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Urban Mafia Kings #1
Auctioned Virginity
Romero came into my life when I was thirteen and taught me how to fight. To stand up for myself. He helped me survive. But his promise to protect me and my mother washed down the drain the night she died. I was sixteen. He let me leave, and then he didn’t call. Didn’t even try to make sure I hadn’t died in some seedy hotel. That was just how I wanted it. Until two years later, when my meager earnings at a failing shoe store couldn’t cover all my expenses and sleeping in a broken down car wouldn’t last.
It only took one phone call—hearing his voice again—for all my walls to come crumbling down. The first night back under his roof, I stumble into his private den to ask for money, inadvertently interrupting him and his ridiculously gorgeous, wealthy friends playing poker.
That's when his friends start to bid on me.
On my virginity.
They're all dangerous—I can feel it—but not even I know just how dangerous until it's too late. Even though Romero tries to stop me, I can’t help but consider giving my body up for money.
Except the way he looks at me makes me think he's the one that wants to take what I'm offering.
It only took one phone call—hearing his voice again—for all my walls to come crumbling down. The first night back under his roof, I stumble into his private den to ask for money, inadvertently interrupting him and his ridiculously gorgeous, wealthy friends playing poker.
That's when his friends start to bid on me.
On my virginity.
They're all dangerous—I can feel it—but not even I know just how dangerous until it's too late. Even though Romero tries to stop me, I can’t help but consider giving my body up for money.
Except the way he looks at me makes me think he's the one that wants to take what I'm offering.
- GenresDark
200 pages, ebook
Published April 16, 2021
About the author
Raven Woodward
15 books235 followersI'm a pumpkin-spice loving, scarf and boot-wearing romance writer. I enjoy the sweet, the steamy and the downright dirty. My family and I live in the southern hemisphere where we're surrounded by real-life fairytale beauty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 15, 2021
Auctioned Virginity is the first book I have read from the author, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. I won't lie. I was skeptical at; first. I read the blurb, and it sounded like something I would enjoy. I kept an open mind and dove in.
Here is what I found, it’s a retelling of a modern-day Romero and Juliette with many twists and turns. With a HEA. The heroine Julietta is a strong, fierce young woman. Very mature for the age from what she had to endear in her life, Many times I had to question if she genuinely was eighteen years of age.
Ahead of the warning, there are two taboo factors, one a significant age gap and two the heroines' ex-husband. I personally love it. Some may think this is a dark romance for me. It's light gray on my dark scale.
If you are looking for an intense urban mafia with taboo romance, this is it. I look forward to other books in the series. I look forward to seeing the side characters and what will happen with Jade. I need to know.
April 18, 2021
3,5⭐️. I just read that i have to wait to the year 2022, to read the second book. im going to cry. I can’t wait😭😭😭😭.
“Go ahead, Daddy,” I whispered with saccharine sweetness. “Bend me over and spank me.”
“Go ahead, Daddy,” I whispered with saccharine sweetness. “Bend me over and spank me.”
April 14, 2021
This is my first read by Raven and I am beyond impressed. This story was one of the most intense mafia/taboo romances I have read. I loved how Julietta is not a weak and shallow heroine - this girl is a mature and smart warrior to the bone. Romero is the mafia don that everyone fears and respects but is humble, compassionate, and protective. I enjoyed the taboo aspect with the 20 year age gap, yet it didn’t feel like it between the two, and the chemistry between these two is off the charts hot. Raven managed to wrap it all up with a plot that kept me engrossed and on my toes - I really loved the unpredictable twists. This is a definite shining star in my mafia romance section of my kindle and I can’t wait to see where Raven takes the Aaron, Kieran, Arie and the others.
****I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review****
****I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review****
July 2, 2021
If you love taboo mafia romance, you’ll adore this one. It has a fierce female lead, a delicious older hero, and solid writing.
April 23, 2021
This was my first book by Raven Woodward and I was very surprised. I chose to read this ARC because the blurb really hooked me and sounded like something I’d really enjoy. And I was correct. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this to be honest. I thought it was a good story that really got me hooked and ready to find out all the details about Romero and Julietta. They are such a great couple and made me want more and more the more I read. This book was easy to get caught up in and lose track of time. I really didn't want to put this down!
If you’re looking for a dark, dangerous and forbidden book to get lost in, this is something you should pick up!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a dark, dangerous and forbidden book to get lost in, this is something you should pick up!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2021
Possible trigger: man slaughter, violence, drug abuse
This book wasn't what I was expecting when I read the blurb. I thought it was a taboo-ish downright dirty steamy book between stepdad and daughter. But no. At least it was starting that way, but by some twist of plot, it turned 180 into some action-packed romance with play-by-play martial art scenes. Crush it!!
The story started with how to step dad-daughter reacquaintance after two years of falling out. Meeting again and living under the same roof made the new-found spark were combustible. Both MCs were in denial at first, but after both playing a dangerous game of pushing each other's button, things were spiralling out of control. And secrets revealed.
Tbh, I had a lot of things to like from this book. One and foremost was the badass h. She was forced to be reckoned with. Strong in martial arts and even stronger in character; a true survivor and independent woman, though I had my "ugggh" moment with her. A complex character yet, I had to say I like my h to be kickass regardless of how stubborn she was. The H, on the other hand, had dark and doom gloom character. A suitable character for an underworld king. He was gruff, mysterious, with overload testosterone that made you hot, freakinglishly hot, for him. Totally dangerous for my faint and innocent heart.
The second was the twist. Oh, how it was changing pace after one and two-shot. I was dragging my self to read about 30% of the book since it was at snail pace and was more into a pull-and-push game of seduction between MCs. But after they succumbed to the lust, everything just turned for the better. Throw in the gun blazing fight and some hand to hand combat, in which the h was the expert, the plot was turned into a more interesting pace and twist. Plus, the thorough detail of the background story and good use of supporting character made me unable to put the book down.
Virgin h (never been with a man but not virgin physically), (sort of) celibate H
No condoms
Hot steam and passionate loving scenes
60% action-packed story
Gun blazing and hand to hand combat scene
Bit drama
No cheating
HEA, Epilogue
Overall score: 5 badass heroine stars
This book wasn't what I was expecting when I read the blurb. I thought it was a taboo-ish downright dirty steamy book between stepdad and daughter. But no. At least it was starting that way, but by some twist of plot, it turned 180 into some action-packed romance with play-by-play martial art scenes. Crush it!!
The story started with how to step dad-daughter reacquaintance after two years of falling out. Meeting again and living under the same roof made the new-found spark were combustible. Both MCs were in denial at first, but after both playing a dangerous game of pushing each other's button, things were spiralling out of control. And secrets revealed.
Tbh, I had a lot of things to like from this book. One and foremost was the badass h. She was forced to be reckoned with. Strong in martial arts and even stronger in character; a true survivor and independent woman, though I had my "ugggh" moment with her. A complex character yet, I had to say I like my h to be kickass regardless of how stubborn she was. The H, on the other hand, had dark and doom gloom character. A suitable character for an underworld king. He was gruff, mysterious, with overload testosterone that made you hot, freakinglishly hot, for him. Totally dangerous for my faint and innocent heart.
The second was the twist. Oh, how it was changing pace after one and two-shot. I was dragging my self to read about 30% of the book since it was at snail pace and was more into a pull-and-push game of seduction between MCs. But after they succumbed to the lust, everything just turned for the better. Throw in the gun blazing fight and some hand to hand combat, in which the h was the expert, the plot was turned into a more interesting pace and twist. Plus, the thorough detail of the background story and good use of supporting character made me unable to put the book down.
Virgin h (never been with a man but not virgin physically), (sort of) celibate H
No condoms
Hot steam and passionate loving scenes
60% action-packed story
Gun blazing and hand to hand combat scene
Bit drama
No cheating
HEA, Epilogue
Overall score: 5 badass heroine stars
April 21, 2021
Age-Gap, taboo/forbidden Romance....yes please sign me up.
This was my first read from Raven Woodward and I will be continuing this series.
Romero - the sexy step-father that will do anything to protect his step-daughter
Julietta - the sultry young step-daughter that needs to return home but no longer has a mother and can only turn to her step-father
I love these types of stories, because they are realistic. We cannot control who we become attracted to or with whom we fall in love. In our minds, we may know it's wrong but in our hearts we know it's oh so right.
The story is steamy and suspenseful and full of emotion.
I really hope I don't have to wait until 2022 for the next part!!!
This was my first read from Raven Woodward and I will be continuing this series.
Romero - the sexy step-father that will do anything to protect his step-daughter
Julietta - the sultry young step-daughter that needs to return home but no longer has a mother and can only turn to her step-father
I love these types of stories, because they are realistic. We cannot control who we become attracted to or with whom we fall in love. In our minds, we may know it's wrong but in our hearts we know it's oh so right.
The story is steamy and suspenseful and full of emotion.
I really hope I don't have to wait until 2022 for the next part!!!
April 26, 2021
**ARC provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review - thank you to Raven Woodward for the copy**
Auctioned Virginity was definitely unexpected!
This is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet inspired dark romance. We have Julietta who is 18 and without any family or job since her mother passed away from a drug overdose, struggling to survive on the streets. We have Romero who is an extremely wealthy businessman (or is he something far more dangerous?), and he is also Julietta's estranged step dad. Julietta is forced to move back in with Romero as she has no one else to go - and that's when everything changes.
There is definitely a fair share of raunchy scenes in Auctioned Virginity, which you can come to expect from Raven Woodward - but dayummm she writes these scenes so well! This book was also unexpectedly violent, I mean, it is book 1 in the 'Urban Mafia Kings' so I wasn't surprised in that regard, just in the way that Julietta ends up being pretty darn savage, which she certainly wasn't in the beginning. It was cool to see how her character developed and grew over the course of the book and some flashback chapters from when she was younger gave further insight into her relationship with Romero.
The romance element was, as I mentioned, pretty raunchy but also a dynamic I haven't read before in a book... that seemingly forbidden, kind of wrong but not really type vibe. The plot was fast-paced and definitely actioned-packed, it kind of just didn't stop so the pages flew by quickly and I found this to be a highly entertaining and very enticing read.
Trigger Warnings: Drug use, eluded to rape, violence - this is a book for a mature audience
Auctioned Virginity was definitely unexpected!
This is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet inspired dark romance. We have Julietta who is 18 and without any family or job since her mother passed away from a drug overdose, struggling to survive on the streets. We have Romero who is an extremely wealthy businessman (or is he something far more dangerous?), and he is also Julietta's estranged step dad. Julietta is forced to move back in with Romero as she has no one else to go - and that's when everything changes.
There is definitely a fair share of raunchy scenes in Auctioned Virginity, which you can come to expect from Raven Woodward - but dayummm she writes these scenes so well! This book was also unexpectedly violent, I mean, it is book 1 in the 'Urban Mafia Kings' so I wasn't surprised in that regard, just in the way that Julietta ends up being pretty darn savage, which she certainly wasn't in the beginning. It was cool to see how her character developed and grew over the course of the book and some flashback chapters from when she was younger gave further insight into her relationship with Romero.
The romance element was, as I mentioned, pretty raunchy but also a dynamic I haven't read before in a book... that seemingly forbidden, kind of wrong but not really type vibe. The plot was fast-paced and definitely actioned-packed, it kind of just didn't stop so the pages flew by quickly and I found this to be a highly entertaining and very enticing read.
Trigger Warnings: Drug use, eluded to rape, violence - this is a book for a mature audience
April 28, 2021
Action packed and sexy as hell!
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but I ended up having a lot this fun reading it and read it in one sitting. This was a sexy and action packed book with so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. If you love a mafia romances with a good age gap and alpha males give it a go!
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but I ended up having a lot this fun reading it and read it in one sitting. This was a sexy and action packed book with so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. If you love a mafia romances with a good age gap and alpha males give it a go!
March 20, 2021
Taboo contemporary romance--first in the Urban Mafia Kings series. Get ready for Romero and Julietta. <3
April 16, 2021
Fantastic, thrilling and super sexy story!
DAMN!! This story started off slow and sexy and then BAM it explodes into this fast paced, action packed, super thrilling story! I was literally on the edge of my seat with anticipation, biting my nails like crazy, with my heart beating out of my chest, because I had no idea what the hell was going to happen next. This story was phenomenal from start to finish and FREAKING INTENSE!!!
Juliette is this sexy but innocent young woman who is not sure what she wants and is struggling a bit with life. She comes back to live with her step-dad, Romero, and finds her world turned upside down by this sexy man.
Romero is the older, domineering, sexy badass mafia don. He reeled me in right from the start and had me swooning!! The chemistry between Romero and Juliette was extremely explosive and literally melted my kindle. It was HOT!!
Juliette and Romero's relationship goes from 0 to 100 very quickly, which makes Juliette question if this is the life she wants. Throughout her journey, Juliette transforms into one hell of a badass warrior goddess, and I loved every second of her metamorphosis!!!
This is a phenomenal age-gap romance story, filled with intense nail-biting action, suspense, intrigue, murder, mayhem and so many extremely sexy panty-melting moments. It consumed me, it left me breathless and I am now aching for more.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
DAMN!! This story started off slow and sexy and then BAM it explodes into this fast paced, action packed, super thrilling story! I was literally on the edge of my seat with anticipation, biting my nails like crazy, with my heart beating out of my chest, because I had no idea what the hell was going to happen next. This story was phenomenal from start to finish and FREAKING INTENSE!!!
Juliette is this sexy but innocent young woman who is not sure what she wants and is struggling a bit with life. She comes back to live with her step-dad, Romero, and finds her world turned upside down by this sexy man.
Romero is the older, domineering, sexy badass mafia don. He reeled me in right from the start and had me swooning!! The chemistry between Romero and Juliette was extremely explosive and literally melted my kindle. It was HOT!!
Juliette and Romero's relationship goes from 0 to 100 very quickly, which makes Juliette question if this is the life she wants. Throughout her journey, Juliette transforms into one hell of a badass warrior goddess, and I loved every second of her metamorphosis!!!
This is a phenomenal age-gap romance story, filled with intense nail-biting action, suspense, intrigue, murder, mayhem and so many extremely sexy panty-melting moments. It consumed me, it left me breathless and I am now aching for more.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 20, 2021
Meet Juiletta, a new adult, at just eighteen, trying to find her way in the world after an unforgiving childhood worrying over her now deceased mother. She’s trying her best to make ends meet & go to college. Sucking up the courage, she reaches out to the only person she could count on, her step father.
This taboo, mafia type, sexcapade leads you on an adventure with plenty of sexy scenes to get you to forget just how taboo that relationship with her step father is.
Fans of “Den of Vipers” and the like, will enjoy this shorter novel. Boasting a better plot & a few delicious surprises.
Albeit, this was the first novel I’ve read of this particular author, I enjoyed being lead on the adventure & hope to see more of this author in the future.
This taboo, mafia type, sexcapade leads you on an adventure with plenty of sexy scenes to get you to forget just how taboo that relationship with her step father is.
Fans of “Den of Vipers” and the like, will enjoy this shorter novel. Boasting a better plot & a few delicious surprises.
Albeit, this was the first novel I’ve read of this particular author, I enjoyed being lead on the adventure & hope to see more of this author in the future.
April 18, 2021
This new to me author blew me away!
I loved the cover first! Read the blurb, and said yes, yes, I'll give Ms. Woodward a try! I am So Glad I did!
Mafia romance has been my go to trope! Dark, yes, I love it!
This story drew me in right from the very beginning! Each page turn brought more excitement, more action, more phenomenal character building!
I am definitely going to be checking out Ms. Woodward's catalog!
I loved the cover first! Read the blurb, and said yes, yes, I'll give Ms. Woodward a try! I am So Glad I did!
Mafia romance has been my go to trope! Dark, yes, I love it!
This story drew me in right from the very beginning! Each page turn brought more excitement, more action, more phenomenal character building!
I am definitely going to be checking out Ms. Woodward's catalog!
April 14, 2021
this book had me hooked from the start
the fact the girl loved violence as much as she loved her man was a added bonus
cant wait for more
the fact the girl loved violence as much as she loved her man was a added bonus
cant wait for more
April 16, 2021
I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and honestly didn’t want it to ever end. It’s intense, fast paced and well... hot!
Julietta is a strong, kick arse woman who has had to deal with so much in her 18 years it would have broken a lot of people but instead made her stronger.
Romero is so protective, respectful, and understanding that you kinda just forget that’s he’s a feared Mafia don. I love everything about his relationship with Julietta.
The chemistry is HOT! I know the age gap is meant to be taboo (20 years) but I’m totally on board and more than ok with this!
Julietta is a strong, kick arse woman who has had to deal with so much in her 18 years it would have broken a lot of people but instead made her stronger.
Romero is so protective, respectful, and understanding that you kinda just forget that’s he’s a feared Mafia don. I love everything about his relationship with Julietta.
The chemistry is HOT! I know the age gap is meant to be taboo (20 years) but I’m totally on board and more than ok with this!
Read
May 21, 2021Boring.
Didn't care for the flashbacks.
Didn't care for the flashbacks.
April 16, 2021
I got an ARC for my honest opinion of this book, I'm giving it a 4.5 b/c a lot of the time I had to stop to look up a word to translate b/c I do not know Spanish. It would of been nice if it would of already been translated next to it. Other than that this book was so good. The chemistry between Julietta and Romero is hot. If you like age gap and Mafia stories then this is a must read!
April 29, 2021
Julietta was a young girl when she realized that her mother wasn't a very good one. Julietta's grandmother was she support system until the day that she dies and Romero steps in. Romero tried to teach Julietta the skills that she would need to survive out to the terrible cruel world that Romero lived in. Julietta thought that Romero didn't want her to live with him after her mother die of a drug over dose. Julietta reminded Romero of himself and the struggles that he had to go through in life and he wanted so much more for Julietta. I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline and plot. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2021
This would make a great movie.
“You’re everything I always desired, but thought I’d never have”
Not only is this super hot in places but it's also a well-paced, exciting story. Age makes no difference with this kind of passion and love!!
Romero is so hot in the way he acts, his power of command.. and he's a powerful mafia don. Julietta has been trained by her stepfather to defend herself though once all grown up she needs a lot more than that from Romero. Then the s#%# really hits the fan as events prove they are more alike than they thought.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“You’re everything I always desired, but thought I’d never have”
Not only is this super hot in places but it's also a well-paced, exciting story. Age makes no difference with this kind of passion and love!!
Romero is so hot in the way he acts, his power of command.. and he's a powerful mafia don. Julietta has been trained by her stepfather to defend herself though once all grown up she needs a lot more than that from Romero. Then the s#%# really hits the fan as events prove they are more alike than they thought.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2021
Wow, fantastic book. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great, likable characters. Well written, keeps you wanting to read on. Would recommend, will read this author again.
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.
April 26, 2021
Loved this book. Intense chemistry between the characters and a great storyline. These two had their issues from the start and it is a crazy ride to the end. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2021
This is far from my usual genre, as I avoid both mafia romances and “daddy” romances like the plague. Imagine my surprise when I enjoyed it. I’ve never read this author and received this book for free from a group I’m a part of. There was no review requirement, but I decided to provide one anyway.
I had not read the blurb or anything about the book, so I had no idea what the book was about. Going into it blind, I imagined it would be about virgin auctions, imagine my surprise when that really wasn’t what the book was about. Although, I really wasn’t clued into the mafia vibe until the “auction” portion of the night took place either, so I guess it all came home at that point.
The mafia portion of the story soon took center stage, and the hits kept coming. The book quickly became a page turner and there were about 4 big surprises for me in the book. Since authors rarely sneak anything by me, I found this to be a rousing success.
I did not get the “ick” feeling I usually get from so-called “daddy” romances. Yes, Romero had been Julietta’s step-father. In reading the book, though, it came across more as a foster parent-type deal in that her mother had never really mothered her either. She only lived with him for three years in which they commiserated about a common issue where a parent was a desperately awful drug addict and he trained her in self-defense. At her mother’s death, she ran away, as best as I could tell, even skipping the funeral. The book definitely was better when it quit tripping back and forth through time and started just being a here and now story.
I am awaiting the second book of this series, although it will be quite some time before it comes out. I guess it’ll just give me a reason to re-read this one then!
Happy read8ng
I had not read the blurb or anything about the book, so I had no idea what the book was about. Going into it blind, I imagined it would be about virgin auctions, imagine my surprise when that really wasn’t what the book was about. Although, I really wasn’t clued into the mafia vibe until the “auction” portion of the night took place either, so I guess it all came home at that point.
The mafia portion of the story soon took center stage, and the hits kept coming. The book quickly became a page turner and there were about 4 big surprises for me in the book. Since authors rarely sneak anything by me, I found this to be a rousing success.
I did not get the “ick” feeling I usually get from so-called “daddy” romances. Yes, Romero had been Julietta’s step-father. In reading the book, though, it came across more as a foster parent-type deal in that her mother had never really mothered her either. She only lived with him for three years in which they commiserated about a common issue where a parent was a desperately awful drug addict and he trained her in self-defense. At her mother’s death, she ran away, as best as I could tell, even skipping the funeral. The book definitely was better when it quit tripping back and forth through time and started just being a here and now story.
I am awaiting the second book of this series, although it will be quite some time before it comes out. I guess it’ll just give me a reason to re-read this one then!
Happy read8ng
July 8, 2021
Yikes. If you're a fan of this genre, you're probably going to love this book, because it has loads of heat and hurt and hotness. If you're just dipping your toes into the genre, brace yourself for a head-spinning ride. Lingerie, a fun toy, a roomful of really hot older guys... And then murder, mayhem, chase scenes, sex and more murder and mayhem. And sex. The MC is a badass young (18) woman who survived an addict mother, two years of living on the streets and is feeling her sexual power, particularly where her former stepdad is concerned. Stepdad, the most powerful and dangerous of crime lords, is kind of warm and fuzzy which sounds so totally wrong but he actually has that side to him. No RH, yes HEA. Trigger for some serious organized crime violence.
April 18, 2021
this one was a good one Julietta comes back to stay with her stepfather and meets his friends that wants to auction for her virginity but daddy don't like that cause daddy wants her too Romero is a mafia don and his stepdaughter jokes about it but doesn't know that's the truth till she finds out and runs away with his enemy's chasing her she must escape them without Romero and his friends finding her.
March 18, 2022
No shortage of sex scenes, or spankings. A story I did not want to put down and the twist was awesome. Believable characters you cannot help but love, especially the strong female that will do whatever she needs to get what she wants. Definitely want to read more, and hope there is HEA for all the guys!
May 21, 2021
Totally out of my comfort zone, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Didn't go the way I expected it to at all. I really enjoyed the strength and toughness of the lead MC and how she comes into her own, although she does seem much older than her 18 years, she is totally loveable and brilliant!
I could not put this book down.
I could not put this book down.
August 10, 2021
I wish this was a thing when I was 17..
August 16, 2021
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This book is definitely not for me, nor was the story what I expected. I think lacks a lot of development in characters, especially Julieta, and in the plot as well, because things happen too fast and are resolved at an even greater speed.
Regarding the characters, there were many times when I could not understand Julieta’s behavior, in the book she’s mentioned as a strong, brave and fighter girl, I think it is clear, by the life she has led and what she has overcome, which in part she’s, BUT she is a girl who makes reckless and immature decisions on many occasions too.
On the other hand, I think Romero is a little better built, he's an interesting character and has an engaging personal story, but there are things about his character that I found a bit disturbing: I understand that the the great age difference between him and Juliet is what does this taboo, but there comes a time when it’s mentioned that Romero has always been attracted to Juliet, and since he met her as a child it seems to me that the situation is pretty bad. And when they get into the auction game because of Romero's friends, who are just as old, everything gets more and more unpleasant.
Still, I wouldn't want to judge the author's work on a single book, and I think that if the rest of the books in the series don't follow the same path I might give them a shot.
🇪🇸
ARC otorgada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Definitivamente este libro no es para mi, ni la historia fue lo que esperaba. Creo que falto bastante desarrollo en personajes, especialmente Julieta, y en la trama también, pues las cosas pasan demasiado rápido y se resuelven a una velocidad aún mayor.
En cuanto a los personajes, hubo muchas veces en que no pude comprender el comportamiento de Julieta, en el libro se le menciona como una chica fuerte, valiente y luchadora, creo que queda claro, por la vida que ha llevado y lo que ha superado, que en parte lo es, PERO es una chica que toma desiciones imprudentes e inmaduras en muchas ocasiones.
Por otro lado, creo que Romero está un poco mejor construido, es un personaje interesante y tiene una historia personal atractiva, pero hay cosas con su personaje que me parecieron un poco perturbadoras: entiendo que la gran diferencia de edad entre él y Julieta es lo que hace este libro taboo, pero llega un momento en el que se menciona que Romero siempre se ha sentido atraído hacia Julieta, y dado que la conoció siendo una niña me parece que la situación está bastante mal. Y cuando entran en el juego de la subasta debido a los amigos de Romero, que son igual de mayores, todo se vuelve más y más desagradable.
Aún así, no me gustaría juzgar el trabajo de la autora por un solo libro, y creo que si el resto de los libros de la serie no sigue por el mismo camino podría darles una oportunidad.
This book is definitely not for me, nor was the story what I expected. I think lacks a lot of development in characters, especially Julieta, and in the plot as well, because things happen too fast and are resolved at an even greater speed.
Regarding the characters, there were many times when I could not understand Julieta’s behavior, in the book she’s mentioned as a strong, brave and fighter girl, I think it is clear, by the life she has led and what she has overcome, which in part she’s, BUT she is a girl who makes reckless and immature decisions on many occasions too.
On the other hand, I think Romero is a little better built, he's an interesting character and has an engaging personal story, but there are things about his character that I found a bit disturbing: I understand that the the great age difference between him and Juliet is what does this taboo, but there comes a time when it’s mentioned that Romero has always been attracted to Juliet, and since he met her as a child it seems to me that the situation is pretty bad. And when they get into the auction game because of Romero's friends, who are just as old, everything gets more and more unpleasant.
Still, I wouldn't want to judge the author's work on a single book, and I think that if the rest of the books in the series don't follow the same path I might give them a shot.
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ARC otorgada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Definitivamente este libro no es para mi, ni la historia fue lo que esperaba. Creo que falto bastante desarrollo en personajes, especialmente Julieta, y en la trama también, pues las cosas pasan demasiado rápido y se resuelven a una velocidad aún mayor.
En cuanto a los personajes, hubo muchas veces en que no pude comprender el comportamiento de Julieta, en el libro se le menciona como una chica fuerte, valiente y luchadora, creo que queda claro, por la vida que ha llevado y lo que ha superado, que en parte lo es, PERO es una chica que toma desiciones imprudentes e inmaduras en muchas ocasiones.
Por otro lado, creo que Romero está un poco mejor construido, es un personaje interesante y tiene una historia personal atractiva, pero hay cosas con su personaje que me parecieron un poco perturbadoras: entiendo que la gran diferencia de edad entre él y Julieta es lo que hace este libro taboo, pero llega un momento en el que se menciona que Romero siempre se ha sentido atraído hacia Julieta, y dado que la conoció siendo una niña me parece que la situación está bastante mal. Y cuando entran en el juego de la subasta debido a los amigos de Romero, que son igual de mayores, todo se vuelve más y más desagradable.
Aún así, no me gustaría juzgar el trabajo de la autora por un solo libro, y creo que si el resto de los libros de la serie no sigue por el mismo camino podría darles una oportunidad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
Romera is Julietta's stepfather but they only know each other a couple of short years before her mother is found dead of a drug overdose. Soon after Julietta runs away from her stepfather and tries to make it on her own, only to finally give up and call to ask if she can come back home while she goes to college.
He agrees and we get our first real interaction between them. Let me tell you, I didn't like him. Something felt off. But there was nothing overtly weird about him other than the fact that he was a little bossy. But then he tells Julietta to stay in her room and not come down to the basement while his friends are over playing cards. Again, something felt weird, so when she just has to talk to him about something that could have waited until morning, she is met with a mad Romero and several lethal looking guys who after finding out she needs money for a car, offer to give her the money if she does something a little bit sexual and a little bit taboo. Romero is livid and tells her several times to go back upstairs but doesn't actually get up and make her go upstairs. He could have easily just gone upstairs with her and talked to her for a minute to stop what happened next but instead, he does nothing. That was red flag number 1.
Julietta is just barely 18 years old and Romero is 20 years older than her. I found him just about as sleezy as the guys he was with at the table playing cards. But Julietta is dumb, in my opinion she is one of those characters I would call TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) and I hated her character for her overt stupidity that she shows over and over again. Red flag number 2 is that Romero turns out to be a Mafia Don and he should have known that getting close to Julietta would put her in danger because it did. But Julietta shows her stupidity once again by running away right after they all find themselves in danger. At least stay with the people who can protect you, ya know?
Red flag number 3 was when we find out later how Romero knew Julietta's mother, how they first met. Good grief, can this guy get any worst? He did not illicit any type of romantic feelings for me because I just wanted her to get away from him and have a real, safe life.
Now while this isn't my usual type of read, I've read other mafia romances and liked them but this one just made me feel dirty for even reading it. The only saving grace for this book is the writing was done well, the storyline and action scenes were great. I would read a different book by this author but not another book in this series.
He agrees and we get our first real interaction between them. Let me tell you, I didn't like him. Something felt off. But there was nothing overtly weird about him other than the fact that he was a little bossy. But then he tells Julietta to stay in her room and not come down to the basement while his friends are over playing cards. Again, something felt weird, so when she just has to talk to him about something that could have waited until morning, she is met with a mad Romero and several lethal looking guys who after finding out she needs money for a car, offer to give her the money if she does something a little bit sexual and a little bit taboo. Romero is livid and tells her several times to go back upstairs but doesn't actually get up and make her go upstairs. He could have easily just gone upstairs with her and talked to her for a minute to stop what happened next but instead, he does nothing. That was red flag number 1.
Julietta is just barely 18 years old and Romero is 20 years older than her. I found him just about as sleezy as the guys he was with at the table playing cards. But Julietta is dumb, in my opinion she is one of those characters I would call TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) and I hated her character for her overt stupidity that she shows over and over again. Red flag number 2 is that Romero turns out to be a Mafia Don and he should have known that getting close to Julietta would put her in danger because it did. But Julietta shows her stupidity once again by running away right after they all find themselves in danger. At least stay with the people who can protect you, ya know?
Red flag number 3 was when we find out later how Romero knew Julietta's mother, how they first met. Good grief, can this guy get any worst? He did not illicit any type of romantic feelings for me because I just wanted her to get away from him and have a real, safe life.
Now while this isn't my usual type of read, I've read other mafia romances and liked them but this one just made me feel dirty for even reading it. The only saving grace for this book is the writing was done well, the storyline and action scenes were great. I would read a different book by this author but not another book in this series.
May 8, 2021
When publishers/authors ask me to review mafia/dark romance books, I instantly say yes. I went into this book with lots of expectation but ended up getting disappointed.
Julietta is our main female lead. She ran away from home after her mom overdosed and has been living on her own for the past two years. But when things get a little complicated, she decides to move in with her stepfather, the too-hot-for-his-own-good, dark and brooding man who taught her to protect herself. But the chemistry between starts to develop and there is no denying the attraction.
Let’s talk about the characters first.
The main female is shown as a badass, strong, young adult who has been fending for herself. But oh my god, the things she did in this book made me want to die from second hand embarrassment. It made me cringe and wonder If she had cotton for brains.
I get the attraction between her and Romero. Romero was the better protagonist, and had strong features but I wouldn’t exactly say I connected with him.
None of the side characters had too much depth either. I didn’t see why we needed so many characters when there were nothing distinguishing between them.
The Plot line
For a mafia book, this was too vanilla for me. Nothing happens until at least 60% of the book and then bam, something happens and its over. There wasn’t much build-up and the ending felt rushed and sloppy.
I received an ARC from PR Books and Moods in exchange for posting an honest review .
Julietta is our main female lead. She ran away from home after her mom overdosed and has been living on her own for the past two years. But when things get a little complicated, she decides to move in with her stepfather, the too-hot-for-his-own-good, dark and brooding man who taught her to protect herself. But the chemistry between starts to develop and there is no denying the attraction.
Let’s talk about the characters first.
The main female is shown as a badass, strong, young adult who has been fending for herself. But oh my god, the things she did in this book made me want to die from second hand embarrassment. It made me cringe and wonder If she had cotton for brains.
I get the attraction between her and Romero. Romero was the better protagonist, and had strong features but I wouldn’t exactly say I connected with him.
None of the side characters had too much depth either. I didn’t see why we needed so many characters when there were nothing distinguishing between them.
The Plot line
For a mafia book, this was too vanilla for me. Nothing happens until at least 60% of the book and then bam, something happens and its over. There wasn’t much build-up and the ending felt rushed and sloppy.
I received an ARC from PR Books and Moods in exchange for posting an honest review .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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