Illicit Temptation

An Irish Mafia Bodyguard Romance (Astoria Royals Standalone, Book 3)

By: Deborah Garland

Narrated by: Michelle Sparks, Joe Arden

Shea-Lynne O’Rourke is no innocent princess.
But she is off-limits.
Older. Strong-Willed. Mouthy AF.

That doesn’t stop me from wanting to possess this feisty Irish Rose and make the only woman I can’t have mine.

She's my last bodyguard gig before I take my place in Quinlan Empire.

I'm riddled with scars and past sins, too filthy for an angel.
Who surprises me with a savage taste for the forbidden.

My restraint gives way to temptation that I tell myself is temporary.

But that only holds until a dangerous man from my past attempts to claim her as his.

©2023 Deborah Garland (P)2025 Deborah Garland

Chefs kiss!

This was really good. Joe & Michelle knocked it out of the park! It’s definitely spicy and a pretty good story.

Superbly Impressive Story, Narration & Listen🎧

Deborah Garland never ceases to amaze with me with her brilliant and creative mind, bringing me into her stories, taking me into the incredible world she creates right alongside her amazing characters. There is never a dull moment in her books and once I start, nothing else around me matters except what is going to happen next in the book, escapism at its best. This third standalone of the “Astoria Royals” series is the mafia princess of the O’Rourke empire Shea-Lynne O’Rourke’s and her bodyguard Trace Quinlan’s story and I loved every moment of their journey and catching up with the O’Rourke family and being introduced to the Quinlan family. The O’Rourke’s let Shea do her own thing and was not involved in any of the family’s businesses, but they never left her unprotected. After some drama with her former guard, they assigned Trace to cover her, knowing they could trust him to keep her protected. Trace wanted to do more than protect her, he wanted her and not just in his bed, which would be a big no-no in their mafia world, where marriages are mergers and business deals, though her family left her alone so far. Shea’s boyfriend gives excuses why he hasn’t divorced his ex-wife yet, but she remains independent and continues to focus on her career and growing business. A drunken night in Vegas was what it took for Shea to let her guard down and let Trace have her, except she doesn’t remember what happened and Trace had to leave on family business, and reappears three years, wanting Shea more than ever. Feisty Shea gives him a run for his money and it was great to watch the chase. I loved all the layers to this story and how it all played out, with non-stop drama, angst, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moment, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. I can not get enough of these O’Rourke’s and am looking forward to what comes next for them, the Quinlan's and the incredible mafia world. Deborah Garland, thank you for another amazing story and wild ride.

🎧📚🎧  Michelle Sparks and Joe Arden were amazing at voicing the characters and performing an accurate portrayal of each. I loved how they owned their roles, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound, accents and all. Arden’s Irish is a treat to the ears and so was his take on Trace’s role, showcasing all sides of his personality and demeanor perfectly, from his possessive alpha, touch her and die, to his caring and loving side with Shea. Sparks was just as fabulous in Shea’s role, also showcasing her personality perfectly, from her insecurities to her strength and determination, also nailing her feisty wit. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary characters too. Their tone and pacing were just right for the story and they captured all the characters’ emotions, having you feel them all. These versatile voice artists are passionate and entertaining storytellers who keep you glued to the story from start to end.

An Irish Mafia Bodyguard Romance

Illicit Temptation by Deborah Garland is an Irish mafia bodyguard romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Joe Arden and Michelle Sparks. This is the third book in the Astoria Royals Standalone series.

I love Deborah's books. She does a great job pulling me into the story. I can't help but binge them in one sitting. I really enjoyed the relationship between Trace and Shea. Their banter kept me hooked until the very end. I liked getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

Joe and Michelle did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a mafia romance, bodyguard romance, forced proximity romance, or a forbidden romance.

Spicy Mafia Story

Michelle Sparks and Joe Arden really bring this story to life with duet narration. The story is well-written and engaging, there were a few plot points that I would have liked to see wrapped up in the end that weren't. Overall, a great listen, especially for Mafia romance lovers.

LOVED THIS STORY!! Narration was 🥵

Loved the story line. Kept me on my toes. I loved the banter between characters and their growth! Narration was on fire!! Love me some Joe Arden!

Great love story and comedy!!

Love the banter and chemistry between the characters and narrators who brought the story to life!!

Mafia Princess x Enforcer = Explosive Chemistry 💥

Illicit Temptation by Deborah Garland is a mafia romance packed with tension, danger, and undeniable chemistry. Trace, the enforcer with a dark edge, has been obsessed with Shea, the mafia princess, since they were kids. And let’s be real, there’s nothing better than a man who falls first and falls hard.

Their history adds depth, making every stolen glance and heated moment even more intense. A drunken Vegas wedding? Oh yeah. But this isn’t just a reckless mistake, it’s the spark that ignites something much deeper, especially with enemies lurking in the shadows.

Now, the audiobook? Perfection. Joe Arden in an Irish accent? Gritty, raw, and absolutely sinful. His voice dripped with dominance, and when he got filthy? Phew. Michelle Sparks brought Shea to life, fierce, fiery, and every bit the mafia queen in the making. Together, they made this story explosive.

If you love mafia romance with high stakes, scorching tension, and top-tier narration, this one’s a must-listen!

Fated Mates

Wow! The narrators performance is perfection. Joe Arden makes a perfect Trace Quinlan and Michelle Sparks is wonderful as Shea O'Rourke. All the emotion and turmoil is easy felt which made it go so quickly. Deborah Garland has done it again. This book is everything a good mafia romance is made of. This is Shea O'Rourkes' long awaited story and what a fantastically written one. I didn't want to put it down and definitely want more. Shea is a strong, feisty and very independent woman who owns her own event planning business. She reconnects with Trace Quinlan in Vegas and has an intense, fun, alcohol fueled evening but no memory of it the next day. Trace has had a thing for Shea since he was 12. Now given a chance he doesn't plan to let her go. This is one heck of a twisted roller-coaster ride. These two have so many obstacles in their way including their own doubts and insecurities. This book is full of non stop action, a little angst and lots of spice. Trace is everything Shea never knew she needed. A Quinlan and an O'Rourke were always meant to be as their families have been entwined for years. I loved getting caught up on all the other O'Rourke clans lives as well. I highly recommend this 5+ star book.
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.