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Enjoy this steamy curvy girl, possessive, dark Italian mafia romance....

Joaquin is afraid of no one. He doesn’t have to be. His position with the Cartel keeps him one step ahead of everything. But nothing he’s experienced has prepared him for the woman in red who would capture his attention, and eventually, his heart. Sofia is living the dream. Night after night she delivers a standout performance as a actress and singer, gaining accolades from near and far, but when a handsome stranger starts leaving her flowers and notes after every performance, some of her business associates and friends are alarmed. When Joaquin and Sofia meet, sparks fly. They’re soon swept up in a whirlwind romance, but not everyone is as excited as they are. Her family worries that the well-known Cartel member will destroy her career and place her in harm’s way. That fear comes to fruition when her career takes a hit because of her connection to him, so he must sacrifice his heart to save her, but his efforts are sidelined when a rival cartel member goes after her in retaliation for the murder of one of their own. Can Joaquin protect her from the unthinkable?

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

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About the author

Chiquita Dennie

64 books1,137 followers
Chiquita Dennie Author, Filmmaker, Podcast host, and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and a Los Angeles, CA native. Nominated for 2021 Author of the Year, Best Black Romance "Mutual Agreement," and Best Interracial Romance for "She's All In Need". In 2022 nominated Author Queen of the Year, Best Black Romance "Nasir" Best Interracial Romance "Torn" and Best Romantic Comedy "Something Gained" by Black Girls Who Write. Plus, nominated in 2023 for best black sports romance "Scoring with Sadie". Her background started in film/TV, ranging from Tyra Banks, Dr. Phil, American Idol, and a host of other Emmy award-winning shows. Also, an award-winning filmmaker with her directing debut short film "Invisible." Chiquita transitioned to publishing in 2017 after turning her screenplay Struck In Love into the Dark Romance series Antonio and Sabrina, which fans have embraced. She writes contemporary steamy romance, romantic suspense, comedy, small town, sports, women's fiction, fantasy, and so much more.

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5 stars
22 (44%)
4 stars
12 (24%)
3 stars
12 (24%)
2 stars
4 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
255 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2022
I was not a fan. The story didn't really flow and there were some inconsistencies. One minute Joaquin was 29 and then he was 31 years old.

"At twenty-nine, I should be out dating, living life, traveling around the world, preparing for a future with a wife and children," (31).

"Gael was a year older than me at thirty-two, and more rational and patient," (33).

It's not *that* big of a deal but because it was 2 pages apart, I noticed. Joaquin also gave off toxic masculinity energy.

Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,536 reviews19 followers
December 9, 2020
This is the first book in The Fuertes Cartel Series and focuses on Sofia, a singer and actress, and Joaquin of the Fuertes Cartel. They experience steamy attraction, but can her connection to him be detrimental to her career and life. This well written novel ends in a cliffhanger which will leave you in suspense. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews32 followers
January 15, 2021
This plot flows nicely and sees the two main characters develop a lot of emotion for each other but their journey is not an easy one for either of them. It’s book 1 and so it does end in a cliffhanger so be prepared for that. These are characters that are enjoyable to read and they easily pulled me into their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danielle Marlowe.
2,074 reviews9 followers
December 2, 2020
Chiquita Dennie did a good job on this story, the plot was strong, it was packed with many emotions, the story was written well, it was a strong start to this series.
Sofia and Joaquin were strong characters, their journey was a bumpy one but they were strong. Their attraction and chemistry was strong.
Looking forward to reading more of this story. Thanks, Chiquita Dennie. Good work :)
11k reviews128 followers
December 4, 2020
This is the 4th book I've read written by Chiquita Dennie; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews170 followers
December 1, 2020
This is dark and sexy and I felt for Joaquin and Sofia. The chemistry is amazing and the story pulls you in. It doesn't end hear however as it's left on a cliffhanger that has me on edge. I can't wait for Book 2
534 reviews
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March 3, 2022
I liked it!

Joaquin was crazy and frankly so was Sofia for staying with him. I do wish that there was more info on their arguments/discussions, instead of the jumps to days/weeks/months later. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,513 reviews53 followers
November 14, 2020
Love Sofia and Joaquin
Dark intense emotional broken heart stopping love story
All the feels give me part 2
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2022
Great

I really enjoyed reading this one. I love mafia romance books. The characters were really interesting. The plot was great. The storyline was pretty good too.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
241 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2022
EXCEPTIONAL

I loved this book, I would recommend it to any avid romance reader. Latin\Italian, and Black Love, knows no color, I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Turningcover.
304 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2020
This story had my attention from the beginning. Loved Joaquin’s character. He definitely fitted the boss persona.

The flow was consistent and I’m looking forward to book 2.

If you’re looking for a page-turner, this is it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Adalle.
1,637 reviews8 followers
December 30, 2022
Right from the very beginning you are wept into the world of Joaquin and Sofia.
I am soo looking forward to seeing you book 2. This is gonna be gooood.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews