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Sins & Deceit #3

Because I Want You

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From New York Times bestseller Claire Contreras comes a new, sexy standalone mafia romance novel…

Roselyn Vega -
When Gabriel De Luca waltzed into the nightclub where I was bartending, looking like he'd just stepped out of the pages of GQ Magazine: Wall Street Edition, it felt like fate.

I hadn't seen him in ten years, but it felt like no time had passed between us. He'd been my first boyfriend, and I trusted him, so when he asked me how I ended up bartending for one of the most feared crime bosses, I told him everything. After that night, he went MIA, and suddenly, I'm very concerned for both our safety.

When he finally shows up, a week later, he's acting different, walking different, and even looks a little different, but I'm so relieved that he's okay that I barely register those things.

A couple of nights later, when he breaks into my apartment in the middle of the night I realize that it wasn't Gabriel who'd walked into the club the other night, but his brother. His infuriating, domineering, dangerous brother, who, unlike Gabriel, followed their father's footsteps into the world of organized crime. He demands that I pack my bags and go with him. I refuse, fight and argue, but the thing about Dominic De Luca is that one way or another, he always gets his way.

Dominic De Luca -
There's a code between brothers. I should know. I have a lot of them.

Don't lie.

Don't steal from each other.

Don't f each other's women *without permission*.

This particular situation made that last one a little less black and white because my brother, my first best friend, the guy who shared a womb with me, failed to tell me that the bartender he'd been seeing was Roselyn Vega. Of course, he wouldn't tell me. Now the voice message he left before he completely disappeared makes sense. "Take care of her. Don't f her."

Usually, that wouldn't be a problem (read: the code), but it's a little tricky this time. You see, Rosie was mine before he took her from me ten years ago, and many things have changed during that time. I've changed, my circumstances have changed, but my confounding, obnoxious crush on Rosie? Yeah, that's still the same. He left her in my care and warned me not to do anything, but I'm not making any promises.

**Because I Want You is a complete standalone novel set in the same world as Because You're Mine and Because I Need You

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2022

864 people are currently reading
4540 people want to read

About the author

Claire Contreras

46 books17.7k followers
Claire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance.
When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.

Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter

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5 stars
1,268 (34%)
4 stars
1,453 (39%)
3 stars
780 (21%)
2 stars
143 (3%)
1 star
37 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,558 reviews35.9k followers
September 14, 2022
4 stars

Because I Want You is another fantastic romantic suspense in Claire Contreras 'Because' world. This had a bit of enemies to lovers, long time pining, and Dom and Rosie were such great characters.

Dom and Rosie have a complicated past. It's been quite a while since they've seen each other, but now that they've reconnected and are working together in a way, they can't stay away. Rosie is such a strong heroine. She would do anything for her family. Dom is an alpha male and Rosie gives him a run for his money.

We've gotten books for Loren, Gio, and Dom... I only hope Rocco's book is next. Or Gabe's. I'm not picky. Either way, I can't wait to get more from this world and found family.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,936 reviews395 followers
October 6, 2022
“Dom made me feel like I was in over my head,..

.. and I wasn’t even in anything at all with him.”

Loved Dom and Rosie’s story. If you enjoy mafia romance where the hero is down bad, and there’s the perfect amount of mafia happenings, then you’ll love Because I Want You. This entire series is great. All can be read standalone, but the characters are all involved so I vote read them all. Can’t wait for what’s next. I think I know WHO it will be and I’m pumped.

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRuY2BPt/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRm357CM/
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,568 followers
September 1, 2022
GAH! I have loved Claire Contreras's Because series from the very beginning. I am so obsessed with the world building and the characters and could not be more excited for Dominic's book. He was sooo intriguing and deadly in Gio's book that I was so ready for him to become my new favorite! In Because I Want You, I loved his chemistry with Rosie and the incredible banter throughout the story. Seeing the rest of his family and brothers was just the icing on the cake!

While I loved Rosie and Dominic so much (hello his dirty talk is FIREEEE ) I will admit that at times I felt that their connection was almost rushed. Their chemistry was undeniable but I felt like something was missing between them. They reconnected after ten years with alot of history, shared painful trauma and family drama between them, and yet, soon after reconnecting, they were suddenly together. I would have liked to see a little build up between them. Don't get me wrong - Dominic can get it (LOL) - but in the first two books in this series, readers could see the pivotal moments where more of a poignant connection was made before the Hero and Heroine hooked up. I didn't quite feel that in this book.

Overall, however, this book was a winner! It is fiery, sexy, addicting and a MUST READ! Now I can't wait for Rocco and Dean's books! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,908 reviews1,366 followers
Read
July 10, 2022
Loved them. Loved their storyline. Great steam and chemistry between the two. The plot was also so well done and woven into the couple’s relationship.

With each standalone book, I love this crew more and more. I really felt like this one allowed us to see them as a family. I loved these moments so much!

Beta
Profile Image for Beatrice.
1,252 reviews1,726 followers
January 15, 2023
I am invested in this mafia series. Dom and Rosie have a natural chemistry and the plot is great. The steamy scenes are fiery and even the story isn’t as dark as other mafia books, I am looking forward for the books revolving this world. So excited for Rocco’s book!
August 9, 2024
4-4.5 ⭐'s

Dominic and Rosie (along with several others) went through something horrific and everyone scattered. Now, Dominic is trying to find his missing brother, Gabe, who sent him in the direction of Rosie, his forever crush.

Wow...Dominic. I was not expecting him. Rocco - yes, Dominic - no. However, believe me, it took me no time to get on board. He is absolutely yummy.

The "brothers" are being tested and I love how strong they are.

Dominic and Rosie were sooo sweet.

And Hello Rocco...his book is next, Because I'm Yours, coming out December 8th.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,384 reviews48 followers
September 2, 2022
I really like Dominic, especially how vulnerable he lets himself be for Rosie. He's not afraid to humble himself or show his feelings for her, and she's got a little fierceness to her. The action and storyline in this were entertaining.

I didn't realize this was part of a series (which is totally just my fault), so there were a lot of names and info thrown at me in the beginning. But this book focuses on Dominic and Rosie. They both experienced something in their childhood that forever affected them, and this is almost like a second chance after all these years for love. I thought the ending was super sweet, too. And you gotta love tough guys with big hearts.
Profile Image for tomshoney1.
505 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2022
I'm guessing this is Emma's book. And Dom? I love it already. 5 stars! ***** 😜
Profile Image for Shannon The Co-Captain.
1,017 reviews
March 11, 2024
3.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This one was just ok for me. I wasn’t super thrilled with book #1 either. Now, book #2…Gio. Yes. All day long. I just couldn’t connect with these characters. The thing that really saved the book for me was the interactions with Rocco and the other guys. Especially Rocco. I’ll definitely continue with the series and I wouldn’t mind Jimmy Ryan getting a book. Just saying.
Profile Image for j.bee.reads.
106 reviews30 followers
September 5, 2022
ARC Review for Because I Want You

Because I Want You is a complete standalone novel set in the same world as Because You're Mine and Because I Need You.

Tropes:
Mafia romance
Brothers ex

Roselyn Vega is a ballet dancer by day & bartender by night. All she wants to do is keep her head down and help her father and look out for her brother.

Dominic De Luca is dark, dangerous and a ruthless Mob Boss.

It’s been 10 years since Rosie & Dom have last seen each other. The day Dom walks back into Rosie’s life, he realizes his feelings for her have not changed since they were kids. His twin brother Gabe who is missing left him a desperate message to look after Roselyn, who is Gabes ex. But under no circumstance is he to sleep with her.
All Rosie wants to do is dance and pay back her fathers debt. But with threats coming from her dangerous crime boss, Dom takes her in to keep her safe. But Dom is involved in organized crime & lives a dangerous life as well. With the forced proximity and past connection these two share, will feelings start to resurface? Will Rosie give in and open herself up to Dom, even though she promised herself she would stay away from that dangerous life that once ruined her?

These book in this series keep getting better and better!! Loved this couple loved the past connection they share. I do wish they had more of a build up to their reconnection, but I do understand they share a past.
The plot the action and the spice were so well written. Dom is 🔥🔥🔥🥵 and his dirty talk is so HOT! This book is definitely a must read. I really enjoyed this series & can’t wait for more! 🖤

3/5 🌶 4/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for CYNDY.
1,149 reviews33 followers
October 6, 2022
*****5 Want Stars*****
I loved this Dom and Rosie’s story is full of enemies to lovers, suspense, long time secret crush, forbidden romance. Rosie has been trying to survive because the current situation she in is not ideal but she trying to keep her family together the only way she can. But when Rosie past become a part of her present things are not what they seem. The Deluca brothers are a part that past so when Gabriel enters her life again she feels safe again like she uses to when they were younger until everything went south. Rosie feels like this might be the turning point in the mess she caught up in. It’s been 10 years since Dom has seen Rosie he realizes his feelings for her have not changed since they were kids. But Rosie was never his to being with but he’ll fight her every step of the way to keep her safe and keep his search for his brother Gabe. Dom is a dark, dangerous man and a ruthless Mob Boss. Can Dom keep Rosie safe? Can Rosie and Dom keep it civil enough to find Gabe and keep her safe? Will Dom keep his hands of Rosie? Will Rosie let Do in?
*****ARC from Valentine PR & Literary Management for review*****
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,960 reviews104 followers
September 15, 2022
Can I have a favorite "Because" guy? Because I think I do. The dominant Dominic DeLuca has me.

Roselyn and Dominic grew up together, but Roselyn was closer to Dom's brother Gabe. They dated afterall, but Dom wanted Roselyn first. Gabe was just faster. Fast forward years later and these three have lost their mothers brutally and their lives have forever changed. When Roselyn shares some information with Gabe, he goes missing soon after and our mafia romance is set with some major suspense and some forced proximity that brings Dom and Rosie together and forced to acknowledge their pasts and attraction that they have for one another.

Although this is s standalone and can totally be read as such, I loved seeing Dom mentioned in previous books and how he was depicted. And now we get his story and his sexy a$$ mouth. I loved his domineering, mob boss ways and his connection to Rosie in the past. When a character that is seen as the bad guy is vulnerable for the right woman, it just gets me. And then there's Rosie. She's a strong woman that is trying to pay back her father's debts while still dancing and taking on all the responsibilities left on her. She hasn't had the easiest life, but this woman works for what she wants and has gotten herself stuck in a situation that Dom tries to help her out of.. When these two come together, they ignite!

IF you like romantic suspense with some forced proximity, you're going to enjoy this one. Plus, if you've read the previous books, you'll love the family feel from Because I Want You. The past characters are all here and we reunite with them as family and get to enjoy their banter and the way they all care for one another while living the mafia life. Even if you haven't read the previous books, you'll enjoy this story, but I think you'll want to go back and read the books after this one because of the way you see all the characters come together in this story. Sexy, suspenseful, group dynamics that really brings out the mafia feel of the book.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,986 reviews210 followers
September 15, 2022
Because I Want You is the third book in Claire's Because series and WOW!!

No surprise here that I loved this book. Every new book that Claire releases, her writing just gets better and better.

This book may be a part of a series but it can be easily read as a standalone. And I can attest because my dumbass has not read the first two – I swear I will rectify that!!

Because I Want You is a mafia romance that features Rosie and Dominic. Let me tell you, the tension and chemistry between them is fire!!

I want to say so much and yet so little because I do not want to give anything away. I will just leave you with this:

Rosie is a fiery woman who's very loyal to her family. Dominic is the twin she always avoided growing up and now after ten years, Dom has re-entered her life and isn't really giving her the option of staying away. Add in the all the very well written suspenseful mafia portions and this book is a live wire in so many ways.

Even if you have not started this series, grab this book. It will make you want to go back and read the first two afterwards. I know, because that's what I'm doing.

Because I Want You is another book from Claire that you cannot pass up on.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,594 reviews113 followers
October 5, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Author ***

This is one of those books you almost feel guilty enjoying.

Is it a messed up relationship? Yes. Are there red flags all over? Sure. Are Dom and Rosie perfect for one another? Yup.

And I think that's he fun of a book like this. In real life, you'd not show up for the next date. But in a book, you can immerse yourself in a world that isn't yours and isn't likely to be anytime soon.

It's also a book that's hard to review without spoilers as some of the best scenes are ones you don't want to see coming or it ruins them.

So I'm going to say I enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed the others and that I recommend this title.
Profile Image for Emily.
357 reviews18 followers
September 7, 2022
3.5⭐
4🌶️
5💗

This book was challenging to give just one type of rating! The plot was decent, and the spice was HOT, but the romance between Dominic and Rosie was the best part by far! Dominic was so swoony with Rosie! His reaction to seeing her dance for the first time 😍. And I cried! Which I rarely do! I would recommend this book if you love an anti-hero who's only mushy for his Love.
Profile Image for Lexi Cubbins.
Author 1 book75 followers
October 10, 2022
I simply love the flow of these stories, they have the perfect balance between romance and suspense. It also helps that the heroes are pretty badass, Dom definitely included.

Rosie is working off her dad's debt with a crowd she shouldn't be associated with but since she grew up in the mafia world, it's not unfamiliar to her. She's surprised to see her ex from high school but downright shocked when his twin brother shows up too. Sorry, breaks into her apartment at night.
Turns out, Dom saw Rosie first. He wanted to ask her out first. And it's Dom who only ever pulled such strong feelings from Rosie, not Gabe. But Dom belongs to a world she doesn't want any part of anymore ever since tragedy struck all of their families. He's determined to prove her otherwise.

Don't expect love triangle drama, because there was almost none, but I think it was a nice touch and made me appreciate their connection more.
Profile Image for Smuttybooks_geekystuff.
708 reviews46 followers
September 15, 2022
I LOVED this book!

There is just something about Dominic that I connected with.

Dom and Roselyn have have complicated past and now they are thrown together because of his twin brother going missing.

Their chemistry is undeniable and I really liked the build up in the tension between them.

Dom knows how to talk dirty 🥵

I didn't feel like there was as much action in this one compared to the last book and it focused a bit more on the relationship.

I really like that the group is becoming more and more of a family together.

I can’t wait for Rocco to have his story told 🖤
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,418 reviews264 followers
August 29, 2022
(4.8 Stars)
Dominic Deluca craves the one he can’t have. Rosie was his twin’s girlfriend back in the day but that’s not enough to keep him at bay. Roselyn Vega is paying off her father’s debts bartending but she may be in trouble there. When Dominic’s twin, Gabe, goes missing can he find him and keep Rosie safe? They have known each other for 10 years but in the world of the mafia can you truly find safety & happiness? A romantic suspense of second chances in a violent world. I really enjoyed the connection Dominic and Rosie have and how it builds throughout this book. The other characters are wonderful together in their “brotherly” banter. If you love mafia romances you will enjoy this stand-alone series. Told in dual POV
Profile Image for Tricia Bartley.  #AuthorStalker.
1,299 reviews104 followers
September 5, 2022
Goodness The Angst in this book is strong... this hot sexy couple was off the charts smoking and they were 🔥FIRE🔥!!

Dom and Rosie knew each other when they were younger, a tragedy pushed them apart...Years later they reconnect but let me tell you, they both have had a lot of Shit to deal with..breaks your heart and you may be tempted to throw your kindle across the room, but don't do that cuz you will miss all the banter, angst and the smoking hot sex they have!! haha.

Make sure to add this one to your must reads..Claire knocked this one out the park!!!

5 "Because I Want You" Stars!!
Profile Image for Pinash.
428 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2022
3.5 stars. It would have been a better read if it was written like a standalone. Unlike the other companion novels it featured a lot of characters from the previous two books n I didn’t remember shit. I was so confused till about halfway through. I would have enjoyed it more if I could just understand who the characters were n wtf was happening half the time. Good chemistry and steam. Would have loved to have a recap of sorts
Profile Image for MarielleXO.
946 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2023
2.75 It worked for book 1 & 2 but book 3 fell short for me.

This one felt like a rinse and repeat of the prior books in this series; Woman fears the “Life” has doubts and changes her mind. Woman gets kidnapped and hero rescues her.


@54% I didn’t feel the chemistry or any connection with Rosalie and Dominic.
➡️Even their dirty talk and jealousy flatlined.
➡️Heck I didn’t even feel the connection of friendship with the other characters.
➡️Actually both Dominic and Rosalie annoyed me. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🤷‍♂️

Good Parts
➡️Gio still stole the glory in this book..
➡️Learned “triply” was a actual valid word

The narration wasn’t on par with the past books either.. they might of lowered the rating for me too.. not sure cuz both narrators have always been great in other books.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,400 reviews42 followers
December 30, 2022
5 AMAZING STARS!! Rosie and Dom were amazing!! Their story hit all the emotion buttons with lots of angst. I love this series so much and the characters are so memorable I never want the book to end.
191 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2022
DNF

Yikes! I didn’t like the trope like I thought I would !
Ended up skimming for a bit, but it just didn’t cut it for me .
Won’t leave any spoilers though.
Profile Image for Cookie.
1,473 reviews232 followers
December 21, 2022
Because I Want You is the third book in the Because standalone series. Roselyn gets worried when Gabriel goes MIA after she tells him some secrets she shouldn't have told him. When he shows up at the bar where she works a week later, she is relieved to see him but he is acting strangely. Rosie realizes a few days later that it wasn't Gabe at the bar but his twin brother Dominic who was sent by Gabe to protect her. As Dom and Rosie work together to figure out what happened to Gabe, sparks ignite between them. Dom knows he has to stay away from Rosie because she is Gabe's girlfriend and Rosie doesn't need Dom's thug life drama. They both know that hooking up is a bad idea, but they may not be able to resist one another.

I was immediately hooked into Dominic and Roselyn's story from that first scene in the bar. A bit of mistaken identity, mixed with a missing person, and add in an unrequited love - it was a recipe for a great start for the book. There were so many questions that came to mind - where is Gabe? Was there foul play? What's the history between Dom and Rosie? Are Gabe and Rosie dating? I had to continue reading to get some answers to my questions.

I love an unrequited love story and as soon as I read that Dominic has loved Rosie since they were young, I needed them to get together so badly. He tried to be the good brother at first, not going there with her, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Their first sex scene was super hot and they just got better from there.

My favorite part of the book was when Dom worked to make things right and to win Rosie back. His professions of love for her melted my heart and I wanted to scream at Rosie to take him back already. I was giddy with happiness when Dom finally won Rosie back - that scene was so sweet!!!

Pick up this book for a drama-filled, entertaining, and steamy mafia romance!

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥½
⚠️: home invasion, murder, rape, assault, building fire
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
1,092 reviews12 followers
September 3, 2022
My biggest problem with this book was that life kept interrupting me and I had to put it down. I absolutely loved Dominic! He might have been a little scary but when that man loves, he loves. He had a huge crush on Roselyn 10 years ago. However his twin brother and a tragic event kept them apart. I do wonder what would have happened if his brother hadn't asked her out.

I adored Roselyn. She was strong willed and kind hearted. However she was also stuck in the middle of her dad's mess. A mess that ultimately brought her back into Dom's sights.

I truly loved watching these two fall in love. They had their ups and down but in the end they realized that life is short and if you can't spend it with the people you love then who can you. Nothing was going to keep these two apart and that was one reason I loved them so much. I'm so glad I got to know Dom and Rosie.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
September 14, 2022
This is the 3rd book in this incredible series, and this is Roselyn and Dominic’s journey. Roselyn works as a bartender in a nightclub, and she is surprised when her ex-boyfriend Gabriel walks into the club, as it has been 10-years since they last saw each other. Dominic is Gabriel’s brother, and he is dangerous, dominating, infuriating, and he followed his father into a life of crime. No spoilers: this is one of those stories which needs to be read. This is a well written story which is an enemies / lovers’ romance, with suspense, danger, intrigue, family, friendships, twists, secrets, humor, witty banter, emotions, and love, which leads to a riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,626 reviews150 followers
September 15, 2022
Book three of the series was another great read. I enjoyed the enemies vibe of the storyline, it was a fun and entertaining ride with Dom and Rosie. The story is fast paced with plenty of twists and revelations to keep you guessing. I liked their antagonistic relationship, every meeting between them is fraught with tension of both danger and sexual chemistry. Rosie is willing to do what ever it takes for her family but who is willing to fight for her. Dom the alpha who had me intrigued when he appeared in the previous books. I did like them together but because of their shared traumatic past I would have liked a little more backstory and build up before they got together. I am loving this series and the characters and cannot get enough of the guys when they are all together.
Profile Image for Bec.
1,354 reviews20 followers
September 29, 2022
This one was another feel good edition to this mafia style book. The heroine is being stood over by a sleezy capo of sorts. Her dad is in jail and has left her holding the debt he owes. She reconnects with her friends twin brother who has held a candle to her for years but never said anything. Funnily enough this is also the theme of the past few books I’ve read lately.

He calls her tiny dancer but she melts when he calls her babe which is out of the norm for romances lately heroines not enjoying the faceless “babe”. There’s a little push and pull but they genuinely want to be together just thinking about her safety all the time. I really liked Dominic he sorted things out once he was aware there was a problem. I’m looking forward to the next one. 🙃
Profile Image for Stephanie J.
259 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2022
4 stars❤️ Arc provided by author.

I really enjoyed this book! It gave me forbidden and mafia which I love both so much. Dominic has always had a thing for Rosie who just happens to be his twin brothers ex gf! After years of wanting her he finally has an opportunity to make her his. Truly enjoyed this story and their chemistry was definitely explosive. Full reviews are always posted on my TikTok or YT.
Profile Image for Basak.
762 reviews42 followers
September 15, 2022
I am a fan of Claire Contreras books, and Because I Want You was no exception. It was an intense, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance that got me fanning myself to de@th. Their angsty, moody, super sensual relationship was delicious and simply felt authentic. I could actually sense Dom’s craving of Rosie. The mafia background and the suspenseful plot line was quite intriguing and made the journey even more tempting. Definitely a one-click for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews

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