"Twisted Secrets" is a gripping and passionate tale of love and redemption that had me hooked from the very first page. Olivia Rashidi's determination to break free from her mafia family's grip sets the stage for a thrilling journey, and her complex relationship with Cillian O'Malley adds layers of intrigue and intensity. Cillian's haunting past and Olivia's unwavering belief in him create a sizzling chemistry that leaps off the pages. As the two navigate a world rife with greed and violence, their connection becomes a lifeline neither expected. The book masterfully explores themes of vulnerability, ambition, and the enduring power of love, making it a must-read for fans of steamy romance and thrilling suspense. "Twisted Secrets" is a rollercoaster of emotions, with a story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ /5
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 .5/5

Katee has done it again!

I have been absolutely loving this series! This is the third book in the O'Malley Series and follows Cillian as he battles his demons and finds love along the way.

I wasn't initially as drawn to Cillian but this book definitely changed my mind. He is so tortured after the traumas that his family has suffered. When he meets Olivia he finally finds someone that can quiet the pain in his mind. I felt for Cillian as he let people believe the worst of him as it was easier than admitting everything he was going through. I loved as he opened up to Olivia and how they found so much support and love with each other. I was especially sold in the way Cillian bonded with Olivia's daughter. It was just beautiful.

Katee also brought the spice and wow were these two explosive together! It was a good balance between spice and plot, though I would have liked a little more time with Olivia and Cillian together at the end. I can't wait for book 4!

Live to fight another day...

Olivia is a mother to a young daughter, Hadley.
Cillian is on the edge. He's a hot mess, as is Olivia. She's motivated to keep her daughter safe from the mob. Lot's of drama with plenty of steam, This is a very different contemporary mafia read than the Olympus series, but still an entertaining, fast paced read.
Recommend.
4.5

Yet another captivating by the amazing Katee Robert. Katee always managed to write stories that are captivating and enthralling with characters that are addicting and plots that are exciting and intense. I never fail to love every book I read by Katee, and this book is no exception. This series has been set up so well throughout each book. We get books for specific characters, however the dynamic of the family and what we learn gets carried through each book which I adore. I'm not always a fan of mafia romances, it has to be done a certain way for me to truly enjoy myself while reading. And Katee (no surprise) does manage to make it such a fun reading experience and write characters that I just love so much. *Thank you Forever Publishing for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Twisted Secrets by Katee Robert is book 3 in The O'Malleys Series. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the books in series order as there are characters and things referenced which will make the story flow better. This is the story of Olivia Rashidi and Cillian O'Malley. Olivia Rashidi is trying to escape the clutches of her powerful and dangerous family. She is barely making ends meet working at a bar that is in O'Malley territory. Cillian O'Malley has had his eye on Olivia since she started working there. It's obvious she wants nothing to do with him, but it doesn't stop him from trying. I loved this story and the backstory of the characters. Such a great read!

As usual, this was hot and well-written. Cillian is lovely. I don't read mob romance very often, but seem to enjoy them and this had great action and tension. Really fun. Robert has such an extensive back-catalogue and I hadn't gotten to this series yet. Thanks for the opportunity.

Thank you to Forever Paperbook & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first “Mob” read in a really long time, and man did I forgot how much I love them. And not to mention the spice was off the charts with this!!

In the aftermath of his younger brothers sudden death Cillian O’Malley is walking around living life as a shell of his former self. He gave up drinking, and smoking and is just going through the motions everyday. He goes to the same bar every night and orders his Apple Juice from the bartender, Olivia. One night after her shift things heat up in the alleyway, and they’re intimate. After that Cillian cannot get her out of his head. Bud Olivia has her guard up against meeting new people, because she is trying to outrun the life her crime family wanted for her. She also has a 14 month old baby girl named Hadley who she is trying to keep safe, and sheltered from a life with the mob. As their relationship heats up, and Olivia is threatened by her family she is forced to run. But Cillian refuses to let her go, and joins her. Will they be able to outrun the danger that is chasing them down? And will they ever be able to be together, with their families in opposing crime families?

This story was definitely spicy romance, and even part thriller with the action scenes. But most importantly it delivered the best HEA. And now I’m eager to read the rest of the books in the series!

This series delves into the intriguing world of the O'Malley family, wealthy and scandalous. In this installment, Olivia Rashidi strives to distance herself and her daughter from her Russian mob heritage of greed and brutality. When she crosses paths with Cillian O'Malley, the sparks are undeniable, even with the shadow of his family's reputation looming. Cillian battles his haunted past and addiction, and Olivia's resilience draws him in. As they navigate their complicated connection, secrets unravel Olivia's rival crime family ties and Cillian's vulnerabilities. Amid the backdrop of crime and family dynamics, Robert crafts a story of unexpected love. The unconventional relationship between Olivia and Cillian unfolds amidst danger, delivering a tale of passion and sacrifice woven into the intricate fabric of organized crime and family bonds.

Whew this story was explosive in a way only Katee Robert can achieve! The series revolves around the O'Malley siblings and this one focuses on Cillian. Loved their relationship in this one and while I wished we had a little more relationship growth, I adored Cillian and his personal growth in this one! Definitely be sure to pick up all of these in the series because they are sooooo good.

"Twisted Secrets" by Katee Robert is a scorching and intense romance novel that delves into the dangerous world of organized crime and the passionate connection between two individuals caught in its web. With a magnetic blend of heat, suspense, and complex characters, Robert weaves a gripping tale of love and redemption.

At the heart of the story is Olivia Rashidi, a woman determined to break free from her family's criminal legacy and create a better life for her daughter. When she crosses paths with Cillian O’Malley, a man with his own dark past and deep wounds, their attraction is immediate and electric. However, both carry burdens that threaten to tear them apart, and as their feelings grow, they find themselves entangled in a world of danger and power struggles.

The chemistry between Olivia and Cillian sizzles off the pages, creating an undeniable tension that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Katee Robert skillfully crafts their relationship, infusing it with emotional depth and vulnerability that adds layers to their characters and the narrative.

The novel's exploration of themes such as family loyalty, redemption, and the desire for a fresh start adds depth to the story and elevates it beyond a simple romance. The characters' inner struggles and growth over the course of the book make them relatable and endearing, while the suspenseful plot keeps the reader on edge, eagerly turning pages to uncover each twist and revelation.

Katee Robert's writing is both sensual and compelling, drawing readers into the world of organized crime and the complexities of human emotion. "Twisted Secrets" offers a balance of steamy romance, action-packed drama, and heartwarming moments, making it a captivating read that will leave fans of romance and suspense thoroughly satisfied.

Olivia knows trouble when she sees it, and Cillian O'Malley is trouble. As the son of the local mafia boss, she knows she should stay as far away from him as she can - especially since she's running from the her past involvement with the Russian mafia in NYC. She should be focusing on her daughter Hadley, but their chemistry is undeniable and the two find themselves drawn to each another.

Cillian is trying to change after witnessing the murder of his brother, but his can't see it. The see him as a party boy, a womanizer, and not someone who can settle down or be responsible. His feelings for Olivia are anything but casual, and he's willing to do the unthinkable to be with her.

I wasn't aware that this was the third book in a series, so I was confused by some of the characters and events that didn't seem to have an explanation - this definitely can't be read as a standalone. Olivia's constant flip-flopping irritated me, but despite that and my plot/character confusion, I enjoyed reading Twisted Secrets. I'm curious if I can get my hands on copies of the first two books in this series, as well as the final three.

4/5

This one was so hot. Cillian has the very typical Katee "obsessed hero" vibes but in true Katee fashioned it made me even more obsessed with him. Olivia. A queen in her own right, she could step on me and I'd say thank you. Their chemistry was freaking insane, they couldn't keep their hands off each other and it was delicious. I am so glad these are getting re-pubbed. I love the new covers so much.

Thank you Forever for the advanced copy!

Katie does it once more- very easy and straightforward read. Very very spicy, very romance forward. The only qualm would be that it was a super quick burn. I would have loved if the storyline could have been stretched a bit.

I am truly a fan of anything Katee Robert does so this may be a bit biased. Robert's books are always easy and quick reads, and this one was no different. I was sucked into the mafia world Robert created and I couldn't stop reading (and I will be the first to say that mafia romance is not usually for me). For whatever reason, I have not read the second book in the series yet, and just skipped right to this one, and it was not confusing at all. Katee does a really good job of filling the reader in on what had happened in the previous books, without it being too heavy handed for those who had been reading in order.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: August 29, 2023

Sexual content: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Twisted Secrets is a polished republished (and renamed) book in a series by Katee Robert. This book is part of the O’Malley series. Although I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, it was great as a standalone with a little background sprinkled within the story.

Cillian O’Malley is broken. Once the party boy of the family, once tragedy struck his younger brother Cillian has been trying to stay on the straight and narrow. Trouble seems to find him regardless of how hard he tries to avoid it.

Olivia Rashidi serves Cillian in his favourite neighborhood bar. She knows guys like him and isn’t interested. Olivia removed herself and her young daughter from clutches of her half- brother and head of the local Russian mafia. Seeing Cillian reminds her how much she needs to stay away from that lifestyle.

There is immediate chemistry between Cillian and Olivia and before either of them even realize, they are falling in love. When Olivia’s brother and ex go after her, Cillian with stop at nothing to protect her and her young daughter, even if it’s means turning his back on his family.

This was a good story. It was definitely okay to read as a stand-alone but I would have liked more background so might be looking to read this series from the beginning. I enjoyed Olivia and Cillians chemistry, the steamy scenes were on point and super spicy! This is a 4 star read for me!

#NetGalley #twistedsecrets #kateerobert

Twisted Secrets by Katee Robert is one of my favorite mafia romance reads.
Mafia Romance is one of my all time favorite tropes and this story here was intoxicating.
Olivia and Cillian and their desirable chemistry was off the damn charts. I loved the tension between them and their chemistry was crazy.
Robert‘s writing was fantastic, the characters were engaging, and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish.

"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!

Twisted Secrets by Katee Robert is book Three in The O'Malleys Series. This is the story of Olivia Rashidi and Cillian O'Malley. Olivia has escaped with her baby girl from the Romanov family in New York. Olivia is now in Boston working at a bar to help support them. This is where she meets Cillian who is a part of the mafia family. Which sends warning signs to her but their attraction runs deep. This was a remake/refresh of this book and was so glad to get the chance to read it.

🖤 only one bed
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Single mom


“Karma is a serious bitch, because that’s the only way to explain that the one woman I fall head over heels in love with is the one I have to let go in order to keep her safe.


Cillian O’Malley blames himself for the death of his youngest brother after he was shot in a drive by after leaving a bar. Cillian also hasn’t drank since that night it happened and nurses apple juice when he is up at the bar. Olivia Rashidi is the bartender at Cillians favorite & least favorite local bar and is always short with him. When Cillian leaves a rather large tip on the counter she tracks him down pretty quick outside & the tension and heat has already begun.

Olivia is related to the Russians as she’s the bastard child of Andrei Romanov who didn’t acknowledge her for 22 years until on his death bed. She has a daughter with Sergei but he hasn’t been active in their lives. So when Sergei pops up unannounced at her door she knows they are trying to bring her back to NY.

Cillian and Olivia fall pretty quickly for each other although she doesn’t want to. Her ex and her brother are lurking and trying to bring her back into the fold of the Russian mob. Her brother threatens to take her daughter Hadley if she refuses to come home. She of course calls Cillian to aid her in disappearing.

They run off to his families home out Of state to try to stay safe but craziness occurs when Sergei kidnaps Hadley while they are sleeping. It’s a rush against the clock to find her.

This book was fast paced and very enjoyable to read. Thank you Katee Robert, the publisher & NetGalley for letting me read this book and the previous two in this series that is being re published under the new titles.

If you are a fan of Katee’s then you definitely need to pick up this series!

3/5. Re-releases 9/26/2023.

Vibes: (light) mafia, hard-nosed single mom, enemies to lovers with actual stakes, and immediate action (in every sense).

Olivia has been burned, multiple times, by her mafia family. She's determined to keep her daughter as safe as possible. So despite her eagerness to indulge in a no-strings relationship with Cillian O'Malley, she knows she shouldn't. She shouldn't! She really shouldn't. But Cillian is deeper than he seems, and she can't quite resist their immediate connection...

I think Katee Robert is a talented writer, but she is a bit hit or miss for me. I'm starting to figure out what works for me with regards to work and what doesn't--this wasn't quite a hit. But I see why this series is popular, and if you're looking for something on the gentler side of mafia romances (I wouldn't personally call this dark romance based on the hero) this could really work for you.

Quick Takes:

--I do appreciate that Katee's books often jump right into the action, both in terms of the sex and in terms of the story. Cillian and Olivia don't waste any time dancing around each other. They're immediately about it, and they hook up quickly. It's a real "bang first, get feelings later" book, which is a device I'm vocal about loving.

As someone who isn't a huge fan of the single parent romance (and I can't say this book changed that, but Katee was very restrained on the kid factor, so good job there) I did like that Olivia didn't magically become a flawless person because she was a mom. She's young. She makes impulsive decisions. She has desires beyond her child. That child does come first, but being a mom isn't Olivia's only identity. She was a likable heroine, and I got her.

--Cillian is... sweet. Yes, he's connected, yes, he's dangerous I suppose, but emotionally he's sweet and concerned about things like consent and making Olivia feel safe and checking in and so on and so on and so on. I'm realizing... that isn't really what I'm looking for in mafia romances (to be clear, I'm pretty sure that the mafia families throughout this series are Irish and Russian, which--different vibes from mafia mafia, but very much organized crime). That's not on Katee. It's personal preference. I just like my mafia heroes to be kinda the worst. They soften for their heroines, but they aren't immediately as civilized as Cillian.

To be fair, Cillian is dealing with some pretty clear PTSD and survivor's guilt and general fallout from a traumatic event. I just think that by setting this story after that event happens, you're removed a bit from a lot of potential tension. This is a guy who perhaps was worse in the past, and now he's trying to be better, and that's lovely, but... it just didn't really work for me. If you want someone who is theoretically bad but doesn't actually feel bad, this is a hero for you. I just would've preferred him to be rougher around the edges.

--For me, I think Katee works best in a heightened world where she goes for it a bit more (like her Bargain with a Demon series, or perhaps the Wicked Villains series). This felt restrained, which is not what I want in a mafia book. Now, if you don't read or like mafia books generally, this may not feel restrained at all. But when I compare it to my favorite mafia romances, it kind of does.

The Sex Stuff:

There are a solid amount of sex scenes in this book, and they're good and varied and satisfying. It's Katee Robert--she can write a sex scene. Because I wasn't really connecting with Cillian as a hero, I think they didn't super hit in my case. But they were good!

This is another case of "not quite dark enough" mafia romance for me. However, as I've been stressing... this could totally work for SO many people, and this is a re-release of a popular novel. So it has! Try it out if you'd like to try this genre, with a less insane, less mean hero.

Thanks to Forever and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'd like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and Katee Robert for providing me with the e-book. While I usually found myself more drawn to the female lead in the first two books, this time, Cillian stole the show. There's just something about a sexy, tattooed, tortured soul with a kind heart that gets me every time.

What truly set this book apart for me was Cillian's unwavering commitment to consent and his profound respect for the choices of his partner. It was a refreshing departure from the typical mafia romance trope. It's essential to change the narrative surrounding men and consent, proving that you can be a brooding alpha bad boy while still respecting your partner's right to say no or change their mind at any moment.

While I wasn't entirely enamored with the 'bastard daughter' subplot, the dynamics between Olivia and Hadley were undeniably endearing, even though Hadley seemed more like 24 months than 14 months old. I'm hoping Hadley makes an appearance in future books.

This book is for you If you like:
• Mafia romance
• Forbidden love
• Intense 'touch her and die' vibes
• Single moms navigating love
• Forced proximity igniting passion
• Steamy encounters right from the get-go