Dangerous and feared. Those words describe my future husband. Who just so happens to also be my ex-boyfriend. It’s complicated. Two years ago, he broke my heart when he left me to do his father’s bidding. After months of crying, I finally accepted he was gone and wasn’t going to look back. That maybe he’d never loved me at all. I never wanted to see Luca again. Now a cruel twist of fate has … cruel twist of fate has signed me over to him in a heartless deal. I’m his. He thinks he did me a favor, but I feel like I’ve been given a death sentence. He doesn’t want to get married because he still loves me. No, he did it for money. More power.
I’m going to be a mafia wife. And there’s only one way out of it. Death.
But as it turns out, someone else doesn’t want me to marry the ruthless Luca Bianchi. And if he has his way, I’ll see that early grave.
Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. Code of Silence is an arranged marriage and a complete standalone. This novel may contain triggers.
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I read this book in one day it was that good ! The twist and turns throughout the story kept me enthralled and craving more. I couldn’t put it down ! It’s dark and edgy but in the best way. I loved the storyline and the characters. I can not wait to read the next book !
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: Code of Silence by Shantel Tessier is a standalone, second chance, arranged marriage, mafia romance. Let me tell you now if you are expecting your typical run of the mill arranged marriage mafia romance then you are wrong! I have loved Tessier’s writing ever since I read her Dare series and ever since I’ve been hooked. There are so many twists and so many secrets in COS that it will leave you on the edge of your seat begging for more of this dark mafia world Tessier has created! Told in dual point of view, there is a lot more happening in Sin City then just gambling that’s for sure!
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Luca Bianchi is Las Vegas mafia royalty. The son of the Mafia Don, Luca learned all about the dark underbelly of Sin City from a young age. In college, he meets and falls in love with Haven. Haven knows the dangers of being a member of the Bianchi family and urges Luca to run away with her. But Luca has obligations to fulfill for his family, and family comes first. No matter what. Leaving Haven behind with a broken heart, but protecting her in the only way he knows how.
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Years have passed and now Luca has returned, even more dangerous then he was before and determined to make his college sweetheart his mafia queen. But Haven isn’t the girl that she was when he left, he broke her heart and she can’t forgive him for that. Luca is not a man that is used to hearing no, he gets what he wants no matter what… and he wants Haven and he will stop at NOTHING to make her his bride.
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Shantel Tessier is no stranger to the enemies to lovers genre, but the mafia world is a new one for her, I hope she wasn’t worried because she positively killed it! From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. The storyline, the characters, the secondary characters, the romance, the drama, the gore, the steam, it all added up to an absolutely fabulous, fast-paced, intense dark mafia romance!
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The secondary characters (I don’t even want to call them secondary because they made this story even better) were all amazing! I loved all the flashbacks from all of the character’s college days and there was that one sexy scene where… umm, yeah. SMOKING FREAKING HOT! I am sooo excited to see what Shantel has in store for us with this upcoming series, Kingdom! We only got a little taste of what’s in store with these sexy as sin guys and their dark and delicious world and I for one want MORE! I’m also still really hoping we get Oliver (Luca’s right-hand man) Nite’s story too! Nite is just *SIGH* he’s loyal to a fault and I NEED more of him too!
Again, this is a DARK MAFIA ROMANCE, if you have a squeamish stomach… you may want to heed the warnings because these mafia guys have no qualms about shedding some blood! If you are looking for an arranged marriage, mafia romance, filled with angst, secrets and twists and turns then Code of Silence is the read for you! I highly recommend checking this one out!
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() : Luca Bianchi, he’s a foul-mouthed, ruthless, sexy as sin, savage. He’s the total anti-hero and as much as you want to hate him… you still can’t help but wish that it was you he was shoving up against walls and having his way with! Luca was taught to be the way he is at a young age, it’s all he knows. And even though he had his reasons for leaving and although they were valid reasons, I wish he had just trusted Haven enough to explain those reasons instead of lying and taking off like that. One thing I did really appreciate though, Luca not being with anyone else in the time that he was away. I was shocked to learn that fact but I was glad of it.
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() : Haven Knowles, although my heart hurt for Haven for the heartbreak she went through when Luca left and the way her “parents” so easily betrayed her… I still wasn’t really keen on her character, unfortunately. Although she was sassy, she was a little too naive and entirely too reckless for me. I wanted her to stand up and be the badass mafia princess that I knew she could be! Plus, I just wish she had held strong a bit more when Luca came back. I know she still loved him, but I wanted her to make him beg and grovel a bit! There’s nothing better than seeing a strong domineering man like Luca on his knees for the woman he loves, I wanted that.
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/: Steam isn’t a strong enough word for COS!! Although Haven wants to hate Luca, time has done nothing to end the intensity of the connection between these two. There are lots of intense and angry steamy scenes! Talk about panty-melting, you might as well forgo the panties while reading this one! Seriously some of the best steamy scenes I’ve read in a while.
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/: Nope, there is NO cliffhanger. Haven and Luca’s story wraps up beautifully. However, although COS is standalone it’s also an introduction of sorts to Tessier’s upcoming series Kingdom so I gave this one 3 cliffhanger tornadoes for what’s to come next!
: There are difficult subjects that could be considered triggers. E.g, murder, torture, gory scenes, etc. Again, this is a DARK mafia romance. If you would like more info, feel free to DM me.
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The headline says it all, Shantel Tessier just gets better and better! I’m not going to sit here and rehash the plot, you can get that from the blurb and other reviews. However, I am going to tell you that Shantel Tessier has definitely found her stride as an author!! She’s been one of my go to authors from the first book I’ve read, but with each new book she releases you can really see her growth and development as an author. Code of Silence is no exception. The characters are well written and multi dimensional, the plot is fresh and new, and you’ll still be experiencing hot flashes from how steamy the book is. If this is your first book from Ms. Tessier I can assure you, it’s not going to be your last! What are you waiting for? One click this steamy story and get lost in the world Haven and Luca! 🙂
Such a great dark romance. Shantel does such a great job at writing love stories that aren’t all rainbows and sunshine and Luca and Haven’s story is no different. You cheer for the relationship while also wondering if it’ll work. This book is full of drama and does a great job in the dark romance category. Definitely give it a read!
Once I started this book I honestly couldn’t put it down, I was sucked right in. Haven and Luca’s story is a dark and messy one but man was it an amazing ride. The twists and turns kept you on your toes! You literally can’t tell what will happen next and I didn’t want it to end! I highly recommend reading it if your into the dark and twisty type books!
Whenever Shantel writes a book I dive in head first. I loved Luca. He was the epitome of alpha-hole. This was my first Mafia book. Others that I’ve read I considered light mafia. This was an arranged marriage so Haven went along with all of it. I kind of like how complacent she was. I like feisty women but sometimes they get on my nerves. Haven fought when she needed to but also held her tongue when she knew it wasn’t her place to do or say something.
Mafia based, fast paced, dark and twisted moments, throw in an alpha with a heart at the head of the mafia with powerful friends and powerful enemies and this book had it all !
The world building, back stories and flash backs all worked perfectly for this second chance romance / arranged contracted marriage. The secondary characters (the kings) I wanted to know more about and I’m glad I get more in their up coming books ! And Nite I need his story !
I loved Luca, and found the flash backs and vulnerability there helped for that opinion and obviously his need for Haven.
I just had one issue, I wanted more of the romance element, the two and fro between Haven and Luca, I needed Haven to hold her own and push back a little more ! And to find the way they fell in love again ! It felt a little rushed !
With all that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the dark and brutal scenes were spot on !
Looking forward to the rest of the series
4 stars
Diz
If you are a fan of mafia romance you have got to read Code of Silence. This book has it all – secrets galore, betrayal, passion, love/hate relationship, violence, dark and dangerous men, etc. Haven and Luca pulled me in from the very beginning. I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted to hate Luca but as the story unfolded, and the reasons behind his actions revealed, I couldn’t help but want to see him and Haven together. Despite having been lied to most of her life and hurt by those she loved she did not cower. Haven was one tough cookie and I love her fight.
We were introduced to some major players in the mafia – the Dark Kings. They each have their own “speciality” which should make for some really good reading. I can’t wait for their stories to be released. As excited as I am for those though, I think I’m most anxious for Luca’s right hand man, Oliver Nite’s story. I can’t wait to see who he ends up with! This one was a great introduction to all and I definitely recommend reading it.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
HOLY COW! I am completely blown away by this book! I am a huge Shantal Tessier fan and this is probably my newest favorite book of hers! I was hooked in the first paragraph and I could NOT put this book down until the very end! Luca and Haven’s book is just amazing! I hope to see more from this group! FIVE HUGE STARS!!
Holy Shit!!! What a book shantel did an awesome job with this one I loved every single bit of it. I’m so sad I’ve finished it definitely will be rereading it.
I loved this book! Haven and Luca’s story will pull you in and hold you captive til the last page. A great mafia/second chance story with interesting secondary characters. Flawless writing and a good storyline makes this one amazing read.
4.6 Stars
When I saw this amazing cover and discovered that one of my favorite authors was going to be writing a story in my favorite sub-genre, Mafia, I just about lost my mind. One of my favorite things about this author is her give no effs about whether she is going to push someone too far with what she writes in regards to violence or bloodshed. This book kept that going. It was Mafia at its finest. There was no sugarcoating what this life is about. It is dangerous, it is violent, it is criminal, and it is intense. I won’t lie, there were a few scenes that were pretty dang gruesome but it added authenticity
Luca and Haven were everything that shouldn’t work but did. A Mafia son and a sweet college girl. Luca was the epitome of what I picture as being a part of the mafia. He knew that the only way out was via death. However, there was more to him than meets the eye. Haven loves Luca and knows about his family but cannot seem to stay away until she is forced to do so. I liked that the author played on this and didn’t shy away about showing to what lengths Luca will go for Haven. Not everything is black or white and this relationship showed it. Their chemistry is OFF the charts. With both Luca and Haven, this author has created yet another power couple in which the man is Alpha and decadent and the woman is not afraid to stand up and fight for herself.
The author created a story that had a fantastic plausible plot, suspense, betrayals, secrets, and also intrigue galore. The secondary characters were FANTASTIC. I need more of them as soon as possible. I wanted a few parts expanded more in regards to a few people but I am assuming that will come out later on down the line.
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COS is a stand-alone, mafia, second chance romance. While it’s not as dark as some of Shantel’s books, it still has a dark and dangerous feel to it.
Haven and Luca have known each other forever, were together for years, loved each other, and then poof! Luca was gone, leaving a hole in Haven’s heart. Now he’s back but he isn’t going to try to woo her or beg her to get back with him… nope, he buys her from her father and tells her that they are getting married.
The two of them are like air to each other, they don’t survive or even thrive without the other. While they were apart they were both shells of who they used to be. When they are back around each other the sparks fly and they have some serious passion between them! While there are definitely times that you want to tell at both of them for being stupid, you ultimately just want them to find there way and be happy together.
This story had some heartbreaking moments, dark moments, and some gruesome moments but it also had some of the funniest moments and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. I loved Haven’s friend Jasmine and this is one of my favorite parts from the book:
“ ?”
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I also loved how this book connected with other books and I’m excited to see if that side story goes anywhere! And I really need Jasmine and Nite’s story now!
Title: Code of Silence
Author: Shantel Tessier
My Rating: ****1/2
Standalone: Yes
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Mafia
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Luca and Haven
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
Blurb:
https://www.amazon.com/Code-Silence-Romance-Shantel-Tessier-ebook/dp/B083C3VKPWToo
This is a standalone mafia romance novel. Luca Bianchi wants to be the Mafia King one day as he is a born prince to the family. He is well acquainted with the dark aspects of this world from young age. he cold, controlling and ruthless as the rest of them to all except Haven. He sees light when she is with him. His ruthlessness and cruel behaviours are explained in the first chapter of the book where he traps his enemy and torture them. He wont mind dirtying his hands.
Two years ago, Luca left Haven behind without so much as a simple goodbye. She was completely heartbroken as she thought he was the love of her life. But now he’s back with a contract in hand, making her his soon-to-be-wife.
“He wants me to be his wife? I can be most annoying, intrusive, demanding wife possible”
Haven has grown up with ties to the mafia through her family. Her father is a businessman that has become “friendly” with the Biachi’s. She’s loved Luca for years, but she knows that loving him will destroy her life. But she’s been brewing so much anger at him she remains caught between toeing the line of loathing him and loving him. she is fighting him every step of the way because of the hurt he caused when he left her. She knows he’s hiding things from her.
There are plenty of layers to this story, plenty of secrets that are buried deep. The twists and turns are never ending. Will Haven be able to trust Luca again? Or has that all turn to dust? Will he be able to trust her with these secrets?
“The Mafia takes their code of silence very seriously. You don’t fu**ing talk”
They are several secondary characters in this book. All the 4 Dark kings were intriguing. Luca calls them Lucifer (Graves), Leviathan (Titan), Satan(cross) and Belial (Bones). We meet them all but they are still a mystery as we just get enough tidbits to entice us. Mia and Jasmine are sweet. Silent Nite, a loyal brooding, silent right-hand man of Luca is also intriguing in this own way. Plot moves at a good pace with interesting characters throughout.
“A player never shows his hand”
Overall Code of Silence has everything you want from a mafia romance, from power plays, violence, money making and deception.
Full review -meander23.wordpress.com/2020/01/20/review-code-of-silence-by-shantel-tessier/
Code of Silence has the WOW factor! It is a mafia, second chance romance loaded with non-stop action and steamy passion. This is the love story of Luca Bianchi and Haven Knowles. It is standalone with a HEA.
It was gritty, intense, exciting, suspenseful, and grabbed my attention from page 1 till the very end! The plot was brilliant! The story was well-written and the pace was perfect. It was addicting & enthralling. There was thrilling, heart-stopping, heart-pounding action. I turned the pages as fast as possible, gobbling up this story in one day.
There were wonderful characters that will stay with you for some time to come. Luca was my favorite! He is born to an American/Italian mafia family. He is groomed as a young child to be a part of the mafia with expectations to fill. There is no choice but he is his own man. He is badass, loyal, strong, passionate, sexy, unapologetic, a little twisted, knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to take it. Haven marches to no one’s beat. She is unlike the other girls. This is one of the many things that attracts Luca to Haven. She is strong, sassy, and takes no bull from anyone. They date but family obligations tear them apart. He’s back now and has his sights set on Haven but she isn’t so willing to forgive. Luca isn’t one to take no for an answer. Will Haven be able to get over her anger and accept Luca? What lengths will Luca go to get Haven back?
This story was quite a roller coaster ride, and I loved every minute of it! The passion and danger are palpable. This has everything you expect from a mafia book: corruption, murder, secrets, lies, jaw-dropping revelations, and twists and turns you won’t see coming. When the secrets are revealed, my mouth was hanging open and my attention rapt. The passion burned bright between Luca and Haven. The secondary characters add so much to the story as well. Shantel Tessier is a master at romantic suspense and nailed this book! I hated for it to end. I will be anxiously waiting to see what the next book brings. I highly recommend reading this book even if you are a fan of mafia books.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
5 WILD RIDE STARS!! Wow, what a wild ride Luca and Haven take us on. Their story will keep you seat belted in until the last word…I could not not stop reading it until I fell asleep. The feels and love in this book are off the charts. As we come to expect from Shantel Tessier, she delivers another 5 star read with this one. I highly suggest this book, so go ahead a download now.
I’m the first to admit that I don’t like many mafia books. I always find it hard to fall for the hero when he’s out there ripping out tongues and having constant threats from his enemies against his woman. I don’t like him having to pretend he had no feelings for her to protect her.
This book was NOT that. Thankfully. This hero loved his woman. Told his woman he loved her, and rescued her. And that’s what I like.
Heroines in mafia romances are usually Tstl, but this one only had a small moment of stupidity. And didn’t keep any important secrets from her man. Which is always another one of complaints with mafia heroines.
Haven fell in love with Luca, son of a Mafia kingpin, in college and believed he loved her as well, until he completely ghosted her and left for Italy without explanation. Haven moved on somewhat, although she harbored a hatred for Luca and was unwilling to give herself to anyone else. Now Luca is back in Las Vegas and Haven learns she has been sold to his family, to become Luca’s wife.
Mafia romances are not generally my favorite dark romances due to the total lack of any redeeming qualities for many of the characters (although, thankfully, not generally the primary protagonists), as well as the often excessive amount of extremely descriptive violence. But when written by an author I really like, I’m willing to dive in regardless.
I am a fan of Shantel Tessier’s writing and have read all of her books. She definitely knows how to pull you into a storyline. I was eventually really pulled into this one too, although it took a bit longer than usual to get me there. Since I’m a terribly impatient reader, I was really glad to see that this was a standalone, although it’s also the introduction to a series (possibly of additional standalones, although that’s not clear). Shantel truly has me intrigued to read the upcoming stories about each of the Dark Kings and, possibly even more so, Oliver Nite’s book. I can, and will, only imagine until they’re all published.
Shantel never disappoints! This second chance mafia romance is amazing. The story line pulls you in from the begging. I love the dual POV its beings more to the story line. Shantel is amazing with being able to write a standalone but leave open soooo many new stories.
Luca and Haven were college sweethearts but do to unfortunate circumstances Luca left Haven. Two years have gone by and Luca is back and back with determination. He has it all planned from the beginning. This alpha mafia boss is ruthless and nothing will stand in his way. I found myself getting annoyed with how easily Haven felt she needed to put her self in danger without a sending thought. I loved that she is strong willed and takes no bullshit and knows exactly what she wants. It was and will always be Luca for her. Oh I am so hoping for more. It wound be great to see where they go from here on out and if they have kids shantel and go so much further with their story! All the characters were awesome and there is so much depth and potential that can be brought out with their own stories. I loved the Kings and CAN NOT wait until their story come out especially Bones and Nites story! Swoon swoon….Brillian story Shantel you never disappoint me! Phenomenal as always!
Hands down 5 stars!! I just this love this story of arranged marriage! And mafia! It was intense! And the cover is so beautiful!! Loved it!!