This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

What you do with your knife gives you life. In others’ deaths, you were reborn.

First Impressions
Cruel Enforcer is book three in the Mafia Wars series and I was more than ready to get back to this series and get back to this family again, and I really love how this author writes Mafia, she does it so intricately and where both dark romance and contemporary romance fans could enjoy which doesn’t happen too often in edgier romance like this. I was highly impressed with Cruel Enforcer and the romance that builds, the writing is guaranteed to pull you immediately into it and I really respected the way that we see the over reaching plot be formed within this story. I also couldn’t get enough of our main leads: Sergey and Kora who are such a strong match for each other and I greatly admired seeing their romance develop in the way that it does. I honestly couldn'[t get enough of seeing them together,, and how well they compliment each other.

I want to share my life with someone, but I won’t choose any man just so I don’t end up alone.

Summary
Sergey has been in a relationship for years but he knows that is long time to end things as she is not the type of woman that he wants to be with, because while they are explosive in the bedroom, there is nothing solid other than that and she can be a cruel vindictive woman. What he doesn’t expect is to be drawn into Kora’s world. Kora and Sergey instantly have a connection to each other, As they explore the connection that they have together, they also have to come to terms with their pasts and the unresolved issues that creep into their relationship. There is a danger as tension rise with a dangerous mafia lord who has threatened them and Sergey is determined to protect all of those that he loves. We also see how Kora and Sergey lives become intertwined with each other, but Kora will have to face up to the reality of Sergey life and determine if she can live the life he leads while also embracing the fiery passion that is growing between them…

When the time comes, and the fear inside you grows, remember the devil is on your side. His obsession with you isn’t going to wither. It doesn’t die unless you cross him. It grows more powerful with time, and when you give in to his temptation, he will reward you in ways you didn’t anticipate.

What I Loved
Cruel Enforcer is such a page-turner and it won my heart so quickly. There was an aspect to this story that I so dearly loved and I also get a kick out of age difference when the heroine is the one that is older. I don’t see it very often and I was so intrigued to see how Maggie Cole would write Sergey’s story. I will admit that I deeply adored the way that their romance is built and the history behind it. We do see where it begins, and the events that fall into place, so I do think its best to read this series in order to be honest. The events are connected together and will make more sense if you do. So while it can be read as a stand-alone it is truly best to be read in order of each other. I really admired Sergey in this book, and he has this quiet strength that is admirable. He is such a dominant alpha male, and he is drawn to Kora’s strength. Kora is one of the most prestigious lawyers in Chicago, so she has to be alpha at times. But with Sergey she wants to be seen as feminine and not masculine with him. She wants to submit and let him take control, just so she can have a break from her hectic life where everything needs to be a controllable factor. There is such a vulnerability that we see in both Sergey and Kora. They do explore some BDSM elements, but its not extreme or anything. And I really love seeing this aspect of their relationship, Maggie Cole write BDSM so well and I love how intimate these scenes were and how well built they are that are immersed throughout the story. We do see some side hints for couples in near future books so I am really excited to explore.

The devil doesn’t come and go, my lapa. You’re about to make a deal with him, and this is your last out. If you stay, we aren’t going to keep discussing this and going in circles. Not tonight, or tomorrow, or anytime in the future. You’re accepting what you told me earlier today you can’t.

What I Struggled With
The only element I would change is having Kora and Sergey work out their issues a bit sooner, there is some back to forth that gets dragged on a bit too much for my liking.

Overall View
I found Cruel Enforcer to be a stunning addition to the mafia wars series, which won my heart quickly. It’s a story that brings two strong personalities and brings such delights to their intimate relationship. The emotions that Maggie Cole is able to give to the reader are stunning and so poignant in the small moments, which is guaranteed to take your breath away. SUPERB IN EVERY WAY!

You are mine. I am yours. There is no one I love more than you, and you will not disregard me or my love for you.

Trigger Warnings:

Spoiler

Violence, Drug Use, Mention of Torture and Domestic Abuse