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Medici Mafia #1

Fortress of the King

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I TRIED TO WARN HER.
From the moment I laid eyes on Rayne Michaelson I knew she had to be mine.
She’s heaven sent. An Angel. She’s nothing like me.
They call me the King of Boston.
There is nothing the Medici crime family cannot obtain.
Wealth. Property. Fast cars. Women. Anything.
Nothing is off limits. Except her.
She’s a mystery. A ghost. And she holds secrets of her own.
The problem isn’t the web she weaves all around me, but the fact that I’ll stop at nothing to seek my vengeance on those that want to hurt her or those who get in my way.
The trouble is, what if she’s the enemy all along?


This is a steamy, suspense filled, dark mafia romance with a cliff-hanger. This will be part of a duet with book 2 in the Medici Mafia series releasing 30 June 2022.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2022

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Dakotah Fox

27 books43 followers

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5 stars
197 (46%)
4 stars
146 (34%)
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61 (14%)
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16 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
1,960 reviews565 followers
July 12, 2022
Part 1

3 🖤⚡️🤴🏻⭐️s

A mafia romance read that kept my interest.
However, there were plenty of repetitions, the heroine was annoying at some points and there was a little dragging.

A few things were just mentioned and explained further in the story, and also there were some plot holes.
Profile Image for KAGE.
113 reviews39 followers
May 31, 2022
description

"She isn't afraid of the monster deep inside me, like all of the bad shit I've ever done no longer exists because she's my atonement."

Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5

Spice Rating: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing: 9.5/10
Plot: 9/10
Intrigue: 9/10
Logic: 8.5/10
Enjoyment: 9/10

Hero: Angelo
Heroine: Rayne

Cliff-hanger: Yes
Triggers: Human Trafficking, Abuse, Murder

Pages: 283
Style: Contemporary, Enemies to Lovers, Dark, Suspense, Mafia.

Holy hell! This was amazing!

This was my first read from both authors, and I was blown away, it definitely did not disappoint.

I loved the premise of this book and thought the writing was perfect, the mix of character and world-building, pace, inner dialogue and interaction between the main characters was on point.

Can I just say... Angelo!!!! My god, I'm in love. He is the epitome of dark and dangerous, however, is layered with a vulnerable sweet and caring side under the strong and dangerous exterior. And Rayne is just gorgeous, she is stuck in an impossible situation and I love how she grows bolder and stronger towards the end... I can't wait to see how she progresses in the next part.

The chemistry and tension between Angelo and Rayne is palpable, and once they get going the steam is off the charts.

There were plenty of twists I certainly didn't see coming, I was on the edge of my seat from about 45% in and completely devoured this read. I need more from these two immediately.

Overall this was a really well written dark mafia romance and I absolutely can't wait for part 2.

"Now Angelo Medici has me in his sights. It may cost me everything, but it's the price I'm willing to pay."

*all edits are mine - pictures are not

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description
Profile Image for Sandy Demuynck.
499 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2022
These 2 authors (Mackenzy Fox and Dakota Fox) are 2 new authors to me.

I am so happy to have come across this book. I am curious for book 2 cause I was blown away with this first one.

This is an amazing mafia romance, these two authors are amazing at cowriting.

The Fortress of King is the first book in the series.

I got hooked from the beginning and was so intriguing.

Angelo is always so in control and excites, dark and dangerous, but that changes when he meets Rayne.

He is the boss of the Boston Underworld and also of the Medici family.

She hides her reasons to why she gets closer to him.

I love how Rayne gets stronger and bolder towards the end of the book.

The chemistry between Angelo and Rayne is off the charts, and it just gets steamier and steamier.

I also like how there are plenty of twists that I not saw coming. Which make me love the book even more.

I am waiting on book 2 after this cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
1,651 reviews24 followers
June 1, 2022
Angelo Medici. The King of Boston always gets what he wants.

“You’ve never been a plaything, Carina. The minute I laid my eyes on you, I knew we’d be a match. We have similarities that you might not see, but I see that fire in your eyes. You want to be afraid of me, but you won’t allow yourself to be.

Rayne Michaelson works in his art gallery. Her secrets are deadly.

This story is Dark and Delicious!! So hot you’ll see smoke coming off the pages.

There is a huge cliffhanger ending and now we have to wait. I hate waiting but oh boy will it be worth it.
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm .
1,036 reviews15 followers
May 22, 2022
I’m not afraid of dark romances. In fact I prefer them.

Welcome to the Boston underworld where the Medici family rules and Angelo is the king. A title he is still reluctant in some ways about.His carefully controlled is penetrated by a gallery worker named Rayne who grabs his attention but who is she really.

Loved the thrills and heavy steam. These two are a powder keg ready to explode and knowing what will eventually happen makes it even more gripping as they both become ensnared in each other’s webs.

Watch out for the cliffy.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
967 reviews8 followers
June 3, 2022
Desperate Measures…

Rayne is a desperate woman, she will do whatever it takes to get the only person she loves back. She has to infiltrate the world of the King of Boston. She’s already working for his company so she needs to catch his eye.
When Angelo meets Rayne he feels like she’s different then other women. He wants her and he will make her his.
Rayne is still trying to get information on him to try and bargain for her sisters return. But things are starting to feel cloudy and she’s feeling things she’s never felt before. Angelo is not the monster he was made out to be towards her. She’s doubting herself and when asked to do the impossible she knows she needs to get help but who can she trust.
Once Angelo learns of her betrayal all bets are off! He’s going to make Rayne pay for being a traitor. We get left on a cliffhanger right after he learns the truth.

I really enjoyed Rayne and Angelo’s story. I liked their chemistry and how fierce their passion became for each other. I can’t wait for the conclusion in book 2!
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
526 reviews13 followers
May 29, 2022
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. I love this author duo, and when they announced they were writing a dark mafia, I was ALL IN. I love love love everything mafia. Angelo is the king of the Italian mafia in Boston. Rayne works at his art gallery, and is sent there undercover to get information on him in order to save her sister who is being held hostage. Her plan is to get close to Angelo to get the information required of her, but the more time they spend together, the more she doesn’t want to stop.
Their chemistry is off the charts, and he knows he will have her eating out of the palm of his hands. Once he has her, she is his. He is addicted and feels for her what he hasn’t felt since his late wife. She feels just as strong for him as he does her, despite the fact she is betraying him. Once things get heated, the steam is EVERYTHING.
When the truth blows up in their faces, the tension is REAL and will leave you at the edge or your seat until the very end.
The end, will leave you with your jaw dropped. This is the cliffhangers of cliffhangers. Thank Goodness the conclusion to this duet releases at the end of June!
I need allll the answers! I will be here, Impatiently waiting !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Cindy Montgomery.
160 reviews
June 6, 2022
Angelo and Rayne Who’s really in control?

The chemistry between these two characters is blazing hot! The authors created such mental conflicts for both Angelo and Rayne with allowing them to fall in love without admitting it. Rayne is put into a position out of her control and I believe Angelo is controlling his feelings to figure out how to resolve this emotional situation. You learn so much as this story develops and the ending sets up the next story so well. Can’t wait to read the next story. The Fortress of the King is so well written and wow is one of my favorite reads of the year!
Profile Image for Rainey.
113 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a non-biased review.

I went into this book hoping for a steamy read, and my expectations were well exceeded! This book is smoking hot! Do not read in a public place! 🌶🌶

We meet Rayne who’s just accepted a job at an art gallery that happens to be run by the Medici Mafia. Her sister is kidnapped by unnamed forces who blackmail her into getting closer to the boss…

Angelo, dark, dangerous and delicious is immediately drawn to Rayne. He loves the chase and always gets what he wants. However, this might be the exception. The fire between these two burns hot, and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. However, the game they’re playing could have deadly consequences…

This book reeled me in, about 40% in, the spice level increased tenfold and the plot really progressed. This book is so much more than your typical “con the don” scenario. The tension was palpable, the characters were real and the internal dialogue was on point. The cliffhanger though – wow! 🤯🤯 I’m glad the next book is a quick release because I need it!

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a spice-intense mafia romance!
Profile Image for Gina.
103 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2022
I received this arc for an honest review.
My attention was caught around the 40% mark, and what a turn around it was! I’m so thankful I kept reading! The thrill of wondering how it would all unfold with the mixture of spice was great! These two characters are out for blood, all the while loving each other. I was flipping the pages fast to find out what was happening next. I’m left wondering if they’ll be able to overcome massive hurdle of trust and fix everything that’s wrong. I didn’t know this was a series, and the ending caught me off guard! This is a duet and the next book is a quick release and I can’t wait to read it!
Please check your trigger warnings
This book has kidnapping, violence, mentions of sex trafficking, and mention of domestic abuse (from a previous partner and not between the two main characters)

@mackenzyfoxbooks
@dakotahfoxbooks
@peachykeenas
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
1,900 reviews26 followers
May 31, 2022
Omg I love Mackenzy Fox and 2hen I hear she was doing a Mafia Romance I was super excited. And this co write was perfect. They way Dakota and Mackenzy wrote this was perfect. Rayne and Angelo story is one of mystery quick romance and a big secret. This was amazing and I couldn't put it down. And after that cliffhanger I cant wait for book two.
Profile Image for Jillian.
59 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2022
The Fortress of King is a great series starter. I was hooked from the beginning & it kept me interested throughout.

Angelo is always in control until he meets Rayne, who hides her real reasons for getting close to him. 🥰

It’s a great dark romance, with a huge cliffhanger at the end. I’m so excited for the next one. I have to know how it ends.
Profile Image for Randi Nash.
492 reviews166 followers
May 30, 2022
This was a really fun mafia read with a twist! Rayne is in a difficult situation and has to get close to Angelo.. but she doesn’t mean the fall for him in the process. But who could blame her?…

The spice was extra good & the story was interesting! Looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next book!
Profile Image for Renee.
4,239 reviews58 followers
June 3, 2022
I received a copy of this book form the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

I tried to warn her. From the moment I laid eyes on Rayne Michaelson I knew she had to be mine. She's heaven sent. An Angel. She's nothing like me. They call me the King Of Boston. There is nothing the Medici crime family cannot obtain. Wealth. Property. Fast cars. Women. Anything. Nothing is off limits. Except her. She's a mystery. A ghost. And she hold secrets of her own. The problem isn't the web she weaves all around me, but the fact that I'll stop at nothing to seek my vengeance on those that want to hurt her or those who get in my way. The trouble is, what if she's the enemy all along?

This is a dark mafia romance. You need to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. This is also the first book in a duet so there will be a huge cliffhanger but the second book is coming out at the end of the month.
In Boston the Medici family rules the underworld and their King is Angelo. Rayne works in an art gallery and is there undercover to get information on Angelo in order to save her sister who is being held hostage. The plan is to get close to Angelo to get the information that is required of her. However everything might go off the rails when she starts spending more time with him she finds herself attracted to him and wants to spend even more time with him. Angelo is determined to have her eating out of the palm of his hand. He might just be a little obsessed with her and knows that he has to make her his because he is feeling things for her that he hasn't felt since his wife died. Rayne is feeling the same way but at the same time having to deal with the feeling that she has because she knows that she is about to betray him. This book is full of twists and turns and full of some amazing chemistry between Angelo and Rayne. They will keep you turning the pages and never wanting this book to end. To say I need the next book now would be an understatement.
Profile Image for Rosa Dunahue.
1,247 reviews20 followers
June 6, 2022
Angelo is a man you will only cross once but he wasn’t always like this. Now that he is head of the mob, he doesn’t have a choice but to be hard on people or the people he cares for will get hurt. Rayne is trying to create a new life for herself but someone kidnapped her sister and now she force to do things against her better judgment to keep her sister safe.

When Angelo see Rayne he wants her and will do anything to make her his. But to see their incredible chemistry from the start and to see Angelo fall for her and for Rayne knowing what she has to do but falling for him anyway is amazing. But when Angelo found out what going, he really doesn’t know how to process it. I love watch them fall for each other but the cliffhanger ending is a killer. I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Ellie Wright.
204 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2022
What an absolute winner of a mafia romance. It is such a unique genre filled with powerful men and the women they love and these authors have excelled at creating passion, tension and romance between main characters Rayne and Angelo. These two fall in lust and love quickly but it is done with such skill it doesn't feel like insta-love.

The book is fast paced particularly in the second half of the novel and it races to a huge cliff hanger! I am a sucker for a good cliffhanger so I was very happy.

Can't wait to read more about these two characters in the sequel which is out soon.
June 1, 2022
Being new to both Mackenzy Fox 'sand Dakotah Fox's work i've been looking so forward to picking up this duo's work! From the moment i found out about this book i added it to my TBR List right away. I knew i had to read it first. I picked it up and got into the Medici Mafia world! I so enjoyed this first installment!

This first installment in Rayne and Angelo's journey captured my attention so quickly! I wasn't sure what all to expect going into this story and i really liked that! As these two are brought into each other's lives, i couldn't wait to see how everything would play out for them!

I really enjoyed the way this story kept me on my toes! I loved how i felt many things throughout with both Rayne and Angelo. The chemistry between these two was great!

With Fortress of the King, Mackenzy Fox and Dakotah Fox have created such a good and dark read! I am so looking forward to diving back into the Medici Mafia world with the second installment, Fortress of the Queen!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Peachy Keen Author Services / the authors*
Profile Image for Chanel Johnson.
355 reviews15 followers
June 3, 2022
Angelo is the boss of the Underworld and Rayne is a new employee at his art gallery. His desire for her was immediate but she seems to be completely unaffected by him, which makes him interested in her even more. Every woman is affected by him so why isn’t she?

Rayne cannot believe how handsome and alluring and charming Angelo is. She’s heard things about him and his business. He is the King of the Underworld and it’s criminal activities after all. But as she gets to know him, he is also a family man and someone who has experienced loss.

This book read very smoothly and I got through it so fast. It never lulled. Constant movement and action. I love when a big bad alpha is smitten with a woman. But what if she’s not who he thinks? Has she been pretending this whole time?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
🌶🌶🌶/ 5
Profile Image for Bailee Dugan.
371 reviews12 followers
June 5, 2022
Have I ever said how much I love mafia romances? Because I’m obsessed. Rayne and Angelo are literally fire together. Their passion bled and burned throughout the pages so brightly. Rayne was like an addiction for this man and to be honest, vice versa even though Rayne knew she had a job to do to save her sister. However, those pesky yet delicious feelings kept rising, and eventually the spice erupted. The spice was well and alive in this one. The tension and energy between Rayne and Angelo were so well-written.

As my first read from both of these authors, I know for a fact that I’ll be coming back for more… and more… and more! I cannot wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Assunta De vincentis.
55 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2022
If you love Mafia romance and betrayal, then this book of for you.
I was hooked straight away. The story just flowed and I could not teary eyes away. I read this in one sitting.
Angelo Midici the king of Boston and the mafia is definitely one sexy man that hasn’t let anyone get close to him until he met Rayne. A strong beautiful women who has to do the unthinkable.

It ended with a cliffhanger and Thankgod this is a duet and don’t have to wait long for book 2 so we can do all have our answers.

Well done ladies this book is amazing and can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Amber.
999 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2022
***4.5*** I am so glad that the second part of this duet comes out soon because I can’t wait with that ending! I’m excited to see what happens because some of the twists in this book kept me on the edge of my seat.

I loved Angelo! He is not just your typical don in some ways. I love that he let his guard down a little with Rayne. I loved how protective Rayne is of her family although I just wanted to yell at both of them a few times.

Good start to this duet! I have high hopes for the second part!!!
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
991 reviews10 followers
June 1, 2022
Passionate & Gritty Start


Angelo Medici, CEO of the Fortress before destiny shifts and places him as The King of Boston, head of the Medici crime family ruling the Boston Underworld. The reluctant King...

Rayne Michaelson, his angel, his mysterious woman who should be off limits yet his all the same. Employee at one of his business ventures, his Fortress Galleria.

Falling fast and hard for each other, they are caught in each other's web and lair. Steamy, suspense-filled, dark Mafia romance seeping with blackmail, bribery, ransoms, secrets, and revenge all at the the cost of his wrath.

Passionate start to this gritty duet. Lots of subcharacters and, knowing this is a duet focused on Rayne and Angelo, wondering if the author will write their storyline? I can hope!
1,992 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2022
I was looking forward to this series when it was announced and I wasn't disappointed at all. This was everything and more to me. While I usually read RH books I did like this and it's mafia and dark so I just had to read it. Rayne is a beautiful woman and Angelo is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Rayne is blackmailed to take him down and the world will end for sure. The betrayal, the hurt, I felt this so much and my heart ached for all those involved. Truly captivating and a must read!
Profile Image for Kaylee.
430 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2022
A hot hot hot mafia romance with a strong lead and a broody sexy alpha!

These two meet unexpectedly and our king is ensnared immediately! But the H is hiding secrets, dark ones, so who the heck is she and what is really happening?

This book was super fast paced and the story was ever-changed! Their sexy scenes were like an explosion and you may need supplies ready by the end of this book.

Warning: there is a HUGE cliffhanger!
161 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2022
Wow I loved this book. Mafia books are definitely my favourite and this one did not disappoint! I love the FMC Rayne and the male character Angelo. He’s the Mafia king of Boston and she works in one of his galleries. She’s keeping a big secret, from him! Their relationship grows, but is it real? Will her secret be revealed? If it does will it blow up in her face? He would do the same if he was in her position! But will that be enough to forgive? I cannot wait for book 2 I read this so quickly as I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Teddi Coleman.
219 reviews6 followers
June 5, 2022
Partial Bear Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶.5
I didn’t truly know what to expect with this one! I love dark mafia worlds. But in the beginning you find out your own definition of innocence and how far you will go for family either by blood or chosen. You find the alluring factor of this world and will leave you wanting more. I love the tension and the aspect of when you care for the devil himself but if the devil is you. I won’t lie and say the ending has me worried if I will like the next one or will my heart be ripped out.
Profile Image for Stacey Woods.
983 reviews26 followers
June 4, 2022
Very explosive and full of twists. It is definitely a mind bomb. All the twists and turns will pull you in. It'll have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. You'll want to finish this all at once.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,396 reviews93 followers
June 1, 2022
Wow what a read. This book blew me away. From the very first page until the last page, I was hooked. There was no putting it down until the last page was read. IT moves along at a pace which is perfect for the story. IT has interesting characters that you want to know more about and by the time you have finished the book you are loving them. This is a book that needs to be read, there is no doubt about it. It is a must read.
Profile Image for Kis Baadsgaard.
Author 20 books44 followers
June 2, 2022
As always Mackenzy delivers. Fortress Of King is a fantastic Dark romance, my favorite trope ;-) The book has it all a dark romance book shut have. Dominant mafia man and a feisty woman. It drags you from page to page. I lost my night's sleep because I had to see what happens next. Do yourself a favor. Read it <3
Profile Image for KitKat821.
643 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2022
It’s a good series opener. It’s definitely somewhat darker than the author’s MC fare, and that’s great since I like dark books too. The writing is solid and the story flows nicely. I love the hero, absolutely adore him. The heroine - not so much. This can be a personal preference thing but I really hate when female characters make, and then continue to make, dumb decisions that negatively impact them when there are clear and better options staring them dead in the face. Rayne I know she felt like she didn’t have choices, but it was clear from the start that things were and could have been different with Angelo. I’m very interested to see if book 2 can make me like Rayne, and obviously I need to know more since this book ends on a cliffhanger! I also like all of the siblings and Enzo - so I’m looking forward to their books as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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