Code of Silence: A Mafia Romance (The Dark Kingdom) Paperback – 13 Jan. 2020

SPOILERS AHEAD **dark kingdom**Luca left Haven 2 years ago after lying to her about running away. When he returns & their families sign a contract for the marriage, Haven is understandably against it as she sees what Luca did as a betrayal. What follows is a timeline of what happened while they were apart and the present day as Haven accepts her fate as a mafia wife.I just finished reading Code of Silence having started yesterday, I do love mafia romances! First thing, my brain the entire time is like “are they going to do it yet?” Oh wait no, they’re just talking. 😂 especially after reading the Lords series where they do it at every possible moment, but the book kept me entertained & I love all the flashbacks which gave me their backstory plus that of the other characters too. I love Luca & Haven & hope to see them in other books in the seriesI am curious by Nite and Emilee’s story too! It definitely had more dark action than pure smut but I love it as that part of the story definitely kept me reading on!And Shantel always manages to add in twists unexpectedly which just make the story that much more perfect!

Found the FMC really annoying at time , prone to throwing tantrums . There was desperate lack of communication between the MCs which was getting really taxing .Otherwise the story is engrossing .

To be honest I found Haven a bit exasperating and Luca a bit heartless. Some of the things he thought and some of the ways he acted just didn’t feel very loving. And although Haven got angry I don’t feel like it was nearly enough all things considered. I get that it’s part of the trope the whole arranged marriage thing and that Luca is just a product of his upbringing. And he certainly is protective of her. But I felt that he approached every aspect of it wrong. And honestly, the way Haven consistently put herself in danger wasn’t easy to read either. It’s like in the horror movies where the person runs up the stairs instead of trying to exit through a door or window. Or where they fall at just the pivotal moment. Insert eye roll. That being said, I liked Nite and I’m interested in his story. Although I must admit to being a tad bit confused? Jasmine? I didn’t see that coming. I swear earlier in the book Mia was all moon eyed over him. And with their history and him spending a lot of time protecting her I thought that maybe they might be the next story. Jasmine needs to redeem herself after letting her friend do something that stupid. I am glad Luca and Haven got their HEA but I felt more invested in Nite and Bones, Titan and Cross. I do hope Luca’s dad gets what is coming to him. What goes around comes around and all that.

Shantel Tessier does it again! Gripping read, full of sexual tension not for the faint of heart. Looking forward to the next one.

Nothing like the ritual, not as dark, but a great read looking at the other books in the series gutted there isn't one for nite , but this is definitely a good book

An interesting story. Keeps flashing back to the past. I liked all of the characters and enjoyed the story. Will read the next book to see if it gets better

I devoured this book in one day. I came late to the party after reading the LORDS series first. I wish I had known about this before. Shantel has such a divine way with words. I don’t just read her stories I live them!

3 stars for this Mafia based story. With Haven's ignorance of events that lead to Luca's departure and unexpected return years later, her hate/love emotions are entirely understable. His unrelenting aggressive attitude towards her feelings are hard to take at times and this, coupled with graphically described acts of violence made this, for me, a difficult read. I was very much intrigued by other characters in the book, particularly the Kings. I do want to read more about them and will do despite my reservations about this book. 💖💖💖

Absolutely amazing! I can't believe it took me so long to read it. Im totally not disappointed 'cause this book is hot 🥵 ..I mean great! Theres action, suspense, steam of course, hiliarious bff, family secrets and more. Can't wait to read whats next with these Kings.Must read this NowEnjoy 😏

I like it, it was good. Everything could be solved with a little bit of communication of both parts, but it was entertaining! I like it!!

I am a fan of Shantel Tessier's work, but this one feels dragging beyond reasons. To make FMC strong, it made her head-butted and even acting weird at times. Knowing she comes from the mafia and knows the ways of that lifestyle, she still acts immature and is super rigid despite knowing Luca did everything to get married to her. I feel this was forced chemistry.

HOLY BLUE BLAZES!! I have the sudden desire to become the arranged wife of a mafiaoso! Luca is strait up licious!😋 Haven is gorgeous and sassy. But she’s been brewing so much anger at him she remains caught between toeing the line of loathing him and loving him. While he didn’t know whether to make her bend to his will or just bend her over his desk. 😉 Well, I will just let you read how he handled her.This fantastic book packs punch after punch to keep you on the edge wondering what in the world is happening?!?! Really let’s just call this a mix of genres because it has elements of many amazing genres all in one. All of my favorites y’all!! Right here in this perfectly packaged book that you won’t be able to put down until you have devoured every single word!! Shantel Tessier left me sweatin’ it out in Sin City in shock and awe, chapter after chapter! I was blown away, breathless and then hot and fanning myself. In.the.best.flippin.way!!Luca Bianchi was Las Vegas Mafia Royalty, with plans to be the Mafia King one day. Be bigger, greater and more powerful than his father. Haven had always had his heart, but he was forced to make decisions that were difficult to protect those he loved the most in the world. He broke her heart and left her devastated only to return two years later with a plan. He decides that he is going to make her his wife. He wants to ensure that all the plans for the future they talked about when they were in college will be carried out whether she likes it or not. He had his reasons for wanting things this way. I loved, loved, loved Luca’s character. 😍 You know those frustratingly sinful ones you really want to hate, but love em’ anyway? You start out semi-despising them?! That’s him. He is unapologetic for who he is and he’s alpha! He’s dangerous and borderline cruel to Haven at times to punish her for her disobedience and for not just accepting things as he’s said they are going to be. He wants to own her in every way, and he will!Haven’s character is amazing. I love the fight in her and she is gonna fight him every step of the way because of the hurt he caused when he left her. She knows he’s hiding things from her and she also knows he thinks her life could be in jeopardy just by being with him, but she thinks her death warrant was signed anyway when he took her to be his wife. So what’s she got to lose, right? She may know she has no say in what happens to her, but she sure isn’t going to make it easy on him. I loved that she was a kickin’ character and a risk taker and had no problem popping off at the mouth at Luca. She wasn’t going down without a fight. Everyone knows there is only one way out of a Mafia marriage and it ain’t a divorce.*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book, but bought a copy ASAP because I must own it in every format!! My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐️- GAAHHH!! I absolutely couldn’t get enough of the push and pull between these two. It was literally like an explosion went off when these two started throwing down. Add in all the amazing secondary characters and I couldn’t get enough. Shantel gave us just enough backstory on each of these bad boys that I’m dying for their stories. I.Can’t.Wait!BTW I want them all, I’m not choosing so I’m laying it out there now that I’m an unashamed dirty girl and they are all my guys!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥- GAH!! Words are failing me here my friends, which doesn’t happen often. But yeah!! Smokin’!🌪Cliffhanger Warning-No cliffhanger! However, Shantel Tessier has set us up for all the King’s books and I cannot wait!!🔫 Trigger Warning-This book does have some scenes that could be considered triggers for some, but what you would expect from a Mafia Romance. They are fairly graphic. If you have concerns you can PM for more information.

Loved this series and all the characters you have to read and see who you fall in love with mine i think is Titan with Bones a close second.