Fire & Silk

by Melissa Toppen

Fabrication.
The one word that describes my entire life.
They didn’t want me to know my true identity.
Now, I know why…

Abducted.
Held against my will.
I’ve become a bargaining chip in a blood feud that spans decades.

Mateo Rivera is the one calling the shots.
His father’s death put him in charge.
Now he holds all the power.

I should have known that he would ruin me the moment I laid eyes on him.
And he did.

He introduced me to a whole new world.
One filled with danger and desire.
I wasn’t just his prisoner.
I was his prize.

But as the saying goes, if you lie with the devil, you’ll wake in hell.
And now all that’s left is for me to burn.

Fire & Silk is a standalone cartel romance.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Mafia Romance, Romance

274 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2021

About the author

Melissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.

For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com

Reviews

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Toppen has made me a fan!! Going into the nitty gritty cartel world and seeing how a regular woman with no knowledge of this lifestyle, became a fighter in her own right and not only did she thrive, she fucking conquered and showed you who was really the boss in this story.

Mila has always been a good girl and likes a quiet life. A dedicated home body, going out of her comfort zone is not something that she revels in but for her best friend, she makes an exception for one night. Unfortunately that one night proved to have dire consequences and opened up a whole new dangerous world for this twenty one year old.



It's been a while since I've read a cartel book and even though this one was not as dark as to what I'm used to, I still enjoyed it. I loved the connection between Mateo and Mila and I felt their chemistry from the moment they were in a room together.



If you haven't read anything from this author, I highly recommend that you start with this one. Fire and Silk will give you a bit of the dark that you're secretly craving, forbidden passion, and we get to witness not only the rise of an Empire, but the rise of a Queen.

[skye]

DNF @ 24%

I wanted a spicy captive/mafia book, but instead I got this:

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Honestly,” he scratches his chin, “I’m not sure I’ve figured that out just yet.” A small smile plays on his lips.

“Well, let me know once you do.”

😴😴😴

[Shasta Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best!!! A little taboo, a little unorthodox and outside the box.... Yet so incredibly beautiful. I kind of wish it was a little longer. More chapters. Mila and Mateo were an inevitable destiny that defied odds, blood and rules. These two were just the right amount of spice and heat to light up any kitchen!!!!

When Mila joins her BFF for her birthday at a local bar, her night changes in ways she never imagined. She always felt like she was lost in the shadows when standing next to her gorgeous friend, Skyla. Little does she know that her life is about to change and in some ways for the better...in other ways...not so much.... But a handsome stranger is becoming the least of her worries when she finally comes to terms with the entire truth about her life and her past...

5 STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I was really looking forward to reading this story and it did not disappoint.
The story begins with Mila celebrating her best friends birthday at a club. She runs into a very handsome stranger. He buys her a drink at the bar and they have a strange conversation. He introduces himself as Mateo Rivera. He calls her Marianna a few times. She corrects him but he insists her name is Marianna Herrera. She sips her drink and her world becomes black but first hears as she’s fading “It’ll be over soon”
She finds out she’s been kidnapped & taken to a remote island being held prisoner by the Rivera Cartel. Mila finds out she’s the “dead” daughter Marianna of the rival Herrera Cartel. Mateo is seeking revenge for his fathers death and using Mila as the pawn to capture & kill her father.
It’s a very bumpy start between these two, but soon sparks begin to fly with Mila & Mateo. Is she experiencing “Stockholm Syndrome “? or is she really having true feelings?
Mateo finds himself trying to be two different men. One to be the Cartel Boss & the other to finally give into his attraction for Mila and make her his. She becomes his safe place and they share a lot of passion. This becomes a very unconventional love story.
This story is wild ride of action, violence, hurt, friendship & love. There were times in this story that there was so much action, especially the big show down between both cartels. I could not quit reading this story once I started.
Another great book by Melissa! Loved it! ❤️ You have to read this book!

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is amazing read. this is a alpha cartel boss named Mateo and he gets what he wants and will take it. He kidnapps and tell he gets what he wants and try not to fall in love. This is a must read.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I apparently was in a captive mood which is probably why I picked up this book.

Unfortunately for me, I picked up this book in the middle of a slump, and my life imploding so I was easily annoyed by everything (myself included). I really wanted to like the h but she was dumb as a box of rocks. She did some silly things and then acted completely taken aback by the consequences of her actions. We lost a real one because she was sooo short-sided and of course she fell for some BS macho story.

Can just one h know her worth?

Okay, alright I know I'm out of line. That's not the formula for romance but sometimes I just want someone to decide to go against the grain.

I guess I could give her some credit. My life wasn't the only one imploding, hers got blown all the way up. Finding out she's not the person she thought she was for the past 19 years is a hard pill to swallow. Add being held hostage and made a pawn in a cartel war well that's enough to make anyone lose themselves so I guess I can't blame her. I should give her some grace.

The H is a kind capture. He is respectful and honestly, it would've taken me all of 5 seconds to fall in love with him. So there's that.

This book took me a few days to read because I just had so much going on but i could see totally being able to tear through this in just one sitting.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Overall, I felt there was a lot to like about it. The writing was well done and the story gripping. Twists, secrets, tension and suspense are combined with raw emotion and steamy desire to create a tempting storyline that entices you and has you wanting to linger. This book is a cartel romance, so be prepared for some dark content. While I would say that this is very far from the darkest book I've ever read, I will admit there are at least a few things here that may be triggers for some readers or just huge turnoffs for others. That is really going to depend on you, so please, make the best decision for yourself if you do not like dark themes or you must be careful about triggers. As for the main characters, I genuinely liked Mateo, even if I did not like all of his actions. He was a very complex character. His intense struggle between duty and desire and with vengeance and emotion was quite captivating. I hate to say this and I know I'm going to be in the minority her but I was just not a huge fan of Mila. Yeah, yeah, I know but hear me out and keep in mind that this is only my opinion. I waffled from sympathetic to annoyed with her. Sure, There were many reasons to feel for her (No Spoilers here and I'm not a monster!) but some of her actions truly grated on me. Some of her choices just didn't come across as smart and others made very little sense to me. I will say that as someone that reads a lot of dark romances that I would have loved to see an even sharper edge on Mateo. As a whole though, I felt this was a very good read. I am posting a volitional, candid review.

[Ashley Cestra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all the twists and turns this story took! Especially that last one at the end. I was speechless, and that always makes for a good story plot! I’ve never read this author before but I did enjoy her characters and the way she was able to tell a story! I will most definitely be picking her books up again!

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible mafia read which opened up throwing the reader straight into the story. This story was packed with so much intrigue and passion and had my undivided attention the entire time.

[Chasidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a mafia romance and Melissa delivered a great one. It’s full of twists and turns that kept me on edge, the chemistry between Mateo and Mila was intense. I wanted to hate Mateo at times, but at times I loved him. This is a great read!!

[Trescina Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

I loved it. I couldn’t put it down. It had me from the beginning to the end. Wow so much was hidden from her. You’re going to love how this plays out. Grab it.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books from this author now and I've really enjoyed the other books that I've read from her, so I was excited to read this book! I grabbed a copy as soon as it released and read it as soon as I could! After reading, I can say that as much as I liked this book, I just wanted a bit more from it! The plot developed at a nice pace and it only took me a few sittings to read, but I just felt it was missing something! There was also a lot of romance, which I loved, but I have to be honest and say that I didn't feel any sexual tension between the main character and her love interest! The romance allowed for a few pretty hot scenes though! There was also a bit of action and suspense to keep the plot interesting! I really enjoyed both these elements and they added to the plot and made me enjoy it more! There was a bit of a twist as well! The characters were also great and made the plot better! Mila was the main female character, and in this book she discovered a lot about her life and her background! I did feel for Mila because of what she discovered, but I felt she actually handled it pretty well! I really liked Mila with her love interest as well, but I wish that had made her love interest try harder because I felt she forgave him too quickly, especially after what he did! I liked Mila though and liked that she stood up for herself! Mateo was the love interest of Mila! Mateo was a guy that came from a mafia family, so he had to act a certain way and have a certain bravado to make sure people knew he was the boss! Mateo had also experienced a huge loss and this was what fueled him and his revenge! At the beginning, Mateo felt hatred towards Mila and he revealed a lot that was hidden from her! His feelings then changed and he started to fall in love with her! He was protective of Mila and wanted to keep her safe! This book was only written from Mila's point of view, which I was expecting because the synopsis gives the impression that it's going to be written this way! As much as I enjoyed reading it fully through Mila's eyes, I would have loved some chapters to have been written from Mateo's point of view! I felt like I would have been able to connect with him more and understand why he made some of the decisions he did! It kept Mateo a bit of a mystery though and I understood why it was only written from Mila's point of view! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything in the plot was wrapped up and all the questions raised were answered! The ending was also left at the perfect place for the characters and summed up their story! I now can't wait to read more books from this author! I still have a few of her books that are already released to read, so I can't wait to check those ones out and see what her next release is going to be! The cover for this book is also stunning! I loved it as soon as I saw it and it would draw me to the book if I didn't already know the author's name! The cover image also represents a scene from the book, which I love!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced story where the action starts right from the beginning and continues all the way through until the end.

I found Mila to be an enjoyable character with an inner strength that I think even surprised her. 😀 She literally had her whole world turned upside down yet manages quite well, I don’t know if I would be able to do such a good job. Her interest in Mateo helps but it also hinders her, she goes through a lot of confusion—and rightly so—in regards to her kidnapper. Her mouth also tended to open without any forethought, which often landed her in hot water.

Mateo was a straight down the line, no-nonsense cartel boss with his men and others in the business but he did have some humanity and didn’t kill for the sake of killing. He definitely was tough when he needed to be but he seemed to have a line that he wouldn’t go over unless absolutely necessary. Mila was a temptation that he didn’t bargain for but nevertheless was tempting. Together they had incredible passion and almost burnt up the sheets.

Great descriptions and loads of emotive language make this story very interactive—you could easily visualize scenes and experience every emotion. Some great twists along the way also makes things more unpredictable. I look forward to reading more from the author.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced story where the action starts right from the beginning and continues all the way through until the end.

I found Mila to be an enjoyable character with an inner strength that I think even surprised her. 😀 She literally had her whole world turned upside down yet manages quite well, I don’t know if I would be able to do such a good job. Her interest in Mateo helps but it also hinders her, she goes through a lot of confusion—and rightly so—in regards to her kidnapper. Her mouth also tended to open without any forethought, which often landed her in hot water.

Mateo was a straight down the line, no nonsense cartel boss with his men and others in the business but he did have some humanity and didn’t kill for the sake of killing. He definitely was tough when he needed to be but he seemed to have a line that he wouldn’t go over unless absolutely necessary. Mila was a temptation that he didn’t bargain for but nevertheless was tempting. Together they had incredible passion and almost burnt up the sheets.

Great descriptions and loads of emotive language make this story very interactive—you could easily visualise scenes and experience every emotion. Some great twists along the way also makes things more unpredictable. I look forward to read more from the author.

[No Book Behind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cartel romances. It’s one of my fav tropes. More gripped on, more twisted, captivating - the better. When I found Fire & Silk, a new release by Melissa Toppen, I just had that feeling it would check all the right boxes of good read. And let me tell you, it was better than that - fantastic, astonishing, delightful book, pure pleasure to read, enthralling from the very beginning.
Mateo abducted Mila, to use her as his advantage, leverage for revenge on her father, she doesn't know. Plan was straightforward : take her, state demands, revenge, release the girl.
If necessary pretend to have interest in her, get closer, make her believe there might be sth between them, that she’s important. Anything to succeed. Something that should be so simple, from the very beginning became sth else. Lack of consideration of emotions, feelings and affection, the effect that his prisoner will have on him. How being with her changed all his perspective about her, rouse protectiveness and possessiveness, even through attempts to deny it, fight it, finally give it up.
Mateo is a dangerous, ruthless and adamant, possessive alpha male. Mila is smart, strong, fearless and feisty, a perfect match for Mateo, as a queen standing by his side.
Fire & Silk is a perfect cartel romance, slow burn filled with suspense, twists, deception, violence and brutality. It’s intense, steamy, sexy, passionate, pure and raw, emotional rollercoaster. It's the 1st book by Melissa Toppen I've read, but for sure not the last one.

[Mehtap · Rating 4 out of 5]

The words use and overall review shouldn’t reflect personally on the author or any other of her series and books.

Wow what a pair! The plot was also amazing! I have read this author previous work and I just love the way she writes, specially the connection between her lead characters. You get a hot controlling male lead and a broken female lead. Mafia related plot and a romance that will not be easy to forget.

[Jeanette Oglesby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book makes it more than a 5 star review for me. I loved all the twist and turns that kept me on my toes throughout the book. Gosh....Melissa Toppen did such an amazing job writing and making me fall for the cartel boss. Mateo and Mila's story was so freaking good that I couldn't put it down and it kept me up into the wee hours of the morning reading. The steamy chemistry between these two set pages on fire and the suspense kept me turning those pages turning. I loved these two characters so much. Mateo is the big bad wolf with a soft side that we get to see that made it hard for me to hate him. Mila is such a bada$$. I loved her fight and her sassiness. I honestly could go on and on of just how much that I loved this book, but I will just say that this is a MUST READ!! I hope to see more of this kind of writing and books from this amazing author. Thanks Melissa for such a great read!!!


Happy Reading Everyone!!!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Melissa Toppen's books but I don't remember coming across any like Fire & Silk, as she took on the cartel world. Mila lives a quiet life until she goes out with her friends for her bestie's birthday which is where she meets Mateo, who keeps calling her someone else's name. Oh, and he totally drugs her drink so when she wakes up she's being held by his cartel on a remote island. Yeah, that wasn't so great for this good girl. He wants revenge for his father against her father, and he's using her for it but she's not even sure what the hell is going on, but she knows she's on her own with it all so will she rise up to come into her own?! This story had all kinds of action as rival cartels are involved as they're a law unto their own, and that makes for twists & turns coming in hot, secrets coming to light, and maybe just maybe even some heat between Mateo & Mila! You don't want to miss out on this heart pounding journey as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't a book Melissa Toppen writes that I don't love. She is absolutely amazing and this one is no exception.

Mafia romances have always been one of my favorite genres of book to read and this one fit the bill so well and checked all the boxes for a great one! Fire and Silk was so incredibly well written and the twists and turns were all well thought out and perfectly timed. The twist at the end could not have been more perfect.

Mila is a very quiet and conservative woman living her own comfortable life until one night when she goes out with her friend to a club. Her life is however flipped upside down when she is kidnapped. Mateo is a typical alpha cartel boss but does show her compassion through out their time together. They both experience every emotion, naturally, and make it through the situation and come out together in the end. The passion between them comes alive and off the pages as you read.

I would recommend this book.

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire and Silk is fantastic. I really enjoyed this new side of Melissa Toppen. This Cartel read is just the perfect balance of the dangerous life style and falling. You feel for Mila as she goes through different stages of realization while she is kidnapped. From the past that she knew nothing about to the questioning everything that is in front of her when it comes to Mateo, you will be sucked in. I really could not put his one down. Mateo will own you. You understand why he does what he does and see the changes in him as he spends more time with Mila. You get the sweet tender side and you get that ruthless cartel boss that you are just going to love. You feel the pull between Mila and Mateo from the very start. Watching them navigate through everything will keep you glued to the pages. I love Mila and Mateo so much. This is a must read.

[Stacie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabrication.
The one word that describes my entire life.
They didn’t want me to know my true identity.
Now, I know why…

Abducted.
Held against my will.
I’ve become a bargaining chip in a blood feud that spans decades.

Mateo Rivera is the one calling the shots.
His father’s death put him in charge.
Now he holds all the power.

I should have known that he would ruin me the moment I laid eyes on him.
And he did.

He introduced me to a whole new world.
One filled with danger and desire.
I wasn’t just his prisoner.
I was his prize.

But as the saying goes, if you lie with the devil, you’ll wake in hell.
And now all that’s left is for me to burn.

Fire & Silk is a standalone cartel romance.

Loved Mateo & Mila's story. A different style of book for Melissa & I really enjoyed it. The story is well written with lots of twists and turns. Great Mafia read!!!

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing mafia romance read from this author. This is the story of Mila and Mateo, they have a bumpy start to there relationship but the sparks do fly and there relationship is filled with intense chemistry. This is a fast paced read with lots of action, violence, hurt, love, friendship and passion through out. This book has lots of twists and turns which keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page. An amazing story and I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Mateo and Mila’s story. Mila is content with her life as a homebody, and she does not venture out of her comfort zone, until one night for her best friends’ birthday she goes to a club with her. Mila is at the bar when a strange man comes to speak to her and buys her a drink, bot knowing that this is cartel boss Mateo, and the next things she knows she is kidnapped and taken to a remote island. This is an unconventional love story, which is well written, and with combustible and undeniable chemistry, as well as having twists, angst, drama, betrayal, passion, secrets, suspense, action, violence, and love. I was totally hooked throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila is enjoying a rare night out with her best friend when her evening and her life takes a turn when she meets a sexy stranger. The next thing she knows is that she has been abducted and not only has her life been nothing but a lie, but she might just become collateral damage between two cartel families.

Mateo is a powerful man who is determined to right the wrongs his family has endured, and Mila is his weapon of choice. She was only supposed to be a way to get the justice he needed however fate had other ideas and now will he have to choose between loyalty to his family and his love for Mila?

Mila and Mateo take us on quite the adventure filled with heat, surprises and intrigue as their relationship evolved from fighting each other to fighting for each other.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila is a young woman who prefers to stay home instead of partying. But her best friend gets her out of the house one night and she gets drugged and kidnapped. Mateo is head of a cartel and wants revenge against the man responsible for his fathers death. Mila had no idea what was going on or why she was taken. Mateo soon fills her in on everything and the two of them come to an understanding. Mila didn’t take her kidnapping lying down. She was a strong, determined woman and i loved her spunk! It took a minute to warm up to Mateo, but I eventually did. I really enjoyed this cartel romance. It was full of twists, turns and suspense.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mateo and his Little Bird were so much fun to get to know.

Like a cartel boss, Mateo demands to get his way. He meets a woman at a bar, buys her a drink and then this one takes on a secret filled twist. Nothing like someone knowing more about you than you know yourself.

The ride through is full of all you'd want to hold your attention, characters you can't get to know enough about and scenes written to make you feel the air and breathes they take.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love this book and YALL! It’s so freaking good. Five stars for Toppens newest release. I’m not a big mafia reader but woahhhhh.....this one I couldn’t put down.

These two characters will have you flipping the pages. These two characters will have you falling in love. These two characters are so strong!! They make it through tough and dangerous times. And at the end your heart will be full.

You get everything you love and more in this new romantic suspense by Melissa Toppen.

A*R*C Team read*

[Momma Hellmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Toppen did such an amazing job writing this book and creating a gripping suspenseful story full of unexpected twists that held me captive from beginning to end. Mateo and Mila’s story is one that you must read; it’s truly an experience you won’t be disappointed taking. Cartel boss meets the homebody girl who prefers a night in versus going out. Luckily her bestie takes her out on the town on a night where the Cartel boss takes notice. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their story…well you’ll need to grab a copy to find out just how their story begins & ends.

[Sandy Montemayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I love everything from Melissa Toppen but this one had me going through pages fast to find out what is going to happen next. I love mafia books and this one is one or my favorites. Mila keeps to herself, quiet and sweet but she goes out with her friends to a bar and that's where she meets Mateo. He wants revenge for his father and uses Mila to get it but you don't always get what you want. The twists and turns, secrets and lies that are in this book keeps you wanting more. This is a must read.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never read a cartel romance before so I was excited to give this a try. I was not the biggest fan. It just wasn't the book for me. I liked the side characters more than the main characters, which to me is a sign of underdeveloped main characters. I just didn't agree with any choices the main character made. Mila was just not the smartest and if I were in her shoes I would not forgive so easily. I also just wasn't that interested in the story line itself. It was very predictable and not that intriguing.