The Warlord

Mac Tíre Mafia #1

by Kally Ash

A Dark Irish Mafia Romance

I’m a pawn in a very dangerous game.

I was kidnapped and sold to one of the most dangerous mafia groups in Ireland - the Mac Tíre Clan.

I’ve been entrusted into the care of a man known simply as The Warlord.

He watches me like a wolf stalking his prey.

He stares like he wants to devour me.

The scary thing is, I think I might want him, too.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Kidnapping, Contemporary Romance

284 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2022

About the author

Kally Ash is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes dark, gritty romances. She loves reading dirty books with strong-willed heroines who bring their men to their knees.

Kally lives with her husband and daughter, her ginger cat and an unhealthy LEGO obsession.

Reviews

[JenMcJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was super instalust that made no sense to me. I'm not going to continue with this series. I didn't like Greyson, he didn't seem effectual to me. I didn't like Finnan, who I assume will get his own book eventually. Sloane was Ok but I did not get her attraction to Greyson. Of course, two of the villain's are women who have no emotional maturity at all.

The real problem was that this relationship was 100% surface lust. They never spend any time getting to know each other. Well, Sloan spends no time getting to know Greyson. He is very familiar with her because he's been stalking her for a while. The first sex scene was eye rollingly absurd and out of nowhere, especially considering the consequences.

I didn't feel like this book had any real romance and I sure didn't feel any intimacy.

[Megan Brogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cliff hanger batman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I recieved this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and spoiler free review

Well, what the hell do I say to that except for WOW!!!!! Oh and I need the next one!!!!
I looooved Grayson, and Sloane was a badass! Never once did she fold despite her situation.
The story kept me hooked and I had to finish it! I hated Finnan and desperately hope he gets his comeuppance, and the other characters we got introduced to have me greatly hoping that there are plenty more stories to come because quite frankly......... I LOVE THEM!!!
You have to read this book. If Mafia romance is your thing, DO IT and even if it's not, DO IT ANYWAY!
I was so excited to get my teeth into this book and it didn't disappoint, as well as awesome interactions between characters, and a storyline that kept you reading it was also 🔥🔥🔥🔥. WOW I need me a Grayson, and he's definitely being added to my book boyfriend list!!! Irish accent✔️ hot as all 😇😈✔️ willing to un@live to keep his woman safe ✔️✔️✔️ OMG just speechless!!!!
Thank you Kally Ash for what can only be described as one hell of a ride!!! And as previously stated CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!!!!!

[Jessica Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

This was my first book by this author and it did not disappoint!

Irish mafia romance, with great spice! I wish I read this sooner!!

Sloane is a badass, imagine being kidnapped not not freaking out and crying and just rolling with the punches and taking no shit from anyone. Um hell yes we love her!

Grayson’s a badass, he cares deeply and will fight and die for those he loved and cares about. And omg the dirty talk 🥵🥵🥵🥵

I love their relationship, it was a good shorter read compared to the others I’ve read this year. Definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings as it is a dark romance. But I definitely recommend and can’t wait to read the next book!

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and Grayson is everything you want in a book boyfriend. He’s smart, possessive, protective, sexy, and gives me “touch her and you die vibes”. Sloan is a badass, fierce princess, who won’t take shit from anyone. I loved these two and the chemistry between the two was undeniable. This book was amazing and it had me hooked from the first page. I loved the plot and I can’t wait for the next one!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Leila Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG GRAYSON!!! I heard that voice echoing through my head for the entirety of this book.

Once again Kally has brought the heat 🔥🔥🔥. The chemistry between the characters is electric.

I love the fierce women Kally adds to her books, Sloane has a little damsel in distress to her but overall she is a head strong determine woman ready to kick ass all on her own if need be.

[TheBookAddictBri · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!!
Book 1 in The Mac Tire mafia series by Kelly Ash & it does have a cliffhanger!
This book is a mafia, arranged marriage but also secret love affair.
I'm giving this a book a 4 star because the plot seemed a little rushed but still fast paced good book that had a few twists & some well written smut scenes.
Sloane is a mafia princess who is stolen to be wed to the Irish mafia leader but Grayson the mafia employee had other plans throughout the book.
Definitely will be giving the other books a try when they come out.

[Raquel.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being book 1, I was surprised to see the story started so abruptly and then to read the FMC so unconcerned about her predicament took me out of the story and left me not caring about her. Adding to that, the characters had very little to no development. The heat was decent and the story interesting enough that I found myself enjoying the book. In the end it was an OK read.

[♣Bookishbellee♣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so in all honesty I’m not a big fan of mafia romance- nothing wrong with it’s just not usually my thing. But when I read the preface for The Warlord it sounded way too good to pass up.
Dark romance, forbidden love kind of thing- I’m all for it.

Then I was pleasantly surprised to find myself introduced to this spectacular world of clans and Irish Mafias. To powerful, possessive men and strong willed women. To life debts and dangers lurking at every venue. Safe to say I loved The Warlord and the elaborateness of the world- the different clans, the leads, I loved the romance and the dirty talking and Grayson’s possessiveness. I can’t wait for The Reaper!!

[Book Reviews Pretty Little Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WARLORD BY @kally.ash 💚

"She was a furious tempest, a storm of emotions. So f***ing beautiful that it hurt to breathe."

I was lucky enough to be a part of the Arc team for this release 💚 Warlord is the first instalment to the Mac Tire Mafia series and focuses on Greyson, the mafia's Warlord and loyal to the bone, until his bosses new fiancé arrives.. Sloane Kavanaugh isn't new to the Mafia life, her father is an American Mafia boss and she's spent her life preparing for this moment.. the moment she's kidnapped, awaiting her marriage to the clan's boss, Finnan Quinn.

There are three rules within the clan, and Greyson never thought he would break one.. "don't get involved with a girlfriend, wife or daughter of a member" .. but after just one taste of Sloane he can't stay away. 🔥

The ruthless world of the Mafia is shining through on these pages but that's not just it.. this book is spice. Pure filthy spice and I am living for it 😂🔥🔥 Greyson and Sloane honestly need to come with a damn warning 🥵🔥

Available August 18th! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Hayley Woz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good mafia romance and this one is a solid 4-4.5 star one!

This book had everything I love in a good mafia romance: reasonable plot, all the spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶, broody MC, badass sassy yet feminine FMC, and some solid drama to tie it all together.

I loved the tension and “can’t stay away” mentality between Grayson and Sloane. It was swoon-worthy!

The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because I felt like it wrapped up too quickly in the end given all the build up - but I still thoroughly enjoyed it!

I blew through this book, and if you’re someone who loves smutty mafia romances with some plot, you will too!

I also love how the book is a standalone yet sets the reader up for other character’s books later on 🤗 can’t wait to read them!

Thanks to the Smuthood Team and author Kally Ash for the ARC!

[KitKat821 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was completely underwhelming. The best I can say about it is that the smut was at least semi interesting. The plot was underdeveloped and large plot points were never addressed or discussed. Why did Sloane’s father have her sold at a flesh auction? What was the deal between her father and Finnian? Why would her father do that to her after a lifetime of teaching her how to defend and take care of herself? The characters weren’t well developed. The only things I really learned about Sloane is that she had some skills in self defense and evasion, she liked pretty clothes and makeup, she had long blonde hair…..and she likes Cristal champagne. That’s not a well developed character. Grayson is even less developed. Finnian is an epic jerk that also is nasty to his loyal men and makes poor decisions as the leader. He wasn’t even fun as a psycho, just gross and icky. So disappointed.

[Brittanie England · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**
This book blew my mind! Dark Mafia! Abductions! Abuse of Power! Wounded MC! Obsessive Hero! Strong-willed Heroine! This book was not what I expected…it was so much more! Kally always delivers on her books! This a quick read with lots of spice! And the cliffy at the end, I can’t wait for more of the Mac Tíre Mafia Series!! Especially if it’s going the way I think it’s going. 😉

Grayson Kent, aka the Warlord. Sinful, Strong, Possessive and Protective! What a dirty talker! 😉 He was sent to retrieve his boss’ fiancé and bring her back to Ireland. Little did he know just how special she really was.

Sloane Kavanaugh aka Mafia Princess. Sexy, Beautiful, Smart and Strong Willed. She was put up for auction by her father, but something went wrong. She was then taken from her home and found her self waking up in an unknown country.

I loved this story and the characters! The development and plot is amazing! I 100% recommend this book!

[thenerdybookworm_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Warlord is book 1 in Kally Ash’s new Mac Tíre Mafia series. It’s a dark forbidden romance.

Grayson Kent is known in the mafia world as “The Warlord.” His loyalty has never been put into question until he’s sent to retrieve his boss’s fiancée. One taste and he knows Sloane is his…even if she is forbidden.

Sloane challenges Grayson at every turn and their chemistry burns hot. I enjoyed the story and with that cliffhanger, I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Marissa Baney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson the warlord of Finnan clan. Is tasks with kidnapping Sloane as she is now betrothed to the clan leader Finnan.

Sloane is this one sassy, smart and fiery women. I love how she challenges Grayson. You can feel the sexual tension between them is so thick you could cut it with a knife. These is this electronic spark that they both can’t seem to deny. The burn is slow in the beginning but is so worth the wait.

Grayson has a hard time trying to stay away from Sloane because he knows the rules of the clan and one of them is to not get involved with another clan members women.. does that stop him … I dunno your going to have to read the book to find out!!

Also I think I would very much enjoy lingerie shopping if Grayson was outside the fitting room or inside!! 🥵🌶🔥

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Mac Tire Mafia Series and follows Sloane and Grayson.

Sloane is a Mafia Princess who has been taught to hold her own and keep her wits in any situation. But can she be vigilant when she is kidnapped by Grayson, a sinfully attractive Irish Mafia Man who looks at her like she is the most delicious of desserts, but is delivering her to be married to his boss? Can Sloane keep her mind focused on escape from the a$$ that she is being forced to marry, rather than the yearning that Grayson elicits in her?

I loved this story! The writing, world building, character development, and storyline are amazing! And that cliffhanger….. OMG!

I absolutely recommend this book and am so very excited for the next one!

[Tarina Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well. It's been a long time since I read some good ol' fashioned smut and it was everything I hoped it would be. Escalating intimacy, well written and juicy. The story wrapped around in was decent, too.

[Kim Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. Recommended

[Sammysreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a binge read for me. Super easy to read, I got lost in the world quickly. Can I just say that the amount of UNBOTHERED the female main character was about being abducted by another mafia and taken overseas is the amount of unbothered in life I aspire to be 😆

Sloane (fmc) is the daughter of the leader of the Irish-American mafia and has been *sold*. She was then abducted by the warlord of the Mac Tíre mafia and taken to Ireland for the purpose of marrying the boss there. But she starts to get feelings for his warlord and a forbidden romance ensues 🙈 because if the boss finds out his warlord is touching his possession...

[★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this Irish Mafia romance. I loved the characters, the plot, and the storyline. It had so much drama I kept wondering what Finnian was going to do. I love a good strong heroine.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother of all things hot!! Prepare to find a new favorite book boyfriend because Grayson is everything sexy, smart, possessive but most of all protective and he gives off all those touch her and I’ll stab you vibes and I am here for it. Sloan is not your average princess no he dad has taught her well she is a fighter she is fierce and she will give you a run for your money. The moment these two meet you can feel the fire building their spark is undeniable but Sloan is promised to the boss!!! EEEKKKK I loved watching these to come together and I love watching how both of them would do anything for one another… I can’t wait for more from the Mac Tire Mafia especially with that ending we got I am dying for the next book already!!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my dark little heart. This story! This story is intense right out the gate and I was wrapped up in all things Grayson. He is just WOW. My heart! Even though he is supposed to be doing a job essentially that is looking over Sloane, that attraction between these two is just FIRE! There is great attention to detail and depth to this story and I honestly devoured it so fast. I am living for this world! I lived for Sloane and her spunk too. She was sassy and gave as good as she got, regardless of how old she is. She really gives Grayson a run for his money. This is a great start to a new series and I am so looking forward to more!

[Smuttybooks_geekystuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson has a job to do. He is to collect his boss' new fiancée from America and keep an eye on her.
He never expected to feel what he does and knows what happens to members that break the rules.

I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book and I was not disappointed at all!

I love Grayson! ❤️ New book boyfriend added to the list.
He's possessive and dominant but also extremely protective.

Sloan is young but her father has taught her well so isn't some innocent damsel in distress.
She's fierce and intelligent and isn't going to go down without a fight.

The heat from this couple nearly melted my kindle 🥵

I'm so excited to see more from the Mac Tíre clan, especially with that epilogue 🖤

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with this author; omg, this book is fantastic, I love Sloane, and Grayson’s story is intriguing and very hot 🥵 I cannot put it down for a second. Well done, Kally.
I Highly recommend it!

[Books&Blazers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was SO EXCITED for this book when I first heard of it. Mafia dark romances are, hands down, my favorite genre of all the romance books on the planet. Throw in the Irish mafia? Psh, sounds like a slam dunk.

This book was unfortunately a miss for me. The characters had instalove, but not in a believable sense at all whatsoever. From the very beginning, you are told the FMC is absolutely off limits and forbidden…yet MMC is already drooling over her. While not my favorite trope, I think what bothered me more was being TOLD what was happening or how the characters felt rather than SHOWING it. When I’m reading a captivating book, the writing absolutely sucks me in and it’s as though I can feel everything the characters feel. Not the case in this book. The result was a predictable plot, unbelievable and cringy instalove, and sub-par smut.


I did receive an ARC of this book, which I’m very appreciative of. I also realize more editing may have taken place prior to the official release. However, I was also rather annoyed by the volume of grammar, spelling and writing issues within the book—and I have never, ever in 100+ book reviews said that 🙈 I had more than 50 issues highlighted in my Kindle by the time I finished, and I hadn’t even started keeping track until I was 25% of the way through. I truly didn’t think that would bother me while reading, but, unfortunately, it really did.

I did enjoy the concept of the plot. I can tell this author is trying to set the foundations for more “world building” and a framework for the rest of the series. There was potential here….the future books could turn around for the better. I’m personally not sure I want to continue on with the series.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️ rounding up to 2/5 stars
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 ~4/5 chili peppers

[Megan Denham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always accepted and expected certain dangers in my life, being a mafia princess kind of calls for it but I didn’t think I’d be sold or kidnapped to be someone bride. He’s the man who stole me and my soon to be husbands number one man, they call him the warlord of the clan. He watches me, stalks me like his prey and this should frighten me… but it doesn’t. I shouldn’t want him, I can’t have him but I think I want too

It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a mafia romance but who doesn’t love a good captor/captive love story. This is a insta love, massive amounts of angst and tons of push/pull overall good little spicy story. These two characters bring out both the best and worst in each other but it’s quite entertaining to watch it all play out.

Sloane Kavanaugh is everything and more you would expect from a mafia princess. Shes feisty, outspoken and very witty but my favorite part was watching her give even the toughest clan leader a run for his money. Even though Greyson was every bit the cold hearted calculated killer and warlord i expected, I found him to be quite the cinnamon roll simp for her immediately.

Greyson lives by three rules
•Never rat out a member
•Don’t talk to the police.
•Never get involved with another member’s girlfriend or wife

The clan and his family within mean everything to him, he has spilled blood for them and always put his life on the line anytime he was needed without question. His internal struggle and turmoil to stay away from Sloane was hard to read, he’s a man of his word but I just wanted him to put himself first for once.

You will get all the spice, tension, and bloody messes you could want with this story, hope you enjoy!

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of 7 in the Mac Tire Mafia Series. Sloane is kidnapped the same night her father, a Irish American Mafia leader, has sold her in a flesh auction. Grayson Kent is the Warlord for Mac Tire Clan leader Finnan Quinn. Grayson is put as her personal bodyguard. But the more he keeps an eye on her the harder it is for him to stay away from her.

My rating:☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️(5/5)

Aaaahhh!!!! This book is everything!!! Next book Kally Ash publishes I’m calling out of work!! This book was so good!! Grayson and Sloane’s chemistry was incredible!! The way she wasn’t shy about reminding him that she was being held there against her will. And the way he kept reminding himself she was off limits and the attraction was there regardless.

🚨🚨Spoilers below read at your own risk🚨🚨

Sloane is a badass! The moment she gained consciousness she always kept an eye on her surroundings looking for any way to escape and a weapon if needed. She kept trying to keep her attraction to Grayson down by reminding herself she was there against her will. The moment Grayson crossed the first line she was more than willing to let her guard down for him. She was still able to keep their banter going and Grayson not wanting her to change a thing about her was so heartwarming! The fact he was willing to give up the clan for her! I really loved that at the end she reached out to her mom!!! And that stare off between Grayson and Dagger!! I just need another scene with them four! And that cliffhanger I can’t wait for the next book.

[bookishfrag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. I enjoyed it a lot. The romance and spice was bang on. It took me sometime to get into the story but when I did, I devoured it.

Sloane is your typical badass mafia princess with a sensual submissive side. I really enjoyed reading her thoughts, and confusions. She is a very strong character and knows how to speak up for herself.

Grayson! What do I say about him. He is caring, possessive and oh so romantic (yes, I found him very romantic). He knows what he is doing and knows what he wants and gets it. I really loved his character and the way he cared about his sister 🥺

And last but not the least, Finnan. I kinda hated him but I kinda also get where he is coming from. I did w him to be good (in the most mafia way possible) but the assh"leness suited him. What baffled me was him losing trust in someone who put his own life in line to save his just because he liked/loved the woman he was going to marry (and he didn't even want to marry her, it was just a deal).

Okay, now confession. I had the most weird theory in the starting of the book, Kally, forgive me. I thought Finnan was creating a ruse and actually had abducted Sloane FOR Grayson only (yeah, ik stupid me). But omg this twost would've blown me away 😂. Another thing, I thought there was something fishy between Torin and Finnan (iykyk), am I on the right track, Kally?

So, here's my long ass rant which makes no freakin' sense but I highly recommend this book to all the mafia romance lovers who love a good ole J/P alpha man.

- bookishfrag

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very time I saw a teaser of this book I was salivating for it. I knew I had to read it. It sounded amazing and after reading LITTLE BIRD by this same author I knew it would be. And yeah it was. It was absolutely forbidden and had me on the edge of my seat the entire read.

I loved how Grayson was like “repercussions be darned” and still went out of his way to claim Sloane every way possible. It didn’t happen right at first but it didn’t take as long as it should have. Especially knowing his life was on the line.

What I loved about this book is how the relationship is resolved at the end, but there are still questions that go unanswered within the story. This leaves the next books in the series to eventually answer them and I am sure in time, it will unearth more problems within the clan and their rivals as the series rolls on.

Last but not least. Definitely not least. Y’all the romance was so hot. I loved how Grayson tried so hard not to fall for Sloane but just didn’t have the kind of control it took to resist her. And dude went full throttle the minute he gave in. I adored him and was looking forward to every second they spent together.

This book was every bit 5 Stars!!

[Cat (catnapsnbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting when I jumped into new to me author Kally Ash’s book The Warlord. As an Irish Mafia romance, I expected violence, tension and action what I did not plan was to find one of the best male main characters I have read in a while. Greyson is the perfect balance of possessive, protective, caring and confident which when combined with an Irish accent and peak dirty talking skills he is my early call for Book Boyfriend of 2023.

The Warlord is a forbidden romance story set against the backdrop of an Irish Mafia war. Sloane, the daughter of the Detroit American-Irish Mafia Boss, has been kidnapped by the Mac Tíre Mafia clan as her father arranged her marriage to their leader. However, Sloane catches feelings for her gruff but kind kidnapper Greyson, The Warlord for the Mac Tíre clan, and with chemistry that was off the charts their relationship was inevitable despite being forbidden. There is so much going on this book beyond the romance, with so much drama, action and angst as well as many intriguing secondary characters that I’m looking forward to exploring more. The Warlord was book one in this series and we get a teaser of who is up next at the end of this book. I cannot wait!!

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dangerous game - Auctioned off and kidnapped across the Atlantic is not how Sloane planned to spend her day. But the daughter of a mobster should always be prepared. She and Grayson share an instant, smoking 🔥, forbidden attraction, one that could get them both erased if his clan leader, her fiancee, finds them out. But he can't stay away from her, snatching illicit moments of pleasure that do not go unnoticed. A dangerous game Grayson plays, to touch what is not his, but the rewards are so sweet. Like honey, and he just can't get enough.

This is one of only a few mafia reads I have digested. I did enjoy the story overall but I'm not a fan of the genre. No romance and tenderness, just dirty talk and action when- and wherever Grayson chose. A population of seemingly good people quelled under criminals' thumbs (i e. gas station). I could have used more backstory on how Sloane wound up in her predicament, as well as a few other pivotal details. I would read another book by this author though, as the story was engrossing from cover to cover. Betrayal, blood and desire all in one package.

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