Commanding Thirst

Rough Redemption #2

by Olivia Fox

Made Man, Antonio Drago forgot most of what he learned in school — but book worm Daphne Pruitt swallows him up heart and soul in this second chance, mafia romance.
Antonio:

Ever since walking her home every day from school, I’ve been a sucker for white cotton panties.

It was wrong then, but now she’s of age.

And she needs my help again.

Her sister’s in deep with the Cartel, and has gone missing.

Right on schedule, it’s Daphne’s job to save her.

It’s time someone took care of my baby girl for a change.

I never professed to be above bribery, and I must be a dark devil after all, because when I specify my stipulations I watch her freeze, paralyzed in shock, and it makes a certain part of me go hard as a rock.

Right then I know I’ll shock the hell out of her in bed like I’ve been wanting to do since that first day I walked her home from high school.

There.

I admitted it.

I’m a dirty, filthy scoundrel.

The question is, will she forgive me?

This Juicy Mafia Romance has a super protective, hot alpha male who stops at nothing to protect his girl. It’s a stand-alone in the Rough Redemption Series complete with HEA and no cliffhangers. There are fiery hot scenes in and out of the bedroom!!!

Genres: Erotica

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestseller, Olivia Fox writes muy spicy stories. If you love doting doms and swoony alphas gifted with amazing appendages, grab some free books at her website!

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely more of a "dark romance" than her other series but as addicting and with a couple that both was unique but just as addictive to read about. If had known more of the tropes and kinks displayed in this I might not have been as eager getting to it so soon. But I was glad I didn't knew going into. While I still find some discomfort reading about it, Olivia Fox doesn't disappoint in making the couple very readable

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daphne the heroin don't get me started on her. Whiny, selfish, self pitying. Antonio deserved better.

I will say the sex was off the chart hot. Although the never got around to the butt stuff which was very disappointing.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, safe, dark, gritty and steamy story. Daphne had a teenage crush on the 10 year older Antonio. Now they meet again by chance and fell instantly for each other😍😍 Insta love with action and drama but with a HEA at the end of the story.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating love story, and action and mafia story all rolled into one
Daphne and Antonio have known each other for years he had been her protector even though he had been ten years her senior and then when her mother an alcoholic and drug taker had been overdosed, he had come to the rescue.
He had also been the only person that ensured she had at least one nutritional meal during the day always bringing her delicious Italian named sandwiches and drinks he had been a great friend and so much more.
Then she had gone to college and had studied hard and now had returned home where she was broke and working hard in a bookstore which she loved as books were her life, once again she was surviving on ramen noodle pots and her employer had allowed her to live rent free above the book store, she was a great boss.
Once again, her sister has fallen in with the wrong crowd and has been missing for several weeks without making contact and Daphne reaches out to Antonio after her apartment is trashed and when he discovers she is in deep water he decides he has to help “His Little Wren”.
I will not spoil the plot but will say that you will be totally blown away when you travel with the couple as they try to rescue Maggie from Maximillio, she is a journalist and a piece she is writing is possibly the reason she is missing.
Read how the couple face their trails and tribulations together, saving each other on several occasions from certain death and also now she is older actually being able to experience the lust and carry out some of the loving he has dreamed of for over fifteen years.
I can assure you once you start reading you will not be able to put this book down.
voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
Can’t say I didn’t warn you.
This is book two of the Rough Redemption series it appears each book will read as a standalone however, why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Daphne and Tony knew each other in high school he took care of her, walking her to and from school, making sure she had enough to eat, he did what little he could being in high school. Fast forward ten years or so and she is working in the bookstore and in walks sexy as all get out high school crush Tony. Tony has always wanted her even back then, but she was so young now that she is older the magnetic pull is still there, and it can’t and won’t be ignored. Daphne’s sister is in deep trouble, and she is going to need Tony’s help and of course he is always going to protect her but at what cost will they save her sister, and will they find happiness?

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers* Antonio Drago protected Daphne ten years ago. She was 15 and he was ten years older. She had a mother who was addicted to alcohol and her sister cared more about herself and boys. Daphne tried and still tries to prtoect everybody, only Antonio looks out for her. He wanted her back then, but hold back, cause she was underaged. Daphne is a studied libarian, but comes back to the town, taking a lower paid job in the book store, to look out for her sister, who became a reporter, and maybe because of Antonio... Her sister tries to double cross the cartell and is in a love affair with an underboss. Daphne asks Antonio for help, his father was killed by the Perez family. He helps her, but she has to furfill his sexual needs. She loves to give him her submission in the bedroom. It gets very steamy and hot between Daphne and Antonio. She nearly had nothing all her life, he loves to spoil her. His brother and Antonio own a casino and know a lot of people. Daphne and Antonio go to Mexiko, also Daphne's sister tried to betray the cartel and they know how dangerous it is. Will they be able to rescue her sister, or wll she chose money over family? Will they admit to their love beside their differences?
This book is hot ans dirty and the story keeps you on your toes, loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Daphne was growing up, she had a rough time. Her mother was a drunk and on drugs, leaving Daphne feeling that she had to take care of herseld and her sister. The other kids at school started to bully her until one day she is rescued by a much older young man named Antonio. Antonio escorted her to school and back and even shared his lunches with her. Antonio is rumored to be part of a powerful mafia family and Daphne knows that she owned him for the favors that he did for her. Now Daphne is grown up and she has been avoiding Antonio. Then her older sister disappears and it is said she ran afoul of the Cartel in Mexico. To save her sister, she approaches Antonio to go with her to Mexico and save her sister.

Antonio has had a thing for Daphne for much longer than he is comfortable admitting. Seeing her in her innocent school uniform has driven him crazy since she was 15. He always wanted her for himself but he gave her distance to grow up and possibly walk away. Now she is grown and so has his obsession. When she requests his help to rescue her sister, he finally is free to claim her as his own .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tonya Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antonio Drago has had his sights on Daphne since she was in high school. Once her protective older friend, he now wants to claim her and do way more than protect her. Unfortunately circumstances with her sister lead to her needing his his protection again. Not that he minds, especially since it means he gets to be very up close and personal with her. Daphne is a bookstore clerk, but has secretly been head over heals with Tony since he used to walk her home and bring her food when no one else was there for her. He also likes to discipline her when she doesn't follow his rules. The story was super sexy, had a side of action and angst, but mostly consisted of Tony and Daphne reconnecting after her absence from their small town. If I had one negative, it would simply be some of Daphne's actions in the later chapters weren't very consistent, but I could concede that would be due to duress and the circumstances surrounding her sister. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Antonio/Tony fit the bill for possessive obsessed alpha male bent on protecting his Daphne at all costs. Their history and backstory added to the intense chemistry he shared with her as he waited and watched out for her until she got older. There was a bit of an ick factor as he did lust after her when she was just fifteen. It would have been fine as he never acted on his feelings, but the ick came back when they did some role playing later on.
Tons and tons of graphic steamy intense scenes, so if you are into that you will not be disappointed.
The bright spot in this erotic novel was Daphne and her quirky, independent, and savvy personality that kept Tony on his toes! She managed to save him more than once and I liked her “roll with the punches” attitude. Lots of drama sprinkled in around the numerous steamy scenes with just enough storyline to keep my interest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne's childhood was rough until she found a guardian angel in Antonio, a boy/man who was ten years older that her. Antonio was a "made man", but to Daphne, he was always a gentleman but he was also someone she had a major crush on that included not so innocent ideas of things she wanted him to do with her. What Daphne never realized is that Antonio also had not so innocent ideas of how he wanted to use her body. When her sister goes missing, her only thought is that Antonio would be the only man who could possibly help. When Antonio agrees to help she is surprised to find the terms of what he expects in exchange for his help. This opportunity is a chance for each of them to explore all the things they has only dreamed they could share, if they can stay alive long enough. Great story and great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Antonio and Daphne have had a connection since she was a teenager. He always tried to protect her, be her friend and did not cross any lines. It did not stop him from wanting her though. Daphne had feelings for him at a young age also. Years have gone by and she is back working at the bookstore. When she needs help with her sister, Antonio is there for her once again but he changes things up. His stipulations send their relationship into a whole other level, one they have both been waiting for. Their story has plenty of drama, suspense, danger, lust and love. I thought the characters were great together. I enjoyed their story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hot May to December romance that has the right amount of adventure and steam. I really wanted to like the Daphne but when she just kept doing stupid, bratty stuff it made me just shake my head. I mean come on, the girl even says earlier in the book the two of them together was all wrong because Tony was an older, dangerous man working for the mafia and she was just a librarian; but what does she do, she keeps trying to follow him like she can protect HIM. More like get in the way and distract him. I swear for grown women, authors like to write headstrong feisty females as idiots that don't think.

Besides that it's a fast read with a HEA. Tony's intensefrom the very beginning so it's almost like an insta-love romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Olivia Fox in the Rough Redemption series. Antonio Drago has had his eye on Daphne since she was 15 years old but did not act on his feelings for her as he was much older than her. Fast forward 10 years later and when Daphne seeks Antonio’s help to find her missing sister Antonio takes the opportunity the claim Daphne as his. And boy does he stake his claim. This book has love, romance, spankings, a dominant and some drama to boot so it will definitely keep you hooked. Loved the book and I loved the characters and after their journey Antonio and Daphne got their HEA. A great read.


I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could only keep asking myself as I struggled through this book, "Is this supposed to be a rom-com?". And what reference does the title have to the story? I was confused.

This entire situation with Tony and Daphne was strange. I felt no connection between them, no heat, no chemistry. They were on the home turf of a cartel and were completely unprepared. The entire thing in the hotel room was off putting. The speed boat, the van, the donkey, the vase, etc. really made me feel like this was supposed to be part of a comedy

Even the outcome with her sister didn't make me feel anything one way or another. Then, Daphne did what she did after everything she went through with Tony. I thought the entire escapade was supposed to be a comedy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, This book was absolutely amazing! I am loving this rough redemption series by Olivia Fox. This book is about Antonio Drago and a girl named Daphe which he has liked since she was in high school. He is 10 years her senior and let her go off to college and has been waiting on her to return. She had a bad home life and everyone always relied on her and now she has Tony to rely on. Her sister goes missing and she ask Tony for help and it leads them to a dangerous cartel. Read this amazing book to find out what all goes on. I loved the dark romance and suspense of the story!! Can’t wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in Rough Redemption series, can be read as a stand alone. Realistic dialogue, sizzling chemistry that teases and promises a thrilling passionate adventure. I like this story! Love Antonio's use of the long game, the patient wait. Very sexy - a man who knows what he wants. Plenty of detailed intimacy. Daddy/little/discipline elements - Daphne is 10 years younger and he's known her since she was a teen. Good mix of action and danger as this couple spends time together exploring their physical connection and establishing an emotional bond beyond friendship while trying rescue Daphne's sister from a cartel. Very entertaining!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a hot story with lots of steamy love scenes, this book will definitely heat your blood where you will need to cool off after reading. Antonio Drago was used to looking out for Daphne Pruitt when she was bullied at high school when she was fifteen and him being ten years older than her, couldn’t act on his attraction to her, but now she is in her twenties, she is his to pursue. What follows is full of action and running for their lives until the final pages where everything falls into place and they live happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[adina willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphne is back in town after going away to college. She is working at bookstore. Antonio (Tony) walks in and sees Daphne. Tony is 10 years older than Daphne. When she was in high school, he would walk her to school and give her some food. Now she is back and Tony has waited long enough for Daphne. Daphne is talking to her sister Maggie when she hears noises over the loud speaker. When they hang up, Daphne gets a bad feeling about Maggie. She tries a different way to find her sister but when it comes to her front door, Tony takes over. This is a action packed with steamy scenes in between.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Milagro Lasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SPOILERS* Tony and Daphne have known each other for many years. Tony was a savior to Daphne in school and life. While feelings were strong Tony never crossed the line. 15 yrs senior to Daphne he remained a true gentleman. 10 yrs later they cross paths again this time Daphne is of age and Tony’s not going to let go so easy. Daphne sister finds herself in a little trouble which naturally the little sister to the rescue. Tony agrees to go with Daphne cause he has all the contacts. A recipe for love, sex and commanding orders. It’s absolutely wonderful, I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the Rough Redemption series. This one concerns dangerous Antonio Drago and bookworm Daphne Pruitt. Although Antonio is ten years older he has lusted after Daphne ever since she was fifteen and he used to protect her from the school bullies. Now she is of age and in need of help he is determined to protect her again - and get her into his bed. This book contains danger and sex in equal measures and keeps you engrossed from the start as you follow Daphne and Antonio on their rocky road to happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony has loved Daphne since she was 15. He was ten years older but he’d walk her home from school to make sure she arrived safely. She went to college and returned home to work in the book store. But Tony has awaited and watched for years and now that she’s home and old enough he’s determined to make her his. Her sister goes missing and she goes to him for help and he agrees as he wants her protected and safe with him. He has a deal for her to be with him and she agrees. Will they find her sister and what will happen between them?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough handling

Daphne met Antonio when she was 15 and he protected her from bullies. He was 10 years older than her and kept things platonic while she finished high school. She then left for college then came back and ran into him. Her sister was in trouble and he agreed to help in exchange for sexual favors. Lust filled and fast paced, things moved quickly in their relationship.

It felt like there were ups and downs in the action which swung from them safely hanging out on a beach to having a gun pointed at them and back. Their relationship also swung up and down. He is a demanding Dom and she loves it.

[Sara Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was adventurous and kept me interested for more.

Daphne had a tough adolescence, her father died and her mother started drinking. Maggie her sister was no help, constantly causing problems or chasing her dreams.

Antonio Drago always had a thing for Daphne but kept his cool until the right time. Daphne went to college, came back and Tony was waiting for her.

Maggie decides to get involved with the cartel and Daphne is off to find her! Tony is not letting her go alone and everything gets complicated. It doesn’t go well and you will be surprised what happens?

There is a HEA, so enjoy.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Daphne came back home there was one mad she both needed and dreaded to see Antonio the one man who become her hero and watched out for her on her way home from School. But when Daphne's new reporter sister gets in trouble and goes missing she needs help to find her and turns to Antonio only he demands her as payment. but will he let her go? well written mafia age gap romance with suspense, action, desires steamy hot scenes and more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyne Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect title !!

That book is so good !
It made me smile, swoon and scared a time or two.
That story took me in right at the beggining and spit me out just at the end; it's solid, intense and gripping, with a little action.
The chemistry between Antonio and Daphne of off the charts ; I thought my Kindle might burst into flames lolll

I do recommend this book, and also the one before this one; you'll get a better understanding of the famiglia :)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commanding thirst is fire from start to finish! Imagine a hot, sexy, tall drink of all male being not only your bodyguard and friend, but has the hots for you too! In this book, Daphne did not have an easy upbringing, but she had Antonio. Now as an adult, Antonio will prove to her, no matter what, that she has been always the one for him. I enjoyed reading this book and love how Ms. Fox writes her characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Antonio Drago is everything. He's older, possessive, dominant, protective and is given a second chance to have Daphne is in life. Daphne needed his help when she was a school girl and she needs his help again. And he's happy to help...with stipulations. Daphne needs help to find her sister and having Antonio back in her life brings back her childhood crush. So many unsaid emotions and with their sizzling chemistry, this book is so steamy!! Fantastic read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Daphne comes home after college and is working at a bookstore. When she was in high school Tony, who was ten years older than her, would walk her home from school. He has waited for her and now she's back and she will belong to him. She needs his help to find her sister. He is obsessed with protecting her and she saves him too. They're perfect for each other with hot and steamy chemistry between them. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I loved the HEA. Patsy Sacco

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Drago has been protecting Daphne since she was in high school. She's all grown up now and he is as interested in her now as he was back then. When Daphne's sister gets into trouble, Drago uses this to his advantage. He will help Daphne and her sister, but he's going to do it on his terms. Is Daphne willing to turn back time and realize her teenage crush can turn into something? Sexy, fun read that comes alive on the page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karon Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance (kind of) romance with a bit of mafia thrown in. Tony and Daphne never dated in the past although he was interested, she was too young. Now she's old enough and he's not letting her get away. Their romance is hot and sexy, with a lot of D/s in the bedroom. There's good action with her sister and her woes. I enjoyed this story very much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.