I wasn’t capable of love. Not until I met Cora.My angel.I’ve claimed every inch of her body and I only want more. I’m a man who craves control, but her power over me is absolute. She holds my heart in her hands.She can never find out. The demons in this city want to destroy her.It’s my job to protect her innocence. Lock her safe in my high tower.But I’m the danger that she’s trying to escape.The … high tower.
But I’m the danger that she’s trying to escape.
The ruthless man in her bed.
A demon worse than all the others.
One who cannot save her from himself.
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This is book two and you need to read book one first. Marcus and Cora’s story continues to unfold and things are getting much more tense. Danger, drama, raw emotion, darkness and action are cleverly combined into the gripping story line that easily holds your attention. The chemstry sizzles and the scenes between Cora and Marcus are smoking hot. I’m enjoying every minute of the evolution of these characters and their relationship. Be prepared for a cliffhanger and the wait for book three!
When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Lee Savino and Stasia Black are magnifysent and amazing writers.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book.
Sweet Mother!! There is no slowing down. No easy breath. This is raw, gritty, powerful and so conflicting. The tension continues to mount, my emotions are running rampant to the beat of my heart. There is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this one so there is absolutely no way I’m going to miss “Queen of the Underworld ” when it comes out. You don’t want to miss this one.
The paired writing of Lee Savino ad Stasia Black has been a dream come true but I think with that dream also comes their own brand of torture… I love this series and yes, each book ends in a cliffhanger that may drive you to drink while you wait for the next book to come out but I GUARANTEE that these stories are worth it. Now, as to the main characters in the book I am so frustrated that Marcus and Cora can’t seem to get on the same page at the same time. Just when I reached a point in this book where I “thought” they would reach their HEA, another money wrench is thrown into the mix that makes me wonder. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Queen of the Underworld to see if all my hopes and wishes for Marcus and Cora finally come true. Oh, and is it too much to hope that maybe Sharo might find his Mrs. Right or at least his Mrs. Right Now in the next book? Even the hard working right hand man of the King of the Underworld might need a little love and tenderness in his life.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
Love how Cora and Marcus story is going. in Awakening Cora has know more of Marcus darkside of things. And I just can’t wait to see what actions she is willing to take will she be against Marcus or will she become more than what is expected of her? I just can’t wait to know how their journey will end.
wow this, if possible is even better than the first book. Cora is trying to find out how to navigate in her new life withought loseing herself to her obsession with Marcus, but she is not the only one obsessed. Like the first book in the series, this one is brutal, dark and erotic but the plot gets much more complex and even more compelling. If you are looking for a sweet romance, this isnt it!! This is a fast paced story which will keep you on the edge of the seat hoping for a good out come!! Dont hold your breathe as this is not the end of Cora and Marcus’s story!!
Highly recommended
EVEN BETTER, this second episode is AMAZING!
AWAKENING is still as DARKLY psychological and erotic as the first novel in this episodic tale, and it continues the tale of Marcus, a man of POWER and Cora, the woman who dares to love him. This breathtaking episodic story has so much going on, that again I needed a moment to digest before moving on to whatever came next. And there was ALWAYS something unexpected, daring, or sinister that followed each breath I took. Each page of AWAKENING is full of action and new information written in easy-to-read, yet descriptive prose that both authors are known for individually and excel in a new and spectacular way as a writing team. In AWAKENING my love of Cora and the naiveté of her efforts also continued and once again, within new and different plotlines, I still find myself unable to even take a deep breath as my reading is taking me ever closer to the point when I know everything will change. My fear is that the change will not be for the betterment of either Marcus or Cora. In AWAKENING the relationship between Marcus and Cora is again accelerated by circumstances and continues to be interpreted through Cora’s limited experience. However, in AWAKENING, readers are given more insight into Marcus, his dealing, his thoughts, and angst, and it helped me to understand him a bit better, and why he made some of the choices he did. While reading AWAKENING, each breath has matched a punctuation mark, each character has pulled at my emotional being, and the complex plotlines have guided me through actions as if my conscience exists only on the pages of AWAKENING. This second novel is just as dark, with explicitly sexual scenes that make it suitable for readers 18 and over, and it includes some triggers, so readers need to be aware. I voluntarily read a copy of AWAKENING and this is my voluntary and HONEST review of the AMAZING 5+STAR novel. If you like your romances to be well-written, action-packed and STEAMILY romantic, then AWAKENING should be your next romance purchase! Just one other warning – there is a cliff at the end as this is the first part of a trilogy. I can hardly wait for the rest!! Happy pages!
Now, this is What I am talking about!
I struggled with the first book until about half way and then the book took off. I can gladly attest to the fact that these authors continued with that momentum in this book because sweet holy titfire was this intense. The stage is clearly set and the players are all engaged in an out and out war.
This is definitely gritty and dark at times. Yet, it had to be in order to show the inner demons that these characters have. It fuels their motivations and allowed me, as the reader, to understand the stakes and also what makes these characters tick. I really am loving who these characters represent in mythology and knowing these characters a little more, like Cora and Marcus, it really makes the storyline sink its teeth in.
In the first book, Cora frustrated me quite a bit because of her naivete. However, she has grown up in this book. A LOT. She is strong and fearless and no longer sheltered. Marcus still is more dark than light, and by light I mean Cora is the only “light” he sees. Yet, that is perfect because it gives him a softness at times that he otherwise wouldn’t have. There is a reason that light needs dark and visa versa. The steam between these two. Sweet Holy Joseph, Mary, Gabriel, and Baby Jesus.. I honestly was worried about my iPad overheating. HOT AF.
This ends on a cliffhanger and boy oh boy am I cussing out these authors right now. I cannot wait for the next part.
This series is getting better and better as we see a whole new different Marcus he is as intense as ever changing personalities on a blink of an eye and Cora has found her inner self which was nice to see caught up in a whole bunch of dangerous situations but that comes with the territory of belonging to a mafia king and its down right scary to go into and find out what really lies in that darkness. Characters are captivating and grab at you on every page their personalities are very strong as they find out certain things about each other that are now shocking and truths. I cant wait for the next one.
Wow this series is sooo addicting! I can barely put it down. It’s so dark and yummy!
I love how big Cora’s heart is. She tries so hard to harden it but it just doesn’t work.
Marcus is addicted to Cora but his kingdom is in jeopardy from the Titans, so is also trying to ignore Cora and how she makes him feel.
These two are the perfect compliment to each other. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Edge of your seat, pulse pounding, emotional dark romance
This author duo has done it again! Awakening (A Dark Mafia Romance Book 2) by Lee Savino and Stasia Black is a very well written dark mafia romance with tons of feels that reels the reader in and grips your heart through your throat. Cora struggles to hide her vulnerabilities and fails to resist her mafia husband, Marcus. Marcus, the uber alpha mafia boss, tries to deny and resist Cora, yet fails spectacularly. Love it when these strong guys finally admit and accept love!
Having read the first book in this series, I was constantly waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop throughout which truly had me on the edge of my seat and dreading having to put this book down. The drama of the plot as well as the interactions between Cora and Marcus are explosively compelling. Between the suspense, violence and danger, budding friendships, twists and turns, downright gritty and raw chemistry this is a book not to be missed. Overall, absolutely fantastic and well worth the five star rating and then some.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
This is the second book in the trilogy & they must be read in order. This book was fraught with tension, and kept me turning pages far longer than I had the time for-I could not put it down! The relationship between Cora and Marcus changes, and we are introduced to other characters. I was both enchanted and dismayed with The Orphan and Iris, and from this point, the book descended darkly for me. Marcus is aptly called the Lord of the Underworld, and his relationship with Cora is about to take a hammering. I am really enjoying the characters, and the plot is gripping. I’ve no idea what is going to happen next, but I’m signing up for the ride. This book is full of action and intrigue, well-written, and decently paced.
I received a copy of this book. My honest review is voluntarily provided.
FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Hands down thrilling! A throng of unexpected circumstances and a slew of astonishing surprises push those conflicting emotions to life smoothly. You guys are not going to believe how Stasia and Lee have this installment playing out. One incredible storyline and gripping plot that hurls all drama, intrigue and suspense to leave you breathless and aching for more. One non-stop, action packed, pulse racing, page turning dynamo that keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Twists and turns abound with a few glitches that propel this bad boy to life flawlessly. One non-stop action packed, fast paced, page flipping delight that keeps you riveted on a razors edge. Twixt and twined and stretched to unbelievable links until you feel everything the characters feel. The characters chemistry sizzles from the pages and suck you in so deeply until you feel the heat and electricity thrumming through your veins. The characters are genuine, tangible and realistic with such depth and qualities that blend fluidly throughout. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive its paints a fantastic backdrop. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Addictive!
Cora and Marcus are back in this second book of their series and boy howdy is this book addictive. Edge of your seat excitement and pulse pounding mystery not to mention the inextinguishable heat that Marcus and Cora continue to bring throughout the book. And just when you think these two have finally reached their HEA Cora sees something she will not be able to deny or unsee on top of having a secret that could tear them apart forever. I am impatiently waiting for book 3!!
I read a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This series only gets better! The twists had me not wanting to put this one down. I loved the way Cora began to take control, her strength shining bright. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!
I freakin’ loved the reference to Greek and Roman mythology and had fun trying to figure out who each character represents along the way.
This is a somewhat dark & intriguing mafia romance, it is the second book in the series “Tales of Olympus” with a lot of new characters. The story-line is well-thought out and written with a suspenseful plot & filled with unexpected situations. The characters are well-developed & have strong personalities but are emotional flawed with a variety of traits and different sides to their individual personalities, the secondary characters offer good support.
There is: a beautiful & more mature young woman (Cora), her husband – the ruthless leader/king of the underworld (Marcus Ubeli), his business partner (Armand), law enforcement, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, action, memories, deceit, danger, violence, threats, enemies, turf wars, manipulations, confusion, friendship, inner demons, emotional turmoil, steamy scenes, vulnerability, threats, fear, confrontations, designer drugs, guns blazing, defiance, verbal conflict, declarations, blackmail, abduction, murder, betrayal, sorrow, revenge & a decision to leave.
Sadly this book does end on a cliffhanger but I look forward to the next book in the series with great anticipation.
Stasia Black and Lee Savino co wrote this amazing story! It was intense, steamy, and really awesome!
Cora’s story continues with her marriage to Marcus. And Marcus continues to be cold and distant with her. She is wishing he would love her, as she loves him.
The characters in this book were so well written and consistent. The plots and sub plots flowed beautifully and concisely. I look forward to reading Ascension.
I loved the use of Greek mythology throughout this story (it’s explained at the end of the book).
When in first book Cora is his captive, chain to the their wedding bed, in this second book with Marcus feelings for her, Cora find her “freedom”
Not chain anymore, but being Mrs. Ubeli, the King of the underworld wife, definitly have their own leash.
This is the part where, for me, Cora done a lot of stupid and dangerous things. Love her naivete but when someone just jump and doesn’t think twice about what will happen after, that just irritate me. Cora did that. She keep saying she love Marcus, that she hope he can love her back, but what’s love without trust???
I understand because of who he is, trusting a villain after what he did to her before would be wrong. But to keep saying love but no trust… Gaaaah for me that’s just contra.
And Marcus… Don’t see him much unless for some lovin steamy moment in this book. And for the fact that Cora don’t have bodyguard attach to her in any condition that eventually leads to caos… What’s wrong with you Marcus??
Love how he keep constant with how he treat Cora in the bedroom. Still dominant. Still the predator. Love how as the King, Marcus still that evil from the first book. Love how their love finally out there.
The steamy scenes are super hot.
But then again is love and steamy goodness could be really hold them together?
What if Cora finally see the real King of the underwold? The real Marcus who would kill his enemy with cold blooded.
Could Cora handle her self and be his Queen ?
I loved the first book in this series and this one was even better, once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. It is poignant, intriguing and sometimes horrifying but always captivating. I shed tears I felt so badly for Cora and I wanted to shake Marcus he was so stubborn and as much as he is a Mafia kingpin, I so want him and Cora to find happiness together and I don’t know if they will.
Amongst all the violence and angst there are two storylines, one to do with Marcus’ business and one that involves Cora, and is hard to read, both of which add to the overall story. I will now have to wait impatiently for the final book in the series