What do you think?
Rate this book
New Reign Mafia Duet #1
Heart of a Monster
They said to be careful of the monster, but they didn’t know…
It was the monster that saved me.
The whole city called him the monster: a troubled man with demons in him clawing to get out.
His job was to ruthlessly take lives for the family.
And, yet, he saved mine.
Ever since, I was the one woman who could walk amongst the most powerful men within the Italian Mob—all except him.
To him, I didn’t belong. And he made it clear by being the monster everyone knew him to be:
Cruel, ruthless, and cold.
My gut told me to leave, but my soul wanted to stay. I gravitated toward the man no one understood because the monster in him risked it all to rescue me.
So, I opened the cage where his demons lived. I set them free.
And then I took the biggest risk:
I handed my heart to the monster to see if he’d rip it apart.
This book is the first in a duet. 80000+ words of love, angst, steam, and mafia romance. Their happily ever after will come in the next book set to release this summer.
It was the monster that saved me.
The whole city called him the monster: a troubled man with demons in him clawing to get out.
His job was to ruthlessly take lives for the family.
And, yet, he saved mine.
Ever since, I was the one woman who could walk amongst the most powerful men within the Italian Mob—all except him.
To him, I didn’t belong. And he made it clear by being the monster everyone knew him to be:
Cruel, ruthless, and cold.
My gut told me to leave, but my soul wanted to stay. I gravitated toward the man no one understood because the monster in him risked it all to rescue me.
So, I opened the cage where his demons lived. I set them free.
And then I took the biggest risk:
I handed my heart to the monster to see if he’d rip it apart.
This book is the first in a duet. 80000+ words of love, angst, steam, and mafia romance. Their happily ever after will come in the next book set to release this summer.
Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2021
About the author
Shain Rose
13 books5,444 followersStay connected with Shain and check out her:
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/author.shainrose/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.shai...
Website: https://www.shainrose.com
Shain Rose is an author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She fights for love one word a time. Those happily ever afters can be difficult to get to sometimes!
When she isn't writing, she's spending the days with Doc G, Liv and Gray Gray, and their wild golden retriever. She and Doc G drink way too much coffee, eat way too much candy, and fight like they've been married for hmm how long has it been now?
Life is good when the kids are behaving.
On the off chance she's not writing or spending time with family and friends, she's calling them to talk. And if no one answers.... then she's reading and watching trashy TV.
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/author.shainrose/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.shai...
Website: https://www.shainrose.com
Shain Rose is an author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She fights for love one word a time. Those happily ever afters can be difficult to get to sometimes!
When she isn't writing, she's spending the days with Doc G, Liv and Gray Gray, and their wild golden retriever. She and Doc G drink way too much coffee, eat way too much candy, and fight like they've been married for hmm how long has it been now?
Life is good when the kids are behaving.
On the off chance she's not writing or spending time with family and friends, she's calling them to talk. And if no one answers.... then she's reading and watching trashy TV.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
June 12, 2021
This is an author you need to keep an eye out for if you love anything dark and angsty. I didn't know what to expect when I went into this but I am so glad I read this book.
Katie is fierce!!! I really loved her. She was strong and stood her ground. Then we get Rome. And we get this explosive chemistry that is unlike anything I have ever read.
Read it! I loved it.
Katie is fierce!!! I really loved her. She was strong and stood her ground. Then we get Rome. And we get this explosive chemistry that is unlike anything I have ever read.
Read it! I loved it.
July 2, 2021
“I saw her in the world of the family, trapped as a prized possession, trapped by the beauty she flaunted for us.”
I love being drawn entirely into a world as I read, to feel the characters emotions, hope and despair.
Ms. Rose masterfully weaves her words into a vivid world, exposing Rome and Katie’s dark story. It’s truly a pleasure to read.
Mafia theme is spot on. Love the no holds barred approach, the angst, violence and thirst for blood, exhibited by Rome as the family’s enforcer. The chokehold they have over everyone surrounding them.
Family first. “You bleed, we bleed. You die, we die.”
Katie’s character is twisted from such and early age. Her outer veneer, covering and protecting the strength to succeed no matter the cost. What she does just to survive isn’t for the faint at heart.
The heat and inevitable explosion between characters is off the charts.
This isn’t a sweet or fluffy read. It’s dark and dirty, and it grabbed me from page one. Well done, there have been so few mafia reads this year able to keep my attention.
I love being drawn entirely into a world as I read, to feel the characters emotions, hope and despair.
Ms. Rose masterfully weaves her words into a vivid world, exposing Rome and Katie’s dark story. It’s truly a pleasure to read.
Mafia theme is spot on. Love the no holds barred approach, the angst, violence and thirst for blood, exhibited by Rome as the family’s enforcer. The chokehold they have over everyone surrounding them.
Family first. “You bleed, we bleed. You die, we die.”
Katie’s character is twisted from such and early age. Her outer veneer, covering and protecting the strength to succeed no matter the cost. What she does just to survive isn’t for the faint at heart.
The heat and inevitable explosion between characters is off the charts.
This isn’t a sweet or fluffy read. It’s dark and dirty, and it grabbed me from page one. Well done, there have been so few mafia reads this year able to keep my attention.
September 22, 2021
4.5 stars ✨
“I took life after life and felt less and less pain.”
This story packed a punch that I didn’t expect at all! This is what mafia romance books should be like. Why do I always fall for the baddest monsters of men?! Rome was a brute beast of a man. Violence and bloodshed made the beast roar even louder..
Rome & Katie were pure fire & ice. Their chemistry, their magnetic pull towards each other was everything!
“You feel me, but you see him,” he said. “What turns you on more? My touch or him in front of you?” I didn’t answer him. I closed my eyes to shield myself from the ever-changing looks on Bastian’s face. “Is this what you want? Him on your arm in public giving you power, or me in the dark taking it away?”
This part here…two men, her choice..on the freakin balcony. 🔥🔥🔥
Can’t wait to dive into book 2!!
“I took life after life and felt less and less pain.”
This story packed a punch that I didn’t expect at all! This is what mafia romance books should be like. Why do I always fall for the baddest monsters of men?! Rome was a brute beast of a man. Violence and bloodshed made the beast roar even louder..
Rome & Katie were pure fire & ice. Their chemistry, their magnetic pull towards each other was everything!
“You feel me, but you see him,” he said. “What turns you on more? My touch or him in front of you?” I didn’t answer him. I closed my eyes to shield myself from the ever-changing looks on Bastian’s face. “Is this what you want? Him on your arm in public giving you power, or me in the dark taking it away?”
This part here…two men, her choice..on the freakin balcony. 🔥🔥🔥
Can’t wait to dive into book 2!!
June 5, 2021
"𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚, 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨."
Wow, wow, wow. Bookstagram has blessed me so much in discovering wonderful authors I otherwise would have never known about! Let me start by saying that Heart of a Monster has one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen. This is the kind of book I would buy without reading the synopsis because I was too captivated by the cover to care. The story inside of Heart of a Monster is equally as beautiful as its cover, though. Shain did such a lovely developing these characters and you can tell that she poured her entire heart and soul into them.
Heart of a Monster is a dark and gritty mafia story that will make hot and bothered in one sentence and make you pull your hair out in the next. The constant push and pull between our hero and heroine, Rome and Katalina, made this an epic angst-fest! I adored how fierce and badass Katalina was, and refused to back down and cower under anyone! We need more mafia books with alpha-females, and Shain gave us that!
But she also gave us that freaking cliffhanger! I can't wait to get my hands on the next books to find out what the heck is going to happen!
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
Wow, wow, wow. Bookstagram has blessed me so much in discovering wonderful authors I otherwise would have never known about! Let me start by saying that Heart of a Monster has one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen. This is the kind of book I would buy without reading the synopsis because I was too captivated by the cover to care. The story inside of Heart of a Monster is equally as beautiful as its cover, though. Shain did such a lovely developing these characters and you can tell that she poured her entire heart and soul into them.
Heart of a Monster is a dark and gritty mafia story that will make hot and bothered in one sentence and make you pull your hair out in the next. The constant push and pull between our hero and heroine, Rome and Katalina, made this an epic angst-fest! I adored how fierce and badass Katalina was, and refused to back down and cower under anyone! We need more mafia books with alpha-females, and Shain gave us that!
But she also gave us that freaking cliffhanger! I can't wait to get my hands on the next books to find out what the heck is going to happen!
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
June 5, 2021
4.5 stars
I have said since the first time that I read this author's words, that there is something special about her. I think she will be one to watch because with every book that she writes it leaps off the pages and comes alive. She has an uncanny ability at knowing how to give just enough details that it makes the scene come alive without giving to many where it becomes redundant. I was surprised to discover that she was writing Mafia this go around since her first books were different. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. She took this subgenre and made it her own.
Katie and Rome were perfect, both, individually and together. I liked seeing a woman that so owned what she was as a woman. She was never weak and she was unapologetic and fierce. I liked that about her. I, especially, liked that Rome tapped into that fierceness and from the very beginning had seen what her potential was. She was always destined to be something bigger than life. Rome was dynamic and also an enigma. I was trying to understand what made him tick, but often, he would seem elusive and would not give a full story. That could have been unappealing but this author knew how to balance it by giving just enough to tantalize her audience. By the end, I was in love with Rome.
Great secondary characters, plausible storyline, and mystery to keep me tuned in for the rest of this duet. Well done to this author for crafting a great mafia story (my favorite) and for proving me right by continuing to excel at being an author.
I have said since the first time that I read this author's words, that there is something special about her. I think she will be one to watch because with every book that she writes it leaps off the pages and comes alive. She has an uncanny ability at knowing how to give just enough details that it makes the scene come alive without giving to many where it becomes redundant. I was surprised to discover that she was writing Mafia this go around since her first books were different. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. She took this subgenre and made it her own.
Katie and Rome were perfect, both, individually and together. I liked seeing a woman that so owned what she was as a woman. She was never weak and she was unapologetic and fierce. I liked that about her. I, especially, liked that Rome tapped into that fierceness and from the very beginning had seen what her potential was. She was always destined to be something bigger than life. Rome was dynamic and also an enigma. I was trying to understand what made him tick, but often, he would seem elusive and would not give a full story. That could have been unappealing but this author knew how to balance it by giving just enough to tantalize her audience. By the end, I was in love with Rome.
Great secondary characters, plausible storyline, and mystery to keep me tuned in for the rest of this duet. Well done to this author for crafting a great mafia story (my favorite) and for proving me right by continuing to excel at being an author.
June 7, 2021
Okay so yea, this was my first read from Shain Rose and it was one hell of a ride and did not disappoint. I will definitely be going back and reading all of her work. Rome & Katie are seriously everything. Katie is a complete baddie, she is strong independent and purely amazing. Katie grew up in this world and she knows how to take care of herself and she knows how to bring these fierce ruthless killers to their knees. Rome and Katie’s chemistry is off the charts and sexy AF. The tension between these two bleeds from the pages as you read their story. This story is rough raw and dirty and is everything a Mafia story should be. “You bleed, we bleed. You Die, we die” gahhhhhh all the feels!! If you love a dark romance with ALL THE THINGS then you seriously need to pick this pad boy up ASAP…. Be prepared though for that cliffy that left me with my WTH just happened face and had me wanting to throw my kindle at the wall. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. This book will hold you captive from beginning to end!!! AMAZING!!!!
May 13, 2022
I NEED THE SEQUEL NOWWWW
June 20, 2021
2.50⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Mafia Romance (IR)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: OK
Triggers: Yes
Violence:
Male: Stoic & Possessive
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc. 3906
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I was excited about this book and loved the cover as well. The way it started had me curious and intrigued as we got to see Katie and Rome engaging for the first time years earlier. The prologue, exchange of letters between Katie and Rome and seeing the way Katie grew up and what she endured after her dad died pulled me in. I loved all of that. However, I think I lost interest after Rome and Katie reconnected again years later. For some reason, I just could not connect with the older Katie. I kept trying to push through, but not sure if it’s Katie’s POVs or her story and how it was conveyed to me. Rome gave me stoic, mix with a bit of mystery at times and possessiveness, and he could be a little intense as well. I really felt conflicted on this one.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
It was appealing, but can’t get excited if I can not connect with the character fully.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
The Armanelli clan was interesting.
OVERALL:
I didn’t fully enjoy the story. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from still trying this book with books I rate low. I can only speak on my personal experience and taste and how I felt while reading this story.
TRIGGERS: Katie’s past after her father died.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Mafia Romance (IR)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 2/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: OK
Triggers: Yes
Violence:
Male: Stoic & Possessive
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc. 3906
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I was excited about this book and loved the cover as well. The way it started had me curious and intrigued as we got to see Katie and Rome engaging for the first time years earlier. The prologue, exchange of letters between Katie and Rome and seeing the way Katie grew up and what she endured after her dad died pulled me in. I loved all of that. However, I think I lost interest after Rome and Katie reconnected again years later. For some reason, I just could not connect with the older Katie. I kept trying to push through, but not sure if it’s Katie’s POVs or her story and how it was conveyed to me. Rome gave me stoic, mix with a bit of mystery at times and possessiveness, and he could be a little intense as well. I really felt conflicted on this one.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
It was appealing, but can’t get excited if I can not connect with the character fully.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
The Armanelli clan was interesting.
OVERALL:
I didn’t fully enjoy the story. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from still trying this book with books I rate low. I can only speak on my personal experience and taste and how I felt while reading this story.
TRIGGERS: Katie’s past after her father died.
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Read
June 15, 2021DNF at 10% so no rating
Just another ‘dark’ book that’s just a bunch of buzzwords/toxic tropes meshed together. Carry on
Just another ‘dark’ book that’s just a bunch of buzzwords/toxic tropes meshed together. Carry on
June 7, 2021
Gah!! This had everything I love in a dark mafia romance.
Violence ☑️
Broody, killer alphahole ☑️
Kidnapping ☑️
Secrets & Lies ☑️
Feisty Heroine ☑️
Pawn becoming a Queen ☑️
From the start, Shain sucked me into her Italian mobster world. These men are captivating and this woman is hypnotic.
Katie has the ability to hold the world in the palm of her hand and bring powerful men to their knees. She does what she needs to do to survive and knows what it means to take care of herself. She’s a fighter and needs no man, but her want for a certain man is undeniable.
Rome is a fierce, broody killer for the mob. He’s always been drawn to Katie but tries his best to stay away, until he can’t. The fire burns bright between the two of them.
This has a cliffy that will drive you a bit mad, but I’m excited as hell to see our girl become the Queen she is meant to be.
Violence ☑️
Broody, killer alphahole ☑️
Kidnapping ☑️
Secrets & Lies ☑️
Feisty Heroine ☑️
Pawn becoming a Queen ☑️
From the start, Shain sucked me into her Italian mobster world. These men are captivating and this woman is hypnotic.
Katie has the ability to hold the world in the palm of her hand and bring powerful men to their knees. She does what she needs to do to survive and knows what it means to take care of herself. She’s a fighter and needs no man, but her want for a certain man is undeniable.
Rome is a fierce, broody killer for the mob. He’s always been drawn to Katie but tries his best to stay away, until he can’t. The fire burns bright between the two of them.
This has a cliffy that will drive you a bit mad, but I’m excited as hell to see our girl become the Queen she is meant to be.
June 4, 2021
These characters are unforgettable and know how to use their power to snare you right under their wings. Shain built a dark wonderland and to be able to ride the treacherous waters with them was adventurous and scary.
I felt the pull and push and at times wanted to pull my hair out. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
I felt the pull and push and at times wanted to pull my hair out. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
June 8, 2021
This book was an unforgettable rollercoaster ride of mafia romance and intrigue. I read straight through the night and loved every word crafted by Shain Rose because they are all just threaded with emotion and beauty.
Shain Rose has written billionaires and office romances before so I wasn't sure about these characters being in the mafia but...
"Okay, Kate-Bait. Okay. Games are over. We choose dreams or destruction tonight.”<-this scene RUINED me! I loved it so much!!!
***FANS SELF***
This is a one-click mafia romance with meaning behind it all.
Katie's father passes away and she runs straight to Rome's family, the mob. They accept her readily enough and we come to find out why later.
Rome has a lot of demons that make him standoffish and cold but he was the alpha to Katie's feisty heroine and their chemistry was through the roof. I LOVED how he went to bat for Katie time and time again. I loved their push and pull in true Shain Rose style and the angst had me wanting to scream.
I have already pre-ordered Love of a Queen...this is a duet! That's the only TERRIBLE thing about this book but hey... we get another installment of them before the end of summer. TOP 2021 MAFIA ROMANCE READ, hands down.
I received an ARC of this book.
Shain Rose has written billionaires and office romances before so I wasn't sure about these characters being in the mafia but...
"Okay, Kate-Bait. Okay. Games are over. We choose dreams or destruction tonight.”<-this scene RUINED me! I loved it so much!!!
***FANS SELF***
This is a one-click mafia romance with meaning behind it all.
Katie's father passes away and she runs straight to Rome's family, the mob. They accept her readily enough and we come to find out why later.
Rome has a lot of demons that make him standoffish and cold but he was the alpha to Katie's feisty heroine and their chemistry was through the roof. I LOVED how he went to bat for Katie time and time again. I loved their push and pull in true Shain Rose style and the angst had me wanting to scream.
I have already pre-ordered Love of a Queen...this is a duet! That's the only TERRIBLE thing about this book but hey... we get another installment of them before the end of summer. TOP 2021 MAFIA ROMANCE READ, hands down.
I received an ARC of this book.
June 10, 2021
*Received and ARC from the author.
Holy endings Batman!!! Okay I loved the Stonewood series so much. And almost from the get home Rome and Katie intrigued me so much. So when I heard they were getting a book plus Bastien was going to be there, I was sold!!!
This book did not disappoint. It’s dark and sexy and haunting. Seriously, the strength that Katie has is something I don’t think I could have ever imagined. I’m so unbelievably grateful I was able to be apart of this ARC team. If you’re looking for a book that has grit, mafia, dark romance, and a whole lot of hot sexy Italian men look no further. This book was so easy to read and enjoyable I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next one because like I said at the start HOLY ENDINGS BATMAN was this one just a straight up doozie!
Holy endings Batman!!! Okay I loved the Stonewood series so much. And almost from the get home Rome and Katie intrigued me so much. So when I heard they were getting a book plus Bastien was going to be there, I was sold!!!
This book did not disappoint. It’s dark and sexy and haunting. Seriously, the strength that Katie has is something I don’t think I could have ever imagined. I’m so unbelievably grateful I was able to be apart of this ARC team. If you’re looking for a book that has grit, mafia, dark romance, and a whole lot of hot sexy Italian men look no further. This book was so easy to read and enjoyable I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next one because like I said at the start HOLY ENDINGS BATMAN was this one just a straight up doozie!
June 4, 2021
I loved Shain Rose’s debut series, The Stonewood Brothers, so much I begged to get on the ARC team for this one knowing it had to be Rome’s story as he was introduced in the Stonewood series ( reading the Stonewoods first would enhance your reading experience with Heart of a Monster but it is not necessary).
As much as this was Rome’s book, it is just as much Katie’s story, maybe even more so. Katie is a badass. She is strong. She is resilient. We need more women like her on our side.
It is really hard to review this and not give spoilers. So let me just say, when this one ended, I was furious. I wanted to throw my kindle. Because IT WAS JUST THAT GOOD.
If you haven’t read Shain Rose books yet, you are missing out and I am here screaming at you to pick one up and prepare to stay up all night finishing it!
As much as this was Rome’s book, it is just as much Katie’s story, maybe even more so. Katie is a badass. She is strong. She is resilient. We need more women like her on our side.
It is really hard to review this and not give spoilers. So let me just say, when this one ended, I was furious. I wanted to throw my kindle. Because IT WAS JUST THAT GOOD.
If you haven’t read Shain Rose books yet, you are missing out and I am here screaming at you to pick one up and prepare to stay up all night finishing it!
June 12, 2021
Where’s the next book? Cos I’m so ready to jump right in. This is my first but without a doubt not my last read by this author.
Katalina.. wow girl your made up of some strong stuff. Rome is a cold heartless man… that is until Katalina. These two are explosive together.
A well written twisted read that had me consumed from start to finish.
I devoured this book. Can’t wait for more.
Katalina.. wow girl your made up of some strong stuff. Rome is a cold heartless man… that is until Katalina. These two are explosive together.
A well written twisted read that had me consumed from start to finish.
I devoured this book. Can’t wait for more.
December 2, 2021
2.5 ⭐
All the stars belong to the heroine because she the bitch.
.
.
.
(Also okayyyy I see you cliffhanger)
All the stars belong to the heroine because she the bitch.
.
.
.
(Also okayyyy I see you cliffhanger)
June 14, 2021
Thrilling story!
WOW! This was the first book I have read by this amazing author and it will definitely not be my last. It was freaking intense, action packed, suspenseful, thrilling and damn sexy. Katie, the utter badass woman she is, took me on one hell of a rollercoaster ride into a dark and twisted mafia world.
Katie is one seriously fantastic woman. She’s smart, fierce, sexy as hell and she lets nothing bring her down. She uses her smarts and killer looks to bring men to their knees. There is this fierce queen in her ready to burst out at any given moment. I love how the men around her underestimate her power and then she shows them exactly who holds all the cards.
Rome is a perfect match for Katie. He’s demanding, domineering, angry, protective and super sexy. The connection these two have was instantaneous and only grew to something undeniable over time. Their interactions were laced with such intense sexual chemistry that they were ready to implode at any given moment! It was damn sexy and definitely panty melting when it did.
This story is emotional, gritty and twisted. There is a lot of suspense and buildup to one explosive ending that has left me speechless.
Fantastic mafia story that pulled me in and consumed me. I can’t wait to read the next part.
WOW! This was the first book I have read by this amazing author and it will definitely not be my last. It was freaking intense, action packed, suspenseful, thrilling and damn sexy. Katie, the utter badass woman she is, took me on one hell of a rollercoaster ride into a dark and twisted mafia world.
Katie is one seriously fantastic woman. She’s smart, fierce, sexy as hell and she lets nothing bring her down. She uses her smarts and killer looks to bring men to their knees. There is this fierce queen in her ready to burst out at any given moment. I love how the men around her underestimate her power and then she shows them exactly who holds all the cards.
Rome is a perfect match for Katie. He’s demanding, domineering, angry, protective and super sexy. The connection these two have was instantaneous and only grew to something undeniable over time. Their interactions were laced with such intense sexual chemistry that they were ready to implode at any given moment! It was damn sexy and definitely panty melting when it did.
This story is emotional, gritty and twisted. There is a lot of suspense and buildup to one explosive ending that has left me speechless.
Fantastic mafia story that pulled me in and consumed me. I can’t wait to read the next part.
June 10, 2021
Shain Rose did it again! I loved Rome and Bastian and Katie from the Stonewood brothers series, but seeing them again in Heart of a Monster blew my mind.
Katie-- the strong, independent woman who does what she wants and gets the job done, no matter how much the men don't believe in her. She'll do what she has to in order to survive and thrive and prove herself to the family.
Rome-- this is a different side of Rome than we see in Stonewood, and for good reason. His role in the family is to stay hidden, be the assassin, and get out. He can't intermix feelings and business, no matter what. But the monster inside him... just can't let Katie go.
I couldn't put this book down, it was so good! I got wrapped up in the mafia world, the push and pull between Katie, Rome, and Bastian. Shain Rose does an amazing job giving us alphas in all forms, from the sweet and considerate but fearful Bastian, to the downright gritty and hot Rome. But does Katie need an alpha to save her?
Probably not. And she'll prove it too. Time and time again...
Grab this book today, you won't regret it!
Katie-- the strong, independent woman who does what she wants and gets the job done, no matter how much the men don't believe in her. She'll do what she has to in order to survive and thrive and prove herself to the family.
Rome-- this is a different side of Rome than we see in Stonewood, and for good reason. His role in the family is to stay hidden, be the assassin, and get out. He can't intermix feelings and business, no matter what. But the monster inside him... just can't let Katie go.
I couldn't put this book down, it was so good! I got wrapped up in the mafia world, the push and pull between Katie, Rome, and Bastian. Shain Rose does an amazing job giving us alphas in all forms, from the sweet and considerate but fearful Bastian, to the downright gritty and hot Rome. But does Katie need an alpha to save her?
Probably not. And she'll prove it too. Time and time again...
Grab this book today, you won't regret it!
June 10, 2021
First read by this author and it was a HOT one! I would one zillion percent add this author to my one click list! Thankful to Wildfire for catching my attention with this one, as these tropes are right up my alley. This book was angsty, dark, yet full of a red hit alpha males- and a feisty boss babe! Rome was a character I wanted to just read more and more of-he was red hot and totally broody, but Katie completely stole the show for me. She was written so sophisticated, classy yet full of so much underlying emotion that it just fueled the story to such a moving plot and her intentions were just that much more genuine. 5 million stars for this one-and for sure ready for book 2!
June 6, 2021
"I don't step away from what's mine, and you're quickly becoming that. Even if I don't want you to be."
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it. I thought it was a little slow in the beginning but that's because we got their backstory from when they first met and what happened to Katie after losing her father. I enjoyed the second half more than the first half.
Rome and Katie were hella explosive together, the sexual tension was off the charts hot. There was also a little tension between Katie and Bastian but not the fireworks she had with Rome. This book had intensity, bloodshed, a feisty heroine, a possessive alphahole, secrets, lies, plenty of heat and a little humour thrown in. Rome was the monster within the family and Katie was the only one who could calm his inner beast. After that ending I can't wait to see the monster he can truly be....
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it. I thought it was a little slow in the beginning but that's because we got their backstory from when they first met and what happened to Katie after losing her father. I enjoyed the second half more than the first half.
Rome and Katie were hella explosive together, the sexual tension was off the charts hot. There was also a little tension between Katie and Bastian but not the fireworks she had with Rome. This book had intensity, bloodshed, a feisty heroine, a possessive alphahole, secrets, lies, plenty of heat and a little humour thrown in. Rome was the monster within the family and Katie was the only one who could calm his inner beast. After that ending I can't wait to see the monster he can truly be....
June 17, 2021
I was really looking forward to diving into this all new mafia world.
The prologue brought on some intrigue, and in the chapters that were of the past, detailing when Katie met Rome, Sebastian, and Cade, it was immediately clear that she and Rome had chemistry.
Katie did what she needed to make sure her father had what he needed, and I completely understood that. When it continued, albeit for different reasons, she began making petty comments to Rome that I felt were unnecessary and childish. Katie tried to portray herself as strong enough to stand beside the made men as an equal, but she never displayed characteristics that made me believe she should have that right.
Rome is an enforcer of the mafia. There were times I liked his character, he did have some characteristics of a possessive alpha, but some of the moments fell flat.
As the story goes, the chemistry they shared waned, especially since their actions showed no indication of the chemistry that had been so palpable the first time they met.
Overall, I ended up not caring what happened between them because even after all their pettiness, and the waning chemistry, I had hoped a new sort of relationship between them would build without the toxic behavior.
I can really see the potential in this book, in the storyline and with the characters, but in some of their actions and interactions the chemistry I had previously felt between them was smothered, and therefore affected my view of them throughout the rest of the book.
The prologue brought on some intrigue, and in the chapters that were of the past, detailing when Katie met Rome, Sebastian, and Cade, it was immediately clear that she and Rome had chemistry.
Katie did what she needed to make sure her father had what he needed, and I completely understood that. When it continued, albeit for different reasons, she began making petty comments to Rome that I felt were unnecessary and childish. Katie tried to portray herself as strong enough to stand beside the made men as an equal, but she never displayed characteristics that made me believe she should have that right.
Rome is an enforcer of the mafia. There were times I liked his character, he did have some characteristics of a possessive alpha, but some of the moments fell flat.
As the story goes, the chemistry they shared waned, especially since their actions showed no indication of the chemistry that had been so palpable the first time they met.
Overall, I ended up not caring what happened between them because even after all their pettiness, and the waning chemistry, I had hoped a new sort of relationship between them would build without the toxic behavior.
I can really see the potential in this book, in the storyline and with the characters, but in some of their actions and interactions the chemistry I had previously felt between them was smothered, and therefore affected my view of them throughout the rest of the book.
July 19, 2021
This book is an absolute epic read and I enjoyed every single word of it. This author really knocked it out the park and once I started reading it I couldn't stop. This book is a dark romance/ mafia book and these characters will have you gripped.
Katie is a woman that knows what she want and how to get it. She has had to go through so much to survive a lot of crap and come out the other end only to be thrown a load more by the people she thought she could trust. She is a fierce, independent woman who is also a very determined one and she will find out out what she needs to move forward.
Rome is ' the monster' everyone is scared of, he is also the enforcer in the mafia. He is a powerful influence on the people around him and deep down he knows who he wants but the question is does she still want him?
The story kept my attention the whole way through and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Katie and Rome were seriously hot together and the chemistry that they both have is so strong and Katie brings out the softer side in Rome something nobody else can do, I love that about them. I love how this author has written these character and how much I was rooting for them to get out together. I loved how this story flows and the dark and gritty side to the mafia that this author brought to it. This story does end on a cliff hanger and will leave you drooling for the next book which I can not wait to read.
#heartofamonster #reviewshelpauthors #mustreadbook
#newrelease #mafiaromance #heartofamonster ShainRose #readyourheartout #booknerdigan #bookobsessed #bookstagram #bookaholic #instabook #bookblogger
My BLOG
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
Katie is a woman that knows what she want and how to get it. She has had to go through so much to survive a lot of crap and come out the other end only to be thrown a load more by the people she thought she could trust. She is a fierce, independent woman who is also a very determined one and she will find out out what she needs to move forward.
Rome is ' the monster' everyone is scared of, he is also the enforcer in the mafia. He is a powerful influence on the people around him and deep down he knows who he wants but the question is does she still want him?
The story kept my attention the whole way through and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Katie and Rome were seriously hot together and the chemistry that they both have is so strong and Katie brings out the softer side in Rome something nobody else can do, I love that about them. I love how this author has written these character and how much I was rooting for them to get out together. I loved how this story flows and the dark and gritty side to the mafia that this author brought to it. This story does end on a cliff hanger and will leave you drooling for the next book which I can not wait to read.
#heartofamonster #reviewshelpauthors #mustreadbook
#newrelease #mafiaromance #heartofamonster ShainRose #readyourheartout #booknerdigan #bookobsessed #bookstagram #bookaholic #instabook #bookblogger
My BLOG
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
February 12, 2024
DNF
I couldn't anymore.
Gave it a fair chance.
I couldn't anymore.
Gave it a fair chance.
June 10, 2021
“If you're hurting, if you're about to break, break me instead. I can handle it.”
------------------------------------------------------------
📚Book: Heart of a Monster by Shain Rose
✨Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
------------------------------------------------------------
Shain is an incredible author. There’s something special about her and her words. Her stories are just excellent. She has the ability to make every chapter come alive and suck you in. Every detail and development of each character in the story feels tangible and very patiently written.
Heart of a monster is everything you want in a mafia story and more “ Dark & Dirty”. With so much passion and tension to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Katalina our heroine is a freaking bad ass. So fierce and unapologetic. She knows who she is and what she wants. She's so admirable, we need more bad ass heroines like her.
Roman our hero, is everything we love in our alpha mafia males. Mysterious, explosive, possesive and sexy as hell, a monster that only Katalina can tame.
Katalina and Roman are perfect for each other, their chemistry was explosive like fireworks.
“Compare me to all the men you want, baby.” “I know how to make you scream, there's no comparison to that.”
This book was extraordinary, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend not only this book but anything written by Shain because is an incredible experience.
Ps. that cliffhanger at the end has me in serious need of answers and anxious to read book 2.
------------------------------------------------------------
📚Book: Heart of a Monster by Shain Rose
✨Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
------------------------------------------------------------
Shain is an incredible author. There’s something special about her and her words. Her stories are just excellent. She has the ability to make every chapter come alive and suck you in. Every detail and development of each character in the story feels tangible and very patiently written.
Heart of a monster is everything you want in a mafia story and more “ Dark & Dirty”. With so much passion and tension to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Katalina our heroine is a freaking bad ass. So fierce and unapologetic. She knows who she is and what she wants. She's so admirable, we need more bad ass heroines like her.
Roman our hero, is everything we love in our alpha mafia males. Mysterious, explosive, possesive and sexy as hell, a monster that only Katalina can tame.
Katalina and Roman are perfect for each other, their chemistry was explosive like fireworks.
“Compare me to all the men you want, baby.” “I know how to make you scream, there's no comparison to that.”
This book was extraordinary, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend not only this book but anything written by Shain because is an incredible experience.
Ps. that cliffhanger at the end has me in serious need of answers and anxious to read book 2.
June 10, 2021
"My blood is your blood. I bleed, you bleed"
Rome & Katie's story is one hell of journey. Shain has build up story perfectly with the rules of the families, different gangs, mafia and government...no more spoilers on that.
I will admit it was a bit of a slow pace for me BUT omg it was worth the wait and I see why she did it. I did not know what was going to happen then BANG there is a surprise twist I did not see coming. The story line will keep you in your toes.
Katie is one hell of a strong kick ass character and my heart broke with her dad. That scene...no spoilers. She is truely damaged and she is perfect for their world. We see her as a innocent child to a dangerous women. Rome is the enforcer and I do not want to meet him in a dark alley. He runs a bar too which she visits time and again. They are both learning to love because both have shut of their emotions. We learn with them how to open up again Nd be brave.
My favourite moment between them which is a bit of a spoiler. When they were children and they talk about Cleopatra as a women and her history
Oh did I mention their is action and steamy scene in this too
☆MUST READ☆
Rome & Katie's story is one hell of journey. Shain has build up story perfectly with the rules of the families, different gangs, mafia and government...no more spoilers on that.
I will admit it was a bit of a slow pace for me BUT omg it was worth the wait and I see why she did it. I did not know what was going to happen then BANG there is a surprise twist I did not see coming. The story line will keep you in your toes.
Katie is one hell of a strong kick ass character and my heart broke with her dad. That scene...no spoilers. She is truely damaged and she is perfect for their world. We see her as a innocent child to a dangerous women. Rome is the enforcer and I do not want to meet him in a dark alley. He runs a bar too which she visits time and again. They are both learning to love because both have shut of their emotions. We learn with them how to open up again Nd be brave.
My favourite moment between them which is a bit of a spoiler. When they were children and they talk about Cleopatra as a women and her history
Oh did I mention their is action and steamy scene in this too
☆MUST READ☆
June 10, 2021
Okay first I want to start off by saying this is not my usual read. I don't do Mafia/Mob stories. I don't read them or watch them by choice but I will if asked.
That and I really love that first read of a new to me Author!
So here I am with a Mob story, a cliffhanger, lots of drama, plenty of darkness, a dark broody anti-hero, and a woman/child who's been through more pain and abuse then anyone should and yet stands tall and refuses to play victim despite her fears because she sees hope in the monster who refuses to let her give up or go! But as much as he can't let her go he won't let her in and so she fights back because she knows even the darkest of monsters has a heart she's seen it!
So in short I loved it and so I'll wait for the next book, ever so impatiently! 😉
There are triggers to be aware of so heed the authors warnings, but if you like dark, mafia/mob romance this is 100% for you!
I have voluntarily left this review.
That and I really love that first read of a new to me Author!
So here I am with a Mob story, a cliffhanger, lots of drama, plenty of darkness, a dark broody anti-hero, and a woman/child who's been through more pain and abuse then anyone should and yet stands tall and refuses to play victim despite her fears because she sees hope in the monster who refuses to let her give up or go! But as much as he can't let her go he won't let her in and so she fights back because she knows even the darkest of monsters has a heart she's seen it!
So in short I loved it and so I'll wait for the next book, ever so impatiently! 😉
There are triggers to be aware of so heed the authors warnings, but if you like dark, mafia/mob romance this is 100% for you!
I have voluntarily left this review.
June 10, 2021
I haven't read Mafia books in a long time, so when I was given the opportunity to possibly read this ARC I literally jumped at it.
The story did not disappoint! I really liked Katalina and how badass she is, I love her spunk her ability to play guys the way she needs to in order to survive.
SHE IS A SURVIVOR.
Katalina does not have an easy life, and her struggles show but Rome comes into her life like a wrecking ball and changes that for her.
Together they are lighting bolts! I couldn't get enough of them. The sexy scenes are also so hot. Their love making isnt sweet or cute, but its the way they know how to love one another.
The storyline of this book is crazy good too there is a twist you don't see coming!
There are trigger warnings to this book, some things are pretty dark, so make sure you are aware of that.
The story did not disappoint! I really liked Katalina and how badass she is, I love her spunk her ability to play guys the way she needs to in order to survive.
SHE IS A SURVIVOR.
Katalina does not have an easy life, and her struggles show but Rome comes into her life like a wrecking ball and changes that for her.
Together they are lighting bolts! I couldn't get enough of them. The sexy scenes are also so hot. Their love making isnt sweet or cute, but its the way they know how to love one another.
The storyline of this book is crazy good too there is a twist you don't see coming!
There are trigger warnings to this book, some things are pretty dark, so make sure you are aware of that.
June 10, 2021
Shain Rose, a cliffhanger how could you, there are pieces of my hair laying on the floor, as the push and pull of Heart of a Monster, this dark, hot as hell, yet gripping story took hold. Not only will Rome and Katalina's story blow you away, but the dynamics between them and Dante, Cade, and the king of the family Bastian are the perfect combination in this must-read mafia book. Katalina is a strong bad a** woman, one I want to be when I grow up, and not even Rome can control this woman especially when secrets are finally revealed.
I didn't want a cliff-hanger but hell it has just made me eager for the next one.
I didn't want a cliff-hanger but hell it has just made me eager for the next one.
"I'd kill for her, die for her. I only wanted to live for her".
June 9, 2021
This book, you guys... I think I'm crying. I did not expect that cliffhanger but it goes to show that Katalina is a strong woman. She will fight for her place in a world dominated by men. She is willing to sacrifice herself to the "enemy" to get her place with a family. Katalina has gone through so much since her father got sick and passed away.
Rome is a whole other story. His whole life he's been trained to protect the family - his cousin as he takes on the role of the boss. Rome, as Katalina, feels like he has no place in the world. Perhaps that's why they clicked so easily since meeting each other for the first time.
Katalina is his home - his Cleopatra.
As he himself strives to be what she needs in a man - her home. Her puzzle piece.
Rome is a whole other story. His whole life he's been trained to protect the family - his cousin as he takes on the role of the boss. Rome, as Katalina, feels like he has no place in the world. Perhaps that's why they clicked so easily since meeting each other for the first time.
Katalina is his home - his Cleopatra.
As he himself strives to be what she needs in a man - her home. Her puzzle piece.
June 13, 2021
HEART OF A MONSTER by Shain Rose is the First book in the 'A New Reign Mafia Romance'. This starts the story of Katalina 'Katie' and Rome.
Rome is and assassin who has had to be cold and heartless but somehow he can't seem to be that way with Katie. Katie has had to be strong, be a fighter and to depend on herself. But they both feel the pull and have danced around their attraction. This book kept me turning the pages and it does end setting us up for the next book that continues their story.
Rome is and assassin who has had to be cold and heartless but somehow he can't seem to be that way with Katie. Katie has had to be strong, be a fighter and to depend on herself. But they both feel the pull and have danced around their attraction. This book kept me turning the pages and it does end setting us up for the next book that continues their story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews