Jo McCall writes dark, contemporary and paranormal romance with a mafia focus.
A paramedic for over ten years, Jo traded in her stethoscope for paper and pen after an injury left her unable to finish out her career.
She is an avid reader of anything dark and steamy and when she isn’t writing, you can find her making a rather large dent in her TBR.
She is a lover of strong but vulnerable heroines who find their own and hot, sexy alpha males who might be a tad bit over-possessive. Jo loves to lose herself in her characters and the flaws and darkness that surround them.
There is no shame found here, and she often gets lost when writing out those erotic, steamy scenes that make women’s (and men’s) fantasies come true.
“There is nothing like getting lost in something. you know is wrong, but still can’t resist.”
Jo currently resides in the beautiful state of Washington with her two dogs.
If you are looking for your next Mafia/Bratva/Mob read then look no further. Start the Shattered World Series now!
These books are heavy on the mafia, so there is a complex and constantly evolving plot along with the character and relationship dynamics.
No one is safe in this series (think Ned Stark GOT) there are lies, murder and betrayal and this book has a WTF moment, I didn’t pick that.
I am constantly amazing at how Jo’s mind works and how she ramps things up even more in each book, needless to say I am left patiently waiting to see what comes next.
Ava is a baddie in this book! Matthias is gone and she’s on the warpath. She really finds her strength and power in this book and it’s a beautiful thing. That cliffy tho!
Well, holy crap! That was one epic ride and it's not even over yet. I want to be mad at Jo McCall for leaving us hanging but it was so good I can't even be angry because it means we get one more book. The good news is I hear the final book is following very closely behind this one so the wait won't be long.
While the majority of this book have Matthias and Ava apart it doesn't take away from the connection. Ava and Matthias both spend time remembering their moments together while they are kept from each other.
This book only ramps up the mystery and suspense. We get to learn about more of the players on the board and how they are affecting Matthias and Ava's world.
Since this series only continues to get better and better I think the conclusion is going to be amazing. I can't wait! . . . Ava is broken, she's lost Matthias and there is no chance of getting him back this time. She expects to be shown the door from the Bratva and the men closest to Matthias who had started to feel like her family. Instead though she finds out Matthias left everything to her, she is now the new Pakhan of the Seattle Bratva. Her first order of business... get revenge on everyone. "So," Tomas broke the silence. "What is your plan?" "Kill them all."
With Matthias gone and Ava in charge she has to push past her grief and take her place at the top. It's time for Ava to show everyone who she really is. She's not Elias's prisoner, or Christian's play thing, she's not Matthias's leverage or her father's fragile flower. She's the Pakhan of the Bratva and anyone in her way better look out. "Well, now that we have all this settled. Let's go torture some people and make them pay."
Ava has one problem with her role as Pakhan, her men. She can sense those closest to her are keeping something from her and if she can't trust them to follow her like they did Matthias where does that really leave her. They won't leave her side though despite the secrets they hold for a dead man.
Ava starts working her way through anyone who might have the answers she needs and get the revenge she seeks. With one of her targets coming right at her she gets her chance to end the person who took Matthias from her. What she actually gets is a surprise that will tip her world once more.
Matthias doesn't like how he had to do things but it was the only way. Being away from Ava and having to hurt her to do it is the hardest thing he's had to do so far. If he doesn't do it this way he may never get the chance to get back to Ava without another attack coming his way. He'd thought Ava would be his end but he's learning that she is much more than that. 'She was the woman I had once called my weakness and the chink in my armor, but I had been wrong. Ava made me stronger without even knowing it. I was blind to it for so long.'
Once he makes some reconnections and takes his target out once and for all it's time to return to Seattle and reclaim not only his place as Pakhan but his wife. The only problem is he has no idea how to tell her about what he's done and why he's done it and if she'll even forgive him. 'Ava was mine, and the minute I returned, I would remind her of that fact.'
It's only after they are reunited and some of the players that are pulling the strings start to fall in to place that Ava will lose it all again.
Wow this book was amazing. Ava has grown so much in this book. This book had so much happening and I couldn't put it down. The ending omg. I need book four! I need answers!
I love this series and book 3 continued the wild ride we are on with some major twists. All I can say is I am glad book 4 is coming out soon! Fantastic read.
Shattered Empire picks up where Shattered Remnants left off. This book is another wild ride that will leave you waiting for more. I can't wait to see where we go next.
Every book keeps getting better and better I’m so excited to see where this ends! I love the mafia world and writing style that Jo McCall gives us with these books!
OK if you don’t know already I’m a Jo McCall fan and this is another must read! If your a fan of dark mafia rom this is a definite. Shattered Empire is the 3rd book in her Shattered World Series , Shattered Pieces & Shattered Remnants. I would definitely recommend that you read the first 2 before you start Shattered Empire. This is a Seattle underworld dark rom, not only do you get Russian Mafia, you get Italian and Irish. Jo’s created a world that spreads beyond this series to so many exciting spin offs. Shattered Empire continues to follow Ava & Matthias turbulent road with so many twists and turns. You also get some of the answers you’ve wanted since book 1. So excited for the 4th book Shattered Revelations. Beware this is a DARK mafia underworld rom. There are definite triggers and very dark situations. Do your research, be sure you are comfortable with what you are reading. If you go to Jo’s website Jo McCall.com you’ll find content warnings for each book and how to contact her for specific triggers. Jump on this dark & twisted road and enjoy the ride. Happy reading Book Besties 💙
Soooooo much information and some more connections! Some spice was there, but definitely a book of learning and I'm here for it. The page has turned and enemies are being revealed...I can't wait for the next book! Left on a cliffhanger again and DANGIT I need more NOW!
Each book is better than the last!! Usually I am good at figuring out who is bad and who is good.. but this series?? Not a chance! WOW! This is an amazing series! Start with book one and come on this ride. 5⭐️ 2🌶️
Ava just lost the first man she has ever loved. She wants revenge and she wants it now. She becomes the leader of the Bravta. She's on a mission to kill those responsible for her love's death. But there are secrets being kept from her. Can't wait for the next book!
Shattered Empire picks up from the cliffhanger ending that was Shattered Remnants. The heart pounding story continues with tears, anger and disbelief. Emotions are pouring hard and fast throughout this book. I found myself reading passages more than once, making sure I followed the intrigue and solving the mysteries that were twisting and turning through the pages. You definitely have to read the first two books to understand the whole dynamic between Ava and Matthias. The family trees that are involved branch out and will blow your mind.
Ava isn't dealing well with the death of Matthias. The men he trusted the most, who were closest to him, the ones he called his brothers, are now helping Ava as she becomes the first female head of the Bratva. Every time she turns around she is met by yet another misogynistic belief held by the men of her city. She is about to break through all their preconceived misconceptions and show them that she is fully capable of ruling the Bratva. All that she has on her mind is avenging her husband's death. She won't rest until she tracks down the person responsible and pays them back in full for the pain and suffering she is going through. She will show them all that she is the rightful Pakhan. It isn't going to be easy and she is fighting her own heart and mind every step of the way. All the memories of Matthias keep bombarding her, bringing her to tears but also firming up her resolve. She will learn hard truths along the way. It's going to be one hell of a trip and she's going to burn down the walls that are being built to stop her.
This is another cliffhanger ending that I am absolutely beyond thrilled to wait for. The mystery and plot just continues to deepen. Keep on writing these books Jo because I love them!
Okay, so book two, I was brutally honest and said the seggs saved it for me lol... It was a good book still but idk why I couldn't get into it. It's not the first time I had read a book that didn't focus on the romance. Anyways, I went into book three knowing full well that there was barely any romance it. There's some spicy flashbacks I had to look forward to (cause I read some early reviews and I would be able to read my ARC in time for release). But I was 100% not expecting the rollercoaster ride of emotions that I felt while reading this book.
What the heck?! Why would you do this to me, Jo?!
I was sad, mad, happy. I freaking shed tears when they reunited. Dude, nah. I---no. I'm still an emotional mess writing this review. I don't even know how I feel yet. All I know is that I'm not ready for this kinky rollercoaster ride to end yet.
Ava has finally found herself in the Mafia world. I'm so happy for her.
𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕: • the most tear-jerking plot twist to ever exist • age gap • Mafia romance • arranged marriage • broody mmc • badas$ fmc • dark romance • degradation and praise • morally grey
I wasn’t sure how to put my review so here is just everything running through my head!! I LOVED IT!!
Holy shut the front door! The revelations, Ava balling out going a bit cray and becoming a MFKN Queen.
I have to say the relationship Ava has with Vas is something so damn special it feels like they have known one another for a life time.
The mic drop moment was not something I saw coming by any stretch of the imagination!!!
Marianne was a straight up Bish but I didn’t realize how deep her desperation and deception went *mind blown*
Ava coming into her own and her character growth was leaps and bounds and I always thought she was one amazingly strong woman and was Matthias’s perfect match but this book right here was her coming out party so to speak she is a Queen not only fit to stand by her King but she is strong enough that the men respect her and will stand by her side to burn the world to the ground. That is what makes her a true leader.
I have to say this has been my favorite book. I am in awe. I cannot wait for the next book!!!
I have absolutely loved this whole series and this book didn't disappoint either. What a phenomenal story. Ava has been struggling with her loss and is drowning in her rage determined to get revenge for Matthias. It was wonderful to see Ava become the Bratva Queen she was always meant to be. What a powerful strong willed vicious determined character. Every women wants to be her. This story is a twisted one with so many secrets coming out in the open and past truths that you never saw coming. So many family betrayals. This book is going to keep you on your toes right from the start and I could not put it down. Then Bam we are hit with this cliff hanger and wow it was a mind twist. I can't wait for the next book. Get caught up today as you need this series in your life. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
"Said that men think with their dicks, but a woman thinks with her bank account"
I thought I was prepared for this book, but I wasn’t! This is not your traditional romance or even dark romance, but the suspense in this book is crazy. I couldn’t put this book down, not even for work, because I needed to try and figure out what was going on.
I liked Ava in the previous books, but this new side of Ava is my absolute favorite. She is trying to get revenge for what happened to Matthias so she is a bit unhinged. She becomes a bit psycho and is so fierce which I was not expecting, but I absolutely loved it! "I am the judge, jury, and executioner here, make no mistake in that."
The ending of this book completely shocked me! I thought I had figured everything out but then McCall threw in that cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens!!!
After the death of Mathias, Ava isn't doing well. Christian thought he could break her, but now she's coming back much stronger than before, and this time, there will be no prisoners.
Holy. Hell. Thus book was a rollercoaster ride! Picking up after the cliffhanger in the previous book, w3 see the aftermath of what happened, and the decisions that were made. Ava had become a fierce mafia boss, and one that people are slowly learning not to mess with. She has grown significantly since book one and it shows in her behavior and mindset.
Mathias was a shock for me and the way Ava avenges him is just killer. There were a lot of WTF moments that had my head spinning, as well as lies, murder and betrayals that left me blindsided.
If you read the previous book you can understand my heartache at reading Shattered Empire knowing that Matthias died right at the end protecting Ava. But wow this book has so many twists and unexpected happenings it was surreal. Nothing about this book was predictable even if you think you have figured something out Jo makes you question your sanity and start doubting yourself and if you actually know what you think you know. Answer is you don't. Available really came into herself in this book and really grew into her independence and confidence. And that ending... I did not see that coming whatsoever!! Can't wait for the next one and to see where these characters go next
Shattered Empire is book #3 in the Shattered Empire series. This is a dark, enemies to lovers, mafia romance. Make sure to check the authors website for trigger warnings.
I fell in love with this world in Shattered Pieces and each new book in this series has me becoming even more obsessed!!!
Jo takes us on a rollercoaster ride and will have your emotions all over the place!! I love how much Ava has embraced being in charge and watching her get her revenge is freaking EPIC!!!!
Then that cliffhanger!!!!!! Ahhhhhh!!!! I cant wait for the last book!!!
All the stars to you Jo!!! This series is incredible!!!
Yes! Yes! YESS!! This is what we’ve all been waiting for. I always knew Ava was a badass now she freaking proves it! Love the development and growth in Ava in this book she is a solid force to be reckoned with and if you cross her you better watch your kneecaps! This girl brings it!! I don’t think Ava’s growth could have been narrated better. The twists the turns and the secrets all collide. Of course we end on another cliff hanger, as if there’s any other way. I’m literally dying for the next book in this series!
Jo has me in such a tight chokehold with this series. This one picks up right where the last book left off. Ava is 100% a mafia queen in this book! She is definitely someone you do not want to mess with. I loved the little moments between her and the guys, where they were able to act normal for a few minutes. The cliffhanger that Jo left us with though, was so not ok, lol. I cannot wait for the next book.
We’re back with Ava! Kicking ass, making a name for herself, and fighting with all she has. Mourning the death of her husband, still getting over Libby, trying to figure out what clues mean, and not let everything come crashing down. With each secret uncovered brings another. The strength and determination Ava shows in avenging her husbands death and still figuring out her mothers murderer. The twists and turns, the emotions, Shattered Empire is going to leave you wanting more.
Girl!!!! Best book in this series so far!!!! Picks up right where the last book left off answered some questions and then gave me so many more. Destroyed my soul pieced it back together just to destroy me again!!! I love it. Ava is a bad ass mafia queen in this book and I am here for it. Jo your killing me with these cliffhangers!!!! Can’t wait for the next book. Amazing If you haven’t read this series or any book written by JO what rock have you been living under.
I am completely surprised by everything that has happened in this book. I mean I was not expecting things to go how they did but I loved it. This was a phenomenal read. Each book I have read in this series just gets better and better. I really liked all the twists and turns, the revelations, the buildup and so much more. That ending totally blew me away I did not even see that coming. I cannot wait for the next one in this series. I highly recommend reading this book.
Jo! You absolute QUEEN! Have I mentioned how much I love your writing? I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Ava in this book. She is a QUEEN herself! The banter in this book had me cackling. I love watching Ava grow into the woman we all know/knew she could become. I love that Shattered Empire focuses on her journey. They way you split the book into three parts, I love it! Not going to lie, at the end of part one I cheered (if you know, you know!). I can’t wait for the next book!
Was this book as spicy as the first two? No but do not miss out on this book because of that.
In book 3 you get to see Ava come into herself. She's always been a badass but in Shattered Empire she lets her ruthless, taking kneecaps side show and I devoured it. The secrets we found out in this book made my head spin and my jaw drop.
Oh, and then Jo hit me with a cliffy. Not nearly as heartbreaking as book 2 but still I think Jo loves leaving me on the edge of my seat.
3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 stars in fairness. The spice is minimal but what is there is hot, hot, hot. My main issue is there are so many characters and so much info thrown at me I got easily confused. I recommend reading in order one after the other to retain the info and characters if you're like me and forget everything.
Ava really comes into her own here and I loved her part and everything about who she becomes. I can't wait for the next part.
Wow! Jo McCall is becoming a mafia romance queen! I am totally enjoying her books she has very good story lines and her characters are very relatable. Her world building is excellent too. You really don't notice it and are just absorbed into the story.. Highly recommend it!
This book turned out to be so much more than I ever expected! It was insane with twists, turns and plot surprises. Pretty much covers all the craziest soap opera plots of all time, and then some….(I’d wanted to give examples but there’s no way to do it without spoilers, sorry!).
I was a bit thrown at the way the books are labeled- yes, they’re part of a multi-book series but they are NOT STAND-ALONE!!! Cliffhangers everywhere! The first 4 books all follow 1 main couple and even the last (4th) book ends with a gazillion unanswered questions and cliffhangers for various characters. So beware, especially since the series isn’t even close to completion (I would have waited until more books were out before starting the series).
I’m a little torn on my ⭐️ rating just because there were TOO MANY plot-lines and story twists… it made it a little hard to follow/ keep up. While editing wasn’t a huge problem, it made the plot harder to follow when there was mistaken misnamed characters and relationships (grandmother vs great-grandmother, yeah it matters so pay attention!). They mention the multi-headed hydra in this book and it’s exactly how I felt about so many different plot-lines: solve one mystery and end up with 2 new, even crazier plot-lines to follow. It was complex and mostly over-the-top ridiculously unbelievable plot shockers (lots of not-as-dead as we thought characters, baby-swapping, one step below cloning type crazy). Pretty much every character finds out their entire life and family dynamic are a lie. Not to mention that the huge number of “sell-your-child-into-slavery/ kill-your-own-child” level of terrible parents, will have you questioning how many psychopaths there actually are in the world.
At one point I just gave up trying to follow all the different “who the bad-guys are” and “who is related to who” despite the family tree charts (thank you to the author for that!!!). I was still emotionally invested in these characters and would definitely grab the rest of the series if it was out now!
One last warning: there are alot of TW, and I didn’t see them listed anywhere so just be for-warned. Pretty much if you have ANY, they are probably in this book.