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Dangerous Gems #5
Pearl
Her pain will not go unpunished…
For years I’ve wanted her from a distance, refusing to allow her entrance into my dark world. I thought I was doing the right thing, that it was the only way to keep her safe.
I was wrong.
If I had known what was happening right under my nose, I would have claimed her sooner. Locked her away in a tower, away from the nightmare that plagued her without my knowledge.
But now I know the truth, and Jessica Adkins will be mine. Her body will know only my touch, feel only the pleasure I can give her.
And if he comes for her again, if he dares to lay a finger on what is mine, I cannot be held responsible for what happens next.
For years I’ve wanted her from a distance, refusing to allow her entrance into my dark world. I thought I was doing the right thing, that it was the only way to keep her safe.
I was wrong.
If I had known what was happening right under my nose, I would have claimed her sooner. Locked her away in a tower, away from the nightmare that plagued her without my knowledge.
But now I know the truth, and Jessica Adkins will be mine. Her body will know only my touch, feel only the pleasure I can give her.
And if he comes for her again, if he dares to lay a finger on what is mine, I cannot be held responsible for what happens next.
- GenresContemporary
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Clark
27 books591 followersLesley Clark is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.
When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.
Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.
She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.
When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.
Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 19, 2023
I loved Jessica and how she gave everything to her career of designing. I love that Salvatore tried to help her with her dreams and made it possible for her to have her internship. I love that even though she tried to fight it she accepted him and they ended up married. I love that he protected her through everything including killing her childhood nightmare and saving her from men that tried to kill her. Great series and I wish there were more!!
December 3, 2022
I love mafia books and protective alpha men in them and the strong women they fall for.
And this one checked all my boxes.
So is the fifth book in the series.
I didn’t realize that when I started reading. It can be read as a standalone.
But I would have loved to read the previous books beforehand.
This is Jessica and Alessandro’s story.
Alessandro is the older brother of Jessica’s best friend.
The moment he lays eyes on her he’s absolutely captivated.
He is protective over her and has watched her from a distance for years.
But he doesn’t know what is being done to her behind closed doors.
Jessica has been through so much and has carried the burden alone.
That is until Alessandro finds out exactly what has been happening .
Ms. Clark is a new to me author.
I enjoyed her writing. And loved her characters
The plot and storyline consumed me.
It was emotional and had my feelings all over the place.
It’s suspenseful and a definite page turner.
With secrets and revelations waiting to be revealed.
Beautiful friendships that warmed my heart.
And a love story that brought a smile to my face and contentment to my here.
I’m excited to read more from this wonderful author and will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
And this one checked all my boxes.
So is the fifth book in the series.
I didn’t realize that when I started reading. It can be read as a standalone.
But I would have loved to read the previous books beforehand.
This is Jessica and Alessandro’s story.
Alessandro is the older brother of Jessica’s best friend.
The moment he lays eyes on her he’s absolutely captivated.
He is protective over her and has watched her from a distance for years.
But he doesn’t know what is being done to her behind closed doors.
Jessica has been through so much and has carried the burden alone.
That is until Alessandro finds out exactly what has been happening .
Ms. Clark is a new to me author.
I enjoyed her writing. And loved her characters
The plot and storyline consumed me.
It was emotional and had my feelings all over the place.
It’s suspenseful and a definite page turner.
With secrets and revelations waiting to be revealed.
Beautiful friendships that warmed my heart.
And a love story that brought a smile to my face and contentment to my here.
I’m excited to read more from this wonderful author and will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
October 3, 2022
Wonderful addition to series, every read is individua with great characters and scenarios
I guarantee that you will be like myself and enjoy every single moment if this amazing book which I simply love it is an amazing, addictive read and I guarantee that you will be blown away by the characters and the scenario which is so beautifully written.
Jessica Adkins he now knows the truth about her and he has decided that without the slightest doubt she will be his and that he will bring her into the world he had so stridently avoided touching her with and yet unbeknown to him she is better versed in the darker need and desires than he ever thought.
He knows that he now has her where he wants her but he also is aware that there are darker and more sinister individual that wants her but he will keep her safe, he will not allow her to feel that fear again!!
Will he be able to live up to his promises to Jessica?
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I guarantee that you will be like myself and enjoy every single moment if this amazing book which I simply love it is an amazing, addictive read and I guarantee that you will be blown away by the characters and the scenario which is so beautifully written.
Jessica Adkins he now knows the truth about her and he has decided that without the slightest doubt she will be his and that he will bring her into the world he had so stridently avoided touching her with and yet unbeknown to him she is better versed in the darker need and desires than he ever thought.
He knows that he now has her where he wants her but he also is aware that there are darker and more sinister individual that wants her but he will keep her safe, he will not allow her to feel that fear again!!
Will he be able to live up to his promises to Jessica?
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
October 9, 2022
Alessandro met Jessica on her first day of college. Immediately their chemistry was fiery, but he pushed her away for years to keep her safe, even as he watched over her, loving her from afar. Jessica never passed up an opportunity to antagonize him, which amused everyone around them. When he finally claims her, she believes she is too damaged for him to want. Everyone else has left her, thrown her away, from her mother on. Alessandro will show her just what she means to him when she is in danger, and he will put his mother's pearl ring on her finger.
I love a good Mafia romance, and Ms Clark has written a fantastic series. This is my favorite so far. A sassy heroine, Jessica has a sad sad backstory, but the strength to become her own woman. A successful career, and friends that make up her family of choice give her her power. Alessandro admires it, loving her beyond madness. He is the perfect dominant Hero who thinks he will always get his way. It's a beautiful thing. This is a really good read, and not to be missed. It can be read as a stand alone, but is more enjoyable read as part of the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I love a good Mafia romance, and Ms Clark has written a fantastic series. This is my favorite so far. A sassy heroine, Jessica has a sad sad backstory, but the strength to become her own woman. A successful career, and friends that make up her family of choice give her her power. Alessandro admires it, loving her beyond madness. He is the perfect dominant Hero who thinks he will always get his way. It's a beautiful thing. This is a really good read, and not to be missed. It can be read as a stand alone, but is more enjoyable read as part of the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 10, 2022
Wow! Leslie leads you in to a deliciously dark romance!
I fell in love with Jessica’s friendship with Valentina & Melody, but especially her love-hate attraction to Alessandro who nicknamed her “firecracker.” What follows will have you chuckling at Jessica’s persistence to put herself in front of Alessandro aka Alex to her, which Alessandro keeps himself aloof from the tempting firecracker on the surface while imagining her in steamy scenarios. That is until the night that Jessica goes out on the town to the hopping nightclub where Alessandro inserts himself in to her dance. To say there are fireworks going off with these two is an understatement. But Alessandro’s Italian man ways seemingly frustrate Jessica as she doesn’t want to take hold of the necessary changes to her life. When Alessandro brings Jessica’s past full circle, the story take a huge plot twist that will leave you reeling with suspense! How will it all end, you have to read to find out!
I fell in love with Jessica’s friendship with Valentina & Melody, but especially her love-hate attraction to Alessandro who nicknamed her “firecracker.” What follows will have you chuckling at Jessica’s persistence to put herself in front of Alessandro aka Alex to her, which Alessandro keeps himself aloof from the tempting firecracker on the surface while imagining her in steamy scenarios. That is until the night that Jessica goes out on the town to the hopping nightclub where Alessandro inserts himself in to her dance. To say there are fireworks going off with these two is an understatement. But Alessandro’s Italian man ways seemingly frustrate Jessica as she doesn’t want to take hold of the necessary changes to her life. When Alessandro brings Jessica’s past full circle, the story take a huge plot twist that will leave you reeling with suspense! How will it all end, you have to read to find out!
October 3, 2022
This is the fifth book in this impressive series, and this is Jessica and Alessandro’s story. Alessandro is the older brother of Jessica’s best friend, and from the moment they meet he is protective over her and has watched her from a distance for years, unaware of what was happening behind closed doors. Jessica has been through so much and keeps her past a secret, until Alessandro realizes what has been going on. This is a well written story which is emotionally charged, with truths, intrigue, twists, suspense, family, revelations, redemption, friendships, and love, which leads to an addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 3, 2022
Another great book with all the characters we have grown to love in this series. We have seen the dynamic between Alessandro and Jessica before but now is their time but it is not without its pitfalls. Acknowledging their feelings for one another was the easy part and there is no denying the explosive physical aspect of their relationship, but Jessica has a secret that she has never divulged even to her best friends. Allesandro won’t take no for an answer and eventually Jessica confesses all. When the past comes back to haunt them both it is nearly all over, but is it really? A page turner with lots of heat and some amusing moments along with the evil that is in some people. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 4, 2022
This is my first book by this author, but it won't be the last. I enjoyed reading about Alessandro and Jessica. They have always had chemistry between them from their very first meeting. When he Alessandro decides to finally step up Jessica is not looking for anything permanent. Alessandro's OTT alpha behavior drivers her nuts, but is freaking hot. Jessica has done an amazing job keeping her past where it belongs in the past. Alessandro being who he is refuses to let sleeping dogs lie. He will stop at nothing to right the wrongs that Jessica endured.
This book is not as dark as I thought it would be, but does have a few dark elements. It was a quick suspenseful read that i quite enjoyed. I will definitely go back and read the first 4 books in the series.
This book is not as dark as I thought it would be, but does have a few dark elements. It was a quick suspenseful read that i quite enjoyed. I will definitely go back and read the first 4 books in the series.
December 2, 2022
Lesley Clark is a new writer to me but this is an intriguing Mafia romance, part of what is a fantastic series. I love a sassy heroine and Jessica is just that with a tragic story, but a strong sense of character to become her own woman, successful career, and family of friends. Alessandro is the perfect dominant Hero who always thinks he can get his way. But he admires Jessica loving her beyond madness. This is an exceptionally good read not to be missed. It is a more enjoyable read if you read the series.
October 6, 2022
Finally Jessica and Alessandro's story. When these two where introduced in Book 2: Diamond, I could not wait for their story and it was definitely worth the wait. Alessandro is the head of the Costa family and he is dangerous, gorgeous and protective of Jessica. Jessica is feisty, independent, has some major secrets and has loved Alessandro from the moment they met. Can they survive their secrets and their past.
This is an awesome series!
This is an awesome series!
October 8, 2022
Another hot mafia story to add to the series of gems. Jessica and her best friend's brother, Alessandro, have been dancing around each other for years. Jessica has secrets and eventually, Alessandro realizes this. A story of revelations, action, twists, action, and misunderstandings all redeemed by love and friendship.
Definitely a good read from a talented author. This one is well worth reading and I look forward to the next in the series.
Definitely a good read from a talented author. This one is well worth reading and I look forward to the next in the series.
October 16, 2022
I totally enjoyed this book. While this is book five, I haven’t read the others and it was a standalone in my opinion. I so loved Alessandro. He was dark, dangerous and so protective of Jessica. This story is filled with suspense, friendship, revelations and so much more to keep the reader engaged. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series! I received an advanced copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2022
Alessandro and Jessica’s story
I always love when a big bad mafia guy falls in love. For one it is never boring……secondly he is a wild card and you don’t know what he will do….. loved this latest Mafia story by Lesley Clark. Yummy deliciousness with a bit of Alphahole thrown in.
I always love when a big bad mafia guy falls in love. For one it is never boring……secondly he is a wild card and you don’t know what he will do….. loved this latest Mafia story by Lesley Clark. Yummy deliciousness with a bit of Alphahole thrown in.
October 25, 2022
The Queen to his Don
Alessandro & Jessica have serious tension between them and after 6+ years they both finally give in. Alex knew for many years that Jessica was the Queen to his Don and despite some past flashbacks, that come back to haunt them, the reader is rewarded with lots of steamy moments.
Alessandro & Jessica have serious tension between them and after 6+ years they both finally give in. Alex knew for many years that Jessica was the Queen to his Don and despite some past flashbacks, that come back to haunt them, the reader is rewarded with lots of steamy moments.
April 14, 2023
Finally! I was waiting on Jessica and Alessandro to get together. The angst throughout the earlier books made for an explosion of sparks in this one. There was a lot of action going on with this book and we learned about the ghosts from Jessica's past.
November 17, 2022
Loved
Loved it I loved Alessandro and Jessica he is my new book boyfriend loved his attractiveness the Son give and I love the tension passion between them I couldn't put it down!
Loved it I loved Alessandro and Jessica he is my new book boyfriend loved his attractiveness the Son give and I love the tension passion between them I couldn't put it down!
November 28, 2023
Alessandro e Jessica
O melhor da série, o único q não pareceu um resumo.
O melhor da série, o único q não pareceu um resumo.
December 15, 2022
This is my first book by this author and I'm planning on going back and reading the rest of the series because I loved this one so much. It's well written and not overly dark. Jessica and Alessandro have history together and they finally give into the chemistry they can no longer deny. The heat is off the charts and the fast pace kept me glued to the pages. I can't wait to go back and start the series from book one.
January 21, 2023
We got a bit of Jessica and Alessandro in book 2 of this series so I was thrilled when Lesley Clark finally gave us their story. It's sort of like a love/hate relationship for Jessica but I think Alessandro has always known that she would be his, he just had to wait awhile to make it happen. She's had a very unhappy life and he's determined to have her as his own but there are secrets that may work against them. Can they still be together, even with the secrets? I loved watching these two come together. Alessandro is just what Jessica needs in her life but it's going to be a struggle to get there. Loved it so much!!!
July 5, 2024
Jessica went to University and there she met Valentina her room mate who arrived with her brother and his men carrying her luggage. Jessica couldn’t take her eyes off Alessandro. To rile him up she called him Alex which he didn’t like. Jessica had something happened to her when she was younger in foster care and living with a woman and her son. Jessica still had nightmares about it. When she finished University she went to live beside Valentina and Melody who was with them at University. There she again saw Alessandro I will not spoil the rest only to say I enjoyed this book and I’m sure you will. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews