Depravity

Serpico Family #2

by Matilda Martel

A dark mafia romance

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Novella

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2023

About the author

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.

I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, you’ve come to the wrong place. I don’t like dark heroes.

I like my hero to be successful, sweet, suave, sophisticated and kind--- and then I want him to lose all his composure and game when he meets the heroine. I want him to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spots the girl of his dreams and revert to a teenage boy in a man’s body trying to win her.

I like my heroines to be witty, intelligent, and unshakeable---who could do just as well without a man—until the hero convinces her otherwise.

I write A LOT OF AGE GAP--because I LOVE AGE GAP ROMANCE. I’ve got no other excuse for it.

No matter what kind of story it is, my ladies are ADORED, and my endings are always Happily EVER AFTER, not HFN.

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Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

This is book two of the Serpico Family series by Matilda Martel. I haven't read book one yet but I was able to jump right into the story.

This is an arranged marriage romance. It's enemies to lovers, as Camila and Diego hate each other at first. They've known for so long that they were to be married but neither one of them actually came to terms with it. When they meet though, sparks fly. Can they make it work?

I liked the story but felt like I've already read it a million times. It was pretty average for me. I'm still excited to see what Matilda writes next though!

SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, 26H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, manwhore hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Tropes & Keywords: mafia, arranged marriage, small age gap
HEA?: yes

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story - 5 : Camila (h18) is unhappy that her father, head of a Mexican drug cartel, has arranged her marriage to Diego (H26), of the Serpico Family. He too is opposed to the marriage but is willing to go ahead with it if it means he’ll lead the family one day. Camila comes to stay with the family in New York so that she and Diego can get to know one another before the wedding. Diego finds himself drawn to the feisty young woman who seems to take pleasure in antagonizing him, and as they get to know one another, things heat up between the two. Nice to see more of Dante, Daniel, and Nadia. Loved her two furry friends, Hades and Zeus. Lovely mafia-lite, arranged marriage romance with plenty of heat and a bit of danger.

Audio - 4 : The narrators did a good job with this story. The audiobook uses a male narrator and a female narrator – I always appreciate when an author goes for the additional costs of having two narrators so that listeners can hear male dialogue with a male voice and female dialogue with a female voice. Tyler Darby does a good job with the tone he brings to the male voices, and Stephanie Rose gave Camila a voice that seemed to embody her, as well as other female voices, though I found her male voices to be a bit weaker. The audio quality is good and there were no issues. The lack of chapter breakdowns made it a little difficult to know where breaks are - how long until the next chapter?

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Serpico Family the first book was an extreme roller coaster but this one takes it to another level so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Diego sexy as all get out man on a mission trying to make it to the top, doing as he is told, ruthless, deadly when needed, and being forced to marry a cartel’s boss daughter marriage isn’t anything he has ever wanted and yet he will go through to strength the family’s connections. Camila has just turned 18, tired of being a pawn in her father’s games never having any worth or value not unless he deems it, so when she is told she will marry a man she has never met, wants nothing to do with and all she wants is to be loved for herself not forced into something maybe a little freedom. Diego’s first impression is that she is spoiled, arrogant and a drama queen wanting nothing to do with her but will if it means increasing his chances of becoming the next Don. Each have reservation but the more they work together the more he sees her the women and she sees sides to him that he keeps under wraps since he has been taught that love is a weakness throw in a troublemaking ex. who wants to be his forever will these two find their way, will he realize he deserves love, will she realize he is her freedom, and can they find their way to happiness?.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The arranged marriage mafia romance I didn’t know that I needed. It’s a slow burn but totally worth it when it finally gets spicy. I actually liked that about this romance though because it wouldn’t have felt right for these characters to immediately give in to their attention despite their anger at being arranged. Camila was going to need time to find herself outside of her comfort zone. Diego was going to need time to realize he is capable and deserving of love and that it isn’t a weakness to put someone else before you. When the heat kicks in it is definitely worth the wait! These two are explosive together and I LOVE them!

There is a bit of OW drama but nothing too extreme. Diego wasn’t the relationship kind before and there’s a former hookup that thought she would be his forever. She stirs up drama but I appreciated that the details of their hookups was kept to hints and didn’t include details. I also really liked that Diego was able to feel regret for his past even though really he couldn’t have known what was waiting for him in his future. It did lead to my favorite quote from the book though: “If I’d known life would give me you, I would have waited.” The drama isn’t anything they can’t overcome though and actually become stronger for getting through it.

I also really liked her brothers! Her entire family seemed really great, even if they were sending her to marry someone she didn’t know. Her brothers especially are protective and loving. I would love to see them get books of their own in the future. There was a lot to love and enjoy about this book and I would recommend reading it as well as the first book in this series. I can’t wait to see what come next.

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

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mi Alma

For a good portion of the book, I didn't like Camila "Mila" Castro. She's bratty and immature. Her intentional digs at her parents' weak spots highlight that fact. The timeline isn't long enough for her to grow out of it, but she shows potential by the end.

Diego Serpico lets his ambition guide him into something he doesn't want. He rewrites his history with Camila as the story progresses, but I think a lot of people do that as their feelings and situations evolve.

Little Miss Thang goes from prim and proper to a seasoned dirty talker in no time at all. It's almost comical, even though it's hot. Diego definitely isn't complaining! I do like how their chemistry and attraction shifts.

Diego Serpico: “Camila’s too young for me. I’m twenty-six. She’s eighteen. Nothing good can come from this.” I shake my head with disapproval, needlessly stressed by a woman I’ve never met.

Daniel Serpico: “Nadia just turned twenty-one, and there are twenty years between us.” His cool tone masks his obvious annoyance.

Diego: “Yes, I know. And I’ve silently judged you for it.”

It's the families, especially Diego's uncles and Camila's brothers, that really make this book work. They add humor and heart to a presumably soulless world. I don't know if there's anything else coming for this series, but I hope more of the Castros are included.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Serpico Family series featuring the deliciously dark arranged marriage mafia romance between Diego and Camila. Camila's father has used her like a pawn to make the most beneficial alliance and at 18 she is really aggravated about the arrangement she just wants love and Diego has absolutely no interest in this arrogant,pampered,drama queen. Camila thinks that Diego is the most handsome man that she has ever seen and she's fighting her feelings and unfortunately this includes throwing a tantrum. Diego after seeing her throw a tantrum is intrigued by this feisty young woman and their chemistry is explosive so how long can they fight their feelings? Their journey is a roller-coaster ride so buckle up and make sure that you're ready for betrayal, secrets, death, violence and suspense. You really need to read this deliciously dark arranged marriage mafia romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mexican cartel has never been more fiery than with the two MCs Camila and Diego and their arranged marriage. Neither wanna be marrying but boy is it fireworks when they get to know each other.

Our MMC Diego is all kinds of ruthless, smart, $exy - he almost reminded me of a Bratva MC as he's got a ruthlessness to him and a commitment to family that really defined his character (in a GREAT way). Barely legal Camila (just 18) has just turned 18, is itching for freedom, not a hubby.

BUT this is where Matilda Martel excels in her writing prowess, as these two get to know each other amidst unexpected events and activities and peel away their layers of self-protection and start to feel true emotions. It's a heartfelt journey. Surprisingly emotional considering the trope!
Cant wait for the next one.

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

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Met his match by MeemsAngel82

These s was such a great read! The plot was intriguing and the writing fantastic. The two leads ooze heat and everything was plotted out well. The meeting alone between these two was so good, I loved the anticipation that we got as these two finally met their future.

They were arranged and both not happy about it. But inside they burned for one another.

This is book two and where was I for book one?! I'll be reading that one next. There is so much danger present. I love overprotective brothers!! These families deal with death and their lives are never going to be easy or smooth. But expect high heat. I hated the OW obviously, I'm not into having them included but he grew very much from what he was and what he realized is his future. There is a quote so powerful inside. The chemistry between these two is scorching and I loved it.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diego's Serpico's Uncle make him a deal that if he marries Camila Castro, he will seal the alliances and then he can rule the Five Families. Diego takes the deal, he's never met Camila who is said to be a brat and gets everything she wants. Diego will marry her but it wasn't in his plans to marry at all. Like all good Mafia romances there is plenty of betrayal, death, suspense, secrets, violence, darkness, hope and maybe even love. I love how they start seeing the other parts of each other and learn to work together. Diego will finally realize that he deserves love and it's not a weakness. I love the slow burn and that they didn't jump into bed right away. They got to know each other. Once their chemistry develops it blazes super hot. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

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

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story, although Camilla's dad was marrying her off to another mafia family it wasn't your typical mafia story. Camilla was only 18yr & didn't want to be married off to a stranger so when she met Diego she made sure her dad knew it. Having to leave her Mexican home to live with strangers was daunting but Diego's mum & Nadia his cousin's wife were friendly making her feel welcome to be be part of their family. Although both of them agreed it was just a fake marriage, a business agreement almost immediately that changed & it took him almost losing her to realise he wanted more they both wanted more. It was sweet, sassy Camilla taking no nonsense from him, a bit of drama but I loved how we got to see characters from the last book involved.

Great set of stories.

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

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping page turner from the very beginning! Man oh man, this takes some twists, turns, ducks and dives and leaves you breathless but panting for more.
Diego is an ALPHA (yes, he requires all caps!) ready to take on anything and everything to become the next Don.
Camilla is so young and not happy with the marriage her father has arranged,but she has little choice in the mafia world.
These two have amazing chemistry, their first meeting is not the best but the more they get to know each other the better it gets.
Action packed, frantic, dramatic, dangerous, great character development, slow burn and brilliant with a HEA.

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

[Bookish Persephone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book, I really can't put it down. Every chapter I anticipated what will happen next. The sexual tension is so intense! Really love the slow burn tropes. I like Camila being fiesty and knows how to stand for what she wants and never let the people around her treat her like she's inferior. Love her back bone to fight back and even survived her trauma. Diego on the other hand is a hot male lead. Love the way he treat Camila and falling for her first and respecting her. Really love this couple. It's my first time to read a novel of Matilda Martel and it makes me her fan. Love the way she writes. Short but all the elements are present. Wishing for more of books like this and longer version

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camila is a powerful pawn that her father uses to make the most advantageous alliance. She is 18, deeply resentful of the arrangement, and just wants to find love. Diego has no interest in this young woman: she’s spoiled, arrogant, and too dramatic.
Matilda writes love stories that make you wish you could watch her couples learn to know and love one another. This couple has an incredible connection at first sight but they both are fighting their instincts. The dialogue is edgy at times and steamy at times with each encounter. I loved the family members and the dogs added depth.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Serpico family series, the heir apparent is getting married to the daughter of the head of the Mexican drug cartel. Neither are excited of the upcoming nuptials. Dante wants Diego to get married so he can pass the torch on.

Camila is still young and does not want to get married. When she finally meets her intended he must be the most attractive man she has ever seen. When she throws a tantrum at their first meeting he not put off but intrigued.

The pair have such chemistry but outside forces cause drama between the pair.

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

[ZUI-NOAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Tropes
Age gap
Mafia
Arrange marriage
Sassy h
JP hero

Spice🌶
4/5

This is just my catnip. Matilda just showed me why I love her so much and this book was so so fabulous. It's second book in serpico family and I can say it's my favorite. The dynamic between the leads was so epic and great. Their chemistry was over the top and hot. The world building Matilda is doing with this family is so great. I am in love with the plot and the pace. Best book.

Thank you Matilda for this arc

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depravity is the continuation of the Serpico family saga which is the dark mafia arranged marriage between Camila Castro, the daughter of the biggest Mexican drug cartel, and Diego Serpico, who ambitiously agrees to wed Camila since it will position him to become the don of the five mafia families. This slow burn romance has intriguing characters, drama, suspense, violence, secrets, betrayal, and steamy passion.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diego is the heir of the Serpico family and has to marry a woman in an arranged marriage. Mila is tasked to marry Diego but she can't stand him and these two fight like cats and dogs, but sparks fly and now Diego has to fight for the love of his woman after a disgruntled (not really ex) woman tries to break them apart. A great story, for my personal taste the ex part was unnecessary and made it a bit meeehhh(but that is just my personal preference 😉). Enemies to lovers, Sweet, steamy, romantic and with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of an arranged marriage between Deigo Serpico and Camila Castro. Camila's father is the head of the Mexican drug cartel. Deigo is next in line to be Don. He is 26 and she is 18. This is like a roller-coaster ride. Neither one wants to marry, its a real adventure for them. We just have to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. Another excellent read by Matilda Martel. Enjoy!.

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

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic arranged marriage romance mafia style. It was the second book in the series and totally my favorite. I loved the slow burn nature of the story it was just right for the characters. Diego and Camila needed time to accept their fate and in the end they just had amazing chemistry. I just loved the story.

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

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This couple is a perfect match! Camila is more than a little sassy, challenging Diego time and time again. He is shocked to realize, he eats it up like a kid loves cake and I love that. Her dogs were a lovely addition, I want a couple pups just like them. They both grew up in the life and their outlook is very similar. I would love to see them a few years down the road once Diego is running the family with his queen by his side!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive connection with animosity at every turn, two very willful and powerful people forced together in marriage. Fantastic storyline, loved the continuation of this series and the expansion of new characters. This read is rife with heat, emotions and surprising new found feelings that neither have experienced. Enjoyed their connection and the journey they go thru to realize just what they have between them is love.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This was so good! Diego is forced into an arranged marriage by his mafia boss uncle. Camila is being forced to marry Diego by her father to make an alliance between the two families. Neither want to accept their fate but when they meet they have an immediate connection. Hot, steamy story with amazing chemistry, danger, suspense, a little drama, a very protective hero and a beautiful HEA.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camila and Diego are set to be married in a marriage set up by their powerful families. I loved Diego and Camilia for each other and how strong a couple they are. First they got on each other's nerves and the more time they spent together the more sparks are flying. Depravity is book two in the Serpico Family series. The writing is well done and this arranged marriage romance is page turning with plenty of steam and a perfect ending. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, fast paced and quick read that is slightly dark. It is the second story in the series, although it can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend reading the previous one first. It is a mafia romance with an arraigned marriage and enemies to much more. The story is about Camila and Diego. Neither one of these characters want this marriage but sparks definitely fly between them. I enjoyed this steamy read. There was a good blend of suspense, betrayal, death, passion, secrets and so much more.

[Wine About Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met @matildamartel.author at the @rockin_romance_readers in #Knoxville in 2024. The covers of her books drew me in and I bought 4 that she had on the table.

This one was an age gap, mafia/cartel, arranged marriage short read. It did not disappoint! I am starting the next one right now!

Hopefully I’ll be able to see her again in Knoxville this year!?!?

@matildamartel.author #matildamartel #depravity #mafiaromance #agegapromance #arrangedmarriageromance #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #followme

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Diego and Camila. The story keeps us turning the pages with an arranged marriage neither one wants, connection, denial, danger and steam.

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

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good mafia romance. It starts as an arrange marriage where neither parties want the relationship. But love at first sight hits hard for Camila and Diego. They will finally give in to their feelings for each other and get their HEA in a world full of crime.

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

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for Depravity by Matilda Martel

Book 2 of the Serpico Family

I am fairly new to this authors work - this mafia , arranged marriage , dark romance just blew me away !

Great characters in Camila and Diego ! Their chemistry is off the charts!

Very well written story- highly recommend!

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

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Matilda Martel combines the arranged marriage and mafia trope in a short, fast-paced novella that is a wee bit dark––just how I like it. Depravity has all the steamy spice readers can depend on in Matilda's writing. The audiobook adds a different dimension and brings the characters to life. I liked the narrators as they were good fits for the story.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet mafia romance, novella
Camilla just turned 18 and is about to meet Diego Serpico, heir of the Serpico Mob family, who she will soon marry.
They both oppose the marriage, but Diego changes his mind after meeting sweet, obstinate Camilla.
Can these 2 find common ground and have a happy marriage?