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Maura Quinn #2
Endure the Pain
Mobster. Murderer. Monster.
Even though I’m all of those awful things, I can still be broken.
It’s happened before and I barely survived it.
If I were to be broken again, would it kill me?
Or can I endure the pain of a shattered soul once more?
Since I’ve returned home, I’ve embraced my inner darkness and started down a path bathed in blood and smelling of gunmetal.
War is brewing between my family and another gang. They instigated it, but I will end it—them. Even if I have to let my darkness consume me completely.
There will be losses on both sides. I just didn’t know ours—mine—would be so grave.
My name is Maura Quinn. I’m the Banphrionsa—the next in line to take over my father’s dark kingdom of crime.
This is my story.
Warning: This is a MFM menage romance. Maura Quinn's story is a dark twisted tale with violence, graphic killing, foul language, and sexual content. Some parts may be triggering
Even though I’m all of those awful things, I can still be broken.
It’s happened before and I barely survived it.
If I were to be broken again, would it kill me?
Or can I endure the pain of a shattered soul once more?
Since I’ve returned home, I’ve embraced my inner darkness and started down a path bathed in blood and smelling of gunmetal.
War is brewing between my family and another gang. They instigated it, but I will end it—them. Even if I have to let my darkness consume me completely.
There will be losses on both sides. I just didn’t know ours—mine—would be so grave.
My name is Maura Quinn. I’m the Banphrionsa—the next in line to take over my father’s dark kingdom of crime.
This is my story.
Warning: This is a MFM menage romance. Maura Quinn's story is a dark twisted tale with violence, graphic killing, foul language, and sexual content. Some parts may be triggering
305 pages, Unknown Binding
First published December 1, 2020
715 people are currently reading
2067 people want to read
About the author
Ashley N. Rostek
13 books3,300 followersAshley N. Rostek is a wife and mother by day and a writer by night. She survives on coffee, loves collecting offensive coffee mugs, and is an unashamed bibliophile.
To Ashley, there isn’t a better pastime than letting your mind escape in a good book. Her favorite genre is romance and has the overflowing bookshelf to prove it. She is a lover of love. Be it a sweet YA or a dark and lusty novel, she must read it!
Ashley’s passion is writing. She picked up the pen at seventeen and hasn’t put it down. Her debut novel is Embrace the Darkness, the first book in the Maura Quinn series.
For updates and sneak peeks on her upcoming projects, follow her on social media. Links below.
https://www.facebook.com/ashleynrostek/
https://www.instagram.com/ashleynrostek/
To Ashley, there isn’t a better pastime than letting your mind escape in a good book. Her favorite genre is romance and has the overflowing bookshelf to prove it. She is a lover of love. Be it a sweet YA or a dark and lusty novel, she must read it!
Ashley’s passion is writing. She picked up the pen at seventeen and hasn’t put it down. Her debut novel is Embrace the Darkness, the first book in the Maura Quinn series.
For updates and sneak peeks on her upcoming projects, follow her on social media. Links below.
https://www.facebook.com/ashleynrostek/
https://www.instagram.com/ashleynrostek/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
June 4, 2021
"Fear is a tool, not a shackle"
This book ruined me. Maura has gone through so much and has really been portrayed as a strong character. Cant wait for the next book.
This book ruined me. Maura has gone through so much and has really been portrayed as a strong character. Cant wait for the next book.
February 23, 2021
honestly, finishing this book felt more like a chore instead of an enjoyable past time.
everything I like about the fmc in the last book was honestly taken away from this book. i also personally just dislike pregnancy and baby plots because I think they're just ways for moving the plot forward when the author does not have any other ideas.
while the romance did evolve more in this book, there was literally no spark between the two characters and it seemed like louie was just shoved in this one with no buildup from the last book.
i also found major problems with the plot because it honestly felt like it didn't know exactly what it wanted to do. in general, it felt messy and unorganized, trying to invent some of that old action that was fun in the last book.
overall it just wasn't an enjoyable read and i probably wont read the next one.
everything I like about the fmc in the last book was honestly taken away from this book. i also personally just dislike pregnancy and baby plots because I think they're just ways for moving the plot forward when the author does not have any other ideas.
while the romance did evolve more in this book, there was literally no spark between the two characters and it seemed like louie was just shoved in this one with no buildup from the last book.
i also found major problems with the plot because it honestly felt like it didn't know exactly what it wanted to do. in general, it felt messy and unorganized, trying to invent some of that old action that was fun in the last book.
overall it just wasn't an enjoyable read and i probably wont read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
The pacing wasn’t as good as in the first book imo but still entertaining. Liking this series so far
December 3, 2020
Oh my god. I didn't know this came out today! I got no update!
Brb.
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3.75 ish??
What I loved most from the previous book was the unpredictability nature of Maura. Hell, you never know when she get into her crazy mode and started killing people off. In this one, however, she kinda held herself back a lot. I need to see more people dropping dead and this book deprives me of that dream.
Plus, I totally didn't see the whole polygamous relationship coming. Hell, it knocked me down on my ass. Totally out of character for Maura to do so. As for someone who couldn't tolerate cheating before, to be fine and dandy about the whole arrangement is just not what I imagine she would feel.
Anyhow, despite all of that, it was still smutty as hell. Maura was still a badass sometimes (just excuse her crybaby moments). The whole crimes stuff, I can't believe that I'm saying I want more of them. And more Nicoli, please dear author. I owe you one. 😉
Brb.
-------------------------------
3.75 ish??
What I loved most from the previous book was the unpredictability nature of Maura. Hell, you never know when she get into her crazy mode and started killing people off. In this one, however, she kinda held herself back a lot. I need to see more people dropping dead and this book deprives me of that dream.
Plus, I totally didn't see the whole polygamous relationship coming. Hell, it knocked me down on my ass. Totally out of character for Maura to do so. As for someone who couldn't tolerate cheating before, to be fine and dandy about the whole arrangement is just not what I imagine she would feel.
Anyhow, despite all of that, it was still smutty as hell. Maura was still a badass sometimes (just excuse her crybaby moments). The whole crimes stuff, I can't believe that I'm saying I want more of them. And more Nicoli, please dear author. I owe you one. 😉
September 6, 2023
Maura Quinn, heir to the New England Irish Mob, the castrator...whatever you want to call her, she's living in a man's world and ready to show everyone how a woman runs the show.
This book earns its name - ENDURE THE PAIN – because she does. Maura has been through a lot and chooses to embrace the darkness to overcome it, but her journey is far from over – life just keeps fucking her at every turn.
For me, this was a much harder book to get into than the first. Maura became a little less savvy mobster in the first half and more spoilt princess. She's also verging on Mary Sue. Everyone, and I mean everyone, fawns over this girl. The people who don't like her or aren't fascinated by her usually end up dead. Her list of adoring goons grows with each chapter, and because of this, their personalities start to blend into one. I struggled to pin down returning characters, which isn't a good sign.
I appreciated seeing Maura finally put effort into developing a female friendship. It's her cousin, but still, we love to see some growth. I'm also still enjoying the dynamic between her and Stefan.
At this point, I'm not interested in the romance aspect of this series. Jamie has lost me, and Louie is a spare part. It's hard to imagine how he and Maura would be together if Jamie weren't in the picture. I've seen there's a novella from their POV, but I don't think I have the energy for it.
SPOILERS BELOW
3
2
1
I was so disappointed by the pregnancy plot. It changed the tone, and regardless of how that subplot ended, her decision to keep the baby was such a turnaround from who she was in book one. It felt like it only happened to move the plot forward, not because Maura had changed as a character and adjusted her mindset towards having children.
Things picked up again in the final 20 per cent, and we got to see a much darker, more controlled, and violent Maura, picking herself up in the wake of her personal tragedy.
Also, I know this is a gangs/mob story, and they’re the bad guys, but I really don’t want to read about aryan white supremacists.
I'll keep reading because I am entertained, and the writing is still excellent. I'm hoping the next instalment will give Maura some renewed sense of purpose because I'm not sure what we're moving towards right now.
This book earns its name - ENDURE THE PAIN – because she does. Maura has been through a lot and chooses to embrace the darkness to overcome it, but her journey is far from over – life just keeps fucking her at every turn.
For me, this was a much harder book to get into than the first. Maura became a little less savvy mobster in the first half and more spoilt princess. She's also verging on Mary Sue. Everyone, and I mean everyone, fawns over this girl. The people who don't like her or aren't fascinated by her usually end up dead. Her list of adoring goons grows with each chapter, and because of this, their personalities start to blend into one. I struggled to pin down returning characters, which isn't a good sign.
I appreciated seeing Maura finally put effort into developing a female friendship. It's her cousin, but still, we love to see some growth. I'm also still enjoying the dynamic between her and Stefan.
At this point, I'm not interested in the romance aspect of this series. Jamie has lost me, and Louie is a spare part. It's hard to imagine how he and Maura would be together if Jamie weren't in the picture. I've seen there's a novella from their POV, but I don't think I have the energy for it.
SPOILERS BELOW
3
2
1
I was so disappointed by the pregnancy plot. It changed the tone, and regardless of how that subplot ended, her decision to keep the baby was such a turnaround from who she was in book one. It felt like it only happened to move the plot forward, not because Maura had changed as a character and adjusted her mindset towards having children.
Things picked up again in the final 20 per cent, and we got to see a much darker, more controlled, and violent Maura, picking herself up in the wake of her personal tragedy.
Also, I know this is a gangs/mob story, and they’re the bad guys, but I really don’t want to read about aryan white supremacists.
I'll keep reading because I am entertained, and the writing is still excellent. I'm hoping the next instalment will give Maura some renewed sense of purpose because I'm not sure what we're moving towards right now.
November 21, 2020
I don't even know where to begin. When I started this series with Embrace the Darkness, I knew I was getting a girl mobster with a backbone. What I didn't realize I was actually getting was a badass, quirky, strong-willed, AMAZING FMC who I may have a lady boner for now.
Y'all. Dark, gritty, sexy, exciting,witty, BRUTAL.
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕟 by Ashley N. Rostek was INSANE. I laughed, I cried, I cringed. I cheered for Maura, our IRISH QUEEN, when she prevailed and I sobbed, SOBBED, when she hurt. That poor, strong, independent, intelligent, gorgeous woman. My heart ACHED for her at one point. I felt that shit!
Let me just say I am SO happy with the direction the relationships are going. I KNEW IT! I knew what was going to happen in Maura's love life. And I 100% support it. Although there were quite a few peckers I wanted to punch at one point, because SCREW THEM. I'm glad Maura did what she needed to do for revenge. Although that cliffhanger killed me.
Killed. Me.
This book was so much more than I hoped for. Every character is unique. All the relationships are deep. Jamie, Louie, Stefan, Brenna, Asher, Dean, Rourke, Nicky...seriously, I loved the intricacies of how everyone interacted with each other and our FMC. So much detail.
The twists and turns were brutal. Some I saw coming, some were a surprise. I'm not giving away any details because you need to go in blind. You need to experience the thrilling action, the unbelievable love scenes, the hilarious banter, the emotional turmoil, and everything in between.
I seriously love Maura. Usually I'm all about the romance, but Maura is too unique and phenomenal that she stole the whole show! ALL OF IT. She is my idol. I need the next book. K? Thanks!
You need to read the Maura Quinn Series. That is all.
November 21, 2020
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review. I did not think it was possible for the second book to be better than the first book in a series, but Ashley absolutely nailed it! The emotion written into this is just...... it hurts.
Endure the Pain is the second book in the Maura Quinn Series. This book has earned its name and ENDURE THE PAIN she does. Maura has been through so much in the past and struggled to embrace the darkness to overcome it, but her journey is not over yet. Life keeps fucking her with the unthinkable at every single turn.
She has earned respect and is working her way to more responsibilities in the family, but people just can’t leave her well enough alone. Her relationship is tested. She is put in very challenging situations where the choices are not easy to make and life becomes one shitty roller coaster.
This book is messy and painful. It will hurt you. I feel so hard for Maura in this one, probably more so than Embrace the Darkness. This girl is so fiercely strong and just keeps going, even when she deserves to brake. She has become one of my favorite FMCs and I can’t wait to see where the next book will take her.
Endure the Pain is the second book in the Maura Quinn Series. This book has earned its name and ENDURE THE PAIN she does. Maura has been through so much in the past and struggled to embrace the darkness to overcome it, but her journey is not over yet. Life keeps fucking her with the unthinkable at every single turn.
She has earned respect and is working her way to more responsibilities in the family, but people just can’t leave her well enough alone. Her relationship is tested. She is put in very challenging situations where the choices are not easy to make and life becomes one shitty roller coaster.
This book is messy and painful. It will hurt you. I feel so hard for Maura in this one, probably more so than Embrace the Darkness. This girl is so fiercely strong and just keeps going, even when she deserves to brake. She has become one of my favorite FMCs and I can’t wait to see where the next book will take her.
November 25, 2020
“𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐞.”
Maura Quinn, heir to the New England Irish Mob, the castrator...Whatever you want to call her, she's living in a mans world and she's ready to show everyone how a woman runs the show.
This is book 2 to the Maura Quinn series and so many secrets get revealed and the twists keep coming. This book GUTTED me, like the last 30% of this book had me wanting to scream and cry.
“𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞!”
Book 1 is more an MF with her developing a relationship with Jameson, but in book 2 we get a new boy added into the mix and wooooo, does it get steamy. I didn't think it was possible for me to love Jamie more than I already did, but Ashley did that.
This series is bloody, dark and hilarious. I highly recommend if you love a good mob/mafia book with a touch of humour sprinkled throughout. That cliffy had me wanting to cry so I am really looking forward to the next book!
Maura Quinn, heir to the New England Irish Mob, the castrator...Whatever you want to call her, she's living in a mans world and she's ready to show everyone how a woman runs the show.
This is book 2 to the Maura Quinn series and so many secrets get revealed and the twists keep coming. This book GUTTED me, like the last 30% of this book had me wanting to scream and cry.
“𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞!”
Book 1 is more an MF with her developing a relationship with Jameson, but in book 2 we get a new boy added into the mix and wooooo, does it get steamy. I didn't think it was possible for me to love Jamie more than I already did, but Ashley did that.
This series is bloody, dark and hilarious. I highly recommend if you love a good mob/mafia book with a touch of humour sprinkled throughout. That cliffy had me wanting to cry so I am really looking forward to the next book!
Read
June 1, 2022Not me DNF-ing books left, right and center the last two days. So this book isn't bad. I've been hit with a severe case of reading block and I can't manage to generate the interest I previously had for this book. Also, leaving this unrated for that same reason..will come back later I guess.
July 15, 2022
DNF when she started drinking while pregnant
Book was great until she found out she was pregnant. It’s like the author had a kid and wanted to show off how much she knew about motherhood. The book turned into clothes shopping, morning sickness, cravings, ultrasounds, people finding out and then she started drinking while pregnant!! Gross!!! Where did the plot go?? It took a sudden left turn and I lost all respect for the FMC.
I wanted to get away from life not just read more about it.
Book was great until she found out she was pregnant. It’s like the author had a kid and wanted to show off how much she knew about motherhood. The book turned into clothes shopping, morning sickness, cravings, ultrasounds, people finding out and then she started drinking while pregnant!! Gross!!! Where did the plot go?? It took a sudden left turn and I lost all respect for the FMC.
I wanted to get away from life not just read more about it.
December 15, 2020
Holy crap!!
This. Was. Effing. Awesome!! I don’t usually start a series until it’s finished, especially by new authors, but this was so worth it. You best believe I will be (Im)patiently waiting for the next book. Maura has to be my new favorite female main character, hands down. The author really did a helluva good job putting together this world, her characters and the plot. Just enough action to keep it interesting, a bit of darkness to feed the inner monster, humor when needed, romance that is well built and natural, grief and happiness....I could keep going but I won’t. You NEED to read for yourself. I can’t wait for the next book!
This. Was. Effing. Awesome!! I don’t usually start a series until it’s finished, especially by new authors, but this was so worth it. You best believe I will be (Im)patiently waiting for the next book. Maura has to be my new favorite female main character, hands down. The author really did a helluva good job putting together this world, her characters and the plot. Just enough action to keep it interesting, a bit of darkness to feed the inner monster, humor when needed, romance that is well built and natural, grief and happiness....I could keep going but I won’t. You NEED to read for yourself. I can’t wait for the next book!
February 17, 2021
What a waste...
Book one was awesome but this one was a joke. The mc lost her badassness and just became a whiny and always getting attacked like from being almost raped a few times to being gutted that she lost her baby. Can't believed the author added the cliche pregnant plot and revenge as plotline. The part where the enemy got the upper hand on her and her being attacked on her own home was a joke. The way the guys treated her was joke. I hate it when the mc gets beaten up repeatedly and becomes a gullible person. The added gay cliche sub plot was another that wasn't needed. Totally disappointed that this series lost the momentum. DNF..
Book one was awesome but this one was a joke. The mc lost her badassness and just became a whiny and always getting attacked like from being almost raped a few times to being gutted that she lost her baby. Can't believed the author added the cliche pregnant plot and revenge as plotline. The part where the enemy got the upper hand on her and her being attacked on her own home was a joke. The way the guys treated her was joke. I hate it when the mc gets beaten up repeatedly and becomes a gullible person. The added gay cliche sub plot was another that wasn't needed. Totally disappointed that this series lost the momentum. DNF..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
Endure the Pain is fire!
I became completely absorbed in the compelling world Ashley has created and got swept along with the lives of her characters. The book is full of action, drama, angst, twists, and sexual tension. And Maura; she simply has it! She's clever, wicked and sometimes downright chilling. Male characters are gorgeous and hard core ruthless.
Yeah, I am obsessed with this story!
I will be waiting, counting the days until the next book.
I became completely absorbed in the compelling world Ashley has created and got swept along with the lives of her characters. The book is full of action, drama, angst, twists, and sexual tension. And Maura; she simply has it! She's clever, wicked and sometimes downright chilling. Male characters are gorgeous and hard core ruthless.
Yeah, I am obsessed with this story!
I will be waiting, counting the days until the next book.
February 22, 2024
I’m just going to write one review for this series because I feel the same way about all 3 books.
Maura is the heir to a mafia kingdom but left the life 6 years ago to try and be “normal”. Things happen and she returns to the life and becomes a bad ass boss lady that everyone loves to hate. Along the way, her two childhood best friends profess their love and they build an unconventional relationship.
This series was not super great, but it was compelling enough for me to finish it. I found Maura quite annoying, and I feel like the author would have benefited from an editor asking her what the MC’s real motivation is because that lack of clarity seems to allow for large plot holes and character confusion.
If you like a mafia book with a kick ass Queen, you will probably enjoy this series, but please note the content and trigger warnings. There is a HEA.
content/TW: rape, abuse, graphic violence, pregnancy loss, whipping, MMF relationship
Maura is the heir to a mafia kingdom but left the life 6 years ago to try and be “normal”. Things happen and she returns to the life and becomes a bad ass boss lady that everyone loves to hate. Along the way, her two childhood best friends profess their love and they build an unconventional relationship.
This series was not super great, but it was compelling enough for me to finish it. I found Maura quite annoying, and I feel like the author would have benefited from an editor asking her what the MC’s real motivation is because that lack of clarity seems to allow for large plot holes and character confusion.
If you like a mafia book with a kick ass Queen, you will probably enjoy this series, but please note the content and trigger warnings. There is a HEA.
content/TW: rape, abuse, graphic violence, pregnancy loss, whipping, MMF relationship
December 3, 2020
Not sure
This read was freaking crazy!!!! ok ok. Totally torn! .book had some serious awesome, funny parts! But I think I was confused when so many times when sh*t hit the fan and our tough H seemed to lose her training or even not be able to protect herself? In many ways those moments just didn't add up. Maura is a bsdass, but every time the author needs the bad guys to have the upper hand is the only time Maura drops the ball? The ending i just couldn't even believe, ur telling me with all the cameras watching and her guys it was possible? How? I felt a lot of moments where Maura was a damsel in distress and I f"**,king hated it. I also hated how whenever she was attacked she needed to feel one of her guys inside her? Why cheap in a awesome character? I don't regret reading this book, a totally cracked up a few times, but idk if I want to continue on with the series.
This read was freaking crazy!!!! ok ok. Totally torn! .book had some serious awesome, funny parts! But I think I was confused when so many times when sh*t hit the fan and our tough H seemed to lose her training or even not be able to protect herself? In many ways those moments just didn't add up. Maura is a bsdass, but every time the author needs the bad guys to have the upper hand is the only time Maura drops the ball? The ending i just couldn't even believe, ur telling me with all the cameras watching and her guys it was possible? How? I felt a lot of moments where Maura was a damsel in distress and I f"**,king hated it. I also hated how whenever she was attacked she needed to feel one of her guys inside her? Why cheap in a awesome character? I don't regret reading this book, a totally cracked up a few times, but idk if I want to continue on with the series.
December 3, 2020
Maura is lost in her grief. She can't she past her want for revange. Its all she will think about and all she wants to do. Runing away from the boys she loved was hard. But they broke her heart first. She has to do this for herself. With the help of her goons she does the unthinkable and takes her revange. But something goes wrong. Loved ones get hurt and Maura is taken. How will she get back? What will they do to her? Who died?
March 1, 2021
Book 2 in the Maura Quinn series was even crazier than the first. I love a mafia series that isn’t afraid to have blood gore and darkness and isn’t just about romance. This book adds another person into romance mix and I loved that and where it’s going. It ends with a crazy cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next book!
September 2, 2023
Rostek really knows how to make you feel every emotion possible in a span of 500 pages… excuse me while I go have a drink…
September 13, 2023
i love hot women w rage
Read
May 2, 2025DNF @ 16%
Honestly I got spoiled about the pregnancy trope and knew that the rest of this series was not for me… RIP Maura Quinn, and the absolute badass diva you were.
Honestly I got spoiled about the pregnancy trope and knew that the rest of this series was not for me… RIP Maura Quinn, and the absolute badass diva you were.
June 16, 2023
Omg, if I wasn't a long-standing member of the Black Hearts Club, I would have definitely been in tears from this book. It was gut wrenching but SO WORTH the read. I absolutely loved this series and highly recommend it if you enjoy Mafia (this one is Irish... ☘️)
August 23, 2021
Loved it, just as much as book one...maybe more
Loved it as much as book one the perfect blend of action, romance and humour. There's some heart ache and a bit of a cliffie but I couldn't help but devour this book. Totally drew me in
I am totally in love with Brenna in this one, hope we get more of her in the next book.
Oh Maura how I felt for you in this, but if anyone can endure its definitely you. All the best people are supporting you.
I'm angry Jamie broke my heart let alone Maura's, I'm all for switching it up and throwing my lot in with Asher and Dean to come off the friendship bench. Maura may forgive him but I can't.
Gah Sean what a snake hopefully he gets his comeuppance via Maura, my list may be longer than hers at this point.
Loved it as much as book one the perfect blend of action, romance and humour. There's some heart ache and a bit of a cliffie but I couldn't help but devour this book. Totally drew me in
I am totally in love with Brenna in this one, hope we get more of her in the next book.
Oh Maura how I felt for you in this, but if anyone can endure its definitely you. All the best people are supporting you.
I'm angry Jamie broke my heart let alone Maura's, I'm all for switching it up and throwing my lot in with Asher and Dean to come off the friendship bench. Maura may forgive him but I can't.
Gah Sean what a snake hopefully he gets his comeuppance via Maura, my list may be longer than hers at this point.
February 12, 2021
Feeling Conflicted
Hmmm...I feel conflicted. It could be that cliff we were left to dangle over but I think it has more to do with my split feelings on things I like about this series and things I dislike. On the whole I like Maura (fmc) overall. I certainly love a badass fmc and she fits the bill if a little more bipolar than I'm used to seeing a fierce fmc behave.
********SPOILERS***********
I wasn't a fan of the pregnancy trope being introduced so early but now I see why it was and that it had its import in providing sufficient drama. Now that we're past that, I'm even less of a fan of the gear shift that removed the future options. I would have enjoyed the story more if the focus had stayed on Maura continuing to gain ground and command respect in the misogynistic world she lived in. Those parts where she quickly reads a room and acts on the available options quicker than anyone can see coming are my favorite scenes in these books. I would have enjoyed more of that tension and triumph, over drama of an unplanned pregnancy followed by her depression and irrational behavior by the Hs. Oh well... This is the authors vision and her story to write. I think overall the character and world building is on point. The writing itself is good and the story kept my interest, it just didn't develop the way I was hoping. I'm sufficiently intrigued to see how it will all play out so I'll keep an eye out for book three.
Hmmm...I feel conflicted. It could be that cliff we were left to dangle over but I think it has more to do with my split feelings on things I like about this series and things I dislike. On the whole I like Maura (fmc) overall. I certainly love a badass fmc and she fits the bill if a little more bipolar than I'm used to seeing a fierce fmc behave.
********SPOILERS***********
I wasn't a fan of the pregnancy trope being introduced so early but now I see why it was and that it had its import in providing sufficient drama. Now that we're past that, I'm even less of a fan of the gear shift that removed the future options. I would have enjoyed the story more if the focus had stayed on Maura continuing to gain ground and command respect in the misogynistic world she lived in. Those parts where she quickly reads a room and acts on the available options quicker than anyone can see coming are my favorite scenes in these books. I would have enjoyed more of that tension and triumph, over drama of an unplanned pregnancy followed by her depression and irrational behavior by the Hs. Oh well... This is the authors vision and her story to write. I think overall the character and world building is on point. The writing itself is good and the story kept my interest, it just didn't develop the way I was hoping. I'm sufficiently intrigued to see how it will all play out so I'll keep an eye out for book three.
March 15, 2021
Maura is back and oh my goodness is she not happy. So now she is on a mission. Now the one thing that I love about Maura is that she is determined and she is thorough. However, if the plan some how changes she can adapt and make it work. Well she has no problem getting herself in danger and well Jamie and her dad do not like that at all. Can you blame her? The way she was raised and what she went through, this chick has no fears. Oh yeah and barbie finally got what she had coming. We find out why Louie is acting the way he is. Huh well, Maura's dreams will come true. Lucky! We also find out other things as well. This will also help Maura understand that she cannot continue to put herself in bad situations. Then crap hits the fan and oh my goodness I almost broke my kindle after reading that. However, I managed to control myself and pull myself back together to continue reading. Well I don't blame Maura but Jamie did deserve the bullet and Louie should have known better. Now we end with a huge cliffhanger with this book and I am at a loss for words because I don't know what will happen. Well now we have to wait hopefully not long. I need to know what is going to happen. What ever it is, it is going to be epic.
November 21, 2020
Ok, ok. Where to start. Umm wow. So this is the debut series for new author Ashley Rostek and I’m stunned that she doesn’t have like a bunch of books under her belt because she’s phenomenal.
I love mafia romance, the guys are always sexy and the girls are always badasses who don’t take shit. The one thing I always read though is that when there’s a badass mafia Princess there’s always a fucking asshole for a father. So color me surprised when Stefan Quinn isn’t the biggest douche-nozzle this side of the Mississippi. Granted he’s got his moments. I mean, he didn’t get to be the biggest mafia monster by being a sweet and caring individual. And while he’s fucked up, you can tell he absolutely loved Maura and would do anything to protect her. Jamie and Louie, Maura’s love interests, are not just the big bad mafia enforcers, they’re super protective and super hot. I read book 1 and got the opportunity to arc book 2. This series takes you on a wild ride so buckle your seat, it’s gonna be a doozy and I, for one, am living for it! Can’t wait for book 3.
I love mafia romance, the guys are always sexy and the girls are always badasses who don’t take shit. The one thing I always read though is that when there’s a badass mafia Princess there’s always a fucking asshole for a father. So color me surprised when Stefan Quinn isn’t the biggest douche-nozzle this side of the Mississippi. Granted he’s got his moments. I mean, he didn’t get to be the biggest mafia monster by being a sweet and caring individual. And while he’s fucked up, you can tell he absolutely loved Maura and would do anything to protect her. Jamie and Louie, Maura’s love interests, are not just the big bad mafia enforcers, they’re super protective and super hot. I read book 1 and got the opportunity to arc book 2. This series takes you on a wild ride so buckle your seat, it’s gonna be a doozy and I, for one, am living for it! Can’t wait for book 3.
November 28, 2020
Endure the Pain is PHENOMENAL!!! This is book 2 and we pick right back up where we left off from Embrace the Darkness.
Maura is an amazing FMC!! She is so strong, feisty, and the perfect amount of psycho. She is the heir to the throne in her Irish Mafia family. She has to endure all the crap thrown her way from all the arrogant males around her who don’t like taking orders from a woman. She takes everything in stride and takes shit from absolutely no one!!
Jamie and Louie are perfection together and separate. I loved seeing their relationship with Maura blossom from book 1 into what it is now.
Endure the Pain is addicting and action packed from the very first chapter. This book will having you laughing on one page and ugly crying the next. There is one scene in particular that will break your heart. Ashley Rostek’s writing throughout this series is amazing and the way she is able to bring out so many emotions is beautiful! I am so excited to see what the third book brings us. If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend it!!
Maura is an amazing FMC!! She is so strong, feisty, and the perfect amount of psycho. She is the heir to the throne in her Irish Mafia family. She has to endure all the crap thrown her way from all the arrogant males around her who don’t like taking orders from a woman. She takes everything in stride and takes shit from absolutely no one!!
Jamie and Louie are perfection together and separate. I loved seeing their relationship with Maura blossom from book 1 into what it is now.
Endure the Pain is addicting and action packed from the very first chapter. This book will having you laughing on one page and ugly crying the next. There is one scene in particular that will break your heart. Ashley Rostek’s writing throughout this series is amazing and the way she is able to bring out so many emotions is beautiful! I am so excited to see what the third book brings us. If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend it!!
February 21, 2021
Aaah this book! How could you end it on that cliffy? Do you not have a heart?!
I've been lost in this world the past 2 days and I want and need more.
This mafia world is one of the best I've read. Maura is one of my favorite female characters I've read.
The relationship progression between Maura, Jamie and Louie was exactly what I craved from book 1. I had a feeling it would happen and was fucking ecstatic when it did. It made the sex scenes steamier and I'm all for that and I love both of those boys, they're like a perfect pair.
We saw Maura alot more vulnerable with the situation she found herself in, a couple of teary moments but she was still her fierce and ferocious self for most of this book.
If you're a fan of the dark, moody, action, blood and a touch of humour then you will enjoy this series.
I can't wait for the boys pov in the next installment, after all the goings on in this book it will be interesting to get inside their heads!
I've been lost in this world the past 2 days and I want and need more.
This mafia world is one of the best I've read. Maura is one of my favorite female characters I've read.
The relationship progression between Maura, Jamie and Louie was exactly what I craved from book 1. I had a feeling it would happen and was fucking ecstatic when it did. It made the sex scenes steamier and I'm all for that and I love both of those boys, they're like a perfect pair.
We saw Maura alot more vulnerable with the situation she found herself in, a couple of teary moments but she was still her fierce and ferocious self for most of this book.
If you're a fan of the dark, moody, action, blood and a touch of humour then you will enjoy this series.
I can't wait for the boys pov in the next installment, after all the goings on in this book it will be interesting to get inside their heads!
November 9, 2020
Maura is one of my favourite badass female characters. She is strong and fierce (and a little bit psycho) and is not afraid to take on anyone in her dominantly male mobster family.
Woman are seen as less than in this criminal world and Maura the Princess and heir to the family is on a mission to change the way things are run and to destroy anyone who goes against her plans.
This girl has been through some horrible trauma and pain and it doesn't stop coming for her in this action packed book. But she fights every battle for herself and for those who win her loyalty with a strength and badassness that will amaze you.
She will bleed out and destroy everyone who is after her and those who have tried to break her.
I just can't wait to read the next book and see what awesomeness Ashley has in store for Maura next.
Woman are seen as less than in this criminal world and Maura the Princess and heir to the family is on a mission to change the way things are run and to destroy anyone who goes against her plans.
This girl has been through some horrible trauma and pain and it doesn't stop coming for her in this action packed book. But she fights every battle for herself and for those who win her loyalty with a strength and badassness that will amaze you.
She will bleed out and destroy everyone who is after her and those who have tried to break her.
I just can't wait to read the next book and see what awesomeness Ashley has in store for Maura next.
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