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She betrayed the head of the Irish mafia years before. Now he's the only person that can save her sister from being murdered.

Katie

For two years I worked undercover as the lover of the most ruthless man in Ireland. The night he was arrested, my betrayal became known and I ran. Now my only remaining family, my sister has been taken by rebels. If I agree to his bargain and become his can I trust he will keep his word?

I know better than most how dark and dangerous he is but I don’t have a choice ...

Con

The betrayal of my mate devastated me. I haven’t been with another woman since the night the feds arrested me. She thinks she can walk back into my life without reprisal?

Whether she accepts my bargain or not... she will pay for her deceit.

The Bargain is a dark suspenseful mafia romance in the Syndicate Masters series. If you like intrigue, men determined to possess their women, and the strong intelligent women who stand up to them, then you'll love Delta James' newest Kindle melting paranormal romance.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2021

451 people are currently reading
471 people want to read

About the author

Delta James

319 books2,302 followers
As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for Deb.
686 reviews
August 31, 2021
5 stars ⭐️

This definitely was not what I thought it was, but I loved the tale. I was engrossed from start to finish. A new author for me, I will definitely be reading more from her.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,239 reviews
April 3, 2022
DNF @ 23%

😬 ← That about sums up my thoughts tbh.

I've read a few DJ books before and so I have a general idea on what to expect. Her books are def directed to a specific audience. And apparently I just don't know when to leave well enough alone.

Fun fact: I had a period where I was very into the BDSM trope in romance/erotica. Fascinated by it. And I read quite a few that was beautiful and tastefully done. And some down right naughty and emotional. Many I really enjoyed the power dynamics with. But this one? I wasn't vibing with it.

The blurb sounded intriguing and maybe the entire plot gets more interesting but I won't ever find out.

Ultimately from what I managed to read I found I disliked the dynamic between the hero and heroine. He was gross tbh. I can take and overlook alot with certain tropes where early on the hero is with another woman sexually or a man whore in general. Here the hero got a blowjob from the spoiled daughter of some dude who betrayed him. It was such an unpleasant scene to experience made all the worse by the hero's thoughts and inner dialogue. But then when he meets up with the heroine and they start hashing out why she faked her death and he morphs into her "master" again and begins punishing her like there isn't 3 years between them but ya know I thought fine... And then he demanded she blow him! And even had the audacity to acknowledge that it wasn't so bad compared to the one he got earlier from the other woman. Which pissed off the heroine but she can't show emotions or else she gets punished 🙄 - to which the hero is amused by her show of jealousy because he reflects he always had SUCH fun humbling her when she would act that way when they were tog before. Boyyyy 🤬

Like, I don't know. I'm pretty good at letting asshole/squiggy behavior from the hero to the heroine slide early in a book but I didn't like this one bit. Plus, there's certain types of BDSM themes I enjoy and this isn't one of them. I don't particularly enjoy the "master" "sir" name-calling but specifically I don't like the BDSM dynamics spilling totally into everyday life. I don't like seeing a grown woman being punished for cursing or random behavior the man deems not ladylike outside the bedroom regardless of how much pleasure they have together. Call it a personal preference, whatever.

So, yeah. I knew what to expect going in but I think I forgot how targeted an audience DJ is looking for with these types of stories. Everyone has their kinks and hats off to those who do be vibing with this one. But for me? I'm gonna have to pass.
Profile Image for Mary Kirkland.
772 reviews33 followers
February 8, 2022
Con is the head of the O'Neill crime syndicate which was the Irish mob. He's also a panther shifter. He wasn't a nice guy but he had found what he thought was a kind of happiness with Moira/Katherine when he found her and realized she was his mate. But it wasn't to be because she was an undercover cop and for a while he believed that she had died...until she showed back up at a bed and breakfast and waited for him to come find her because she needed his help.

Katherine goes looking for help because her sister Christie has been kidnapped. Her sister is a nun and was teaching women of a village to read when someone kidnapped her. When her boss and the church aren't able to help her, she decides to reach out to Con, not knowing whether he'll help or kill her on the spot for betraying him.

After spending time in the witness protection agency after she had to fake her death because Con had been able to escape the charges she helped to bring against him, she thought she was free of him even though she missed him. But he agrees to help rescue her sister but she has to agree to be his wife, submissive and sign her life over to him. He's a Dom and he's mad and hurt because of how she betrayed him but now he has her and he won't be letting her ever go and she's signed a contract acknowledging that she now belongs to him.

When someone comes after Con and they find themselves in danger, they both realize just how much they care about each other. The ending was really good and I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Con turned out to be a great guy in his own way.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
May 18, 2022
CON AND KATIE—AGAIN

The new series, Syndicate Masters, has the feel of Ms. Delta James' other unique series, with black panther shifters, but this one also mentions places you will read about in some of her other stories based in the UK area. 'The series will focus on four kingdoms—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. Each area has a warlord that formed the Syndicate to restore all that had been lost.'

Conchobar 'Con' O'Neill is over the Irish Syndicate—and while it is a criminal organization, he has his principles and standards. Yes, he is a man with wealth, power, and access to women, but he still mourns the one he lost—the one who went by Moira Calihan. When he is informed that she has been spotted on the Irish Coast, what will he do?

"He had chosen Moira Calihan or Katharine Donnelly—she could call herself whatever she wanted—she was his mate, after all. She'd escaped him once; she would not do so again."

Katharine Donnelly has slipped her protectors in WitSec where she has been for the last couple of years. She was undercover for Interpol, in the bed of her target, Con O'Neill. Now, she will be summoning the devil for a favor. Her sister is in jeopardy, and Interpol and the church aren't helping. Will Con have connections to rescue Christie?

"Would he come? Would he kill her? Would he help her? She was fairly sure the answer was yes to the first question, unknown to the second, and probably a no to the third. But still, she had to try. Christie was running out of time."

"Perhaps she was desperate enough to make a devil's bargain."

The story is a fast-paced, action-packed, adventurous second-chance for Con and Katie. She knows he will come, but what happens afterward? Will he kill her, listen to her, help her, she has no idea, but she is out of options. Con will come to her, he will punish her for her betrayal, and he will master her—until death do us part. Yes, Con will use his connections and resources to locate and attempt to rescue Christie from rebels, but he will also demand a high price from Katie, a signed contract, and marriage. This time, she will not get away; he will put a collar on her neck and his ring on her finger—all sanctioned by the church as witness.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil. It is a story with secrets, angst, betrayal, dominance and submission, and surprises. When the story takes on life and death, only a small number will survive—and in the turmoil, Katie will learn the truth about shifters. It wasn't how Con wanted her to learn, but it has happened, and she must accept it. Those shifting traits will aid them when rescuing Christie. Once that has been settled, Con must discover how his compound was compromised and destroyed, killing men, women, and children. How has the Bratva become involved, and how to prevent this from happening again. When he bargained with Katie, her intelligence as an undercover operative will be beneficial.

"Panther or human, she was madly, completely, irrevocably in love with this man."

The story has intense and explicit scenes of dominance and submission. It is all consensual.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
August 31, 2021
I loved this story about Katie and Con, their love was deep but Katie had to betray Con by faking her death. She comes back despirate to find and save her sister which only Con could do. As a panther shifter Con had hidden strengths that Katie was initially unaware of but he LOVED her so much.
I'm looking forward to more Syndicate Masters and more good reads.
Profile Image for Tennille Stephens.
Author 20 books115 followers
January 11, 2025
Such a fascinating and wonderful read. I love Katie and Con. How even though she betrayed him he still has to have her. How he doesn't give her a choice in the matter. It makes for one hot read.
1,236 reviews14 followers
April 4, 2022
I was actually enjoying this, until it all went horribly wrong…

Oh dear. What can I say? After quite enjoying The Wayward Mates series, this is a massive step down. There are no redeeming factors and silly plot lines that are so unrealistic. (Yes, I do see the irony, as I’m reading about shifters.)

Kate works for Interpol, who are trying to prove Con is doing a lot of illegal activities. She’s working undercover as his girlfriend/sub. They fall in love and she hides evidence so he can’t be prosecuted properly. 😂😂😂

Now I’ve stopped laughing, Interpol fake her death and Con grieves for her. But apparently he always suspected she was alive. Oh good grief. Kate’s sister who is a nun goes missing and Kate goes to Con to help her find her sister. He makes her sign a contract with him, that she’ll do anything he wants, including an*l sex without any lube or foreplay. 😡😡😡 Hated that!! Would have caused her series injuries. Delta James does have a rather nasty habit of writing about this in a very horrible way.

So apart from a ridiculous plot, there are the usual spelling mistakes, missing words, missing punctuation and repeat words, like off and of.

Profile Image for DD11.
860 reviews
September 10, 2021
Great read. Con is one hell of a Alpha/Dom. He really likes to spank his sub! Interesting story entwined with shifters and D/s! What more could one ask for? Defiantly reading the next one!
Profile Image for Dennis.
952 reviews27 followers
August 28, 2021
Seriously Wonderful Shifter Mafia Romance

Oh wow this is a Shifter story and besides being a shifter our guy is a Irish Mafia guy, I mean wow this story has three of my favourite things, there is Spanking, Shifters and Mafia all in the same story and I thought it was just great. I really liked this story and I think you will like it too. Also there is a nice HEA at the end of this fun read
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,768 reviews63 followers
August 26, 2021
This story just sucked me right into it from the first page. The emotions were there, the story was smoking hot and it keeps you turning the pages. I loved the connection between them even after what she did. He just couldn't quite bring himself to get rid of her. I was surprised at the ending. But now I want more!!!! I'll be waiting for the next book!!
Profile Image for Sarah Sullivan.
319 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2024
This book used the word 'yowl' 16 times.
Enough said.

Damn you, free Kindle day!
Profile Image for Brenna.
109 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2022
Just not as good as it could have been

It had potential and was mostly erotica. While I enjoy kink and smut as much as anyone, and the spice level was fine...its the rest of the story was the problem. It might have been a decent book but it all felt rushed and slightly unfinished. Again, the potential was there. We have a mobster shifter and his love whom he believed to be dead, after she betrayed him. Right away, we are into their relationship dynamic and the chaos around them. I feel as though this is like maybe 60% of a book, or its like watching a musical where you just skip to songs and miss everything else. Also personal belief--a man who tells someone that they will have their ass that night, would not call it a dark rosette or flower.

Also, another note that almost made me DNF when they enter into the contract, she asks about a limit list and he tells her she has no limits. For me, that was a bit non-consensual especially when we think she is mostly entering into this contract under duress. She really does love him, but the refusal to allow limits or her rights to consent is a reason why people misunderstand BDSM.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
September 20, 2023
CON AND KATIE—AGAIN
The new series, Syndicate Masters, has the feel of Ms. Delta James' other unique series, with black panther shifters, but this one also mentions places you will read about in some of her other stories based in the UK area. 'The series will focus on four kingdoms—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. Each area has a warlord that formed the Syndicate to restore all that had been lost.'
Conchobar 'Con' O'Neill is over the Irish Syndicate—and while it is a criminal organization, he has his principles and standards. Yes, he is a man with wealth, power, and access to women, but he still mourns the one he lost—the one who went by Moira Calihan. When he is informed that she has been spotted on the Irish Coast, what will he do?
"He had chosen Moira Calihan or Katharine Donnelly—she could call herself whatever she wanted—she was his mate, after all. She'd escaped him once; she would not do so again."
Katharine Donnelly has slipped her protectors in WitSec where she has been for the last couple of years. She was undercover for Interpol, in the bed of her target, Con O'Neill. Now, she will be summoning the devil for a favor. Her sister is in jeopardy, and Interpol and the church aren't helping. Will Con have connections to rescue Christie?
"Would he come? Would he kill her? Would he help her? She was fairly sure the answer was yes to the first question, unknown to the second, and probably a no to the third. But still, she had to try. Christie was running out of time."
"Perhaps she was desperate enough to make a devil's bargain."
The story is a fast-paced, action-packed, adventurous second-chance for Con and Katie. She knows he will come, but what happens afterward? Will he kill her, listen to her, help her, she has no idea, but she is out of options. Con will come to her, he will punish her for her betrayal, and he will master her—until death do us part. Yes, Con will use his connections and resources to locate and attempt to rescue Christie from rebels, but he will also demand a high price from Katie, a signed contract, and marriage. This time, she will not get away; he will put a collar on her neck and his ring on her finger—all sanctioned by the church as witness.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil. It is a story with secrets, angst, betrayal, dominance and submission, and surprises. When the story takes on life and death, only a small number will survive—and in the turmoil, Katie will learn the truth about shifters. It wasn't how Con wanted her to learn, but it has happened, and she must accept it. Those shifting traits will aid them when rescuing Christie. Once that has been settled, Con must discover how his compound was compromised and destroyed, killing men, women, and children. How has the Bratva become involved, and how to prevent this from happening again. When he bargained with Katie, her intelligence as an undercover operative will be beneficial.
"Panther or human, she was madly, completely, irrevocably in love with this man."
The story has intense and explicit scenes of dominance and submission. It is all consensual.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
February 14, 2022
CON AND KATIE—AGAIN

The new series, Syndicate Masters, has the feel of Ms. Delta James' other unique series, with black panther shifters, but this one also mentions places you will read about in some of her other stories based in the UK area. 'The series will focus on four kingdoms—Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. Each area has a warlord that formed the Syndicate to restore all that had been lost.'

Conchobar 'Con' O'Neill is over the Irish Syndicate—and while it is a criminal organization, he has his principles and standards. Yes, he is a man with wealth, power, and access to women, but he still mourns the one he lost—the one who went by Moira Calihan. When he is informed that she has been spotted on the Irish Coast, what will he do?

"He had chosen Moira Calihan or Katharine Donnelly—she could call herself whatever she wanted—she was his mate, after all. She'd escaped him once; she would not do so again."

Katharine Donnelly has slipped her protectors in WitSec where she has been for the last couple of years. She was undercover for Interpol, in the bed of her target, Con O'Neill. Now, she will be summoning the devil for a favor. Her sister is in jeopardy, and Interpol and the church aren't helping. Will Con have connections to rescue Christie?

"Would he come? Would he kill her? Would he help her? She was fairly sure the answer was yes to the first question, unknown to the second, and probably a no to the third. But still, she had to try. Christie was running out of time."

"Perhaps she was desperate enough to make a devil's bargain."

The story is a fast-paced, action-packed, adventurous second-chance for Con and Katie. She knows he will come, but what happens afterward? Will he kill her, listen to her, help her, she has no idea, but she is out of options. Con will come to her, he will punish her for her betrayal, and he will master her—until death do us part. Yes, Con will use his connections and resources to locate and attempt to rescue Christie from rebels, but he will also demand a high price from Katie, a signed contract, and marriage. This time, she will not get away; he will put a collar on her neck and his ring on her finger—all sanctioned by the church as witness.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil. It is a story with secrets, angst, betrayal, dominance and submission, and surprises. When the story takes on life and death, only a small number will survive—and in the turmoil, Katie will learn the truth about shifters. It wasn't how Con wanted her to learn, but it has happened, and she must accept it. Those shifting traits will aid them when rescuing Christie. Once that has been settled, Con must discover how his compound was compromised and destroyed, killing men, women, and children. How has the Bratva become involved, and how to prevent this from happening again. When he bargained with Katie, her intelligence as an undercover operative will be beneficial.

"Panther or human, she was madly, completely, irrevocably in love with this man."

The story has intense and explicit scenes of dominance and submission. It is all consensual.
636 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2023
Engaging Book One mafia shifter romance from Syndicate Masters series

Another shifter clan that operates as a sydicate family, this one in Ireland. Consistent thread of BDSM and D/s as a community lifestyle. Primary H/h find their own HEA in each book.
Con is the alpha of the black panther clan. Struggling with the loss of the woman he loved and who had betrayed his, he's a rather heartless Dom and not very appealing at the open of this story. Moira is the deep cover name that Kate took to infiltrate Con's syndicate. As a spy for Interpol, her mission was to find the evidence to bring Con down... although there wasn't much to be found, plus she fell for the guy. But when Kate's sister is taken hostage, she comes out of witsec to seek help for her. Neither the church [her sister is a nun] nor Interpol would be bothered to do so, and with her sister's life on the line the only place she knows to seek help is back to Con... where she's as likely to be summarily executed as having her request even heard... and now it's gonna get interesting.
Very enjoyable read. The way the relationship settles for Con and Katie is sweeter than some of the others. The history between them makes the relationship fall together so much better for the reader.
I confess to having trouble remembering that this isn't the same story as Lars and Rhys [there are similarities] while reading. And having all these Masters known to one another and familiar with the same clubs makes for a touchpoint but now I'm wondering how all these women didn't know each other as well, if they were also at those same clubs. Still, it's nice to read stories with women that are smart, capable, and strong... while remaining entirely feminine, and kind, and forgiving, etc.
I'm starting the Syndicate Masters after having finished SM: Northern Lights. Not sure how order will change the impacts, but so far this was my favorite Delta James book. I am more familiar with her writing style at this point, and appreciating how she writes both male and female characters. Time and exposure changes our H/h in each story. And the great characters rise to the challenges before them. Written for readers 18+ and comfortable with the content.
Profile Image for Denise .
931 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2021
4.5

Whenever you read a book by Delta James, you can expect to find at least one dominating male character and some scorching hot scenes. In “The Bargain: Dark Mafia Paranormal” which is the first book in the new ‘Syndicate Masters’ series, you definitely get much more than that.

Conchobar (also known as Con) is the head of the O’Neill crime family. He’s got complicated history with Katie. Actually, describing it as complicated is an understatement. Katie’s job put her in a position where she had to betray Con, and then compound that betrayal even further in the worst of ways. I’m trying to be very careful not to reveal much about the plot because it’s wonderfully intense. And are you wondering where the paranormal part made reference to in the book title comes in!? Well, Con is not just tall, dark and sexy, he’s also a shifter! It adds a whole other dark layer to the already carefully structured story. When Katie has to take a dangerous gamble by returning to Con because she needs his help with a dire family emergency, she knows he might kill her instead. He doesn’t, of course, or the book would have ended very quickly. What he does demand from her as payment, however, shocks her.

In this book you may notice references to BDSM club Baker Street, custom lingerie store Dark Garden, and certain names from other books by Delta James. A couple of the secondary characters may also be familiar to you. Con has a very brief interaction of a sexual nature with another woman at the beginning of the book, but at that point it’s been several years since Katie left him, so it’s not a cheating situation. The sexual relationship between Con and Katie is intense, and features elements of D/s, strong domestic discipline and power exchange. I liked the way the author made Con more than just some brutal mafia Dominant; he clearly loves and admires Katie. The interesting story is at the center of it all and leads smoothly into what will be the next book of this series, which is off to a great start.
177 reviews
August 27, 2021
This is the first book in a new and exciting series by Delta James, that includes shifters and a visit with some of the characters of the Mercenary Masters series. How can you go wrong with that? After her sister gets kidnapped and no one is willing to help save her, Kate Donnelly makes a bargain with the devil, her ex lover and dom, Conchobar O'Neill. She will be his sub and his wife, and in return, he will save her sister's life.
As part of her former job as an Interpol agent, Katie spent time undercover, trying to gather evidence to convict Con for being a mob boss. She has been part of the witness protection program ever since the interpol had faked her death.
When she returns to him, Con is determined to punish her for betraying him in the past, but his feelings for her are too strong to ignore, as Katie is the only woman he ever loved. They briefly manage to reconnect but then the enemy suddenly strikes, bringing great devastation with it's attack. Running for their life, Katie finds out Con's greatest secret that she needs to come to terms with, which isn't easy to do.
The book is a mix of non stop adventures and a deep love story. Con and Katie belong together and are two parts of a whole, that fate (and Katie's courage) had brought back together. Reading the book I could actually feel the sizzle between them and their chemistry was practically off the chart!
I'm so happy that this is only the first in the series and that we have 3 more books to come!
3,156 reviews
August 30, 2021
This is a wonderful opening to a captivating read, great characters and plot
I have love all of Delta James books and this is no different, the change of direction with new characters and settings was simply wonderful that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is based around the Mafia with the two main characters Con who is the head of the O’Neil Crime family, he is not a man that suffers fools or traitors and his time is precious and his good graces can be hard to come by.
Katie had not seen Con for several years after she had left and now, she knows that if she is going to have any hope of assistance the only person, she can turn to will be him, it will be hard but she will do anything to gain assistance with this dire family matter.
I skirt around the issue because I do not want to spoil the read for others by giving away too much of the plot as this is unfair to both the author and future readers who must make their own decision in regard to this story. Con is a dominant and he frequents BDSM club and the sexual interaction between the two is intense and you will be drawn into their story.
This can be a brutal tale at times with Con having to deal with the threats to his family, he is so much more than just the head of his Mafia family and he wants her to know that but he also knows that he has to tread carefully as enemies are always watching.
I recommend this read and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
60 reviews
August 30, 2021
The Beginning of Another Amazing Series
The Church, the US Government, and Interpol will not help Katie’s sister, Christie, when she is taken prisoner in Satangi. Christie, a nun, has been teaching the women to read and has caught the attention of the rebels. Desperate to save the only person who means everything to her, Katie leaves the protection of Interpol’s WitSec. Three years previously she was undercover to get enough information on Conchobar O’Neill, the Devil of Galway and head of the Irish mafia, to get him convicted and put away for a long time. Even though Katie betrayed Conchobar, faked her death and disappeared Conchobar was never indicted Katie realized that Conchobar is the only person who is able to save her sister and draws his attention to ask him for help. She knows that he may very simply use her and then kill her. Instead Conchobar strikes a deal with Katie. He will do his utmost to save Christie and Katie will become his collared submissive and wife “til death do us part”, literally. Conchobar assures Katie the he’s going to do “the nastiest things to her ….some of them with an audience”
On that note we are drawn into a compelling story with an unpredictable plot that involves a panther’s disobedient fated mate, hot steamy scenes, miscommunication between lovers and oh, you know, the usual Delta James paranormal thriller.
I loved reading the Bargain and am looking forward to the other three novels in ‘The Syndicate’ series.
1,070 reviews28 followers
August 30, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Delta James is very, very high on my favorite author's list. Her books give us everything we love - dominant males, lots of angst, spanking, headstrong females, shifters, adventure, a really good story line and excitement. In "The Bargain" we have Con, an Irish Mafia boss who is under the impression that the love of his life had been killed three years previously. So imagine his surprise when one of his guys comes home and tells him that Kate is in town.
Very quickly Kate is married to Con. Being ex Interpol she has a good head on her shoulders and isn't about to turn her back on a good fight. But when Con tells her she has to stay put while he sorts out an issue, of course she's going to object. As a result her constant eye rolling, arguing and disobedience sees her constantly over Con's knee getting her tush spanked. But her number one concern is her missing sister and Con has offered to help find her and bring her home.
Kate finds out a deep secret of Con's that comes close to derailing everything. Is she going to be able to get over the problem or will it mean the end of everything she secretly holds dear.
Highly recommended read. Delta keeps us on the edge of our seats from the first word down to the very last.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,856 reviews22 followers
June 7, 2022
Good

This is the first book in the Syndicate Masters series, but it is set in the same world as the author’s other books, and there is a small cameo by some of them.
It should also be noted that this is erotic fiction, with elements of BDsM, so if that is not your thing, then this book is not for you.

When Kate left Con three years ago, her job had been to betray him to Interpol, after which they faked her death.
When Kate’s sister, a nun, is kidnapped, it’s to Con she has to turn for help, and the price he is asking, is one she is more than willing to pay…
There is more to Con and his mob connections than meets the eye, however, and danger that follows him is just as deadly.

Although Con is a shifter, this is almost an incidental aspect to the story. In reality, it is more about a second chance romance between the lead characters, the heroine having betrayed him before.
There are some pretty tough scenes to start with, but everything is quickly cleared up- it is, after all, a romance!
This is a quick and dirty read, very much focused on an immediate danger to the couple in question, rather than the shifter history, or even their own back history. It makes for a fast paced, quick read, but isn’t an in-depth urban fantasy type story.
If you enjoy alpha shifters with some BDsM tendencies, then this one is for you.
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
798 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2021
If this is the standard that we can expect from this new series by Ms. James, then we are in for a real treat. She is the mistress of shifter stories and captivated my complete attention with Con and Kate’s story. Are second chances of love possible. Con and Kate prove that they are after Con was able to forgive Kate for her past betrayal. The love between them was special despite the time spent apart.

Con O’Niell was the Devil Of Galway. A well liked head of a Irish crime family.
Despite his desire to punish Kate, she drew him in like a moth to a flame. An
intoxicating mix of preditor and prey. He was an enigmatic male with a strong
dominant streak and a hard hand.

Kate made a deal with the devil to save her sister. She now found herself Con’s
submissive and his wife. Con claimed her body while demanding her complete submission. I loved how Kate embraced her newfound inner panther. She was
an interesting character who resisted giving control to Con, but she thrived on it.

I felt that Con and Kate completed each other when their past and their present reconnected. It was evident that they were meant for each other.The sex scenes were dark, steamy, and oh so good. The story was full of passion and heat with chemistry so electrifying that it took my breath away.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,159 reviews
August 28, 2021
This story sucked me right in from the beginning. It was fast paced and intriguing. Even after Con, had taken his first run and I KNEW he was a shifter, so much was going on that I forgot.

When the shifter aspect came up again, I could only think SCORE!! added enjoyment to an already entertaining read.

Con and Katie seemed to fit so perfectly together. Even knowing her background and betrayal, they managed to start forging a future together. Then, being hit with one unexpected twist after another, this book kept the suspense on a pretty high and sustained level.

I waa surprised at the reaction of Interpol. I really expected something different. I was surprised by what Walton did. That situation turned out nothing like I thought it would.

The very last twist was of the unexpected but not surprising kind. I wanted the book to go on a little longer, maybe a short epilogue. On the other hand, I guess it's good to have your audience wanting to come back for more. I know I will be back. 4.5 star read. An epilogue would have bumped it up for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amy Reads Romance.
993 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2021
Con O'Neill, panther shifter and the head of the O'Neill criminal organization in Ireland, lost his mate three years ago when Katie faked her death. An Interpol agent, she spent two years with him, building a case against him. She has been hiding in the witness protection program until her sister is kidnapped and held hostage. Interpol, the US and the Church won't help her, so she has no choice but to crawl back to the man she betrayed. He takes her back, but will their bargain leave her with anything but her pride?
This is another fantastic story by Delta James. A strong beginning to a paranormal shifter series, the characters are so real and relatable. Characters from the Mercenary Masters series make an appearance. I absolutely enjoyed this one, and wait with bated breath for the next in the series. For fans of Mafia romance, paranormal romance, or just Delta James lovers like me, one click now. It is a solid five star read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for ltfrom bc.
540 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2021
Book 1 in a new and exciting series

I don’t know how she does it. Every time Ms James starts a new series, she sucks you in from the very start. This book was no different. This story caught my attention within the first chapter, and I read it all in one sitting. Conchobar, like all her male characters is a very strong, alpha male who also happens to be a panther shifter. He does not walk on the right side of the law, but he does have a strong moral code in what he does. Katie was an Interpol plant who did not expect to fall in love with him. But she did. However, she did her job and betrayed him and then stayed away - until her sister was in danger. Knowing that she had exhausted all other avenues to rescue her sister, she went back to Conchobar for his help. Their story starts off rocky but when you had a great storyline, lots of passion, emotion, heat, romance and suspense, you cannot help but enjoy this book. I look forward to reading future stories in this series.
I received a copy of this book from BookFunnel in exchange for my honest review.

3,127 reviews
November 13, 2022
Kate was an Interpol agent, undercover with the Irish mafia. When she turns him in, she fakes her death and put in witness protection. Three years later, her sister, a nun, is kidnapped by rebels. Kate goes to the man she betrayed to help her get her sister back. Con is the head of the O’Neill criminal organization. He was devastated when he thought Kate had been killed. Now she’s back and he makes her pay for her deceit. Someone destroys and kills a lot of his people and homes. They must go into hiding until they figure out who has done it. Con is keeping his own secret and Kate has no choice but to accept it.

Fair story. A lot of spankings. BDSM. What made me give it three stars was the editing. The names would be different than they should be. I can understand mixing up a similar name for another but these were totally different. Doyle/Liam. William/Walton. The first with Kate and her sister talking on the phone totally confused me. I was so confused on who was the nun and who was the agent. Explicit sex.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
August 26, 2021
This is a fantastic start to a new series & it is a really intriguing, paranormal dark mafia romance with a suspenseful undertone of “expect the unexpected” that I definitely enjoyed reading and it can easily stand on its own. The plot is entertaining & has good world building with detailed scene descriptions. The characters (Conchobar O’Neill aka Con) & (Katherine Donnell aka Katie) are well-developed & interesting with strong-willed personalities.
There is: panther shifters, criminal organizations, law enforcement, family issues, abduction, mates, adventure, action, secrets, drama, intrigue, suspense, deceit, betrayal, manipulations, discipline, spankings, BDSM, decisions, disagreements, danger, violence, conflict, vengeful feelings, compromises, contentment, love, steamy scenes & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. There is also a tantalizing glimpse of the next book in this series & I look forward to it with great anticipation.
700 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2023
I am used to paranormal romance being 65% intimate scenes and 35% storyline. Unfortunately, the BDSM Dom/sub scenario is not really very interesting to me, so after the first intimate scene in the back of a car, I pretty much started flipping through all those scenes until I got to pages that contained a story. This is why I read. I want to read something that is interesting, engaging and fast paced.
This book was very well written, but I didn't like either of the main characters or their interactions. Con never really gave off a vibe of being sensitive to Katie. He came off as unrelenting and controlling. Katie, though had a spunky personality to others, just seemed accept that being herself would result in punishment from Con. Sad really. Not for me, which is why I gave it only 3 stars. Some might consider this interesting or intriguing to them.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and freely writing this review.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,895 reviews
August 28, 2021
I loved this story! I was swept into the action from the first page. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I can't wait for the next story in the series to come out. I love the author's writing style. I never turn away from reading one of her books. Her characters, Con and Katie, came alive. I loved that they got a second chance together. Con is a protector as well as having criminal ties. Katie was undercover for Interpol as Con's girlfriend. She 'dies' and comes back to life. Con is aware of the betrayal but that doesn't stop him from wanting her. When she needs help to save a loved one, the only one she can turn to is Con. She is surprised by the bargain that he makes with her. Will she accept her new role in life with Con?

I received an ARC from the author/publisher for an honest review.
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