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75_sweetestbook's review
5.0
their just isnt enough words to explain this story. This is a dark read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing style is amazing with these to authors. You like you are right their and can feel the alpha and the wittyness through out this book. Cant wait for the next book so need soon.
sonialusiveira's review
5.0
4,5 stars
Bad Blood is a true enemies-to-lovers modern tale. Though I didn't get to read the Carrera prequel, I still follow the story well. Santi and Thalia are the son and daughter of two rival cartel bosses who've been in a war for decades. To avenge the Carrera cartel's action toward his sister (told in the prequel), Santi blackmailed Thalia into marrying him. Amidst the hate, lust bloomed. It is a very slow burn and angsty romance. Both Santi and Thalia are very sympathetic characters. I love how Thalia started as a strong cartel princess and remained so throughout the story and not a "I hate you but you're so hot my body betrayed me" submissive heroine. It was also great to read about the parent/children interactions here. On to the second book now cause that cliffy needs answers.
Bad Blood is a true enemies-to-lovers modern tale. Though I didn't get to read the Carrera prequel, I still follow the story well. Santi and Thalia are the son and daughter of two rival cartel bosses who've been in a war for decades. To avenge the Carrera cartel's action toward his sister (told in the prequel), Santi blackmailed Thalia into marrying him. Amidst the hate, lust bloomed. It is a very slow burn and angsty romance. Both Santi and Thalia are very sympathetic characters. I love how Thalia started as a strong cartel princess and remained so throughout the story and not a "I hate you but you're so hot my body betrayed me" submissive heroine. It was also great to read about the parent/children interactions here. On to the second book now cause that cliffy needs answers.
kaydanielsromance's review
4.0
A slow burning, dark romance set in the mafia world. Two families pitted against one another, but also bound by a generational feud. Perhaps it's time the youth finally sets turns the tide on the war.
The title of the book is perfect for the long standing feud between the Santiago and Carrera families. Bad Blood goes back long before Thalia Santiago and Santi Carrera ever met, but the feud is still in existence when Thalia walks into Santi's casino.
Thalia is trying to help her sister, Ella, when she finds herself caught in Santi's web and the only way out is through a forced marriage. Caught between two different forms of blackmail which led her to Santi's casino in the first place, Thalia is just trying to survive all of the alpha males who live in her world. I like the spunk and sass in her attitude. She doesn't take being a cartel princess lying down and it's exactly the backbone she needs to survive as Santi's new wife.
Santi Carrera never saw himself getting married, but when Thalia walked through his doors she presented him with the perfect opportunity to expand his business along the east coast. She was in deep and he had an offer she couldn't turn down. There is nothing better for business than using his own personal pawn for an advantage and he will take everything from Thalia and her family while giving nothing in return.
While there were a lot of moving pieces to the mafia moments, there were some nice twists that I rather enjoyed. Thalia's quick witted spirit and Santi's outspoken sister were other ones. I think these bold women will be a driving force as this duet continues and I will certainly enjoy reading how they bring certain men to their knees when the time comes.
The overall romance was a slow burn, which didn't grant a lot of tension to build between Thalia and Sant. The mounting tension was directed more between the warring families and Thalia's personal issue, so the couple didn't get to spend a lot of time together in the beginning. Just as the chemistry really started to mount the book ended on quite a cliffhanger...so I'm sure there will be a lot more coming in the second half of this duet.
The title of the book is perfect for the long standing feud between the Santiago and Carrera families. Bad Blood goes back long before Thalia Santiago and Santi Carrera ever met, but the feud is still in existence when Thalia walks into Santi's casino.
Thalia is trying to help her sister, Ella, when she finds herself caught in Santi's web and the only way out is through a forced marriage. Caught between two different forms of blackmail which led her to Santi's casino in the first place, Thalia is just trying to survive all of the alpha males who live in her world. I like the spunk and sass in her attitude. She doesn't take being a cartel princess lying down and it's exactly the backbone she needs to survive as Santi's new wife.
Santi Carrera never saw himself getting married, but when Thalia walked through his doors she presented him with the perfect opportunity to expand his business along the east coast. She was in deep and he had an offer she couldn't turn down. There is nothing better for business than using his own personal pawn for an advantage and he will take everything from Thalia and her family while giving nothing in return.
While there were a lot of moving pieces to the mafia moments, there were some nice twists that I rather enjoyed. Thalia's quick witted spirit and Santi's outspoken sister were other ones. I think these bold women will be a driving force as this duet continues and I will certainly enjoy reading how they bring certain men to their knees when the time comes.
The overall romance was a slow burn, which didn't grant a lot of tension to build between Thalia and Sant. The mounting tension was directed more between the warring families and Thalia's personal issue, so the couple didn't get to spend a lot of time together in the beginning. Just as the chemistry really started to mount the book ended on quite a cliffhanger...so I'm sure there will be a lot more coming in the second half of this duet.
pattyfgd's review
5.0
Bad Blood
A Dark Mafia Romance (Corrupt Gods Duet, Book 1)
By: Cora Kenborn, Catherine Wiltcher
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stephanie Nemeth Parker
Santi and Thalia. What a pair! Cora Kenborn and Catherine Wiltcher had me at the first encounter, with Santi catching Thalia in the act of stealing from him. Now in his debt, and a feud between families, the fun begins. Forced into marriage with her father's enemy, Thalia is going to do whatever it takes to keep her sister safe. The chemistry is off the charts, and though enemies, the two are explosive together. And though family enemies, the two have a common goal, and the danger of the possible outcome is becoming real. This story is exciting and on the edge of your seat thrilling. The steam is high, the passion incredible. Wiltcher and Kenborn leave us wanting the second in this duet! I can't wait!
Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Nemeth Parker make a fantastic team. Shedlock uses that Mexican accent of his, winning my heart immediately. But I really love the danger he inflects in his voice, making the alpha come alive. Parker is amazing as Thalia. She has a strength in her voice that comes through and creates a personality perfectly fit for Thalia. The two are great together and I am looking forward to book 2!
A Dark Mafia Romance (Corrupt Gods Duet, Book 1)
By: Cora Kenborn, Catherine Wiltcher
Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stephanie Nemeth Parker
Santi and Thalia. What a pair! Cora Kenborn and Catherine Wiltcher had me at the first encounter, with Santi catching Thalia in the act of stealing from him. Now in his debt, and a feud between families, the fun begins. Forced into marriage with her father's enemy, Thalia is going to do whatever it takes to keep her sister safe. The chemistry is off the charts, and though enemies, the two are explosive together. And though family enemies, the two have a common goal, and the danger of the possible outcome is becoming real. This story is exciting and on the edge of your seat thrilling. The steam is high, the passion incredible. Wiltcher and Kenborn leave us wanting the second in this duet! I can't wait!
Aaron Shedlock and Stephanie Nemeth Parker make a fantastic team. Shedlock uses that Mexican accent of his, winning my heart immediately. But I really love the danger he inflects in his voice, making the alpha come alive. Parker is amazing as Thalia. She has a strength in her voice that comes through and creates a personality perfectly fit for Thalia. The two are great together and I am looking forward to book 2!
kelly_reads_books's review
5.0
This dynamic duo of authors, Cora Kenborn and Catherine Wiltcher, has penned an amazing story that encompasses the two amazing families the Carreras and the Santiago's in an explosive and volatile tale.
These two families are still at war from past battles but the line is drawn when a counting cards Santiago enter a Carrera casino to bilk them of thousands of dollars. The reaction is a marriage and an enemy line crossed.
That ending should be illegal, how can you leave me hanging like that??
I can't wait for Tainted Blood!!
These two families are still at war from past battles but the line is drawn when a counting cards Santiago enter a Carrera casino to bilk them of thousands of dollars. The reaction is a marriage and an enemy line crossed.
That ending should be illegal, how can you leave me hanging like that??
I can't wait for Tainted Blood!!
theblackstepford's review against another edition
Fantastically boring. The first 20% was ok, good even. After 20-25% I didn’t care about what happened, in the least. Don’t care and all characters are boring. Won’t be reading the next book either.
thebookplatypus91's review
5.0
“To The next generation, their hate became a new hate, their pain became a new pain.”
Oh wow! I loved this! I am a huge fan of Catherine Wiltcher and I know all about the Santiago’s and family.
I don’t know the back story of the Carrera’s but reading what I just read I absolutely am going to go back and read about Valentin Carrera, Santi’s father, and his life in the Carrera Cartel trilogy.
So we have a new generation here where the younger generation has contributed to the cycle of enemy lines.
“You are a Carrera. A sin against one is a sin against all. We don’t rest until vengeance has been claimed and blood has been spilled. “
Thalia has a heart of gold when she tries to keep her sister out of the hands of evil. One video could shatter her sisters dreams and future, so Thalia is willing to use her “talent” of counting cards to win quick money to pay off someone who has that video, so it can be destroyed.
The problem is Thalia walked into the wrong casino and right into the arms of Santi Carrera.
Santi isn’t going to let the enemy just walk away without making her pay the price. He comes up with an interesting plan..
Here comes one of my favorite tropes.
Forced marriage.
“Blood and bullets are temporary, but betrayal...Well, that’s forever. And there’s no greater betrayal to a father than his daughter taking the name of his enemy. “
Oh, do we get a small scene with daddy Dante Santiago and oh my god. The man hasn’t changed.
Thalia and Santi are physically attracted to each other. It was inevitable that two extremely attractive people would end up in lust with each other. It’s a heat and lust filled relationship full of banter. Its rough and fast and sexual and dripping in desire.
“I won’t stop devouring this p*ssy until you do, and then I’m turning you over and tongue-f**king your as* until you forget you ever had the name before Carrera.”
But enemies are enemies. The enemies of your fathers are the enemies of yours as well. Lines are crossed and no one is allowed to step over them. Except for now. Temporarily.
Because the one thing that the Santiago’s and Carrera’s will never allow into their territory is sex trafficking. And someone is pushing dead women into shipping containers right onto their doorsteps.
Someone is hosting a sex trafficking event highlighting daughters of the mafia/cartel/etc.
And someone wants Thalia.
So, this book leaves off on a crazy cliffhanger.
I’ll be slowly dying till I get my greedy hands on book two.
Oh wow! I loved this! I am a huge fan of Catherine Wiltcher and I know all about the Santiago’s and family.
I don’t know the back story of the Carrera’s but reading what I just read I absolutely am going to go back and read about Valentin Carrera, Santi’s father, and his life in the Carrera Cartel trilogy.
So we have a new generation here where the younger generation has contributed to the cycle of enemy lines.
“You are a Carrera. A sin against one is a sin against all. We don’t rest until vengeance has been claimed and blood has been spilled. “
Thalia has a heart of gold when she tries to keep her sister out of the hands of evil. One video could shatter her sisters dreams and future, so Thalia is willing to use her “talent” of counting cards to win quick money to pay off someone who has that video, so it can be destroyed.
The problem is Thalia walked into the wrong casino and right into the arms of Santi Carrera.
Santi isn’t going to let the enemy just walk away without making her pay the price. He comes up with an interesting plan..
Here comes one of my favorite tropes.
Forced marriage.
“Blood and bullets are temporary, but betrayal...Well, that’s forever. And there’s no greater betrayal to a father than his daughter taking the name of his enemy. “
Oh, do we get a small scene with daddy Dante Santiago and oh my god. The man hasn’t changed.
Thalia and Santi are physically attracted to each other. It was inevitable that two extremely attractive people would end up in lust with each other. It’s a heat and lust filled relationship full of banter. Its rough and fast and sexual and dripping in desire.
“I won’t stop devouring this p*ssy until you do, and then I’m turning you over and tongue-f**king your as* until you forget you ever had the name before Carrera.”
But enemies are enemies. The enemies of your fathers are the enemies of yours as well. Lines are crossed and no one is allowed to step over them. Except for now. Temporarily.
Because the one thing that the Santiago’s and Carrera’s will never allow into their territory is sex trafficking. And someone is pushing dead women into shipping containers right onto their doorsteps.
Someone is hosting a sex trafficking event highlighting daughters of the mafia/cartel/etc.
And someone wants Thalia.
So, this book leaves off on a crazy cliffhanger.
I’ll be slowly dying till I get my greedy hands on book two.
astravars_thrubooks's review
DNF @63% : This started fairly well and then the characters all drank some kind of edgy potion and I can't deal with them anymore.
The whole she's an angel and i'm the devil thing was so overdone it just eyeroll worthy now and why do you call her a little girl when you're barely 3 years older? Do i mention that he goes, in the span of 2 days, from hating her guts and promising to never lay a finger on her to saying how she drives him crazy for no other reason that she wears small shorts? Pfff this was an epic fail at creating tension.
'How appropriate : shadow and light, twisted together in a forbidden union.
But if she refuses to submit to me, I'll make us both suffer.
I'm one of Santi Carrera's torture victims, but instead of missing fingers, my scars are on the inside, like survival lines scratched into a prison.
The whole she's an angel and i'm the devil thing was so overdone it just eyeroll worthy now and why do you call her a little girl when you're barely 3 years older? Do i mention that he goes, in the span of 2 days, from hating her guts and promising to never lay a finger on her to saying how she drives him crazy for no other reason that she wears small shorts? Pfff this was an epic fail at creating tension.
'How appropriate : shadow and light, twisted together in a forbidden union.
But if she refuses to submit to me, I'll make us both suffer.
I'm one of Santi Carrera's torture victims, but instead of missing fingers, my scars are on the inside, like survival lines scratched into a prison.
riri8's review
4.0
Nando’s Spice Rating: Medium (but I think the 2nd book will be much spicier and also keep in mind the darker themes of this book so this won’t be medium for everyone)
I actually enjoyed this book. There was the right amount of content in this book for the length.
You don’t have to read the prequel series and you will still understand it. Although I think there are certain hints to the original two series for nostalgia reasons but I didn’t think it made a difference if you had read the books or not.
I can’t quite pinpoint what is missing in this book but it just didn’t quite give me 5 stars even though I really liked it.
I actually enjoyed this book. There was the right amount of content in this book for the length.
You don’t have to read the prequel series and you will still understand it. Although I think there are certain hints to the original two series for nostalgia reasons but I didn’t think it made a difference if you had read the books or not.
I can’t quite pinpoint what is missing in this book but it just didn’t quite give me 5 stars even though I really liked it.