Clover

The Italian Cartel #8

by Shandi Boyes

I kill for the money.

The thrill.

The condemnation.

I plan to go to hell, so why not have some fun during the prolonged detour?

But today… today I made an exception.

Estelle Armstead was an easy mark. I could have ended her life the instant she opened her front door, refunded the one hundred thousand dollars my client paid to cause a ruckus, then went on my merry way.

What stopped me? The simple answer is entertainment. One person’s death can be easily replaced by another, but true entertainment for a man as immorally corrupt as me is hard to come by.

Most men flounder when they see me, but Estelle took my bad temper in stride like it’s a nasty side dish she can make more pleasant with a sprinkling of seasoning.

I don’t have the heart to tell her that won’t be the case. I was born evil, bred evil, and I will die evil. But just like straitlaced men, murderers have needs too. Needs I can see Estelle’s tight body and sassy mouth fulfilling.

I’ve just got to take care of one matter first. The three hundred-thousand-dollar bounty on her head, and the weasel she calls her boyfriend.

Clover is book 9 in the highly anticipated Italian Cartel Series. Although it can be read as a standalone it would be more enjoyable after the first three books in the series. Clover is mean, rough, and kills for a living. If grumpy alphas aren’t your thing, his story may not be for you. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Mafia Romance, Erotica, Smut, Enemies To Lovers

288 pages, Paperback

Published December 28, 2021

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Beeba · Rating 1 out of 5]

“If I have to force you, I will. I’m not a man who shies away from controversy.”

if the multiverse is real i hope i never read this in any of them

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlikeable characters and far too convoluted story

I’m up for a dark romance anytime, but I have to be able to get behind the characters and believe in their relationship. I couldn’t get there in this book. The main characters were pretty awful people, one of whom had been dealt a really bad hand in life, but that didn’t excuse him IMHO. Also, the ins and outs of Mafia law, who owns who, who owes who, etc. were so convoluted that my eyes glazed over. Thankfully, it was mercifully short. Would not recommend, even if you’re a fan of dark romance and Mafia romance.

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was EPIC! I loved this Character coming to life outside of his work and life with Dimitri Petretti. Clover is his hit man. He is dark and dangerous!! When he comes across the one person who makes him stop and take notice, he is not in any way, shape or form prepared. This is an emotional, gritty and raw journey. The entire book is a testament to the chemistry both physical and emotional. I recommend to anyone to read. You don’t really have to know all the backstory to enjoy this book. Although, once you do, it’s even better!


I reviewed an advanced copy of this book

[Jazzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the fuck. DONT READ THIS. Read it cause of tiktok. Pls don't waste your time. It absolutely shit.

I had no idea what was happening half the time, the writing in general was poor and the characters was just unlikable. I thought the plot was semi unique which I liked but that was about it. FMC forgave MMC wayyyyy to fast, the whole "plan" was probably not done in the best way possible.

Just overall not worth it.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay ya'll lemme just take a SECOND.

Stars ▷ ✨✨✨✨
Spice ▷ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The spice had me in a CHOKEHOLD ya'll I-help me lord baby jesus-there were things that I love that I don't see a lot of and just fucking NEEDED and now I have something to come back to for fucking sure.

Scent and marking were HUGE and I was all the fuck over that ya'll know, so if you're looking for primal things then helllpp you're welcome.

POV ▷ Dual
Rep ▷ Interracial couple, Arabic MMC
▷ Interconnected standalone: would recommend reading in order, but ultimately unnecessary
Themes/Tropes ▷MF Coupling/Mafia/Dark/Contemp/Check tags
Triggers ▷ On page assault of MC: Context: bad guys kidnap her and string her up naked as well as cheating her BF is a bad dude so, I support women's wrongs in this instance
KU ▷ Yes
Pet Names ▷ angel

There were some parts of the story that I felt maybe the author forgot to add movement, or something skipped forward for a just a second and that was a little disconcerting at times, but honestly babes if you kinda just let it go and move with it you'll be fine. My brain sometimes hype fixates on small things like that so it didn't take away from the story so much as made me aware of it and want to fix it.

There were also multiple storylines being run in the background and I felt that it took away a little bit from our MCs. I really would have loved to see the last scene before the epilogue, cause to felt like that would have been a cathartic moment for release, but it was FTB (but did pick up in the epilogue).

For the EP: I really would have loved to see more about that whole situation, but it did end in a way that made you feel satisfied that you knew where it was going.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Estelle has gotten herself in trouble with the wrong people and now Clover is there to end her life. He finds her interesting and chooses to keep her alive. Can he just keep her safe from those that still want her dead? Fast-paced read with great chemistry. An entertaining story with lots of action and sizzling steam. I liked it.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

Again, it was nice to see certain events with more details and insights. I enjoyed the fire and passion that Estelle and Flickr had. Clover is proof that even monsters need love.

Super excited for Smith next.

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 1 out of 5]

The smut in this book wasn’t even worth the read. I’m honestly upset with myself that I even finished it. Pretty sure I lost brain cells trying to figure this book out. I followed the storyline up to the point where Clover makes up a contract for her to be “his” since she owes him or whatever for saving her life. Then I lost it when another person buys her at that auction her sleazy ex boyfriend forces her to join. Since when is it okay to yoink people off the street that have free will and sell them to others and expect them to immediately be on board with it and accept their fate? Then there was that whole chunk where her best friend is returned to the ranch and they starve there together for weeks? Made no sense. And the fact that these psycho men in their lives can find them immediately but we’re supposed to believe they can foil the infrared cameras to fuck off on adventures?
The more I read, the more I was confused and really didn’t get it. Even after explanations happened. I honestly checked at one point to make sure that I hadn’t accidentally started reading another book because the plot made absolutely no sense. Confusing AF.
The only part that I thought was sweet was that they end up being contract killers together and he still watches out for her to make sure she’s safe while she’s working.
The quality of the boning scenes does not make up for the altogether crappy story. Don’t read this. It’s not worth it.

[Susana Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is he a good or bad luck charm?

Clover is the ninth installment in The Italian Cartel Series, can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest start from book#1 in TICSeries for a better comprehension of the background plot.
So happy for finally getting Clover' story and what a surprise it was! From his appearences in the other books in the Series, you know he's everything a hitman stands for - dark, brooding, dangerous - and always completes his job.
The mark: Estelle finds herself in this mafia mayhem by way of her friendship with Roxie and will fall in his path. What happens when these two too much different people collide? Will it be a game of cat and mouse? A bit of play? Or a written end?
I loved the complexity of the MCs and how their came to be. This is tale of intrigue, secrets, gore and carnage, a love story that wasn't meant to be and chemistry so powerful, that the true hecatomb would be the couple ending apart.
Masterfully written, Shandi Boyes delivers, once more, a very visual and felt mafia account, an engaging narrative about an explosive connection, a raw, gritty and sinuous journey where our protagonist finds in the most unexpectable woman a redeeming quality he thought had left him a long ago, that tiny bit of humanity that makes him an emotional being rather than a killing machine.
Superb!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[❤ArtfullySinful❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

You owe me, and I’m not a man who doesn’t collect what’s owed.

He was hired to terrify you, main you, end your life but found himself holding off for the first time in his life. Nadir ‘Clover’ Hadi, a hired hitman through the Italian Mafia, had shielded away from no violence in his life up until his eyes landed on Estelle Armstead. Roxanne's only and closest friend, he never expected her attitude and refusal to submit to become his undoing, but from the moment their eyes locked he was already in far too deep. Choked nearly unconscious, neither of them could get the other off of their mind as they went days with zero contact. Until Smith made the discovery on the dark web that'll force him into action. Spying her and Roxanne's address listed on a fantasy rape site, he knows he needs to claim her to guantee her safety but unfortunately that can't happen. Strictly under Mafia Law, her ownership to Col Petretti keeps her from becoming his time and time again. Fetching an idea involving another submissive, Andria, he has to use her jealously to keep he just close enough to be protected. Beloved by Attitcus, a lover would bring Andria to him and reunite the lovers who carved one another since the day they met. Exchanging her contact with Estelle, he now owns her in more ways imaginable. Training along with him as a hitman for those who can't afford the prices

[Oma Iep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure what I expected after Clover's cameo appearances in the previous books in this series, but let's just say, Clover is different from what I was expecting.
He is every bit as dark and dangerous as you would expect a hired hitman to be.
It is the storyline that is unexpected which is what is surprising, as it fits seamlessly into the series and that which we already know from the previous books.
The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling off the pages and will have you squirming in your seat. The 'leading lady' is sassy, headstrong, and engaging. I felt every bit of her confusion and hurt, as well as her jealousy and attraction.
Shandi once again drew me in and I could not put this down.

Although this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books in the series, as this story gives insights into events in the previous books.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. The ninth book in the Italian Cartel series is about Clover and Estelle. These two never expected their lives to change so drastically when that door opened. He has been hired to kill her, but for the first time he decides differently. Their story has some twists and turns, a lot of danger and drama but also lust and love. Estelle and Clover are perfect for each other underneath all the drama surrounding them. I did not want to put the book down. The storyline made you wonder if you were going to see the good in him or the bad in her that will tie them so close together. Whether read with the series or alone, this was a really good book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS for Clover by Shandi Boyes Italian Cartel Book 9

Advanced reader copy received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

I was introduced to this author by Booksprout absolutely love her writing style and Clover is no exception!

Great characters in Clover and Stella. Awesome storyline with some interesting plot twists. The steam factor is set to a ten!

Swoon worthy happily ever after for these two characters. I also loved the appearance of other characters you will recognize from the Italian Cartel series but this book can also be read as a standalone.

Highly recommend this book , series and author ! Great read !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very confusing at some parts and it seemed like there was a lot of unnecessary side stories. Majority of the book I spent hating the “love” interest cause it was written like he was a cheater, but of course at the end everything came together and it was all apart of a plan for him to act like her was with this other woman. There was no real romance at all, and if there was meant to be it wasn’t written very well. The fl and ml only seemed to lust after each other. All of the “mafia” stuff was so confusing that I still can’t make sense of it even after the explanation at the end. All the spicy scenes seemed like the same thing to me. The book started off really interesting and then very quickly plummeted downhill. Only reason it’s not one star is because there is a little bit of closure and explanation at the end.

Would not recommend. Ong don’t know how this one got published.

[Barbara Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clover

Wow I was so enthralled reading this story. That a man can consume a woman as she consumes him. It had all the parts I love when it comes to dark personalities. Clover a man who thought he’d never feel that redeeming quality in his heart is just as shocked as the woman he’s feeling it for. He can’t control it and Estelle tries to hide from it but can’t. Running, only to be back where she started. The passion, the heat, the story was absolutely brilliant. It shows that even the hardest of hearts can be restored when the right woman comes along or in this case found via other means 😉
God I absolutely loved this novel. It is truly Epic!!!!

Another 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 + rating in my opinion.

A Definite Must Read!!!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we see 4 leaf clovers we think of luck. When you see this Clover, luck runs out as death follows. Dark, dangerous and terrifying down to his soul, Clover is a professional mafia hit man.
Enter the Mark. Estelle is the best friend of Roxie. Caught up in a world accidentally that brings out her sass and strength and hidden desires she never knew she had.
Twists and turns that make you feel like you're on a roller-coaster, this is a cantput down book. Will he kill her? Does he want to play before he kills her? So.many questions you think you've figured out before things change up.
I am a massive Jodie Picoult fan but Shandi is knocking it out of the park with her writing pulling you into the pages like you are in the story. A must read.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in this series, so I know the characters from previous books and their loyalties, quirks, etc. CLOVER was confusing to me. There were too many threads (Clover, Braxton, Dimitri, Cal) woven together that it was difficult to follow.

I wanted Clover and Estelle to have more time together. He was a good character with a lot of intriguing hidden issues. Estelle I had a hard time liking. I like strong, sassy heroines but Estelle made me wonder why Clover would bother after awhile.

So, there are some really well written scenes both on the killing side and on the hotness side that can’t be overlooked. This particular story just didn’t gel with me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really gripping story and it will keep you guessing about what is really happening. At first I didn’t like Clover but he grows on you until it seems as though he is cheating. Dimitri and Roxanne play an important part in this story and Rocco and Claudia also appear and there is a different perspective of what happens at the prison. Just when you think you know what is going on, something happens to make you question your decision. I found myself reading almost faster than my brain could assimilate and then I was blown away by the ending and the epilogue was the cherry on the sundae.

[McKayla Fontenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously can’t say enough about the brilliance of Shandi’s writing you guys! EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. She knocks it out of the park and Clover is no exception. If you’ve read the Italian Cartel series then you’ve been introduced to the mysterious hit man named Clover. Like many of us, we needed to know how his story came about and progressed and Shandi has truly delivered. Characters in the book describe Clover’s life as Mayhem, darkness and anarchy so having a leading lady that unknowingly loves the carnage and gore that surrounds Clover makes for some off-the-charts type chemistry between the two. This book is a must read and I 10/10 recommend to everyone!!!

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this maybe book 9 you could easily read it as a standalone.
I absolutely loved reading more about Clover.
He is a dark mysterious dangerous hitman, who was hired to cause trouble and trouble was what he brought into Estella's life the moment she opened her apartment door to this broody man.
Death, pain, destruction and mayhem is all Clover knows until this smart mouthed fiesty wowan named Estelle showed him what was to come was worth all the trouble.
These characters are so very flawed, however I couldn't seem to get enough.
Twisted yet beautifully written storyline that continues to keep me captivated to read more.
Highly recommended reading.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Clover's story and it is fantastic

Clover is the ninth book in The Italian Cartel series and it is a fantastic story about Clover and Estelle. He is a hitman for Dimitri and she is Roxanne's best friend. So you know these two are going to cross paths and when they do it results in a lot of hot sexual chemistry that will burn your Kindle down. The story-line is intense at times and quite riveting.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa that was some read! I had to keep trying to remember who was who and what happened in the earlier books to try and keep up with the story, and Clover and Estelle! That was different, I was up and down about their relationship but couldn’t put the book down! Another great read in the series, I realised while reading ai somehow missed Ox’s story? I’ll have to try and remedy that 😁 really looking forward to Smith’s book 😁

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is book nine is the series and absolutely should not be read as a stand-alone. Clover is a mysterious and dark man throughout the series up to this point although there have been glimpses in what I like to say is his twisted sense of humor though dark it may be. This book is an EPIC roller coaster ride of emotions and WTW moments where you wonder what is he freaking doing! But the connection between Clover and Estelle is ssmmmokking! And the killer twist at the end that you absolutely will NOT see coming is genius.

[Kathy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4 1/2 star rating*

I was loving this book, but Clover was on the top of my hitlist. He was a character I was wanting to love, but the more the book progressed, the more I wanted to end him. Good thing he redeemed himself at the end because he was going to be responsible for the loss of a rating star.

This book kept my interest from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, even if the angst was a little much for me. After officially finishing the book, I am now team Clover. I will gladly take his mark on my thigh too!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot & Deadly

Estelle and Clover have this unspoken bond and connection to each other. Clover is a killer. It’s all he knows and the darkness and carnage is where he thrives. However, Estelle brings him into the light just enough for him to see there is more to life when you share it with someone. There are many twists and turns throughout this book and at times you will get pissed off at them for their choices but the clarity will be worth the wait. Another maxing addition to this jaw dropping intense series. Happy Reading!!

[Heather Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

I wasn't sure how I was going take Clover's story. Knowing be is a hit man for hire and the way he was portrayed in the other books made me not like him very much. He seemed way too unhinged to have a heart. In many ways, that's exactly how he is. Enter Estelle, a woman who gives as good as she gets. Their chemistry its apparent from the very beginning. And holy hotness, their attraction was written well. Buy the end, Clover earned a place in the story that was worthy of him.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A convoluted, twisted and violent novel. Not for the faint of heart. Don’t expect it to have a lovely, settled HEA. I pushed through it and it’s not my normal cup of tea, but I didn’t hate or dislike it. There was depth of character and plot with great twists and turns all wrapped into a neat little package at the end and well explained. Spoilers and trigger warnings below:

Either mentioned or featured heavily: Rape, murder, non consent, violence, gore, reluctance, entrapment

[Carolyn Reissfelder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let down

I heard about this book on TikTok and it sounded great. However the characters were very shallow and not we'll developed. It was pretty hard to keep up with the plot at times because things weren't explained well and there were random details in there that didn't necessarily relate. My opinion might have differed if I had read the entire series however it is listed as a stand alone so I thought it would be okay.

[Laura Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so fun

This is a dark 'romance'

There is no real romance, just 2 unlikable characters.

Kept hoping there would be something to cling to, but they just weren't that interesting or nice.

In top of that every few pages in the middle of the book was, a few weeks later.

This author isn't for me. I need to like characters or at least have the world interesting and at least one person to like or intrigue. This didn't hit even close to the mark.

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is no ordinary hitman this is Clover and when You read this you will understand how Clover works. Dark, obsessive, his murderous attitude is like touch paper ready to ignite, for me he drove me mad and I still wanted more, he made me hot and cold and yes more please, the dark world of Clover was my dark guilty pleasure. I voluntarily reviewed this book.