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It’s amazing what you’re capable of when you have nothing to lose…

Collateral damage.

That’s what my family was—collateral damage in a mafia war.

They were my whole life. But I’ve found something else to live for.

Vengeance.

I was a wife. A daughter.

Now I’m Havoc.

Every last one of the bastards responsible will die. No one can stop me.

Not even him.

Nico Romano, Don of the Italian mafia, is a complication I don’t need.

He’s too much like the monsters I hunt—savage, ruthless, cold. An enemy. I shouldn’t want him.

But I do.

Falling for him might cost me my shot at revenge and the only thing of value I have left.

My soul.

Too bad I’m starting to think he might be worth it…

Havoc, book one in The Discord Series, is a sexy, dark and angsty, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance featuring a heroine who will stop at nothing to avenge her family, and the brooding, alpha anti-hero who will do anything to keep her…even when it involves kidnapping. Happily ever after guaranteed. Download today, but grab a glass of ice water first. You’re gonna need it.

Be Forewarned***

This is a dark mafia romance. There are mentions of family loss, scenes with explicit violence, and some dub con. There is a HEA for this couple, but the overall story arc does continue from book to book.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2021

296 people are currently reading
326 people want to read

About the author

Cathleen Cole

32 books550 followers
Cathleen Cole currently lives in Utah with her husband Frank, their six dogs, four goats, and flock of chickens. Cathleen and Frank have nomadic souls, so they don’t expect to be tied down to one place indefinitely.

Animals, dog sports, traveling, scuba diving, and everything books are just a few of Cathleen’s passions in life. She measures her quality of life based off the different experiences and adventures she gets to have.

You’ll see every book written by either Cathleen Cole or Frank Jensen will always credit the other as co-authors and that is because they use each other as sounding boards during their writing processes as well as they are each other’s main beta readers. As husband and wife, they insist on sharing all successes and failures equally.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,264 reviews1,531 followers
June 13, 2021
Havoc is the first book in a new mafia series, The Discord Series, by Cathleen Cole and Frank Jensen. It can be considered a standalone as a part of an interconnected series, but does end in a cliffhanger not related to the protagonists happily ever after. This is her first mafia book and it’s in the same world as her motorcycle series.

I just freakin’ loved this story! Five HUGE stars - it totally blew me out of the water! I went into this story blind, only knowing it was a “mafia romance”, but it ended up being so much more than that. The story was extremely well written, was fast paced, and completely action packed from beginning to end. In another life, Havoc was a different woman, Lyn Costa. A wife and farmer. An ex-cop. But then her life changed irrevocably and that all went away and that all became “the past”. Now she’s Havoc and she only has room for anger and revenge and she won’t rest until crimes have been avenged. She has no idea her path of destruction is going to lead her to Nico Romano, who just may be the glue needed to piece her shattered soul back together and make her feel alive again.

The character development in Havoc was phenomenal. You get invested in all the characters and want to know more about the side characters you meet. I just loved Havoc! She’s totally kick@ss, not just metaphorically, she can literally kick some @ss. Cathleen and Frank did an excellent job of giving Havoc an ex-cop demeanor. She’s brave and determined, coldly calculating, but still caring towards those she loves. You feel for her. Her internal conflict about her feelings toward Nico, her wins, her losses. She’s completely out of her element with Nico and her struggles are real and relatable. Her transformation to Havoc is believable and you’re really rooting for her the entire time.

Nico was fantastic as the anti-hero and Clyde to Havoc’s Bonnie. He’s intense, possessive, volatile, and growly. He takes what he want, and what he wants is Havoc. “Something within me felt a possession toward her that didn’t make any sense. I was a man who listened to his instincts - they’d kept me alive and had never led me astray - and they were screaming at me that this woman was mine.” Yum. He was completely as out of his element with Havoc as she was with him. The chemistry between them was electric and the smexy times were super hot. If anything, the only complaint I have is that I wish the book was a little longer and some of the topics that were touched on, explored a little further. It was overall and excellent read and I can’t wait to get the next installment!

Trope: Instalust (for him)/Enemies to Lovers (for her).
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Angst: 😰😰😰/5
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Triggers: dubcon, loss of loved ones, very explicit violence
Profile Image for Aurora Welkin.
Author 8 books168 followers
October 10, 2021
Havoc has everything I want in a mafia romance novel! Men who are rough around the edges, women who know how to handle themselves and are no damsels in distress, and twists that kept me turning the pages.

Cathleen did an amazing job bringing this story to life. I could feel the struggle, the pain, the loneliness, and so much more. It was an emotional rollercoaster I didn't want to end. Loved every second of it, and I highly recommend the Discord Series.
Profile Image for annasbook nookk.
956 reviews74 followers
June 10, 2021
Mafia romance - check
Alpha male - check
Kidnap - check
This right here is everything I love in a mafia romance, I loved Nico and I'm keeping him he's all mine now. I love the characters, plot and that cliffhanger was jaw-dropping and tearful.
I need book 2 now, please.
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
933 reviews30 followers
June 3, 2021
Damn Havoc by Cathleen Cole & Frank Jensen had me captivated, intrigued and beyond invested in this dark, twisted, and deliciously steamy storyline from the first page until the very last word.

After a terrible loss Havoc has nothing left to live for except revenge. And.... talk about good girl turn bad. I absolutely loved her and her strength, fight, sass, touch of sweetness, and all round badassery. While seeking her revenge her path crosses Nico, the Italian Mafia Don, and Holy Hot Alpha-hole Nico is a man who knows what he wants; and he wants Havoc.
While there is some push and pull and guilt ridden reluctance, these two and their undeniable chemistry are meant for each other.
Havoc and Nico's emotional, dark, action packed, and steamy story, will take you on a journey about loss, heartbreak, guilt, revenge, vengeance, and getting a second chance at love. And as you devour this story you will hold your breath with anticipation, laugh out out loud, gasp in shock and surprise, swoon a little, reach for the tissues, root for Havoc and her badassery, while also desperately wanting a HEA for both Havoc and Nico.
And....
Oh boy that ending!!! While I wouldn't call it a cliffy it sure does leave you dangling on the edge desperately wanting more of this world! Bring on Book 2!!

A Highly Recommended Read!
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,987 reviews91 followers
June 14, 2021
I wasn’t in the mind set for this book when I started it. But, that quickly changed once I got a few pages in. I. Was. Hooked. Like obsessed. I wanted to know everything about both Havoc and Nico. I needed to know everything.

When you start the book, you get Nico’s brother, Dante. You think he will be the guy our girl falls for (that’s if you forgot what the blurb said, like I did. Oops.) But Dante is just setting us up for what is going to be an amazing story. Don’t worry. His role doesn’t end just because he is not the lovey-dovey love interest. Things get shaking even more towards the end of the story.

How is that possible? After everything that is already happening in the juicy middle you might ask? I know, I couldn’t believe it either. This book is jammed full of action, romance and mayhem. So get ready to lose a few hours to this dark mafia-life romance.

After finishing HAVOC, I absolutely need more. We are left with unanswered questions but also with one of the most amazing epilogues in the history of epilogues. So many tears because so many feels were poured into it. This book gets all the stars. And tears.
Profile Image for Tracy Books_Beers_Brews.
1,076 reviews54 followers
June 6, 2021
So this book was just amazing! This is the first story I have ready by these authors and now I need to find time to read their other books!

This authors do a excellent job of telling a story of how loss can change you & it definitely changes Havoc. Nico & Havoc have a relationship of push and pull & I love the dynamic it creates in this book. Neither wants to give up on their goal & they have to figure out how to get work together to achieve it. And I just have to say, that epilogue was an absolute perfect ending to this book! This whole story was just amazing & I cannot rave about it enough.

I will definitely be checking out the next book!
Profile Image for Kelly Gregory.
1,840 reviews27 followers
August 11, 2021
This was brilliant! I loved the way the story started and just when you think it's going in one direction...it all changes! Lots of suspense and twists within the plot, that really kept me gripped.
Nico is a strong, controlling and manipulative anti-hero who takes what he wants, when he wants and lets just say....he wants Havoc!! I genuinely loves their chemistry and especially how fierce and determined Havoc was!
A really brilliant mafia romance, I can't wait to read Dante's book next!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,972 reviews220 followers
December 26, 2025
4.4 stars.
I always enjoy a FMC with a little thirst for blood and a lot of grit, so that part of the story I really loved.
Her relationship with Nico was just ok though. I liked where it was headed.
But, even with the warning in the blurb, I completely forgot about how this author loves a cliffhanger between interconnected series’.
And I hate cliffhangers.😒
Don’t think I’m really interested enough to read more of the series. I can guess how it’ll go. This was entertaining though.
3,768 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2021
A new author has me noticing her writing and she has a great book that I think you’ll like. A great read! No spoilers

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
June 14, 2021
This story is a great darkish, dual POV read, with some disturbing scenes as well as some romance and a bit of steam. There is a nice balance and transition between the different scenes and it flowed very well. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, I really enjoyed it; the in-depth scenes, the characters and the chemistry between them eventually pulled me in and helped make this one a very visual entertaining read.

Nico is hardcore! He’s possessive and dominant yet at times he can be understanding and sweet. I don’t think I ever had a feeling that he was out of control with anger. He’s a calm anger guy which is very intimidating and a bit frightening.

I think Havoc is scarier than Nico; darker! I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side, she’s ruthless with those deserving her anger. She’s also tender and loving with those that deserve that side of her. She can be light and fun too, she loves her dogs and horses and I think they help her manage her pain, yet she worries about those she loves.

These two share a tragedy, which they are both healing from, so it’s good that they can lean on each other to heal and move on. I felt such a sense of peace and calm from the epilogue, I was so happy, it definitely put a smile on my face.

This is book one of The Discord Series, it isn’t a standalone. Book two is a must to get some very important answers! I’m ready for Ruin.
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,172 reviews27 followers
June 14, 2021
Lyn truely caused Havoc ! She was true to her vow & new name. This is double revenge story for Havoc's family & Nico The Don of the Italian mafia in New York wife & unborn child

Their paths cross and they join forces together and they fell in love. I love their banter & action scenes they share. I love their relationship and it developed at the perfect speed.

OH his half brother Dante is her neighbour & he is a police officer. I can not wait for his story Ruin. I felt bad for him cause he got rejected to take the detective test because of his family connection. Dante is a true hero and his half brother Nico is the Devil but he protective over his family. Nico truely cares for his brother and Dante seems to be unsure on his relationship with his brother...
I hope Dante is....no spoliers I hope we get more brother moments!!

This quote is from one of my fav scenes & I won't spoil the scene either...
When you do read this scene get read to get your heart strings to be pulled...

"You’re her path forward and she is yours"

☆MUST READ ☆
Suspense action, revenge, banter is perfect, friendship and hot scenes between Nico & Havoc
Profile Image for Dawn .
567 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2021
Havoc moves to New York to avenge the deaths of her beloved husband and parents. Nico's wife was actually the object of the hit by a rival. Havoc inadvertently puts herself in Nico's path. He is attracted to her and determined to find out what she is up to. He captures her and is determined to tame her demons. In the process he starts to tame some of his own demons. He makes her a deal to help her capture the rest of the killers responsible. Havoc has no intention of falling for the Don of the Romano family but they seem to see deep into each others souls. I loved this book. Two broken souls find a new love that is different from their previous marriages. I can't wait for Dante's story. Great read you will really enjoy this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,048 reviews56 followers
August 9, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
This is book is part of The Discord series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Nico sexy as all get out mafia, possessive, dominant, usually gets what/who he wants when he wants them but there is another side to him he can be sweet and understanding when needed. Havoc use to have so much light in her life until it was taken ..well more ripped away taking her light and leaving darkness in its wake. Havoc can be loving, kind, tender, sweet when needed, she loves her animals they help her get through the dark. Nico and Havoc are a side to the same coin and drawn to each other. The chemistry is intense just like them and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored but can they heal each other, put to bed the ghosts from their past and find happiness along the way?
Profile Image for Paperbeautiful.
382 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2021
Nothing like a good girl gone bad....

Havoc has lost everything. She lost both her husband and parents in a terrible tragedy and now all she wants is revenge. Havoc was the good girl growing up, never did anything bad, she is even an ex-cop but nothing will stop her from killing the people that killed her family. Nico, Italian mob boss, lost his wife in the same tragedy. He is trying to get revenge just like Havoc, but she is killing the men before he can get to them. Nico has not felt what he feels for Havoc in a long time. He has to make her his, so what does he do, kidnap her of course and make her see how right they are for each other.

This book is action packed. Nico and Havoc understand what the other person is going through. They have a great dynamic. Havoc is not afraid of Nico and does not hold back. She fights with him and does not kneel down like everyone else does. They soon learn that they can work better together than a part. The way Nico helps her cope with everything was beautiful, especially for a mob boss. Also, lots of sexy scenes!!

Heads up, the book ends somewhat on a cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next one!! Also the epilogue, tears!
Profile Image for Sara.
346 reviews29 followers
June 15, 2021
The blurb for this one drew me in and I have to say this far exceeded any expectations I had for this book!! Lyn aka Havoc has experienced tragedy that changes her & has her leave her past behind to enact revenge on those that caused it. Her moral dilemma on the new darkness emerging within her is amped up when she meets Nico Romano, a mafia don who has experienced the same tragedy.

Their connection is intense and almost instanteous but she's not giving in without a fight when he decides he wants to keep her as his. He's the perfect anti-hero who takes what he wants and when he decides he wants Havoc, nothing will stop him. When her path to vengeance leads her toward him, what she doesn't realize is that he could be the glue to piece her shattered existence back together making her feel alive again.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 14, 2021
There's something so epic when it comes to a strong heroine who is out for revenge, and won't let anyone get in her way. That's worth 5 stars itself as I've come across quite a few books with heroines who I couldn't stomach because they're portrayed as weak. Lyn Costa used to be a cop then she was married & a farmer until she lost it all. She was reborn as Havoc, a woman bent on revenge (I couldn't blame her one bit), and not even Nico, Don of the Italian Mafia will stop her. He is determined to make her his no matter what, while she's determined to keep on her path despite any connection they may or may not have, and frankly, I LOVED them both despite his growly bear self. It was also refreshing that he's the one in pursuit while she's the holdout because that always tends to be flip flopped as well, but this dream team has gained a new fan girl for life, so I'm super excited to see what else they'll release! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,139 reviews52 followers
June 13, 2021
This is my first book by either one of these authors. I will say it did not disappoint and it kept me captivated from beginning to end. We get a story of a tragic loss and how one woman deals with it...
Havoc is our heroine who is not only kick-ass she is determined, sassy, and will blow your mind with her tenacity. She is hell bent on vengeance and is bound and determined to get her revenge. Nico is our dark, broody, and savage hero. When their lives cross there is no stopping the hot as hell chemistry that these two share. Without giving too much away please know you need this book in your life. The plot line was good and I love a great story that is non-stop. The story flowed and the characters were well written. It was fast paced and there was not a dull moment.
Profile Image for Shirley Holt.
580 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2021
Well Lyn certainly lived up to her name in this truly rivetting story. Two brothers on opposite sides of the law come together with the same aim. A super storyline which had me on the edge of my seat because I truly did not see which way this story was going to go, A really intense story. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and Nico and Lyn definitely had a sexy combustable relationship. Watch out for the cliffhanger and cannot wait to read the next book in this series. New authors to me but ones I am looking forwad to getting acquainted with. A truly emotional read and I love a heroine with a lust for revenge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sammie G.
57 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2021
After Lyn loses her husband and parents in the crossfire of a mafia attack, Havoc was born. Changing her name, moving across the country, and finding the men responsible for their murders, she only has one thing on her mind... revenge. Nothing is going to stand in her way to make sure they find justice, not even a mafia Don. This book has it all... mafia, steamy romance, enemies to Lovers, and more.

This book was amazing! The authors can throw you into every characters point of view and make you actually feel every emotion. The epilogue tugged on my heartstrings more than I knew possible and left me needing more. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!!

*recieved free copy of Havoc in exchange for a honest review
203 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2021
I loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were intriguing. Havoc an ex-police officer moves to New York after the death of her family and husband they all lived a quiet life. Lyn changed her name to Havoc. She is sassy and she will reek havoc until she takes out the people who took what was hers. Nico is the Don of the Romano from the Italian mafia family, and he is infatuated with her so much he kidnapped her to find out what she is up to. The chemistry between them was intense, sizzling hotness, heated pleasures, arousing passion and more desires and emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
454 reviews
June 21, 2021
Wow!! Where has this author been all my life ? This book was so action packed . I am so impressed at how this author seamlessly integrates the suspense/mystery /action with the romance . It had the perfect balance of both. Nico was crazy alpha /possessive as they come but he had that soft side and he was loyal to her. You can still be boss without straying. ,., and Havoc! Mann this book should be a blueprint on how to write a FMC. She was strong, smart, witty and exuded strength as well as vulnerabilities as well. It was such a breath of fresh air. Can’t wait till next book!

Now off to see what is on this author’s list of books that I can add to my tbr.
8,815 reviews63 followers
July 26, 2021
Havoc wasnt always this way, she use to be a farmers wife, an ex cop leading a quite life till it was ripped away and now all she nows is revenge and pain, this new life leads her to Nico, Mafia boss, whose lost his wife the day Havoc lost her husband and parents, but with Havocs destruction hes not getting his own revenge, can they team up? or will a desire to push and pull their feelings tear them apart? well written filled with action, violence, desires, suspense, twists and more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,333 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2021
After losing her entire family, Lyn becomes Havoc to get her vengeance. Brothers Dante and Nico both want Havoc, but she and Nico have a common goal that allows him to force her hand. I like the secondary characters quite a bit, especially Paulo. There are some funny moments and thoughts through the story. Nico is not a good guy, but he has some very sweet moments with Havoc. Very nice ending with a bit of a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book.
2,738 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2021
Great read

This author is new to me and I really enjoyed her unique style. You weren't sure for a bit about certain things. I always like a good vengeance story with the heroine seeking vengeance. The characters were great in this and the story has lots of angst and suspense. The ending was fabulous but definitely can't wait for more.
Profile Image for JP.
1,832 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2022
Fan-Freaking-Tastic 😁

This is the first story I've ever read by these authors and I have to say it's AWESOME 😃. Intense emotions, crazy situations, really bad bad guys and completely wonderful characters 😄. Thanks so much Cathleen and Frank, y'all are fabulous storytellers and I can't wait to read more 🤓.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,328 reviews146 followers
June 10, 2021
This was a new to me author.
Like others have said at first I had to go back and read the blurb, and you'll be wondering for a bit.
Hard to really talk about this book without ruining things, so I'll just say loved the plot but struggled with some of the characters and the ending definitely threw me off kilter.
In saying that I look forward to the next book to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Maria.
112 reviews
June 29, 2021
fantastic! such a good read...In the beginning I really disliked Nico's attitude with claiming her after he just saw her 1 time. And than the kidnapping. But he does care for her a lot. He really tries to understand Havoc and steps in when she needs help.
2,900 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2021
Outstanding

This is fabulously entertaining. There is lots of action, both romantically and mafia related. I enjoyed the story so very much. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Noemi.
2,179 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2021
This was extremely entertaining read. Havoc and Nico bring forth lots of action, both in the romance department and to the mafia side. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

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