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It's a man's world, and Sofia Barbati is about to change the game.
Only daughter to New York's most notorious King Pin, and grand-daughter to Columbia's infamous drug Baron—Sofia was born of bullets, betrayal, and blood shed.
Though, when her father's enemies hit too close to home, she's shipped to Columbia where she's groomed to inherit her grandfather's throne.
Whether she's ready or not, news of her father's death sends Sofia back to New York, hellbent on claiming what's rightfully hers.
She’s stepping into a war with men who will never bow to a woman. It’s a damn good thing Sofia's learned exactly how to bring these men to their knees.
***Previously published in the Guns Blazing Anthology.***
Only daughter to New York's most notorious King Pin, and grand-daughter to Columbia's infamous drug Baron—Sofia was born of bullets, betrayal, and blood shed.
Though, when her father's enemies hit too close to home, she's shipped to Columbia where she's groomed to inherit her grandfather's throne.
Whether she's ready or not, news of her father's death sends Sofia back to New York, hellbent on claiming what's rightfully hers.
She’s stepping into a war with men who will never bow to a woman. It’s a damn good thing Sofia's learned exactly how to bring these men to their knees.
***Previously published in the Guns Blazing Anthology.***
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2020
18 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Banks
42 books380 followers"It's like a verbal seduction."
Weaving tales that will seduce your mind and have you hanging off the edge of your seat.
I dabble in all writing genres but I'm a sucker for romantic suspense.
I'm a yogi, music snob, and love living life on my own terms.
www.facebook.com/nicolebanks13
instagram: @_nicolebanks_
Weaving tales that will seduce your mind and have you hanging off the edge of your seat.
I dabble in all writing genres but I'm a sucker for romantic suspense.
I'm a yogi, music snob, and love living life on my own terms.
www.facebook.com/nicolebanks13
instagram: @_nicolebanks_
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 9, 2020
“You’ve been here two weeks, and you still got some fight in you. Men twice your size have broken in less time.”
This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Wanting revenge for the abuse done purely for entertainment, loving a woman in power and bringing men to their knees, praising the loyalty to family, disgust from the deceit, demanding respect...this is just a sampling of what I felt.
“They created the monster that I was, and when I embraced it, they tried to hunt me down for it.”
Paying for the sins of others...trying to bring pride back to the family name...keeping emotions in check...building an empire...all in a man's world...for now!
“That girl was alive and well inside of her. She was buried behind years of armor she needed to protect herself with, but she was still there.”
I can’t wait to get my hands on Kiss of Death...more from TheCouncil!
This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Wanting revenge for the abuse done purely for entertainment, loving a woman in power and bringing men to their knees, praising the loyalty to family, disgust from the deceit, demanding respect...this is just a sampling of what I felt.
“They created the monster that I was, and when I embraced it, they tried to hunt me down for it.”
Paying for the sins of others...trying to bring pride back to the family name...keeping emotions in check...building an empire...all in a man's world...for now!
“That girl was alive and well inside of her. She was buried behind years of armor she needed to protect herself with, but she was still there.”
I can’t wait to get my hands on Kiss of Death...more from TheCouncil!
August 6, 2021
Wow....
This book gave me Lili St. Germain vibes.
I was so entranced by the characters that I read this book from start to finish. Although admittedly, there are only 91 pages.
The storyline was enthralling.
It had an intense introduction to the female lead which set the pace for upcoming events.
I loved Sofia's character.
She was strong, dignified, sassy, and intelligent. Sofia knew exactly what she wanted and was strategic in getting it.
The secondary characters were equally interesting and danced beautifully throughout the story.
If I were to have a complaint about this book, it would be that it was quite a quick read.
But in saying that, I was so riveted by the storyline and characters that I was definitely not disappointed.
This book gave me Lili St. Germain vibes.
I was so entranced by the characters that I read this book from start to finish. Although admittedly, there are only 91 pages.
The storyline was enthralling.
It had an intense introduction to the female lead which set the pace for upcoming events.
I loved Sofia's character.
She was strong, dignified, sassy, and intelligent. Sofia knew exactly what she wanted and was strategic in getting it.
The secondary characters were equally interesting and danced beautifully throughout the story.
If I were to have a complaint about this book, it would be that it was quite a quick read.
But in saying that, I was so riveted by the storyline and characters that I was definitely not disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
The Queen
What a book! An intro to what I know is going to be an explosive series. This set the scene for a spectacular series. The mob, the families, the table, hot as hell men, the council and THE QUEEN. This is exactly what I was looking for. I can not wait to read more of this series and more by this author.
The attention to detail was perfect. So easy to paint a picture in your mind as you read the book. Simply amazing!
What a book! An intro to what I know is going to be an explosive series. This set the scene for a spectacular series. The mob, the families, the table, hot as hell men, the council and THE QUEEN. This is exactly what I was looking for. I can not wait to read more of this series and more by this author.
The attention to detail was perfect. So easy to paint a picture in your mind as you read the book. Simply amazing!
September 28, 2020
Sofia was born to a world where men will never bow to a woman. She is the daughter of New York’s King Pin and granddaughter of Columbia’s drug Baron. She’s learned a thing or two growing up and she is about to take what is rightfully hers. I enjoyed this story as she turns the tables on the men who look down on her. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2020
4 STAR ROMANCE!
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
October 28, 2021
This is an incredible fast paced dark mafia storyline, showing them that a women can do a mans job and be the queen of the empire. Where men will never bow to a woman she will prove them wrong. Sophia is the daughter of New York’s King Pin and granddaughter of Columbia’s drug lord, she knows how to deal with this world of deceit, violence, danger and action. This is suspenseful and emotional with twist and turns and with chemistry that sparks with Sophia and Dom. Gripping read and intriguing characters.
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.
January 21, 2021
Fierce writing! Loved Sofia’s character and the dynamics surrounding her existence. She was a warrior in a man’s world. The daughter of an NY King Pin and the granddaughter of Columbia’s fiercest drug lord. Through hell’s struggle she fought and came back stronger than ever. She came back with a vengeance, ICE cold! A must read grab your copy today! You won’t be disappointed!
OVP - Ki
OVP - Ki
August 7, 2021
Nicole Banks did a good job on this story, the plot and characters were strong, it was packed with many emotions. Sofia's journey wasn't an easy one but she's a fighter, she'd do what she had to.
I enjoyed this story, looking forward to reading more.
Thanks, Nicole Banks. Good work :)
I enjoyed this story, looking forward to reading more.
Thanks, Nicole Banks. Good work :)
October 30, 2021
Good story. Has triggers.
Sofia is a strong character. She suffers horrible abuse , and later becomes a fierce and feared crime boss. There are violent scenes and alot of action. I will be reading the next book in the series.
Sofia is a strong character. She suffers horrible abuse , and later becomes a fierce and feared crime boss. There are violent scenes and alot of action. I will be reading the next book in the series.
January 7, 2022
good start
Feels like there was some stuff missing. Like the story wasn’t quite complete. It had the potential to be really good but fell flat at points. Interesting enough to see what happens next.
Feels like there was some stuff missing. Like the story wasn’t quite complete. It had the potential to be really good but fell flat at points. Interesting enough to see what happens next.
October 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and flowed nicely. The turn of events were done beautifully and the ending was terrific!
December 12, 2020
i really enjoyed this as a opening to the series, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the world itself. I look forward to more from the series.
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.
August 4, 2021
Sophia is a Queen in a man world, heir to her fathers New York empire and her grandfathers Colombian empire, she is born into a corrupt world where betrayed and respect go hand in hand. She's not afraid of the people who are after her families empires she knows exactly how to bring them to their knees. This is well written short first book on what is setting up tocbe a great new series! Cant wait for 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.
October 30, 2021
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Sofia...bada$$... a fast paced action packed mafia coming of age story... all hail the Queen !!!
July 7, 2024
I loved every little thing about this book! Such a great start to this series! Can’t wait for more!
December 22, 2022
Whoa. From the very first couple pages, the action begins. It is such a juicy little read. Sofia is such a bad b**ch. I could not believe her grandfather would set up her kidnap and torture and then have his men do such vile things to her. Reading that part had me so furious but her come up from that situation was amazing to read. So good. The sexual tension between Sofia and Dom is so hot. Nicole did a great job with their parts in this book. I am super excited to see how their story unfolds and how it all goes down with The Council. Nicole Banks
September 9, 2021
What a fantastic start to a series! This book is dark and I'm here for it! Sofia is one tough lady and I love her as the FMC. This is a short and quick read and sets everything up nicely for the next book. This is the first book I have read by Nicole and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
October 18, 2020
Sofia Barbati has learned what it's like to be tough and cold as Ice thanks to her family and upbringing.... returning back to her home to claim what's hers. It won't be easy but she's up for the task...the one thing that might make her falter....Dom.
This was a great story intriguing and exciting from the beginning...it's a great setup for the rest of the council and honestly I cannot wait till I get to see more of Smoke 👀👀👀 gotta love the crazy ones 💗💗
This was a great story intriguing and exciting from the beginning...it's a great setup for the rest of the council and honestly I cannot wait till I get to see more of Smoke 👀👀👀 gotta love the crazy ones 💗💗
December 18, 2020
This is a well written fast paced mafia read with a twist. The author brings strong characters in Sophia and Dom and does a fantastic job showing her strength and determination on Sophia's part to be top boss in a man's world. She paints her scenes in vivid detail and moves the story quickly and smoothly with her descriptive writing. I was glued to the pages reading their story and would highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 16, 2020
Sofia is one feisty woman created from a world of danger, deceit, and lies. She is ready to take her throne and I loved seeing her take on all these men who look down on a woman. I could not put this down!
March 25, 2023
This was a fast paced Dark Mafia showing that not just men can be on top of the game. When Sofia was in Columbia with her grandfather he tortured her into being the ice queen she needed to be to be on top. She brings a whole new level of bad ass to show women can most definitely can be just as ruthless and conniving and twisted and any man in charge could be. She handled herself and her own to take back her father's empire back when she returns back to New York City after her father's mysterious death!! Great short read.
October 27, 2020
Mafia stories are always so intriguing to me. Nicole Banks put a fresh spin on Ice, by having the head be a female instead of the typical male dominating role. It was a brave move that transformed into a exciting book.
Ice is a fast read, has lots of action and writing that is sharp and witty. I enjoyed the action scenes and the chemistry of Sofia and Dom.
Sofia shines in this quick read which leads as an introduction of a new series which promises to be action packed and raw and I can't wait to read more.
Ice is a fast read, has lots of action and writing that is sharp and witty. I enjoyed the action scenes and the chemistry of Sofia and Dom.
Sofia shines in this quick read which leads as an introduction of a new series which promises to be action packed and raw and I can't wait to read more.
August 10, 2021
This is the 1st book in Banks' The Council series. I love the mafia/bad boy genre but I really love that Banks took this to the next level and made the lead FMC the mafia/bad girl who took what she wanted no matter what the boys club had to say about it! Loved it!
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 24, 2023
This is such a captivating read. The writing is descriptive and vivid. Sofia is fierce and strong. I loved the characters. It is a fast paced, dark mafia romance. I loved the intensity between Sofia and Dom. This is an exciting read that is well written and makes me excited to read more.
August 8, 2021
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Sofia...bada$$... a fast paced action packed mafia coming of age story... all hail the Queen !!!
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.
August 7, 2021
A suspenseful story that had me on the edge of my seat. I liked her strength and conviction. I loved the intensity of the world crafted by the author. Entertaining.
June 14, 2023
Ice is book 1 in the Council series. The organization created to reside over the five burroughs of New York after a huge upset in the ruling over the area. Sofia Barbati, heir to the Barbati Empire is back, and with her comes a ton of trouble. But it appears she likes trouble and is fierce enough to deal with it.
"The woman with ice in her veins seemed to be on fire."
Dom and Sofia have a past. Though it's been over a decade and much as changed, what they feel for each other hasn't. He's the one who'll stand by her side as she takes what's rightfully hers.
This author is bringing us what proves to be an exciting, intense, chaotic adventure with this series. The characters are fantastic and fierce! Sofia is a force to be reckoned with and with Dom by her side there's no stopping them.
"The woman with ice in her veins seemed to be on fire."
Dom and Sofia have a past. Though it's been over a decade and much as changed, what they feel for each other hasn't. He's the one who'll stand by her side as she takes what's rightfully hers.
This author is bringing us what proves to be an exciting, intense, chaotic adventure with this series. The characters are fantastic and fierce! Sofia is a force to be reckoned with and with Dom by her side there's no stopping them.
June 24, 2023
This is the 1st book in The Council series featuring the explosive mafia romance between Sofia and Dom. From the very beginning the action starts in pulling us in and capturing our attention right away. Sofia is one strong woman, the heir to the Barbati throne so when her father dies unexpectedly she has to grab the reins of her empire. Dom and Sofia have history although it's been well over 10yrs and alot has changed their feelings for each other haven't. Dom is going to take his rightful place at her side while she claims what's rightfully hers. You really need to read this explosive mafia romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this AMAZING series.
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 23, 2023
This dark mafia romance is page-turning with exceptional characters and world-building that is realistic. Their journey is enthralling with a dark mafia romance with a strong female mafia lead in a man's world, an explicit romance that is consumed by lust, desire, steamy passion, and spice with all the feelings, a dangerous dark world engulfed by violence and grit, loyalty to family, deception, heartfelt emotions, Ice, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with Ice and an explicit romance that will have readers begging for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
Plot: The last family member alive of a mafia family name is trying to take back the crown, and it's a female...
*Note: The prologue has quite dark references of violence and abuse (physical and sexual), thus be mindful about it
Genre: Mafia Romance, Crime, Thriller
Highlight:
+Black cat FML vs Golden retriever MML
+Character description
+Happily ever after
My experience: Easy to understand, nice plot, and happy ending. The plot is interesting and kept me hooked to keep turning the pages over and over again. It is written from a narrative POV, which felt detached but sympathetic at the same time towards the leads.
I just felt that it could have had more to itself, it ended too soon... ✨
Plot: The last family member alive of a mafia family name is trying to take back the crown, and it's a female...
*Note: The prologue has quite dark references of violence and abuse (physical and sexual), thus be mindful about it
Genre: Mafia Romance, Crime, Thriller
Highlight:
+Black cat FML vs Golden retriever MML
+Character description
+Happily ever after
My experience: Easy to understand, nice plot, and happy ending. The plot is interesting and kept me hooked to keep turning the pages over and over again. It is written from a narrative POV, which felt detached but sympathetic at the same time towards the leads.
I just felt that it could have had more to itself, it ended too soon... ✨
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews