"Could I be a good person if this was my life now? Drug smuggling, murder…where was the line?"

Quick Summary
A delivery girl saves the life of a son of a mafia boss. Now he owes her a life debt.

Final Thoughts
Thank you NetGalley & Relay Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I LOVED THE STORY. But some parts moved too fast for me, I needed it more of a slow burn but it was quick paced and left me on a cliffhanger where I need book two.... Now. But seriously, I was hesitant with a MMC named Angel, but ooof I was left drooling.

Emma and Angel
Emma works for a delivery service and meets Angel when she delivers an envelope to him. Gunfire erupts and Emma pushes Angel, saving his life. He now owes her a life debt.
He can't let her go, she will be killed by the opposing Cartel.
His father tells him to marry her. Angel refused and his father beat him up. So he tell Emma the only solution is to marry and she doesn't fight back because she know she'll die if she leave.
Emma is pregnant and a kidnapping and a cliff hanger.
We have to wait for the next book.

Vicious Heir by Bella Ash, is a mafia romance. It includes popular tropes such as arranged romance, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity. Emma is a shy girl, working her normal job as a courier until one day delivering a package goes very wrong. After the events of that day, she is forced to marry a possessive mafia prince, Angel. Over the course of the book, the two adjust to a new lifestyle together where they both find that this arranged marriage may not have been the worst thing to happen. This book is a quick and enjoyable read with spice, romance, drama, and of course the drama of mafia dealings. While I did enjoy this book, there were a few things that didn't sit well with me. I felt as though some of the scenes were rushed, especially in the beginning after it is decided that Angel and Emma would have an arranged marriage. I wanted to know more of what Emma was thinking and feeling during this time. With that being said, I will definitely be reading the second book, because the cliff hanger at the end had my jaw on the floor. I can't wait to see what happens next!!

I enjoyed this a lot, I love to read mafia books and this did not disappoint me at all, she saved his life and how they meet is a true enemies to lovers story, the plot was gripping the whole way through, how the characters grow through the story is brilliant, I found myself completely gripped throughout and couldn't put it down, and oh my gosh that ending, how could it be left like that just wow.
i enjoyed this that much that i have looked for this authors other books straight away.

I Received Vicious Heir in return for an honest review from NetGalley.

It was supposed to just be a delivery Emma never expected that one delivery would change her life when she saved Angel from the shooter. Angel forced to honor the life debt does exactly as his father asks and marries her. This way she's safe no one would go after his wife it would be war, and his debt is paid.

They can't deny the chemistry between the two of them and as much as he fights it Angel find himself developing feelings for Emma. While Emma is trying her best to be the good wife as she will be the matriarch of the family eventually. As they both find themselves getting along the connection grows but not everyone is happy about them falling for each other and danger is looming. Danger is around every corner will they survive?

I adore Emma she takes being forced to marry Angel the future leader of the family in stride, working hard to find her place as she can't deny her attraction to the brooding man. I knew after the first kiss that I loved Angel she's exactly what he needs and complements him well. The chemistry between the two is steamy, and who doesn't love a strong alpha male.

I loved the characters I found myself cheering the on as they made leaps and bounds in there relationship. The author did an amazing job creating a captivating story that I found hard to put down. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and ended up staying late to finish the book. This book is a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one I need to know how it all plays out. This is my first book by the author and I'm looking forward to the next. I honestly loved it all the feels a great first installment.

This book has so many twists and turns that are unexpected. The marriage progression of angel and Emma was absolutely gorgeous. I wish there was more to the ending without giving spoilers I wish it had more detail to what happened after the last bit for them. I would definitely recommend reading this!

<strong>Viciously Delicious</strong>

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪/5
Plot: 5/5

I couldn't get enough of this book. I devoured it every time I opened my kindle, and was beyond sad at the ending. I cannot stand a cliffhanger. Especially jelly when the next book is 6 months away. But ill be darned if I don't pre-order that book because I need to know all the ins and outs of the Castillo Cartel.

Emma and Angel are meant to be even if they are pushed into a relationship. I loved Emma because she had such a spunk about her that she didn't let recede even when things were at their worst.

Angel had solo mug on his plate, mainly family who didn't understand boundaries. With being second in command and the heir to the cartel he knew that he had no choice than to be the best leader his father never could have been.

With so much going on there were able to work through so much and fight for what they wanted and needed but he'll hath no fury like a woman scorned. She will light you and everything else up like the 4th of July.

With so much going on, I have to say that they both dealt really well with all the shananagins.

When family is supposed to be the most important thing, because not only is it dependent on your livelihood but your life it can be difficult.

Dealing with family is always the hardest when you don't agree, but you have the utmost respect because it is all about honor. It's hard to hold fast to that when you disagree on so much.

<spoiler>Angel had been in such a a place of responsibility and I feel to a point he was always told to be a certain way. And taught to be that way because that was the only way you could survive being the head of the cartel like his father. I wish he would have explored more of his feelings regarding Emma during the book because I think he could have seen that he didn't have to be that way. Especially not with her. Because she was going to be his saving grace. She learned to love him even with the small bits of himself he slowly gave to her. I think like most women we always hope and dream of the day you get the attention and love you have always wanted. When you do get it we revel in it because we have a sliver. But we take everything we can because we feel as if they are finally giving a little.

I really was hoping that Angel would have been a little more open towards her to show her the ways of the matriarch, since he thrust her into this life. </spoiler>

I really enjoyed this book and am so looking forward to the next in the series!!

Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the free book.

A decent dark mafia romance. The plot and characters were okay I just didn't feel blown away by anything it felt quite typical of most mafia books. I wanted to fall in love with it and I didn't. Saying that this isn't a bad book it has a lot of potential but maybe not for me.

New to me author and I was struggling. Loved the premise and the cover but the story and characters weren't developed enough for me. A mafia love story I could have done without. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader.

The cover and book title are what originally brought me to want to read this. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book but to my surprise I enjoyed this! The chemistry the main characters had was loveable and hot. The story had parts where it created suspense and kept you wanting more. I still want more. If you love a good mafia story with some romance with some steam and twists. Give it a go!

This was a very interesting read and right up my alley at the moment! I needed a break from the fluffy Romance books I read lately and this dark mafia story with the fake marriage main trope was just what I needed.

However, I have mixed feelings about it. I enjoyed it for the most part, but there were some things that didn't sit well with me. For starters, everything felt too rushed. Usually, I'm just as ok with slow burn as I am with insta-love, if the story calls for it, but somehow here the "insta" didn't feel right. Everything happened too fast, like I was reading in fast-forward motion and skipping parts, which made some situations seem disconnected and unrealistic.

When the heroine got kidnapped and forced into marrying a vicious scary hero, you would expect a bit of a fight or animosity. You'd expect her not to give in so easily, but she just went with it from the wedding day and accepted what happened to her or around her. Of course, she did understand it was either accept it or die, but I still would have liked for her to stand up for herself a little more. She was thrurst into this dark, murderous, sketchy world, the hero was cruel with her for most of the book, yet she went with it. So while all that was a bit off-putting, the angsty emotional part was really well done. The banter, the spice, the writing, chef's kiss. All of Emma's inner struggle, the desire to fight yet the impossible draw she had towards the hero were profound and heartbreaking.

"Why was it that most unhinged things that he did turned me on? What kind of person was I?" She was aware of it, so there is that.

Angel was very much the dark, possessive, murderous hero you would expect. He was hot, cruel, controlling and pityless, even towards the heroine sometimes, which made me uneasy to be honest lol. He hid his feelings (if he had any) very well and kept the heroine at an emotional distance and in the dark for too long, and to me personally it felt a little too much. Same for the cliffhanger.

But like I said, I enjoyed the story overall and I'm curious to read what happens next (and the brother's story if that is in the works).

3.5 stars

So let me start by saying that I've come to the realization that my Mafia days may be over and no one is more annoyed than me! 1.75⭐️/5
So the premise of the book was what call me to the story, but the execution just didn't do it justice. The way it is written is simply not the best, let me clarify: it isn't awful, but it could definitely be better! The characters went from mad, to happy, to in love without any real plot in between, the smut was also OK! Like it was there, but it wasn't giving me much either, at the beginning I really thought it was gonna be a PwP and I was totally fine with it, but it wasn't even good enough for that. So overall just a disappointing read, and that ending... THAT ENDING!!! WTH!!! I definitely don't want to read the next book in the series, but I may (and that's a VERY BIG MAY) be tempted to do so when it comes out, just to know if the entire book 1 was for NOTHING! Maybe that was the author's plan all along!!!

“I saved his life. And he hates me for it.

My reward? A marriage to the devil.

This is not how I expected to meet my future husband.

In a nightclub, in the middle of a gunfight, with him holding a gun to my head.

Truth is, I just saved his life.

Now, Angel Castillo, heir to Miami’s most brutal cartel, owes me a life debt and his answer to this is to make me his.

His offer is as cold as his heart: become his wife or die.

Not much of a choice, right?

The Castillo family is ruthless, and their life terrifies me, but Angel scares me the most, so why do I find myself watching him?

Craving his touch?

I should run, but Angel will never let me go.

I know I’m not meant to want it.

To dream of his sinful touch.

He wants to ruin me. And I want to be ruined by this vicious heir.”

Publication date: 13 April 2023

Author: Bella Ash

Rating: ⅖ stars

Genre: Dark Romance

Boy, do I have some thoughts. First, I think this book needs a lot of work, plot, character, and grammar.

Let’s talk about the plot. It has been done before, and as a writer, I will say that’s okay! Nothing interesting happened to make it not like the other forced marriage or mafia books I’ve read before. The plot felt rushed, a bit chaotic, and unorganized. The relationship also felt forced.

Character-wise, I HATED the main male character. He was so annoying and a top-tier asshole. It got to the point where I almost DNF because of him. His relationship with the MC felt rushed too.

That being said, I’m not saying it was terrible. There were some good parts, and I think the spice wasn’t awful. However, I believe that the novel wasn’t quite ready to publish.

Bella Ash is one of those who bring you to the edge of your seat and keeps you there. No different with her latest, Vicious Heir as delivery courier, Emma finds herself in the middle of a cartel shootout and she saves Angel who now says he is forever in his debt. That just spells trouble. I think Emma’s reaction and attitude to the whole cartel, now you must marry me, was better than I ever would have been. This story is one of finding love, lots of action, suspense, and who are the good guys vs. bad guys - a perfect five in my book.
Warning: This book does end in a cliffhanger.

⚠️TW: dead mom⚠️

4.25 Stars Rounded Down

This book was wow. When you thought you knew what was going to happen, things would take a turn.

Reasons for Rating Reduction:

-Emma was so close to her mom and she just let it go that she could never get anything back from her apartment (most likely including memories and pictures of her mom). Not realistic, made things a little flat
-Emma's kidnapping was a little...quick. It all took place over the course of a few pages. Would have liked a little more suspense

The ending alone however, added a whole star to my review. I definitely didn't see it coming and an unpredictable twist will always be a win in my eyes.

Vicious Heir
I received a free ARC, but this review is my honest opinion of the book
Rating: 4.5 stars
This definitely kept me glued to the pages, and I read it in one sitting. Emma was a loveable character, and Angel is certainly swoon-worthy. I loved the inclusion of family dynamics and the emphasis on Angel’s troubled upbringing being raised in the mafia. I wish there was a little more time for more emotional development between Emma and Angel in their relationship. Perhaps this will occur more in future books in the series that could help with that. Mafia romances can be a little dark or brutal, but having read other books like this before, this was pretty much what I expected. The cliffhanger ending definitely left me wanting to get the next book.

I'm always a bit reluctant to start books that I know are going to end on a cliffhanger, but the blurb for this one drew me in and I'm glad that it did. Emma finds herself drawn into the world of a cartel. I enjoy dark mafia books and this one certainly fits into that genre.
Emma and Angel work well together, with him bringing out an unexpected and dark side in her while she brings out the good in him. This couple might have been forced together but it's clear that they have feelings for one another and explosive chemistry.
As I said before, this book ends on a cliffhanger, and having read the blurb for the next book in the series (not due until October, how will I cope!) I'm not quite sure how the ending to this book will work and resolve itself in the next. I am keen to find out though and will certainly be checking it out when it arrives.
This was a strong first book in a series and one that I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Everything you could want! The chemistry between Emma and Angel is so well written, and I'm obsessed with Manny. But how could you leave it ending like that!? I need the next book yesterday.

The opening of Vicious heir by Bella Ash, well, I like a book that jumps straight to action and that is exactly what Ms Ash has done here. Starting off with a heavy, yet short, action scene to introduce the characters. I haven't come across that in many books, and it definitely had me frantically flipping the pages for more.
Quickly the story turns from extremely violent to aggressive to lightly erotic. What a combination to have over the first few pages. But, I'm here for it! There was so much going on from the start which usually can be confusing, however this was written so well that the only confusion I had was translating between languages. I get that the MMC is Spanish but I don't know much of the language other then 'Hola' and 'por favor' so resorted to trusty old Google translate for help. That did get a little tiring.

The chapters are written in first person narration, alternating between Emma and Angel. Now this is fine and I love the style, but in parts of the chapters nearer the end of the book the narration seemed to fall apart a little where it seemed that maybe Ms Ash had forgotten which character was telling us the story. A genuine mistake I am sure.

In parts I feel there is a lot of info dumping and filler words which, for me, was just not necessary, especially when there were parts of the story that could have been extended, such as the intimate scenes. As an avid reader of romance erotica I found the scenes hot but more of a 🌶 rather than the 🌶🌶🌶🌶+ there was so much that could have been done with these, it kind of felt to me as Ms Ash just wasn't feeling it. Which is a shame because as a writer she is very talented.

Without giving to much away on the story itself,  because I really could go deep into detail with this one, it is a great piece of work, minus the cliffhanger ending, which yes, I am BITTER about! But I did enjoy is and would recommend. Just be prepared to throw your kindle at your pillow! I thoroughly look forward to reading more by Ms Ash.

After saving Marco from an assassination attempt, Emma is forced to marry Angel, the heir of a mafia organization. This is a typical "marriage of convenience" mafia love story, and though I'm a big sucker for these cheap stories, I felt that there were several aspects that left the story wanting for more.

Emma and Angel lack chemistry; they banter a few times, but there was never any tangible or genuine connection, besides their shared grief about their dead mothers. At the same time, Ash tries to establish an inner struggle for both protagonists to keep away from each other. Emma is scared of her brutish husband, yet she is not fazed by his cruelty or when she sees him murder people; she is rather turned on. Same with Angel. He wants to keep her at arm's length, yet they are all over each other from the get-go. There is no build-up to any kind of believable romance.

I could go on about additional discrepancies, but I'm going to leave it at that. And don't get me started on the brushed-off sexual assault situation or the weird cliffhanger which presumably won't be addressed in the next book.

All in all, this romance is just another mafia love story. People with no standards will probably like it.