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Five Families #3
Vicious Reign
Fate is a fickle mistress. She gives as easily as she takes and she makes no apologies for it.
When I’m on the precipice of an inconceivable loss, and a betrayal slices me wide open, I have a decision to make.
I can stay the polite, subservient girl.
Or I can shed my societal restraints and become the person I was destined to be. With my dark Italian kings by my side, we don’t just change the rules, we remake the whole game.
Gone is the girl with stars in her eyes, and in her place is a woman with vengeance in her veins.
It’s time I stop asking for permission and start claiming what’s mine.
The conclusion to the Five Families series
When I’m on the precipice of an inconceivable loss, and a betrayal slices me wide open, I have a decision to make.
I can stay the polite, subservient girl.
Or I can shed my societal restraints and become the person I was destined to be. With my dark Italian kings by my side, we don’t just change the rules, we remake the whole game.
Gone is the girl with stars in her eyes, and in her place is a woman with vengeance in her veins.
It’s time I stop asking for permission and start claiming what’s mine.
The conclusion to the Five Families series
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2022
837 people are currently reading
3813 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Black
64 books1,946 followersPenelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.
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Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
Instagram—> instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
January 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I love this series but Maddie and her stupidity is going to send me to an early grave. 💀
I love this series but Maddie and her stupidity is going to send me to an early grave. 💀
August 25, 2023
There was not even enough smut, bruh😭
I wasted my precious time on this series.
I wasted my precious time on this series.
January 11, 2022
The third book in the Five Families series brings this story to an end... or does it?
I have been closely following Maddie's story with these men, and it's safe to say I am extremely invested in it. I loved seeing her evolve as a person while being around these guys because it's safe to say that she was a bittttt weak in my eyes before she gained this newfound confidence.
This book definitely gave me a heart attack (or two) but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was eating it up! I still stand by the fact that Dante is MINE! I've been a hardcore STAN since the first book, and I refuse to share him with anyone. Gahhhhhh. His protective personality is just so wholesome, and I love it with a passion.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and this series! I can't wait to see what Penelope has in store for us in the future!
Why did this lose a star though?
While this was a very well writing book, I felt like it ended too quickly. The plot twist happened very late in the book and then it cued to the epilogue. I wish we got to see more about the time between that twist and the epilogue as well as more of Maddie with the three Vegas guys (you'll see what I mean hehehe). I know Penelope anticipates writing a novella for Maddie, so hopefully we will get to see more of those, but for me this book could have maybe added a chapter or two so we didn't go from 0 to 100 back to 0 so quickly.
But all in all this is definitely a good read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it-as I do with all PB books!
I have been closely following Maddie's story with these men, and it's safe to say I am extremely invested in it. I loved seeing her evolve as a person while being around these guys because it's safe to say that she was a bittttt weak in my eyes before she gained this newfound confidence.
This book definitely gave me a heart attack (or two) but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was eating it up! I still stand by the fact that Dante is MINE! I've been a hardcore STAN since the first book, and I refuse to share him with anyone. Gahhhhhh. His protective personality is just so wholesome, and I love it with a passion.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and this series! I can't wait to see what Penelope has in store for us in the future!
Why did this lose a star though?
While this was a very well writing book, I felt like it ended too quickly. The plot twist happened very late in the book and then it cued to the epilogue. I wish we got to see more about the time between that twist and the epilogue as well as more of Maddie with the three Vegas guys (you'll see what I mean hehehe). I know Penelope anticipates writing a novella for Maddie, so hopefully we will get to see more of those, but for me this book could have maybe added a chapter or two so we didn't go from 0 to 100 back to 0 so quickly.
But all in all this is definitely a good read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it-as I do with all PB books!
April 24, 2022
A nice pre-end to this story.
I love everyone and that’s also why I love RH because we don’t have to choose but I’m sad to leave my babies Dante and Leo 🥺
I would have love to see more “actions” between Maddie and her men though 😏 and her first time with Rafe because I’m not sure if we saw that ? But maybe we’ll see more of them as a group this way in the novella so I’m excited !
I love everyone and that’s also why I love RH because we don’t have to choose but I’m sad to leave my babies Dante and Leo 🥺
I would have love to see more “actions” between Maddie and her men though 😏 and her first time with Rafe because I’m not sure if we saw that ? But maybe we’ll see more of them as a group this way in the novella so I’m excited !
January 8, 2022
Genre/Tropes: NA, Dark, RH
POV: 1st, Multiple
Series: The Five Families, Book 3
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Holy crap, this was one sexy, whirlwind of a conclusion to Maddie’s story. Filled with twists, danger, and alllll the sexy times, I can’t believe we’re finally at the end of their journey.
Aries, Dante, Leo, and Matteo were to DIE FOR. Dark, possessive, and obsessed with their girl, I was so freaking happy to see them recognize her inner strength and include her on more things. I feel like her character growth was the most developed and it was beautiful to watch. She went from dreaming about her own personal harem to living it, so props to her! And they guys? Swoon!
——————
𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐭, 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐭.
——————
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐡, 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞.”
——————
I laughed, I teared up, and my heart was wrung through a grinder a few times but if you’ve read Pen’s books before, you know to trust her. The path to her HEAs isn’t an easy one but they are some of the most fulfilling.
We get more information about Mary and their mom. We see how deeply interwoven the guys are with the Five Families. Still lots to discover and explore in this world and I can’t freaking wait!
January 18, 2022
I really,and desperately wished for the Five Families series to continue at least for a couple of more books but alas! It is what it is. Vicious Reign was the perfect ending and now I have a slight pang in my heart, already missing my new found family. It is not often that I come across such an intricate plot with layers of secrets to be uncurtained.
Maddie was the all around perfect human being with a gentle heart along with a fierce soul. She wasn’t a meek, needy woman at all the horrible events and revelations. Instead, she was courageous and smart enough to overcome any obstacles created by her mafia surrounding. Above all, she was soft enough to enjoy dominance and possessiveness by her men.
“She’s the purest thing I’ve ever had in my life, and I’ll drag the world to hell before I ever give her up.”
-Matteo
Let me continue with the guys. Leo’s charm and pure love, Matteo’s stoic strength and possessiveness , Dante’s protectiveness and his hidden romantic side just for his Maddie, and finally Raphael’s intelligence and wit, his all around determination of having his love… The fact that they are willing to do anything or sacrifice everything for her to be safe and in their arms must be a heady feeling. I need one of each men right by my side please! This book was a real eye-opener and Penelope Black unveiled what has been hidden from us poor, innocent women living vicariously through novels. We want to be spoiled, taken care of by four handsome, powerful and protective men as well. Now, she shouldn’t leave us hanging. Now, Ms. Black should come up with a new story that will keep our hearts warm and tingling.
Maddie was the all around perfect human being with a gentle heart along with a fierce soul. She wasn’t a meek, needy woman at all the horrible events and revelations. Instead, she was courageous and smart enough to overcome any obstacles created by her mafia surrounding. Above all, she was soft enough to enjoy dominance and possessiveness by her men.
“She’s the purest thing I’ve ever had in my life, and I’ll drag the world to hell before I ever give her up.”
-Matteo
Let me continue with the guys. Leo’s charm and pure love, Matteo’s stoic strength and possessiveness , Dante’s protectiveness and his hidden romantic side just for his Maddie, and finally Raphael’s intelligence and wit, his all around determination of having his love… The fact that they are willing to do anything or sacrifice everything for her to be safe and in their arms must be a heady feeling. I need one of each men right by my side please! This book was a real eye-opener and Penelope Black unveiled what has been hidden from us poor, innocent women living vicariously through novels. We want to be spoiled, taken care of by four handsome, powerful and protective men as well. Now, she shouldn’t leave us hanging. Now, Ms. Black should come up with a new story that will keep our hearts warm and tingling.
January 13, 2022
I can't tell if the first half of this book was actually that much better than the first two or if I was just so relieved not to have to deal with Leo for awhile that I enjoyed it more. I did like that this book finally felt like Maddie's book. She finally felt like the star of the show and we got to see a lot more of who she really is as a character.
I still believe that the structure of this trilogy could have used some tweaking. The first two books were slow to the point of dragging and then this book rushes through a LOT of important information and confrontations. I am honestly tempted to deduct another star for how angry that ending made me. It felt like such a cop-out. The concept was so good - the build up and the drama of it had me on the edge of my seat, and then she just did a jump cut to everything being resolved? It felt like she was almost afraid to write it. It was extremely disappointing that after three books building to that confrontation we didn't get to see it all play out. I wanted to watch it all happen, and instead I got to hear a summary about it happening.
I am assuming that the things we learned about her family were more so meant to set the stage for conflict in Mary's books, maybe? But it felt disingenuous to Maddie's character not to delve into that. Which just comes back to my point about not understanding why the author chose to spend time on the details she did.
This is all sounding exceedingly negative for a book (and trilogy) that I legitimately enjoyed reading. I do think that it was an entertaining story, I'm just currently still reeling from the ending and feeling a bit bitter.
I still believe that the structure of this trilogy could have used some tweaking. The first two books were slow to the point of dragging and then this book rushes through a LOT of important information and confrontations. I am honestly tempted to deduct another star for how angry that ending made me. It felt like such a cop-out. The concept was so good - the build up and the drama of it had me on the edge of my seat, and then she just did a jump cut to everything being resolved? It felt like she was almost afraid to write it. It was extremely disappointing that after three books building to that confrontation we didn't get to see it all play out. I wanted to watch it all happen, and instead I got to hear a summary about it happening.
I am assuming that the things we learned about her family were more so meant to set the stage for conflict in Mary's books, maybe? But it felt disingenuous to Maddie's character not to delve into that. Which just comes back to my point about not understanding why the author chose to spend time on the details she did.
This is all sounding exceedingly negative for a book (and trilogy) that I legitimately enjoyed reading. I do think that it was an entertaining story, I'm just currently still reeling from the ending and feeling a bit bitter.
January 7, 2022
The guys in this have not let down and keep getting better. I mean who doesn’t want their own personal harem after reading what life could be like with these four. Hot!
Maddie really has been discovering herself over the series and is coming into her own more. There’s moments you think her innocence will be her downfall and she’s still constantly proving she can handle what’s coming their way.
Needless to say I have been waiting for this! Penelope always gives us such crazy plot lines going on and leaves us wanting all the answers. Book 3 in her series is where she delivers and delivers hard. There’s still tons of twists and turns that keep you fully engaged and devouring the book. Your left on the edge of your seat through most of the book through til the final pages.
ARC review
Maddie really has been discovering herself over the series and is coming into her own more. There’s moments you think her innocence will be her downfall and she’s still constantly proving she can handle what’s coming their way.
Needless to say I have been waiting for this! Penelope always gives us such crazy plot lines going on and leaves us wanting all the answers. Book 3 in her series is where she delivers and delivers hard. There’s still tons of twists and turns that keep you fully engaged and devouring the book. Your left on the edge of your seat through most of the book through til the final pages.
ARC review
January 20, 2022
I love Maddie!!! Together with her harem, has fast become one of my favorite series. Of course I think I say this with all of Penelope's series.
Just when I thought that I knew what was going to happen, or have everything figured out. Bam, nope!
The suspense got me, throughout the book. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
One of the things I enjoy with reading about great characters is the growth that they go through. With Maddie, I enjoyed even more.
With all the twists and turns this series has done, makes for a very memorable story.
Just when I thought that I knew what was going to happen, or have everything figured out. Bam, nope!
The suspense got me, throughout the book. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
One of the things I enjoy with reading about great characters is the growth that they go through. With Maddie, I enjoyed even more.
With all the twists and turns this series has done, makes for a very memorable story.
August 19, 2025
ZERO GROUP ACTIVITIES, I REPEAT, ZERO GROUP ACTIVITIES 🤦🏻♀️ After going on and on about group activities, color me shocked when there was none. Just like the other series, this one is also extremely repetitive. The way she describes the men, their “parts”, the interior of a room, how hot it is when they take their shirts off. It’s was basically the same exact series as the first just switch out the Irish for Italian 🙄 I think I’ve come to the conclusion that this author isn’t for me 🤷🏻♀️
November 26, 2023
maddie is a boss a$$ bee, she handles herself and doesn’t let anyone get in her way. the PLOT TWISTS??? won’t speak on them but i wasn’t expecting that. i do 10/10 love the group spicy scenes. she writes these books very well. was definitely waiting for a huge scene yanno… the ending tho….. idk how i feel about that. but still 4 stars ;)
January 12, 2022
I loved seeing Maddie come into her own, vine is the girl she use to be and she’s been replaced with a fearless, strong willed woman who takes no prisoners! The twists and turns over these books has been the perfect amount to keep me engaged and not bored and I mean what can I even say about Maddie’s men!!!
April 15, 2023
3.5 ⭐️!!
January 15, 2022
This is the 3rd and final book in the Five Families by Penelope.
Maddie and her gang are on the road to vengeance.
I love Maddie's character development throughout this book, and the development in each of her men's relationships with her.
I loved how the book played out and we saw how the characters adjusted to each other.
Action-packed, dramatic and fast-paced.
I was gutted for this to be the last book. I really enjoyed Maddie's series.
If you like a Mafia Trope with RH aspects, this is for you.
Can't wait for the novella to finish of this series.
Maddie and her gang are on the road to vengeance.
I love Maddie's character development throughout this book, and the development in each of her men's relationships with her.
I loved how the book played out and we saw how the characters adjusted to each other.
Action-packed, dramatic and fast-paced.
I was gutted for this to be the last book. I really enjoyed Maddie's series.
If you like a Mafia Trope with RH aspects, this is for you.
Can't wait for the novella to finish of this series.
January 22, 2022
Pen has gone and done it again! She had gave us an amazing RH series. This book will have you going through all the emotions, you’ll be swooning over all the guys and you’ll fall in love with Maddie even more! There is so many twists and turns in this book but I loved every second of it and I didn’t see a lot of it coming, which I love. I was so emotional in the last few chapters and the ending is just amazing! I can’t wait for more. If you love RH Mafia, then you need to read this book.
October 14, 2024
2.5⭐️
March 1, 2022
A Total Rollercoaster Ride
Maddie and her men Matteo, Leo, Dante, and Aries have a very bumpy ride so many twist and turns. The character development is amazing especially Maddie who kept herself but grew into a total badass. I was on the edge of my seat at the end. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Love this series
Maddie and her men Matteo, Leo, Dante, and Aries have a very bumpy ride so many twist and turns. The character development is amazing especially Maddie who kept herself but grew into a total badass. I was on the edge of my seat at the end. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Love this series
February 22, 2023
4.5⭐️
3.5🌶️
This conclusion to Maddie’s and her men’s story was a fitting end! I admire her spunk and the way she’s not afraid to stand up for those she loves. Despite truth bombs and lifelong untruths, she weathers this world she’s found herself in, coming into her own. If you love why choose, mafia, dark, and second chances, then this is for you.
3.5🌶️
This conclusion to Maddie’s and her men’s story was a fitting end! I admire her spunk and the way she’s not afraid to stand up for those she loves. Despite truth bombs and lifelong untruths, she weathers this world she’s found herself in, coming into her own. If you love why choose, mafia, dark, and second chances, then this is for you.
January 12, 2022
Was very excited to receive an ARC for this book because I had read books 1 and 2 (Gilded Princess and Twisted Queen) the past fall and was itching for more. Madison has a fantastic ARC into her bad ass, headstrong self and her guys definitely give off the “touch her and die” vibes which are 🥵. If you’re a fan of Mafia RH, x5🌶 spice, and plot twists this series is definitely for you!
November 24, 2023
I really struggled to finish the book… it dragged on and on and on and on. There was no reason for this series to be more than two books or just one book that was 500 pages.
The books was overly detailed. Almost every room, store, building, etc it was described down to the texture of the carpet lasting 3 pages. The the MFC would be having a conversation with some but would go on a 5 page ramble of an overly detailed thought or room and I would have to go back to remember who she was taking to. Plus how many times are people going to get kidnapped???
Finally, there was very little romance/relationship building. I felt the characters did nothing fun together. Like where were the dinners, dates, a shopping trip? And if they did do something together, it was like half a page of description.
I have no intention of reading the fourth book.
The books was overly detailed. Almost every room, store, building, etc it was described down to the texture of the carpet lasting 3 pages. The the MFC would be having a conversation with some but would go on a 5 page ramble of an overly detailed thought or room and I would have to go back to remember who she was taking to. Plus how many times are people going to get kidnapped???
Finally, there was very little romance/relationship building. I felt the characters did nothing fun together. Like where were the dinners, dates, a shopping trip? And if they did do something together, it was like half a page of description.
I have no intention of reading the fourth book.
November 18, 2022
Picks up right after Twisted Queen.
So many plot twists! Leo is kidnapped. Maddie, Dante, Aries, and Matteo will do whatever it takes to get him back. Maddie doesn’t care if it puts her in danger.
I love each of these men so much. Dante is so matter of fact, I love seeing him as big teddy bear for Maddie. He is so precious. Matteo is so possessive and bossy, I’m constantly on fire. It’s nice to see him let loose with all of them. Aries is so dark and mysterious, but constantly putting a smile on her face. He cares so deeply about his family. Leo is possibly the sweetest. They all have such a different relationship with her, it’s beautiful.
So many plot twists! Leo is kidnapped. Maddie, Dante, Aries, and Matteo will do whatever it takes to get him back. Maddie doesn’t care if it puts her in danger.
I love each of these men so much. Dante is so matter of fact, I love seeing him as big teddy bear for Maddie. He is so precious. Matteo is so possessive and bossy, I’m constantly on fire. It’s nice to see him let loose with all of them. Aries is so dark and mysterious, but constantly putting a smile on her face. He cares so deeply about his family. Leo is possibly the sweetest. They all have such a different relationship with her, it’s beautiful.
April 6, 2023
Not the series for me. When I read a reverse harem mafia book, I want sex, jealousy, violence, more sex. This was all Maddie's inner turmoil and was honestly a bore. I kept skipping forward to get to dialogue or a spicy scene which was few and far between. A woman with 4 men should be getting her guys rearranged multiple times a day and instead every time they were all together, someone got kidnapped or some shit. This could have been written so much better.
April 26, 2022
All hail Penelope Black 🙌🏻 Queen of steam, twists and cliffhangers, and romance! What a ride was the FIVE FAMILIES series…but you have to start at the beginning, so hurry up and read! I loved every second with Maddie and her men. VICIOUS REIGN was an epic, epic story. I felt like I twisted my neck so many times from the whiplash. By the time I got to the end, I didn’t think Black could shock me anymore, but, holy guacamole, was I ever wrong!
I love these men in this series - Aries, Matteo, Dante, Leo, and Rafe 😉 - iykyk, right? Each one is so different but so perfect for Maddie, and I love how they just accept her. They allow her to be her and figure out who she is during this time of her self-discovery and self-acceptance when her whole life has changed.
Maddie is a fantastic character throughout the series, especially in VICIOUS REIGN. She gets hit with so many curveballs that should knock a person down, but she is a fighter. She fights for her men, her life, and, most importantly, herself. Her mother has put horrible self-doubt into her mind, and she works hard to fight against that grow to be this amazing woman you root for to succeed.
The best part now with Black’s slow-burn writing is that it has finally led to the big payoff! The plot has crescendoed into a moment that you will never see coming. My emotions were at an all-time high! And the steam, oh whoa 🔥🔥🔥🔥, was it fiery in here!
I had a slight frustration, probably more of a personal thing, I would say, with the epilogue. I loved the HEA, but I don’t need every story to end in the family way. I would have been thrilled if Maddie and her men had just married and had a life together. I mean, my least favorite storyline in ACOTAR is Feyre with child, so it’s just a me thing. I don’t like babies. 🙂🙃 Probably because the Sneeze, aka Renesmee, has tormented me since Twilight.
I loved this series. I feel like I can’t stress that enough. It had everything I could want: a woman who knows what she wants, men who will do anything for her (and do), mind-blowing twists, and steamy scenes that make you tingle. If that sounds like something you would like, this is a series you should definitely read!
Content Warnings: (per the author) a dark reverse harem romance, and it has darker themes that some may find triggering
I love these men in this series - Aries, Matteo, Dante, Leo, and Rafe 😉 - iykyk, right? Each one is so different but so perfect for Maddie, and I love how they just accept her. They allow her to be her and figure out who she is during this time of her self-discovery and self-acceptance when her whole life has changed.
Maddie is a fantastic character throughout the series, especially in VICIOUS REIGN. She gets hit with so many curveballs that should knock a person down, but she is a fighter. She fights for her men, her life, and, most importantly, herself. Her mother has put horrible self-doubt into her mind, and she works hard to fight against that grow to be this amazing woman you root for to succeed.
The best part now with Black’s slow-burn writing is that it has finally led to the big payoff! The plot has crescendoed into a moment that you will never see coming. My emotions were at an all-time high! And the steam, oh whoa 🔥🔥🔥🔥, was it fiery in here!
I had a slight frustration, probably more of a personal thing, I would say, with the epilogue. I loved the HEA, but I don’t need every story to end in the family way. I would have been thrilled if Maddie and her men had just married and had a life together. I mean, my least favorite storyline in ACOTAR is Feyre with child, so it’s just a me thing. I don’t like babies. 🙂🙃 Probably because the Sneeze, aka Renesmee, has tormented me since Twilight.
I loved this series. I feel like I can’t stress that enough. It had everything I could want: a woman who knows what she wants, men who will do anything for her (and do), mind-blowing twists, and steamy scenes that make you tingle. If that sounds like something you would like, this is a series you should definitely read!
Content Warnings: (per the author) a dark reverse harem romance, and it has darker themes that some may find triggering
January 5, 2022
Let’s chat about plot twists, shall we? This book is going to throw them at you right and left but goodness gracious are they perfection! We pick up with Aries and Maddie working together from their little soup incident (hehe) as Matteo and Dante are working on getting back to the group from the latest Family Meeting only to get a call from Aries to meet somewhere else. Honestly, these boys don’t like leaving things to chance and the fear that something happened to Madison has both these two going as fast as they can to get to her to check on her themselves. “His lips demand penance for our separation, and if this is how he commands it, I’ll gladly offer it.“
As they fly to Las Vegas to deal with some issues, not only do we watch Maddie enjoy the patio of the hotel multiple times, but we also get to witness her showing these guys that she is more than just a pretty face. Aries has made the decision that she needs to learn a few things about the business they are in and how to protect herself a little more. “She can handle more than you give her credit for, and I’m only telling her what we already know. There might be a time where her ignorance will be her downfall.”
We learn so much more about Madison and more importantly her mom as well as her twin’s sister, Mary. They have so much happening that Madison is really just along for the ride most of the time, but I mean what a ride that has to be with these 4 guys there. Because not only do we watch Madison truly grow into her skin, we have to watch as things unfold for Matteo, Dante and his brothers when it comes to the Five Families. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t all sugar and fun times. I had tears falling a couple times and a few “Oh no’s” shouted out loud. I mean we have to witness Madison thinking this: “It’s a grief that you feel in your body. Your very cells shift, become misshapen as if they’ve now taken a new form.” So be prepared for it all but enjoy the ride and man that amazing ending. Another amazing book, Penelope, Bravo!
How about one more quote because it is just too good not to put down. “The most beautiful thing about you, Madison Murphy Walsh, is that you have absolutely no idea how perfect you are.”
As they fly to Las Vegas to deal with some issues, not only do we watch Maddie enjoy the patio of the hotel multiple times, but we also get to witness her showing these guys that she is more than just a pretty face. Aries has made the decision that she needs to learn a few things about the business they are in and how to protect herself a little more. “She can handle more than you give her credit for, and I’m only telling her what we already know. There might be a time where her ignorance will be her downfall.”
We learn so much more about Madison and more importantly her mom as well as her twin’s sister, Mary. They have so much happening that Madison is really just along for the ride most of the time, but I mean what a ride that has to be with these 4 guys there. Because not only do we watch Madison truly grow into her skin, we have to watch as things unfold for Matteo, Dante and his brothers when it comes to the Five Families. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t all sugar and fun times. I had tears falling a couple times and a few “Oh no’s” shouted out loud. I mean we have to witness Madison thinking this: “It’s a grief that you feel in your body. Your very cells shift, become misshapen as if they’ve now taken a new form.” So be prepared for it all but enjoy the ride and man that amazing ending. Another amazing book, Penelope, Bravo!
How about one more quote because it is just too good not to put down. “The most beautiful thing about you, Madison Murphy Walsh, is that you have absolutely no idea how perfect you are.”
January 18, 2022
This book was a rollercoaster of emotion, information bombs and secrets. The Rossi boys’ father is ramping up the hunt for who is the threat against the families, and Maddie is processing a lot. She has always compartmentalized her emotions. Her mother trained her that her emotions should be small, she needed to be prettier, thinner, and it was clear that she wasn’t the favorite child. Therefore, she hasn’t been very loved I realized outside of Lainey.
The boys fill that void. The void for love, the void that said her life was ok, and she didn’t need more when she was starving for it. The permission to accept that she deserved more. This book was about acceptance that the people that have been in her life have been giving her table scrapings, and that she needed more and deserved to make her own family
Through the jumping between states, keeping a step ahead of the mayhem that happens in this book, and the people that are looking for them, she realizes that the boys are hers. She doesn’t know how it’ll all work, and much of that relationship building with the 5 of them wasn’t there for me. I’m hoping to see more of that in the novella that she mentioned, because the relationship is built on their separate relationships, the aftermath of trauma, and putting things back together after Maddie learns some big things about her past.
I love these books, and I’m excited for Mary’s story. She’s hurting, but at the same time she isn’t a very nice person in the middle of everything that has happened. I’m also hoping for some self-awareness from her about how she has treated the one person in her life that was always there for her: her sister.
The boys fill that void. The void for love, the void that said her life was ok, and she didn’t need more when she was starving for it. The permission to accept that she deserved more. This book was about acceptance that the people that have been in her life have been giving her table scrapings, and that she needed more and deserved to make her own family
Through the jumping between states, keeping a step ahead of the mayhem that happens in this book, and the people that are looking for them, she realizes that the boys are hers. She doesn’t know how it’ll all work, and much of that relationship building with the 5 of them wasn’t there for me. I’m hoping to see more of that in the novella that she mentioned, because the relationship is built on their separate relationships, the aftermath of trauma, and putting things back together after Maddie learns some big things about her past.
I love these books, and I’m excited for Mary’s story. She’s hurting, but at the same time she isn’t a very nice person in the middle of everything that has happened. I’m also hoping for some self-awareness from her about how she has treated the one person in her life that was always there for her: her sister.
January 20, 2022
✨ARC Review✨
What an amazing journey! These three books have been a wild ride filled with twists, danger and lots of hawttt steamy moments.
The character development throughout this series was fantastic! I loved seeing the men become more and more devoted to Maddie, and to see Maddie become the true mafia princess that she is, was *chefs kiss*.
The conclusion to this brilliant RH mafia series was one heck of a whirlwind! Penelope completely threw me off a loop with that crazy plot line, especially towards the end of the book, but that’s one of the things that makes her books so addictive and unputdownable. And despite it being the third book in the series, there was still so many twists and turns to be discovered, ones that will leave you devouring the book to seek all the answers. Penelope will leave you on the edge of your seat for the majority of the book- until the literal end, even.
And whilst this series is a slow burn, it is filled with lots of angst that will leave you completely satisfied. Well I loved it anyway...
After reading this you will see that there are a few questions that were left vague. Well, that was completely intentional as Penelope is going to gift us with a bonus novella in the future. To say I’m excited would be an understatement, especially after that perfect epilogue.
I absolutely loved this spin off series! It was a great addition to the amazing world Penelope introduced us to in the brotherhood series and I cannot wait to finally read Mary’s story, which will no doubt be an adventure and a half.
STARS:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶
What an amazing journey! These three books have been a wild ride filled with twists, danger and lots of hawttt steamy moments.
The character development throughout this series was fantastic! I loved seeing the men become more and more devoted to Maddie, and to see Maddie become the true mafia princess that she is, was *chefs kiss*.
The conclusion to this brilliant RH mafia series was one heck of a whirlwind! Penelope completely threw me off a loop with that crazy plot line, especially towards the end of the book, but that’s one of the things that makes her books so addictive and unputdownable. And despite it being the third book in the series, there was still so many twists and turns to be discovered, ones that will leave you devouring the book to seek all the answers. Penelope will leave you on the edge of your seat for the majority of the book- until the literal end, even.
And whilst this series is a slow burn, it is filled with lots of angst that will leave you completely satisfied. Well I loved it anyway...
After reading this you will see that there are a few questions that were left vague. Well, that was completely intentional as Penelope is going to gift us with a bonus novella in the future. To say I’m excited would be an understatement, especially after that perfect epilogue.
I absolutely loved this spin off series! It was a great addition to the amazing world Penelope introduced us to in the brotherhood series and I cannot wait to finally read Mary’s story, which will no doubt be an adventure and a half.
STARS:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶
June 18, 2023
”It might be a fool’s confidence, but my dad always told me to fake it until I make it. And his advice has never let me down.”
I think all the slowburn and lack of spice wore me off a bit which made Vicious Reign a bit anticlimatic for me. Plot-wise, everything was, once again, there: plot-twists that could not be anticipated and the book easily kept me intrigued throughout it. I think that a trilogy for Maddie and the boys was a bit too long with too much happening plot-wise and not enough spice. This was supposed to be a romance novel after all and I felt like the romance took a back seat to everything else.
”Are you ready for more?”
“What do you mean?”
“We have an audience. And I’m sure he’d like to join us but only if you want—”
“Yes.”
“I think she’s ready for you, brother.”
There was definitely more smut than in the first two books but for an RH I would have preferred more of it. And also some including multiple partners at once (cause that's what we all want with RH right?!).
Also, I felt the ending was too rushed. All of a sudden we jump from a scene in wherehouse with Maddie pulling a trigger to the epilogue six weeks after where everything that went down in the warehouse is left unsaid (except that Aries did not really betray them after all) and the events are fast-forwarded to the happily ever after with pregnancy news.
All in all, I liked Five Families trilogy and I think that with small tweaks, it could would have had the potential to be mindblowing.
I think all the slowburn and lack of spice wore me off a bit which made Vicious Reign a bit anticlimatic for me. Plot-wise, everything was, once again, there: plot-twists that could not be anticipated and the book easily kept me intrigued throughout it. I think that a trilogy for Maddie and the boys was a bit too long with too much happening plot-wise and not enough spice. This was supposed to be a romance novel after all and I felt like the romance took a back seat to everything else.
”Are you ready for more?”
“What do you mean?”
“We have an audience. And I’m sure he’d like to join us but only if you want—”
“Yes.”
“I think she’s ready for you, brother.”
There was definitely more smut than in the first two books but for an RH I would have preferred more of it. And also some including multiple partners at once (cause that's what we all want with RH right?!).
Also, I felt the ending was too rushed. All of a sudden we jump from a scene in wherehouse with Maddie pulling a trigger to the epilogue six weeks after where everything that went down in the warehouse is left unsaid (except that Aries did not really betray them after all) and the events are fast-forwarded to the happily ever after with pregnancy news.
All in all, I liked Five Families trilogy and I think that with small tweaks, it could would have had the potential to be mindblowing.
January 15, 2022
Incredible final instalment in the Five Families series
Vicious Reign is the third and final instalment in the Five Families Trilogy. It is a mafia RH romance.
This should not be read as a stand-alone.
This whole trilogy has been one piece of incredible writing after another. I have been so invested in this series right from the start and was jumping up and down with excitement when I saw that Vicious Reign had landed on my Kindle.
Holy moly!! This book was absolutely amazing 🤩 Once I started reading I could not put it down. Each chapter ends in anticipation of what happens next and there was no point where I could easily put it down to pick back up later. I was up all night swiping pages right to the very end.
Vicious Reign picks up right after the cliffhanger where Twisted Queen left off.
I loved seeing the growth of all of the characters in this book.
Maddie becomes more comfortable with all her men and was stronger in asking what she wanted and needed. Along the way she gets some life changing news. The way she handles it proves just how much she has grown from the start of the series.
Matteo, Leo, Dante and Aries prove time and time again why they are the most incredible humans. Their love and devotion to Maddie and their acceptance that they are all what is best for her was strong throughout this book. They finally see that she is strong enough to make her own choices and stand proud alongside them.
I’m sad that Maddie’s story is over.. or is it? 🤐
I cannot wait to read more of Penelope’s stories. She is an incredible writer and I’m so happy I stumbled across Wolf and fell in love with her writing.
Vicious Reign is the third and final instalment in the Five Families Trilogy. It is a mafia RH romance.
This should not be read as a stand-alone.
This whole trilogy has been one piece of incredible writing after another. I have been so invested in this series right from the start and was jumping up and down with excitement when I saw that Vicious Reign had landed on my Kindle.
Holy moly!! This book was absolutely amazing 🤩 Once I started reading I could not put it down. Each chapter ends in anticipation of what happens next and there was no point where I could easily put it down to pick back up later. I was up all night swiping pages right to the very end.
Vicious Reign picks up right after the cliffhanger where Twisted Queen left off.
I loved seeing the growth of all of the characters in this book.
Maddie becomes more comfortable with all her men and was stronger in asking what she wanted and needed. Along the way she gets some life changing news. The way she handles it proves just how much she has grown from the start of the series.
Matteo, Leo, Dante and Aries prove time and time again why they are the most incredible humans. Their love and devotion to Maddie and their acceptance that they are all what is best for her was strong throughout this book. They finally see that she is strong enough to make her own choices and stand proud alongside them.
I’m sad that Maddie’s story is over.. or is it? 🤐
I cannot wait to read more of Penelope’s stories. She is an incredible writer and I’m so happy I stumbled across Wolf and fell in love with her writing.
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