Empire of Lust: A Dark Mafia Romance (Torrio Empire Book 1)

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Empire of Lust: Dark Mafia Romance by J.L. Beck, Paperback

I finished it but...I don't know if I can do the other two in the series, which is unlike me when it ends on a cliffhanger. There's just so much being forced in this relationship. Read more I love that we get to continue Empire of Lies by starting off from the cliffhanger in the first book. Okay, so I thought Callum was crazy in book 1, but he is so freaking unhinged in book 2, but I really enjoyed his character in Empire of Lies since we get to see how much Bianca has affected him both emotionally and physically. I also enjoyed seeing Bianca’s character how she was able to resist Callum and his temptation. Both Bianca and Callum, have such great character development in this book. Callum shows his true feelings for Bianca and would go through great lengths for both Bianca and for his daughter, Tatum. Bianca has grown a great deal, from being the naive girl to a women who is resilient and fierce.

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I seriously could not put this book down. I was truly invested in all the drama, suspense, and secrets. Can’t wait for the final book in this trilogy. So far this is off to a great start! The only thing I had a problem I had with it is the h voice. I don't understand why she sounds like she is constantly whispering?! Read more Typically book 2 in a trilogy will struggle to find purpose and voice but not Empire of Lies. The plot develops into an intriguing 'whodunnit' that keeps the story moving at a good pace.

Empire of Lust: A Dark Mafia Romance (Torrio Empire Book 1) Empire of Lust: A Dark Mafia Romance (Torrio Empire Book 1)

I’m really hoping that Tatum and Romero have their own book because I’m also invested in whether or not they are able to work out their issues. I loved how Bianca and Callum are together again and after that cliffhanger i hope there's a big hea. 😅 gawwdddd daddy CALLUM and his little bird 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️ and the scene WHERE HE WALKS HER LIKE A DOG 🥵🛐 Overall, the story is addictive, although it ends on another cliffhanger, which I'm not entirely sure was necessary but was well done. I am sure the author is setting up another series with Callum's daughter Tatum but it did at time make the story feel drawn out. Had to sadly dnf. I understand the male narrator is older but he sounded way to old for the character for me to continue listening. Super bummed and sorry. Read morei loved literally reading every single second of this book and how Bianca and Callum's relationship grew a lot in this book and im sooooo hooked for their story and im so excited to see where the book3 goes 🥹🥹

Empire of Lust by J. L. Beck, Sierra Kline, Benjamin D Empire of Lust by J. L. Beck, Sierra Kline, Benjamin D

While I did manage to finish the first book. I couldn't force myself to get very far through the second one. I understand that everyone has their own kinks, but this story really crossed several lines into outright abuse. The story wasn't intriguing or even well-written. The character development is incredibly weak. The description of the book makes it sound like a naughty fantasy romance between a bad guy older man and an innocent young woman. In reality, it's about an abusive, controlling, murderer taking advantage of a naive, emotionally unstable, vulnerable teenager. The idea of "love" between the two characters makes absolutely zero sense, as they have nothing in common. The author spends no time at all even developing any kind of emotional relationship between the two. It's like the whole story is just haphazardly thrown together for the sheer purpose of writing raunchy sex scenes. Now, I DO love a well-written sex scene, but not at the expense of story building. As far as the narrators, the female was okay, but the man sounds like Danny Devito. His version of the female character voices is almost as cringeworthy as the plot.

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Truly cannot finish this. What a ridiculous plot. Silly female opting to stay with a murdureous man, whom she happen to have a crush on from a young age, rather than with her father who is a cop. Then these spicy scenes feels forced. The male narrator sounds like a sports commentator. I laugh everytime he speaks. It is just a comedy of errors. Read more This second book goes on with Callum and Bianca’s deeper love story and trials and tribulations. Surprises come up that could possibly end some relationships. This series only gets better by the book! The last few chapters had me hanging on to my seat! I want more! I’m sad I have to wait for the next book but I know it will be AMAZING!!!! Billionaire, Forbidden, Best Friend's Father, Age Gap, Br3eding Kink, Possessive & Controlling Hero Oh my gosh, that damn cliffhanger Josi! You’re killin’ me! I need book two like I need air in my lungs to breathe! 😓

J.L. Beck (Author of The Bet) - Goodreads Books by J.L. Beck (Author of The Bet) - Goodreads

Also, 4 words since I don’t want to spoil anything, but THE FREAKING BELT SCENE. My jaw dropped, omg. Had to DNF this book. The male narrator made me think of Optimus Prime, then i started picturing the characters as autobots ??? Read more I lapped up Book 1 because an obsessive, over the top, possessive bad boy (or very much a man in this case) is right up my street! Don't judge me...Still addictive reading although it ends on another cliffhanger, which I'm not 100% sure is necessary. I found some elements really (too much of the dad, Tatum and long drawn out musing) could have been omitted altogether and this saga could have been resolved here. I liked seeing Bianca's dad get his stuff together ( sort of) and how he didn't disowned his own daughter for being with Callum despite everything he believed to be true about him. Bianca- despite suspecting she loves him - had fled Callum's infatuation only to discover a horrifying secret that could change everything.... no spoilers. Ultimately though, we also get a decent plot that turns into quite the 'whodunnit' and keeps the story zipping along. Can Callum be redeemed? Hmmm....