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The Irish King #1
Irish Savior
She’s beautiful. Broken. And she needs me to save her.
Anastasia Ivanova is everything I shouldn’t want. She’s the damaged and disgraced daughter of a Bratva brigadier, a former ballerina and now the possession of a man whose name I don’t even know, let alone where to start looking to find him. She has no pedigree, no connections, no innocence.
Nothing to offer, by the standards that my world uses to judge a future bride.
I have a life back in Boston. A business to run, men who depend on me, and a woman that I’m meant to marry. The daughter of Graham O’Sullivan is waiting there, expecting me to sign the betrothal contract and put a ring on her finger as soon as I return. To forge an alliance that will make everyone forget about my missing older brother, and see me as the true heir.
Going after Ana is foolish. Reckless. Dangerous. It threatens everything that I’ve tried to build since my father’s death—my seat at the head of the Irish Kings, my livelihood, even my life itself.
But from the moment I saw her face, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I dream about her. Want her. Need her. I want to take every broken piece of her and put it back together. No matter the cost.
I want to be everything she doesn’t know that she needs. Her lover, if she’ll let me. Her husband, if she’ll have me.
But first, I’ll have to be her savior.
Anastasia Ivanova is everything I shouldn’t want. She’s the damaged and disgraced daughter of a Bratva brigadier, a former ballerina and now the possession of a man whose name I don’t even know, let alone where to start looking to find him. She has no pedigree, no connections, no innocence.
Nothing to offer, by the standards that my world uses to judge a future bride.
I have a life back in Boston. A business to run, men who depend on me, and a woman that I’m meant to marry. The daughter of Graham O’Sullivan is waiting there, expecting me to sign the betrothal contract and put a ring on her finger as soon as I return. To forge an alliance that will make everyone forget about my missing older brother, and see me as the true heir.
Going after Ana is foolish. Reckless. Dangerous. It threatens everything that I’ve tried to build since my father’s death—my seat at the head of the Irish Kings, my livelihood, even my life itself.
But from the moment I saw her face, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I dream about her. Want her. Need her. I want to take every broken piece of her and put it back together. No matter the cost.
I want to be everything she doesn’t know that she needs. Her lover, if she’ll let me. Her husband, if she’ll have me.
But first, I’ll have to be her savior.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2022
1524 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books408 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 17, 2022
Update 3/13/22 : 2.75 rating: I am returning this book for now. After reading Sophia's and Catarina's stories whereas the intelligent women in each of those series were reduced to blithering idiots/pawns in a man's world and are taken to very dark places by this author, I decided to shelve this series for now. It has nothing to do with the characters as much as it has to do with the story/plot sequence that this author is drawn too. I like both Liam and Ana's characters, but am not invested in the plot.
3.0 a temporary rating. This is not a completed review since I have not finished the story, it's more of a partial review. I really thought Ana's character should have died at the end of Catarina's and Viktor's trilogy. I wasn't sure if I would read this story when it came out because of reading Sophia and Luca's trilogy and Catarina and Viktor's trilogy. I hesitated reading another character's story in this series because the women are the fatted calves/collateral damage in said trilogies. Sophia and Catarina never really knew who to trust which included their kidnappers and their husbands/significant others or the very enemy of the very men that were supposed to protect them. The H's really dropped the ball on both Sophia and Catarina's character when it came to protecting them from their enemies.
The physical and mental torture that Ana's character has received to date is one that most reader's would expect a quick end to her pain, either by her own hand or that of one of her tormentors and yet she and Liam get their own story. Liam's character doesn't seem as uptight as Luca and Viktor's character's were, whereas the women were never their priority until well into the final book of the series. Hence, my dislike for both of those men. They slowly came around but almost three books' later is quite along time to finally get it.
This author has a distinct pattern in these series which is to constantly terrorize the women in these books. The manipulation of their minds, bodies and spirit is very melodramatic and over the top at times with the reader asking "How much darkness and torture can one person endure before they just want to end it?" How many sex and mind games can one person endure and still be able to take one step in front of the other. The mind is a fragile thing; once it is gone, it seldom returns in tact.
Ana's body and mind is merely a ghost of what it was in Luca and Sophia's story. That Ana doesn't exist anymore leaving a shell that would have just as soon died at the end of Catarina and Viktor's trilogy. I am not sure that she has the mental stamina or the physical stamina to get through her own series even with Liam's influence. Her character has been reduced to someone barely existing. The human spirit can only endure so much pain and torture.
There is a reason this man bought a broken woman and is the main reason I am even giving this story a try. Whether I get beyond book one with Ana's story will depend on how deep the author goes to further destroy a character that is hanging on by a mere thread. Updates to come.
3.0 a temporary rating. This is not a completed review since I have not finished the story, it's more of a partial review. I really thought Ana's character should have died at the end of Catarina's and Viktor's trilogy. I wasn't sure if I would read this story when it came out because of reading Sophia and Luca's trilogy and Catarina and Viktor's trilogy. I hesitated reading another character's story in this series because the women are the fatted calves/collateral damage in said trilogies. Sophia and Catarina never really knew who to trust which included their kidnappers and their husbands/significant others or the very enemy of the very men that were supposed to protect them. The H's really dropped the ball on both Sophia and Catarina's character when it came to protecting them from their enemies.
The physical and mental torture that Ana's character has received to date is one that most reader's would expect a quick end to her pain, either by her own hand or that of one of her tormentors and yet she and Liam get their own story. Liam's character doesn't seem as uptight as Luca and Viktor's character's were, whereas the women were never their priority until well into the final book of the series. Hence, my dislike for both of those men. They slowly came around but almost three books' later is quite along time to finally get it.
This author has a distinct pattern in these series which is to constantly terrorize the women in these books. The manipulation of their minds, bodies and spirit is very melodramatic and over the top at times with the reader asking "How much darkness and torture can one person endure before they just want to end it?" How many sex and mind games can one person endure and still be able to take one step in front of the other. The mind is a fragile thing; once it is gone, it seldom returns in tact.
Ana's body and mind is merely a ghost of what it was in Luca and Sophia's story. That Ana doesn't exist anymore leaving a shell that would have just as soon died at the end of Catarina and Viktor's trilogy. I am not sure that she has the mental stamina or the physical stamina to get through her own series even with Liam's influence. Her character has been reduced to someone barely existing. The human spirit can only endure so much pain and torture.
There is a reason this man bought a broken woman and is the main reason I am even giving this story a try. Whether I get beyond book one with Ana's story will depend on how deep the author goes to further destroy a character that is hanging on by a mere thread. Updates to come.
May 26, 2024
Wtf?👀😑
January 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
Mi-ar fi plăcut să se ducă în altă direcție cu povestea, dar recunosc că a fost o carte care m-a surprins destul de plăcut.
Mi-ar fi plăcut să se ducă în altă direcție cu povestea, dar recunosc că a fost o carte care m-a surprins destul de plăcut.
January 9, 2024
I think I’m going to call it good and just end with this book.
Cliffhanger at the end. But I can’t put myself through anymore torture. I was so bored through 75% of this book.
And I can’t stand Liam. Grow a pair dude.
Cliffhanger at the end. But I can’t put myself through anymore torture. I was so bored through 75% of this book.
And I can’t stand Liam. Grow a pair dude.
November 15, 2025
I couldn’t get into the plot of this one. It seemed so weird to me.
Ana seemed like she didn’t want to be rescued for most of it.
Liam is a Mafia Boss but he didn’t seem very bossy to me.
Ana seemed like she didn’t want to be rescued for most of it.
Liam is a Mafia Boss but he didn’t seem very bossy to me.
April 2, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ Hopefully no spoilers in this review but you’ve been warned just in case I stray too close to the line … I wanted to love this so much more than I did. Didn’t realise it was a trilogy until 75% of the way through and suddenly the drawn out relationship between Ana and Alexandre made more sense. I found myself thinking “just hurry up and save her already” to Liam. Then when that happened and she’s now in love with Alexandre UUGHHHH I just can’t move forward with that. I mean it totally makes sense given all she’s been through that she ends up loving him but I just can’t with that storyline. Maybe in another life I’ll be born loving it 🤣
June 30, 2023
DNF. I really tried to give this the old college try, but I could not shake the feeling that I had picked up a book in the middle of a series even though this is marked as #1 in its own series- but apparently you have to read a different M James series to start at the beginning but I cannot for the life of me figure out where I’m supposed to start, so. I quit.
The writing isn’t bad! I think the story would be great if you really start at the beginning.
The writing isn’t bad! I think the story would be great if you really start at the beginning.
May 6, 2022
After reading the last series, I was so curious about Ana and Liam. This definitely didn’t go the way I imagined and there’s tons of drama to sort out. Ana is obviously in a very delicate place mentally just trying to survive. Check trigger warnings before reading!
Okay I’m back after reading the whole series. I would say this wasn’t worth the read. There’s an unsatisfactory ending in book 3 and the books following that are about other characters that I hate. There was just so much heartbreak and torment and not enough good stuff for me, which is a shame because this series had so much potential.
Okay I’m back after reading the whole series. I would say this wasn’t worth the read. There’s an unsatisfactory ending in book 3 and the books following that are about other characters that I hate. There was just so much heartbreak and torment and not enough good stuff for me, which is a shame because this series had so much potential.
November 9, 2024
im not sure what to give this novel, so I'm gonna stick on the fence and give it a 3. I liked lots of things such as
Duel POV
Knight in Shining Armor
Rescue Mission
Damaged Heroine
Dark Themes
I especially liked the idea of the MMC trying to hunt down dn find the MFC to save her after she was sold as merchandise, Irish Savior takes it a step further, and between the duel POV you see the MFC slowing fall for her captor (Stockholm syndrome), which is heartbreaking knowing the hero is on his way, it is suggested at the end that she will go with him, even if she has to learn to trust him and relove after every man in her life has done her wrong.
However, i didn't enjoy the quickness and choppiness of the novel. Each chapter is short and does set a scene but we don't learn enooug about each side character to truly care about them, it was as if the audience was thrown into book 3 or 4, although this is the first in the series. It was nice to see the MMC get closer with each chapter but it takes almost 80% of the book before they meet again and after the final scene the book ends on a cliff hanger, after all the trauma and challenges the book just ends.
Duel POV
Knight in Shining Armor
Rescue Mission
Damaged Heroine
Dark Themes
I especially liked the idea of the MMC trying to hunt down dn find the MFC to save her after she was sold as merchandise, Irish Savior takes it a step further, and between the duel POV you see the MFC slowing fall for her captor (Stockholm syndrome), which is heartbreaking knowing the hero is on his way, it is suggested at the end that she will go with him, even if she has to learn to trust him and relove after every man in her life has done her wrong.
However, i didn't enjoy the quickness and choppiness of the novel. Each chapter is short and does set a scene but we don't learn enooug about each side character to truly care about them, it was as if the audience was thrown into book 3 or 4, although this is the first in the series. It was nice to see the MMC get closer with each chapter but it takes almost 80% of the book before they meet again and after the final scene the book ends on a cliff hanger, after all the trauma and challenges the book just ends.
February 25, 2022
3 stars but probably 4
Wow this book……I have no words. I’m still gripping on those last couple of pages. For 1 yes read it !!! Poor Liam is getting pulled in every direction imaginable, with the mafia and he’s supposed to be up coming wedding while Ana is being shipped around to every bad guy out there and breaking more than she already is. All I know is I’m definitely getting the next book in this series but I’m also a little scared to find out how things will play out for the both of them 🤷🏼♀️
But yes you’ve definitely gotta read this !!
Wow this book……I have no words. I’m still gripping on those last couple of pages. For 1 yes read it !!! Poor Liam is getting pulled in every direction imaginable, with the mafia and he’s supposed to be up coming wedding while Ana is being shipped around to every bad guy out there and breaking more than she already is. All I know is I’m definitely getting the next book in this series but I’m also a little scared to find out how things will play out for the both of them 🤷🏼♀️
But yes you’ve definitely gotta read this !!
May 17, 2022
On the edge of my seat!!!
Oh my… this is a dark romance. I can’t believe I’m admitting this. But, I felt myself siding with Alexandre. The one who’s supposed to be the bad guy! He bought her for Pete’s sake! My feelings are over the place. I’m rooting for Liam. But , I like Soairse too! My feelings hurt are all over the place. Can’t imagine how Ana feels.
Needless to say, this book is super intense! I can’t believe how fast I read it. Definitely recommend reading this book! It keeps you on the edge. So many twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.
Oh my… this is a dark romance. I can’t believe I’m admitting this. But, I felt myself siding with Alexandre. The one who’s supposed to be the bad guy! He bought her for Pete’s sake! My feelings are over the place. I’m rooting for Liam. But , I like Soairse too! My feelings hurt are all over the place. Can’t imagine how Ana feels.
Needless to say, this book is super intense! I can’t believe how fast I read it. Definitely recommend reading this book! It keeps you on the edge. So many twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.
July 9, 2023
Book is okay!
I do not understand why an author has to use violent physical/sexual behavior in books. It gets to the point that there is no story line. You just skim the pages. Then the author does not finish the book. What happened with Liam and Alexandre? Did Anastasia go back or stay with her friends? Why did Liam not kill the crazy lady Yvette? Anastasia definitely had Stockholm syndrome. I have read better mafia books that did not involve rape and abusive behavior. I would not recommend this book nothing great.
I do not understand why an author has to use violent physical/sexual behavior in books. It gets to the point that there is no story line. You just skim the pages. Then the author does not finish the book. What happened with Liam and Alexandre? Did Anastasia go back or stay with her friends? Why did Liam not kill the crazy lady Yvette? Anastasia definitely had Stockholm syndrome. I have read better mafia books that did not involve rape and abusive behavior. I would not recommend this book nothing great.
February 17, 2024
This is one of the books I got on #stuffyourkindleday Figured I'd read it while I waited for "Where's Molly?" to release. I needed a map to keep up with all the characters and how they fit together- who belongs to which mafia, family. The details became very redundant, repetitive after a point. The story line was a bit confusing at first, almost like pieces of the plot were missing- but the overall story was amazing. Leaves you on a cliffhanger and definitely wanting more. I WILL be going back to this series to see what happens next!
March 9, 2024
Honestly just so confused by this whole book.
It definitely doesn’t read as Mafia. Sure it has touches of what a normal Mafia book would have but in no way is that enough for this book to be considered in the same genre.
When I first started it, it seemed promising but by Liam’s first POV I was so confused as to what was going and all the name dropping.
Really this book is about Ana having Stockholm Syndrome and wanting to be with the man that bought her just because it had been so long.
It took until 77% read, just to have the action it needed.
Won’t be continuing the series.
It definitely doesn’t read as Mafia. Sure it has touches of what a normal Mafia book would have but in no way is that enough for this book to be considered in the same genre.
When I first started it, it seemed promising but by Liam’s first POV I was so confused as to what was going and all the name dropping.
Really this book is about Ana having Stockholm Syndrome and wanting to be with the man that bought her just because it had been so long.
It took until 77% read, just to have the action it needed.
Won’t be continuing the series.
July 10, 2024
I was hesitant between 1 or 2 stars, but it was entertaining enough I guess during lunch breaks at work, & the writing style isn't bad at all. But what in the world were these... plot twists?? Only got it as it was free on Google Play Books, but the 2nd part is 6€ so not getting that anytime soon..I also felt confused because Ana & Liam were treated like I should've already known them, but after reading reviews on here I discovered why that was - they were already introduced in some other series by M. James. Not interested enough to figure out which.
February 7, 2024
I’m really unsure of what I just read. This book was written well, but the way it was written with the plot- I’m shaking my head to try to understand it. I really don’t know how I feel of what I read. It just didn’t make sense to me and I couldn’t stay followed to it even though I finished it. And the way it ended left like a cliffhanger but like it’s finished. So confused. Maybe book 2 is better. Idk
September 3, 2024
Very strange and unnerving
The book was well written it held my interest at first. Towards the middle I had to force myself to finish it. The MFC Anna was beaten sliced tortured blowtorched. Then sold to another man who treated her as a pet. She was forced to have sex in front of other characters. I think it is so unrealistic that a woman could have an orgasm when being mistreated. I don't think I could take the next book.
The book was well written it held my interest at first. Towards the middle I had to force myself to finish it. The MFC Anna was beaten sliced tortured blowtorched. Then sold to another man who treated her as a pet. She was forced to have sex in front of other characters. I think it is so unrealistic that a woman could have an orgasm when being mistreated. I don't think I could take the next book.
April 24, 2025
if you are traumatised and want to get more traumatised then this book is for you.
It gave me MMF vibes and then it was only MF in the end....
To add on... I agree the Heroine is broken and dealing with her own Trauma but why traumatise the readers too....
I did love M James writings I expected a lot more from her to go into details and picture the depth of each character.
Hence, read the book at your own risk. I love headaches so I would still say this was Good for me.
It gave me MMF vibes and then it was only MF in the end....
To add on... I agree the Heroine is broken and dealing with her own Trauma but why traumatise the readers too....
I did love M James writings I expected a lot more from her to go into details and picture the depth of each character.
Hence, read the book at your own risk. I love headaches so I would still say this was Good for me.
June 30, 2023
The overall story was interesting and intense however I was very disappointed in the ending, beware it is a cliffhanger. This part of the story ends but you are left with questions about the outcome. I found that it was very wordy also, I am an avid reader however this was the first book that I have skipped parts as it was just too my words for what was going on.
March 29, 2024
They should’ve changed the title from Irish savior to Irish misbehavior…
How is it possible to get away with a story where the TWO LOVE INTERESTS DO NOT MEET UP TILL 92 PERCENT?
How?
How?
I’M SO DONE 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
Anyhow. Nothing happens throughout the book. She is broken (and bought). He is ON HIS WAY.
…So done
How is it possible to get away with a story where the TWO LOVE INTERESTS DO NOT MEET UP TILL 92 PERCENT?
How?
How?
I’M SO DONE 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
Anyhow. Nothing happens throughout the book. She is broken (and bought). He is ON HIS WAY.
…So done
March 7, 2022
great read
I have been waiting on Ana’s book. Liam is all business but he has to maintain his King status. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Ana is my favorite. I hope she gets all she wants.
I have been waiting on Ana’s book. Liam is all business but he has to maintain his King status. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Ana is my favorite. I hope she gets all she wants.
March 10, 2022
Amazing !!!!!!
What an amazing story, Liam, Ana and Alexandre one huge love triangle! The ending was a shocker , I can hardly wait to read the next installment !! Best series EVER !!!
What an amazing story, Liam, Ana and Alexandre one huge love triangle! The ending was a shocker , I can hardly wait to read the next installment !! Best series EVER !!!
May 2, 2022
This has hardly ever happened before, but it was a DNF for me, I read about 70% for me it was frustratingly boring. There was no steamy scenes, no Mafia action. There just wasn't anything to hold my attention even though I invested enough time in it. I did FF to the end and it seemed like in the last couple of chapters it picked up some, but it was to little, to late for me. Sherrie
May 22, 2022
Has potential
Pretty good, but with two more books to go, just couldn't keep my interest. Has great potential. Normally I love when two men want the same woman. Didn't do it this time, took too long.
Pretty good, but with two more books to go, just couldn't keep my interest. Has great potential. Normally I love when two men want the same woman. Didn't do it this time, took too long.
June 8, 2022
Ick
Not really mafia.
This was pretty gross. Not romantic. Well, Liam’s actions are romantic. Alexandre’s are not. He’s a very sick individual. And that Ana thinks she loves him because he allows her to sit at the table after making her eat on the floor like a dog? Squiky.
Not really mafia.
This was pretty gross. Not romantic. Well, Liam’s actions are romantic. Alexandre’s are not. He’s a very sick individual. And that Ana thinks she loves him because he allows her to sit at the table after making her eat on the floor like a dog? Squiky.
September 21, 2022
Wow, be prepared for a cliffhanger ending.
Anastasia is sold to an eccentric billionaire who loves to buy broken things. Liam has promised he would find her and save her, but does she want to be saved from Alexandre or is she so far gone that she thinks she loves him??
Anastasia is sold to an eccentric billionaire who loves to buy broken things. Liam has promised he would find her and save her, but does she want to be saved from Alexandre or is she so far gone that she thinks she loves him??
July 12, 2023
I could not finish the book. Too much blatant sex and violence. Cutting up the bottom of a dancers feet and then burning them was to much. The book started as if you must have read other books. You didn't even know who or what they were talking about or why a book about them.
January 4, 2024
Took some time to get into the book and it felt a tad scattered at first. That being said…I was INTO this book. Definitely recommend if you want some mafia that isn’t very dark. Will be reading the rest of the series!
February 1, 2024
I was SO excited for this book and it kinda fell apart little flat to me, I don’t like how most of the book was separate POV and she was “in love” with her captor, that made no sense to me. I skipped some parts waiting for it to speed up. Still going to finish the series though
July 11, 2024
wow
Honestly did not expect a lot that happened in this book. Ana internal struggle to cope and reason with the trauma she has been through. Liam doing everything he can to save her. I enjoyed it!
Honestly did not expect a lot that happened in this book. Ana internal struggle to cope and reason with the trauma she has been through. Liam doing everything he can to save her. I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews