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Mafia Wars #4
Wilted Orchid
I was sold to my enemies…
The rivalry between the Italians of the Outfit and the Cosa Nostra has been ongoing for decades. So imagine my terror when I find myself, the daughter of the Cosa Nostra's boss, at the bitter end of a raw deal with the heirs of the Outfit.
Now I’m a casualty of a so-called ‘peace treaty,’ forced into the calloused, blood-stained hands of the Moretti brothers.
Salvatore, Armani, and Fausto.
The handsome faces of the Outfit bosses don’t hide the monsters that lurk beneath. They claim I’m theirs, that my life was forfeited to them in a pact sealed with my dead father’s blood. But they’re not the only ones who want to own me.
When someone from my past lurks in the dark corners of my new existence, things turn from bad to worse. My cries for help are lost, buried among the chaos of the Moretti's dark world.
My life was never mine. And now, if I don’t figure a way out of this, I’ll become the next victim of the Mafia Wars.
**Wilted Orchid is a full-length, dark mafia, rh romance. This novel is part of the Mafia Wars series, where each book can be read as a standalone. This book is intended for adult audiences and includes scenes that might be difficult to read for some**
The rivalry between the Italians of the Outfit and the Cosa Nostra has been ongoing for decades. So imagine my terror when I find myself, the daughter of the Cosa Nostra's boss, at the bitter end of a raw deal with the heirs of the Outfit.
Now I’m a casualty of a so-called ‘peace treaty,’ forced into the calloused, blood-stained hands of the Moretti brothers.
Salvatore, Armani, and Fausto.
The handsome faces of the Outfit bosses don’t hide the monsters that lurk beneath. They claim I’m theirs, that my life was forfeited to them in a pact sealed with my dead father’s blood. But they’re not the only ones who want to own me.
When someone from my past lurks in the dark corners of my new existence, things turn from bad to worse. My cries for help are lost, buried among the chaos of the Moretti's dark world.
My life was never mine. And now, if I don’t figure a way out of this, I’ll become the next victim of the Mafia Wars.
**Wilted Orchid is a full-length, dark mafia, rh romance. This novel is part of the Mafia Wars series, where each book can be read as a standalone. This book is intended for adult audiences and includes scenes that might be difficult to read for some**
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
February 19, 2022
After reading Lily’s story in book 2 and the small crossover at the funeral, I was excited to see her brothers with Val. I think the plot was good, however, it all fell a tad flat for me. The characters lacked depth and it didn’t really feel like their relationships were building.
There were a couple of inconsistencies throughout the book too. Like, Fausto talks about him seeking out pain by fighting in NY slums under the fake name Dominic. But when it comes to the underground fighting scene he’s in Chicago using the name Tony? It utterly confused me.
Val is young and immature. She’s barely 18 and been heavily sheltered. Sal was a douche bag, and as much as I liked the build up, I’m sad we didn’t get to see them as a group dynamic until the last chapter or two.
Overall, it was a good continuation of the plot continuing throughout the series. I was definitely left with a lot of questions; will Val finish high school? Did she get her mothers orchid? Why did her brothers keep her at arms length at all times?
There were a couple of inconsistencies throughout the book too. Like, Fausto talks about him seeking out pain by fighting in NY slums under the fake name Dominic. But when it comes to the underground fighting scene he’s in Chicago using the name Tony? It utterly confused me.
Val is young and immature. She’s barely 18 and been heavily sheltered. Sal was a douche bag, and as much as I liked the build up, I’m sad we didn’t get to see them as a group dynamic until the last chapter or two.
Overall, it was a good continuation of the plot continuing throughout the series. I was definitely left with a lot of questions; will Val finish high school? Did she get her mothers orchid? Why did her brothers keep her at arms length at all times?
January 27, 2023
This story makes me sick
When the male leads aren't purposely trying to terrify and gaslight her, which happens about as often as the crumbs of kindness they show her, they overall treat her like garbage. The author needs to get it together and realize that readers aren't going to be softened by pretty words when almost all of the ACTIONS contradict the few sympathetic statements they very occasionally make to her, especially since their actions are are so incredibly repulsive. The way these thirty year-old men are treating a teenage girl, they're filth.
Case in point: from what they do during the handcuffing scene in the conference room, as far as I'm concerned, they're unredeemable, ALL OF THEM -- cuffing her to a chair to scream at, grope, humiliate, and interrogate her all while sexually assaulting a 5 ft tall 100 lb female -- disgusting. Yeah you read that right, disgusting, and NOT in the least sexy. But the story sinks even lower. . . in the middle of her sexual assault, while she's screaming in agony, her brother calls, and instead of yelling out to tell him what they're doing to her, SHE MAKES SMALL TALK, finds out her father has died, and faints. Seriously? What an utterly ridiculous scenario.
No sooner does that scene turn my stomach, then immediately after, the author drops in a cringe-inducing sex scene. I mean honestly, Valentina being carried into a different room, gulping a couple of glasses of wine, chastising the twins for letting their brother sexually assault and abuse her, and I'm supposed to buy she's turned on at that point and wants to have sex with one of the twins like they aren't complicit in her abuse as well? I'm sick, really sick.
Quite frankly at that point of the storyline I was wishing all of the "romantic" male characters would die screaming and in agony. Some realistic responses to the events that occured to the teenage girl would make the story less eye rolling and cringe-worthy. But then it would help if the female lead wasn't as stupid as a box of rocks too, just saying.
When the male leads aren't purposely trying to terrify and gaslight her, which happens about as often as the crumbs of kindness they show her, they overall treat her like garbage. The author needs to get it together and realize that readers aren't going to be softened by pretty words when almost all of the ACTIONS contradict the few sympathetic statements they very occasionally make to her, especially since their actions are are so incredibly repulsive. The way these thirty year-old men are treating a teenage girl, they're filth.
Case in point: from what they do during the handcuffing scene in the conference room, as far as I'm concerned, they're unredeemable, ALL OF THEM -- cuffing her to a chair to scream at, grope, humiliate, and interrogate her all while sexually assaulting a 5 ft tall 100 lb female -- disgusting. Yeah you read that right, disgusting, and NOT in the least sexy. But the story sinks even lower. . . in the middle of her sexual assault, while she's screaming in agony, her brother calls, and instead of yelling out to tell him what they're doing to her, SHE MAKES SMALL TALK, finds out her father has died, and faints. Seriously? What an utterly ridiculous scenario.
No sooner does that scene turn my stomach, then immediately after, the author drops in a cringe-inducing sex scene. I mean honestly, Valentina being carried into a different room, gulping a couple of glasses of wine, chastising the twins for letting their brother sexually assault and abuse her, and I'm supposed to buy she's turned on at that point and wants to have sex with one of the twins like they aren't complicit in her abuse as well? I'm sick, really sick.
Quite frankly at that point of the storyline I was wishing all of the "romantic" male characters would die screaming and in agony. Some realistic responses to the events that occured to the teenage girl would make the story less eye rolling and cringe-worthy. But then it would help if the female lead wasn't as stupid as a box of rocks too, just saying.
March 4, 2022
I am still waiting for an author in this series to write a better book than these 4.
2 more books left, dont disappoint me 😩
2 more books left, dont disappoint me 😩
May 3, 2022
Wow. This book was so underwhelming. I love this series, because not one book in it is written by the same author.
But this one, especially coming from the previous book Forget me not bombshell — from the beautiful minds of Caroline Peckham & Susan Valenti before I read this — was a major major let down. Like this author wasn’t even in the same ball park as the other authors I’ve read on this series.
I get insta love. When it’s done right - it’s beautiful. But I’m sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out when the moment came where they started falling for each other? All of sudden it was filled with “I love yous” and I’m over here screaming WHAT WAS THE REASON
And man don’t get me started on all the pointless details this author included in her writing. But somehow missed all the details SHE SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED.
There was no redemption to the main characters. Tbh I’m probably going to forget everything about them in the next two books I’m going to read. There was no redeeming qualities, even the main heroine was childish and felt like there was nothing special about any of them.
Disappointed because I was really looking forward to Gabriel’s baby sisters story. Major let down.
2 stars ✨
But this one, especially coming from the previous book Forget me not bombshell — from the beautiful minds of Caroline Peckham & Susan Valenti before I read this — was a major major let down. Like this author wasn’t even in the same ball park as the other authors I’ve read on this series.
I get insta love. When it’s done right - it’s beautiful. But I’m sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out when the moment came where they started falling for each other? All of sudden it was filled with “I love yous” and I’m over here screaming WHAT WAS THE REASON
And man don’t get me started on all the pointless details this author included in her writing. But somehow missed all the details SHE SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED.
There was no redemption to the main characters. Tbh I’m probably going to forget everything about them in the next two books I’m going to read. There was no redeeming qualities, even the main heroine was childish and felt like there was nothing special about any of them.
Disappointed because I was really looking forward to Gabriel’s baby sisters story. Major let down.
2 stars ✨
July 13, 2023
I would have let the lack of character development in a reverse harem novella part go had i not read the other books in the series most of which had brilliant chemistry between all the MCs! The 🌶️ was great but i was left with a dissapointed feeling (especially with how the angsty dynamic was handled) when i finished the book
March 7, 2022
Pain….
I DNF’d this book at 87%. I tried so hard to stick with it but on the 3rd try I gave up.
Mafia romance is one of my fave genres but by god did Loxley Savage murder it.
I hate giving less than three stars and it’s very rare I do, but this book had me cringing at word choice, too much detail where it wasn’t needed, not enough where it was.
To be married (in the future) to the oldest brother while screwing his younger twin brothers (and at the same time) and just after seeing the guy who’s stalking you on the property…Ummm no.
Perhaps if a developmental editor or beta readers had gone over this a lot of the over the top descriptives would have been tamed down.
I’m sorry, I really am, but this was torture and if the mafia was still as active I’d suggest handing it out as a form of punishment.
This is a review of the book and doesn’t reflect on the author. Her other work is probably stellar, unfortunately this one fell through the cracks.
I DNF’d this book at 87%. I tried so hard to stick with it but on the 3rd try I gave up.
Mafia romance is one of my fave genres but by god did Loxley Savage murder it.
I hate giving less than three stars and it’s very rare I do, but this book had me cringing at word choice, too much detail where it wasn’t needed, not enough where it was.
To be married (in the future) to the oldest brother while screwing his younger twin brothers (and at the same time) and just after seeing the guy who’s stalking you on the property…Ummm no.
Perhaps if a developmental editor or beta readers had gone over this a lot of the over the top descriptives would have been tamed down.
I’m sorry, I really am, but this was torture and if the mafia was still as active I’d suggest handing it out as a form of punishment.
This is a review of the book and doesn’t reflect on the author. Her other work is probably stellar, unfortunately this one fell through the cracks.
Read
August 24, 2022KU READ.
I'm not rating this book because out of the four books I've read so far in this series, unfortunately, this is my least favorite. I loved how she built up Val and her character. She was really out there and occasionally funny. Sadly, I was at 30% and the heroine had no clue what was about to happen to her and she hadn't even met the heroes yet. For a RH, I feel like that's really late. And once she met the heroes, she didn't get married like in the other books, she just spent time being toyed with by the hero's side men. If there was one consistent thing in this series, it's the main hero's (meaning the man who is supposed to marry the heroine) is always reluctant to marry and hates the heroine and abuses her horribly.
This book, consistent with some of the other instalments, also had little to no pace or structure. Events were all over the place. Character development was strange. I get that this author probably wanted to change up the typical chronology of the series' books so far, but it was annoying and inconsistent.
I have read
Blade of Iris (months ago, I don't remember much)
Ruining Dahlia (had its issues but so far the best)
Blinding Rose (a mess)
Wilted Orchid (an even bigger mess)
I've got two books left and I have hopes that they MIGHT be better. So far, this series is a little disappointing. And I really wanted to love it.
I'm not rating this book because out of the four books I've read so far in this series, unfortunately, this is my least favorite. I loved how she built up Val and her character. She was really out there and occasionally funny. Sadly, I was at 30% and the heroine had no clue what was about to happen to her and she hadn't even met the heroes yet. For a RH, I feel like that's really late. And once she met the heroes, she didn't get married like in the other books, she just spent time being toyed with by the hero's side men. If there was one consistent thing in this series, it's the main hero's (meaning the man who is supposed to marry the heroine) is always reluctant to marry and hates the heroine and abuses her horribly.
This book, consistent with some of the other instalments, also had little to no pace or structure. Events were all over the place. Character development was strange. I get that this author probably wanted to change up the typical chronology of the series' books so far, but it was annoying and inconsistent.
I have read
Blade of Iris (months ago, I don't remember much)
Ruining Dahlia (had its issues but so far the best)
Blinding Rose (a mess)
Wilted Orchid (an even bigger mess)
I've got two books left and I have hopes that they MIGHT be better. So far, this series is a little disappointing. And I really wanted to love it.
February 21, 2022
So this one is different from the first 3 in this series. We do not open with a marriage or even get the wedding anywhere near the beginning of the book. We are first introduced to each character individually in their current lives (pre- wedding). I can see the thought process on trying to make this book unique to the other ones which seemed like similar plot lines, but this one fell short. This one was set up to be a series. There were multiple plot lines and a bit of a twist at the end. What this lacked was character and relationship development. For that reason alone - this is a 3 star book for me since I am here for the romance and stay for the plot.
My issues:
- Val doesn't even meet the guys until 32-34% of the way through the book. When I looked down and saw how far into the book I was when they meet, I was instantly disappointed and knew this book would end up having lack of character/relationship development/growth. There is just not enough time for 1 man, let alone 3 men! We need time to get to know each character: their back story, their personality, why they are the way they are, etc. Although we get some of these items, it just wasn't enough.
- This series having only reverse harems is getting ANNOYING. I am the biggest fan of reverse harems and almost only read them. I know we aren't going for realistic here, but what are the chances that every single mafia boss is willing to share with brothers/family members. Reverse harems are difficult to write to begin with, but then these authors are restricted to 1 book which is rarely enough time to really dive into each character (see my note above).
- Sal: I wanted so much more from/of him. He was the one that we were given the tortured past and reasons for why is was acting the way he was but we don't get ANY time to believe that they would actually fall in love with each other. It was insta-love and a complete let down. There was ONE scene where we see him attempt to redeem himself and we are supposed to believe they fell in love after this? Also Sal went through at least 2-3 major personality switches for seemingly no reason. At the end - he ends up just being a completely different person.
- Her virginity: I was expecting more angst surrounding which brother got to take it. It was completely anti-climactic. And not what I wanted to happen.
-Sex scenes: not enough - author ran out of time because they DIDN'T EVEN MEET until 34%!!!! Fausto was the only one who got a 1:1 full scene which is bullshit.
- The proposal: hella cheesy
What I liked:
- Armani and Fausto were great, mostly. I liked how protective they were almost from the beginning.
I am just so disappointed. I wouldn't say the story/writing is bad. I enjoyed the general plot line and respected the hell out of it being different from the others so far, but in general - I was hoping for better from this Mafia Wars series. I think some content editors would have really helped this book. I am probably being a little more critical than I should be having just finished the book and not letting it sit with me overnight first, but I just had to get these thoughts down. I am not turned off from trying something from this author in the future. I am hoping the last 2 books will help make me feel better about this series.
My issues:
- Val doesn't even meet the guys until 32-34% of the way through the book. When I looked down and saw how far into the book I was when they meet, I was instantly disappointed and knew this book would end up having lack of character/relationship development/growth. There is just not enough time for 1 man, let alone 3 men! We need time to get to know each character: their back story, their personality, why they are the way they are, etc. Although we get some of these items, it just wasn't enough.
- This series having only reverse harems is getting ANNOYING. I am the biggest fan of reverse harems and almost only read them. I know we aren't going for realistic here, but what are the chances that every single mafia boss is willing to share with brothers/family members. Reverse harems are difficult to write to begin with, but then these authors are restricted to 1 book which is rarely enough time to really dive into each character (see my note above).
- Sal: I wanted so much more from/of him. He was the one that we were given the tortured past and reasons for why is was acting the way he was but we don't get ANY time to believe that they would actually fall in love with each other. It was insta-love and a complete let down. There was ONE scene where we see him attempt to redeem himself and we are supposed to believe they fell in love after this? Also Sal went through at least 2-3 major personality switches for seemingly no reason. At the end - he ends up just being a completely different person.
- Her virginity: I was expecting more angst surrounding which brother got to take it. It was completely anti-climactic. And not what I wanted to happen.
-Sex scenes: not enough - author ran out of time because they DIDN'T EVEN MEET until 34%!!!! Fausto was the only one who got a 1:1 full scene which is bullshit.
- The proposal: hella cheesy
What I liked:
- Armani and Fausto were great, mostly. I liked how protective they were almost from the beginning.
I am just so disappointed. I wouldn't say the story/writing is bad. I enjoyed the general plot line and respected the hell out of it being different from the others so far, but in general - I was hoping for better from this Mafia Wars series. I think some content editors would have really helped this book. I am probably being a little more critical than I should be having just finished the book and not letting it sit with me overnight first, but I just had to get these thoughts down. I am not turned off from trying something from this author in the future. I am hoping the last 2 books will help make me feel better about this series.
May 7, 2022
I have no words to describe how disappointing this book was, but I'll try.
I've read the whole six-book-long series and I can honestly say this is the worst (from my POV of course). It's not till halfway through the book that things start to get interesting. The plot doesn't seem credible, and I know that in a mafia themed book things are bound to get quite unbelievable, but still. It seemed like it was all just a pretense for the smut, which was okay I guess, but I could have lived without half the book before the smut finally started that could have been sumarised in just a couple of chapters, not the the more that 15 the author put me through before it.
But what annoyed me the most were 2 characters who I hated above all (besides the ovbiously despicable ones). One was Sal, one of the 3 male leads. I know that in a dark themed book like these ones male characters are no sunshine, but the fact that he was on the verge of physically abusing her, raping her really, her being knocked out under the effects of drugs she was no aware of that he had prevoiusly put on her food, is just too freaking much, between other things. The other character I didn't like was the MC, even more than Sal. She acted so stupidly some times, falling for characters that treated her like shit to be bossed around, forgiving characters that didn't deserve it. And one thing that pissed me off is how she wishes the best for her dad. She has no excuse to ignore her father's pure evil, because the signs were all there for her to pick up but she willingly chose to remain oblivious.
Also, I didn't really like the author's writing style, through this is totally personal. It was too cliche describing characters' physical appareances, flowery in her way of describing how characters felt and their emotions and sometimes even getting a little too much corny in my opinion
I've read the whole six-book-long series and I can honestly say this is the worst (from my POV of course). It's not till halfway through the book that things start to get interesting. The plot doesn't seem credible, and I know that in a mafia themed book things are bound to get quite unbelievable, but still. It seemed like it was all just a pretense for the smut, which was okay I guess, but I could have lived without half the book before the smut finally started that could have been sumarised in just a couple of chapters, not the the more that 15 the author put me through before it.
But what annoyed me the most were 2 characters who I hated above all (besides the ovbiously despicable ones). One was Sal, one of the 3 male leads. I know that in a dark themed book like these ones male characters are no sunshine, but the fact that he was on the verge of physically abusing her, raping her really, her being knocked out under the effects of drugs she was no aware of that he had prevoiusly put on her food, is just too freaking much, between other things. The other character I didn't like was the MC, even more than Sal. She acted so stupidly some times, falling for characters that treated her like shit to be bossed around, forgiving characters that didn't deserve it. And one thing that pissed me off is how she wishes the best for her dad. She has no excuse to ignore her father's pure evil, because the signs were all there for her to pick up but she willingly chose to remain oblivious.
Also, I didn't really like the author's writing style, through this is totally personal. It was too cliche describing characters' physical appareances, flowery in her way of describing how characters felt and their emotions and sometimes even getting a little too much corny in my opinion
February 5, 2024
oof this has so much potential. the MMC is mean as hell to her so i was READY for a good grovel but it never came. he barely apologized & it was super rushed. she should’ve taken the time to show his groveling more. also there is a super icky line. super icky….. like i almost DNFd.
one of the brothers put a plug in her back door & asks how it feels & her response is “ummm. like i had a big poo in my @ss.” i’m not kidding. that’s horrible. DNF worthy.
the spice between the brothers was good but honestly there wasn’t much spice. this had hella potential
2 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
one of the brothers put a plug in her back door & asks how it feels & her response is “ummm. like i had a big poo in my @ss.” i’m not kidding. that’s horrible. DNF worthy.
the spice between the brothers was good but honestly there wasn’t much spice. this had hella potential
2 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
I’m still waiting for one of these to be good 😭
But it is still bingeable trash so I will continue!
But it is still bingeable trash so I will continue!
February 16, 2022
Valentina Rossi is the youngest of the promised daughters. Abducted-napped on her 18th birthday, Valentina is taken to The Outfit and delivered to a man who hates her simply for the blood running through her veins. Her dreams of freedom and college are dashed when she learns of her impending marriage. Definitely, not the birthday she was expecting.
Again, another wonderful story in this shared mafia RH world. I loved Valentina. Her youth and ignorance of mafia intrigue made her an interesting character. She was so naive and innocent. My heart went out to her. Her life was so isolated and sheltered. So lonely. Then when she's forcefully placed into another organization, she is unfairly labeled the enemy. Poor little girl was no one's enemy. It took me a while to warm up to the guys. I wasn't sure if the twins Armani and Fausto were interested in anything beyond sex and Salvatore's soul was so darkened, I wasn't sure if he could ever get past his hate. He proved to be a man of no honor for the better part of the book. Valentina deserved more. By the end there was redemption but I didn't think the relationships were as strong as the earlier books. There was no wooing, no grand gestures (or small ones) for favor or forgiveness. Make her feel special before the proposal. Build the relationships. I also felt there were a few unaddressed issues. Would Valentina be allowed to continue her schooling in college? Even graduate HS? Why did her brothers feel they needed to keep such distance, especially after their father died? And why was she never taken to her house to collect her personal belongings? They took her clothes but no personal effects, no pictures or treasured mementos...her mother's orchid.
Again, another wonderful story in this shared mafia RH world. I loved Valentina. Her youth and ignorance of mafia intrigue made her an interesting character. She was so naive and innocent. My heart went out to her. Her life was so isolated and sheltered. So lonely. Then when she's forcefully placed into another organization, she is unfairly labeled the enemy. Poor little girl was no one's enemy. It took me a while to warm up to the guys. I wasn't sure if the twins Armani and Fausto were interested in anything beyond sex and Salvatore's soul was so darkened, I wasn't sure if he could ever get past his hate. He proved to be a man of no honor for the better part of the book. Valentina deserved more. By the end there was redemption but I didn't think the relationships were as strong as the earlier books. There was no wooing, no grand gestures (or small ones) for favor or forgiveness. Make her feel special before the proposal. Build the relationships. I also felt there were a few unaddressed issues. Would Valentina be allowed to continue her schooling in college? Even graduate HS? Why did her brothers feel they needed to keep such distance, especially after their father died? And why was she never taken to her house to collect her personal belongings? They took her clothes but no personal effects, no pictures or treasured mementos...her mother's orchid.
February 15, 2022
This series!!! They're all so good! This is my first Loxley Savage book, but I'll definitely be digging through her backlist as I loved the writing style, plus I've heard good things about a lot of her books.
Wilted Orchid is a bit different than the other books, as she is the youngest, but that doesn't mean she isn't as fiesty! I love Val! She may be a bit sheltered, but she isn't afraid to speak her mind. When this one gets spicy, it gets spicy! Sal, Fausto and Armani are 🥵🥵🥵
I loved that this one was set up differently and that she had no idea what was happening because of her father and brother keeping her away. I was shocked with some of the twists that were put in this book and at one point in time I was ready to strangle a certain someone.
If you have picked up these books, do it! They don't have to be read in any particular order since they're all stanalones (although I do recommend Ruining Dahlia before this one since there is something that happens in both time lines). I am going to be so sad when this shared world is over, these books are amazing!
Wilted Orchid is a bit different than the other books, as she is the youngest, but that doesn't mean she isn't as fiesty! I love Val! She may be a bit sheltered, but she isn't afraid to speak her mind. When this one gets spicy, it gets spicy! Sal, Fausto and Armani are 🥵🥵🥵
I loved that this one was set up differently and that she had no idea what was happening because of her father and brother keeping her away. I was shocked with some of the twists that were put in this book and at one point in time I was ready to strangle a certain someone.
If you have picked up these books, do it! They don't have to be read in any particular order since they're all stanalones (although I do recommend Ruining Dahlia before this one since there is something that happens in both time lines). I am going to be so sad when this shared world is over, these books are amazing!
March 10, 2022
The worst one in the series.
I can't believe I looked forward to reading about Valentina and her men, especially after reading Ruining Dahlia. The whole story was just bad and the writing? I kept skimming because that's how much I hated it.
I appreciate how there is a better connection between the books unlike the previous ones. For example, one of my annoyances got solved with regards to Lily from Gunmetal Lily. I was under the impression that all the daughters knew what their fates were and I was kinda pissed that Lily would go on and on about how she didn't know anything about her marriage or that no one told her to learn Spanish. But in this book, you get to know that her wedding is sprung out of nowhere and that she didn't really know about it because her family wanted her to live a normal life without thinking about her impending arranged marriage in 10 years. But, it's also funny because you initially see the Moretti brothers in Gunmetal Lily when they attend their sister, Lily's, wedding with Alejandro from the Mexican cartel. Lily only talks about two brothers, Salvatore and Armani. In Ruining Dahlia you get introduced to Valentina, who's married to the Moretti brothers and suddenly there's a third brother Fausto?! So I guess that's a pretty huge inconsistency.
I know Valentina is a teenager but damn she's the poster girl for "I'm Innocence Incarnate". Her monologues go on for pages and she thinks about the most random things! I almost wanted to go into the book and scream at her to shut up! 😑 I have a headache from rolling my eyes way too many times after reading her POVs. This one was such a poor execution of a story and honestly, it's disappointing that this book is a part of this series, not that this series has been amazing so far though😬 🤷🏾♀️
I can't believe I looked forward to reading about Valentina and her men, especially after reading Ruining Dahlia. The whole story was just bad and the writing? I kept skimming because that's how much I hated it.
I appreciate how there is a better connection between the books unlike the previous ones. For example, one of my annoyances got solved with regards to Lily from Gunmetal Lily. I was under the impression that all the daughters knew what their fates were and I was kinda pissed that Lily would go on and on about how she didn't know anything about her marriage or that no one told her to learn Spanish. But in this book, you get to know that her wedding is sprung out of nowhere and that she didn't really know about it because her family wanted her to live a normal life without thinking about her impending arranged marriage in 10 years. But, it's also funny because you initially see the Moretti brothers in Gunmetal Lily when they attend their sister, Lily's, wedding with Alejandro from the Mexican cartel. Lily only talks about two brothers, Salvatore and Armani. In Ruining Dahlia you get introduced to Valentina, who's married to the Moretti brothers and suddenly there's a third brother Fausto?! So I guess that's a pretty huge inconsistency.
I know Valentina is a teenager but damn she's the poster girl for "I'm Innocence Incarnate". Her monologues go on for pages and she thinks about the most random things! I almost wanted to go into the book and scream at her to shut up! 😑 I have a headache from rolling my eyes way too many times after reading her POVs. This one was such a poor execution of a story and honestly, it's disappointing that this book is a part of this series, not that this series has been amazing so far though😬 🤷🏾♀️
February 13, 2022
I loved this book. Definitely need a box of tissues when you read this book. Val and her men are all messed up in their own way. Soo many twits and turns and an amazing plot. Never disappointed with a book by Loxely.
January 10, 2025
Este libro es completamente distinto a los anteriores. Dedica una buena parte a la vida de los protagonistas antes de conocerse, sin embargo, se echa en falta más páginas de los cuatro juntos.
La trama de intriga y traición mafiosa que se va desarrollando a lo largo del libro no está mal, pero está un poco forzada, tiene más de una situación inverosímil. No es normal que en ningún momento intervengan los Rossi, que no pueden hacerlo porque son de otro libro, pero en el argumento extraña.
Y no te da ni tiempo a conocer a los protagonistas. Armani es de lo mejor y no se profundiza en él. Fausto se lleva un poco más de papel por su afición a las peleas. Salvatore siendo el Don, tiene más escenas para conocerle y, en cambio, es el que menos interactua con Valentina.
Quizás unas páginas más habrían estado bien.
La trama de intriga y traición mafiosa que se va desarrollando a lo largo del libro no está mal, pero está un poco forzada, tiene más de una situación inverosímil. No es normal que en ningún momento intervengan los Rossi, que no pueden hacerlo porque son de otro libro, pero en el argumento extraña.
Y no te da ni tiempo a conocer a los protagonistas. Armani es de lo mejor y no se profundiza en él. Fausto se lleva un poco más de papel por su afición a las peleas. Salvatore siendo el Don, tiene más escenas para conocerle y, en cambio, es el que menos interactua con Valentina.
Quizás unas páginas más habrían estado bien.
July 20, 2023
This was not my favorite of this series..
October 23, 2024
En realidad, disfruté este libro, pero no superó al anterior. Me pareció que los gemelos se enamoraron demasiado rápido de la protagonista sin un desarrollo adecuado ni contexto que justificara su amor repentino, a diferencia del libro anterior. Además, la actitud de Sal fue incoherente: odiaba intensamente a la protagonista, pero se enamoró de repente sin una transición lógica. Resolver el odio profundo que se mantuvo durante todo el libro de manera tan rápida carecía de sentido. Él estaba a punto de traicionarla, pero ella lo perdonó de inmediato.
La conexión entre Fausto y la protagonista fue más creíble que con Armani, quien parecía estar solo de fondo. La protagonista se enamoró de Armani sin un contexto sólido. La obsesión del otro personaje fue extraña porque nadie le creyó debido al egocentrismo de los tres. Este libro careció de coherencia y pareció apresurado.
Honestly, I liked this book, but it didn't surpass the previous one. It felt like the twins fell in love with her too quickly, without development or context for their sudden affection, unlike the previous book. Also, Sal's change was strange - she hated her intensely, then suddenly fell in love. Resolving the longstanding hatred so rapidly didn't make sense. He was going to betray her, yet she forgave him instantly. Fausto connected better than Armani, who seemed peripheral, and she fell for him without substantial context. The other guy's obsession was bizarre since no one believed her due to their collective egocentrism. This book lacked coherence, feeling rushed.
La conexión entre Fausto y la protagonista fue más creíble que con Armani, quien parecía estar solo de fondo. La protagonista se enamoró de Armani sin un contexto sólido. La obsesión del otro personaje fue extraña porque nadie le creyó debido al egocentrismo de los tres. Este libro careció de coherencia y pareció apresurado.
Honestly, I liked this book, but it didn't surpass the previous one. It felt like the twins fell in love with her too quickly, without development or context for their sudden affection, unlike the previous book. Also, Sal's change was strange - she hated her intensely, then suddenly fell in love. Resolving the longstanding hatred so rapidly didn't make sense. He was going to betray her, yet she forgave him instantly. Fausto connected better than Armani, who seemed peripheral, and she fell for him without substantial context. The other guy's obsession was bizarre since no one believed her due to their collective egocentrism. This book lacked coherence, feeling rushed.
February 15, 2022
Wilted Orchid is part of the Mafia Wars series. A Dark, seductive book with a multi-faceted story.
Valentina is a sheltered Mafia princess. Closeted from the Mafia lifestyle her father and brothers live. So when she finds out that she is part of a treaty to be married off to Salvatore. Born enemies. She is so out of depth with him and his twin brothers - Armani & Fausto. Her life made more difficult with how she was treated by Salvatore. With contempt, hostility and genuine hatred. His whole attitude (even if he thought he was justified) was just harsh & unnecessary I thought. Valentina was just so sweet and trusting I just wanted to hug her with everything she went through in this book. Her dynamic with Armani and Fausto made a nicer distraction from all of that.
I've yet to read a book in the Mafia Wars series that I haven't liked and this book is no different. It's not a easy read in places but it's a brilliant one
Valentina is a sheltered Mafia princess. Closeted from the Mafia lifestyle her father and brothers live. So when she finds out that she is part of a treaty to be married off to Salvatore. Born enemies. She is so out of depth with him and his twin brothers - Armani & Fausto. Her life made more difficult with how she was treated by Salvatore. With contempt, hostility and genuine hatred. His whole attitude (even if he thought he was justified) was just harsh & unnecessary I thought. Valentina was just so sweet and trusting I just wanted to hug her with everything she went through in this book. Her dynamic with Armani and Fausto made a nicer distraction from all of that.
I've yet to read a book in the Mafia Wars series that I haven't liked and this book is no different. It's not a easy read in places but it's a brilliant one
August 27, 2024
Maybe I’m showing my age, but an 18-year old who hasn’t even graduated from HS fumbling around with three grown men who treated her like an object most of the time was just… not sexy. (And I say this as someone who can enjoy a good f*cktoy kink. You know, when everyone is a coherent, consenting adult and it’s just in the bedroom.)
I spent most of the book pretending the FMC was a decade older and still wanted to smack them *all* upside the head and tell them to grow up.
Plus, there was barely a plot here. It took a whole book to figure out one, barely competent stalker? Maybe it’s because the stalker’s motives barely ever made sense to begin with. Or maybe it’s because none of the 3 men bothered to take their teenage sex doll seriously. Huh. Weird.
Anyway, I’m done with this series. It’s just continuing to fall flat for me.
I spent most of the book pretending the FMC was a decade older and still wanted to smack them *all* upside the head and tell them to grow up.
Plus, there was barely a plot here. It took a whole book to figure out one, barely competent stalker? Maybe it’s because the stalker’s motives barely ever made sense to begin with. Or maybe it’s because none of the 3 men bothered to take their teenage sex doll seriously. Huh. Weird.
Anyway, I’m done with this series. It’s just continuing to fall flat for me.
May 9, 2022
2.5/5 Stars
There were a couple things that bugged me. The thing that bugged me the most was the dynamic between Sal and Valentina. Sal was a complete jerk to her for the majority of the book. And with some of the crap he pulled I was super annoyed. And honestly he didn't work very hard or show much repenting for that during the book and it went from hate to love on the drop of a dime without really showing them fall in love.
The book is titled Wilted Orchid and her mother's Orchid is mentioned at the beginning do I expected it to come back around in the end, but it never does.
Val being 18 and very sheltered and naive was a bit annoying. How quickly she decides to give her virginity away is a bit unbelievable.
There were a couple things that bugged me. The thing that bugged me the most was the dynamic between Sal and Valentina. Sal was a complete jerk to her for the majority of the book. And with some of the crap he pulled I was super annoyed. And honestly he didn't work very hard or show much repenting for that during the book and it went from hate to love on the drop of a dime without really showing them fall in love.
The book is titled Wilted Orchid and her mother's Orchid is mentioned at the beginning do I expected it to come back around in the end, but it never does.
Val being 18 and very sheltered and naive was a bit annoying. How quickly she decides to give her virginity away is a bit unbelievable.
March 10, 2022
Just like all of the other Loxley Savage books I have read, this book was dark and delicious. Sal, Fausto, Armani and Valentina were a crazy coupling. I know people are commenting on how they despised Salvatore but I liked him. A HECK OF A LOT. Yea he had a switch that flipped with a tiny blow of the wind but that was just him. I have read worse men that readers went gaga over. He said and done some bad things but he had his reasons for hating her family. You could see his struggle after he said hurtful things to her. He didnt WANT to let her in but he did. And when he changed his tune? And let go of the anger? He was even MORE of the man I seen from the start! And his possessive side? SHEWWWWW I LOVED IT!!! Sometimes that boys anger was a good thing because it got me freaking HOT. The more I think about him the more I realize I LOVED him. And man those twins, they were HOT HOT HOT. That little waffle scene? I literally made breakfast for dinner the next day. I had a major craving for waffles because of Fausto and Armani so, THANKS GUYS! Also I loved how they protected her and how they took to her so fast.
Armani was so sexy and the way he called her kitten made me MELT. All the spanks though is what really got me. Fausto, he was such an enigma. His "charcoal" eyeliner wearing, calling her pistol (I really loved that nickname for her), their fake names, being so sweet yet so so seductive. I loved how he wasnt AS sweet as Armani and took care of his needs too. I hate when guys in books only think about the girls needs because that dont happen in real life OR dark mafia books so I was glad to see there was a balance in the two guys.
And yea Val was young and sometimes acted like it but I was expecting that so I was not surprised nor was I upset about it. She was sheltered her whole life and you could blatantly tell when she was around these dangerous men
Joseph, I really cared for that man too. I was so happy to see him at the end. And the lillies, with their significance in the book and how they were also used at the end and how it was incorporated with the cover it all was set out perfectly. And I loved how the story ended. It was so perfectly THEM.
Armani was so sexy and the way he called her kitten made me MELT. All the spanks though is what really got me. Fausto, he was such an enigma. His "charcoal" eyeliner wearing, calling her pistol (I really loved that nickname for her), their fake names, being so sweet yet so so seductive. I loved how he wasnt AS sweet as Armani and took care of his needs too. I hate when guys in books only think about the girls needs because that dont happen in real life OR dark mafia books so I was glad to see there was a balance in the two guys.
And yea Val was young and sometimes acted like it but I was expecting that so I was not surprised nor was I upset about it. She was sheltered her whole life and you could blatantly tell when she was around these dangerous men
Joseph, I really cared for that man too. I was so happy to see him at the end. And the lillies, with their significance in the book and how they were also used at the end and how it was incorporated with the cover it all was set out perfectly. And I loved how the story ended. It was so perfectly THEM.
November 6, 2024
2.5 stars
2.5 Stars: It’s... a Book? I Guess?
Okay, so wow... this one was a bit of a journey. And not like the kind of journey where you discover yourself on a beautiful beach under a full moon. No, this was more like wandering through an overly elaborate haunted house, where every turn brings you to another “why did they do that?” moment. I loved the first three books in this series—seriously, those books hit some heavy topics with so much grace. They had soul. But this one? Felt like it left its soul somewhere between "torture scene #7" and "endless melodrama #152."
Let's talk about the main trio of guys, or as I like to call them, the Mystery Meat Brothers™️. I couldn’t connect to a single one of them, which is shocking because there are three! Statistically, I should have at least mildly tolerated one. Salvatore, though? The worst. He didn’t just toe the line of being unlikable; he leaped over it and did a touchdown dance. And Armani? I know the name sounds fancy, but the depth was non-existent.
Then there’s Valentina. Oh, Valentina. Our supposed heroine with the maturity level of a tween who just discovered Instagram filters. I get the sheltered thing, but this was like “left-in-the-back-of-the-closet-too-long” sheltered. She and the “thirty-something” love interests act like high schoolers but with far more angst and far less chemistry. Honestly, I’m still scratching my head wondering when anyone actually fell in love in this book. Did I miss a scene? Blink and there goes their entire emotional connection!
And can we talk about the plot holes? Sometimes it felt like the author was just winging it—connecting dots that had no business being in the same picture. Characters contradicted themselves, storylines got tangled, and it went on and on… and on. Somewhere around the halfway mark, I forgot what the original plot even was.
So, yeah, not the best entry in the series. If you’re a superfan, give it a shot, but for anyone else? Maybe stick with the first three and pretend this one’s a creative writing exercise that got a little… ambitious.
2.5 Stars: It’s... a Book? I Guess?
Okay, so wow... this one was a bit of a journey. And not like the kind of journey where you discover yourself on a beautiful beach under a full moon. No, this was more like wandering through an overly elaborate haunted house, where every turn brings you to another “why did they do that?” moment. I loved the first three books in this series—seriously, those books hit some heavy topics with so much grace. They had soul. But this one? Felt like it left its soul somewhere between "torture scene #7" and "endless melodrama #152."
Let's talk about the main trio of guys, or as I like to call them, the Mystery Meat Brothers™️. I couldn’t connect to a single one of them, which is shocking because there are three! Statistically, I should have at least mildly tolerated one. Salvatore, though? The worst. He didn’t just toe the line of being unlikable; he leaped over it and did a touchdown dance. And Armani? I know the name sounds fancy, but the depth was non-existent.
Then there’s Valentina. Oh, Valentina. Our supposed heroine with the maturity level of a tween who just discovered Instagram filters. I get the sheltered thing, but this was like “left-in-the-back-of-the-closet-too-long” sheltered. She and the “thirty-something” love interests act like high schoolers but with far more angst and far less chemistry. Honestly, I’m still scratching my head wondering when anyone actually fell in love in this book. Did I miss a scene? Blink and there goes their entire emotional connection!
And can we talk about the plot holes? Sometimes it felt like the author was just winging it—connecting dots that had no business being in the same picture. Characters contradicted themselves, storylines got tangled, and it went on and on… and on. Somewhere around the halfway mark, I forgot what the original plot even was.
So, yeah, not the best entry in the series. If you’re a superfan, give it a shot, but for anyone else? Maybe stick with the first three and pretend this one’s a creative writing exercise that got a little… ambitious.
February 21, 2022
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Loxley Savage!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Loxley Savage!
Wilted Orchid is a standalone Mafia Romance set in the Mafia Wars world. This book tells the story of Valentina and the Italian Mafia men.
Wilted Orchid is the first book I’ve read by Loxley Savage, so I didn’t have any expectations while reading this book. I mean I had a few expectations because the other books in the Mafia Wars world are amazing, so I was hoping to enjoy Wilted Orchid as much as I enjoyed the other books in the Mafia Wars series. Luckily Loxley Savage did an amazing job, and I really liked getting to know Valentine, Armani, Fausto and Salvatore!
Wilted Orchid is set in the Mafia Wars word, a world with 6 mafia families who promised their daughter to another mafia family to ensure peace. The concept of this ‘book series’ is so interesting, and I really liked Loxley Savage’s Italian Mafia family. Armani and Fausto are twins, and Salvatore is the older brother. I really liked their bond and how Valentina changed their world. Speaking of Valentina, I really enjoyed reading her chapters because she’s such a funny girl!
Wilted Orchid was another great book in the Mafia Wars world, and I’m so happy that I discovered all these books. I’m a big fan of Mafia Romance and it’s so fun to read books that are connected to each other. I really liked reading Valentina’s story, the beginning was a bit different from the other Mafia Wars books. I also really liked reading in all perspectives and getting to know all the characters. I’m so excited for the next Mafia Wars book, Forget-Me-Not Bombshell!
February 24, 2022
Wilted Orchid was absolutely amazing. This is the fourth book in the Mafia Wars series and features Valentina of the Cosa Nostra/Rossi family. To help end the Mafia Wars, she, like the daughters of five other prominent mafia families, is sent off to wed the future or current head of another mafia family. In Valentina's case, she is promised to the Moretti family/The Outfit Syndicate.
There is bad blood between the Moretti family and Rossi family, mainly thanks to Valentina's horrible father, Carlo. If you previously read Ruining Dahlia, the third book in the series, you'll have met Carlo and Valentina's brothers, and this book gives you a glimpse into the life she led before she was forced to move to Chicago. While Salvatore, the eldest Moretti, dislikes Valentina from the moment she arrives, Fausto and Armani, his twin brothers, are ready to make her theirs. But someone from Valentina's past is after her and will do whatever they can to take her away from the Morettis.
This book has been one of my favorites in the series so far. I like that Wilted Orchid and Ruining Dahlia blended so well together with the crossover content that was mentioned in both books. I also love that this book touched on Valentina’s friendships and that she was able to still have that part of her past in her new life. It's the perfect mix of enemies to lovers and dark mafia romance. This was the first book of Loxley's that I have read, and after this, I can't wait to read more.
There is bad blood between the Moretti family and Rossi family, mainly thanks to Valentina's horrible father, Carlo. If you previously read Ruining Dahlia, the third book in the series, you'll have met Carlo and Valentina's brothers, and this book gives you a glimpse into the life she led before she was forced to move to Chicago. While Salvatore, the eldest Moretti, dislikes Valentina from the moment she arrives, Fausto and Armani, his twin brothers, are ready to make her theirs. But someone from Valentina's past is after her and will do whatever they can to take her away from the Morettis.
This book has been one of my favorites in the series so far. I like that Wilted Orchid and Ruining Dahlia blended so well together with the crossover content that was mentioned in both books. I also love that this book touched on Valentina’s friendships and that she was able to still have that part of her past in her new life. It's the perfect mix of enemies to lovers and dark mafia romance. This was the first book of Loxley's that I have read, and after this, I can't wait to read more.
February 16, 2022
This Mafia Wars series is the freaking best. These amazing authors bringing us all these mafia men and the women who bring them to their knees.
Next up in the series is Valentina and the difference with her story from the others is she is completely left out of the loop of the pact that was made 10 years ago and with her barely turning 18 she has no clue what is in store for her. But let me tell you that doesn’t mean she doesn’t give these men a run for their money. While she has been kept away from all of the day to day stuff that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know what her family is involved in and she is not some shy girl that wont stand up for herself. No she is feisty and while she may be inexperienced you see her deep desires stirring in her soul and these three men Sal, Fausto and Armani are here to bring all her fantasies to life. Them spicy scenes will leave you panting for more and fanning yourself so you don’t overheat.
There were some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and there is one man in particular I want nut check (if you have read than you know) This story was so much more. There is a backstory, there is history and bad bloods that runs so deep between Sal and Valentina’s father and that is what makes this story even better. If you have not started the books in this shared world what the heck are you waiting for.
Next up in the series is Valentina and the difference with her story from the others is she is completely left out of the loop of the pact that was made 10 years ago and with her barely turning 18 she has no clue what is in store for her. But let me tell you that doesn’t mean she doesn’t give these men a run for their money. While she has been kept away from all of the day to day stuff that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know what her family is involved in and she is not some shy girl that wont stand up for herself. No she is feisty and while she may be inexperienced you see her deep desires stirring in her soul and these three men Sal, Fausto and Armani are here to bring all her fantasies to life. Them spicy scenes will leave you panting for more and fanning yourself so you don’t overheat.
There were some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and there is one man in particular I want nut check (if you have read than you know) This story was so much more. There is a backstory, there is history and bad bloods that runs so deep between Sal and Valentina’s father and that is what makes this story even better. If you have not started the books in this shared world what the heck are you waiting for.
February 21, 2022
3.5 stars
A miss for me...
Wilted Orchid is the fourth book in this shared world of Mafia Wars. I haven't read the other 3 books but I will definitely check it out later. This is a contemporary, RH mafia with a dash of bully and age-gap romance.
I have read most of this author's books and loved her dark, twisted, steamy style of writing. To discover that this is her first foray to contemporary romance, I was surprised and truly looking forward to read her newest book since I'm a sucker for mafia romance. After reading it, I want to say that I really am sorry but this is a miss for me.
I couldn't connect with her FMC, Valentina and the same could be said to her love interests. I find Valentina's inner ramblings a bit inappropriate and cringey during crucial times (I'm sure you know what scenes those was). Not too mention, the first few chapters a tad dragging for me. The build up of the relationship lacks depth which irks me because there's a potential in this story. I don't mind reading a big book if it's justified by giving me the depth that I'm thoroughly missing in this one.
A miss for me...
Wilted Orchid is the fourth book in this shared world of Mafia Wars. I haven't read the other 3 books but I will definitely check it out later. This is a contemporary, RH mafia with a dash of bully and age-gap romance.
I have read most of this author's books and loved her dark, twisted, steamy style of writing. To discover that this is her first foray to contemporary romance, I was surprised and truly looking forward to read her newest book since I'm a sucker for mafia romance. After reading it, I want to say that I really am sorry but this is a miss for me.
I couldn't connect with her FMC, Valentina and the same could be said to her love interests. I find Valentina's inner ramblings a bit inappropriate and cringey during crucial times (I'm sure you know what scenes those was). Not too mention, the first few chapters a tad dragging for me. The build up of the relationship lacks depth which irks me because there's a potential in this story. I don't mind reading a big book if it's justified by giving me the depth that I'm thoroughly missing in this one.
January 18, 2023
OKAY OKAY
This was much closer to my perfect reverse Haren! The brothers were intent on sharing her from the start, there was practically no jealousy between them, and two out of three relationships felt well-developed! I'm excited!
The writing was also excellent (I'm so looking for Loxely Savage's backlist after writing this review) and Valentina was my favorite kind of heroine! She was sweet, she was sassy, she was relatable, she was vulnerable, she was tough, and I love her. Did she have some long-ass, weird-as-shit inner monologues? Yes. But so do I, so can't really blame her.
Fausto was great, Armani was great, Sal was... An idiot, but a hot idiot.
The first word that comes to mind when I think about this book is HOT. Like, so fucking hot it burns. The sex scenes, the foreplay, Sal's twisted behavior... All of it, hot.
I did have problems, though. Sal's love for Val makes no sense. They needed more time/interactions to build on their feelings. And the declarations of love/proposals by the end made me cringe so hard.
But honestly, other than that, this was amazing. My favorite reverse harem so far! (Also my second)
This was much closer to my perfect reverse Haren! The brothers were intent on sharing her from the start, there was practically no jealousy between them, and two out of three relationships felt well-developed! I'm excited!
The writing was also excellent (I'm so looking for Loxely Savage's backlist after writing this review) and Valentina was my favorite kind of heroine! She was sweet, she was sassy, she was relatable, she was vulnerable, she was tough, and I love her. Did she have some long-ass, weird-as-shit inner monologues? Yes. But so do I, so can't really blame her.
Fausto was great, Armani was great, Sal was... An idiot, but a hot idiot.
The first word that comes to mind when I think about this book is HOT. Like, so fucking hot it burns. The sex scenes, the foreplay, Sal's twisted behavior... All of it, hot.
I did have problems, though. Sal's love for Val makes no sense. They needed more time/interactions to build on their feelings. And the declarations of love/proposals by the end made me cringe so hard.
But honestly, other than that, this was amazing. My favorite reverse harem so far! (Also my second)
February 20, 2022
Another book read and loved in the mafia wars series, each book written by different authors. This beaut was Loxley savages book. Val, our main FMC is the youngest out of the promised daughters, this definitely comes across throughout the book, bless her. She is so naively sweet and ignorant to what was coming her way.. my heart hurt for her alot throughout, she deserved better. Then there's the guys, Salvatore who had his heart obliterated by Val's daddy dearest. Fausto and Armani who are the luscious twins 🥰 we warm up to them first obviously because our guy Sal has alot of hate to work through. I do wish we had longer with them all together, I was itching for them to all finally meet! But I do get that we had to wait till her 18th birthday. This book had a good storyline and some hotttt moments, because we all love ourselves some smut right? 😜 I'm onto the next book in the series! XOXO
February 21, 2022
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Wilted Orchid: Mafia Wars World #4
Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish this book. I think this is only the fifth book I've ever DNF'd, out of thousands, before & after GoodReads!😔
I found the writing, in the half of the book I did manage to read, quite shambolic. There were quite a few continuity errors - saying they were in one city when they were in another. This was a complete mistake, not a simple case of not mentioning they'd travelled. This wasn't the only issue of it's kind. The writing sometimes came across as quite juvenile. Even the thirty year old men spoke like teenagers much of the time. The characterization was rather one dimensional & brutish. This book also didn't mesh with the outgoing & incoming sisters books from the other Authors. It made it very jarring!😔
I'm truly disappointed I had to bail out on this book. I've really enjoyed this series up until now. I won't post my review on Amazon as I don't think it's right, as a reviewer, to post reviews on books that I haven't finished, on a selling site!
Debbie, 1970, UK
Wilted Orchid: Mafia Wars World #4
Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish this book. I think this is only the fifth book I've ever DNF'd, out of thousands, before & after GoodReads!😔
I found the writing, in the half of the book I did manage to read, quite shambolic. There were quite a few continuity errors - saying they were in one city when they were in another. This was a complete mistake, not a simple case of not mentioning they'd travelled. This wasn't the only issue of it's kind. The writing sometimes came across as quite juvenile. Even the thirty year old men spoke like teenagers much of the time. The characterization was rather one dimensional & brutish. This book also didn't mesh with the outgoing & incoming sisters books from the other Authors. It made it very jarring!😔
I'm truly disappointed I had to bail out on this book. I've really enjoyed this series up until now. I won't post my review on Amazon as I don't think it's right, as a reviewer, to post reviews on books that I haven't finished, on a selling site!
Debbie, 1970, UK
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