Q: How do you feel about mafia romances?

For the most part I’m a rule follower who hates, absolutely hates, getting “into trouble.” Sometimes I get anxious about things that I haven’t even done because I worry someone will think that I have. Case in point: I’ve been told so many times that I look young for my age that I still get nervous showing my ID to people when I buy alcohol and I am now 35 YEARS OLD. WITH LINES ON MY FACE THAT DEFINITELY INDICATE THAT I AM NOT USING A FAKE ID.

But all of that is to say that I still really enjoyed Hers to Tame by new-to-me author Rhenna Morgan. It’s sexy as heck with an independent heroine and an old-fashioned kind of hero who also happens to be an avtoritet, a mafiya enforcer of sorts.

Kir Vasilek was reporter Cassie McClintock’s source on a previous groundbreaking story about a rival mob boss. He was also briefly her lover—until she discovered that he was suspected of working for a mafiya family.

Cassie doesn’t feel great about how she ghosted Kir so she apologizes for her actions at the beginning of this book. That should be the end of that. Only, one of Kir’s men has been murdered and all signs indicate that it’s a revenge killing related to the aforementioned rival mob boss. Kir realizes that Cassie is the best starting point for information related to his family-member’s murder, and that’s just great because he hasn’t gotten over her.

The dynamics between Cassie and Kir are combustible. They’re also complicated in a way that I mostly savored but that occasionally grated. Kir’s protective and chivalrous to the max, demanding and possessive. While he’s loving and obviously delights in taking care of Cassie, he also makes highhanded decisions about their relationship and Cassie’s safety (and even protection during an admittedly overall hot sexual interlude) and just assumes that she’ll go along for the ride. (This is sometimes frustrating…at least to me.)

There are times when Cassie’s independence makes me cheer, especially when she raises some hard questions about Kir and his role in his family. She doesn’t just fall into the relationship blindly and their conversations—with her wanting to take responsibility for her own beliefs and decisions and him speaking so deliberately and truthfully—won me over despite my initial reservations about their ultimate compatibility.

I'm also cheering for the author because Rhenna Morgan doesn’t shy away from tackling the real-world implications of a reporter who gets too close to a suspected mafiya man. Her willingness to go there make me appreciate this sizzling and bold romance even more.

Still, Cassie’s naivete and unwillingness to challenge Kir’s directives and vague statements at times make me want to shake my head....although I suppose that it's probably best for their present and future happiness if Cassie doesn’t push or question too much, especially when it looks like a murder-retaliation is on the table.

Mafia romances will never be my favorite but Rhenna Morgan does it really well with Hers to Tame. There’s lots of heat and a compelling, emotional story that grabs me by the heart, but this romance also wrestles with some of the deeper issues that seem inherent to a relationship like Cassie and Kir’s. It turns out that you can sign me up for that.

4⭐️

You can get your copy of Hers to Tame on March 16th. I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

Cassie is a reporter that’s a bit down on her luck. Her big break is now months old and is trying to find new leads. She agrees to help her former lover Kir investigate some of her old leads while he’s trying to investigate a friend’s murder. Along the way Cassie and Kir cannot deny the sparks that flew between the two and their heat is off the charts. Unfortunately, Kir is one of the lead men for the head of the local Russian mob and Cassie is not sure how to reconcile her feelings for Kir the man and Kir the mafia man. As they’re searching for answers they learn to open their hearts and discover the true meaning of family. This is book two in the NOLA Knights series and while you don’t have to read book one to appreciate this book you will get a better understanding if you do. And while I didn’t think anyone could top Sergei (book one), Kir has made his mark. This book has a great balance of romance, intrigue, love and lots of heat. There are also a lot of familiar characters from both the Knights series and the author’s Men of Haven series which is nice too. Now I can’t wait for book three. 5 stars, must read. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

ARC received for review

I loved the second installment in this series. Cassie apologizes for ghosting on Kir after he helped her out. Kir is just as awesome as his boss. He was a little old fashioned and a whole lotta sexy. Together they were hot and an amazing team. Loved seeing all the peeps from the Haven Brotherhood. Great epilogue and bonus chapter (boy is Roman gonna have his hands full with her).

I loved reading this latest installment of Rhenna Morgan's NOLA Knights series. Cassie McClintock is the reporter investigating the series of events from the end of the first book, His to Defend (while pivotal to this story line, Hers to Tame can be read as a standalone.) Her investigation puts her back into the path of Kir Vasilek and she realizes he is still very much interested. Kit, for all his toughness from being raised in the Russian mob is so very attentive, and devoted to Cassie's every need. Every girl's dream of the perfect alpha. Despite Cassie always feeling like the misfit in her family, she sees the beauty that can be a family you choose for yourself and decides it can be hers as well. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series

It’s no secret I love Rhenna Morgan’s heroes and Kir is another one I can chalk on the board of favorites! He’s quiet, but has an intensity that pulls you in from the moment he walks on the page. His fierce loyalty to family is admirable and his feelings towards Cassie range from tender and sweet to deliciously naughty.

Cassie was just as lovable. She may struggle with balancing being independent and accepting help, but her intelligence stands out with a keen eye for detail and the number of questions she asks. She also doesn’t jump in blindly with Kir. She asked genuine questions and got honest answers, providing great insight in to what made these two tick.

And let’s not forget Cassie’s Aunt Frieda! Gracious, that woman fits right up there with Ninette and Sylvie (Men of Haven series) level of love and craziness!! Seriously, if anyone has these types of people in their family, I envy you the support and hilarity that comes with! They make me want to give squishy hugs to fictional characters!

Overall, the storyline was solid and I enjoyed the descriptions of Nola. And while the puzzling crime Cassie and Kir were working on kept me intrigued, the romance was the shining thread and really hit the spot!

I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/Harlequin-Carina Press and this is my honest review.

Hers To Tame is utterly magnificent. It has depth, intensity, emotion, and sensuality. Everything I've come to expect from Ms Morgan's writing which is exceptional.
I confess that I started this book with a bit of a negative attitude because I didn't like what Cassie did for a living. I have a deep distrust of reporters in stories because they are inherently selfish, self-serving, and dishonest. I was afraid Cassie would be like that too. Fortunately, I trust Ms Morgan and if there's one thing she has never let me down with, it's her women. Ms Morgan writes strong, honorable women with a core of integrity, and that is exactly what Cassie is. Of course, it's not all a bed of roses because Cassie has been judged, disapproved of, and belittled her whole life. While she's not insecure, she doesn't see her own worth as others do and it takes her a while to trust and to believe in herself and overcome her past and her fears. But when she does, it's wonderful. Her belief is very gratifying coupled with her faith in Kir.
I adore Kir, but then, I adore all of Ms Morgan's men. Kir is completely possessive, absolutely confident, and yet holding himself back because of his past. Like Cassie, he's been hurt by those who should have kept him safe and cared for him. Instead, he was betrayed by their selfishness. It takes a moment of candor with someone he trusts and thinking things through for Kir to finally go after what, or rather, who he wants. But once he's made up his mind, he's swift to take action and his actions are everything. There is a truth and a sincerity that drives him while he still holds onto the core of who he is.
Another thing to love about this series and also the Men Of Haven series (if you haven't read that, you must. It's wonderful) is the sense of family. Family you choose to call your own, who you bind to yourself, rather than the family you are born to. Family whose bonds are too strong to break because they are there by choice. People who stand by each other, look out for each other, care for each other, and no matter what, do the best to support each other and ensure their success. I love how integral the family is to all the stories. It makes them richer, deeper, and filled with a lot of heart. It is a thing of beauty.
Once again, I was swept away by Ms Morgan's writing and I can't wait for Roman's story next.

Kir and Cassie have history that has them reconnecting when she comes back to town after he reaches out for her help. I loved this story! It is filled with drama that draws you in and holds you captive from start to finish is. He is alpha all the way and he and Cassie set this story apart which is a testament to Ms. Morgan's story telling talent. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book from Netgalley for an honest review

I was so excited to read Kir’s story. Kir and Cassie have a bit of a past, that gets reignited. Their story is full of suspense and steam. I so like the interconnected characters between Nola and Men of Haven. Lots great alpha male hotness! #netgalley.....I cannot wait for the next stories to come!