Maggie Blackbird

Today, I’m hosting author January Bain’s latest release Deadly Sins, book one in the Irish Mafia Kings series, a contemporary romance. Be sure to read my review. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

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Title: Deadly Sins
Series: Irish Mafia Kings, book one
Author: January Bain
Genre Contemporary Romance, Mafia
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Length: 177 pages
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

Blood for blood. Her family killed my brother, so I’ll take their princess.

Blurb: I’m Quinn Lyons, Irish Mafia King, a man known for getting what he wants, and I want her, Aria Byrne. I’m going to make her pay for her family’s sins.

I didn’t intend to snatch her from her fancy engagement party, just kill her rival mobster father, but plans change in the heat of the moment. Now she’s mine to claim and possess, because what better bargaining chip could a Mafia boss have than the beloved princess of a rival family?

Until I decide I don’t ever want to let her go.

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Stepping back into the club, I scanned the bar, focusing on a tall, dark-haired man in a cheap suit with a weaselly look about him as he leaned in too close to a woman, hogging her personal space. Her expression was frozen, her eyes begging for help.

Without hesitation I strode toward the pair, my urge to jerk the man to his feet and haul his ass to the curb so strong that I clenched my fists in anticipation of doing just that. I was suited to what I did, more than I would have liked at times. I did what has to be done, and damn the consequences. But this was an easy one.

I drew closer. He was begging her for a second chance, saying that he had changed, that they were good together. “Please, Kennedi, I need you. So help me, I can’t live without you. You’re my—everything.”

Pathetic really, begging a woman. I want a woman, I take her.

He reached out to grab her arm and she shrank back, drawing in on herself. My vision narrowed, the edges of the club vanishing in a red haze.

“What’s going on here?” I demanded, stopping right in front of the pair.

“Nothing. Who the fuck are you?” the perv asked, turning his focus onto me. Good. I was the only individual he should be seeing right now. Judge and jury.

“Is this man bothering you, miss?” I asked, turning deliberately to speak to the woman as if she were the only person in the room that mattered.

“It’s all right,” she said in a flat tone of voice that most definitely said she was not fine. “My lawyer was just leaving.”

“Kinney, please, don’t be like that. I just want to buy you a drink.”

Lawyer. Figures. Probably defends murderers. The woman wanted me to know that. My estimation of her rose several more notches. She’d warned me off, so that I would know what was at stake. To save me. I hid a smile at the very idea.

“Time to hit the road, Jack. The lady’s been pretty clear about the fact she wants to drink alone. Shall I call someone for you? A friend to take you home? Or a cab?” Always give them a choice. Most times it worked, gave them something else to occupy their little minds.

The man’s mug twisted into a snarl. “I’m not going anywhere. You do realize who I am?” He gave me a look of disgust. “And I know your type. You got gangster written all over you, paddy.”

“My name is Quinn, not Patrick,” I said smoothly, though my blood heated a few degrees. “And it’s time for you to leave, buddy.”

“We’re just fine, buddy,” asshat said, his mouth downturned. “I’ll take care of the lady’s needs.”

I picked the man up by the scruff of his neck and marched him to the side door, his feet dragging on the ground. At the entrance, I slammed my foot into his ass for good measure and sent him barreling into the alley. When I got back to the table, the hassled woman had vanished. Good for her.

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The blurb hooked me, and I was all for reading and reviewing because I enjoy a good mafia story.

I must say I adored Aria.  She’s a bird who longs to be free, trapped in a cage her father has stuck her in.  She’s artistic.  Free-spirited.  And loves her home country of Ireland.  She’s also a protective older sister.  It was easy to root for her.

Then there is Quinn.  He’s the eldest brother of his crime family.  He’s out for revenge.  And he seizes the opportunity when he follows Aria outside at her engagement party.  It’s attraction at first sight, but even though Quinn presents a handsome face and figure, Aria has no intention of allowing anything from him, since her mind is muddled with her engagement.  But when Quinn kidnaps her, she wonders if it’s a blessing in disguise, an escape from her fiancé, a man she has no desire to marry, as ordered by her horrible father.

It’s a great setup, and I looked forward to reading the dynamics between these two during Aria’s stay at Quinn’s safe house.  The author didn’t disappoint.  Knowing he won’t outright hurt her, Aria stands her ground against Quinn.  The battle is on, and neither is willing to give an inch.  Well, Quinn does give some, and I liked how he actually caved since he’s no caver to anyone.

The author did a great job bringing these two together in a realistic way.  Quinn is a smart guy who thinks fast.  He’s also very protective of Aria.

As for the setting, I LOVED that is was set in Montreal.  You don’t see many novels taking place in this city, so it was refreshing for the usual places most authors put us in.  I’m also intrigued by Aria’s younger sister, and Quinn’s brothers, wondering if they’ll get their own stories.  It’s a great start to the series.  Do yourself a favour and get a copy.

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January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown romances she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination and touch your heart.

Follow January: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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