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Ties of Steel #4

Sabato: The Cross

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***USA Today Bestseller, MJ Fields, brings you a hot new romance novel***

la fame....

Sabato Efisto is a cursed man. Born from sin, raised in revenge, he’s made a name for himself doling out pleasure and punishment in the lush Italian Riviera.

io brucio....

When the sins of his father come to rest on his shoulders, Sabato trades his privileged—but dangerous—life as the son of a mafia kingpin for the untested—but willing—shores of New Jersey. Acquiring a sex club called Steelettos is only the first phase in his plan to seduce and tame his new American landscape. Phase two involves finding a woman who can meet his...very singular, and definitely less-than-legal needs.

io conquisto....

Enter Melyssa Chance, a sassy southern law student who is as untested as they come. From the first glance, Melyssa knows that the sexy Italian is going to leave a mark on her reputation...and maybe a few other parts of her, while he’s at it. But what she doesn’t know is why she somehow caught his eye in return, what he really wants from her, and how far he’s willing to go to get it.

che consumo…

298 pages, ebook

First published March 30, 2015

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About the author

M.J. Fields

164 books3,908 followers
MJ Fields is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She lives in New York with her daughter Miss A, smoochie faced Newfie, Theo and the newest member to the 'fields crew, rescue diva / holy terror Eleanor.
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.

Forever Steel!

Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
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5 stars
604 (55%)
4 stars
320 (29%)
3 stars
123 (11%)
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29 (2%)
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13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,660 reviews113 followers
September 6, 2016
4 Sabato Stars

In Eroe you understand why Sabato is the way he is. And you really can’t blame him. He has been through a lot.
He is the kind of man who likes things just so, and if that doesn’t happen it irritates him, frustrates him. And boy oh boy does Melyssa turn his world upside down.

She doesn’t do as he asks, she is always challenging him. Heck she even runs away from him.
He is afraid of love, she is afraid to feel. This book is filled with passion, hate, guns and compromise. Now if the compromising had happened more along the way a lot of drama could have been prevented.

I enjoyed this unique love story, because it wasn’t smooth or cookie cutter, there were rough times and there were rougher times. But what I always love the most is when a big bad alpha male comes to see that if he just stops fighting it, love always finds its way if it’s meant to be.

Wen and Kai do an amazing job with this audio, the Italian accent and language I loved it. I always love when these two narrate but this book and Eroe, wow I can’t even. I have no words to describe the yummy goodness of their performance in these two books. Very worth the credit in my opinion.

*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
July 17, 2018
4.5 stars!!!

This story….my goodness…..wrecked me for awhile. Sabato was introduced to us in previous books on the Ties of Steel series. He seemed dark and moody in those books and oh boy, he has tormented down to a science! Sabato despises his father and everything the man stands for. He wants nothing more than to take the man down and finally be free. What he didn’t anticipate was how Melyssa fit into his plan. Where Sabato is all darkness, Melyssa is purity and light. She is intrigued by Sabato but afraid to let go and enjoy what she is feeling. As the two spend more time together, they both realize that two can be better than one. Each has an effect on the other. My heart was crying for all the pain that Sabato holds. He deserved so much better in life. I hope to see him in future books and see that he continues to heal.

“It’s an illusion. I point up to the stars. There is a glass ceiling up there waiting to fall down on us, Melyssa. All the twinkling stars will come tumbling down, causing a kind of hell only some people can understand.”

Melyssa was ok as heroine. She had lots of bravado, yet when she was dealing with Sabato at times, I felt she slipped out of character. I couldn’t understand why she would not share with him her inexperience. I did love when she was giving attitude to Sabato and reminding him he could not boss her around all the time. It was also great to see the college friends all back together. Sabato carries the story for me to the point where all other characters seem secondary.

This can be a stand alone but you will enjoy the story more if you have read the previous books. You will especially want to read Eroe, a short story, about Sabato as a young man and how his life has shaped him into what he is now. MJ has written some awesome books. Be sure to check out the Men of Steel series and Irons series for more great alpha heros!

Eroe by M.J. Fields
Profile Image for Annmarie.
1,245 reviews51 followers
April 15, 2015
I feel like it just ended and everything was wrapped up too quick. I hate that I had to read about him having sex with so many other women and that he still wanted to after he had been with Melyssa. I mean really? He tried to tell her he would be discrete about his affairs after they were married?!?!?!?? I just never got to really like him. I mean the things he did, kidnapping her at gunpoint, not even realizing he took her virginity, and the things he said when he found out. Ugh. Valentina was disgusting, how could Mel even talk to her. And he still wants to be friends with Valentina? Um NO! And she wants to be friends with Mel??? Um double FUCK NO! I know he puts himself in the line of fire for her at the end but I just couldn't get past his actions from the previous chapters. The book does have a HEA I guess, or a HFN, whatever. He finally admits he loves her but I question why she loves him. She has seen him have sex with multiple women, he kidnaps her at gunpoint, threatens her, forces a marriage on her, disrespects her by openly flirting with other women...etc. why does she take it? That's my biggest thing with her. Why the heck would you want him ?
Anyway, he makes the big gesture at the end and it's done. Mel waits for him at the hospital and it's all good. It was okay all in all but I just hate OW scenes. He should only want Mel. Anyway, that's what I got from it, try it and see what you think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheri.
14 reviews
January 3, 2016
first I loved the men of steel series. And I hate to give a horrible review, but this was far and away the worst book I have ever read. sabato is a horribly evil twisted man. he has no redeemable qualities. Melyssa? seriously? why would you even wrote a character that ignorant? this isn't a love story it is extremely emotionless flat. And please don't.even get me started on the italian she understands not one word of it and yet asks for no explanations not only that but it's never translated. ummmmm what's the point of that? when both the character and the reader have no idea what's being spoken? you write a "love" story about a woman who pretty much loves being emotionally,sexually and physically abused( remember he held a gun to her through the first part of the book) and the character loves it? I seriously can not say enough bad things about the characters the plot . extremely disappointed. like want my money and the time I spent reading it back. And don't get me started about the whole virgin. thing poorly written. And when. he finally does find out, eh no big Beal still would have happened the same way? but he is a broken soul and a gentleman? no try soulless and arrogant. sorry for the rant but save your money.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
March 31, 2015
First off let me say there is no love triangle and even though one quote insinuates there is there's not it's just Melyssa having balls telling another woman off. I think she is going to be perfect for Sabato, "then we go somewhere that doesn’t smell like—” She walks to a booth and sits. I follow her. “Are you disobeying me?" He can be harsh and blunt and hurtful at times but I think he's scared to feel something, "you want me to be monogamous? Fine, then you’re going to have to stop being a little effing tease. In case you haven’t noticed, I like to eff, Melyssa. A lot." Melyssa I liked she had balls, "just so you know, he won’t be banging you in the bathroom again. While he and I are married, I’ll be the only one bent over the counter." Sabato acts like a caveman sometimes alright all the time, "I go to grab a shirt and suddenly he is standing in front of me, naked and erect. “Yours.” He nudges me with his c***." I enjoyed this book I liked seeing Sabato slowly change
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
805 reviews15 followers
February 27, 2020
Believing that by being unattainable you are better off...
Eroe's heart breaking story continues years later... the seven year old boy grows up into a cold, heartless man who has put his heart on ice and focuses only on revenge and destruction of the people who took everything he ever loved away from him. life though always has a way of changing things around. Melyssa comes into his life out of nowhere and everything changes... and Sabato is unable to understand why. A heart breaking romance about forgiving yourself for matters that were beyond your control. 5 Destructively Beautiful Stars for "Sabato"... where even the toughest fall.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews483 followers
May 6, 2015
This is a sexy, dirty talking, Italian Alpha Man and he had me squirming and clenching my legs throughout the entire book!

Sabato has been patiently waiting to set his plan in motion; to seek revenge on his father and those that have been helping him and to claim what is his, but he knows he can’t do it alone. As he gets help from the Steel Men and Dominic to take down his ruthless father, Sabato runs into a Southern Belle who has him rethinking his life…

Whoa! The chemistry between Melyssa and Sabato is freaking hot so make sure you have ice cold water and a fan to cool yourself and your Kindle/tablet! While reading their story, I could feel the hatred Sabato had for those that had taken from him, as well as why he felt unlovable. And yet, I could also see the inner battle he had with himself over the feelings he had for Melyssa.

I loved seeing the feistiness as well as the love Melyssa was developing for Sabato. Deep down, she knows he is capable of loving despite everything he's been through, and she makes it her mission to show him.

I must say, MJ Fields, you caught me off guard towards the end; there were some secrets coming out that I definitely did not see coming, so bravo for throwing those curve balls! A beautiful love story about second chances at life, love and forgiveness! ~ Kara, 5 stars
Profile Image for Danny Jeffery.
1,426 reviews20 followers
April 7, 2015
While this is part of the Ties Of Steel series, Sabato can be read as a S/A. Please note, however, that MJ released a short novella prior to this, Eroe, and while you don't necessarily need to have read that, I really would recommend reading Eroe first, as this is a prequel novella and provides Sabato's back story.

The storyline had me gripped from the start and it really is a wicked page turner. Sabato and Melyssa are really well developed characters and Sabato in particular really manages to pull at the heartstrings, knowing all he's been through. And let's not forget that the sex scenes in this book are smoking!

MJ delivered another scorcher of a book and I would be more than happy to recommend this book/series.
Profile Image for Charity.
1,393 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2015
This book just didn't work for me. Super confusing, and yes, I have read the other books in the series. Sabato wasn't a sexy alpha Italian, he was simply an asshole. Melyssa (annoying name spelling), is TSTL. This book is a train wreck of confusion, lack of character connection, and grammatical errors. Reminds me of this author's other Steele series, which I couldn't get into for some of the same reasons. I have no clue why the ratings are so high.
Profile Image for Debra.
136 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2015
Loved it

Again ms fields you did it !! Absolutely loved the characters, sabato such a troubled soul but could see how he definitely wanted love. Totally loved Mel's crazy side, wonder if valentina and Franco have a storyline some day ? I think I know who the kids are
Profile Image for Patty.
4,696 reviews45 followers
September 18, 2017
MJ Fields just keeps writing excellent stories with the Steels and their family. Each one different from the last and keeping me intrigued. Meeting Sabato in Eroes gave the background needed to know why he handles things as he does in his own story. Now we see the matured man come to terms with his past, find the family he always longed for and the woman of his dreams. Melissa is captivated by Sabato's looks from the start but soon sees the man underneath all the hurt. She is able to help him through his tough times and deal with her own past. MJ Fields always give us the alpha male, loving Sabato's style, but pairs them with a strong woman. Mel is incredibly intuitive, hard headed and loving all rolled into one. Though she is frustrating at times, she is able to get under that armor Sabato has up and warm his heart.

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are amazing with their performance of this book. They both add their Italian accents, giving Sabato and Valenitina credibility. Love their chemistry together, it comes through the story and draws you completely in.
2,283 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2018
I really felt for Sabato in Eroe and wanted him to finally have his HEA. After reading this book he is a selfish asshole. He comes across as a hate filled vengeful ass. He is out for revenge on his father. Nothing is going to get in his way.
Melynne hasn't given it up yet to any of the guys she has dated. When she first see Sabato she is enthralled with him. Enough so that she spys on him having sex with multiple partners. She doesn't totally understand the feeling that she is having but knows that Sabato is the only one who can make her feel this way and do something about it.
Sadly Mel is a pathetic heroin. The way that Sabato takes her virginity was barbaric and then she doesn't even have the guts to tell him she was a virgin. He repeatedly treats her like crap and she keeps runs back for more.
They aren't officially a couple but he is with multiple people even though he is pursuing her. In the end he does come to care for her but by then it's to late. He isn't redeemable and very unlikeable. I hate doormat's and that is what Mel was through this whole book.
Profile Image for CeeJay Daisy.
683 reviews20 followers
June 5, 2020
♥️🌼I Was Right...I Love Sabato🌼♥️
Sabato Efisto is a straight up badass...He lost his mother and his first love and was raised by a cold, abusive, mob-boss, father...and it made him who he is today....Sabato owns a serious sex club, and he’s an experienced Dom with mob connections, strict rules and few warm feelings...until he sees Melyssa...♥️🌼
If you’ve read the other books in this Ties of Steel series, Melyssa Chance is Nikki’s and Laney’s friend Mel...and she’s not at all who Sabato (or I) thought she was...Mel is a sweet, funny law student...She’s more innocent and vulnerable than she appears in previous books...It even seems like she has always felt like she’s different and she’s accepting those differences....One being she’s still a virgin.....and Sabato’s lifestyle excites her....I loved Sabato and Mel...and I have really loved this whole series...♥️🌼
Profile Image for Carrie Monts.
65 reviews
September 18, 2024
I went into all the Ties of Steel books knowing that they weren't going to be my favorites because I do not enjoy these types of books (some BDSM, Billionaire, morally gray, sex clubs, and Mafia). I refuse to give it lower than 3 stars because I know it's just not for me but it's a well-written book. I DNFed at 70% but I think it's just not my jam, I may go back and finish it just to be sure I haven't missed anything important for the series.
Profile Image for Diana Mcadams.
94 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2020
This one was hard for me, I disliked Sabato almost the entire book. He was a total a**hole most of the book. I am glad I finished it though as I love this series and wouldn't be complete if I didn't read it.
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
4,182 reviews22 followers
July 30, 2020
A wild and thrilling ride to go on with Sabato and Melyssa. They have an instant connection that takes them on a intense journey. They have a beautiful intensity with lots of back and forth but their destination is one that should not be missed. I enjoyed every single moment of this book.
Profile Image for Madame Smarty.
549 reviews
September 17, 2022
👎🏼 Uninteresting, bloody weird, very disjointed, very poorly written.

Each POV jumps all around the place, I was so damn confused. Melyssa’s inner dialogue was just weird and dumb and awkward AF.

Didn’t finish, won’t read again and definitely do not recommend.
168 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2018
Wow

Omg!!! What can I say? This series leaves you wanting more. The ups and the downs.... Just get the series and find out.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews74 followers
Want to read
February 13, 2020
🎁 The complete Ties of Steel series (Ties of Steel #1-4) is FREE on Amazon today (2/13/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Nicola.
576 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Can’t wait to read more by MJ Fields.
4,262 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2020
Okay read

Not the best in the series and I really struggled to like sabato as I love all the steel guys. Dark and challenging.
Profile Image for Pamela.
89 reviews
August 4, 2021
Loved it!

This book was hot and so steamy it had my glasses foggy. Definitely a page turner. Long time since I had a book like this. Must read!
Profile Image for Rachael.
565 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2021
Eroe gave us a glimpse of why Sabato is the way he is.

Still waiting for the author to write a lead female with backbone though, this is yet another crying, emotional character.
Profile Image for Kerry Fletcher.
583 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2015
Good God Ties of Steel get's better and better!!

I only finished Eroe which is Sabato's back story yesterday and loved it. I felt really sorry for him and was eager to find out what came next.

In this book it's about how he meets Mel and how he finally defeats his past.

Now i've gotta be honest in Eroe i kinda fell for the italian hottie but in this one... for about 3/4 of the book i kinda wanted Mel to punch him in the face and walk away!! lol He was a douche for a lot of this story but there are tiny glimpses of what you know he is truly and what you saw in Eroe, not the massive front he's put up for 10 years. In the end though i loved him again and to be honest it's kinda hard to stay mad at him. Mel is a big bundle of contradictions she's strong but unsure, she's sexy but kinda goofy, she's funny but tries to be serious. I actually loved her because she's like lots of women who hide what they are because society says that they should.

The plot of this book kept me captivated from the start, it's pretty non stop actually. There's lots of action involving his father and there's lots of hot hot hotness between him and Mel. I don't want to give away the plot but there's quite a few twists and turns in this one and also a big fat "ooooooohhhh s**t really?" towards the end. Didn't see that one coming at all to be honest!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone! I have loved all the Men of Steel and Ties of Steel books and personally i think they're getting better and better with each book for the storylines.

Amazing Book and looking forward to the next installment which you get a little teaser of at the end.

Profile Image for Desirae (Dee).
1,073 reviews59 followers
March 24, 2016
Whew. That was full of just wow. Okay, I have one gripe, one thing I have to get off my chest. It was the one thing that really held me back from connecting with this book. The italian. I love it, it was hot when he was speaking it. But I felt like I spent too much time highlighting and translating it. I felt like I spent more time researching what was being said, than I did enjoying the beauty of the language.

With that being said, this means I totally related to the character. it appears that I wasn't the only one frustrated with not knowing what was being said! I also related to Melyssa when she was ready to throw down in the parking lot. I actually found myself giggling at the absurdity of it. And the fact that Sabato was instigating made it even better.

I love that this wasn't our typical BDSM or bondage story. I also love that it wasn't our typical love story either. I love that Sabato was so dead set on being his own person and doing his own thing. Though, I would love to know what his dad did to the women that made them change so much. Totally dangled that one in front of me, and now i'm dying to know.

I do have to say I thoroughly enjoyed when Melyssa got a backbone and stood up to Sabato, or even V. I think any time you have a strong alpha male, you have to deliver a strong woman to pair with him. There were times when Melyssa wavered on that, but by the end she could stand side by side with Sabato.

MJ has written a book that has twists and turns you don't expect, and surprises you don't see coming. A relationship you didn't think would last 2 minutes, you find yourself hoping it kind of works out.
Profile Image for Nicole Huffman ~ Author Groupies.
290 reviews53 followers
April 4, 2015
4.75 Stars

Sabato is by far my favorite Ties of Steel book, and dare I say even better than the Men of Steel books. There was just something about the story that pulled me in and didn't let me go. I'm still thinking about the book after finishing and wishing I hadn't read so fast. But I literally could not put it down, their story captivated me and had me in an I must keep reading trance.

From the sneak we got in Abe's book, I was expecting something totally different (a love triangle) but that was not the case. I loved Sabato and Melyssa's story, it was anything but ordinary and was not your typical romance. I loved the passion between the two and their love/hate relationship. They are very different people who came from extremely different upbringings, but both need to learn to let go of the pasts so they can have a promising future. The chemistry between the two is explosive and the sex is HOT with a side of kink. I loved that Mel had a dirty side and she finally gives into it.

This is part of the Ties of Steel series but can easily be read as a standalone. Some of the previously characters are present in the book but it is mostly focused on Sabato and Mel's relationship and the circumstances surrounding it. This book was so well written and different. It is one of my favorite reads of 2015. My only issue is that I want more of their story. I also can't wait for Valentina's book, I have a feeling she is going to be full of surprises.

Profile Image for Amy Davies.
Author 61 books501 followers
April 2, 2015
Wow!!! I have never wanted to slap a lead male character as much as I wanted to slap Sabato lol, but that was a part of his sexy alpha charm so I let him off. I have loved every book that MJ has written but this book made my stomach knot to many times. The the sexual chemistry between Sabato and Melyssa is on an all time high. I love that even though Sabato is an hard ar$e, Mel still stands up to him some what. The sex scenes between them actually got me blushing and that is saying something ;) The back and forth between them made the book, because their relationship wasn't straight and all lovey dovey from the get go. You got to feel the hurt, the pain and the hate that builds between them that rides along with the sexual heat. The slow build of feelings from Sabato is amazing, he fights his heart and head tooth and nail but Mel worms her way in and his walls come down even though he denies any feelings towards her for a long time. The fact the Melyssa know what she wanted and was a willing to struggle through the feelings of hurt and desire made her one tough cookie in my book. Again you got to her own pain from Sabato but also from an incident from years ago. All round this book is epic and out of this world, every needs to meet Sabato head on and enjoy his sexual desire that is spread throughout this whole book.

Epic job girly. Freaking floved it!!! <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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