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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Just…Wow!! The characters in this book are right out of Greek and Roman Mythology, with modern bent. Cora represents Persphone, child-bride of Hades, the god of the Underworld. Marcus represents Hades, a cold and brutal god who feel in love with Persphone and kidnapped her. Their story is sad but beautiful, as Cora struggles with her new life and her place with Marcus, a man who believes love makes you weak and vulnerable to your enemies.
This is the second book in the series by Lee Savino and Stasia Black. There’s plenty of sex and action, while the characters begin to grow and mature. Reading and seeing the evolution of these damaged lovers is wonderful, plus you get to glimpses of other gods, such as Zeus, Demeter, Hectate, Hypnos, Hermes, and Athena, all with modern issues and personalities.
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
Super Emotional Read!!
This is #2 in the series, and best read in order. Cora is young and naive, but less so each day. She is married and in love with Marcus, who rules the city with an iron fist. He sees her as a possession, which breaks her heart.
So many moving parts, and so many emotions. This is a gritty, sensual story which will keep you on the edge of your seat. To say more would give plot away – just know all is not resolved here. There will be more in this splendid series!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
The story of Marcus and Cora continue in Book 2. Danger is out there for Cora and Marcus is surrounded in his secrets he keeps from Cora. His goal of keeping her safe is difficult as she eventually keeps finding out more and more about the Underground King, Marcus. I was captured once again by the characters and the emotions. It was action-packed and I can’t wait for Book 3 to see how this all works out.
Make sure you read book one of the series because Awakening picks up right where it left off. Even though that one was a great read I enjoyed this book much better. I loved how these authors developed Cora’s character. She finally grows a back bone and starts to stand up for herself. Will Marcus stay hell-bent on destroying the Titans? Can Cora trust the change in Marcus? I can’t wait for the third installment!!
This book is Book 2 in a trilogy that’s totally worth reading. I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first story. I liked that Marcus and Cora share how they feel with each other. I especially liked the scene in the warehouse by the docks – wow, that was exciting! My favorite quote: All she knew was that if he loved her, if he really loved her, then she would give him the world. She would be his world.
Second book of the contemporary trilogy based in Hades and Persephone. This story about Marcus, king of the underworld, and Cora, the woman he loves, has an intricate, steamy plot. This love story grabs you and won’t let go. It is tempestuous and emotional. A must read!
Incredible Chemistry! Marcus And Cora’s Journey Weaves A Dark Love Story Into A Suspenseful Read Set In New Olympus About Mobsters, Turf Wars, And Revenge. Newlywed Marcus Is Distant And Emotionless, While Cora Tries To Find Purpose While Resigning Herself To A Loveless Marriage.
This is book two in the Dark Romance Trilogy, or the Tales of Olympus series. It is followed by Queen of the Underworld. The series is plot-driven; book one ends in cliffhanger.
From book one, Innocence:
Cora Vestian, nineteen, finally escaped the from home. She was raised off the grid by a rigid and overcontrolling mother who lectured about needing to protect Cora from the dangers of the world. She had kept Cora’s existence a secret to protect her, yet her own mother beat her and locked her away for days at a time.
Cora is the epitome of innocence when she makes her way from her remote farm to New Olympus without money or ID. She soon secures a nanny job. Bad luck seems to follow her, and when she finally makes friends and goes out, she ends up drugged and kidnapped. But she crosses paths with a handsome knight in shining armor, and her life soon becomes like a fairy tale.
Marcus Ubeli, thirty-two, is taken aback by Cora’s beauty when she enters his office, dirty and tattered. Her innocence reminds him of someone – and a debt is owed. He doesn’t do emotions and he isn’t going to start now, yet he can’t let Cora go. He is the perfect gentlemen with her, courteous and thoughtful. To everyone else, though, he is the cold Lord of the Underworld of New Olympus, a master manipulator and brutal crime lord in command of his own army, the Shades.
In this book:
Four months have passed since Cora awoke in a hospital bed and overheard her husband’s words. His treatment of her after their wedding ceremony had nearly destroyed her. Her innocence is certainly long gone. But she finally thought they had a break though, and that the Marcus she fell in love with still resided somewhere inside the cold-hearted crime lord’s body. The unguarded words he had spoken in her hospital room to his second in command, Sharo, shattered that illusion.
Minus the bodyguards, Cora has a certain level of freedom now, so long as she behaves and performs her duties in the public eye. As for the bedroom, Marcus is often too busy to pay her much attention. Bereft of her dreams of true love and resigned to a loveless marriage, Cora is determined to make friends. She continues to volunteer with Maeve. Armand, her husband’s business partner, continues to hire her on occasion for modeling jobs and their friendship continues to grow. Cora makes a new friend of Olivia, who turns out to be a tech genius. Anna, a stripper, makes her way into Cora’s rather untraditional list of friends as well. Marcus might neglect her, but Cora is determined to keep herself busy and occupied in his absence.
Marcus is determined to keep order in New Olympus, even if that means neglecting his new bride until things settle down once again. She is a distraction, much to his chagrin. New Olympus depends upon him – it is a city with needs. Marcus learned that shutting everything down doesn’t work – it only invites unprincipled enemies in to fill the void. So he tries to satisfy the population by providing controlled indulgences while keeping his enemies at bay. He has been hard at work negotiating to bring in a new designer drug, but in the meantime the newest musical sensation, The Orphan, has been brought to town. Marcus has him for a two week engagement, headlining at his club, Elysium. The fans are ecstatic. Unfortunately, Marcus learns that The Orphan’s manager is an old acquaintance.
Years ago Marcus had rid New Olympus of the Titans, who now rule over nearby Metropolis. But AJ Wagner, a businessman affiliated with the Titans, has somehow wormed his way back in. Marcus has no choice but to allow AJ’s presence in the city for the duration of The Orphan’s contract. But with the big deal about to go down and an impending election, timing couldn’t be worse. Marcus’s philanthropy and businesses provide a nice cover for his nefarious activities, but the fragile nature of the dirty politics that his operations rely upon leaves an element of uncertainty.
Marcus and Cora’s journey weaves a dark love story into a suspenseful read about mobsters, turf wars, and revenge. Marcus and Cora can’t be more opposite. Marcus is distant and emotionless, while Cora tries to find purpose while resigning herself to a loveless marriage. She is seeing and learning about the outside world for the first time ever. She is a quick learner, however. The childhood abuse she suffered served as a training ground for her new reality. Her naivete contrasts starkly with Marcus’s manipulation skills. She shows great strength in deciding to make a life for herself in Marcus’s absence. She tries to find purpose, but her naivete unfortunately gets her into more trouble, despite her well-meaning intentions.
While in book one the two dance around their feelings for one another under deeply emotional circumstances, here they fall into a pattern of denial and avoidance as they pursue their separate interests. Marcus never discusses his business with Cora, and when she develops her own interests, his inattention leaves her to her own devices. The plot thickens for both. This book ends with a cliffhanger. It is a good transition point leading into book three of the series.
Wow! Marcus and Cora’s dark and angsty story will leave you reaching for book three – the final book in the series. The couple’s chemistry is incredible, and BDSM elements play a role. Their story is well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. It unfolds slowly, revealing surprises along the way. It takes place in the vivid world of New Olympus, which appears in other books by the authors as well. The characters are nicely defined. The story is written in third person. The POV alternates between Cora and Marcus. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
Audiobook – It’s dark. Marcus is dark and brooding but he can’t help falling in love with his wife, Cora. He may be the boss but she has more power than either realizes. She’s submissive in the bedroom but also very feisty and more than willing to push back. While they struggle with their feelings for each other, there is no denying their chemistry.
I didn’t read (or listen) to the first book in this series. There are numerous references back to it in this book, many of which are summarized enough that I could keep up. Even so, I probably would have enjoyed this even more had I read it in order. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
The narrator was perfect for Marcus! While a female for Cora would have been a nice contrast, Jack made it work.
Awakening is the second book in the Dark Mafia Romance trilogy, and you should read this series in order. Cora has resigned herself to her lot in life, a loveless marriage to a possessive husband. But as danger creeps closer to his territory, and he digs deeper into her heart, will Cora fight for what she believes in, or will Marcus drive her away for good?
Oh my goodness, this book was so intense, with developing drama between Cora and Marcus, but also a deeper connection and we get to see more of their characters. I loved that Cora continued to fight for those in a bad situation, but she’s still so naive about the ways of Marcus’ world that she maybe made some mistakes along the way. Marcus has his own internal issues to deal with when it came to his wife, but he also had a ton to deal with outside of his home. I think ultimately the mistakes and issues in this book dial down to no trust between the married couple, but you can’t really blame Cora for her fears and insecurities. While there is a lot that happens in this book, and I loved getting to know the characters a lot better, I do feel like aspects of this book were used as a filler. Ultimately, I really enjoyed reading this book, though, and once I started it, I could not put the book down! I am excited to see how this trilogy will end in the next book, and I loved how this book developed!
4.5
Marcus and Cora’s twisted tale continues with more secrets and ulterior motives. But finally Cora get the words she’s always wanted from Marcus! Though Cora fears once Marcus finds out what she did he may feel differently. And now we wait on pins & needles for the conclusion on their emotional story!
Terrific Story & Audible Listen Intense & Captivating!
Awakening
A Dark Mafia Romance, Book 2
By: Stasia Black, Lee Savino
Narrated by: Jack Calihan
This is another great collaboration by Stasia Black and Lee Savino in this second book of their “A Dark Mafia Romance” series. They created a dark and twisted world, a criminal underworld, where Marcus is the King. A great modern day spin and retelling of the Greek Myth “Orpheus and Eurydice”. In the first book, Innocence” Cora landed right into his lap. He had made her feel safe and secure only to pull the rug out from under her. Cora is now stuck in this relationship, she wants it to be more than it is but does not think Marcus will ever see her as anything but a pawn to maintain control in his world. It is great to see their relationship is growing, even though Cora does not see it and has her insecurities. She has a little more freedom in this book and while Marcus is off doing his business she goes off on her own trying to help and do right but she winds up getting in over her head. A lot goes on in this book, there is plenty of drama, angst, action, some suspense and mind-blowing as well as some steamy romance. Thank you, Stasia Black and Lee Savino for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to see what happens when Marcus finds out what really happened.
I listened to the Audible edition, Jack Calihan is a fantastic narrator and voice artist. He continues to bring the characters to life giving each their own voice and personality, as well as heart and attitude. His portrayal of the characters is spot on, he captures their emotions and passion and projects them into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Jack Calihan, thank you for another great listen
Awakening by Stasia Black is book Two in the Tales of Olympus Series. This continues the story of Marcus and Cora. So you really should read the previous book, Innocence. In addition this does not end their story which will continue on into the next book, Queen of the Underworld. Marcus is still continuing to be cold to his wife Cora even though his feelings for her are more than he wants to let on to. Cora is trying to find her way in Marcus’s world while dealing with her love for him and his coldness towards her. But Cora is growing strong her place as his ‘Queen’.
This is the second book in the series and Innocence needs to be read first.
Cora Ubeli’s life has changed so much since she left her mom’s yet she still remains a prisoner but this time in her husband’s home. Yet she has found herself with more freedom since making a decision that left Marcus very grateful for her.
Slowly Cora’s eyes are being opened to everything going on around her and she realizes how sheltered she has been and she has to figure out who she can really trust when it’s clear how dangerous her life has become.
Will Cora run to her husband when she is faced with a problem or will she try and figure it out herself?
This book just keeps getting better with so many more twists and turns!!
I was so proud of Cora in this book for stepping outside her comfort zone with so many different things yet at the same time I was still freaking out for what she was getting involved in knowing there was a very good chance that things were not going to turn out well. Yet through so much of it she still held onto a sense of loyalty towards Marcus that at times I thought he really didn’t deserve.
I could tell how much Marcus was attracted to Cora but he held the events of the past over her and anytime she would break down some of his walls he would do something to get them back up fast. I could tell he had so much going on and was trying to keep his “empire” together from all angles when it seemed to be crumbling.
The situation with the singer The Orphan and his girlfriend Iris threw things into chaos and then tied into a much bigger story. I could tell that AJ was up to no good and was trying anything he could to get Cora close to him. The situation there escalated so much and I was so mad at a lot of characters with that story line and it tore at my heart for sure. I was not expecting the vents that happened.
I understood why Marcus did what he did at the end of the book and after that I was really surprised at Cora’s actions but I know that just sets up a great book three!
4.5 Stars
By Rebecca
Another re-telling of a classic myth this story dives deeper into the lives of many characters and their businesses. I liked the way the characters portrayed their mythological counterparts. It was a great way to introduce known characters in new ways. I might even like these characters better.
I loved the humanity that these characters shared in their relationship. I find it difficult to find real characters or real examples of relationships some times and this book did a nice job of that. Specifically Cora not willing to let things go, she knew what she needed and was not going to lay down her values just for the man she loved.
The secondary characters were just as fun to read about and they added such spice to the story. I never had a problem liking these characters and this story added to my interest in them. Can’t wait to read the conclusion! I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
Marcus and Cora are married with Cora wishing he lover her as much as she loves him. She wants to know more about the mafia business and Marcus doesn’t want his wife in it. Cora ends up finding out things anyway and the secrets can be explosive. I hope we see the relationship evolve more in the next book.
The continuing saga of Cora and Marcus just gets more and more engrossing. They are beautiful together and I think that they are terrible together sometimes too. They both love each other, they don’t want the other one to know, and they are willing to do a lot to and for each other.
I love the side plot of The Orphan, and the reaction that Cora has to his music is just OMFG wow. AJ needs to burn in a fiery lake of hellfire-topped lava. I really like Anna, and I think that Olive is cool AF. I like Armand, but I think that sometimes he isn’t as smart as he could be. I’m pretty sure that he wants Cora as more than just his model, but Marcus had better never find that out.
I think that Brutus may be my new favorite character.
I love the intensity of these books and how Cora and Marcus feel about each other. I hate how Marcus feels like he has to hide it because it hurts Cora so much, and I really hate that fact.
Awakening is the second book in the dark mafia series by Lee Saving and Stasia Black. It isn’t a stand alone, you need to read the first book, Innocence, to fully understand Cora and Marcus’s story. This picks up right where we left off in book one and I liked it even more than Innocence. Can’t wait for the third book!
Awaking is just more of a kick to the gut!! Cora keeps getting in deeper !! Marcus told her she was her light, but she keeps trying to help others putting herself into more and more danger!! Cannot wait for the 3rd book so I can read how this all ends! So edge of my seat on this!! Can’t believe I have to wait until August to read the rest!!