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Murdoch Mafia #4

Tempted By The Queen

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Carlina

I’m the secret my family kept from the world.

The Queen that was to be used to gain them an alliance.

I escaped, finally free to live my own life out in the open.

A chance encounter with a beautiful stranger derailed my plans.

My hope of freedom was torn from me, he took it from me.

I need to fight for my freedom, fight for my family and finally embrace who I am and where I come from.

Vincent

I shut myself away from the world and dove into my work to focus on something other than my loss.

She’s a job, a means to an end.

It was supposed to be an easy capture and kill before I go dark and exact my revenge.

The end game is clear, take out the queen, end her family and then take out my own.

I’m trained to kill, I’ve never missed a shot. They call me the blood hound for that very reason, I’ll find anyone, anywhere at any time.

For the first time in over a decade, I miss the kill shot, because of her.

Author's Note -
This book contains dark content and may not be suitable for some readers, please check the triggers inside the book before reading.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

268 people are currently reading
447 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Barrett

51 books840 followers
Samantha Barrett is originally from Auckland, New Zealand but living in Brisbane, Australia.

Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.

She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,327 reviews56 followers
March 5, 2023
Gearing Up For Battle

What happens when you are given a mission to k3ll the sister of the Don of the Murdoch Family? You reneg on your assignment, protect her and fall in love.

Carlina is tired of being the hidden Mafia princess no one knows of. Living her life locked away from preying eyes she has had enough. In her quest for freedom she did not plan to run right into the path of her would be assassin.

Vincent was hired to do a job. Find Carlina Murdoch and end her life. A job that should have been simple enough turned into the hardest job he ever had to do.

The more time Vincent spent with Carlina the more he found himself wanting to protect her and not allowing harm to come to her. Although he blames Bishop and the Murdoch Family for the disappearance of his sister, he never meant to fall in love with his target.

The truth emerges and Vincent finds himself working alongside his enemy who to his surprise was never his enemy to begin with.

Loyalties are tested a new allies are formed as the Murdoch Family digs deeper into their enemies getting ready for a battle to end all family battles.
Profile Image for Erin pages_and_prosecco.
113 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2023
The Murdoch sister is just as badass as her brothers! Carlina’s story is just as hot and angsty as each of her brothers. I cannot wait to see what happens next!! I feel we’re building up to something big in Russia!
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
53 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
I didn't think I was going to enjoy Carlina's POV, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Thompson.
33 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆

Review:

Tempted By The Queen by Samantha Barrett is a fast-paced, witty, and passionate romance that pulls you into a world of intrigue and family dynamics. This book skillfully balances dark moments with laugh-out-loud humor, making it a fun yet emotionally resonant read. Barrett’s trademark sharp dialogue and memorable characters shine throughout the story, keeping readers hooked from the start.

The protagonist’s strong-willed attitude and quick wit are on full display in the line, "I've seen Taken. My deadbeat father may not be Liam Neeson but my brothers are." This quote perfectly captures the fierce loyalty and humor that defines the heroine’s relationship with her family. It adds a refreshing dose of levity to the story while also highlighting the fierce protectiveness that runs deep within the characters.

Barrett does a fantastic job of creating tension and chemistry between the leads, offering readers a sizzling romance full of undeniable attraction. The love story is set against a backdrop of suspense and family drama, making the stakes feel even higher. The heroine is unapologetically strong and independent, and her banter with both her family and her love interest adds layers of personality and charm to the narrative.

Although the book has its lighter moments, Tempted By The Queen also explores deeper themes of family loyalty, personal growth, and redemption. Barrett weaves these elements seamlessly into the plot, making the emotional beats hit just as hard as the witty comebacks.

Overall, Tempted By The Queen is a captivating read that delivers the perfect blend of humor, romance, and suspense. If you’re looking for a story with a strong heroine, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of family drama, this book is definitely one to add to your list!
Profile Image for Book Life With Jen.
1,255 reviews21 followers
January 29, 2023
Tempted By The Queen, the fourth book in the Murdoch Mafia Series by Samantha Barrett is finally the time where we get to see the queen come out to play and I am 100% there for it!

This is the story of Carlina, the beloved and well hidden princess of the Murdoch mafia family, who was hidden away her entire life and kept a secret from the world except for a few trusted people. Overly protected by her brothers, her world was a different se soused one—but also tragic as dark secrets ruled her world. Secrets that finally drove her to run…unknowingly right into the arms of the enemy. A sexy mysterious stranger names Vincent that even though the signs are there that she shouldn’t trust him…she can’t help but feel drawn to him.

To say this story was the ultimate of rides is an understatement as Barrett takes us on yet again another delicious rollercoaster of a ride full of drama, suspense and of course lots of steam as the beautifully tragic Queen struggles to find herself all while surviving this dangerous world she’s entangled in.

And as the pieces all move around the board, trying to out play the others, the question is who will be left standing as the queen finally takes her rightful place? Because contrary to what some may think, the Queen is always the strongest piece on the board, regardless of how many times she’s scarified.
Profile Image for Mikayla.
217 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2025
I have to admit, I’m ridiculously invested in this mafia family. The Murdochs have completely taken over my heart! With each book, the family grows, and watching each sibling find their forever person just makes it that much more addictive. A friend recommended this series to me and told me this book was her favorite — and I can 100% see why.
Samantha Barrett’s writing is fast-paced, gritty, and absolutely addictive. The mix of action, violence, drama, and romance pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I was so eager for our Queen — mafia heiress Catalina — to finally return home and get the HEA she truly deserved.
Catalina has been through unimaginable trauma, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. But wow, her strength, sass, and sheer fire had me cheering her on, especially when she stood toe-to-toe with her brothers like the total badass she is.
And Vincent… whew. He’s intense, possessive, and completely gone for Catalina in the best way. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I loved watching him fall so hard for her.
This was everything I wanted and more — powerful heroine, swoony yet dangerous love interest, and a whole lot of Murdoch family chaos. I already can’t wait to go on to the next one! I need Gage asap.
Profile Image for Kacie Mummawh0reads.x.
747 reviews27 followers
September 28, 2023
Tempted by the QUEEN
By Samantha Barrett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved this book!! The chemistry and banter between Car and Vin was hoootttttt! I love FMC’s who crumbles for the bad boy MMC’s.. add in an age gap with some steamy sexual tension and forced proximity and it’s a recipe for hotness! And those scenes against the wall 🥵🔥

This is book four of @Samantha Murdoch Mafia series. As with the others in this series, There are some dark and twisty moments and definitely some content that some should take into consideration so check those triggers warnings!

Ma’am seriously, these cliffhangers are starting to stress me out!! Lmao Someone pass me book 5!?

“She may be a job but even I can admit Carlina Murdoch looks like a fking snack that I would devour.”🥵🥵


#temptedbythequeen #samathabarrett #darkromance #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychoose


28 reviews
February 28, 2023
Seriously these cliffhangers gut me!!!
But,I love how the books flow from one to the other with no time gaps,or having to think what happened.
It starts right where Knights book ended.
Car definitely is trying to branch out and get her life back. If you read the series like YOU should have you already know.
She meets "Vin" on a plane and let's just say he is spicy AF.
I will admit I thought from book 1 she was really just a spoiled brat. Then in another book,she grew on me a tiny bit,but her leaving did make sense, BUT I still felt she was selfish. It always went back to her and where she was and safety of the family...blah blah blah poor her...but I get it. She's the baby and only girl. But have you seen the girls these men have??? Ya no sympathy.
Anyways,ya this book has LOTS of fighting in all aspects. She is determined to not go down without one. That redeemed her in my eyes. Her and Vin now have another spot in my heart. Not as much as the other couples,but still good.
Another dang gut wrenching cliffhanger......we need this new book NOW!!!
Do not skip this series!!
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
March 15, 2023
**I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by Book Boyfriend Buzz reviews.**

TEMPTED BY THE QUEEN is the fourth installment in The Murdoch Mafia series. I don't feel that you can read this series as stand alones. They should be read in order that the author intended them.

Carlina Murdoch can't stand what happened to her at her fathers hands. She needs to get away and get away from her overprotective brothers . She needs time to be alone but not hidden away anymore. When she snuck out of the house and made it to the plane she never expected to be enthralled by the handsome man seated beside her. This wasn't in the plan but can she say no?

Vincent was hired to kill Carlina and he is ready to complete that job until he spends time with her. She isn't what he expected. He wants to protect her and make her his. But Vincent and the Murdoch's are on separate sides of this fight...but are they really?

This was another great fast paced suspenseful read. I am so invested in this series. I CANNOT wait for what's next!!
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,691 reviews46 followers
March 21, 2023
Carlina has been the protected mafia princess that no one has been really sure even existed. She escapes, but she is soon to find out what her family was hiding her from: Vincent has been sent by a rival family to take her out. First, though, he gets to know her a little bit and finds out that he can't do what he was sent to do. Which of course is dangerous for his life, too.

This story is a non-stop thrill ride of twists and turns. At times, people act just exactly like how you think they will and then you'll get someone who surprises you. This book is dark, for sure, but there are moments of light between these two as well. Vincent has a lot to process given that he was unable to do what he's been trained his entire life to do--it's a crisis not just of character, but it shakes his whole foundation. Carlina has been hidden from everything, but she grows into a force to be reckoned with and taking her rightful place in the family. She is a queen, after all, and the most powerful piece on the board.
1,529 reviews45 followers
September 21, 2023
Carlina was the hidden sister that only a few new about. Until recently even her brothers didn’t realise what she went through with her father.
When she meets Vin on the plane, she doesn’t think anything of it, until things take a turn for the worse and she realised that Vin didn’t meet her by accident.
Vincent’s job was to kill her, but the more time he spent with her the more his feelings changed, her family took his sister he needs to get revenge that’s been his one goal, but he never expected to fall for Carlina.
Carlina gets a call she knows she has to go home, never expecting Vin to go with her knowing that her brothers will want to kill him when they work out who he is. Can Carlina convince her brothers to listen to Vin and not kill him. Will Vin give up the one thing he’s been searching for to have a life with Carlina.
2,357 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2023
Tempted by the Queen by Samantha Barrett is the tension-filled, terror-ridden story of Vincent (Vin) and Carlina (Car). She’s the secret sister of the Murdoch brothers…and she’s fed up with being that. So, she secretly leaves and is immediately swept off her feet by Vincent, who she meets in first class. But, could this be a huge mistake??? He’s got some hidden secrets as well…secrets that could result in her demise…as well as her brothers’.

Bam!!!! This series just gets better and better!!!! Car is sooooo much more than anyone can possibly imagine! She’s strong, powerful, and bends to no one. Vincent is dark, calculating, remorseless, and the perfect foil for the young queen. Full of twists, turns, shocks, danger, death, fights, stealth, and, of course, it is hugely romantic!!!! I can’t wait for the next in the series!!!
Profile Image for Tessabelle's Book Obsession .
106 reviews26 followers
February 28, 2023
My dearest Samantha. These endings will forever be the death of me. You're going to make me wait all the way until the end aren't you? 🥺

I can write a lengthy speech telling you why you should start this series, but instead I'm telling you GO START THEM NOW!

Our sweet Carlina. It's been an incredible ride watching you blossom into the woman you've grown into. From someone so broken, to someone so incredibly strong and protective.

And Vin! Our incredible Vin. The only one to see Carlina for who she is and not what she can be used for. These two were made for eachother.

My dear SAM , please don't break my heart again. I can't wait to dive into Gage's story next but please please I need to know... you know what I'm talking about 🥺🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debbie Vanvoorhis gladitz.
82 reviews
January 15, 2023
Damnnnn what a great story to this series. Carlina has been through so much pain and suffering at the hands of her father. ( now dead) He raped and mind fucked from the age of 5 years old. If you read Knight’s book , you know she took off. She meets a man named Vin on a plane to Brazil. Little does she know shit is about to go down with this mysterious hot AF guy. There is a lot of mystery, sexual tension, and a lot of mind fuckery going on in this book. Lol I loved this one so hard. Samantha Barrett did amazing with this series. I Can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeves on the next one. Oooh I’m so excited.
27 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2023
This story picked up the story straight from Knight.
Carlina has been through hell! She runs from her family to get away! She just wants freedom.
On the plane she meets a hot AF stranger which sets things in motion she has no Choice in the matter.
Without giving to much away. Car fights, she fights to survive, fights for love, fights for her family!
This queen doesn’t go down without a fight!
I LOVED watching Carlina grow and knew she was going to be one of my faves. (Pretty sure I have said that about all the books in this series so far lol)

If you haven’t started this series DO IT NOW! Don’t walk RUN
Profile Image for Megb.
504 reviews9 followers
February 24, 2023
During the first three books I felt like Carlina was selfish and just left her family and wasn't there when they needed her the most, but now I understand her. I love her and her strength after it all so much.

Carlina and Vincent will forever have a special place in my heart. They are everything I wanted and more. I loved the connection and steam. I loved watching them learn their way around each other.

Can we talk about the cliffhanger though, that absolutely gutted me! I need all the answers right now!! I am so ready for the next book, I can't wait to see how it all plays out and I'm going to also need this series to never, and I mean never, end!
766 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2023
I worship at the the alter that is Samantha Barrett's brilliant creative mind! 🙌

This woman has written an amazing series that I simply hate to put down. The books are short so I've been bingeing them one after the next. I have to say I'm addicted. Each of the characters are so different but their stories work so well together. I thought I'd hate Caralina because I thought she'd be a spoiled brat, based off the first book, but I was pleasantly surprised to see I was wrong and I loved her. And Mr. alpha-assassin himself is 🔥.

Seriously, I adored every page of this entire series and cannot wait to read Gage's book.
Profile Image for Jean Dewsbury.
871 reviews16 followers
October 31, 2023
I absolutely loved reading Tempted by the Queen.
Carlina Murdoch the hidden sister. Hidden in plain sight. Her existence was hidden from the public, sheltered from the world by her brothers for her protection.

Vincent the gorgeous stranger who turns her world upside down. That is until all the secrets are revealed. Vincent had a job to do. Carlina was just another job. Find her kill her then find whoever can help him locate his sister who was sold.

Heartbreakingly emotional journey filled with plenty of chemistry action drama suspense and danger. You get to read more about rhe Murdoch brothers and their wowen.
Profile Image for christine .
264 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Am so glad Carlina got her own story. Since the first book of the series I had alot of questions concerning her. This book answered them and we got to see the real Carlina. In the previous books she was made out as weak, selfish, and traumatized. I loved how with Vincent help she became more sure and confident. I didnt want to like Vincent at first but he grew on me. He saw Carlina as a person not as a pawn once he realized that the information he had was completely wrong. The fact that he refused to back down and help her brother proves what type of person he is.
Profile Image for Asuradori.
31 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2023
This is the fourth book from The Murdoch Mafia Series. And I still am not over it. 🥵

We finally get to meet the precious Queen herself and she didn’t disappoint. Carlinas story begins with her breakout and the mysterious stranger Vincent. There journey is hot and heavy with dark twists and turns. 🖤
The fluent writing style guides us through the book and was holding me in a grip I couldn’t wiggle out of. My demons came out to play and enjoyed every minute of it!😈
How could you resist this series?
Wanna join the fun? I will wait for you on the other side. ❤️‍🔥
4,266 reviews52 followers
March 15, 2023
4.5 round up Carlina has been incognito away from her family due to her past. When she meets Vincent, she is skeptical of him but has no idea it is warranted until he kidnaps her. The book continues with the someone after the Murdoch family. With that being said, there is revenge, a rat aka traitor, family loyalty, pain from the past but healing. We find out what Carlina endure, which may be a TW for some. I do love how everyone is finding their person but did not expect the Rook angle but we do get to see more of Gage.
Profile Image for Victoria Wilson.
276 reviews12 followers
October 30, 2023
Here comes the Queen… Unlike her brothers, Carlina was not named after chess pieces. Looked down on and treated terribly by her father, Carlina just wants out. She loves her family but she’s also tired of being hidden and wants a life of her own. And when Vincent, part of a rival mafia family, takes the contract on Carlina he never expects to fall for his mark. They become a force all their own. I love the growth Carlina has throughout this book. The two of them together is something on its own that should not be underestimated.
Profile Image for Just_Read_Instead.
382 reviews25 followers
October 22, 2024
After Bishop, King, and Knight its time for the Queen - although, she didnt get a cool chess name.

She was nothing to her father, just something to use and sell, so when she is finally free of her family for the first time ever she cannot wait to dive head first into life … little did she know her life already had a target on it.

Everything changes when she gets that call from Knight … her brother, Rook … she needs to het home.

But she is going home to the midst of a mafia war … what will her freedom really cost?

I listened to the audio. It was awesome.
Profile Image for Sarah.
165 reviews10 followers
January 14, 2023
Can we all just agree that Carlina is a fuckin badass QUEEN! From being raped for years since the age of 5 by her own father to having to be kept a secret her whole life cause her family is one of the top mafia families in the world. She stands up to her 4 older brothers like a BEAST. So, OF course, she would fall in love with a true hired criminal VIN. One that is hired to kill her.. power of the Poonanny, am I right???
156 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2023
Tempted by the Queen is the fourth book in the Murdoch series by Samantha Barrett and this book picks up right where Knight finishes.

Carlina is the sister of Bishop, King, Knight and Rook. The Queen of the Murdoch family!!

Carlina and Vin have an explosive relationship right from the start, it was exciting to see her grow and become who she was always meant to be.

I can't say it enough... Read this series you will not be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Lora - My_last_writes .
160 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2023
I have no words, this series is incredible, highly addictive, unputdownable (it's a word, ok)

Vin, my man, you are everything that Car needed, strong, supportive, frustrating.

Car was one bad a$$ lead, I loved watching her grow through out this book and over come so many demons.

Again please check trigger warnings before reading!

I still have hope Samantha, you can't take it from me . .. . Yet 👀

Love it pick this up!!
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,576 reviews52 followers
February 28, 2023
Carolina Is hidden away and abused by her father. Car just wants her freedom and she runs in the night and comes across a man that is divine and his name is Vin. Vin is hired to take her out. Problem is no one knows about her other then her brothers. This is a fast pace read that will have you on the edge of your seat as every pages turned gets you closer to getting more crumbs to this masterpiece story. This story is a series that don’t read as a standalone. So can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Shanna Zielstra.
87 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2023
*trigger warning*** book contains topics of rape, trafficking, molestation

This is the fourth book in the Murdoch Mafia series by Samantha Barnett and it does not disappoint. This is about the sister Caralina and while it does end in a epic cliff hanger making me ready for the next one I’ll forgive her because it was HOT! She is a kick ass mafia Queen now no longer a princess at the end of this book!
Profile Image for Kira.
1,121 reviews34 followers
March 19, 2023
Tempted by the Queen, the fourth book and here is where we finally get to see the hidden princess come out to play! She’s the best kept secret. This one is such a wild ride! I am so here for it! You see all the pieces all move around the board, trying to out play the others, you will question who will still be standing as the queen finally takes her rightful place, because knows that the Queen is always the strongest piece on the board, and will always come out on top.
Profile Image for Nic_key_reads .
518 reviews13 followers
Read
March 25, 2023
Tempted by The Queen is book 4 in the Murdoch Mafia series. I’ll be honest I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did.

Carlina wasn’t my favorite at first. We didn’t get too much out of her from the little time we meet her. But damn I did a 180 and really enjoyed her story. She really has gone through trauma and she came into her own strong person. She showed she’s a queen and not one to take lightly.

Vin I think he’s my favorite. He’s a silent boss. Car and Vin together are explosive in the best way!

One of my favorite things about this series is how fast we get the good stuff and how quick the story plays out. This is seriously one of the best mafia series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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