I’m king of the criminal underworld.I always get what I want.And she’s my obsession.Cora is new to the city of sin.Her innocent blue eyes beg for me to claim her.But I’m not the billionaire she thinks I am.There’s a darkness within me.And Cora is a shining light.She’s beautiful. A virgin.I’m ruthless. A beast.She found me for a reason.She’ll be my queen.I’ll give her everything that her heart … queen.
I’ll give her everything that her heart desires.
Except for one thing.
Her freedom.
She’s mine to keep, and I’m never letting her go.
Note: This is a dark mafia romance with dark and intense sensual scenes. It is the first in a trilogy.
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This is an extremely captivating, dark romance, with a couple twists that I actually had to listen to a second time to make sure I heard correctly. I definitely recommend this story to anyone that likes edge of your seat, holds your attention with suspense and intrigue.
Also have to mention that Jack Calihan did a fantastic job narrating.
Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession
Innocence by Stasia Black is book One in the Tales of Olympus Series. This starts the story of Marcus and Cora which will continue on for two more books.
Marcus is out for vengeance towards Cora’s family. Cora is young and innocent in life and of the things her family did. But Marcus sees his revenge plan through her. Marcus wasn’t a easy hero to warm to because of his treatment of Cora but as with most Dark Romance I am sure there is a build of his bad to have the heroine break it down.
Great start to a Dark Romance Read.
Cora Vestian has finally escaped from the clutches of her mom and has moved to the big city and has become a nanny for Paul and Diana Donahue. Her mom kept her almost a prisoner and now Cora is innocently living in the city but when she is hit on by Paul she wonders how naïve she truly is.
When an incident leads Cora to hide from a man she meets Marcus Ubeli, a bar owner. When he offers Cora a helping hand she has no idea what to expect but takes it when she has little other choice.
Yet Cora really has no idea who Marcus is or her own family’s background but soon she makes a decision that leaves her a prisoner once more. Will she have the courage to leave or is she once again trapped?
Wow – this book is awesome and definitely not where I thought it was going to go but I am so hooked!
I loved Cora and I hated how she was treated by the Donahues and thrown out with nothing. I knew there had to be a reason why her mom kept her hidden but I was shocked at the stuff her mom did to her. She had such horrible luck until she met Marcus and he gave her a helping hand so she could get back on her feet.
I was so happy that Marcus was such a “prince” for Cora and there for her when she really needed someone. He really helped her get back on her feet and introduced her to some great connections. Yet I could also tell that there was another side to him and when it came out I was so mad!!
Part way through the book my jaw dropped after a certain occasion and I was shocked at what was revealed! I can’t imagine going through what Cora then had to endure and how she was treated for something she wasn’t involved in. Cora had no idea even who some of these people were that Marcus mentioned and I hated what was happening.
When Cora finally finds a way to leave she tries to help and once again everything twists and my heart broke a little for her as I wasn’t sure if she would just give up.
The end of the book was OMG!!!! It left such a cliff hanger and once again my heart was completely broken for Cora!!
I need the next book asap!
By Rebecca
This was the start to an epic series loved this book so highly recommend
Terrific Story & Audible Listen Dark, Twisted & Intense!
Innocence
Dark Mafia Romance, Book 1
By: Stasia Black, Lee Savino
Narrated by: Jack Calihan
This book blew my mind, it is dark and twisted and I enjoyed every word of it. The storylines and characters are interesting, I was completely engrossed by it and could not put the book down, I needed to know what happened next. The characters are complex and well developed, my heart went out to Cora, she had a rough life, kept sheltered from the world. I give her a lot of credit to up and leave her home situation and try to make it on her own. Unfortunately she lands herself in other bad situations. Running away from one she lands herself in to Marcus’s club. Unknowing to her Marcus is the leader of an organized crime family and he takes her into his protection. She falls for Marcus and she is shocked to find out he is not who she thought he was, though a part of her thinks she did see the real Marcus, the one she fell in love with not the one he claims to be. I loved how well plotted this book is, he story is flowing in one direction then bam, the authors throw in that twist sending your head into a spin. There is plenty of drama, angst, some more great twists and some hot scenes. I liked setting of the story and the world dynamics I am looking forward to learning more about it and what comes next for Marcus and Cora. Thank you Stasia Black & Lee Savino for this great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the talented Jack Calihan. He does an awesome job performing the voices for all the characters, giving each their own distinct sound making it easy to follow who is who. He sets the perfect tone for this story, captures Marcus’s alpha attitude perfectly as well has Cora’s naivety and vulnerability. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen
Thank you @AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsession #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
OMG this book was amazing. Right from the beginning it sank it’s claws in me and made me hold on for dear life. This book was dark, drama, twisted, and oh so hot. Jack narrating this book made me feel like I was there watching the interaction between Marcus & Cora. I cannot wait for the next book.
Innocence is the first book in the Tales of Olympus series. Cora has just escaped the clutches of her overly protective mother and moved into the city. When a fun situation turns bad, she’s saved and completely captivated by Marcus. But as her innocence is slowly shattered, will Cora’s heart still belong to Marcus?
I waited until all three books in this trilogy were completed before I picked up the first book, and goodness gravy, I wish I had picked it up sooner! Innocence swept me away on the beginning of Cora’s journey with Marcus and I loved every second of this book! Cora is sweet, understanding, so dang strong with what she’s previously faced and what she is put through, and I loved that her goodness just continued to shine through. Marcus is a little harder to get a read on sometimes, as he’s super closed off, has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but he definitely has a dark side that I couldn’t help but shiver in both delight and anxiety. I loved the lines when it was said that they would have been perfect for each other, if only they had met under different circumstances because it’s just so true! This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I’m already sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to start the next book! There’s definitely drama and suspense, a lot of delicious dark steamy scenes, and the battle of good – and the writing just has you feeling what these characters feel! I loved it!
This is book one in a trilogy and it is just the beginning. It is dark and steamy, fun and a bit extreme at times. I like my books on the dangerous side; this book pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to explore a different side of “life.”
The characters are interesting and well defined. I liked their background but also their personalities. It was fun to read about them and their new relationship. I found myself immediately jumping onto the next book, because I needed to know what happened.
There is mystery here but also a darkness that really makes the story pop. I liked the edges that the author had the characters walking it was thrilling as a reader. There is a mythological aspect to this story. It is a re-telling of a myth and I liked the way the author changed and molded that myth to make this story. I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review. 3.75 stars.