What do you think?
Rate this book
The Family #1
Beautiful & Dirty
Shae
Here's my advice for how to survive a vacation to Italy with the college boyfriend you've just now realized is terrible:
1. Ditch him in Rome.
2. Take the train to Naples for pizza.
3. Let the attractive older man you’ve just met buy you a drink.
4. Flirt a little (or a lot) while ignoring his wedding ring.
5. Let him bend you over a table.
6. Break up with your boyfriend.
--
Sal
There are a lot of ways to respond to the news that your wife is trying to kill you. I have sex with the young American who stumbles into my restaurant. And then I get revenge.
Content warnings:
assassination attempt (gunshot)
maiming
torture
discussion of murder
Here's my advice for how to survive a vacation to Italy with the college boyfriend you've just now realized is terrible:
1. Ditch him in Rome.
2. Take the train to Naples for pizza.
3. Let the attractive older man you’ve just met buy you a drink.
4. Flirt a little (or a lot) while ignoring his wedding ring.
5. Let him bend you over a table.
6. Break up with your boyfriend.
--
Sal
There are a lot of ways to respond to the news that your wife is trying to kill you. I have sex with the young American who stumbles into my restaurant. And then I get revenge.
Content warnings:
assassination attempt (gunshot)
maiming
torture
discussion of murder
62 pages, ebook
First published May 15, 2020
110 people are currently reading
1131 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Jackson
57 books727 followersKatrina is a seasoned spinster with an active imagination, a love of romcoms and a keenly critical nature. She's a college professor by day who writes romances by...weekend. Right now she also happens to be on summer vacation. She enjoys yogurt, sparkling water and her three cats, who don't appreciate her love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
March 29, 2021
I usually hate cheating in books, but this WAS SO FREAKING GOOD. No one writes like Katrina Jackson and I loved this quick novella. Shae and Sal meet and sparks fly. It's an age gap, mafia romance and I loved every second. There is a cliffhanger, so be aware of that. And it involves two of my least favorite tropes, but I ate this story up. I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series!
October 7, 2020
This book isn’t for everyone and it involves cheating. I, however, lived for the drama and the terrible decisions being made.
January 8, 2021
Just wish it was longer. I hope we all dump our shitty boyfriends in Italy and then bang a bad guy.
September 29, 2021
WHERE is the sequel?? I'm hoping Sal & Shae get a full sequel and that their romance isn't sprinkled throughout the rest of the series. I loved them! I mean, how could I not love a mafia romance (novella) with an older, silver fox hero.
July 26, 2021
Mehh. No HEA or HFN, has a cliffhanger and cheating from both parties (heroine’s boyfriend is an ass anyway and hero’s wife ) so I didn’t mind the cheating lol.
May 15, 2020
okay listen i love this story but i just can not do cheating in books so i am just so conflicted ugh
February 21, 2021
Fan-freaking-tastic!!! Age gap romance with an anti hero and a bit of a wallflower heroine. If you like insta lust and filthy mouthed heroes then pick this up and the second book The Hitman. This one is short but steamy and packs a huge emotional wallop. My only quibble is that it ends on a whopper of a cliffhanger and I have to wait for the rest of the story 😭 Katrina Jackson is now an autobuy.
Read
September 24, 2020Dnf.....
Probably wrong timing 😟
Probably wrong timing 😟
September 25, 2020
The guy was still married when he fcked the hell out of the heroine. And the heroine also at the same time has a boyfriend.
This is surreal. I can't believe I picked this up on my own volition. I'm not even bothered by the cheating stuffs. It was just too short and tbh, I need more. But still nice short read though.
This is surreal. I can't believe I picked this up on my own volition. I'm not even bothered by the cheating stuffs. It was just too short and tbh, I need more. But still nice short read though.
May 15, 2020
Listen I need the rest. Where is the rest?!?!
Loved this. Some people won’t like that it has cheating but honestly, Shae’s man is trash and so is Salvo’s wife and I mean CLEARLY it’ll get resolved. So...yeah WHERE IS THE REST???
Loved this. Some people won’t like that it has cheating but honestly, Shae’s man is trash and so is Salvo’s wife and I mean CLEARLY it’ll get resolved. So...yeah WHERE IS THE REST???
July 21, 2020
‘My breath quickens as this man walks slowly toward me, and I feel all these possibilities in his every step.’
‘I’ve endured the last week so I can experience whatever is about to happen, so that I can realize all that I’ve been missing before.’
Yes yes Shae and Salvatore!
‘I’ve endured the last week so I can experience whatever is about to happen, so that I can realize all that I’ve been missing before.’
Yes yes Shae and Salvatore!
April 12, 2021
3 ★
meh, wasn't super intrigued by the story, probably cause it was so short. The steamy scene was fine, the rest of the story didn't really interest me. It did end on a cliffhanger kind of I guess? But I probably won't continue the series. Did help me out of my reading slump though so that's a plus.
meh, wasn't super intrigued by the story, probably cause it was so short. The steamy scene was fine, the rest of the story didn't really interest me. It did end on a cliffhanger kind of I guess? But I probably won't continue the series. Did help me out of my reading slump though so that's a plus.
August 14, 2020
Reread!
The people pleaser and sexy Mafia boss (The Tin Man)!
Although "Beautiful & Dirty" by Katrina Jackson was a tease read to Salvo and Shae's hookup, I could feel Jackson's words and boy, oh boy, I'm really looking forward to this couple's journey!
"If that kiss erased my past, this orgasm is a blueprint for the future; nothing about me will ever be the same."
And the oracle Zoe's story should be engaging too! Bring it Katrina!
The people pleaser and sexy Mafia boss (The Tin Man)!
Although "Beautiful & Dirty" by Katrina Jackson was a tease read to Salvo and Shae's hookup, I could feel Jackson's words and boy, oh boy, I'm really looking forward to this couple's journey!
"If that kiss erased my past, this orgasm is a blueprint for the future; nothing about me will ever be the same."
And the oracle Zoe's story should be engaging too! Bring it Katrina!
January 5, 2021
Romance/ Erotica : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
CW- Cheating
Short and wicked sexy.
CW- Cheating
Short and wicked sexy.
October 1, 2021
3.5- mafia novella that seems like the beginning of an interesting story? Ofc it’s also hot but not crazyyy
May 1, 2021
3.5
I enjoyed this but if felt like a prequel to a full length story and I wish that I had known that going in, I would have waited to start this one and chosen something else by this author to try. I can't seem to find if there will be a continuation because the ending leaves the reader hanging and the next book doesn't feature this couple. I'm hoping since it hasn't been that long since this was published that there will be another book with this couple later on down the road.
I enjoyed pretty much everything about this contemporary romance. Characters that I liked, in a setting that Jones made so atmospheric that I felt drawn in to Vegas, and chemistry and steaminess that did nothing but enhance the read. I am way late to the Christina C. Jones fan club, but I'm here now and will be enjoying my time catching up on her backlist!
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
I enjoyed this but if felt like a prequel to a full length story and I wish that I had known that going in, I would have waited to start this one and chosen something else by this author to try. I can't seem to find if there will be a continuation because the ending leaves the reader hanging and the next book doesn't feature this couple. I'm hoping since it hasn't been that long since this was published that there will be another book with this couple later on down the road.
I enjoyed pretty much everything about this contemporary romance. Characters that I liked, in a setting that Jones made so atmospheric that I felt drawn in to Vegas, and chemistry and steaminess that did nothing but enhance the read. I am way late to the Christina C. Jones fan club, but I'm here now and will be enjoying my time catching up on her backlist!
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
May 15, 2020
Fun af
If you want a quick and sexy read this is it! Shae is a babe, Steve is an ass, Salvo (that's a lot of S names) is fine af.
I love it.
If you want a quick and sexy read this is it! Shae is a babe, Steve is an ass, Salvo (that's a lot of S names) is fine af.
I love it.
April 20, 2021
This is my first book by Katrina Jackson. I'm pleased. She's been recommended by booktubers time and again. I finally gave her a chance and boy, she didn't disappoint. (From where I am, Jackson's books aren't that accessible. I really want to read Neighborly but I can't find it anywhere. Kindle promos aren't available in my region so that's that.)
I loved this book, it was quick, steamy and the chemistry of the hero and heroine? Just wow. I'm super excited to read the continuation of their story. Other than the atrocious cover, this book is so much better than other full length novels by popular authors.
I loved this book, it was quick, steamy and the chemistry of the hero and heroine? Just wow. I'm super excited to read the continuation of their story. Other than the atrocious cover, this book is so much better than other full length novels by popular authors.
June 11, 2020
A quick age gap erotic romantic story that ends in a slight cliff hanger. Shae is on her dream Italian vacation but discovers her boyfriend of many years is actually kind of the worst. She ditches him to enjoy her dream day of eating all the pizza in Naples and leaves with the memory of delicious carbs and a delicious encounter with an older Italian man.
I'll look forward to seeing where this series goes! Short, quick, and dirty, but also poignantly sad in some parts.
I'll look forward to seeing where this series goes! Short, quick, and dirty, but also poignantly sad in some parts.
June 25, 2022
good soup.
September 27, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
If my wife tried to kill me, I’d probably enjoy the beautiful woman that walked into my restaurant as well. 🤷🏾♀️😈
If my wife tried to kill me, I’d probably enjoy the beautiful woman that walked into my restaurant as well. 🤷🏾♀️😈
May 22, 2020
youtube review | blog | twitter | instagram |
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 4.5/5 STARS
𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Shae, Sal, Zahra
𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Steve
𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 : When I say this novella is perfection, I cannot state it is enough. It is the perfect form of escapism in all the right ways.
Shae is a young Black woman whose trash boyfriend is hellbent on ruining their Italian getaway. When she finds the opportunity to stop being a people pleaser and get away from him, life gives her limoncello as a reward.
Sal, Sal , Sal. He is everything you want in a mafia boss. it’s all of the cliches you get while watching something on AMC’s mafia week in all the right ways. He has the right kind of charisma and dapperness that makes you believe a tourist would fall into bed with him after a few hours.
This story does a great job balancing character development in a limited about of time and space. It draws you in for more, ensuring we’ll be back for the rest of the series. The relationship dynamics are messy and complicated. And the passion and sex are everything one could hope for.
𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 : it’s not a novel
𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: Shae + being single.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥: Readers looking for something sex positive and enjoy crime/mafia books.
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 4.5/5 STARS
𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Shae, Sal, Zahra
𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Steve
𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 : When I say this novella is perfection, I cannot state it is enough. It is the perfect form of escapism in all the right ways.
Shae is a young Black woman whose trash boyfriend is hellbent on ruining their Italian getaway. When she finds the opportunity to stop being a people pleaser and get away from him, life gives her limoncello as a reward.
Sal, Sal , Sal. He is everything you want in a mafia boss. it’s all of the cliches you get while watching something on AMC’s mafia week in all the right ways. He has the right kind of charisma and dapperness that makes you believe a tourist would fall into bed with him after a few hours.
This story does a great job balancing character development in a limited about of time and space. It draws you in for more, ensuring we’ll be back for the rest of the series. The relationship dynamics are messy and complicated. And the passion and sex are everything one could hope for.
𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 : it’s not a novel
𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: Shae + being single.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥: Readers looking for something sex positive and enjoy crime/mafia books.
June 5, 2021
Yes, this does involve cheating, but I was so here for Shae and Salvatore and all the drama in their lives. I’m mad this ended on a cliffhanger and it sounds like we won’t get the continuation of their story for a while since the next book is about another couple, but I still had a fun time with this one.
June 13, 2022
This is hard because I honestly loved Salvadore’s chapters and his perspective as a mod boss but I could honestly care less for Shae’s view. Additionally, at times some of the wording just didn’t feel like something the character would say at all and was being forced upon her. Happy this was short and I didn’t have to deal with her perspective for long though I want more from Sal.
October 4, 2020
Overall, a quick, hot, fun read. Its a sexy novella that gives you just enough to leave you wanting for the full story. I think I'm gonna enjoy this series.
Read
December 13, 2021GIVE ME MORE KATRINAAAAA. This was a great intro to an even better series. It's rompy, and hot, and steamy. My only critique is that I need the second part of Salvatore and Shae's story yesterday!
February 6, 2022
5 Stars
This novella took me by surprise. It really sets up the world and dynamic between the characters. I cannot wait to continue and really dive into the mafia world that Katrina Jackson is buidling!
This novella took me by surprise. It really sets up the world and dynamic between the characters. I cannot wait to continue and really dive into the mafia world that Katrina Jackson is buidling!
September 24, 2020
Intimate and crushing...
I don’t know if that title can truly convey how I felt about this story. In such a short span, you experience the sadness of settling and the closeness of an affair made in just moments.
Sal is the head of an Italian gangster family. Shae is on vacation in Italy with her long time boyfriend. Them meeting is about timing. About connection. About letting go. It’s beautiful and dirty.
And sometimes letting go has consequences. No matter how long it lingers.
I really liked how Katrina Jackson brought this story to life. The characters know they have come to a fork in their own roads, but at least for a day in Naples, they had each other.
When it ended, I wanted more. Let’s hope for another day.
I don’t know if that title can truly convey how I felt about this story. In such a short span, you experience the sadness of settling and the closeness of an affair made in just moments.
Sal is the head of an Italian gangster family. Shae is on vacation in Italy with her long time boyfriend. Them meeting is about timing. About connection. About letting go. It’s beautiful and dirty.
And sometimes letting go has consequences. No matter how long it lingers.
I really liked how Katrina Jackson brought this story to life. The characters know they have come to a fork in their own roads, but at least for a day in Naples, they had each other.
When it ended, I wanted more. Let’s hope for another day.
July 12, 2023
#1 beautiful & dirty ★★★☆☆
#2 the hitman ★★★★★
#3 the enforcer ★★★★☆
#4 dolci ★★★★☆
#5 the don ★★★★☆
i like the characters and i’m intrigued about this universe, but there’s a few things about this that didn’t work for me. so three stars.
content/trigger warnings; assassination attempt (gunshot), maiming, torture, discussion of murder, cheating, explicit sexual content, ableism, alcohol consumption,
rep; shae (mc) is black.
#2 the hitman ★★★★★
#3 the enforcer ★★★★☆
#4 dolci ★★★★☆
#5 the don ★★★★☆
i like the characters and i’m intrigued about this universe, but there’s a few things about this that didn’t work for me. so three stars.
content/trigger warnings; assassination attempt (gunshot), maiming, torture, discussion of murder, cheating, explicit sexual content, ableism, alcohol consumption,
rep; shae (mc) is black.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews