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Chicago Mafia Dons #1
Le Défenseur Sans Pitié
Plutôt réduire Chicago en cendres que la laisser épouser un Volkov. Maeve Callaghan est mon obsession interdite. La raison de mon départ pour l’Europe voilà trois ans. Nous étions sur le point de franchir une limite susceptible de nous être fatale. Je suis de retour, mon désir revêt des allures de vengeance. Ronan annonce ses fiançailles avec un Russe : plutôt crever que la laisser l'épouser. Maeve s'enfuit, la décision ne m’appartient plus. Son père commet la grave erreur de m'envoyer la récupérer. Je trahirais le clan pour elle. Je mourrais pour elle. Maeve ne connaît pas le monstre qui sommeille en moi. Je lui apprendrai la noirceur de mon âme. Maeve est une âme pure, je suis pourri jusqu'à l’os. Je ne peux pas lutter contre cette attirance plus longtemps, au diable les conséquences. Je mettrai la ville à feu et à sang pour elle. Chicago entrera dans une guerre indicible. Survivrons-nous ou serons-nous victimes de notre amour ravageur ? Le Défenseur Sans Pitié est le premier tome de la série La Mafia De Chicago. Une romance au cœur de la mafia, un langage grossier, des sujets sinistres, de la violence et des scènes susceptibles de heurter. Pas de suspense, happy end au programme. Cet ouvrage peut se lire séparément, tous les ouvrages de la série suivent un fil conducteur. Quand un héros sombre et possessif désire son héroïne, quel qu’en soit le prix.
374 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 29, 2021
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Mafia Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy & Intense
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc. 3286
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I like the start of this new series by the author. I am not in love with the storyline, but more in like with it. I also enjoyed the chemistry between both characters. Gael was intense, but his intensity gradually builds throughout the story as his hunger for Maeve grows. This is an age gap, mixed with forbidden love that gave it a sense of danger as Gael is well seasoned and experienced, while Maeve was innocent mix with a hint of fire.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sexually, their sex scenes were good and enjoyable. Gael greedily took and Maeve wantonly gave. Once they started having sex it was excessive, so be prepared for that and as I note this, I had no issues with it.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Maeve’s brothers are interesting, as well as the clan. There were a lot of characters that stood out to me, and I am curious to see who will be nexts.
OVERALL:
Likable read, good sex scenes and interesting plot.
TRIGGERS: violence
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Mafia Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Sexy & Intense
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc. 3286
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I like the start of this new series by the author. I am not in love with the storyline, but more in like with it. I also enjoyed the chemistry between both characters. Gael was intense, but his intensity gradually builds throughout the story as his hunger for Maeve grows. This is an age gap, mixed with forbidden love that gave it a sense of danger as Gael is well seasoned and experienced, while Maeve was innocent mix with a hint of fire.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sexually, their sex scenes were good and enjoyable. Gael greedily took and Maeve wantonly gave. Once they started having sex it was excessive, so be prepared for that and as I note this, I had no issues with it.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Maeve’s brothers are interesting, as well as the clan. There were a lot of characters that stood out to me, and I am curious to see who will be nexts.
OVERALL:
Likable read, good sex scenes and interesting plot.
TRIGGERS: violence
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
December 6, 2021
Little Dove's Path to Happiness
One bombshell after another is delivered in these pages. Maeve, little dove as dubbed by Gael, takes a very dark and twisty path to find and keep happiness. She repeatedly finds herself in sticky situations, often due to her own stubbornness.
I liked and disliked Gael and Maeve's story in the first book of this new series. They are crazy hot together, even when pushing (passing) the bounds of consent but it's crossing that boundary plus the revelation of her past and her father's response to an event that occurred when she was only five that really hurt. My heart really broke for her. 💔😪
If you're sensitive to dub-con / non-con, please stay back. It's a dark mafia story so the other triggers are inherent in the trope.
I'd like to take this moment to impress upon you that an insane amount of sizzle occurs in this tale. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 It's rough, raw, and pushes the envelope on more than one occasion. When consensual, I really, REALLY liked it! 💜🎉. OK, I kinda loved it. 😉
One bombshell after another is delivered in these pages. Maeve, little dove as dubbed by Gael, takes a very dark and twisty path to find and keep happiness. She repeatedly finds herself in sticky situations, often due to her own stubbornness.
I liked and disliked Gael and Maeve's story in the first book of this new series. They are crazy hot together, even when pushing (passing) the bounds of consent but it's crossing that boundary plus the revelation of her past and her father's response to an event that occurred when she was only five that really hurt. My heart really broke for her. 💔😪
If you're sensitive to dub-con / non-con, please stay back. It's a dark mafia story so the other triggers are inherent in the trope.
I'd like to take this moment to impress upon you that an insane amount of sizzle occurs in this tale. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 It's rough, raw, and pushes the envelope on more than one occasion. When consensual, I really, REALLY liked it! 💜🎉. OK, I kinda loved it. 😉
October 30, 2021
i enjoyed it but sometimes i really felt like he is to much you know?
at the start mostly his behavior was to rough for my liking.
Other than that it worked ok for me.
at the start mostly his behavior was to rough for my liking.
Other than that it worked ok for me.
Read
May 19, 2025I don’t know why but the moment Mave and Gale were kissing and she freaked out shouting she’s was a virgin pmo so bad i paused the book and i just can’t get back into the book. That’s my problem though. I’ve grown tired of the fragile, barely legal, naïve, FMC troupe. So I won’t rate.
If you don’t mind that troupe and want a mafia arranged marriage where the MMC saves the girl from the arranged marriage. You might enjoy this book.
If you don’t mind that troupe and want a mafia arranged marriage where the MMC saves the girl from the arranged marriage. You might enjoy this book.
April 12, 2023
I felt like this book was more sex driven then plot driven. Like for me 70% sex. 30% plot. For me I like a mix of both sex and plot especially in a mafia book.
Some of the sex scenes for me, felt tough to read. I all for smut, but when she says stop and you continue on for me I don’t want to read about an attempted rape from the main male character. He doesn’t do it, he stops before anything happens but she ends up falling in love with him. if your into bdsm, this is the book for you. I’ve read books that had bdsm, but for me it pushed to far. This book for me missed the mark. I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
Some of the sex scenes for me, felt tough to read. I all for smut, but when she says stop and you continue on for me I don’t want to read about an attempted rape from the main male character. He doesn’t do it, he stops before anything happens but she ends up falling in love with him. if your into bdsm, this is the book for you. I’ve read books that had bdsm, but for me it pushed to far. This book for me missed the mark. I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
The first maybe 30% of the book seemed good. It went downhill once he took ger from Madison. Inconsistencies in the writing and a plot that left me wondering what the point is. I only finished because I hoped it would get better. It didn't. This really is a book that you could skip unless you have time to spend on a loose plot and frustratingly inconsistent characters.
The BDSM in this book was worse than what readers complain about in Fifty Shades of Grey. No consent or understanding before acts performed. Ignoring your partner saying no (when there is no safe word, then no means no). I'm surprised there isn't more outrage from the BDSM community about this book.
The BDSM in this book was worse than what readers complain about in Fifty Shades of Grey. No consent or understanding before acts performed. Ignoring your partner saying no (when there is no safe word, then no means no). I'm surprised there isn't more outrage from the BDSM community about this book.
January 29, 2023
2.5/5
I feel like there's a lot of room for improvement in the writing. The book got predictable at times, and as much as I love a good sex scene, sometimes they felt like filler to make the book longer.
The bit about her uncle was so random and out of nowhere, which I didn't like. I feel like it could've been hinted at or tied in more.
I'll probably read the others. It was a decent, easy, steamy read.
I feel like there's a lot of room for improvement in the writing. The book got predictable at times, and as much as I love a good sex scene, sometimes they felt like filler to make the book longer.
The bit about her uncle was so random and out of nowhere, which I didn't like. I feel like it could've been hinted at or tied in more.
I'll probably read the others. It was a decent, easy, steamy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2021
Merciless Traitor: A Dark Forbidden Mafia Romance. This is first book in Chicago Mafia Dons Series. An Age Gap Trope, and forbidden romance. It's fast paced, with world building characters and great secondary characters. The story is suspenseful, dramatic and intriguing. It draws you in from the beginning of the story and keeps you invested until the end. Ronan Callaghan is the Don of the Callaghan Clan. Gael is his second in command. Ronan is unsympathetic, cold-blooded, and brutal. He doesn't care about his children except how he could use them as pawn or an alliance to benefit his organization. His wife was killed because of him which subsequently sent his daughter Maeve in depression from the loss. He thought his children not to show emotions. The only person who showed her compassion was Gael.
Gael had always had obsessed Maeve but he knew that was forbidden in the Clan because of his lineage and any relationship with her would mean death. The more time that they spent together the lines started to blurred and the two as fallen in love. When they almost cross line Gael asks Ronan for an assignment to Europe for three years. He thought the feelings would be gone but they returned with a vengeance now that he's back in the state. When his boss announced her engagement to the savage, sociopath Russian Bratva Maxim Volkov he would rather die than let her marry him. Once the announcement was made Maeve run because she didn't want to go through with an arranged marriage because she was in love with someone else. Six months later she was found and her father send Gael to get and bring her back but he did not have any intention of doing so he plan on betraying Ronan.
Gael found her working at a bar. The two embark on their journey. It was steamy, and decadent. Merciless Traitor was filled with danger, violence, passion, betrayal, enemies, secrets, deception, lies, revenge, lust, pawn, action and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gael had always had obsessed Maeve but he knew that was forbidden in the Clan because of his lineage and any relationship with her would mean death. The more time that they spent together the lines started to blurred and the two as fallen in love. When they almost cross line Gael asks Ronan for an assignment to Europe for three years. He thought the feelings would be gone but they returned with a vengeance now that he's back in the state. When his boss announced her engagement to the savage, sociopath Russian Bratva Maxim Volkov he would rather die than let her marry him. Once the announcement was made Maeve run because she didn't want to go through with an arranged marriage because she was in love with someone else. Six months later she was found and her father send Gael to get and bring her back but he did not have any intention of doing so he plan on betraying Ronan.
Gael found her working at a bar. The two embark on their journey. It was steamy, and decadent. Merciless Traitor was filled with danger, violence, passion, betrayal, enemies, secrets, deception, lies, revenge, lust, pawn, action and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2025
Bon, c’est une déception…si le résumé m’a séduite, ce n’est pas le cas de la suite. Je vous le dis immédiatement, j’ai DNF ce livre a un peu moins de 100 pages.
Je dirais que les 60 premières pages environ sont plutôt sympas, bien que les choses aillent déjà très vite, à coup de “ deux ans plus tard “ et “ six mois plus tard “. Le ennemis to lovers qui s’installent est intéressant, la tension est plutôt cool.
Mais voilà, tout s’écroule après un peu plus de 60 pages. Et voilà qu’on a le droit qu'à des allusions sexuelles, qu’a du smut…L’ennemis to lovers le plus court de l’histoire. Honnêtement ça devient juste lassant et j’ai l’impression de lire du porno.
Qui plus est, c’est dans un langage trop cru à mon goût, avec une vibe de mâle alpha dominant, qui me déplait fortement. Il y a tout un tas de clichés dans ce livre et autant je peux adorer ça, autant là, j’ai détesté.
Parlons un instant de la plume…Elle n’est décidément pas à mon goût. Je ne sais pas si c’est la traduction qui est mauvaise, ou la plume en elle-même, mais il y a tellement de répétitions, des fautes et également des mots qui ne sont pas les bons et qui changent le sens de la phrase - quand celle-ci, en a un -. Les tournures de phrases sont mauvaises et c’est chaotique à lire.
Si vous voulez une romance ennemis to lovers, avec de la mafia, je vous conseille de trouver autre chose, car celle-ci ne remplira sans doute pas vos attentes. Cependant si vous cherchez un truc qui n’a pas trop de sens et qui se concentre uniquement sur du smut, vous êtes au bon endroit.
Je dirais que les 60 premières pages environ sont plutôt sympas, bien que les choses aillent déjà très vite, à coup de “ deux ans plus tard “ et “ six mois plus tard “. Le ennemis to lovers qui s’installent est intéressant, la tension est plutôt cool.
Mais voilà, tout s’écroule après un peu plus de 60 pages. Et voilà qu’on a le droit qu'à des allusions sexuelles, qu’a du smut…L’ennemis to lovers le plus court de l’histoire. Honnêtement ça devient juste lassant et j’ai l’impression de lire du porno.
Qui plus est, c’est dans un langage trop cru à mon goût, avec une vibe de mâle alpha dominant, qui me déplait fortement. Il y a tout un tas de clichés dans ce livre et autant je peux adorer ça, autant là, j’ai détesté.
Parlons un instant de la plume…Elle n’est décidément pas à mon goût. Je ne sais pas si c’est la traduction qui est mauvaise, ou la plume en elle-même, mais il y a tellement de répétitions, des fautes et également des mots qui ne sont pas les bons et qui changent le sens de la phrase - quand celle-ci, en a un -. Les tournures de phrases sont mauvaises et c’est chaotique à lire.
Si vous voulez une romance ennemis to lovers, avec de la mafia, je vous conseille de trouver autre chose, car celle-ci ne remplira sans doute pas vos attentes. Cependant si vous cherchez un truc qui n’a pas trop de sens et qui se concentre uniquement sur du smut, vous êtes au bon endroit.
October 27, 2021
This is a simply riveting mafia read, hot and exciting filled with action
This is a simply amazing first book in this series I loved the way that Ronan announced her engagement to one of the Russian factions and before anyone knew what was happening, she had run and it was a good job because as far as h is concerned, she is his and has always been his and once he gets his hands on her she will never leave his presence again.
Maeve knows that he desires her but she also knows that his desire could get them killed especially when his family realise that he has taken her for himself, her father had believed he could give her to the Russian not happening on his watch.
He would die to keep her safe and to make and keep her as his and no one would dare to cross him and continue to breathe, he just had to ensure that Maeve Callaghan also knew her place.
This is a heated, sexy mafia read that I can guarantee once you begin reading you will not be able to put down until you reach the last page.
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.
This is a simply amazing first book in this series I loved the way that Ronan announced her engagement to one of the Russian factions and before anyone knew what was happening, she had run and it was a good job because as far as h is concerned, she is his and has always been his and once he gets his hands on her she will never leave his presence again.
Maeve knows that he desires her but she also knows that his desire could get them killed especially when his family realise that he has taken her for himself, her father had believed he could give her to the Russian not happening on his watch.
He would die to keep her safe and to make and keep her as his and no one would dare to cross him and continue to breathe, he just had to ensure that Maeve Callaghan also knew her place.
This is a heated, sexy mafia read that I can guarantee once you begin reading you will not be able to put down until you reach the last page.
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 28, 2021
Maeve Callaghan's mother died and only her younger brother and one of her father's men, Gael offered any comfort or support. Her father head of Mafia Clan, and taught her two older brothers to steel their feelings and never show them...so when Gael took an assignment for her father in Europe six months later, and didn't warn Maeve that he was going, she was devastated...since she was half-way in love with him...but all was not as it seemed with Gael...he had fallen hard for the daughter of Ronan, but knew her father would not condone a match with him, but wanted a "politically beneficial" marriage to cement relations with another family when time came for an arranged marriage for Maeve...and he was actually working against him in Ronan's revenge against Morrone family...so now back in Chicago. Ronan made announcement that Maeve engaged to the psychopath Maxim Volkov...Maeve runs, but six months late a private investigator hired by Ronan finds her...and he sends Gael to bring her back for her marriage. Gael figures now is time to save Maeve and bring Ronan down...but you will need to read this story of deceit, lies, mayhem and feral lust to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
Verified ARC Reader
A dramatic and captivating love story!
by sewsummore
Gael had known and watched over Maeve since she was a child, but it was after the death of her mother that he became her friend and confident. It did not take him long to realize that they had fallen in love with each other. He knew he was not suitable in her families eyes, and made the difficult decision to leave her while he developed a plan that would ensure she became his with the blessing of her brothers. Three years later he returned only to learn she had been forced to become engaged to the Russian Bratva heir by her father. He knew then, that he would have to betray the man who had rescued him many years before, he regretted it, but it had to be that way if his plan was to work. I enjoyed reading this book and discovering how Gael wins his lady. Gael had a difficult childhood and that had made him a violent and sadistic killer. His darkness emerged in his lovemaking making it violent and possessive. How Maeve responds to Gael's dominant nature and attentions was a surprise to them both. I found this book a dramatic, captivating and surprising love story with a happy ending that ticked all my boxes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A dramatic and captivating love story!
by sewsummore
Gael had known and watched over Maeve since she was a child, but it was after the death of her mother that he became her friend and confident. It did not take him long to realize that they had fallen in love with each other. He knew he was not suitable in her families eyes, and made the difficult decision to leave her while he developed a plan that would ensure she became his with the blessing of her brothers. Three years later he returned only to learn she had been forced to become engaged to the Russian Bratva heir by her father. He knew then, that he would have to betray the man who had rescued him many years before, he regretted it, but it had to be that way if his plan was to work. I enjoyed reading this book and discovering how Gael wins his lady. Gael had a difficult childhood and that had made him a violent and sadistic killer. His darkness emerged in his lovemaking making it violent and possessive. How Maeve responds to Gael's dominant nature and attentions was a surprise to them both. I found this book a dramatic, captivating and surprising love story with a happy ending that ticked all my boxes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I haven’t read anything from her yet, but I definitely enjoyed this,one. This story is about Gael and Maeve. It always makes me sick how some fathers use their daughter as a business transaction. Gael is the Callaghan Clan boss, second in command to only Ronan Callaghan. Ronan is ruthless, disgusting so. Why these kinds of men have children is beyond me. He doesn’t give a hoot for his family accept how he can use and barter them. Maeve is Ronan's daughter. Ronan is the reason behind his wife’s death and her death sent Maeve into a deep depression. Gael has always been smitten for Maeve but in no position to do a thing about it. Gael was there for Maeve after her mother was killed but when it became to hard to hide his emotions, he asked for an assignment to Europe. When he came back, he found out Ronan was going to use his daughter and barter her to an enemy’s son, Maxim. Gael is tasked to bring Maeve back when she runs on her wedding day, but will he?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2025
He was way too rough with her and from my pov she doesn't seem to enjoy it. From the very start, I didn't feel their chemistry. There is literally no love between them. It's just lust, that too from Gael's side. Maeve is nothing but a lost kid. She clearly doesn't know what she likes and doesn't like. Gael was just a refuge for her when her mother died. She doesn't love him!
He killed her father only and only because he wanted to be with her??? Does that make sense to anyone? Hello? That's very psychotic and scary, if you ask me. And, girly was okay with it. I mean, I get it her father didn't really love her or cared for her, but killing him? That's very dramatic and over the top..
Their whole relationship is build on lies. Taking someone's life and having their happily ever after? I don't think so. The next book has the story of Rourke and Viktoria, whom Rourke kidnapped to get revenge on the girl's father. He's going to torture that poor girl for what? Her father didn't even do anything. This is sick. The whole series is sick. I'm still gonna give the next book a chance though and then decide if I want to continue further or not.
He killed her father only and only because he wanted to be with her??? Does that make sense to anyone? Hello? That's very psychotic and scary, if you ask me. And, girly was okay with it. I mean, I get it her father didn't really love her or cared for her, but killing him? That's very dramatic and over the top..
Their whole relationship is build on lies. Taking someone's life and having their happily ever after? I don't think so. The next book has the story of Rourke and Viktoria, whom Rourke kidnapped to get revenge on the girl's father. He's going to torture that poor girl for what? Her father didn't even do anything. This is sick. The whole series is sick. I'm still gonna give the next book a chance though and then decide if I want to continue further or not.
October 27, 2021
Gael left for Europe three years ago to ensure he stayed away from Maeve, as he was close to crossing the line. He has been back about six months when Ronan the head of the Callaghan crime family and her father, announces her engagement to a Russian. There is no way he will let her marry that monster.
When Maeve sees Gael she is still so mad for him leaving without saying anything. When her father announces her engagement she knows she has to act fast, the wedding is in four days, she skips town.
Six months later she is working in a bar, when who shows up Gael, he has come to get her. Only he is not taking her back, he plans to keep her for himself and do everything needed for that to happen.
This book is fast paced romantic suspense with dark undertones. Gael and Maeve have such chemistry between them which leads to some really hot erotic BDSM scenes. Merciless Traitor is the first book in the Callaghan Clan Series and is a stand alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Maeve sees Gael she is still so mad for him leaving without saying anything. When her father announces her engagement she knows she has to act fast, the wedding is in four days, she skips town.
Six months later she is working in a bar, when who shows up Gael, he has come to get her. Only he is not taking her back, he plans to keep her for himself and do everything needed for that to happen.
This book is fast paced romantic suspense with dark undertones. Gael and Maeve have such chemistry between them which leads to some really hot erotic BDSM scenes. Merciless Traitor is the first book in the Callaghan Clan Series and is a stand alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2024
Great Book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of s3xy naughty times, the plot was entertaining and I loved the characters. Maeve & Gael had a hot relationship, but they had to fight to get there.
Maeve being a princess daughter to the Irish mafia clan and Gael being the Clan leaders second in command. Maeve’s dad was an awful man to her, blaming her for something his brother did, so he was intent to marry her of to a brutal Russian mafia man for an alliance. Not once caring about his daughter, well Gael wasn’t having any of that, she was his! So he had to plot to remove him completely or she would be lost to him forever!!
📚Book = Standalone, (series interconnected characters)
💕Burn = Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 8/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = No,
🔸POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Mafia Romance
🔹Tropes = MF, Bond@ge, Praise, Diřty talk, DP, possěssive mc, dub-con,
‼️Triggers = (off page) child s3xuål tr@uma; viol3nce, gųns & knįves, bløod, gøre & de@th, claustrøphobia,
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of s3xy naughty times, the plot was entertaining and I loved the characters. Maeve & Gael had a hot relationship, but they had to fight to get there.
Maeve being a princess daughter to the Irish mafia clan and Gael being the Clan leaders second in command. Maeve’s dad was an awful man to her, blaming her for something his brother did, so he was intent to marry her of to a brutal Russian mafia man for an alliance. Not once caring about his daughter, well Gael wasn’t having any of that, she was his! So he had to plot to remove him completely or she would be lost to him forever!!
📚Book = Standalone, (series interconnected characters)
💕Burn = Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺 Alpha Men = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 8/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = No,
🔸POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Contemporary Mafia Romance
🔹Tropes = MF, Bond@ge, Praise, Diřty talk, DP, possěssive mc, dub-con,
‼️Triggers = (off page) child s3xuål tr@uma; viol3nce, gųns & knįves, bløod, gøre & de@th, claustrøphobia,
October 28, 2021
Merciless Traitor is the first book of the new Callaghan Clan Series and tells the story of Gael and Maeve. Three years ago, Gael left as Maeve had become an obsession and they were about to take it further which could have meant death. Now, three years later, Gael hears of Maeve’s impending nuptials to form an alliance with the Russians and he would die before he lets this happen.
Ms Cole has, once again, created an amazing read and a fabulous start to the new series. It’s a forbidden, very dark Mafia romance full of drama, suspense, violence, betrayal, passion, desire and smoking HOT steam which is made all the sweeter and spicier knowing it’s forbidden which has you yearning it even more.
A highly recommended 5 star read which can be read as a standalone. Can’t wait for further installments in this series!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms Cole has, once again, created an amazing read and a fabulous start to the new series. It’s a forbidden, very dark Mafia romance full of drama, suspense, violence, betrayal, passion, desire and smoking HOT steam which is made all the sweeter and spicier knowing it’s forbidden which has you yearning it even more.
A highly recommended 5 star read which can be read as a standalone. Can’t wait for further installments in this series!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
Gael and Maeve have a complex relationship he's the 2nd in command to her father Ronan who is not a kind caring family man. Gael started getting feelings for Maeve and didn't want to cross any lines so in order to make sure of that he went to Europe. Maeve is mad at Gael for just leaving without saying anything to her especially when she just lost her mother a few months before that. When Ronan announces Maeve's engagement to the Russian psychopath Maxim Volkov she knows that she has no choice but to run. Ronan sends Gael to bring Maeve back home once the P.I. finally found her and this is where the games begin. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this book to see who's telling the truth and to see what happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2022
This is Book 1 to Bianca Cole's Chicago Mafia Don Series! This book introduces the members of the Callaghan Clan but focuses on their daughter Maeve. Maeve is being forced into marrying Maxim Volkov of the Bratva and she is ready to escape because she will not be given to that terrible man. The man she wishes she was marrying is Gael but he has abandoned her to Europe for the past 2 years and she is not sure she will ever see him again. Of course he returns at her Birthday celebration where her father announces her engagement. Gael will not allow this to happen. Maeve is his and his alone. No man will ever touch her but him and he will stop at nothing to make her see why he had to leave but also to show her that he is not going anywhere unless it is with her. This is a great Book 1 and I know this series is going to be amazing. Happy Reading!
October 26, 2021
Wow this is the first book I've read by this author. It's a very dark Mafia story. Great say. A lot happens in this story Maeve Callaghan is the pivot in this story, when she is promised by her father to a Russian man she runs away not knowing that her father is sending Gael after her.
He has always wanted her and will do everything he can to get her and keep her safe, even if it means letting go of the beast in him, he will and no one is safe.
Wonderfully dark, everything happens sadness, danger, violence, betrayal, but also passion. If you like Mafia stories and a bit on the edge and dark then this is a great story to read so definitely recommended!!!
I received a Advance Review Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He has always wanted her and will do everything he can to get her and keep her safe, even if it means letting go of the beast in him, he will and no one is safe.
Wonderfully dark, everything happens sadness, danger, violence, betrayal, but also passion. If you like Mafia stories and a bit on the edge and dark then this is a great story to read so definitely recommended!!!
I received a Advance Review Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2022
Passion, deceit, betrayal and love show the depth and strength of Gael and Maeve!
This story was intriguing from the beginning. Gael always felt a protection of Maeve since she was a little girl. Over the course of the years, she always felt her father hated her and when her mother was killed when she was eighteen she felt she only had Gael and her brothers. Gael decided he was in love with Maeve and decided that the only way he could be with her and marry was to betray her father who was his mentor. Maeve had a secret that she had blocked out of her memory, but Gael knew and her memory returned after Gael killed her father. Beautiful story of a man who loves a woman so much that he would kill to protect her. Great story Bianca.
This story was intriguing from the beginning. Gael always felt a protection of Maeve since she was a little girl. Over the course of the years, she always felt her father hated her and when her mother was killed when she was eighteen she felt she only had Gael and her brothers. Gael decided he was in love with Maeve and decided that the only way he could be with her and marry was to betray her father who was his mentor. Maeve had a secret that she had blocked out of her memory, but Gael knew and her memory returned after Gael killed her father. Beautiful story of a man who loves a woman so much that he would kill to protect her. Great story Bianca.
January 27, 2023
Undecided
I am honestly not sure about this book it definitely has strong characters and a strong storyline but there is just something a bit off putting. Maeve is the daughter of the Irish Mob boss Ronan Campbell she has been in love for sometime with Gael Ryan one of her fathers henchmen and he with her. When her father promises her hand to a cruel Russian Bratva future leader it leads to some catastrophic decisions and a war between the Irish and the Russians. Could these two really live with the devastation they have caused and could everything really stay hidden? Their sex life is as dark as these two characters there are also issues of child sexual abuse and mental and physical abuse of a young person both these characters carry these burdens.
I am honestly not sure about this book it definitely has strong characters and a strong storyline but there is just something a bit off putting. Maeve is the daughter of the Irish Mob boss Ronan Campbell she has been in love for sometime with Gael Ryan one of her fathers henchmen and he with her. When her father promises her hand to a cruel Russian Bratva future leader it leads to some catastrophic decisions and a war between the Irish and the Russians. Could these two really live with the devastation they have caused and could everything really stay hidden? Their sex life is as dark as these two characters there are also issues of child sexual abuse and mental and physical abuse of a young person both these characters carry these burdens.
October 28, 2021
I was a little irritated at Maeve and her constant fear and want too not see the demise of her father considering his lack of love affection or care for her she just tolerates it.
Gael will stop at nothing to see Maeve safe and happy even putting his life in jeopardy to do it yet Maeve is so focused on having attention on her it is annoying. I think she is just as he says a little dove princess sheltered from most of the violence.
Can't wait to read about the fallout of their actions in the following books, drama just got interesting and I wonder how her brothers will feel if this secret was ever uncovered.
Gael will stop at nothing to see Maeve safe and happy even putting his life in jeopardy to do it yet Maeve is so focused on having attention on her it is annoying. I think she is just as he says a little dove princess sheltered from most of the violence.
Can't wait to read about the fallout of their actions in the following books, drama just got interesting and I wonder how her brothers will feel if this secret was ever uncovered.
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October 29, 2021I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. The first book in the Callaghan Clan series is about Gael and Maeve. These two had a connection that was going to get someone killed. Gael made a decision to leave her, heartbroken. A few years later, her father wants to use her to his advantage and marry her off. Maeve makes a run for it and Gael finds her months later. He still holds part of her heart and now her life in his hands. He is not giving her up for anyone. He chose that once and will not do it again. Maeve is a strong woman and perfect for him
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
This is the story about the Callaghan Family. Gael had to leave Maeve because their connection was going to get someone killed. Maeve was so angry that he left. Years later Maeve's father decides to marry her off to the Russians. Maeve takes off and it takes Gael months to find her. He won't give her up to anyone. Maeve is a strong willed woman who doesn't back down. Will Gael and Maeve be able to get their HEA? They have the Russian's and Maeve's father after them. The story is fast paced, suspense, violence, and has a dark atmosphere. The chemistry between Gael and Maeve is hot and erotic. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2022
He will always be her Merciless Defender
*** 3 1/2 Stars ***
Merciless Defender is the first book in the Chicago Mafia Dons series. Just a Note - this book originally was titled Merciless Traitor. This book was a mix for me as I did like the beginning of the story but it sort of fell off for me. There are some character details that I thought were missed opportunities to dive deeper and give more context. The story-line is filled with drama, suspense, darkness, and a lot of white hot sexual chemistry that explodes all over the pages.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
*** 3 1/2 Stars ***
Merciless Defender is the first book in the Chicago Mafia Dons series. Just a Note - this book originally was titled Merciless Traitor. This book was a mix for me as I did like the beginning of the story but it sort of fell off for me. There are some character details that I thought were missed opportunities to dive deeper and give more context. The story-line is filled with drama, suspense, darkness, and a lot of white hot sexual chemistry that explodes all over the pages.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
October 28, 2021
Gael had to leave before he did something that would cost him his life, by crossing the line with his boss daughter, sheltered princess Maeve. But upon his return they discover her fathrbjas arranged her marriage for an alliance with the Russians. Maeve only hope is to run away, but Gael won't let her get far and he doesn't plan on letting her go once he has her. Well written steamy, desire filled and more can't wait for more of them!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2021
I do not see Gael as a traitor, he did what needed to be done to get the girl, Maeve. It was why Gael left in the first place there are rules you do not cross and he is going to do just that. This is a fast paced book with all the good stuff you would expect from a mafia style book. I loved how Gael was willing to risk everything for Maeve. I like that fact that Maeve fled a weaker woman would have caved. This story kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading. I really enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2023
So I liked the idea of this book. I liked that she was prepared to run and did. I liked that she was able to be free from her father for 6 months and I liked that she was strong. I didn’t like how the leading male kept trying to keep her in a box and not share things with her that she really needed to know. It’s messed up she agreed to have him kill her dad but I get it. He had to die. Also the way he was killed was straight badass. Not sure if I will continue with the series as the next one is the brother with the Russian girl he kidnapped but we shall see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
So good 😊
Wow , what an amazing read .
Had me hooked from the get go .
Maeve and Gael had been through so much . Both tormented by their pasts and both raised under violent circumstances, only one knew the torment they received while the other had blocked it out entirely until one fateful day the memories came rushing back like a freight train.
I look forward to reading more in this series I found it heartbreaking yet despite their turmoil they find a love like no other .
Wow , what an amazing read .
Had me hooked from the get go .
Maeve and Gael had been through so much . Both tormented by their pasts and both raised under violent circumstances, only one knew the torment they received while the other had blocked it out entirely until one fateful day the memories came rushing back like a freight train.
I look forward to reading more in this series I found it heartbreaking yet despite their turmoil they find a love like no other .
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