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The Brooklyn Bloodline Series #2
The King
Dominic Castiano was my first love.
He should’ve been my last.
But to keep him safe—to keep him alive—I had to leave him behind.
Ten years later, the world we live in is even more dangerous, and it’s because he’s the one running it. He has taken over his father’s outfit, and now he’s got a target on his back. Coming from an enemy crew, I can’t be the reason more trouble finds him.
But when our lips touch again, I forget everything else. When he brings me into his home to keep me safe, I feel myself forgetting all the reasons I left him in the first place.
When you run from your past, it always catches up with you. Ours is knocking, and if we’re not careful, we will end before we ever get started.
He should’ve been my last.
But to keep him safe—to keep him alive—I had to leave him behind.
Ten years later, the world we live in is even more dangerous, and it’s because he’s the one running it. He has taken over his father’s outfit, and now he’s got a target on his back. Coming from an enemy crew, I can’t be the reason more trouble finds him.
But when our lips touch again, I forget everything else. When he brings me into his home to keep me safe, I feel myself forgetting all the reasons I left him in the first place.
When you run from your past, it always catches up with you. Ours is knocking, and if we’re not careful, we will end before we ever get started.
186 pages, ebook
Published May 23, 2021
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
T.D. Colbert
25 books173 followersT.D. Colbert is a romance & women's fiction author. When she's not chasing her family, she's probably under her favorite blanket, reading a book, or writing one. Taylor lives in Maryland, where she was born and raised. For more information, visit www.tdcolbert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 2, 2021
This was an enjoyable second chance love story.
"I hope you know that you've made your mark on me. One that won't ever be erased."
Dominic Castiano and Scarlett Melucci fell in love as teenagers but life and circumstances tore them apart. As the story moves between the present and the past, we start to understand what has kept them apart for fourteen years, but also the depth of feeling they have for one another, which is apparent when they meet again. However, the danger that kept them apart for so long is still very much present.
"I will keep you safe. And when this is all over, I will be whatever you want me to be, as long as I'm yours."
The chemistry between Dominic and Scarlett was sizzling. I was kinda sad that they had spent so many years apart, as they were two people with a deep connection and really well-suited, as they were both protective, loyal and willing to do what they needed to do to keep their loved ones safe. I absolutely love this author's Meade Lake series but I must admit that this current mafia series lacks the depth of the other series. So while I found this book enjoyable, I probably needed just a little bit more.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"I hope you know that you've made your mark on me. One that won't ever be erased."
Dominic Castiano and Scarlett Melucci fell in love as teenagers but life and circumstances tore them apart. As the story moves between the present and the past, we start to understand what has kept them apart for fourteen years, but also the depth of feeling they have for one another, which is apparent when they meet again. However, the danger that kept them apart for so long is still very much present.
"I will keep you safe. And when this is all over, I will be whatever you want me to be, as long as I'm yours."
The chemistry between Dominic and Scarlett was sizzling. I was kinda sad that they had spent so many years apart, as they were two people with a deep connection and really well-suited, as they were both protective, loyal and willing to do what they needed to do to keep their loved ones safe. I absolutely love this author's Meade Lake series but I must admit that this current mafia series lacks the depth of the other series. So while I found this book enjoyable, I probably needed just a little bit more.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
May 28, 2021
After an exciting start to the series in book one, The Rook, I was keen to read the next book. This book concentrates on Dominic Castiano, Avianna’s oldest brother, and his long-time love for Scarlett Melucci-even if they couldn’t be together it was still heartbreakingly real.
The story is told in two timeframes, the present and when they were at school together; Scarlett and Dominic at the young age of about seventeen. Both lead characters present their points of view in their retelling of memories as well as the telling of current events. The backstory helps readers better understand the unrequited love situation and having both points of view help readers gain a deeper understanding of each character as well as other family members. I liked both Scarlett and Dominic a lot, I liked their strength and determination but more so their need for each other.
My heart went out to both lead characters who were trapped in a very difficult situation caused by their fathers. How so much time had been lost when they could have been together. This story is about a second chance for them both but of course, there are so many perils and dangers, especially in the mafia world, it’s an unpredictable situation and you really don’t know how it’s going to go until the very end.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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The story is told in two timeframes, the present and when they were at school together; Scarlett and Dominic at the young age of about seventeen. Both lead characters present their points of view in their retelling of memories as well as the telling of current events. The backstory helps readers better understand the unrequited love situation and having both points of view help readers gain a deeper understanding of each character as well as other family members. I liked both Scarlett and Dominic a lot, I liked their strength and determination but more so their need for each other.
My heart went out to both lead characters who were trapped in a very difficult situation caused by their fathers. How so much time had been lost when they could have been together. This story is about a second chance for them both but of course, there are so many perils and dangers, especially in the mafia world, it’s an unpredictable situation and you really don’t know how it’s going to go until the very end.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
May 26, 2021
After an exciting start to the series in book one, The Rook, I was keen to read the next book. This book concentrates on Dominic Castiano, Avianna’s oldest brother, and his long time love for Scarlett Melucci-even if they couldn’t be together it was still heartbreakingly real.
The story is told in two timeframes, the present and when they were at school together; Scarlett and Dominic at the young age of about seventeen. Both lead characters present their points of view in their retelling of memories as well as the telling of current events. The backstory helps readers better understand the unrequited love situation and having both points of view help readers gain a deeper understanding of each character as well as other family members. I liked both Scarlett and Dominic a lot, I liked their strength and determination but more so their need for each other.
My heart went out to both lead characters who were trapped in a very difficult situation caused by their fathers. How so much time had been lost when they could have been together. This story is about a second chance for them both but of course there are so many perils and dangers, especially in the mafia world, it’s an unpredictable situation and you really don’t know how it’s going to go until the very end.
May 28, 2021
Dominic is wanting what he thinks he can’t have. Scarlett also wants something she doesn’t think she can’t have. It’s at that point that this sounded like it was going to be an interesting read.
They both have complicated lives and that’s what caught my attention. The author knows when to keep things sweet and when to turn things steamy – with a side of mystery and suspense. Her scenes flow nicely from one to the next, albeit a little too quickly – wanted to savor them just a little longer.
I liked being able to go back to the past in order to see how it has affected their future. We also have a secondary character that is important to what is going on. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out her story in The Rook – reading that first may be a good idea. One idea that may seem similar in this story is how the children always seem to pay for the sins of their parent.
In this case, without that we wouldn’t have the piece that connects our main characters. And wondering how those sins get rectified is one thing that will carry you to the very end. That and don’t you want to know if there’s a happy ending? Or does our author have other ideas in store for her readers? And until you get there you’ll never know.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
They both have complicated lives and that’s what caught my attention. The author knows when to keep things sweet and when to turn things steamy – with a side of mystery and suspense. Her scenes flow nicely from one to the next, albeit a little too quickly – wanted to savor them just a little longer.
I liked being able to go back to the past in order to see how it has affected their future. We also have a secondary character that is important to what is going on. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out her story in The Rook – reading that first may be a good idea. One idea that may seem similar in this story is how the children always seem to pay for the sins of their parent.
In this case, without that we wouldn’t have the piece that connects our main characters. And wondering how those sins get rectified is one thing that will carry you to the very end. That and don’t you want to know if there’s a happy ending? Or does our author have other ideas in store for her readers? And until you get there you’ll never know.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 29, 2021
4 stars - strong characters, great story and hot romance
The author really pulled me in with the characters in this story. Both pulled at me, wanting them to get their HEA. I really like how this story is told going back and forth in time. We see how Dom and Scarlett’s relationship develops in high school and how it rekindles fourteen years later. We also get to meet Avi, from The Rook, as a young headstrong ten-year old already making a statement in their world.
Dom is emotionally torn at a young age between what is his destiny, following in his father’s footsteps, and his love for Scarlett. Scarlett doesn’t like the life her father leads and wants out of it. As she falls for Dom she sees herself being pulled into that life and chooses to break-up rather live that life. Now fourteen years later she needs Dom’s protection when her father’s lifestyle endangers her. Scarlett just can’t escape the life. Neither one of them have forgotten their first love and it their attraction burns hot.
The author really pulled me in with the characters in this story. Both pulled at me, wanting them to get their HEA. I really like how this story is told going back and forth in time. We see how Dom and Scarlett’s relationship develops in high school and how it rekindles fourteen years later. We also get to meet Avi, from The Rook, as a young headstrong ten-year old already making a statement in their world.
Dom is emotionally torn at a young age between what is his destiny, following in his father’s footsteps, and his love for Scarlett. Scarlett doesn’t like the life her father leads and wants out of it. As she falls for Dom she sees herself being pulled into that life and chooses to break-up rather live that life. Now fourteen years later she needs Dom’s protection when her father’s lifestyle endangers her. Scarlett just can’t escape the life. Neither one of them have forgotten their first love and it their attraction burns hot.
May 25, 2021
If your looking for a light mafia read with a second chance romance then this is the read for you! I loved Dominic’s character, he was my favourite. This book flashes from the present to their senior year of highschool throughout the entire book & it didn’t bother me even though I’m not a fan of flashbacks. They were done really well.
I felt kind of lost reading this book. Things moved so fast & time jumped a lot that I felt like it could have been a deeper story had things slowed down a bit. Plus this had to be the lightest mafia book I’ve ever read. I wasn’t even sure it was mafia because everything was kind of glossed over. I wish we had dug a little deeper into the mafia side. I also wasn’t such a big fan of Scarlett just because I felt she was so naive & she lacked the ability to communicate & just ran away instead.
I’ve read other books by Taylor & loved them so while it was still a good book it’s not one of my favourites.
I felt kind of lost reading this book. Things moved so fast & time jumped a lot that I felt like it could have been a deeper story had things slowed down a bit. Plus this had to be the lightest mafia book I’ve ever read. I wasn’t even sure it was mafia because everything was kind of glossed over. I wish we had dug a little deeper into the mafia side. I also wasn’t such a big fan of Scarlett just because I felt she was so naive & she lacked the ability to communicate & just ran away instead.
I’ve read other books by Taylor & loved them so while it was still a good book it’s not one of my favourites.
May 27, 2021
Holy intense second chance romance! Colbert gives us such an emotional story that has so much depth from the past bleeding into the present. I had been intrigued by Dominic and Scarlett and how things got so twisted for them. Your heart will ache, you will love the look into how things became the way they did. I did adore the whole concept of love never dying though. It was so powerful and emotional. While this is a mafia book, it is very light on that aspect so it isn’t as dark as some of the others I have read but do not let that discourage you. This story is woven perfectly between their love and the life that surrounds them!
May 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! This has been a great series so far! If you like mafia books this one is definitely on the lighter side. There was no long drawn out unnecessary drama either. Even though this one is part of a series it is a true standalone. You won’t feel like you are missing any part of the story. If you want a good one sitting read I definitely recommend this one!
Received a arc for a honest review.
Received a arc for a honest review.
May 27, 2021
This was a really good, second chance romance with some mafia sprinkled in.
Though I thought I would be reading a dark, mafia romance, the story did not disappoint me!
Dominic and Scarlett were wonderful characters, and Ms. Colbert did a great job showing their now and then!
I was rooting for them! Obstacles kept them from love before, will they again?
Though I thought I would be reading a dark, mafia romance, the story did not disappoint me!
Dominic and Scarlett were wonderful characters, and Ms. Colbert did a great job showing their now and then!
I was rooting for them! Obstacles kept them from love before, will they again?
May 28, 2021
Absolutely loving this series! Taylor has packed this second story in the saga with tons of suspense and swoon!
The chemistry between Dominic and Scarlett is a-maz-ing! And the twist will leave you jaw-dropped!
A 1-click for sure!
The chemistry between Dominic and Scarlett is a-maz-ing! And the twist will leave you jaw-dropped!
A 1-click for sure!
May 31, 2021
This is the first book I've read by the author. And it was really good. It's filled with so much suspense and swoons. And so much chemistry between Dominic and Scarlett. It's amazing. They're both wonderful characters too. So it's just easy to read. I really enjoyed this book!
September 25, 2021
A love story 14 years in the making
This book has everything. Romance, action (both kinds😉), and strong female characters. I loved how the women were portrayed not as the subordinates but the key decision makers. 10/10 would recommend!
This book has everything. Romance, action (both kinds😉), and strong female characters. I loved how the women were portrayed not as the subordinates but the key decision makers. 10/10 would recommend!
January 15, 2022
I loved Dominic almost as much as Avie from The Rook (book one of the Brooklyn Bloodline series). This book had me sucked in from start to finish, & I think I read it in like two days. I couldn’t put it down. Would definitely recommend!
May 24, 2021
3.5 ⭐
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June 12, 2021
I was excited to get this book. It was a good story but I found it predictable. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
March 6, 2023
LOVE this Series!!!
Constantly coming back to read even when I only have 2 mins, I get in a chapter. Great story line on the edge of my seat!!! Hoping Gio is next
Constantly coming back to read even when I only have 2 mins, I get in a chapter. Great story line on the edge of my seat!!! Hoping Gio is next
June 3, 2021
The King is a fast paced story that was a quick and enjoyable read. It’s on the lighter side of Mafia reads but one still packed with a lot of family business and deals. Dominic and Scarlett were childhood friends, first love, and their love/connection hasn’t diminished over the years apart. The steamy scenes started just a few pages in! Dominic is loyal and a great protector. Scarlett was strong and willing to put others above herself and willing to sacrifice herself however she also ran away from the problem vs communicating and making a plan together.
July 7, 2021
The ambiance of this book was of regret and forbidden love. Dominic, Avie’s older brother, took up the family business when Avie decided to opt out and live with her beloved Leo. There are different factions in this Mafia business, each one has their own territory and there’s like an uneasy truce between them. That is, until Sal, their father’s old partner, now turned enemy, comes up with debt troubles and deep secrets.
Dom has been in love with Scarlett for a long time, but she broke up with him to protect him. Now, she’s in danger again, and Dom is taking it upon himself to protect her. Her father Sal got into trouble with their enemy Johnny Spencer and nobody knows the whole story.
As the plot develops we learn all the details about Sal’s problems, and it seems like the circle is closing. I loved the devotion Dom and Scarlett feel towards each other, how they each will sacrifice their lives if it means the other one will survive. In this Mafia business, lives are perilous and when you have a person you love as they love each other, it means they. have a huge vulnerable side.
The story is told in two times, when they were in high school ten years ago and the present. The forbidden love aspect gives the book a nostalgic bent, their current devotion and deep passion makes it very steamy.
Avie appears in this book and acts as a catalyst. We learn about her from their childhood stories and see how she’s always been a spitfire. No wonder she used to be the boss!
Suspenseful, passionate, sacrificial, this was one delightful read!
Dom has been in love with Scarlett for a long time, but she broke up with him to protect him. Now, she’s in danger again, and Dom is taking it upon himself to protect her. Her father Sal got into trouble with their enemy Johnny Spencer and nobody knows the whole story.
As the plot develops we learn all the details about Sal’s problems, and it seems like the circle is closing. I loved the devotion Dom and Scarlett feel towards each other, how they each will sacrifice their lives if it means the other one will survive. In this Mafia business, lives are perilous and when you have a person you love as they love each other, it means they. have a huge vulnerable side.
The story is told in two times, when they were in high school ten years ago and the present. The forbidden love aspect gives the book a nostalgic bent, their current devotion and deep passion makes it very steamy.
Avie appears in this book and acts as a catalyst. We learn about her from their childhood stories and see how she’s always been a spitfire. No wonder she used to be the boss!
Suspenseful, passionate, sacrificial, this was one delightful read!
May 29, 2021
The King was a second chance story with a kicker of mafia in it that I did love, as I couldn't put it down for anything. Dominic & Scarlett fell in love when they were a lot younger, but she left him with only a note & it broke his heart, and her own as well. Scarlett wanted nothing to do with the family business, and she didn't even care about the money to be honest. She thinks she's living free, but her father ends up putting her in the middle of some big danger so said father ends up calling on Dom to keep Scarlett safe. It's quickly apparent that they never lost the connection they had, and it's only a matter of time before those sparks ignite again (especially since she's at his place), but as the danger gets more serious for Scarlett, Dom is trying to unravel why Scarlett's father got into bed with a certain crime lord. The answers certainly made things even more complicated, and may or may not have led to more heartbreak & I can honestly say that my heart was breaking. My one big issue with The King is the ending, it was a tad too rushed for me to be honest as it needed to be a bit bigger but that's just me, please decide for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 27, 2021
Dominic Castiano fell in love with Scarlet Melucci the very first day he met her in the halls of their private high school. But the type of business their fathers were involved are not the kind you talk about at the dinner table. It was that business that led to Scarlet leaving to live with her aunt and finish high school elsewhere. Fourteen years later, Scarlet's father Sal asks Dom to keep her safe. The same reason that led Sal to be on the outs with the Castianos has come to revisit him. Too much is at stake. Dom won't let her go again so easily so he will do whatever it takes to keep her.
Sigh... I love a good second chance romance mixed in with intrigue and suspense. Gotta love that mafia life! It's heart-pounding exciting, unputdownable till the end kind of reading. It's dark. It's mysterious. It's romantic. This series is unlike any of the author's typical stories, but I'm here for it!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Sigh... I love a good second chance romance mixed in with intrigue and suspense. Gotta love that mafia life! It's heart-pounding exciting, unputdownable till the end kind of reading. It's dark. It's mysterious. It's romantic. This series is unlike any of the author's typical stories, but I'm here for it!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
May 27, 2021
The King is the second title in the Brooklyn Bloodlines series, and after the conclusion to The Rook, I was eager for more of the Castiano siblings. This title features Dominic, Aviana’s eldest brother and his childhood sweetheart Scarlett Melucci.
Their story is a second chance mafia romance, told in dual point of view, that moves between the past and present.
Dominic and Scarlett are well matched, both are protective, driven, determined and their connection and chemistry is undeniable, despite the issues from their past.
Whilst I enjoyed this title it was a tad too fast paced, and glossed over some of the aspects of danger and suspense which is what drew me into the first book.
Their story is a second chance mafia romance, told in dual point of view, that moves between the past and present.
Dominic and Scarlett are well matched, both are protective, driven, determined and their connection and chemistry is undeniable, despite the issues from their past.
Whilst I enjoyed this title it was a tad too fast paced, and glossed over some of the aspects of danger and suspense which is what drew me into the first book.
May 25, 2021
Didn't enjoy this as much as the first book. Although I loved the history of this couple's love story and how they are better people when together, unfortunately the plot/present story felt rushed. Yes this was a quick read, but seems there was so much focus on everything leading up to the climax of the story, that it felt overlooked.
Funny thing is I didn't like the main character of the first book in this one both past and present which is a shame.
I'm sure a lot will still enjoy this story, I'm just a suspense junkie who lives for the action and details of it.
Funny thing is I didn't like the main character of the first book in this one both past and present which is a shame.
I'm sure a lot will still enjoy this story, I'm just a suspense junkie who lives for the action and details of it.
May 25, 2021
This series is a good introduction to mafia romance or if you're looking for something that isn't as dark.
Ten years earlier Scarlett left her home and her first love, Dominic, in order to protect him.
Now he's taken over his father's outfit and the world they live in is even more dangerous than before.
One call and Dominic rushes to her side and brings her to his home in order to keep her safe.
Ten years earlier Scarlett left her home and her first love, Dominic, in order to protect him.
Now he's taken over his father's outfit and the world they live in is even more dangerous than before.
One call and Dominic rushes to her side and brings her to his home in order to keep her safe.
May 31, 2021
Amazing book with characters that will have you on your knees, definitely a great story and how Taylor kept me on my toes is definitely a must read. The ups and downs and everything in between will have your attention and heart full of expectations and each of them will be met. High recommended.
May 27, 2021
A sweet contemporary mafia story.
Dominic and Scarlett were high school sweethearts. When her father betrayed Dominic's father she left to keep him safe. Years later they reunite.
Dominic and Scarlett were high school sweethearts. When her father betrayed Dominic's father she left to keep him safe. Years later they reunite.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews