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Heart of the Inferno #1
Catalyst
When Natalie Tyler arrives in Chicago to attend her cousin's wedding, she is just hoping to survive the week with her estranged family...And her ex-fiancé. One week. One uneventful week at the beautiful Hotel Jefferson, is all she has to endure before she can return to her quiet life in Miami.
However, fate has other plans.
A split second decision, unknowingly puts her in the path of one of the city's wealthiest bachelors. And one of the deadliest. She finds herself thrust into a world she does not understand.
The world of Jaxon Pace.
Billionaire. Hotelier. Mafia Boss.
In an expansive underworld of crime, violence and deceit, Jaxon is king.
He is heartless, ruthless, and runs the city with an iron first.
Jaxon is used to getting what he wants, no matter the cost.
However, Natalie did not come to Chicago for love, and certainly not for an ungrateful, spoiled playboy with a god complex. But soon she begins to wonder if there is more to this handsome and mysterious man than meets the eye?
Entangled in their fiery romance, and a fleeting hope of happiness, Jaxon sets his sights on the beautiful and charismatic Natalie Tyler. But his enemies have noticed Natalie too.
Can Jaxon win Natalie's heart, before everything goes up in flames?
Their passionate romance will take you on a heart pounding wild ride of suspense, mystery, and chemistry so explosive, it could set the whole city on fire! Catalyst is the first of FOUR installments in the Heart of the Inferno Series. It will have you cheering for true love and gripping your seat, unable to put it down!
However, fate has other plans.
A split second decision, unknowingly puts her in the path of one of the city's wealthiest bachelors. And one of the deadliest. She finds herself thrust into a world she does not understand.
The world of Jaxon Pace.
Billionaire. Hotelier. Mafia Boss.
In an expansive underworld of crime, violence and deceit, Jaxon is king.
He is heartless, ruthless, and runs the city with an iron first.
Jaxon is used to getting what he wants, no matter the cost.
However, Natalie did not come to Chicago for love, and certainly not for an ungrateful, spoiled playboy with a god complex. But soon she begins to wonder if there is more to this handsome and mysterious man than meets the eye?
Entangled in their fiery romance, and a fleeting hope of happiness, Jaxon sets his sights on the beautiful and charismatic Natalie Tyler. But his enemies have noticed Natalie too.
Can Jaxon win Natalie's heart, before everything goes up in flames?
Their passionate romance will take you on a heart pounding wild ride of suspense, mystery, and chemistry so explosive, it could set the whole city on fire! Catalyst is the first of FOUR installments in the Heart of the Inferno Series. It will have you cheering for true love and gripping your seat, unable to put it down!
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About the author
Nicole Fanning
14 books361 followersNicole is a super proud dog mom to three rambunctious rescue dogs.
She's an old school romantic, with a proclivity for a little mischief, and an obsession with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Her first book, Catalyst-Heart of the Inferno, is an action-romance about the terrifying and dangerous mafia lord Jaxon Pace, and Natalie Tyler, the girl who became his only exception.
She's an old school romantic, with a proclivity for a little mischief, and an obsession with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Her first book, Catalyst-Heart of the Inferno, is an action-romance about the terrifying and dangerous mafia lord Jaxon Pace, and Natalie Tyler, the girl who became his only exception.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
March 6, 2023
i think i’d rather claw my eyes out than read another italicized inner thought sentence
February 4, 2025
Originally DNF'd: I don't read about heroes that do drugs
Okay
This book was so long~~~
࿔*:･ The hero
For a hero, he was fine. If you think by % it was a slow burn, if you think by time elapsed in the story it's super insta given they know each other 5 days or so...
I read this for the 'addicted' square.
The hero did go through a period of overindulgence but he can control himself now. However his opening scene turned me off him and I never recovered (it's where I DNF'd the last time)
Then there was this throw away comment as it the previous inner dialogue didn't already want me to wear a hazmat suit while reading this:
boil. him. in. bleach.
I have no idea why the author started the book so off putting but she needs an editor ASAP. Because the rest of the book? It's nothing like this. He does drink but he doesn't get drunk again. He smokes but is trying to quit.
He lacked OTT-ness for a mafia hero. To be honest it read more like a ruthless CEO billionaire than mafia despite all the mafia stuff happening. A minor villain doesn't get killed but forgiven despite his violence towards the heroine? Yeah, that's not a dark hero, that's a contemporary one.
booooo. someone teach him how a mafia don treats those that hurt their women.
࿔*:･ The heroine
She exists.
There are glimmers of badassery but I lost respect for her when she didn't block her cheating ex the second he was out of her life. She blocks him mid-book!
someone get this girl a spine.
࿔*:･ Final thoughts
Despite my complaining, I did finish this. Their interactions worked somehow. Loser, manwhore hero on his path of redemption and untrusting heroine learning to open herself up again. That's the vibe I got.
The problem is this book had too much filler and did mafia so badly I won't be finishing this series.
Mafia without the touch her and die trope? Why bother?
╭── ⋅ ⋅ ──────────────── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮
. .┊𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆
. .┊➛ 𝑺𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆: 8
. .┊➛ 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆: MC with addiction problem or former addiction problem
. .┊➛ 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔: 29/100
╰── ⋅ ⋅ ──────────────── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯
Okay
This book was so long~~~
࿔*:･ The hero
For a hero, he was fine. If you think by % it was a slow burn, if you think by time elapsed in the story it's super insta given they know each other 5 days or so...
I read this for the 'addicted' square.
The hero did go through a period of overindulgence but he can control himself now. However his opening scene turned me off him and I never recovered (it's where I DNF'd the last time)
I rub my face at the same time I notice my tuxedo tie is on the glass decanter… my empty decanter next to the clock. That certainly explains why my head is throbbing. 7:06 a.m.
Quit fucking around, Jaxon. Get moving.
I stare at the line of coke on the table before me, and briefly debate kick starting my morning with more than just a cup of coffee. But I know this would be a mistake.
Not today, big boy…
I brush the coke onto the floor.
I think we partied enough last night to not do shitty coke at 7:07 a.m. in the morning.
Then there was this throw away comment as it the previous inner dialogue didn't already want me to wear a hazmat suit while reading this:
On her side of the bed, I find my boxer briefs and throw them on. Thankfully, I also find the condom foil which makes me breathe a sigh of relief.
boil. him. in. bleach.
I have no idea why the author started the book so off putting but she needs an editor ASAP. Because the rest of the book? It's nothing like this. He does drink but he doesn't get drunk again. He smokes but is trying to quit.
He lacked OTT-ness for a mafia hero. To be honest it read more like a ruthless CEO billionaire than mafia despite all the mafia stuff happening. A minor villain doesn't get killed but forgiven despite his violence towards the heroine? Yeah, that's not a dark hero, that's a contemporary one.
booooo. someone teach him how a mafia don treats those that hurt their women.
࿔*:･ The heroine
She exists.
There are glimmers of badassery but I lost respect for her when she didn't block her cheating ex the second he was out of her life. She blocks him mid-book!
someone get this girl a spine.
࿔*:･ Final thoughts
Despite my complaining, I did finish this. Their interactions worked somehow. Loser, manwhore hero on his path of redemption and untrusting heroine learning to open herself up again. That's the vibe I got.
The problem is this book had too much filler and did mafia so badly I won't be finishing this series.
Mafia without the touch her and die trope? Why bother?
╭── ⋅ ⋅ ──────────────── ⋅ ⋅ ──╮
. .┊𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆
. .┊➛ 𝑺𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆: 8
. .┊➛ 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆: MC with addiction problem or former addiction problem
. .┊➛ 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔: 29/100
╰── ⋅ ⋅ ──────────────── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯
February 13, 2023
The writing was very juvenile, i don't know what the author was thinking but this was not a mafia novel.
She should have researched how the mafia don reacts because this guy reacted like a sixteen year old manwhore.
The book was cringy at best.
Another thing i would like to point out is the unnecessary use of '!!' after each sentence was quite irritating
It was a disaster.
This book belongs on Wattpad.
She should have researched how the mafia don reacts because this guy reacted like a sixteen year old manwhore.
The book was cringy at best.
Another thing i would like to point out is the unnecessary use of '!!' after each sentence was quite irritating
It was a disaster.
This book belongs on Wattpad.
December 19, 2022
Idk I think I could be a better don in Chicago than Jaxon tbh
January 27, 2023
My first DNF of 2023.
This book was a gift and came highly recommended, so I was looking forward to it. However, it is SO DANG SLOW. Like, Jaxon is head of a mafia and his bad ass, but he just kind of bops around. He had this whole plot that I didn't really understand. Then when him and Natalie were together it was cute enough and they had decent tension...but then she had her own plot about not getting along with her mom and her ex being an addict and wanting her back but still seeing the lady he cheated on her with. Like why? It's so bloated that I forgot it was advertised as a spicy romance. It's over 400 pages. And it's a trilogy. There's two more books. It's a freaking slow-burn. There are pages of them texting each other and it was so awkward to read them. There was just too much going on that I didn't care for. So it's not written terribly I just didn't have the patience to wait this one out.
This book was a gift and came highly recommended, so I was looking forward to it. However, it is SO DANG SLOW. Like, Jaxon is head of a mafia and his bad ass, but he just kind of bops around. He had this whole plot that I didn't really understand. Then when him and Natalie were together it was cute enough and they had decent tension...but then she had her own plot about not getting along with her mom and her ex being an addict and wanting her back but still seeing the lady he cheated on her with. Like why? It's so bloated that I forgot it was advertised as a spicy romance. It's over 400 pages. And it's a trilogy. There's two more books. It's a freaking slow-burn. There are pages of them texting each other and it was so awkward to read them. There was just too much going on that I didn't care for. So it's not written terribly I just didn't have the patience to wait this one out.
November 14, 2021
Natalie Tyler is visiting Chicago for a week, to attend her cousin’s marriage. Little does she know that a split second decision puts her in the path of the city’s most wealthy bachelor, Jaxon.
But he’s not just a regular wealthy bachelor. Jaxon is the head of a maffia organization, the Don. Which makes him a very dangerous and lethal man.
She gets caught up in his world and sparks are flying between them. They get entangled in a passionate romance!
But Jaxon’s enemies have noticed Natalie too…
I absolutely loved this book! It has suspense, action, romance, spice! And I can’t wait to find out how the story continues.
Catalyst is the first book of a trilogy. The second book is already out & the third will be released spring 2022.
But he’s not just a regular wealthy bachelor. Jaxon is the head of a maffia organization, the Don. Which makes him a very dangerous and lethal man.
She gets caught up in his world and sparks are flying between them. They get entangled in a passionate romance!
But Jaxon’s enemies have noticed Natalie too…
I absolutely loved this book! It has suspense, action, romance, spice! And I can’t wait to find out how the story continues.
Catalyst is the first book of a trilogy. The second book is already out & the third will be released spring 2022.
April 20, 2024
DNF 79%
This book was so slow. I could not grasp the storyline.
Jaxon, the MMC, is described as a badass mafia don, but I found him irritating at times. The FMC Nathalie is a nurse but came for a wedding. She had to see her ex and saved the dons daughter from getting kidnapped.
The spice was also wack, but there was some chemistry. It's just not enough.
This book was so slow. I could not grasp the storyline.
Jaxon, the MMC, is described as a badass mafia don, but I found him irritating at times. The FMC Nathalie is a nurse but came for a wedding. She had to see her ex and saved the dons daughter from getting kidnapped.
The spice was also wack, but there was some chemistry. It's just not enough.
July 15, 2021
Must read
Ok I am not really in to mafia.. but this book was fantastic. I could not put it down. Action from beginning to end. Loved the characters. This was just an all around good read. Can not wait till book 2..
Ok I am not really in to mafia.. but this book was fantastic. I could not put it down. Action from beginning to end. Loved the characters. This was just an all around good read. Can not wait till book 2..
August 29, 2021
Let me just start with I haven’t read many Mafia books.
I read this as a buddy read and I found myself staying up until 3 am reading because I could not put it down. I read this in 24 hours.
I LOVED it!
The action, the romance, the plot, the spice, chef’s kiss!
That ending was a plot twist I didn’t see coming!
I can not wait to start book 2! I need more 😍
I read this as a buddy read and I found myself staying up until 3 am reading because I could not put it down. I read this in 24 hours.
I LOVED it!
The action, the romance, the plot, the spice, chef’s kiss!
That ending was a plot twist I didn’t see coming!
I can not wait to start book 2! I need more 😍
September 4, 2021
What an amazing ride! This book was full of adventure excitement blood and revenge! First things first! Fk you Colton! Jaxon was completely swoon over Natalie and her very strong a vocal personality! Not only does Jaxon fall head over heels for miss Tyler but his crew does as well! It’s a very slow burn till you get to THE SCENE. But when you get there good lord!!! The build up to get to the the scene is amazing the way he treats her and adores her is the best! And how she accepts him with all his masa he’s got going on! Yes!
May 31, 2023
This one was mostly a pleasant read, all things considered. The characters are goodish and their chemistry was believable. It ebbed and flowed in a way that i sailed through some portions easily while some parts had me wanting to dnf it and move on. I’m starting the second book now so do what you will with that info.
Also someone please take the caps lock key away from the author because it was a struggle to read through the random capital words.
Also someone please take the caps lock key away from the author because it was a struggle to read through the random capital words.
May 28, 2022
I received an ARC copy from the publisher for an honest review.
“The only parallel to the darkness we deal in, is a light bright enough to guide you home, no matter how lost you may feel. I’m talking about a real family that you can come home to.” Ethan.
Natalie Tyler and Jaxon Pace are the two main characters in this lengthy book. The book begins as a typical romance novel. Boy meets girl and falls passionately in love. And though this is true of the book's opening chapters, it grows into a mystery wrapped in blood, bullets and bounty.
The 445 pages are a continuous action scene, with each growing in suspense and tension.
Natalie is the innocent heroine that nurse old people. Jaxon Pace is a Don that protects his family at all cost. Each view of family is different, but similar.
When they meet for the first time, sparks fly. She is furious with him for being a lousy parent. He is stumped that a woman can talk to him in that way. No one talks to him in that way. This lays the foundation and soon sparks fly: dangerous, passionate and real sparks. It challenges both of them in ways they didn't expect.
The more the suspense grow the closer they get to each other. Jaxon wonders if he can pull her into his life. Natalie wonders if she can handle his lifestyle. It is a lot to take in and her world is shattered. Her life challenged.
On the other side of the coin, the romance and indulgence soothes her. Each time he touches her or she him, the electricity grows. Passion running like a current through them with every meeting.
But when the enemy surfaces, it becomes ugly and choices must be made.
"Not only did he leave me here, wanton, in an expensive ass dress, to run off and fight bad guys, but he basically made me promise to stay trapped in this penthouse until he gave the order for me to leave. And I am done being ordered around." Natalie.
“Something is nothing, until it is everything. He still got away,” I say, grabbing a water bottle from the front seat. “How many injured?” Jaxon.
“I keep underestimating her,” I whisper, as I (Jaxon) shake my head. “And she keeps surprising me.” Ethan says nothing, but this time he does nothing to hide his smile.
These quotes sum up the story in a few sentences. The character growth with each part adds to the likeability and suspense. Will she stay? Will he let her stay? An ongoing question that keeps me glued to the book.
Another factor to point out is the supporting characters and subplot. The premises of the story begin with a wedding ceremony that takes places in this very grand hotel. The owner, a stubborn dickhead's way of making immense part of the charm and romance. Nosey cousins adding depth to the scenes while Natalie tries to defend herself against an ex. Colton lives in a world of lies and is not afraid to change a story to fit him best. And keeps on trying to convince Natale that they still have a future together.
Why the three stars then?
1. Throughout the story, the author highlights their thoughts so much that it becomes annoying. As a writing couch once said to me: Just get to the story. It slowed the flow too many times and by the middle of the book; I skipped most of these inner talks just to get to the story.
2. The cursing was another point in the story that was too much. The need to curse was another element that slowed the pace.
3. Explaining his way of life to Natalie was another element that rubbed me the wrong way. Mafia bosses don't do that. Basically, justifying his business as part of keeping the balance, a ridiculous explanation.
Otherwise, it is a good read. It has all the elements in, so make this an entertaining. A book filled with many twists and believable scenes with valid questions to make it enjoyable. The plot is original and the author's writing skills are enticingly refreshing.
Thanks for the copy.
“The only parallel to the darkness we deal in, is a light bright enough to guide you home, no matter how lost you may feel. I’m talking about a real family that you can come home to.” Ethan.
Natalie Tyler and Jaxon Pace are the two main characters in this lengthy book. The book begins as a typical romance novel. Boy meets girl and falls passionately in love. And though this is true of the book's opening chapters, it grows into a mystery wrapped in blood, bullets and bounty.
The 445 pages are a continuous action scene, with each growing in suspense and tension.
Natalie is the innocent heroine that nurse old people. Jaxon Pace is a Don that protects his family at all cost. Each view of family is different, but similar.
When they meet for the first time, sparks fly. She is furious with him for being a lousy parent. He is stumped that a woman can talk to him in that way. No one talks to him in that way. This lays the foundation and soon sparks fly: dangerous, passionate and real sparks. It challenges both of them in ways they didn't expect.
The more the suspense grow the closer they get to each other. Jaxon wonders if he can pull her into his life. Natalie wonders if she can handle his lifestyle. It is a lot to take in and her world is shattered. Her life challenged.
On the other side of the coin, the romance and indulgence soothes her. Each time he touches her or she him, the electricity grows. Passion running like a current through them with every meeting.
But when the enemy surfaces, it becomes ugly and choices must be made.
"Not only did he leave me here, wanton, in an expensive ass dress, to run off and fight bad guys, but he basically made me promise to stay trapped in this penthouse until he gave the order for me to leave. And I am done being ordered around." Natalie.
“Something is nothing, until it is everything. He still got away,” I say, grabbing a water bottle from the front seat. “How many injured?” Jaxon.
“I keep underestimating her,” I whisper, as I (Jaxon) shake my head. “And she keeps surprising me.” Ethan says nothing, but this time he does nothing to hide his smile.
These quotes sum up the story in a few sentences. The character growth with each part adds to the likeability and suspense. Will she stay? Will he let her stay? An ongoing question that keeps me glued to the book.
Another factor to point out is the supporting characters and subplot. The premises of the story begin with a wedding ceremony that takes places in this very grand hotel. The owner, a stubborn dickhead's way of making immense part of the charm and romance. Nosey cousins adding depth to the scenes while Natalie tries to defend herself against an ex. Colton lives in a world of lies and is not afraid to change a story to fit him best. And keeps on trying to convince Natale that they still have a future together.
Why the three stars then?
1. Throughout the story, the author highlights their thoughts so much that it becomes annoying. As a writing couch once said to me: Just get to the story. It slowed the flow too many times and by the middle of the book; I skipped most of these inner talks just to get to the story.
2. The cursing was another point in the story that was too much. The need to curse was another element that slowed the pace.
3. Explaining his way of life to Natalie was another element that rubbed me the wrong way. Mafia bosses don't do that. Basically, justifying his business as part of keeping the balance, a ridiculous explanation.
Otherwise, it is a good read. It has all the elements in, so make this an entertaining. A book filled with many twists and believable scenes with valid questions to make it enjoyable. The plot is original and the author's writing skills are enticingly refreshing.
Thanks for the copy.
December 11, 2023
A slowish burn mafia romance. Although there are dark elements, the romance itself is not. This is not a downside. A nice bit of spice but not overly spicy. Natalie wasn’t the only one whose heart flatlined!!! I enjoyed the twists, although I did figure out the big one before it hit. Catalyst is well written and I’m 100% dedicated to this plot now. Definitely looking forward to book 2!
I listened to the audiobook and it was amazing. Maxine Mitchell is phenomenal as Natalie. She does male voices so well and you can easily differentiate between the different characters. Grayson Owen’s did a fantastic job as Jaxon Pace. Perfect as a Mafia Don. He has great range and I can’t fault him on different character voices. 10/10 narration.
I listened to the audiobook and it was amazing. Maxine Mitchell is phenomenal as Natalie. She does male voices so well and you can easily differentiate between the different characters. Grayson Owen’s did a fantastic job as Jaxon Pace. Perfect as a Mafia Don. He has great range and I can’t fault him on different character voices. 10/10 narration.
August 30, 2021
For 2 days now I’m been lost in this book. It exceeded my expectations at every single turn. The romance, the funny one liners, the plot twists, the spice. This book delivers on every single one of those.
I absolutely love the relationship between Natalie and Jaxon, as well as his daughter. The side characters are so well written you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Natalie is such a badass, she continued to surprise me at every turn. Mafia has never been my preferred genre, but this book has completely converted me. It’s like nothing I’ve read in the mafia world before. It’s truly unique and completely incredible. Even though book 2 comes out in mere days I literally can’t wait.
I absolutely love the relationship between Natalie and Jaxon, as well as his daughter. The side characters are so well written you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Natalie is such a badass, she continued to surprise me at every turn. Mafia has never been my preferred genre, but this book has completely converted me. It’s like nothing I’ve read in the mafia world before. It’s truly unique and completely incredible. Even though book 2 comes out in mere days I literally can’t wait.
August 22, 2021
I’ll be honest, mafia is not my normal trope. But I read Catalyst & LOVED IT. Jaxon is the perfect alpha male and I was hooked from the very beginning! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book!
August 31, 2021
One of my favorite reads of this year! This mafia romance is surprisingly sweet at times and has you burning up the next moment with some hot spice!
The connection between Natalie and Jaxon is swoon worthy! This mafia Don has met his match and Natalie blossoms into such a badass. If you want Cinderella moments mixed with violence and a healthy helping of spice then this is the book for you!
I highly recommend this book and CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE SECOND!
The connection between Natalie and Jaxon is swoon worthy! This mafia Don has met his match and Natalie blossoms into such a badass. If you want Cinderella moments mixed with violence and a healthy helping of spice then this is the book for you!
I highly recommend this book and CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE SECOND!
September 27, 2023
This book was pretty good. The fleshed-out plot and side character development are some of the highlights of this book! I also really enjoyed the FMC, Natalie, a lot. The MMC, Jaxon, is a good character, but he was almost too good for me. He’s a mafia don, and I had hoped that his character would be much more morally gray or black. He felt more morally taupe.
September 21, 2021
This book was definitely a surprise! I started reading it, and just didn’t stop. Fun and super entertaining! If this is a genre you like…. You will DEVOUR it. Downloaded the next book in the series immediately! Highly recommend.
November 11, 2021
5 stars plus!
Whew! This book has just blown my mind! One of the best mafia books ever. One of the best suspense books ever. One of the best romance books ever. So much action! Such a page turner! I have no words except that I must read book two, immediately!
Whew! This book has just blown my mind! One of the best mafia books ever. One of the best suspense books ever. One of the best romance books ever. So much action! Such a page turner! I have no words except that I must read book two, immediately!
July 12, 2021
Such a great debut novel from Nicole Fanning. I didn’t want the book to end! Each chapter grabs you more and more and you don’t want to put it down. I had to catch my breath a few times and the different emotions she put you through is so good! I can not wait for the second one!! Well done!
September 20, 2021
*** Let me explain
Ok, I loved the story line, the characters and the evolution of growth in both of the main characters. Some of the side characters I also fell in love with. But........the beginning of the book dragged for me. Yes, the story was progressing and the story line was moving along. But sometimes the characters thoughts seemed to go on and on. I got a lil bored. But that was only in the like first quarter of the book. Once you got passed that it was full steam ahead. Then the story moved at a good pace and it keep me engaged and I flew threw the rest of the book.
If you don't mind that, this is a great book. And you should give it a try. I am going to get book two. Now that all the characters are established I am hoping it moves at a faster pace.
Ok, I loved the story line, the characters and the evolution of growth in both of the main characters. Some of the side characters I also fell in love with. But........the beginning of the book dragged for me. Yes, the story was progressing and the story line was moving along. But sometimes the characters thoughts seemed to go on and on. I got a lil bored. But that was only in the like first quarter of the book. Once you got passed that it was full steam ahead. Then the story moved at a good pace and it keep me engaged and I flew threw the rest of the book.
If you don't mind that, this is a great book. And you should give it a try. I am going to get book two. Now that all the characters are established I am hoping it moves at a faster pace.
October 26, 2022
Jaxon Pace, Natalie Tyler
Catalyst by Nicole Fanning is a mafia romance. It's the first book from the Heart of the Inferno series.
It's a pretty tamed mafia romance. It has a couple of moments of suspense and underground dirty dealings but most of it is focused on the romance between Jaxon and Natalie. It's opposites attract a kind of love with an innocent woman and a dark and dangerous Don. Even though they belonged in different worlds their relationship came so effortlessly. His gestures were so romantic and generous and she was so fierce and understanding. By the end, it was clear they were made for each other. My favorite parts were the unexpected reveal towards the end and the rescue.
I enjoyed reading this book and I will rate it with 4 stars.
Catalyst by Nicole Fanning is a mafia romance. It's the first book from the Heart of the Inferno series.
It's a pretty tamed mafia romance. It has a couple of moments of suspense and underground dirty dealings but most of it is focused on the romance between Jaxon and Natalie. It's opposites attract a kind of love with an innocent woman and a dark and dangerous Don. Even though they belonged in different worlds their relationship came so effortlessly. His gestures were so romantic and generous and she was so fierce and understanding. By the end, it was clear they were made for each other. My favorite parts were the unexpected reveal towards the end and the rescue.
I enjoyed reading this book and I will rate it with 4 stars.
August 15, 2023
OH MY GOD THIS BOOK!! It was so good and had me in a chokehold from page 1!
Nicole Fanning really knows how to write em and suck you in…I hadn’t been this invested in a book or it’s characters in a while and this was the perfect escape I needed. This book had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions and I was here for every second of it! I just love Natalie and Jaxon ♥️ and Charlie owns a little piece of my heart.
I listened to the audiobook while I read and let me just say that Maxine and Grayson did freaking amazing! They were perfect as Natalie and Jaxon and I love how they each portrayed the side characters as well!! GO READ IT!!
Nicole Fanning really knows how to write em and suck you in…I hadn’t been this invested in a book or it’s characters in a while and this was the perfect escape I needed. This book had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions and I was here for every second of it! I just love Natalie and Jaxon ♥️ and Charlie owns a little piece of my heart.
I listened to the audiobook while I read and let me just say that Maxine and Grayson did freaking amazing! They were perfect as Natalie and Jaxon and I love how they each portrayed the side characters as well!! GO READ IT!!
September 16, 2021
WOW! Just.......WOW!! THIS BOOK! FANTASTIC! I'm speechless....
This is a slow burn until about 50-60 pages in. It's the story of a Chicago Mafia Don named Jaxon & Miami FL nurse named Natalie.
Nat is in town for her cousin's wedding. When she arrives, she parks in the wrong place & good thing she did too! She saves a little girl, Jessica, from being kidnapped. Turns out that little girl is Jaxon's daughter. He is also the owner of the hotel she & her family are staying in. From the first time they meet each other, it's fireworks & they can't keep each other outta their heads. They spend a VERY eventful week together. Nat learns that Jax is Mafia & has to decide if she wants to stay with him. By the end of the book, some bad people from Jax's past come back around & start a LOT of crap. And Jax has to fight to get his girl back & his life!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It gave me all kinds of different feels. Lol! I know I wanted to throw this book across the room SO MANY TIMES! LOL! DEFINITELY A MUST READ!!
This is a slow burn until about 50-60 pages in. It's the story of a Chicago Mafia Don named Jaxon & Miami FL nurse named Natalie.
Nat is in town for her cousin's wedding. When she arrives, she parks in the wrong place & good thing she did too! She saves a little girl, Jessica, from being kidnapped. Turns out that little girl is Jaxon's daughter. He is also the owner of the hotel she & her family are staying in. From the first time they meet each other, it's fireworks & they can't keep each other outta their heads. They spend a VERY eventful week together. Nat learns that Jax is Mafia & has to decide if she wants to stay with him. By the end of the book, some bad people from Jax's past come back around & start a LOT of crap. And Jax has to fight to get his girl back & his life!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It gave me all kinds of different feels. Lol! I know I wanted to throw this book across the room SO MANY TIMES! LOL! DEFINITELY A MUST READ!!
August 16, 2021
4/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶
This book was soooo good! After seeing it all over tiktok I was really worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype but it definitely did not disappoint.
Natalie is an absolutely amazing main character who starts off as a simple nurse and ends up having bigger balls than gangsters and thugs! She starts off trying to have a calm and simple weekend for her cousins wedding and ends up stopping a kidnapping and catching the eye of a billionaire mob boss.
Then there’s Jaxon the billionaire, business owner, mob boss, dickhead extraordinaire. He is a man who prides himself in being completely in control of his life, his business, his city, and his men. However he is completely lost when it comes to Natalie and has to throw his entire playbook out the window trying to figure her out. She does not fall for his money, looks, and charms and is absolutely nothing like the other women he has been with before.
This book is also filled with so many amazing supporting characters like Charlie, Ethan, and her absolutely kick ass cousin Steph! They are such a huge part of this story and I promise you will grow to love them and their personalities!
The twists and turns of this story will keep you on your toes and have you wanting more, and the cliffhanger at the end will leave you cursing! This book is a must read!!
This book was soooo good! After seeing it all over tiktok I was really worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype but it definitely did not disappoint.
Natalie is an absolutely amazing main character who starts off as a simple nurse and ends up having bigger balls than gangsters and thugs! She starts off trying to have a calm and simple weekend for her cousins wedding and ends up stopping a kidnapping and catching the eye of a billionaire mob boss.
Then there’s Jaxon the billionaire, business owner, mob boss, dickhead extraordinaire. He is a man who prides himself in being completely in control of his life, his business, his city, and his men. However he is completely lost when it comes to Natalie and has to throw his entire playbook out the window trying to figure her out. She does not fall for his money, looks, and charms and is absolutely nothing like the other women he has been with before.
This book is also filled with so many amazing supporting characters like Charlie, Ethan, and her absolutely kick ass cousin Steph! They are such a huge part of this story and I promise you will grow to love them and their personalities!
The twists and turns of this story will keep you on your toes and have you wanting more, and the cliffhanger at the end will leave you cursing! This book is a must read!!
September 13, 2021
Once in a great while a book comes along that just wows you. It grips you hard by the throat and doesn't let go, even long after you've finished the book. Catalyst by Natalie Fanning is that book.
Jaxon is a tall, hot and sexy Mafia boss who owns just about everything, he's also a single dad. Natalie is a nurse who comes to Chicago for a family wedding. She ends up saving Jaxon's daughter during a kidnapping attempt. And the fireworks between them begin!
The side characters here are well fleshed out and just add to the awesomeness of the book. There's his right hand man Ethan, the more-than-just a butler Charlie, and of course, her ex, a whiney, jerk named Colton.
I honestly didn't want this to end, but these is book two to be read, and I'm totally excited for Ignite. I'm even buying the paperbacks asap! Do yourself a favor and read this series!
Jaxon is a tall, hot and sexy Mafia boss who owns just about everything, he's also a single dad. Natalie is a nurse who comes to Chicago for a family wedding. She ends up saving Jaxon's daughter during a kidnapping attempt. And the fireworks between them begin!
The side characters here are well fleshed out and just add to the awesomeness of the book. There's his right hand man Ethan, the more-than-just a butler Charlie, and of course, her ex, a whiney, jerk named Colton.
I honestly didn't want this to end, but these is book two to be read, and I'm totally excited for Ignite. I'm even buying the paperbacks asap! Do yourself a favor and read this series!
May 29, 2022
Catalyst by Nicole Fanning is perfection!!!
Enemies to Lovers
Mafia Romance
Bad Boy / Good Girl
Natalie is a nurse from Miami. Jaxon is a single dad who is also the Don of the biggest mafia family in Chicago.
Natalie travels to Chicago for her cousin’s wedding. Upon arriving in Chicago, Natalie has an encounter which results in the most explosive first interaction with Jaxon Pace.
Natalie learns of Jaxon’s involvement with the mafia and Jaxon’s enemies learn of Natalie…
The action, angst, passion, and plot twists are out of this world!
This is a mafia romance that you’ll swoon over! I am absolutely smitten with Jaxon Pace! Where can I get me one of him?!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I can’t WAIT for Ignite!
Enemies to Lovers
Mafia Romance
Bad Boy / Good Girl
Natalie is a nurse from Miami. Jaxon is a single dad who is also the Don of the biggest mafia family in Chicago.
Natalie travels to Chicago for her cousin’s wedding. Upon arriving in Chicago, Natalie has an encounter which results in the most explosive first interaction with Jaxon Pace.
Natalie learns of Jaxon’s involvement with the mafia and Jaxon’s enemies learn of Natalie…
The action, angst, passion, and plot twists are out of this world!
This is a mafia romance that you’ll swoon over! I am absolutely smitten with Jaxon Pace! Where can I get me one of him?!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I can’t WAIT for Ignite!
February 4, 2022
STELLAR writing. Jaxon makes for an incredibly compelling MMC, and Natalie, in all her innocence, gives off an incredible strength. It's beautiful to watch their story unfold, to go along the journey with them. There are multiple scenes that had me on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what was going on and what was coming next, and the big reveal at the end had me SCREAMING. I've already started book 2 of this series because I just couldn't wait for more.
March 27, 2023
I just finished this book finally cause Ive been in a reading slump since January 😩 it was a pretty good book altho only like 1 spicy scene and tbh i was expecting more from a mafia romance. The MC started as a real badass but then she gave very strong pick me vibes and insecurities which is meh. The whole book happens over a vacation week and im still surprised about that haha. Anyway i enjoyed it and would read the 2nd book still
September 2, 2021
This book was amazing! The story line is great. If you love a mafia type books, this is definitely one you should read. If you like books that have sexual tension, this book is for you. Can't wait to read the second book!
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