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He started a war to save me. But I refuse to give him a second chance.
Dante Marino’s the definition of beautiful destruction.
Everything he touched, he destroyed...including me.
We were friends. Then we weren't.
He used me.
Played me.
Took every ounce of my affection and threw it away.
He became my enemy, then risked everything to save me.
Now, he wants me back, claiming he's changed—determined to make me his.
Each vow, every possessive kiss, feels like he’s mine.
But I can't forget that underneath his rock-hard body, seductive grin, and wicked promises, one thing will always remain true—he's my undoing.
(TOXIC is book one in Mafia Wars New York. It's a first love, second chance Dark Mafia romance, interconnecting stand-alone, and guaranteed to have an HEA. Please note this contains scenes and topics on sexual abuse that may be uncomfortable for some readers.)
Dante Marino’s the definition of beautiful destruction.
Everything he touched, he destroyed...including me.
We were friends. Then we weren't.
He used me.
Played me.
Took every ounce of my affection and threw it away.
He became my enemy, then risked everything to save me.
Now, he wants me back, claiming he's changed—determined to make me his.
Each vow, every possessive kiss, feels like he’s mine.
But I can't forget that underneath his rock-hard body, seductive grin, and wicked promises, one thing will always remain true—he's my undoing.
(TOXIC is book one in Mafia Wars New York. It's a first love, second chance Dark Mafia romance, interconnecting stand-alone, and guaranteed to have an HEA. Please note this contains scenes and topics on sexual abuse that may be uncomfortable for some readers.)
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published April 14, 2022
4422 people are currently reading
4174 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Cole
64 books2,307 followersJoin Maggie Cole's newsletter for exclusive updates and material: https://www.authormaggiecole.com
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Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.
She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.
Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.
Her current series were written in the order below:
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)
Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)
Mafia Wars
Mafia Wars New York
Club Indulgence Duet
Mafia Wars Ireland
Wilted Kingdom Duet
The Underworld
The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)
Grab e-books, paperbacks, special editions, and audio at discounted prices!
Visit https://maggiecolebookstore.com/
Hang out with Maggie in her reader group: https://bit.ly/3cGMxIw
Instagram: @maggiecoleauthor
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3i5zmSk
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiecole.au...
Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.
She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.
Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.
Her current series were written in the order below:
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)
Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)
Mafia Wars
Mafia Wars New York
Club Indulgence Duet
Mafia Wars Ireland
Wilted Kingdom Duet
The Underworld
The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
August 4, 2023
2 Stars
This had a lot of potential, but was sadly all over the place. I felt like I was missing a lot throughout the whole book…like this was a companion or sequel with a timeline written in tandem with another book I hadn’t read. So that was confusing. It claims to be an “interconnected standalone,” but it’s not. A stand-alone, that is. It’s definitely “interconnected.” Like a sequel or a spin-off that very much requires the reader to have consumed the original source material in order to fully enjoy it.
I also don’t like it when authors throw in every trope there is. This was supposed to be a mafia book. That’s all that we needed. A sex club and BDSM just weren’t necessary. It felt out of place and it took away from the story.
I also didn’t think enough was done on the front end to make me feel invested in Dante and Bridget’s puppy love. They were never actually together. So the stakes felt low. Sean felt like the true love here.
I don’t know. Just kind of sloppy all around. But I didn’t hate it. Considering book two if I can get it for free.
This had a lot of potential, but was sadly all over the place. I felt like I was missing a lot throughout the whole book…like this was a companion or sequel with a timeline written in tandem with another book I hadn’t read. So that was confusing. It claims to be an “interconnected standalone,” but it’s not. A stand-alone, that is. It’s definitely “interconnected.” Like a sequel or a spin-off that very much requires the reader to have consumed the original source material in order to fully enjoy it.
I also don’t like it when authors throw in every trope there is. This was supposed to be a mafia book. That’s all that we needed. A sex club and BDSM just weren’t necessary. It felt out of place and it took away from the story.
I also didn’t think enough was done on the front end to make me feel invested in Dante and Bridget’s puppy love. They were never actually together. So the stakes felt low. Sean felt like the true love here.
I don’t know. Just kind of sloppy all around. But I didn’t hate it. Considering book two if I can get it for free.
April 5, 2022
*Thank you to Maggie Cole for an ARC of this book.*
Ahhh to be back in the Mafia Wars..... where my heart gets broken and put back together again and again.
I have been eagerly awaiting the spin-off series Mafia Wars New York to start releasing this year and I am happy to say I was not disappointed one bit. I do believe you could start fresh with Maggie Cole here if you wanted to, as anything that carries over from the Mafia Wars is revisited here and I was thankful about the reminders for certain events that directly effect Dante and Bridget.
One thing I was a bit nervous for was that this is a second chance romance. And a second chance for a woman who had a great husband and relationship in the mean time. However, as the story plays out and we learn why things didn't work out with Bridget and Dante as children, leading Bridget to leave New York for school and to fall in love with Sean O'Malley, I felt that it had to be this way.
When tragedy strikes and Bridget finds herself back in New York, now a widow with many secrets to keep, she can't let herself fall for Dante after all these years. There is too much on the line.
But fate has it's way and Dante has patiently waited for years at this point. Nothing and no one is going to keep him from his woman now. Not even her own secrets or fears. Their passion and devotion will be brought out and the consequences will have their way.
Bridget is a character I have been wanting more of for a long time now. I did know what her secrets were, since it is revealed in Relentless Hunter, but to see the true effects and know what Bridget was thinking adds a completely new level to all the lies we saw unravelling. My heart was broken for her when I read that story, but this was just... so much more.
Dante is the heir to the Marino family and he and his brothers are up against some nasty people. His choice to choose Bridget and his alliance with the O'Malley's is going to have some retaliations, I'm sure, but really, it couldn't have gone any other way. The way his loves his woman and his family means we are in for the fight of our lives.
Maggie Cole finds a way to grip me right from the beginning and kept me on a knife's edge all the way. I cried and cheered and swooned. This story is a wild ride and this world is a well built and rich one. I am so happy to be back with the crime families I love so much.
Oh and... the spice is reallllllll good too. Dante has a lot of passion stored up and he has been waiting to get his girl in his hands for decades... so yeah, there is also that to look forward too.
So grab some snacks, a drink, and your tissues and clear your schedule. You are not gonna want to put this one down until you are done.
5 stars
4 on my spice scale.
Ahhh to be back in the Mafia Wars..... where my heart gets broken and put back together again and again.
I have been eagerly awaiting the spin-off series Mafia Wars New York to start releasing this year and I am happy to say I was not disappointed one bit. I do believe you could start fresh with Maggie Cole here if you wanted to, as anything that carries over from the Mafia Wars is revisited here and I was thankful about the reminders for certain events that directly effect Dante and Bridget.
One thing I was a bit nervous for was that this is a second chance romance. And a second chance for a woman who had a great husband and relationship in the mean time. However, as the story plays out and we learn why things didn't work out with Bridget and Dante as children, leading Bridget to leave New York for school and to fall in love with Sean O'Malley, I felt that it had to be this way.
When tragedy strikes and Bridget finds herself back in New York, now a widow with many secrets to keep, she can't let herself fall for Dante after all these years. There is too much on the line.
But fate has it's way and Dante has patiently waited for years at this point. Nothing and no one is going to keep him from his woman now. Not even her own secrets or fears. Their passion and devotion will be brought out and the consequences will have their way.
Bridget is a character I have been wanting more of for a long time now. I did know what her secrets were, since it is revealed in Relentless Hunter, but to see the true effects and know what Bridget was thinking adds a completely new level to all the lies we saw unravelling. My heart was broken for her when I read that story, but this was just... so much more.
Dante is the heir to the Marino family and he and his brothers are up against some nasty people. His choice to choose Bridget and his alliance with the O'Malley's is going to have some retaliations, I'm sure, but really, it couldn't have gone any other way. The way his loves his woman and his family means we are in for the fight of our lives.
Maggie Cole finds a way to grip me right from the beginning and kept me on a knife's edge all the way. I cried and cheered and swooned. This story is a wild ride and this world is a well built and rich one. I am so happy to be back with the crime families I love so much.
Oh and... the spice is reallllllll good too. Dante has a lot of passion stored up and he has been waiting to get his girl in his hands for decades... so yeah, there is also that to look forward too.
So grab some snacks, a drink, and your tissues and clear your schedule. You are not gonna want to put this one down until you are done.
5 stars
4 on my spice scale.
April 20, 2022
Not even worth trying to read this mess.
There is so much telling, but the actions didn’t match up with the words.
Also, I feel like there should be a disclaimer that heroine gets married and has kids with another guy.
And then there should be a second disclaimer that all of the characters are annoying.
And then there should be a third disclaimer that there is a RIDICULOUS amount of time jumps.
Should I go on??? Do yourself a favor and don’t even try to read this.
There is so much telling, but the actions didn’t match up with the words.
Also, I feel like there should be a disclaimer that heroine gets married and has kids with another guy.
And then there should be a second disclaimer that all of the characters are annoying.
And then there should be a third disclaimer that there is a RIDICULOUS amount of time jumps.
Should I go on??? Do yourself a favor and don’t even try to read this.
July 14, 2022
★ what in the actual fuck star.
Imma gonna try to not be harsh here...but what in the fuck is my ONLY reaction after finishing this book...
there is SOOO many issues to unpack here..
1. Bridget: did not like her one bit. Believe me I tried. I tried to empathize with her, but she irritated my soul in a way that no other heroine I've read has.
2. Dante: wasn't terrible but had his issues too, but not as bad Bridget
3. the BIGGEST plot/conflict of the book: COULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED IF SOMEONE *cough cough* bridge JUST SPOKE UP!! I get dragging it out a smidgen but holy hell.
4. THE TIME LEAPS: wtf was that about!? When I tell you the headache it gave me trying to keep up with how many years passed
5. The characters being older: the main characters towards end of book were older.. therefore the parents were older so I'm lead to believe that we had 60 possibly 70 mafioso's still being head of the family. (This isn't an issue just ages were never really clarified so this is more of a confusion thing)
6. The kids: were turds. I get it mom lied withheld information but they were turds disrespectful little turds at that.
7. BIGGEST ISSUE: *spoiler-ish*
heroine is with a whole other man for about maybe 40% of the book so yeah. That threw me for a loop. But with all the time jumping and what not it's not *too bad*
the potential for the book to be great was there just not executed well enough for me. Gianni & Cara intrigued me however after this not exactly running to go read their book 🫤
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk
1/10 nope and no would not recommend
-bOOkSn0b📚
Imma gonna try to not be harsh here...but what in the fuck is my ONLY reaction after finishing this book...
there is SOOO many issues to unpack here..
1. Bridget: did not like her one bit. Believe me I tried. I tried to empathize with her, but she irritated my soul in a way that no other heroine I've read has.
2. Dante: wasn't terrible but had his issues too, but not as bad Bridget
3. the BIGGEST plot/conflict of the book: COULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED IF SOMEONE *cough cough* bridge JUST SPOKE UP!! I get dragging it out a smidgen but holy hell.
4. THE TIME LEAPS: wtf was that about!? When I tell you the headache it gave me trying to keep up with how many years passed
5. The characters being older: the main characters towards end of book were older.. therefore the parents were older so I'm lead to believe that we had 60 possibly 70 mafioso's still being head of the family. (This isn't an issue just ages were never really clarified so this is more of a confusion thing)
6. The kids: were turds. I get it mom lied withheld information but they were turds disrespectful little turds at that.
7. BIGGEST ISSUE: *spoiler-ish*
heroine is with a whole other man for about maybe 40% of the book so yeah. That threw me for a loop. But with all the time jumping and what not it's not *too bad*
the potential for the book to be great was there just not executed well enough for me. Gianni & Cara intrigued me however after this not exactly running to go read their book 🫤
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk
1/10 nope and no would not recommend
-bOOkSn0b📚
April 18, 2022
Burying the Past
4.5 stars - This is a steamy heartbreaker of a book! It's a highly emotional read with plenty of wins and losses in the game of life. It's a second chance romantic suspense on two levels - Bridget gets a second chance at a forever love and Dante gets a second chance with Bridget after his youthful actions created a rift and allowed another access to her heart.
In the Mafia Wars series, we were introduced to the undeniable love between Bridget and Sean. His untimely death left her widowed with two young children and the heavy burden of some seriously dark secrets.
I love how we see Dante and Bridget before and after Sean entered the scene and how their relationship morphed throughout the years. They have their work cut out for them but the chemistry is fantastic! 🔥🔥🔥
Things get dark on occasion with past and present events. They aren't overly detailed but some depth is provided.
I look forward to seeing more of them as the series progresses.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
4.5 stars - This is a steamy heartbreaker of a book! It's a highly emotional read with plenty of wins and losses in the game of life. It's a second chance romantic suspense on two levels - Bridget gets a second chance at a forever love and Dante gets a second chance with Bridget after his youthful actions created a rift and allowed another access to her heart.
I need to forget everything about Dante Marino, except one thing.
He's toxic.
-- Bridget O'Connor
In the Mafia Wars series, we were introduced to the undeniable love between Bridget and Sean. His untimely death left her widowed with two young children and the heavy burden of some seriously dark secrets.
I love how we see Dante and Bridget before and after Sean entered the scene and how their relationship morphed throughout the years. They have their work cut out for them but the chemistry is fantastic! 🔥🔥🔥
Things get dark on occasion with past and present events. They aren't overly detailed but some depth is provided.
I look forward to seeing more of them as the series progresses.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 3, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: Second chance/friends to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Maggie Cole has done it again with this FANTASTIC start to a new Mafia Wars series! Dante and Bridget's story is 22 years in the making. They had known each other since they were children, but he lost his chance with her in high school, subsequently having to accept her eventual marriage, and just being there as her friend. Five years after her husband's death, Dante's tired of waiting and decides to seize a chance for them to finally have a chance together, but only if he can get her to trust him with her feelings this time around... and for her to believe his love is no longer... Toxic.
Toxic is a wonderful, if somewhat heart wrenching, emotional rollercoaster ride. Fantastically written, Toxic paces well and spans a 22 year period in Dante and Bridget's lives. The character development was wonderful. Dante is just a perfectly flawed hero. He's arrogant and entitled, but willing to act as a friend/protector to Bridget just to be in her life. I love that he was the one to hold the candle for her through the years. You just feel so much for Bridget. She'll do anything for her kids, but her life feels out of control from holding her secrets in. I love that she had the self-respect to move on from Dante when she was a kid and find her happiness. The chemistry between Dante and Bridget is super hot and the smexy in this book is 🔥🔥🔥. My only issue with the story is the fact that I felt like I knew a lot of it already from reading the previous Mafia Wars series, but it was still awesome reading their personal stories from their perspectives. Definitely a worthwhile and fantastic start to the series! I can't wait to read Gianni and Cara's story!
Toxic is the first book in the Mafia Wars NY series by Maggie Cole and can be read as a complete standalone. It is a spin off of her Mafia Wars series, but can be enjoyed alone. Toxic is written in first person, from dual perspective.
Trope: Second chance/friends to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Maggie Cole has done it again with this FANTASTIC start to a new Mafia Wars series! Dante and Bridget's story is 22 years in the making. They had known each other since they were children, but he lost his chance with her in high school, subsequently having to accept her eventual marriage, and just being there as her friend. Five years after her husband's death, Dante's tired of waiting and decides to seize a chance for them to finally have a chance together, but only if he can get her to trust him with her feelings this time around... and for her to believe his love is no longer... Toxic.
Toxic is a wonderful, if somewhat heart wrenching, emotional rollercoaster ride. Fantastically written, Toxic paces well and spans a 22 year period in Dante and Bridget's lives. The character development was wonderful. Dante is just a perfectly flawed hero. He's arrogant and entitled, but willing to act as a friend/protector to Bridget just to be in her life. I love that he was the one to hold the candle for her through the years. You just feel so much for Bridget. She'll do anything for her kids, but her life feels out of control from holding her secrets in. I love that she had the self-respect to move on from Dante when she was a kid and find her happiness. The chemistry between Dante and Bridget is super hot and the smexy in this book is 🔥🔥🔥. My only issue with the story is the fact that I felt like I knew a lot of it already from reading the previous Mafia Wars series, but it was still awesome reading their personal stories from their perspectives. Definitely a worthwhile and fantastic start to the series! I can't wait to read Gianni and Cara's story!
Toxic is the first book in the Mafia Wars NY series by Maggie Cole and can be read as a complete standalone. It is a spin off of her Mafia Wars series, but can be enjoyed alone. Toxic is written in first person, from dual perspective.
April 6, 2022
Maggie Cole never disappoints! Dante Marino is everything and then some!! In the original Mafia Wars, we got a glimpse into Dante’s world, and his and Bridget’s relationship. However, I was nowhere near prepared for just how deep their relationship went. I was absolutely drawn in from the start and couldn’t stop. My heart breaks for Bridget, and we now learn the whole truth. You will completely fall for these characters! This story had me laughing, crying, (even cringing at times), and gasping for more! Cannot wait for the next installment!
October 15, 2022
Toxic is the first book in the newest series by Maggie Cole but it is connected to her "Mafia Wars" series, so if you enjoyed that book then, I think that you will really enjoy this one here. I was so in for this one here, I really don't know why I waited....oh yes I do, I knew it would be ANGSTY. We have seen this relationship teased over the last few books of the "Mafia Wars" series and I was curious to see where this author would take it. I have to say the moment that I started this one I couldn't put it down at all. Its definitely an easy book to stay up late night reading with.
The gist of the story is that, our hero and heroine: Dante and Bridget have been hooked for each other since they were teenagers. But Dante drove Bridget away and burned his bridge with her, and when he was ready, she had met her husband Sean O'Malley. Now its been almost two decades later, Bridget is a widow after seeing her husbands murder and being raped by his tormentors, and her children's lives were threatened and she left Chicago and their family. But now her children are teenagers, and hate her because she is keeping secrets to keep them safe. Dante is back in her life, forcing her to live life again but she knows her enemies are out there if she breathes a word to anyone of the truth, but will her love for Dante be enough or will the secrets be their undoing?
There was something so magnetic about this romance and I just never wanted their story to end. My heart broke for Bridget. Now we see glimpses of this in the later books of the Mafia Wars, but I was eager to see her find a HEA, she really deserves it. You can see how torn she is in the secrets, and this isn't something she can easily reveal because the families are finding traitors everywhere and she doesn't know who she can actually trust. Dante is such a solid rock for Bridget, she is struggling to live life and now she doesn't know if she let go of the past and especially Sean to embrace what she could have with Dante.
The manner in which the author wrote this story was super brilliant and I an not sure why I waited so long on this one here. I absolutely loved it and I am eager to pick up the second book. I know that one is going to be a doozy though haha However, Toxic was beyond beautiful and really captured the essence of what makes mafia so great and the layers of emotion that was delivered was so beautiful. If you are a fan of mafia romance, and have yet to read this author...you need to get your booty in gear!
The gist of the story is that, our hero and heroine: Dante and Bridget have been hooked for each other since they were teenagers. But Dante drove Bridget away and burned his bridge with her, and when he was ready, she had met her husband Sean O'Malley. Now its been almost two decades later, Bridget is a widow after seeing her husbands murder and being raped by his tormentors, and her children's lives were threatened and she left Chicago and their family. But now her children are teenagers, and hate her because she is keeping secrets to keep them safe. Dante is back in her life, forcing her to live life again but she knows her enemies are out there if she breathes a word to anyone of the truth, but will her love for Dante be enough or will the secrets be their undoing?
There was something so magnetic about this romance and I just never wanted their story to end. My heart broke for Bridget. Now we see glimpses of this in the later books of the Mafia Wars, but I was eager to see her find a HEA, she really deserves it. You can see how torn she is in the secrets, and this isn't something she can easily reveal because the families are finding traitors everywhere and she doesn't know who she can actually trust. Dante is such a solid rock for Bridget, she is struggling to live life and now she doesn't know if she let go of the past and especially Sean to embrace what she could have with Dante.
The manner in which the author wrote this story was super brilliant and I an not sure why I waited so long on this one here. I absolutely loved it and I am eager to pick up the second book. I know that one is going to be a doozy though haha However, Toxic was beyond beautiful and really captured the essence of what makes mafia so great and the layers of emotion that was delivered was so beautiful. If you are a fan of mafia romance, and have yet to read this author...you need to get your booty in gear!
April 2, 2022
Maggie Cole started her new series off with a bang. There are so many different words to describe this first book!
Need- well first off I needed this story. After finishing Relentless Hunter I needed to know more about Bridget and Dante’s story and how everything fit together. And the need these two had for each other was never ending.
Sadness-after Bridget lost her husband she thought her life was over. But it was so nice to see little snippets of Sean! I cried some during this book and for me a good book can pull out some emotions from you so you feel for the characters.
Satisfaction-Even though Bridget is validated in her thoughts and feelings about Dante it was nice to know even a toxic man can have some emotions. And the pay off was pretty satisfying.
Grateful- the fact that the author brought us back into this world again is amazing! The Mafia Wars books are just that good that you want them to keep going! As readers we are so very lucky that we get to join the author on her writing journey!
Mafia Wars New York is a series that is not to be missed. If this first book is any indication as to how the rest of the series is going to go then we are in for an amazing ride! I can’t wait to read more about the Marino family!
Need- well first off I needed this story. After finishing Relentless Hunter I needed to know more about Bridget and Dante’s story and how everything fit together. And the need these two had for each other was never ending.
Sadness-after Bridget lost her husband she thought her life was over. But it was so nice to see little snippets of Sean! I cried some during this book and for me a good book can pull out some emotions from you so you feel for the characters.
Satisfaction-Even though Bridget is validated in her thoughts and feelings about Dante it was nice to know even a toxic man can have some emotions. And the pay off was pretty satisfying.
Grateful- the fact that the author brought us back into this world again is amazing! The Mafia Wars books are just that good that you want them to keep going! As readers we are so very lucky that we get to join the author on her writing journey!
Mafia Wars New York is a series that is not to be missed. If this first book is any indication as to how the rest of the series is going to go then we are in for an amazing ride! I can’t wait to read more about the Marino family!
June 12, 2022
I finally caved and read this after seeing a million ads for it. I was wary because while the snippets sounded good I’m so used to being disappointed when I read the book.
This had a lot of things I liked and a lot I didn’t like.
I didn’t like how Dante behaved with Bridget when they were kids. I did like that she wasn’t a doormat about it though. She gave him multiple chances and when she was done…. She. Was. Done. I appreciated that backbone.
I didn’t like that she married Sean though. Dante went through lots of women. Not serious about any of them because he pined for h. It was nice to see H pining away for once instead of the usual other way. However, I just prefer more straightforward romances. I didn’t want her to marry anyone else and 20 years pass before she and Dante get together.
I didn’t like that she so stupidly and stubbornly held that awful secret for so long and that she insisted on being such a fucking martyr.
I did like that Dante never stopped pining for her however - as realistic as it may be - it didn’t stop him from banging tons of other women.
By the time her secret is revealed most of action killing the bad guys has already passed. I know this series must be connected to her other mafia series but I haven’t read all those so I’m not sure if it’s an overlap but it feels like it must be.
Ultimately the thing that irked me the most is I wanted Dante to be more forceful about their relationship. I’m all for respecting boundaries IN REAL LIFE … but this is a book. Give me the possessive alpha H who will stop at NOTHING to have and keep his h.
This had a lot of things I liked and a lot I didn’t like.
I didn’t like how Dante behaved with Bridget when they were kids. I did like that she wasn’t a doormat about it though. She gave him multiple chances and when she was done…. She. Was. Done. I appreciated that backbone.
I didn’t like that she married Sean though. Dante went through lots of women. Not serious about any of them because he pined for h. It was nice to see H pining away for once instead of the usual other way. However, I just prefer more straightforward romances. I didn’t want her to marry anyone else and 20 years pass before she and Dante get together.
I didn’t like that she so stupidly and stubbornly held that awful secret for so long and that she insisted on being such a fucking martyr.
I did like that Dante never stopped pining for her however - as realistic as it may be - it didn’t stop him from banging tons of other women.
By the time her secret is revealed most of action killing the bad guys has already passed. I know this series must be connected to her other mafia series but I haven’t read all those so I’m not sure if it’s an overlap but it feels like it must be.
Ultimately the thing that irked me the most is I wanted Dante to be more forceful about their relationship. I’m all for respecting boundaries IN REAL LIFE … but this is a book. Give me the possessive alpha H who will stop at NOTHING to have and keep his h.
April 15, 2022
****AUDIOBOOK****
4 STARS
This was a solid mafia read/listen. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
What I loved:
1. Dante was mafia, anti-hero goodness. Possessive, loving, understanding, but also willing to lay it all down for Bridget.
2. Bridget carries a lot on her shoulders - secrets, fear. She handles it very well.
3. I liked that the author explored how victims of SA can use kinks to deal with trauma. While it doesn’t go into too much detail, there is mention of a therapist being involved. It was a great aspect of the book.
4. Great storyline and follow through. I’ll definitely pick up the next book.
5. Really great narrators.
What I needed more if:
1. It was a great read but not consuming. I enjoyed it but wasn’t riveted to the pages.
2. There good first chunk of the book is them not together. I didn’t hate it, but I felt like the synopsis didn’t allude to that. Synopsis not matching plot line is something that is hard for me as a reader to overcome.
Would I recommend? Yes. Will I read the next standalone? Absolutely!
4 STARS
This was a solid mafia read/listen. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
What I loved:
1. Dante was mafia, anti-hero goodness. Possessive, loving, understanding, but also willing to lay it all down for Bridget.
2. Bridget carries a lot on her shoulders - secrets, fear. She handles it very well.
3. I liked that the author explored how victims of SA can use kinks to deal with trauma. While it doesn’t go into too much detail, there is mention of a therapist being involved. It was a great aspect of the book.
4. Great storyline and follow through. I’ll definitely pick up the next book.
5. Really great narrators.
What I needed more if:
1. It was a great read but not consuming. I enjoyed it but wasn’t riveted to the pages.
2. There good first chunk of the book is them not together. I didn’t hate it, but I felt like the synopsis didn’t allude to that. Synopsis not matching plot line is something that is hard for me as a reader to overcome.
Would I recommend? Yes. Will I read the next standalone? Absolutely!
December 5, 2024
Ok wow!!
4.25⭐️
4🌶️
This second chance mafia romance was like non other I have read before. Starting the journey when the MC’s are teenagers and the story follows them through out their lives.
When Dante stuffs up his chance with Bridget, he tries desperately to make things up to her. Unfortunately, he is too little to late.
Years later he has a second chance to make her his and this man isn’t letting her go a second time.
Maggie Cole makes you work for the happy ending, but my god it was rewarding.
Oh and the spice? It had me like 🥵
4.25⭐️
4🌶️
This second chance mafia romance was like non other I have read before. Starting the journey when the MC’s are teenagers and the story follows them through out their lives.
When Dante stuffs up his chance with Bridget, he tries desperately to make things up to her. Unfortunately, he is too little to late.
Years later he has a second chance to make her his and this man isn’t letting her go a second time.
Maggie Cole makes you work for the happy ending, but my god it was rewarding.
Oh and the spice? It had me like 🥵
April 11, 2022
What a great way to be introduced to the New York mafia family. It fills in some of the questions/blanks from the O’Malley family but also marries the families nicely. Dante has been in love with Bridget since he was a teenager but like all hormonal boys stuffs up big time and loses her to another man. Once she returns to New York after the death of her husband Dante sets out to right his wrongs and be with her but there is a secret that Bridget is keeping that threatens to destroy their relationship. A very compelling book and Maggie Cole is one of the best story writers…she keeps you wanting more. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 21, 2022
Five star plus if I could.
This is a follow on from the Ruthless stranger Mafia wars series, all stand alone books with their own MC,s and all with a riveting story to tell.
Here you meet Dante and Bridget a story not for the faint of heart but gets across how one woman can overcome so much heartbreak and fight like a warrior for the safety of her children. Dante who has loved her for years but because he was a prick in the first place lost her. Read how their lives come around back to each other not without the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband. A great read with other characters from the previous series popping in.
This is a follow on from the Ruthless stranger Mafia wars series, all stand alone books with their own MC,s and all with a riveting story to tell.
Here you meet Dante and Bridget a story not for the faint of heart but gets across how one woman can overcome so much heartbreak and fight like a warrior for the safety of her children. Dante who has loved her for years but because he was a prick in the first place lost her. Read how their lives come around back to each other not without the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband. A great read with other characters from the previous series popping in.
April 16, 2022
Another messy mafia romance. One review suggested reading the previous series (Mafia Wars' OMalley Family) to better understand some of the characters. That might be helpful but if this book is any indication, I'm not convinced.
In Toxic, the reader gets a little whiplash with the timeline moving forward by a few months, then years and then backward a few years.
Bridget could have cleared up a lot of issues had she confided in her dad, brothers and Dante. By the last 5 chapters I fast forwarded to get to the end. I wasn't impressed with the inclusion of the sex club and rough past that Bridget liked especially after her sexual abuse episode and reclusive lifestyle.
This series is a pass for me.
In Toxic, the reader gets a little whiplash with the timeline moving forward by a few months, then years and then backward a few years.
Bridget could have cleared up a lot of issues had she confided in her dad, brothers and Dante. By the last 5 chapters I fast forwarded to get to the end. I wasn't impressed with the inclusion of the sex club and rough past that Bridget liked especially after her sexual abuse episode and reclusive lifestyle.
This series is a pass for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2022
Horrible
I honestly don't know why this book has so many five stars. The characters aren't even together until they're in their 40s. There's too many time jumps and the heroine is so stupid. Why wouldn't you tell your family what happened to you? I don't think I'll read another book by this author
I honestly don't know why this book has so many five stars. The characters aren't even together until they're in their 40s. There's too many time jumps and the heroine is so stupid. Why wouldn't you tell your family what happened to you? I don't think I'll read another book by this author
August 13, 2022
If you are looking for a mafia second chance romance with mature characters and great action, then… this book is for you.
Stars: 4.5/5
Spice: 3/5
Although I loved the book here are a few things I wish I knew before reading (no spoilers):
1) The blurb is incredibly misleading and not representative of the plot
2) A good part of the beginning they are not together
3) There are (sometimes major) time jumps between chapters that can be jarring
Having had his chance and wasting it with Bridget, Dante has to watch her fall in love and have a life with another man. Although he likes and respects her husband, he has never given up hope that maybe someday he might have a chance. Little does he know that it will take many years before a second chance appears.
I loved this book! I am not a big fan of second chance romances but this one blew all my misconceptions out of the water. Although this couple is mentioned in several books of the previous series, you can read it without any prior knowledge because the author does and amazing job of catching the reader up with what’s going on.
Stars: 4.5/5
Spice: 3/5
Although I loved the book here are a few things I wish I knew before reading (no spoilers):
1) The blurb is incredibly misleading and not representative of the plot
2) A good part of the beginning they are not together
3) There are (sometimes major) time jumps between chapters that can be jarring
Having had his chance and wasting it with Bridget, Dante has to watch her fall in love and have a life with another man. Although he likes and respects her husband, he has never given up hope that maybe someday he might have a chance. Little does he know that it will take many years before a second chance appears.
I loved this book! I am not a big fan of second chance romances but this one blew all my misconceptions out of the water. Although this couple is mentioned in several books of the previous series, you can read it without any prior knowledge because the author does and amazing job of catching the reader up with what’s going on.
April 26, 2022
DNF 40%…. I can’t believe I even made it that far. This was the worst book I’ve tried to read in 2 years… it jumped from months to years, too quickly. This could’ve been a really good book if someone else had written it.
Don’t waste your time.
Don’t waste your time.
April 14, 2022
3.5 STARS
Toxic by Maggie Cole is a dark mafia romance with plenty of twists and complex characters. Dante and Bridget has a long story that starts when they were young and they are being taken through an emotional journey.
This story spreads across many years and that was my main issue. Now that I have checked other reviews, I realise that these characters were mentioned in previous books and we are seeing some of those things again in this one. I don't mind time jumps but when there is one in every chapter, it makes me feel unsettled. I felt like flying from one part to another without feeling for Bridget and Dante. I failed to connect emotionally to them as I was not spending enough time with any part of their life.
Dante is well written mafia antihero. He has all the qualities you can expect. Arrogant. Hard. Cold. Bold. Dangerous. Feared. Possessive. He wanted Bridget since he was in high school but due to family dynamics he could not pursue her. She married a person she loved, got kids and then lost her husband in mafia conspiracy. She has been heartbroken and ruined but she acted strongly for the sake of her children. But the secrets are coming out. Dante won't let this chance go but he has to break through her walls. I respect and love Bridget for being so independent and proud. They definitely have chemistry but so many games are being played here.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Toxic by Maggie Cole is a dark mafia romance with plenty of twists and complex characters. Dante and Bridget has a long story that starts when they were young and they are being taken through an emotional journey.
This story spreads across many years and that was my main issue. Now that I have checked other reviews, I realise that these characters were mentioned in previous books and we are seeing some of those things again in this one. I don't mind time jumps but when there is one in every chapter, it makes me feel unsettled. I felt like flying from one part to another without feeling for Bridget and Dante. I failed to connect emotionally to them as I was not spending enough time with any part of their life.
Dante is well written mafia antihero. He has all the qualities you can expect. Arrogant. Hard. Cold. Bold. Dangerous. Feared. Possessive. He wanted Bridget since he was in high school but due to family dynamics he could not pursue her. She married a person she loved, got kids and then lost her husband in mafia conspiracy. She has been heartbroken and ruined but she acted strongly for the sake of her children. But the secrets are coming out. Dante won't let this chance go but he has to break through her walls. I respect and love Bridget for being so independent and proud. They definitely have chemistry but so many games are being played here.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 9, 2022
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)
This is the first of this new spinoff series, Now, the author did an amazing job of going back and covering stuff that happened or what we learned about the past in previous stories, but I do suggest reading the previous stories as the characters are reoccurring and it just helps to know who everyone is and all that jazz. So, going into this we had a tiny clue that Dante had an interest in Bridget, but we really had no clue. I loved getting that back story! Bridget and Dante have a long history, one that Dante never forgot. Bridget had moved on after Dante crushed her heart, met Sean, fell in love, got married, had babies. Now its been years since Sean died, and Dante is just waiting for the right moment to pursue Bridget again. The problem is with their past history, will Bridget ever trust him again?
This was such a great story! I am in love with all the Maggie Cole writes? We are getting great drama, danger, violence, laughs, and the naughty bits are freaking on fire! I am so excited to see where she goes with the series, I give this 5 stars.
(5 Stars)
This is the first of this new spinoff series, Now, the author did an amazing job of going back and covering stuff that happened or what we learned about the past in previous stories, but I do suggest reading the previous stories as the characters are reoccurring and it just helps to know who everyone is and all that jazz. So, going into this we had a tiny clue that Dante had an interest in Bridget, but we really had no clue. I loved getting that back story! Bridget and Dante have a long history, one that Dante never forgot. Bridget had moved on after Dante crushed her heart, met Sean, fell in love, got married, had babies. Now its been years since Sean died, and Dante is just waiting for the right moment to pursue Bridget again. The problem is with their past history, will Bridget ever trust him again?
This was such a great story! I am in love with all the Maggie Cole writes? We are getting great drama, danger, violence, laughs, and the naughty bits are freaking on fire! I am so excited to see where she goes with the series, I give this 5 stars.
April 11, 2022
Toxic is the first book in the Mafia Wars NY series and it starts out with a bang! We get to see the backstory of Bridget and Dante. They knew each other as teenagers, Dante broke her heart and she left to go to Chicago and met Sean O'Malley and oh boy that was love.
Tragedy stuck and Bridget left Chicago with fear for herself and her kids. With that, Dante and her relationship rekindled. Can she get a second chance at love, will the truth set her free or will it burn her.
Maggie Cole writes such an intense story that you can not put down. I love how Dante will do anything for her and he waited for her, With the introduction of the Marino family, I am eagerly waiting for the rest of this series.
Tragedy stuck and Bridget left Chicago with fear for herself and her kids. With that, Dante and her relationship rekindled. Can she get a second chance at love, will the truth set her free or will it burn her.
Maggie Cole writes such an intense story that you can not put down. I love how Dante will do anything for her and he waited for her, With the introduction of the Marino family, I am eagerly waiting for the rest of this series.
May 4, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Just brilliant, absolutely blown away by this start to a new connected series.
Maggie Cole is the Queen of this genre.
💋💋💋
Just brilliant, absolutely blown away by this start to a new connected series.
Maggie Cole is the Queen of this genre.
April 14, 2022
I walked into the new Mafia Wars NY series not sure what to expect. I knew Maggie Cole could write an amazing mafia romance series but could she do it again?? And the answer was a resounding YES!! I absolutely loved this story and that we still had the connection to the original series as well. I can already tell this one is going to the top of the charts! The action, drama and steam combined to make the perfect page turner that I just couldn’t put down!
July 3, 2022
Puzzling
Reread parts of story and still cannot figure out why Sean was killed or what he was doing to be murdered. Bridget tried my patience from beginning to end of story. A forty year old woman who has been married and given birth to children who are now young adults, could not be as dense, vapid and lacking in common sense as Bridget. Dante should receive a medal for his continued interest and love of Bridget. Some parts of clan life were not developed enough so scratching my head about many incidents in this book. Why did Bridget withhold information from family and Dante? Too many things left unexplained.
Reread parts of story and still cannot figure out why Sean was killed or what he was doing to be murdered. Bridget tried my patience from beginning to end of story. A forty year old woman who has been married and given birth to children who are now young adults, could not be as dense, vapid and lacking in common sense as Bridget. Dante should receive a medal for his continued interest and love of Bridget. Some parts of clan life were not developed enough so scratching my head about many incidents in this book. Why did Bridget withhold information from family and Dante? Too many things left unexplained.
Read
October 21, 2022DNF @23%
This book is so chaotic while simultaneously being about nothing. Too many time jumps for me to keep up with.
This book is so chaotic while simultaneously being about nothing. Too many time jumps for me to keep up with.
April 4, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When I see Mafia and Romance I immediately add the book to the TBR, and what's better than to read the series before it is even released and get to know the characters before anyone else?
I loved the book, I did have some small issues with it, that I'll discuss below.
So general bookwise: it was a good book, and I even forgot that book is not yet released and went straight to amazon to get the second one! My major issue was with the timeline. The book starts 24 years ago, and then each chapter was a move up on the timeline, and somewhere in the middle I got lost where we were and while I am a maths major I'm not a fan of mixing maths and spicy books. ^_^.
Another thing that I was a bit disappointed in was that spice and the whole mafia were not as descriptive as I would have liked to be. (okay, maybe I'm reading a tad bit too much dark romance, where everything is more explicit). But anyway, we get our share of spicy (even if it wasn't as descriptive as I would have wanted, it was a really good quality spice). and what I mean about "whole mafia" is that my torture episode was cut short, and I wanted a little bit more.
But let's talk about characters too! Bridget - I liked her, she was too submissive in parts, but her character was greatly written, and her trauma and what happened to her and how it shaped her behaviour was realistic. We meet Bridget when she's only 16, and while the main-main events of the book are happening when she's in her 40ies and while the transition is not long and very detailed, we get to see her from different perspectives.
Dante, or better said daddy... Yes, he's the toxic daddy, that you hate in chapters 1-5, but after that, you cannot not like him. I mean who wouldn't like an Italian man who can unalive someone, be an idiot and pine for a girl and fuck up his relationship (or maybe not).
I loved Dante, but another character that I also loved was his twin - Gianni. I do have a soft spot for psychos. Gianni is not my usual psycho, but he's that character that has one-track mind when it goes to plans, murder and love interest. So I'm thrilled to to read the second book.
So, if you're a fan of mafia romance, and were looking for your next fix, grab your copy on the 14th when it comes out!
XOXO
Katie
When I see Mafia and Romance I immediately add the book to the TBR, and what's better than to read the series before it is even released and get to know the characters before anyone else?
I loved the book, I did have some small issues with it, that I'll discuss below.
So general bookwise: it was a good book, and I even forgot that book is not yet released and went straight to amazon to get the second one! My major issue was with the timeline. The book starts 24 years ago, and then each chapter was a move up on the timeline, and somewhere in the middle I got lost where we were and while I am a maths major I'm not a fan of mixing maths and spicy books. ^_^.
Another thing that I was a bit disappointed in was that spice and the whole mafia were not as descriptive as I would have liked to be. (okay, maybe I'm reading a tad bit too much dark romance, where everything is more explicit). But anyway, we get our share of spicy (even if it wasn't as descriptive as I would have wanted, it was a really good quality spice). and what I mean about "whole mafia" is that my torture episode was cut short, and I wanted a little bit more.
But let's talk about characters too! Bridget - I liked her, she was too submissive in parts, but her character was greatly written, and her trauma and what happened to her and how it shaped her behaviour was realistic. We meet Bridget when she's only 16, and while the main-main events of the book are happening when she's in her 40ies and while the transition is not long and very detailed, we get to see her from different perspectives.
Dante, or better said daddy... Yes, he's the toxic daddy, that you hate in chapters 1-5, but after that, you cannot not like him. I mean who wouldn't like an Italian man who can unalive someone, be an idiot and pine for a girl and fuck up his relationship (or maybe not).
I loved Dante, but another character that I also loved was his twin - Gianni. I do have a soft spot for psychos. Gianni is not my usual psycho, but he's that character that has one-track mind when it goes to plans, murder and love interest. So I'm thrilled to to read the second book.
So, if you're a fan of mafia romance, and were looking for your next fix, grab your copy on the 14th when it comes out!
XOXO
Katie
April 17, 2022
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Heat: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💣💣💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Do I recommend? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️
Tropes: dark mafia, friends to lovers, first love, second chance
The Mafia Wars begin again. Toxic pulled me in just as easily as the other books I've read in this world. Dante and Brigit knew each other growing up and were together as teenagers. Then Dante took her love for granted. Anything in his path usually got destroyed especially Brigit's heart. She felt used, played with and any affection she gave him was thrown away like it never meant anything. So she left him behind. She got married and then widowed and is now back in New York. Even though he wants her back, he becomes a friend and in the meantime hopefully wins her heart again. Is his love still toxic or is it safe to give him her heart?
This was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. I really bled for both main characters. I really loved the respect that the author gave sexual assault. I was entertained throughout and love this new New York world. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💣💣💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Do I recommend? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️
Tropes: dark mafia, friends to lovers, first love, second chance
The Mafia Wars begin again. Toxic pulled me in just as easily as the other books I've read in this world. Dante and Brigit knew each other growing up and were together as teenagers. Then Dante took her love for granted. Anything in his path usually got destroyed especially Brigit's heart. She felt used, played with and any affection she gave him was thrown away like it never meant anything. So she left him behind. She got married and then widowed and is now back in New York. Even though he wants her back, he becomes a friend and in the meantime hopefully wins her heart again. Is his love still toxic or is it safe to give him her heart?
This was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. I really bled for both main characters. I really loved the respect that the author gave sexual assault. I was entertained throughout and love this new New York world. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
April 13, 2022
*Thank you Maggie for my first physical arc🥳*
One thing that I love about Maggie Cole is how she writes a mature and seasoned love. The emotional undulations of this second chance romance rocked me.
Bridget found the love of a lifetime after Dante breaks her heart during their adolescence. Her husband was so beloved, even Dante himself couldn’t deny his gregarious nature and how happy he made her.
We get to experience them as young enthralled teens, passing ships in life after a betrayal , a progression into friends, and Dante supporting her through the grief of loosing her husband. All the while, this is underscored by Dante’s love for her.
If you’ve read the Mafia Wars series, then you know that Bridget is harboring secrets about the night of her late husband’s death and that causes a ripple effect in all the lives that surround her. The events we see from the O’Malley books in the Mafia Wars series are revisited through Bridget’s perspective.
Reading her hold onto so much for so long was difficult to relive. Her fear and silence ostracizes her from everyone - accept for the dirty talking dominant and relentless Dante 😏.
I did struggle with how long Bridget chooses to hang onto her secrets. However, reading Dante be a steady constant, that continued to show up and bombard her with their undeniable connection was delightful 😍. The steam was on point! I felt sated when vengeance was wielded the way only a mafia romance can.
Ughhh, now I’m ready for book two. I’m surprised that Gianni and Cara’s book didn’t get this title 😂.
One thing that I love about Maggie Cole is how she writes a mature and seasoned love. The emotional undulations of this second chance romance rocked me.
Bridget found the love of a lifetime after Dante breaks her heart during their adolescence. Her husband was so beloved, even Dante himself couldn’t deny his gregarious nature and how happy he made her.
We get to experience them as young enthralled teens, passing ships in life after a betrayal , a progression into friends, and Dante supporting her through the grief of loosing her husband. All the while, this is underscored by Dante’s love for her.
If you’ve read the Mafia Wars series, then you know that Bridget is harboring secrets about the night of her late husband’s death and that causes a ripple effect in all the lives that surround her. The events we see from the O’Malley books in the Mafia Wars series are revisited through Bridget’s perspective.
Reading her hold onto so much for so long was difficult to relive. Her fear and silence ostracizes her from everyone - accept for the dirty talking dominant and relentless Dante 😏.
I did struggle with how long Bridget chooses to hang onto her secrets. However, reading Dante be a steady constant, that continued to show up and bombard her with their undeniable connection was delightful 😍. The steam was on point! I felt sated when vengeance was wielded the way only a mafia romance can.
Ughhh, now I’m ready for book two. I’m surprised that Gianni and Cara’s book didn’t get this title 😂.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2022
★★★★/5
This was a great start to the new series 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐘, you can feel the shift and how this series will be different from her previous series 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐬.
Toxic is a second chance mafia romance, I mean second chance is my all time favourite trope so I knew I would love this!
Dante and Bridget knew each other when they where kids, we get to see their backstory and what led Bridget to leave NY and to meet and marry Sean who we know is murdered in the previous series. Fearing for her life and her children’s lives after what happened to Sean Bridget leaves Chicago to go back to NY.
She shuts nearly everyone out of her life until Dante demands to be in it, he’s been in love with her sonde they where kids and is determined to win her heart again. Their love story that spans over two decades was so powerful and Beautiful to read and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the series!
❝𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲.❞
❥ᴀʀᴄ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ.
This was a great start to the new series 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐘, you can feel the shift and how this series will be different from her previous series 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐬.
Toxic is a second chance mafia romance, I mean second chance is my all time favourite trope so I knew I would love this!
Dante and Bridget knew each other when they where kids, we get to see their backstory and what led Bridget to leave NY and to meet and marry Sean who we know is murdered in the previous series. Fearing for her life and her children’s lives after what happened to Sean Bridget leaves Chicago to go back to NY.
She shuts nearly everyone out of her life until Dante demands to be in it, he’s been in love with her sonde they where kids and is determined to win her heart again. Their love story that spans over two decades was so powerful and Beautiful to read and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the series!
❝𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲.❞
❥ᴀʀᴄ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ.
April 13, 2022
Maggie Cole has another amazing series on her hands! I love that you can tell from the first book in the series! This is Dante and Bridget’s story. Be prepared to have all the feels! I went from sad, to happy, to my heart had been stomped on, to it’s all put back together again. If you’ve read the Mafia Wars series you know that Maggie can tell a dang good story and New York Mafia Wars is no exception! I love how it brings back familiar characters that we met in the first series! I have to admit though that I didn’t realize it, but Bridget’s story was the one who would send me into tears. I felt what Bridget felt. And when the time comes to admit her truth, which is truly horrific, all I could do was cry with her. Her character was amazing! As a mom we would all do anything to protect our children and it just made Bridget such much more relatable as a character! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the New York Mafia Wars series! If I could give this book more than 5 stars I definitely give it more!
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