His proposition was shameful. So shameful I threw my drink in his face when I heard it.
Then I saw the look in his eyes, and I knew I'd made a mistake.
I fought as he bared me and begged as he spanked me, but it didn't matter. All I could do was moan, scream, and climax helplessly for him as he took everything he wanted from me.
By the time I signed the contract, I was already his.
Publisher's Note: Illicit Proposition is a stand-alone novel which is the second entry in the Dark Overture series. It includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
I really love Piper Stone, I have read several of her books and she never disappoints me, this book is no exception. This book has everything I like in a good story, there are steamy scenes with some spanking and a lot of action and danger. I liked the H and the h in this story and I thought that the characters were interesting and I liked how they interact. The story starts with the h being hired to do a job, but it ends with a really good HEA for the H and the h.
I had a hard time finding anything to like about Devon. She accepts an offer for an unbelievable amount of money and then is surprised to find out exactly what is expected of her. She was very immature and made the story unbelievable on her part. The reader is expected to believe that just because she did some crimes involving theft when she was younger, that she was able to break into an area with high tech security and owned by a dangerous mafia family. Santiago made the book worth reading. His family was murdered and he was forced to leave the country while the remaining families ruled. He returns years later to exact revenge starting with stealing back a family crest. The author went a little over the top attempting to make the story dark with Santiago trying to break Devon and the domestic discipline. The book had possibilities, but Devon was not the right female for the part.
I had difficulty getting through this book. I didn't like the female lead. I was indifferent to the male lead. The revenge mafia story was played out. It was obvious who had betrayed Santiago's family from almost the very beginning. I couldn't fathom how Devon was so angry and rebellious when she agreed to the deal and signed the contract.
The surprise twist toward the end wasn't much of a surprise. It didn't feel like much of a story to me. Honestly, I would be more interested in Daniel Darke, Dark Overture, and how that came into existence.
This was 2.5 stars, maybe. I have read much better from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
Mr. Romero, aka Santiago DeLeon, is our anti-hero in Piper Stone's second book, Illicit Proposition, from her "Dark Overture" series. He's been using the alias for ten years now but Daniel Darke is not going to allow it within the contract. Santiago comes across as arrogant, entitled, and demanding. Devon Rapshire is not what anyone would call a polished woman. She's gorgeous, yes, but she has a street-savvy and a baseball bat that she uses on a regular basis at the bar she works at. Once again, Ms. Stone has given us a story where both characters are strong making tempers flare and fireworks spark. I can't wait to see what 'Unseemly Entanglement' brings.
This is second in the Dark Overtures series but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Santiago needs to hire someone with special skills. Devon has those special skills. They both have troubled pasts. There is a strong chemistry between them. There’s lots of suspense, danger, mystery and of course heat. I enjoy reading this authors books and look forward to the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars. Interesting and lots of action and intrigue. We could have passed on the spanking it really had no context just there for a filler shock value. The story itself was great and the H grew to realize what was important. Least it had the love!
This is the 2nd book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Santiago isn’t the type of man you cross and Devon does just that. What will happen when sparks fly between them. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. The characters have lots of depth and their chemistry is hot. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!
☑He had a score to settle ☑He was out for revenge ☑He went from country to country inflicting retribution. Illicit Proposition is the final book in Dark Overture series. Santiago De Leon lost everything after his dad the Don and brother was murdered by a rival Don Rafael Perez. Santiago was forced to flee his homeland with a threat to never return to Spain or he will be murdered. He left and got stronger, meaner, callous, violent, ruthless and was driven by revenge against all those who wronged the De Leon family. However, he needed someone with a unique type of skill to help him pull off his plan. He heard that Daniel Drake provides a discreet service through Dark Overture which is catered for the rich for men with specific interests and tastes. Santiago has a unique taste and has search all over for that special type of woman that fits his specific needs but as been unsuccessful until he went Dark Overture. He was dangerous, sexy, dominant, and ruthless. Devon Rapshire is bartender/English to Spanish translator for romance author. She's had a troubled past that has done irreversible damages to her life after she made some terrible choices in her youth by getting entangled with the wrong crowd. Devon is unlucky, broke and late on her rent she and her best friend hoping that a knight and shining armor would come to the rescue. When one night while working the bar a handsome mysterious man came up and slip her black invitation card. The invitation was to Dark Overture with Daniel Drake. Devon went on the interview and was told little bit have what was required but she had to sign a NDA because Drake value his client privacy. She also received five thousand dollars for initial meeting with the client before committing to the job. Because Devon was known to get in out of certain places and steal things that others was unable to makes her unique asset to Santiago. The De Leon family Crest was stolen by Rafael Perez couple years ago and Perez keeps it well guarded because he considered it as his most price possession. The Crest has been in the De Leon family for generations and Santiago great grandfather went through a lot to obtain that Crest and it was the only thing that his dad had left from father so it was imperative that Crest be brought back to the family. Santiago offered to pay her two million dollars for one to three months or however long job may take. Devon did not like Santiago attitude he was cocky, dominant, and broody. The two had instant attraction to each from the moment they saw each other. Santiago had never been affected by anyone like he Devon before. She's fiery, sassy, beautiful, and fierce. Once he made her the proposal she wanted to get away from him to think about it but he was having none of that he had to taste her first. Santiago took what he wanted rough and hard. He knew then that she would be his and no one was going to get in his way. Because he took her Devon use that and leverage an additional one million dollars for him which he agreed. The contract was signed and they left America for Spain to lay the groundwork for his revenge on the remaining members in the murder of his dad and brother. Devon has her own demons with the loss of her parents. Devon is strong willed and she and Santiago buck heads from the first night that they met. He definitely met his match with back talk, and inquisition however, it often result in spanking for Devon. Santiago did not disclose all the details of his plans to Devon and that caused them to constantly buck heads because she didn't know what she was getting herself into. It was supposed to be a business arrangement but the two could not keep their hands off each other. It was smoldering, smutty carnal and steamy. The chemistry was sexplosive and combustible. There were trust issues, surprises, carnage, mayhem, abduction, betrayals, backstabbing, kinks, dangers, torture, action, deception, violence, spanking, passion, dirty talking, revelations, retaliation, rivalry, blackmail, bloodshed, healing, and love. Illicit Proposition is filled with suspense, drama, angst, and intrigue. It was riveting with great characters and kept me glued to the pages. ☑She mine to taste ☑Mine to enjoy ☑Mine to fuck ☑Mine to possess She was his everything his night and day the good to his evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Illicit Proposition” by Piper Stone is the second book in her ‘Dark Overtures’ series. You definitely need not have read the first book in order to enjoy this one. They are simply linked by the role played by a mysterious agency that connect each of the pairs of main characters.
Santiago is a man with a violent and tragic past. He’s been living in America for a long time, but now he is ready to return to Spain to exact his revenge and reclaim something very meaningful that was stolen from his family. To carry out his plan, he will need the help of a woman with very particular skills. That’s where the mysterious agency factors in by pinpointing Devon as the right woman for the job. She’s got a tragic past of her own and could really use the exorbitant amount of money that Santiago is willing to pay. Even though they lock horns from the very beginning, Santiago and Devon have an intense and combustible attraction to one another. He’s strong and determined, and he’s definitely met his match in smart and fiercely independent Devon.
As is frequently found in books by this author, there are multiple scenes of domestic discipline, non-consensual and reluctantly consensual sexual activity, and power exchange. If you read the book you shouldn’t be surprised by this because there is a very clear publisher warning about it. If you can accept that it’s fiction and those aspects don’t bother you, then you'll find this story is fast-paced and entertaining. There is plenty of action and intrigue, loyalty and betrayal, smoothly rising tension and good character development, especially for Santiago.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intense, captivating, dark, dangerous, and deliciously steamy.
Santiago De Leon was pushed out of his country after his family was murdered. Now years later he is ready to take his revenge and his rightful place back as the Don of De Leon Empire. In order to do this he needs a woman with a specific skill set so he goes to Daniel Darke who owns Dark Overture. Devon Rapshire had a bright future then she got mixed up with the wrong guy as a teenager and went on a crime spree. Luckily her fathers influence keep her out of jail. Now all alone after her parents death she is barely getting by. Working two jobs one as a English to Spanish translator for romance books and at Rowdy’s, a country western bar. Then a mysterious man gives her an a black envelope which had an invitation for a job interview for a company called Dark Overture. Where she meets Daniel Darke the owner who explains he finds people who fit what his clientele needs in a discreet and confidential manner. She was very skeptical about the whole situation but eventually agreed after she added one million dollars to the final contract. Once immersed in the situation she soon realizes there is more to the story than what she was told and discovers there are stipulations to that contract than what she was told and could end in a turf war and ultimately lives lost. Their connection was volitile, intense at times the sexual tension between them thick, yet there was something more under the surface that neither one was willing to admit to. Their journey is dangerous, mysterious, dark, suspenseful, intense, steamy, sexy, passionate with betrayals, surprises and twists.
I received a free ARC from Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
This book contains just the right amount of darkness to make it a very sensual romance. It begins with Devon Rapshire working as a bartender at a honky tonk bar when a distinguished gentleman approaches the bar and announces he has something for her. He slides a black envelope with her name on it towards her and then walks out. She ends up opening the envelope that contains an invitation for an interview for a possible job and the decision must be made within twenty-four hours. She calls the number and discovers that it's for a company called Dark Overtures. She meets with the owner, Daniel Dark, and he offers her a non-disclosure agreement and a meeting with the man seeking her for employment. She agrees and meets with her future employer, Santiago DeLeon, but going by his mother's maiden name Romero. Their meeting is electric and the passion between them is palpable in the air. She succumbs to the passion with some heavy persuasion from him; he may or may not have forced her. Later on he offers her two million to sign the contract and take the job with him. She says she'll do it for three million. I'll leave you here so you'll have to get the book to find out what happens next, but I'll give you a hint or two. They travel together to Barcelona, Spain where she finds out his the last remaining heir of the DeLeon mafia family and he's back to exact revenge on those that killed his family. Lots of betrayal ensues and the passion between Devon and Santiago explodes off of the pages. Whew, keep and extinguisher handy because it definitely heats up. I highly recommend this book for lovers of mafia romances as well as romances with a dark edge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Santiago is ready to exact revenge upon the men who betrayed his family and took everything from him. He is blinded by his anger, wanting to annihilate his enemies. All he needs to complete his quest is a talented thief.
Devon was the scandalous daughter, the one who rebelled against her parents until everything fell apart and left her broken and alone. With her parents deceased, Devon did the best she could to survive, but even working two jobs barely paid the rent. When she received a mysterious invitation to work for a clandestine organization, Devon was tempted to decline. Yet the idea that Dark Overture could create a new life from the rubble of her past was too much of a temptation to ignore.
This book is dangerously addictive. From start to finish the events are a wild, rushed ride on a rollercoaster in the dark. While it is filled with treachery and traitors galore, the relationship between Devon and Santiago takes center stage.
The hero isn't a nice guy. The heroine isn't a demure damsel. There is more than enough crime and violence to satisfy the curious. The only thing lacking is the ability of Santiago and Devon to actually communicate with eachother. Half of the book is him steamrolling over her trying to talk with him. It's distracting, and sometimes seriously off putting. I am by no means saying this is a terrible book. I liked it. I just didn't like that one aspect of the relationship between Devon and Santiago. The ending, however saved the day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the “Dark Overtures” series and it was just as good as the first book! This is the story of Santiago and Devon. Santiago was pretty much thrown out of his homeland after his father and brother were killed. Santiago is dark, dangerous and violent. He is a man out for revenge on those who killed his family. Devon is a woman who hasn’t had the best of luck ever since her parents passed away. She’s strong, feisty and not one to typically put up with any bs from any man. When Devon and Santiago are “matched” together, Devon thinks Santiago is hot, but somewhat of an arrogant jerk. Santiago wants to break Devon and spanks her.
Of course Devon accepts the job that Santiago has for her and boy is she in for an adventure! Devon and Santiago together are dynamite just ready to explode. Devon loves to push Santiago’s buttons and Santiago loves to punish Devon and show her that he is the one in control. This story has it all – danger, betrayal, passion, chemistry, tragedy, secrets, lies, and realizing what is most important. Great story with some great characters. I look forward to reading more from Piper Stone. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Santiago was not a good man. He was cruel and had was going to make those that wronged his family pay. He just need a woman that would help with the plan. Devon worked two jobs to pay her bills. She wasn’t going to let any man treat her like trash. Working at a honky tonk bar and translating books into Spanish was all hard work. But she is given a chance to change her path.
Mr. Darke will see you now. Daniel Darke always knows the perfect person for the job. You have to wonder where he gets his information. There is something about him that we really need to find out about. I’m sure that will happen later. For now, Santiago is in need of assistance. You have to give it to Devon. She is no pushover. She can take on any man. Fire and Ice. Devon brings out something primal in Santiago. All his men even Devon is saying let the past go and move on. But he isn’t ready to do that. The passion is hot and steamy. Devon fights him every step of the way but he makes her body burn. Something about Devon just reels Santiago him. He has to have her, consume her. Betrayal and a dark past makes this a great adventure.
Illicit Proposition is Book two of Dark Mafia Romance Series. Santiago is the last living member of his family after his mother then years later his father the Don De Leon and his only brother were murdered. Santiago was told to leave his home and everything he ever knew and never come back or he would be killed as well. Santiago is now ready to go home and take back what was stolen from his family and to get the revenge he believes is owed to his deceased family. In order to do that he has hired a feisty, tough as nails bartender. With Devon’s skills from her past he’s very confident they will be successful. This story will keep you turning pages as fast as you can read the words. Filled with suspense, danger, loyalty, traitors, and discipline. The chemistry between Santiago and Devon is off the charts steamy hot from the minute they first see each other. Lots of bumps along the way to getting to the end goal, can Santiago and Devon work together long enough to reach that goal? I definitely recommend. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.
Santiago needed someone to steal back his family crest that was stolen when his father and brother was murdered. He met with Daniel Darke who found unique woman that meets his clients needs. Devon was that woman, she had lived in Spain when her father was a diplomat, but she was one of those rich kids who didn’t appreciate what she was blessed with. She fell in with the wrong person who led in into a life of crime as a jewel thief. The only thing saved her was her dad and his political pull. Daniel Darke knew she was the person Santiago needed. Santiago was basically ran out of Spain after his life was spared by his fathers archenemy. There was an instant attraction between Santiago and Devon, but she wasn’t about to be used so she did what she thought and that was protect herself by fighting him which resulted in her punishment. Santiago went back to Barcelona and to take over his father empire but he realize the family crest wasn’t more important than Devon who was the love of his life. She managed to steal the family crest after they kidnapped her because he was the love of her life. Beautiful story!
This is the second book in the Dark Overtures series. It is a standalone though. You do not need to have read book one to enjoy book two. Daniel Darke provides a service to wealthy clients providing them with the perfect match to suit their needs.
This story gives us Santiago and Devon. He’s a man on a quest for revenge to reclaim what was stolen from him years earlier. She’s a woman who’s hasn’t had the best luck but she has skills and knowledge Santiago desperately needs.
There is electric chemistry between Santiago and Devon. They are absolutely oil and water, fire and ice. There’s a lot of filthy smut here with lots of spankings and a heist to reclaim Santiago’s family crest.
Story 4/5, Spice 3/5, Darkness 1.5/5, Angst 2/5. Fast burn, no condoms, no virgins, dub-con-ish at times, lots of focus on discipline and spankings. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.0 out of 5 stars Deliciously Dark Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021 This book dives straight into Santiago and Devon’s background and psyche. Santiago was a dark character with so many layers of complexity. He was a predator with revenge on his mind. He was an enigma and how I enjoyed getting inde his head. A man who was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He needed Devon’s skills and she needed his money. She was just desperate enough to take him up on his offer. An offer full of danger and mystery. Was his price too high? Would her choice come back to bite her?
This was an well-executed story that kept me glued to the pages and on the edge of my seat. The author has the unique ability of drawing you into her emotional complex, vivid plot. A suspenseful read that was well worth the time.
Illicit Proposition is the second book in the Dark Overture series and I would recommend that the first book, Indecent Invitation, be read first. In this story Santiago makes Devon an illicit proposition which has some major benefits. Santiago is out for revenge and Devon has the skill set he needs. So he hires her to steal a very valuable jeweled crest. To do this Devon has to pretend to be Santiago's personal assistant. Santiago is like a cat and catnip.....when it is close it is just too irresistible to not roll in it. And there is a lot of white hot and explosive catnip throughout this very entertaining book.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Devon belonged to Santiago before she signed the contract. He claimed her in his head the moment Daniel Darke told him about her. Feisty and sassy, she is perfect for him. Even her defiance aroused him. He needed her for his revenge. He would grow to need her forever before this was done. Piper Stone writes some of my favorite Gothic romance. Santiago is dark and disturbed, and Devon has fierce attitude to spare. She takes care of herself and those around her. This is another winner. While it is second in the Dark Overture series, it very much functions as a stand alone. The perfect read for those who love dark mafia romance, or of course fans of Piper Stone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Dark Overture series is scintillation personified! I was immediately drawn to Santiago’s mysterious need for the perfect woman from Daniel Darke and how Devon overwhelmingly was his match except for her reluctance. The mystery behind Santiago’s revenge and the underlying threat to his empire keeps the suspense high through the story. I hate Santiago’s control over Devon in the beginning, as Devon struggles to fight her attraction. Yet as the moment behind the illicit proposition dawns, tensions run high, and a hidden enemy abounds on the scene that puts everything as risk. Will Santiago risk everything to get back the one thing that has become more to him that the reason behind the proposition? I loved the ending that explains the basis for the story line!
The story starts with a bang and just keeps going. Kept me reading until the very end. Santiago is out for revenge but along the way he meets Devon. Santiago, after being deported from his homeland after his father and brother were killed, is very devious, dark, and dirty. Devon had a hard life witch made her independent, strong and she is pretty sassy. There are sparks between these two characters right at the beginning. She finally agrees to work with him after he gives her the spanking. Now she just has to help him retrieve/steal a jeweled crest. Plenty of danger, discipline, betrayal, hot passion and finally love. Another great story from Piper Stone who always delivers. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 Verified ARC Reader The cost of revenge! by sewsummore
Santiago was not a good man, the death of his father and older brother had left him with a desire to destroy the man responsible. Years had passed since that terrible day, but he never lost sight of his objective and they would pay with his their lives. It was not until he met Devon that he realized what he risked loosing in his quest for revenge. I found this book absorbing, compulsive reading! Both Santiago and Devon had experience a devastating family loss in the past, but their feelings towards each other made them question what they were prepared to risk in achieving their goals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Great dark mafia romance. Santiago is the last of his family. He has been exiled from Spain for nearly a decade and is obsessed with getting vengeance against the rival mafia don who murdered his father and brother. But to achieve his goal he needs the help of a certain type of woman. He has hired Daniel Darke to find her. An invitation goes out to Devon, bartender and part time translator of romance novels into Spanish. She also has certain skills Santiago needs for his plan to succeed. Reluctantly she accepts his offer as well as his sexual advances. I liked both characters, rough and dominant Santiago and feisty, beautiful Devon. Lots of dirty sex and spankings. Very enjoyable dark romance.
One hero tends to go for what he wants and right now that is our heroine. Her compliance is expected.
This is a dark romance story with strong elements of D/S and punishment. The story is well written and rather action packed, with a busy plot that has lots of twists and turns along the way. The characters are also well developed and fit the story, as well as each other. The story is focused more on the developing relationship than the mafia elements, so keep that in mind when deciding if this one is for you. It certainly held my attention. We get a good amount of steamy scenes throughout. Overall, it was a very entertaining read, well worth the time.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed: 09-21-23
When Devon agrees to Santiago’s proposition she has no idea exactly how illicit the details are, or how much danger is actually involved … their survival just might take a miracle… or three! The beautiful writing, the swoon worthy, naughty heat, the pulse pounding edge of your seat tension, the fabulous, deep well developed characters, and the smooth, beautiful narration! It’s all there and it’s all perfect, stunning and absolutely perfect! I devoured this one, loving every single second! Five absolutely perfect stars!
This is not a romance but it is a love story, it is also a story of betrayal and revenge. Family plays an important role in this story, it is for revenge that Santiago goes to Daniel Darke looking for someone to help him with his plot. He seems very cold and ruthless and Devon was very unsure about taking the contract but three million dollars was too much to turn down. The relationship between Santiago and Devon is intense and powerful, what it is isn’t is moonlight and roses. Family honour is Santiago’s driving force and Devon helps him réalise his mission and along the way love creeps in. A little choppy toward the end, but a good story nonetheless.
We have a mafia son who wants revenge and lady with a somewhat shady past. She has the skills that he needs to exact his revenge. Revenge for the wrongs done to his family is what he has lived for. Their initial meeting does not go well and Devon wonders about what the hell she has got invovled with. These two were destined for each other.This story has very hot sex, like 5 alarm hot and a lot of 5 alarm discipline. There is a HEA to this story. If you have triggers please don't read this book and for the other ones OMG! this story is awesome. Bravo Piper, bravo!
ARC received from author and Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Piper Stone is a fairly new author for me and this book does not disappoint I loved it !
This book can be read as a standalone. It contains everything I love in a fast paced romance from incredible characters to a great storyline and plot with some twists.
Devon is off the charts as our heroine ; she is strong and determined to keep Santiago our hero in line thru any means.
I can’t wait to read more by this author ! Highly recommend this book !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the storyline at the start, was a dark read, and was full of revenge but it seems to have get a bit lost along the way and some of it just doesn’t add up. I get why Santiago needs Devons help, due to her history that was meant to be sealed. I just don’t understand Devons reaction to him and she allows his behaviour. When Devon is such a strong willed character. Then through the book and the part where he needs Devon experience you don’t get to read about it. Which was the bit he wanted all along. I’m a bit disappointed with this read sorry Piper.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.