In the pursuit of vengeance, control is the first thing to break.
Merrick thrives in the shadows—cold, calculating, and ruthlessly focused on revenge. Love and emotion are a weakness. Attachments are a liability. Until her. She’s quiet. Sweet. A wallflower in a world full of predators. The kind of woman he should ignore. But something about her pulls him in—something dangerous—something he shouldn’t want but can’t resist. He knows better than to mix business with pleasure. Knows that dragging her into his world will only destroy her—even if it’s already too late. Rules mean nothing when desire takes hold. Bound by unseen chains. Caught in a deadly game of power and control, she never chose to play. Forced manipulation. Tied hands. A love as intoxicating as it is lethal. When vengeance and desire collide, only one can win. Together, they’ll either rise from the ashes… or burn in the fire they ignite.
TROPES: Dark Romance Alpha Male Forced Marriage Lots of Spice Insta-Lust Wallflower Age Gap
Hayley Faiman was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. She and her husband met when they were still in High School. They were married a few years later. They lived in Oregon while her husband was in the US Coast Guard. After living in Hill Country, Texas, for eight years and three years in East Texas, they now call North Carolina home and spend their time with their two teenage sons at all their events, screaming from the stands as they swim their hearts out!
This book. Whew. It’s an age gap dark romance. I really like the MMC and the FMC. They’re good for each other. Hes protective of her. There were definitely some parts that were uncomfortable (not because of the MMC) so check the trigger warnings. Otherwise, for the dark romance fans I do recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As soon as I received this book I immediately started reading it. I love Hayley’s writing style and how she portrays her characters. Merrick and Colette were so good together and I loved seeing them get their HEA. There was one moment Merrick did disappoint in the beginning when he chose to bury his sorrow in the bottle and get pleasure from another woman- one apparently was a regular f*** for him when he was separated from Colette. But between his determination to get Colette back and the fact Hayley did not give any detailed scenes with him and another woman, it was easy to overlook. It was blatantly obvious he was tore up over her father ripping her from his life and the fact he was willing to do whatever it took to get her back was enough for me. But it still didn’t keep me from wanting to smack him at that one moment. I kinda wanted to see a little drama at some point towards the end and have Colette find out about the other woman lol. 😆 I never like cheating, and I don’t like on going ow drama, but just a little is fun sometimes! Final thoughts… loved it, definitely recommend it, and Hayley once again did not disappoint!
🖤Dark Romance 🖤Alpha Male 🖤Forced Marriage 🖤Lots of Spice 🖤Insta-Lust 🖤Wallflower 🖤Age gap
Holy cow this book was absolutely amazing. I’m so in love with this series and already dying for the next book!
Colette and Merrick were perfection. Throughout the book I felt for Colette. The end of the book when she finally had her power was the absolute best…my heart was beating out of my chest that throughout those last few chapters! To see Merrick and the guys finally able to begin the ultimate healing process was so great.
I’ve read a bunch Hayley Faiman…her hockey and MC series’ but this series is on a whole other level. The suspense is so good!!! The spice (as usual with this author) was so scorching hot. Also, can we have a moment for the FMC in this series!!!! They are so strong! Perfect matches for these awesome guys.
Thank you to Hayley Faiman for the ARC of this book.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This is the a fast paced book. One minute Merrick ( who is so swoon worthy just like the rest of the Securus boys) is as happy as a clam with his wife.. who he was forced to marry by her father….and then the next minute he’s drowning his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey! But thankfully he doesn’t sit back and wallow, but then again these men have never wallowed. Btw, you do find out a little more about what they went through as young boys at the hands of Ravet.
It’s such a good book.
A little dark at times.
And other times you’re like…. Really can they not catch a break???
And Hayley, I love how you’ve crossed two series in one in here! ( no spoilers here)
I have been expecting this book. It’s an interconnected standalone. The first one left me conflicted, as I couldn’t relate so much with the main characters – especially the main FC. However, I have been impatient to put my hands on this one, as the world building and the general writing plot that continues in this one, I loved. And, although it wasn’t exactly what I expected, I could certainly relate more with the MCs, especially after the half part of the book.
So, Colette and Merrick. Colette is a Mafia princess, daughter of Adriano Bellucci, but not cherished. She is unloved, just a pawn in her father’s hands. Her only purpose is to be used as he sees fit for maximum gain. So, when he caught Colette and Merrick in a heated intimate moment, he forces Merrick’s hand in marriage (not because he cares, but because he thought he could benefit from Merrick’s security company) only to come after a few months to retrieve her back and annul the wedding, because he found a better use of her. Merrick is conflicted. He doesn’t react in the first part of the book (and this is the fact, along with how spineless Colette appears in this first part also, that I didn’t like about this book). But after a while, he understands that Colette is it for him and tries to get her back. She loves him also. A rollercoaster of events occur. Old enemies arise, difficult situations need to be faced and revenge must be exacted. So, both Merrick and Colette manage to eventually rise to the occasion, and with the help of Merrick’s family (the guys in the security company with whom he shares an unbreakable bond stemming from the same horrifying past), they manage to prevail. I loved their journey, but I wished the first part of the book were more fast-paced. Nevertheless, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
All in all, a good read. I am conflicted between 3.5 and 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second in this new series, and this was just as actioned packed as the first. In Theron and Lucille's story we got the news Merrick got married to Collette, and we learned that it was forced. This installment starts with what got Merrick and Collette forced into that marriage, and then it fast forwards to the fact that Collette is no longer there, and Merrick just let her go without a fight. Her father having showed up to take her back. All of this is brief, with no real detail. Merrick learns that Collette is going to be married off and he can't help but feel ... guilty, responsible? Knowing if he had just fought for her, she wouldn't be in the situation her father put her in. Will he man up and fight, or will he just wallow about and let her go?
I will say that while this was a decent read, I feel like we were missing something. Merrick and Collette didn't have a relationship, we didn't get to see what their forced marriage was like just read about it like it was in the newspaper, OH, Merrick and Collette are married now. Then they aren't, and Merrick is debating on fighting for her? Why? Do NOT get me wrong, we are getting some really good danger, violence, and naughty bits. I loved that we get tidbits about Nadine and Grayson and gets us all excited for their story. As for Merrick and Collette, we could have had more from them, I give them 4 stars.
UPDATE: FINISHED and it got even worse - just so bad, The entire story was beyond stupid as all these tough guys were nothing but scared weaklings & even the revenge killings were boring AF. Many times the ML had an opportunity to rescue the FL, but no, because then we wouldn't have any story whatsoever. I don't even have the time to tell you why this book was so bad in detail, but suffice to say if you enjoy a story that makes absolutely no real sense (the Secy of State thrown in there was a real eye-rolling hoot), has some sex scenes thrown in while the douche H meets up with the FL but doesn't rescue her, and endless cretinous thoughts in both their empty heads, then go ahead and read this crap.
____________________ So far this book at 45% is dragging on with more repitition & unnecessary little details on everything from yogurt to makeup. Also the H is so far TSTL & I wish someone would just punch the confused, dumbass, lazyass, stupid out of him. To make it more unlikeable the h is described as "smart" by someone - she has no real thoughts except fear & resignation of her miserable fate. Can't think of a weaker minded FL, and we know these type of stories have plenty of idiot doormats as FLs, but this one is just a bowl of quivering jello.
Will try to finish it (or at least get past 50% so I can give a true review...maybe it'll get better). I've been pissed at other HF books before, but never have I been equally pissed & bored and hated both leads.
Hayley Faiman took me on a wild ride with this book and I absolutely loved it. She weaved one hell of a story that was so thrilling, action packed and nerve wracking, that I could not put the book down. She definitely had me in a chokehold and on edge for its entirety with its twists and turns and unexpected moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the electrifying chemistry and smoldering heat between Merrick and Colette. The attraction between these two was palpable . Merrick, in spite of his initial hesitation regarding his feelings towards Colette, he eventually came to the realisatuon he couldn’t live without her. He was so protective and possessive and I loved how all consuming his feelings for her became, it was definitely hawtt. Colette started off as a meek, shy woman who gave into the demands of everyone but she was so much more. She evolved throughout the book into a strong, and fierce woman. She was a total bada$$ when she finally stood up for herself. I loved the bond between Merrick and his "brothers " their support for each other was heartwarming. It is nice how their found family is slowly expanding as they each fall in love. I totally devoured this book . It was engaging, fast paced and consumed me with its scintillating plot and wonderful characters. I can't wait for the next book in this awesome series.
Merrick was forced to marry Colette because of their insta-lust when he was installing one of their security systems at her father's house.
Colette saw in Merrick a way of freedom because despite being a mafia princess, her father didn't treat her as a loved daughter but more like something he can use/trade for anything he wants. Because of that when Merrick finishes installing a new and free security system for his house in New York, he gets her daughter back and starts the annulment process so he can marry her to a better suitor (for him).
Merrick didn't want to have a relationship so when he is forced to marry Colette, he doesn't open to her and doesn't try to know her out of his bed. But when he lets her go, he starts to feel something. He doesn't know what he is feeling so he drinks a lot and has at least one serious hook up. Thanks to his brothers, he starts to see that he wants her back so he won't stop at nothing to get her.
Merrick is a dumbass like the first half of the book but when he finally see the light he again is the Merrick we got to know and love in the first book. Colette is perfect for him and I loved how sometimes she let us see the real her, someone who really is not a wallflower and I'm looking forward seeing her interact with the other "wives" in the future books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Merrick and Colette. There is an age gap in the book and it is a dark romance. Collette is a mafia princess. However, I didn't feel like her family really cared all that much about her and it really broke my heart. She really is not loved and is a power in her father's little games. He will use her for his benefit every time no matter how she feels about it. However the second he catches her and Merrick having a moment he forces Merrick's hand where it comes to marriage. His goal being that he could use Merrick to his maximum benefit. Merrick is the owner of a security company. However, when her father sees that he can't use Merrick like he thought he goes back to get her and force her home. He has found someone he can get a benefit from. Now here is where I struggled. Girl I get that your dad is a powerful man and you're not loved, however, grow a spine. Stand up for yourself. Don't be the doormat. I also was a little disappointed in the non-reaction from Merrick too. But to his credit he was conflicted and struggled a little with what to do. And that is all I can tell you. I don't want to ruin anything for you. Don't get me wrong, this book is good it just took me a while to get there.
If I could read all day long, you can bet your arse that I would be doing it. But being a grown-up sucks sometimes, lol. And when I have a book from one of your favorite authors, every minute I have to spare, I use it to read and read. Hayley Faiman can always give us a book that will knock you off your feet and boy, do I adore her. Hunted Vengeance is her latest release and it's the second book from the Alpha Nights: Unlikely Heroes series. Have you had the chance to read the first book? Huntend Obsession is brutal. Trust me. This book explores the lives of Merrick and Colette. Merrick is as ruthless as they come. He's a killer and doesn't do love or attachments. When he's forced to marry... Colette is a mafia princess. She is used to be in the shadows, neglected and ignored by her father. She's a sweetheart. When she's obligated to marry... This book..Boy oh boy. I knew it was going to be an intense one, and it was so much more. The way the story progressed left me on my toes and I couldn't stop reading. I've read about these two in the first book, so you can imagine how I was when I started to read. One minute things are one way and the next, bamm, it explodes. If you want a book, full of darkness, love, and desire, then you're on the right track. Can't wait for the next book.
This is the 2nd book in the Alpha Nights:Unlikely Heroes series featuring the deliciously dark and steamy action-packed, age-gap, alpha-male, forced marriage, insta-lust,mafia princess, second chance, wallflower romance between Merrick and Colette. Colette is a mafia princess her father Adriano Bellucci doesn't care about her he only uses her as a pawn as someone he can use for his gain. When Adriano catches Merrick and Colette at an intimate time he uses it to his advantage by forcing Merrick to marry Colette. Adriano thought that by forcing Merrick to marry his daughter that he would benefit from Merrick's security company. However just a few months later Adriano takes Colette from Merrick and he annuls their marriage since he's found a better use for her. What is Merrick going to do about the fact that his wife was taken from him? Will Colette ever be free from her father's control? You really need to read this deliciously dark and steamy action-packed, age-gap, alpha-male, forced marriage, insta-lust,mafia princess, second chance, wallflower romance to see what happens? I would definitely recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hunted Vengeance is book 2 in the Alpha Nights: Unlikely Heroes series and is Merrick and Collettes arranged marriage, age gap story. (My favorite kinda story) Hunted Vengeance is sort of angsty in all the right ways. The way these characters come together is forced and Merricks vision of love is a bit skewed so it's no wonder things doesn't run smooth. But Merrick soon learns that he didn't know what he had until it was gone. And Collette leaving gives him lots of food for thought. This author is one of my absolute favorites. One of the reasons is the way she allows her characters to grow and evolve with the storyline. Watching Collette grow in to a woman who knows her worth and then Merrick finally gets determined to get back what he knew was his all along was perfection. The chemistry between these two is smoldering hot and there's plenty of drama, danger and surprises. You definitely don't want to miss Hunted Vengeance!
"A love as intoxicating as it is lethal. When vengeance and desire collide, only one can win. Together, they’ll either rise from the ashes… or burn in the fire they ignite."
This was definitely not your usual forced marriage read. For most of the reading part of the book the MCs aren’t technically married. They get married (between chapters), they’re married for a few months (again between chapters), and then her father takes her away from him and forces them to get an annulment. That being said, there is a whole lot of “My Wife” action thrown around even though technically they’re not married at that point. This book definitely packs the suspense though. It’s a nail biter for sure, and comes down to the wire. I was a little frustrated with Merrick. One chapter he wanted Collette back, and then the next it was him still not deciding if he was going to interfere. Poor Collette though. I kept waiting for her to grow a back bone, but this girl is just beaten down by her father so badly. She does start to come into her own later in the book so I was glad for that. I did enjoy their scenes together. I was very happy with how their story ended for them. Overall it was a good dark romance.
I loved the first book in this series and was already reading and waiting for this book!! As we know from Theron and Lucille's story from the first book we found out that Merrick got married and this explains how and why.
Colette and Merrick had me spinning all the way through this book. They are sheer perfection their chemistry and just the way they are together is 🤌🏻 I honestly felt for Colette she went through a lot in this book but she was still strong throughout. The power she took back from her father just had me screaming with happiness. Her father deserved everything he got in this she was used as a pawn for her father and when he finds her in the arms of Merrick she is forced to marry him only for her father to take her back and get the marriage annulled not a few months later because he can clearly use her for something else. Can Merrick stop what's in store for Colette? Can he fight for her and get her back?
This was fast paced just like the first book and I'm loving each one as the series progresses and I can't wait for the next book which is Grayson's story.
Listen, if you’re looking for a dark romance with a broody, vengeance-fueled antihero and a heroine who refuses to back down, Hunted Vengeance delivers in every way. Merrick is the kind of man who thrives in the shadows—cold, calculated, and absolutely lethal. Revenge is his only goal… until Lexi steps into his world, turning everything on its head.
Lexi isn’t just some damsel waiting to be saved. She’s strong, resilient, and carries a softness that somehow survives the storm that is Merrick. Their chemistry? Explosive. The tension? Enough to make you forget your own name. And let’s not even get started on the steam—because Hayley Faiman knows how to turn up the heat without losing the raw, emotional depth that makes this story so gripping.
The pacing is sharp, the twists keep you on edge, and the emotional pull is undeniable. If you love dark romance with a perfect blend of angst, passion, and an antihero who will wreck you in the best way, this one belongs on your shelf.
Merrick Steele, co owner of Securus, is taking measurements to install a security system for Adriano Bellucci, who is head of the Bellucci Mafioso. Colette Bellucci is his daughter, not that you would know it from the way she's treated. She's just something to be traded, an unwilling participant in her fathers world. She and Merrick have an instant connection, one which results in them having to get married; and then, just as quickly, her father takes her back to broker a better deal, and annul her marriage to Merrick. Although Merrick never showed her that much attention when he had her, when she's gone, he finds he misses her and decides he wants her back.
What follows is that story. In parts, this was not an easy read, but it is relevant to the storyline. Lots of twists and turns combine to make this a good read. Good characters and plotline kept me engaged until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Colette has been raised in isolation, dominated and controlled by her mafia don father Adriano. She seduces Merrick, only to be caught by her father, who forces them to marry. This brings happiness for Colette, but Merrick is conflicted. Adriano decides to break up the marriage to sell her off for political gain. Who would think that her new fiance would be the evil trafficker that is Merrick's nemesis?
Boy, is this one brutal. Treachery, pedophiles, traffickers, violence against women, and hitmen are all in there. Although Colette has been raised to be submissive, she has an inner strength that comes out in the presence of Merrick. And Merrick finds that he is a better man with Colette by his side. With the help of his brothers they find the vengeance to free them for their new life together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hayley has done it again!!! I always know I am going to thoroughly enjoy her books because she does such a great job of writing alpha men who will do anything for their women!
You can always count on there being insta lust + lots of spice without it being SO over top that it takes away from the story or makes it so over the top you are rolling your eyes. I know some people love just insta lust and spice galore. While l'm a huge fan of all that I also have to have some kind of plot and depth to the writing. I feel like as an author Hayley does a great job of both!! I'm always invested in the storyline too!
If you have enjoyed her past books then you will definitely love this one! If you haven't read of any of her books then I highly recommend you checking them out!!!
Wow, what a wild ride. I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this novel. I love a good mafia forced marriage novel. I was not disappointed. From the first couple chapters this novel sucked me in and held on tight for the entire wild ride. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat while I was reading, trying to figure out what was coming next. I loved Colette and Merrick together. Although it took them some time to work out what they wanted. I loved their chemistry. I loved watching their walls and defenses come down and watch them fall in love despite all the outside forces. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.
Once I started, I couldn’t put this one down. Merrick didn’t expect to catch feelings for Colette. To him, love and emotions are non-existent. When Colette is taken from him, he realizes that he needs and wants her in his life. The hunt begins for her but ends in him and Colette being the hunted. Watching Colette morph from the meek little girl to the mature adult with a backbone was fulfilling. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes. It is definitely a book that will keep your attention till the very end! The ending was unexpected, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Another intense story from the Alpha Nights Unlikely Heroes series. Readers got a bit of background on Merrick’s story during the first book but now it’s time to meet his woman and the people standing in the way of the life he wants. Of course the traumatic past he and his brothers share is always affecting them all in the background. More information comes to light about the people who were involved in their horrific childhood experience. Readers will be cheering for Merrick, Colette, and the rest of the family as they do what needs to be done to help this couple find their future together.
Merrick and Collette were forced to be married but regardless of how their relationship came to be, they are both mutually attracted to each other. When she is forced to leave him, Merrick heads to be at her side, to finally bring them back together again.
I loved the protective side of Merrick and it was a joy to see the guys working closely together. The story was fast-paced and the found family vibes were strong here.
As with the first book in the series, expect lots of spice here and don’t underestimate the shy and reserved Collette. The ending clearly shows that she is a force to be reckoned especially when she fights for herself and those she love.
This is the second book in this series and this is Merrick and Collette’s story. Merrick is cold and ruthless, and focused on vengeance, while Collette is quiet, and sweet, and there is an instant attraction between them. This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family dynamics, friendships, intrigue, forced marriage, manipulations, complex characters, revenge, humor, witty banter, an age gap, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable, dark romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is one of those books that will keep you on the edge. It's the story of Colette and Merrick, full of twists and turns. Merrick is good-looking and dangerous. His job is security. She's gorgeous, quiet, shy, and in danger. It's a story that you will not be able to put down once you start reading. Hayley has written an intense novel of danger and love that will have you guessing what will happen next. I hated to see the book end. Hayley's books capture you from the first page and hold you hostage until the last word.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Forced Marriage with a twist. After being introduced to Merrick in the first book, you could tell there was a lot more to his forced marriage to Colette and through this one we get the story and a wild one at that! The author takes us on an action packed ride through some unexpected twists and crazy turns, a page-turner for sure.
We have the support from this band of brothers and for me, that makes this series. They are all so different, yet have been through the same and I want them all to have there happy ending. So bring on the next one.
This is book 2 in the series and focuses on Colette and Merrick. I was excited to see what happened between them after they were introduced in book 1. Things have taken a turn and the couple are no longer together and there are sinister things at play. The Ravet story arc continues and we get more of a glimpse into what the men went through as boys all intertwined with Colette and Merrick rediscovering their relationship. A fantastic read that I struggled to put down.
Listen...Becky here- book one in this series, the FMC was my favorite...in this book I wanted shake the FMC- LIKE GIRL! I understand you have trauma but use your words...okay now on to the rest of the review.
WE LOVED THESE TOO! We were a little mad at Merrick to begin with- like get off your couch and fight for what you want. Then you got Colette- quiet and shy- but understands exactly what is happening around her. But that is the thing- every thing is just happening to her. Like girl- speak up, kick, fight- survive!!! They get their HEA but dang it took a lot to get here!!
This is one of my favorite type of stories. Age gap, arranged marriage, second chance. Collette is a shy and quiet woman, but she does grow into a strong-willed woman.
Merrick was not all into the love , but he did come around. This is a Rollercoaster and mafia princess being used by her father. Just when Merrick starts to realize what he has, it is taken from him. Finally, he gets what he wants, which is Colette.
This is a very good read; exciting, and you will not be able to put it down!
This book will draw you in and keep you reading till its done! Merrick and Collette are on fire together. Merrick went on a job to install security and came back married to Collette. Not to spoil the story, I will say this after Merrick gets his head outta the sand he goes and rescues his women and she is his women. He and the guys get there revenge against the one who hurt them as kids. If your looking for a OTT,Possessive, in my opinion hero and his sweet leading lady this is the book for you!! Merrick and Collette are so good together!!