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Advantage Play #4

Bitter Queen

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The Romano Family rescued me from being sold like cattle, but I’m afraid I’ve exchanged one prison for another.
Only this time, my heart isn’t safe from my captor.
And they have no idea who I’m running from.


Diece is the right hand man to the most powerful family in the Italian Mafia.
He’s ruthless, brutal, and has been tasked with protecting me after I stuck my neck out for his boss.
That doesn’t mean I trust him, though.
Against my will, Diece whisks me away under the guise of keeping me safe, but I’m not about to exchange one prison for another.
When he finds out what I’ve been through at the hands of my previous captor, he begs me to let my guard down.
To let him in.
But if I do, he’ll find out the truth, and I can’t let that happen. Not just for me, but for his safety too.
He says he won’t let anyone hurt me.
He has no idea who I’m running from.


*Contains sensitive subjects that may be offensive to readers. Intended for readers 18+

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2020

182 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read

About the author

Kelsie Rae

57 books8,521 followers
Kelsie is a sucker for a love story with all the feels. When she's not chasing words for her next book, you will probably find her reading or, more likely, hanging out with her husband and playing with her three kiddos who love to drive her crazy.

She adores photography, baking, her yorkie, Bob, and her devon rex, Mara. And now that she's actively pursuing her writing dreams, she's set her sights on someday finding the self-discipline to not binge-watch an entire series on Netflix in one sitting.


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5 stars
543 (46%)
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432 (36%)
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168 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for CassDamm.
678 reviews95 followers
July 13, 2024
I’d say this whole series so far was like a solid 3.5.

This was a little much, there was no reason for sei to escape and cause even more drama.

I’m going to pause finishing the rest of the series bc this ended on a cliffhanger and I hate the female mc that’s going to get the next book lol
Profile Image for Carly Wilson.
613 reviews39 followers
November 1, 2020
Kelsie Rae is an incredible writer, all of her books are vivid, raw, believable and handle horrifically brutal subjects in such a way that you root for justice to be served. Bitter Queen is the fourth book in the Advantage Play series, and this is a series that I have completely and utterly binge read, reading each and every book in one sitting. The characters are so real and imaginative, that you can picture their every move, quirks and flaws clearly in your mind, and when they hurt, as a reader you feel thar pain and it cuts deep.

Bitter Queen is the story of Diece and Queena. If you’ve read the series before, you will already be acquainted with their backstories, if you are reading as a stand-alone, you will be catapulted straight into their drama and completely immersed in the brutal mafia world of the Romano’s.

Q has been abused, beaten and considers herself nothing more than a broken, damaged woman with baggage. But when Diece looks at her, he sees nothing but true beauty, and a bravery he is in awe of. Tasked as her protector, he is determined to not only keep her safe, but make sure she feels safe. He is willing to share his own vulnerabilities with her, in exchange for building trust, and their relationship is beautiful and completely captivating.

Q looks at Diece like he hung the moon, she is hesitant and afraid, and deep down she is uncertain if she can trust him. But he has a way of breaking down her walls and making her feel like she can be more, and she struggles to interpret what life with a mafia bad boy would be like.

I adored this story, I love how throughout Diece never makes Q feel like the victim she has been, he idolises her and would walk through fire to ensure she is safe, and she may have been vulnerable physically to her attacker; but I love how Diece can be vulnerable emotionally when it comes to Q, and it’s such a beautiful concept and he is a very admirable and bold book hero.


Q is strong and her willingness to continue through her journey despite feeling depleted is inspiring, and she is a character that you constantly root for to have and seek justice. She is brave, bold, strong and badass.

This book contains some themes that some readers may be sensitive too, but the plot is gripping, action-packed and filled with a tonne of suspense that has me hooked and page-turning. Rae never fails to amaze me with this series, and I am so excited to get stuck into Black Jack the fifth book of the series.

A perfect read for those who love mafia tropes, or hard hitting romances with strong alpha heroes. An utterly amazing book that has floored me.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,230 reviews7 followers
October 24, 2020
If I read the first 3 books before I read this book, I would decide to give it 5 stars but since I didn't, I keep drawing the web that bring them all together and I want to know more about Diece, Ace and King, and Dex and Regina so I get distracted a lot and I can't focus on Diece and Queena's story at all. Now about the book, the plot is intense with Q's PTSD but Diece is so sweet and understanding so it helps break a lot of tensions while I am reading it. But like I said, I get distracted so I don't enjoy it much like I think so I decide to give it 4 stars.
Profile Image for Vilma .
903 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2020
The Advantage Play series continues, this time with Diece, one of Kingston’s closest men as the lead character and Q, the ‘fruit’ who saved King and Ace in the poker game by declaring herself a Fed.

Q, Queena is an emotional mess from her time in captivity under the unscrupulous and menacing hands of Sei, Burlones right hand man. Diece is tasked with protecting Q until the Romano family is safe and order is returned to the mob world. Q’s freedom comes at a price, but her scars are buried deep and she’s too afraid to trust anyone or that freedom is within her grasp. With patience and endurance, Diece works through some of Q’s barriers, while also teaching her how to be strong, brave, and to defend herself.

Slowly, Diece’s patience pays off and Q starts to open up and believe she can be strong, but then all hell breaks lose and Kingston needs answers from Q in order to protect his kingdom. Can Diece continue to protect Q from Sei and the others who threaten her freedom? Will Q get to exact her punishment against her captor and can she help Kingston to secure his power and return the mob world to a sense of peace.

This is a stand-alone, but best read in order to fully appreciate all the relationship dynamics amid the mob world and the current state of unrest.

Not for the faint of heart, not for anyone with triggers, but it’s deep and touches on something that actually exists in our world but shouldn’t, human trafficking and a mob family, the Romano’s who are trying to eradicate human trafficking from their region.
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
837 reviews15 followers
October 24, 2020
This story is of Diece and his Queena (Q) who managed to help King out of his dilemma at Burlone's poker game. Q is a hot broken mess after her ordeal at Sei's hands while in the "care" of Burlone. When she is rescued she is taken by Diece to another of King's houses to help her recover from her ordeal. She is a scared little bird and doesn't trust Diece at the beginning refusing to leave her room or eat the food he leaves her. Slowly she manages to come round and feel safe in his company. You really feel for Q and all she has been through and Kelsie takes you through the emotions with Q. I loved Diece he is a strong mafia man but underneath he is a big teddy bear towards Q. To their horror one night their worst nightmares come true and they find out Sei wasn't killed on that fateful night he is still very much alive and on a mission to claim back his "Peach" Q. Will Diece be able to protect Q and keep her safe or will Sei manage to find her and spirit her away from Diece.
I received an Arc copy to do an honest review. I wasn't disappointed Kelsie did it again and another book hangover as I had to keep going I was hooked. Kelsie manages to top the previous book in this series every time. Although you could kind of read as a stand a lone you really need to read all the previous books in the series to work out what is going on with some of the other characters and their inter action.
3,708 reviews40 followers
November 21, 2020
This is book four in The Advantage Play Series and it is Q (queena) and Diece's story. Q had been kidnapped, tortured, abused and was ready to be sold and after being rescued and kept safe she realises that she is just a shadow of her former self and so broken and damaged and then along comes someone that starts to help her through it but will she ever be the same again. Diece is Kingston's second in command and he is keeping A safe after everything that she has been through but she is definitely not making his job very easy but with his persistence and caring she starts to get a bit better but she will have a long road ahead of her. Q and Diece have such a strong connection and chemistry between them but with everything that she has been through will she ever be ready for a relationship even if it is a mafia man that is so kind, caring and gentle with her and protects her. Omg this book was absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down as I had to see what would happen next and it was so addictive and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. Kelsie Rae is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
739 reviews50 followers
November 8, 2020
Goodness gracious!!! Another intense one and man was some of that hard to read! I felt so much pain for Q and all she went through! Kelsie makes you feel, see and smell each and every moment that you wished you couldn’t. (Not in a bad way but in a way that is mesmerizing and you can’t shy away from but want to!)

I was not sure what to expect from Q because of what little we learned of her during the last book. I was left with so many questions in that book but my goodness did Kelsie answer them all and then some! The strength you encounter with Q is so amazing to watch grow that I wanted to cry! D has made ever lasting marks on her soul and you can see it before they see it! Little moments with D and Q are the absolute swoon epic moments! I think my absolute favorite made man mafia guy is Diece!

So much of this book made my stomach churn and heart hurt but it also overwhelmed me with hope. Hope for the “bad guys” not really being bad guys and just loving every moment of these sexy mafia men! The ability to heal is completely on these women who get put in unfortunate circumstances but with the help of a family makes all the difference! I love Q and D so much! I fell for not only the sexy mafia suit but her hair! 😍
Profile Image for Kendra Myers.
367 reviews11 followers
October 11, 2020
Queena's story is a heartbreaking one. We got a glimpse of what she went through in the prior books in this series. This one gives us a full view of the past as well as a look into her recovery, which isn't a smooth and pretty road to say the least. This is a raw and twisted story mixed in with love and security. Q's story may rip your heart out, but Q's & D's story may just put it back together.

When Diece is put in charge of her safety he takes that job seriously. Not only because Kingston is a scary mafia boss but because he feels things for Q. Things he doesn't think he has a right to feel and doesn't think Q is ready for. That being said he will do everything in his power to protect her from the evils of her past and future.

Bitter Queen should not be read out of order with the rest of the series. This series gives you a view of many scenes through the eyes of the different characters (which is awesome!). To gain the full effect of how these books play out I believe you should start at the beginning with Wild Card and go from there.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,512 reviews129 followers
November 27, 2020
I think I need to point out I haven’t read the previous books in this series and I think i would have appreciated the characters and the story if I had read books 1,2 and 3 prior to picking up Bitter Queen (Advantage Play#4) that being said I still enjoyed this gritty, emotional read.
Diece is the right hand man for the Romano Mafia family and he is prepared to do what ever is needed to protect the family and people he cares about.
Queena has been through so much and is suffering from PTSD so the last thing she wants is Diece’s protection but he is a man who doesn’t take no for an answer.
This is a story that covers some themes that may be triggers to some readers but Ms Rae covered them with sensitivity and compassion. The hero gets to show his caring side which to honest was completely unexpected as this man at times was brutal in protecting those who mattered to him.
Bitter Queen is an emotional, gritty and raw read that really shows how we portray and believe the Mafia works. If you love dark romance with pain and angst this is the read for you.
Profile Image for Beth.
492 reviews23 followers
November 28, 2020
Q was rescued from a terrible situation, but is in danger in the aftermath of the takedown. Diece is in charge of protecting her and keeping her safe from all the men that want to either kill her or keep her(read torture and abuse). After her extreme abuse, Q is understandably traumatized and doesn't trust anyone. The trauma and response was fairly well done, she didn't heal physically and emotionally within hours, it was a shortened time frame for this, but not an instant miracle. There are nightmares and triggers and things she can't handle. Diece is very sweet with the most part and does a good job of pushing her to take some steps forward and not stay trapped in her room or her mind. The romance between Diece and Q was a fairly quick build, but very sweet. He's the kind of big, bad mafia guy that is willing to watch Hallmark Christmas movies with Q to make her feel better. He does have moments of being an idiot, but those are thankfully short.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
944 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2020
Human trafficking is always an emotional and brutal. This is an emotional read with all the trauma and abuse Q experiences as a sex slave at the hands of a monster but the fact that she comes out a survivor and stronger on the other side gives one hope. Diece is in charge of protecting Q after she saves King and Diece's lives, and I love how he goes out of his way to make Q feel safe from teaching her self defense to watching Hallmark sappy movies with her. Anything to see her smile, for a big bad mafia man he is a hero and softie where Q is concerned. There are some brutal scenes in the book and some terrible nightmares and memories that Q relives. Well written with a well thought out plot that weaves in nicely with the rest of the series, as there is an underlying plot that continues throughout the series, I would recommend reading this entire series from the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,181 reviews26 followers
October 8, 2020
Well, I couldn’t resist staying up all night and reading this new story by one of my favorite authors. This series has sucked me in from the beginning and I could hardly wait to read Diece’s and Queena’s story.

Let me start off by saying this is book four in the series and I really feel you should start with book 1. While you might be okay just reading this one, I think you will be lost at certain times. This story is a continuation that just happens to focus on a different couple.

This story did not disappoint! Q’s part in the last book had me thinking ‘WTF - who is this woman?!?!’. I ended up loving her. (I’m not saying anything else. Go into this one blind - don’t even read the blurb if you have already read the previous stories.)

I am so happy Jack gets his story told next! Whoo hoo!!!
Profile Image for Carrie.
202 reviews
October 10, 2020
Another amazing book by Kelsie Rae!

My favorite part of the Advantage Play series is seeing the same events play out through the different characters. I love seeing those scenes through the eyes of another character! Bitter Queen is a fine example. We see events that took place in Little Bird through the eyes of Diece or Q, and then the continuation of those events through this book. I love how no time has passed between books, it's really just one long continuation from Wild Card through Dark King, Little Bird and now Bitter Queen.

Q was such a mystery at the end of Little Bird, and the twists and turns and the connections between events in all the books, and finding out her connection to it all was perfect!

Fabulous book, and an awesome addition to the Advantage Play series! Cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,294 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2020
So I don’t do spoiler reviews so you are safe to read this!!
Bitter Queen can be read as a stand-alone, but I seriously and highly recommend that you read Wild Card, Dark King, and Little Bird FIRST! You will not regret that decision.

Now if you have read anything by Kelsie Rae before, this series is a total 180 difference... she has totally nailed this Mafia romance!

Bitter Queen is a whirlwind in my mind. I love that Q is a broken, battered and such strong woman deep down, she just needs someone to show her how strong she is. Diece—dear lord do I love this man!!! He is the epitome of a book boyfriend who has a dark side and all he wants to do is protect the woman he has grown to love. This book is everything and more and it is definitely one of my top 5 of 2020!! Must read!!

HEA and NO cliffhanger!
96 reviews
October 11, 2020
Kelsie has done it again and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book. Q’s story is heartbreaking and honestly a women’s worst nightmare, seeing her work through those things and realize she’s stronger than she thinks with D’s help was my favorite part. D is my favorite “hero” of the series so far, although I don’t think he would agree with that term. This is the fourth book in the series and although I think you could read it as a stand alone I highly recommend reading the others first, just so you have a deeper understanding of what’s going on. Some of the events unfolding in each book are happing simultaneously so you get to see how different characters react to the same things.
868 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2020
This series continues to be a great one to read. I've been reading this series a bit out of order, but they have all been very enjoyable. I liked Diece's protective nature toward Queena. I know that it was his job, but you can see how his emotions bleed over into his protection detail. I do think that he sells her a little bit short as I do think that Queena is stronger than she appears, but just the fact that he is so considerate of her to that level, told me a lot about his personality. All he can do is try to keep her safe and protected...even if he might not know what she is running from. This book was a great page-turner and I can't wait to read the next one in the series..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shirley.
854 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2020
Book 4 in the series.
It's been a bit, but I'm not missing a beat, just like that the story comes back to me and I'm right back, smack dab in the middle of this world. A broken and beaten down heroine and the alpha that vows to help and protect her. Diece and Q's story is filled with broken, jagged pieces. It takes time to line up all the jagged edges and just when Diece is making progress, all hell breaks loose and they have to leave their sanctuary and get back to reality and the chaos that's still swirling around the family. The story is filled with suspense, angst, patience, confusion and against all odds, trust. I really enjoy this world and can't wait to start Black Jack.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,905 reviews101 followers
November 24, 2020
"Book 4 in the series.
It's been a bit, but I'm not missing a beat, just like that the story comes back to me and I'm right back, smack dab in the middle of this world. A broken and beaten down heroine and the alpha that vows to help and protect her. Diece and Q's story is filled with broken, jagged pieces. It takes time to line up all the jagged edges and just when Diece is making progress, all hell breaks loose and they have to leave their sanctuary and get back to reality and the chaos that's still swirling around the family. The story is filled with suspense, angst, patience, confusion and against all odds, trust. I really enjoy this world and can't wait to start Black Jack."
Profile Image for Chris.
1,923 reviews14 followers
November 27, 2020
Bitter Queen is book four in the Advantage Play series and I highly recommend that you read this series in order because each of these stories build on each other within the world of the mob where Kingston is the boss.
This story is just as edgy and filled with danger as the previous ones because even though one enemy has been taken down there is another one still lurking in the dark. Finding him and keeping Q safe is a top priority for Diece because Q means more to him that he ever expected. Can he help her overcome her demons and can she find herself again? Read for yourself to find out. You won’t be disappointed!
75 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2020
Kelsie’s books are amazing! She is able to tell stories in such a way that you’re hooked and can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
The advantage play series is for all you mafia trope lovers. Diece is a bad ass tough guy and right hand man to a mob boss. Q (Queena) is a broken woman who has been raped and abused by a sadistic man. Diece wants to protect Q and make her feel whole again. Q has serious PTSD but Diece is patient and caring. Q wants to trust Diece but after what she’s been through can she ever trust a man again?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the advantage play series and I’m so ready to dig in to the next book, Black Jack.
Profile Image for Amber.
31 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2020
*Stand alone book - However, I recommend reading the series from the beginning to under stand why Q is in the position she’s in. Bitter Queen is another great mafia story from Kelsie. I definitely recommend you add this to your library. (There are some trigger warnings)

After weeks in hell, Queena has nothing left to loose and helps the Romano family take down a common enemy. Diece, right-hand man to the Romano boss, takes Q away to keep her safe. While in hiding Q’s has horrible nightmares and has a hard time trusting Diece.

Their story is about earning trust, keeping promises, and not letting the past determine the future. Until the past pulls you back in, literally…
168 reviews
October 27, 2020
I am gonna be honest, the Advantage Play series by Kelsie Rae has not been my favorite. The writing is still amazing (can Kelsie Rae write anything that isn't?), but well, maybe its just the genre? It just hasn't been my cup of tea. Having said that, Bitter Queen was amazing. Queena is broken, Diece is broken and I love me some broken characters. Again, I am a bigger fan of her Signature Sweethearts series (Hello, Jude 😉) but Bitter Queen was definitely worth the read and the inevitable 10 plus more times I'll check it out. 😊 Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
November 30, 2020
This is the 4th book in the series and it can be read as a stand-alone. Diece is the right-hand man of a powerful mafia man he is placed in charge of Queena. Q has been through so much but she has no plans of exchanging one prison for another and has no plans letting anyone through her walls. Can she trust him or will the information she knows put it him danger as well? Fast-paced read with intense chemistry, loads of drama, suspense and emotion. Great characters and an entertaining story that draws you in. I loved it.
Profile Image for Christina Pannell.
534 reviews23 followers
October 12, 2020
I really wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!!!
This book is Queenas story. Its heartbreaking living the horror she went thru with Sei. It starts with her in Kingstons office and Diece being assigned as her protector.
This book is dark! It is heartbreaking! There is hope once Diece quits enabling Queena. You see the will to live she finds, the peace she needs.
This is absolutely a must read.
Profile Image for Vickie Jones.
79 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2020
Wow.
This is a very strong story
It has some triggers that could set some off, but if you can read past that this book is a great read. I'm glad Q was able to learn to live with what she went through in Little Bird. Good thing about this book as it can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first 3. Very well written, keeps you drawn un from the start
Cant wait to read the next book in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
766 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2020
This is Diece and Q’s story. I have been waiting for this one since the beginning.

We knew Q had some secrets and was going to be an important part of this puzzle.

Q had a number done on her and it was going to take patience and time to bring her out of her shell. It patience and time is what Diece has. He wants the best for Q.

I can’t say enough great things and out this book and the series as a whole. Start from the beginning and you won’t be sorry.

Each one is dark and amazing.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
November 24, 2020
Queena had endured so much in the hands of Sei who is a sadistic monster. Even after being rescued she's an empty shell existing reliving the horrific events in her mind.
With Sei still on the loose Diece has been ordered to protect Q. He's determined to help her heal and become the strong woman she is hiding away.
Q and D's story is heartbreaking but with D by her side there is hope.
Jack has a huge decision he must make.
Such an addicting series!!
Profile Image for Danielle Marlowe.
2,054 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2020
Kelsie Rae did a good job on this story, Bitter Queen had a strong plot that was written well. The story had many emotions. Diece and Queena were strong characters, their path was a bit bumpy but they were good for each other, they brought out a better side to one another. The connection they had was strong, they were drawn to each other. The chemistry was sexy, they were good together.
I enjoyed this story. Thanks, Kelsie Rae. Good work :)
Profile Image for Bookish.
1,473 reviews27 followers
November 30, 2020
I really enjoy this series mafia series by Kelsie Rae, she manages to dark world that you really want to be a part of. This is book 4 but a stand alone (but best read in order) focusing on Diece and Q's story. Whisked away for her protection, we get to see Q's past and how she survived and is coping. Unlikely pair Diece finds himself drawn to Q and her mysterious past. A fast paced, plot driven read that will keep you turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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