Book review: VICIOUS DEVIL, by Michelle Heard

Kings of Mafia #9

Adriano & Laurie

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book felt a little different from the others—grittier in some places, cheesier in others, but in a way that completely worked for me. We get a real look into Adriano’s life: the violence that comes with being a capo, yes, but also the softness of his world. His parents and sister, the other capos who are basically his brothers, the older generation he calls “uncle,” and Rosie, their IT genius who’s like a little sister. There’s a warmth in his circle that balances the brutality of his job.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Laurie, who is living a truly miserable life. She works as an accountant in a construction company, once had her own rented room, and then made the mistake of falling for a coworker and moved in with him. Years later, she’s basically a servant in his home. She works endless hours under the owner’s wife—who is also her boyfriend’s sister—without compassion or extra pay. She’s drowning financially and emotionally, stuck in a hole she can’t climb out of.

Because her workplace is near a club Adriano manages, they have a few chance encounters. Adriano is instantly smitten—this woman becomes the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. And because these capos are possessive, unhinged men, he immediately starts debating whether he should just… kidnap her. Never mind that she has a boyfriend!

Then Laurie’s life collapses in one brutal sweep. Her boyfriend is with another woman and throws her out. She sleeps in the office. The next day she’s fired, falsely accused of stealing from petty cash, and denied her paycheck. Completely desperate, she goes to the club, even considering stripping just to survive. Adriano happens to be there—and swoops in.

And that’s when the story goes full‑tilt crazy.

Adriano is determined to keep her. Laurie needs the money he offers but is terrified of the strings attached. She signs a contract without realizing it includes marriage. Adriano enforces it, of course. Laurie tries to escape multiple times, gets caught every time, and eventually settles into this strange captivity—one filled with luxury, safety, food, clothes, and a roof she can trust. I think the moment everything shifted for her was meeting Adriano’s parents. She received the love and acceptance she never got from her own parents, and that cracked her open.

From there, we slide into the cheesy, swoony part of the story.

Adriano is utterly besotted. Laurie is slowly softening. And now he needs to avenge the cruelty she endured at work. Those scenes were delicious—terrifying, satisfying, and exactly the kind of justice I wanted. It felt like music!

I truly enjoyed this book, just like the others in the series. The men are possessive, jealous, and absolutely whipped once they fall. There are glimpses of the capo world and their business dealings, but this book is really about Adriano’s obsession and the woman who unknowingly owned him. Watching Laurie go from unwanted and unloved to a cherished wife, embraced by a family that actually cares for her, was beautiful. Another winner, and easily five stars.

Purchase links

Amazon: https://geni.us/uteWAK

About the author

Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author. She writes emotional, heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of angst and romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book shows the strength of the characters who will burn down the world for each other.

Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son, Sheldon, who's also her right-hand man when it comes to all things publishing, and her daughter-in-law, Tayla, who's her best friend. 

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Book review: SOMETHING ABOUT HER, by J. Nathan

Big Air #2

Thayer & Giselle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story follows Thayer and Kason, two Colorado boys who grew up chasing snow, trophies, and Olympic dreams — until grief knocks Thayer off his axis. His comeback is the emotional spine of the book, and watching him slowly find his footing again, both on the board and in life, is genuinely moving.

The romance between Thayer and Giselle has that familiar push‑pull: history, tension, guilt, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on them both. I liked their quieter moments — the caretaking, the comfort, the way they circle back to each other even when it’s messy. Giselle’s struggle between loyalty and longing feels real, even if she hesitates a bit longer than I wanted.

The book shines most when it leans into the brotherhood between Thayer and Kason and the thrill of competition. Their dynamic has heart, humor, and that deep, lived‑in bond that makes their eventual conflict sting.

Where it wobbled for me was pacing. The story moves in bursts — emotional highs followed by stretches that felt a little flat or juvenile. I was entertained, but not fully swept away. Still, the themes of resilience, found family, and second chances land well, and the ending ties everything together with warmth.

Finally, my opinion is that this was a comfortable, enjoyable read — just not one that kept me riveted.

Purchase links

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3OHeEyL  

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/4bJILNu  

Nook: https://bit.ly/4rP31De  

Kobo: https://bit.ly/4t5G7IN 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/4lN9ZqN  

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NBeOHm 

About the author

J. Nathan is the author of new adult, sports, and rock star romances with cocky heroes and sassy heroines. When she's not writing, she's a crazy baseball mom and a total romance junkie! She loves country music, guys in backward hats, iced coffee, and the summertime.

 

Connect with J.

Website | http://www.jnathan.net/   

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8202337.J_Nathan   

Amazon | http://amzn.to/2brF0xz    

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jnathanauthor     

Facebook Group |  bit.ly/JNathanReaderGroup     

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Book review: MORALLY BLACK ELOPEMENT, by Nicole French

Morally Black Weddings #2

Ronan & Delaney

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A dark, addictive, emotional romance about choosing love over legacy, this second book in the series just confirmed what I already suspected: there’s a pattern in this family, and I’m loving every second of it. Each Black brother is shaped by the same toxic empire, yet each one finds a way to break free when love finally gives them something worth fighting for. And this time, it’s Ronan’s turn.

Ronan Black has always been the fixer, the one who cleans up the darkest messes for the family. He’s sharp, secretive, and carries more weight on his shoulders than anyone realizes. But underneath all that darkness, there’s a spark of goodness he’s been trying to protect. And when he meets Delaney—brilliant, kind, book‑loving Delaney—that spark turns into something bright and impossible to ignore.

Their connection is instant, chaotic, and completely unexpected. What starts as a wild night in Vegas turns into something real, something tender, something that makes Ronan question the life he’s been forced to live. I loved how simple their bond felt, even with all the complications around them. They talk, they share their love for the Classics, they build a quiet little world together that feels safe and warm. You can feel Ronan slowly realizing he wants a different life, one where he’s not drowning in secrets.

The family drama is intense, as always. The Black family is a battlefield—manipulation, rivalry, old wounds, and a father who pits his sons against each other like it’s a sport. But the author balances all that darkness with moments of softness, humor, and hope. Watching Ronan try to hold on to Delaney while the family machine tries to pull him back in kept me completely hooked.

What I loved most is how clearly the book shows Ronan’s heart waking up. He starts wanting dinners at home, quiet nights, shared poems, and a future that isn’t built on fear. Delaney brings out the best in him, and he sees her fully—her strength, her sacrifices, her dreams. Their love feels earned, steady, and deeply emotional.

This story has everything I enjoy: a morally gray hero trying to be worthy, a heroine with a gentle but unbreakable spirit, a toxic family empire, and a romance that feels like a lifeline. I was invested from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see what happens with the next Black brother.

A gripping, emotional, beautifully written romance.

Purchase links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G27FD585

About the author

Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, Springsteen fanatic, and total bookworm. When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

 

Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.nicolefrenchromance.com/

 

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Book review: SOMETHING ABOUT HER, by J. Nathan

Big Air #2

Thayer & Giselle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story follows Thayer and Kason, two Colorado boys who grew up chasing snow, trophies, and Olympic dreams — until grief knocks Thayer off his axis. His comeback is the emotional spine of the book, and watching him slowly find his footing again, both on the board and in life, is genuinely moving.

The romance between Thayer and Giselle has that familiar push‑pull: history, tension, guilt, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on them both. I liked their quieter moments — the caretaking, the comfort, the way they circle back to each other even when it’s messy. Giselle’s struggle between loyalty and longing feels real, even if she hesitates a bit longer than I wanted.

The book shines most when it leans into the brotherhood between Thayer and Kason and the thrill of competition. Their dynamic has heart, humor, and that deep, lived‑in bond that makes their eventual conflict sting.

Where it wobbled for me was pacing. The story moves in bursts — emotional highs followed by stretches that felt a little flat or juvenile. I was entertained, but not fully swept away. Still, the themes of resilience, found family, and second chances land well, and the ending ties everything together with warmth.

Finally, my opinion is that this was a comfortable, enjoyable read — just not one that kept me riveted.

Purchase links

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3OHeEyL  

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/4bJILNu  

Nook: https://bit.ly/4rP31De  

Kobo: https://bit.ly/4t5G7IN 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/4lN9ZqN  

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NBeOHm 

About the author

J. Nathan is the author of new adult, sports, and rock star romances with cocky heroes and sassy heroines. When she's not writing, she's a crazy baseball mom and a total romance junkie! She loves country music, guys in backward hats, iced coffee, and the summertime.

 

Connect with J. Nathan

Website | http://www.jnathan.net/   

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8202337.J_Nathan   

Amazon | http://amzn.to/2brF0xz    

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jnathanauthor     

Facebook Group |  bit.ly/JNathanReaderGroup     

Instagram |  http://instagram.com/jnathanauthor    

Bookbub |  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-nathan     

Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.com/jnathanbooks       

Newsletter |  http://eepurl.com/bYa6_L  

Book review: SET IT RIGHT, by Julia Wolf

Kelly Ranch #4

Cormac & Zara

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Zara and Cormac grew up spending their summers together at the Kelly Ranch, two best friends who felt happiest outdoors, riding horses, and sharing every adventure. Their bond was deep and easy, the kind of friendship that shapes your whole heart.

Life pulls them in different directions as adults, and Zara loses herself for a while. After a rough few years, she returns to the ranch to breathe again, to figure out who she is, and to reconnect with the people who once felt like home. And there he is — Cormac — steady, familiar, and still the person who sees her clearly.

Their friendship comes back with that same natural warmth, and little by little, you feel the shift. The chemistry, the history, the quiet longing… it all builds in such a gentle, believable way. I loved watching Zara rediscover joy, confidence, and the life that truly fits her. And I loved how Cormac never pushed, never rushed — he just showed up, the way he always did.

This story is about love, yes, but also about choosing the life that makes you feel happy. It’s tender, nostalgic, and full of heart. A beautiful second chance for two people who were always meant to find their way back to each other. I loved meeting with the other Kelly siblings, now with partners and children, living their best life. This last book felt like a circle has been completed and now all is as is should be. 

Purchase links

https://www.instagram.com/authorjuliawolf/

About the author

Julia Wolf writes sexy rockers, grumpy billionaires, snarky heroines, and bad ass women. She’s a firm believer in happily ever afters, no matter how rocky the road is to get there.

She doesn’t believe in “guilty pleasures”, only pleasure. Reading about a plus size woman who gets absolutely railed by a hot rock star is pleasure. Reading about a damaged college student whose flaws are valued and loved by the grumpy guy next door is pleasure. Reading about love in a small town or big city or on a tour bus is pleasure. Reading romance is pleasure!

Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.