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Dirty Crown
I always held hope that the day I left the compound would be the day I found freedom.
I was wrong.
My future had never really belonged to me. My father laid claim to it the day I was born, and I had been a stupid, naïve girl to wish for anything different.
As the heir to my father's immense empire, my crown sits heavily on my head as I navigate my way through dealings with the criminal world while trying to stay alive.
Unfortunately for me, my crown and my hands are forced to get dirty along the way. Thankfully, I'm not expected to do it alone. Roarke, my deadly bodyguard who's been by my side since I was six, is my shadow and always will be. I also now have Alessio, the cold, tattooed hottie, Roman, who conceals everything with fakeness that comes far too easily for him, and the alluring but sweet brothers, Tito and Enzo.
When bullets start flying, and people begin dying, my five guys not only stand behind me as the queen of their empire, but they also prove they have every right to be there by getting their hands just as dirty as my own.
Dirty Crown is a full-length, standalone reverse harem novel. This book is recommended for readers 18+. It contains sexual situations, swearing, violence, and some dark themes. It also contains MM as well as MFM.
I was wrong.
My future had never really belonged to me. My father laid claim to it the day I was born, and I had been a stupid, naïve girl to wish for anything different.
As the heir to my father's immense empire, my crown sits heavily on my head as I navigate my way through dealings with the criminal world while trying to stay alive.
Unfortunately for me, my crown and my hands are forced to get dirty along the way. Thankfully, I'm not expected to do it alone. Roarke, my deadly bodyguard who's been by my side since I was six, is my shadow and always will be. I also now have Alessio, the cold, tattooed hottie, Roman, who conceals everything with fakeness that comes far too easily for him, and the alluring but sweet brothers, Tito and Enzo.
When bullets start flying, and people begin dying, my five guys not only stand behind me as the queen of their empire, but they also prove they have every right to be there by getting their hands just as dirty as my own.
Dirty Crown is a full-length, standalone reverse harem novel. This book is recommended for readers 18+. It contains sexual situations, swearing, violence, and some dark themes. It also contains MM as well as MFM.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2021
61 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 14, 2022
A great book. I liked the fact that the female was in line for inheriting but I hate the father.
The guys were nice. Roarke is my favourite. I hoped that Hawk could have been a part of her harem too 😉😂 The spice and scenes were absolutely H-O-T 🥵
I loved the plot and the badass FMC. The end was amazing but it ended too soon. I wanted more. I wanted to see the guys and Valentina's relationship blossom and her brother and her interacting. 🥰
An amazing RH book with a great plot and character development 🦋
The guys were nice. Roarke is my favourite. I hoped that Hawk could have been a part of her harem too 😉😂 The spice and scenes were absolutely H-O-T 🥵
I loved the plot and the badass FMC. The end was amazing but it ended too soon. I wanted more. I wanted to see the guys and Valentina's relationship blossom and her brother and her interacting. 🥰
An amazing RH book with a great plot and character development 🦋
January 26, 2022
It was really long winded and honestly nothing really happened. They made this out like this was going to be she’s the mafia queen and she is badass and the guys all follow her but in reality they did nothing but question all of her tactics all the time and she never showed up for herself it was always under the rug and it was super super annoying. I just feel like for the amount of we would do anything for her we would die for her they seem to treat her like a child more than anything else. I was skimming hard by the end of this book and pretty over it
September 2, 2021
One word: pitiful.
April 3, 2021
I was needing this by Mary and I did not even know it. Dirty Crown had me from the start. Valentina and her bodyguard Roark drew me in. And when Alessio, Roman, Enzo and Tito joined the picture I was hooked. These guys all together a powerhouse, which is what was intended.
Valentina has been groomed by her father to rule his empire her father has created. So was Alessio, Roman, Enzo and Tito. They knew that their lives were going to be intertwined with Valentina's. The thing is each one brings something to this union, and each one is not nice in their own way. Be prepared to take a walk on the darker side. Can I say that I loved it very much.
Valentina has been groomed by her father to rule his empire her father has created. So was Alessio, Roman, Enzo and Tito. They knew that their lives were going to be intertwined with Valentina's. The thing is each one brings something to this union, and each one is not nice in their own way. Be prepared to take a walk on the darker side. Can I say that I loved it very much.
September 3, 2021
The premise of the book really caught my attention. A woman sitting on top as a mafia queen. Great, plus the reviews encouraged me to read it.
What a disappointment! I don't understand how it could have this rating.
When I started reading I was expecting a mafia story with the empowerment of a woman on the throne, with a super hot reverse harem in the presence of made mafia men. These scenes left me cold, they didn't convey any emotion to me. Then the author opened many factual threads without continuity or coherence. Many questions that were left unanswered and the truth is that I am no longer interested.
In Valentina I could only see a girl who assumed command of the organization with a clear lack of leadership, where the boys in her harem were the ones who took control, undermining her little authority, most of the time.
She did not wish to be like her father, but she did so many senseless things that made one think that this is how Giotto would have acted. A sample of the unstable personality that characterizes her, in addition to the hasty and instinctive decision making that led her to put herself in danger without being aware of it. Totally absurd.
Another book for the 2021 reading disaster pile. Every time I find a highly rated book and it turns out to be a fiasco I wonder if expecting consistency and values in the characters is overrated.
What a disappointment! I don't understand how it could have this rating.
When I started reading I was expecting a mafia story with the empowerment of a woman on the throne, with a super hot reverse harem in the presence of made mafia men. These scenes left me cold, they didn't convey any emotion to me. Then the author opened many factual threads without continuity or coherence. Many questions that were left unanswered and the truth is that I am no longer interested.
In Valentina I could only see a girl who assumed command of the organization with a clear lack of leadership, where the boys in her harem were the ones who took control, undermining her little authority, most of the time.
She did not wish to be like her father, but she did so many senseless things that made one think that this is how Giotto would have acted. A sample of the unstable personality that characterizes her, in addition to the hasty and instinctive decision making that led her to put herself in danger without being aware of it. Totally absurd.
Another book for the 2021 reading disaster pile. Every time I find a highly rated book and it turns out to be a fiasco I wonder if expecting consistency and values in the characters is overrated.
April 19, 2021
Conflicted
Dirty Crown was definitely entertaining but not my favorite read by this author. Still...I'm going with 3.5 and rounding it to 4 because I really enjoy this author overall and have loved some of her other work, and the story did keep my attention. If anything, there just wasn't enough writing to take this from good to GREAT.
Based on the blurb the author added, this is a standalone, which I interpret to mean this is the whole story.
My biggest issue with the story is that there really is a lot of potential but the author rarely took the time to fully develop the key plot points. There were too many abrupt endings to various threads.
***********"*SPOILERS AHEAD**************
In this story we have a girl who grew up in a prison basically, where she is trained and desensitized to brutality. Her father apparently plans to have her take over her business but other than training her to be okay with violence, he never teaches her anything about the business until one day he shows up and commands her to move into his mansion and appear at his side as his heir.
A ton of stuff goes down pretty quickly after that. Key player dies. Lots of open questions. New friendships are made. Great potential but never really goes anywhere (that we get to see) after their first meeting. New characters are introduced for a chapter, never to be seen again.
A lot of plot points felt loose or unfinished. First there was the Father. What was his goal all along? Was he planning to kill her, or did he really want her to become the heir? He comes to an abrupt end and we don't get any answers.
Then there is the four guys who she was in a sort of "arranged" relationship with. It was weird to me how quickly she accepted those relationships. They were all pretty much sleeping in the same apartment and going places together after their very first meeting. The guys also don't seem very cohesive to me so it hard to see how they would all work with a poly relationship. While the character building was decent, and there is some relationship building that happens, it felt mostly rushed and there are a lot of open questions about all of the characters.
There is the "new friendship" I mentioned. We get a few scenes (some of the best in the entire book), where we see Vallie (fmc) interact with Hawk, and those are action packed with great dialogue. Then after those scenes we never see or hear from him again. They had some significant things to still work out in how they would ally but all of that must take place offstage?
Something big happens at the end that was pretty pivotal and could have really improved the story if further development was put in, but it too was rushed. We watch it happen really fast and then we're left with questions that aren't satisfied.
The fmc is actually very likeable, if a bit like a pendulum with her various thoughts and actions (sometimes presenting as naive and sometimes as a badass). There are a few of her guys that were extra interesting and unique, plus the big unveil at the end! The story actually has a lot of potential but imo, book one would have needed to be slowed way down, with a lot more character and world building put in. This would likely need to be a series as opposed to a standalone to have been REALLY good.
Ratings:
Character Building: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
World Building: 🌎 🌎 🌎
Romance: 💓 💓 💓 (I think because it was so rushed and all the characters just accepted they would be in a relationship, I never felt as much of the potential build up of chemistry)
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 1/2 (note there is a mm relationship in this story)
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Drama: 👀 👀 👀👀
Suspense: 💣 💣 💣
Dark: 💀💀
Triggers: There is some musings on an abusive, neglected childhood and a few detailed fight scenes that result in some gruesome deaths but none this felt particularly dark compared to a lot of what is out there right now.
POVs: Multiple, but mostly told from the view of the fmc.
Ending: HFN? It ended somewhat abruptly, right after something really pivotal happens. It's not a bad ending but felt a bit anticlimactic. Unclear if Mary intends to write any more books under this story.
Recommend: Yes 👍
Dirty Crown was definitely entertaining but not my favorite read by this author. Still...I'm going with 3.5 and rounding it to 4 because I really enjoy this author overall and have loved some of her other work, and the story did keep my attention. If anything, there just wasn't enough writing to take this from good to GREAT.
Based on the blurb the author added, this is a standalone, which I interpret to mean this is the whole story.
My biggest issue with the story is that there really is a lot of potential but the author rarely took the time to fully develop the key plot points. There were too many abrupt endings to various threads.
***********"*SPOILERS AHEAD**************
In this story we have a girl who grew up in a prison basically, where she is trained and desensitized to brutality. Her father apparently plans to have her take over her business but other than training her to be okay with violence, he never teaches her anything about the business until one day he shows up and commands her to move into his mansion and appear at his side as his heir.
A ton of stuff goes down pretty quickly after that. Key player dies. Lots of open questions. New friendships are made. Great potential but never really goes anywhere (that we get to see) after their first meeting. New characters are introduced for a chapter, never to be seen again.
A lot of plot points felt loose or unfinished. First there was the Father. What was his goal all along? Was he planning to kill her, or did he really want her to become the heir? He comes to an abrupt end and we don't get any answers.
Then there is the four guys who she was in a sort of "arranged" relationship with. It was weird to me how quickly she accepted those relationships. They were all pretty much sleeping in the same apartment and going places together after their very first meeting. The guys also don't seem very cohesive to me so it hard to see how they would all work with a poly relationship. While the character building was decent, and there is some relationship building that happens, it felt mostly rushed and there are a lot of open questions about all of the characters.
There is the "new friendship" I mentioned. We get a few scenes (some of the best in the entire book), where we see Vallie (fmc) interact with Hawk, and those are action packed with great dialogue. Then after those scenes we never see or hear from him again. They had some significant things to still work out in how they would ally but all of that must take place offstage?
Something big happens at the end that was pretty pivotal and could have really improved the story if further development was put in, but it too was rushed. We watch it happen really fast and then we're left with questions that aren't satisfied.
The fmc is actually very likeable, if a bit like a pendulum with her various thoughts and actions (sometimes presenting as naive and sometimes as a badass). There are a few of her guys that were extra interesting and unique, plus the big unveil at the end! The story actually has a lot of potential but imo, book one would have needed to be slowed way down, with a lot more character and world building put in. This would likely need to be a series as opposed to a standalone to have been REALLY good.
Ratings:
Character Building: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
World Building: 🌎 🌎 🌎
Romance: 💓 💓 💓 (I think because it was so rushed and all the characters just accepted they would be in a relationship, I never felt as much of the potential build up of chemistry)
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 1/2 (note there is a mm relationship in this story)
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Drama: 👀 👀 👀👀
Suspense: 💣 💣 💣
Dark: 💀💀
Triggers: There is some musings on an abusive, neglected childhood and a few detailed fight scenes that result in some gruesome deaths but none this felt particularly dark compared to a lot of what is out there right now.
POVs: Multiple, but mostly told from the view of the fmc.
Ending: HFN? It ended somewhat abruptly, right after something really pivotal happens. It's not a bad ending but felt a bit anticlimactic. Unclear if Mary intends to write any more books under this story.
Recommend: Yes 👍
March 17, 2021
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Dirty Crown by Mary Martel
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
I am a Mary whore. I will read all she writes because they are dark, gritty, bloody, sexy as fuck, hilarious, and wrong all at the damn same time. I think I need therapy, but her books are all I every want in life. The crazier the character, the more I love them. The more broken the male, the more I need to have them in my stash of book boyfriends. This group of men do not disappoint…broke, alpha, arrogant, and sexy as hell men dominate Vallie’s life.
Valentina has had a life of squalor with her bodyguard Roarke to protect her in this compound. Her father is THE Mafia boss, and he loves her so much he treats her terrible. One day she is sprung from her hell to be thrust into a new roll…his puppet with his picked “husbands” for her. Yes, plural husbands. She is not willing to play his puppet, but she goes along with it until she and Roarke can figure it all out. When absolute chaos ensues, she becomes the head of THE FAMILY with her men. Friends, there is a grenade scene that absolutely cracked me up…..I mean I had mad Boss Bitch Vibes all day long for Vallie.
I loved all of her men. Roarke is delicious as her boytoy/bodyguard/lover. Enzo is the sweet one who is just as deadly who enjoys time with Roarke as well as Vallie. Roman with his crazy laughter and boy next door charm who is also scary as hell. Alessio who rules the house and the guards with brute force only we could love. Tito is a bit of mess who needs to figure stuff out but his love for Vallie is never ever to be questioned. But I did wanna nut punch him a time or two. However, If I could also see a Hawk enter this harem, it would be day made but I don’t think the MC President would be willing to share with the guys…darn. I guess just being her bestie will have to do.
This book has so much going on and I loved all the violence and grit, but all the sexy time was just as delicious!!! If you’re a Mary fan this will make your list for sure!!!
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.instagram.com/twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
Dirty Crown by Mary Martel
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
I am a Mary whore. I will read all she writes because they are dark, gritty, bloody, sexy as fuck, hilarious, and wrong all at the damn same time. I think I need therapy, but her books are all I every want in life. The crazier the character, the more I love them. The more broken the male, the more I need to have them in my stash of book boyfriends. This group of men do not disappoint…broke, alpha, arrogant, and sexy as hell men dominate Vallie’s life.
Valentina has had a life of squalor with her bodyguard Roarke to protect her in this compound. Her father is THE Mafia boss, and he loves her so much he treats her terrible. One day she is sprung from her hell to be thrust into a new roll…his puppet with his picked “husbands” for her. Yes, plural husbands. She is not willing to play his puppet, but she goes along with it until she and Roarke can figure it all out. When absolute chaos ensues, she becomes the head of THE FAMILY with her men. Friends, there is a grenade scene that absolutely cracked me up…..I mean I had mad Boss Bitch Vibes all day long for Vallie.
I loved all of her men. Roarke is delicious as her boytoy/bodyguard/lover. Enzo is the sweet one who is just as deadly who enjoys time with Roarke as well as Vallie. Roman with his crazy laughter and boy next door charm who is also scary as hell. Alessio who rules the house and the guards with brute force only we could love. Tito is a bit of mess who needs to figure stuff out but his love for Vallie is never ever to be questioned. But I did wanna nut punch him a time or two. However, If I could also see a Hawk enter this harem, it would be day made but I don’t think the MC President would be willing to share with the guys…darn. I guess just being her bestie will have to do.
This book has so much going on and I loved all the violence and grit, but all the sexy time was just as delicious!!! If you’re a Mary fan this will make your list for sure!!!
April 4, 2021
DNF - disappointed
So I liked this book, liked the plot. The MC is head honcho and in the beginning of the book there is talk of respect. And I’m thinking “yessss! They respect her! She is the leader, they listen to her and trust her to lead. So refreshing!” I was wrong. They disregard her orders in front of other, undermine her and make her look weak because of their male egos. Really let down that they aren’t actually letting her be the best and perceived as the best by her enemies and allies. People laugh at her, for good reason, because her own men don’t listen to her. 55% of the book and I was over it. Don’t keep telling me the men respect her with words only to show the exact opposite with actions. Lazy writing from an author trying to shake up a story but not actually following through. Actions speak louder than words and if a guy leaves the car you sent him to infront of an active negotiation? You look weak and all he does is smirk in return? Yea, I don’t want that guy near the MC or the MC to take that laying down, but she does. Smh.
So I liked this book, liked the plot. The MC is head honcho and in the beginning of the book there is talk of respect. And I’m thinking “yessss! They respect her! She is the leader, they listen to her and trust her to lead. So refreshing!” I was wrong. They disregard her orders in front of other, undermine her and make her look weak because of their male egos. Really let down that they aren’t actually letting her be the best and perceived as the best by her enemies and allies. People laugh at her, for good reason, because her own men don’t listen to her. 55% of the book and I was over it. Don’t keep telling me the men respect her with words only to show the exact opposite with actions. Lazy writing from an author trying to shake up a story but not actually following through. Actions speak louder than words and if a guy leaves the car you sent him to infront of an active negotiation? You look weak and all he does is smirk in return? Yea, I don’t want that guy near the MC or the MC to take that laying down, but she does. Smh.
June 29, 2021
Valentina is a kicka** FMC!
I love, just love Valentina! She did what she had to do in order to survive her father’s cruelty and her security guard helped. Once she is free of her father…well she finds more than her security guard to take care of her and help her run her dad’s empire. This is definitely a must read!!
I love, just love Valentina! She did what she had to do in order to survive her father’s cruelty and her security guard helped. Once she is free of her father…well she finds more than her security guard to take care of her and help her run her dad’s empire. This is definitely a must read!!
March 25, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story so much so that I really want more or this family. The guys are amazing and I fell in love with Valentina from the start.
Valentina’s father took her after her mother died and held her in a compound. She only had contact with her bodyguard, Roarke. You see Valentina’s dad is a mafia boss and he is setting things up for her to take over one day. He even goes as far as setting her up with some husbands. What daddy dearest didn't plan on was thing going not to his plan and his little girl has to take over as Mafia Boss sooner than he anticipated.
Valentina may have grown up in isolation but she is not one to mess with. Especially if someone threatens her family. Although she has fear she does not show it. I mean really anyone that is not afraid to carry a grenade and will use it is amazing in my book. Here is a little fact about our girl you do not touch her if she doesn’t want you to because you never know what sort of weapon, she has hidden on her.
I so loved these guys. They are all so different by all so right for Valentina. Roarke was the oldest but OH so yummy. He knows her the best being how he has been her body guard most of her life. Enzo caught the eye of not only Valentina but Roarke too. Tito is Enzo’s brother I’m not sure of him but he sure loves Valentina. OH wow, then we have Alessio talk about ruling with a strong hand and man does he do that especially with the guards. You cannot forget about Roman so loving toward Valentina but don’t under estimate him. There is one more we need to talk about how about Hawk the MC Prez and Valentina’s new BFF.
What a great book I’m only sad this is a stand-alone. I want to know so much more about this family. The guys were hot and Valentina was amazing. I even enjoyed Hawk. I loved all the guys and Valentina so much. They all have each other’s back and all love Valentina so much.
I absolutely loved this story so much so that I really want more or this family. The guys are amazing and I fell in love with Valentina from the start.
Valentina’s father took her after her mother died and held her in a compound. She only had contact with her bodyguard, Roarke. You see Valentina’s dad is a mafia boss and he is setting things up for her to take over one day. He even goes as far as setting her up with some husbands. What daddy dearest didn't plan on was thing going not to his plan and his little girl has to take over as Mafia Boss sooner than he anticipated.
Valentina may have grown up in isolation but she is not one to mess with. Especially if someone threatens her family. Although she has fear she does not show it. I mean really anyone that is not afraid to carry a grenade and will use it is amazing in my book. Here is a little fact about our girl you do not touch her if she doesn’t want you to because you never know what sort of weapon, she has hidden on her.
I so loved these guys. They are all so different by all so right for Valentina. Roarke was the oldest but OH so yummy. He knows her the best being how he has been her body guard most of her life. Enzo caught the eye of not only Valentina but Roarke too. Tito is Enzo’s brother I’m not sure of him but he sure loves Valentina. OH wow, then we have Alessio talk about ruling with a strong hand and man does he do that especially with the guards. You cannot forget about Roman so loving toward Valentina but don’t under estimate him. There is one more we need to talk about how about Hawk the MC Prez and Valentina’s new BFF.
What a great book I’m only sad this is a stand-alone. I want to know so much more about this family. The guys were hot and Valentina was amazing. I even enjoyed Hawk. I loved all the guys and Valentina so much. They all have each other’s back and all love Valentina so much.
March 19, 2021
Raised in a compound with her every move controlled, emotionally neglected, and abused, Valentina has been singled out as her father's sole heir. She is a mafia princess trained to follow in her father's brutal footsteps. When she comes of age, her father brings her and her bodyguard fully into his world. He's selected sons from his loyal families to surround her. But his untimely death makes her Queen. This is her world now.
I loved this book. Valentina is as mad as a hatter. This girl killed me in the best of ways. The blend of her warped upbringing and ignorance of normalcy had me giggling throughout the pages. Her pocket items, her choice of best friends, her insane split-second decisions were brilliant. She was magnificent. Roarke was the shadow we all dream about. I loved him. I loved Enzo. I loved him and Enzo. I only wish it hadn't rivaled the guys and Valentina. The M/M is always appreciated but needs to clearly be of secondary importance. Roarke had been with Valentina since she was 6 and yet within hours seemed nearly as attached to Enzo. Nope, doesn't work for me. I loved Alessio; psychopath that he was. And I felt poor Tito didn't quite get his time. However, for a standalone, the RH had remarkable depth. As much as I appreciated the storyline and loved the characters, enjoyed the steamy scenes, and reveled in the ties to the MC, it was the humor that made this book special. So many scenes caught me off guard. Unexpected giggles are the best!
I loved this book. Valentina is as mad as a hatter. This girl killed me in the best of ways. The blend of her warped upbringing and ignorance of normalcy had me giggling throughout the pages. Her pocket items, her choice of best friends, her insane split-second decisions were brilliant. She was magnificent. Roarke was the shadow we all dream about. I loved him. I loved Enzo. I loved him and Enzo. I only wish it hadn't rivaled the guys and Valentina. The M/M is always appreciated but needs to clearly be of secondary importance. Roarke had been with Valentina since she was 6 and yet within hours seemed nearly as attached to Enzo. Nope, doesn't work for me. I loved Alessio; psychopath that he was. And I felt poor Tito didn't quite get his time. However, for a standalone, the RH had remarkable depth. As much as I appreciated the storyline and loved the characters, enjoyed the steamy scenes, and reveled in the ties to the MC, it was the humor that made this book special. So many scenes caught me off guard. Unexpected giggles are the best!
March 22, 2021
Hot Damn!!
I freaking loved Dirty Crown, who doesn’t want the girl to be as psycho as her harem. Valentina is just as crazy as her guys and I’m here for it!
Dirty Crown has a great balance of story, action (with lots of blood and violence), characters, sexy times and some really great humour. I was laughing out loud so many times and I didn’t expect it.
OTT crazy psycho Alpha males who will do anything and I mean anything for their girl.
Valentina is the Mafia Princess who becomes Mafia Queen, she is just as deadly as the guys and yet unpredictable but in the best way. Don’t double cross her because she will not hesitate to retaliate. If you’re luck enough to become her friend cherish it as it is rare since she doesn’t trust many.
Roarke is her bodyguard/best friend/lover, he teaches her how to survive the world they live in and has her back at all costs.
Enzo is sweet yet just as deadly and has a relationship with not only Valentina but Roarke as well, and I am here for all the sword crossing.
Titto is outspoken and viciously protective of his brother Enzo but would do anything his girl asks.
Alessio is the psycho who doesn’t hide who he is and what he is capable of and will not hesitate to any threat big or small so look out.
Roman is the charmer, kinda boy next door vibe but don’t let that fool you.
I loved this book so hard, here’s to hoping that the brother gets his own book.
Also loved the lead into Killing Time.
I freaking loved Dirty Crown, who doesn’t want the girl to be as psycho as her harem. Valentina is just as crazy as her guys and I’m here for it!
Dirty Crown has a great balance of story, action (with lots of blood and violence), characters, sexy times and some really great humour. I was laughing out loud so many times and I didn’t expect it.
OTT crazy psycho Alpha males who will do anything and I mean anything for their girl.
Valentina is the Mafia Princess who becomes Mafia Queen, she is just as deadly as the guys and yet unpredictable but in the best way. Don’t double cross her because she will not hesitate to retaliate. If you’re luck enough to become her friend cherish it as it is rare since she doesn’t trust many.
Roarke is her bodyguard/best friend/lover, he teaches her how to survive the world they live in and has her back at all costs.
Enzo is sweet yet just as deadly and has a relationship with not only Valentina but Roarke as well, and I am here for all the sword crossing.
Titto is outspoken and viciously protective of his brother Enzo but would do anything his girl asks.
Alessio is the psycho who doesn’t hide who he is and what he is capable of and will not hesitate to any threat big or small so look out.
Roman is the charmer, kinda boy next door vibe but don’t let that fool you.
I loved this book so hard, here’s to hoping that the brother gets his own book.
Also loved the lead into Killing Time.
March 19, 2021
Favorite Quote "If that meant I had to go down into a creepy basement, then so be it, I’d take my ass down there and just hope there weren’t any of those stairs that didn’t have backs to them where someone could reach through and grab my ankles. Those were horror movie stairs, and I wasn’t having any of that right now."
I feel you Valentina 🤣
Awesome new standalone from Mary Martel that I really enjoyed! There is just something great about a really good standalone novel and Mary nailed it with this one. For a story about an abused mob princess who has spent her whole life locked away only to be drug out and given to 4 strangers by her murdering psycho father, it was really funny and quite romantic lol. All of the characters were well written and the story felt whole. No cliffhanger to ruin my day!! Valentina was my favorite though, her inner dialog was hilarious.
I am looking forward to reading more about Hawk and Torment and maybe we will see Valentina's brother someday too!
Excellent read!!
I feel you Valentina 🤣
Awesome new standalone from Mary Martel that I really enjoyed! There is just something great about a really good standalone novel and Mary nailed it with this one. For a story about an abused mob princess who has spent her whole life locked away only to be drug out and given to 4 strangers by her murdering psycho father, it was really funny and quite romantic lol. All of the characters were well written and the story felt whole. No cliffhanger to ruin my day!! Valentina was my favorite though, her inner dialog was hilarious.
I am looking forward to reading more about Hawk and Torment and maybe we will see Valentina's brother someday too!
Excellent read!!
March 25, 2021
Valentina has been locked away along with all her other siblings in her fathers compound but now is the day she’s going to learn the family business. After watching her grandfather get shot in front of her by her bodyguard, and learning that she had a grandparent that she just learned about and now he was gone of course story of her life first her mother had passed and now her grandfather. Now she was locked in a suite with 4 new guys she just met and her bodyguard. Valentina was going on her first appointment with the Russians to do a trade well when the deal goes south, her father gets killed and now she’s in charge. How far will Valentina go to get her crown dirty and with her men at her side this new queen could be unstoppable.... OMG I freaking loved this book well I love everything Mary writes but omg this one amazing. The hot steamy scene were just right and the men were just the right amount of sexy and sweet. Plus Alessio is my man I love him and his #restingdickface so much
March 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this dark reverse harem mafia standalone. Mary Martel is excellent at writing Alpha possessive characters. As well as strong women that are thrust into interesting situations but can handle themselves yet are surrounded by these men that are obsessed with her in that like possessive way that some of us just love and one of those someones is me. I really loved the story and the characters. I'm a really big fan of the way Mary Martel writes characters and tell the story.
From the first page I was hooked. I really enjoyed getting multiple povs from the guys. I thought it was such an interesting plot I don't want to give too much away but if you like any of the characteristics I described or if you're a fan of the Ariel Kimber series I really think you're going to love this book. I was happy with the length of book as well it was a nice length for a standalone. Although I would love to see more of the characters in the future because I just love the characters but it works as a standalone im just greedy. Can't wait to read more from Mary Martel🖤
From the first page I was hooked. I really enjoyed getting multiple povs from the guys. I thought it was such an interesting plot I don't want to give too much away but if you like any of the characteristics I described or if you're a fan of the Ariel Kimber series I really think you're going to love this book. I was happy with the length of book as well it was a nice length for a standalone. Although I would love to see more of the characters in the future because I just love the characters but it works as a standalone im just greedy. Can't wait to read more from Mary Martel🖤
March 24, 2021
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!
So even before I started this book I knew I would like it because 1. I’ve never not liked a Mary Martel book and 2. It’s a dark reverse harem.... need I say more??
Before starting this book I’d read that our heroine Valentina was just as dark as her men, and in the beginning I had my doubts. Her messed up childhood and father are clear from the beginning, but she seems to lack that darker personality that her men definitely have... at least at first. The more you read the more Valentina’s true personality is revealed, and she is definitely a little batshit crazy! And the guys, damn! I don’t think I could ever pick a favorite but Rourke and Alessio are definitely at the top.
Dirty Crown is the perfect dark mafia reverse harem with a bit of MM action and some humor sprinkled in with the violence. It’s also a stand-alone which I love (but also hate because that means no more of Vallie and her men). I can’t wait to read what Mary writes next!
So even before I started this book I knew I would like it because 1. I’ve never not liked a Mary Martel book and 2. It’s a dark reverse harem.... need I say more??
Before starting this book I’d read that our heroine Valentina was just as dark as her men, and in the beginning I had my doubts. Her messed up childhood and father are clear from the beginning, but she seems to lack that darker personality that her men definitely have... at least at first. The more you read the more Valentina’s true personality is revealed, and she is definitely a little batshit crazy! And the guys, damn! I don’t think I could ever pick a favorite but Rourke and Alessio are definitely at the top.
Dirty Crown is the perfect dark mafia reverse harem with a bit of MM action and some humor sprinkled in with the violence. It’s also a stand-alone which I love (but also hate because that means no more of Vallie and her men). I can’t wait to read what Mary writes next!
March 15, 2021
Mary has done it again. What a great read, if you are looking for a book with a strong female character this is the book for you.
Valentina has had a rubbish life with an a hole of a dad but instead of being a damsel in distress she is a complete bad*ss and slightly pyscho along with her bodyguard Roarke.
The guys she meets which her father pretty much brought them for her off of their parents are also a tad psycho but amazing at the same time.
They all end up having feelings for her (along with Roarke) and her them.
Their was so much drama and action, it had me hooked. Their was no boring bits at all.
One of the best standalones I have read and I'm actually really sad that we don't get more!
But overall a fantastic read and I 100 percent recommend it especially if you love gangs and psychos.
Valentina has had a rubbish life with an a hole of a dad but instead of being a damsel in distress she is a complete bad*ss and slightly pyscho along with her bodyguard Roarke.
The guys she meets which her father pretty much brought them for her off of their parents are also a tad psycho but amazing at the same time.
They all end up having feelings for her (along with Roarke) and her them.
Their was so much drama and action, it had me hooked. Their was no boring bits at all.
One of the best standalones I have read and I'm actually really sad that we don't get more!
But overall a fantastic read and I 100 percent recommend it especially if you love gangs and psychos.
April 14, 2021
This was my life, and I intended to embrace it, dirty crown and all.
Raised in a compound, no mother and a father that only visited, left Valentina a little crazy. Roarke had been her bodyguard since she was six years old. Now eighteen, her father has called her to his home to learn the family business. Upon arrival, she finds four other men waiting on her. She has been promised to them.
Vallie gives them quite the adventure. Not long after her arrival, her father is killed and she is now the queen. Find out how she copes with that and being claimed by five men. Ms. Martel has done it again! She has created a badass female character and guys that would lay down their lives for her. Loved this book!
Raised in a compound, no mother and a father that only visited, left Valentina a little crazy. Roarke had been her bodyguard since she was six years old. Now eighteen, her father has called her to his home to learn the family business. Upon arrival, she finds four other men waiting on her. She has been promised to them.
Vallie gives them quite the adventure. Not long after her arrival, her father is killed and she is now the queen. Find out how she copes with that and being claimed by five men. Ms. Martel has done it again! She has created a badass female character and guys that would lay down their lives for her. Loved this book!
March 16, 2021
Have you ever read a book and just get so engrossed that you forget to do literally anything? That’s this book. There’s so many twists and a band of merry hot psychos. Valentina is her own brand of psycho, but the boys hmm men, are insanely psychotic. This book is a badass mafia princess to a T. If you’re hoping for a pushover with no backbone walking blindly into the family business.... run. Because Vallie knows exactly what’s up and she is no ones pawn. In fact I think she plays the game better than even her father anticipated. Seriously hoping for more, because so many questions are left hanging, but in the best way. Another out of the park hit.
March 25, 2021
Deliciously Dark 🖤
Dirty Crown is deliciously dark. Valentina and Roarke her bodyguard since 6 yrs old come together with Alessio, Roman, Enzo and Tito who have been promised to her since they were young to lead the criminal empire her father ruthlessly lead with cruelty. Taught from and early age what was expected of them, they are all a little bit crazy.
Murder, mayhem, new friends and a grenade are all found in this book, but the feels are there too. When your world is full of people waiting for you to make a mistake so they can take you or your throne, your circle must be chosen carefully and Valentina's is the best.
Dirty Crown is deliciously dark. Valentina and Roarke her bodyguard since 6 yrs old come together with Alessio, Roman, Enzo and Tito who have been promised to her since they were young to lead the criminal empire her father ruthlessly lead with cruelty. Taught from and early age what was expected of them, they are all a little bit crazy.
Murder, mayhem, new friends and a grenade are all found in this book, but the feels are there too. When your world is full of people waiting for you to make a mistake so they can take you or your throne, your circle must be chosen carefully and Valentina's is the best.
March 28, 2021
Mary has done it again folks.. she has written us a story that leaves you feeling totally fulfilled in all the most delicious of ways. I have always loved how Mary writes and develops her female leads, and Valentina did not disappoint me. She was this bad*ss, unexpected, sometimes underestimated but take charge kind of woman that I appreciated so much. She took charge of this book and all of her men in it. I LOVED it. Loved this world, loved the crime, loved the heat, loved the men.. especially Alessio, *fans self*. All around an incredibly well written story/book. I highly recommend you give it a read.
March 15, 2021
I’m pretty sure RH with psychos is my new favorite genre. And this beautiful little standalone fits that bill exactly. Everyone is just a little (or lot) nutso and it’s just perfect. The characters are a heirs to mafia families. The FMC grew up in what amounted to a prison compound for all of her father’s illegitimate offspring. The men all come from minor crime families and the FMC’s father has essentially bought them all for his daughter. Every flipping one of them has some loose screws and I loved every second of it! 💜
March 25, 2021
Holy hell, I freaking LOVED this read! Valentina is an absolutely epic character, she’s crazy, unintentionally funny, meshes so well with her harem and can kick butt. What more could a reader ask for in their FMC?! This storyline is so good it put me through all the feels, and kept me guessing. I say again, I freaking LOVED every word of this book and whole heartedly want more of these amazing characters, sad it’s a standalone. Mary Martel you my dear are an amazing writer and I eagerly await anything else your brilliantly creative mind decides to conjure up next.
March 27, 2021
Ok to start I honestly wish I could give this more than 5 stars. I'm a huge fan of Mary's. Her books are always phenomenal. I have to say that for me this book blew me away . This is my absolute favorite by far. Valentina I loved immediately. Her men are all crazy and I'm guessing I love crazy since even in her Ariel Kimber series I love the craziest of all her men . There is not one thing negative I can say about this book. This is a standalone which makes me sad. I would love more of these characters
March 29, 2021
Absolutely loved this book by Mary Martel!!!! The main character, Valentina, is awesome. Her attitude is killer good, she’s fierce and strong and funny and truly the queen. I loved that she made a family from a group of guys that were picked to be with her. They were good for her. They’d die for her. They were just what she needed to move on in life. And she was just just they needed to be a real family. I loved Roarke, Alessio, Tito, Roman, and Enzo. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future!
March 25, 2021
This is a book about a young woman who was raised to take over the family business. Her dad promised her to other families making that they are interested. They didn't expect her to be so pure and kind. She is different for sure but does get her hands dirty if needed. Not a damsel in need of a knight. Now what to make of her guys? Roark is her bodyguard and she needs to make sure who to trust. Can she figure it out on time? Loving psychos, protective guys? This book is for you!
March 26, 2021
Another great book
Mary Martel once again wrote another amazing book. Dark, with unexpected twists and a main character that you can't help but love. Her guys are amazing too. This story had twists and turns and a lot of love and learning new things. Darker than usual but given the story a given. Absolutely loved this book and loved seeing it linked to her MC books With Hawk. Never a dull book when Mary is writing.
Mary Martel once again wrote another amazing book. Dark, with unexpected twists and a main character that you can't help but love. Her guys are amazing too. This story had twists and turns and a lot of love and learning new things. Darker than usual but given the story a given. Absolutely loved this book and loved seeing it linked to her MC books With Hawk. Never a dull book when Mary is writing.
March 29, 2021
I love any book Martel writes but this is by far my favorite! Val is a serious badass which plays chess while her enemies play checkers! She is brilliant, badass, and doesnt let anyone push her around. While this book is meant to be dark, it also has hilarious elements that I couldn’t stop laughing about. I love the guys, the storyline, and the ending! This is an awesome Standalone!
Seriously, go pick this up right now!
Seriously, go pick this up right now!
April 22, 2021
Great standalone
I loved this! 4.5 stars rating for definite! I loved the character building and the general plot of the book. It had great development from Valentina’s side as well as her harem of men. I would have loved this to be a series so those bonds could have been drawn out. I also would have liked more insight into Alessio and Roman as their stories were cut a little short. Overall I loved it and would definitely read a book in this world again
I loved this! 4.5 stars rating for definite! I loved the character building and the general plot of the book. It had great development from Valentina’s side as well as her harem of men. I would have loved this to be a series so those bonds could have been drawn out. I also would have liked more insight into Alessio and Roman as their stories were cut a little short. Overall I loved it and would definitely read a book in this world again
July 9, 2021
Was almost the perfect book, almost.
I consider this a super trope- Mafia, motorcycle gang, arranged marriage, reverse harem, older man, strong female, alphaholes, mfm and mm scenes.
It was good, had such potential considering the trope and really could have done so much more. What steam we got was very very good!!! But overall it was rushed, ended abruptly with a lot of questions and a lock lacking in the RH imo.
I consider this a super trope- Mafia, motorcycle gang, arranged marriage, reverse harem, older man, strong female, alphaholes, mfm and mm scenes.
It was good, had such potential considering the trope and really could have done so much more. What steam we got was very very good!!! But overall it was rushed, ended abruptly with a lot of questions and a lock lacking in the RH imo.
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