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Las Vegas Love #1
The Wren
As the firstborn King, I should be the heir of the Irish Syndicate.
Instead, my father wants to marry me off to the highest bidder to fund a war I don’t believe in.
My carefully controlled life starts to unravel, spiraling out of control faster than I can stop it.
And then I meet them and everything stops for a moment.
Tall with perpetual smirks and covered in tattoos, they remind me what it feels like to live.
They remind me that I don’t need someone to save me.
I’m a King. I can save myself.
Instead, my father wants to marry me off to the highest bidder to fund a war I don’t believe in.
My carefully controlled life starts to unravel, spiraling out of control faster than I can stop it.
And then I meet them and everything stops for a moment.
Tall with perpetual smirks and covered in tattoos, they remind me what it feels like to live.
They remind me that I don’t need someone to save me.
I’m a King. I can save myself.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2022
227 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Black
64 books1,948 followersPenelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.
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Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
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Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
December 6, 2023
We first meet Maeve as a 12-year-old girl. The oldest of the five King sisters, Maeve has been the family fixer for as long as she can recall.
At 23, when her father, Joseph “The Hammer” King, dictates that she we will wed the Santorini heir in a modern day arranged marriage, Maeve is determined to change her fate.
Maeve is an absolute bada$$ and the cause of my lady b0ner. Her determination and unparalleled intelligence combined with her confidence and loyalty make her one of my favorite heroines EVER.
I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll just tell you that the multi-layered story is utterly gripping. The writing is masterful. The chemistry is i•n•t•e•n•s•e. And the cliffy will leave you awestruck in the best of ways!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😭😤🥵🤬😳
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 🧍🏼♂️👫🏻🧍🏼♂️ {Multiple}
🗂 Genre: Romantic Suspense
✨ Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, One Night Stand, Vigilante Justice
🫦 Kinks: n/a
⛔️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care.
⚠️ Safety Squad: There are some triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: The Wren is book one of The Las Vegas duet in the King Sisters series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
At 23, when her father, Joseph “The Hammer” King, dictates that she we will wed the Santorini heir in a modern day arranged marriage, Maeve is determined to change her fate.
Maeve is an absolute bada$$ and the cause of my lady b0ner. Her determination and unparalleled intelligence combined with her confidence and loyalty make her one of my favorite heroines EVER.
I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll just tell you that the multi-layered story is utterly gripping. The writing is masterful. The chemistry is i•n•t•e•n•s•e. And the cliffy will leave you awestruck in the best of ways!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😭😤🥵🤬😳
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 🧍🏼♂️👫🏻🧍🏼♂️ {Multiple}
🗂 Genre: Romantic Suspense
✨ Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, One Night Stand, Vigilante Justice
🫦 Kinks: n/a
⛔️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care.
⚠️ Safety Squad: There are some triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: The Wren is book one of The Las Vegas duet in the King Sisters series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
October 30, 2022
Just ok. It was forgettable!
🤷🏻♀️
🤷🏻♀️
October 13, 2022
Not too shabby for Rachel
So I can see why some people were confused on if it was a reverse harem novel or not. It really just read like she was having fun with a few men over the course of six weeks. 👏🏻 Get it girl 👏🏻.
She never met them all together like most RHs, or knew who they really were, and I think maybe that’s why I’m missing out on the connection I’m supposed to be feeling between all of them. Granted this is a series and ends on a cliffhanger. It was only dipping its toes into the relationships with the men before it ended. So there’s only tension here, with a little romance. A few quick spicy scenes, some that fade to black. Lots of world and character building.
I really loved Maeve. Awesome FMC. She’s Irish 😏 and an absolute boss but she also does martyr herself a bit too much which makes me yell-y.
Tommy, Nic, and Romeo (MMCs) were interesting. I actually enjoyed reading their POVs even thought they are mafia men. I don’t know them as well as I’d like to, but I’m hoping the next book(s) will help with that.
Storyline? Awesome and fun.
Luckily the cliffy wasn’t one where you’re absolutely desperate for the next or pissed because of it. Plus, you are warned in advance, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming.
So I can see why some people were confused on if it was a reverse harem novel or not. It really just read like she was having fun with a few men over the course of six weeks. 👏🏻 Get it girl 👏🏻.
She never met them all together like most RHs, or knew who they really were, and I think maybe that’s why I’m missing out on the connection I’m supposed to be feeling between all of them. Granted this is a series and ends on a cliffhanger. It was only dipping its toes into the relationships with the men before it ended. So there’s only tension here, with a little romance. A few quick spicy scenes, some that fade to black. Lots of world and character building.
I really loved Maeve. Awesome FMC. She’s Irish 😏 and an absolute boss but she also does martyr herself a bit too much which makes me yell-y.
Tommy, Nic, and Romeo (MMCs) were interesting. I actually enjoyed reading their POVs even thought they are mafia men. I don’t know them as well as I’d like to, but I’m hoping the next book(s) will help with that.
Storyline? Awesome and fun.
Luckily the cliffy wasn’t one where you’re absolutely desperate for the next or pissed because of it. Plus, you are warned in advance, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming.
September 26, 2022
I would’ve loved to be a King sister. Their bond is so strong and any one of them would do anything for each other, made me a little jealous honestly. I can’t wait to see more of that throughout their books.
I love Maeve as our heroine. She’s strong but would sacrifice anything for her sisters because their happiness means everything to her. There’s some glimpses into her men but not too much as this is only book one, but enough to have me giddy to see more. These men are definitely going to keep us entertained, I can already tell.
I’m anxious for book two as we do have a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m ready for more. I’m curious to see how it’s all going to play out!
I love Maeve as our heroine. She’s strong but would sacrifice anything for her sisters because their happiness means everything to her. There’s some glimpses into her men but not too much as this is only book one, but enough to have me giddy to see more. These men are definitely going to keep us entertained, I can already tell.
I’m anxious for book two as we do have a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m ready for more. I’m curious to see how it’s all going to play out!
September 29, 2022
The Wren by Penelope Black is the first book in The Last Vegas Duet, which is part of The King Sisters World.
I love the world that Penelope Black has created and for me, I’ve wanted to see where she would take the stories for the King sisters, well Penelope Black has definitely exceeded my expectations with The Wren and this was nothing like I was expecting Maeve’s story to be.
Maeve’s the bada** big sister, who will do absolutely anything for her family, and that comes across clearly right from the prologue as we’re drawn in immediately to who she is. Even though Maeve is the eldest in a family where she should rightfully be the heir to the Irish Syndicate, there’s circumstances which have led to that not coming to fruition.
Unfortunately for Meave, this means she’s about to enter into a world she didn’t really expect and an arranged marriage is probably the last thing she’d want…that is until the three men enter her life who change it all. But the fire within Meave has yet to simmer and these men have no idea the type of woman she truly is.
Enter the Santorini brothers - Nico, Romeo and Tommy, who might be my favourite Penelope Black guys so far. These three are mafia men to their core and with a father who likes to control every aspect of their lives and despises any rebellion. Therefore, there’s no chance of Nico escaping from an arranged marriage that will benefit his family…ok his father. But with the support of his brothers, they will meet this challenge head on and that’s when things really start to get interesting.
The Wren is a dark mafia, arranged marriage, why choose romance which is a must read. Whilst this book is set in the same world as The Brotherhood and Five Families series, this can be read without reading those series first - but I’d recommend starting with Wolf first.
POV’s mainly from Maeve, but also from the guys in her harem - Nico, Romeo/Rome and Tommy/Tommaso.
Can’t wait to continue this duet with The Wild, cause that cliffhanger has me needing this book! But as someone who loves a good cliffhanger, I’m so excited for the second book and hopefully future books from the other King sisters.
Wishful thought (sorry Penelope): I’d love a bonus story from the sister's mother when she was younger, as her character intrigued me.
Also, this quote broke me: “Look after your sisters. Protect your sisters.”
I love the world that Penelope Black has created and for me, I’ve wanted to see where she would take the stories for the King sisters, well Penelope Black has definitely exceeded my expectations with The Wren and this was nothing like I was expecting Maeve’s story to be.
Maeve’s the bada** big sister, who will do absolutely anything for her family, and that comes across clearly right from the prologue as we’re drawn in immediately to who she is. Even though Maeve is the eldest in a family where she should rightfully be the heir to the Irish Syndicate, there’s circumstances which have led to that not coming to fruition.
Unfortunately for Meave, this means she’s about to enter into a world she didn’t really expect and an arranged marriage is probably the last thing she’d want…that is until the three men enter her life who change it all. But the fire within Meave has yet to simmer and these men have no idea the type of woman she truly is.
Enter the Santorini brothers - Nico, Romeo and Tommy, who might be my favourite Penelope Black guys so far. These three are mafia men to their core and with a father who likes to control every aspect of their lives and despises any rebellion. Therefore, there’s no chance of Nico escaping from an arranged marriage that will benefit his family…ok his father. But with the support of his brothers, they will meet this challenge head on and that’s when things really start to get interesting.
The Wren is a dark mafia, arranged marriage, why choose romance which is a must read. Whilst this book is set in the same world as The Brotherhood and Five Families series, this can be read without reading those series first - but I’d recommend starting with Wolf first.
POV’s mainly from Maeve, but also from the guys in her harem - Nico, Romeo/Rome and Tommy/Tommaso.
Can’t wait to continue this duet with The Wild, cause that cliffhanger has me needing this book! But as someone who loves a good cliffhanger, I’m so excited for the second book and hopefully future books from the other King sisters.
Wishful thought (sorry Penelope): I’d love a bonus story from the sister's mother when she was younger, as her character intrigued me.
Also, this quote broke me: “Look after your sisters. Protect your sisters.”
September 26, 2022
Please read TW/CW because this book isn't for everyone and contains darker themes. So if it's not for you, it's not for you. ⚠️⚠️⚠️
I enjoyed the WREN and devoured this book in a day like holy shit this book is just so fun to read especially Maeve and her sisters! Maeve just wants to be recognized in her family and really doesn't wanna be in an arranged marriage to lead this. She just wants to save her sisters and let them live their lives and not be shackled to be married for power, money or joining other families.
The men oh the men Tommy, Romeo, and Nico. Oh lord. Make me sweat. And it's definitely a page-turner. You will definitely love their banter.
I just need more out of these men and honestly, my favorite would be Romeo cause this man can really recite Shakespeare to your P^ssy, and holy shit. HAHA! I am so excited about the next book! I honestly need it ASAP. LOL.
💀Arranged Marriage
💀Irish Mafia Romance
💀Why choose Romance
💀Secret Identity
💀FMC is badass and sassy AF
💀Vigilante groups
💀3 Men are HOT AF
💀Praise Kink
Rating 5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice Level 3/5🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I enjoyed the WREN and devoured this book in a day like holy shit this book is just so fun to read especially Maeve and her sisters! Maeve just wants to be recognized in her family and really doesn't wanna be in an arranged marriage to lead this. She just wants to save her sisters and let them live their lives and not be shackled to be married for power, money or joining other families.
The men oh the men Tommy, Romeo, and Nico. Oh lord. Make me sweat. And it's definitely a page-turner. You will definitely love their banter.
I just need more out of these men and honestly, my favorite would be Romeo cause this man can really recite Shakespeare to your P^ssy, and holy shit. HAHA! I am so excited about the next book! I honestly need it ASAP. LOL.
💀Arranged Marriage
💀Irish Mafia Romance
💀Why choose Romance
💀Secret Identity
💀FMC is badass and sassy AF
💀Vigilante groups
💀3 Men are HOT AF
💀Praise Kink
Rating 5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice Level 3/5🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
September 25, 2022
This was such a good book, only took me a day to read
May 24, 2023
I did not know it was a reverse harem. When I started the book and it looked like the girl is sleeping around with no happy ever after I kept going back to the book’s description cause it was confusing for me.
It didn’t sound like a reverse harem at all, but the action was going that way. It was a little sad when she randomly slept with the second dude and it looked like a third one will be joining soon. Very disappointing when you expect one thing and they go another way very fast. Very randomly.
It started kinda badass, I liked the idea of smart, powerful sisters, being vigilantes in a mafia world ruled by men. That was really cool. But it kinda ruined the deal for me with the reverse harem thing.
It was also disappointing that the relationship between the girl and the other guys happened too fast, with little to maybe no build up. No tension. No nothing. A very inexperienced woman and all of a sudden she is so amazing in bed, magical v-jay-jay and all. Powerful guys were going crazy over her. I wanted to see more sparks between them, an attraction, a little more than just carnal..
Literally 3 minutes into meeting the first guy, he goes “i want a kiss”, to which she replied “ok”. Than the dude says “i want you now”, she replies “ok”. Pfff. Give us something more. A little excitement, please. What was that…
It didn’t sound like a reverse harem at all, but the action was going that way. It was a little sad when she randomly slept with the second dude and it looked like a third one will be joining soon. Very disappointing when you expect one thing and they go another way very fast. Very randomly.
It started kinda badass, I liked the idea of smart, powerful sisters, being vigilantes in a mafia world ruled by men. That was really cool. But it kinda ruined the deal for me with the reverse harem thing.
It was also disappointing that the relationship between the girl and the other guys happened too fast, with little to maybe no build up. No tension. No nothing. A very inexperienced woman and all of a sudden she is so amazing in bed, magical v-jay-jay and all. Powerful guys were going crazy over her. I wanted to see more sparks between them, an attraction, a little more than just carnal..
Literally 3 minutes into meeting the first guy, he goes “i want a kiss”, to which she replied “ok”. Than the dude says “i want you now”, she replies “ok”. Pfff. Give us something more. A little excitement, please. What was that…
October 3, 2022
✨ARC Review✨
One thing I love about Penelope’s RH romance books is that whilst they all share similar features (mafia romance, three or more men and one women etc) they are all amazing in their own way. You would have thought they would be too similar, but they’re not. Penelope still manages to have you hooked from the start.
What I like about this book is reading about a badass heroine. Maeve and her sisters bring this fantastic book to a whole new level- their undying loyalty and protectiveness for each other is amazing to read.
And the men... whilst you only really get a peek (well more than a peek 😉) at them and their life, I can already tell that book 2 is going to be fantastic. I can’t wait to see more of them and how they will interact with Maeve I’m the future.
This book does end in a cliffhanger. Whilst it’s not as bad as previous cliffhangers, it has still left me grasping at straws and giddy to read the next book. So all I can say is, bring it on Penelope, I’m waiting 😂
I highly recommend reading The Wren and previous RH series’s by Penelope Black, as there are some characters that cross over from them.
STARS:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5
SPICE:🌶🌶🌶🌶
One thing I love about Penelope’s RH romance books is that whilst they all share similar features (mafia romance, three or more men and one women etc) they are all amazing in their own way. You would have thought they would be too similar, but they’re not. Penelope still manages to have you hooked from the start.
What I like about this book is reading about a badass heroine. Maeve and her sisters bring this fantastic book to a whole new level- their undying loyalty and protectiveness for each other is amazing to read.
And the men... whilst you only really get a peek (well more than a peek 😉) at them and their life, I can already tell that book 2 is going to be fantastic. I can’t wait to see more of them and how they will interact with Maeve I’m the future.
This book does end in a cliffhanger. Whilst it’s not as bad as previous cliffhangers, it has still left me grasping at straws and giddy to read the next book. So all I can say is, bring it on Penelope, I’m waiting 😂
I highly recommend reading The Wren and previous RH series’s by Penelope Black, as there are some characters that cross over from them.
STARS:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5
SPICE:🌶🌶🌶🌶
September 25, 2022
TITLE: The Wren
GENRE: New Adult Romance
AUTHOR: Penelope Black
TROPE: Mafia, Arranged Marriage
TYPE: Duet (Las Vegas Book 1)
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Wren is an angst-filled Mafia romance with twists, turns and a strong female lead. I burned through this story in a single afternoon sitting. There is a big cliffhanger at the end, but part two of the duet is coming out in October, so I will not be in suspense for long. Maeve comes from a family of all daughters and is trying to fight her father's wishes with the support of her sisters to avoid her fate of an arranged marriage with a man she has never met. The pace of the book moved quickly and captured me along for the ride the whole time. I am giving The Wren a 4 / 5 Star rating.
GENRE: New Adult Romance
AUTHOR: Penelope Black
TROPE: Mafia, Arranged Marriage
TYPE: Duet (Las Vegas Book 1)
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Wren is an angst-filled Mafia romance with twists, turns and a strong female lead. I burned through this story in a single afternoon sitting. There is a big cliffhanger at the end, but part two of the duet is coming out in October, so I will not be in suspense for long. Maeve comes from a family of all daughters and is trying to fight her father's wishes with the support of her sisters to avoid her fate of an arranged marriage with a man she has never met. The pace of the book moved quickly and captured me along for the ride the whole time. I am giving The Wren a 4 / 5 Star rating.
September 25, 2022
I seriously couldn’t put it down. It’s intense, sexy & lots of twists. Muave will go to anything length to protect the ones she loved especially when it comes to her sisters. Her dad tries to marry her off but when she means them. Her world is rocked. But she’s a king & I love how penelope wrote such a strong female character. I seriously cannot wait until book 2
September 25, 2022
Maeve is being forced into an arranged married and is trying to find a way out of it. She doesn’t care about a war that might be breaking out. She is a strong woman who can take care of herself and her sisters. She meets a few men that she can’t get out of her mind. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. This book has many twists and turns and I literally couldn’t put it down read in one day. I love Maeve and her sisters and Nico and his brothers. Left on a cliffhanger, but book two will be out in a couple of weeks.
October 1, 2022
THIS BOOK! It was EVERYTHING! It was very very plot heavy. You think you know, but you don’t. The family dynamic in The Wren is unmatched and I loved it.
I went into the book blind thinking it was another great mafia romance, but that isn’t all you get with this one.
A band of mafia princess sisters that are thick as thieves have been through it together. The story is mainly about the eldest sister Maeve, whose father, much to her and her sisters’ dismays, arranged for her to be married off to the eldest son to the Italian Maifa. Then there is the flip side of the story that is about 3 Italian Mafia brothers, who are also extremely close. The eldest is arranged to marry the eldest Irish Mafia princess.
It’s a crazy ride…nothing that you’d expect. I could not put this book down. I know I’m a little late on the review, but the book was phenomenal.
The Santorini brothers were drool worthy, and the King sisters were hella badass. I LOVE a strong female lead and Maeve was magnificent.
Everything is centered around protecting her sisters, and they love her with an equal fierce.
This was so much more than a romance. The spice was seldom, but immaculately hot and detailed and tension filled. The plot twists, yes multiple twists, were crazzyyyyy!!! Ahhh I can’t rave about this book enough. Also, did I mention there’s a Romeo to a Juliet that recites Shakespeare to win her heart? Fucking swoon. If you’re into sexy, action packed, vengeful MCs, and insanely interwoven plots…THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
Favorite Quotes: But now that I’ve had her, I’ll never fucking let her go. Never. I could have a lifetime with her and it would never be enough. She can run to the ends of the earth, and I’ll track that sweet ass down and give her another reminder of who she belongs to. She just doesn’t realize it yet, but she will. Next time I see her, I’m going to make damn sure she understands that I always play to win.
“Baby girl, I’m still wearing your cum on my lips like frosting from my favorite cake.”
She reaches out slowly, her palm flattening against my chest. She pauses over my heart, and I swear it beats a rhythm only for her.
In a sea of eight million, he is the one who kept me from feeling lonely. And like I dreamt him to life, suddenly, he’s here.
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Multiple love interests
Badass FMC
Romeo and Juliet mentions
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶
I went into the book blind thinking it was another great mafia romance, but that isn’t all you get with this one.
A band of mafia princess sisters that are thick as thieves have been through it together. The story is mainly about the eldest sister Maeve, whose father, much to her and her sisters’ dismays, arranged for her to be married off to the eldest son to the Italian Maifa. Then there is the flip side of the story that is about 3 Italian Mafia brothers, who are also extremely close. The eldest is arranged to marry the eldest Irish Mafia princess.
It’s a crazy ride…nothing that you’d expect. I could not put this book down. I know I’m a little late on the review, but the book was phenomenal.
The Santorini brothers were drool worthy, and the King sisters were hella badass. I LOVE a strong female lead and Maeve was magnificent.
Everything is centered around protecting her sisters, and they love her with an equal fierce.
This was so much more than a romance. The spice was seldom, but immaculately hot and detailed and tension filled. The plot twists, yes multiple twists, were crazzyyyyy!!! Ahhh I can’t rave about this book enough. Also, did I mention there’s a Romeo to a Juliet that recites Shakespeare to win her heart? Fucking swoon. If you’re into sexy, action packed, vengeful MCs, and insanely interwoven plots…THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
Favorite Quotes: But now that I’ve had her, I’ll never fucking let her go. Never. I could have a lifetime with her and it would never be enough. She can run to the ends of the earth, and I’ll track that sweet ass down and give her another reminder of who she belongs to. She just doesn’t realize it yet, but she will. Next time I see her, I’m going to make damn sure she understands that I always play to win.
“Baby girl, I’m still wearing your cum on my lips like frosting from my favorite cake.”
She reaches out slowly, her palm flattening against my chest. She pauses over my heart, and I swear it beats a rhythm only for her.
In a sea of eight million, he is the one who kept me from feeling lonely. And like I dreamt him to life, suddenly, he’s here.
Tropes:
Mafia romance
Multiple love interests
Badass FMC
Romeo and Juliet mentions
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶
September 28, 2022
8/10⭐️
3/5🔥
MFMM/RH/multi POV/med burn/mafia/arranged marriage/violence/cliffhanger
First book of the The King Sisters(Las Vegas) Duet. This book does end on a cliffhanger. There are some character crossovers and cameos from The Brotherhood Series but you don’t have to read those first.
Maeve is the oldest of five girls and when news breaks that she’s to be married off, they’re all livid that their father would just shuttle them off like cattle. As the mafia princess Maeve is, she’s been raised in this life they lead. She has been training since she was a child. The girls decide to take matters into their own hands to get the marriage contract terminated. The only issues it that Nico Santorini is just as much of a ghost online that she is… When her father catches wind of what’s she’s attempted to do, he signs a new contract with some else and throws some serious threats around to make sure Maeve doesn’t skirt her ‘responsibility’.. but she determined to live her life the way she wants up until she had to leave for California. That just happens to come in the form of three wild romps under the sheets with three strangers…
Nico, Tommy and Roman have been stuck under their father thumb for longer than they ever thought would happen. He is a ruthless cunning arrogant mafia boss and he doesn’t hesitate to try to put the boys in their place. When Nico find out he has been promised away to some random woman, he’s nowhere near thrilled either… and they decide its finally time to knock their father down about 6ft…but can they actually get away with it… on top of the secrets they are all keeping from each other.
I flewwww through this book. This had a strong, smart resilient FMC and three dangerous tattoo covered bad boys 🥵 I love the dynamic the brothers have. They are so loyal to each other… but we know what secrets they’re all keeping from each other… one of which comes in a 5ft 4in package with dark hair 😏 I loved Maeve’s tenacity through out the book. While she was willing to do anything to keep her sisters safe and happy, she also didn’t just roll over. Her and all her sisters are bad ass boss babes. I really hope we get stories for them in the future. I’m waiting impatiently for book #2 in this duet. The action and revelations that started to surface at the end of this have me begging for the conclusion to this duet!
-ARC Review-
3/5🔥
MFMM/RH/multi POV/med burn/mafia/arranged marriage/violence/cliffhanger
First book of the The King Sisters(Las Vegas) Duet. This book does end on a cliffhanger. There are some character crossovers and cameos from The Brotherhood Series but you don’t have to read those first.
Maeve is the oldest of five girls and when news breaks that she’s to be married off, they’re all livid that their father would just shuttle them off like cattle. As the mafia princess Maeve is, she’s been raised in this life they lead. She has been training since she was a child. The girls decide to take matters into their own hands to get the marriage contract terminated. The only issues it that Nico Santorini is just as much of a ghost online that she is… When her father catches wind of what’s she’s attempted to do, he signs a new contract with some else and throws some serious threats around to make sure Maeve doesn’t skirt her ‘responsibility’.. but she determined to live her life the way she wants up until she had to leave for California. That just happens to come in the form of three wild romps under the sheets with three strangers…
Nico, Tommy and Roman have been stuck under their father thumb for longer than they ever thought would happen. He is a ruthless cunning arrogant mafia boss and he doesn’t hesitate to try to put the boys in their place. When Nico find out he has been promised away to some random woman, he’s nowhere near thrilled either… and they decide its finally time to knock their father down about 6ft…but can they actually get away with it… on top of the secrets they are all keeping from each other.
I flewwww through this book. This had a strong, smart resilient FMC and three dangerous tattoo covered bad boys 🥵 I love the dynamic the brothers have. They are so loyal to each other… but we know what secrets they’re all keeping from each other… one of which comes in a 5ft 4in package with dark hair 😏 I loved Maeve’s tenacity through out the book. While she was willing to do anything to keep her sisters safe and happy, she also didn’t just roll over. Her and all her sisters are bad ass boss babes. I really hope we get stories for them in the future. I’m waiting impatiently for book #2 in this duet. The action and revelations that started to surface at the end of this have me begging for the conclusion to this duet!
-ARC Review-
September 28, 2022
This is the best Penelope Black to date, and I CAN NOT wait to read The Wild, THANK GOD we only have to wait a month!!
Wanna talk about BA sisters who would do anything to protect each other, look no further than the King Sisters!
Who doesn’t LOVE a strong, confident main female character. But also you get to finally see Maeve’s heart. If you have read the brotherhood series you have seen what the King Sisters are capable of, but The Wren exposes a new side of Maeve and her sisters that is so fun to get to see! Maeve’s dad has arranged for her to be married off to help their family and further his control in the Syndicate. Her and her sisters are livid and do everything in their power to to against their fathers wishes.
The Santorini Brothers! OH MY LORD I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE IN LOVE WITH A SET OF MEN IN MY LIFE, GOOD GOD! You only get glimpses of them and their story throughout this first book, but what you do see and learn makes these men *chefs kiss* YUM YUM YUM!! Though the story starts focused around Maeve & Nico, each brother plays a significant role FOR SURE!
Be prepared for all the twists, turns, and suspense! This book was so good, and I so easily gave it five stars! I can not wait for The Wild and to see what else Penelope does with the rest of the King Sisters. Be warned this is a duet, and there are major questions and cliffhangers where you are left hanging my friends!
Wanna talk about BA sisters who would do anything to protect each other, look no further than the King Sisters!
Who doesn’t LOVE a strong, confident main female character. But also you get to finally see Maeve’s heart. If you have read the brotherhood series you have seen what the King Sisters are capable of, but The Wren exposes a new side of Maeve and her sisters that is so fun to get to see! Maeve’s dad has arranged for her to be married off to help their family and further his control in the Syndicate. Her and her sisters are livid and do everything in their power to to against their fathers wishes.
The Santorini Brothers! OH MY LORD I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE IN LOVE WITH A SET OF MEN IN MY LIFE, GOOD GOD! You only get glimpses of them and their story throughout this first book, but what you do see and learn makes these men *chefs kiss* YUM YUM YUM!! Though the story starts focused around Maeve & Nico, each brother plays a significant role FOR SURE!
Be prepared for all the twists, turns, and suspense! This book was so good, and I so easily gave it five stars! I can not wait for The Wild and to see what else Penelope does with the rest of the King Sisters. Be warned this is a duet, and there are major questions and cliffhangers where you are left hanging my friends!
October 4, 2022
Maeve is the big sister of the King girls, she is the protector and will do anything for them. When her father arranges a marriage for her she finds her way out, when he does it again she doesn’t want her sisters to suffer the consequences if she doesn’t follow through. I love how she will do anything for her family and how she handles herself in the circumstances she finds herself in. The way she unknowingly meets her men and how they are related is even better. I can not wait to see how book two plays out!!
October 3, 2022
God how am I going to wait for book two?!?! Thankfully it’s not that far off! I love these sisters! Seriously each one better be getting a book because they are badass & awesome!
Maeve is amazing & I love her character so much! These brothers are a whole other story & while we don’t know a ton about them right now I still really really like them. A lot has gone down in this book & my head is spinning from all the surprises. I love it! I was so addicted to this book & these loveable characters that I couldn’t put it down! So so excited for book two!
Maeve is amazing & I love her character so much! These brothers are a whole other story & while we don’t know a ton about them right now I still really really like them. A lot has gone down in this book & my head is spinning from all the surprises. I love it! I was so addicted to this book & these loveable characters that I couldn’t put it down! So so excited for book two!
September 28, 2022
Delicious steamy read
The Wren, #1 in the Las Vegas duet. Another triumph for Penelope Black ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was so exciting to read more about the fascinating King sisters who we've met in previous books, and we learn so much more of their background and individual skills.
Maeve, the eldest sees it as her duty to look after and protect her 4 siblings: Fiona, Keira, Ava and Rosie.
We meet again the hot, Alpha Santorini brothers (Nico, Tomasso and Romeo), who are still plotting ways to get out from the thumb of their despotic father Vito.
This story is essentially an arranged marriage trope with delightful, humorous, steamy twists.
Maeve is promised in a brokered deal to Nico Santorini, and has her own opinion on that idea and sets out to thwart this plan, ably assisted by her sisters...
Such a delicious twist at the end... I did not see that coming!! Cannot wait to read the conclusion in The Wild... releasing October 26.
The Wren, #1 in the Las Vegas duet. Another triumph for Penelope Black ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was so exciting to read more about the fascinating King sisters who we've met in previous books, and we learn so much more of their background and individual skills.
Maeve, the eldest sees it as her duty to look after and protect her 4 siblings: Fiona, Keira, Ava and Rosie.
We meet again the hot, Alpha Santorini brothers (Nico, Tomasso and Romeo), who are still plotting ways to get out from the thumb of their despotic father Vito.
This story is essentially an arranged marriage trope with delightful, humorous, steamy twists.
Maeve is promised in a brokered deal to Nico Santorini, and has her own opinion on that idea and sets out to thwart this plan, ably assisted by her sisters...
Such a delicious twist at the end... I did not see that coming!! Cannot wait to read the conclusion in The Wild... releasing October 26.
September 29, 2022
If you like Mafia, arranged marriage and why choose then pick up this book!! This book will keep your attention and have you hanging on to the end. You get multiple povs and a group of sisters who are strong and willing to take down the bad guys. Maeve is the first born and made to marry but she has different plans.. She also is crafty and smart. She isn't afraid to screw up plans and make her own. She also doesn't seem to have a problem attracting the men. The men in this book have the same plan as the sisters and seem to help each other despite not knowing who they are..They are tired of their father and his dirty ways and want him gone. These guys have a strong bond and will do whatever to make it happen. This book was so well written and action packed with even some sexy times. I can't wait to read The Wild to see what happens next with these guys and girls!!! Very good book!
September 26, 2022
We are finally getting to meet the King sisters on a more in-depth level, and I couldn’t be more excited. If you haven’t read Penelope Black yet, go back to The Brotherhood and start at Wolf. We are introduced to The Wren (sorry not giving away who she is here) and her sisters then and I just couldn’t wait to know more about them from the get go.
We ended The Five Families series with a glimpse at the King sisters and they’re Da and talks about one of them being set up for an arranged marriage, and none of them are having any of that.
We follow along The Wren in trying to do what she needs to break out of that contract, and have some fun along the way.
The guys we have met before as well, and I am so excited to see them back. They actually are the perfect fit for her, and she them, just not on the terms laid out in front of her, she wants to choose marriage for love.
The cliffhanger is incredible, with action, shock and intensity. Just what we expected from a Penelope book, and I can’t wait for more to come in The Wild.
We ended The Five Families series with a glimpse at the King sisters and they’re Da and talks about one of them being set up for an arranged marriage, and none of them are having any of that.
We follow along The Wren in trying to do what she needs to break out of that contract, and have some fun along the way.
The guys we have met before as well, and I am so excited to see them back. They actually are the perfect fit for her, and she them, just not on the terms laid out in front of her, she wants to choose marriage for love.
The cliffhanger is incredible, with action, shock and intensity. Just what we expected from a Penelope book, and I can’t wait for more to come in The Wild.
September 29, 2022
I sort of went in blind with this book so was not too sure what to expect especially as I have never read a Penelope Black book before. Well I can honestly say I loved it! It is the first book in a duet and although it's the start a new series there are characters that crossover from her other books. Bearing this in mind and not having read any of them I didn’t feel I was missing anything, in fact it made me want to go back and read them. It is a mafia why choose romance with plenty of twists, turns, spice, oh and a cliffhanger! I loved the characters especially FMC sisters! I'm glad we don’t have to wait long for book two I need to know what happens! In the mean time I'm off to read some of her other books.
October 15, 2022
“The Wren” is a fantastic novel from Penelope Black! The first I’ve read from this author and now I’m eagerly awaiting the next!
“The Wren” follows two mafia families: The King’s and The Santorini’s. The King family has five daughters, each with a set of very unique skills perfect for the mafia (think computer genius, weapon obsessed, etc). The Santorini’s are an Italian family who essentially run Las Vegas. Our main character, Maeve, ends up in an arranged marriage and the story that ensues is Maeve’s absolute defiance and refusal of the contract.
What immediately drew me in was the authenticity of the King girls. Their relationship is so pure that I truly enjoyed reading about the sisters. Other novels have a cheesy “this isn’t real life” quality to the sisterly bond, but not “The Wren”. Black writes a family dynamic so strong that it feels genuine even off of the pages. Similarly, the Santorini brothers (moment of silence because I can’t choose a favorite…) are your typical rough Mafia men who don’t put up with any shit, especially if it’s to do with their own father. I love the glimpse that we got to see in each of the brothers lives and how they all got to meet Maeve, despite not knowing the other was also involved with her.
The Wren is a unique, fresh take on mafia romance with an added kick for being reverse harem. It’s fast paced and will keep you on your toes the whole time. I hope Black will release a discreet cover so that I can one day have this duet on my shelves!
I received an arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.
“The Wren” follows two mafia families: The King’s and The Santorini’s. The King family has five daughters, each with a set of very unique skills perfect for the mafia (think computer genius, weapon obsessed, etc). The Santorini’s are an Italian family who essentially run Las Vegas. Our main character, Maeve, ends up in an arranged marriage and the story that ensues is Maeve’s absolute defiance and refusal of the contract.
What immediately drew me in was the authenticity of the King girls. Their relationship is so pure that I truly enjoyed reading about the sisters. Other novels have a cheesy “this isn’t real life” quality to the sisterly bond, but not “The Wren”. Black writes a family dynamic so strong that it feels genuine even off of the pages. Similarly, the Santorini brothers (moment of silence because I can’t choose a favorite…) are your typical rough Mafia men who don’t put up with any shit, especially if it’s to do with their own father. I love the glimpse that we got to see in each of the brothers lives and how they all got to meet Maeve, despite not knowing the other was also involved with her.
The Wren is a unique, fresh take on mafia romance with an added kick for being reverse harem. It’s fast paced and will keep you on your toes the whole time. I hope Black will release a discreet cover so that I can one day have this duet on my shelves!
I received an arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2022
✨ARC Review✨
Here we have The Wren, a King Sisters novel and the first in The Last Vegas duet. Penelope has done it again sucking me into a story of a strong, kicka$$ woman and mäfia romance.
Y’all it has
•Arranged marriage
•Why-choose romance
•Irish mäfia
•Praise
•AH-mazing characters
I cannot recommend this enough—it’s so fun and exciting! As always, check your TWs/CWs.
Here we have The Wren, a King Sisters novel and the first in The Last Vegas duet. Penelope has done it again sucking me into a story of a strong, kicka$$ woman and mäfia romance.
Y’all it has
•Arranged marriage
•Why-choose romance
•Irish mäfia
•Praise
•AH-mazing characters
I cannot recommend this enough—it’s so fun and exciting! As always, check your TWs/CWs.
September 25, 2022
The Wren is book one of the Las Vegas series and cannot be read as a standalone. This book completely blew me away! I love all of Penelope’s books but this is by far my favorite! I devoured this book in one sitting and couldn’t stop reading!
Maeve is the oldest of five sisters and has been sold off by her father into an arranged marriage. She refuses to be used as a pawn in her father’s sick games and decides her betrothed needs to die instead. Nico is the oldest of three sons and his father has decided it’s time for him to take a wife. Nico and his brothers are against this decision and decide to take matters into their own hands.
This book is full of angst, action, twists and turns, secrets, suspense, betrayal, and has some spice thrown in. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next and love that we don’t have to wait long for the conclusion!
Maeve is the oldest of five sisters and has been sold off by her father into an arranged marriage. She refuses to be used as a pawn in her father’s sick games and decides her betrothed needs to die instead. Nico is the oldest of three sons and his father has decided it’s time for him to take a wife. Nico and his brothers are against this decision and decide to take matters into their own hands.
This book is full of angst, action, twists and turns, secrets, suspense, betrayal, and has some spice thrown in. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next and love that we don’t have to wait long for the conclusion!
September 26, 2022
Thank you for @authorpenelopeblack for the ARC to read, I’m hoping that it’s going to push me out the #ReadingSlump that I seem to be stuck in!
Let’s go…
Oooh playlist! What do we know #ILoveAPlaylist
Okay, Maeve and her sisters are badass! Like serious vigilante badassery badasses!
And the brothers - ooosh. Where can I get some of those!?
I liked the twist at the end, it did make me laugh and the inclusion of Rush et al is a nice link.
As usual the story flowed effortlessly and I was sucked into the dark world of all things mafia and American. Wonderful!
Now I know it’s a rapid release with The Wild being released 26/10 but it’s still too long to wait to know what happens next!!
5⭐️
Let’s go…
Oooh playlist! What do we know #ILoveAPlaylist
Okay, Maeve and her sisters are badass! Like serious vigilante badassery badasses!
And the brothers - ooosh. Where can I get some of those!?
I liked the twist at the end, it did make me laugh and the inclusion of Rush et al is a nice link.
As usual the story flowed effortlessly and I was sucked into the dark world of all things mafia and American. Wonderful!
Now I know it’s a rapid release with The Wild being released 26/10 but it’s still too long to wait to know what happens next!!
5⭐️
September 28, 2022
This book was a perfect part one to this two part series! Although it wasn’t super spicy, there scenes that were were really well done. I absolutely love the King sisters and have since they were first introduced in one of Penelope’s other series. I adore Mauve and as a big sister I feel like I can relate to her in so many ways. Also the guys are absolutely phenomenal! I can’t wait to learn more about them and dive into their individual personalities more. This one does end on a cliff hanger but it’s not too brutal and book two comes out in October!
September 28, 2022
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Book 1 of 2
Mafia
Arranged Marriage
Reverse Harem “why choose” vibes in book 1
Cliffhanger
Maeve is the daughter of a Irish mafia man and he is choosing to “give” his daughter away for a gain for the syndicate.
Maeve agrees in order to save her sisters. She makes a plan to get out of the deal and try’s to live her life to fullest before she is married off however she meets 3 men along the way that may change things.
The book ends in a cliffhanger 🫣 and I can not wait to see what happens in book 2!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Book 1 of 2
Mafia
Arranged Marriage
Reverse Harem “why choose” vibes in book 1
Cliffhanger
Maeve is the daughter of a Irish mafia man and he is choosing to “give” his daughter away for a gain for the syndicate.
Maeve agrees in order to save her sisters. She makes a plan to get out of the deal and try’s to live her life to fullest before she is married off however she meets 3 men along the way that may change things.
The book ends in a cliffhanger 🫣 and I can not wait to see what happens in book 2!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this first part of Mauve's story. She is tough, but not in an over-the-top way. She's the oldest of 5 girls and is their protector and mother hen. I love how close they all are. Mauve is forced to make an impossible choice to keep them safe, and even though the first plan doesn't work and the second goes awry, she is still committed to shielding them from her fate. Excited to see how she snags the Santorini brothers in the second half of this saga. Or maybe they'll snag her. 😉
September 28, 2022
I want to be part of the King family. I want to have sisters like they do. This book had me hooked, Maeve is a strong badass female. I couldn’t put this one down and I’m excited to see where things will go and how everything plays out with the brothers.
September 30, 2022
So good!
Loved reading this! It’s fast paced and action action action! Loved the story and want to know more! The king sisters are amazing!
Loved reading this! It’s fast paced and action action action! Loved the story and want to know more! The king sisters are amazing!
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