"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.

Thank you to Katee Robert, Publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this one! I liked it better than Dark Succession. The world development was more in this one which helped the plot to better unfold! Excited to continue reading this series!

I fell in love with Katee Robert via her Dark Olympus series, but now two books into her O'Malleys mafia-romance series, I can safely say I love these just as much! They're obviously very different from her mythology retellings, but they're so much fun! I loved Teague and Callie in Dark Succession, and I was fascinated by the rapport between the side characters James Halloran and Carrigan O'Malley in that first book. When I discovered that book two was their story, I DOVE RIGHT IN.

It's very Romeo and Juliet if their families were mafia families in modern day Boston, and if Romeo had previously kidnapped Juliet and threatened her with torture. So--okay, it's darker than Romeo and Juliet, but unlike those two, James and Carrigan do get their happy ending, even if it requires a lot of sacrifices along the way.

It's safe to say I'll be reading the rest of the O'Malleys series. I'm officially hooked.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for my advance review copy.

I knew I was going to enjoy this one more than the first! There's just something about James and Kerrigan! Plus... James drives a Chevelle 😍 The Romeo and Juliet dynamic was well done, and the spice was perfect! Loved this book!

*Romeo & Juliet dynamic
* Who hurt you
* Touch her & d*e
* He falls first
* Badass independent FMC

Katee Robert never misses. Honestly I've bought pretty much all of her books, and this one didn't surprise me. Really enjoyed this second installment in the series. Kerrigan and James are the perfect taboo opposite sides romance. I really enjoyed the slow development of their intimate moments. I don't mean sex by that. I mean the little things that are precious to you and can be hard to share with people. I loved that so much. The implications of what is going on in the overarching plot, are making me excited for the next one!

Thank you Netgalley for the e-book. I’m hooked on the O’Malleys! Phew James is so morally grey he’s pretty much charcoal 🖤 this book has all the “touch her and die” and “who did this to you?” vibes. You want Alpha Male love interest; you want James Halloran (and omg his dirty talk 🔥)
Carrigan is my favourite O’Malley so far. She might seem like the obedient daughter but she takes no shit from anyone. I loved her in the first book and she did not disappoint me in this one.
Katee Robert is the Queen of Steam! Definitely recommend for a good smutty mafia enemies to lovers romance.

💜❤️ Heated Rivals ARC Review ❤️💜

Thank you so much to Katee Robert and netGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Heated Rivals is a mafia romance and book two in The O’Malley series. Months ago, James hooked up with a mystery woman at a club…little did he know she’s the daughter of a rival mafia boss. Now months later, he’s desperate to find Carrigan again. He keeps telling himself that it’s because she stole something valuable to him, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he can’t stop thinking about their hook up…

This book was such a fun read! I loved Carrigan and James when we met them in the first book, and I was so excited to read their story! Carrigan is a strong, independent character stuck in the expectations of her mafia father. James is exactly the person her father would never approve of, and I loved seeing their relationship they built together

Overall this was a 4 star read! I really loved the balance of witty banter, sweet romance and mafia politics! This book had quite a few delicious spicy moments so 4 flames for spice

If you enjoy mafia romance books with rivals to lovers, possessive men, forbidden romance, and “we had a one night stand and now I can’t stop thinking about you” vibes, then absolutely pick this one up!!

Review will be posted to Amazon upon publication

This is the second in this re-issued series by Katee Roberts about 3 rival Boston Irish mob families, most particularly the O'Malley siblings. This one focuses on the oldest daughter, Carrigan, and her enemies-to-lovers affair with the head of one of the other families. There are still a few continuity errors presumably left over from the first run of this book (at least in the ARC I read) - at one point, something is clearly laid out as having happened a week ago, and then in a subsequent conversation it is referred to as if it happened just the night before. But overall, it's an enjoyable book for Robert's fans, although I think her more supernatural books are better.

Katee Roberts books always seem to deliver exactly what you are expecting them too. This book is from her back log and while some of the tropes employed in this book are not my favorite, Roberts lively and fast-paced style of writing make it easy to overlook. I haven't read a lot of mafia romance books but I think I am definitely hooked on the O'Malley family.

Really enjoyed this second installment in the series. Kerrigan and James are the perfect taboo opposite sides romance. I really enjoyed the slow development of their intimate moments. I don't mean sex by that. I mean the little things that are precious to you and can be hard to share with people. I loved that so much. The implications of what is going on in the overarching plot, are making me excited for the next one!

This one was a little too alpha possessive with infidelity for me but it is a good series if you like this genre.

I am hooked on the O'Malley family! This time we pick up with Carrigan. I loved the sexy romance between her and James. There's a lot going on here. There's action, suspense, steam, and more. I do love to hate Aiden! I'm sucked into this world and can't wait to read the next one.

There’s no other word for it. I’m addicted to this series.

The story of the mafia families in Boston continues with a focus on the O’Malleys and now the Hallorans. We were introduced to Carrigan and James in the first book (rereleased as Dark Succession) after a quick hookup at a club. It didn’t end well because he kidnapped her and she was almost killed at the hands of his father and brother.

After letting her escape, Carrigan takes up a lot of space in James’ mind, and she didn’t forget about him either. The angst and forbidden element of this story had me speed reading through this book to see what would happen. Katee really had me on the edge until the very end!

I really enjoyed both James and Carrigan. He is a good man stuck trying to live in a terrible world, and she is a strong woman who is tired of being told what to do and just wants to live her life. And I adored how he gave her space and was always there for her when she needed him.

And as always, the spice was amazing. If you want to read a book with a man who loves to talk, then this one will get your heart racing.

Katee Robert is great at what she does. This isn't normally my genre but her books are pretty solid. Glad this was rereleased with a new title!

I really do love Katee Robert's creativity in her stories. This is another super fun and spicy one shot, definitely an ebook purchase priority for most libraries

As always, Katee Robert never disappoints. Heated Rivals is the perfect mix of spice, intrigue and love!
Roberts has crafted a beautiful story with heart without losing any steam.
There is drama, emotion, love, and so much hotness.
The world-building is simply intriguing and the suspense and action is off the charts.
I was enthralled with this story right from the start. The romance was steamy and satisfying. Which made for such a fast paced read.
It’s a bit dark, violent and gritty.
This is the type of Mafia crime stories I freaking live for!
I’ve got to read more of this series.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Forever for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

How do you come back from kidnapping and being threatened with rape and murder?

Katee Robert’s The O’Malleys series is being repackaged and renamed by Forever (Grand Central Publishing). Katee Robert has also taken the opportunity to change some of the language in the books (as she said in a tiktok, “when you know better you do better”). I haven’t read the series before, so I can’t compare the versions. Heated Rivals was previously published as The Wedding Pact and is the second in the series.

The O’Malleys is a series of mafia romances set in Boston with rivalries between three families, the O’Malleys, the Sheridans, and the Hallorans. In the previous book, recently rereleased as Dark Succession, the three families went to war after Callista Sheridan shot and killed her fiancé, Brendon Halloran, and then was quickly engaged to Teague O’Malley. During that book, Carrigan Sheridan and James Halloran had sex at a nightclub and when he realized who she was, he kidnapped her and took her back to his family home where his father threatens to kill her after letting his men rape her.

Heated Rivals is Carrigan and James’ romance.

Mafia romance isn’t my favorite sub-genre. Some of the things James does to keep control over his territory (his father is in prison now) are not my favorite things to read. James feeling bad about torturing someone doesn’t quite make me feel better about him as a person. With his father unable to lead the family, James has space to break away from the old brutal methods and he seizes the opportunity.

Carrigan’s father is unable to see his daughters as anything other than tools to be used to strengthen ties with allies. With outsiders circling looking for an opening to claim territory in Boston, the O’Malley patriarch demands that Carrigan pick a man off his list to marry. While Carrigan is considering the approved men, she and James are starting an affair that they know is doomed. She calls him out on the kidnapping and he points out she likes him anyway.

I truly appreciate Katee Robert’s commitment to the importance of choice and the dignity of sex workers. The Hallorans have been importing women to work in their strip clubs with no regard to their willingness. James moves as fast as he can to make sure the women who work for him are there voluntarily and are protected. The whole subplot happens without talking about sex work or sex workers in a derogatory manner.

I know already that all the surviving O’Malley siblings get a book in this series, and I know that Carrigan’s erstwhile almost future husband ends up with her younger sister. I am interested in reading the rest of the series and the real question is, will I wait until they are rereleased or will I gobble them up now?

CW: human trafficking, drugging without consent, torture off page, child abuse recounted, parent in prison, threat of murder, attempted murder, murder, death of parent in past, death of sibling.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Forever and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

Okay but I LOVED this, I wasn't quite as sold on book 1 but this absolutely loved and I can't wait for book 3! I thought the romance was super compelling and I am a sucker for enemies to lovers so I found this particularly fun. Thank you so much for the early copy!

With enemies to lovers and Romeo and Juliet vibes Heated Rivals gives it all. The romance was woven beautifully into the plot, it didn't feel like it was forced in there.
Seeing the turmoil James has and what he goes through really helps you understand why he is the way he is, and Carrigan is a force to be reckoned with.