Frozen Valentine

De Luca Crime Family #0.5

by E.C. Land

Blake

The first thing you learn as a kid is 'stranger danger', but they don't tell you what to do when a tall, tattooed, dangerous man shows up out of nowhere.

I know I should make him leave. He's surely capable of fending for himself, but it's the middle of winter, the roads are icy and around these parts that can mean a death sentence. I don't have any other choice but to help this handsome stranger.

My heart has been broken one too many times, and I've refused to let anyone back in.

Can I keep this man from melting my heart with his charm, or will it be as frigid as it was yesterday?

Today is Valentine's after all, and stranger things have happened.

Genres: Contemporary, Novella, Romance, Dark Romance

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2021

Reviews

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy
Series: Prequel
Pages: loc. 1075
Kindle Unlimited: Yes

STORY:
I am loving the Valentines prequels and this one read different for me. It was supposed to be a prequel, but it read like an Insta like/lust novella that gave you a little of everything leaving room for me to want more. I love how the author is also intertwining all these other characters from other books. Theo and Blake both got trick at being at a cabin together for reasons to protect Blake. Theo was a big chuck of sexy meat and I like him. Blake was adorable and very naïve, but still liked her.



CHEMISTRY:
Their chemistry was quick but still appealing as I love how it was initiated. Looking forward to reading more.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS
We have some good characters. Leo De Luca and Christian. Was not expecting it, but all 3 men together gave me a few laughs.


Overall, nice read and makes me curious and excited for what’s to come.


***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake has finally graduated college and her parents keep insisting that she marry a man that she doesn’t even know. Blake has set herself up for this though because she always follows the rules and lets her parents walk all over her, but she is putting her foot down now. She has her brother, Christian book a cabin for her just to escape her parents and the man that her parents want her to “meet” aka get married to. But Christian has something up his sleeve and tells the second in command for the De Luca’s, Theo, the same cabin his sister is staying in is available because he needs to lay low for a while. Theo is gruff and rough second in command but his tough exterior melts when he sees Blake. When Blake’s parents send the man she is supposed to marry to collect her will Theo be able to protect her?

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frozen Valentine by E.C. Land was a fast paced, exciting, thrilling story surrounding Valentine's Day that is full of romance and hot steamy moments between Theo Deluca and Blake Bandoni. Blake is running from her interfering family who has arranged her to be married to the boss of another evil crime family. When she reaches out to her brother Christian for help, he arranges her to stay at a secluded cabin to hide. Little does Blake know that her brother works for Leo Deluca and is friends with Theo. Theo is told by Leo to hide at the cabin after a job goes bad until issues with family business dies down. Once he gets near the cabin, his car gets stuck in a ditch in the snow and he now has to walk in the cold, freezing weather to get to the cabin.

Theo is shocked to find a beautiful young woman assisting him but is instantly drawn to this feisty beauty. Soon the pieces fall into place once Blake tells Theo who she is and he learns that he has been set up by his cousin and his friend. The chemistry between these two was witty, sensual and full of passion as these two make love stranded together in the cabin. One time with her is not enough as these two come together, Theo sees another side to this passionate, sexy young woman who is his match in every way. He now informs Christian that Blake is his and that he has claimed her and that no one will have her but him. The banter between Blake and her brother when she finds out who he works for was witty and full of sassy moments, as Blake stands her ground when she learns he lied to her. Danger is heading towards this couple when he learns who is after Blake, Theo with the help from his cousin Leo and Christian forge ahead to keep Blake safe and end this threat. You will be hooked from beginning to end with this sexy romance story as these two begin a relationship that is intense and full of passion. Now we have to wait for Frozen Kiss to see if these two will get their HEA as Blake may still be in danger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake needs to escape from her parents arranging her marriage to another crime family. So her brother Christian suggests she goes to his cabin to lay low. Christian works for the Deluca family and when his mate Theo also needs to lay low he sends him to the same cabin. Only his car goes into a ditch on the way so he walks to the cabin and is shocked to find it already occupied by Blake. Blake was always told not to talk to strangers but when Theo turns up at the doorstep she let's him in not only to the cabin but her heart. But Blake's not safe as people are coming for her, can Theo keep her safe? This is a well written quick steamy romance! A great addition to the Deluca crime family series! With hot steamy scenes!

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

[Sua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great quick read, especially if you love a good cabin romance then this is it. I loved how Blake was shown as someone who wanted to break free from her parents control so she can make her own life decisions because doing things to please others would’ve made her life miserable. There was something about Theo that just made me love how intense his feelings were for Blake when she opened up to him and it totally worked for the book. Some of Blake and Theo’s scenes were so hot and steamy, for sure it would’ve melted the snow storm they were stuck in. We are also introduced to the De Luca clan which has Leo who’s not only Theo’s cousin but also the mob boss and Christian who’s Blake’s brother that works for Leo.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Valentine Blake won't forget. Getting away from her controlling parents to a cabin is a blessing. Then she meets Theo there not knowing what she's getting herself into. I normally don't get into mafia books but this one was really good. There's plenty of heat and action towards the end. Loved Blue, her dog, it's very protective. Can't wait to read more about this story. Until later. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense and passion fill the pages of Frozen Valentine. The heat between Theo and his “Snowflake” leaps off the pages. He’s all alpha and makes no apologies for it. She’s the quintessential damsel in distress, who of course falls for him almost immediately. Who can resist a bad boy? I will say it ends with a happily-for-now, but it was a satisfying story overall.

Perfect for a quick read to keep you warm and happy on a cold winters day.

4 1/2 stars ⭐️

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

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Blake and Theo’s story but it is too short! I know there will be more to their story but it is going to be awhile. Will definitely be reading it.

Quick burn and a little danger spices the story up. Some of the bad guys names sounded familiar so not sure if it is tied to a particular series. The De Luca name however has come up in other series.

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

[Jojo Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

So when you read this book can I politely request you don't get any funny ideas about Theo, I've licked him he's mine . Anyhoo , My man is the cousin of Leo de luca mafia family Don . Blake's brother also works for the de luca family and they both went up stuck in the same cabin . It's funny tale with some excitement, hot sex and some interesting characters that I hope her their own books

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow another great book. Blake is a single woman that her parents are trying to Marry her off to a bad man, theo is the second in command of the de Lucas family and when he goes to their safe house blake is there and boy does he want her. Will Blake feel the same way? When trouble comes can theo, her brother and don Leo save her?

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is a fast paced read that will have you fanning yourself and melting your Kindle . Can’t wait to read more about Blake and Theo. Blake is a warm caring person and Theo is the second in command of the De Luca family who is cold and ruthless. Can Blake thaw the ice around Theo's heart?

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

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be called hot and dangerous once Theo enters into the story. Blake and Theo's story is a hazardous journey that involves bikers and mafia and I was completely enamored with their story. I can't wait to read Frozen Kiss when it comes out.

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

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story it has a little bit of everything.

When Blake needs to disappear for a while her brother has the perfect place. The only catch is she’s being set up by her brother but so is Theo.

They both do not want to be with each other until they do. When her past and future comes to find her then Theo will move heaven and hell to keep her safe and to show her his love. Blake, Theo and their brothers all escape and get to safety.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake has been trying to get away from her parents so her brother had her go to a cabin that is owned by his mob boss. Another family wanted Theo’s head for what he did. So sent to hiding to the came cabin to rescue his sister from their parents. They fell for each other and everything turns out great!

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Theo story is a mouth watering teaser of which we see the warm Blake and ice cold Theo.

For a quick read lots going on and we get to meet some characters, I want to learn more about.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait to read more! Blake is so warm and caring while Theo is cold and ruthless. Who knew when her brother helped her that she would find more than just freedom...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was absolutely amazing and I need more. The only thing that I am upset about is that I have to wait so long to get more of Theo and Blake's story. Absolutely amazing! Another must read.

[Chanika Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could care about Valentine’s Day and fell for the okey doke and read this teaser. I loved this book and came not wait for the full book .

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting, suspenseful, and entertaining glimpse into Blake and Theo’s journey. Can’t wait to read more from the De Luca crime family.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake needs a break from her parents so she goes to a cabin that her brother has rented and while there a stranger shows up at her door freezing. She helps him and sparks combust. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters, entertaining story and hot. I liked it.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can do is scream HOT, HOT, HOT! Frozen Valentine will have you screaming too. Blake Bandoni is the sister of Christian who is third in command for the Deluca family. Thing is, she doesn't know that.Theo Deluca is cousin to Leo Deluca, boss of the DeLuca family and friend of Christian Bandoni. Christian  and Leo has set something in motion and there's no turning back now. This book is absolutely on fire. It's a brilliantly written book and is a GREAT fast paced read. I could not put it down and to say I'm excited about this new series would be a massive understatement.

[Karon Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

It looks as if this is going to be the beginning of a new series or perhaps one connected to one of the author's many other series. It ended as a HFN but it felt as if it was a prequel. I'm kind of getting sick of these "glimpses" into a story, but not the full story. Instead of putting out a book every month, trying finishing a story completely. Now, it does look like when this is done it will be a good story, but at this point I'm getting tired of waiting for the rest of the story with this author.

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

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Frozen Valentine is the prequel the the new series The DeLuca Crime Family by E.C. Land. We are introduced to Blake Bandoni. Her parents want to marry her off to get access to her trust fund. She stands up to them but eventually she often caves and goes out with the setup. Her brother Christian arranges for her to runaway to a cabin in the mountains where she can clear her head and think.

Theo DeLuca is second in command to his cousin Leo, the Don of the crime family. After a rescue of his cousin he has a target on his back. The Gheata family are out for him. Leo sends Theo to hide out in the cabin.

Neither Blake nor Theo knew the other was at the cabin. When he arrives at the cabin half frozen, Blake rushes out to help a stranger. This is a setup by her brother and his friend Christian and Leo. Christian knows Theo will fall for Blake and he will protect her. Christian and Leo head to the cabin to assist when Ethan , the lawyer for the Gheatas, is the latest suitor for Blake. And he plans in getting her.

With the snow and temps falling Blake and Theo feel a sizzle. The temperature inside the cabin is hot. Theo is definitely very alpha when he says Blake is his, he will do whatever is needed to protect her. Blake in her innocence only sees the good in Theo. She finds out what he does but feels she will ground Theo and he will feel her love.

Theo at home in the darkness. He is a man who does whatever is needed. Blake is light and innocent. She is a breath of fresh air to Theo and he can't helped but be pulled in by her warmth. The romance is steamy and once the action starts ist goes full out. Great start and introduction to the family.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

💣💣ONE HIGH OCTANE THRILL RIDE💣💣
Bouncing betties becky! Land serves up one helluva tumultuous, boot-stomping, ground shaking, rock-my-world smackdown, bringing the heat and busting down walls, while breaking out the big guns, heavy artillery and ammo aplenty, putting our characters through their paces, launching this bad boy to staggering heights. Kicking up the thrill of the chase and skill of the hunt, ramping up this action packed, hard hitting, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, jaw dropping, spine tingling, block busting showdown, testing boundaries and sketchy lines bend and adjust as limitations are negated and exploited, observing the perilous struggles and formidable triumphs while attentive to the dangerous twists and wicked turns unfolding, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The undeniable attraction and scorching chemistry collides with such intensity, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, uniting them together flawlessly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Land, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo Deluca and Blake Bandoni's story definitely becomes a hazardous journey with the tough characters that mix it up here!

Blake’s interfering family is trying to force her to marry into a crime family. She has no intention of cooperating, and runs away. Her brother, Christian, helps her by getting her into a secluded cabin. Blake is not aware that Christian works for Leo Deluca (the Don of The DeLuca Crime Family) and is friends with Leo’s cousin, Theo DeLuca (the second-in-command).

Theo is sent by Leo to hide at that same cabin until things quiet down after something goes wrong. His car gets stuck in the snow, so he has to walk the rest of the way in the freezing snow. He finds Blake there. He does figure out what Leo and Christian were up to, but he and Blake have their own sizzling chemistry going on and he doesn’t plan to let her go out of his life.

But danger is still out there from the other crime family who will be coming after her. Can Leo, Theo, and Christian protect Blake who is stuck in the middle of this?

This story took me completely by surprise, but I really enjoyed it. Now I’m ready to stick with the series to find out how all of this turns out! I liked the characters and their interaction with each other. Blake sounds totally naïve, but at least she has a definite alpha man to keep her safe… I almost said “out of trouble”, but I doubt that would be true! Grab your copy and get caught up to begin a series that will keep you intrigued!

[Escape to the pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella prequel to the series, I’m just sad it’s a while till the fist book comes out!!

Blake is controlled by her parents with only her brother in the military to help her escape their clutches. She’s sick of them controlling everything from her clothes to how she spends her own money.
In an effort to get some space she asks her brother to book her a cabin so she can have a couple of weeks away. Little does she know her brother knows who her parents are intending on setting her up with next and so has sent her some protection at the cabin.

Theo is second to his brother in the crime family and thanks to shooting a rivals men whilst rescuing his cousin, he needs to get his head down. He is encouraged to spend time at one of the safe houses not knowing he’s actually being sent to protect his friends sister.

All comes to light when they finally meet up and whilst tempers flare, so does lust

An exciting pacy book with lots of content for a novella, nice set up for future books too and I’m eager to read what happens next to Blake and Theo

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

[Krystinna Collett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake has been controlled her whole life by her parents. She just graduated college, and is looking for a little time off. Blake wants to figure out what she wants out of life, and knows that it's not her parents constant display of trying to control her and marry her off. So Blake moves into a cabin that her brother has rented for her. Blake gets settled in the cabin, and soon her dog is alerting her to the front door. Blake looks out the door window and sees a big man shuffling up to her door. He looks like he's freezing. So Blake, proceeds to help him. Theo, is a dominant, possessive, and straight forward man. He takes Blake and that is it. As it turns out, the man that Blake was supposed to meet via her parents; is a bad man. Readers: this was a fast paced book, with great characters, settings and plot. You will love the quietness, and strength that Blake has. She does not hide what she thinks, or feels. Theo is the perfect man to love, protect, and fight for their needs. Another great read EC.

I receive this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake just wants to get away from her overbearing parents and their repeated attempts to marry her off to money for their benefit. She doesn't want anything further to do with them, so in an attempt to avoid their Valentine Day set up, Blake asks her brother Christian to rent her a cabin for the next few weeks.

Theo De Luca has a problem. He's started a war over the treatment of his cousin, Mia. The Romanian mob family has placed a bounty on his head, so he's going to spend the next couple of weeks at the safe house.

A storm is rising on the horizon, bringing with it a deadly enemy. Blake and Theo have to learn how to trust eachother to survive.

I have to say, this is a short prequel to the De Luca Crime Family series. While short, it is both endearing and explosive. I can understand Blake's exasperation and hurt when she finds out the truth about the cabin. Still, it was definitely worth reading.

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

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. After reading Frozen Valentine, I am now anxiously awaiting this series. Blake and Theo happen to end up hiding out at the same cabin. It might not be as simple as that. She has been sent there by her brother and is hiding from an arranged marriage. He is hiding there on orders from his cousin. After she helps him they get to know each other better. He knows who she is and is friends with her brother. She does not know that he is a DeLuca. Her brother and his cousin are friends. Theo begins to add things up at the same time he is falling hard for this young woman. She cannot deny her attraction to him. There are still secrets between everyone and danger is out there. Theo claims her but he will have to keep her safe to keep her. I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. The Valentine introductions to the new books being put together by the different authors, have me wishing to dig in sooner

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me wrapped up from page one! Blake is tired of her parents pestering her about marrying men that they set her up with. She decides to take time for herself in a cabin that was rented by her brother to keep her parents in the dark. What she doesn't know is that her brother has other plans for her by way of his best friend Theo. Theo is a made man who works for the De Luca crime family. He has no feelings other than what it takes to do is job but when he heads up to the cabin and finds himself having to walk because he ran into a ditch, he didn't expect to find the beautiful woman who opens the door. One look from Blake has Theo's heart unthawing they may have hit it off but there are men on the way to collect her thanks to her parents. Will Theo be able to keep her safe and away from the men coming? The last page had me wanting more! I can't wait until their story resumes.

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