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Tales of Olympus #1-3
Complete Innocence Box Set
I’m king of the criminal underworld.
I always get what I want.
And she’s my obsession.
Cora is new to the city of sin.
Her innocent blue eyes beg for me to claim her.
But I’m not the billionaire she thinks I am.
There’s a darkness within me.
And Cora is a shining light.
She’s beautiful. A virgin.
I’m ruthless. A beast.
She found me for a reason.
She’ll be my queen.
I’ll give her everything that her heart desires.
Except for one thing.
Her freedom.
She’s mine to keep, and I’m never letting her go.
Note: This is complete three book dark romance trilogy with dark and intense sensual scenes. Books in the series: Innocence, Awakening, and Queen of the Underworld.
I always get what I want.
And she’s my obsession.
Cora is new to the city of sin.
Her innocent blue eyes beg for me to claim her.
But I’m not the billionaire she thinks I am.
There’s a darkness within me.
And Cora is a shining light.
She’s beautiful. A virgin.
I’m ruthless. A beast.
She found me for a reason.
She’ll be my queen.
I’ll give her everything that her heart desires.
Except for one thing.
Her freedom.
She’s mine to keep, and I’m never letting her go.
Note: This is complete three book dark romance trilogy with dark and intense sensual scenes. Books in the series: Innocence, Awakening, and Queen of the Underworld.
850 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2019
1433 people are currently reading
923 people want to read
About the author
Lee Savino
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 1, 2021
New authors and narrator to me and I am now a huge fan. The lead female could annoy you at times but thats all part of a story and personal growth. The lead male was dark but oh so sexy. The narrator was PERFECT for this role....his voice is low and sinful. I am sad this adventure is over!
November 6, 2019
Love each Story in this Series – What a Treat to Get All at Once!!
Innocence: Dramatic #1 of what promises to be an amazing Trilogy!!
An overprotected innocent is saved by the “Lord of the Underworld” when she ventures into the big city. Except all is not as it seems. Brilliantly written, beautifully executed, scintillating romance with an edge.
I Can’t wait for more in this excellent story!
Awakening: Super Emotional Read!!
This is #2 in the series, and best read in order. Cora is young and naive, but less so each day. She is married and in love with Marcus, who rules the city with an iron fist. He sees her as a possession, which breaks her heart.
So many moving parts, and so many emotions. This is a gritty, sensual story which will keep you on the edge of your seat. To say more would give plot away – just know all is not resolved here. There will be more in this splendid series!!
Queen of the Underworld: Emotional and Gritty Relationship – Will the Mafia King Keep his Queen??
Cora flees when she witnesses her husband kill the man who had kidnapped and threatened her. Not because she fears her husband, but the darkness in herself.
Marcus is used to getting his way. He is willing to give Cora a little space but wants her back by his side.
A larger fight for control of the city, and a personal fight to keep their marriage. I would recommend reading this series in order to understand the nuances; it is brilliant!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Innocence: Dramatic #1 of what promises to be an amazing Trilogy!!
An overprotected innocent is saved by the “Lord of the Underworld” when she ventures into the big city. Except all is not as it seems. Brilliantly written, beautifully executed, scintillating romance with an edge.
I Can’t wait for more in this excellent story!
Awakening: Super Emotional Read!!
This is #2 in the series, and best read in order. Cora is young and naive, but less so each day. She is married and in love with Marcus, who rules the city with an iron fist. He sees her as a possession, which breaks her heart.
So many moving parts, and so many emotions. This is a gritty, sensual story which will keep you on the edge of your seat. To say more would give plot away – just know all is not resolved here. There will be more in this splendid series!!
Queen of the Underworld: Emotional and Gritty Relationship – Will the Mafia King Keep his Queen??
Cora flees when she witnesses her husband kill the man who had kidnapped and threatened her. Not because she fears her husband, but the darkness in herself.
Marcus is used to getting his way. He is willing to give Cora a little space but wants her back by his side.
A larger fight for control of the city, and a personal fight to keep their marriage. I would recommend reading this series in order to understand the nuances; it is brilliant!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
August 29, 2020
Marcus And Cora's Mythology-Infused Journey Weaves A Dark Love Story Into A Suspenseful Read Set In New Olympus About Mobsters, Turf Wars, And Revenge. Marcus Grows Weary Of Waiting For Cora To Return, So He Takes Matters Into His Own Hands While Cora Works To Prove Herself A Strong, Independent Woman.
This is the Dark Romance Trilogy, or the Tales of Olympus series. It includes: Innocence, Awakening, and Queen of the Underworld. The series is plot-driven; books one and two end in cliffhangers.
From book one, Innocence:
Cora Vestian, nineteen, finally escaped the from home. She was raised off the grid by a rigid and overcontrolling mother who lectured about needing to protect Cora from the dangers of the world. She had kept Cora's existence a secret to protect her, yet her own mother beat her and locked her away for days at a time.
Cora is the epitome of innocence when she makes her way from her remote farm to New Olympus without money or ID. She soon secures a nanny job. Bad luck seems to follow her, and when she finally makes friends and goes out, she ends up drugged and kidnapped. But she crosses paths with a handsome knight in shining armor, and her life soon becomes like a fairy tale.
Marcus Ubeli, thirty-two, is taken aback by Cora's beauty when she enters his office, dirty and tattered. Her innocence reminds him of someone - and a debt is owed. He doesn't do emotions and he isn't going to start now, yet he can't let Cora go. He is the perfect gentlemen with her, courteous and thoughtful. To everyone else, though, he is the cold Lord of the Underworld of New Olympus, a master manipulator and brutal crime lord in command of his own army, the Shades.
From book two, Awakening:
Four months have passed since Cora awoke in a hospital bed and overheard her husband’s words. His treatment of her after their wedding ceremony had nearly destroyed her. Her innocence is certainly long gone. But she finally thought they had a break though, and that the Marcus she fell in love with still resided somewhere inside the cold-hearted crime lord’s body. The unguarded words he had spoken in her hospital room to his second in command, Sharo, shattered that illusion.
Minus the bodyguards, Cora has a certain level of freedom now, so long as she behaves and performs her duties in the public eye. As for the bedroom, Marcus is often too busy to pay her much attention. Bereft of her dreams of true love and resigned to a loveless marriage, Cora is determined to make friends. She continues to volunteer with Maeve. Armand, her husband’s business partner, continues to hire her on occasion for modeling jobs and their friendship continues to grow. Cora makes a new friend of Olivia, who turns out to be a tech genius. Anna, a stripper, makes her way into Cora’s rather untraditional list of friends as well. Marcus might neglect her, but Cora is determined to keep herself busy and occupied in his absence.
Marcus is determined to keep order in New Olympus, even if that means neglecting his new bride until things settle down once again. She is a distraction, much to his chagrin. New Olympus depends upon him – it is a city with needs. Marcus learned that shutting everything down doesn’t work – it only invites unprincipled enemies in to fill the void. So he tries to satisfy the population by providing controlled indulgences while keeping his enemies at bay. He has been hard at work negotiating to bring in a new designer drug, but in the meantime the newest musical sensation, The Orphan, has been brought to town. Marcus has him for a two week engagement, headlining at his club, Elysium. The fans are ecstatic. Unfortunately, Marcus learns that The Orphan’s manager is an old acquaintance.
Years ago Marcus had rid New Olympus of the Titans, who now rule over nearby Metropolis. But AJ Wagner, a businessman affiliated with the Titans, has somehow wormed his way back in. Marcus has no choice but to allow AJ’s presence in the city for the duration of The Orphan’s contract. But with the big deal about to go down and an impending election, timing couldn’t be worse. Marcus’s philanthropy and businesses provide a nice cover for his nefarious activities, but the fragile nature of the dirty politics that his operations rely upon leaves an element of uncertainty.
From book three, Queen of the Underworld:
Two months have passed since Cora left her husband’s estate in the middle of the night. She had left word that she needed time alone to think and asked him to respect her wishes. For two months she and her new friend Anna have stayed with Olivia, having lots of girl time – and Armand often joins in as well. With his assistance, Cora has become an entrepreneur, beginning an event planning company and representing models. She no longer wants to be defined by her marriage to Marcus. At twenty, she is trying to figure out who she is and prove that she is a strong, independent woman. Although thoughts of Marcus have never left her, the nightmares of what led up to her leaving him still plague her, robbing her of the ability to sleep. She has yet to process what happened, but as time goes on, she begins to believe that she might have a future without him.
Marcus has given Cora two months. She had promised she would speak to him, but his patience has reached its limit. Cautious not to overwhelm her, he sees her at a gala. They don’t get that opportunity to talk things through, but he is not about to give up on his wife or his marriage. Things get complicated when Philip Waters demands payment for the confiscated shipment. Mayor Zeke Sturm has cut off all communication with Marcus, so he cannot arrange for its return, and hence cannot sell the goods and pay Waters. With the Titans in the background, salivating over an opportunity to get back into New Olympus, trust is at a deficit amongst the various players.
Marcus and Cora's mythology-infused journey weaves a dark love story into a suspenseful read about mobsters, turf wars, and revenge. Both have transformed over the course of their courtship and marriage. Cora is no longer the timid girl who less than a year ago left her remote farm and learned about the outside world for the first time. And Marcus has developed an entirely new side, though he reserves it just for Cora. He is supportive and encouraging. His incredible patience gives young Cora the ability to choose him, to choose their marriage. Although he still is predisposed to act out on his possessive tendencies with regard to her, he is capable listening and learning.
While in book one the two dance around their feelings for one another under deeply emotional circumstances, in book two they fall into a pattern of denial and avoidance as they pursue their separate interests. Book three finds them even more distant as Cora remains in denial and the space the Marcus affords her leaves her unanchored. In the end, Marcus and Cora earn their happy ending. The prologue introduces several figures from the Beauty and the Rose series, whom the Ubelis meet at a gala.
Wow! Marcus and Cora's dark and angsty story will leave you satisfied as the final book in the series comes to an end. The couple's chemistry is incredible, and BDSM elements play a role. Their story is well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. It unfolds slowly, revealing surprises along the way. It takes place in the vivid world of New Olympus, which appears in other books by the authors as well. The characters are nicely defined. The story is written in third person. The POV alternates between Cora and Marcus, though book three has three brief chapters from Mayor Zeke Sturm’s POV and one in Armand’s. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
This is the Dark Romance Trilogy, or the Tales of Olympus series. It includes: Innocence, Awakening, and Queen of the Underworld. The series is plot-driven; books one and two end in cliffhangers.
From book one, Innocence:
Cora Vestian, nineteen, finally escaped the from home. She was raised off the grid by a rigid and overcontrolling mother who lectured about needing to protect Cora from the dangers of the world. She had kept Cora's existence a secret to protect her, yet her own mother beat her and locked her away for days at a time.
Cora is the epitome of innocence when she makes her way from her remote farm to New Olympus without money or ID. She soon secures a nanny job. Bad luck seems to follow her, and when she finally makes friends and goes out, she ends up drugged and kidnapped. But she crosses paths with a handsome knight in shining armor, and her life soon becomes like a fairy tale.
Marcus Ubeli, thirty-two, is taken aback by Cora's beauty when she enters his office, dirty and tattered. Her innocence reminds him of someone - and a debt is owed. He doesn't do emotions and he isn't going to start now, yet he can't let Cora go. He is the perfect gentlemen with her, courteous and thoughtful. To everyone else, though, he is the cold Lord of the Underworld of New Olympus, a master manipulator and brutal crime lord in command of his own army, the Shades.
From book two, Awakening:
Four months have passed since Cora awoke in a hospital bed and overheard her husband’s words. His treatment of her after their wedding ceremony had nearly destroyed her. Her innocence is certainly long gone. But she finally thought they had a break though, and that the Marcus she fell in love with still resided somewhere inside the cold-hearted crime lord’s body. The unguarded words he had spoken in her hospital room to his second in command, Sharo, shattered that illusion.
Minus the bodyguards, Cora has a certain level of freedom now, so long as she behaves and performs her duties in the public eye. As for the bedroom, Marcus is often too busy to pay her much attention. Bereft of her dreams of true love and resigned to a loveless marriage, Cora is determined to make friends. She continues to volunteer with Maeve. Armand, her husband’s business partner, continues to hire her on occasion for modeling jobs and their friendship continues to grow. Cora makes a new friend of Olivia, who turns out to be a tech genius. Anna, a stripper, makes her way into Cora’s rather untraditional list of friends as well. Marcus might neglect her, but Cora is determined to keep herself busy and occupied in his absence.
Marcus is determined to keep order in New Olympus, even if that means neglecting his new bride until things settle down once again. She is a distraction, much to his chagrin. New Olympus depends upon him – it is a city with needs. Marcus learned that shutting everything down doesn’t work – it only invites unprincipled enemies in to fill the void. So he tries to satisfy the population by providing controlled indulgences while keeping his enemies at bay. He has been hard at work negotiating to bring in a new designer drug, but in the meantime the newest musical sensation, The Orphan, has been brought to town. Marcus has him for a two week engagement, headlining at his club, Elysium. The fans are ecstatic. Unfortunately, Marcus learns that The Orphan’s manager is an old acquaintance.
Years ago Marcus had rid New Olympus of the Titans, who now rule over nearby Metropolis. But AJ Wagner, a businessman affiliated with the Titans, has somehow wormed his way back in. Marcus has no choice but to allow AJ’s presence in the city for the duration of The Orphan’s contract. But with the big deal about to go down and an impending election, timing couldn’t be worse. Marcus’s philanthropy and businesses provide a nice cover for his nefarious activities, but the fragile nature of the dirty politics that his operations rely upon leaves an element of uncertainty.
From book three, Queen of the Underworld:
Two months have passed since Cora left her husband’s estate in the middle of the night. She had left word that she needed time alone to think and asked him to respect her wishes. For two months she and her new friend Anna have stayed with Olivia, having lots of girl time – and Armand often joins in as well. With his assistance, Cora has become an entrepreneur, beginning an event planning company and representing models. She no longer wants to be defined by her marriage to Marcus. At twenty, she is trying to figure out who she is and prove that she is a strong, independent woman. Although thoughts of Marcus have never left her, the nightmares of what led up to her leaving him still plague her, robbing her of the ability to sleep. She has yet to process what happened, but as time goes on, she begins to believe that she might have a future without him.
Marcus has given Cora two months. She had promised she would speak to him, but his patience has reached its limit. Cautious not to overwhelm her, he sees her at a gala. They don’t get that opportunity to talk things through, but he is not about to give up on his wife or his marriage. Things get complicated when Philip Waters demands payment for the confiscated shipment. Mayor Zeke Sturm has cut off all communication with Marcus, so he cannot arrange for its return, and hence cannot sell the goods and pay Waters. With the Titans in the background, salivating over an opportunity to get back into New Olympus, trust is at a deficit amongst the various players.
Marcus and Cora's mythology-infused journey weaves a dark love story into a suspenseful read about mobsters, turf wars, and revenge. Both have transformed over the course of their courtship and marriage. Cora is no longer the timid girl who less than a year ago left her remote farm and learned about the outside world for the first time. And Marcus has developed an entirely new side, though he reserves it just for Cora. He is supportive and encouraging. His incredible patience gives young Cora the ability to choose him, to choose their marriage. Although he still is predisposed to act out on his possessive tendencies with regard to her, he is capable listening and learning.
While in book one the two dance around their feelings for one another under deeply emotional circumstances, in book two they fall into a pattern of denial and avoidance as they pursue their separate interests. Book three finds them even more distant as Cora remains in denial and the space the Marcus affords her leaves her unanchored. In the end, Marcus and Cora earn their happy ending. The prologue introduces several figures from the Beauty and the Rose series, whom the Ubelis meet at a gala.
Wow! Marcus and Cora's dark and angsty story will leave you satisfied as the final book in the series comes to an end. The couple's chemistry is incredible, and BDSM elements play a role. Their story is well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. It unfolds slowly, revealing surprises along the way. It takes place in the vivid world of New Olympus, which appears in other books by the authors as well. The characters are nicely defined. The story is written in third person. The POV alternates between Cora and Marcus, though book three has three brief chapters from Mayor Zeke Sturm’s POV and one in Armand’s. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
March 3, 2020
Love love love this Trilogy!
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
1st book- was a little slow & I had to admit it took a couple of days or chapters for me to get in to it. So we meet Cora who her mom has kept her in a farm with no interaction with no one else at all( no birth certificate/no SS. No one knew Demi had a daughter let alone named Cora. Cora was home school & was taking care of farm animals. When she didn’t do anything that her mom (Demi) agrees too she would beat her/lock her in the cellar or both. Cora ran away when she was 18yrs (I think) & started working for a wealthy family being a lived in Nanny. She saved her money & one night she decided to go to the club with some of her nannies friend she met at the park. On her way out the husband of the family she was working for made a pass at her & she hit him & ran out. Cora was thinking of spending the night with one of her nanny friends & then come back to her her stuff & quit this job. She got to the club & she realized that her nannies friends were doing whatever they want to do & pretty much didn’t pay attention to her. A guy approached her & asked if she wants a drink & she agreed. (Cranberry- no alcohol) but she didn’t felt like herself after drinking it. She felt dizzy, when she tried to call her friend her phone fell & the same guy came over & offer to help. Told her a lie to get her to walk with him & before she realized she was outside in an alley & he was putting her in his back seat. She was shocking up & was slowly passing out but she force herself to stayed up & looked around & saw some lights in this gentleman’s man. She open the car door & threw herself out & ran to that bar. She got in & hid from her kidnapper. She heard his voice & started walking away to see if she can hide in one of a room. She got in a room & closed the door. It was semi dark & she can see a dark figure behind a desk. She was feeling weak, he was this. Guy knocked on the door saying there is a guy out front looking for his “girlfriend” the guy behind the desk told the guy at the door to throw him out. He told her he would take care of her. She passed out in his sofa. When she woke up it was late in the evening of that night & she was in a bed in a hotel. There we learn the guy she met last night behind the desk his name is Marcus & his right hand man named Sharo. With nowhere to go she decided to stay with him. With wks passing she grew to be attracted to this beautiful god named Marcus. He got an apartment & took her out. I think a few mths passed & Marcus asked her hand in marriage & she agreed. They got married & on their wedding day he ties her up & asked if she trusted him which she answer “yes” he ties her to the bed completely naked & at this point drop this bomb on her. Her dad killed his sister & he is lookin for revenge & that’s where sweet Cora came into play! He said he will have sex & record her submit to him & send it over to the Titans (which are her dad’s side of the family) he treated her like garbage. He wanted her complete submission. He wanted to crawl for him & beg for him. This part took a few chapters. (Sometimes it was repetitive & I kind of got bored- but not for long) she started having feelings for him & he was starting too but neither one of them wanted to admit it. This book ends when they were in this theater & they got in the car to go home(his estate) when he realized his driver is not his driver but her mom- Demi. At this point Demi tells Marcus that she was the one that killed his sister & that she can’t wait to kill him too. Demi shoot Marcus but Cora steps in & she was the one that got shot. This is how 1st book ends 🥺
2nd book starts with Cora being in a coma & Marcus going crazy over this. He talks to her & tells her that he can’t live without her. When his right hand man comes in & tells him that Cora makes him a better man. He then says hurtful things & that’s when Cora wakes up & feels very stupid for falling in love with this monster & very stupid for actually taking a bullet for him! Love love love this story! I couldn’t want to finish it but now that I did I feel sad since I want to continue reading there story!
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
1st book- was a little slow & I had to admit it took a couple of days or chapters for me to get in to it. So we meet Cora who her mom has kept her in a farm with no interaction with no one else at all( no birth certificate/no SS. No one knew Demi had a daughter let alone named Cora. Cora was home school & was taking care of farm animals. When she didn’t do anything that her mom (Demi) agrees too she would beat her/lock her in the cellar or both. Cora ran away when she was 18yrs (I think) & started working for a wealthy family being a lived in Nanny. She saved her money & one night she decided to go to the club with some of her nannies friend she met at the park. On her way out the husband of the family she was working for made a pass at her & she hit him & ran out. Cora was thinking of spending the night with one of her nanny friends & then come back to her her stuff & quit this job. She got to the club & she realized that her nannies friends were doing whatever they want to do & pretty much didn’t pay attention to her. A guy approached her & asked if she wants a drink & she agreed. (Cranberry- no alcohol) but she didn’t felt like herself after drinking it. She felt dizzy, when she tried to call her friend her phone fell & the same guy came over & offer to help. Told her a lie to get her to walk with him & before she realized she was outside in an alley & he was putting her in his back seat. She was shocking up & was slowly passing out but she force herself to stayed up & looked around & saw some lights in this gentleman’s man. She open the car door & threw herself out & ran to that bar. She got in & hid from her kidnapper. She heard his voice & started walking away to see if she can hide in one of a room. She got in a room & closed the door. It was semi dark & she can see a dark figure behind a desk. She was feeling weak, he was this. Guy knocked on the door saying there is a guy out front looking for his “girlfriend” the guy behind the desk told the guy at the door to throw him out. He told her he would take care of her. She passed out in his sofa. When she woke up it was late in the evening of that night & she was in a bed in a hotel. There we learn the guy she met last night behind the desk his name is Marcus & his right hand man named Sharo. With nowhere to go she decided to stay with him. With wks passing she grew to be attracted to this beautiful god named Marcus. He got an apartment & took her out. I think a few mths passed & Marcus asked her hand in marriage & she agreed. They got married & on their wedding day he ties her up & asked if she trusted him which she answer “yes” he ties her to the bed completely naked & at this point drop this bomb on her. Her dad killed his sister & he is lookin for revenge & that’s where sweet Cora came into play! He said he will have sex & record her submit to him & send it over to the Titans (which are her dad’s side of the family) he treated her like garbage. He wanted her complete submission. He wanted to crawl for him & beg for him. This part took a few chapters. (Sometimes it was repetitive & I kind of got bored- but not for long) she started having feelings for him & he was starting too but neither one of them wanted to admit it. This book ends when they were in this theater & they got in the car to go home(his estate) when he realized his driver is not his driver but her mom- Demi. At this point Demi tells Marcus that she was the one that killed his sister & that she can’t wait to kill him too. Demi shoot Marcus but Cora steps in & she was the one that got shot. This is how 1st book ends 🥺
2nd book starts with Cora being in a coma & Marcus going crazy over this. He talks to her & tells her that he can’t live without her. When his right hand man comes in & tells him that Cora makes him a better man. He then says hurtful things & that’s when Cora wakes up & feels very stupid for falling in love with this monster & very stupid for actually taking a bullet for him! Love love love this story! I couldn’t want to finish it but now that I did I feel sad since I want to continue reading there story!
May 16, 2020
The main female character was so incredibly weak. She loved him so much that she lets him treat her like a dog, threaten her, humiliate her, and more... And still loves him and goes back to him. He never apologizes and she just lets it all go. Hard pass for me. I had to skim to finish this series. Completely weak female MC.
August 18, 2020
DNF
I don't mind controlling guys, but when he put a collar and leash on her, let alone tied her to the bed for days... I was done. He was creepy.
I don't mind controlling guys, but when he put a collar and leash on her, let alone tied her to the bed for days... I was done. He was creepy.
May 17, 2020
Charleigh is the queen of emotionally captivating connections and NA conflict romance, and Tell Me Pretty Lies lives up to her legacy!
Our amazing heroine is Shayne- and she’s up there with Lo as my favorite Charleigh heroine. We meet Shayne in a heart breaking and riveting first chapter- along with her brother, Grey, and her stepbrothers, one of whom is our brooding, rebel hero, Thayer. We instantly learn of the forbidden love between these two- they are magnets, thunder and lightning- pulled together by an epic force, but they are rocked by the devasting events we learn about straight away. From there, Charleigh unfolds a complex, emotive tale of two people struggling to regroup after loss, trying to make meaning of their new realities, struggling to reconnect with the world, and resisting their own emotions and draw to each other. We’ve got a dash of bully tropes here, some stepbrother taboo, an unexpected mystery, a menagerie of mostly interesting and moderately developed side characters, in particular Shayne’s best friend Valen and Thayer’s brother Holden, and an emotional journey of redemption, catharsis, and acceptance camouflaged by the thirst for answers and revenge.
Shayne is beacon of light- a bundle of innocence and fire. She’s somehow gentle, kind, and vulnerable while also being fierce, tough, and stoic all at once. She rolls with the punches of her life without ever feeling sorry for herself or entitled, and she grows- we see her find herself and her voice amidst all the chaos. I appreciated her resilience, her patience, her level headedness, and her consistent willingness to explore what she knows can crush her. And boy, does Thayer crush her at times. Thayer is what we all love in a light-bully anti-hero. He’s not as rough around the edges as some other anti-heros (and the bully theme does not play centerstage for long if that’s not your thing)- he’s definitely brooding and intimidating but is also accessible and layered. He’s got soul. He’s driven by anger and guilt, and only Shayne seems to reach beyond his emotional fortress to the broken boy inside.
These characters have insane chemistry- it is what I love best about Charleigh’s books, her artfully developed and interconnected characters. Sure, she can write an engaging plot, but where she shines is in the emotional arc of each character and the careful web of emotional ties and meaningful moments she weaves between these two hurting souls. Charleigh always finds a way to help you see the beauty and naturalness of an emotional journey- letting us revel in the cornucopia of emotions her characters’ experience in relationships and trying times- which always makes her characters feel more realized, more three dimensional, and more moving. The emotional chemistry is magnetic, bittersweet, and swoon worthy. Their connection- no matter what the love-hate status at any moment, doesn’t just sparkle, it blazes. And OYE, the steamy times. Some of the hottest stuff I’ve read in Charleigh’s books- and she’s written some steamy stuff. I like me some bossy and dominating yet somehow sweet Thayer bedroom persona.
My ONLY blip is that the ending seemed to wrap up too quickly- the romance was well painted and paced, but the secondary story, the mystery, felt a bit rushed at too neatly unpacked at the end. And, to be honest, the outcome was a bit unfulfilling- I expected more explosion, this was a bit of a whimper. That said, apparently we have another book coming (fingers crossed for Holden’s story) so perhaps we’ll get to explore the aftermath of the mystery solving twist (which I did not see coming) a bit more.
Overall, a great read!
Our amazing heroine is Shayne- and she’s up there with Lo as my favorite Charleigh heroine. We meet Shayne in a heart breaking and riveting first chapter- along with her brother, Grey, and her stepbrothers, one of whom is our brooding, rebel hero, Thayer. We instantly learn of the forbidden love between these two- they are magnets, thunder and lightning- pulled together by an epic force, but they are rocked by the devasting events we learn about straight away. From there, Charleigh unfolds a complex, emotive tale of two people struggling to regroup after loss, trying to make meaning of their new realities, struggling to reconnect with the world, and resisting their own emotions and draw to each other. We’ve got a dash of bully tropes here, some stepbrother taboo, an unexpected mystery, a menagerie of mostly interesting and moderately developed side characters, in particular Shayne’s best friend Valen and Thayer’s brother Holden, and an emotional journey of redemption, catharsis, and acceptance camouflaged by the thirst for answers and revenge.
Shayne is beacon of light- a bundle of innocence and fire. She’s somehow gentle, kind, and vulnerable while also being fierce, tough, and stoic all at once. She rolls with the punches of her life without ever feeling sorry for herself or entitled, and she grows- we see her find herself and her voice amidst all the chaos. I appreciated her resilience, her patience, her level headedness, and her consistent willingness to explore what she knows can crush her. And boy, does Thayer crush her at times. Thayer is what we all love in a light-bully anti-hero. He’s not as rough around the edges as some other anti-heros (and the bully theme does not play centerstage for long if that’s not your thing)- he’s definitely brooding and intimidating but is also accessible and layered. He’s got soul. He’s driven by anger and guilt, and only Shayne seems to reach beyond his emotional fortress to the broken boy inside.
These characters have insane chemistry- it is what I love best about Charleigh’s books, her artfully developed and interconnected characters. Sure, she can write an engaging plot, but where she shines is in the emotional arc of each character and the careful web of emotional ties and meaningful moments she weaves between these two hurting souls. Charleigh always finds a way to help you see the beauty and naturalness of an emotional journey- letting us revel in the cornucopia of emotions her characters’ experience in relationships and trying times- which always makes her characters feel more realized, more three dimensional, and more moving. The emotional chemistry is magnetic, bittersweet, and swoon worthy. Their connection- no matter what the love-hate status at any moment, doesn’t just sparkle, it blazes. And OYE, the steamy times. Some of the hottest stuff I’ve read in Charleigh’s books- and she’s written some steamy stuff. I like me some bossy and dominating yet somehow sweet Thayer bedroom persona.
My ONLY blip is that the ending seemed to wrap up too quickly- the romance was well painted and paced, but the secondary story, the mystery, felt a bit rushed at too neatly unpacked at the end. And, to be honest, the outcome was a bit unfulfilling- I expected more explosion, this was a bit of a whimper. That said, apparently we have another book coming (fingers crossed for Holden’s story) so perhaps we’ll get to explore the aftermath of the mystery solving twist (which I did not see coming) a bit more.
Overall, a great read!
January 22, 2021
This one is a great series
I started the first book and got sucked in right away. I went ahead and bought the series because I knew once I was finished with book 1 I need it the other two and I got to say wasn't disappointed this is a great series
I started the first book and got sucked in right away. I went ahead and bought the series because I knew once I was finished with book 1 I need it the other two and I got to say wasn't disappointed this is a great series
August 22, 2021
Cora, a naïve young girl, hidden away from the world by her narcissistic mother, who controls her, her power over her unyielding, the abuse she suffered at her mother’s hands, makes her all the more determined to escape, to be free and live her life, but one fateful night changes everything, putting her in the sights of a man, whom has ties to her family, unbeknownst to her, setting off a chain of events neither could have anticipated.
Marcus, a king of the criminal underworld. He always gets what he wants. And when Cora stumbles into his world, new to the city of sin, she becomes his new obsession. But he’s not the billionaire she thinks he is. There’s a darkness within him. She’s beautiful, a virgin. He’s ruthless and a beast. Cora found him for a reason. Cora will be his queen. Marcus will give her everything her heart desires. Except for one thing. Her freedom. Because when the sins of the mother, in this case committed by the whole family, will be visited upon the daughter, revenge is so much sweeter when Marcus has been waiting a very long time to see his enemies crawl at his feet, for an injustice that cost him his sister’s life. Cora’s his to keep, and he’s never letting her go.
There courtship was a whirlwind, there marriage, one an act of revenge, against Cora’s family, the love she felt for Marcus was real, but when she finally learned the truth, on her wedding night, she realized that she walked away from one nightmare, only to walk straight into another, one she realizes she won’t be escaping anytime soon.
There attraction is undeniable, Cora responds to Marcus like no other. She fights him at every turn, her defiance sets his blood on fire, his control and dominance over her unyielding. He is ruthless and rules with an iron fist and he will not relent until she submits to him in every way mind, body, and soul.
As they get to know each other, they learn things about each other, as their relationship continues to develop, so does his desires for her, desires that could burn them from the inside out. He gives, seeks, and takes Cora’s pleasure, dominating, controlling and possessive, claiming her heart, mind, and body, bending her to his will, taking her wants and needs beyond heightened passion, giving her pleasure, taking her in any way possible, fulfilling their needs sensually, giving each other everything and more.
These characters will impact you in different ways, there story will have you crying, laughing, saying what the f!@# to those moments where you hated to love, but love to hate, grieving with them as they fought, healed, and loved. This book has it all – mafia king and queen, gang warfare, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, passion, one alpha dominant mafia man, one naïve mafia daughter in over her head, bone melting steam, there love a slow burn that will break your heart and put it back together.
There is a perplexing tangle of hurt, anger and denial, powerful in themselves, secrets, lies, deception, manipulation, pain, and motives, which becomes all the clearer with those deep revelations. The different point of views told a telling story or heartbreak, love, and loss. It holds so much mystery, adrenaline seeking suspense, slow burning passion and romance, dark, yet intriguing, fire, murder, revenge, violence, vengeance, friendship, lust, loyalty, trust, where sacrifices and choices are made to serve a higher purpose beyond all reason. It will hook you, have you turning the pages to find out more, with themes and triggers that will test any reader, reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters.
Their story was raw and sensual, as it was powerful and confronting. It was fast paced and thrilling, it made my heart race and soar to unfathomable heights. The author knows how to write, to ensnare her readers to ensure they will come back for more, if I could come back for more I would.
And those s€x scenes including elements of role-play and BDSM, in and out of the bedroom were downright sensual and erotic, the filthy dirty talk and language an absolute turn on, daring, explosive, wrong, physical, provocative, possessive, controlling, oh so steamy, deliciously wicked, dirty, hot, beautiful, dark, naughty, raw, powerful, passionate, wet, dominating, and wild, and there happily ever after is everything a reader could want and more.
Marcus, a king of the criminal underworld. He always gets what he wants. And when Cora stumbles into his world, new to the city of sin, she becomes his new obsession. But he’s not the billionaire she thinks he is. There’s a darkness within him. She’s beautiful, a virgin. He’s ruthless and a beast. Cora found him for a reason. Cora will be his queen. Marcus will give her everything her heart desires. Except for one thing. Her freedom. Because when the sins of the mother, in this case committed by the whole family, will be visited upon the daughter, revenge is so much sweeter when Marcus has been waiting a very long time to see his enemies crawl at his feet, for an injustice that cost him his sister’s life. Cora’s his to keep, and he’s never letting her go.
There courtship was a whirlwind, there marriage, one an act of revenge, against Cora’s family, the love she felt for Marcus was real, but when she finally learned the truth, on her wedding night, she realized that she walked away from one nightmare, only to walk straight into another, one she realizes she won’t be escaping anytime soon.
There attraction is undeniable, Cora responds to Marcus like no other. She fights him at every turn, her defiance sets his blood on fire, his control and dominance over her unyielding. He is ruthless and rules with an iron fist and he will not relent until she submits to him in every way mind, body, and soul.
As they get to know each other, they learn things about each other, as their relationship continues to develop, so does his desires for her, desires that could burn them from the inside out. He gives, seeks, and takes Cora’s pleasure, dominating, controlling and possessive, claiming her heart, mind, and body, bending her to his will, taking her wants and needs beyond heightened passion, giving her pleasure, taking her in any way possible, fulfilling their needs sensually, giving each other everything and more.
These characters will impact you in different ways, there story will have you crying, laughing, saying what the f!@# to those moments where you hated to love, but love to hate, grieving with them as they fought, healed, and loved. This book has it all – mafia king and queen, gang warfare, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, passion, one alpha dominant mafia man, one naïve mafia daughter in over her head, bone melting steam, there love a slow burn that will break your heart and put it back together.
There is a perplexing tangle of hurt, anger and denial, powerful in themselves, secrets, lies, deception, manipulation, pain, and motives, which becomes all the clearer with those deep revelations. The different point of views told a telling story or heartbreak, love, and loss. It holds so much mystery, adrenaline seeking suspense, slow burning passion and romance, dark, yet intriguing, fire, murder, revenge, violence, vengeance, friendship, lust, loyalty, trust, where sacrifices and choices are made to serve a higher purpose beyond all reason. It will hook you, have you turning the pages to find out more, with themes and triggers that will test any reader, reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters.
Their story was raw and sensual, as it was powerful and confronting. It was fast paced and thrilling, it made my heart race and soar to unfathomable heights. The author knows how to write, to ensnare her readers to ensure they will come back for more, if I could come back for more I would.
And those s€x scenes including elements of role-play and BDSM, in and out of the bedroom were downright sensual and erotic, the filthy dirty talk and language an absolute turn on, daring, explosive, wrong, physical, provocative, possessive, controlling, oh so steamy, deliciously wicked, dirty, hot, beautiful, dark, naughty, raw, powerful, passionate, wet, dominating, and wild, and there happily ever after is everything a reader could want and more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
Okay. So this book had its ups and downs seriously it had a LOT of potential and the sex is HOT!!!!!!!😋😋🤪🤔😱 These books are great but the hero makes the book and even he gets dumb by the third book in the series. I’ll explain why in a moment but I hate to
Spoil the story by going
Into too much detail but for this one I will warn you then do so…For a more basic review the heroin is definitely what kills this series she’s an idiot, a liar, and doesn’t understand that her actions can literally get all of them
Killed!🤬😤I was so frustrated and irritated with her by the third book that I almost stopped reading the series! The sex was off the chain though, can you say multiple orgasms please. I’m not into BDSM but Mr. Ubelley can dominate me any time. Narration was fine. Some people said the female narrator was annoying, but no the actual character was just annoying doing dumb shit! Plus her friends wasn’t any smarter.
Spoiler Alert…….
❌⭕️🛑🛑🛑⛔️🚷🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚯🚫🚫🚫🚫❌❌❌❌❌⭕️🛑🛑🛑⭕️🛑🛑🛑🛑⭕️🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️💯🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑💢🛑💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢🛑🛑🛑
Okay so the heroine was a complete idiot by the third book she understood her husband was a gangster but would not tell him the truth about meeting up with his enemy who almost killed her did kill the girl she called herself trying to save, Iris, but the cops betrayed her. She even risked her husband Marcus, going to jail. Speaking of which there was lots of inconsistencies in the story some of which are NOT explained. One not so important being Armand, is called gay by the end of the book but he was not only head of heals for the heroine when he saw her and Anna as well when he first met her at the strip club. Geez, just make him a bi-or pansexual if you want him to love all the sexes. It wasn’t a big deal but I was definitely getting whiplash when it came to Armand. Then the pills, Mrs Ubelley tells her husband she took some sleeping pills that made her attack her husband sexually he was extremely concerned because she literally passed out from her orgasm the pills had made everything she was feeling so intense and the man who would literally kill anyone who touches her just goes to work the next day instead of looking for those pills or having his men find them the next morning? She literally could have died from random pills she got from a “friend.” That’s uncharacteristic for him and made no sense. Mrs. Ubelley and her friends may have been complete idiots only getting worse by the third book, but at least their stupidity was consistent. Let me just say the longer she didn’t tell Marcus about Iris’s kidnapping I was getting pissed off! 🤬😱😤😬 That dragged out so long and she made the dumbest excuses playing detective with her silly friends. Who had more resources than her but it was all just too much because the whole time I was like just go to your husband you idiot! 😱 There’s some more things that drove me crazy but that’s all I can remember for right now. No I wouldn’t pay for, it’s not worth a credit, nor would I ever listen to it again!!!! The sex in it was awesome especially if you like a steamy Novel! 😜😚And I LOVE one!
Spoil the story by going
Into too much detail but for this one I will warn you then do so…For a more basic review the heroin is definitely what kills this series she’s an idiot, a liar, and doesn’t understand that her actions can literally get all of them
Killed!🤬😤I was so frustrated and irritated with her by the third book that I almost stopped reading the series! The sex was off the chain though, can you say multiple orgasms please. I’m not into BDSM but Mr. Ubelley can dominate me any time. Narration was fine. Some people said the female narrator was annoying, but no the actual character was just annoying doing dumb shit! Plus her friends wasn’t any smarter.
Spoiler Alert…….
❌⭕️🛑🛑🛑⛔️🚷🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚯🚫🚫🚫🚫❌❌❌❌❌⭕️🛑🛑🛑⭕️🛑🛑🛑🛑⭕️🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️💯🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑💢🛑💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢🛑🛑🛑
Okay so the heroine was a complete idiot by the third book she understood her husband was a gangster but would not tell him the truth about meeting up with his enemy who almost killed her did kill the girl she called herself trying to save, Iris, but the cops betrayed her. She even risked her husband Marcus, going to jail. Speaking of which there was lots of inconsistencies in the story some of which are NOT explained. One not so important being Armand, is called gay by the end of the book but he was not only head of heals for the heroine when he saw her and Anna as well when he first met her at the strip club. Geez, just make him a bi-or pansexual if you want him to love all the sexes. It wasn’t a big deal but I was definitely getting whiplash when it came to Armand. Then the pills, Mrs Ubelley tells her husband she took some sleeping pills that made her attack her husband sexually he was extremely concerned because she literally passed out from her orgasm the pills had made everything she was feeling so intense and the man who would literally kill anyone who touches her just goes to work the next day instead of looking for those pills or having his men find them the next morning? She literally could have died from random pills she got from a “friend.” That’s uncharacteristic for him and made no sense. Mrs. Ubelley and her friends may have been complete idiots only getting worse by the third book, but at least their stupidity was consistent. Let me just say the longer she didn’t tell Marcus about Iris’s kidnapping I was getting pissed off! 🤬😱😤😬 That dragged out so long and she made the dumbest excuses playing detective with her silly friends. Who had more resources than her but it was all just too much because the whole time I was like just go to your husband you idiot! 😱 There’s some more things that drove me crazy but that’s all I can remember for right now. No I wouldn’t pay for, it’s not worth a credit, nor would I ever listen to it again!!!! The sex in it was awesome especially if you like a steamy Novel! 😜😚And I LOVE one!
November 30, 2019
A fantastic Mafia Trilogy!!!
Innocence
Snake charmer
Cora has left one prison behind, had a glimpse of freedom and finds herself in another type of prison. I really liked her spunk and zest for experiencing life, her trust and openness to new experiences.
What she didn't bargain for was the experience of Marcus, smooth, manipulative, deceptive, handsome, vengeful. A web is woven, truths revealed, dreams shattered, lust rises, enemies revealed, and their relationship is in a state of..........well you will have to read the rest for yourself! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Awakening
Brutally good!
Marcus and Cora's story continues and it only gets better and better!
Cora has become stronger, more resigned in some ways and yet more resilient. Marcus hides behind a cold mask but cannot stay away from her.
Events unfold, business deals are in the works, enemies are closer than ever, emotional secrets are revealed, but one choice to do a good dead has tragic and far reaching events.
Is there any way back for Cora and Marcus?
Queen of the Underworld
All hail the Queen and King
Cora and Marcus, my what a rocky, twisted, dangerous, bloody, heart wrenching, heartwarming, incredibly hot, sensual crazy ride their story took us on!
Markus, who when he fell, he fell hard, could not give up his control or his dark world, nor could he give up/or on his wife.
Cora, the innocent, naive, trusting woman, her world built up and shattered by revenge. Secrets are revealed, she is controlled by Marcus and his lifestyle and her own legacy.
Cora grows, becomes her own woman, sacrifices are made, danger is all around and yet she becomes stronger, equal to Marcus and a dark Queen in her own right.
Together they rule the underworld and yet they bask in the light of their love for each other.
Long may they reign.
Innocence
Snake charmer
Cora has left one prison behind, had a glimpse of freedom and finds herself in another type of prison. I really liked her spunk and zest for experiencing life, her trust and openness to new experiences.
What she didn't bargain for was the experience of Marcus, smooth, manipulative, deceptive, handsome, vengeful. A web is woven, truths revealed, dreams shattered, lust rises, enemies revealed, and their relationship is in a state of..........well you will have to read the rest for yourself! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Awakening
Brutally good!
Marcus and Cora's story continues and it only gets better and better!
Cora has become stronger, more resigned in some ways and yet more resilient. Marcus hides behind a cold mask but cannot stay away from her.
Events unfold, business deals are in the works, enemies are closer than ever, emotional secrets are revealed, but one choice to do a good dead has tragic and far reaching events.
Is there any way back for Cora and Marcus?
Queen of the Underworld
All hail the Queen and King
Cora and Marcus, my what a rocky, twisted, dangerous, bloody, heart wrenching, heartwarming, incredibly hot, sensual crazy ride their story took us on!
Markus, who when he fell, he fell hard, could not give up his control or his dark world, nor could he give up/or on his wife.
Cora, the innocent, naive, trusting woman, her world built up and shattered by revenge. Secrets are revealed, she is controlled by Marcus and his lifestyle and her own legacy.
Cora grows, becomes her own woman, sacrifices are made, danger is all around and yet she becomes stronger, equal to Marcus and a dark Queen in her own right.
Together they rule the underworld and yet they bask in the light of their love for each other.
Long may they reign.
May 5, 2020
BDSM isn't my kink but I don't mind reading the odd dark romance with it. Marcus is the cool dark under lord of the city New Olympus seeking revenge for wrongs done unto his family in the past. Cora is the naive pretty young woman, new to town seeking independence who falls for Marcus and his charms. The two have their own agenda, one a fairy tale ending, the other redemption.. needless to say which is which. But as with all best made plans, life gets in the way and the alluring chemistry between them festers uncontrollably and deepens.. book 1.
In book 2 I like the shift in Cora's character when she finally grows a pair and stands up to the all consuming, all controlling Marcus. I didn't understand when mistakes made by Cora that had a negative impact on Marcus, resulted in her leaving him and not wanting to talk to him?! Talk about wrong and strong! Maybe she's afraid of the repercussions. Later her reason for keeping the secret that would've easily cleared the air in one simple conversation, is completely bizarre and a total plot cop out.
Cora transitions from a naive girl, to a strong willed gangster.. the biggest U turn I've ever seen. It's a pity her brain cells fail to develop as much as her bravery. Cora is overly trusting of strangers and acqaintances, resulting in her being placed in danger multiple times.. to the point I was eye rolling and wanting to shake her.
The chemistry between them is electric throughout the series.. it sizzles and sparks, their sexual desire for each other never wanes and certainly comes to life off the page! They're a perfect fit since Marcus has the need to dominate and control in the bedroom whilst Cora gets off by being submissive.
I enjoyed the series, the story is action packed with multiple sub plots (albeit some are under developed) and gradually improves so worth reading.
In book 2 I like the shift in Cora's character when she finally grows a pair and stands up to the all consuming, all controlling Marcus. I didn't understand when mistakes made by Cora that had a negative impact on Marcus, resulted in her leaving him and not wanting to talk to him?! Talk about wrong and strong! Maybe she's afraid of the repercussions. Later her reason for keeping the secret that would've easily cleared the air in one simple conversation, is completely bizarre and a total plot cop out.
Cora transitions from a naive girl, to a strong willed gangster.. the biggest U turn I've ever seen. It's a pity her brain cells fail to develop as much as her bravery. Cora is overly trusting of strangers and acqaintances, resulting in her being placed in danger multiple times.. to the point I was eye rolling and wanting to shake her.
The chemistry between them is electric throughout the series.. it sizzles and sparks, their sexual desire for each other never wanes and certainly comes to life off the page! They're a perfect fit since Marcus has the need to dominate and control in the bedroom whilst Cora gets off by being submissive.
I enjoyed the series, the story is action packed with multiple sub plots (albeit some are under developed) and gradually improves so worth reading.
November 25, 2019
This terrific box set is the perfect way to get all three books in this dark and delicious series with one simple click. Books included are: Innocence, Awakening and Queen Of The Underworld.
Innocence: I was completely captivated by this intriguing combination of Mafia romance and Greek myth. As Marcus and Cora's story starts to unfold you are pulled into and ensnared by a world that is intense, gripping, dramatic, emotional and steamy.
Awakening: As Marcus and Cora's story continues things are getting much more tense. Plenty of anger, drama, raw emotion, darkness and action are cleverly combined and woven throughout the gripping story line that easily holds your attention. The chemistry simply sizzles and the scenes between Cora and Marcus are smoking hot. I'm enjoying every minute of the evolution of these characters and their relationship.
Queen Of The Damned: This is the delightful conclusion to Cora and Marcus' story. I loved this rich and involving series. The engaging story line will tempt you with its delicious combination of tension, drama, suspense, twists, intense emotions, action, secrets, lies, heat and darkness. You must be prepared for the roller coaster ride that your emotions will go on as the story continues to unfold until it reaches its conclusion. I thought that this was a thrilling, edge of your seat read that delivered the answers I'd been wanting, an ending that left me satisfied and set things up nicely for a new spin-off series, that already has me intrigued and wanting to dive in. If you are like me you will need a refreshing, cool drink and a nap to recover from this epic ride but it was so worth the trip!! Of my own accord I am posting a sincere review.
Innocence: I was completely captivated by this intriguing combination of Mafia romance and Greek myth. As Marcus and Cora's story starts to unfold you are pulled into and ensnared by a world that is intense, gripping, dramatic, emotional and steamy.
Awakening: As Marcus and Cora's story continues things are getting much more tense. Plenty of anger, drama, raw emotion, darkness and action are cleverly combined and woven throughout the gripping story line that easily holds your attention. The chemistry simply sizzles and the scenes between Cora and Marcus are smoking hot. I'm enjoying every minute of the evolution of these characters and their relationship.
Queen Of The Damned: This is the delightful conclusion to Cora and Marcus' story. I loved this rich and involving series. The engaging story line will tempt you with its delicious combination of tension, drama, suspense, twists, intense emotions, action, secrets, lies, heat and darkness. You must be prepared for the roller coaster ride that your emotions will go on as the story continues to unfold until it reaches its conclusion. I thought that this was a thrilling, edge of your seat read that delivered the answers I'd been wanting, an ending that left me satisfied and set things up nicely for a new spin-off series, that already has me intrigued and wanting to dive in. If you are like me you will need a refreshing, cool drink and a nap to recover from this epic ride but it was so worth the trip!! Of my own accord I am posting a sincere review.
November 7, 2019
This series includes:
1 - INNOCENSE
This was a fast-paced, easy read that kept me enthralled and entertained. Her characters, with their flawed personalities, are relatable. A retelling of Persephone and Hades, can you imagine? It's sexy, intimidating, intriguing, and mysterious. I'm looking forward to book two, "Awakening".
2 - AWAKENING
Sweet Mother!! There is no slowing down. No easy breath. This is raw, gritty, powerful and so conflicting. The tension continues to mount, my emotions are running rampant to the beat of my heart. There is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this one so there is absolutely no way I'm going to miss "Queen of the Underworld " when it comes out. You don't want to miss this one.
3 - QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD
I can't even begin to tell you how emotionally charged this book is. The ups and downs of Marcus and Cora's relationship. The secrets being held until, taken by surprise, they're forced to release them. The growth of each of these characters and the confessions that are made. This was the ending of a classic and done beautifully. I'm hoping authors Lee Savino and Stasia Black will consider giving voice to Shraro, Armand, Oliva, Philip Waters, and Zeke's story. This was such an easy book/series to become vested in and I'm not ready to give them up yet.
1 - INNOCENSE
This was a fast-paced, easy read that kept me enthralled and entertained. Her characters, with their flawed personalities, are relatable. A retelling of Persephone and Hades, can you imagine? It's sexy, intimidating, intriguing, and mysterious. I'm looking forward to book two, "Awakening".
2 - AWAKENING
Sweet Mother!! There is no slowing down. No easy breath. This is raw, gritty, powerful and so conflicting. The tension continues to mount, my emotions are running rampant to the beat of my heart. There is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this one so there is absolutely no way I'm going to miss "Queen of the Underworld " when it comes out. You don't want to miss this one.
3 - QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD
I can't even begin to tell you how emotionally charged this book is. The ups and downs of Marcus and Cora's relationship. The secrets being held until, taken by surprise, they're forced to release them. The growth of each of these characters and the confessions that are made. This was the ending of a classic and done beautifully. I'm hoping authors Lee Savino and Stasia Black will consider giving voice to Shraro, Armand, Oliva, Philip Waters, and Zeke's story. This was such an easy book/series to become vested in and I'm not ready to give them up yet.
March 3, 2020
Wow! Great trilogy about the dark and light inside us all by two of my favorite authors - highly recommend!
Contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy, detailed intimate scenes and violence.
All three parts of the story bundled together. Easiest way to read this story. I totally fell in love with all of the characters, but especially Sharo.
The story is addictive, and despite the length, I hated to see it end, so I am really glad there will be more that will play into Marcus’ world.
I gave this 5 stars because it is a moving story about innocence, hatred, revenge, love, murder, joy, sadness, frustration, rage, and forgiveness. It runs the gammet of human emotions, while still providing a HEA that brings all facets together.
There are a few grammatical errors, mainly spellcheck errors I guess, but I was able to easily make out the authors intent.
Contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy, detailed intimate scenes and violence.
All three parts of the story bundled together. Easiest way to read this story. I totally fell in love with all of the characters, but especially Sharo.
The story is addictive, and despite the length, I hated to see it end, so I am really glad there will be more that will play into Marcus’ world.
I gave this 5 stars because it is a moving story about innocence, hatred, revenge, love, murder, joy, sadness, frustration, rage, and forgiveness. It runs the gammet of human emotions, while still providing a HEA that brings all facets together.
There are a few grammatical errors, mainly spellcheck errors I guess, but I was able to easily make out the authors intent.
March 25, 2020
WORTH IT!!!!
There's a turf war and Marcus (our main guy) is focused on revenge. Revenge for his sister. And a takeover of a city. When he finds the same replica of his sister's tormentor, he plans to kidnap her and marry her.
Oh Cora. The sweetness. Light. And naive young girl. She gets caught up in an ongoing feud that she didn't even realize.
As toy progress through each of these books you'll wonder "CORA, WHAT THE BLEEP ARE YOU DOING? GO BACK TO THAT MAN!!!! "
Or you might be wondering why Marcus acts the way he does.
Everything will be examined. You can watch Cora grow throughout these books and see her friends grow as well.
I would highly recommend this book and I was happy to see that The Beast and Daphne are in this book. What a small but interesting crossover.
There is definitely sexual content in this. Rated M/R. DO NOT READ IN THE PUBLIC.
There's a turf war and Marcus (our main guy) is focused on revenge. Revenge for his sister. And a takeover of a city. When he finds the same replica of his sister's tormentor, he plans to kidnap her and marry her.
Oh Cora. The sweetness. Light. And naive young girl. She gets caught up in an ongoing feud that she didn't even realize.
As toy progress through each of these books you'll wonder "CORA, WHAT THE BLEEP ARE YOU DOING? GO BACK TO THAT MAN!!!! "
Or you might be wondering why Marcus acts the way he does.
Everything will be examined. You can watch Cora grow throughout these books and see her friends grow as well.
I would highly recommend this book and I was happy to see that The Beast and Daphne are in this book. What a small but interesting crossover.
There is definitely sexual content in this. Rated M/R. DO NOT READ IN THE PUBLIC.
October 12, 2022
Really good trilogy
Overall I did enjoy this trilogy and the take on hades and persephone. I have to say though, I was a little worried Marcus wouldn't come round. He was the epitome of the cold, hard and ruthless Mafia boss who seemed contradictory in how he first treated Cora and claimed to keep family and innocent's out of business.
Over the 3 books though you could see him start to thaw and be a little more warmer to Cora. I felt like Cora was awfully immature at times and she did kind of annoy me. She did finally come into her own though which was hood, although it seemed quite quick, almost too quick, because she's innocent and naive one minute and in the next she's slitting throat's like a pro and she's been doing it for years.
There were some grammatical errors but it didn't deter from the story too much. I would recommend and I will be reading the follow on books
Overall I did enjoy this trilogy and the take on hades and persephone. I have to say though, I was a little worried Marcus wouldn't come round. He was the epitome of the cold, hard and ruthless Mafia boss who seemed contradictory in how he first treated Cora and claimed to keep family and innocent's out of business.
Over the 3 books though you could see him start to thaw and be a little more warmer to Cora. I felt like Cora was awfully immature at times and she did kind of annoy me. She did finally come into her own though which was hood, although it seemed quite quick, almost too quick, because she's innocent and naive one minute and in the next she's slitting throat's like a pro and she's been doing it for years.
There were some grammatical errors but it didn't deter from the story too much. I would recommend and I will be reading the follow on books
May 27, 2022
This novel and plot had so much potential but sadly it felt flat for me. I can't even consider it a dark romance as it was pretty tame, I've read darker ones. The sexual chemistry between the two leads was palpable and I enjoyed their encounters, their non sexual one however leaves much to be desired. We wouldn't even need a trilogy and would have half of their problems solved if they only know how to communicate. I hated the way they drag the story with miscommunication and hiding stuff which I find really immature. I find the the heroine really weak, she doesn't stand up to the bullies and models who talk shit about her, guys who assault and harass her but suddenly tries to save someone who was kidnapped. No sense of self preservation and bites more than she can chew. I love naive and innocent heroines but I hate stupid brain dead ones and Cora is exactly that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2024
✨𝕳𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖘 & 𝕻𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖊𝖕𝖍𝖔𝖓𝖊✨
⛓️𝓛𝓮𝓮 𝓢𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓸⛓️
⛓️𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓪 𝓑𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴⛓️
𝐵𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓅𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓉𝑜𝑜.
Its an completely addictive hades and persephone retelling mixed with maffia romance and i just coudnt get enough of it!
I devoured this book instantly!!
The writing was very detailed and clear and it got me swallowed into the story instantly i just coudnt put it down!
I loved the growth of persephone as a naive girl who didnt understood the evil lurking in the world into a strong badass who wasnt taking anything from anyone, and Hades was just a big bad wolf lost in his own darkness until a certain light came his way!
Even the side characters were just amazing if there would ever be a book from them separately i would definitely go for them too!
This is one of those books id love to ever turn into a movie 🔥
I think this might be my favourite mafia dark romance so far 🫣
⛓️𝔔𝔲𝔬𝔱𝔢⛓️
𝓗𝓮’𝓭 𝓯𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼, 𝓼𝓵𝓪𝔂 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓼. 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓭 𝓼𝓮𝓮. 𝓗𝓮’𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓭.
⛓️𝓛𝓮𝓮 𝓢𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓸⛓️
⛓️𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓪 𝓑𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴⛓️
𝐵𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓅𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓉𝑜𝑜.
Its an completely addictive hades and persephone retelling mixed with maffia romance and i just coudnt get enough of it!
I devoured this book instantly!!
The writing was very detailed and clear and it got me swallowed into the story instantly i just coudnt put it down!
I loved the growth of persephone as a naive girl who didnt understood the evil lurking in the world into a strong badass who wasnt taking anything from anyone, and Hades was just a big bad wolf lost in his own darkness until a certain light came his way!
Even the side characters were just amazing if there would ever be a book from them separately i would definitely go for them too!
This is one of those books id love to ever turn into a movie 🔥
I think this might be my favourite mafia dark romance so far 🫣
⛓️𝔔𝔲𝔬𝔱𝔢⛓️
𝓗𝓮’𝓭 𝓯𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓼, 𝓼𝓵𝓪𝔂 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓼. 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂’𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓭 𝓼𝓮𝓮. 𝓗𝓮’𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓭.
April 27, 2020
Wow
What did I read that was so good sorry to see it go . never saw that coming on the wedding night.i always wonder why he was ok with cora in his building and no one else could get it . That wedding night with Marcus . He terrified me even .I didn't think he had a right to get mad at cora after what he did to her and treated her .she was just trying to help out.really stupid though really dumb. Boy after how he treated her . The sex scenes wa la . All in good taste finally he said those words to her. I could of smacked him in the end counting the weeks .sorry story is over. Great great read thank you for the journey
What did I read that was so good sorry to see it go . never saw that coming on the wedding night.i always wonder why he was ok with cora in his building and no one else could get it . That wedding night with Marcus . He terrified me even .I didn't think he had a right to get mad at cora after what he did to her and treated her .she was just trying to help out.really stupid though really dumb. Boy after how he treated her . The sex scenes wa la . All in good taste finally he said those words to her. I could of smacked him in the end counting the weeks .sorry story is over. Great great read thank you for the journey
August 19, 2024
I would highly recommend that you read the trigger warnings before reading. Not gonna lie as I really struggled with the 2nd book but felt that the third book pulled it all together and redeemed it for me in the end. There was a lot of dark and intense moments in the book and I felt that this was a pretty good twist of Persephone and Hades retelling in our time frame today with the mafia theme. The attraction between Cora and Marcus is undeniable and at times I really wanted to smack the characters around. This whole story really came together over the 3 parts and I loved seeing the characters grow. This is a solid 4/5 stars
December 23, 2019
Interesting ride into a new city
This was an interesting glimpse into the underworld of Ndw Olympus set as a backdrop for the coming together of a naive country girl and a mafia don. I think there was good background info in the conflicts present in the book and the love story followed a good pace. I did wish that the heroine came through quicker I opening up. Looking forward to the next one. There were several instances of editing issues as well but they were not overwhelming.
This was an interesting glimpse into the underworld of Ndw Olympus set as a backdrop for the coming together of a naive country girl and a mafia don. I think there was good background info in the conflicts present in the book and the love story followed a good pace. I did wish that the heroine came through quicker I opening up. Looking forward to the next one. There were several instances of editing issues as well but they were not overwhelming.
July 12, 2022
Worth the read
I really liked the first book, second not so much, third was better than the second. Overall, there was GREAT steam, interesting take on the story, and good character development. My biggest complaint would be that the story would get slow at times and difficult to follow. The plot was all over the place at times with a lot of characters coming in and out. I liked the connection with Marcus and Cora but the on/off thing got annoying especially with her denying her feelings for him. However when they were together... oh so hot!
I really liked the first book, second not so much, third was better than the second. Overall, there was GREAT steam, interesting take on the story, and good character development. My biggest complaint would be that the story would get slow at times and difficult to follow. The plot was all over the place at times with a lot of characters coming in and out. I liked the connection with Marcus and Cora but the on/off thing got annoying especially with her denying her feelings for him. However when they were together... oh so hot!
August 19, 2024
This is what you get when you combine two really hot writers. I love the story of Cora and Marcus this sucks you into the story and leaves you gasping for more at the end. Marcus and Cora's life has not been easy and looks like it is not going to improve anytime soon. Cora is a such a strong person and has gone through so much abuse in her life. Marcus over her life and made it a fairy tale. What started out great turns out to be so much more than anyone could imagine. I feel sorry for Marcus now, that he is so misunderstood , it has taken so much for him to see what is before him.
Read
November 7, 2019This is one of the most intense sets that are a must read. Marcus makes you melt with his oh so sexy voice and his naughty deeds. I can understand why Cora is caught in his web. The dynamics of their relationship is mind boggling and sensual. You want the set as each book ends in cliffhangers and being able to go from one book to the next is a must. You won't regret this.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
May 31, 2020
Complete Innocence boxset....
This is Marcus and Cora. Three books of a fanfreakingtastic read. Skillfully woven dialogue and backstories that takes you on a journey of these two. It's like Romeo and Juliet meets ancient mythology meets mafia world of today. All the feels with a dark attitude. This book was intense, dramatic, gritty, and angsty. It was hot, sexy and oh so tingle worthy. New authors for me and I'm a fan.
This is Marcus and Cora. Three books of a fanfreakingtastic read. Skillfully woven dialogue and backstories that takes you on a journey of these two. It's like Romeo and Juliet meets ancient mythology meets mafia world of today. All the feels with a dark attitude. This book was intense, dramatic, gritty, and angsty. It was hot, sexy and oh so tingle worthy. New authors for me and I'm a fan.
October 18, 2021
Cora starts of as a dumb, naive character. By the time we get to book three, she’s still a dumb, naive character with a penchant for getting herself into dangerous situations. Marcus is supposed to be a mysterious, morally grey character. The kind of person that readers hate to love but I felt nothing. The romance between Marcus and Cora is supposed to redeem them but nothing could make up for Cora’s stupidity or Marcus’ incredibly bland personality.
March 26, 2022
Not my usual cup of tea
Definitely hotter than lead to believe, but seriously not my usual cup of tea. The naivety of Heroine is over played as male lead is the "big bad wolf" the flip from lovers to not so lovers and back keeps the heat.
The cover would lead to believe it is a Greek Mythology retelling, but the plot only keeps enough of the references to keep it interesting.
Still, over all a decent story telling.
Definitely hotter than lead to believe, but seriously not my usual cup of tea. The naivety of Heroine is over played as male lead is the "big bad wolf" the flip from lovers to not so lovers and back keeps the heat.
The cover would lead to believe it is a Greek Mythology retelling, but the plot only keeps enough of the references to keep it interesting.
Still, over all a decent story telling.
September 12, 2022
I love a good retelling of Hades and Persephone and the love story around them. Especially when the retelling takes on a different and untold perspective. I was hooked into this book within the first several chapters and invested by the end of the first book. It was able to pull the feelings that I look for in a dark romance. I would recommend this book for any lovers of the Hades and Persephone love story.
November 17, 2022
"Hades and Persephone"? Ummm... No
This book was based on the myth of Persephone and Hades but I really did not get that from this story. Was it a good story? Yes.
I found Marcus a little too much to deal with at times, but I guess this is what makes him a good Alphahole. Cora really got on my last nerve sometimes, but it was nice to see her growth over throughout the series.
It kept my interest. I think it will keep yours.
Happy reading!
This book was based on the myth of Persephone and Hades but I really did not get that from this story. Was it a good story? Yes.
I found Marcus a little too much to deal with at times, but I guess this is what makes him a good Alphahole. Cora really got on my last nerve sometimes, but it was nice to see her growth over throughout the series.
It kept my interest. I think it will keep yours.
Happy reading!
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