There were always whispers about my roommate at Hillcrest Academy.The wealthiest of the wealthy sent their kids to our boarding school, and Brooke Bennett had been at the top, though I never quite knew why. She was fun and outgoing, but she kept quiet about her family. The only things she showed me were photographs of her brothers.I became fascinated with her second-oldest brother. Kai Bennett.He … second-oldest brother. Kai Bennett.
He was the most of them all. Smoldering. Hypnotic. Alluring.
Kai had eyes that pulled me in and a face that haunted my dreams.
Then I met him.
He came to our school with their father, and that’s when I learned what kind of family Brooke came from. They were mafia, and Brooke’s oldest brother was dead. Her father said accident, but Brooke said murder.
Three months later, her father died, and Kai became the head of the Bennett Family. Brooke left Hillcrest for good, and that was the last time I saw her.
Fourteen years later, I’m staring at her face on the television. Brooke is missing.
Two days later, Kai Bennett kidnaps me.
** This is a 120k full-length standalone.
more
I am soo obsessed with Tijan’s words it isn’t even funny. This story was so sexy and addicting and the world that Tijan created in Bennett Mafia was just mindblowing! I am so consumed with Kai and Riley and their connection. They were intense, sexy and so addicting. I could not get enough!
Without giving away any spoilers, Kai Bennett was sinfully delicious. The head of the Bennett family has always known about his little sister’s bestfriend, Riley Bello. But when he suddenly kidnaps her to get what he needs, Riley has no idea what this dangerous and ruthless mafia boss has coming for her!
Gahhh!! This man is amazinggggg! He gave me Carter Reed feels. His connection to Riley was so intense and honestly I was hooked from the start. This story had suspense, tension, angst and was absolutely incredible. I loved the connection that Kai and Riley had and the countless shockers we found out along the way. I am officially addicted to another Tijan book and can’t wait for more from this author! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Bennett Mafia is Tijan’s latest addictive, mysterious, and sexy novel. It’s Mafia. I actually didn’t even read the synopsis so that was the only thing I really knew about this book. It was enough. I mean it’s Tijan and Mafia together. I had to have it. I will make this fast so I don’t spoil anything.
Riley Knew there was something different about her bubbly roommate turned best friend Brooke. They were only eleven years old but even then people respected her like she was someone to watch. Then she saw them. Her father. Her brother Kai. Even at sixteen he was cold, calculating, and so damn alluring. She hated him. Hated him even more when he took Brooke away. And fourteen years later when she sees a picture of him on the news about his missing sister? She loathes him. He has death in his eyes. Always has and always will.
Riley has always been intrigued by them. The Bennett Family. The ones who she will now see every day since they kidnapped her. She was now up close and personal with all of them. Kai, Tanner, and Jonah. But why? She hasn’t seen Brooke since the day Kai took her away from Hillcrest. What do they want with her?
I can’t really say anymore about that part of the story. I will say that Riley is a badass. She doesn’t cower. She does waver but I would too. She doesn’t know what to believe. She doesn’t know who to trust. She has to go with her instincts. And it doesn’t help that Kai is so fucking tempting. She hates him. At the same time she wants to give in to what her body wants and it wants him. She has to be smart about this. He is calculating but so is she. Will she resist him? Kai. Leader of the Bennett Mafia. Murderer. Kidnapper.
Overall…I was addicted from the beginning until the very end. I loved Riley. She didn’t take anyone’s shit especially Kai’s. And Kai. Damn. I can’t even go there but fucking hell. I also loved the secondary characters. They all have different personalities but have one thing in common. Loyalty. I want more of them! The book was everything and more.
Quotes:
“There’s coffee or tea if you want it.” He shuffled one piece of paper behind the other. “It’s not scalding hot, in case you were tempted to throw it on me.” He shuffled a second paper behind the pile.
I was here against my wishes, but as Kai turned to look at me, a dangerous new what-if edged its way in alongside the others.
“You don’t have a ladder that I can use to swing from one side of those books to the other, do you?”
He stood. “No. Why?”
I shrugged, walking in a circle to take everything in. “No reason, just a fantasy from another world.”
“There was this fight, this dance between us. Good versus evil-but I wasn’t perfect, and Kai wasn’t evil. He just did evil things. He was good that had been twisted into something darker.”
Kai was all smooth danger, hotness personified, and I was drawn like a moth to a flame! The push/pull was intoxicating, and it made for an exiciting, incredibly hot, and addictive Mafia Romance!! I couldn’t put it down!! The twists and turns kept me glued to the pages, and their magnetism kept me reading well through the night. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
As someone who doesn’t usually read mafia romance, I can honestly say this book is amazing. While I normally avoid this genre I am addicted to Tijan’s words, so there was no question I was going to give this book a chance. And I am so happy I did!
This book was nothing like I was expecting, and I completely devoured it. The characters are addicting, the storyline sucks you in from the very beginning, and the chemistry is sizzling hot. Every time I thought I knew what was coming another twist or turn was thrown in, keeping me on my toes throughout the entire book.
Riley & Kai were both written so well, their characters completely evolving not just from beginning to end, but throughout each chapter. They are both such strong and determined characters, and it was hard to decide who my loyalties were with at any given moment. The supporting characters were all perfect additions, and while I know this is a standalone I would love to read more about the Bennett family.
If you’re looking for something dark & twisty, that will keep you glued to each page and never wanting to put it down, this is definitely it!
Exciting and sexy
Welcome Bennett’s! I’m in love with each one, even thought this book is really about Kai and Riley we get to spend time will all the Bennett’s and let me say I love them all.
Kai is the head of the family, Riley his sister best friend years ago. Together we get an explosion. Weather they are fighting or making love these two will have your head spinning. The twist and turns you will never see coming and will have you begging for more. It’s addicting and exactly what I needed. Wonderful read!
*Review by Michelle
Exciting and sexy
Welcome Bennett’s! I’m in love with each one, even thought this book is really about Kai and Riley we get to spend time will all the Bennett’s and let me say I love them all.
Kai is the head of the family, Riley his sister best friend years ago. Together we get an explosion. Weather they are fighting or making love these two will have your head spinning. The twist and turns you will never see coming and will have you begging for more. It’s addicting and exactly what I needed. Wonderful read!
BENNETT MAFIA
by Tijan
4
Release Date March 4
Bennett Mafia is Tijan doing her thing. She has a way with making her readers fall in love with the biggest douchebags.
“He was hot. He was sizzling. He was alluring.”
Riley and Kai’s characters had some crazy hot chemistry. I loved how both characters were strong, ruthless and had the “take no shit” attitude. The push/pull that they had going was entertaining to say the least.
“…his hostage, his lover, his friend, his confidant, his enemy.”
The end throws you for a loop. All the secrets, plotting, betrayals will keep you in the edge of your seat.
“I love you, even though I shouldn’t. I do.”
If you are a fan of mafia reads with steamy love scenes then pick up this book. I definitely recommend.
This book was WOW just WOW. I have no words for how amazing this book was and how hooked I was while reading. Couldn’t put it down at all I needed more and more. I didn’t want this journey to end. It felt like I was apart of this story. I loved this one so much. It keep me in suspense, made me tear up a little and just the authors words and the characters was amazing. This is now one of my all time favorite books and I can’t wait to see what this other comes up with next. Fingers crossed that she gives me more of these characters because they all stole my heart. Must read if you love Mafia books because this is one of the best.
Tijan knocks it out of the park with this standalone mafia romance. As with all of her books, this author creates entertaining storylines with wonderful, unique characters. I was completely sucked in by the first page and Bennett Mafia may be one of my favorite mafia romances.
Kai was pulled into being the head of the Bennett mafia as a teenager. He comes across as cold and calculating, but there is a soft interior that so few see and I enjoyed learning more about him as his layers were peeled back. Riley is a strong and likable heroine, a fighter, and strives to help others stuck in difficult situations. Both had rough childhoods and it is evident that their struggles greatly shaped who they are as adults. The two have great chemistry together and it was fun to watch how their relationship evolved from enemies to lovers. Kai’s siblings as well as Riley’s friend, Blade were great secondary characters and contributed much to the storyline. Bennett Mafia had some drama, hot sex scenes, suspense, as well as shocking twists and turns – thus keeping me entertained until the very end. I received this book for free.
This book was enticing from beginning to end.
Couldn’t turn to the pages fast enough,
..just as intrigued as Riley was, with the Bennett family.
Action pack and addicting Mafia tale, leaving you wanting for more.
Oh. My. Gosh. You guys… This book was fantastic, and to think I almost passed it up. I’m not usually one for mafia novels, but when I saw that it was written by Tijan, I jumped all over it. Everything that she writes is like pure gold to me, and this one was no different. I absolutely loved it! It was intense, suspenseful, sexy and thrilling! And just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws out a curve ball. You will be kept guessing and on the edge of your seat all the way until the very end.
Riley is one of my favorites Tijan heroines to date. She is kindhearted, smart, strong and very brave. She is part of an organization that rescues people from bad situations and helps them to disappear. Their mission of saving people is very near and dear to her heart due to her own traumatic past.
Kai is a made man in the mob and the brother to Brooke, Riley’s childhood best friend. He is sexy, seductive, cunning and controlling. When his sister goes missing, he kidnaps Riley, convinced that she holds all of the answers.
The two of them are at opposite ends of the spectrum. He is darkness and she is light. He stands for all that she is against, but there is an undeniable pull between them. A sizzling hot chemistry that they can’t seem to walk away from.
All in all, Bennett Mafia was a fun and exciting fast paced read with lots of action and suspense. I thought it was smartly written, captivating and sexy as all get-out. It’s the whole package and I loved every single minute of it.
I received a free copy of the book from the author.
Bennett Mafia is told from Rylie’s point of view. She was the roommate of Kai Bennett’s sister in their private high school. They’re adults now and Rylie’s not hurt from Brooke in ages. Then one day Kai happens.
You may chuckle at that statement, but I don’t have another thought on how to explain it better. Kai Bennett is the head of the Bennett Mafia family. There’s stories about how he got there. What lengths he’s willing to go to to remain on top. Those lengths both scare and intrigue Rylie. Not to mention his sex appeal.
There’s a lot going on in this novel. You’ll have to stay on top because one drift away and you’ll be completely lost on what’s happening with all the players. In true Tijan fashion she keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end.
I enjoyed reading this story. There’s a bit of a sweet side to Kai Bennett that only Rylie seems to bring to the forefront. I wish I could tell you this story was all unicorns and rainbows…but I can’t. You won’t be disappointed though if Rylie and Kai have anything to say about it.
If I could give this book a hundred stars I would.
I absolutely loved it! It had me flipping the pages non stop.
Kai, oh wait! He is everything. I swooned so hard over him. Riley what a strong heroine, full of sass.
I was on the edge more times then not. This book had it all, suspense, drama, sexy times, made me laugh out loud.
Dare I say this may be my favorite Tijan book?
An Arc was kindle provided by Tijan. Thanks a million for the Arc. I loved it.
The bonds of a friendship from one’s youth can extend further than most would believe. For Riley – life in a boarding school during her teenage years was filled with memories from her friend Brooke Bennett. The two were inseparable from the moment they met, but their friendship wasn’t without secrets. There was a reason that Brooke was hiding out in that boarding school, and it centered on her mysterious family and their livelihood.
That life is a distant memory for Riley. Now – her life is spent working in a nursing home and living a life of secrecy. No longer does Riley exist, now Raven is the one who keeps her identity a secret to perform a job that operates under the radar. What Riley couldn’t prepare for was the day the Bennett family decides to pull her into their family drama once more. Brooke has gone missing and her brother Kai is determined that Riley knows how to find her.
Kai is the enigma that has held Riley’s attention since meeting him years ago. As the head of this mafia family, Kai knows that nothing is off limits where family is concerned. With a determination to find Brooke fueling his actions, Kai will stop at nothing to uncover who is responsible for his sister’s disappearance. With evidence mounting to show Riley knows where Brooke is hiding; Kai is determined to show no mercy to obtain the information. What the sullen enforcer didn’t count on was the inability to control the attraction that Riley clearly evokes whenever she is near.
Get ready for a mafia trope that will pull you in from the very first chapter and wring you out with the twists and turns lurking with each turn of the page. Bennett Mafia is the latest release from Tijan, and it is definitely one mafia book that should be on the top of your reading list. The details of the Bennett family are intriguing all on their own, but when you add the secrets surrounding Brooke’s life the fire just burns even brighter. In the middle of the turmoil is a romance that was long overdue.
Everything about Kai is seductive and intriguing. When Riley comes into his life, all of the plans that this mafia head has laid out will be tilted. Nothing that Kai does is without purpose, and Riley will discover the good and bad in that personality trait. The plot unfolds in Bennett Mafia with each chapter, and pulls you deeper and deeper with each turn of the page. I absolutely love these two tattered souls as a couple!! Tijan has truly mastered the art of created a multi-layered character that will spin you on your head. Every nuance a revelation that this author knows how to take the darkest tendrils and create a character that is completely unforgettable. Bennett Mafia is one book that deserves more than a simple glance at the cover. The contents will simply blow you away!!
While I am still fairly new to Tijan as a reader, I’ve seen her books on social media for some time, and my first opportunity to include her in my blog schedule presented itself last fall. And I thoroughly enjoyed that book. However, after reading Bennett Mafia? I am OBSESSED!!!! Without question, Bennett Mafia is the single best mafia romance I have ever read, and I don’t make this claim lightly. Since I read a book a day, and I love mafia romance, this is a broad category with a lot of history. Also, I would also tell you this is unequivocally one of my favorite reads in the last several years and I am already trying to get through my Blogs ARCs so that I can reread this book immediately.
This review cannot possibly do justice to Bennett Mafia, and I won’t attempt to spin a version of the blurb to entice you to read this book, because I feel like Tijan did that beautifully. The plot itself was phenomenal. The writing is very fluid with a perfect pace and was so damn entertaining that it reeled me in instantly without losing me at any point. This enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s brother romance was told entirely from Riley’s perspective and literally kept me up all night long, turning page after page until I finished the book. While I prefer dual POV’s as a rule, this was perfection and kept me on my toes… I was absolutely blindsided several times which just strengthened the enjoyment I got out of the story. The unpredictability of the story was cause for celebration—I mean, I often feel that I have read every story there is and yet nothing about this book felt like that. What I gleamed after reading my second book by this exceptionally talented author is that she does NOTHING by half measures. Tijan excels at writing evocative and gritty romances that are emotionally bankrupting. They will leave your thoughts utterly consumed days and days after you’ve finished reading them. At least with two books behind me, that’s where I am at.
Bennett Mafia was extraordinary with a truly evocative storyline. Riley and Kai’s story was absolutely fascinating. These characters are extremely complex, and their love story is one that I will not soon forget. I loved the juxtapose of these characters—they’re truly polar opposites on some levels, but as their characters develop and the storyline progresses, I saw similarities that aren’t readily apparent. I have a huge thing for alpha hero’s that are total assholes and I swear, at first glance, Kai took home the gold in that respect. Yet, his character is extremely deep, and I discovered that not only is he an asshole, he’s badass, and he has a huge heart. He proved time and again that his family, and those under his protection, absolutely and without exception come first! I can’t tell you how completely under his spell I was by the 70% mark—by the end of the book? Yep, you guessed it, I am completely lost for this hero and I think anyone who reads him will be. Riley is the light to his dark. She’s the one that saves people while he’s the murder. She’s strong, loyal, fierce and overall an outstanding heroine. She’s the girl I would want behind or to be best friends with on every level. Both characters have wrenching pasts that will tear you apart. This is not a pretty romance, this is not a sweet romance, this book is a little dark with regard to various plot points (i.e. abuse, the sex trade, the mafia lifestyle, etc). These gritty topics were skillfully woven into a romance about the most unlikely of couplings. And by the time you read those last words “the end” you will be just as emotionally bankrupt as I was—but in the best way possible. I was moved to tears several times and I ached with what Kai and Riley had survived in their lives—both together and separately. There is NOTHING like a book that reaches you on every level and that’s what Bennett Mafia did for me. Oh, and did I mention how hot this book was? Bennett Mafia was spectacularly hot!! Enemies-to-lovers romances have this push and pull that’s delicious and Tijan took that and amplified it exponentially… I urge readers to buy books often, but rarely to do tell you to buy a book RTFN, but that’s exactly what this review is striving to convey. Don’t make the mistake I did and pass up something but this insanely talented author—I regret it more and more every day!
Quotes:
He murdered people. I saved them.
—
There was something in him that beckoned to me. I hated what he did. But I didn’t hate him. I lusted after him. But I loathed his job.
—
Out of their whole family, Kai Bennett was the most. He was the best looking. He had their dark and hypnotic eyes, but they were more with him. More smoldering. More hypnotic. More powerful. More alluring.
—
His presence was overwhelming. I felt him sliding inside of me, taking over, and I gulped because my body responded to him, to his closeness. He had a hold of me, whether I wanted him to or not. I couldn’t deny it any longer.
—
I did not want to feel this self-hatred. I was weak. I was an embarrassment to the ideals I’d dedicated my life to: helping others, saving others, protecting others. I was with a man who violated all of those principles, and I should run. I could run now, but I didn’t. I knew I wouldn’t.
—
“I am everything that’s bad in this world. You are everything that’s good, and I am turning you into me.” He choked out, “I hate myself when I look at you. You reflect everything wrong in me, every time I’m inside of you.”
—
I was one of Kai’s —his hostage, his lover, his friend, his confidant, his enemy. I was his, but he was mine too.
—
I wanted this Kai with me at all times— loving, caring, tender. The man who could make me lose my bearings and bring me so much pleasure I almost saw fucking stars, but out there was a different Kai. He would have to be cold, detached, ruthless. A shiver went down my spine. That was my Kai too, but he scared me.
4.5 sexy mafia stars!! I love mafia books and this one definitely did not disappoint!
I am not sure if this is a stand alone or the beginning of a series. Though I really hope there is more to come on Tanner, Brooke and Jonah!! Maybe even Cord?!?!!
This book is a enemies to lovers story. It is deep in the mafia and situations around the mafia. I love Kia and Riley. Their story was perfect. I mean how do you not fall for Kai, the man is a bad ass with a heart.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is a lengthy book so I wasn’t able to finish in one sitting but damn it was good. The first couple chapters had me a little thrown off but once you get through the first chapter or two, it’s on!!
I love the entire Bennett family (Brooke is my least favorite. She is quite annoying). But Kai has been the glue. He is everything. Now Riley has had a pretty messed up past but she is a SURVIVOR! The last few chapters threw me. I totally wasn’t expecting all that and it was GREAT!!
This author is great with words and developed some great characters. Maybe I would have slimmed it down a bit but this story is beautiful and crazy. I love the secrets, betrayals, agendas, and the love. This is one hell of a read!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
Bennett Mafia is great read. Riley is a strong character. Riley first meets the Bennett family when she is young and at boarding school. Brooke Bennett was her roommate at boarding school. They become best friends. Brooke’s family is a mafia family. In the present time Brooke is missing and the Bennett family kidnaps Riley to help get their sister back. Brooke’s brother Kia runs the family now. Kia is sexy and ruthless but he has a soft side too. I had no trouble loving Kia because even though he’s a strong tough guy, he has great love for the ones he cares for. Riley has many layers and as the story unfolds, she surprised me. This whole story has layers and I couldn’t read fast enough the put all the pieces together. I really liked this one. A lot of mafia romance books I read are dark and gritter and this one was a lighter side of the mafia romance and at some points I even forgot about the mafia connections.
4 1/2 Stars!
She was introduced to their world at twelve years old, as her new life begun.
His first impression of her struck a chord within him. She simply wasnt like the rest.
She hated him with a passion. He was cold and callous and she was left to be the glue from his visit.
She’s a new person, in a new world, and one good deed brings him to her doorstep.
Her illusion shattered her light dimmed as he steals her away…..
After all she is the light he is the dark..
What an addictive read! one that will see you up late into the night, maybe even into the early hours as you desperately try to read just one more chapter before reality hits again.
Nobody writes characters like Tijan! Her guys are dark, dangerous and extremely powerful. Her dolls are scrappers, fighters and true she warriors. They astonish and delight page after page right until that last little word.
Right here, right now I feel completely conflicted, and I’m quite undecided in my true feelings for Kai.
He’s everything you shouldn’t want or like, but at the same time he’s so delicious and alpha!
I hated him, I loved him, I wanted to strangle him several times and he definetly needed a good slap too but oh my that’s all just foreplay!
Riley is the shadow you don’t notice, the girl with many faces. Her ability to be better than the world she was born into nothing short of amazed me!
The two characters together are like a thunder storm! unpredictable, dangerous and absolutely mesmerising!
My only sadness was the ending. It wasnt as I thought it would be but it doesn’t deter from the simple fact that this book is a MUST READ!!
I need more! I want more! and I’m not above begging for more books in this world!!
I’m a sucker for Tijan books. Add in that I love mafia books, and it’s a no brainer that I picked up this book. Boy, oh boy, am I glad I did. If you’ve never read something by Tijan, let me share just a few tidbits about her style of writing before I dive into the book goodness. She has this uncanny ability to create a world – whether it’s NA, contemporary, paranormal, whatever – that is so fully developed, layered, and realistic that you often forget that it has been fabricated by her genius mind. You willingly give up a night of sleep and proudly wear your fatigue the next day as a badge of honor. You’re sucked into the “Tijan-verse” that you never want to leave and hope she keeps writing these characters. And they’re all so different that her stories never feel recycled nor does she forget to fill in all the gaps. In short, she deserves all the praise you can heap on her because she writes a damn fine story.
So, now Bennett Mafia. Yes, a mafia book, but one that is done in a way I haven’t seen. When we first meet Kai, we experience Riley’s visceral feelings towards this enigmatic character. In fact, the writing is so compelling that you adopt her feelings. And that’s all within a 30-second meeting. As we flash forward with the unfolding of the story in the present, Tijan takes on a roller coaster of emotions as each layer of their story unfolds – more intense, convoluted, and twisty that The Sopranos and The Usual Suspects combined (TV/movie references there, I case I lost anyone). And these twists are what had me mentally writing my review as I finished the review at 4 a.m. (Oh yes, I totally wore the fatigue badge of honor).
But I think what got me most is how Tijan developed the characters. There is no clear black and white in this world. There is good and evil. Yet sometimes they bleed into each other, creating a grey area which miracle can exist. A killer with a true heart, an altruistic soul who flirts with death, and maybe something magical right in the middle. That’s where Kai and Riley reside…right smack dab in the middle. The tug of war over these two lines is part of what defines them, and yet they battle to see if they can make it work.
Yes, I’ve gotten philosophical, but what I want to stress is each tangle, thorn, and complication they face – individually and together – is what makes the book dynamic. This book is captivating and has kept me thinking about it for days. So rather than risk a spoiler or just rehash the synopsis (because who really want that), I will strongly suggest you read this book. And when you’re done, go get any other book by Tijan and gobble it up, too.
There are very few authors that I never read the synopsis of a book by Tijan is at the top of that list. When I saw it was a new Mafia story I couldn’t wait and I was not disappointed.
I felt the start had a slow pace I realise it was setting the scene because when the story picked up I couldn’t put it down. Kai had all the traits I look for in this genre, yes he’s ruthless but he has to be he’s the last line of protection for his family. Riley gosh I couldn’t love her more. A fearless young woman with such a fantastic back story. Together they were combustible, the chemistry jumps out at the reader.
The secondary characters all play their part in the story and I’m hoping/pleading that at some point the author delves back into their world to give us more from the Bennett family.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood