Ruthless

Struck in Love #1

by Chiquita Dennie

Enjoy a steamy, curvy girl, enemies to lovers, dark Italian mafia romance.....
One moment is all it took to ignite a love affair; neither would soon forget. Nothing and no one could tear Antonio and Sabrina apart, no matter how hard they tried. Ex-lovers, angry family members, jealous rivals, tried and failed. But they’re not the only threats to this match made in passion. Antonio has secrets that could force them to sever ties forever—when the danger hits too close to home, forced to face his demons, and keep her safe from harm. With more obstacles against them than they can count, will they ever have their happily-ever-after?

Note- Contains adult language, explicit content. If you're not into dark romance I advise to read one of my other contemporary romances.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Novella

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2017

About the author

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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Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antonio and Sabrina struck in love is the first book in a 3 part series. It's a short story which will leave you wanting more. I found the writing style a little quirky and addictive.

Antonio is an Italian American mobster. Business runs in the family and his father wants him to be well connected. This family are trouble. He's a strong alpha who uses women to satisfy his needs.

Sabrina is from the right side of the tracks. She's also from a wealthy family. She has recently split from her ex and hoping to let her hair down. She finds herself in Antonio's nightclub. She can't help but notice him. These two should stay away from each other. Their lives are heading in different directions but their eyes are focused on each other.

These two have good chemistry. This is a gritty read with some cheeky dialect. It's only the start of the story but I enjoyed it.

#competitionprize

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/31/2020)! 🎁

[Cathyrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this story was short it packed quite the punch. Antonio De Luca is the future Italian Don of the cartel and
owner of several nightclubs.  He doesn't have time for a relationship. In fact, he wants to avoid them at all cost since his ex-girlfriend cheated on him with someone very close to him.(*Read the story to find out who*)

So, when he spots Sabrina Washington, its love at first sight although he figures it's more like "lust at first sight". He wants her and can't seem to stay away from her. But can he have her? Family obligations and betrayal stand in his way.

Whereas, Sabrina has said FUCK LOVE,thanks to her douche bag ex-fiance.  Now, she has an even bigger wall protecting her heart, but when she spots Antonio none of that matters. The heart wants what the heart wants. Unfortunately,for Sabrina's heart, her mind is putting up quite the fight. Can she open her heart to him? Or will her fear always stand in her way?

Their love story is one of love, family obligations, danger, betrayal and stubbornness. And if left me wanting more... and I mean wanting more. Immediately, after finishing this novel I quickly began reading book 2. With that in mind, I  loved the progression of this story. Although, it started off bumping with some glaring errors,everything cleared up by the second chapter and I kept on reading. Thank Goodness I did. 

What really jumped out to me was the fact that even though Antonio & Sabrina both had their own heartache to deal with, it was Sabrina that had to learn to let go of her hurt and open her heart to love. This is not common. If you have read as many romances as I have. You will know and agree that it is usual and it is usually the hero (aka the man) being asked to let go of his pride and ego in order to fight for his woman and the love she has brought into his life. This way totally ROCKED for me. 

In conclusion, I recommend this 4.5 star novel. The author captured the harsh reality of love and how it is not an easy road especially when couples come from such stark backgrounds. But as we all learn in life, you gotta fight for your happiness and that is what Antonio has done. Stay tuned for book 2 review coming next week :). 

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing short story. Want more....getting good and ended. Need the next installment.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

his is the first time I've read for this author,,, and then she was nice enough to give me the 2nd book,,, very nice of her, and I got to read more of her,,, I really enjoyed her writing,,,,

This book is about Antonio De Luca, he has just been appointed the Don of the De Luca family and in charge of the cartel,,, his father, Jimmy was the Don,,, and has now handed it down to Antonio, which, his big brother, Bruno, is not real happy about,,,, Antonio is the owner of Ryde, a club and he's in the VIP sectionals and he sees her,,,, she is perfect, she is not with anyone except her girls, he just keeps staring at her,,, and she's staring back at him,,,, she is his,,,, she just doesn't know it yet,,,,

Sabrina Washington is in the club Ryde with her girls,,, drinking, dancing, hanging out, until she sees him,,,, he is fine looking and he just can't keep his eyes off Sabrina,,, Sabrina is the VP of her father's company, a fact that Antonio doesn't know and at all, because he's just set up an account with another person, Spencer,,, who Antonio really does not like because Spencer is very much interested in Sabrina,,,,

I would mist definitely go out,,, grab this story of Antonio and Sabrina and all the twists and turns, and believe me,,, there are a lot of them,,, all the drama between Antonio and his family and Antonio and Sabrina,,, you have GOT to get yourself this book,,, on to #2,,,

[Laid-Back Book Bitches · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, so as I had it read in one sitting. ( probably an hour) Its short sweet and to the point. Their story is one of love, danger, betrayal, stubbornness and so much more . And if left me wanting more... I cant not wait to start the second installment. I really loved Antonio and Sabrina's love story. This book reminded me so much of Romeo and Juliet! I think that is what drew me in so fast. I was hooked from the very first page. I cant say much more I need start the second installment my head is going a mile a minute. This is a must read, go get your copy you wont be sorry

[Rise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although book 1 was short the author gave a good story line. I do want to thank the author for allowing me a chance to read this for an honest opinion. I can see two head strong, stubborn people who will be a great challenge for one another. I love the alpha male in Antonio because he seems to be going after what he wants and that is Sabrina. I'm not sure what is up with Camilla trying to go through Bruno to get to Tony. After cheating on him she thinks she can just get him back. I enjoyed this read and will be going to next book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book about an alpha male and future mafia don and the lovely young woman of wealthy parents with a cheating ex, the drama and betrayal they will face on their journey for an HEA together. Antonio and Sabrina will face many trials, betrayals, family drama and emotional upheaval as they try to build a relationship and this is just book one. Enjoy!

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

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Short

This was a short read with mid level action in the story. The character introductions were nice; I realize this was a short intro to the story, but the writer missed a few opportunities to shine.. Not sure its a deep enough draw for me to continue the story. I needed more. I'm hopeful the next installment delivers with a tighter storyline. 3.5stars.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabrina is a strong African American woman Antonio storms into her life and things will never be the same but when the past comes calling will he be able to keep her safe. Be aware that this book ends on a cliffhanger so if that isn't your thing maybe leave it alone all though books two and three are already avaiable

I was given a copy of this book but this is a true and honest review

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beginning of this series about Antonio and Sabrina. I would have liked it to be longer but it is well written and the characters well described.
I like it is written in dual POV which gives the reader more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters.
Engaging read.

[Will · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just an intro to a series and should have been marketed as such! There is no ending, the characters are cliche, stereotypical, and undeveloped. Disappointed on every front and feel like I just lost an hour of my life that I won't be getting back.

[Sara Trigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the love story of Antonio and Sabrina.
It's like a Romeo and Juliet story of forbidden desires and love.
Can't wait to read the 2nd book.

[Nadea Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the storyline of this book, the plot thickens as well as the steamy scenes sets you imagination and challenges are sort through the pages.

[Tammy Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this story

[Khanique McDaniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know what’s going on here. However, it was when I was done reading this book, that I found out there was a prequel.

Maybe this would have helped me with all the random name drops.

I think it is fair that this book is free - well currently - because it is also a prequel if you ask me.

It happens over the course of maybe four days but Sabrina stayed in her corner and Antonio in his.

The one sex scene was with someone who he said, an hour before, he had no interest in sleeping with and I am still unsure if he even bothered to use a condom.

Confidence is sexy. Sabrina is another level of confidence that can sometimes border on cringy.

The criminal element of this novel feels like an afterthought in a novel that spent time detailing Sabrina and her friends ordering lunch at a restaurant. In other words, the author had time.

There is NOTHING for Antonio to believe Sabrina is his end game and it must be ALL the guys falling at her feet because Sabrina doesn’t seem to care much about anything other than staying mad at her ex and chilling with her girlfriends.

There are no redeeming qualities from this story for me.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the romance between Antonio and Sabrina and Antonio is part of the mafia since he is the new don and love the spicy scenes in the book. Don’t like Alex Sabrina’s ex boyfriend who won’t leave her alone and love Sabrina’s friends Janice and liz and Sabrina works with her dad and this is an interracial romance and this was a quick spicy read and Antonio won’t leave Sabrina alone and is very jealous and possessive of Sabrina already even though they met in a club and Antonio owns a lot of buildings in New York and I like the text messages between Antonio and Sabrina and isn’t looking to date anyone right now

Spicy
Mafia romance
Fling Interracial romance
Enemies to lovers
Insta love
Contemporary romance
Read as an ebook
Under 100 pages

[Tabitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring. Insta-lust from MMC that goes nowhere because he lacks the cojones to turn their interactions physical. He allows everyone and everyone to distract him from his goals, both in the boardroom and the bedroom. The MCs spend the majority of the book apart, at work, doing boring tasks and taking calls. There are too many side characters, most of whom don’t get a proper introduction, but even when they do, it’s hard to care about any of them when you’re just given a height, body type and hair color to work with. Weird that the FMC can clock the MMC at 6’2” in a glance from across the room in a crowded club.

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is about two people who are from opposite sides of the tracks finding love and passion in one another. I liked that this book could easily fit into multiple genres. I also liked that the first book was shorter to give the reader a taste of what to expect in book 2. That being said, I didn’t care for Antonio’s character. I get that he was a part of the “family”, but he was entirely too possessive and immature for me. On the flipside, this may be entirely characteristic of someone who is a part of this subculture.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dynamic duo

5-star's, I LOVED the simplicity of this book. Antonio saw Sabrina and was hooked. Cat and mouse, strong Black woman, strong Italian man, going for what he wants. I highly recommend this book,can't wait to the rest of the series. Ms. Dennis , thank you for taking the time to write this book, it have my pleasure to read it.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Antonio and Sabrina: Struck in Love" was an interesting novella. Its plot was filled with introductions into the typical alpha male mafia figure, stereotypical women of color, and lust. Furthermore, the novella needed to be proofread as there were way too many errors. To top it off, it was a cliffhanger. Enough said.

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

This book has drama,suspence, and a lot of long days and night working at your father's business and how much your family needs you to take over the business so they can retire

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short about family, betrayal, and drama romance that is a captivating storyline. The characters are intriguing and well written. I liked reading this book.

[Vivian Byfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Just as I was getting into this book you left me hanging. I can't wait to read the next instalment. A really good read , has got me book line and sinker.

[ANGEL-A- · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK

[Dorothy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struck

I loved this book about Sabrina and Antonio. This attraction to each other undeniable when they look at each other. Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down.

[Sharon Moffatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

I was really looking forward to this book but, in the end, I was put off by the author's failure to maintain the chronological order of the story.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few days to finish, not because of it’s length- it actually has less pages/words than I’m used to, but because I already was in love with it less than half way through and didn’t want to finish until I got the next. I’m glad I did so, because now I can continue reading! The first book seemed more so telling about the characters, but it was very nice to be informed a bit more than to be thrown to the wolves without a clue of what’s going on.