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I thought we had it all figured out.
If you play by the rules, you can’t lose, right?

Wrong.

We sided with the law, believing it would do us no wrong, only to learn a badge doesn’t make a man honorable.

We won’t make the same mistake twice, but if we can’t trust the law, who else can we turn to?

Demi is book six in the bestselling Italian Cartel Series by Shandi Boyes. It is the second book in Maddox and Demi’s story, and it is not recommended as a standalone.

292 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2021

93 people are currently reading
629 people want to read

About the author

Shandi Boyes

96 books2,196 followers
Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

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5 stars
209 (66%)
4 stars
62 (19%)
3 stars
31 (9%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Bella.
57 reviews
August 26, 2023
Why does this have to be another horrible cliffhanger…
Profile Image for Pam Smith.
451 reviews20 followers
January 3, 2025
Loved & hated book. Trigger warnings, read and believe them!!!
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,137 reviews15 followers
August 8, 2021
4.3 stars

This story is packed with emotion. Even though it was hard to go back to the mauling that Justine endured from the Nicholai stories, it was interesting to see it from a new perspective. This author is a queen at rehashing old stories but keeping them fresh while also giving a whole new love story.
Profile Image for ❤ArtfullySinful❤ .
722 reviews49 followers
December 8, 2025
“He wants to place the burden on anyone’s shoulders but his.”

“When a man is grieving, no one is safe. I never thought he’d suspect you, though.”

“Will you stay with him when he looks at you differently?”

“Every time he looks at you, he’ll remember what he lost.”


Still fleeing from her uncle Col and the wrath of suffering he unleashed, Demi and Maddox thought things could be on the rise. Discovering she's pregnant after multiple positive tests, she unknowingly takes a vitamin provided by Rocco and unleashes the ultimate pain into their lives. Within an hour the cramping began, and just as quickly the blood began pooling out between her legs in the shower. Stumbling, she hit her head and laid motionless on the shower floor, her baby quickly turning into a miscarriage. Thinking they were simply prenatal vitamins, they were really an abortion pill that nearly left Demi dead. Arriving at the emergency room where Demi was admitted, Maddox felt his heart truly shatter when he was told Demi passed away as they couldn't control the bleeding. Returning to the cabin alone, hrs greeted by the bloody shower and a house without her life and laughter. Grieving and on a war path it was Rocco’s words that broke through him in the end. Don't believe anyone's dead unless you've seen the body. With their words echoing so loudly, he returned to Mercer hospital where he forced his way to the floor she was last in. When he sees her alive, all that matters is getting close enough to hold her. As the two manage to escape, they make vows to always protect one another. Through life and death.

“No can do. The only women who make it past the foyer of my home are here to be thoroughly fucked. You don’t want that to happen, Ox, because she’ll be all like ‘did you put it in yet?’ by the time I’m done with her.”

Fearing their relationship can cause Maddox to lose everything with his family, Demi is ready to leave his life if it'll save him that suffering. Yet the Walsh’s welcome her with open arms, supporting her even though her blood is tinged with the enemy. Craving more independence and safety, they adopted an abused Doberman named Max who immediately fell for Demi. Going so far to nip and shark at Maddox, it seemed this dog would be the perfect fit. When Demi showed up for a shift at the restaurant, she never anticipated seeing her uncle there demanding her to come with him. When Max dug his teeth into him, it set in stone a torture on another young woman; Justine. The baby sister to the four Walsh brothers, she was sentenced to inhumane torture by Col. Mauled to death by Menace, a trained killing dog. Trading his life for his sister, she's horrifically injured and barely clinging onto life. Finding himself bloodied and tied to a chair, he is feeling so much worse when Demi glides in front of him. Seeing her through a one way glass, he sees her stripped of her clothing and kneeling naked at her uncle's feet. Carving up her chest with a knife, he's powerless to break through the glass and save her. Watching, he can only pray she isn't about to die so close, get so far away from him.

A heartbreak like nothing else. Pure fucking devastation….. I lost the woman I love and my child on the same day.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,161 reviews11 followers
March 12, 2021
5 Off the charts stars for Demi by Shandi Boyes

ARC received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Booksprout introduced me to this author and I am now in stalker mode lol each book I have been able to read I have rated 5 stars. Ms Boyes writes amazing “mafia genre books” !!!!

That being said this book is not a standalone and you should read Maddox prior to Demi (you will not be disappointed) However, just to let you know this book also does end with a cliffhanger.

Here is what I loved about this book :

Great cover and visual of Demi
Maddox could be your ultimate book boyfriend
Continuation of a great storyline
Awesome secondary characters ( all the Walsh brothers , Justine , Sloane and Rocco just to name a few ) - we also can’t forget Max - Demi and Maddox’s rescued Doberman ( aka Demi’s personal guard dog )
Sizzling chemistry
Laugh out loud dialog
Real relatable problems and issues a younger couple would face ( Maddox and Demi are in their early 20’s )
Intense / angst
Unplanned pregnancy

I prefer to write spoiler free reviews - Demi picks up immediately where the book Maddox left off so be prepared to possibly “ugly cry”

Read in 24 hours loved this book SO MUCH !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
March 14, 2021
I need more tissues! I swear I though I was out of tears I was so wrong to think that my heart was going to be unscathed from this book! The tears just will not dry and they keep coming. Shandi has destroyed my heart with this book, HECK this whole series has been an emotional ride from the beginning! But! It is one I am gladly taking with her and all of you! I have to say there were times when I wanted to throw my kindle and just stop, but honestly it is so good that you just can not stop. I have to say I am destroyed but I am whole too. If that makes sense to anyone, you know what I am feeling! I have been with this series since the start and it is one of the most emotional, dark, brutal, destructive but it is a story that needs to be told! I just want to say I have renewed respect for Maddox and he has stolen my soul with this book! I usually do not like cliffhangers but Shandi knows what she is doing and I trust her. I am in such love with these characters! You must get this series! I cannot recommend it enough!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Robin.
276 reviews
March 22, 2021
Demi starts of pregnant by the love of her life, Maddox. Having been lied to from a “trusted friend,” on getting prenatal vitamins and on the run from a cruel uncle, she has lost the baby and almost died from the miscarriage. As she is taken into the hospital, Maddox runs into a crowd of people who are just a pain to deal with. Waiting on the doc, he finally comes out with the news, Demi has died. Maddox is just hanging onto what he wants when someone asks if he actually saw the body after her funeral. Maddox is so angry he speeds down to the hospital only to find out that she is still alive and in custody of Agent Brahn, in attempt to hide away from her Uncle Col.

Things are simply crazy from then on. Drug runs, fighting, and staying alive are all Maddox and Demi can do, until Col comes to make a bargain with Maddox. One that he cannot refuse, if he wants someone in his family back. Is he willing to give up Demi to get a family member back? Is he willing to die for redemption? Can they survive without the other?

This is a must read. I can’t wait for the next story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Hahn.
38 reviews
March 6, 2021
Demi

This is the next book in Shandi’s Mafia Series. Demi is the cousin of Dimitri Petretti and the niece of the Monster Col. That alone would give you an idea of what Demi’s life is like!!!!

Maddox and Demi have had an attraction since they were little but it only grew over time. Then events happen that bring the two together and just when I was thinking ... “yes he’ll be her saviour forever’” Bam 💥 something happens that made me cry 😭 I was so emotional. These 2 cannot be without each other.
Then enters Max and I have to say I laughed a little hard at what happened there, breaking the story up and giving it a good mix of emotions.
Then my emotions shifted again. I need .......
NEED the next book Ox as I’m left shattered at finding out what the ending to this story is!?!?!?!

Knowing Shandi I won’t have to wait long and neither will you!!!

Once again Shandi weaves an intricate web interweaving her stories. I’m always intrigued but I’m telling you now, you will be as enthralled as I am.


Another Must Read!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
125 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2021
This is the second book in Maddox and Demi’s story, and it is not recommended as a standalone, as you will be lost. The story carries on directly from the ending in Maddox.
Where the first book is a fast-paced, messy romance, this book is deeper and darker with more heart ache. This story shows how 'good' people, trying to do the right thing, can become indebted and dragged into the seedier side of life. The love this couple has for each other is shown in their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the other.
It has its funny moments, especially once Max enters the scene. But if you have become as involved with the characters as I have, I recommend you keep tissues handy.
As for the ending... I'm still in shock! That is a 'no way' and 'you've got to be kidding' moment, quickly followed by 'where is the next book!'
573 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2021
I want the 3rd ASAP!!!

Demi it's the second installment in Maddox and Demi's story and the 6th in The Italian Cartel Series by Shandi Boyes. Be prepared because this is a roller-coaster of emotions: it picks up exactly where the first book left and whereas Maddox was fast-paced and more action-packed, this tale is deeply emotional, dark, twisted, raw and sadly tragic. It was beautiful and dreadful, at the same time, to see so much effort to save Demi and when we feel a semblance of hope, the hecatomb happens.... It was felt, so so felt, touching, moving and I found myself as sentimentally wracked as them 😭😭😭. Such a great account in true Boyes' style and now we all need Ox asap and knowing the author, it won't take much time! Thanks God (and Shandi) for that!
Superb and poignant!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,362 reviews28 followers
March 15, 2021
So emotional what an amazing read
This is not a standalone read please read the first book Maddox in Maddox and Demi story. This is the sixth book in the Italian cartel series And it just gets better and better.
I’m telling you now you will need tissues on standby because this second book is just heartbreaking. There’s just so much going on and you will go through every single emotion reading this book it’s so dark we learn so much more about Demi and the horrors she has had to go through and it will just break your heart in two. The relationship between her and Maddox is just what we strive for, the feelings They have for one another are just out of this world. And once again we are left with a cliffhanger I feel like my heart just won’t stop pumping fast I need that third book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.5k reviews48 followers
March 16, 2021
Second book in Demi and Maddox's story....RIVETING READ!

Demi is the sixth book in The Italian Cartel series and is the continuing story of Maddox Walsh and Demi Petretti. Be warned that you have to have read the previous book, Maddox, before this book and this book ends with a cliffhanger as there is a third in Demi and Maddox's story. I loved the start of their story in Maddox and that love affair continued while I was reading Demi. I can't actually write about this story as it will just give too much away. The story is dark, heartbreaking at times, romantic, a fast paced roller-coaster ride that leaves you exhilarated and wrung out at the end. I cannot wait to read the next book to see just what happens between these two.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews20 followers
March 11, 2021
Book 1 of Maddox and Demi’s story, ended on a shocking note and Book 2 starts right at that moment - I love when that happens. But it is only a precursor to the emotional rollercoaster we will be on in Demi’s story.

We learn more about her tragic past and get clarity about the involvement of her father, uncle and cousin Dimitri. In the present, it seems the darkness never lifts. This book doesn’t have the action Book 1 had because it is so steeped in emotion.

You may find yourself reaching for the tissues during DEMI. As difficult the story was, it made me like Maddox that much more. Of it also ends on a cliffhanger and I anxiously await book 3, Ox.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jean Dewsbury.
869 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2021
Demi Petretti has been through so much in her short life. Her story has you shredded with emotions.
Maddox Walsh and his brothers have tried to free her from her life of misery.
It's just one of those days.
This is the second book in Demi and Maddox's story.
It is dark.
It is messy.
It is heartbreaking.
To see such heartbreak and yet such fierce love shinning through such heartbreak. This book will leave you wondering how Maddox "Ox" will make survive the Italian Cartel and its cruelty.
I absolutely loved reading their story and discovering more about the other characters. I need book 3.

Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews22 followers
June 9, 2022
Loss, Love, & Devastation

Demi & Maddox are continuing to fight everyone to be together. They have enemies all around them and her uncle is determined to bring chaos to everyone who dares cross him! This was a painful book to get through and there is so much loss and violence that it is hard at times to keep reading. Demi is strong but sometimes no matter your strength you can’t win! Maddox is devoted to her and everything he knows and loves is encompassed in her but love is futile when you can’t beat your opponent. This is an amazing book but emotionally hard to read. But please do because these two deserves to hear their story read and be loved. Happy Reading!
1,921 reviews
February 22, 2021
As I was reading this book I did not understand why everyone said have tissues, then I got to the end and couldn’t believe it and had to stop reading because I couldn’t see. I thought I knew what happened to Justine, but I only knew half. Maddox and Demi go through so much and even though some of the scenes with Max made me laugh, I don’t think I have read anything like this book that left me feeling hopeless and searching for a word that is worse than evil to describe Col Petretti. It is only my faith in Shandi Boyes that makes me think that all is not lost.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
547 reviews13 followers
March 11, 2021
I have read 33 books by Shandi and I swear they get better and better with each one. I can definitely see the reason she said Maddox wont quit talking. I think he is the most talkative and open about his feelings out of all of Shandi's men.

I love the scenes of Maddox and Max. I was cracking up so much.

Maddox and Demi's story is angsty, heartbreaking, steamy, and so much more. I cannot wait for the last book!!! I am so intrigued by their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
230 reviews
March 17, 2021
It took a bit for me to get into this book, but once I was in it, I couldn`t put the book down.
The story just flowed for me but I can`t say from start to finish. just found it worked so well together.
The characters worked well and I had a great connection with them all as far could tell.
I never found any spelling mistakes or any holes in the plot of the book either.
I can recommend this book to others over the age of 18+

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for brayshaw_love.
379 reviews36 followers
June 15, 2022
My heart broke not once, but twice

The characters and story still hooked me. I literally cried for the devastation and heart break he had at both the beginning and end of the book. I plan to read the last book of their story, but did still struggle with the writing style. Either the editing caused the interruption to the flow/ease of reading due to what seemed like frequent tense/grammar mistakes or the author's native language is not English (USA) and the dialect difference is what threw off the flow of the writing.
Profile Image for Tammy.
273 reviews11 followers
February 23, 2021
This book sent me on such an emotional journey leaving me heartbroken sobbing.

Maddox story has alway intrigued me we find out so much about Maddox yet we are left not only wanting want more but needing to know the rest of his story know how it ends. I could not put this book down such a powerful story how how far someone will go for love. The strength and courage it takes to put someone’s life before your own.

Get your tissues ready the tears will be flowing I can’t wait for Ox
30 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2021
It’s just one of those days...you guys, this story broke my heart more than once and left me speechless. Shandi does a phenomenal job at telling Maddox and Demi’s story but there were multiple times I was yelling at her for sending me on an emotional roller coaster. This book is not a standalone and should be read after Maddox. I cannot wait for Ox and to find answers to some of the things that occur in book 2. 10/10 recommend all of Shandi’s books and Maddox and Demi’s story is on fire!
Profile Image for Mary.
28 reviews
March 5, 2021
Just one of those days. I will never hear these words and not think of Demi & Maddox again. This book is NOT meant to be read as a stand-alone and should be read after Maddox. It will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions but the scenes with Max are hilarious! This book makes you demand good things for Demi & Maddox after everything they’ve been through but we don’t see the conclusion yet. We get a OMG, WTH moment that leaves us clambering for book 3. Awesome job again Shandi!
1,085 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2021
10 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟This is a warning, get your boxes of tissues at the ready. Shandi Boyes can make the toughest person cry with the magic of her writing and this I think is taking top spot. I would say to get the absolute best you have to read all the books to experience the explosion of this book. Demi is an unbelievable force that Maddox sees as his forever, it's a rip your heart out situation you can't afford to miss. I loved it, I voluntarily reviewed this book.
2,840 reviews14 followers
March 9, 2021
What do you do when the other half of your heart keeps getting battered? When it seems like you can never catch a break? When your world is falling to pieces? You learn that all is not lost if you ask for help. Learn to reach out, rely on someone else. The intense love Demi and Maddox have for each other is only stronger for the struggle and sacrifice they endure. But how much more can they take?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,924 reviews29 followers
April 8, 2021
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were interesting. Demi miscarried the baby her and Maddox, she nearly died. Doc came out to say Demi died they organised a funeral while in Custody of Agent Brahn just to hide from the horrible Uncle Col. Can Demi and Maddox servive and be happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Myer.
48 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2022
OMG!!!!

Sooo started down this road with Justine and Nikoli’a book but omg each character and book keeps getting better and better!!!! I keep saying after each bith they sre my favorite but to actually understand what Maddox has been through and to actually noe his story leaves me in awe!!! This ending of the second book in their trilogy made me cry!!!! Okay let me go read Ox now!!! Shandi Boyes you ate my new favorite author!!!!!
Profile Image for Mandy.
33 reviews
February 28, 2021
This second part of Maddox and Demi picks up seamlessly where we left them in the first book.
Another page turner from Shandi you don't want to put down. It is full of love, hate, passion and vengeance with twists and emotions that pull you in from the first chapter. This series just keeps getting better.
8,756 reviews63 followers
March 9, 2021
this is book 2 for Demi and Maddox's story and what a roller coaster die of twisting ark emotions it is. the story has you gripping on tight with heart break, laughter, love, loss, pain pleasure and more! get the tissues ready!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,559 reviews19 followers
March 12, 2021
The story aboud Maddox and Demi continues in this sixth book. The first person point of view, which is a deal breaker for me, fit this story perfectly. The story pulled me in held me until the end. I read it in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,536 reviews36 followers
March 25, 2021
A highly emotional read that will leave you wrecked and left needing to read the next story in the series immediately. This was a well written story that was entertaining, shocking, mind blowing and devastating yet it also had you totally invested in their story. Great storytelling.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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