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Agostino Crime Family #2
Clever as the Devil
My name is Apollo, but to the men that make my list… Well, they call me il mietitore because I am the Italian fucking grim reaper.
He’d spent his youth fighting to survive, a kid forced to strip down to the most innate and basic of instincts. The doctors were quick to label him a psychopath, a diagnosis as damning as his cold, dead heart. Manifesting amoral and antisocial behaviors, he grew into a man incapable of expressing love. Instead, he fed on vengeance, bloodshed and the pleas of weaker men.
Apollo Deluca wasn’t born into the Agostino Crime Family, but his salvation soon turned into theirs. He became the right-hand man to the Devil himself—just as clever and twice as twisted.
When a new adversary threatens the Family, and more specifically the eldest daughter to the New York City crime boss, will Apollo be able to overcome his inner demons in enough time to save her body and her heart? Or will Sienna Agostino fall victim to his dark past, destroyed by his sins and left in the shadow of a man who can never return her affections?
"Clever as the Devil" is the second book in the Agostino Crime Family series. It is recommended to read "Contracted to the Devil" first—but not required. This book is the first of Apollo's duet, the second is "& Twice as Twisted" whose release date is TBA.
Triggers lie within this book. To those who fell in love with Apollo in "Contracted to the Devil"—you may think you know him, but you have no idea.
He’d spent his youth fighting to survive, a kid forced to strip down to the most innate and basic of instincts. The doctors were quick to label him a psychopath, a diagnosis as damning as his cold, dead heart. Manifesting amoral and antisocial behaviors, he grew into a man incapable of expressing love. Instead, he fed on vengeance, bloodshed and the pleas of weaker men.
Apollo Deluca wasn’t born into the Agostino Crime Family, but his salvation soon turned into theirs. He became the right-hand man to the Devil himself—just as clever and twice as twisted.
When a new adversary threatens the Family, and more specifically the eldest daughter to the New York City crime boss, will Apollo be able to overcome his inner demons in enough time to save her body and her heart? Or will Sienna Agostino fall victim to his dark past, destroyed by his sins and left in the shadow of a man who can never return her affections?
"Clever as the Devil" is the second book in the Agostino Crime Family series. It is recommended to read "Contracted to the Devil" first—but not required. This book is the first of Apollo's duet, the second is "& Twice as Twisted" whose release date is TBA.
Triggers lie within this book. To those who fell in love with Apollo in "Contracted to the Devil"—you may think you know him, but you have no idea.
- GenresDark Romance
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2021
About the author
Dahlia Reign
12 books66 followersI am a strong cup of coffee in a world where everyone is drunk on the cheap wine of shallow love.
Caffeine, crime shows, serial killers , wine and the written word. Those are my things. Forsake all others I have too many thoughts in this mind not to write them.
Caffeine, crime shows, serial killers , wine and the written word. Those are my things. Forsake all others I have too many thoughts in this mind not to write them.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 27, 2021
Hands down one of the best stories I've read in awhile. I love how we know more about other key players in the family that the first book only hinted at.
I thought bella would be my favorite woman of the series and normally don't care for authors that write in new perspectives, but, I must say, sienna is my new favorite bad bitch.
I love apollo more now that we know know where he came from and why he is the way he is. I just want to hug him.
I want so badly for sienna to have a happy ending. If she felt it for philly and he could truly love her I would be so happy but I fear she will forever have her heart with apollo. So I don't want her to go to Philly.
BUT. This author has some twists and turns and this whole apollo may be dead or most likely is dead ...has killed me. Yet, leaves me happy.
Why? Most authors end their books happily. The girl gets the guy. The guy realizes what he feels is truly love for the girl. The bad guys go to hell. The family get their kids back that were kidnapped. ....
Not Dahlia. She has enough twists to keep me coming back and loving the characters. I feel for them. Their love, anger, hate and passion. So the fact that octavia is now missing and being tortured and apollo may be dead makes me respect her as an author because she doesn't play it safe. She marches to her characters beat, not what she thinks the readers want her to write. You can tell these characters are apart of her and have become her life. ...but for real, if dahlia killed apollo ....I will cry real tears. I've never rooted for fake people to be together I like I've rooted for sienna and apollo ....
So dahlia, if you read your reviews ...please get the next storyline our and DONT kill apollo. I still want a happy ending, he deserves it.
I thought bella would be my favorite woman of the series and normally don't care for authors that write in new perspectives, but, I must say, sienna is my new favorite bad bitch.
I love apollo more now that we know know where he came from and why he is the way he is. I just want to hug him.
I want so badly for sienna to have a happy ending. If she felt it for philly and he could truly love her I would be so happy but I fear she will forever have her heart with apollo. So I don't want her to go to Philly.
BUT. This author has some twists and turns and this whole apollo may be dead or most likely is dead ...has killed me. Yet, leaves me happy.
Why? Most authors end their books happily. The girl gets the guy. The guy realizes what he feels is truly love for the girl. The bad guys go to hell. The family get their kids back that were kidnapped. ....
Not Dahlia. She has enough twists to keep me coming back and loving the characters. I feel for them. Their love, anger, hate and passion. So the fact that octavia is now missing and being tortured and apollo may be dead makes me respect her as an author because she doesn't play it safe. She marches to her characters beat, not what she thinks the readers want her to write. You can tell these characters are apart of her and have become her life. ...but for real, if dahlia killed apollo ....I will cry real tears. I've never rooted for fake people to be together I like I've rooted for sienna and apollo ....
So dahlia, if you read your reviews ...please get the next storyline our and DONT kill apollo. I still want a happy ending, he deserves it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
Sienna deserves better than Apollo…
April 19, 2021
Clever indeed
Oh Apollo and Sienna... Clever as the Devil is a great continuation of the Agostino Crime Family. I loved how you got to see the other side of Devil (from Sienna and Apollo's view) while still getting a separate story.
This story will answer some questions while burning more in your brain. I can't wait for part 2, and the other stories in development.
Oh Apollo and Sienna... Clever as the Devil is a great continuation of the Agostino Crime Family. I loved how you got to see the other side of Devil (from Sienna and Apollo's view) while still getting a separate story.
This story will answer some questions while burning more in your brain. I can't wait for part 2, and the other stories in development.
February 19, 2021
This is the second book of the Agostino series and let me tell you Apollo's story was well worth the wait!
Apollo took a hot second to grow on me but when he did he hit me like a freight train! I was obsessed! He is the dark hero we all need in our lives. He struggles with his feelings for Sienna because we all know our broody book boyfriends can't come to terms that they have a soft spot!
Sienna was fantastic. I immediately loved her strong will from the moment you meet her. She can hold her own in the world for sure. It may drive Apollo crazy but as we all know men like Apollo love fiesty women!
This story is jam packed with twist, turns, surprises, and of course amazingly steamy scenes. I absolutely feel with each book Dahlia Reign writes the stories draw you in more and more!
I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that part two of Apollo and Sienna's story will be nothing short of captivating!
Apollo took a hot second to grow on me but when he did he hit me like a freight train! I was obsessed! He is the dark hero we all need in our lives. He struggles with his feelings for Sienna because we all know our broody book boyfriends can't come to terms that they have a soft spot!
Sienna was fantastic. I immediately loved her strong will from the moment you meet her. She can hold her own in the world for sure. It may drive Apollo crazy but as we all know men like Apollo love fiesty women!
This story is jam packed with twist, turns, surprises, and of course amazingly steamy scenes. I absolutely feel with each book Dahlia Reign writes the stories draw you in more and more!
I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that part two of Apollo and Sienna's story will be nothing short of captivating!
February 14, 2021
Wow... i really don't know where to start with this review!! Blown away just does not do it justice!!
I was so excited to start on Apollo's story after reading Lucky's book 'contracted by the devil' and the wait was so worth it! What i love about this author's books is the detail she provides. This is so much more than just a romance, this is a story, it has a plot, full of twists and turns and betrayals. It literally grips you right from the start. The characters are so diverse and unique, there are ones that you fall in love with and ones who are truly the villains that you cant wait to see meet their end!
This book focus's on Sienna and Apollo's relationship and i just cant get enough of them!!
Sienna is the perfect heroine for me, she has the sass, she is intelligent and independent, she really holds her own in a world dominated by men. As for Apollo, he is mysterious, distant and ruthless, you can tell he cares for Sienna but its almost like he doesn't understand his feelings and therefore fights against them, i really loved the push and pull between them and the emotion that was generated by it!
This book was so much more than i expected from a Mafia romance, it had the violence, suspense, emotions, intense sex scenes, well developed characters and even some humour! It took me on a journey that i didn't want to end.....i was so gobsmacked at the last page, i just sat there flicking back and forth on the last few pages almost in shock, because i had so many questions and now have to wait for the 2nd book to find out what happens!!
If you want a dark mafia romance, that will leave you speechless and begging for more then you need to read this book series!! Dahlia i loved it, i'd give you more stars if i could!!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
I was so excited to start on Apollo's story after reading Lucky's book 'contracted by the devil' and the wait was so worth it! What i love about this author's books is the detail she provides. This is so much more than just a romance, this is a story, it has a plot, full of twists and turns and betrayals. It literally grips you right from the start. The characters are so diverse and unique, there are ones that you fall in love with and ones who are truly the villains that you cant wait to see meet their end!
This book focus's on Sienna and Apollo's relationship and i just cant get enough of them!!
Sienna is the perfect heroine for me, she has the sass, she is intelligent and independent, she really holds her own in a world dominated by men. As for Apollo, he is mysterious, distant and ruthless, you can tell he cares for Sienna but its almost like he doesn't understand his feelings and therefore fights against them, i really loved the push and pull between them and the emotion that was generated by it!
This book was so much more than i expected from a Mafia romance, it had the violence, suspense, emotions, intense sex scenes, well developed characters and even some humour! It took me on a journey that i didn't want to end.....i was so gobsmacked at the last page, i just sat there flicking back and forth on the last few pages almost in shock, because i had so many questions and now have to wait for the 2nd book to find out what happens!!
If you want a dark mafia romance, that will leave you speechless and begging for more then you need to read this book series!! Dahlia i loved it, i'd give you more stars if i could!!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
February 20, 2021
After finishing this book, I had to take a second to gather my emotions. What a rollercoaster. First, going into this book I knew I was going to crush hard on Sienna and Apollo for many reasons in Contracted to the Devil.
I felt so incredibly connected with Sienna because well, let’s face it, we’ve all been in her situation at one point. I actually could feel every emotion, her heartbreak, lust, sadness. Phew, need I go on? She was brave, a kickbutt kind of girl who held her own.
“I don’t need you to tell me you love me. I just need you.”
Apollo, damn, Apollo. Okay, so once we can understand why he couldn’t admit defeat and just be with Sienna. We get it. But damn was it not heartbreaking to watch. Oh, and he was one hot, sexy, protective Alpha.
“You’re mine, Sienna.”
This book was very well written and connected with book 1. There was yet again, action, dripping with sexy ness and fire that made you thirst for more. The tug and pulling with Apollo and Sienna.... Oh boy.
This book is book 2, but can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend 💫
I felt so incredibly connected with Sienna because well, let’s face it, we’ve all been in her situation at one point. I actually could feel every emotion, her heartbreak, lust, sadness. Phew, need I go on? She was brave, a kickbutt kind of girl who held her own.
“I don’t need you to tell me you love me. I just need you.”
Apollo, damn, Apollo. Okay, so once we can understand why he couldn’t admit defeat and just be with Sienna. We get it. But damn was it not heartbreaking to watch. Oh, and he was one hot, sexy, protective Alpha.
“You’re mine, Sienna.”
This book was very well written and connected with book 1. There was yet again, action, dripping with sexy ness and fire that made you thirst for more. The tug and pulling with Apollo and Sienna.... Oh boy.
This book is book 2, but can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend 💫
May 7, 2021
In the mafia world men rule and women are utilized to make connections and gain power.
Sienna is a powerful businesswoman with many admirers, but the one man she wants is off limits in more ways than one. But that won’t stop her from trying to get what she desires.
Apollo is as loyal as they come, but he can’t stop himself from falling for the boss’s daughter, no matter how much he tries to avoid it.
The character’s back stories are so sad and really help you relate to them. The scenes are a nice mix of dark and light and beautifully written.
I love the loyalty of the main characters; it is so heartwarming! Even if they snip and play pranks on each other, at the end of the day they are family.
There was a lot going on and I wish there was just 2 point of views instead of sprinkling in other perspectives, because I was confused at who was speaking at times. And since there was so many side characters I got mixed up and had to back track to figure out their importance in the story.
Overall, it is a great story and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book 😊
Sienna is a powerful businesswoman with many admirers, but the one man she wants is off limits in more ways than one. But that won’t stop her from trying to get what she desires.
Apollo is as loyal as they come, but he can’t stop himself from falling for the boss’s daughter, no matter how much he tries to avoid it.
The character’s back stories are so sad and really help you relate to them. The scenes are a nice mix of dark and light and beautifully written.
I love the loyalty of the main characters; it is so heartwarming! Even if they snip and play pranks on each other, at the end of the day they are family.
There was a lot going on and I wish there was just 2 point of views instead of sprinkling in other perspectives, because I was confused at who was speaking at times. And since there was so many side characters I got mixed up and had to back track to figure out their importance in the story.
Overall, it is a great story and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book 😊
February 19, 2021
The devil has arrived 😈😈
When I posted my review for 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙, I said I loved the book. But 𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙? I dont even know how go express the feelings I have towards Sienna and Apollo and the whole book!
𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 has one od the best plots that you can find in a romance novel, there are things that you clearly don’t expect to happen, but they fit the story perfectly. Sienna is definitely one of my favourite female characters, she is intelligent and independent. Apollo is mysterious and he seems not to understand his feelings towards Sienna at the beginning, but the development of their relation was amazing and well-written.
Dahlia has the exceptional talent to write a great story which does not center around sex, but has great plot and amazing characters. Must read and I cannot wait for more!
I have received arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I posted my review for 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙, I said I loved the book. But 𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙? I dont even know how go express the feelings I have towards Sienna and Apollo and the whole book!
𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 has one od the best plots that you can find in a romance novel, there are things that you clearly don’t expect to happen, but they fit the story perfectly. Sienna is definitely one of my favourite female characters, she is intelligent and independent. Apollo is mysterious and he seems not to understand his feelings towards Sienna at the beginning, but the development of their relation was amazing and well-written.
Dahlia has the exceptional talent to write a great story which does not center around sex, but has great plot and amazing characters. Must read and I cannot wait for more!
I have received arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2021
Good Mafia thriller
I'm not usually a Mafia fan, but I fell in love with Dahlia's first book, Contracted to the Devil. While that was definitely a romance and had a HEA, this one was quite different.
The two novels overlap, so quite a few things from the first book are repeated in this one, from different POVs. I wouldn't class this as a romance, more of a Mafia thriller.
There's loads of action, all sorts of things going on, secrets and twists, and one heck of a cliffy. Looking forward to the next one!
I'm not usually a Mafia fan, but I fell in love with Dahlia's first book, Contracted to the Devil. While that was definitely a romance and had a HEA, this one was quite different.
The two novels overlap, so quite a few things from the first book are repeated in this one, from different POVs. I wouldn't class this as a romance, more of a Mafia thriller.
There's loads of action, all sorts of things going on, secrets and twists, and one heck of a cliffy. Looking forward to the next one!
February 16, 2021
There is nothing better than watching an author find her voice and fine-tune her craft. Book 2 in the Agostino Crime Family saga blew me away. The character depth and development are on point, and the words lift off the page—you can feel what each of the characters feel. You laugh when they laugh, you cry when they cry, and when you hit the final page, you don’t know what to do with yourself. Apollo’s story was the one I was waiting for and I can’t wait until Part 2.
February 22, 2021
Great
My God what a book, what fierce characters.
The ladies are badass and the men are equally monsters. This book had every details about the mafia and how the operate. If you like hard-hitting and a bit of voilence please read this book. I cant wait to see how the author finalised Sienna and Appolo's story.
Highly recommend!!
My God what a book, what fierce characters.
The ladies are badass and the men are equally monsters. This book had every details about the mafia and how the operate. If you like hard-hitting and a bit of voilence please read this book. I cant wait to see how the author finalised Sienna and Appolo's story.
Highly recommend!!
July 1, 2023
The intriguing story continues. The character development, the details- sometimes exhilarating, sometimes gory, made me feel like I not only knew the characters, but was in the middle of the room with them at times. My heartbeat raced quite a bit! Great read!
March 28, 2022
Clever as the Devil
Amazing book. A lot of surprises. Can't wait for the next book. Author is so diabolical. Congratulations on great book
Amazing book. A lot of surprises. Can't wait for the next book. Author is so diabolical. Congratulations on great book
August 15, 2022
Definitely a page turner, lots of twists and turns, but the ending is what floored me. Can’t wait to read the next book (Beautiful Deception). This series is amazing!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews