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Ruthless Kings #2
Pursued
My father is a dangerous man with dangerous friends, and the man he wants me to marry is one of them. But when another equally dangerous man enters the picture, will it end in bloodshed?
252 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2022
1660 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Marlee Wray
23 books317 followersUSA Today and Amazon Bestselling author Marlee Wray writes dirty romances that feature dominant, alpha males and bright, engaging heroines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 27, 2020
This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it. I thought this would be a dark/violent/revenge mafia story, and it is… but it’s definitely watered down. Rachel/Raven is the daughter of mob boss Frank Polmero when she unwittingly sets up his enforcers Connor (C.) McCann and Sasha (Anvil) Stroviak to be ambushed and nearly killed. The book starts with the ambush, and Rachel trying to nurse a gravely injured Sasha; then it FF 3-years in the future with Anvil planning his revenge.
Although the kidnapping/first sexual encounter has dubious consent; (she is very accepting/forgiving about it all and tells him to “go ahead”) the “revenge” part is short lived. There’s no rape, torture, or cruel behavior. It’s clear that both have been attracted/obsessed with each other for years, and they move into the couple-ish zone fairly quickly.
Rachel is resilient, and very likeable. She’s not annoying at all. Sasha is a bossy, alpha mafia dude, but he clearly adores Rachel, and has some swoon worthy declarations.
“There is no scenario that will ever exist where someone hurts you and I blame you for it. Not now. Not ever. Understand?”
“You own every inch of me,” I say seriously. “Blood and fucking bone, down to my crooked left pinky toe.” “I love you. It consumes me. I won’t give you up. Not even for C Crue.”
It’s not technically insta-love, but they don’t waste much time arguing or denying their feelings, which was refreshing. There’s some action, but nothing very violent other than shooting a few people. There’s an attempted rape, that’s stopped before it really goes far. There’s plenty of sexytime with a mild BDSM feel. (spanking mostly) There is a book that proceeds this, Held: A Dark Mafia Romance that is C. (his boss) and Zoe’s (her BFF) story, but Z is portrayed as a giant, pouting, spoiled, attention-seeking brat, so I’m going to skip it.
Bottom Line- There’s a couple of plot holes, but overall an enjoyable mafia read… heavy on the sex, and light on the violence. There’s a short epilogue that’s slightly in the future, but I’m assuming there’ll be a 3rd book. (Trick’s) So, they should pop up again, and maybe the loose ends will be explained.
Although the kidnapping/first sexual encounter has dubious consent; (she is very accepting/forgiving about it all and tells him to “go ahead”) the “revenge” part is short lived. There’s no rape, torture, or cruel behavior. It’s clear that both have been attracted/obsessed with each other for years, and they move into the couple-ish zone fairly quickly.
Rachel is resilient, and very likeable. She’s not annoying at all. Sasha is a bossy, alpha mafia dude, but he clearly adores Rachel, and has some swoon worthy declarations.
“There is no scenario that will ever exist where someone hurts you and I blame you for it. Not now. Not ever. Understand?”
“You own every inch of me,” I say seriously. “Blood and fucking bone, down to my crooked left pinky toe.” “I love you. It consumes me. I won’t give you up. Not even for C Crue.”
It’s not technically insta-love, but they don’t waste much time arguing or denying their feelings, which was refreshing. There’s some action, but nothing very violent other than shooting a few people. There’s an attempted rape, that’s stopped before it really goes far. There’s plenty of sexytime with a mild BDSM feel. (spanking mostly) There is a book that proceeds this, Held: A Dark Mafia Romance that is C. (his boss) and Zoe’s (her BFF) story, but Z is portrayed as a giant, pouting, spoiled, attention-seeking brat, so I’m going to skip it.
Bottom Line- There’s a couple of plot holes, but overall an enjoyable mafia read… heavy on the sex, and light on the violence. There’s a short epilogue that’s slightly in the future, but I’m assuming there’ll be a 3rd book. (Trick’s) So, they should pop up again, and maybe the loose ends will be explained.
June 26, 2020
I liked the book. I expected it to be darker based on Anvil's character and the author's style, It was not but still good read. Also, I liked that in the first intimate encounter between the main characters, consent was clear and unquestionable. This was very important aspect to me as it made reading more enjoyable and guilt free.
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.
July 12, 2020
I loved this book (so much more than the first one in the series - even though I did like that one too!) all beacuse of the main male character. He was just as possessive as any male MC, but he loved the female MC just as she was. In fact, he even tells one of the other characters, (paraphrase)"Why would I spend all this time stalking this woman if she wasn't exactly what I wanted?" It's really beautiful the way he lets her have her feelings and her dreams while still protecting her and being the dominant alpha you would expect. I was a little worried in the beginning when he first took her, because I thought it would go in the same direction as the first book, but it really didn't. I definitely recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2020
2.5
This was a big fail to me. The over 4 star reviews had me convinced this would be a thrilling, heartfelt mafia read. What it was, was nothing of the sort.
The hero is some huge oaf of a “man” who rapes her to take her virginity. Yeah that’s so sweet (eyeroll) gross. I love alpha males and dominant sex and this was.not.it. Again... just gross
They have literally no chemistry at all.
They have no conversations, nothing in common other than the fact that when he stalked her he read her books lol ok? Ok...
I just wish there could have been some sweet conversations or memories or something so that we, as the reader could get a sense of WHY the heroine would pursue a relationship with this man.
Without the chemistry, it screams non consent.
This made me sad I wasted my time. It also read like a bad YA book.
This was a big fail to me. The over 4 star reviews had me convinced this would be a thrilling, heartfelt mafia read. What it was, was nothing of the sort.
The hero is some huge oaf of a “man” who rapes her to take her virginity. Yeah that’s so sweet (eyeroll) gross. I love alpha males and dominant sex and this was.not.it. Again... just gross
They have literally no chemistry at all.
They have no conversations, nothing in common other than the fact that when he stalked her he read her books lol ok? Ok...
I just wish there could have been some sweet conversations or memories or something so that we, as the reader could get a sense of WHY the heroine would pursue a relationship with this man.
Without the chemistry, it screams non consent.
This made me sad I wasted my time. It also read like a bad YA book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
This is the second of what I assume will be three books (given how many men are in this particular crue) featuring Boston mafioso-doms and the women they love. I don't know why the blurb doesn't mention Held: A Dark Mafia Romance, but what information does or does not get included is often inexplicable to me. While it helps to read the first since it provides background -- particularly since this one does start in medias res -- it's not absolutely necessary.
Rachel is the illegitimate daughter of a mafia crime boss who has never treated her well and is now forcing her to marry a member of another mafia family in order to consolidate his "empire." Complicating Frank's plans are his daughter's feelings for Sasha, who used to work for him, but is now part of a rival gang. The rest of the plot details Rachel and Sasha's growing romantic/BDSM relationship as they navigate Frank's threats to their HEA.
First, I want to say that I don't find this particularly "dark," as I define it. That is, the H doesn't rape the h (though Sasha does kidnap Rachel, I believe he would have stopped in that first scene if she hadn't encouraged him); he doesn't injure her; he doesn't play cruel mind games with her; he's careful of going too far; and he genuinely wants what's best for her (I really, really appreciated that he doesn't try to change her or think that her wants and needs are less than his own, and that he supports her in her dreams and aspirations). For me, this is a relief, but I know many readers prefer books in which all of the above happens. This, right here, is why "dark" is such a vague word: it rarely means the same thing for any two books.
So, if you like mafia stories that are more "gray" than "black," with a healthy dose of well-described kink scenes between two likeable characters, you will enjoy this. For purely personal reasons, I preferred this one to the first since the former contained an erotic scene that was not to my taste. I prefer my MMC to be possessive and Sasha was -- in spades. In addition, the ending to this was more than the previous book's.
And a special shout-out to this author's inspired self-reflexivity: "I laugh and find it hard to stop. The thought of him reading sex-filled urban fantasy novels full of over-the-top wisecracking characters is crazy to me."
That said, this book does have several plot holes and would have benefited from either an edit or a beta read. One moment Sasha understands ? I have other questions, but you get the point. I would also have liked more "girl time" with Rachel and Zoe.
3 1/2 stars. But I'm raising it to 4 for what Sasha tells Rachel when she shamefully admits that she was almost raped and is worried about how he'll react: “There is no scenario that will ever exist where someone hurts you and I blame you for it. Not now. Not ever. Understand?” And that, everyone, is my fantasy man.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
Rachel is the illegitimate daughter of a mafia crime boss who has never treated her well and is now forcing her to marry a member of another mafia family in order to consolidate his "empire." Complicating Frank's plans are his daughter's feelings for Sasha, who used to work for him, but is now part of a rival gang. The rest of the plot details Rachel and Sasha's growing romantic/BDSM relationship as they navigate Frank's threats to their HEA.
First, I want to say that I don't find this particularly "dark," as I define it. That is, the H doesn't rape the h (though Sasha does kidnap Rachel, I believe he would have stopped in that first scene if she hadn't encouraged him); he doesn't injure her; he doesn't play cruel mind games with her; he's careful of going too far; and he genuinely wants what's best for her (I really, really appreciated that he doesn't try to change her or think that her wants and needs are less than his own, and that he supports her in her dreams and aspirations). For me, this is a relief, but I know many readers prefer books in which all of the above happens. This, right here, is why "dark" is such a vague word: it rarely means the same thing for any two books.
So, if you like mafia stories that are more "gray" than "black," with a healthy dose of well-described kink scenes between two likeable characters, you will enjoy this. For purely personal reasons, I preferred this one to the first since the former contained an erotic scene that was not to my taste. I prefer my MMC to be possessive and Sasha was -- in spades. In addition, the ending to this was more than the previous book's.
And a special shout-out to this author's inspired self-reflexivity: "I laugh and find it hard to stop. The thought of him reading sex-filled urban fantasy novels full of over-the-top wisecracking characters is crazy to me."
That said, this book does have several plot holes and would have benefited from either an edit or a beta read. One moment Sasha understands ? I have other questions, but you get the point. I would also have liked more "girl time" with Rachel and Zoe.
3 1/2 stars. But I'm raising it to 4 for what Sasha tells Rachel when she shamefully admits that she was almost raped and is worried about how he'll react: “There is no scenario that will ever exist where someone hurts you and I blame you for it. Not now. Not ever. Understand?” And that, everyone, is my fantasy man.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site.
July 11, 2020
Several Mob members walk through a graveyard, when an ambush occurs and Anvil (Sasha) is shot. Rachael (Raven) cares for him, forcing him to live.
Three years later, Anvil abducts Raven just before her wedding to a lying, cheating mob hopeful. Anvil claims to be interested in revenge for the shooting he endured because of her. But, there is so much more to this story than revenge. There is obsession and caring, loyalty and love.
Rachael and Sasha are two dark, damaged, broken individuals trying to find a way to fulfill their needs and satisfy their desires together. Rachael grew up unwanted by her father and necessarily abandoned by her mother. What she craved was someone who would be dedicated to her interests and able to give her the attention she needs.
To me, each physical “encounter” between Rachel and Sasha felt incredibly appropriate, tantalizing, enticing, soul shattering and erotically stimulating.
Marlee Wray has an amazing way of using words to draw the reader into the emotions of her characters and the heart palpitating events they undergo.
I highly recommend this book.
Three years later, Anvil abducts Raven just before her wedding to a lying, cheating mob hopeful. Anvil claims to be interested in revenge for the shooting he endured because of her. But, there is so much more to this story than revenge. There is obsession and caring, loyalty and love.
Rachael and Sasha are two dark, damaged, broken individuals trying to find a way to fulfill their needs and satisfy their desires together. Rachael grew up unwanted by her father and necessarily abandoned by her mother. What she craved was someone who would be dedicated to her interests and able to give her the attention she needs.
To me, each physical “encounter” between Rachel and Sasha felt incredibly appropriate, tantalizing, enticing, soul shattering and erotically stimulating.
Marlee Wray has an amazing way of using words to draw the reader into the emotions of her characters and the heart palpitating events they undergo.
I highly recommend this book.
June 24, 2020
A Dark Mafia Romance...
Three years ago Sasha Stroviak, known as Anvil was fighting for his life after being shot. The only reason he survived his injuries was because his old boss Frank’s daughter, Rachel Palermo nursed him back to health. It was also her fault that he was shot. He’s been stalking her ever since. Now that he has her he’s never letting her go...
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
Three years ago Sasha Stroviak, known as Anvil was fighting for his life after being shot. The only reason he survived his injuries was because his old boss Frank’s daughter, Rachel Palermo nursed him back to health. It was also her fault that he was shot. He’s been stalking her ever since. Now that he has her he’s never letting her go...
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
July 11, 2020
Good read!
I had forgotten about Zoe and Connor since I read that book almost 6 months ago. This brought back memories. I would love to see Trick find love like C and Anvil.
I had forgotten about Zoe and Connor since I read that book almost 6 months ago. This brought back memories. I would love to see Trick find love like C and Anvil.
July 12, 2020
This is a well written emotional mafia dark romance, it centers around Sasha (Avill) and Rachel (Raven). Ever since Rachel saved Sasha’s life 3 year prior. Dark romantic thought with lots of emotion have been lingering even though they don’t see each other. Rachel’s father Frank is a cruel selfish vindictive man and he threatens Rachel into doing his bidding and controlling her life and even her future marriage without giving her a cent (even from the social media work she does) or freedom. When Sasha kidnaps her things change and Rachel is sent into a whole new world of controlling men and loss of freedom. Sasha has loved Rachel for 3 years and kidnapping her just before her wedding has more to do with saving her than the revenge he claims. I enjoyed how the reader and Rachel to a point quickly figures out this is about love, and that he would do anything for her. The story line and plot was well thought out and designed, the characters flawless. It was easy to like the characters, even Sasha after his cold treating of Rachel and taking of her innocence in the beginning.
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.
July 6, 2020
Loved this captive romance story!!
Sasha (Anvil) has been keeping his eyes on Rachel for a while now and his plan to take her is in place. Rachel did something unacceptable three years ago and it almost cost Anvil his life and now he plans to get his revenge. Will Anvil take what he wants from Rachel and throw her away? Or does his plans to much further into the future? This is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it!
Sasha (Anvil) has been keeping his eyes on Rachel for a while now and his plan to take her is in place. Rachel did something unacceptable three years ago and it almost cost Anvil his life and now he plans to get his revenge. Will Anvil take what he wants from Rachel and throw her away? Or does his plans to much further into the future? This is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it!
June 22, 2020
Absolutely loved it
Second book in the C Crue series just as good as the first, well written and great characters can't wait for Tricks story. Would highly recommend.
Second book in the C Crue series just as good as the first, well written and great characters can't wait for Tricks story. Would highly recommend.
June 29, 2020
This is the second book about the C Crue. The first was about Connor and Zoe. You do not have to read the first book, but it will help you understand the background. Rachel has been the Palermo Princess since she was 16. She is actually the bastard daughter of the head of the family. He keeps her because she makes him a lot of money as an influencer on Instagram. Anvil, Sasha, was one of her bodyguards. When he got shot defending her, she spent weeks saving his life. But there is a secret there that no one knows. Sasha has been in love with her for years and one day he kidnaps her. That is the start of their love story and Rachel's eventual freedom from her father. There is a little dominance and spanking in this story and it is well written into the story of their lives. I enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to Trick's 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.
June 29, 2020
4 1/2 stars
I was surprised by the darkness of the opening sequence of scenes. I had read the previous book about Zoe and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this story. I liked the strength of character she had given her background. This type of world is hard to navigate when you’re raised from a baby but must have been a culture shock to her. The author did a good job of making him mysterious because I wasn’t sure if I even liked him especially in the beginning. The rest of the characters grew on me and it was nice to revisit them. I thought the first scene was brutal and has a specific word which defines the act. That set the tone for me and unfortunately, it wasn’t in his favor. I will say that my emotions were engaged and overall I liked the rawness that the author easily portrayed within the pages of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was surprised by the darkness of the opening sequence of scenes. I had read the previous book about Zoe and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this story. I liked the strength of character she had given her background. This type of world is hard to navigate when you’re raised from a baby but must have been a culture shock to her. The author did a good job of making him mysterious because I wasn’t sure if I even liked him especially in the beginning. The rest of the characters grew on me and it was nice to revisit them. I thought the first scene was brutal and has a specific word which defines the act. That set the tone for me and unfortunately, it wasn’t in his favor. I will say that my emotions were engaged and overall I liked the rawness that the author easily portrayed within the pages of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2020
Great story. Loved the storyline and it kept me reading until the very end. Rachel was a bad girl. She crosses a line and she knows that she is in trouble. Sasha comes for Rachel and kidnaps her and tells her it's just for revenge. This story has everything that you would expect from a Mafia story. Danger, revenge, violence, suspense, but most of all Sasha wants to protect Rachel and they have an amazing relationship that grows as they get to know each other but what Rachel doesn't know is that Sasha has loved her for years.. This is very steamy and I can't wait to read more of Marlee Wray's books. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2020
When Rachel is kidnapped, she is being used for revenge, or at least that's what dominant giant Sasha says. He used to work for her father and hates him and her fiance. She doesn't know it, but that's not the only reason. It's much deeper than that. He wants this little woman who twists him up in ways no one else ever could. Now he just has to keep her safe and bind her to him forever. For Rachel, will she just be trading one prison for another? Danger, betrayal, lust and hot sexy times.
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.
July 3, 2020
I love a strong silent type! Super obsessive hero who is super sweet and understanding to his love.
June 30, 2020
A wonderfully written story told from dual points of view. These two main characters are perfect for each other and there is some steam between them. It’s a brilliant book for anyone who is a lover of mafia romances.
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.
June 30, 2020
Sexy, intense and perfect
Wow. This book was so awesome. I love the MCs obsession with each other. There were twists and turns and characters I loved reading about. I sure hope there is a book for Trick! This was sexy and intense with great dialogue. Read on KU then bought it too.
Wow. This book was so awesome. I love the MCs obsession with each other. There were twists and turns and characters I loved reading about. I sure hope there is a book for Trick! This was sexy and intense with great dialogue. Read on KU then bought it too.
June 29, 2020
Sasha is an enforcer and Rachel is going to be used for revenge and he also plans to make her his. Fast-paced read with intense chemistry, drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with an entertaining story, I was hooked form beginning to end. I really liked it.
September 3, 2020
Ok this one tried to venture to the "dark." The beginning of the book is very questionable. I should be a trigger warning, but is not identified by the author. The scene between Anvil and Rachel runs a thin line of dubious consent and rape and I will not comment any further on that. I think the attempted rape later on in the story is supposed to show the difference between the two and change how the reader sees Anvil.
I did not feel the chemistry between them The first book had chemistry and tension, this one not so much. Anvil didn't seem as "alpha" as C.
Ok read. I would really like a book on Trick. He seems really interesting.
I did not feel the chemistry between them The first book had chemistry and tension, this one not so much. Anvil didn't seem as "alpha" as C.
Ok read. I would really like a book on Trick. He seems really interesting.
June 27, 2020
Amazing
I love this authors books and this series is smoking hot. I waited for this book and it was amazing. I cannot wait to read Trick's book.
I love this authors books and this series is smoking hot. I waited for this book and it was amazing. I cannot wait to read Trick's book.
December 31, 2021
♣FIRST MY CAST FOR THIS♣
♣RACHEL (18 or 19)
♣ A goth heroine , who feels more and is strong at a same time
♣ANVIL(28 or 29)
♣Russian Enforcer and EX Bodyguard of Rachel. The possessive man who wants more.
♣REVIEW♣
Anvil was Rachel bodyguard but after the accident and some issues , he left her father mob and started his own with his oath brother , Now problems rise between two mobs and as an result Rachel is kidnapped by him , so he can control her father. Rachel who knew this man as her protector and once saved his life when she was 16 , is pretty much confused and wanting at the same time.
Great chemistry between both characters and back story was great. She was my first gothic heroine and it's refreshing to see more diversity in mafia books. Anvil was hell of an huge build man and Rachel in compare to him was tiny tiny and I love this in books even though am 5'10 *cries* Anyway he is very controlling in a hot way and it was hot. The spice level is very high in this and I give it 5 stars.
♣Highly Recommended
♣5 stars
♣HEA
♣RACHEL (18 or 19)
♣ A goth heroine , who feels more and is strong at a same time
♣ANVIL(28 or 29)
♣Russian Enforcer and EX Bodyguard of Rachel. The possessive man who wants more.
♣REVIEW♣
Anvil was Rachel bodyguard but after the accident and some issues , he left her father mob and started his own with his oath brother , Now problems rise between two mobs and as an result Rachel is kidnapped by him , so he can control her father. Rachel who knew this man as her protector and once saved his life when she was 16 , is pretty much confused and wanting at the same time.
Great chemistry between both characters and back story was great. She was my first gothic heroine and it's refreshing to see more diversity in mafia books. Anvil was hell of an huge build man and Rachel in compare to him was tiny tiny and I love this in books even though am 5'10 *cries* Anyway he is very controlling in a hot way and it was hot. The spice level is very high in this and I give it 5 stars.
♣Highly Recommended
♣5 stars
♣HEA
November 26, 2024
~ gang/mafia light
~ JP H
~ “bdsm”
~ low angst
~ breeding
⚠️ on page rape of h by H, no sharing or ow in this one
Inconsistent, hard to follow
I read the first book with Zoe and C, was definitely ready for Sashas story, but this one had elements and inconsistencies I just didn’t like as much.
* Sasha rapes her without even talking and getting her side of the story. It turns out she’s really not the one responsible for him getting shot, not directly anyway.
* she voluntarily jumps back in bed with him too quickly after that
* So Zoe got punished for making bad decisions that could have got Trick hurt, yet Sasha kidnaps Rachel putting them all in danger multiple times and he never has to pay up? Rachel leaves and puts them all in danger and doesn’t have to get punished either? There’s some double standards going on here.
* I wanted more of Zoe and Rachel’s relationship. It sucked how the guy’s controlled their friendship and talked down about Zoe not being as strong as Rachel.
* Rachel accused Zoe of leaving her for C? Didn’t she know Frank tried to kill her?
* How did the blonde girl get a keycard for the lower apartment if only Sasha had it?
* How would Rachel’s mom possibly know where they were? The end scene was just hastily done.
I’ll still read Tricks book but I’m not counting on it being as good as Zoe and Conners. I need plot and character consistency in any series.
~ JP H
~ “bdsm”
~ low angst
~ breeding
⚠️ on page rape of h by H, no sharing or ow in this one
Inconsistent, hard to follow
I read the first book with Zoe and C, was definitely ready for Sashas story, but this one had elements and inconsistencies I just didn’t like as much.
* Sasha rapes her without even talking and getting her side of the story. It turns out she’s really not the one responsible for him getting shot, not directly anyway.
* she voluntarily jumps back in bed with him too quickly after that
* So Zoe got punished for making bad decisions that could have got Trick hurt, yet Sasha kidnaps Rachel putting them all in danger multiple times and he never has to pay up? Rachel leaves and puts them all in danger and doesn’t have to get punished either? There’s some double standards going on here.
* I wanted more of Zoe and Rachel’s relationship. It sucked how the guy’s controlled their friendship and talked down about Zoe not being as strong as Rachel.
* Rachel accused Zoe of leaving her for C? Didn’t she know Frank tried to kill her?
* How did the blonde girl get a keycard for the lower apartment if only Sasha had it?
* How would Rachel’s mom possibly know where they were? The end scene was just hastily done.
I’ll still read Tricks book but I’m not counting on it being as good as Zoe and Conners. I need plot and character consistency in any series.
July 23, 2024
Despite reservations it’s still a 5 star read
The “Dark” in the dark romance is I suppose the Alphahole possessiveness, it’s over the top regarding possessive.
Sasha aka “Anvil” is an enforcer for the C Crue (no idea why ‘crew’ is spelled that way, urban slang?). They used to work for Frank Palermo a high profile criminal. One of their jobs entailed bodyguard duty for Frank and his illegitimate daughter.
After Frank promised his virgin daughter Rachel (aka Raven) in marriage to an NYC mobster Rachel was willing to go through with the marriage to get away from her father. So she told her fiancé about her father’s controlling abusive methods. The fiancé had other plans that backfired on Rachel. As a result Anvil was badly wounded. Rachel was forced to bargain with her father, do exactly as you’re told, when you’re told and in return Frank wouldn’t kill her best friend or hunt down and kill her mother. Hardly Father of the Year material.
Now Anvil wants revenge for the shooting but more than that he wants her.
Whilst I enjoyed most of the book I didn’t agree with Anvil’s methods. It’s crossing one line too far. Important decisions in a relationship must be jointly made. As with book 1 there’s a strong BDSM type element. Fortunately, it’s not as dire as book 1 and not as dire as he states early on.
The “Dark” in the dark romance is I suppose the Alphahole possessiveness, it’s over the top regarding possessive.
Sasha aka “Anvil” is an enforcer for the C Crue (no idea why ‘crew’ is spelled that way, urban slang?). They used to work for Frank Palermo a high profile criminal. One of their jobs entailed bodyguard duty for Frank and his illegitimate daughter.
After Frank promised his virgin daughter Rachel (aka Raven) in marriage to an NYC mobster Rachel was willing to go through with the marriage to get away from her father. So she told her fiancé about her father’s controlling abusive methods. The fiancé had other plans that backfired on Rachel. As a result Anvil was badly wounded. Rachel was forced to bargain with her father, do exactly as you’re told, when you’re told and in return Frank wouldn’t kill her best friend or hunt down and kill her mother. Hardly Father of the Year material.
Now Anvil wants revenge for the shooting but more than that he wants her.
Whilst I enjoyed most of the book I didn’t agree with Anvil’s methods. It’s crossing one line too far. Important decisions in a relationship must be jointly made. As with book 1 there’s a strong BDSM type element. Fortunately, it’s not as dire as book 1 and not as dire as he states early on.
July 25, 2020
Sadly, I am giving this one three stars because I will probably have forgotten everything about it in a month or two. The most memorable things to me were Sasha's nickname for Rachel, Raven, and Trick, who is a side character. I'm more interested in a book about him.
Even though this is called a "standalone sequel" (which I didn't know about before reading, and what does that even mean), I felt really lost within the plot. I think you need to read Held first, and maybe that would have helped me understand more of what was going on between the syndicates, Rachel's friendship with Zoe, and the villainy of Frank. As it was, it just seemed like the plot was really loosely strung together between sexy scenes.
For how much the other characters talk about Sasha being so tough, he was a teddy bear with Rachel, and while normally I would think that's sweet, for someone claiming to be dominant, he really let her do whatever she wanted.
I'd really like a book about Trick, though. He seems like the most intriguing character.
Even though this is called a "standalone sequel" (which I didn't know about before reading, and what does that even mean), I felt really lost within the plot. I think you need to read Held first, and maybe that would have helped me understand more of what was going on between the syndicates, Rachel's friendship with Zoe, and the villainy of Frank. As it was, it just seemed like the plot was really loosely strung together between sexy scenes.
For how much the other characters talk about Sasha being so tough, he was a teddy bear with Rachel, and while normally I would think that's sweet, for someone claiming to be dominant, he really let her do whatever she wanted.
I'd really like a book about Trick, though. He seems like the most intriguing character.
August 2, 2020
While the story wasn't exactly what I thought it was, it was still a really good read. The beginning of Anvil/Sasha and Rachel/Raven's relationship was anything but typical. The men of C Crue are hot as hades, and as dominant as well. Sasha, whew, that man has the stalking game on lock. I'd be down for him stalking and obsessing over me. Rachel handles his need for her obedience a lot better than I would though. I have way too much of a rebellious nature to me. That's okay though, because Rachel and Sasha are perfect for each other. This mans devotion to her is incredible. He would gladly sacrifice his life for hers, he would walk away from C Crue for her, there's nothing he wouldn't do to keep her safe, happy, and by his side. While others found Sasha too intense, Rachel enjoyed him just the way he is, and that's how it should be. After what her father, and "fiance" put her through, they more than deserved the fate they met. In the end, I loved that Rachel finally had gained a family worthy of her. And Sasha, he got everything he'd wished for.
August 9, 2020
When Rachel (Raven) took care of Sasha 3 years prior, he never forgot what she did to to keep him alive when the crue felt he should've been allowed to die, instead she refused to let that happen. With no one knowing Sasha was stalking Raven because she was the only female that wasn't afraid of him because of his body size and him not communicating with very few people. When he found out Raven's dad promised her to a rival mafia organization so he could strength his territory; knowing the person he was forcing Raven to marry, he kidnapped her to protect her from the cruelty she would face once she got married. During the rest of the book Sasha was protecting her from her father and her future husband. During this time, Raven was showing Sasha he was a good hearted person even though he was rough, over proactive and controlling. She thought she wanted a relationship like friend Zoe had with C until she realized Zoe was willing to do anything to keep C including him sharing her with his Crue.
August 14, 2020
Put a disclaimer next time
Spoiler: This book starts off with rape. The main male brutally took the girl’s virginity. My advice to the author: Put a disclaimer that there will be sexual assault. This book could be very triggering for some people. It was triggering for me. I do not care to read a book about this. Reality is already triggering enough. I stopped reading after that scene. I’m leaving one star (would leave 0 if I could) because I believe it is the author’s responsibility to disclose in the description that those types of actions take place in the book. Yes, this author added a disclaimer for spankings but spankings and forcing someone to have sex with you is NOT the same thing. I’m assuming the two fell in love in the end or whatever and I am guessing that the author is using that as an excuse to justify him essentially raping her in the beginning.
Spoiler: This book starts off with rape. The main male brutally took the girl’s virginity. My advice to the author: Put a disclaimer that there will be sexual assault. This book could be very triggering for some people. It was triggering for me. I do not care to read a book about this. Reality is already triggering enough. I stopped reading after that scene. I’m leaving one star (would leave 0 if I could) because I believe it is the author’s responsibility to disclose in the description that those types of actions take place in the book. Yes, this author added a disclaimer for spankings but spankings and forcing someone to have sex with you is NOT the same thing. I’m assuming the two fell in love in the end or whatever and I am guessing that the author is using that as an excuse to justify him essentially raping her in the beginning.
August 8, 2020
Pursued is a dark mafia romance, and stand-alone sequel to Held. Rachel Palmetto, daughter of notorious mafia boss Frank Palmetto, is unfinished business for Anvil, one of the three members of C Crue. C Crue all previously worked for Frank, but broke away to form their own kingdom because of Frank's abuse of power. Anvil thinks Rachel owes him a debt, and he will kill two birds with one stone by kidnapping her, not only to collect but to keep her safe as things are getting more dangerous.
Anvil and Rachel's relationship is the perfect balance of love and hate. Friends to enemies to lovers romance. 5 stars for sure
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anvil and Rachel's relationship is the perfect balance of love and hate. Friends to enemies to lovers romance. 5 stars for sure
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2021
A compelling, dark, obsessive, and magical love story is in these pages, and I was addicted to this story from the start! I love that Rachel was dark and brooding but still an absolutely absorbing character. She was trapped and felt like she had to give up anything good in her life to keep the people she loved safe. I thought she was well-matched with Sasha, as he was a darkly portrayed enforcer and was always so serious. Rachel was a pawn in her father's mobster games and as such, seemed to just be in her life to use her. The action builds in the story Andi couldn't put it down. This is just a well-written story that I never wanted to see the end of!
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