Roxanne

The Italian Cartel #2

by Shandi Boyes

I’ve lived a depraved and dark life that grew darker when I stumbled upon a mafioso with a dangerous aura and a thirst for vengeance.

We were destined to be enemies, but something much greater than revenge drew us together. We had a spark, a connection, something so explosive, it was likely to combust before it was ever explored.

And that’s exactly what happened when he brought my father before his court.

Blood doesn’t make you family, but it most certainly feels that way when the man you swore to obey destroys more than your heart.

Roxanne is book two in the highly anticipated Italian Cartel series by bestselling author Shandi Boyes. It has dark themes and is only recommend to readers over the age of eighteen.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Erotica, Suspense, Mafia Romance, Thriller

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

About the author

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!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

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.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[zoe ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

no cause that ending was not it.

[Fre06 Begum · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I have to say about this author that keeps me reading her books even with my personal peeves like her too needy heroine’s, her plots are really engrossing! Whilst I still found Roxanne too needy and weak for Dimitri I actually liked Dimitri a whole lot better in this book than first one. I can’t wait for the last book as I think I might know who the culprit is.

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

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book the intensest of Dimitri and Roxie attraction builds on a stronger and deeper level. You see a different side of Dimitri that will break your heart yet make you understand him more as to why he does and acts the way he does. Roxie is brave and strong and not afraid to stand her ground and show Dimitri her true feeling and show him she is built for his world.

Shandi has the ability to write in a way that you can feel what her characters are feeling there were times i wanted to cry, scream and even thoart punch something

This book is full of intrigue and suspense and it will leave you hanging for more.

[Shandi Boyes]

Available NOW on all platforms!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order. Dimitri and Roxanne’s story continues and this dark mafia read is filled with drama, suspense, action and steam. Great characters with lots of depth and intense chemistry, the story draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it!

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book has me on the edge of my seat. This author knows how to build the suspense. I thought the beginning of Dimitri and Roman he's story ended on a cliffhanger but this one topped that one by about a bazillion. I can't wait to see what happens next. This has been a bumpy ride so I'm anxious for it to be smooth sailing as soon as possible.

[Melly Gem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring skimmed a lot
This book started strong right off the cliff hanger of Dimitri but then it took a turn and was super boring till it picked up again very much at the end.. the relationship with Dimitri and Roxie is still beyond confusing its the weirdest love hate relationship I've read.. its as if the author finally gets them to like each other and then is like 'no wait I don't want that yet have a massive fight but then get over it but don't speak but care but then don't' it's frustrating and boring 2 books in of this.
Don't recommend this series will read the last one just to finish it hopefully it redeems but I doubt it

[❤ArtfullySinful❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Leave before I show you what happens when you touch something you don’t own.”

Believing he's too monstrous to ever feel loved, Dimitri is doing everything he possibly can to push Roxanne far from his life. Becoming cold and distant, he's punishing her with silence as he kept her locked away for days on end in his bedroom. Refusing to eat and using a hunger strike to try and gain his attention, it backfires when he sends Clover after Estrella instead. Deciding it's easier to cram down a burger than to listen to her best friend being killed, it shows once again how much control Dimi really holds over her. Deciding he can't keep her captive against her will anymore, he lets her go back to her grandparent's farm house for six weeks while he tries desperately to move past her. Craving his touch more and more, she's going insane until she takes that step to confront him. Watching him standing in front of a prison warden to gather Maddox’s release, he's shocked to see his fiery red head standing before him. Pissed and relentless to have him back, the two continue to be drawn into by that same chemistry a year prior.

“You don’t want a man. You want a monster, a bastard, a man who’d rather destroy you than ever have you believe you deserve more than him.”

Welcoming in fellow rival Nico, brought in the release of Maddox but put Roxanne's life in even more jeopardy. Coming to the decision they'll insert a tracker into her arm and send her into the lion's den came with expert planning but still would have horrific results. Dr. bates was the highest bidder for her virginity at the auction, and when he discovered Roxanne is actually pregnant the entire plan would change. Planning to trick him into taking her to where Fien has been held, it leaves her abducted and unconscious. Watching through Smith's hidden cameras, they see a bloodied Rico holding the tracker chip in his hands before the entire monitor goes blank. Losing Roxanne to the same baby farming as his late wife Aidrey, this is becoming a true nightmare he can't wake up from. Unable to track her or keep her safe, his daughter is slipping through his fingers just as quickly.

You’re in my bed because I want to do the exact opposite. I want to devour you. Fuck you. Possess you so bad, the next time you have a gun pressed to your mother’s head, you won’t think about pulling the trigger, you’ll do it. I want to mark every inch of you until the thoughts of what Rimi would have done to you if Audrey hadn’t taken your place leave my head. Then I want to punish you some more for making me doubt who he should have taken.”

[Susana Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the next book like.....right now!


Roxanne it's the second installment in The Italian Cartel series and MUST be read after Dimitri (TIC #1), this is not a standalone.
Following the events of the first book, this well concocted, gritty, raw, deeply emotional and, I might say, depraved tale (it's mafia world after all!) cements a great example of what can be worked in this genre. Here, we're able to gather a bit more of intel on Dimitri's behavior, on why is the way he is, witnessing, at the same time, Roxanne developing from a shy and, what people thought to be, a pushover character to an extremely complex, strong and fierce woman. I loved their relationship: Roxanne and Dimitri are hot together and complement each other in every other way. This is a very complete book: twists and turns, action packed, dangerous plot and a unique method of story telling that makes the reader believe in a certain course of action, only to go in a completly different route, experiencing what would be like to jump in. It's original and refreshing, done with that specific finesse and poignancy of the criminal underground! And then....that freaking cliffhanger that I'm not a fan of, being in this book or ever (my personal taste only) but, even I recognize, adds to the appeal of the story. Can't wait for Reign and what Shandi will present to get us hooked once more!
Such a good read!

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

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that will haunt you until the final book is read!
by sewsummore

This book is the second book in the series, dark, dangerous, and violent, just what I have come to expect from this author. I would recommend reading the first book in the series for better understanding and clarity. In the first book, Dimitri's wife is kidnapped and killed after her daughter is cut from her body. Nine months later, Dimitri is no closer to discovering the kidnappers or the location of his child. Roxanne was a young woman who had distracted Dimitri on his way to his wife that day. It is something he finds hard to forgive especially when he learns her family was involved. Roxanne was at first his prisoner, but the explosive attraction between them, which is often described in this book, makes her his lover. Roxanne does everything she can to prove her innocence, and this leads her to become a willing prisoner of the men suspected of masterminding Dimitri's pain and eventual downfall. It is at this point, this book ends. Throughout this book, Dimitri and his allies' complex relationship allows the suspicion to grow and fester, who is really behind the murder and kidnapping, and who are the men involved? This is a series that will haunt you until the final book is read!

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

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an intense storyline after reading book 1, I couldn't get to this book fast enough. It is brutal and violent, confrontational mafia read, however the life in the mafia and being subjected to its depravity was always going to be suspence filled and at times testing for Roxie as she is determined to help Dimitri find his kidnapped daughter.

I was so captivated with Dimitri and Roxanne and their connection from the start. Their sexual chemistry it is off the charts. Unpredicatcle and dangerous and fierce. The unknown protectiveness Dimitri has shown for Roxie proves that even the devil can feel emotions. Even when he doesn't know what or how to process them.

Roxanne has become one of my favourite characters. The once young emotionally scared and untrusting young girl is becoming a wowan who has the innerstrengh and confidence to take on the mafia world to bring home Fein Dimtri's daughter and destroy the babymakng facility that her parents were involved in.
Her now devotion and belief that Dimitri will always be there to protect her. That is until the plan was thrown into kaos when Dimitri watches as a naked unconscious Roxie is taken. Bloody cliffhanger. I need to next book now.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I don’t write that often for a review, but wow! I really did t expect to like this book that much but I was pleasantly surprised. After reading the first book in the series, Dimitri, I wasn’t sure which way the story would go. This is mafia at it’s best. This story is both captivating and compelling and I remember feeling pretty excited about the first book as well but be warned, this is not for the faint at heart. There are triggers around violence and the inhuman ways others can treat their fellow man kind. This story revolves around Roxie, who has decided she is going to help Dimitri find his kidnapped daughter. They are obviously attracted even though their quest is serious and not about romance at the moment but neither can deny their attraction. Dimitri’s protective nature over Roxie let’s her see him in a light he doesn’t allow others to see. Dimitri isn’t even aware he has those feelings til Roxie accept for his daughter. Im not a fan of the name Roxie, so I had kind of made up my mind that I wasn’t going to like this character but I came full circle - she is one of my fav book characters. Then the cliff ending had me screaming, where is book 3!

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

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Book 2 picks up right after Book 1 ends with a better explanation of the photo Dimitri shows Roxanne.

Book 2 is full of suspense. Dimitri is consumed with such barely controlled rage. I keep expecting him to soften up because of Roxanne but other than a few incidences measured in minutes, his outward persona is surly at best and murderous at worst,

Roxanne is a great character. A strong, smart woman that would sacrifice what was necessary for Dimitri’s daughter. She really comes into her own in this book and begins (albeit slowly) to break down Dimitri’s anger and violent responses.

There are a lot of characters to keep straight in this story - and I am still confused about how some of them fit in. I had to re-read Book 1 before I could read Book 2 and be still in the loop.

If you like stories with suspense, steamy scenes, torturing and killing people (that deserve it) rival mafias, betrayals and a mystery that has gone on for 2 years, read this book. Yes, it ends in a cliffhanger, too, but the next book is due out soon,

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

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please let me give this book 10 stars!!!!!!
Okay I have no idea where to start with this book without giving anything away from the first book in the series and please please make sure you read these books in order so you understand what is going on. Because there is so much going on.

Well I just honestly I am kind of speechless especially with the ending. The cliffhanger will leave you sat on your chair speechless begging that the next book in the series will not be long away.

The chemistry between Dimitri and Roxanne is so hot and bothered it kind of makes you nervous at times but a good nervous it’s exciting and you just know that these two are made for each other but it’s just so hard to admit what’s going on when there is so much more going on around you. My heart would stop if I live their life.
I cannot wait for the next book I am holding my breath until Shandi Boyes put us out of our misery and we can find out what is going on.

Woo hoo and it’s an amazing read

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets more and more exciting and Roxanne has gone from being a quiet, shy virgin to a smart, brave and far from a virgin.  Dimitri is beginning to spiral, but Rocco, Smith and Roxanne keep him on track.  There is a lot of violence in this book but none of it is gratuitous and even Roxanne thinks it is justified.  The story does not follow the path you might expect and the twists and turns keep the reader riveted as to what comes next.  There are some characters from previous books and their part in this story gives greater understanding of their role in their books, it is a very interesting concept.  The ending of this book will blow your mind and leave you champing at the bit for Maddox the final book in the series.

[Oma Iep · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 and should NOT be read before you have read "Dimitri" or the story will make no sense. In fact, I would make sure you have 'Reign' waiting to go straight after this!

It's a Mafia story, so not for the fainthearted. It has violence and depravity and will take you through a range of emotions. Yet the depth of the characters completely draws you in.

This trilogy has me on the edge of my seat, and I literally devoured this book after the cliffhanger ending in Dimitri. It starts right at the ending of Dimitri and then takes a completely different turn to what you'd expect. And to top it all off, it has another cliffhanger ending, and I'm now panting to get my hands on 'Reign' to see where this is all taking us. A riveting read.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Just Keeps Getting Better

I don't know how you do it. The world that you have created, that started with a rock band, just keeps coming to light in greater detail. How you can keep all of the character's stories straight as they intricately overlap is beyond me. I am in awe of this. Not only do different characters from other books interact with one another in overlapping story lines, you also chage the perspective by telling the same sequence of events through a different set of eyes. In the mean time, you add to their adventures in every new book as you develop a character's story. It is fascinating. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Please keep writing. I absolutely love reading your books.

[Munira Vahed · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this book was amazing. I read it as soon as I got it. It was mind blowing fabulous. The twist at the end had me gasping and shocked. Cant wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
The wrong doings of Roxanne parents get exposed and the repercussions for Roxanne are big. The emotional turmoil she goes through in this book is heart wrenching.
She gets some life changing news and her life will be placed in danger. How will Dmitri react to this news and what does this mean for their relationship is left hanging.
I cant wait to find out.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second fantastic book in the continuing story

Roxanne is the second book in The Italian Cartel series and continues the story of Roxanne and Dimitri. After having read the first book, Dimitri, and really liking it I was anticipating this book and was not disappointed. The story continues to be filled with danger, intrigue, suspense, adventure, action, twists and turns and a lot of sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Now I can't wait until I can dig into the third book in the series, Reign.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[JenntheRDH · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Shandi Boye’s mind and her stories for sure. I loved her Enigma series and I loved Nikolai. I really did enjoy this series BUT she lost me quite a few times with so many different characters briefly mentioned throughout the books and the MANY different sub-plots that were going on, it was frankly confusing for me. I gave this series 3 stars simply because I had to keep going back to previous books to look up the other random characters that kept being mentioned (thankfully I have a kindle and can use the search feature !) I’ve never had to do that before, and honestly it really detracted from the story itself.
But as a whole, I loved the story and am glad I read it!

[Emily Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again!

Shandi never disappoints, not once in 40+ books. I would never have even looked in the direction of this series had I not started with the perception series, but I'm so very glad I did. Shandi brings light to even the darkest characters, and leaves you rooting for them and begging for more! I went into this story knowing that it is the second in a trio, even with that I was left on the edge of my seat. I'm already counting down the days to the next release!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 2 in the series, Roxannes not the shy girls she was before, with Dimitri spiraling its up to her to help find his daughter and put an end to what her family were involved with, along with their own relationship heating up. This book ends of a cliffhanger to end all cliff hangers!! this book is dark with a lot of violence scenes but also a lot of hot scenes too! a well written read with a good storyl line that gets deeper with each book! cant wait for part 3!

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

[Sheryl Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story from this author. There are some dark places in the book as well.
There is just this great connection with all characters in the book and I can
say I had a great connection with them as well,.
I never saw any spelling mistakes or any holes in the plots of this book.
The book just flowed from start to finish for me.
But as the heading of this book says, you have to be over the age of 18+ to read this one.

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

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 🔥🔥🔥

This book will make you want to explode with anticipation. Roxanne has finally convinced Dimitri that she is on his side and all in to help him locate his daughter. He has all these conflicting emotions pouring out of him and he can’t put Roxanne in danger even though she is willing to do anything to help. Their connection is on fire and burns super hot for each other and their commitment is unwavering. Another edge of your seat cliffhanger and I can wait to see what happens next. Happy Reading!!

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. This story of Roxanne was fantastic. I loved reading Shandi Boyes books I have not come across one that I did not like, they seam to whisk you in, with twists and turns hot and steamy like a rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes you want more.

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

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on tight as this author once again takes the reader on a wonderfully written ride that has a number of possible triggers. This book is part 2 and ends with another cliffhanger but don’t let that put you off reading it though as it’s a fabulous read. A lot of violence, emotion, deceit and steam move this plot along at a fast pace that had me eagerly reading page after page after page.

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

[Jennifer Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick read

Nothing really happened in this book until the end. Like the last two chapters. It’s just a continuation of book one but filled with nothing that matters much except for he lets her go to see if she comes back and then professes her love for him and then gets kidnapped and none of it happens until the last 2 chapters. Thank goodness it was a quick read because I’m not sure how much more I could have read with nothing happening.

[Heather Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

What can I say... This one is full of action, suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat!. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that i couldn't put it down and I was determined to finish it in one day. Dimitri and Roxie's attraction is just as hot and heavy as the first book. But, he finally has learned to trust her and that's the just important hurdle they've overcome in this one.

[McKayla Fontenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummm HOLY FREAKING COW, I need more!!!! Y’all get your preorders in now because this second book is on FIRE but be warned that Shandi is a devious person who leaves our mouths hanging at the end and wanting to throw stuff because of that cliffhanger ending! I can’t say it enough, she never disappoints you guys! 10/10 guys seriously!!!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG SHANDI!!!!!
I never thought that I could see Dimitri in a different light. Roxanne, wow is all I can say on her transformation. This is absolutely brilliantly written and captivates you more than you realise until the last page. An amazing second instalment of a positively must read series....bring on the next one 🤩🤩