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Astoria Royals #4
Deal with the Devil
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My pakhan father is marrying me off to a cruel monster. A man who gave me a black eye the night before our wedding and then spent it with someone else.
A wrong turn on my way to the church changes my life.
He saw me.
In my gown.
And the bruises behind my veil.
Lachlan O’Rourke.
Enforcer. Insane. Furious.
And standing in the back of the church with an army ready to stop my wedding…
Author’s Deal with the Devil is a 77K standalone MF Marriage of Convenience Opposites Attract Romance with mature themes, a seventeen-year age gap between a J/P Mob Enforcer and a virgin Bratva princess. The story includes explicit content and profanity. It is recommended for mature readers only.
No cheating. HEA guaranteed with SERIES cliffhanger.
My pakhan father is marrying me off to a cruel monster. A man who gave me a black eye the night before our wedding and then spent it with someone else.
A wrong turn on my way to the church changes my life.
He saw me.
In my gown.
And the bruises behind my veil.
Lachlan O’Rourke.
Enforcer. Insane. Furious.
And standing in the back of the church with an army ready to stop my wedding…
Author’s Deal with the Devil is a 77K standalone MF Marriage of Convenience Opposites Attract Romance with mature themes, a seventeen-year age gap between a J/P Mob Enforcer and a virgin Bratva princess. The story includes explicit content and profanity. It is recommended for mature readers only.
No cheating. HEA guaranteed with SERIES cliffhanger.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
2360 people are currently reading
3420 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garland
60 books763 followersDeborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
September 16, 2023
5/5 OTT J/P hero & an innocent, virginal heroine - what more could you want?
TROPES:
~age gap (17 years)
~mafia
~marriage of convenience
~size difference
I've never read a Deborah Garland book and I'm seriously regretting that right now. This was amazing!
The hero, Lachlan, is an Irish mob enforcer. He's extremely over the top and jealous/possessive from the moment he sets his eyes on the Bratva princess, Katya. They met two years ago when Katya was 19. Nothing happened, but their meeting stays in the forefront of their minds for years. HE STAYED CELIBATE THE ENTIRE TIME UNTIL SHE WAS 21!!! They meet again and it's like no time ever passed. He's obsessed with her, and she's obsessed with him.
Katya is being forced to marry an abusive man. The night before the wedding, Lachlan learns of it and hunts her down. He sees her bruises and makes up his mind right then - Katya was HIS. A lot happens throughout the book- lots of twists and turns, things you don't expect. But one thing remains true: Lachlan is utterly obsessed with Katya and vice versa.
This book was amazing from the first page. I couldn't stop reading it! I love how the characters evolve through the book. And the CHEMISTRY! Y'all! My kindle caught on FIRE!
Basically - read this if you like OTT J/P heroes and innocent heroines. You'll eat it up. But be warned, there are triggers!
SAFETY:
Ages: 21h, 38H
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, celibate 2 years hero
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
HEA? yes!
TROPES:
~age gap (17 years)
~mafia
~marriage of convenience
~size difference
I've never read a Deborah Garland book and I'm seriously regretting that right now. This was amazing!
The hero, Lachlan, is an Irish mob enforcer. He's extremely over the top and jealous/possessive from the moment he sets his eyes on the Bratva princess, Katya. They met two years ago when Katya was 19. Nothing happened, but their meeting stays in the forefront of their minds for years. HE STAYED CELIBATE THE ENTIRE TIME UNTIL SHE WAS 21!!! They meet again and it's like no time ever passed. He's obsessed with her, and she's obsessed with him.
Katya is being forced to marry an abusive man. The night before the wedding, Lachlan learns of it and hunts her down. He sees her bruises and makes up his mind right then - Katya was HIS. A lot happens throughout the book- lots of twists and turns, things you don't expect. But one thing remains true: Lachlan is utterly obsessed with Katya and vice versa.
This book was amazing from the first page. I couldn't stop reading it! I love how the characters evolve through the book. And the CHEMISTRY! Y'all! My kindle caught on FIRE!
Basically - read this if you like OTT J/P heroes and innocent heroines. You'll eat it up. But be warned, there are triggers!
SAFETY:
Ages: 21h, 38H
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, celibate 2 years hero
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
HEA? yes!
October 2, 2023
"No one can predict where life will take you."
Katya Koslov getting married.
Unfortunately, she don't want to.
She has always lived in the shadows.
Never been the one everyone pays attention to. That's her sister's job.
Until her father decides to marry me off.
What she doesn’t count on is the enforcer for the Irish Mafia stopping her wedding.
She also doesn’t count on the fact that she wants him to.
"Everything about him takes my breath away."
Lachlan O'Rourke.
Enforcer for the Irish Mafia.
Murdered. Psychopath. All around bad guy.
There was no one for him to care about, until he laid his eyes on her.
Katya Koslov. The diamond of the Russian Mafia.
And when he hears that she is planned to be married.
He is going to make sure it's to the right person.
No matter what.
"I want her. Katriane is marrying me today."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review
💫 4.5 stars💫
Katya Koslov has always been in the shadow of her older sister. Until her father decides to marry her off to someone she is less than thrilled to be married to. What she does not expect is for the Irish Mafia enforcer, Lachlan O'Rourke to stop the wedding… And marry her instead.
"I don’t want to feel like this for someone, let alone someone I can't have."
This book was my first Deborah Garland book and it was such a fun read!!
This is a good go-to Mafia, Marriage of Convenience romance and it was so intriguing!
"Knowledge is supposed to be power. Basking in her eyes, I'm the most powerless I've ever felt in my life."
You have Katya Koslov, the French-Russian Ballerina, daughter to the head of the Russian Mafia. She might look like a innocent ballerina but boy can she hold her own. She will not let her father decide her life anymore. And Lachlan O'Rourke is a big part of that.
"I never felt like a princess until he looked at me."
And Lachlan O'Rourke. When you think Irish Mafia enforcer he is literally what I would describe. And when he lays eyes on Katya, he is obsessed!! He knows that he cannot let her go through with this wedding and he is willing to do everything to make sure she doesn't. But maybe a different wedding comes to mind.
"In less than twenty-four hours, I've opened myself up to someone who can not only steal my sanity, but might very well steal my heart."
This playlist honestly came to me at the beginning and at the end of the book but I think it turned out so good (now it's on Spotify too (yay!!))
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sp...
🎶 "Once Upon a December" - Annapantsu
🎶 "Ballerina" - Jeremy Shada
🎶 "Prisoner" - Raphael Lake
🎶 "anatomy" - kenzie
🎶 "Angry" - Paravi
🎶 "Blood on A Rose" - Everybody Loves and Outlaw
🎶 "Church" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "I'm a Wanted Man" - Royal Deluxe
🎶 "Sway - sped up version" - Michael Buble
🎶 "The Devil is a Gentleman" - Merci Raines
🎶 "SOLD" - Lana Lubany
🎶 "Salvation" - Christabelle Marbun
🎶 "California King Bed" - Rihanna
🎶 "Bad Bad Bad" - Ramsey
🎶 "Basic" - N I G H T S
🎶 "Hated" - YUNGBLUD
🎶 "Like U" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Storm" - Honors
🎶 "Does She Like it Rough?" - FLAVIA
🎶 "golden hour (Carta remix)" - JVKE, carta
🎶 "Red" - Santino Le Saint
🎶 "Boys Will Be Boys" - Dua Lipa
🎶 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Accidentally In Love" - Counting Crows
🎶 "Apartment" - BOBI ANDONOV
🎶 "Hooked" - Why Don't We
🎶 "Movement" - Hozier
🎶 "Angels Like You" - Miley Cyrus
🎶 "Harder to Breathe" - Maroon 5
🎶 "Perfect" - One Direction
And as always let me end with a little treat:
"There's no one for miles, my little wife. Yell as loudly as you want. Everyone who saw us tonight knows I've claimed you. That you're mine."
"Get on your knees and turn around. Hold the back of the sofa. I'm very worked up."
🩰 Tropes 🩰
💍Mafia Romance
💍Marriage of Convenience
💍Age Gap (~17 years)
💍Forced Proximity
💍He Falls First
💍Opposites Attract
💍Rival Families
💍Touch her and die
Katya Koslov getting married.
Unfortunately, she don't want to.
She has always lived in the shadows.
Never been the one everyone pays attention to. That's her sister's job.
Until her father decides to marry me off.
What she doesn’t count on is the enforcer for the Irish Mafia stopping her wedding.
She also doesn’t count on the fact that she wants him to.
"Everything about him takes my breath away."
Lachlan O'Rourke.
Enforcer for the Irish Mafia.
Murdered. Psychopath. All around bad guy.
There was no one for him to care about, until he laid his eyes on her.
Katya Koslov. The diamond of the Russian Mafia.
And when he hears that she is planned to be married.
He is going to make sure it's to the right person.
No matter what.
"I want her. Katriane is marrying me today."
I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review
💫 4.5 stars💫
Katya Koslov has always been in the shadow of her older sister. Until her father decides to marry her off to someone she is less than thrilled to be married to. What she does not expect is for the Irish Mafia enforcer, Lachlan O'Rourke to stop the wedding… And marry her instead.
"I don’t want to feel like this for someone, let alone someone I can't have."
This book was my first Deborah Garland book and it was such a fun read!!
This is a good go-to Mafia, Marriage of Convenience romance and it was so intriguing!
"Knowledge is supposed to be power. Basking in her eyes, I'm the most powerless I've ever felt in my life."
You have Katya Koslov, the French-Russian Ballerina, daughter to the head of the Russian Mafia. She might look like a innocent ballerina but boy can she hold her own. She will not let her father decide her life anymore. And Lachlan O'Rourke is a big part of that.
"I never felt like a princess until he looked at me."
And Lachlan O'Rourke. When you think Irish Mafia enforcer he is literally what I would describe. And when he lays eyes on Katya, he is obsessed!! He knows that he cannot let her go through with this wedding and he is willing to do everything to make sure she doesn't. But maybe a different wedding comes to mind.
"In less than twenty-four hours, I've opened myself up to someone who can not only steal my sanity, but might very well steal my heart."
This playlist honestly came to me at the beginning and at the end of the book but I think it turned out so good (now it's on Spotify too (yay!!))
Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sp...
🎶 "Once Upon a December" - Annapantsu
🎶 "Ballerina" - Jeremy Shada
🎶 "Prisoner" - Raphael Lake
🎶 "anatomy" - kenzie
🎶 "Angry" - Paravi
🎶 "Blood on A Rose" - Everybody Loves and Outlaw
🎶 "Church" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "I'm a Wanted Man" - Royal Deluxe
🎶 "Sway - sped up version" - Michael Buble
🎶 "The Devil is a Gentleman" - Merci Raines
🎶 "SOLD" - Lana Lubany
🎶 "Salvation" - Christabelle Marbun
🎶 "California King Bed" - Rihanna
🎶 "Bad Bad Bad" - Ramsey
🎶 "Basic" - N I G H T S
🎶 "Hated" - YUNGBLUD
🎶 "Like U" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Storm" - Honors
🎶 "Does She Like it Rough?" - FLAVIA
🎶 "golden hour (Carta remix)" - JVKE, carta
🎶 "Red" - Santino Le Saint
🎶 "Boys Will Be Boys" - Dua Lipa
🎶 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "Accidentally In Love" - Counting Crows
🎶 "Apartment" - BOBI ANDONOV
🎶 "Hooked" - Why Don't We
🎶 "Movement" - Hozier
🎶 "Angels Like You" - Miley Cyrus
🎶 "Harder to Breathe" - Maroon 5
🎶 "Perfect" - One Direction
And as always let me end with a little treat:
"There's no one for miles, my little wife. Yell as loudly as you want. Everyone who saw us tonight knows I've claimed you. That you're mine."
"Get on your knees and turn around. Hold the back of the sofa. I'm very worked up."
🩰 Tropes 🩰
💍Mafia Romance
💍Marriage of Convenience
💍Age Gap (~17 years)
💍Forced Proximity
💍He Falls First
💍Opposites Attract
💍Rival Families
💍Touch her and die
March 6, 2025
This was my favorite one!
I truly got sucked in right away. I've been curious about Lachlan since he first appeared on the page and he was just as fascinating as I expected.
A Mafia man who wanted to be a priest? But instead he killed one? Come on! That's intriguing. I also loved our heroine, Katya, and my heart when out to her for the situation she was in.
Unimportant to her father until he has no other children to use as pawns. Her wants and needs mean nothing to him. She has caught Lachlan's eye and while that may be dangerous for some people, this Devil is a hero for her. I just love that and I was kicking my feet when he busted in and scooped her up for himself.
I truly loved how he adored Katya and wanted to make her dreams come true, even if it meant he might lose her. This woman has had so few choices in her life and I love that he wants to give that to her. Yet, as Katya gets to know this complex and passionate man, she finds her dreams shifting to something that will keep them together. That's a beautiful kind of love.
Narrated by Troy Duran & Lexi Evans, with appearances by DB West, Tyler Griffin, & Logan Amare. I have been waiting for Troy to be the lead in one of these books and he did NOT disappoint me. This was a great listen.
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Violence, reference to childhood abuse, domestic abuse, death of a parent
*Thank you to the Author Agency and the author for an ALC of this title.*
I truly got sucked in right away. I've been curious about Lachlan since he first appeared on the page and he was just as fascinating as I expected.
A Mafia man who wanted to be a priest? But instead he killed one? Come on! That's intriguing. I also loved our heroine, Katya, and my heart when out to her for the situation she was in.
Unimportant to her father until he has no other children to use as pawns. Her wants and needs mean nothing to him. She has caught Lachlan's eye and while that may be dangerous for some people, this Devil is a hero for her. I just love that and I was kicking my feet when he busted in and scooped her up for himself.
I truly loved how he adored Katya and wanted to make her dreams come true, even if it meant he might lose her. This woman has had so few choices in her life and I love that he wants to give that to her. Yet, as Katya gets to know this complex and passionate man, she finds her dreams shifting to something that will keep them together. That's a beautiful kind of love.
Narrated by Troy Duran & Lexi Evans, with appearances by DB West, Tyler Griffin, & Logan Amare. I have been waiting for Troy to be the lead in one of these books and he did NOT disappoint me. This was a great listen.
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Violence, reference to childhood abuse, domestic abuse, death of a parent
*Thank you to the Author Agency and the author for an ALC of this title.*
August 17, 2025
Pick a name! Is her name Katya, or is it Katraine! You can not change the FMC in every other sentence; the H also refers to her as little wife or little one. We get it she's small. Is she going to London? Yes. But maybe she won't if he asks her to stay. Does he want her to go to London, yes because it is her dream, but she is his little wife and he loves her but he can't love anyone so she should go to London. Do that for 250 more pages; that's the book. The book was torturous to get through, and I am sorry that I read it.
October 4, 2023
4.5 STARS | The DARKEST and SPICIEST Mafia Romance that is the BEST out of the ASTORIA ROYALS series! Lachlan and Katya’s connection is *chef’s kiss*! This book releases OCTOBER 6, 2023 and is the four book in the ASTORIA ROYALS, which is a Mafia series of the O’Rourke brothers seeking marriage, blood, and to protect what’s rightfully theirs! And Deborah Garland hit home with DEAL WITH THE DEVIL! Perfect for this autumn time for who love graphic Mafia romances!
January 14, 2024
I’m currently reading this and to be honest it feels like it may end up a DNF.
A message to all American authors writing about Irish people, language and heritage - Please Please do your research from legitimate Irish books, texts and website. It’s not hard to do!
This may as well be the Scottish Bratva/Mofia this book is about. I’m a few chapters in and it is so frustrating
1) Lachlan - not an Irish name - at all. It derives from Scots Gaelic and is a predominantly Scottish name. Not Irish!
2) The Irish Language is called Irish - not Gaelic. Gaelic is the umbrella term for the type of language. Irish, Scots Gaelic and Welsh fall under this. It is not a language in its own right so please for the love of god stop referring to our language as Gaelic!!!!!!
3) Divona - not an Irish god at all! Maybe a Celtic god but not an Irish one. Research our ancestors gods - there’s enough to choose from.
I’m sure as I go in there will be more.
Try harder authors! Try harder!
A message to all American authors writing about Irish people, language and heritage - Please Please do your research from legitimate Irish books, texts and website. It’s not hard to do!
This may as well be the Scottish Bratva/Mofia this book is about. I’m a few chapters in and it is so frustrating
1) Lachlan - not an Irish name - at all. It derives from Scots Gaelic and is a predominantly Scottish name. Not Irish!
2) The Irish Language is called Irish - not Gaelic. Gaelic is the umbrella term for the type of language. Irish, Scots Gaelic and Welsh fall under this. It is not a language in its own right so please for the love of god stop referring to our language as Gaelic!!!!!!
3) Divona - not an Irish god at all! Maybe a Celtic god but not an Irish one. Research our ancestors gods - there’s enough to choose from.
I’m sure as I go in there will be more.
Try harder authors! Try harder!
October 13, 2023
Years before, when Lachlan spied a ballerina from the shadows he wanted to steal her away, but the last thing he needed was another scandal. Finding out Katya is promised to another, he’s ready to overthrow this wedding, especially when he spots bruises beneath her veil; who dared to raise his hand to her, to his Katriene?
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚.”
This ‘who hurt you?’ situation was getting me in all the right places, Lachlan never planned to take wife but Katya is and will always be the exception to all his rules and I absolutely LOVE those kind of situations in my romances 😍
“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚.”
He may have never wanted a wife, but now he has one, he knows how to treat her right! With the 17 year age gap in mind his possessive protective side had me double swooning, there’s just something about it that hits me different, especially when the words ‘my wife’ roll off his tongue like it was always meant to be.
“𝙄 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙨. 𝙈𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩.”
The way this man owns the bedroom, his soft sensual yet so sinful approach with gentle touches and slow kisses at first was like a dream, as teasing as it was, the wait was worth it because the other side to those soft touches… hot damn 🥵
“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙘•𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮, 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.”
This was the first book I’ve read from this series and I’m definitely intrigued to go back for more!
_____________
✞ 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜 ✞
• mafia • marriage of convenience • enforcer • ballerina • opposites attract • rival families • he falls first • no third act break up • age gap (17) • Irish mob • illegitimate daughter • touch her & bye •
✞ 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 ✞
• j/p OTT • celibacy • her first • ‘who hurt you’ • good girl • XXL •
✞ 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎 ✞
• church sx scandals • school shootings • terminal illnesses • parental loss • brief mention of child trafficking •
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Astoria Royals #4
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: interconnected standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark mafia romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Lachlan & Katya
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: little wife, angel
*𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚.”
This ‘who hurt you?’ situation was getting me in all the right places, Lachlan never planned to take wife but Katya is and will always be the exception to all his rules and I absolutely LOVE those kind of situations in my romances 😍
“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚.”
He may have never wanted a wife, but now he has one, he knows how to treat her right! With the 17 year age gap in mind his possessive protective side had me double swooning, there’s just something about it that hits me different, especially when the words ‘my wife’ roll off his tongue like it was always meant to be.
“𝙄 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙨. 𝙈𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩.”
The way this man owns the bedroom, his soft sensual yet so sinful approach with gentle touches and slow kisses at first was like a dream, as teasing as it was, the wait was worth it because the other side to those soft touches… hot damn 🥵
“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙘•𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮, 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩.”
This was the first book I’ve read from this series and I’m definitely intrigued to go back for more!
_____________
✞ 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜 ✞
• mafia • marriage of convenience • enforcer • ballerina • opposites attract • rival families • he falls first • no third act break up • age gap (17) • Irish mob • illegitimate daughter • touch her & bye •
✞ 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜 ✞
• j/p OTT • celibacy • her first • ‘who hurt you’ • good girl • XXL •
✞ 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎 ✞
• church sx scandals • school shootings • terminal illnesses • parental loss • brief mention of child trafficking •
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Astoria Royals #4
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: interconnected standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark mafia romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Lachlan & Katya
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: little wife, angel
*𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜
March 14, 2025
Katya is the unwanted bastard child that her Russian mafia father has raised since she was left to him at 12 years old. She was never the diamond, or the bratva princess like her older sister, but she got by with so much more freedom that she didn't mind. Until her sister runs away, and she's forced to marry an abusive man from Russia. Lachland O'Rouke steps in and takes her as his own to save her from a life of suffering, but at what cost?
*****
I genuinely don't know where the magic is that other reviewers speak of, as I struggled with this one. The male narrators were great, they delivered the dialogue beautifully. The female narrator had some minor issues. Her accents for different characters struggled, she pronounced maman completely wrong (which as someone who was supposed to be french was irksome), however she did the best she could with what she had.
There were just so many plot holes and consistency issues that I had trouble staying in the storyline. We start and get a flashback storyline of Katriana (sp?) being made to change her name to Katya, and how much she hated that. We get a current storyline of how impressed and valued she felt that Lachlan used her correct name. Then when he marries her and asks which name she prefers she's nonchalant and goes with "everyone already calls me Katya anyway." What happened to her reclaiming her name? From there we waffle between both names for the rest of the book to the point of annoyance.
We also get nicknames constantly changing. Little one to little wife, to angel, to princess. She loved 'little one' until he'd used it before, then she loved 'little wife' until it made her feel small, etc. It was just a pointless aside that didn't need to keep changing. The plot continued to drag between this and them constantly dancing around whether they had feelings or not, should stay together or not, for hundreds of pages. To the point the man gets her rings, tattoos himself, and claims her as his and she STILL wonders if he wants her to stay and if it's a real marriage.
Also speaking of those tattoos. That threw me completely out of the book. Getting her Russian name on his finger, then a "property of" with her full name over his dick? I would have packed up and flown to London the second he pulled down his pants. I cringed so hard. Then the epilogue with her own full "property of" neck tattoo is embarrassing. Not to mention, something she couldn't actually have gotten while pregnant.
These consistency issues as well as the weird French bit at the end, the pregnancy timeline not making sense, never learning why her mother brought her to her father, and why on earth does an upscale jewelry store just happen to have a tattoo artist randomly on hand in case a made man who's been newly married comes in? Irked me to no end.
If the intimate scenes made up for it, it would be one thing. But they were unfortunately not appealing. Sure we hear a lot about how big his dick is (he talks about a literal dick measuring contest her first time) and how tiny she is, but they really don't play that up at all except for a "omg it fits" and "he has to prep me well" schtick. Her first time ever even ends in him finishing and then telling her he killed a priest. It doesn't really improve from there.
All in all this was an underdeveloped book with a pace that was too all over the place to enjoy.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own
*****
I genuinely don't know where the magic is that other reviewers speak of, as I struggled with this one. The male narrators were great, they delivered the dialogue beautifully. The female narrator had some minor issues. Her accents for different characters struggled, she pronounced maman completely wrong (which as someone who was supposed to be french was irksome), however she did the best she could with what she had.
There were just so many plot holes and consistency issues that I had trouble staying in the storyline. We start and get a flashback storyline of Katriana (sp?) being made to change her name to Katya, and how much she hated that. We get a current storyline of how impressed and valued she felt that Lachlan used her correct name. Then when he marries her and asks which name she prefers she's nonchalant and goes with "everyone already calls me Katya anyway." What happened to her reclaiming her name? From there we waffle between both names for the rest of the book to the point of annoyance.
We also get nicknames constantly changing. Little one to little wife, to angel, to princess. She loved 'little one' until he'd used it before, then she loved 'little wife' until it made her feel small, etc. It was just a pointless aside that didn't need to keep changing. The plot continued to drag between this and them constantly dancing around whether they had feelings or not, should stay together or not, for hundreds of pages. To the point the man gets her rings, tattoos himself, and claims her as his and she STILL wonders if he wants her to stay and if it's a real marriage.
Also speaking of those tattoos. That threw me completely out of the book. Getting her Russian name on his finger, then a "property of" with her full name over his dick? I would have packed up and flown to London the second he pulled down his pants. I cringed so hard. Then the epilogue with her own full "property of" neck tattoo is embarrassing. Not to mention, something she couldn't actually have gotten while pregnant.
These consistency issues as well as the weird French bit at the end, the pregnancy timeline not making sense, never learning why her mother brought her to her father, and why on earth does an upscale jewelry store just happen to have a tattoo artist randomly on hand in case a made man who's been newly married comes in? Irked me to no end.
If the intimate scenes made up for it, it would be one thing. But they were unfortunately not appealing. Sure we hear a lot about how big his dick is (he talks about a literal dick measuring contest her first time) and how tiny she is, but they really don't play that up at all except for a "omg it fits" and "he has to prep me well" schtick. Her first time ever even ends in him finishing and then telling her he killed a priest. It doesn't really improve from there.
All in all this was an underdeveloped book with a pace that was too all over the place to enjoy.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own
October 7, 2023
im sorry but this was boring 🙈
also, the only thing i liked about the heroine was when she early on told the hero to call her by her full name Katriana (spelling?).
it was her attempt at reclaiming her french roots, the connection to her mother, and distancing herself from her russian father who was never truly a father to her.
and then when the hero later asks her what she wants to be called, she basically says "oh i don't mind, i guess im used to Katya".
UHHMM????? alright, I guess she totally bailed on reclaiming her roots and just went back to the russian name. wtf? that made no sense. and then for the rest of the book they waffle between calling her katya and katriana. and the hero gets both of those names tattooed on him. like, okay... seemed like it wasn't thought through by the author.
and the rest of the plot was nothing more than the H and h waiting around for the other person to say they want to stay together. tedious. i feel like i read a different book than all these other reviewers did. also, the people saying it's a dark romance 😂 where lol
also, the only thing i liked about the heroine was when she early on told the hero to call her by her full name Katriana (spelling?).
it was her attempt at reclaiming her french roots, the connection to her mother, and distancing herself from her russian father who was never truly a father to her.
and then when the hero later asks her what she wants to be called, she basically says "oh i don't mind, i guess im used to Katya".
UHHMM????? alright, I guess she totally bailed on reclaiming her roots and just went back to the russian name. wtf? that made no sense. and then for the rest of the book they waffle between calling her katya and katriana. and the hero gets both of those names tattooed on him. like, okay... seemed like it wasn't thought through by the author.
and the rest of the plot was nothing more than the H and h waiting around for the other person to say they want to stay together. tedious. i feel like i read a different book than all these other reviewers did. also, the people saying it's a dark romance 😂 where lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
“I’d rather bleed for Katya on this sacred ground instead of someone else who lied to me.”
Oh, I love a good mafia romance! And this one had everything—forced proximity, marriage of convenience, rival mafias, and an age gap so good it’s “the blood under his fingernails is older than me” level.
I did the audiobook, and oh. my. god. Troy Duran as Lachlan is unreal. The accent. The accent. The accent.
While I expected the amazing spice level (and was thoroughly delivered), this was also sweeter than I anticipated. Girl loves her a mafia enforcer, and same. The only soft for her energy is off the charts with this one.
Oh, I love a good mafia romance! And this one had everything—forced proximity, marriage of convenience, rival mafias, and an age gap so good it’s “the blood under his fingernails is older than me” level.
I did the audiobook, and oh. my. god. Troy Duran as Lachlan is unreal. The accent. The accent. The accent.
While I expected the amazing spice level (and was thoroughly delivered), this was also sweeter than I anticipated. Girl loves her a mafia enforcer, and same. The only soft for her energy is off the charts with this one.
December 8, 2024
No one will ever lay a hand on you again. You’re mine now. With my name. That alone is protection.
I’ve never read a Deborah Garland book before and I started this series with book 4 by accident but I absolutely loved it!! The mafia drama along with the main character’s inner and outer demons was everything I needed in a dark mafia romance. I really enjoyed both Katya and Lachlan. I usually like one character more than the other but I loved them both. It also had a tiny bit of stalking and obsession which worked in Lachlan’s favor not against. That’s hard to pull off.
I’ve never read a Deborah Garland book before and I started this series with book 4 by accident but I absolutely loved it!! The mafia drama along with the main character’s inner and outer demons was everything I needed in a dark mafia romance. I really enjoyed both Katya and Lachlan. I usually like one character more than the other but I loved them both. It also had a tiny bit of stalking and obsession which worked in Lachlan’s favor not against. That’s hard to pull off.
February 15, 2025
ꍏ꒒ꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ - 2025
In 2023, 𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 was my first book by 𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎ℎ and it was perfection. I was lucky enough to receive an ALC for this book, narrated by Lexi Evans and Troy Duran. Listening and reading to this book had me falling in love with it even more. I absolutely loved the narration, the emotions, the switch of accents...It was so freaking perfect.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it does have an interconnected storyline that is resolved in the next book of this series.
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ - 2023
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Lachlan
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Katya
5 𝒟ℯ𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 𝐵𝑦 𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎ℎ 𝐺𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑
Katya, the unloved and illegitimate daughter. After being left with her father the head of the bratva, she was only given love by the housekeeper and her half sister. Her escape is ballet, she loves it and wishes to leave for London, knowing that he father won't care, but after the unexpected happens, she is forced to marry a ruthless man, but she caught the eye of an Irish enforcer, and he will shed blood to keep her safe.
Lachlan, he had a plan to be someone, and it did not involve being an enforcer, but when he was dealt with certain cards and he took care of a problem, he was forced to become the man he is today. He is ruthless but loyal, and when he sees the woman who he has been obsessing over hurt, he will ruin and kill to keep her safe.
F****** hell, this was my first book by this author and I was hooked, I had no idea what to expect and I literally read this book in one sitting. Lachlan and Katya's relationship was beautifully written the chemistry was freaking amazing the steamy moments were damn hot and the love that developed between them as the chapters passed was perfect. Her dad is sure as hell untrustworthy and with the circumstances that it ended with I honestly can't wait to see how everything plays out.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Lachlan's family ♥️ need to add his brother's books to my TBR, can't wait for the next one in this series 🩷
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🩰🩰🩰🩰🩰
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧
In 2023, 𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 was my first book by 𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎ℎ and it was perfection. I was lucky enough to receive an ALC for this book, narrated by Lexi Evans and Troy Duran. Listening and reading to this book had me falling in love with it even more. I absolutely loved the narration, the emotions, the switch of accents...It was so freaking perfect.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it does have an interconnected storyline that is resolved in the next book of this series.
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ - 2023
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Lachlan
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Katya
5 𝒟ℯ𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑙 𝐵𝑦 𝐷𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎ℎ 𝐺𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑
Katya, the unloved and illegitimate daughter. After being left with her father the head of the bratva, she was only given love by the housekeeper and her half sister. Her escape is ballet, she loves it and wishes to leave for London, knowing that he father won't care, but after the unexpected happens, she is forced to marry a ruthless man, but she caught the eye of an Irish enforcer, and he will shed blood to keep her safe.
Lachlan, he had a plan to be someone, and it did not involve being an enforcer, but when he was dealt with certain cards and he took care of a problem, he was forced to become the man he is today. He is ruthless but loyal, and when he sees the woman who he has been obsessing over hurt, he will ruin and kill to keep her safe.
F****** hell, this was my first book by this author and I was hooked, I had no idea what to expect and I literally read this book in one sitting. Lachlan and Katya's relationship was beautifully written the chemistry was freaking amazing the steamy moments were damn hot and the love that developed between them as the chapters passed was perfect. Her dad is sure as hell untrustworthy and with the circumstances that it ended with I honestly can't wait to see how everything plays out.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Lachlan's family ♥️ need to add his brother's books to my TBR, can't wait for the next one in this series 🩷
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🩰🩰🩰🩰🩰
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧
October 4, 2023
♡ katya & lachlan ♡
book 4 in the astoria royals series
my rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ .75
tropes:
• mafia romance
• marriage of convenience
• opposites attract
• he falls first
• rival families
• dark romance
my review:
i got sent this book as an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
i enjoyed this book so much! i sadly hadn’t read any of the other books in the astoria royals series prior to reading this book but because they are all interconnected standalones, i didn’t have any trouble understanding the plot. i do plan on picking up the other books in the series though!
i read this book in one day. the length of the novel was perfect and i flew through it! it was so easy to get lost in this world (lachlan also helped with this of course🥵) and the smut! omg the spice! 🌶️ i would say that this book is a 4/5 on the spice level, and all the spicy scenes were written beautifully.
also, that ending?! that plot twist?! insane. i wanna know what happens next NOW!
overall i really enjoyed this book, and i do plan on reading the others in the series in the near future!
book 4 in the astoria royals series
my rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ .75
tropes:
• mafia romance
• marriage of convenience
• opposites attract
• he falls first
• rival families
• dark romance
my review:
i got sent this book as an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
i enjoyed this book so much! i sadly hadn’t read any of the other books in the astoria royals series prior to reading this book but because they are all interconnected standalones, i didn’t have any trouble understanding the plot. i do plan on picking up the other books in the series though!
i read this book in one day. the length of the novel was perfect and i flew through it! it was so easy to get lost in this world (lachlan also helped with this of course🥵) and the smut! omg the spice! 🌶️ i would say that this book is a 4/5 on the spice level, and all the spicy scenes were written beautifully.
also, that ending?! that plot twist?! insane. i wanna know what happens next NOW!
overall i really enjoyed this book, and i do plan on reading the others in the series in the near future!
September 15, 2023
This book is mafia gold, Katya is the unwanted daughter of a Bratva pakhan. When her sister left, her dad tried to force her to marry a man who beat her the day before the wedding. Lackland is an enforcer for the Irish Mob, he met Katya once but felt drawn to her. When he found out that she was being forced into marriage. He crashed her wedding and married her himself. Lackland is everything I love in an Irish Mob man, he is OTT protective, faithful and the accent... He is so good to Katya, not wanting her to give up her life goals. Katya was a great FMC, she wasn't bratty and didn't make stupid decisions by running off getting herself into dangerous situations. This was just a really good book, I read it within couple of hours.
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 7, 2023
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶🌶
HEA (They remain married and are expecting)
❗️Safety & Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Violence/Gore (on-page) School Shooting (on-page) Murder (on-page) Sex Trafficking (mentioned) Pedophilia (mentioned) Religious Trauma (on-page) Death of a loved one (on-page)
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OMD ( FMC is a virgin & is saved by MMC before she is married off).
📌 No OWD ( MMC has been celibate since first meeting the FMC a couple of years ago).
📌 No Separation/Third-act breakup
Spice Rating:🌶🌶
HEA (They remain married and are expecting)
❗️Safety & Small Spoilers Below❗️
📌 Triggers: Violence/Gore (on-page) School Shooting (on-page) Murder (on-page) Sex Trafficking (mentioned) Pedophilia (mentioned) Religious Trauma (on-page) Death of a loved one (on-page)
📌 No Cheating/Sharing
📌 No OMD ( FMC is a virgin & is saved by MMC before she is married off).
📌 No OWD ( MMC has been celibate since first meeting the FMC a couple of years ago).
📌 No Separation/Third-act breakup
March 16, 2025
***DUET / ENSEMBLE NARRATION***
Dancer and Her Protector
Lachlan O’Rourke and Katya (Little One) Koslov are insanely hot. I love the playfulness that the large and brooding enforcer engages in when it comes to his obsession. That is when he isn't being a possessive you know what or exacting revenge on enemies. 😂
A spark flickers in my chest, startling me. Not the way my heart rate shoots up when I end a man’s life. This kind of adrenaline surges differently through my veins, leaving a sweet taste on my tongue.
When you know, you know.
-- Lachlan O’Rourke
I do love this couple and how they traverse danger and secrets. I also love that we see them vulnerable as well as fierce. 😍
A long-time mystery may soon get answers. I can't wait for the next book!
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The ensemble cast of narrators includes Troy Duran, Lexi Evans, DB West, Tyler Griffin, and Logan Anare. I love the accents and overall production. I've had the pleasure of listening to each of the narrators previously, and I absolutely love listening to them like this. 🎧💚🎧
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H = 38; h = 20
March 5, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Deal with the Devil is my first book by Deborah Garland, but the fourth book in the Astoria Royals series. I think you can definitely read this as a standalone and be fine.
Katya is the illegitimate daughter of the head of the Bratva, and she has been able to train as a ballerina since her father didn’t care about her. Unfortunately, when her sister disappears, Katya is forced into an arranged marriage with an abusive Russian. She had a brief interaction with a sexy Irish enforcer named Lachlan in the past, and he became obsessed. He watched her from afar but never pursued her. Things change when he finds out about her forced marriage and sees her with bruises the day of her wedding. Lachlan decides to stop the wedding and marry her instead.
Lachlan and Katya had great chemistry and fell fast and hard for each other. There were some amazing sex scenes, and he was so sweet with her. He was willing to let her follow her dreams as a ballerina in London, but they both wanted a real marriage.
This audiobook has duet narration with Lexi Evans and Troy Duran, along with a complete cast. I flew through this audiobook in one day. I loved the full cast and the amazing Irish accents of the side characters. I would highly recommend the audio!
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC/
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Deal with the Devil is my first book by Deborah Garland, but the fourth book in the Astoria Royals series. I think you can definitely read this as a standalone and be fine.
Katya is the illegitimate daughter of the head of the Bratva, and she has been able to train as a ballerina since her father didn’t care about her. Unfortunately, when her sister disappears, Katya is forced into an arranged marriage with an abusive Russian. She had a brief interaction with a sexy Irish enforcer named Lachlan in the past, and he became obsessed. He watched her from afar but never pursued her. Things change when he finds out about her forced marriage and sees her with bruises the day of her wedding. Lachlan decides to stop the wedding and marry her instead.
Lachlan and Katya had great chemistry and fell fast and hard for each other. There were some amazing sex scenes, and he was so sweet with her. He was willing to let her follow her dreams as a ballerina in London, but they both wanted a real marriage.
This audiobook has duet narration with Lexi Evans and Troy Duran, along with a complete cast. I flew through this audiobook in one day. I loved the full cast and the amazing Irish accents of the side characters. I would highly recommend the audio!
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC/
March 12, 2025
The devil you know is better than the one you don’t….right?
Katya has dreamed of being a professional ballerina, and is devastated when her father forces her into a marriage…that is until Lachlan finds out…
Let’s talk audio - it was so good! I love that we have the same narrators throughout this series!! Lexi and Troy play our main characters and we get some amazing voices from DB, Tyler and Logan too. I loved the range in emotions - there are so many layers to Katya and Lachlan and we slowly get to see beneath the surface. Also, and perhaps my personal favorite - a few great “my wife” moments too! 🔥🔥
Lachlan O’Rourke is unhinged and OTT in the best way possible. He is protective and I loved how supportive he was of Katya and her dreams…I am not going to call a mob enforcer sweet exactly…but underneath his brooding and ruthless exterior
We find out about his past and how we wanted to be a priest. He was carrying so much guilt for far too long.
Katya is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. She is a great match for Lachlan and they have amazing chemistry.
I loved how the entire O'Rourke family accepted and supported Katya.
I can’t wait to read the next book!!
What To Expect: ☘️Irish Mafia Romance
🖤Dark Romance
❤️🔥Obsessed MMC 💍'My Wife'
❤️Age Gap 💒Marriage of Convenience 🔫Enforcer 🩰She’s A Ballerina 💋Opposites Attract 🥀Rival Families 🔥He Falls First
⁉️Who Did This To You? 🚫No 3rd Act Breakup
Katya has dreamed of being a professional ballerina, and is devastated when her father forces her into a marriage…that is until Lachlan finds out…
Let’s talk audio - it was so good! I love that we have the same narrators throughout this series!! Lexi and Troy play our main characters and we get some amazing voices from DB, Tyler and Logan too. I loved the range in emotions - there are so many layers to Katya and Lachlan and we slowly get to see beneath the surface. Also, and perhaps my personal favorite - a few great “my wife” moments too! 🔥🔥
Lachlan O’Rourke is unhinged and OTT in the best way possible. He is protective and I loved how supportive he was of Katya and her dreams…I am not going to call a mob enforcer sweet exactly…but underneath his brooding and ruthless exterior
We find out about his past and how we wanted to be a priest. He was carrying so much guilt for far too long.
Katya is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. She is a great match for Lachlan and they have amazing chemistry.
I loved how the entire O'Rourke family accepted and supported Katya.
I can’t wait to read the next book!!
What To Expect: ☘️Irish Mafia Romance
🖤Dark Romance
❤️🔥Obsessed MMC 💍'My Wife'
❤️Age Gap 💒Marriage of Convenience 🔫Enforcer 🩰She’s A Ballerina 💋Opposites Attract 🥀Rival Families 🔥He Falls First
⁉️Who Did This To You? 🚫No 3rd Act Breakup
December 17, 2025
This book started out really good, but then it kind of fizzled out. Most of this book was Lachlan pining over Katia until they finally get together. Then they’re just doing it all the time 😂 I thought they’d get it out of their system and get back to the story, but it didn’t really do that. There wasn’t much drama or action in this book.
The audiobook was done in duet and the performances were amazing though! The narrators were perfect for their characters. I just wish there was a little more to this book 🤔
The audiobook was done in duet and the performances were amazing though! The narrators were perfect for their characters. I just wish there was a little more to this book 🤔
March 6, 2025
Katya's dad is still desperately trying to find his daughter and to say Katya is the forgotten would be an understatement. That is until her father can marry her off to be able to continue to look for his daughter. Katya's soon to be husband is a cruel, awful man who leaves bruises on her face.
Lachlan has watched Katya from afar and won't stand for this. He shows up armed with men to stop the wedding! And now I can't wait to read the sister's story!
This was narrated by a full cast which was amazing to listen to and those accents!! Our main characters were performed by Lexi Evans and Troy Duran. Highly recommend the audiobook!!
Lachlan has watched Katya from afar and won't stand for this. He shows up armed with men to stop the wedding! And now I can't wait to read the sister's story!
This was narrated by a full cast which was amazing to listen to and those accents!! Our main characters were performed by Lexi Evans and Troy Duran. Highly recommend the audiobook!!
March 6, 2025
Not her best, but not bad
Like most Deborah Garland books this one was a fast paced crime noir with sizzling spicy scenes. Yet, for an author that doesn’t put as much emphasis on plot as she does emotion and spice, this was dicier than usual. I really didn’t like the choices she made here and there were a few description that made me raise my eyebrows because it gave “man that writes about women but doesn’t understand anything about them” vibes.
Basically if you’re looking for a fast paced, age-gap, mafia romance that has as much spice as it does plot then this one is for you.
Like most Deborah Garland books this one was a fast paced crime noir with sizzling spicy scenes. Yet, for an author that doesn’t put as much emphasis on plot as she does emotion and spice, this was dicier than usual. I really didn’t like the choices she made here and there were a few description that made me raise my eyebrows because it gave “man that writes about women but doesn’t understand anything about them” vibes.
Basically if you’re looking for a fast paced, age-gap, mafia romance that has as much spice as it does plot then this one is for you.
June 7, 2024
Overall, it wasn't great. I didn't feel anything for the relationship. It felt very insta love (and I read a lot of insta love mafia). We were told about the relationship and connection, but never shown. Now a few things that really bothered me.
It's mentioned the MMCs sister in law had been in the burn unit for 3 weeks. For FIRST DEGREE burns. That left her covered in scars. It doesn't work that way. My husband had deep second degree and third degree burns. He was in the burn unit for 3 days before coming home and then was back in the burn unit for 5 days after having skin grafts. Is it possible to get scars from first degree burns? Unlikely but possible. They wouldn't be how they were described in this book, however. You also 100% would not land in a burn unit, especially for 3 weeks, for something like first degree burns.
The FMC was pregnant when they visited the MMCs parents. Then we jump 3 months into the future and she is only 3 months along. The timing of that doesn't work. If the MMCs dad figured it out, she would have had to be further along. She would have been just ovulating for that timing to work out.
We heard over and over how tiny FMC is because she is an only a dancer, but on her way towards being a professional ballerina. You're telling me that at 3 months pregnant claimed, she wasn't showing in the slightest? That feels highly unlikely.
Lastly, she was pregnant but consented to having a tracking device surgically implanted into her arm? She also consented to being tattooed on her throat with something like "Property of..." as a business owner ballerina that works with small children. Neck tattoos suck in the best of circumstances. Add in 3 months pregnant with morning sickness and again I HIGHLY doubt it. Let's not add in how dangerous that would be for the unborn baby.
Lastly, how many times does a reader need to hear about how large the MMCs c*ck is? We got it after the 15th time. We understood after he was described as being so huge for the 100th time. I read a lot of romance and smut. These spicy scenes were just cringe.
It's mentioned the MMCs sister in law had been in the burn unit for 3 weeks. For FIRST DEGREE burns. That left her covered in scars. It doesn't work that way. My husband had deep second degree and third degree burns. He was in the burn unit for 3 days before coming home and then was back in the burn unit for 5 days after having skin grafts. Is it possible to get scars from first degree burns? Unlikely but possible. They wouldn't be how they were described in this book, however. You also 100% would not land in a burn unit, especially for 3 weeks, for something like first degree burns.
The FMC was pregnant when they visited the MMCs parents. Then we jump 3 months into the future and she is only 3 months along. The timing of that doesn't work. If the MMCs dad figured it out, she would have had to be further along. She would have been just ovulating for that timing to work out.
We heard over and over how tiny FMC is because she is an only a dancer, but on her way towards being a professional ballerina. You're telling me that at 3 months pregnant claimed, she wasn't showing in the slightest? That feels highly unlikely.
Lastly, she was pregnant but consented to having a tracking device surgically implanted into her arm? She also consented to being tattooed on her throat with something like "Property of..." as a business owner ballerina that works with small children. Neck tattoos suck in the best of circumstances. Add in 3 months pregnant with morning sickness and again I HIGHLY doubt it. Let's not add in how dangerous that would be for the unborn baby.
Lastly, how many times does a reader need to hear about how large the MMCs c*ck is? We got it after the 15th time. We understood after he was described as being so huge for the 100th time. I read a lot of romance and smut. These spicy scenes were just cringe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
Part of the Astoria Royals series each can be read as a standalone with a lot of darkness and someone there to balance it all out so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Lachlan sexy as all get out Irish mob enforcer, ruthless on most day, deadly every day, typical overprotective of those he loves will kill, will die for them, and has had his eyes set on one woman from the moment he met her even though she was forbidden the moment another hurt her that gave him every right to protect her or take for himself. Katya is a sweetheart wants a life of her own, but her father wants power she has is a bargaining chip nothing more or less in his eyes, he agrees to marry her off to a monster who has no problems hurting her, in fact the day before the wedding he abuse her fifty years old with beady eyes speaks Russian a langue she doesn’t understand and she has no way out asking herself how could her father marry her off to a man like that, how is this her life her mind keeps going back to Lachlan wishing he was there. Well, he finds out about the forced marriage and when he shows up sees the bruise it sends him on a killing spree starting with her soon to be husband and him taking his place so here is a wedding her father isn’t happy but not much he can do about it although she is happy. The magnetic pull is just as strong as it was the day they met and now he is her husband, but will it work considering they have enemies, will he allow her to have the life she wants, will her father see the error of his ways, do her sister get the life she wants, and can they have the happiness they deserve?
October 7, 2023
⭐️: 8/10
🌶️: 2,5/5
🥹: 1/5
🤣: 1/5
Tropes:
💜 Age gap (17)
💜 Marriage of convenience
💜 Mafia
💜 Opposites
💜 Boy obsessed
💜 He falls first
(SP) Primera vez que leo a esta autora y me gustó muchísimo. Es el cuarto libro de la serie Astoria Royals pero puede leerse perfectamente sin haber leído los anteriores. Es lo que hice yo, aunque supongo que lo hubiera disfrutado más conociendo a las parejas que ya han sido presentadas.
Esta historia trata de la relación entre Lachlan y Katya que son absolutamente queribles y en ella encontramos un romance muy bello pero también mucha acción.
El personaje femenino es muy bonito pero Lachlan es precioso. Todo el camino que hace hasta aceptar que también él es merecedor de una historia de amor… lo amamos.
Les súper recomiendo su lectura. Yo, por mi parte, voy a leer los anteriores a la espera del quinto libro así manejo mejor la ansiedad porque ese final… intrigadísima estoy!
Muchas gracias a la autora y a The Author Agency por haberme brindado este libro con anterioridad a su publicación.
(EN) First time I read this author and I really enjoyed it. It is the fourth book in the Astoria Royals series but it can be read perfectly without having read the previous ones. That's what I did, although I guess I would have enjoyed it more knowing the couples that have already been introduced.
This story is about the relationship between Lachlan and Katya who are absolutely loveable and in it we find a very beautiful romance but also a lot of action.
The female character is very cute but Lachlan is beautiful. The whole journey he goes through until he accepts that he is also worthy of a love story... we love him.
I highly recommend reading it. For my part, I'm going to read the previous ones waiting for the fifth book so I can better manage anxiety because that ending... I'm very intrigued!
Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for giving me this book prior the release day.
🌶️: 2,5/5
🥹: 1/5
🤣: 1/5
Tropes:
💜 Age gap (17)
💜 Marriage of convenience
💜 Mafia
💜 Opposites
💜 Boy obsessed
💜 He falls first
(SP) Primera vez que leo a esta autora y me gustó muchísimo. Es el cuarto libro de la serie Astoria Royals pero puede leerse perfectamente sin haber leído los anteriores. Es lo que hice yo, aunque supongo que lo hubiera disfrutado más conociendo a las parejas que ya han sido presentadas.
Esta historia trata de la relación entre Lachlan y Katya que son absolutamente queribles y en ella encontramos un romance muy bello pero también mucha acción.
El personaje femenino es muy bonito pero Lachlan es precioso. Todo el camino que hace hasta aceptar que también él es merecedor de una historia de amor… lo amamos.
Les súper recomiendo su lectura. Yo, por mi parte, voy a leer los anteriores a la espera del quinto libro así manejo mejor la ansiedad porque ese final… intrigadísima estoy!
Muchas gracias a la autora y a The Author Agency por haberme brindado este libro con anterioridad a su publicación.
(EN) First time I read this author and I really enjoyed it. It is the fourth book in the Astoria Royals series but it can be read perfectly without having read the previous ones. That's what I did, although I guess I would have enjoyed it more knowing the couples that have already been introduced.
This story is about the relationship between Lachlan and Katya who are absolutely loveable and in it we find a very beautiful romance but also a lot of action.
The female character is very cute but Lachlan is beautiful. The whole journey he goes through until he accepts that he is also worthy of a love story... we love him.
I highly recommend reading it. For my part, I'm going to read the previous ones waiting for the fifth book so I can better manage anxiety because that ending... I'm very intrigued!
Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for giving me this book prior the release day.
October 4, 2023
His Reason To Fall In Love -
Lachlan was only looking to resolve an issue with Katya’s father when he went to their house, but the moment he laid eyes on Katya, his world shifted on its axis and he became obsessed. However, the burden of his last made him live a certain lifestyle, which he felt wasn’t conducive to marriage or kids. Even though Lachlan never expected to get married, he changed his mind when he discovered Katya’s life was in danger.
Whilst told himself his actions were due to an act of altruism, he found his attraction for Katya growing with each day they spent together. However, the last this he expected was to discover that not only was Katya attracted to him too, but she was the light that made him lose the darkness, which had plagued him for years. Even though Katya had a plan for her life before she met Lachlan, she realised that it was no longer a priority or her, as she wanted a forever life with him.
Wow! I am truly stumped trying to find the words to describe how I felt whilst I was reading the book. I went through a myriad of emotions, like when I felt like kicking Katya’s dad in the gonads and then I was later happy when they finally acknowledged their love for each other. I suggest you read this book over the weekend, because once you start reading, there is no chance you will want to take a break, until you reach the end. Grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lachlan was only looking to resolve an issue with Katya’s father when he went to their house, but the moment he laid eyes on Katya, his world shifted on its axis and he became obsessed. However, the burden of his last made him live a certain lifestyle, which he felt wasn’t conducive to marriage or kids. Even though Lachlan never expected to get married, he changed his mind when he discovered Katya’s life was in danger.
Whilst told himself his actions were due to an act of altruism, he found his attraction for Katya growing with each day they spent together. However, the last this he expected was to discover that not only was Katya attracted to him too, but she was the light that made him lose the darkness, which had plagued him for years. Even though Katya had a plan for her life before she met Lachlan, she realised that it was no longer a priority or her, as she wanted a forever life with him.
Wow! I am truly stumped trying to find the words to describe how I felt whilst I was reading the book. I went through a myriad of emotions, like when I felt like kicking Katya’s dad in the gonads and then I was later happy when they finally acknowledged their love for each other. I suggest you read this book over the weekend, because once you start reading, there is no chance you will want to take a break, until you reach the end. Grab a copy of this book now and you won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2023
What to Expect:
🖤Dark Romance
🔪Mafia
💍Marriage of Convenience
🇮🇪Irish Enforcer
🩰Bratva Ballerina
Blurb:
My pakhan father is marrying me off to a cruel monster. A man who gave me a black eye the night before our wedding and then spent it with someone else.
A wrong turn on my way to the church changes my life.
He saw me.
In my gown.
And the bruises behind my veil.
Lachlan O’Rourke.
Enforcer. Insane. Furious.
And standing in the back of the church with an army ready to stop my wedding…
What I Loved:
I have read the first three books in this series and am obsessed! When I found out the next book was coming out, I was so quick to want to read it! 😍
This book was so good! I loved the marriage on convenience between Katya + Lachlan. You could see the connection between them, even under unfortunate circumstances.
And the heat between them? HOT + HEAVY and I was here for it!
If you love a good dark romance + mafia, will all the spice, you need to read the Astoria Royals series. You will not be disappointed! 🔥
Rating:
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
🖤Dark Romance
🔪Mafia
💍Marriage of Convenience
🇮🇪Irish Enforcer
🩰Bratva Ballerina
Blurb:
My pakhan father is marrying me off to a cruel monster. A man who gave me a black eye the night before our wedding and then spent it with someone else.
A wrong turn on my way to the church changes my life.
He saw me.
In my gown.
And the bruises behind my veil.
Lachlan O’Rourke.
Enforcer. Insane. Furious.
And standing in the back of the church with an army ready to stop my wedding…
What I Loved:
I have read the first three books in this series and am obsessed! When I found out the next book was coming out, I was so quick to want to read it! 😍
This book was so good! I loved the marriage on convenience between Katya + Lachlan. You could see the connection between them, even under unfortunate circumstances.
And the heat between them? HOT + HEAVY and I was here for it!
If you love a good dark romance + mafia, will all the spice, you need to read the Astoria Royals series. You will not be disappointed! 🔥
Rating:
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
October 22, 2023
✨PR Book Mail Review✨
“You’re mine now. With my name. That alone is protection.”
A little over 2 years ago, Katya caught Lachlan’s eyes during a party.
Katya has never felt like she belongs. From being dropped off at her father’s house who she’s never met before. She grows up in the shadows while her half-sister is treated like royalty.
From Katya’s curiosity and Lachlan's obsession. These two seem to always find their way back to each other no matter how many years pass by.
“For tomorrow, to stop the wedding, like you said.”
When Lachlan discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry. Can Lachlan figure out a way to save her? Will his past allow him to move forward with his life and give love a chance?
“No one puts Katya in a wedding dress against her will.”
These two will go against the odds to get what they both want out of life.
I laughed so hard during the wedding scene when he showed up!! For sure one of my favorite parts of the book.
To find out how it all plays out. Check out this standalone in the series!
“You’re mine now. With my name. That alone is protection.”
A little over 2 years ago, Katya caught Lachlan’s eyes during a party.
Katya has never felt like she belongs. From being dropped off at her father’s house who she’s never met before. She grows up in the shadows while her half-sister is treated like royalty.
From Katya’s curiosity and Lachlan's obsession. These two seem to always find their way back to each other no matter how many years pass by.
“For tomorrow, to stop the wedding, like you said.”
When Lachlan discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry. Can Lachlan figure out a way to save her? Will his past allow him to move forward with his life and give love a chance?
“No one puts Katya in a wedding dress against her will.”
These two will go against the odds to get what they both want out of life.
I laughed so hard during the wedding scene when he showed up!! For sure one of my favorite parts of the book.
To find out how it all plays out. Check out this standalone in the series!
September 22, 2023
WOW! This is a new author for me and because it is a mafia based story, I wasn’t sure I would like it. I absolutely loved this story and one of the main reasons is that the story revolves around Lachlan and Katya who are strong characters that come together under unique circumstances . It is action packed with a wonderful storyline. There is a HEA but there are some rough spots along the way and when they finally admit to their true feelings for each other things fall into place like they should.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2024
*** My Heart 🩶***
Lachlan and Katya were end game from their first meeting at Stasia’s birthday! Sidenote: What the flip happened to Stasia!! I really and truly loved these two the way this man cares for Katya is unmatched he would move heaven and earth for her and the way Katya just loves him and everything that comes with him no questions asked. She cares for his family and has the biggest kindest heart but is not a push over. Beginning to end this story held my attention and I loved every minute! Amazing read!
Lachlan and Katya were end game from their first meeting at Stasia’s birthday! Sidenote: What the flip happened to Stasia!! I really and truly loved these two the way this man cares for Katya is unmatched he would move heaven and earth for her and the way Katya just loves him and everything that comes with him no questions asked. She cares for his family and has the biggest kindest heart but is not a push over. Beginning to end this story held my attention and I loved every minute! Amazing read!
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