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Mafia Queens #1
Hers to Rule
When the lines between vengeance and desire blur, family loyalties come into question.
My father’s death is brutal, but I don’t have time to grieve. I’m Gianna Bruno, his heiress, and I’ll be damned if anyone questions my leadership.
First on my list? Deal with the man responsible for my father’s murder.
Mikhail is the ruthless enforcer for his own father, the head of the Russian mob. He embodies cruelty and violence—a true prince of the rival family. Except, I’m no stranger to dishing out pain.
In fact, I revel in it.
What I don’t expect are the dark desires lurking within him, mirroring my own. The way he responds to the pain I give temps my own needs. But I can’t be distracted.
Blood needs to spill before this is all over.
Hers to Rule is an enemies-to-lovers, dark mafia romance. Please note this genre is not suitable for all readers.
My father’s death is brutal, but I don’t have time to grieve. I’m Gianna Bruno, his heiress, and I’ll be damned if anyone questions my leadership.
First on my list? Deal with the man responsible for my father’s murder.
Mikhail is the ruthless enforcer for his own father, the head of the Russian mob. He embodies cruelty and violence—a true prince of the rival family. Except, I’m no stranger to dishing out pain.
In fact, I revel in it.
What I don’t expect are the dark desires lurking within him, mirroring my own. The way he responds to the pain I give temps my own needs. But I can’t be distracted.
Blood needs to spill before this is all over.
Hers to Rule is an enemies-to-lovers, dark mafia romance. Please note this genre is not suitable for all readers.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2023
146 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 21, 2023
Arc review! Thank you to C.A. Krause for letting me read this! I have to say I don't read a lot of mafia but if every one was like this one I'd devour them! We have Gianna and badass fmc and Mikhail an obsessive violent man. The duo was 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I can not wait for book 2!
July 9, 2023
Do read the trigger warnings before diving into this book, it's really important for people. Because rest assured, this book is not for all audience. Anyways, it was AMAZING!!!! Omggg I loved it so much. For people who like the female lead being in power, and the male lead being weak in the knees and knelt in front of her, mesmerized by her beauty and smitten from first glance? This one is for you, and exactly one of the reasons why it wasn't much for me lmao. I am much more into alpha male energy. But still, the energy, the power, the move and the whole war was brutally beautiful, amazingly defined and intricately displayed. I loved how Gianna was always up to the mark, much much much more intelligent and wanted than her stupid as fu** uncle.
I liked the way the author planned out the whole strategy and played out the events. How the uncle played everyone, using the fact that everyone disliked him to his advantage and carried out so many deeds which would throw him in great problems. Mikhail....that man....that man was the hottest amongst all. Tattoos and a humour and the thirst of blood and revenge? Yeah, that's more like it. Even being a Bratva, he decided to pursue his love knowing how much trouble he could fall into, yet still, risking all and walking on burning coals with nakes feet was something only he could do.
I read this book WHILE I skipped work lmao. It was truly a magnificent ride and the author outdid herself. Her knowledge, her way of explaining, her plot and everything was straight up up to the mark. I loved it.
———🖤💞🖤💞🖤
“Why did you go to Club Steel?”
“Because I wanted to see you.”
——
She is the one I’ll be coming back to over and over again. Fuck, I’ll never actually leave her side again. She’s mine and I watch over what’s mine.
——
Because no one upsets my woman and gets away with it.
——
Gianna fucking Bruno has snuck her way into more than my pants, and I’ll be damned if anyone messes with my woman.
——
“I want you.”
——
“I’d burn for you any day.”
I liked the way the author planned out the whole strategy and played out the events. How the uncle played everyone, using the fact that everyone disliked him to his advantage and carried out so many deeds which would throw him in great problems. Mikhail....that man....that man was the hottest amongst all. Tattoos and a humour and the thirst of blood and revenge? Yeah, that's more like it. Even being a Bratva, he decided to pursue his love knowing how much trouble he could fall into, yet still, risking all and walking on burning coals with nakes feet was something only he could do.
I read this book WHILE I skipped work lmao. It was truly a magnificent ride and the author outdid herself. Her knowledge, her way of explaining, her plot and everything was straight up up to the mark. I loved it.
———🖤💞🖤💞🖤
“Why did you go to Club Steel?”
“Because I wanted to see you.”
——
She is the one I’ll be coming back to over and over again. Fuck, I’ll never actually leave her side again. She’s mine and I watch over what’s mine.
——
Because no one upsets my woman and gets away with it.
——
Gianna fucking Bruno has snuck her way into more than my pants, and I’ll be damned if anyone messes with my woman.
——
“I want you.”
——
“I’d burn for you any day.”
January 17, 2025
Ew instant DNF. Why would you screw it up by mentioning isnotreal
July 14, 2023
✨Arc Review✨
I can tell you there is a lot more mafia than there is romance at least to me. The book is good though. The final chapter will have you reeling for book two to see what happens!
I can tell you there is a lot more mafia than there is romance at least to me. The book is good though. The final chapter will have you reeling for book two to see what happens!
July 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book follows 2 individuals and is dual POV. It is also written in first person. It is a mafia romance novel and is rather spicy. Gianna is part of one of the 2 Italian mafia syndicates ruling GTA (Greater Toronto Area) . She is the head of the Bruno syndicate daughter and heir to the family business. Mikhail Tsepov Is the heir to the Russian mafia group / Bratva living in Toronto. When our FMC and MMC have an unexpected crossing, he finds himself infatuated by her but cannot reveal his true identity. They are opposites and so fit perfectly, she can give him what he craves and he can handle all that she needs to give. However, life isn’t all that simple. Not all are who they crack up to be and not everyone should be trusted. After all, life is a cut throat business and the mafia is that and more.
The world building and character development I found was great. Although this book wasn’t entirely my cup of tea I did read it completely and to the end as the story line was absolutely wonderful and had my full attention. I ate this book up. The book is on the darker side so make sure to read those trigger warnings.
Hers to rule was full of suspense, lust, spice, action and had me excited to keep going. Overall, despite not being my usual in the romance department, I found it enjoyable and I would recommend it to all the in charge women out there who likes to make sure the men know where they stand and that they are a force to be reckoned with.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book follows 2 individuals and is dual POV. It is also written in first person. It is a mafia romance novel and is rather spicy. Gianna is part of one of the 2 Italian mafia syndicates ruling GTA (Greater Toronto Area) . She is the head of the Bruno syndicate daughter and heir to the family business. Mikhail Tsepov Is the heir to the Russian mafia group / Bratva living in Toronto. When our FMC and MMC have an unexpected crossing, he finds himself infatuated by her but cannot reveal his true identity. They are opposites and so fit perfectly, she can give him what he craves and he can handle all that she needs to give. However, life isn’t all that simple. Not all are who they crack up to be and not everyone should be trusted. After all, life is a cut throat business and the mafia is that and more.
The world building and character development I found was great. Although this book wasn’t entirely my cup of tea I did read it completely and to the end as the story line was absolutely wonderful and had my full attention. I ate this book up. The book is on the darker side so make sure to read those trigger warnings.
Hers to rule was full of suspense, lust, spice, action and had me excited to keep going. Overall, despite not being my usual in the romance department, I found it enjoyable and I would recommend it to all the in charge women out there who likes to make sure the men know where they stand and that they are a force to be reckoned with.
September 10, 2025
Dommy Mommies and Mafia Mayhem
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one was a book club pick and definitely outside my usual hoard - but sometimes stepping outside the cave leads to... well, some very spicy discoveries.
Mikhail and Gianna's connection is instant - he spots her and knows she's the one. No slow burn here, just a full-on inferno from the start. Gianna herself? She's got fire in her veins and a tendency to snap, even when someone's just checking if she's ready. (Girl, same, but wow.)
Now let's talk flavor: dommy mommies aren't typically my thing. Everyone reads for their own pleasure, and while I probably wouldn't have picked this one up on my own, I still found it worth the ride.
By chapter 10, my inner sleuth was working overtime. I had strong suspicions about Uncle Dick being behind Papa Bruno's murder - and let's just say, I wasn't wrong. But I do wish the reveal had a little more bite. It went from bedtime stories to "I murdered my best friend because I was jealous" a little too fast for my liking. The revenge plot lacked the depth and sharp edge I was hoping for.
Still, it was a solid mafia romance with a fresh power dynamic. If you like your heroes obedient, your heroines in charge, and your pages scorching, Hers to Rule delivers.
Definitely one for the submissive men enjoyers out there. 🔥
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one was a book club pick and definitely outside my usual hoard - but sometimes stepping outside the cave leads to... well, some very spicy discoveries.
Mikhail and Gianna's connection is instant - he spots her and knows she's the one. No slow burn here, just a full-on inferno from the start. Gianna herself? She's got fire in her veins and a tendency to snap, even when someone's just checking if she's ready. (Girl, same, but wow.)
Now let's talk flavor: dommy mommies aren't typically my thing. Everyone reads for their own pleasure, and while I probably wouldn't have picked this one up on my own, I still found it worth the ride.
By chapter 10, my inner sleuth was working overtime. I had strong suspicions about Uncle Dick being behind Papa Bruno's murder - and let's just say, I wasn't wrong. But I do wish the reveal had a little more bite. It went from bedtime stories to "I murdered my best friend because I was jealous" a little too fast for my liking. The revenge plot lacked the depth and sharp edge I was hoping for.
Still, it was a solid mafia romance with a fresh power dynamic. If you like your heroes obedient, your heroines in charge, and your pages scorching, Hers to Rule delivers.
Definitely one for the submissive men enjoyers out there. 🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
Hers To Rule : C.A. Krause
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Emotions: 🤯💥💋🥵🤩😳
This was my first title by C.A Krause. Considering I’m on a Mafia trope kick lately, this book fit right in. It wasn’t a super spicy book compared to others I’ve read, but holy MFC dominance and BDSM 🥵. I definitely recommend reading the triggers before picking this up!!
This is an enemies to lovers (Queen of Italy vs Prince of Russia). It has everything you’d want in a mafia romance book with the twists and turns, secrets, betrayal, family bonds, and tension. However the bigger underbelly of WHY Gianna and Mikhail are so attracted to each other is the reason it was so dark and sexy!
I will add Hers To Rule is a slow burn. There were a few scenes I didn’t think was needed per-say but overall I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read about Mia and Eric in Hers To Control!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Emotions: 🤯💥💋🥵🤩😳
This was my first title by C.A Krause. Considering I’m on a Mafia trope kick lately, this book fit right in. It wasn’t a super spicy book compared to others I’ve read, but holy MFC dominance and BDSM 🥵. I definitely recommend reading the triggers before picking this up!!
This is an enemies to lovers (Queen of Italy vs Prince of Russia). It has everything you’d want in a mafia romance book with the twists and turns, secrets, betrayal, family bonds, and tension. However the bigger underbelly of WHY Gianna and Mikhail are so attracted to each other is the reason it was so dark and sexy!
I will add Hers To Rule is a slow burn. There were a few scenes I didn’t think was needed per-say but overall I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read about Mia and Eric in Hers To Control!
July 30, 2023
This book was a bit of a wild ride. It was a little slow to get into but after her father died it really really picked up the pace! It was steamy and the tension was impeccable. The growth you saw both mikhail and gianna was absolutely amazing!
The way they ended up not caring about the outside worlds opinion on their relationship was amazing. Mikhail is also an amazing man that fully embraces his kinks and sexual desires even if they aren’t stereotypically “manly/masculine”
Gianna was a bad ass who didn’t need a man for anything and was so incredibly strong minded! She was such an amazing FMC!
I think CA KRAUSE did a wonderful job at portraying two people with an amazing sense of who they are sexually without being ashamed of it.
Overall I really really loved this book and am so so happy that I read it!
I am an arc reader who was given a copy of this book for free to review!
The way they ended up not caring about the outside worlds opinion on their relationship was amazing. Mikhail is also an amazing man that fully embraces his kinks and sexual desires even if they aren’t stereotypically “manly/masculine”
Gianna was a bad ass who didn’t need a man for anything and was so incredibly strong minded! She was such an amazing FMC!
I think CA KRAUSE did a wonderful job at portraying two people with an amazing sense of who they are sexually without being ashamed of it.
Overall I really really loved this book and am so so happy that I read it!
I am an arc reader who was given a copy of this book for free to review!
July 2, 2023
Check trigger warnings!
I loved this book. Straight away it jumps into the action and drama so you get a good feel for what the rest of the book is going to be like. It's the Princess of Italy vs. the Prince of Russia.
Once they first get together you know what their relationship is going to be like and oh my.
Mikhail is so cocky and confident but also wants to keep her being challenged in the way she needs.
Gianna steps up into the leader she thinks is best and what her father wanted. She finds out who killed her father and gets her revenge.
After everything Gianna does to him he always try's to help her in anyway, protect her and win her heat.
She may start as the princess but she was always his Queen.
I can't wait to read the next book.
I loved this book. Straight away it jumps into the action and drama so you get a good feel for what the rest of the book is going to be like. It's the Princess of Italy vs. the Prince of Russia.
Once they first get together you know what their relationship is going to be like and oh my.
Mikhail is so cocky and confident but also wants to keep her being challenged in the way she needs.
Gianna steps up into the leader she thinks is best and what her father wanted. She finds out who killed her father and gets her revenge.
After everything Gianna does to him he always try's to help her in anyway, protect her and win her heat.
She may start as the princess but she was always his Queen.
I can't wait to read the next book.
July 5, 2023
OMG Gianna is QUEEN 👸 What a bad ass!
I'm so stoked for the follow ups.
I'm leaving a voluntary reveiw I'm exchanged for an advanced review copy and I was all over this book!!
So Gianna is Italian Mafia Princess I'm Torronto.
Mikhail is Enforcer, son of the Bratva Kingpin (also in GTA).
ANYWAY both have some kinky preferences and meet in a mucky club and altho "Mike" knows who G is she doesn't (hes donning his leather black mask) and man is he obsessed with her. Anyway.... Adventure ensures. He's determined to get and keep his fantasy woman and he's relentless in his pursuit.
Can they bridge the gap between warring families and take out threats?!
Go find out.
It's dark, dirty and delicous. CanNOT wait for the next installment and the bonus chapter at the end!!!!
🌶🌶🌶🌶🩸🩸🩸🩸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm so stoked for the follow ups.
I'm leaving a voluntary reveiw I'm exchanged for an advanced review copy and I was all over this book!!
So Gianna is Italian Mafia Princess I'm Torronto.
Mikhail is Enforcer, son of the Bratva Kingpin (also in GTA).
ANYWAY both have some kinky preferences and meet in a mucky club and altho "Mike" knows who G is she doesn't (hes donning his leather black mask) and man is he obsessed with her. Anyway.... Adventure ensures. He's determined to get and keep his fantasy woman and he's relentless in his pursuit.
Can they bridge the gap between warring families and take out threats?!
Go find out.
It's dark, dirty and delicous. CanNOT wait for the next installment and the bonus chapter at the end!!!!
🌶🌶🌶🌶🩸🩸🩸🩸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Hers to rule
Spicy level 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Stars 🌟 🤩 ⭐️ 🌠 💫
First to say you should read the trigger warning before you get into this book. Second, this is not a normal mafia romance, mafia princess and guy. It's about a kick-butt female main character who is a queen, not a princess. Lover attracted from across the track kind of love.
Third, it's a slow burn, but the spicy is hot.
I love the female main character Gianna. She is smart, sassy, and scary and doesn't need any male to take care of her. You don't have a strong female role in many mafia books, but this one is completely different. She is the main focus and I love it. Then you have Mikhail who is a strong male character but still knows that the woman controls everything in the world.
Spicy level 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Stars 🌟 🤩 ⭐️ 🌠 💫
First to say you should read the trigger warning before you get into this book. Second, this is not a normal mafia romance, mafia princess and guy. It's about a kick-butt female main character who is a queen, not a princess. Lover attracted from across the track kind of love.
Third, it's a slow burn, but the spicy is hot.
I love the female main character Gianna. She is smart, sassy, and scary and doesn't need any male to take care of her. You don't have a strong female role in many mafia books, but this one is completely different. She is the main focus and I love it. Then you have Mikhail who is a strong male character but still knows that the woman controls everything in the world.
September 18, 2024
This is a mafia enemies to lovers romance. This was a quick read for me, enough action and spice to keep my interest. I have read this author before (Club B series) so both of these do have BDSM and a sex club in parts of the story, so if you are not okay with those themes then this might not be the book for you, but if you like dark romance and you are okay with the themes, it is worth a read. It was nice seeing that the fmc was strong and dominate with her personal life as well as her mafia one.
July 5, 2023
Trigger Warnings are important on this one!
Mafia Prince and Mafia Princess born enemies.
Enemies to Lovers.
This book starts out with drama and action and it doesn’t stop through the whole book. There’s a lot of knife play. But I really loved having such a strong FC who knows what she wants and takes it.
Mikhail is a cocky man, but he knows what Gianna needs.
It was violent and spicy, exactly what I expected to get from this book.
Mafia Prince and Mafia Princess born enemies.
Enemies to Lovers.
This book starts out with drama and action and it doesn’t stop through the whole book. There’s a lot of knife play. But I really loved having such a strong FC who knows what she wants and takes it.
Mikhail is a cocky man, but he knows what Gianna needs.
It was violent and spicy, exactly what I expected to get from this book.
July 15, 2023
Definitely read the triggers!! But with that said I LOVED this book! I feel it was complete in ways while still having me want more in others, but in the best way. I love the strong dominant Gianna and how she’s breaking the norms of the macho male persona of the mafia world and taking what is hers and if that happens to be Mikhail… it’s just so well rounded and will be one that I will go back to time and time again. I look forward to reading the rest of her books!
July 20, 2023
Mafia Romeo and Juliet
Not going to lie I wasn’t sure about this book in the beginning. It took awhile to get back to it after the first few chapters but I’m glad I did. Check triggers before reading. Although I have none I can see how this book isn’t for everyone. Knife play, blood ect. The FMC is independent and smart. I love the family aspect in the mob dynamic. Even though it wasn’t my favorite in the beginning I definitely need to read book 2.
Not going to lie I wasn’t sure about this book in the beginning. It took awhile to get back to it after the first few chapters but I’m glad I did. Check triggers before reading. Although I have none I can see how this book isn’t for everyone. Knife play, blood ect. The FMC is independent and smart. I love the family aspect in the mob dynamic. Even though it wasn’t my favorite in the beginning I definitely need to read book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
I ADORE a man who can recognize a powerful and strong woman…then allowing her to take control? Ugh, I melt!! But you add mafia into the mix and I swear I’m all over it. Hers to Rule had me glued to my kindle, I couldn’t put it down. I’m normally obsessed with the man, which don’t get me wrong, I was DROOLING over Mikhail, but Gianna? Gianna held so much power in every move she made. I was in awe of her. This book was amazing. Cannot wait for Eric and Mia!!!
September 2, 2025
5 ⭐️
Five star, but like…five star for mafia romances? This isn’t some insane work of literary art, but it pleasantly surprised me. I’m not here for instant smut or insta-love. But somehow this book did it in a way that didn’t bother me. I appreciated the power dynamic and the variety in the spicy scenes so that it didn’t get boring. Although it wasn’t robust, there was also a plot in the book. It was a quick read but I enjoyed it the entire time.
Five star, but like…five star for mafia romances? This isn’t some insane work of literary art, but it pleasantly surprised me. I’m not here for instant smut or insta-love. But somehow this book did it in a way that didn’t bother me. I appreciated the power dynamic and the variety in the spicy scenes so that it didn’t get boring. Although it wasn’t robust, there was also a plot in the book. It was a quick read but I enjoyed it the entire time.
July 20, 2023
Awesome mafia romance! This is book one of the Mafia Queens series and I could not put it down. Read straight through in one setting. The dynamic between Gianna and Mikhail was on point, riveting. The plot is intriguing and keeps you wanting more. This book does has triggers but oh my the spice was 💯🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶. A must read! Can't wait for the 2nd book to be available. Great job C.A. Krause!!!!
June 24, 2024
The good news is I only paid 99c for this. The bad news is I paid 99c for this!
Seriously so bad I will be deleting it off my kindle.
I purchased via bookbub thinking it was a fantasy novel. Boy was I wrong.
I’m not one to fetish shame, but this was a little too much for me.
Speed read it at 20% to be done with it.
Seriously so bad I will be deleting it off my kindle.
I purchased via bookbub thinking it was a fantasy novel. Boy was I wrong.
I’m not one to fetish shame, but this was a little too much for me.
Speed read it at 20% to be done with it.
July 11, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. There was just something about it that I didn’t vibe with. I am not saying it was a bad book at all. It was a good book, a very different take on the mafia romance books.
July 16, 2023
ARC REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please read tw before diving in as this story isn't for everyone. However I love this!! FMC is a badbish! She's fierce and smart and headstrong. Everything a typical mafia princess isn't. The MMC is brutal in everything but will sub to his queen 😏😏
Highly recommend!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please read tw before diving in as this story isn't for everyone. However I love this!! FMC is a badbish! She's fierce and smart and headstrong. Everything a typical mafia princess isn't. The MMC is brutal in everything but will sub to his queen 😏😏
Highly recommend!!!
July 20, 2023
If you are looking for a great Mafia romance, then look no further! This book had me hooked immediately. I didn't want to put it down to go to bed (ugh). Such a great story and good character development! I highly recommend reading this one!
July 24, 2023
Definitely read the triggers! I found this book to be way more mafia than romance which was a bit upsetting (would’ve gotten 5 stars). The storyline between Gianna and Mikhail had me reading continuously - can’t wait to read more!
July 26, 2023
Dark and Spicy
Was able to read this as an ARC and oh my gosh it was amazing!! Page turner from the beginning with a perfect blend of dark romance, spice and epic plot. Trust me you won’t want to put this book down! I already pre-ordered book two it’s that good!
Was able to read this as an ARC and oh my gosh it was amazing!! Page turner from the beginning with a perfect blend of dark romance, spice and epic plot. Trust me you won’t want to put this book down! I already pre-ordered book two it’s that good!
May 4, 2025
Hummm
Do to my never wanting to read a blurb, I started reading and discovered this was a dominatrix and sub, not my favorite subject to read about.
The mafia drama was really good .
Not super spicy
Do to my never wanting to read a blurb, I started reading and discovered this was a dominatrix and sub, not my favorite subject to read about.
The mafia drama was really good .
Not super spicy
July 21, 2023
OMG!!! Definitely trigger warnings are there, but I absolutely love the book. I'm really excited to see how Gianna and Mikhail are in book 2. I can't wait!!!!
Want to read
April 22, 2025dark, BDSM, mafia, spicy, MF, knife play, enemies-to-lovers, first person, present tense
September 15, 2025
Not really my vibe plus it was fast and expected. Plus a lot of things were glazed over and I love when there is nuance.
November 4, 2025
rev age gap is still my favorite trope. add on one hella badass fmc= well done to perfection. I'm excited for book 2!
July 24, 2023
What a ride! This dark steamy mafia romance checked all of the boxes for me. Strong FMC, hot and obsessed dark tattooed MMC, Dirty spice, and solid believable plot to carry it through. Well done C. A. Krause! This was my first book from this author, but it definitely won’t be my last!
***Check your triggers.
***Check your triggers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews