4.75 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Ok I am seriously super into this series, there is something about mafia romances that just gets me! The enemies to lovers and forbidden romance aspect in this book was so exceptionally well done. Carrigan the female heroine was seriously so iconic, the definition of a girlboss. I loved getting small snippets of POVs from some of the other siblings, Cillian and Sloan, I will definitely continue reading this series.

Carrigan and James have some freaking tension! Having the history they have I didn’t expect anything different and, man, does it add to the intensity of their relationship as a whole.

These feuding families is very Capulet and Montague which means Carrigan and James are 100% forbidden. I could not stand the fact that Carrigan’s father was trying to sell her off and we had to read all about those horrendous dates to the worst possible bachelor’s. However, the little moments between the two (Carrigan and James) were priceless. They had their secret moments full of that tension and flirtation that I could not get enough of.

As always, Kate Robert mixed plot with spice seamlessly and I really enjoyed this book.

The second in the O’Malley series was even better than the first. A few clunky places along the way, but it was fun to be with the characters again and learn more about the others…and the steam, whew!

This was a reread for me. This is def a signature Katee Robert read. I loved it so much. She can not go wrong really!

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC. Ok so here is my honest review on this book.

Being that I did not read the first book in this series im not sure I missed anything? I will say I was able to follow along and enjoy the book. I am going to have to give this book a 3.5 stars. As i loved the characters and the romance between James and Carrigan, I for some reason couldn’t get into it as much as other Katee Roberts books I have read prior. But i think what kept me interested were the characters, I just loved them. I think if i read the 1st book it will give me a bit of a different look on this book. Still I do believe this book to be worth the read and it will go on my shelf once released!!!

Heated Rivals by Katee Robert, which was previously already published as The Wedding Pact, follows Carrigan O’Malley who we met in book one in this series. In this book, we follow her as she is forced into an arranged marriage. With tensions rising between mafia families, now isn’t the time to actually develop feelings for an enemy. But there is something so alluring about James, who is from a rival family.

This book is full of fun mafia romance tropes. There is forbidden love and action and betrayal and some steamy fun scenes all wrapped up in this series. I will say if you have read Robert’s more recent books, this older series doesn’t have the same amount of character development. This series was originally written in 2016 and Robert has grown as an author so much. I know she went through this series and edited some of it but she didn’t rewrite it completely and I think that shows.

I would say this series is really great for anyone looking for something really fast paced and spicy. I did enjoy this book slightly more than the first book because I liked James a lot better than Teague as a male lead. I am definitely planning on continuing this series because it is fun but not the best that this author has out.

3.5 stars rounded up!

Katee Robert delivers allllll the spice, every single book she writes!!!!
This book really captivates you from the start!!! I could not put this book down, and the execution of plot and character development was beautifully done!!

This is a spicy book i could not put down!! I would absolutely read this again and again and recommend it to anyone. I can’t wait to see what comes next

This couple really owns me. OMG. I wasn’t the biggest fan ever of Dark Succession, but this one had me so captivated and invested and in love with these characters and this story. Such an intriguing plot like with characters I adored. I really loved and enjoyed this!

"Heated Rivals" by Katee Robert is a scintillating addition to her captivating O'Malley series, delivering a sizzling tale of passion, power, and family secrets. As a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Robert continues to showcase her talent for crafting engaging stories filled with scandal, desire, and forbidden love.

In this installment, Carrigan O'Malley finds herself caught in an arranged marriage, where power and prestige outweigh matters of the heart. However, everything changes when she encounters James Halloran, a man from the rival Halloran family. Their electric chemistry is undeniable, leaving both Carrigan and James longing for more despite the animosity between their families.

Katee Robert excels at creating complex characters who come alive on the pages. Carrigan's strength and determination shine through as she navigates the expectations placed upon her, challenging societal norms and forging her own path. James, with his intoxicating presence and whiskey-voiced allure, embodies the struggle between loyalty and desire. Their internal conflicts and magnetic connection make for a compelling and emotionally charged romance.

The tension between the Halloran and O'Malley families adds layers of intrigue and danger to the story. Robert skillfully explores the intricate dynamics of feuding families, highlighting the high stakes and consequences that come with breaking boundaries. The forbidden nature of Carrigan and James' relationship heightens the sense of urgency and passion, keeping readers hooked as they root for love to conquer all.

"Heated Rivals" is a steamy and enthralling tale that delves into themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. Katee Robert's writing is both sensual and captivating, immersing readers in a world filled with opulence and intrigue. The palpable chemistry between Carrigan and James leaps off the page, igniting the story with a fiery intensity that keeps the pages turning.

Robert's ability to balance the heat of the romance with intricate plotlines and well-developed characters is commendable. The pacing is impeccable, and the story unfolds with a perfect blend of tension, passion, and unexpected twists. Readers will find themselves fully invested in the lives and fates of the O'Malleys and Hallorans, eagerly devouring each page to uncover the secrets and revelations that lie ahead.

"Heated Rivals" is a captivating addition to Katee Robert's O'Malley series, delivering a tale of forbidden love that will leave readers breathless. With its captivating characters, scorching romance, and a backdrop of family feuds, this book is a must-read for fans of passionate and addictive contemporary romance. Prepare to be swept away by the enthralling world of the O'Malleys and Hallorans as their rivalries collide with undeniable desire.

Katee Robert can write anything. Im obsessed with the Irish Mafia families of Boston. Carrigan and James’s story was hot.

I love the strength that Katee writes in her female main characters. They’re such badasses in a world determined to look down upon them for simply being a woman.

I will be continuing the story to see how this war goes!

Heated Rivals is dangerous, steamy, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

After I began reading this, I realized that this was book 2 in a series. However, I still enjoyed it and could follow along with the story even reading out of order.

Carrigan and James are from two different mafia families who just so happen to be enemies. Their attraction and sexual chemistry are so hot that I was fanning myself while I was reading. They have a past but saying no to their desires is almost impossible.

What makes it even more captivating is the danger and suspense aspects. They are literally risking their lives because their feelings are just too powerful.

I don't want to give any spoilers away because it is a must-read! If you are a romance and suspense fan, then you have to read this!

I always enjoy reading books from Katee Robert because she knows how to wright a good forbidden romance. Carrigan and James are seriously my favorite!! They are such badass characters. Carrigan has to face a decision of marriage that she had no input in because her father is demanding her. They have a list of males who can be her groom that she gets to pick from… and i won’t give anymore spoilers you’ll just have to read to find out :)

This wasn't for me? I guess maybe I'm just not into mob romance. I didn't like much of this, and generally I'm a fan of Robert. I love her writing style, but the gender stuff in this book was too much for me. I found most of the characters either boring or easy to dislike (but not in an interesting way.) There also isn't much plot, but it's not fluffy either. I'm sure someone will like this, but it's certainly not me!

Please don't take this as a negative at all, but this series is bonkers ridiculous and I absolutely LOVE every word of it. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books and hope that it only gets more and more loony. I am here for it.

Okay, so if you like me found book one in the series (Dark Succession) lacking in the spice department do not fear this book steps it up. Very glad I stuck with series and gave this book a chance. James and Carrigan's story of forbidden love just gave me everything I love in romance, the tension, the yearning, and the jealously.

Dual POV
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Love
He Falls First & Harder

This book was previously published as 'The Wedding Pact', second book in the O’Malley series, that deals with the aftermath of the events in the first book. Not only the now strained relationship between the two families, but also the O’Malleys dealing with the loss of Devlin.

Even though the book mainly focusses on Carrigan and James, we also get glimpses at the other siblings and how they handle things now.

Carrigan and James met (if you can call it that) in the first book and now hate each other. Carrigan is in the process of picking a husband of which her father approves, to gain more power for the family. She feels trapped in her world and knows she can’t escape without some serious consequences. She was strong even though she felt so powerless, and the struggle felt so real to me. I also liked getting to know James more and how he tries to handle things with his new-found power since his father was imprisoned and the fight with his brother for said power.

As a bonus we meet Dmitri for the first time in this book. This series slowly makes it way to the top of my favorite series list and I’m not a bit sorry about it.

As always, Robert delivers a sexy and fun story centered around a larger than life man of someone's dreams.

"Heated Rivals: A Passionate Tale of Forbidden Love and Dangerous Alliances"

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

In "Heated Rivals," Katee Robert weaves a captivating story of forbidden love and rivalries that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set against a backdrop of power, prestige, and family feuds, this steamy romance explores the tumultuous relationship between Carrigan O'Malley and James Halloran, two individuals caught in a web of loyalty and desire.

Carrigan O'Malley has always understood that her arranged marriage would be devoid of passion, serving as a mere transaction to solidify power and status. However, when she crosses paths with James Halloran, a hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced temptation, everything changes. From the moment they share their first encounter, Carrigan's world is upended, and she finds herself craving the touch of a man who should be off-limits.

James, too, is caught in the tangled web of rivalry. Bound by duty and familial expectations, he should be focusing on expanding his family's empire rather than succumbing to his forbidden desires. Yet, the allure of Carrigan proves irresistible, and he risks everything, including his family's standing, for a chance at a love he never anticipated.

The author skillfully navigates the complex dynamics between the warring Halloran and O'Malley families, heightening the stakes with each turn of the page. The palpable tension and sizzling chemistry between Carrigan and James add a layer of intensity to the narrative, leaving readers eager to discover whether their love can withstand the weight of their families' bitter rivalry.

Katee Robert excels at creating well-rounded characters who are flawed, yet undeniably captivating. Carrigan shines as a strong-willed and intelligent woman, defying societal expectations to follow her heart's desires. James, on the other hand, embodies the classic brooding hero with a vulnerable side, torn between his duty and the woman who has captured his heart. The supporting cast is equally engaging, their intricate relationships adding depth to the story and enriching the overall reading experience.

While the romantic storyline takes center stage, the author doesn't neglect the broader themes of power, loyalty, and the sacrifices one must make for love. The backdrop of a longstanding feud between the Halloran and O'Malley families adds layers of complexity and intrigue, showcasing the lengths people will go to protect their legacy and the consequences of defying those expectations.

The only minor drawback in "Heated Rivals" is that at times, the pacing feels rushed, with some plot points and character development occurring abruptly. However, the compelling narrative and the sizzling romance overshadow these minor shortcomings, ensuring readers remain engrossed until the very last page.

"Heated Rivals" is a thrilling and passionate tale of love in the face of adversity. Katee Robert's ability to combine heart-wrenching emotions with a riveting plot makes this novel an excellent choice for fans of forbidden romances and gripping family dramas. Prepare to be swept away by the enthralling world of the Hallorans and O'Malleys, where love and danger intertwine, leaving readers breathless for more.

I am loving the new covers on this series, but I am conflicted which I like more. While the new ones are gorgeous the old cover really captured the books in a picture. Though I will say I think the new titles fit better. Katee Robert is one of my favorite authors. Her Dark Olympus series is one that I am always recommending. This series is a super fun mafia romance. This isn’t something I have read very much about so had a lot of fun. I read the first book in this series, Dark Succession, and will say that I enjoyed this one even more than I did that one. These books are so different from the mythology retellings, but they are also just as good, just different. As someone who reads series out of order all the time, this is one that I recommend you read in order because there is so much important information in the first.

Thank you so much to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and Netgalley, @Netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.