me so engaged throughout the entire book that I had a very hard time putting this book down until the very last page was turned!

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

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a billionaire romance. Mitch is a son to Mr. Black. Blake works for Mr. Black and is mitchs new boss. Will these 2 cave into their desires?

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