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Mafia Kings: Corrupted #1
Corrupted Heir
Ich werde ihn heiraten ... ob ich will oder nicht.
Ich habe schon sehr früh gelernt, dass jedes Leben zählt - kein Leben ist unbedeutend, vor allem nicht das meiner eigenen Mutter, deren Leben auf grausame Weise ausgelöscht wurde. Ich habe mir geschworen, alles in meiner Macht Stehende zu tun, damit niemand das Gefühl haben muss, dass er nichts wert ist.
Als ich also gezwungen werde, Dominic Luca zu heiraten - den Mann, der schon bald das Oberhaupt der größten Verbrecherfamilie in ganz New York sein wird -, fühlt sich der Ring, den er mir an den Finger steckt, an, wie eine Waffe, die an meinen Kopf gehalten wird.
Ich will seine Hand nicht halten, wenn ich doch weiß, dass das Blut unzähliger Männer daran klebt. Ich will ihm nicht in die Augen sehen, wenn ich doch weiß, dass er mehr Tote gesehen hat als ein Gerichtsmediziner.
In seiner Nähe werde ich mich niemals sicher fühlen. Vor allem nicht, nachdem eine entsetzliche Wahrheit ans Licht kommt, eine Wahrheit, die seine Vergangenheit mit meiner verwebt, eine Wahrheit, die mich etwas erkennen lässt, das noch entsetzlicher ist als alles, was ich mir je habe vorstellen können.
Ich bin nicht nur mit einem Mörder verheiratet, sondern mit einem Monster.
Ich habe schon sehr früh gelernt, dass jedes Leben zählt - kein Leben ist unbedeutend, vor allem nicht das meiner eigenen Mutter, deren Leben auf grausame Weise ausgelöscht wurde. Ich habe mir geschworen, alles in meiner Macht Stehende zu tun, damit niemand das Gefühl haben muss, dass er nichts wert ist.
Als ich also gezwungen werde, Dominic Luca zu heiraten - den Mann, der schon bald das Oberhaupt der größten Verbrecherfamilie in ganz New York sein wird -, fühlt sich der Ring, den er mir an den Finger steckt, an, wie eine Waffe, die an meinen Kopf gehalten wird.
Ich will seine Hand nicht halten, wenn ich doch weiß, dass das Blut unzähliger Männer daran klebt. Ich will ihm nicht in die Augen sehen, wenn ich doch weiß, dass er mehr Tote gesehen hat als ein Gerichtsmediziner.
In seiner Nähe werde ich mich niemals sicher fühlen. Vor allem nicht, nachdem eine entsetzliche Wahrheit ans Licht kommt, eine Wahrheit, die seine Vergangenheit mit meiner verwebt, eine Wahrheit, die mich etwas erkennen lässt, das noch entsetzlicher ist als alles, was ich mir je habe vorstellen können.
Ich bin nicht nur mit einem Mörder verheiratet, sondern mit einem Monster.
334 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2022
1401 people are currently reading
2479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
May 17, 2022
skip it
Never got a feel for the characters. Never figured out why they had this insta-love thing after hating each other for most of the book. Too many loose ends and not enough things explained. Like what happens to Fallon’s father? What happened to dom’s sister to make them think she died in a fire? And basically just no feel for the characters at all. Gave it two stars but almost gave it one because it was just so not good. But two for effort
Never got a feel for the characters. Never figured out why they had this insta-love thing after hating each other for most of the book. Too many loose ends and not enough things explained. Like what happens to Fallon’s father? What happened to dom’s sister to make them think she died in a fire? And basically just no feel for the characters at all. Gave it two stars but almost gave it one because it was just so not good. But two for effort
March 17, 2023
I was disappointed in the female lead
For all of her talk about not wanting to be one of those women led around by her vag, that's exactly what she was. She was just as shallow as all the women she swore she didn't want to be like, because all it took was a pretty face; she couldn't stop wanting him because he was just so "hot," because he looked like a male model despite being furious about being treated like an object or a thing. Besides voicing those objections on several occasions, that was the worst she ever did, have a verbal outburst and then pout her in room.
I really wanted her to have more depth than that. In actuality, she didn't really fight. Oh, she verbally fussed a bit and threw some very brief temper tantrums, but she never really did anything BUT whine and rail in brief flashes -- she took no ACTION. I couldn't understand why she didn't stand at the altar and say, "no." Even if the entire wedding party and guests were certain to ignore it, declining the marriage at the altar would have made the point where she really stood on the whole thing. Instead even though furious at becoming a commodity like a trading card, and being upset that her friend wasn't there and no thought was given to what she might have wanted for her wedding, she's panting after him and gagging for it as soon as the wedding reception started -- which made no sense given all of her inner monologues describing her very reasonable fury at having her life stolen from her for their benefit.
Despite her hatred, the sense of betrayal, how much she hated his personality, lifestyle, and arrogance in general (to be fair he is a huge ass), she's rolling around in bed with him seconds after they get in the room when he hadn't done anything to deserve it. Her complete lack of willingness to take any ACTION and the shallow insipid "oh, he's so hot, I can't help it," reasoning caused my utter disappointment in this character, which continued to the end because it never got any better, she was just a cat in heat and all it took for her to forget about the decade worth of education and toil required to become a veterinarian, and the complete disintegration of her life, dreams, plans, desires --everything -- was a pretty face. That was all the depth there was to it. If you don't mind a female lead rolling over and becoming a doormat because guy just looks pretty, then this will be okay for you. I want my women to have a bit more depth to them and certainly more fight before their life is handed over to someone who is completely undeserving.
For all of her talk about not wanting to be one of those women led around by her vag, that's exactly what she was. She was just as shallow as all the women she swore she didn't want to be like, because all it took was a pretty face; she couldn't stop wanting him because he was just so "hot," because he looked like a male model despite being furious about being treated like an object or a thing. Besides voicing those objections on several occasions, that was the worst she ever did, have a verbal outburst and then pout her in room.
I really wanted her to have more depth than that. In actuality, she didn't really fight. Oh, she verbally fussed a bit and threw some very brief temper tantrums, but she never really did anything BUT whine and rail in brief flashes -- she took no ACTION. I couldn't understand why she didn't stand at the altar and say, "no." Even if the entire wedding party and guests were certain to ignore it, declining the marriage at the altar would have made the point where she really stood on the whole thing. Instead even though furious at becoming a commodity like a trading card, and being upset that her friend wasn't there and no thought was given to what she might have wanted for her wedding, she's panting after him and gagging for it as soon as the wedding reception started -- which made no sense given all of her inner monologues describing her very reasonable fury at having her life stolen from her for their benefit.
Despite her hatred, the sense of betrayal, how much she hated his personality, lifestyle, and arrogance in general (to be fair he is a huge ass), she's rolling around in bed with him seconds after they get in the room when he hadn't done anything to deserve it. Her complete lack of willingness to take any ACTION and the shallow insipid "oh, he's so hot, I can't help it," reasoning caused my utter disappointment in this character, which continued to the end because it never got any better, she was just a cat in heat and all it took for her to forget about the decade worth of education and toil required to become a veterinarian, and the complete disintegration of her life, dreams, plans, desires --everything -- was a pretty face. That was all the depth there was to it. If you don't mind a female lead rolling over and becoming a doormat because guy just looks pretty, then this will be okay for you. I want my women to have a bit more depth to them and certainly more fight before their life is handed over to someone who is completely undeserving.
July 25, 2022
DNF @55%
Boring. Plot didn’t make much sense in the grand scheme of things. The chemistry was non existent. The h & H were bland.
Boring. Plot didn’t make much sense in the grand scheme of things. The chemistry was non existent. The h & H were bland.
April 19, 2022
An arranged, forced marriage, mafia family, alpha OTT hero, heroine with a backbone, with a dash of some thrill and suspense? It's almost like Kiana Hettinger wrote this novel solely with me in mind!
Fallon Moore is your typical modern woman: career-minded, with her job as a veterinarian being the most important part of her life. She has had bad luck with relationships in the past, so has sworn off men for the while. Imagine her surprise then, when she learns she has been promised to marry a man she has nothing in common with- he's part of the mafia, for goodness sake! Dominic Luca is an overbearing, smug, pretentious man, and she wants nothing to do with him. She soon learns has no choice though, and finds herself married to him, now with the title of a mafia queen. Sparks fly between them; maybe something good can come of this after all. However, sinister motives and warring factions interfere in their possible happily ever after.
Mafia and forced marriage tropes are my absolute favorite, and this book absolutely did not disappoint where those were concerned. I really loved the development of the relationship between Dominic and Fallon- there was no insta-lust here. Our heroine absolutely battled with the knowledge that she was being forced to marry, and gave realistic pushback about it. I also loved the side characters, with Leo and Corinne being the best!
The only thing lacking for me was the lack of background story on Dominic. I know this is the first novel in a series though, so I am hoping that we get a little more of this in the future. I also did not really find the book title fitting- Dominic was not so much "corrupted" as he was a guy who was simply born into the mafia life.
With all these in mind, I give 'Corrupted Heir' a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this for anyone who loves mafia and arranged marriage tropes, and who likes some steam in their reads. Of course, this is definitely not meant for persons under eighteen, as there is strong language and vivid descriptions of erotic acts. Triggers include: death of a loved one, murder, and torture. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series, and I'm hoping that it will be Leo's story next!
*A great many thanks to BookSirens, Kiana Hettinger, and Hardmoon Press for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
Fallon Moore is your typical modern woman: career-minded, with her job as a veterinarian being the most important part of her life. She has had bad luck with relationships in the past, so has sworn off men for the while. Imagine her surprise then, when she learns she has been promised to marry a man she has nothing in common with- he's part of the mafia, for goodness sake! Dominic Luca is an overbearing, smug, pretentious man, and she wants nothing to do with him. She soon learns has no choice though, and finds herself married to him, now with the title of a mafia queen. Sparks fly between them; maybe something good can come of this after all. However, sinister motives and warring factions interfere in their possible happily ever after.
Mafia and forced marriage tropes are my absolute favorite, and this book absolutely did not disappoint where those were concerned. I really loved the development of the relationship between Dominic and Fallon- there was no insta-lust here. Our heroine absolutely battled with the knowledge that she was being forced to marry, and gave realistic pushback about it. I also loved the side characters, with Leo and Corinne being the best!
The only thing lacking for me was the lack of background story on Dominic. I know this is the first novel in a series though, so I am hoping that we get a little more of this in the future. I also did not really find the book title fitting- Dominic was not so much "corrupted" as he was a guy who was simply born into the mafia life.
With all these in mind, I give 'Corrupted Heir' a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this for anyone who loves mafia and arranged marriage tropes, and who likes some steam in their reads. Of course, this is definitely not meant for persons under eighteen, as there is strong language and vivid descriptions of erotic acts. Triggers include: death of a loved one, murder, and torture. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series, and I'm hoping that it will be Leo's story next!
*A great many thanks to BookSirens, Kiana Hettinger, and Hardmoon Press for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
April 16, 2022
I was hooked right from the start. It was super fast paced and I loved it. The author did such a great job with world building and writing just to get me invested in this story.
Omg I know I’m going to love this series and I’ve only read book one but I need more so badly.
I 1000% recommend this book. This book has got to be up there with one of the best mafia romance books I’ve ever read.
I loved Fallon and Dominic!! The connection and tension between them was electrifying. I loved their chemistry.
Fallon has been through so much and I felt so bad for her. We don’t get to know too much detail about Dominic’s past but he’s definitely had a tough and sad past too.
I enjoyed the whole dynamic of this story.
I’m just off to go cry now 😭. The last 10% of this book was so tense and I was so stressed because I didn’t know what was going to happen, too many sad things is what happened and it hurt.
This book ended with shock revelations and now I have to wait way too long to find out what happens next.
Make sure to get your tissues at the ready because you’ll need them with the stress and loss this story features.
Omg I know I’m going to love this series and I’ve only read book one but I need more so badly.
I 1000% recommend this book. This book has got to be up there with one of the best mafia romance books I’ve ever read.
I loved Fallon and Dominic!! The connection and tension between them was electrifying. I loved their chemistry.
Fallon has been through so much and I felt so bad for her. We don’t get to know too much detail about Dominic’s past but he’s definitely had a tough and sad past too.
I enjoyed the whole dynamic of this story.
I’m just off to go cry now 😭. The last 10% of this book was so tense and I was so stressed because I didn’t know what was going to happen, too many sad things is what happened and it hurt.
This book ended with shock revelations and now I have to wait way too long to find out what happens next.
Make sure to get your tissues at the ready because you’ll need them with the stress and loss this story features.
April 18, 2022
This is a fast paced book. The story line grabs you from the beginning, I managed to read it in 2 days around family life, I couldn't put it down.
The dynamic between Dominic and Fallon was good. If I had one qualm it was that she fell into bed with him a bit quick after all the hate she threw at him. I'm not sure maybe a scene or 2 might have been needed with some more romance or understanding. I'm not sure but something in-between felt missing.
The world building was good, some of the characters we were introduced to grabbed me and would love to see more of them or maybe see them have thier own book.
I love the dual POVs to see the inner working of both characters.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book it has world building, enemies to lovers theme, hot scenes, heart breaking scenes, action and lots of questions to be answered in the following books (not in a bad way).
I can't wait for the next installment!
This is the first book I have read by Kiana but I will now be giving the rest of her work a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The dynamic between Dominic and Fallon was good. If I had one qualm it was that she fell into bed with him a bit quick after all the hate she threw at him. I'm not sure maybe a scene or 2 might have been needed with some more romance or understanding. I'm not sure but something in-between felt missing.
The world building was good, some of the characters we were introduced to grabbed me and would love to see more of them or maybe see them have thier own book.
I love the dual POVs to see the inner working of both characters.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book it has world building, enemies to lovers theme, hot scenes, heart breaking scenes, action and lots of questions to be answered in the following books (not in a bad way).
I can't wait for the next installment!
This is the first book I have read by Kiana but I will now be giving the rest of her work a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2022
HOLY MOTHER OF BOOK LOVERS!
This book had it all, I was consumed from the very beginning. This book hit everything for me, the excitement, the mystery, the darkness, captivating & suspenseful heart pounding moments. I couldn't read fast enough. Oh and lets not forget the smokin hot sex. Lol. This Author has a writing style that makes it easy to engage the reader. The story captives you. This book is an intense suspenseful rollercoaster ride of emotions that you can't get off of and I loved every minute of it. My insides still feel jittery. Lol. Now, lets talk about that cliffhanger. Lol. I want, no, I need more. Dominic is the type of guy you love to hate and hate to love. His brother Leo though is easy to love. I was smiling on more than one occasion because of his character. Fallon has a heart of gold and absolutely loves animals so that alone made me love her character. The battle scene had me bouncing in my seat just wanting to scream. I EXTREMELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE! I CAN'T FREAKIN WAIT FOR MORE!
April 27, 2022
Omg, I need more!! I absolutely LOVED Corrupted Heir. I couldn’t get enough of it and I’m sad it’s over but I’m looking forward to book two and hopefully getting more of Dominic and Fallon! This book had it all from drama to suspense, to romance and spice. An arranged and forced marriage, the mafia family, a sexy Greek god as our lead male, and a smart mouth heroine?! I mean what more can you want! Kiana Hettinger did her thing with this book and I can’t wait to see where she takes book two. If you love you some mafia romance, action with a side of spice then I definitely think you should get this book! Don’t walk but run to get this as it comes out on May 4th 2022.
**I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens, Hardmoon Press Publishing, and Kiana Hettinger for the advanced ARC!**
**I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens, Hardmoon Press Publishing, and Kiana Hettinger for the advanced ARC!**
April 23, 2022
This was definitely different than most other mafia romances in the past and let’s just say I am very happy with the way it played out! It gave me all the drama, suspense, romance and SPICE!
I loved every second of it and can’t wait to read the next book! The power struggle and the chemistry in this romance is beautiful and tense such a wonderful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved every second of it and can’t wait to read the next book! The power struggle and the chemistry in this romance is beautiful and tense such a wonderful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2022
This is a new to me author but I love mafia books. The cover is beautiful and the story hooks you from the first page. Dominic is the heir to his father's mafia kingdom. This is an arranged marriage between the two fathers. I loved Fallon because she was an independent woman who wasn't afraid to fight back with Dominic. Their banter and verbal sparring was one of my favorite parts of the book. Mafia stories often have arranged marriage tropes but this one was unique and different than the usual. Even the way Fallon and Dominic met was different. That was a plus for me. You can only read the same storyline so many times before it becomes boring. I am really interested in the next books in this series to see if this author continues to find new and unique stories using this trope. Leo, Dominic's brother was an interesting character in this story and I can't wait to read his own story. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing more from this author.
April 29, 2023
I am so glad I read the other books in this series first even though this one was the first book because if I had I wouldn't have given the books any chance.
There was no chemistry between Fallon and Dom!!! How could there be
He is quite irritating and she is whiny
But I have to say that the series does get better and better
It's Like you are on a beautiful cruse but the first day you get sea sick, but then you are having the best time of your life
This book is the Sea sick part
There was no chemistry between Fallon and Dom!!! How could there be
He is quite irritating and she is whiny
But I have to say that the series does get better and better
It's Like you are on a beautiful cruse but the first day you get sea sick, but then you are having the best time of your life
This book is the Sea sick part
Read
May 4, 2022This was a slow build romance which at times I appreciated
Fallon didn't cave to Dominic
She fought the best way she knew to preserve some semblance of the life she built
Other times it platued
Dominic constantly denied he was catching feelings - a bit humorous at times
When they did finally cave it was explosive
Once these two caved to their emotions the story took off -
Plenty of WTH moments sprinkled in with lots of twists and suspense
Again I liked the natural development of their relationship
I did need/desire more background as well as details to connect on the level I prefer
I had questions that plagued me
Who took care of the practice?
Why a chief's daughter? What long-term benefits?
What happened with pops at the showdown?
Why pop's story about her when she would be seen soon?
Little things like that
Also a bit more background on some of the characters and families
A good debut release
I am looking forward to the next in this series
Fallon didn't cave to Dominic
She fought the best way she knew to preserve some semblance of the life she built
Other times it platued
Dominic constantly denied he was catching feelings - a bit humorous at times
When they did finally cave it was explosive
Once these two caved to their emotions the story took off -
Plenty of WTH moments sprinkled in with lots of twists and suspense
Again I liked the natural development of their relationship
I did need/desire more background as well as details to connect on the level I prefer
I had questions that plagued me
Who took care of the practice?
Why a chief's daughter? What long-term benefits?
What happened with pops at the showdown?
Why pop's story about her when she would be seen soon?
Little things like that
Also a bit more background on some of the characters and families
A good debut release
I am looking forward to the next in this series
April 6, 2025
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was surprisingly a breath of fresh air. Instead of having a dominating male lead who does whatever the hell he wants the author wrote a decent mafia character for once. He tried to wine and dine her for real. He listened to her and made her wishes come true. Instead of treating the wife like a damsel in distress he trained her to be powerful and how to use a weapon. I'm very happy I picked up reading this book. I would recommend it to people who like mafia romances to give this book a try.
Happy Reading 😁
This book was surprisingly a breath of fresh air. Instead of having a dominating male lead who does whatever the hell he wants the author wrote a decent mafia character for once. He tried to wine and dine her for real. He listened to her and made her wishes come true. Instead of treating the wife like a damsel in distress he trained her to be powerful and how to use a weapon. I'm very happy I picked up reading this book. I would recommend it to people who like mafia romances to give this book a try.
Happy Reading 😁
January 20, 2023
What a ride! Slow out the gate, but stick with it, you won't regret it!
Wow! Did I do a 180° on this book. It was so slow to start. I began reading this one months ago; put it down at 17% (start of Chapter 6) looking for something more interesting having grown bored. At that point the MFC and MMC had only had one encounter ... She was the vet where he took his father's beloved dog after he was shot. He was pretty rude (the man not the dog). That takes place in Chapter two. Then for the next few chapters nothing but him dealing with mafia stuff, her talking with her father and her friend...blah, blah, blah. Understand why I got bored?
So, here I am months later, back to this book. I'll spare the details of how I got back to it. After skimming through the first five chapters to refresh my memory..I'm reading again. Finally towards the end of Chapter 6, another encounter. As a favor to her father, she agreed to go on a blind date only to discover it's the A-hole with the shot dog. It doesn't go well. He shows up with apologies the next day and gets her to agree to a second date. At this point she still has no clue he's mafia. Second date takes place in Chapter 8. It goes better until a woman from his past shows up causing trouble. Her father convinces her to a third, saying that's what he promised the friend he owed. She agrees to one more, which takes place in Chapter 11. In between these date-chapters we just get him dealing with mafia stuff, her conversations with her father or best friend/assistant at her Vet Clinic.
The third date goes well, so well they end up back at her place. But here, at 34% is where the story starts getting really good and I couldn't put it down. A phone call interrupts their hot and heavy before the final act. It warns of an impending attack and to leave immediately. Here is where she finally learns he's mafia. Here is where she finally discovers the "favor" her father owed his friend was actually an arranged marriage contract and she is to be married in a week.
Up to this point I recall a few errors/typos and I vaguely recall something brought up but then never addressed. What exactly...I couldn't tell you now. Why? Because this story, which had been plodding along at 5 mph suddenly went to 120mph and never went below 100mph for the remainder of the book. If there were other errors, I never caught them because I was so invested in this story and the characters.
It may have started slow, but dang, does it pick up speed and finish with an explosion! At that 34% mark we finally start getting that true enemies to lovers interaction. Neither wanted the marriage, but he will do anything for his family. We get that back an forth as she's attracted to him but hates who he is, feeling trapped. He believes he's incapable of love, but finds himself wanting to protect her, make her happy. All while dealing with an enemy, attacks on their businesses, retaliations and, ultimately, an attack on the famly home with some lives lost.
There were times I was on the edge of my seat and times I breathed a sigh of relief; times I laughed and times I cried. I promise you, if you find the first five chapters boring like I did, I urge you to persevere. It's like that slow ride up to the top of the roller coaster. Then next 5 get better, like the excitement when you know you're almost at the top. By chapter 11 you've reached the top and you have that one second hang-time where you look down and see what's coming just before taking that plunge and starting a wild ride that's well worth it. If I take the slow start into consideration I'd deduct a quarter and give this 4.75 stars. But if I go solely on my feelings when I finished this book, a solid 5 stars, because I love books that make me feel real emotions.
One final word. The epilogue, in addition to the HEA, gives us the set-up for the next book (another family member's story) and honestly, I can't wait to read it now.
Wow! Did I do a 180° on this book. It was so slow to start. I began reading this one months ago; put it down at 17% (start of Chapter 6) looking for something more interesting having grown bored. At that point the MFC and MMC had only had one encounter ... She was the vet where he took his father's beloved dog after he was shot. He was pretty rude (the man not the dog). That takes place in Chapter two. Then for the next few chapters nothing but him dealing with mafia stuff, her talking with her father and her friend...blah, blah, blah. Understand why I got bored?
So, here I am months later, back to this book. I'll spare the details of how I got back to it. After skimming through the first five chapters to refresh my memory..I'm reading again. Finally towards the end of Chapter 6, another encounter. As a favor to her father, she agreed to go on a blind date only to discover it's the A-hole with the shot dog. It doesn't go well. He shows up with apologies the next day and gets her to agree to a second date. At this point she still has no clue he's mafia. Second date takes place in Chapter 8. It goes better until a woman from his past shows up causing trouble. Her father convinces her to a third, saying that's what he promised the friend he owed. She agrees to one more, which takes place in Chapter 11. In between these date-chapters we just get him dealing with mafia stuff, her conversations with her father or best friend/assistant at her Vet Clinic.
The third date goes well, so well they end up back at her place. But here, at 34% is where the story starts getting really good and I couldn't put it down. A phone call interrupts their hot and heavy before the final act. It warns of an impending attack and to leave immediately. Here is where she finally learns he's mafia. Here is where she finally discovers the "favor" her father owed his friend was actually an arranged marriage contract and she is to be married in a week.
Up to this point I recall a few errors/typos and I vaguely recall something brought up but then never addressed. What exactly...I couldn't tell you now. Why? Because this story, which had been plodding along at 5 mph suddenly went to 120mph and never went below 100mph for the remainder of the book. If there were other errors, I never caught them because I was so invested in this story and the characters.
It may have started slow, but dang, does it pick up speed and finish with an explosion! At that 34% mark we finally start getting that true enemies to lovers interaction. Neither wanted the marriage, but he will do anything for his family. We get that back an forth as she's attracted to him but hates who he is, feeling trapped. He believes he's incapable of love, but finds himself wanting to protect her, make her happy. All while dealing with an enemy, attacks on their businesses, retaliations and, ultimately, an attack on the famly home with some lives lost.
There were times I was on the edge of my seat and times I breathed a sigh of relief; times I laughed and times I cried. I promise you, if you find the first five chapters boring like I did, I urge you to persevere. It's like that slow ride up to the top of the roller coaster. Then next 5 get better, like the excitement when you know you're almost at the top. By chapter 11 you've reached the top and you have that one second hang-time where you look down and see what's coming just before taking that plunge and starting a wild ride that's well worth it. If I take the slow start into consideration I'd deduct a quarter and give this 4.75 stars. But if I go solely on my feelings when I finished this book, a solid 5 stars, because I love books that make me feel real emotions.
One final word. The epilogue, in addition to the HEA, gives us the set-up for the next book (another family member's story) and honestly, I can't wait to read it now.
April 23, 2022
Enemies to Lovers ✅
Dark Mafia Romance ✅
Arranged/Forced Marriage ✅
Morally Gray MC ✅
Strong/Backboned Heroine ✅
Action✅
This is my first book from Kiana Hettinger and definitely will not be my last.
I read the Cruel Inception, a quick glimpse into the first book Corrupted Heir. The author hits us with “Dominic came to me with a wounded dog. In return I got a date I never wanted to go on—and a ring on my finger that feels like a gun to the head.”
A fast paced book that within the first sentence throws us into action, confrontation, shootout and betrayal. Dominic Luca is handsome, rich, dangerous, overbearing and smug. But he loves his family and is willing to do anything and everything for them.
Fallon Moore experienced something no child should ever go through. All the more it led her to become a career-driven veterinarian. She loves being able to help innocent animals and having her own clinic. With having bad experiences in the relationship department. Fallon has made it her focus to avoid anything relationship related and focus on the animals. All the more reason to avoid Dominic.
Sucked into what Fallon believes is a favor for her father. She agrees to go on a few dates with Dominic. Little does she know he is the man that is next in line to reign New York's biggest crime family. There is more to her father’s favor. Fallon was promised an arranged marriage to Dominic for a long time and the family is coming to make good on it. Dark forces and enemies move to bring down the Luca family, that includes Fallon who is now a Luca.
I enjoyed the way the relationship between Dominic and Fallon unfolds. Even the silent treatment. Poor mafia man didn’t know how to fix it. I am glad that the FMC was not built to take everything as is without a fight. Fallon pushed back and fought when her life was on the line.
I hope to learn more about Dominic in the next books in the series as well as what happened to Fallon’s father after that goodbye?? The cliffhanger?!!! That threw me through a loop.
The world building was good, great character especially the supportive characters like Leo, Dante, and Corrine. Had my heart broken with a few scenes but it just adds to the realistic factor of a mafia story. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark Mafia Romance ✅
Arranged/Forced Marriage ✅
Morally Gray MC ✅
Strong/Backboned Heroine ✅
Action✅
This is my first book from Kiana Hettinger and definitely will not be my last.
I read the Cruel Inception, a quick glimpse into the first book Corrupted Heir. The author hits us with “Dominic came to me with a wounded dog. In return I got a date I never wanted to go on—and a ring on my finger that feels like a gun to the head.”
A fast paced book that within the first sentence throws us into action, confrontation, shootout and betrayal. Dominic Luca is handsome, rich, dangerous, overbearing and smug. But he loves his family and is willing to do anything and everything for them.
Fallon Moore experienced something no child should ever go through. All the more it led her to become a career-driven veterinarian. She loves being able to help innocent animals and having her own clinic. With having bad experiences in the relationship department. Fallon has made it her focus to avoid anything relationship related and focus on the animals. All the more reason to avoid Dominic.
Sucked into what Fallon believes is a favor for her father. She agrees to go on a few dates with Dominic. Little does she know he is the man that is next in line to reign New York's biggest crime family. There is more to her father’s favor. Fallon was promised an arranged marriage to Dominic for a long time and the family is coming to make good on it. Dark forces and enemies move to bring down the Luca family, that includes Fallon who is now a Luca.
I enjoyed the way the relationship between Dominic and Fallon unfolds. Even the silent treatment. Poor mafia man didn’t know how to fix it. I am glad that the FMC was not built to take everything as is without a fight. Fallon pushed back and fought when her life was on the line.
I hope to learn more about Dominic in the next books in the series as well as what happened to Fallon’s father after that goodbye?? The cliffhanger?!!! That threw me through a loop.
The world building was good, great character especially the supportive characters like Leo, Dante, and Corrine. Had my heart broken with a few scenes but it just adds to the realistic factor of a mafia story. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2022
This story started off a little slow but then quickly picked up momentum. Dominic is committed to his family, and they are committed to him, but when they tell him he has to marry Fallon, he becomes unsure in this obligation. Fallon, while having no idea she was betrothed to Dominic as children, feels hot and cold towards Dominic. She cannot see herself following her physical attraction to a man who does what he does for a living.
This debut story by Kiana Hettinger was good and the characters true from page one, even when Dominic questions his intentions for Fallon.
I really enjoyed this story.
This debut story by Kiana Hettinger was good and the characters true from page one, even when Dominic questions his intentions for Fallon.
I really enjoyed this story.
May 3, 2022
Dominic and Fallon are initially like oil and water. Both only agreeing to "date" for the sake of their fathers. Love of family will bring them closer together. This book has it all, mafia, arranged marriage, suspense, enemies to lovers. The ending does leave you wanting more. Can't wait to read the next one!"
May 6, 2022
Arranged marriage and mafia, I hadn't read mafia yet but in glad this was my first one, it definitely won't be my last! I felt like I was thrusted into a whole new world and I don't want to leave it! Lived it so much sign me up for the next one!
May 5, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I'm walking down the aisle... whether I like it or not. I learn very early on that every life matters-no life is insignificant, most especially not my own mother's whose life was cruelly slain. I vowed to do what I can so that no one has to feel as if they're nothing at all when they lose their loved ones. So when I'm force into a marriage with Dominic Luca-the man next in line to be the head of the biggest crime family in all of New York-the ring he puts on my finer is a gun to my head with his thumb on the trigger. I couldn't possibly hold his hand knowing it has the blood of countless men on it. I couldn't possibly look into his eyes knowing he 's seen more death than a coroner. I could never feel safe around him. Especially not after a horrifying truth comes out, a truth that weaves his past with mine, a truth that makes me realize something even more horrifying than the truth itself. Not only am I married to a killer, I'm married to a monster.
This is the story of Fallon and Dominic. I do have to say right off the bat that this is little different from most mafia books I have read. These two do not have the best pasts and while you find out about Fallon's Dominic's will remain a mystery. There is a lot that goes on in this book so it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between these characters is nothing short of amazing and filled with a ton of tension. I didn't want to put this book down once I had it in my hands. I loved every single second of it and can't wait to see what we get in the next book!!
I'm walking down the aisle... whether I like it or not. I learn very early on that every life matters-no life is insignificant, most especially not my own mother's whose life was cruelly slain. I vowed to do what I can so that no one has to feel as if they're nothing at all when they lose their loved ones. So when I'm force into a marriage with Dominic Luca-the man next in line to be the head of the biggest crime family in all of New York-the ring he puts on my finer is a gun to my head with his thumb on the trigger. I couldn't possibly hold his hand knowing it has the blood of countless men on it. I couldn't possibly look into his eyes knowing he 's seen more death than a coroner. I could never feel safe around him. Especially not after a horrifying truth comes out, a truth that weaves his past with mine, a truth that makes me realize something even more horrifying than the truth itself. Not only am I married to a killer, I'm married to a monster.
This is the story of Fallon and Dominic. I do have to say right off the bat that this is little different from most mafia books I have read. These two do not have the best pasts and while you find out about Fallon's Dominic's will remain a mystery. There is a lot that goes on in this book so it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between these characters is nothing short of amazing and filled with a ton of tension. I didn't want to put this book down once I had it in my hands. I loved every single second of it and can't wait to see what we get in the next book!!
April 23, 2022
Let’s start with a big MOB sign written all over it. If you do no like mafia romance, this is not it. Having said that, this is a great example of mafia, the-world-of-grey-truths and the somewhat uncomfortable alpha male that you both love and hate at the same time. Steamy and yet complex, Fallon and Dom are a pair that would not fit the mold of sweet and homey. It is a fast pace novel entirely focused on both leads and switching the narrator gives you that unique insight. Well written. I hold off from 5 stars simply because there are some unexplored twists mentioned in passing that have so much potential that you wish Kiana would have stopped a little longer. Good read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2022
Get caught by the first few pages and you will be kept there until you get to the last page. You will not be able to stop until you find out what is going on and how it will end
April 24, 2022
Sassy 💁🏼♀️
It is a true page turner, I read it at my own pace while travelling and it made me smile entirely 🥵
The characters are well developed, the drama it’s great and the action very well thought! And the passion between the characters are pretty well described! It is a slow burn for a 300 page book, which I think it’s amazing, I do recommend the book. I will definitely be reading the second book.
It is a true page turner, I read it at my own pace while travelling and it made me smile entirely 🥵
The characters are well developed, the drama it’s great and the action very well thought! And the passion between the characters are pretty well described! It is a slow burn for a 300 page book, which I think it’s amazing, I do recommend the book. I will definitely be reading the second book.
April 18, 2022
Fallon knew loss deeply and vowed to save every life she could even as a vet. She never expected to be set up on a date in return for saving a mans dog, but had she known where it would lead her to would she have gone through with it all. Fallon doesnt have a choice but to marry Dominic heir to the New York crime family, he lied and trapped her in his world, but was she apart of it already? As the past and future collide, secrets revealed, desires explored and a cliffhanger till the next one! A well written arranges marriage mafia romance. Dom maybe a ruthless killer but he has a side that Fallon draws out of him, protective and loyal to his family and that now includes Fallon. Fallon is headstrong and determined not to break whilst Dom chips away at her armour. The story has you hooked in a slow burn romance with teasingly steamy scenes, action and more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the story line and even though it was a little slow at the beginning it was worth reading till the end. An arranged marriage between the police chief's daughter (Fallon) who is strong and independent, and she is to marry the oldest son in the mafia family (Dom). These two bicker quite a bit when they are getting to know each other, but the sexual chemistry is there. Dom is used to women falling at his feet and not having to work to keep one and Fallon is hardworking and won't back down from a fight. I do wish there had been a little more at the end after two mafia families fight (I don't want to spoil anything). There are a few characters that by the end of the book I'm not sure what happened to them but might have follow up in the second book. This doesn't end in a cliffhanger but prepares you for what the next book might be about.
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the story line and even though it was a little slow at the beginning it was worth reading till the end. An arranged marriage between the police chief's daughter (Fallon) who is strong and independent, and she is to marry the oldest son in the mafia family (Dom). These two bicker quite a bit when they are getting to know each other, but the sexual chemistry is there. Dom is used to women falling at his feet and not having to work to keep one and Fallon is hardworking and won't back down from a fight. I do wish there had been a little more at the end after two mafia families fight (I don't want to spoil anything). There are a few characters that by the end of the book I'm not sure what happened to them but might have follow up in the second book. This doesn't end in a cliffhanger but prepares you for what the next book might be about.
April 20, 2022
I'm going to be honest.. this book was very similar at first to sooo many books I've read before, so it took me awhile to get through it. Of course I enjoyed the big baddie finding someone or something to be soft for. The ending really saved this book for me though. It ended very differently than I would have predicted and I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue.
I got an advance reader copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I got an advance reader copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 18, 2022
This is a great start to a new series. This book is about Fallon and Dominic. Fallon is a little naive of the way things are and Dominic comes from a made family. And they have an arranged marriage, of course this is news to Fallon. But as the story goes the chemistry between is off the charts. There is a lot happening in this story with lots of twists and turns. I recommend you read you won't be disappointed. Now just have to wait for book 2!
July 4, 2022
CORRUPTED HEIR is the first instalment in Kiana Hettinger’s contemporary, adult MAFIA KINGS: CORRUPTED erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-four year old Mafia heir Dominic Luca, and twenty-eight year old veterinarian Fallon Moore’s story line.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dominic and Fallon) CORRUPTED HEIR follows the arranged marriage between thirty-four year old Mafia heir Dominic Luca, and twenty-eight year old veterinarian Fallon Moore, Upon her birth Fallon was promised to the first born of the Luca family but our heroine had no idea that her future had been predetermined. Dominic Luca never wanted to enter into a marriage of convenience but in an effort to join forces, Dominic is determined to take his place at the head of the family. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Dominic and Fallon, and the potential fall-out as the Luca Crime Family is about to go to war.
Fallon Moore wants to live a quiet life with friends and her career but never expected to find herself forced into a loveless marriage with a man she doesn’t know. Fallon is oblivious to the Luca Crime Family organization, and her naivety may place her in the direct line of fire. Dominic Luca is determined to honor his father’s wishes, an honor that may come at a cost to our heroine’s life. The Luca family is at war, and Fallon is caught in the middle as a means to an end.
The relationship between Dominic and Fallon begins acrimoniously when Dominic needs Fallon’s services for his father’s injured dog but Fallon struggles with her attraction to a man who is wrong for all of the right reasons, and right when it comes to the beating of her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
We are introduced to Fallon’s father Police Chief Douglas Moore, and her best friend and co-worker Corinne; Dominic’s brothers Leo, Dante; their mother Maria and father Vincent Luca’ s guard Leandra, inside man Marco. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Dominic’s brothers. The requisite evil has many faces.
CORRUPTED HEIR is a story of family and relationships, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is tragic and twisted; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are powerful, dynamic and feisty
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dominic and Fallon) CORRUPTED HEIR follows the arranged marriage between thirty-four year old Mafia heir Dominic Luca, and twenty-eight year old veterinarian Fallon Moore, Upon her birth Fallon was promised to the first born of the Luca family but our heroine had no idea that her future had been predetermined. Dominic Luca never wanted to enter into a marriage of convenience but in an effort to join forces, Dominic is determined to take his place at the head of the family. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Dominic and Fallon, and the potential fall-out as the Luca Crime Family is about to go to war.
Fallon Moore wants to live a quiet life with friends and her career but never expected to find herself forced into a loveless marriage with a man she doesn’t know. Fallon is oblivious to the Luca Crime Family organization, and her naivety may place her in the direct line of fire. Dominic Luca is determined to honor his father’s wishes, an honor that may come at a cost to our heroine’s life. The Luca family is at war, and Fallon is caught in the middle as a means to an end.
The relationship between Dominic and Fallon begins acrimoniously when Dominic needs Fallon’s services for his father’s injured dog but Fallon struggles with her attraction to a man who is wrong for all of the right reasons, and right when it comes to the beating of her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
We are introduced to Fallon’s father Police Chief Douglas Moore, and her best friend and co-worker Corinne; Dominic’s brothers Leo, Dante; their mother Maria and father Vincent Luca’ s guard Leandra, inside man Marco. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Dominic’s brothers. The requisite evil has many faces.
CORRUPTED HEIR is a story of family and relationships, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is tragic and twisted; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are powerful, dynamic and feisty
September 6, 2022
I always love when the fire comes in the form of two people who bicker as foreplay. Like seriously- top notch 🤌
Loved meeting Fallon and Dominic and witnessing the attraction sizzle like a fajita plate. Sometimes I felt like I was intruding but I found myself gushing nonetheless.
Also very much loved how it wasn’t written as shameful when the men in the story showed their soft sides. It’s wasn’t downplayed or used as a cheap shot and I really freaking loved that.
Excited (and sad , duh) at the ending and the doors that it opened. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Loved meeting Fallon and Dominic and witnessing the attraction sizzle like a fajita plate. Sometimes I felt like I was intruding but I found myself gushing nonetheless.
Also very much loved how it wasn’t written as shameful when the men in the story showed their soft sides. It’s wasn’t downplayed or used as a cheap shot and I really freaking loved that.
Excited (and sad , duh) at the ending and the doors that it opened. I can’t wait to read the next one!
February 24, 2024
As a child she watched her mother die at the dining room table. Then her dog passed away and her father just put him in the trash that was the day she decided to become a veterinarian!
He's a Hot AF Alpha Male, and a Mafia boss's son and is destined to an arranged marriage to solidify a partnership with the Chief of police.
oh its intriguing and got me drawn in right away.
Just finished and I read book 0 and now this is Book 1
I was so happy that it can be read as a stand alone, it is soo good with of course what we all wish for a HEA. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series soon!
He's a Hot AF Alpha Male, and a Mafia boss's son and is destined to an arranged marriage to solidify a partnership with the Chief of police.
oh its intriguing and got me drawn in right away.
Just finished and I read book 0 and now this is Book 1
I was so happy that it can be read as a stand alone, it is soo good with of course what we all wish for a HEA. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series soon!
May 9, 2022
This was a promising start to a new series, and I can't wait to read the next entry!
A quick disclaimer - I did receive a copy of this book from Booksprout with the expectation that I would provide a review of some sort.
The main selling point for this book was the relationship between the two main characters. There was tension between Dominic and Fallon, there was conflict, there was a bit of angst, but at no point did I feel that Fallon was being disrespected. From the first moment, they cared for each other, even if neither of them actually understood how or why or even what.
There were some pacing issues with the story. The plot is good, don't get me wrong, the story is compelling, but the speed that we were moving through felt a little off. Some things seem to happen really quickly, others seem to drag on for a bit. Each chapter really could have used a metronome to set the tone for each event and scene - just keep everything moving at a nice, even pace.
With that said, this was a great start to the series and I'm very happy that I got to read this as my first Kiana Hettinger novel!
A quick disclaimer - I did receive a copy of this book from Booksprout with the expectation that I would provide a review of some sort.
The main selling point for this book was the relationship between the two main characters. There was tension between Dominic and Fallon, there was conflict, there was a bit of angst, but at no point did I feel that Fallon was being disrespected. From the first moment, they cared for each other, even if neither of them actually understood how or why or even what.
There were some pacing issues with the story. The plot is good, don't get me wrong, the story is compelling, but the speed that we were moving through felt a little off. Some things seem to happen really quickly, others seem to drag on for a bit. Each chapter really could have used a metronome to set the tone for each event and scene - just keep everything moving at a nice, even pace.
With that said, this was a great start to the series and I'm very happy that I got to read this as my first Kiana Hettinger novel!
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