They promised me as tribute.
Youngest of six, I’m untouched.
Unblemished.
And in the world of the Irish mafia…
Wanted.
I’m given to a man I’ve never met.
Forced into a union I didn’t condone.
Owned by a dangerous rival.
He may take what’s his, but he won’t steal my heart.
IT’S ALL IN HOW YOU MAKE IT
One thing I can always say, Ms. Jane Henry never disappoints with her writing, bigger than life characters, and scenarios. What a great second story to this new series, Dangerous Doms, and with it, you have the good, the bad, and the ugly. The story keeps the pages turning with a powerful, dominant man, Cormac, second of the McCarthy Clan, and while he is a heavy, he is also a man who is willing to step up and take responsibility—for the good of the clan. Then there is Aileen, a pawn, the youngest of the Martin daughters, a tribute to keep the peace.
It is one thing to be Irish Mafia—and just like other things in life, there are standards—and then those, like the Martin’s, who are less than others. The Martin’s owe the McCarthy and make an offer of the youngest daughter, Aileen. When she learns that she is to be given to the McCarthy clan, she will escape, but not for long. On the day of the marriage, the McCarthy clan shows up, only to find things in an uproar. When Cormac finds out that Aileen ran away, has been found, and is now to be punished, he demands it is his right as her betrothed.
“If she is mine to take, she’s mine to punish.”
The story is full of mystery, suspense, secrets, control, passion, and power. Aileen has her own secrets that she will share with Cormac. While he starts this union as a duty to the family—he finds he is developing feelings for his new wife. He isn’t easy on her—and their wedding night has a way of leaving a bitter taste in his mouth—but not because of her. The rivalry between the Martins and McCarthys is deep, and a wedding won’t be changing that anytime soon. Then there are intruders on the property, a life, and death threat against the main women of the clan and other issues.
Will Cormac and Aileen find a middle ground for peace and happiness? Will she still want to escape the McCarthy family when they treat her so well—no matter what, she will go from one prison to the next and yet have no control in her life.
The story is an action-packed adventure that takes the reader inside the Irish Mafia and how they operate. It includes strong, feisty women, who support the men they love, accept that they must step back, and allow them to conduct business and not ask questions. It is power, control, dominance, discipline, and clan loyalty that ties this tale all together. There is excellent chemistry between Cormac and Aileen—he reminds me of candy, with a hard, dark crunchy outside, but deep inside is this decadent truffle filling that makes you close your eyes and savor its deliciousness. Aileen is a woman of many layers; she is tough but can submit and allow her husband to control her.
“You’re an unconventional lass, so it only suits that I won you in an unconventional way.”
The story does depict scenes of violence, explicit discipline, and the sex scenes are consensual. I don’t know where this series will take us, and while there is no cliffhanger, I think some characters mentioned may segue into the next story.
Cormac’s father was killed by a Martin clan sniper, an act of war according to the iron-clad code they follow. Then shortly after his death, their rival, Mack Martin, offered a virgin tribute to Keenan, to be given to one of their men. Marrying the Martin girl would ensure peace between the clans. It was agreed the girl wouldn’t marry until she graduated but now, she had, and it was time. As the second oldest McCarthy brother, Cormac was next in line to the throne. If anything were to happen to Keenan, he’d have to take his role by Clan laws but only if he were married. What’s worse, if he refuses or the clan rejects the tribute, it’s all-out war between the two clans. Aileen was the sixth daughter. Five before her had been sold to Mack Martin by her father. One even took her own life so she wouldn’t have to be subjected to the atrocities. The night she heard her parents fighting and found out she was to be sold as well to be used as tribute to the McCarthy’s she knew she couldn’t do it. She ran, shooting her brother in the shoulder on her way out. She wanted no part of a modern-day slavery. Jane Henry has the innate ability to create such flawed characters they immediately become relatable and then take them through twists and turns that absolutely had me entranced. I loved Cormac and Aileen’s story and would highly recommend it.
Sometimes love just falls in your lap
Cormac was everything I hoped he would be! The author took the personally she hinted at in book one and built from their. He was the perfect brother to handle his wayward arranged mate, with the firm hand she needed and the gentle heart that she desired. These two really had to go to the ends of their limit to find their HEA, but it was such a fantastic ride. I enjoyed the extra addition of mystery the author included in the story, and I can’t wait to see how she strengthens the family next.
Having never met before, Aileen & Cormac get married as a part of a Mafia deal for their two families, as an end to create a temporary truce.
Within just a couple of chapters, it’s clear that Cormac understands consent when he goes to the erotic bar (he gets upset when people don’t respect a woman’s right to consent & use a safe word to say no), & yet he is fine with all women in his clan not being given the right to consent to their own decisions – be it for marriage or anything else. He believes it’s a man’s place to tell & show a woman who is the boss & is willing to punish his wife if she doesn’t follow his rules.
Putting this aside, there’s some drama & excitement in the rest of the story, which is easy to read & follow. The story followed an interesting plot, told from both their points of views.
A wow!! So enjoyed this page turner!
Laraine
Loved it, a really entertaining series
Such a great book. Absolutely love Cormac and Aileen book. Love his protectivness and the family code. She has mafia ties and knows the rules but she is still as defiant and loving as ever. Love the back and forth banter. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Cormac and Aileen are in an arranged marriage, Both have mixed feelings about it. For Aileen she who is outspoken and has a feisty personality, thinks that Cormac will be just like the men in her family but is surprised when Cormac is protective of her and when danger arrives at their doorstep he goes all out to protect her. He is nothing like her family do they have what it takes to make this marriage last and will it lead to a happily ever after?
I’m loving this series! In this second book we get Cormac’s story. He is picked to marry the Martin Clans tribute of a virgin bride to keep peace among their Clans. Aileen is the virgin bride and a little spitfire. These two are perfect together and I loved watching them fall in love.
Terrific Story & Narration Captivating & Intense!
Cormac: A Dark Irish Mafia Romance
Dangerous Doms
By: Jane Henry
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Jane Henry delivers another awesome dark and twisted Irish Mafia romance in her “Dangerous Doms” series. This is the second book and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, each book features a different brother in the McCarthy clan and this is Cormac’s story. I loved the first book, Keenan’s story and Jane Henry continues the same great momentum in this book, it is high in drama, angst, excitement, thrill, suspense, twists and romance in an unconventional way. There is an upheaval amongst two of the top families in the Irish mafia, the McCarthy and Martin clans. In order to make the Martin’s sacrifice their youngest daughter and Cormac will take her as his wife. Aileen may have kept her innocence but she is not stupid, she overhears her father’s plans and tries to escape, to be caught the day of he planned wedding. She does not go easy but she does go. Cormac likes her feistiness and is up for the challenge, she will learn her place soon enough. Aileen never knew what a loving home was like or what it was like to have someone to look out for her. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is cleverly plotted and there is never a dull moment. I also love how the author’s writing skills and descriptive details brings you right into the story right along side the characters giving you an inside view of everything going on, seeing what they see, think and feel. There is great world building and character development throughout the book and series. Jane Henry thank you for another awesome book, I loved every second of it!
I listened to the Audible edition, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are perfectly casted to bring these characters to life. They both do a great job portraying the characters, completely grasping their persona and playing each role with perfection. Can not help but love Wen’s take on Cormac and his Irish accent. Kai’s Aileen was awesome too. You could heart how much heart they put in their performance as they project the characters emotions into their performance. They are entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
Cormac: A Dark Irish Mafia Romance
Dangerous Doms
By: Jane Henry
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Book 2 in the Dangerous Doms series by Jane Henry lives up to my expectations and gave me hours of entertainment. I love Jane’s writing, and each time I grab one of her books to listen to, I know I will be able to escape into another’s life. This series is a lot of fun because of the Irish background. Aileen is promised to be married, and Cormac becomes her groom. Expecting life to be like it was in her family, she is shocked by the way Cormac is so protective of her. There are some twists and turns in this, and suspense that I love, but I really enjoyed the twist of the accident. Leaving Aileen in the situation she was gave both characters some room to grow and we got to see Aileen’s strength and Cormac’s tenderness. I thought this truly gave depth to the story and a look at the different sides of people. We also get to see Keenan again, loving the fluidity of the series. It gives a real sense of camaraderie and family in this mafia story. I can’t wait to see what we Henry has in store for us with the next in the series.
The choice of Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross for this series is genius. This team has such chemistry when they narrate and it flows through giving Aileen and Cormac that connection. I am so impressed with them both with the ability to speak with multiple characters with Irish accents, never missing a beat and keeping their sound consistent. They are amazing, and I loved their performance.
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Cormac is the middle brother of the McCarthy clan and he takes his duties seriously. When he’s told he has to marry a stranger from a warring clan to keep the peace between the families that’s what he does.Aileen just graduated college now next thing she knows she’s a wife to a man from a rival clan. She tries to escape but is caught. Can her new husband be worse than her family was? Cormac and Aileen have to get to know each other and we ALL get to see their relationship progress. We also get to see some old friends from Keenan. Can Cormac rein in his headstrong wife? Will she respond to his discipline or resent him for it? You really need to read this book and watch how Cormac and Aileen’s relationship develops for yourself. Ms. Henry truly wrote an incredible book and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this AMAZING series!! I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
I absolutely loved this book. Cormac and Aileen are amazing together. This story grabs you from the beginning all the way to the end. They go on one adventurous journey. The writing and flow of this book is done well. I absolutely recommend this book.
Cormac is the second book in Jane’s Irish Mafia series and what a second book it is. I am so in love with these guys I can’t stand it. Cormac is the second son in the family and he is meant to marry the rival daughter so there isn’t a war. But he has little idea what he is getting into when it comes to his new wife.
Aileen is wonderful, OMG I love her. She is a fighter, strong, intelligent, knows when to stay quiet and then strike, I love it. But she also is loving and dedicated to the person she loves. And eventually, that could be Cormac. But the journey that these two have beforehand will put that love to the test.
Cormac is a must-read!
What a wonderful awesome story! Jane Henry has a dark Irish family she wants you to meet!
Enter the second in command Cormac McCarthy. He is known as the Bone Breaker. Keeping the Clans in an Alliance is important. Enter Aileen a daughter of a rival clan. When they are arranged to be married it’s a crapshoot how they will get along. If your looking for a Excellent storyline that includes danger, subterfuge, laughter and romance and you like stories that have hot steamy men and beautiful women characters this book is for you! All the action and awesome feels abound!
I reviewed a complementary copy of this book.
I like Aileen, I think that she’s got a good heart. She’s very guarded, but I’m not surprised, I would be guarded too. I like how she is later in the book, when she’s a little more open and isn’t holding the wall up quite as much.
I didn’t like Cormac at first, because I think that he was acting like a jerk, but he did eventually get over it, and I really do like him.
I love Irish Mafia stories and this one proves why. While Cormac may be tough and domineering, you know that somewhere in that large body of his, is a heart. He knows as his duty to his family, he is to marry Aileen to help calm the rivalry between the two Clans. What he didn’t expect, was how beautiful yet strong she would be. As these two navigate a relationship, you see how even though they both didn’t want an arranged marriage, there is definite chemistry! Sizzles right off the pages. When something happens to threaten Aileen, Cormac will do anything to protect her. Can two people who don’t know each other, eventually fall in love? I really enjoyed this story and so will you!
Jane Henry brings us book 2 in the Dangerous Doms series with Cormac and I will readily admit that I like this one better than the first. Cormac is all sorts of ruthless, alpha male and his bride, Aileen, is as sassy as she is bratty, but not in a bad way. Brother #2 of the McCarthy clan is tasked with marrying a Martin to prevent a war between the clans but he never expected to fall for his wife. As in tumbling, head-over-heels in love with her. Likes: I really liked the lead characters—both were strong and Ms. Henry did a great job building the chemistry between the two. The underlying suspense in the story was well-played out until the end. And the interplay with the other characters (from book 1 and hopefully well into the series) worked really well. The story paces well and I enjoyed the world-building. Definitely an enjoyable read.
This was an interesting mafia story. Had a hard time with the amnesia but overall a good read.
Wow. Each book is getting better and better and hotter. Cormac agrees to marry Aileen from the Martin clan to keep peace. I cannot tell you much more without spoiling it for you, so you will have to read this wonderful book and get all the feelings I had. Enjoy