Beaten, broken, and discarded - that was Serena's life for so long. Trapped in a nightmare of abuse and suffering, she had resigned herself to an early grave. But fate had other plans. Plucked from the shadows, she found herself thrust into a world of power, wealth, and danger - a family of notorious mafia dons who offered her a chance at a new life. Serena thought she had finally escaped her haunted past, but fate has other plans. Now she finds herself torn between the safety of shadows and the burning passion of a man who sees through her carefully constructed walls. Alexei is darkness incarnate - a powerful mafia king with blood on his hands and ice in his veins. But when it comes to Serena, his control shatters. She awakens something primal within him, a possessive need that threatens to consume them both. As enemies close in from all sides, Serena and her dangerous lover must face impossible odds to survive. Family secrets, betrayal, and a looming threat push them to their limits. In a world where trust is a luxury and love is a weakness, can their fragile bond withstand the storm? This explosive finale brings the "Empire of Blood" saga to its stunning conclusion. When passion collides with duty and darkness threatens to eclipse the light, Serena must decide if she's willing to risk everything for a love that defies all boundaries. This is Book 3 of the Empire of Blood series. Book 1, Veil of Secrets and Book 2, Web of Secrets are recommended to be read first.

The pre-dawn arrests of the last remaining mafiosi in December 2008 signalled the end of the Sicilian Mafia as we know it. In Mafia: Inside the Dark Heart, A.G.D. Maran charts the complete history of the world's most infamous criminal organisation, from its first incarnation as an alternative form of local government in the Sicilian countryside and arguable force for 'good' to the more familiar form that has been immortalised in films such as The Godfather, and its final defeat after a long-awaited change of attitude by the Italian government. The author has used his many Italian contacts and a decade of exhaustive research to bring to life the story of the Sicilian Mafia while also exploring the links to the Cosa Nostra in America. Along the way, he asks many provocative questions, including: Why was Lucky Luciano, the father of modern organised crime, freed from a life sentence in America and deported to Italy, allowing him to organise the international drug trade? Was the Mafia involved in the death of Pope John Paul I? Why did the Mafia murder Roberto Calvi, known as God's Banker? What is the relationship between the Mafia and Freemasonry? Why did successive Italian governments fail to tackle the Mafia? Why did it take 40 years to find the Last Godfathers? These and many other riveting issues are covered in Maran's refreshing new take on a perennially enthralling subject.

The New York Times bestselling author “deposits the reader back into the wonderful world of Cloudburst Falls, West Virginia where mortals and magicks mix.”—Book Swoon As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there’s no escaping the spotlight—or the danger. Even though he’s my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what’s supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious “accidents,” it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt. As if I didn’t have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone’s going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing’s for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else . . . Praise for Cold Burn of Magic, the first Black Blade novel “An adventurous ride you will never want to get off.”—Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Jennifer Estep is a genius!”—Simply Nerdy “Packed with action and a nice twist, this is just the book for fans of the Mythos Academy series who want more Jennifer Estep.”—Bristol Herald Courier

Serena Fiori has finally found a sense of belonging within her newfound mafia family, yet the darkness of her past continues to haunt her. Navigating the world of the Italian underworld, the young beauty is determined to break free from the chains of her traumatic past and embrace the protection offered by her powerful brothers. However, her newfound happiness is threatened when a chance reunion sparks a dangerous obsession from a man who was once her tormentor. Forced to confront her deepest fears, Serena must make a choice - succumb to the shadows, or find the strength to fight back with the aid of the one man who burns for her completely. Enter the ruthless Alexei Volkov, heir to the Russian Bratva. Alexei is a man driven by primal, possessive instincts - he will stop at nothing to shield Serena from. With an iron will and a body honed for dominance, he'll crush anyone who dares to stand between him and the captivating woman who has ensnared his blackened heart. As the Fiori and Volkov families join forces to eliminate the sinister forces closing in, Serena finds herself caught in a deadly game of power, passion and retribution. Can she trust Alexei to be her champion, or will the emerging secrets and lies tear her world apart once more? This is Book 2 of the Empire of Blood series. Book 1, Veil of Secrets, is recommended to be read first.

The moment I discover that my competitor for a critical contract is none other than billionaire Quinn Nikolis, I can't help but curse my luck. Successful and arrogant, Quinn has a reputation for playing dirty, but giving up isn't in my DNA. I'm determined to find a way to win, even if I have to get close to him to do it. It turns out incredibly sexy Quinn is far from what I expected, and the sizzling attraction between us is undeniable. Soon I realize that I want him. All of him. I want to make him mine in every way possible. But when I learn his secret, I have just what I need to destroy him and secure the contract for myself. The only question is, should I go through with my plan or follow my heart? This standalone contains strong language and sexual content.

Serena had spent her entire life feeling like an outsider, never knowing the truth about her family's dark legacy. Raised in the shadows by an abusive stepfather, she was unaware of the powerful crime syndicate that claimed her as its own. That all changes when a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with the infamous Fiori family - her biological relatives. Thrust into their world of luxury, danger and well-guarded secrets, Serena must navigate the deceitful halls of the Italian mafia to uncover the truth about her past. As she grows closer to her newfound brothers and her new life, Serena finds herself irresistibly drawn to Alexei Volkov - the dangerously tempting heir to the Russian Bratva. He promises Serena the answers she craves, but at what cost? Serena becomes entangled in a web of lies, betrayal and deadly ambition. Someone is out to destroy the Fiori empire, and they'll use Serena as the perfect pawn. In a race against time, Serena must unravel the explosive secrets of her lineage before the dark forces closing in tear her new family apart. With her own life on the line, she must decide who she can trust - and what she's willing to sacrifice - to finally belong. This is the Book 1 of the Empire of Blood series. It can be read as an Standalone.

Stella Ruiz has been in the limelight since she was ten years old. She's known as the princess of the Mexican Cartel, the perfect socialite, and the eldest daughter of the head of the Mexican Cartel. Malik Rahim keeps in the shadows and likes to keep his private life private. If he could stay out of the public's eye forever, he would. There's nothing he hates more than people and socializing. What happens when the head of the Cartel wants to run for Governor? He'll need all the backup and support he can get. The Rahim Clan offers their support, but there's a catch, of course, a marriage, something binding. The two can barely stand each other in private but are oh so very much in love in public. Instead of fighting over every little thing, they agree on an arrangement. Married with benefits, but with one rule. No falling in love. Easy right?