5/5
Dark and gritty
This book is in one of my favorite’s genres, dark and gritty romances filled with so much tension/depth.
Mafia Lords, 1
Never walk alone after darkCara Strong should’ve heeded those words more carefully. Then again, she never expected a tired waitress, a nobody from a small town, would be anyone’s target. When Cara wakes up, she’s finds herself in a high-end auction. She's shocked when the Don of the Massimo Family takes her back home with him and offers her his protection.
Dante Massimo acquired Cara to spite a rival crime family. Falling for her fiery spirit and her sharp tongue had never been part of his plan. Cara doesn’t belong in his world. She’s too innocent, too good for someone like him. Dante never intended to keep her but he’s changed his mind. He’s beginning to see that she’s exactly what he needs.
Excerpt:
“You don’t know who I am?”
The arrogance that dripped from that one sentence made her want to roll her eyes—which she did. He only looked amused and that kicked up her fear a notch. Cara was used to leers and lewd suggestions coming from crude men like Ted, but it unnerved her that this man was a different kind of scary.
“Dante Massimo. It’s a pleasure to finally speak to you face-to-face, Cara Strong,” he said.
Even the way he said her name sounded sinful. It infuriated her. Of course, men like him who had access to numerous resources probably knew everything about her.
“Release me and I promise I won’t tell the cops about … all this,” she said.
He laughed and that only ticked her off. Cara wasn’t a naive fool. She knew nothing would be easy, especially given her circumstances.
“I’m good friends with the police commissioner. Sam and I play golf twice a month, in fact,” Dante said. He took a step toward her and Cara tensed. She didn’t like feeling like a cornered rat. Dante went on, “The drugs must still be wearing off so I’ll just have to remind you that you’re now exclusively mine. I have no intentions of ever letting you go. I’m very particular about my possessions, you see.”
“I’m a person, not a thing,” Cara whispered.
“Indeed, you continue to intrigue me the more time we spend together,” Dante said.
He slid his hands into the pockets of his trousers and continued, “I have back-to-back meetings all day, so we’ll have to continue this conversation tonight. Enjoy a long bath. There’s plenty of food in the kitchen as well. I’ll have a dress delivered to you this afternoon. I expect you to be wearing it for dinner.”
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Cara demanded.
Her head spun with anger, with how ridiculous everything was. Did he really think she’d do as he asked? Dante finally crossed the distance between them. She froze but he only lifted her left hand and placed a kiss on her wrist. Her heart started beating erratically. How could this man be so charming and maddening at the same time?
Cara swallowed. When he leaned in close, she could smell the cologne he used and a hint of cigarette smoke. Cara parted her lips slightly and let out a little moan when her breasts brushed against his arm. Dante’s mouth touched her left ear, not her lips. Disappointment hit her, although she didn’t understand why.
“Escape is futile, Cara. Sooner or later, you will have to accept your unique position,” Dante whispered.
- Series:
- /series-mafia-lords/
Product Reviews
5/5
Steamy...
Brutal Don is an enticing and enthralling book that will keep you entertained throughout the story. Hot and steamy at its best, you will not regret this book.
5/5
Dangerous and sinful Mafia romance
Cara is a strong, fiesty woman who is a struggling waitress who finds herself being kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder. Dante is the Don that bought her thinking he was just beating a rival. Soon both Cara and Dante realise their desires and feelings are stronger and deeper than first thought. There's plenty of suspense, danger, vengeance, passion and more throughout. Will Cara be safe from Dante's enemies long enough for them to realise their true feelings?...
5/5
Brutal don
Never walk alone after dark Cara Strong should’ve heeded those words more carefully. Then again, she never expected a tired waitress, a nobody from a small town, would be anyone’s target. When Cara wakes up, she’s finds herself in a high-end auction. She's shocked when the Don of the Massimo Family takes her back home with him and offers her his protection. An entertaining, fun read. And voluntarily leaving my review.
4/5
Great Series Starter
Winter Sloane has provided us with a great start to a new series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me coming back for more. I can't wait to see where this series will take us. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4/5
Good read
Loved this book. Great action. Loved the chemistry between the main characters. Find out what happens then pick up your copy today.
4/5
Mine ( lol)
Dante jump off the page the moment you started reading. Cara set herself apart from the rest by her inner dialogue. The way these two got together was unconventional but once there you see the relationshi nont only grow but you see the change in Dante and Cara. And let us not foget the lame-brain Ted, the reason Cara was with Dante to begin with. I love the brutalness of Dante in his life but his interactions/converstations with Cara and talking through her actions you saw him not only understaanding her but understand his world through her eyes. S/N: Honarable mention of Jake is perfect - silent friend/protector of Cara and quiet conscious of Dante.
4/5
kidnapped for sport
Cara is an overworked waitress struggling to pay her father’s medical bills after his passing. Dante is a mafia Don ruling his empire. Cara is abducted while walking home from work and wakes up in a cage being auctioned off to the highest bidder, who turns out to be Dante. Once he sees that a rival family has eyes on Cara he just can't help but get her first. What happens when things started turning real and he doesn't want to give her up.
5/5
Indecent Auction
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book. Cara had recently lost the only person she had ever called family, when her step dad became sick she dropped out of school to look after him and help pay the medical bills but nothing could save him, she’s been left alone working as a waitress for a sleazy boss who hits on her every chance he gets and bills she has no idea how she is going to pay. Just when life couldn’t look less bleak she’s taken from street and is up for auction. Sold to the highest bidder Don Dante Massimo for a million dollars, she is to become a mafia boss play thing, only she’s discovering that he is not all that she thinks and soon finds herself in danger to losing her heart to a man she should hate. But what will happen to her when he finally tires of her, will she be cast aside like yesterdays news or could she have found a man who she can love and call family? Dante Massimo had no plans to attend the auction his brother had bought them tickets too, with a drug shipment being stolen from under his nose by a rival mafia family he has more pressing matters to attend to, but noting his brothers crestfallen face he agrees to go. It was a night that he would never forget when he finds himself bidding on an innocent woman who has fire burning in her veins as she try’s to fight her way out and of course to annoy the very family he was planning to destroy. Cara intrigued him far more than she should and he had no intention of keeping her at first but soon realises that she is everything he needs. But with another family out for his blood and his woman, will he be able to keep her safe or will he lose the only thing he never knew he needed? This is my first book by this author and I have to say that I throughly enjoyed it. Cara was brave and defiant and Dante was an alpha to be feared. Highly recommended short and sexy 4.2* read.
5/5
Mafia Romance
Cara was walking home from work one day late at night when she was kidnapped and locked in a cage to wait for an auction. At the auction she saw her boss bidding on her but he lost the bid to someone else. Dante was a mafia boss who although he was tough, strong and confident. He was so sweet and kind to Cara. He was able to break through all of Cara’s defenses. Although this was a novella it seemed like an actual novel it had all the elements of a mafia book. Very enjoyable. I am anxious to read book 2 of Mafia Lords.
5/5
Loved!
I love this author and the stories she writes. Honestly after reading the blurb I was expecting a darkish, naughty kind of storyline but this book for more was more softer than I expected but I still loved every bit of it. I think when it comes to mafia romance I expect more violence and tension between the characters but this wasn't as intense as other books I have read but I think I liked that as it was all romance!!
4/5
Super short mafia read
This is a fun, super short lunchtime read. Cara is a down-on-her-luck waitress who becomes the victim of human trafficking. She's herded in front of mafia men at an auction and purchased by Dante, who cannot resist her or getting one over on a rival who obviously wants her for himself. Cara resists her erstwhile "owner" but he actually treats her with kindness despite the situation. At 88 pages the story packs in a lot and is an enjoyable read- smutty, action-filled, and suspenseful.
5/5
?♥️? Dante and Cara ?♥️?
?♥️? Dante and Cara ?♥️? A wonderful love story. What a beginning, she gets kidnapped...he buys her. Winter Sloane does a great job putting these 2 mismatched people together. Great book!
4/5
Great chemistry
Cara finds herself in a horrible predicament where she meets Dante, the don of the mafia. Dante is a strong dominant man who has an endearing soft side but only with Cara. This couple struggles to find their way with each other but their chemistry is amazing!
4/5
Cute short mafia romance
Brutal Don is the first book in the Mafia Lords series and is the results we would want if we were sold at an auction. At least mine anyway. I loved Cara’s attitude towards the whole thing. Dante is such a gentleman even when we don’t want him to be. It’s a quick cute read. Spice level (1-5): ?️?️ Cara would have never imagined that rejecting a coworker would get her abducted and sold at an auction. Lucky when her creepy coworker tries to buy her, he is outbid by a handsome mafia boss. Trying to find the silver lining, she comes to accept her new life and opens her heart to her savior. I would recommend Brutal Don to all mafia romance readers. If you like mafia, forced proximity, fast burn, short reads, instant attraction, you’ll love Brutal Don. This book does contain unaliving, attempted murder, mafia stuff, human trafficking. For the readers who want a short read of two opposites quickly falling for each other this one is for you! Warning: Reading Brutal Don may make you purposely get abducted in hopes the one that buys you turns out to be a hot mafia boss. May make you work on your cooking skills. May make you embrace your new life and accept the good things. Read responsibly.
5/5
4 1/2 stars
Intriguing and a bit dark, this book was impossible to put down once I started reading. The story held me hostage as the scenes played out. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I can’t wait for the next book.
5/5
Brutal Don
After refusing her creepy boss's offer of a ride home Cara is snatched off the road and thrown in a cage. When she comes to its to be cleaned up for an auction. When Dante sees her there's an instant spark for him. He out bids everyone to claim her as his own. Its not long before he realizes that he wants her for keeps. Can he convince her to take a chance on him? Will she be safe with him? This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
4/5
Dante
Cara was taken on night and when she woke up she was in a cage. now she is going to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Danta and Cara have explosive chemistry.
5/5
Good read
This is a short quick mafia romance story, It is Dante (a mafia don) and Cara (a waitress) story, it is a good quick read and I loved the main characters who get their HEA.
4/5
Short and sweet mafia romance
Cara is an overworked waitress struggling to pay her father’s medical bills after his passing. Dante is a mafia Don ruling his empire. Cara is abducted while walking home from work and wakes up in a cage being auctioned off to the highest bidder. That happens to be Dante. He buys her before the rival Gambino mafia can. Cara starts to feel things for Dante she doesn’t think she should feel considering he bought her. Dante wasn’t looking for love but can’t deny what he feels either.
4/5
Brutal Don
Good and suspenseful read. Characters were good. Lots of chemistry between Cara and Dante. No cheating, no cliffhanger and an HEA.
5/5
Love Mafia!!!
I really enjoyed reading Brutal Don. This book was action packed and a fast read for me. Loved the story of Cara and Dante.
4/5
Brutal Don
Brutal Don by winter Sloane A fantastic engaging read that kept us happy watching Dante get Cara for his plan that back fires when he falls for her. A great read.
4/5
Enjoyable Quick Romance
Book 1 of Mafia Lords An enjoyable quick romance about a young woman thrust into the dark mafia world. Storyline flows with a hot mafia “savior”, lust, feistiness, suspense, kidnapping, action, mafia rivalry, steam and romance. HEA
5/5
Dante and Cara
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story since this is my first time reading this author, but I enjoyed this insta-fascination between Don Dante and waitress turned captive, Cara. I could ignore some of the parts that seemed out of character or sudden because of the like ability of the characters (except despicable Ted, of course … but there had to be a villain). Loved the sting operation between Dante and Tom Gambino. Looking forward to reading more from WS.
5/5
I love willows books!
This is a quick, hot mafia read. I adore Willow's books. This was amazing. I loved Cara and Dante. They were both strong characters. It wasn't as "brutal" as I anticipated, but I loved it anyway
5/5
Mafia Romance
Sweet waitress bought by Mafia Don. This book was romantic and sweet with some suspense thrown in. I recommend this book to those who like short mafia romances.
4/5
Good
She was a struggling waitress on her own now her father had passed she had to pay his medical bills her boss was not a nice man he was creepy following her she declined his lift offer next minute she’s waking up in a cage and she’s being auctioned off what the hell he can’t get her how much worse can her life get A stranger glaring at her wins the bid but somehow she feels safer with him her life is about to be thrown into the mafia way and she’s the target for payback
5/5
Brutal Don.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wow, this was one jam intrigue, the story was captivating and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Cara and Dante Masaimo, Cara just locked up at work as tired as she was she was walked home, on her way home she was kidnapped then put in a cage they kept her drugged until the next day. Dante bid on her at an auction he couldn't understand why, there was just something about her. Her old boss was trying to get to her but she was guarded. There was so much in this book it was exciting to read.
4/5
Great Story
When Cara is abducted and auctioned off Dante comes to her rescue buying her before her previous employer could. It will start a confrontation between two Dons. Cara is not sure what to expect from Dante but with time she learns to trust him and right when their relationship gets to where they want it to be. Luigi and Ted make their play. Will Dante be able to keep his family and Cara safe. This story kept me glued to the pages to see how it will end for Dante and Cara.
5/5
Exciting
Exciting fast-paced story. Characters are very believable. Appreciate it that Kara was not a wimp and not excessively dramatic. Sex was mild to moderate and does not overwhelm the story. Would love to see more of this couple in the future.
4/5
Enjoyed this
This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed this Great start to a new series of stories Great characters, really enjoyed the story Looking forward to more from them.
4/5
Steamy mafia romance
This was a steamy mafia romance that focused more on romance than the mafia. After rescuing Cara from an auction she was kidnapped for by her boss, Dante had planned to let her go. However, the more time he spent with her, and her feisty nature, he realized she was his match and perfect for him. Turns out that when Dante outbid his competition for her, he actually saved her life. This helped smooth out the whole gilded cage issue for her and allowed feelings to bloom ;D
4/5
Good read !!
4 Stars for Brutal Don by Winter Sloan This is Book 1 of Mafia Lords and can be read as a standalone I was able to read in one sitting. Cara and Dante don’t start off on equal sides when he purchases her at auction. Once she realizes what he did saves her life they move towards a happily ever after. Quick read and I enjoyed it !
5/5
Dante buys Cara
Cara is alone in the world, her father has died, leaving her a bunch of debt. She is doing all she can to make ends meeting working as a waitress. She does not live far from where she works, and never expected to abducted on the way home. When she wakes she finds herself in a cage and she is about to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Don Dante Massimo did not want to go to the auction, his younger brother talked him into it. He has no intention on bidding on anyone. He does see a woman that catches his eye, and his rival is bidding on her. He makes sure he out bids him. He planned on keeping her but she surprises him. He wants nothing more than to keep her for ever. When there is attempt to abduct her from his protection, he will find who is responsible.
5/5
Wrong place, wrong time
Cara is a waitress abducted off the street and forced into an auction. Dante is the Mafia Don who buys her to spite an enemy. Page turning read
5/5
Good Maffia Read
Winter Sloane has written a new series and this is the first book in the Mafia Lords series. Cara is soft and sweet and Dante is the opposite. When Cara is auctioned off at an auction after being kidnapped, and Dante sees her there, he does everything he can to get the winning bid, especially since he doesn't want his rival to run off with her. This was a beautiful story with suspense, action and softness and romance. Highly recommended.
4/5
Brutal Don
Brutal Don (Book 1 of Mafia Lords) by Winter Sloane. Boy did Cara dodge a bullet when Dante seeks revenge on a rival crime family and outbids them for her. I enjoyed the push and pull, the darkish drama, the undeniable chemistry, and the HEA.
5/5
Dante and Cara
Cara is a waitress and ends up getting kidnapped while she's walking home from work. Dante ends up seeing Cara at the action and outbid his rival that wanted to buy her. He takes her home and they slowly get to know each other. Cara ends up being the best thing that enters Dante life. She brings out the softness in Dante. He's still brutal to his enemies but never to Cara. It's a fast paced, edge of your seat plot and wonderful characters. I loved their chemistry as it brings out their fireworks. I loved the ending. Highly recommend.
4/5
IN LOVE!
He may be brutal for everyone else but not really for her when you get to the heart of this book. Well written and enthralling. Loved it!
5/5
Dark Mafia Romance
Brutal Don is the first book in a new series by Winter Sloane. It’s a great story. I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. It draws you in and keeps you captivated. You need to see what is going to happen next. There are trigger warnings so you should read those to make sure there isn’t anything that will bother you.
5/5
Wonderful characters.
Wonderful characters. Cara Strong and Dante Massimo are the main characters of a great story. Dante wants Cara as part of his revenge on the Gambinos. This was a very exciting read. I could not get enough of this quick read.
4/5
Great
Dante & Cara I just loved these two. Although they don't start off on the same sides these two were incredible in all aspects. Intense, filled with passion and drama.
5/5
A fantastic read
This is my first Winter Sloane novella, and I wasn't disappointed. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Will read more from this author!
4/5
Fast paced
This is Cara and Dante's story. It is a very fast paced and wicked mafia romance with darker elements. It is a heated romance with likable characters. I liked Cara's sass. There were a few parts that felt rushed but overall an entertaining shorter read.
4/5
Dante and Cara!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from Booksprout. Dante Massimo is the head of the Massimo Familia and after listening to his younger brother Lucas and his second in command Malik drown on about an auction that he needed to attend, he finally gave in and went. What he didn't expect was to find a young woman who grabbed his attention. Raleigh Strong works as a waitress in a dingy restaurant and after the death of her adopted father, she had bills to pay so she couldn't quit her job yet. When she was kidnapped on her way home after one of her shifts, she decided that the best way to save herself is to be strong and fight back. Will she be able to find someone to rescue her or is her fate sealed by her abductors.
4/5
Brutal Don!
This is the first story in the "Brutal Dons" series and reads as a stand alone story. I enjoyed every bit of this fairly short and quick read. The story is about Dante and Cara and has some dark themes. Cara is working hard trying to pay off her father's medical bills and surviving. She is walking home when she is abducted. Dante is the head of the Massimo crime family. Nobody messes with him or his family, including the Gambinos. Cara ends up as Dante's possession. They have an intriguing story with action, suspense, danger, passion, tenderness and love.
5/5
?♥️?♥️?♥️?♥️?♥️?♥️?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Dante saves Cara from being sold at a human auction and buys her himself. He wants to keep her because he loves her. She doesn't know yet but she will. She comes clean and tells him she was going to drug him and escape. This builds all his trust in her. Their relationship starts to blossom.
5/5
Dante & Cara
This is a quick, hot mafia read. Cara was leaving work and was kidnapped, woke up in a cage and sold at an auction. Dante is a Mafia Don. He was dragged to the auction by his brother who told him he worked too much. Dante had no intention of bidding until he saw Cara's spunk and fight. Also a rival boss of his wanted Cara for his nephew who was Cara's boss at the diner. Dante then won her. I really enjoyed her book. I'm waiting for more!
5/5
A nice quick read
I really enjoyed how this book was put together, and how the characters ended up with a sweet HEA. The action in the book went very well with the romance that developed and as such the characters were easy to imagine as well as the world they lived in. Great job.
5/5
Brutal
Cara/Dante. Waitress/Mafia Don. Younger woman/Older man. Human Traffickers. Kidnapped. Auctioned. Violence. Wooed. Attraction. Affection. Desire. Consensual. Attempt Kidnapping. Protector. Happiness. Sadness. Wonderful characters and endearing story. Love. HEA. Page Turner.
5/5
I Loved loved loved this book--Mafia dark romances are my favorite!!
I loved how Cara and Dante's story was so well written--this book was so great. I am truly a sucker for a great dark mafia romance and this one delivered!! I will definitely re-read this (many times probably) Loved it!
5/5
Dante and Cara
I adore Willow's books. This was amazing. I loved Cara and Dante. They were both strong characters. Dante thought he'd keep Cara around for some fun and then send her back to her old life. What he got was woken up. She rattled his world. He realized she was the one he wanted to be his wife. Meanwhile Cara was fighting her attraction to him. She tried to remember how she got there. But then she gets a wake up call and is forced to admit her feelings. Once she does.... Fireworks. They had great chemistry and were well suited for each other. And the end was perfect.
5/5
being kidnapped was one of the best things to ever happen to her
Cara is having a bad day to say the least, but unbeknownst to her, her situation turns into the best thing to happen to her. Cara is kidnapped while walking home and I was surprised when I realized who kidnapped her. Dante buys Cara at the auction after she's kidnapped and it was like he was trying to woo her. The story has action, a little suspense and some steamy moments between the two of them. It ended with a happily ever after that I enjoyed.
4/5
Good
When Cara gets kidnapped and put in an auction, Dante buys her because he sees his rival bidding on her. Little does he know she’s full of fire and will instantly fall for her. I love the interaction between the couple and the softness that Cara brings in Dante.
4/5
DANTE AND CARA
Brutal Don is Cara and Dante's story. It's a fast paced story, with an edge of your seat storyline and characters. Great one sitting read!
5/5
Hit and just the right amount of suspense
I love my mafia books and I loved this book as well, you had the kidnapped girl and the alpha mafia and then the bad son and his evil nephew but this was all about the good over evil and then you had this cute romance that developed it definitely was not a dark mafia but it entertained me until the very ending.
5/5
Quick and Entertaining
This is the first book of the series in the Mafia Lords series. This is a quick, fast-paced, mafia read that will have you asking yourself if there really is a thing of a nice Mafia Don. Dante bought Cara at an auction in order to save her from a rival mob. Cara is a feisty, sassy, woman who he instantly falls in love with. Will Dante be able to keep her safe?
5/5
Hot Mafia Don!
Cara was abducted on her way home one night and ended up the highlight of a flesh auction. Dante had been dragged to the auction by his brother and didn't plan to bid. Then he saw Cara. A rival of his wanted her, so Dante outbid him and took her home. While Dante is an Alpha and a Don, he didn't force Cara to do his bidding. They got to know each other and grew as a couple. I really enjoyed reading their story, and look forward to more in this series and this author.
4/5
mafia romance
A tale of a woman alone in the world and the violent world she finds herself in. Dante and Cara work well together as a couple and the storyline is moved forward by scenarios that threaten both of them.
5/5
Great story
Caras life is turned upside down when she is taken and put up for auction, she never expected to catch the eye of mafia Don, Dante. Dante was intrigued by Cara at first sight but even more so because his rival wanted her too. But in buying Cara he puts a target on her, and he's the only one that can protect her, even if she just wants to escape him. But could their time together become something more than captor and captive?Well written steamy, desires, action and more.
4/5
A nice dark romance
I liked the book and loved the plot. The way Cara got placed in Dante's path was perfection. I just wished it progressed a little slower in the beginning. I love Dante and his personality. With Cara I enjoyed how she wasn't just a wilted flower but she also wasn't in your face "strong." It was a good balance. I love when the main female character isn't over the top with thinking they can do whatever when they have no power in the situation.
4/5
A nice dark romance
I liked the book and loved the plot. The way Cara got placed in Dante's path was perfection. I just wished it progressed a little slower in the beginning. I love Dante and his personality. With Cara I enjoyed how she wasn't just a wilted flower but she also wasn't in your face "strong." It was a good balance. I love when the main female character isn't over the top with thinking they can do whatever when they have no power in the situation.
4/5
Beautiful
The story line was beautiful the characters was amazing they were matured and you can't help to love them. The chemistry phew . I enjoyed every page of avery chapter and I can't wait to read more of your books I recommend this one to those who likes matured characters very good developing story with no cheating and HEA. This one is long books but once you get in the story the longest of the book won't even bother you. Very good job to you and good luck with other. You did very good in this one. Good job????. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
