I requested this book right away without knowing that this book was the second book of a series. For me it was pretty hard to connect to the story, I assumed that the story continued from the previous book. I would like to advise everyone to read the first book before reading Heated Rivals to understand better. The plot was pretty slow for the first few chapters but it gradually increased. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an eARC from NetGalley and Forever in exchange for an honest review. Carrigan O'Malley has known she was destined for an arranged marriage her entire life, but now that the day to choose a husband is almost here, she feels the freedom slipping from her fingers even faster than ever. And in that freedom, she can't help but think of him, the best she ever had, who happens to also have been her kidnapper and a family enemy... James Halloran has been forced into the top position in his wealthy family and he is struggling to hold onto his humanity, resisting becoming the monster his father is. He needs to focus on getting the family business in line and settled after all the upheaval but finds himself searching out the one thing he can't have: Carrigan O'Malley. Will they be able to give into their magnetic attraction? Or will her upcoming marriage and families being enemies deny them each other?

This is a rerelease of The Wedding Pact in the O'Malley series. Just like Dark Succession, I was a goner from the moment I picked up this book. No one does enemies to lovers like Katee Robert. The undeniable attraction and sexual tension flowed through every page. Carrigan is a pillar of strength with carefully curated masks that she wears as needed. She doesn't need a man to save her, and James is the only one who seems to see that. These two were made for each other and their introduction in the previous book set this up perfectly. Somehow James is possessive, with consent, which is probably the hottest thing ever. I would recommend this to fans of enemies to lovers, mafia, and steamy romance.

I love anything by Katee Robert, especially the Dark Olympus series, but this read was just okay. I might have gone in with higher expectations, but I was hoping to devour this book just like I did her other ones. The read was good, at times interesting, but I found that it was slower than I would have liked. Also, this was advertised as a standalone but there were so many references to events that had happened in the previous interconnected standalone that I felt lost. Overall it was a good book, but I was hoping for better.

4.5 stars - I couldn't put it down!

Our favorite families are back with more death, drama, and plenty of heat. James Halloran can't get Carrigan O'Malley off his mind, after holding her prisoner when everything between their families went down. He's the very last man she wants to see again...so why is she unable to resist him?

Mafia stories are either a hit or miss for me, and this series definitely keeps me on my toes, immediately wanting to start the next book as soon as it ends. A perfect blend of the cold-hearted side of mafia and the love you can find with the right person, even an enemy.

If Dark succession was going to be an indication of how addicting this series was going to be, Heated Rivals just blew my mind.

I am absolutely obsessed with Carrigan and James, they’re my perfect duo and this series keeps on getting deliciously 🥵🌶️ and dangerous!

Talk about forbidden love! Arranged marriage! Over protective and possessive MMC! Ugh! I love all the drama between the families and the new characters!

Dimitri has my full attention and I CANNOT wait to read his story… , Actually I need to read Sloan, Kiera, Scilian and Aiden’s book NOW!

Behold, my new favorite mafia romance 💘

Thank you Forever and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I always love a steamy forbidden romance and James and Carrigan don’t disappoint. When the “bad boy” falls for the “good girl” who isn’t quite as good as she appears to her families world. When he is a man of few words but really sees who she is and says the swooniest things. Their chemistry is dynamite and they can’t keep their eyes or hands off of each other.

I always love a mafia romance but I do just feel for Carrigan being married off as a pawn for her family because her father just wants power and doesn’t even care what kind of scum marries her, but is closed minded to “the enemy” who would actually treat her like gold.

Some of the inner dialogue of the other siblings sort of felt like it went off course for me a few times but then I also imagine it’s to have you meet characters for the next story. Overall I liked this one and would continue reading to see how the rest of the story pans out. I liked that we got a sneak peek of Teague and Callie again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the second book in The O'Malley's series, and let me tell you, it's an absolute rollercoaster. Carrigan and James come from these rival crime families and let me say, their families hate each other's guts. But the sparks between them are insane. They can't resist each other, even though they know they shouldn't. This book is jam-packed with suspense, deceit, and sizzling romance. I was hooked from the get-go and couldn't tear myself away. Katee Roberts, the author, knows how to keep you on your toes with unexpected twists and turns. I wouldn't have minded a tad more worldbuilding and suspense, but overall, it's a rock-solid read. I am so freaking excited to jump into the next book and see what kind of craziness unfolds in this dangerous, intense world.

I loved this book just as much as the first one. I am a huge sucker for a forbidden romance add in mafia romance you have me hooked!!

James and Carrigan are such likable characters. Both are very devoted to their families but seeing their character growth was fantastic. Katee Roberts knows how to write spice that is for damn sure

DNF at 22%
I read the first one and I gave it 3.5 starts. There were too many POVs besides the main couple and I would prefer to only hear from the main couple for each book. I may try it again later but this just wasn’t a book I could read right now.

Carrigan and James have so much chemistry but with things so strained between their families I wondered how these two would finally end up with one another. That part was pretty twisty and angsty but Carrigan stands up for herself in the end grabbing hold of her HEA.

Carrigan O'Malley has stalled as long as possible, she must now pick from a list given to her by her father, her future husband. She has always known that her marriage would be about her family gaining power and not for love.

One steamy night with James Halloran and she's ruined for anybody else. The only problem? Their families are enemies. That's how it's always been.

James has recently taken over the family business. But his focus is pulled by thoughts of Carrigan. Despite the family rivalry, he wants Carrigan by his side for the rest of his life.

Thank you so much to the author, Forever and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I found the writing to be a little clunky and difficult to keep up with .

Overall an enjoyable experience! Thank you NetGalley for the eArc

I’m a sucker for Romeo and Juliet parallels, and this delivers! I really loved the secrets shared, and of course the epically hot sex. Katee Robert always gives well rounded characters with a story that will hook you, and I really enjoyed this one.

3.5⭐️
2.5🌶

Another drama and tension-filled installment of The O'Malleys!

Carrigan O'Malley has spent most of her life avoiding the inevitable: a marriage, arranged by her father, to secure political/business/family alliances and further the O'Malley agenda in Boston. While Carrigan has had her fun and made a name for herself in the family circles, there's no getting around the fact that at 28, she's at the end of her single life. That's when she meets James Halloran, the man at the head of the family responsible for one of her family's greatest tragedies. James is different, and he has his eyes set on Carrigan; it's heat that's in his gaze, not danger. And she stares right back with fire and determination all her own.

When faced with a list of suitors, she must choose. And she won't be the only one hurt by the outcome of her decision.

--

I'm really enjoying touring the alleys and pubs of Boston with the O'Malleys, Hallorans, and Sheridans! This series is full of family business, rivalries, danger, betrayal, death, tradition, and drama,

Carrigan and James' story is riddled with tension and I loved every time the bubble burst. James has big plans, a good heart, and a dirty mouth, and he is utterly obsessed with the eldest O'Malley daughter. Their plans and dreams crash and collide, and they manage to find one another amidst the chaos. To find love in their world is nearly unheard of, and Heated Rivals highlights all of the danger that love in the mob can bring.

This series has its share of action and excitement without being overwhelming or confusing. I wanted a bit more from Heated Rivals at times, but overall, it's a solid, entertaining romantic suspense that I look forward to continuing.

**Thank you Forever, Katee Robert, and NetGalley for an ARC of Heated Rivals in exchange for my honest review!**

Heated Rivals was great!
I really enjoyed the first book, but Heated Rivals surpassed that.
Who doesn't love forbidden love?
Or enemies to lovers?

The romance started out steady, and slowly builds to the climax, which I appreciated. Dark Succession was an insta-love story that lacked build up. Heated Rival's does not.

Putting aside my dislike for third person narrative, Heated Rival's is exciting. It's hot.
There is the added tension from their personal issues.
Carrigan being forced to choose a husband from her fathers list in 30 days, added a sense of doom to the story. She loses something vital no matter what choice she makes.
James thrust into a role he doesn't want, but does because there are people relying on him. With the added threat of his brother gunning for his position as the leader of the family, and unrest amongst his bloodthirsty men, there is another layer of potential doom here.
As the reader, you are left to wonder - how does this end happily?

Heated Rivals felt very much like a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but was infinitely more interesting, and sexy. There is just something about a man who loves a woman for who she is, and doesn't want a single thing to change about her - even the things other men find undesirable. If you enjoy Katee Robert's work, or read Dark Succession and wanted more Carrigan and James, you will LOVE Heated Rivals. I can't wait to read the next one!

DNF @ 30% -- I really tried to get into this one but I had two major issues. One, which is purely a personal preference, is that I really struggle to connect to characters when books are written in third person POV. And two is that this was advertised as a standalone but there were so many references to events that had happened in the previous interconnected standalone that I felt lost or lacking too much crucial information for a majority of what I read. For readers that don't mind third person writing and are willing to read the first book in this world, this may very well be a great book. Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me.

I've been anxious for this book since reading Dark Succession and I was not disappointed.
Heated Rivals continues the O'Malleys series with Carrigan O'Malley and James Halloran.

This is a Romeo and Juliet / enemies-to-lovers/mafia romance as these two are from rivals Mafia families, however the attraction and chemistry between them was off the charts and impossible to deny.

They were both strong characters who challenged each other but also respected each others boundaries and their steamy scenes were on fire. I loved see the growth their characters as the story progressed and I loved that we got to catch up with the other family members.

The story had me captivated and at the edge of my seat at times and I enjoyed every moment.
This second installment in the series was fast paced, action-packed, and steamy, with high stakes and family dynamics. It was a fantastic read that gave us a great blend of love and danger and I would definitely recommend it.

Love the O’Malley’s series by Katee Robert! Think the Departed meets Romeo & Juliet. This novel is a reissue. Previously it was published as The Weddinig Pact and it’s the 2nd in the O’Malley series. This time it’s Carrigen O’Malley and James Halleran starring in this forbidden romance. The best part of Katee Robert’s books are they’re not just steamy romance novels; there’s actually a plot to every book.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever for this reissued e-arc.*

Not the typical Katee Robert book. Like all of her other books that I've read, I expected for it to draw me in. This one was a little slow for my taste. The plot and story line was cool, spice level about a two. Cute story for a contemporary romance read.

Thank you NetGalley and Katee Robert for the ARC!

This is the second book for Katee Robert that I've read so far.
I know her fan's and most of my friends will love this book so much. It wasn't my cup of tea, however, it was a quick read and I read the whole thing in almost one sitting. Her writing is excellent, I just don't love the entire storyline. I think I've learned from her last two novels that I'm not a mafia romance fan and that's okay. Her fans will love this as much (if not more) than her others!

Thank you, Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to review this book honestly.

I flew through this book in 24 hours, because I could not put it down. I had to find out what happened with Carrigan and James -- because there were just so many obstacles against them finding their happily ever after. Even though I knew this was a romance, at several points while reading them being together felt actually impossible. This series is an amazing way to dip your toe into dark romance, because while it is a mafia romance with some very morally gray characters there is also an emphasis on consent and female agency within this story. The sexual tension and chemistry between these characters was also just so well done. I think it would help to read book 1 in the series, The Marriage Pact, first. But this book also definitely works as a stand alone.