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Brutal Collateral by Deborah Garland
4.5

đŸ”„ Irish X Greek Arranged Marriage 
đŸ”„ Grumpy/ Unaliving/Ex-Military FMC 
đŸ”„ Enemies to Lovers  
đŸ”„ My Wife 
đŸ”„ Touch her and D!e 
đŸ”„ Belt/Breath Play 
đŸ”„ Degradation   
đŸ”„ Easter Eggs! 
 
Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 

Brutal Collateral by Deborah Garland is a captivating novel that plunges readers into the gritty and intense world of the Irish Mafia, where love and vengeance collide in the most unexpected ways. The story follows Griffin Quinlan, the new head of the Irish Mafia in Lower Manhattan, who is as deadly as he is handsome. When forced into a marriage with Ava, the woman he once shared a passionate night with years ago, Griffin’s plans for control and revenge become the heart of the plot. 

The setup is intriguing: Ava, who once left Griffin tied up in a hotel room after their night together, is now married to him to secure a fragile peace between the Irish and Greek mafia families. The tension is palpable as Griffin sees Ava as nothing more than a pawn in his power struggle, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Ava, however, isn’t the same woman she once was. She’s determined to keep control, offering Griffin only her body for six months—nothing more. 

The author does a fantastic job of blending romance with suspense and power struggles. The narrative explores the complexities of their forced marriage, where physical attraction and emotional distance collide. Every touch, every kiss is designed to fool their enemies, yet beneath the surface, both characters fight their growing feelings for one another. Ava is strong and resilient, unwilling to be controlled, and Griffin’s relentless pursuit of both power and her heart adds an emotional depth that keeps the reader hooked. 

The stakes are high, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the war between mafia families is only the beginning of their problems. An unexpected enemy threatens to tear everything apart, but Griffin’s willingness to fight for Ava and protect what’s his brings an unexpected tenderness to the otherwise ruthless world they inhabit. 

Brutal Collateral is a dark, steamy romance that’s filled with tension, passion, and high stakes. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the story grips you from start to finish. With its mix of romance, danger, and revenge, this book is an enticing start to the Quinlan Empire series, leaving readers eager to see what happens next. Whether you’re a fan of mafia romance or looking for a thrilling, emotionally charged story, Brutal Collateral delivers it all.