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Bleeding Hearts #1

Smoke and Mirrors

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**AMAZON TOP 100 SELLER**

Lilah
One night is all it took.
One night changed all of my plans.
One night laid a road map out for the rest of my life.

My heart now belongs to him- Antonio Robert Heart, the underboss of the Heart Syndicate that governs over New York and its five boroughs. He rules with an unwavering hand yielding the blade of his knife, but when his strong hands touch me, I become liquid. I melt into his all-consuming prowess.

The thing is, he doesn't want me... even though he craves me.

Antonio
I don’t date. I don’t love. I don’t want marriage and I do not want children. I only allow myself companionship when the desire is there.

Lilah Tomlinson was supposed to be one night-one hour at the most.

I was a fool.

My desire for her prevailed and I let her in... only to find out she has betrayed me. That muscle in my chest, the one she has penetrated and brought to life, it shrivels with the worst kind of anger: WRATH.


***This book is a dark romance with strong sexual content and violent scenes. If you are uncomfortable with either of these situations please do not read! 18+


Chapter One
ANTONIO

Her lips feel incredible. Her smile is one of many I have seen gazing up at me from the spare room floor of my penthouse. She licks the corner of her lip. Her smile turns mischievous. I see a glint of craziness flicker in her pupils.
Oh, yeah, the next hour or two will be fun.
What she doesn't know is that her time is limited. I'll use her just like she is using me. She uses me for who I am-for the stature and clout I hold predominantly in the state of New York, but across the country as well. The society girl just moved up the ladder a couple of notches by getting to spend the night with the infamous Antonio Heart, the bad boy of New York City. Though, she is only getting a couple hours out of me. I sound arrogant as fuck, I know, but it is what it is and will always be that way. I use her only for what she was genetically born with. There will be no insta-love at the end of this transaction. She is disposable. I'll throw her out before she can take that post orgasmic breath.
My fingers grip the brown hair at the back of her head. I let my knees relax and sink into the rhythm of her ministrations, allowing her to freely perform for me. Because that’s what this is. A performance, an act… it’s all fake. I need what she has, and she wants what I can give her. I'll give her that minute she needs to make herself feel good. Then I'll take over.
No one but one man governs me. Whether she thinks it or not right now, I am in control.
I am always in control.
I let my eyes close, letting myself feel what's happening to my body. Damn. It's been a minute. I release a breath, relaxing further. Between being exhausted of spending time with self-boasting, fake women that fall into the starfish position and wait for the magic to happen when they get here, and redoing my newly acquired club, Temptations, I can't remember the last time I actually enjoyed a blowjob.
Another minute passes before I’ve had enough. She is lucky I have let her have this long. I hear the familiar chirp from my phone sitting on the edge of the mattress, alerting me of an incoming message. I ignore the first chirp but then three more consecutive alerts sound. My blood starts flowing, becoming a virulent serpentine gliding through my veins. Not from the woman on her knees in front of me, although she is pretty talented with her tongue, but because I know that those consecutive messages are ones I have been waiting for. I need to move this along. She’s playing with me, which was fine for the moment, but now it’s not. I’m halfway there. My fingers twist in her overly stiff hair she primped to what she thought was perfection for a night out club hopping. I knock her hands away from my swelled length and let my hips take over. The repetitive flexing of my hips progress to a faster speed as the seconds tick. She lets out a long moan. My phone chirps again and again. My shoulders tense because of the alerts and my thighs mirror my shoulders. I am close.
I can feel it in my bones, they got him.
I need to hurry this along.
With three more thrusts, I plunge as deep as I can with a release so strong my knees almost buckle. She gasps at the sudden unexpected surge of salty heat. No warning was needed. She knew what she was down there for.
My energy is momentarily zapped. My breathing is still heavy when in one swift moment, I pull from the warmth of her mouth, tuck myself away, refasten the zipper to my slacks, and lunge for my phone. I hear her whine from behind me. I take the steps away, creating more distance. Always alert, I hear her fumble. I turn back and glance at her. I shouldn’t have turned my back on her to begin with.
My screen comes to life with the print of my finger and so does my lineage. A lifelong blood oath is now rapidly flowing through my veins with the speed of revenge as i...

487 pages, ebook

Published February 16, 2021

716 people are currently reading
2377 people want to read

About the author

Michelle B.

9 books181 followers
Michelle B was born and raised in New Jersey, where she lives with her husband and furry co-writing buddy Mr. Bojangles. After secretly writing two of the five books in the Heart series, she decided it was time to hit the publish button. She has turned her love for reading hot, steamy books into writing them. Her way of writing angsty, suspenseful romance draws you in and makes you feel like you live inside the pages alongside the characters. She is unapologetically addicted to Starbucks and loves going to the movies with her husband of thirty years.

Michelle B's Website
https://authormichelleb.com/index.php...

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COMPLETED BOOKS:

HEART SERIES
Breathe With Me (Caelan and Sofia)
Breathing Together (Caelan and Sofia)
Breathing On My Own (Conclusion of Caelan and Sofia's story)
Where The Chips May Fall (Luke and Jess)
Skinny Love (Chris and Nikki)
Jingle My Ballz (A short holiday story)

BLEEDING HEARTS SERIES
Smoke and Mirrors (Standalone)
The Fixer (Coming Soon)



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5 stars
634 (46%)
4 stars
386 (28%)
3 stars
227 (16%)
2 stars
70 (5%)
1 star
46 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for P.
653 reviews41 followers
March 21, 2022
Raising my hand, I slowly brush the back of my knuckles over the bruising already starting to form on her cheek. “Who did this to you, dolcezza?”


So I'm conflicted about this book first of all it was too long. Like I liked the characters but so many secondary characters were spoken about I was lost, why you might ask well even tho this is the first book in this new series it's a spin off or other books in another series that are interconnected in my opinion you should probably read the other books first to enjoy this. I felt like so much info was added in this book about those secondary characters it distracted from the book and MC's themselves. I found myself at moments skim reading certain parts cuz it was unnecessary filler added idk why. I liked Antonio alot but gosh darn it he was dumb AF but also hot AF he was a pretty big douchebag to Lilith but I liked him. Lilith was sexy as heck loved her alot. Idk I felt like something was missing to make this a wow book.


Book was sent for free in exchange for a honest review all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
February 9, 2021
WOW! What a freaking amazing story. Lilah and Antonio are one of the hottest couples I have ever read. Antonio is an Alpha A-hole to the fullest who only cares about his work and his family until he doesn't.. In walks the gorgeous Lilah and completely flips Antonio's entire world upside down.

Lilah is one amazing, strong, out spoken, strong and independent characters that I have ever read. She does not shy away from speaking her mind by any means and she doesn't give 2 f**ks about who Antonio is and what he is capable of and I am here for it. I love how feisty she is and gives as good as she gets. Lilah is all about family and the sacrifices that she has had to make, made my heart ache for her. With all that being said she is still a down right romantic and still believes in love. Now Antonio on the other hand is the polar opposite of Lilah, this man is sexy as hell, a complete a** that gets what he wants no questions asked and only cares about business and family. Antonio is so cold it seems like nothing can penetrate his black heart until...... LILAH! God their chemistry is so freaking hot it melts the pages and damn their spicy scenes WHEW they need to be read in private and have a new set of panties handy. Besides the hot sex Antonio and Lilah's banter is great. There were many times I LOL because she does not care who this man is she know what she is worth and demands respect period.

There are lots of great twists and turns with secrets and non stop action and drama. Everything keeps you guessing until the very end. There are also a ton of amazing supporting characters, I don't think I have ever had 1 book have so many amazing supporting characters from Antonio's entire family (they are so amazing) to Giovanni & Demetri who love to give Antonio crap (I love them) who I hope get their own story!!! Last but not least Lilah's best friend Katie who is her ride or die. Best friend a girl could ever ask for and she is no questions asked lets do it kind of girl.

I would 100% recommend Smoke and Mirrors to anyone and everyone!! I cannot wait to get more from this series and this author. I will be reading EVERYTHING she writes!
Profile Image for Deb Richmond.
704 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2022
Disrespectful to readers

Here’s what is good about this book -

*The writer weaves a good narrative although the book doesn’t really get going until after the 50% mark.

*The characters are strong and well-developed.

Here’s what is bad about this book -

*The grammar, usage, syntax, punctuation, and spelling are atrocious.

Examples:

Lesson in “manors” (manners)
“Road” his d—- (rode)
Don’t want to “implement” you (implicate)
“Reign” it in (rein)

Even when Lilah’s real last name is revealed, it’s misspelled.

In the front of the book, it says there’s an editor, but it might be a good idea to get a new one as well as a proofreader.

I recommend the author study correct pronoun case usage, correct comma usage, and study basic grammar.

Also, the constant need to let readers know what song is playing dos not make the book better - it should be done more organically. Look at books like those by Sophie Lark where it’s done well to get a general idea.

It is incredibly disrespectful to ask people to pay for a book that is so riddled with mistakes. This is my first and last book by this author.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
February 19, 2021
Antonio, a powerful Underboss, only asks for companionship when he wanted/needed it. So, when Lilah comes into his life in his nightclub “Temptations” he’s drawn to her but decides against it. Being noticed by Antonio put Lilah on his radar and her life would never be the same.

Lilah held to her values, especially when it came to family- that is where her loyalty was. In essence just like Antonio, his loyalty was to the mafia. Even though they were both different, they both held the same values and were more alike than they knew.

Their story was anything but pretty but it had both of them, so I knew it was going to be a heck of a ride with two hot headed individuals. The lies, secrets and drama had me paying closer attention to be able to figure the ending. These two gave us a firework show that was intense. Be ready to cry, hate, and love Antonio & Lilah! Kara~ 5 Stars
Profile Image for Bookish.
1,473 reviews27 followers
February 16, 2021
A super dark mafia romance that reads fabulously!! Definitely a book you need to be in the mood for but so worth the time.
Profile Image for Jos.
1,834 reviews141 followers
February 28, 2021
4-4.5 Stars
Very good I loved both Antonio and Lilah! First read by this author and it won’t be my last:)
Profile Image for Maria.
132 reviews18 followers
August 16, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed, I'm going to read book 2 the Hero is the right hand man of this
🧡Age gap he's older 34 , she's 23
🧡 Hates relationships Hero, duck them and chuck them type
🧡Very very JP🔥
🧡 Betrayal ( my jaw hit the floor)
🧡Twists you don't know what's what
🧡OM drama (her best friend likes her)
🧡OW drama (a old fling for appearances)
🧡Action
🧡He's a bad guy ❤️
🧡 Fiesty Heroine
🧡Many scene's with him going nuts at her 🔥❤️
🧡 She's in college
It's a fantastic book all the feels, it's not insta but he's obsessed and hates it.

#Amazon
Profile Image for Leah.
701 reviews34 followers
February 16, 2021
I started this book having an extremely hard time connecting with the book. There was so much wordage that I was afraid the book itself would be lost, but about 30% of the way into the book, it starts to pick up. From there, the book almost seems to take on a different spin. There is more action, less description, and much more connecting with the characters on the pages. There are a lot of twists and turns that I never expected, but was throughly content with. Lilah and Antonio were a force to be reckoned with, and they brought out the best of each other. Even when Antonio saw that as weakness. There were moments, that I wasn’t sure if I would like where the story was taking us, but the author kept true to these characters and their unwavering devotion to each other, even when trying to fight it. Lilah is not some wallflower that allows men to walk all over her. She has a quiet strength that she has gained from past experiences. You know that she will never allow herself to be put into that type of situation ever again. Antonio is a hard alpha-hole that is hard to like, but shows such a softeners after a while, but only with Lilah. There is the added addition of his and her families, and both sides bring a solid cast of supporting characters. I haven’t read Michelle B. before and I enjoyed the book, and will definitely give her a read again.
Profile Image for Jenna.
872 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2021
Ah-mazing Mafia Book! My first book by Michelle B and I will definitely be stalking her other books to catch up. This is book 1 of the Bleeding Hearts but the wonderful side characters already have some books in another series. I did not feel clueless or like I needed that info to enjoy the book and the characters.

Antonio Heart is the an Italian Mob Boss and is a major alpha a**hole! He is brutal and he doesn't have time for those who are not loyal to the family or distractions. Just opening a night club and a girl dancing in his club has captured his attention like none before but a relationship is not his thing. I wasn't sure about Antonio in the beginning but holy hotness once the story got going with both mc there is so much heat, tension, attraction and steamy scenes.

I absolutely loved Lilah. She is fierce, strong, and independent. She amazed me time and time again with her actions and words. She made me laugh at the way she stood up to Antonio and threw him off his game at times. Exactly the type of woman he needed to capture his heart.

Great enjoyable read - kind of a slow burn, age gap mafia book but one that will take you on a page turning adventure.
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,989 reviews91 followers
February 16, 2021
I am literally kicking myself right now. I started BREATHE WITH ME, which was Caelen & Sofia’s story, a while back. But another arc came up and I had to put it away. Bad thing is, I never got around to finishing it. Not that this story couldn’t be a standalone. It absolutely could. But there is so much back story and characters I would love to know more about had I read all of the Heart Series. There is so much to love about all these other characters.

Ok, onward we go into my thoughts of Antonio & Lilah’s story. I remember going along and enjoying their story and being “yeah this is an ok read” when the “oh what the heck did Lilah just say?” part happened. I had to read those last few sentences of that chapter a couple times. Then the rest of the story became like “hell yeah that’s what I’m talking about” kind of read. I was 100% reading whenever I could. I was in deep once that secret twist was revealed and only found myself sinking deeper as the story continued on and the twists kept coming.

Antonio is a complete alpha a-hole. He did nothing for me from the beginning. Up until halfway through that is. Then I was giving him lusty side eyes, knowing there was more to him. Of course he showed his alpha a-hole side a few more times, but I was willing to let those slide. I had faith he would redeem himself from his a-hole’ish tendencies.

SKOKE AND MIRRORS was a delicious, well written story that has me eager for what comes next for the Hearts. All the stars!!
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,626 reviews150 followers
February 15, 2021
This is my first book by this author and what a book I picked to pop my Michelle B cherry. From what I understand there are previous books featuring Antonio's family but I didn't feel like it was necessary to read them to enjoy this book.

The first few chapters were focused on Antonio which made me get a good understanding of who he is and where he fit in the organisation. I liked that book does not shy away from the dark brutal side of the Mafia. We see Antonio in his role as the brutal Underboss and boy does he enjoy his work. Lilah is as much a mystery for the reader as she is for Antonio. With one glance her fate is sealed, the chemistry between them is scorching you can feel the heat from the pages. There are many twists and turns and I loved the air of mystery that surrounds Lilah, her past and arrival into his life. I particularly liked all the dark Mafia drama that gives an edgy feel to the story. I enjoyed this book and I'm going to check out her other work.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,532 reviews80 followers
February 16, 2021
Thrilling, action-packed, sexy story!

This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last.

Antonio and Lilah’s story will hook you right from the very start and keep its hooks in you right to the very end. It’s packed with drama, danger, angst, suspense, murder and mayhem but don’t forget that it’s also filled with some intensely erotic moments that will melt your panties.

With non-stop action, twists and turn throughout and a whole lot of drama, you will be left guessing how this one is going to end.

A well written story that has left me anticipating the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,834 reviews
July 21, 2021
Omg!! Omg!! This book was one hell of a ride!! It consumed me! The angst was over the top! The mysterious feel had me anxiously waiting for the what was coming next! The suspense, action and chaos was overly exciting! My first experience with this author and I’m so taken that I’m reading all of Michelle B.’s books!! Smoke and Mirrors was exceptionally intense and exciting!! Phenomenal story!!
Profile Image for Jackie Brown.
279 reviews
November 7, 2022
Smoke and Mirrors

OMG. This book grabbed me on the first page and so I kept reading to the very end. And still didn’t want to leave the world of the Heart Mafia. Characters who have such depth and complexity suck the reader in, wishing for their HEA and redemption. Michelle B is now one of my favorite authors. I have no doubt she will be on your list soon. Enjoy.
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,173 reviews27 followers
February 23, 2021
Lilah & Antonio story was just hot, suspense and action pack! I love the music that has been selected for certain scenes. I will tell you now when I hear this music I will think of them scenes. This is slow building romance and suspense to cause we learn about Lilah family mystery. I love Antonio's family they maybe Mafia but they are loyal & loving to each other. OH! not to spoil too much but the vows for the wedding EPIC 😍 & blood rings

☆MUST READ 2021☆
THIS BOOK IS SMOKING HOT🔥
Age gap, mafia romance with plenty of action & suspense PLUS very steamy scenes, my fingers burned from them!
Profile Image for books_n_ink217 Elizabeth Welch.
371 reviews21 followers
February 14, 2021
This was a really well written mafia romance. Antonio has new club opening up. From high up in his office, he sees the woman who will capture his attention for good. So much is happening in the background of their relationship. Big brothers, little sisters, bodyguards, torture, kidnapping. Lilah is exactly what Antonio needs, he just doesn’t know it. This is the first I’ve read from this author so I’m excited to go see what else she has to offer! A+ from me!
Profile Image for annasbook nookk.
970 reviews74 followers
February 21, 2021
Wow I've just read this and and emotional.
What a beautiful, hard, love story this was.
The slow burn and angst of the couple had me feeling all sorts!!
Michelle is a exceptional writer!!
This story is full of angst, lust, heartache and love.
So many characters bring this book together and the secrets that come out blew me away.
The spice was brilliant too.
Profile Image for Mehtap.
569 reviews18 followers
March 1, 2021

09-D57-B88-07-C3-4-EE4-8-BC3-326-BBD970384

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

3.5 stars
I have nothing against the writing style that was awesome but the plot was not for me. I like my books slow burn and with angst. Yeah he didn’t fall in love with her on the first chapter but surely he was interested in her. Also the female lead had many things I didn’t like. Her attitude was not a match for me.
If you looking for steamy sex scenes and a mafia book this is for you.

2-CAB838-E-6-AC5-4-FF4-9-E50-E3-B0-B5280-B3-A
84 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2021
Love this author

Antonio's story is a written as separate yet connected to the Heart Series. It did not disappoint. I love stories where the big, bad alpha hole with no intentions of love get slammed. I love watching them fight and struggle again their feelings. Poor Antonio just had a hard time accepting he couldn't stop what was happening to him. Lilia fought it too but women are much quicker to accept then men. Although Antonio fell much faster.
Michelle B. has become a must read author for me. I am so invested in the lives of these characters, waiting for the next story will be a chore. I want to dive into this world and see all the characters from previous books day to day lives. I want to watch them interact with each other and see how their relationships change over time.
If you've read the Heart Series then you need to read this book. If you haven't read The Heart Series, then why not start here. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2021
Whoa! I’ve been sleeping this author and it’s time for me to wake up and join the party.

This book surrounds the Heart Family. There is a previous series with Antonio’s family however I have yet to read it and don’t feel that it’s needed to read it first to jump into this book.

Antonio is the underboss and has no time or want for a relationship. However one look at Lilah and the chemistry is off the charts! It’s a physical entity whenever they are in the same area together.

They are drawn to each other and they are on a collision course they could have never predicted. Lilah may have known more about Antonio before they officially met however it’s minuscule after truths are revealed on both sides.

There is angst, drama, suspense and romance jam packed into this book. I’m excited for the next book in the series but while I wait I’m diving into the previous Heart Series to get my fill.
Profile Image for Nicolette Eyssen.
279 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2021
She has outdone herself with this book.
I’ve loved all of Michelle’s books but this one....
Whewwwww

I’ve steadily watched her takes more chances with her writing and she has hit a sweet spot. I couldn’t put this book down. Her words twisted my insides and I’m ready to read it again already.

Dark, twisted, brutal, while telling a love story.
Well done!

MUST READ
Profile Image for C.M. Danks.
Author 8 books73 followers
January 19, 2021
Michelle did it again...

She is the Queen of putting you directly into the story! Between the perfect dialogue and being able to let the reader draw out every emotion being felt, I don’t know how she does it. This is BOOK ONE of the new Bleeding Hearts series... spin off from the Heart Series. 🌹

Let me start off by saying, Antonio is on FIRE! 🔥
I loved him in the other books but I LOVED him in Smoke and Mirrors... absolute boss!
Antonio is the boss of his Italian mafia and he now owns/runs the nightclub, Temptations.

What happens when the stunning Lilah shows up at Antonio’s nightclub? Instinct attraction... hot, sexy, melt my insides steaminess.
I was hooked from chapter 1! This book is filled with lust, drama, action... never a dull moment! And the way Antonio always calls Lilah, “Dolcezza” ugh my heart!

“I will protect you... I will honor your choices. I will bring men to their knees if one harms you.” ~ Antonio

Family is everything.
Family protects you.
Without family, you have nothing.
If you betray one of us, you betrayed all of us.

Highly recommend and I give it 10 stars because well 5 is just not enough! 💫

*I received this book as an ARC copy*
Profile Image for Jodie.
444 reviews49 followers
February 22, 2021
Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com

In Short
- My first, but not last, book by Michelle B
- So much transpires its hard to stop thinking about.
- I wish we had seen even more of the secondary characters.

In Long
This is my first book by Michelle but it definitely won't be my last. Days later I am still thinking about this book and all that transpired.

Smoke and Mirrors has so much to it, you think things are starting to get to some sort of conclusion and something else is thrown in to the mix and everything is so far from over. There are so many different 'paths' that Michelle takes both with her characters and the story line.

Antonio and his family are very clearly well thought out, each family member bringing something 'to the table.' I find their family all so intriguing and I really enjoyed getting to see in to their world. I felt it was refreshing because a lot of books like this don't have a big family network like this one. I definitely crave more

Lilah is a likeable, strong character who challenges Antonio. I was really entertained by the push and pull between them.

I enjoyed the book being from both sides and therefore getting to know them both in equal terms and also knowing and seeing what each is thinking. Michelle did a brilliant job of ensuring this didn't mean the reader knew too much, there were many scenes that happens almost behind the readers back and I loved this.

There are a few things which I feel would have made this a 5* for me. I love secondary characters and I often think they make or break a book. Michelle made some brilliant, likeable secondary characters that really added to the book. However because I liked them so much I wanted more and felt I didn't get enough. Especially of Giovanna who I really liked and hope he gets his own book! His relationship with Antonio was endearing as well as entertaining.
Another thing for me was a bit of repetition about certain 'subjects' such as loyalty. It was mentioned a few times near the beginning which I felt was enough.

I didn't know until the end and reading the credits that Michelle's other books are linked to the same family. Seeing the glimpses of them throughout the book i can't wait to read their stories, they sound as action packed.

Final Thoughts
Smoke and Mirrors has the perfect balance of everything, all perfectly combined and mixed to create a gripping, action packed, raw romance book.
Profile Image for Kathleen Velasco.
25 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2021
“I dare you to love me, Antonio.” I swallow the knot in my throat. “You may be confident in all things business, but being in love with someone, you are not. The love you feel for your family is different than what you would feel for me and that scares the shit out of you. I know you feel something for me. I knew by the kiss you placed on the back of my neck last night that still burns my skin.” He stays completely silent as he stares straight ahead at the wall. “You can trust me.” My voice softens. “I will not hurt you. I will not betray you, Antonio. I will not betray us or what is even happening between us. Give me something. Something I can hold on to, Antonio!”

The book is about a mafia don, Antonio, who only cares about his family and his business. He doesn’t care about who he hurts as long as he gets what he wants and he can protect his family. That is until Lilah, an outspoken girl who does and says what she wants, arrives in his club. He immediately gets drawn to her and wants to have her for himself but decides against it when he notices her age. However, his attraction to her place her right in the center of his world, gaining the interest of a lot of dangerous people.

I love how Lilah doesn’t care who Antonio is. She deserves respect and wants to be loved so she tells and demands it from him. Their chemistry is unmistakable and just sizzling in the air. There are a ton of plot twists that i did not expect at all. I was always at the edge of my seat halfway through the end.

The book was really hard to get into the first few chapters. Thats why it took me a lot longer than usual to finish. However about 30%-50% of the book it started to pick up, it wasn’t so dragging and there was a lot more intensity, heat, action, and I was able to connect with the characters more.

I would definitely recommend this book to people who love slow burn, age gap, mafia books. I’m so excited for the rest of Michelle B’s books especially in this series.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
February 20, 2021
“I suggest you watch what you say, Lilah.” “Oh, yea?” I see it as a challenge. “I dare you to love, Antonio.” “I do love, Lilah. My family means everything to me.” “I dare you to love me, Antonio.”

The Heart Series is one of my all time favourite series and we are reunited with the characters in the first book of Bleeding Hearts. Although it isn’t necessary to read that series first I highly recommend that you do, as there are a lot of back stories about the struggles of their relationships. We knew that the Heart family were mafia but Smoke and Mirrors puts us right into the middle of the action. Don’t get too comfortable because you’ll be blindsided by the twists, even though a few very obvious...I guarantee you won’t see the others coming. I can’t wait for the next book of this series.

Antonio was a dominating, ruthless and unforgiving leader, the only person he answered to was his father. It is a dangerous life, always having to look over your shoulder and he didn’t want to show anyone weakness. He builds a wall around his heart to keep women at a distance. Until he saw a girl in a red dress dancing in his club, who knew she had the power to crush him.

My favourite part in this book was when Antonio’s father told him he had failed and he was disappointed. I was crying a river.

Lilah has secrets, but she wasn’t ready to share them just yet. Her agenda is to thank the man who saved her. She wasn’t expecting to be so attracted or to receive the attention of the Prince of New York. Once she was in his sights, she had no way out. A budding photographer, with dreams of travelling around the globe working. Lilah was a sassy, strong willed character, but at the same time she was a vulnerable little girl.
Profile Image for Rachael.
184 reviews
February 20, 2021
OMG @michelle_b_author you did such an amazing job on this bookers! I absolutely loved it!

Blurb:
Lilah
One night is all it took.
One night changed all of my plans.
One night laid a road map out for the rest of my life.

My heart now belongs to him- Antonio Robert Heart, the underboss of the Heart Syndicate that governs over New York and its five boroughs. He rules with an unwavering hand yielding the blade of his knife, but when his strong hands touch me, I become liquid. I melt into his all-consuming prowess.

The thing is, he doesn't want me... even though he craves me.

Antonio
I don’t date. I don’t love. I don’t want marriage and I do not want children. I only allow myself companionship when the desire is there.

Lilah Tomlinson was supposed to be one night-one hour at the most.

I was a fool.

My desire for her prevailed and I let her in... only to find out she has betrayed me. That muscle in my chest, the one she has penetrated and brought to life, it shrivels with the worst kind of anger: WRATH.

Review:
I just love Lilah! How could I not? She has sass and spunk and she doesn't let anyone control her and I LOVE IT!

Antonio. Mysterious, handsome, but also a Boss. He is dominating and I need a fan more then a few times reading this book. He is also fiercely loyal and protective. He grows so much throughout the story I just couldn't put it down.

GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW! It's amazing!
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,698 reviews39 followers
February 20, 2021
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Antonio is someone who believes the world revolves around him. He’s a man to be taken seriously. His rules are to be obeyed or else. Lilah seems to live in a bubble. She’s unaware of what actually goes on around her. Or does she just have people fooled – us included.

Our author creates an interesting mystery on top of letting us see Antonio do business. She keeps some information about her characters close to the vest. She will not show her many hands until she’s good and ready. Some of what she reveals is funny. Some of what she reveals is twisted. Some is direct and to the point. But it all keeps you on the edge of your seat right until the very last second.

The way she tells her story is like a scenic train trip. It starts off slow and builds up steam as it goes along. Every once in a while, we stop so we can see what she wants to show us and then we continue on our way. The story builds upon the scene that came before until we come to the last stop and are sad that the trip is over. But she gives her readers a few surprises before it is actually over. Since this is a part of a series, I have to wonder what type of trip she’s going to send us on next. Now I just need to know when my train ticket will be ready.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Emela.
324 reviews12 followers
February 17, 2021
I was searching for a mafia book in quite a while, and I just couldn’t find a good book until I read Smoke and Mirrors.
This was such a great love story. What Antonio and Lilah had was quite special and their love story developed into something that is worth reading if you like dark romance set in the mafia world.

I must admit that I wasn’t in the mood to read the book when I started it, but after reading more than 30-40% I started liking it way more than I thought that I would.
The smut scenes were to die for, especially from so much hotness *swoons*.
The way Antonio showed his feeling little by little and the way he expressed his love towards Lilah, definitely made me crave a relationship like theirs.

I must admit that I didn’t see the plot twist, but I did think that something fishy was going on from the very beginning.

The only thing that didn’t click right with me from the very beginning was the writing, I might have gotten used to a specific kind of writing because I seem to have a problem with a lot of romance books, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.

*I received an ARC of this book in return for a review and promo. This fact does not affect my view on the book and thus my review is 100% honest.*
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