Ivory Love finds you. That’s why I’m still single, ten years after my high school boyfriend shattered my heart. It has absolutely nothing to do with him. Or so I tell myself, anyway. When I’m caught in the middle of a bank robbery, I can’t seem to mimic everyone else’s pure, logical fear. Not me. I’m pissed.No way am I dying having never known real love. So when the bank robber takes one look at … real love.
So when the bank robber takes one look at my face and mutters my name in shock, I’m a little lost.
And then he follows it up with a plea for forgiveness from the devil himself.
Matteo
I let her go once.
Now, Ivory comes strutting back into my life and making demands like she’s in charge.
She’ll learn quickly enough.
She’ll have to since I’m never letting her go again.
No matter what she has to say about it.
Disclaimer: Bloodied Hands is a full-length standalone novel with crime syndicate members and dark content.
The Bellandi Crime Syndicate Series includes several full-length standalones with HEA that can be read in any order, but would present a better reading experience following the suggested reading order.
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As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was excited for its release date. I’m not sure what it is about a dark crime book that appeals to me so much. I can say that with all of my anticipation for this book I was not dissapointed AT ALL. OK I lied, I’m a little dissapointed that this book won’t have a sequel…. I loved this book and highly recommend it if you are interested in reading it!!!
Possible spoilers below…
The following are a few notes I made while reading.
Whew what a well written breakup scene to start the book off. Mateo felt absolutely ice cold and you could feel the anguish Ivory felt. This definitely set the tone for the rest of the book.
There were little details like her pet and his name throughout the book that I found amusing and added that much more to the story.
I feel like there was a missed chapter between the club office scene and him giving her the ring / her forgiving him. It seemed too sudden of a switch and at the very least a conversation was missed out on.
Poor Duke! I can feel his pain and I kinda hope we get to hear his story of finding someone else someday.
Overall Ivory was an absolute bad ass and was a character that I could relate to! For example dressing up when seeing her ex or the comment about eavesdropping.
3.5 Stars
For being Adelaide’s first venture into mafia romance she did well! This book hit all the right spots, possessive alpha boss, the girl that got a way and sizzling chemistry. Matteo’s possessiveness DOES get a little out of control but we know it’s because he loves Ivory and she just doesn’t understand his world. Although he does cross one unforgivable line in my book. The chemistry between them is definitely pretty damn hot, if we could give half stars I would bump this up to 3.5 because there was no skimping on the frequency of scenes and let’s be real, we want to read them! There are hints of more books to come which is awesome, especially his enforcer Ryker. Looking forward to what comes next and how Adelaide’s writing evolves as she digs deeper into my favorite trope.
I love when I find a writer who is new to me AND is an excellent writer. And I am delighted to say that this is the case (for me) with Ms. Forrest.
I love Mafia romance but I’m not a big fan of 2nd chance romance & yet, I loved this 2nd chance Mafia romance.
I found the writing smooth, polished, and it pulled me deep into Matteo (anti-H) & Ivory (h) story, their journey, their mistakes, misunderstandings. Their sometimes awkward path trying to find a ‘them/us’ after 12 years of separation since High School. And during their two steps forward, one step back travels, I found myself rooting enthusiastically for them as a couple, hoping their maturity & life experience will vault them over their current obstacles & travails.
And that to me, makes for an excellent reading experience, that I am drawn into the book, the plot, care about & become invested in the H/h, feel their confusion, insecurities, their worries & fears, & their joys. And I did feel all this in reading this book
I came to like Matteo (a lot) as I came to understand him better as the book progressed. I liked Ivory who despite a shattered heart, pulled herself together to complete her education & attain a college degree & found her own successful business. By herself & on her own.
I liked her besties: Duke & Sadie, & I adored Scar (Paolo) Ivory’s personal bodyguard & was DEEPLY touched by how much Ivory came to care for & LIKE him.
So, IMO, if the reader likes Mafia romances, 2nd chance romances, an anti-H who does dark things but is NOT dark towards the one he loves. If the reader likes strong heroine who sometimes makes mistakes but is never TSTL, who slowly, slowly begins to think that just maybe she & Matteo might indeed have a 2nd chance. If the reader wants excellent writing, steam, danger, betrayal, retribution, forgiveness, loyalty & love: read this book.
I can NOT wait for the 2nd book in this exciting new series.
I enjoyed this story. Ivory was dumped by the love of her life in high school and never really got over it. A robbery gone wrong has her facing him for answers. Once Ivory steps into Matteo’s office, he decides he let her go once he isn’t doing it again. Once I started I didn’t want to put it down. This story has love, heartbreak, second chance, a hot possessive mob boss, action. The characters were well written and I loved the storyline. I can’t wait to read Lino’s story
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
This was my first book by Adelaide Forrest and I loved it!! I found this book to be entertaining and a page turner. And I loved the characters Ivory and Matteo. They were high school sweethearts but something happens. So no spoilers get the book. I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Bloodied Hands: Bellandi Crime Syndicate #1 is a refreshing new take on mafia romance. Adelaide Forrest makes a strong debut with this deliciously dark romance. Matteo and Ivory’s well written characters burn up the pages with all the feels from start to finish. Cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
“It was always you, Ivory. Always,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine. “You’re the only thing that could hurt me. The only thing they could use to break me. That is why you need to do what I tell you. You must stay with Scar. It’s the only way I can keep you safe.”
The story was decent. Here we have Matteo, a crime boss. And then there’s Ivory, a girl I wish had more spine. I can’t say too much without spoiling it for you, and I would like to encourage you to grab it and to read it. I had issues with how the story started and their first encounter. But that’s me, you might not have the same issue.