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Dining with the Enemy
To be free, she has to be broken first…
ALMAHe’s the heir to the enemy throne. Our families have been warring for generations.I met him at a wedding, gazing at me from across the street like a beautiful devil.Then he saved me… but violated me.Why do I feel strangely indebted to him? Why does my body ache for the devil’s touch?Just when I think I’m free and safe, my father uses me like a bargaining chip.Like a pawn in this twisted war…Thrusting me into the devil’s home. ANGELOShe’s a princess without a castle. Her family has been beneath mine for generations.I met her at a funeral, pouting at me from across the street like a lost angel.She wants to be broken… and rescued.I’m a man who takes what he wants. And I want to break the angel’s wings.The temptation to claim her and tame her is too much.Luckily for me, I don’t have to wait long...She’s been forced into my arms.Publisher’s Dining with the Enemy is a standalone, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It touches on dark themes that are sometimes violent and disturbing. If dark subjects aren’t your thing, it’s probably best to skip this one.
ALMAHe’s the heir to the enemy throne. Our families have been warring for generations.I met him at a wedding, gazing at me from across the street like a beautiful devil.Then he saved me… but violated me.Why do I feel strangely indebted to him? Why does my body ache for the devil’s touch?Just when I think I’m free and safe, my father uses me like a bargaining chip.Like a pawn in this twisted war…Thrusting me into the devil’s home. ANGELOShe’s a princess without a castle. Her family has been beneath mine for generations.I met her at a funeral, pouting at me from across the street like a lost angel.She wants to be broken… and rescued.I’m a man who takes what he wants. And I want to break the angel’s wings.The temptation to claim her and tame her is too much.Luckily for me, I don’t have to wait long...She’s been forced into my arms.Publisher’s Dining with the Enemy is a standalone, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It touches on dark themes that are sometimes violent and disturbing. If dark subjects aren’t your thing, it’s probably best to skip this one.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2021
50 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 24, 2021
I'm a bit sad that I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
What I liked:
- Alma...well, most of the time. She made silly choices sometimes, but overall she was a descent heroine.
- Camilla & Sienna. We saw more of the former than the latter, but both besties deserve the title. I love them.
- Solid Seven and his love of Disney, that was really cute. I think an origin book on him would be a cool idea.
- The names. Some of the last names reminded me of Monte Vista, the neighbourhood from The Sims 3.
- And the general mafia things.
What I didn't like:
- Angelo. Enzo wasn't any better, but Angelo was supposed to be amazing in comparison and he just wasn't. I really didn't like him.
He does change throughout the book, but the things he did prior to that made it impossible for me to forgive him. Especially what happened after the exchange. His sister was treated like a queen, but he didn't want to extend the same courtesy to Alma.
Tommy should've been the love interest instead, I said what I said.
- Enzo and Nicola of course, that's a given. But their storyline at the end was just...no. Maybe if this was the only one like that, but there were three total (four if you count at the start) which was too much in one book.
- Minus the storylines mentioned above, parts of the book were predictable so nothing really shocked me.
- The plot wasn't the strongest. There's a slight mystery element which does work in its favour (until it starts being predictable again).
- The romance. Obviously, I don't like Angelo so I don't ship Alma with him. It was possessive on his side, but in so many wrong ways. Like, a different kind of dark, not the sexy kind.
Final thoughts:
This could've been great. It wasn't boring, the writing style is good and there are interesting things going on here and there.
If you like Angelo in the start, then you'll probably like him throughout, and you'll definitely enjoy this more than me. He's the key factor here.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
What I liked:
- Alma...well, most of the time. She made silly choices sometimes, but overall she was a descent heroine.
- Camilla & Sienna. We saw more of the former than the latter, but both besties deserve the title. I love them.
- Solid Seven and his love of Disney, that was really cute. I think an origin book on him would be a cool idea.
- The names. Some of the last names reminded me of Monte Vista, the neighbourhood from The Sims 3.
- And the general mafia things.
What I didn't like:
- Angelo. Enzo wasn't any better, but Angelo was supposed to be amazing in comparison and he just wasn't. I really didn't like him.
He does change throughout the book, but the things he did prior to that made it impossible for me to forgive him. Especially what happened after the exchange. His sister was treated like a queen, but he didn't want to extend the same courtesy to Alma.
Tommy should've been the love interest instead, I said what I said.
- Enzo and Nicola of course, that's a given. But their storyline at the end was just...no. Maybe if this was the only one like that, but there were three total (four if you count at the start) which was too much in one book.
- Minus the storylines mentioned above, parts of the book were predictable so nothing really shocked me.
- The plot wasn't the strongest. There's a slight mystery element which does work in its favour (until it starts being predictable again).
- The romance. Obviously, I don't like Angelo so I don't ship Alma with him. It was possessive on his side, but in so many wrong ways. Like, a different kind of dark, not the sexy kind.
Final thoughts:
This could've been great. It wasn't boring, the writing style is good and there are interesting things going on here and there.
If you like Angelo in the start, then you'll probably like him throughout, and you'll definitely enjoy this more than me. He's the key factor here.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
September 28, 2021
Passionate, star-crossed lovers, luscious enemies-to-lovers romance with a twist
This was so different from Ms. Beaumont’s usual fare. DINING WITH THE ENEMY was a delicious, mysterious, enemies-to-lovers romance that I truly could not read fast enough. This was the kind of book that I was thinking about when I couldn’t read it. I seldom do that. Had a twist at the end that I did not see coming. This book starts off with a literal “bang” and stays the course throughout.
Alma Calderone is the daughter of the Don of the Calderone mafia family but as a female she has no power, no role in the organization. Her step-brother Enzo has been groomed for the lead position. And, Alma has a tremendous crush on Enzo and has for most of their lives together. He keeps promising her, “one day” but she keeps wondering, “when”?
When Angelo Vitale, 26yo heir to the Vitale family looks at Alma, he sees a spoiled rich girl but he is so far off the mark. His realization of this error becomes a powerful moment. Their slow-burn passion will keep you intrigued until the deal is done. When that happens, there’s no going back for our couple.
Loved this couple, this plot, the cover of the book and the twist at the end, which was remarkable. One warning however, there is on-page torture. It is a short scene but keep that in mind. I still loved this book. If you like mafia romance with a touch of hate s**, you’ll want to read this book. I volunteered to read an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended. I would love a book about Lucius. Hint, hint…
This was so different from Ms. Beaumont’s usual fare. DINING WITH THE ENEMY was a delicious, mysterious, enemies-to-lovers romance that I truly could not read fast enough. This was the kind of book that I was thinking about when I couldn’t read it. I seldom do that. Had a twist at the end that I did not see coming. This book starts off with a literal “bang” and stays the course throughout.
Alma Calderone is the daughter of the Don of the Calderone mafia family but as a female she has no power, no role in the organization. Her step-brother Enzo has been groomed for the lead position. And, Alma has a tremendous crush on Enzo and has for most of their lives together. He keeps promising her, “one day” but she keeps wondering, “when”?
When Angelo Vitale, 26yo heir to the Vitale family looks at Alma, he sees a spoiled rich girl but he is so far off the mark. His realization of this error becomes a powerful moment. Their slow-burn passion will keep you intrigued until the deal is done. When that happens, there’s no going back for our couple.
Loved this couple, this plot, the cover of the book and the twist at the end, which was remarkable. One warning however, there is on-page torture. It is a short scene but keep that in mind. I still loved this book. If you like mafia romance with a touch of hate s**, you’ll want to read this book. I volunteered to read an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended. I would love a book about Lucius. Hint, hint…
May 17, 2025
Alma Calderone , Angelo Vitale, Enzo Piazza (Calderone), Lucius (Solid Seven), Camilla (Alma’s cousin), Elisa Vitale
It starts off Alma is at her cousin‘s wedding and it’s actually two of her cousins getting married and she’s talking about how she’s in love with her brother but really it’s her stepbrother Enzo her and her cousin Camilla go down the street from the wedding to a place called Johnny B’s in Angelo comes in and he takes a bullet for her Alma had just gotten back from being in Europe. Her friend died and she came back home cause she was very sad even though Alma should be the air to the Calderone family mafia. She can’t be because she’s a girl so her father adopted Enzo from his new wife, Nicola. Alma has been in love with him her whole life, and he keeps saying that they’re gonna leave and run away together, but he keeps putting her off.
Nicola gave her husband an idea that they switched daughters Alma for Elisa to keep the treaty intact between the two mafia families, so Elisa goes to live with the Calderones and Alma goes to live with the Vitales.
This book was really weird because Angelo was just going to toy with her he locks her in a very tiny room, the size of a closet with one little teeny tiny window that she can only see if it’s night or day outside and then all of a sudden, he decides that he wants her and it’s really weird. The only reason I gave this book 2 stars is because I thought I had the plot figured out and then there was a major twist at the end a couple major twists so that was the reason for my two star rating but overall this would not be a reread and I don’t think I’m gonna read the second book.
We also find out at the end that Alma’s best friend, Sienna is not actually dead. Enzo kidnapped her.
It starts off Alma is at her cousin‘s wedding and it’s actually two of her cousins getting married and she’s talking about how she’s in love with her brother but really it’s her stepbrother Enzo her and her cousin Camilla go down the street from the wedding to a place called Johnny B’s in Angelo comes in and he takes a bullet for her Alma had just gotten back from being in Europe. Her friend died and she came back home cause she was very sad even though Alma should be the air to the Calderone family mafia. She can’t be because she’s a girl so her father adopted Enzo from his new wife, Nicola. Alma has been in love with him her whole life, and he keeps saying that they’re gonna leave and run away together, but he keeps putting her off.
Nicola gave her husband an idea that they switched daughters Alma for Elisa to keep the treaty intact between the two mafia families, so Elisa goes to live with the Calderones and Alma goes to live with the Vitales.
This book was really weird because Angelo was just going to toy with her he locks her in a very tiny room, the size of a closet with one little teeny tiny window that she can only see if it’s night or day outside and then all of a sudden, he decides that he wants her and it’s really weird. The only reason I gave this book 2 stars is because I thought I had the plot figured out and then there was a major twist at the end a couple major twists so that was the reason for my two star rating but overall this would not be a reread and I don’t think I’m gonna read the second book.
We also find out at the end that Alma’s best friend, Sienna is not actually dead. Enzo kidnapped her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2021
Angelo and Alma' story was one fraught with family drama. At times it felt as though it was devouring them during the story. Both were reluctant members of Mafia families that really wanted nothing to do with the crime world but were forced into it due to their circumstances. Alma tried to break away from the family only to be reeled in by her manipulative and dangerous step-mother. Her character is a fighter throughout the story even when she supports the wrong person, aka Enzo. She's feisty and has a mouth on her but also knows when to throw in the towel in order to survive. She has her ditzy moments in this story where I was questioning her common sense but also had her "come to Jesus moments" too'. I liked her character and felt that she was a strong heroine considering everything that had happened to her. The action and surprises that unfold in this story will keep any reader engaged. There is quite a bit of crossing lines in this story that results in unpredictable outcomes.
Angelo is a reluctant heir to the family mafia throne who uses his mind and brawn to get through the story in one piece. I liked his character and was entertained by his approach/style in this book. He wasn't your typical Mafia heir to the throne character. Angelo's and Alma's slow burn attraction smolders until it erupts into a wild fire. The sex between these two is very noteworthy. The writer does a good job of weaving intrigue, suspense and sex into a story that has so many layers and revelations.
The supporting characters are great. They added so much to the storyline and to Angelo and Alma's characters. They are good vs., evil supporting characters which add to the intrigue. Many of these characters are not what they seem.
Enjoy.
Angelo is a reluctant heir to the family mafia throne who uses his mind and brawn to get through the story in one piece. I liked his character and was entertained by his approach/style in this book. He wasn't your typical Mafia heir to the throne character. Angelo's and Alma's slow burn attraction smolders until it erupts into a wild fire. The sex between these two is very noteworthy. The writer does a good job of weaving intrigue, suspense and sex into a story that has so many layers and revelations.
The supporting characters are great. They added so much to the storyline and to Angelo and Alma's characters. They are good vs., evil supporting characters which add to the intrigue. Many of these characters are not what they seem.
Enjoy.
September 27, 2021
Goodness me! I really felt like one of the family during this book; BB's writing pulled me into the storyline and held me by the hand throughout, leading me page by page through the drama so that as the reader I could be part of the action, angst or joy without the blood and gore hitting me full force!
I could smell the food, I could hear the gun shots, I see the shimmer of the sea in the sun, I could feel the cold wetness of the fog; the descriptiveness of the words were perfect on every page and had great pace all the way through. I didn't feel that there was any drag at any time.
I loved the characters of the book, and whilst there are the two main characters, it is definitely an ensemble cast which gives a rounder, fuller feel to the storyline as a whole for me.
And yes there was some heat in this book too with chemistry written throughout like a golden thread from the first time the characters locked eyes.
I loved this book and totally recommend it for your weekend read xx
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and provide my honest review voluntarily
I could smell the food, I could hear the gun shots, I see the shimmer of the sea in the sun, I could feel the cold wetness of the fog; the descriptiveness of the words were perfect on every page and had great pace all the way through. I didn't feel that there was any drag at any time.
I loved the characters of the book, and whilst there are the two main characters, it is definitely an ensemble cast which gives a rounder, fuller feel to the storyline as a whole for me.
And yes there was some heat in this book too with chemistry written throughout like a golden thread from the first time the characters locked eyes.
I loved this book and totally recommend it for your weekend read xx
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and provide my honest review voluntarily
October 6, 2021
Great Mystery and Suspense, Treachery, Enemy to Lovers
I loved the plucky strong Alma. Angelo was strong, dominant. There is a strong storyline and it keeps you guessing until the end. I read it in a day. The ending is even more surprising and fulfilling. It will not disappoint. I was very surprised to see that this is her first dark romance book. But she promised there would be more and we may see a few characters from this book reprised. I will keep this author on my radar.
I loved the plucky strong Alma. Angelo was strong, dominant. There is a strong storyline and it keeps you guessing until the end. I read it in a day. The ending is even more surprising and fulfilling. It will not disappoint. I was very surprised to see that this is her first dark romance book. But she promised there would be more and we may see a few characters from this book reprised. I will keep this author on my radar.
September 27, 2021
WHOA what an amazing book. Two families the Vitale and the Calderone's. OF course a father who uses his daughter to get what he wants. Angelo and Alma what a steamy couple. This books has it all, loyalty is tested, trust, hot, plots and manipulation. IT was a great read. I highly recommend it, it is well written and keeps you engaged.
I received this ARC from the Bella and my review is voluntary.
I received this ARC from the Bella and my review is voluntary.
October 24, 2021
Unsatisfied
The story was going good for the most part. I could relate to most of the characters, looking forward to a HEA. Then when I got close to the end, the H and h changed their personalities. I'm glad it wasn't a cliffhanger but the ending was just kinda blah n the ppl in the end didn't really fit with the bulk of the book.
The story was going good for the most part. I could relate to most of the characters, looking forward to a HEA. Then when I got close to the end, the H and h changed their personalities. I'm glad it wasn't a cliffhanger but the ending was just kinda blah n the ppl in the end didn't really fit with the bulk of the book.
January 21, 2022
reasonable Read
There are areas in this story that are boring or seem repetitive. It’s an ok read but not the best I have read. It’s not a typical mafia romance and there are parts that some people may find upsetting. I found myself skipping through some pages which is pretty bad really.
Overall an ok read but some boring bits.
There are areas in this story that are boring or seem repetitive. It’s an ok read but not the best I have read. It’s not a typical mafia romance and there are parts that some people may find upsetting. I found myself skipping through some pages which is pretty bad really.
Overall an ok read but some boring bits.
October 3, 2021
Good Novel
This novel was jam packed... I think if it were broken down into a duet of books then the romance wouldn’t have been rushed and nether would all the back to back twists.. I ended the book with unresolved feelings and questions, but I look forward to more stories
This novel was jam packed... I think if it were broken down into a duet of books then the romance wouldn’t have been rushed and nether would all the back to back twists.. I ended the book with unresolved feelings and questions, but I look forward to more stories
November 20, 2021
Easy to read and follow.
Dining with the enemy was an easy book to read and follow. The twist and turns were frequent and unexpected. The angst was just enough to keep me reading. Would recommend this book to all who like mafia enemies to lovers books.
Dining with the enemy was an easy book to read and follow. The twist and turns were frequent and unexpected. The angst was just enough to keep me reading. Would recommend this book to all who like mafia enemies to lovers books.
October 24, 2021
Well worth a read!!
What an amazing book.... Full of unexpected turns.
Enemies to lovers in an amazingly worded story
5 out of 5 all around!
What an amazing book.... Full of unexpected turns.
Enemies to lovers in an amazingly worded story
5 out of 5 all around!
November 25, 2021
BB
This book started out great and then went down hill from there. It was way to easy to figure out what was going on and who was behind it
This book started out great and then went down hill from there. It was way to easy to figure out what was going on and who was behind it
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews