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Maggie Cole
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Brutal Defender: A Dark Mafia Romance (Mafia Wars Book Eight) Kindle Edition

by Maggie Cole (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 3,237 ratings
I choose Killian O’Malley out of desperation.

My papà gives me an ultimatum with one other option. I’ll do anything not to marry the Italian mafia boss who lives in Italy and is twice my age.

So I become Killian’s debt repayment. When I’m forced to pick, I don’t know he’s a boxer, a decade older than me, or has a body better than Zeus.

He’s bossy.

Arrogant.

He calls me a mafia brat and creates rules like I’m his child, saying he’ll tame me.

Our angsty relationship is so hot between the sheets my head is constantly spinning.

At times, he becomes a raging psychopath destroying anyone who even looks at me, including my ex who won’t move on.

I thought Killian would be a playboy, but he takes our vows to the extreme.

Everything about him makes him my brutal defender.

”Brutal Defender” is the eighth jaw-dropping installment of the “Mafia Wars” series. It’s an arranged marriage, age gap, Dark Mafia romance, interconnecting stand-alone, and guaranteed to have an HEA.
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  1. Book 8 of 10
    Mafia Wars
  2. Print length
    460 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 1, 2021
  5. File size
    3.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. "Since this is possibly the most important day of your life, and this sin involves your wife, your penance will be to love her and show her how much you cherish her above all others," he says.
    Highlighted by 80 Kindle readers
  2. "Rule number six. From this moment on, you trust me, and I trust you."
    Highlighted by 70 Kindle readers
  3. Our chests heave, trying to find air. He tugs my hair and pins his gaze on me. "We made a vow, Arianna. I'll kill anyone who comes between us."
    Highlighted by 68 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Brutal

Editorial Reviews

From the Author


EXCERPT:
Nerves flutter in my gut, thinking about having to meet Killian and leaving my home. I spend over an hour getting ready, taking time to straighten then curl my hair. I carefully add makeup to my face. I step into my dress, slip on my shoes, and add my jewelry. Then I spray perfume on my wrists and dab my neck. When I finish, I study myself in the full-length mirror, looking for any signs of imperfection or that I was crying.
Content I don't see anything, I stroll through my wing and go down the stairs. Voices, including Russian and Tully's Irish accent, hit my ears. I pause. Why are there Russian people in the house? Did I get it wrong, and Killian is some sort of Irish wanna-be who's really Russian? Am I going crazy?
I get to the bottom of the steps and turn the corner to go inside the living room. I bump into a hard chest, go flying backward, and a strong arm circles around my waist. He pulls me close to him, and a loin-curling aphrodisiac flares in my nostrils. I'm pretty sure it's mint, orange blossom, and bourbon vanilla. I don't think I've ever smelled anything so intoxicating. His deep voice sends a delicious chill down my spine. "Whoa, lass."
I glance up, and green flames lick my skin, creating the most intense set of tingles I've ever experienced. Suddenly, it's hard to breathe against his hard flesh.
A cocky expression appears. I want to smack it off him even though I'm sure I have wet panties from it. "Arianna Marino. We finally meet."
My face turns hot, and he licks his lips as his smug expression grows. His eyes wander to my chest then back to my face. His large palm slips to my ass, and damn if it doesn't feel like it belongs there.
His hot breath merges into mine and he states, "You look nice."
My nerves annihilate me. "You want to remove your hands from me?"
He smirks. "I don't know. Are you sure you want me to?"
Copyright Maggie Cole © 2021

About the Author

Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends. She's an international bestselling author and has been called the "literary master of steamy romance." Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes.
Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves sunshine, anything to do with water, and everything naughty.

Her current series were written in the order below:
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)
Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)
Mafia Wars
Mafia Wars New York (Coming 2022)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B094RBJPZY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pulse Press Inc (November 1, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 460 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1792365152
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 3,237 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Maggie Cole

Maggie Cole

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

About the Author

Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.

She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She’s a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.

Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.

Upcoming Release: Holiday Hire - November 1, 2024

Her current series were written in the order below:

All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)

It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)

Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)

Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)

Mafia Wars

Mafia Wars New York

Club Indulgence Duet

Mafia Wars Ireland (May 1, 2023)

Standalones: Holiday Hoax, Judge Me Not

Withered Kingdom Duet

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
3,237 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this dark mafia romance for its touching storyline with many twists and turns, and find it entertaining to read. The book features well-developed characters, with one review highlighting the emotional roller coaster for both main characters, and customers appreciate its hot chemistry and fast-paced narrative. They find the humor engaging, and one customer notes how the relationships intertwine throughout the story.

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40 customers mention "Storyline"36 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it touching, dramatic, and exciting, with one customer noting its many twists and turns.

"This is Killian and Arianna' story. This is a mixture of an arranged marriage and miscommunication troupe at its finest...." Read more

"...They have what the other needs. This book is funny, dramatic, angstful, twisty and hopeful. Sexy and oh so tingle worthy...." Read more

"I absolutely loved Killian And Arianna's Book. Those 2 are absolutely perfect for each other...." Read more

"Killian's story is so so hot, wild book. He's such a playboy he's hit in the face with a responsibility he now owes...." Read more

32 customers mention "Story quality"28 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story, describing it as an amazing and entertaining read.

"I loved Killian and Arianna's story. I really liked the humor in the book. They were perf3ct for each other...." Read more

"...This storyline is touching and entertaining." Read more

"...eachother, neither were happy but, they turned it around and had a good time together even with all the arguments and fighting...." Read more

"...I loved the characters, their banter, and their crazy hot chemistry!" Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"16 positive3 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the emotional journey of the main characters, while another notes the perfect match between Killian and Arianna.

"...I loved the characters, their banter, and their crazy hot chemistry!" Read more

"Let me say that this series is so good! The mysterious villains just keep one step ahead of our families...." Read more

"...Super good storylines and characters to fall in love with. There’s nothing I love more than a happily ever after and this one was absolutely amazing!" Read more

"I really love this series. It has it all, great characters who develops with each story, alpha males and strong leading ladies, enemies to lovers..." Read more

19 customers mention "Humor"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous.

"I loved Killian and Arianna's story. I really liked the humor in the book. They were perf3ct for each other...." Read more

"...They have what the other needs. This book is funny, dramatic, angstful, twisty and hopeful. Sexy and oh so tingle worthy...." Read more

"Written in dual first person POV. Lots of sexy times and some humor. There are a couple of intense torture scenes so beware of triggers...." Read more

"...Killians cocky and humorous, which he has been thruout the series (his commentary during confession will literally have you laughing out loud), but..." Read more

10 customers mention "Heat level"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat level of the book, describing it as hot with super hot chemistry between the characters.

"...I loved the characters, their banter, and their crazy hot chemistry!" Read more

"...HOT AF!" Read more

"This book was smoking hot!..." Read more

"...marriage neither of them wanted generated great banter and super hot chemistry between two people fighting hard to deny their attraction...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced, with one customer noting its amazing flow.

"The beginning was ok, the end was ok. Everything in between was awful...." Read more

"I swear these books get better and better...." Read more

"...The plot was really enjoyable and the flow of the book was amazing no lull in the book at all it was never a dull moment...." Read more

"...I lived how bossy he was with his new wife it was great the lov the grew was great to if u lov a man who tells u like it is this is it u have to..." Read more

3 customers mention "Relationship"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the relationships in the book, with one mentioning how the characters are perfectly suited for each other.

"...I really liked the humor in the book. They were perf3ct for each other. It was really f7nny how Killian thought he never got nervous...." Read more

"...Those 2 are absolutely perfect for each other...." Read more

"...But the book was still good. Intertwined all their relationships and the previous books' characters well. Kept me interested...." Read more

Killian and his Mafia Princess
5 out of 5 stars
Killian and his Mafia Princess
Brutal Defender is Book 3 of the O'Malley family series and Book 8 of the Mafia Wars series by Maggie Cole. This is Killian O'Malley and Arianna Marino story. Killian has been mentioned in the prior books as he is Boris' best friend and the brother to Nora. His duties as part of the O'Malley family is to protect and help defend his family from the other crime families. One duty he never expected to have fall on him is an arranged marriage with an Italian Mafia family to save Nolan from a long prison sentence. Tully can pull strings to prevent this from happening but Nolan must marry Arianna ASAP. Only seeing her on online and messaging back and forth is all he gets to do before they meet face to face. This almost goes wrong until Arianna realizes Killian is definitely a better choice than her father's gross ands much much older pick for her. From the start Killian and Arianna butt heads, each being headstrong and seeing things only their way. Killian has always been the playboy and Arianna has been hanging out with the wrong guy. This book has you wanting to slap some sense into both of them at first but just hold on you will have some laugh out louds and oh my goodness hot moments that has you cheering them on. This series of books has kept fleshing out all the characters from the prior books causing you a huge book series addiction that only Maggie Cole has the drug to cure you or kill you. It's I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK ADDICTION. I have been allowed to be an ARC Reader via BookSprout for the entire series, so count me fully addicted and craving the next hit!! Maggie Cole you are our book addiction dealer and I/we await our next fix ASAP!!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Marisol J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just read it!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is Killian and Arianna' story. This is a mixture of an arranged marriage and miscommunication troupe at its finest. There were times I just wished I could smack Killian on the back of his head. And then there were times were Arianna frustrated me. Then just as quickly as things were going good, it would blow up again. I had to keep telling myself it's an arranged marriage, they don't know each other. But when things were good, man they were good. And the spice 🥵🔥...There were also times when I teared up Your, those times when they really opened up to each other. You don't get as much of side characters (Ivanov and O'Malley's) like the other books (in my opinion) but just enough to set up the next book and put yourself in the time-line as the other books. I'm loving this series and this book does not disappoint. Just read it!!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brutal Defender
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved Killian and Arianna's story. I really liked the humor in the book. They were perf3ct for each other. It was really f7nny how Killian thought he never got nervous. I really enjoy3d this book.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Brutal Defender...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Mafia Wars book 8. Killian O'Malley! The optimal playboy that kick ass and takes no prisoners. His smart mouth that never stops gets him into some ish He cannot back out of. Yes he's covering for his brother and clan. Now he's a reluctant groom but he no less can handle all that comes his way. Arianna, an Italian Mafia princess. They have what the other needs. This book is funny, dramatic, angstful, twisty and hopeful. Sexy and oh so tingle worthy. He handles her crazed ex and over protective family. Gives her freedom to find out who she is and what she wants her future to look like. This storyline is touching and entertaining.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Chelle907
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved Killian And Arianna's Book. Those 2 are absolutely perfect for each other. When they first foun When they 1st found out d When they 1st found out out they were forced into marrying eachother, neither were happy but, they turned it around and had a good time together even with all the arguments and fighting. Definitely another 5 star read!
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  • Dawn Hurst
    5.0 out of 5 stars Killian for the win
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    OMG this book! I loved it!
    I never laughed so hard as the church scene in this book while reading!
    I loved the characters, their banter, and their crazy hot chemistry!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Josella Lopez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Killian and Arianna's story is so well written you will not be able to put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Killian's story is so so hot, wild book. He's such a playboy he's hit in the face with a responsibility he now owes. He's shocked at what he's asked to do.

    Arianna is the baby of her family. She has a father and older brothers that keep a tight rein on her. She always breaks away from them and gets into trouble. She's involved with a bad man they discover.

    This is where Killian comes in. He has to marry her and they do not get along. They fight like cats and dogs but Killian's protective side comes out and eventually things start to mellow out between them But of course it doesn't last long.

    Maggie has written such a fun story. I simply loved reading this book. Like all her books it is very well written. I am so happy I've discovered her books. I just love reading them
    One person found this helpful
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  • Warrior Chick
    3.0 out of 5 stars I was so hopeful so this book was disappointing.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Written in dual first person POV. Lots of sexy times and some humor. There are a couple of intense torture scenes so beware of triggers. HFN but the epilogue only sets up the next book and doesn’t provide any closure to the ongoing storylines. I would suggest reading the books in order because the timelines mostly overlap and the author has (mostly) stopped repeating some details from previous books.

    Longer review, no spoilers…

    Most of the reviews that I read focus on Killian as the bad guy in the beginning and Arianna as the victim because her father won’t let her work and is forcing her to marry someone. I seriously don’t understand this. They are both immature for their ages (he’s almost 40 and she’s 28) but Arianna chose to spend her life partying and dating a “thug”. She could have volunteered or furthered her education or traveled or developed a constructive hobby. (You do find out later that she isn’t exclusively a partier but she stills seems frivolous. )Her father has presented her with multiple suitors but she deems them unacceptable and continues to date someone her father and brothers warn her against. While I agree with Arianna on the fact that telling her he’s a thug without giving her any proof as to why is annoying (and would most likely not dissuade me either), I don’t understand why she wouldn’t push back and say “okay, don’t give me specifics but is he involved in the mafia or is he a criminal or have you seen him do something illegal?” There’s a way to make them support their claim without giving details of the family business.

    Killian is taking responsibility for his actions (or inaction, depending on how you look at it) and going through with the promise to Tully to marry a girl he doesn’t know in order to settle a debt that shouldn’t really be his. Their first interactions on social media set the tone for their relationship - he’s controlling and she’s attention-seeking. Then there’s a misunderstanding that Killian doesn’t immediately correct and he’s labeled the bad guy. Yes, he mislead her but she completely overreacted and threw an adult temper tantrum (harsher language and bigger threats than the toddler version). After their next misunderstanding (sensing a theme here), Killian is again blamed for Arianna’s reaction. His mouth gets him in trouble but she acts like a brat.

    At about 45%, there’s an argument about social media posting and what is acceptable for men vs women. Killian becomes more of a jerk but his job includes his fitness where she just posts pictures and videos in skimpy outfits because she wants the attention. To me, social media is one of the worst inventions but I understand that it’s a necessary evil for someone trying to promote a business ( Killian is his own business).

    The biggest issue between the couple is communication. They don’t talk about important things and Killian gives commands and makes unilateral decisions instead of giving the reasoning behind it. When you’re in his head, it makes sense, but from her point of view he’s just being controlling.

    This book was ver anticlimactic for me. Once a major issue is resolved (which takes about two pages from the start of the conflict until its resolution), the book just ends. I’ll still continue with the next book but only because I need to read Declan’s book before I can read Finn’s book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Birdiola
    4.0 out of 5 stars i’m in for a penny…
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have been looking forward to Killian story and they did not disappoint. He was just as sexy and dominant as you would assume he would be. I do think that was an opportunity for Becky to get checked hopefully that happens in a later book. Arianna had her own flavor and the women run together and I can’t really remember most of them, the spice was great could’ve pushed a bit more. The introduction of toys was new.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arianna and Killian
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This author is new to me, and this series started with a bang and keeps getting better as the running storyline continues.
    A group of mature men became obsessed with their women in these books, offering readers steamy hot scenes.
    This was an easy 5 stars from me.
    Report
  • Daniela | @daniela_endless_tbr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Killian and Ariana O’Malley
    Reviewed in Germany on May 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    THIS SERIES JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. I LOVE KILLIAN’S AND ARIANA’S STORY. LOVE ARIANA’S PERSONALITY.
    THE WAY KILLIAN IS WITH HER 🫠
    BRIDGET IS A MYSTERY AT THE MOMENT AND I’M FEELING SOME TYPE OF WAY TOWARDS HER.
    I’M EXCITED FOR DEVIANT TRACKER, THIS WOMEN HACKER HAS ME INTRIGUED.
    Report
  • My Rebel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Killian
    Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This series started back with the Ivanov’s for me. The O’Malley’s are brothers of the Irish mob and they are just as hot as their alliances. Killian forced to marry an Italian mafia Princess for repayment is a bit hard to get used to. They are all alpha and lots of hot sexy bits come your way. Killian had a different edge to him and Arianna did not really gain acceptance from me until near the end. Her character unfolds in a very realistic way but you have to get through all her “entitled Princess” fits first. This is one series I will keep with. Start with the Ivanov’s then move on to the O’Malleys…you will not be disappointed. I gave 5 stars because this book holds it own and more amongst the others in the long series, sometimes some books are not as good as the series drags on…but this is a dragging, dungeon punishing thrill ride! Jump on.
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  • Rosemarie Ramadan
    5.0 out of 5 stars swoon
    Reviewed in Australia on August 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is by far my favourite of all Maggie Cole’s books. Killian and Arianna are my favourite mafia couple. Captivating to the point where life didn’t exist outside this book. Could not put it down
    Report
  • LoveToRead
    5.0 out of 5 stars Killian and Arianna's story
    Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Killian's marriage to Arianna pays the debt to Tully for losing evidence that would incriminate his brother in murder.
    Killian is the joker but he's very unlikable in this story and it took until nearly three quarters of the way through the book before I started to like him.
    A great story which starts at the wedding rather than much further back like the other stories. We meet her brothers which I'm guessing is laying the groundwork for the next series in New York.
    Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger setting up the next book.
    Report

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