⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Scorching, Heart‑Tugging Second‑Chance Mafia Romance

“Through Any Fire” ignited my heart and never let go. This is a searing, raw, enemies‑to‑lovers tale that blends mafia intrigue, emotional depth, and a marriage‑of‑convenience setup that hits all the right buttons for fans of dark, slow‑burn love. Honestly I wasn't sure if I was going to love this book or not when I started reading it. I loved the cover, but i thought the setting was going to be more late 1800s/early 1900s. I was surprised at the modern setting when I started reading it.

Plot & Pacing
Loren and Callahan’s story begins with teenage love torn apart by betrayal because she walks in on him with someone else, and their world collapses. Over a decade later, Loren’s brother goes missing, forcing her to swallow her pride and turn to Callahan for help. He’ll only assist if she consents to become his wife. What follows is an intoxicating mix of romantic tension, family rivalry, and high‑stakes drama set firmly in the ruthless world of organized crime.
The pacing is relentless, one moment you’re rooting for their fragile reconnection, the next you’re on edge as betrayals, power plays, and literal firestorms threaten everything. The emotional payoff is worth it.

Characters
• Loren is fierce, loyal, and fearless. She’ll do anything to save her brother. She isn’t a damsel, and her depth of character shines throughout.
• Callahan is the textbook tortured hero: reformed playboy, ruthless mafia heir, and still carrying scars from their past. His unwavering devotion flies off the page.
Tropes & Themes
• ★ Second‑chance romance: that aching longing is palpable.
• ★ Marriage of convenience / forced proximity: the setup buzzes with tension and electric chemistry.
• ★ Mafia rivalry: danger, loyalty, and moral ambiguity fuse together with addictive energy.
• ★ Old wounds, fresh burn: emotional scars are revisited and healed, scene by scene.
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What I Loved
• The emotional stakes are HIGH. The build of tension and backstory in just the right measure.
• Lore‑heavy supporting characters hint at more in store, making me eager for book 2.

Final Verdict
Through Any Fire is Katherine Carter’s bestselling‑in‑advance mafia romance for good reason. It scorches, it stings, and it redeems. I was hooked from page one to the final scene and I can’t wait for the next installment. If you crave heartbreak‑to‑soul‑healing love wrapped in danger and grit, you’ll devour this.

Rating: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I've never read a Katherine Carter book before but I'm so glad I gave this one the chance. This was a second chance dark romance - check your trigger warnings at the back of the book!

Mafia Romance ✔️
Spice ✔️
Second chance and dark romance!! ✔️

It had everything you could want! I felt the love, I felt the pit of dread at the bottom of my stomach, I felt the FEAR! I cannot wait to read the next book.


Loren and Callaghan were just made for each other. ❤️

Katherine Carter has delivered a phenomenal start to The Any Collection with Through Any Fire. This book is a captivating and emotional rollercoaster that grabbed me from the very first page and refused to let go. The premise alone is enough to pique your interest: forbidden love, betrayal, rival families, and a desperate bargain. But Carter executes it with a masterful hand, creating a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, even after years of separation and the sting of betrayal. The "rivals turned lovers turned strangers" trope is executed flawlessly, and the forced proximity and marriage of convenience only amplify the tension. You can feel the weight of their shared history, the unspoken words, and the raw passion that still burns beneath the surface.

The single POV allows you to truly connect with the female protagonist, understanding her motivations, her pain, and her unwavering love for her brother. Watching her navigate the treacherous waters of the Keane family, forced to rely on the man who broke her heart, is both agonizing and empowering.

Callahan is the perfect tortured hero. He's complex, flawed, and undeniably magnetic. You can sense the internal battle he wages, the remorse he carries, and the fierce protectiveness he feels for the woman he thought he lost.

Through Any Fire isn't just a romance; it's a story about family loyalty, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. I devoured this book and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Any Collection! Highly, highly recommended!

Loren has grown up her whole life in the notorious Bianchi drug family. When she was younger, she secretly dated Callahan Keane, in true Romeo and Juliet fashion, he is the heir to the rival Keane drug/crime family. Now an adult, Loren’s younger brother has gone missing in Keane territory and Loren makes a deal with her now ex Cal in order to find her brother, Loren must marry Callahan as he needs a wife. Loren and Callahan marry and someone starts targeting the family, explosions, gun fights, interrogations, and a human trafficking ring. Will Loren and Cal start to take each other seriously and will Loren find her younger brother?

As far as the mafia themed books go this one definitely follows the same formula as a lot of them, however the FMC in this one, Loren, can definitely handle her own and doesn’t have to rely on the men in this book which I appreciate. This is a nice,simple action packed read. There are a few trigger warnings so check them out before you read to see if any of them would be an issue with you but all in all this one was great!

3.5 stars

There were some aspects of this story that I really enjoyed. Mafia romance isn’t always my go to, but I actually liked that aspect (I think it helped that the MCs had known each other a kids). My main problem with this book is that it felt all over the place story wise. We got several POV shifts, but nothing consistent so in some ways that felt really jarring.

The twist with 6% left felt a bit rushed for me. It wasn’t the same as an earlier twist, but it was close enough that it felt as though it had already been done.

All in all, it was an easy read with some really fun parts.

yeah this was not for me, i hate insta lust/love and this was filled with it. typical “i hate him so much but why am i so turned on by him oooooo” crap

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Huge thanks to Katherine Carter and NetGalley for an ARC of Through Any Fire, due 28th July.
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Intrigue, attraction, deception and determination...this one has it all, and then some!
This was my first Katherine Carter book and won't be my last!

A forbidden love amidst warring crime families, including a real 'love and the test of time' story for Loren and Cal who go way back. Drawn back together when Cal could be Loren's only hope, can he be trusted? How far will she go for what she wants? How independent is she really? Can Loren be trusted?? All these questions kept coming up for me and I was hooked!

With strong lead characters, both male and female, you are drawn in by their stories. Wasn't sure whether to love or hate Cal, then found I didn't know how I felt about Loren...even more reasons I couldn't stop reading, but they definitely found a place in my heart and there's something special about the way these characters are presented.

Without giving anything away, I like that there is more to come as this is the first in a series, but can also be read as a standalone.

The writing is strong and effective and certainly keeps you hooked. It could be complex, in terms of the families and their stories, but clear enough that you're not confused or having to reread for clarity. (Just reread because it's so good!)

A first for me was a list of trigger warnings. This may be in other books but it's the first time I've come across it myself and I think it's great, as it lets the reader know tropes in the story that may not be best as a surprise, without spoiling any part of the story.

If you like a fast-paced, edge of your seat, breath-holding read, then this one's for you!

3 stars
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Thank you for this arc read!

The story was incredibly complex and honestly, quite dark. A little too dark for my usual taste, if I’m being honest. It also felt longer than it needed to be, and by the end, I wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it.

I feel like it’s one of those books that sits heavy with you. Emotionally challenging, yes and definitely not for everyone.

I enjoyed this. As it is the first book in a series, the author has to build up the world the characters are in and it was done well. I liked Loren and I think she had a great amount of fire in her, which complimented Callahan perfectly. Speaking of Callahan... hot. So hot. That's all my brain defaults to, but I am happy with it!

I do wish I got more of Callahan and Loren's backstory - we got a bit in the book but I wish I got to see more of them when they were younger. Callahan and Loren has deep history and that love for her drives Callahan to the point of giving everything and everyone up for her. I love it and Callahan possessed so many qualities of what a book boyfriend is like. I do want to learn more about Callahan's family and with the second book being focused on Alice (poor Alice, she had terrible things done to her that make me so sad), I can tell that the author definitely has more rolled up her sleeve. It was a great debut!

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!

Unfortunately after checking the trigger warnings, I decided to no longer pursue reading this book. While I can generally read about most topics, there is one I avoid altogether - rape (on or off-page).

This was a fast-paced, engaging read that delivered on some fantastic tropes, especially the marriage of convenience, which was handled in a satisfying and believable way. The story kept me hooked with its momentum and emotional stakes, and I enjoyed watching the characters navigate their complicated relationship.

That said, it’s important to read the trigger warnings beforehand — there are heavy themes here that could be difficult for some readers, so proceed with caution. Overall, a dramatic, trope-filled romance with a solid payoff for fans of intense love stories.

I was feral for this book. Seriously, I could not put it down. The writing style and plot had me completely hooked—I devoured the whole thing in under 24 hours!

I went in with zero expectations and got hit with a fast-paced, action-packed story featuring a morally gray MMC Callahan and MFC Loren, mafia vibes, and tension for days.

Let’s talk about Cal. Listen… in real life, it’s a hell no, but in fiction? SIGN. ME. UP. The slow burn and tension between him and Loren?? Gurlll, Katherine did the dang thang. That second-chance element with a dark, gritty twist? Inject it. What a man. Dangerous, broken, magnetic—and somehow still made me swoon.

And this isn’t just about spice or romance (though, it’s got both and it’s chef’s kiss)—we’re talking gunfights, car bombs, fist fights, torture… everything. It’s brutal, raw, and so damn addictive.

Loren and Cal’s story had me in a chokehold, and I will definitely be reading more from this author

I liked it!! It certainly is not for everyone, and it had a few issues, but it was alluring and had solid vibes, with likeable characters. I appreciate the ARC, which I got from NetGalley and the author, so thank you to them!

Through Any Fire begins with Loren going to Callahan Keane, her old love from when they were teenagers, for help finding her brother Mason, who has disappeared into Keane territory on a mission from the Keane’s rival family, the Bianchi’s. Despite being out of the Bianchi family for years, and thus, the Bianchi-Keane drug rivalry, Loren throws herself back into the throes of danger when Callahan accepts her plea for help on one condition: that they get married. Once they exchange rings, though, people around them are being killed, with a clear message: they’re next.

I’ll fully admit that when I saw the trigger warnings page, I was a bit worried. It’s long, and will make you raise your eyebrows. And the book lives up to its warning page. It’s dark, it’s graphic, and it is in no way safe for work. For some people, this is a straight no. For some, this is encouraging. Usually, it’s more of a deterrent for me, but I wanted to give the book a try, and I’m glad I did.

The book revolves around Loren and Callahan’s relationship, which was well-written. I liked both characters and thought they were both well-developed. Callahan is morally grey in the best way, and Loren’s blood thirst towards the end is totally justified and quite satisfying. Their dynamic was great, though, with a clear history and tangible tension.

The plot was interesting and engaging, though I don't think I'll read the second book in the series, as the main character of that book just wasn't that interesting to me to be honest.

Thank you to the author the publisher and netgalley for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book war really good. I really enjoyed the whole mafia side and two families in conflict with lovers. It was just like Romeo and Juliet.
This book was fast paced, well written and enough twists and tension that it kept me going.
I really enjoyed all the moments that drew them closer where she was getting injured or sneaking off behind his back. The two main characters were adorable and I liked to see how their relationship blossomed. I must say the whole wedding idea was a good one.
The middle part of the book did seem to drag on a bit and I did get a bit bored for a few chapters. But the ending was really good and I finished the book without realising it.
I would recommend this book and author and I am exciting to see what happens next. There’s a lot of great potential for another book.

This was unfortunately not for me.

Younger me would have been giddy to read a mafia romance, but I do not enjoy them anymore.
And it's on me for not getting familiar with the premise before I applied for the ARC.
But once I saw an indie author and some of my favourite tropes, I didn't bother to read the premise.

But if you enjoy mafia romance, second chance romance, marriage of convenience, and an MMC who is down-bad for the FMC, this might be the book for you.
Also, check the trigger warnings as it has themes that would be considered dark.

While the plot is interesting, cliché in some ways, the execution could have been better.
The characters also felt surface-level to me and I never really felt connected to them.

The length also lost me, I will always be of the opinion that romance books shouldn't be longer than 300 pages, 350 pages at the maximum!

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC.

Thank you Katherine and Netgalley for the arc!

4.5 stars

Tropes:
Second Chance
Marriage of Convenience
Mob Boss (sort of)
Kickass Heroine

Loren and Callahan were childhood lovers and then they weren't. Years later, Callahan needs a wife and Loren needs to find her brother... it's simple. A marriage of convenience and second chance?? sign me up! I loved both their characters and also all of the side characters around too, I thought they all balanced and interacted so well. The development of the romance felt so believable and electric, and I also loved the suspenseful plotline it kept me hooked throughout!

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book - I didn't know what to think when going in, but this was a romance that I devoured! There's something so comforting and delightful about reading a book that allows you to shut yourself off and immerse yourself in the romance. There were dark elements so check the trigger warnings, but I thought they were handled so well and fit the story.

I can't wait for the second book and Alice's story!

I really loved this book. The story was about Loren and Callahan, who used to be in love many years ago but now were from rival mafia families. When Loren’s little brother disappeared, she asked Callahan for help. The deal was crazy, Callahan wanted a wife, so they married quickly. I laughed a lot at how much tension and drama happened between them. Callahan was so obsessed with Loren, it was kind of adorable. He never forgot her, and it showed in everything he did. Loren was strong and smart, and I really liked how she handled all the danger around them. The book was very fast paced with lots of action and drama. The mafia fights and the search for Loren’s brother kept me on edge. Sometimes I was so stressed but I couldn’t stop reading. The writing was great and the characters were very real. I finished it almost in one sitting because I was so hooked. I can’t wait to read more stories from this author. Thank you so much to the author andNetgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

Give me a mafia romance and I will eat it up every time. If it has a “my wife” moment, even better!!

I really enjoyed the childhood relationship references and heartfelt past that Loren and Cal have. I think it adds a little extra intensity to the story and makes the reader feel more connected to the characters.

Loren was so badass! I loved her duality of being this emotional yet strong force. Although her and Cal’s relationship was finally on the mend, I wish the third act tension was explained a little more. I felt for how stubborn Loren was and how rocky their relationship was, that she forgave/explained away Cal’s lying and mistakes too easily. I also wish it was a tad longer so the action scenes didn’t feel rushed (and so we got more Cal and Loren, obvs.)

On their actual relationship, Cal was a lover boy through and through. When he recited the letter he gave her, I caught my self getting a little misty. The fact that since they were 17, there was this individual thread binding them to a fate of forever, it just made my romantic little heart swoon.

I’m excited to see here Alice’s story goes. I hope her story is handled with the utmost care and she gets a happy ever after with… Cohen? 👀

Thank you, @katherinecarterauthor, for my first NetGalley read! 💌

I went into this one a little unsure, but ended up enjoying it more than I expected!

While the writing style wasn’t totally my thing, I did get pulled in by Callahan and Loren’s chemistry (they really carry the book tbh). The emotional tension, the "my wife" moments, the slow-burn second-chance vibe—it all delivered. And the ending? Kinda called it, but it was still satisfying to see it play out.

So no, it’s not a new favorite, but it was one of my good reads so far! And I'm really excited for Alice's story if she gets any!

As it’s marketed, Through Any Fire is a rich and complex romance that brings two childhood sweethearts into the heart of political and criminal mess their families created. If you’re looking for a dark(ish) romance, this is it.