Popular. Well-liked. Respected by the locals. On paper, Maddox Walsh has the ideal life, but like all shiny things, you don’t unearth what’s hiding beneath the surface until the gleam wears off.
His handsome package is harboring a secret—a secret so big, there’s a chance not even his family’s stellar reputation could salvage it.
My family’s name is also well-known, it’s just dosed with disdain anytime it’s mentioned. We’re feared instead of revered, hated instead of admired, and if my uncle has it his way, we won’t just be responsible for Maddox’s downfall, we will end his reign entirely.
Men like Maddox Walsh don’t belong in our world. The heirs born to rule this realm barely make it out of the carnage unscathed, but stubbornness is a Walsh trait. They don’t give it up for anyone. Not the risk of being scorched, not a threat of tarnishing their family name, not even murder has them backing away.
There’s only one thing capable of taking Maddox down, and that one thing is me.
Maddox is a fast-paced messy romance between two people at opposite ends of the reputation ruler. It has scenes that may be distressing for some readers. Caution is advised.
Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.
You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!
SERIES ORDER: Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1) Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2) Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3) Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4) Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)
Enigma:
Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE ** Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2) Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3) Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4) Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1) Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2) Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story) The Opposite Effect I Married a Mob Boss Second Shot
Bound:
Chains Links Bound Restrained
Russian Mob Chronicles:
Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine Nikolai: What's Left of Me
You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!
I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.
My heart melted for these two Wow all I was saying is Maddox Is just the kind of man every woman deserves. He is a complete and utter package. He’s got the looks, he’s got the physique, he’s got the patience, he’s got the passion and he would die for you. Maddox Walsh Has had feelings for Demi for years he never acted on it because he thought his older brother Saint had feelings for her, and you don’t step on the brothers toes. But one night when it becomes obvious that Saint has eyes for somebody else Maddox is quick to run after Demi and spend time with her. The banter between these two is off the charts it just makes you smile so much. Maddox has got an answer for everything honestly my face was hurting from the amount of smiling I did. Demi is in a world of hurt. She lives with her uncle who is the most vile evil man and he gets Demi to do a lot of his dirty work. But without her even knowing it , she goes round the gym’s looking for boxers, that could fight in her uncles undercover boxing fights. Demi knows that Maddox is one of the best boxers out there but she never goes after him. She doesn’t want to drag him into her life. But when her uncle makes it extremely obvious, and with Demi‘s face bruised and battered What with Maddox do to keep her safe???? What will Demi do to save Maddox??? To keep him from her uncle’s evil clutches. And the cliff hanger is just evil i need the second book now!!!!!! Roll on Demi! What a truly outstanding read once I started this book there was just no option of me putting it down. Maddox and Demi make an amazing couple they have passion and chemistry that is off the charts. But they also communicate well. there is more to them than just the passion. There is also a tenderness that nobody else sees but these two. They are just magical. You can see a future for these two. It’s just an incredible read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm loving reading maddox's side. I seem to be comparing him to Issac and though I do that with all the characters I've read thus far, maddox is by far the one who is on par with Issac. This ending though is unforgiving shandi. Ahhhhh
With every story that this author pens, I'm more and more ensnared. She creates vivid multidimensional characters and storylines that leap off the pages. Even though I've been aware of the character Maddox through numerous series, I didn't connect the way I normally do. I'm hoping that was because I hate anything to do with the villain of this story. I hated him with Isaac, Dimitri, and Justine so I'm hoping that is the problem because I should love these characters.
Still, even not connecting, this was a good story because it was family basically.
Crying isn’t a sign of weakness. It usually only happens when you’ve been strong for too long.”
Two families of rival blood will have Demi Petretti and Maddox Walsh falling for one another, something the families are very much against. Crushing on her for years ever since he stood up for her in the second grade, Maddox kept his distance after his elder brother Saint (Sebastian) laid claim to her. For years he watched and yearned for her, never in a million years expecting the feelings to be mutual or ever able to be acted upon. When Saint decided his attraction was better suited for Demi’s best friend Sloane, it left him an opening he couldn't resist taking. Seeing the battered girl blossom into the strongest woman he's ever seen, he's determined to protect her from her uncle Col and his horrific abuse. Punishing her when she failed to please him, he began tagging the inappropriate line with threats of sexual violence on his own niece. Instead, he settled for backhands and punches to he face, something Maddox witnessed first hand. Disgusted, he was forced to accept his invitation to fight for him, only this time the stakes are so much higher. His fights kept running the punches until one of the opponents was dead, as tapputs were ignored until the final blood was shed. Pitted agaonsts the undefeated champion, Igor, he felt his chances waning until the taunts of raping Demi were whispered in his ear by the very man he was fighting. In a fit of rage, he snapped his neck and claimed Demi as his prize.
Maddox stops dead in the middle of the sidewalk. While acting oblivious to the people mingling around us, he says, “Are you saying what I think you are, Ms. Don’t-Call-Me-Andi? Are you implying you’ll need a magnifying glass to inspect my package?” I wasn’t, but I am now. “Uh-huh.”
Hiding out in a family friend's cabin, these six weeks shared between them was a perfect mix of bliss and heartache. Pushing his family aside to comfort her, Maddox knows the pricetag for his affection with the girl who's family is their sworn enemies. Looking past her blood and heritage, he's falling for her innocence and she can't keep her hands off of him. While fighting for Dimitri and his father puts him at unfair odds, it's his sister Justine who worries him most. Seen on several sites with Dimitri himself, he's playing her as bait as he tries to lure out the people holding his daughter Fien captive. Forced to decide between his sister's life and his own, he'll trade her salvation of being completely mauled to death by a dog for several years locked in prison for a murder he never committed. When he sees the pregnancy test box on the counter, his hopes of Abby skyrocket begore he enters the bathroom to see Demi bleeding out on the bathroom floor. Seeing his future slipping through his fingers, he rushed to her side still unaware of a baby is growing inside of her.
“Are you sure you’re good to go because, to me, it looks like you’re not wearing a shirt.” He pops open one of his eyes, does the quickest scan of my body, and then closes it tight again. “Or pants. You’re either standing in front of me in a pair of teeny-tiny I-really-fucking-hope-I’m-not- dreaming panties and bra, or I’m dreaming. Please tell me I’m not dreaming.”
Maddox literally blew me away. He is the sort of man every woman should get. He's got everything going for him. He has been in love with Demi since they were very young. The feelings he has for Demi are strong. He would literally die for her. He never acted on those feelings as he thought his older brother, Saint had feelings for her. Things become clear when Saint shows his interest in someone else entirely. Maddox decides to make his move on Demi. I loved the witty banter between the two. It made me laugh so much just reading it. Demi lives in another world entirely. It is full of hurt, anguish and pain. Demi lives with her uncle who is just vile. He is the most disgusting human ever to live on the earth. He gets Demi to do a lot of his dirty work such as searching for boxers to fight in his underground boxing fights. Although she knows Maddox is the best boxer out there, she never goes after him. She refuses to drag him into her world full of hurt, pain and anguish. What happens when Maddox finds Demi bruised and battered? What will he do to save Demi from the horrors of her life? What will Demi do to save Maddox from the evil clutches of her uncle? Thus begins the wonderful story of Maddox and Demi. The ending of the book ends on a massive cliffhanger. The good thing about this author is that she never makes you wait ages for the next book so will hopefully find out what happens next very soon. I received an ARC of this book via booksprout. I am voluntarily reading this. This is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve been waiting for Maddox’s story for so long and finally it’s here. Since I first heard of him in Nikolai’s story I wondered so many things. The how and why of how he ended up where he did!!! When such an honourable family has one of their own in a place you’d last expect. And all the mystery of why?!? We start off at the very beginning when Maddox was young but as we progress through the story we discover the why..... He found his soulmate as a child. He always kept an eye on her. That family has that gene for protection just included in their DNA. They finally.....finally get together.😍 Maddox is pushed in a direction he never would have taken if it wasn’t to protect Demi. 😱Her Uncle is the worse of the worse. If you get wrapped up as me in my stories you want this man dead 💀 gone so that he can no longer hurt his niece. Maddox steps up to do this so he can finally give her what she deserves and not the fear constantly in her eyes whenever he’s near. Just when Maddox has it together so they can start afresh .... he sees Demi 😭 and is it too late??????
I need the second novel stat!!!!!! Again let me reiterate that Shandi never leaves her readers waiting months for her conclusion as other authors do. Hence why I’ll stay a faithful fan!!!!!
Shandi never disappoints. I’ve said this time and time again. All her stories interweave putting the puzzle together. And I’ve read every one.
The blurb for this book, "Maddox is a fast-paced, messy romance between two people at opposite ends of the reputation ruler." is a very accurate description. Yet, it does not come close to preparing you for this fast-paced, messy romance! For those who have read any of Shandi's other series, you are already familiar with the name Maddox. This book invites us into his life as a young man growing up. It gives us insight into his family dynamics, his character, and his feelings for Demi. Demi, so far lucky to have escaped with no more than a split cheek and bruises from her uncle Col Petretti. She is smart enough to realize this, yet somehow she has maintained a certain innocence and naivety. She shows her gumption and strength and when it matters, though, garnering our respect and endearing her to us. The chemistry between these two is undeniable and jumps off the pages, sizzling and crackling. The cliffhanger ending leaves me unsure if I hate this author, or love her, but I do know I can't wait for the next installment!
HOLY PETRETTI!!! JUST WOW! I’m tempted to call Mr. Col Petretti and report Shandi for that cliffhanger! I kept tapping my screen needing more but she left us hanging waiting desperately for more. This is the story of Maddox Walsh and Demi Petretti. The name Maddox Walsh should sound familiar if you’re an avid Shandi Boyes book fanatic like myself. Most of you probably know him as Justine’s brother and we got to know more of him throughout Dimitri’s story but those only left us wanting more. This story starts from the very early primary school days and jumps to adulthood and even as a young child, Maddox will make you fall in love with him as easily as he does as a young adult. Maddox is faced with an impossible situation to protect the girl of his dreams but ends up doing something that cannot be undone. I don’t want to give anything away but the chemistry between these two is undeniable and I can’t wait for Demi’s book to come out!!! 10/10 recommend!
ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
This book is just so good ! I read it in a 24 hour period and could not put it down. It does end on a cliffhanger but Book 2 Demi will be available in March 2021.
LOVED EVERYTHING but especially :
The cover and book blurb great visual of Maddox - would want to make me one click Great characters in Demi and Maddox Secondary characters in Maddox brothers as well as characters from previous books Mafia genre / grade school crush / friends to lovers vibe Some laugh out loud dialog , angst and lots of sizzling chemistry Lots going on in this unpredictable storyline and plot
Highly recommend this series and author ! Can’t wait to read Book 2 !!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maddox it's the 5th installment in the Italian Cartel Series by Shandi Boyes and the first part of Maddox and Demi' story. I was always so curious about Maddox Walsh since the first recognition in Nikolai's tale and now, finally we're here to witness it all and why Demi was, no matter what, meant to be with him. I loved everything about their first chronicle: a great plot, fast-paced, action-packed, twists and a rowdy journey to begin with as well his protective streak toward Demi and the will to save her from the very devil incarnate. And when everything was in its place and ready to finally evolve....BAM! Will it be to late for them? OMG! Gimme more, please! A great, great account in a very well concocted adventure of stuggle and LOVE!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is such a bittersweet story. Maddox finally gets the girl of his dreams, Demi, but in so doing he loses part of his soul. We meet his brothers and gain an understanding of who Maddox was before Col Petretti got his claws into him. I cannot believe how evil Col Petretti is, I have always known he was evil, but now I have no words to describe just how evil he is. I am glad I know what happens or I think I would give up. It was interesting to see Rocco from a different perspective and it did nothing to change how much I like his character. Be prepared for the cliffhanger ending it will make you gasp and then we wait and I am not sure what will happen but I hope in true Shandi style not everything is as dark as it seems right now.
Maddox Walsh is more than what is known. One of four Walsh brothers and having Justine as a little sister. Keeps his life interesting. He keeps his life mostly unseen by the public only revealing what he wants known. While working behind the scenes. Hiding his secrets, keeping up the front to protect. Maddox has always has crush on Demi Petretti. The dark hair and the eyes of a tortured past.
Demi has had to learn to adapt to her ruthless uncle Col Petretti after the death of her father. Trapped in a life not her own. Desperate to escape. Knowing that the only way out s death. Maddox and Demi have a sexual chemistry that may lead to heartbreak. Maddox knows he may have to destroy the only safe haven he has, his family to protect Demi. Will it be enough? What happens next? I need the next book now.
Well hold on to your knickers as Maddox is in town. This is the fifth book in The Italian Cartel series and starts the story of Maddox Walsh and Demi Petretti. Let's just say that that this story is AMAZING and I can't wait for the next part. I am in love with Maddox as he is so protective, loving and super sexy, but also Demi as she is a spitfire but also very intelligent. Both are very different and were raised differently. However, they fit like to perfect jigsaw pieces, they just click and lock in. Things are not sweet tea and butterflies as this is a darker romance. I cannot wait to read the next book in their story to see what happens.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Maddox and Demi met as kids and have had a secret crush on each other since then. A situation arose for Maddox to act on his feelings and he did sparking the long dormant, hot and steamy romance between Maddox and Demi. He protects her, they look out for each other, and the accept each other for whatever happens.
Maddox gets heavily involved in illegal underground fighting run by Demi’s uncle. Within a short period of time he doesn’t know who he can trust. His main goal is to protect Demi and his brothers.
It was hard to get into the book at first but when the suspense and dangerous stuff started, I was all eyes and kept on reading. Of course I came to the shocking cliffhanger that no one - not even Maddox or I - saw coming. On to book 2 “Demi”.
Maddox & Demi are quite the pair and I loved watching them find each other when they finally decide to make a go at their attraction/crush on each other for so many years. Maddox is a gorgeous man who is committed to make Demi feel loved. Demi is trying hard to keep Maddox away from the evil world of her uncle and she sacrifices herself to keep him safe. There are so many hard decisions for them and there is always danger lurking around each corner. Meeting Maddox’s brothers is fun and of course Dimitri & Rocco are present as well which is alway fun from the other books. This book leaves you on the edge of your seat and Demi’s book is next in this gut wrenching series! Happy Reading!
The Walsh boys have it all, looks, moves, girls, but Maddox only has eyes for one girl, Demi Petretti her uncle Col runs everything and as her guardian he rules her with an iron fist and it seems its Demi's job to sign me as a fighter so I need to know is she playing me. Maddox I need Maddox, why am I not surprised, Shandi Boyes never serves a single dish when she can put a complete banquet of words to feast on, I think I have gone through every emotion as I read this book and found myself with tears in my eyes, it a can't put it down book and has a huge cliffhanger so get ready for your own slice of heaven or hell. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Shandi you are a sweet little tease! You brought it with this book and then...What?...You left it like that! Wow! talk about keeping the carrot dangling in front of the rabbit! You should be sorry but I know you are not! This series is wonderful, it offers something for everyone and it will definitely keep you on your toes. You are going to feel things that run the spectrum and it literally keeps on giving. Pull up a seat and see the hows and the whys of Maddox and Demi. But I warn you get ready to have your heart delivered to you on a platter!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderful story. Maddox is wonderful, caring, loyal, and would do anything to protect Demi. He has been in love with her for a long time, he did not go after her because he thought his brother liked her and as soon as he found out that she was free he went after her. Demi lives with her uncle who is just a mean disgusting man. They both want to help each other and keep the other safe. This is an amazing story and the characters are wonderful and it has it all, action, suspense. This is just amazing story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maddox's thought his life was on the right path but things were not as they seemed. While love comes his way his life is filled with conflict, lies, betrayal, threats danger and more. Demi thinks she has found a way out from under her Uncles thumb and a way to have a life with Maddox but their connection while hot and steamy causes life altering actions and decisions that affect all in their circle. Just when things are looking up we are left with a cliff hanger that will leave begging for the next book!!!
What happens when you know love will tear everything you have apart? Maddox has loved Demi since he first saw her, the neice of Col Petretti. Demi had her life filled with suffering at her uncles hands and finds comfort with Maddox. but inorder to protect her Maddox must lose a part of him he thought safe. This book ends on a cliff hanger! Well written filled with suspense, desires, action, and more. The story has you gripped from the get go!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Of course when you know Shandi is about to release another book you cannot help get excited! And as always Maddox is up their with the others which came before! I am now wracking my brains of what we already know of Maddox from before, thinking should I go back and read the earlier books, did I miss something? will I get something to clue me in on what’s still to come? 😉 Cannot wait for Demi’s book, just hope the wait isn’t too long 😁
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn`t think I would, but it was so well written by this author. The story just flowed from start to finish. the characters worked so well together and I had a great connection with them as well. Now I am looking forward to the next book when it comes out. I didn`t find any spelling mistakes or any holes in the plot of this book.
I really recommend this book for others over the age of 18+
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ummm can you say H - O - T! The heat between Maddox and Demi will have you needing a cold shower after reading but will also leave you nicely frustrated as well. Lol. There are no words to describe how much you will want to reach right into the book and just wring Col’s disgustingly evil neck. Oh! And just when things are looking up and you’re thinking “ok. We’re making progress” BAM! Shandi hits us with one HELL of a cliffhanger. Shandi you’re killing me babe! Bring on part two puhlease
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Intrigue, suspense and sizzling chemistry between the two of these amazing characters. Maddox and Demi are so right for each other but the Petretti Cartel have other ideas. Can't wait to read Demi to see how the journey ends for these two and if they will get the HEA they deserve or if Demi's mafia family wreak more havoc than they can sustain... Brilliant story line to tie in with what little we already knew about Maddox - a real must read page turner...
Maddox: sexy, loyal, protective boxer Demi : strong she is living in a dangerous situation situation
Maddox has always had feeling for Demi. When he sees a chance to go after what he wants he does not hesitate. The are a great couple. the banter is amazing. it becomes obvious that Demi is not safe, Maddox is faced with some hard to deal with situations. This book is emotional and a fast paced ride that ends in a whopping cliff hanger
Maddox and Demi! They have fire and Col knows it. Col is trying to recruit Maddox for the fighting scene and Maddox is in Dimiti's scene. Col's is one that Maddox has to kill or be killed in order to survive. The FBI is also trying to recruit Maddox and are using him to help bring down Col. How does all this come together? Will Maddox and Demi survive this whole ordeal? Now to read Demi......
Omg! Have I ever said how much Col Petretti disgusts me? We’ve seen Col in action throughout Shandi’s books, but holy mother of goose eggs we never knew just how vile he could be! I can’t explain how many times my heart broke for Maddox, and Demi; as well as how many times I wanted to reach into the pages and beat the shit out of Col!
We finally get to read and know the story of Maddox the brother of one of our favourite leading felmale heroines Justine From Nikolai stories. Maddox is intriguing, he loves fiercely and with a deep passion (just like his sister)
Maddox story will keep you in suspense I highly recommend reading this story I can’t wait to read Demi the following story