Sal Raniero’s Little Black Book 1 (The Phoenix Journals)

(34 customer reviews)

He’s the eighteen-year-old kid of the Boston mafia. She’s the middle-aged, rhinestone-wearing spitfire from Texas. One weekend. A whole lot of sparks. Each client’s entry/book can be read as a standalone.

Additional information

ASIN ‏

‎ B083XL9YH4

Publisher ‏

‎ The Sugargrove Book Company (January 15, 2020)

Publication date ‏

‎ January 15, 2020

Language ‏

‎ English

File size ‏

‎ 2371 KB

Simultaneous device usage ‏

‎ Unlimited

Text-to-Speech ‏

‎ Enabled

Screen Reader ‏

‎ Supported

Enhanced typesetting ‏

‎ Enabled

X-Ray ‏

‎ Not Enabled

Word Wise ‏

‎ Enabled

Print length ‏

‎ 158 pages

34 reviews for Sal Raniero’s Little Black Book 1 (The Phoenix Journals)

  1. Energy Rae


    Book 1 of the journal gives us Trudy, and what a way to start! The writing is very lyrical and I found myself highlighting so many things in this small book, it was hard to see where the yellow highlights ended and the unhighlighted material began.Even when Sal is writing about the abuse of his father, (and his mother turning a blind eye) I found it beautifully written. “She rarely stood up for her runt of a son and turned the other cheek as he bashed mine in for eighteen years.” Because everything began because Sal did not want to end up like his father, and his desire to get away from the abuse, and his mob, started everything for Sal.We always knew Trudy told things as it was, but the extent of her honesty, the extent of her place in Sal’s world, is solidified here. While he was not new to the world, he was a bit green with some things, and Trudy being the first was indeed the perfect decision. I’m pleased she was first and I loved her story here and her place in Sal’s life. Wonderfully done!

  2. Sara Callaway


    Oh what a look into Sal’s past. I loved Trudy and the interaction these two had, along with mutual admiration. You get a closer and more intimate look into Sal as a teenager, just starting out. I’m so looking forward to the future books.Read with KU

  3. Mandy Williams


    I enjoyed this glimpse into Sal Raniero and how he was made. Kailee has brought some more insight into this world that makes me appreciate the previous books even more. I am looking forward to more entries into the little black book.

  4. Angela Thomas


    Join in as Sal takes us back to the start of his “business” to the early days in Sugargrove Texas. KRS + Sal = one hella hot story. These little bed time stories pack one heck of a punch!

  5. Elaine Holcomb


    I’ve read about these delicious characters over many books, but going back into time when Sal goes with Nico to Sugarland Texas and seeing how he meets and starts up his relationships is amazing. How he will be guided, molded into the man that is Sal Raniero by these people. OMG, I’ve loved Trudy from the Son’s series, but reading about their first meeting…. BOOM!!! That woman is everything and the lengths she goes to for Deacon (her Saint, her son) will have you understanding just how much she has endured for him. That women has sass and balls for days, and the chemistry between her and Sal is something else. He’s intrigued, attracted and irritated with her all at once at time…lol We see his fascination start from his first glance of Deacon pictures at Trudy’s, but that’s another story that we’ll enjoy. There are so many that are looking out for Sal, some that will have his loyalty and love for always, it’s intriguing to read how they know about him and what they will do to get him ready for things to come. One of those being Dom (fans myself), he will train Sal, bring him to his potential and show him what he needs and craves can happen. He was a perfect way to end this chapter, and I cannot wait for the next client in book 2. I highly recommend you read these short reads, and learn for yourself how Sal was brought to life, I truly appreciate the bond Sal and Trudy have, one that will last! Thank you Ms. Samuels for such an enjoyable read.

  6. Jayne Gibson


    I am such a fan girl of Kailee Reese Samuels. She hooked me quite a while back with the utter beauty of Salvatore Reniero, and I haven’t stopped reading her ever since.Salvatore Reniero, my sigh-worthy hero, so beautiful, so strong and so very compelling. In this latest installment, Little Black Book 1, I’m being treated to a backstory that is interesting and revelatory. I adore this man, I’ve been privy to some of his most guarded thoughts in previous books, but now I get to watch him become who he is. I get to walk in his past and listen to his thoughts as he looks back on his life. This book was so much fun for me.I’ve said this before but it beats repeating. Kailee Reese Samuels is a gifted writer, and I mean that sincerely. She takes me to wondrous places, introduces me to fascinating characters and let’s me experience events that I would never get to experience without her stories.This book is yet another win for this most excellent author. I loved every page and read the book in one sitting. But that’s not unusual for me when I read Kailee. Highly recommended.

  7. Michelle V.


    Wow! I loved getting to know how Sal Raniero started out and how he became the man he is. I do wonder if there is a real Sal Raniero out there and where is he? (I’m asking for a friend)😉 As always with this author’s writing I am left speechless and anxious for the next book in this series.

  8. jc


    “All in the interest of Deacon Cruz.”This “little” black book is the backstory of Sal at Sugergrove. He is a young 18 and to evolve into the man and ultimate master he was born to be he must start to take on certain clients. First on his list is Trudy Diaz, Deacon’s ma and the ultimate badass MILF. I knew that I always loved Trudy but getting to see her at the start with Sal and understanding the bond they make and how Deacon and Sal will eventually cross paths is truly a gift. And then in true Kailee craziness, she gives us a bomb backstory that was never told before, I read this stunned! I love this entire ride and I am a total slave to all things Sal! This is a definite must read to discover and understand every detail in this incredible journey!❤

  9. LynnStifle


    I loved this book! It’s a quick read that hooks you from the first page until the last. I absolutely love Sal! Kailee has woven a complex and wonderfully written story, the storyline is fast paced and well thought out. A great story filled with amazing characters. This book is an absolute must read.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

  10. 75_SweetestBook


    Wow what a fast pace quick read that has a whole lot of darkness and life of are famous Sal. You will want to have alot more after you read this past story and knowing the past and bringing the future together. This is a very yummy read.

  11. Gina Yingwane


    I gotta say it made me gitty reading Sal at 18. And then to read about how he first met Trudy?! Wow!! He was so unsure about himself at that age but had some sure Sal moments that I recognized as the Sal I know now. 🙂 Definitely twisty and some what shocking at times, but it made me all the more excited to keep on!! Can’t wait for his next encounter. It only gets more complicated from here and my heart is so ready!I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

  12. jwm


    This is a novella about how Sal starts his escort “business”. It’s really an introduction to the players that will help form who Sal ultimately becomes. It was very interesting to learn more about Sal’s past and his feelings and needs he’s kept suppressed due to the brutality of his father and family.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

  13. Kristina Simkins


    Wow! I have loved, hated and even loved to hate these characters throughout many books in Sal’s world. But going back to the beginning with Sal step by step and getting so much in depth information from him allows a much deeper look into his process of the man he has become – the how’s, why’s, when’s and where’s of it all.I’m really enjoying this intense ad emotional ride into the deepest depths of Lucas Salvatore Raniero and can’t wait for more of the Little Black Book!

  14. Katie Kearney


    I just can’t with this book and author! How does every book just get a thousand times better than the last? This author knows how to keep readers coming back for more over and over again. The characters are complex and well developed. The storyline is well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!

  15. Jenny B


    Another incredibly short but intense read that gave me so much more insight into the Sal. The story went incredibly quick but really laid an incredible foundation as to how Sal developed into the man who I swoon over in later books. Truly a fantastic read that kept my undivided attention

  16. Allyson


    Ok I am so loving me some Sal!!! I do feel like I need a little black book to keep up with everyone though. There are so many people so far that are on Salvatore side and I’m trying to learn all of them. I can’t wait to keep going on this ride !! I voluntary read and reviewed this book and can’t wait for more !!

  17. Kristy Crow


    This is the beginning of the end for Sal. Anna his new momma and Trudy his lover what can go wrong in the world of Salvatore Raniero. Running from his past he is ready to grow up or is he? Read to find out. Kailee is amazing and like most authors, the wait is never long. *Muah* I love ya girl!!!I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

  18. Tianna


    This little quickie gives us an insight to how the Sal we know and love today came to be.  He starts to build his alliances and enemies.  His lessons come fast and furious as he learns to never underestimate anyone.  With his “incarnation ” he will learn to break the rules,  cross the borders and scribble outside of the lines.

  19. Sherri Stovall


    Of course I expected no less from Kaliee Reese Samuels. She has absolutely blown my mind.This is Sal’s beginning story. The start of many wild rides. Sal is groomed in this story. He is starting to become the man we love to read about. I myself love to get these characters backstories. Trudy is a audacious woman. I absolutely love her. And to read her and Sal’s beginning story is incredible.As always thank you Kaliee for another great read.

  20. Christine


    This story is a couple hours of hell yeah. I can’t seem to get enough of Sal. We get a glimpse of the beginning, just a few days, but wow!I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

  21. Nan3G


    I love looking back into Sals life to understand him better. Seeing everyone is always a treat. I really shouldn’t have to say do not miss because if you have read any of Ms. Samuels books you know how she gets to us everytime.

  22. Jamillah


    OMG!!!!! Little Black Book is everything. A young Sal excepting the Contract and his first client is none other then Trudy the bitch and I just love her. The things a woman would do to save her kid and Sal. A fabulous read!!!!

  23. Chelle Dunklee


    Amazing throwback to where it all begins. I love that this author continually ups the game. LBBB brings more depth and revelations continously to the characters who you fall in love with leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next.

  24. Jenna Bostick


    Once again, Kailee has proven why she is the best at what she does. Such a great insight into Sal. Always such a pleasure getting sucked into such wonderful character development. Look very much into more from Kailee and the storyline.

  25. Marius


    After reading the prequel, had to see this one. Sal is hot and heavy with Trudy Diaz, and then…more things happen. Life is Never boring with Boston around. I did see a prerelease copy of this.

  26. Jennifer Zapata


    All about the beginning of Sal and his relationship with Trudy, and oh boy was it good. I love how all these books tie in together. Cannot wait to see what happens next with book 2!

  27. Nathalia Best


    If you weren’t sure for your love for the mess of a man that is Sal LBB will sire clear up any and all doubt for anyone. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and highly recommended.

  28. Em Dorsey ~A Darlin Doll ~


    “She was wild and reckless, totally untamed.”Little Black Book 1 is a tasty little treat!!! I have always loved Trudy. She is a strong woman that knows what she wants and “all things in the interest of Deacon Cruz.” I also love digging deeper into Sal and learning more about him. Every time I think I know all there is to know about him he starts sharing and surprising me with more secrets. “I am a hell of a man about to take you on the journey of your life.”We get to see and experience Sal and Trudy’s first meeting and I couldn’t have been happier. It helps you understand the love and loyalty between the two and eventually with Cruz. We also get to witness the introduction of a magnificent man that helps change Sal’s life and makes him the fine piece of specimen that he is today. Ok…he has always been a fine piece but he does need a little guidance along at his young age of 18. To say I was floored by the meeting would be an understatement. It’s hot, delicious and oh so good. If you are new to KRS or a #SalRanieroFanForLife you will find great pleasure in this book“I lived it. I breathed it. I survived it.”

  29. Scott Ryan


    Trudy sure is a hot one. Several things happened I was not expecting, including with another person I really did not expect, there and then. You’ll know when! (Near the end)

  30. Lil-monster


    OH.MY.DAYS!!!!! WOW!!! words cannot describe how much I’m loving this LBB series, it’s amazing going back to see how Sal became the Man/Dominant we all know and love. Seeing all the old cast in one way shape or form how they all played a part in Sal’s life and help him along the way and make the amazing person he is now. Trudy oh my days I loved her in past books but in this one she is just amazing!!!! Showing how much she loved Sal and their connection is off the scales. And let me just say, Dom!!! That man is devine beyond everything you can imagine and it’s great to see him back only briefly but boy it’s an amazing brief time. I love how Kailee makes you connect not just with one character but each and every one in every book!!! I cannot wait for more!!!!!!

  31. Nat


    The perfect insight to Sal and the people and experiences that molded him into the alluring, but dark and dangerous man he is today! I’m always left breathless and in need of a very cold shower whenever I read about Sal Raniero and his exploits and this little tease into his past was no exception! A fabulous look back, if you love all things Sal then this is definitely the book for you!

  32. KC


    Masterful blending of the beginning journey of the complex young Sal Raniero interwoven with narratives from the current Sal Raniero, this novella is full of delicious details and delightful characters. For fans who think they know who Sal is, you will be surprised with the intimate details revealed along with an even deeper glimpse into the other players. For those who don’t know Sal and are just starting to read via these series of novellas, you are in for a serious treat and will be indubitably drawn into the magical world Ms. Samuels has created.

  33. Jaime Reynolds


    Sal’s little black book continues to take you on an adventure you never want to end. This is part of a series of quick reads that leaves you craving more of his world. I cannot wait for the next installment of my Sal fix and more details into his beginnings.

  34. Lisa


    This is a quick read but oh boy packs a punch on the edge of your seat of Sals beginnings of his new dangerous and exciting life, believe me when I say there is never a dull moment. The writing is fantastic and I found it fasinating I love what’s going on and the characters. I couldn’t get enough and I really can’t wait for more.

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