Elizadreamreads

This is the third book I’ve read by Michelle Heard, and as much as I enjoy mafia stories, I couldn’t help but feel like the portrayal of the male character here was a bit off. The background story was engaging and definitely kept me entertained, but the way the male character was written felt more emotionally driven than I’d expect for a mafia boss. He came across as too emotionally driven, which made him seem less like the ruthless, dominant figure you typically find in mafia books. Honestly, I found myself thinking, “This guy is definitely not living up to the typical mafia persona.”

Even the sex scenes didn’t do it for me—there was no real detail or intensity to them. After reading Eva Winters’ work, I think my standards have gotten a lot higher. The book was fine, but I’ve definitely read better. If you’re into a more vanilla-style book, Michelle Heard might be a good starting point.

The story itself follows Skylar, a famous sous chef with a severe kidney condition. She needs a transplant to survive, and when her stepfather turns to the black market to save her, it sets off a dangerous chain of events. What Skylar doesn’t know is that the kidney she receives comes at a tragic cost: it’s linked to the death of Kenzo’s younger brother, who was murdered by organ traffickers.

Kenzo, a powerful member of the Cosa Nostra, is relentless in his pursuit of those responsible for his brother’s death. When he discovers Skylar’s involvement, he decides she must pay for what happened, even though she had no idea. But instead of taking her life, he claims her as his property, forcing her into a fiery, tension-filled relationship that shifts from hate to love.

Would I recommend it? If you’re into a more tame, vanilla kind of read, Michelle Heard is a good author to check out. But if you’re looking for something with more grit and steam, this might not hit the mark.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️