Devil's Claim

Devil's Syndicate #2

by Piper Stone

I came here to track down the man trying to kill my boss. I almost ended up dead myself...

Genres: Romance

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2025

Reviews

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine was in her apartment that fateful night when everything changed. Kruz Blanco, a high-ranking mafia figure, took her hostage. As he looked around, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of sadness about the rundown state of the place where such an intelligent and beautiful woman lived. Despite her exhaustion from a long shift waiting tables and the lack of food in her home, she was focused on icing a cake for a friend’s engagement party. There was something about her determination that drew him in, making him realize there was a profound story behind her circumstances.

Kruz soon learned about the immense struggles Christine faced. She had been tirelessly fighting for custody of her beloved son, Maverick, against a father who had shown little regard for both her and the child’s well-being. It broke Kruz’s heart to think of how a man from a powerful family like the Worthingtons could wield his influence to harm someone as deserving as Christine.

When Kruz decided to attend the engagement party, it wasn’t just a tactical move; he instinctively wanted to protect her. He hoped to confront Fassi, the man causing so much pain in their lives. But as the night unfolded, Christine uncovered unsettling truths about her son's father and the woman who had organized the party, realizing she had been treated unfairly even by those she considered friends.

Then, chaos erupted as the party was violently attacked, clearly targeting both Tonya and Christine. Kruz felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him; he recognized that Christine was now in danger, and he had to get her out of Florida—but he also understood that she wouldn't leave her son behind.

As time went on, a sense of family grew among Christine, Kruz, and Maverick. Kruz was resolute in his desire to keep them safe, deeply moved by their bond. Meanwhile, Christine was working side by side with Genevieve, determined to carve out a path for herself that would help her take down her father and secure a better future for her son. Yet, the shadow of Fassi and his associates loomed large, and they faced an uphill battle together.

I genuinely appreciated this book and look forward to your future works. Please continue writing with the same passion and empathy!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie Review: Devil’s Claim was a fantastic mafia read full of spice, suspense and romance. I absolutely adored these characters and the intense chemistry they shared, which they both tried to vehemently deny. And in the end, it was too much for either of them and they succumbed to it. Devil’s Claim is the second story in the Devil’s Syndicate series. But don’t worry, you will not be missing out on anything if you were to pick up the series with this one. Not saying you may have FOMO like I did, wanting to go back and see how it all started. Great, well written story with a ton going on. 5 Stars.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful Dark Mafia Romance

Oh yeah I love a good Mafia Romance and this is another terrific one by Piper Stone, as usual she has done a great job. This book has what I like, smutty scenes with some butt stuff included. 🥰 Also since it is a Dark Mafia Story there is plenty of Action and danger involved, Piper did a great job as usual, which is why she is one of my favourite writers.

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 mafia stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️
4🌶

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Claim is the second book in the Devil’s Syndicate Series. Although it's a series each book can be read as a standalone. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book. This is Kruz and Christine story which is told from a dual point of view. Dark. Captivating. Twisted. Dirty. Decadent. Sinful. A fast paced, thrilling, gripping read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride filled with high-octane adventures, non-stop action and mystery. This book demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life and gave that something extra that you never knew that you craved and needed. Wow! is all that I can say about this addition to the series. OMG! This story is wonderfully written with individuals who are protective, passionate, powerful, brave, fierce, resilient and loyal to the people they love. The chemistry, connection and dynamics between these two is panty-melting hot. Oozing and dripping with suspense, passion and heat that makes this read not only extremely hard to stop read but addictive.
Christine Callahan was in her shit hole apartment frosting a cake for her best friend Chloe engagement when someone burst through her apartment and disrupt her life irrevocably. He thought that she would be fearful of him but she was a very peculiar young woman because instead of being scared she pretended as if he wasn't there and continued frosting the cake. She's living in that apartment because of her vile, cold-hearted, evil ex-boyfriend and the father of her three year old son Maverick who he as custody of because of his name and influential family. He made her sign over her custodial rights. Kruz Blanco is a made man, a mafia boss from Spain and he's in Miami on tip on his boss rival. They meet when he was running for his life from a rival when he was led into a trap. He sought refuge when he broke into her apartment, this led to a round of spanking with her ass bare and red then a round of hard fucking because of her defiant, sass and caustic mouth.
He held her hostage in her apartment believing that she was the mistress of his enemy little did she know she was in to get to his enemy because of her connection to her best friend. He used her to gain access to the wedding being her plus one but when a shootout suddenly erupted he had to save. They spend time together while was hiding and fucking he found her intriguing and understood why she was living in that shit hole apartment that he wouldn't allow his enemy to live in. It was an instant lust-at-first-sight when they both laid eyes on each other. Being whole up together in the apartment he found out that she was working her ass off and spending every dollar that she earn to get custody of her son. Kruz quickly realized that Christine wasn't going to go anywhere without her son and decided to help her get him back and all three of them flew back to Spain. He didn't plan on letting her leave and put a ring on it. She's thrown into a terrible situation being with him and became the target as well he didn't have a choice but to take her with him back to Spain. It as been rough for Christine when she went from riches-to-rag because of her is slimy father and disgusting monstrous ex-boyfriend.
Devil’s Claim is filled with darkness, danger, violence, madness, deception, backstabbing, heartache, betrayal, revenge, retaliation, lies, drama, threats, attacks, acceptance, dirty talking, revelations, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, kidnapping, captivity, anger, angst, tension, emotions, secrets, enemies, rivalry, spice, possessiveness, obsession, murder, bloodshed, and so much more. Will Kruz manage to get his enemy? Will they get their HEA?

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine had been in her apartment the night her life changed forever, Kruz Blanco a head mafia man took her hostage
Kruz could not believe the woman he Was currently holding hostage in an apartment he would not have put his pet rat in and yet there was something about her that he was attracted to. She was icing a cake for a friend’s engagement party and even though she obviously was exhausted after hours spent waiting tables and hungry but there was no food in the house, he knew there was a story to be told.
Imagine Kruz’s surprise when he discovers this beautiful, intelligent woman has been forced to live in this disgusting apartment whilst she used every penny, she had to fight her bent child’s father for custody of her baby boy, Maverick a child he had wanted her to abort and paid no interest in for his first three years. However, when you are from a family like the Worthington’s you are able to buy any corrupt defence and now this vile creature had her reason for living.
Cruz could not believe the fact that this woman had agreed to attend her friends party to give her and her fiancé her cake and Kruz had used this opportunity to insert himself into the party where her may possibly find Fassi, the man causing his boss so much trouble he had to be stopped the sooner the better.
As the story escalates and they are attacked at the party and Christine discovers that her little boy’s father has been involved with the woman her best friend had allowed to organise her party and treat Christine like she was a third-class citizen. Then suddenly the party had been attacked and it was obvious it was an attempt to kill Tonya and Christine and Krux knew she now had a target on her back and Kruz had to get her out of Florida, but she would never leave without her son.
As time passes and Christine and Kruz along with her son Maverick had become a small family unit and he would do anything to keep them safe, she has been working alongside Genevieve and they were working on the precious stones and entry into the market that will allow her to bring down her father but will they be able to keep her safe from Fassi and the soldiers they have working for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine is a hard-working woman trying to make some money to get by as well as get her son back. She certainly didn’t need a crazy hot man to break into her home and take her prisoner. The chemistry is intense at first sight. Kruz is intrigued by Christine. She isn’t afraid of him. When he gets close to her, things explode. She isn’t the target that he was looking for, but she may know where the woman is. Things don’t go as planned but Christine has seen too much and he isn’t about to let her go. Now he has to not only find Fassi but also help her even if it means to make her his bride.
I love that Christine pushes his buttons at every turn. When he first shows up, she is making a cake and the whole interaction is fun. Once the shock wears off, she tries to make a run for it. Naughty. The more Kruz finds out about her, the more she is a missing piece to the puzzle. We learn about the parents that she has walked away from. And her knowledge is beyond what Kruz thought. She and Genevieve make a great team. Two strong willed women and take no prisoners. She does need some training from Gen. I love the soft side of Kruz with her son Maverick. That could melt anyone’s heart. Looking forward to see who takes down Navarro.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series pulls you in and sucks you dry!
I was caught up in the story from the first chapter and read this book in one sitting! I feel for Christine who struggles financially to make it on her own against great hardship, yet bakes a cake for her well-to-do best friend’s engagement party. Enter Kruz from an unlocked sliding door 3 stories up after a shoot-out in the neighborhood with a gun pointed at her, and things go from bad to worse. The chemistry between the two is off the charts, so a little action between the sheets is not off the table. While Kruz is angry over the foiled plan, he discovers his captive is invited to a party by the woman he needs to talk to and there is a change of plans with Christine now going to the party with a plus one. Yet Christine’s secrets might plague Kruz as the engagement party goes from bad to worse, but through it all, Kruz protects Christine with his life. Afterwards, he continued to put Christine’s life back together and bring her home with him to protect her. As Christine’s past unravels for Kruz, a new plan is formed with Christine being an active participant out for revenge on her father. How will it all end? You have to read to find out!

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good story but for me I had trouble connecting to the couple. I've read so many crime organizations romance so the topic isn't where I'm having problems its the couple, again its a good book but Kruz and Christine don't feel like they have the all consuming love, to me.

Kruz Blanco is tall, dark, mid 30s to 40s I would say. He has a boss Jago Torres but Kruz also runs a lot of the business in selling and shipping drugs. Dangerous to everyone fears him all over the world. Christine Callahan, maybe late 20s, mother of a 3 year old son who was taken from her by the father of her son and trying to save to get custody but its a losing game. She went from riches to rags because of her father and her childhood, but this elementary school teacher isn't just knowledgeable of teaching kids, she was raised in and around the knowledge of everything to deal with diamonds. Knowledge that makes her a target and Kruz broke into her apartment when we first meet them but this stranger will do more for her then anyone else will.... He sees her, He feels for her, He's protective and possessive. But he meets his match in Christine!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Stone knows how to do dark mafia romance right. I just love her world-building and characters. She creates the most addictive of stories that I never want to leave. Right from chapter one we're in an exciting scene and I didn't want to put this book down.

Christine (FMC) is hardworking, resilient, and honest. She is struggling in life at the moment Kruz breaks into her life. When she's first introduced she seems slightly unhinged. Her inner monologue was hilarious. She's a rambling hot mess. I loved her character.

Kruz (MMC) is exactly the morally-grey man we dream about. He is protective and almost immediately swoon-worthy. This Spaniard is tall, dark, and delicious. The things this man does for this woman had me melting into a puddle. “I like pleasing you.”

Their connection is electric.
The intense chemistry these characters had was so piping HOT!
I loved every part of this book. The action, suspense, and steam had me on the edge of my seat! I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is frosting a cake for her friend's shower when he bursts into her life, armed and dangerous. He should be scary, he is scary, but there is also something attractive about him. The last thing he expects is her, but the more time he is with her, the more reluctant he is to leave her behind. When she becomes a target of his enemy, he takes her back to Spain with him and decides to marry her. This is a complex romance, and mafia family drama story. It is a little different than the usual fare in the genre. He starts out as the captor but she also doesn't respond to him as a typical captive which challenges and intrigues him. I felt like we had more character development with her, and less of his real past but I enjoyed both of them. Their chemistry was tummy swooning, panty melting hot. It was nice to see that it wasn't only him, that she was equally attracted to him and sometimes took the lead. A dynamic push and pull. Their relationship was the best part of the story. The mafia family drama was a little murky at times and felt overly tedious at others but their relationship really pulled it through, all the way to their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost; this storyline is original, unique and intriguing! The characters - Kruz and Christine. Kruz, a handsome, dark haired, muscular and seemingly talented 3rd story intruder. He climbed up to the balcony and found the only door that was unlocked. Yes, Christine is a busy, hectic, frantic single woman who has many different skills, none paying much. When Kruz intrudes it’s because his crew got made and he needed a quick get away. Christine doesn’t have time for all this nonsense and continues to frost her friend’s cake. Christine is not going to let an intruder interrupt her job! Kruz is very charming, sexy and interested in Christine. Christine is usually always in the background, never to be noticed, but Kruz makes her feel beautiful, her curves are voluptuous and her laugh is delightful. What can she be thinking about her gentleman intruder? Is there something daring in her psyche? The storyline creates many different scenarios in which there is more than one devil. And the original devil is he still there? The book is one that will keep you reading until the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all-consuming dark romance that had me wide-eyed, breathless, and turning pages like my life depended on it.
This book had me hooked from the first heart-pounding moment that stranger kicked down the door and flipped the rules completely upside down. I wasn’t sure whether I should be fanning myself or dialing for help—but let’s just say I kept reading, very willingly.
In Devil’s Claim, Piper Stone brings the heat, the danger, and a power dynamic so intense I had to remind myself to breathe. This isn’t just a spicy story—it’s layered with fierce devotion, raw vulnerability, and a heroine who rises to meet the fire of her captor-turned-husband.
And oh, that hero. Ruthless? Absolutely. Possessive? Like the sun is hot. But underneath the danger and domination is a man so deeply loyal, so protective, you can’t help but fall for him. Even when he’s doling out punishment, it’s never cruel—it’s all part of this twisted, delicious dance between two souls who weren’t supposed to collide, but now can’t exist without each other.
What I loved most? Despite the dark themes and steamy scenes (and there are plenty!), there’s heart behind every action. Every rough edge has purpose. Every heated moment builds trust and power in the most unexpected ways.
So, if you’re like me and love your romance with a little danger, a lot of passion, and a leading man who doesn’t ask for permission—just takes what's his (and that includes your heart)—then Devil’s Claim is the kind of ride you won’t want to get off.
Piper Stone doesn’t just write books. She kidnaps you into a world of high-stakes love where surrender is the most powerful thing a woman can do—and the most satisfying.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant narration from Thomas Locklear and Autumn Mercer, who bring the emotions, passion, drama and pure spice to your ears.

Christine's life has not been easy all she seems to do fall into one disaster to another. One thing that keeps her going is her son Maverick. Between loosing their job and the people around her letting her down, all she needed was an armed man breaking into her home. When he burst into Christine’s apparent Kruz it was not her he looking for but an the mistress of the man who wants to take and destroy his empire, What he finds is the person who can bring him to his knees.

This book has mystery, danger, suspense, secrets, betrayals, chemistry and spice .

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil's Claim is the 2nd book in the Devil's Syndicate Series and follows Kruz Blanco, Christine Callahan and her adorable son Maverick.

Christine's life has been nothing but one disaster after another as she struggles to stay afloat. Between her ex-boyfriend, a backstabbing acquaintance and the loss of the job she adored to name a few only to have an armed man barge into her home.
Kruz is hunting an adversary that's trying to distroy their empire when he's lured to Miami on tip he'll be in town meeting his mistress. That's how he ended up in Christine's apartment or so he thought. While she's not who he was looking for she might be the link they need. What he never expected was to have an undeniable attraction to the woman he holding captive.
Their storyline has a bit of everything mystery, danger, suspense, secrets, betrayals, retaliation, murder and an undeniable budding passionate connection is pulling them closer together. The secondary characters were intelligent, intense, personable and contributed to the flow of the storyline.

I received a free ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 action packed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ “Heroes don’t exist, Christine. But monsters do.” ★

Kruz crashing and hiding out in Christine’s apartment was definitely not a meet-cute, but it was definitely fateful. Her situation becomes even more complicated when he invites himself to her best friend’s wedding, and bullets end up flying. Next, kidnapped and taken to Spain, Christine has no choice but to survive whatever Kruz throws at her next, but no one is more important than the son she has been kept from. She is no pushover, and that drives Kruz insane and brings out his protective instinct as well. Suspense, mafia business, and steam!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an action packed story that grabbed my attention and held it until the very end. Not knowing what was going to happen next, made the story very interesting. I loved Kruz and Christine and the eventual happy ending they found but there were several bumps along the way. I have always enjoyed stories that have very young children featured as they add something special and innocent to their surroundings. There is never a dull moment to be found in this story and I loved everything about it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Hooked from the first page! Kruz bursts into Christine's apartment and finds her exhausted but still baking a cake for a friend he has instant chemistry. When he discovers that she spends every penny trying to get custody of her, he steps in and whisks them both off to Spain where he lives and they become a family that he will do anything to protect. This is the 2nd in the Devil's Syndicate but each can be read as a standalone story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil's Claim is the second book in the Devil's Syndicate Series which is a dark contemporary Mafia romance between Christine and Kruz which starts when he invades her home. He is a member of his Mafia and is after Fassi who should be at the party Christine will be attending. Once there, Christine becomes a target and it is up to Kruz to protect her and her child, Maverick. This book has complex characters and storyline, Mafia action, sizzling passion, drama, mystery, and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written dark mafia romance…
Kruz, a dark, dangerous, deliciously muscled Spaniard broke into Christine’s apartment to evade the enemy soldiers trying to kill him. He caught her on a really bad day. Instead of being intimidated, she was delightfully defiant. So began a relationship that was as far from traditional as possible… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written captivating and entertaining romance. The two main characters are wonderful together and their chemistry is so hot. The other characters also make this story terrific. This story is an attention holder from beginning to end. The readers will enjoy the banter, passion, chemistry, action, danger, violence, secrets, and suspense. This is one that will be read again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contract from Kidnapping

When Kruz kidnaps Christine, it was like destiny wanted to bring them into the same orbit. The tension between them was explosive as hate and love become intertwined. This story was entertaining and full of excitement as revelations and complications arose. I absolutely enjoyed this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

It wasn't a bad book it wasn't what I was hoping for. The writing and the storyline we're good. I just have a pet peeve about the main they don't even know each other it's just a one-night stand having sex the very first time that they meet. There's no angst there's no build up no Romance just wham bam. It cheapens story for me there's not much left after they've already been intimate.

[Stacy (Romance Reading Diva) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil’s Claim was devilishly enjoyable! 4 stars

Devil’s Claim was devilishly enjoyable, and I’ll tell you why! I’ve never read Piper Stone before, and I’m glad I did. I loved Christine and Kruz’s meet-cute, if you can call it cute in a dark romance! Kruz was my kind of dark romance anti-hero, and Christine was his equal which I appreciated. Without spoiling, at a certain point both characters annoyed me, but I was happy with their happy ending.

*Read through Kindle Unlimited.

[Rachael E Kruszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy Steamy and fun

This is hands-down my absolute favorite PS series so far I’ve read them all the smart sexy FMC, and the alpha male obsessed with her. The sparks and the chemistry were seamless, and the steamy scenes were so captivating, I had tingles all the way down my spine. There’s something that caught me and I loved the series and I don’t ever do reviews, but I had to because I absolutely loved the series.

[Alison Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story -

Great story, just so many editing mistakes. It took the reading rhythm away as you were reading each page. There was also an incorrect character name - the name was used twice in the same night but in 2 different countries - how can someone be in 2 places at once. But such a great idea, storyline and I can get a couple of editing mistakes but this had way too many - please get a new editor.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What you are about to read is heart hammering, hard as nail characters and a storyline that has heat and romance. Get ready because your eyes are going to be stuck to your kindle for several hours reading this AMAZING dark mafia romance book. This book is written fabulous by Piper, and I have suggested my friends read this book.

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Kruz and Christine's story
This is a roller-coaster ride of action and mafia drama that will keep you glued to the pages till the end.
Strong mafia storyline with several key players and great characters.
Loved Kruz and Christine' s chemistry and delicious steaminess.
Be prepared for some twists and mafia violence along the way.

[Mystisith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf chapter 9. Poor girl who made all the wrong choices in life finds a rich mafia employee to solve all her problems including guardianship of her kid.
I'm very sorry but I just can't identify with that kind of heroine & cuckholding men is not my kink (it's also too far fetched if you know how real life works)... I'm out.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine is busy icing a wedding cake when Kruz bursts into her grotty apartment. Christine is broke because she is fighting her child's father for custody of her son. Kruz's involvement with Christine makes her a target so Kruz takes her back to Spain with him.

I loved Christine's feisty character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.