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The Moretti Crime Family #2
Violent Beginnings
A Dark Enemies To Lovers Mafia Romance.
The deal was sealed the moment she stepped onto that stage.
It was like seeing a ghost. Sunshine blonde hair, pale skin, and azure eyes that held a thousand secrets.
I didn’t know what caused her to end up on that auction block.
And I didn’t care either.
All I knew was that I had to have her…no matter the cost.
One-million dollars later and she became just that.
Mine to break.
Mine to use.
Mine to keep.
We all have secrets, and when I discover hers, no one will be able to save her from me.
*This is a complete standalone, 100k+ word novel. It contains dark themes, including violence and sexual situations. As always there is no cheating, and a happily ever after.*
The deal was sealed the moment she stepped onto that stage.
It was like seeing a ghost. Sunshine blonde hair, pale skin, and azure eyes that held a thousand secrets.
I didn’t know what caused her to end up on that auction block.
And I didn’t care either.
All I knew was that I had to have her…no matter the cost.
One-million dollars later and she became just that.
Mine to break.
Mine to use.
Mine to keep.
We all have secrets, and when I discover hers, no one will be able to save her from me.
*This is a complete standalone, 100k+ word novel. It contains dark themes, including violence and sexual situations. As always there is no cheating, and a happily ever after.*
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2020
About the author
J.L. Beck
239 books6,513 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
December 18, 2020
Auctioned to a murderer!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💘💘💘💘💘
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🤓🥸😎😤😳
The setting: Auction, a cabin in the woods, a penthouse in the city, France
The Hero: Markus – a dangerous killer working for the Mafia. Markus has never thought about helping or buying any of the girls he sees at the auctions until one is on the stage that looks like the woman he used to love.
The heroine: Fallon – a college student who was abducted off the street and trafficked to be sold in a sex slave auction. Fallon is smart and resourceful, but she can’t get herself out of the situation she is in.
The Love Story: Markus is initially attracted to Fallon because she looks so much like a girl he used to date. He was responsible for her murder and still feels guilt about his part in that. However Markus immediately starts seeing Fallon for herself, and he wants to own every part of her. He likes the idea that he owns her and can do whatever he wants with her.
This book has triggers so beware if you are upset by things like that. The first time they are together seemed basically non-con. Though Fallon is attracted to Markus against her will, she definitely wants to get away from him. She is also very afraid of him after seeing him kill someone. He uses her body against her. Markus has some sort of obsession with Fallon and has no compunction against keeping her captive.
I really liked the way Markus was broody and quiet for the first half of the book and doesn’t speak much unless he is giving Fallon orders and Fallon seems like she would be a talkative person in her real life, she is smart and doesn’t want to anger Markus, so she is quiet and mostly does what he tells her without complaint. However, she seems to be truly being smart and realizing that she will be punished or killed if she fights him or if she tries to something.
That is one thing I often dislike in captive romances, though the women are often brave and fight their captor and/or try to run at the slightest opening, when you think about it that is sort of stupid. Guys who buy women are not going to make it easy for them to escape, especially if they spent a lot of money, also they plan to keep the women for the long haul. So instead of incurring the wrath of the beast, it is best to be submissive and gain his trust. Wait for a more certain opportunity for escape since there probably is only one real chance.
Anyway, that is just my thoughts on this type of romance. I am not saying whether or not Fallon did this. As of writing this part of my review, I have only read 30% of the book. I just like the fact that Fallon is playing this close to the vest and she seems pretty intelligent, though she is very afraid of Markus.
Though Fallon has her own secrets and in this book they are dangerous secrets so the story is a good one. The romance between them is super steamy and sizzling hot. It’s funny that at the beginning Markus was the type of guy that has no problem buying and keeping a sex slave but by the end he seems like quite a good guy. I guess that is just dark romance for you and is also why I love it. The guys can do so many things that would make me truly hate them in real life, but in books can end up the Hero.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💘💘💘💘💘
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🤓🥸😎😤😳
The setting: Auction, a cabin in the woods, a penthouse in the city, France
The Hero: Markus – a dangerous killer working for the Mafia. Markus has never thought about helping or buying any of the girls he sees at the auctions until one is on the stage that looks like the woman he used to love.
The heroine: Fallon – a college student who was abducted off the street and trafficked to be sold in a sex slave auction. Fallon is smart and resourceful, but she can’t get herself out of the situation she is in.
The Love Story: Markus is initially attracted to Fallon because she looks so much like a girl he used to date. He was responsible for her murder and still feels guilt about his part in that. However Markus immediately starts seeing Fallon for herself, and he wants to own every part of her. He likes the idea that he owns her and can do whatever he wants with her.
This book has triggers so beware if you are upset by things like that. The first time they are together seemed basically non-con. Though Fallon is attracted to Markus against her will, she definitely wants to get away from him. She is also very afraid of him after seeing him kill someone. He uses her body against her. Markus has some sort of obsession with Fallon and has no compunction against keeping her captive.
I really liked the way Markus was broody and quiet for the first half of the book and doesn’t speak much unless he is giving Fallon orders and Fallon seems like she would be a talkative person in her real life, she is smart and doesn’t want to anger Markus, so she is quiet and mostly does what he tells her without complaint. However, she seems to be truly being smart and realizing that she will be punished or killed if she fights him or if she tries to something.
That is one thing I often dislike in captive romances, though the women are often brave and fight their captor and/or try to run at the slightest opening, when you think about it that is sort of stupid. Guys who buy women are not going to make it easy for them to escape, especially if they spent a lot of money, also they plan to keep the women for the long haul. So instead of incurring the wrath of the beast, it is best to be submissive and gain his trust. Wait for a more certain opportunity for escape since there probably is only one real chance.
Anyway, that is just my thoughts on this type of romance. I am not saying whether or not Fallon did this. As of writing this part of my review, I have only read 30% of the book. I just like the fact that Fallon is playing this close to the vest and she seems pretty intelligent, though she is very afraid of Markus.
Though Fallon has her own secrets and in this book they are dangerous secrets so the story is a good one. The romance between them is super steamy and sizzling hot. It’s funny that at the beginning Markus was the type of guy that has no problem buying and keeping a sex slave but by the end he seems like quite a good guy. I guess that is just dark romance for you and is also why I love it. The guys can do so many things that would make me truly hate them in real life, but in books can end up the Hero.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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January 10, 2021DNF @ 17%.
Maybe I'm not in the mood. Or maybe it's too OTT for me. For as much as I love dark stories, I can't do the sexual slavery insta-lust thing.
Girl, no. He's literally murdering a dude right in front of you. Assess the damn situation, here. Jeez.
November 11, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
“Violent Beginnings” is the second book of the “Moretti Crime Family Series” by the best selling authors J.L. Beck and C.Hallman. Told in dual perspectives , get ready to read one of the best Mafia Romances of all time!
Those who have read the first book of this series already know Marcus and what happened with him. Even though both books are stand alones , I suggest that they must be read in order for a better experience because the timelines overlap and the second book contains minor spoilers of the first part. This is Marcus and Fallon’s story.
Marcus is the second hand commander of Julian. He has a pretty content life. That is until a ghost from his past shows back in his life. Fallon’s whole life has been uprooted. From being a politician’s daughter, she is thrust in the slavery world and now is being sold at an auction. She does not know what her future holds but she does know that it is not going to be pretty. That is until she makes eye contact with the man with dark eyes. The one who stares at her with disbelief. The one who ends up buying her in that auction. Marcus is completely thrown off the loop. Falon looks so much like someone he knew once and there is nothing he can do about it , but he does know that he has to have her the moment he sees her. Now both of them are stuck in this forced relationship where there is no love , just a bond of Captor and Captive.
Marcus and Fallon had an amazing tale that I had the pleasure of reading, Both the characters were pretty amazing and The storyline of this book was the one thing that I Liked the most. The twists and turns of this book were amazing and I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. A definite recommendation to all the dark romance lovers out there! If you are into Kidnapping and Forced Proximity romance , then by all means one click this book!
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February 16, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I was quite disappointed. It was a great beginning, but the h became super annoying and the H’s behavior made a 180 that made little sense to me.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It’s told in dual POV. The romance was slow burn. It’s a mafia romance with gratuitous violence.
* What did you think about the main characters?: At first, the H is everything you expect a ruthless man in the mafia to be. The h was extremely naive and acted very irrationally, given that she really had no power in the situation. She was planted in her situation, but she took for granted that the H wouldn’t hurt her, which made absolutely no sense, because he had not shown her that he was kind or trustworthy. She just assumed she could get away with being demanding and lying—and inexplicably he let her! I didn’t like that his character just rolled over and let her run the show. Made no sense, given the first 2/3 of the book.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The scene in front of the dying dude was horrific and not sexy at all. Both characters were pretty gross.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: This is a dark mafia romance with kidnapping, human trafficking, blackmail, and murder.
* What did you think about the ending?: It really didn’t make logical sense to me that it became a saccharine sweet romance. I don’t understand how the h ever trusted or loved the H after everything.
* What is your impression of the author?: I like the collaboration, but there needs to be more editing. I found multiple typos. Julia and Felix’s story sounds interesting.
* How did the book make you feel?: I was quite disappointed. It was a great beginning, but the h became super annoying and the H’s behavior made a 180 that made little sense to me.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It’s told in dual POV. The romance was slow burn. It’s a mafia romance with gratuitous violence.
* What did you think about the main characters?: At first, the H is everything you expect a ruthless man in the mafia to be. The h was extremely naive and acted very irrationally, given that she really had no power in the situation. She was planted in her situation, but she took for granted that the H wouldn’t hurt her, which made absolutely no sense, because he had not shown her that he was kind or trustworthy. She just assumed she could get away with being demanding and lying—and inexplicably he let her! I didn’t like that his character just rolled over and let her run the show. Made no sense, given the first 2/3 of the book.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The scene in front of the dying dude was horrific and not sexy at all. Both characters were pretty gross.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: This is a dark mafia romance with kidnapping, human trafficking, blackmail, and murder.
* What did you think about the ending?: It really didn’t make logical sense to me that it became a saccharine sweet romance. I don’t understand how the h ever trusted or loved the H after everything.
* What is your impression of the author?: I like the collaboration, but there needs to be more editing. I found multiple typos. Julia and Felix’s story sounds interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2020
-Jenna, ☆☆☆☆
This story follows Markus, the second in command to Julian from Savage Beginnings. And wow is he alpha but has an incredibly wonderful other side we see that I just fell in love with. We also meet our heroine Fallon. She screams feisty from the very moment we meet her. But she on the other hand also shows a more timid, needy side at times when she meets Markus. Together they are a steamy couple who butt heads but make up and are even closer. The story line was a roller coaster of ups and downs between the two. You'll love them, then hate them, then fall back in love lol. And the surprises definitely were surprising. We catch up a tad bit with Julian and Elena and although it's a happily ever after, it'll leave you wanting more answers.
This story follows Markus, the second in command to Julian from Savage Beginnings. And wow is he alpha but has an incredibly wonderful other side we see that I just fell in love with. We also meet our heroine Fallon. She screams feisty from the very moment we meet her. But she on the other hand also shows a more timid, needy side at times when she meets Markus. Together they are a steamy couple who butt heads but make up and are even closer. The story line was a roller coaster of ups and downs between the two. You'll love them, then hate them, then fall back in love lol. And the surprises definitely were surprising. We catch up a tad bit with Julian and Elena and although it's a happily ever after, it'll leave you wanting more answers.
November 30, 2020
⭐️ 4 "Captive" Stars ⭐️
Since I first read Savage Beginnings, the first standalone novel in the Moretti Crime Family Series, I’ve been obsessed with J.L. Beck & C. Hallman’s dark romances! Violent Beginnings was an anticipated release for me as I was really intrigued about Markus’s story. I couldn’t get enough of this twisted, obscure, scorching hot and electrifying book!
Markus is without a doubt a very dangerous man. He lives a life of crime and is truly coldblooded. Things change for him when he buys Fallon at an auction. This young women that have been kidnapped is calling to him on a visceral level. He wants to hurt and corrupt her, but at the same time he also wants to protect and possess her. I enjoyed witnessing all the dilemma he’s faced with. There’s a little of his callous façade that seems to crack with Fallon’s easy charm. The girl is determined to stay strong despite her cruel fate. While there’s a part of her that is afraid of he captor, another part of her is captivated by him. She sees a side of him that is caring under all the corruption.
One thing is sure between them from the start, their undeniable sexual attraction that leads to really hot encounters. Markus is dominant and a great dirty talker. He made me melt with his powerful presence in the bedroom. This couple is really explosive! Their relationship evolves through the story and leads to interesting and surprising revelations that I didn’t see coming.
Violent Beginnings had everything to ensnare me completely! Between darkness, violence and provocative scenes I was riveted by Markus and Fallon’s journey! I was glad to see more of Julian and Elena, even if it was only in passing. The authors created another fast paced story that I enjoyed immensely and now I’m all ready for Lucca’s book now!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest reivew **
November 18, 2020
The Moretti Crime family has increased by one! Violent Beginnings by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is the second stand alone book in this amazing series. The first book was a such a great story and this one is just as tantalizing. I enjoyed the gruff main male character, Markus, with all of his growly dominance and the female character was a strong, woman that knew how to do some critical thinking that possibly saved her life. The only downside was through the first half of the book Markus repeatedly stated how he couldn’t love again. This is a major part of why his personality is the way that it is. It was just mentioned one too many times. Even though Markus’ feelings toward Fallon do change gradually the tip over into love was too abrupt, it was almost like flipping a light switch. The story line was entertaining and there was plenty of action. This is a hot and steamy, enemies to lovers’ romance, which will have you reaching for a cold drink to cool off with. I gladly give it 5-stars and look forward to the third book which tells the story of the Moretti family traitor.
Markus can’t believe his eyes when the girls that are up for auction walk onto the stage. Markus is locked in a stare with one fearful girl who is the spitting image of his long dead girlfriend. Fallon has been kidnapped and is being sold. The large, angry man that buys her scares her as much as being pulled off the streets. Fallon has a secret, one that may get her, and Markus killed, but she has no way out of her predicament. While Markus might have started the journey only wanting Fallon for his physical needs, he slowly becomes enthralled with the blue-eyed blonde that reminds him so much of a woman from his past. Can something good come from something that started with such Violent Beginnings? Can Fallon get what she needs from Markus and still walk away with her life and her heart?
Markus can’t believe his eyes when the girls that are up for auction walk onto the stage. Markus is locked in a stare with one fearful girl who is the spitting image of his long dead girlfriend. Fallon has been kidnapped and is being sold. The large, angry man that buys her scares her as much as being pulled off the streets. Fallon has a secret, one that may get her, and Markus killed, but she has no way out of her predicament. While Markus might have started the journey only wanting Fallon for his physical needs, he slowly becomes enthralled with the blue-eyed blonde that reminds him so much of a woman from his past. Can something good come from something that started with such Violent Beginnings? Can Fallon get what she needs from Markus and still walk away with her life and her heart?
December 1, 2020
Great steam, enjoyable story, a bit of over expression
3.5 stars
A mafia romance with themes of human trafficking, lost love, blackmail, and renewed love. Starts with an intriguing storyline as well as likable characters. Fallon, steadfastly altruistic, was sold to Marcus who purchases her because she reminds him of his former love. What ensues is blossoming unbidden love. But Fallon has secrets, secrets she is unwilling to reveal to a persistent Marcus even at the risk of his betrayal.
Marcus was ever the dominant, alpha hero, and Fallon the recalcitrant but sweet heroine. Sadly, as the story progresses the heroine chooses to make decisions that by all standards are not in her best interest. It was difficult to accept that anyone in a similar situation would not realize that she had it good with a person who was not abusing her and bide their time accordingly. Admittedly she has some reasons for her behavior, but the further along the story progressed the less they made sense. Some initial great steam to this story, even some unbridled, possessive passion (loved the dubious consent) from Marcus who isn’t afraid to show his monster started this story with a bang, but somewhere along the way it got bodged into overly descriptive prose which slowed the plot unnecessarily.
Overall, good, mafia read with a hint of darkness and a hero we might all like to brag to our friends about.
3.5 stars
A mafia romance with themes of human trafficking, lost love, blackmail, and renewed love. Starts with an intriguing storyline as well as likable characters. Fallon, steadfastly altruistic, was sold to Marcus who purchases her because she reminds him of his former love. What ensues is blossoming unbidden love. But Fallon has secrets, secrets she is unwilling to reveal to a persistent Marcus even at the risk of his betrayal.
Marcus was ever the dominant, alpha hero, and Fallon the recalcitrant but sweet heroine. Sadly, as the story progresses the heroine chooses to make decisions that by all standards are not in her best interest. It was difficult to accept that anyone in a similar situation would not realize that she had it good with a person who was not abusing her and bide their time accordingly. Admittedly she has some reasons for her behavior, but the further along the story progressed the less they made sense. Some initial great steam to this story, even some unbridled, possessive passion (loved the dubious consent) from Marcus who isn’t afraid to show his monster started this story with a bang, but somewhere along the way it got bodged into overly descriptive prose which slowed the plot unnecessarily.
Overall, good, mafia read with a hint of darkness and a hero we might all like to brag to our friends about.
December 20, 2020
This book is unbelievably boring. Both characters are annoying and very very hard to like. Markus is rude, horrible and confusing he doesn’t want to love her but he bought her? And Fallon is annoying because she claims she loves him then hates him and won’t tell him the truth. The book just drones on and on and is so repetitive and a lot of aspects don’t make sense Markus goes on and on about her being his forever both in speech to her and when he is thinking but then he also says she is temporary????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
Yes ladies!!! I was blown away by this book. This is the second book in this installment and OMG, it was amazing. I absolutely loved Fallon and Markus. Their story is an emotional rollercoaster that I didn't want to get off of. Its a very dark book, so proceed with caution. It was well worth the loss of sleep. Absolutely amazing addition to this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2020
3/5 stars
What a ride! This book is dark and sexy. I love the chemistry between Fallon and Markus. It is off the charts hot!
The main female character, Fallon, has a very interesting personality. She equal parts timid, naive, and strong. I love how she is able to stand up for herself. But it’s not often that you see her do that. For most of the book, she’s scared shitless.
Markus is part of the mob and he is second-in-command. Obviously, he’s a really dark and broody guy. But I didn’t really like how he treated Fallon. It was downright disrespectful and hard for me to read.
However, Beck and Hallman have created very descriptive and hot scenes between these two characters. I just think the emotional chemistry wasn’t there. The physical chemistry was intense, but the emotional chemistry was lacking significantly.
Also, I really want to read about Felix and Julie! And Lucca and Claire!
-Jessica
What a ride! This book is dark and sexy. I love the chemistry between Fallon and Markus. It is off the charts hot!
The main female character, Fallon, has a very interesting personality. She equal parts timid, naive, and strong. I love how she is able to stand up for herself. But it’s not often that you see her do that. For most of the book, she’s scared shitless.
Markus is part of the mob and he is second-in-command. Obviously, he’s a really dark and broody guy. But I didn’t really like how he treated Fallon. It was downright disrespectful and hard for me to read.
However, Beck and Hallman have created very descriptive and hot scenes between these two characters. I just think the emotional chemistry wasn’t there. The physical chemistry was intense, but the emotional chemistry was lacking significantly.
Also, I really want to read about Felix and Julie! And Lucca and Claire!
-Jessica
November 4, 2021
Honestly I'm quite disappointed with this book because I really Love the first book! And I was really curious about Marcus but unfortunately the book is terribly boring and the h has zero personality with no depth at all.
there is no chemistry between them just sex and it's a shame because Marcus is actually a hero I like 😣
there is no chemistry between them just sex and it's a shame because Marcus is actually a hero I like 😣
January 8, 2023
This series is freakin great. Really good story line. Quick paced and sexy too.
He was such a broody dude for so long. He really kept his own feelings deep down for a while until it came to fruition lol
Anyway. I enjoyed the way the story played out and I cannot wait for Lucas and his age gap trope lol
I hope Amelie gets a book. I’m curious and want to know all about her
He was such a broody dude for so long. He really kept his own feelings deep down for a while until it came to fruition lol
Anyway. I enjoyed the way the story played out and I cannot wait for Lucas and his age gap trope lol
I hope Amelie gets a book. I’m curious and want to know all about her
February 28, 2021
Violent Beginnings brings a new twist to the Morreti crime family. We get the second in command who is Markus at an auction house. Markus has no intention of purchasing anything while he is there until a woman comes out looking exactly like someone he knew from his past. He knows it can't be her she is gone.
Fallon is that woman. She is stolen off the street and put up for display in front of a bunch of men. She has little chance of running away and or getting any help until Markus puts an over-the-top bid on her and whisks her away. Little does she know she is walking right into the spider's web of lies, deceit, twists, and turns. Will Fallon ever be able to find her way out from under Markus and the trouble she finds herself in?
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Fallon is that woman. She is stolen off the street and put up for display in front of a bunch of men. She has little chance of running away and or getting any help until Markus puts an over-the-top bid on her and whisks her away. Little does she know she is walking right into the spider's web of lies, deceit, twists, and turns. Will Fallon ever be able to find her way out from under Markus and the trouble she finds herself in?
Blog: http://myfantasylandblog.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasylandblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasyland...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/27664...
December 28, 2022
WARNING !SPOILERS!
Weill violent beginnings indeed , hard time rating it , first I gave this 2 sarts because I just couldn't get over the violence of it . I've never read about a mafia guy that treats the H this badly .
What had me cringe was their first time together so here is the scene -bleeding guy tied to chair wathes as the "hero rips the "heroine" pants off pulls her hair , pushes her on the couch and he roughly f*cks her from behind , while he treathens her but still she is wet and climaxes WTF ? and then "hero shoots the other guy in front of the girl end scene - things do get better after that Markus does begin to be sweeter , at one point I had to go back and read that scene again because I couldn't believe it happened in that book so he does show progress but still when I first read that scene I was speechless , I mean I read about bad guys before but they were never this violent during s8x. To his credit he does make sure she actually climaxes I just have no idea how is that possible with how he is treaing her . But it does get better with time , unfortunately not much of it is shown so yeah ... For me this was too much , I can take a scary , violent guy but I hate it when he is violent during sex , so that ruined the book for me too much. But if you like that stuff then this is definetly worth reading .
Weill violent beginnings indeed , hard time rating it , first I gave this 2 sarts because I just couldn't get over the violence of it . I've never read about a mafia guy that treats the H this badly .
What had me cringe was their first time together so here is the scene -bleeding guy tied to chair wathes as the "hero rips the "heroine" pants off pulls her hair , pushes her on the couch and he roughly f*cks her from behind , while he treathens her but still she is wet and climaxes WTF ? and then "hero shoots the other guy in front of the girl end scene - things do get better after that Markus does begin to be sweeter , at one point I had to go back and read that scene again because I couldn't believe it happened in that book so he does show progress but still when I first read that scene I was speechless , I mean I read about bad guys before but they were never this violent during s8x. To his credit he does make sure she actually climaxes I just have no idea how is that possible with how he is treaing her . But it does get better with time , unfortunately not much of it is shown so yeah ... For me this was too much , I can take a scary , violent guy but I hate it when he is violent during sex , so that ruined the book for me too much. But if you like that stuff then this is definetly worth reading .
January 1, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 STARS
Violent Beginnings by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is an enjoyable book that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-SUPERIOR!!!
Violent Beginnings by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman is an enjoyable book that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-SUPERIOR!!!
February 2, 2021
Hot Damn this was dark
I chose 5 star because this book is everything i want in a book!!!
Mafia, Kidnapping, Darkness and Spice!!
This book is based on Fallon and Markus,
I don't do spoilers so guys go read this book if you love all the above.
Beck and Hallman get you hooked from the beginning to the very end.
I read this book in more or less one setting, its fast paced, shocking and keeps you on the edge of the seat.
I LOVED IT!!!
I chose 5 star because this book is everything i want in a book!!!
Mafia, Kidnapping, Darkness and Spice!!
This book is based on Fallon and Markus,
I don't do spoilers so guys go read this book if you love all the above.
Beck and Hallman get you hooked from the beginning to the very end.
I read this book in more or less one setting, its fast paced, shocking and keeps you on the edge of the seat.
I LOVED IT!!!
November 11, 2020
Loving this series
Markus and Fallon grabbed my heart
Dark broken heartstopping love story
Cant wait fir Lucca
Markus and Fallon grabbed my heart
Dark broken heartstopping love story
Cant wait fir Lucca
November 28, 2020
This was one wicked and wild ride. It had a lot of twists and turns. Another phenomenal book by 2 amazing authors. Perfect for dark romance lovers.
December 9, 2020
Marcus & Fallon... great book. Looking forward to more. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
December 22, 2020
3.7*
Well written but not what I expected within the way it started.
Well written but not what I expected within the way it started.
November 28, 2020
Five + :⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
Sex Scenes: Graphic, rough, at times savage and punishing.
Hero: Captor/savior/the punisher/dominant/possessive.
Heroine: Captive/enemy/submissive/spunky/fiery.
Relationship: Attraction/hate/like/love
These two duo authors J. L. Beck and C. Hallman slay in their newest dark mafia theme romance collaboration. It grabs you by the seam of your pants from the first page with nonstop action, drama and suspense that keeps the reader riveted page after page to the very end.
Markus is a mob enforcer, a cold blooded killer, a criminal and feared man. He's part of the Moretti mafia crime family and Julian's second command. Markus doesn't do relationship because of his association to the mob. He does not want his enemies to it against him. He goes to the brothel where he can pay for sex and use the women as savage as he wants. He shy away from relationships because mob because it could be viewed as a weakness, However, Markus found someone who captured his heart that caused him to make an exception to his rule.
They were dating in secret for a while, but somehow one of his enemy got wind of it and killed her. He was unable to save her and he blamed himself for her death, and turned away from the female population for years after her death.
However, he was at an auction house with his boss drinking and minding his business with no intention of participating in the auction when he saw her on the stage. He thought that he was looking at the ghost of dead ex-girlfriend Victoria. He knew that he had to have the girl on stage no matter the cost. He won the bid for one million dollars to own her, to possess her, to break her, to use as he saw fit how when where, and to bend her to his will. Markus is savage beast he kills people with no remorse and zero emotion regardless if they're other people around. The darkness is dripping from his pores, it clings to him like a second skin. He's also still hangup on the memories and the ghost of his ex. He's still very much in love with her even though she's gone. Although, he knows that it's wrong, he wants to punish Fallon because she looks like Victoria.
Fallon is a college student who was abducted one night while coming from school, her sister Amelia was also kidnapped and being and held hostage as a form of revenge against Markus. Fallon was placed in the auction as a lure to get Markus to purchase her. You see the guy who kidnapped Fallon knows Markus taste in women and knew that he would bid on Fallon out of all the other girls. It worked like a charm because he could not resist her once he saw her on stage. One looked at her and he was mesmerized.
Fallon was aware of what she was getting into with the auction but she didn't have any idea what type of man Markus was. She got her first encounter as soon as he finished his transaction for her when he brutally ended a man's life in front of her the same night that he purchase her. He came one of the guys from the auction assaulting her. When Markus found a photographer snooping around his very isolated cabin taking naked pictures of Fallon he got enraged because he was very possessive of her. Although, he was not aware of the sinister plot that brought her into his life he vowed to get to the bottom of it with or without her help.
He had to show Fallon that he was not a nice guy and in fact a monster. He does not tolerate betrayal on any level and he believes that she knows the photographer or why he was there. Therefore, he tortured him slowly and had her watch. He repeatedly asked her if she knew him and she still denied knowing him. So he ripped down her pants and through over the couch and take brutally while the photographer watched. He didn't care if he had hurt her. He was unhinged and he gave her a punishing f**k to teach her a lesson plus he blow the photographer brains out right in front of her after he got done with her to remain that he was the one in control. The ordeal really shook Fallon and she was even more scared of him.
He knew something was not right about Fallon and that he had to get to the bottom of it. But he did want to use the normal torture method on her to get the information that he use on his enemies. She was acting strange so he decided to set a trap to see if she would betray him him. Although, Fallon was scared of Markus she was more fearful for her sisters life than Markus wrath. She had to try and make a phone call to the people holding her sister to let them know that she's alive and that she needed more time for what they sent her for. She betrayed him and he had to punish her by locking her in a cold cell for a week. She was suffering but so was he he because missed her because they had gotten close before she messed it up. As the days goes by they had relaxed into a comfortable routine but Fallon knows that she as to betray him in order to save her sister and she hopes that he discover it after she leaves. Fallon and Markus relationship is a little unorthodox not the everyday stuff. But oh boy that sex was off the charts hot, intense, and violent I loved it. It was some BDSM style stuff.
They were a lot of secrets that Fallon was withholding from Markus that puts their relationship jeopardy. She didn't trust Markus to save her sister. She had a love hate relationship with him and an intense an attraction to him that she felt that that was wrong for her to be having. Markus was very possessive of her and he could not understand why. But he knows that she belongs to him and he would kill anyone who tries to take her away from him or burn down the any city to take back what is his. But yet still he can not give her his heart. This book was filled with violence, torture, twist and turns, surprises, carnage, mayhem, darkness, abductions, Stockholm syndrome, betrayal, secrets, evil, revenge, revelations, domination, submission, annihilation, punishment, blood and gore, menace, healing, terror, delayed gratification, and love. Fallon craved the sadism and savagery of sex from Markus. She had become his talisman in this captor/captive vacate.
The story had good plot with great main and secondary characters. It was exhilarating I felt like I was on rollercoaster with all the twists and turns and loops. Markus sore he great depiction of being in the mob. He was a little unhinged but I loved it I think it add more depth to the story. Once Fallon opens up I thinks she's a ride or die chick. He was her captor but he became her savior and the love of her life with a swoon worthy HEA.
I loved this book so much that I started reading some of the chapters that I really liked again as soon as I finished the book. There are some unanswered questions that I thought that the authors should've addressed with Amelia. But maybe she would be getting or own book I don't know. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
POV: Dual
Sex Scenes: Graphic, rough, at times savage and punishing.
Hero: Captor/savior/the punisher/dominant/possessive.
Heroine: Captive/enemy/submissive/spunky/fiery.
Relationship: Attraction/hate/like/love
These two duo authors J. L. Beck and C. Hallman slay in their newest dark mafia theme romance collaboration. It grabs you by the seam of your pants from the first page with nonstop action, drama and suspense that keeps the reader riveted page after page to the very end.
Markus is a mob enforcer, a cold blooded killer, a criminal and feared man. He's part of the Moretti mafia crime family and Julian's second command. Markus doesn't do relationship because of his association to the mob. He does not want his enemies to it against him. He goes to the brothel where he can pay for sex and use the women as savage as he wants. He shy away from relationships because mob because it could be viewed as a weakness, However, Markus found someone who captured his heart that caused him to make an exception to his rule.
They were dating in secret for a while, but somehow one of his enemy got wind of it and killed her. He was unable to save her and he blamed himself for her death, and turned away from the female population for years after her death.
However, he was at an auction house with his boss drinking and minding his business with no intention of participating in the auction when he saw her on the stage. He thought that he was looking at the ghost of dead ex-girlfriend Victoria. He knew that he had to have the girl on stage no matter the cost. He won the bid for one million dollars to own her, to possess her, to break her, to use as he saw fit how when where, and to bend her to his will. Markus is savage beast he kills people with no remorse and zero emotion regardless if they're other people around. The darkness is dripping from his pores, it clings to him like a second skin. He's also still hangup on the memories and the ghost of his ex. He's still very much in love with her even though she's gone. Although, he knows that it's wrong, he wants to punish Fallon because she looks like Victoria.
Fallon is a college student who was abducted one night while coming from school, her sister Amelia was also kidnapped and being and held hostage as a form of revenge against Markus. Fallon was placed in the auction as a lure to get Markus to purchase her. You see the guy who kidnapped Fallon knows Markus taste in women and knew that he would bid on Fallon out of all the other girls. It worked like a charm because he could not resist her once he saw her on stage. One looked at her and he was mesmerized.
Fallon was aware of what she was getting into with the auction but she didn't have any idea what type of man Markus was. She got her first encounter as soon as he finished his transaction for her when he brutally ended a man's life in front of her the same night that he purchase her. He came one of the guys from the auction assaulting her. When Markus found a photographer snooping around his very isolated cabin taking naked pictures of Fallon he got enraged because he was very possessive of her. Although, he was not aware of the sinister plot that brought her into his life he vowed to get to the bottom of it with or without her help.
He had to show Fallon that he was not a nice guy and in fact a monster. He does not tolerate betrayal on any level and he believes that she knows the photographer or why he was there. Therefore, he tortured him slowly and had her watch. He repeatedly asked her if she knew him and she still denied knowing him. So he ripped down her pants and through over the couch and take brutally while the photographer watched. He didn't care if he had hurt her. He was unhinged and he gave her a punishing f**k to teach her a lesson plus he blow the photographer brains out right in front of her after he got done with her to remain that he was the one in control. The ordeal really shook Fallon and she was even more scared of him.
He knew something was not right about Fallon and that he had to get to the bottom of it. But he did want to use the normal torture method on her to get the information that he use on his enemies. She was acting strange so he decided to set a trap to see if she would betray him him. Although, Fallon was scared of Markus she was more fearful for her sisters life than Markus wrath. She had to try and make a phone call to the people holding her sister to let them know that she's alive and that she needed more time for what they sent her for. She betrayed him and he had to punish her by locking her in a cold cell for a week. She was suffering but so was he he because missed her because they had gotten close before she messed it up. As the days goes by they had relaxed into a comfortable routine but Fallon knows that she as to betray him in order to save her sister and she hopes that he discover it after she leaves. Fallon and Markus relationship is a little unorthodox not the everyday stuff. But oh boy that sex was off the charts hot, intense, and violent I loved it. It was some BDSM style stuff.
They were a lot of secrets that Fallon was withholding from Markus that puts their relationship jeopardy. She didn't trust Markus to save her sister. She had a love hate relationship with him and an intense an attraction to him that she felt that that was wrong for her to be having. Markus was very possessive of her and he could not understand why. But he knows that she belongs to him and he would kill anyone who tries to take her away from him or burn down the any city to take back what is his. But yet still he can not give her his heart. This book was filled with violence, torture, twist and turns, surprises, carnage, mayhem, darkness, abductions, Stockholm syndrome, betrayal, secrets, evil, revenge, revelations, domination, submission, annihilation, punishment, blood and gore, menace, healing, terror, delayed gratification, and love. Fallon craved the sadism and savagery of sex from Markus. She had become his talisman in this captor/captive vacate.
The story had good plot with great main and secondary characters. It was exhilarating I felt like I was on rollercoaster with all the twists and turns and loops. Markus sore he great depiction of being in the mob. He was a little unhinged but I loved it I think it add more depth to the story. Once Fallon opens up I thinks she's a ride or die chick. He was her captor but he became her savior and the love of her life with a swoon worthy HEA.
I loved this book so much that I started reading some of the chapters that I really liked again as soon as I finished the book. There are some unanswered questions that I thought that the authors should've addressed with Amelia. But maybe she would be getting or own book I don't know. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2021
This is Fallon and Markus's story. Fallon fined herself in an auction, Markus sees her and he can't believe is a woman from his past. They find themselves in a new situation where deceit and lies come out to play. The story has so many twists and turns to have you wanting to find out what comes next. The audiobook was well narrated by Alastair Haynesbridge and Samantha Summers, they did a great job portraying and keeping good pacing of the story.
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Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
August 3, 2021
I received an audiobook of Violent Beginnings by J.L. Beck & C. Hallman for review provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4⭐️
All I needed to hear was mafia enemies to lover romance. I love dark mafia romances and this book is no exception! It’s dark and twisted in all the right ways! It took some time to warm up to Markus but I immediately liked Fallon; She’s smart, selfless. The narration was good, and kept me engage. Definitely recommend if dark mafia romance is your thing!
Blurb:
The deal was sealed the moment she stepped onto that stage. It was like seeing a ghost. Sunshine blonde hair, pale skin, and azure eyes that held a thousand secrets.I didn’t know what caused her to end up on that auction block. And I didn’t care either. All I knew was that I had to have her…no matter the cost.One-million dollars later and she became just that. Mine to break. Mine to use. Mine to keep. We all have secrets, and when I discover hers, no one will be able to save her from me.
*This is a complete standalone, 100k+ word novel. It contains dark themes, including violence and sexual situations. As always there is no cheating, and a happily ever after.*
4⭐️
All I needed to hear was mafia enemies to lover romance. I love dark mafia romances and this book is no exception! It’s dark and twisted in all the right ways! It took some time to warm up to Markus but I immediately liked Fallon; She’s smart, selfless. The narration was good, and kept me engage. Definitely recommend if dark mafia romance is your thing!
Blurb:
The deal was sealed the moment she stepped onto that stage. It was like seeing a ghost. Sunshine blonde hair, pale skin, and azure eyes that held a thousand secrets.I didn’t know what caused her to end up on that auction block. And I didn’t care either. All I knew was that I had to have her…no matter the cost.One-million dollars later and she became just that. Mine to break. Mine to use. Mine to keep. We all have secrets, and when I discover hers, no one will be able to save her from me.
*This is a complete standalone, 100k+ word novel. It contains dark themes, including violence and sexual situations. As always there is no cheating, and a happily ever after.*
December 5, 2022
Second book in the Moretti Mafia Family. Violent Beginnings. The h is 19 yr old Fallon kidnapped and sold to H Markus Julien Moretti #1 man at an auction for $1,000,000. She looks like Victoria who was murdered years ago. The only woman Markus ever loved. Fallon bides her time as she was instructed by her kidnappers to find a thumb drive with the murder of Victoria in Marcus’s possession. Markus didn’t kill his love but could have been the reason she was shot. Fallon is trying to save her sister Amelie who is held captive by the kidnappers who sent Fallon to be sold at the auction. Markus wants to possess Fallon and she finds him appealing ( her traitorous body). She doesn’t completely trust him as she has witnessed him killing two men. They have many trust issues to work through. In the end they get married and decide to wait to start their family. Julien and Elena have a little girl. Lucca betrayed Julien because Claire his 16 year old friend was threatened. Felix helps Markus track people though the internet.
July 22, 2021
2.5 stars
I really enjoyed the narrators Alastair Haynesbridge, Samantha Summers and the audiobook. The did a fantastic job with the characters, but the story was a bit lack luster and boring for me. Nothing really impacted me reading it as nothing seemed new to me as I have read similar books like this. A lot of inner dialogue. Needed more drama and action! I was disappointed on Fallons background on how I was wrong. I wish she was the opposite! You'll have to read to find out why. I'm sure I would have skimmed the book had I physically read it.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really enjoyed the narrators Alastair Haynesbridge, Samantha Summers and the audiobook. The did a fantastic job with the characters, but the story was a bit lack luster and boring for me. Nothing really impacted me reading it as nothing seemed new to me as I have read similar books like this. A lot of inner dialogue. Needed more drama and action! I was disappointed on Fallons background on how I was wrong. I wish she was the opposite! You'll have to read to find out why. I'm sure I would have skimmed the book had I physically read it.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 1, 2021
Damn I didnt want to put this book down
This book had a dark erotic side that was so Damn good. I loved the plot and the back and forth between the Fallon and Markus! The book was hot! There are scenes when u think this should be hot but holy crap its 🔥! It will definitely have you needing to change undies! I cant wait for Lucca's story and i hope Amelie gets one as well!
This book had a dark erotic side that was so Damn good. I loved the plot and the back and forth between the Fallon and Markus! The book was hot! There are scenes when u think this should be hot but holy crap its 🔥! It will definitely have you needing to change undies! I cant wait for Lucca's story and i hope Amelie gets one as well!
November 12, 2021
This book wasn’t my favorite. The plot was good in some parts, predictable, but out there at times.
There are better captor/captive books that end in HEA.
I would read the other books in the series, but honestly, there are other books I want to read more.
There are better captor/captive books that end in HEA.
I would read the other books in the series, but honestly, there are other books I want to read more.
March 23, 2024
terrific Mafia Romance ❤️🔥
Oh yeah this is the second volume in this Mafia Romance Series, there is a lot of action and a lot of smutty scenes including some butt stuff. The h is bought by the H in an Auction and they go from there. Eventually there is a very nice HEA.
Oh yeah this is the second volume in this Mafia Romance Series, there is a lot of action and a lot of smutty scenes including some butt stuff. The h is bought by the H in an Auction and they go from there. Eventually there is a very nice HEA.
December 7, 2021
Yeah I tried my best but I had to dnf, what the hell was that😫😫
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