Humility

by Brooklyn Cross

He already took everything from me, but now he's back and won't take no for an answer.

In a tale as old as time, a mafia princess fell in love with the wrong boy, or in my case, boys. I am Jasmine Isabella Falcone, and I grew up knowing that I needed to be on my guard from the snakes around me. But, even knowing that, I still fell in love with Angelo Esposito and Dario Lombardi.

Crushed and humiliated, I try to move on, but some ghosts are harder to shake. Now, at twenty-three, I am being forced into an arranged marriage where I’ll be expected to fulfill my duties as a wife and mother. But I dream of building something different and crave freedom from the shackles of the patriarchy. So I do the only thing I can and run. On my own for the first time on a picturesque country property nestled between Sinhaven and Beastville, I try to rebuild my life.
But fate proved that just because you run from your past doesn’t mean it won’t catch up to you.

The fairytales have it wrong. Not every story ends with a knight in shining armor.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Why Choose, Smut, Retellings, Second Chance, Mafia Romance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Writing is not just a passion for me. It is a lifeline to my sanity.

I have always loved writing but suffer from severe dyslexia and short-term memory retention issues. I struggled in school while I worked every night on re-training my brain.

I was frequently treated like I would never succeed, and I found myself putting my love for writing on a shelf.

Even at the age of six, I found it easier to communicate with animals than people, which was a big reason why I was drawn to dressage horseback riding. I remained focused on my passion for riding until I had to step away from the competition world for personal reasons.

Today, my desire for writing and storytelling has been rekindled. I have published multiple books and will never let anyone or anything hold me back again.
I am a proud romance author who offers my readers morally grey heroes, a ton of spice, epic journeys, and redemption stories.
-Follow Your Dreams-

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mafia princess, 21-year-old Jasmine Falcone is able to make few choices in her life. When an arranged marriage threatens what independence she does have, she makes a run for it.

Jasmine was a joy to watch from the brief look at her childhood as a target for the bullies to the strong woman, willing to forge her own path. Chapter 43 > is proof of her badașșery. 💪🏻

Likewise, each hero brought something unique to the table. Enzo, although the newest to form a relationship, was the easiest to fall for. Angelo has an unmistakable swagger and BDE, making him the quintessential bad boy. Dario, with his brooding demeanor, and big heart made it hard not to love him.

Despite Humility being an Aladdin retelling with a mafia twist, there were fun nods to various other fairytales and I really enjoyed that!

The drama, dark elements, sexual tension, and longing will keep you engaged while the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 🧍🏼‍♂️👫🏻 {Multiple}

🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance

✨ Tropes: Alphahole, BC Tampering, Boy Obsessed, Bully, Coming of Age, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Insta-Obsession, Jealous/Possessive, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Manipulation, Miscommunication, Reformed Player, Retelling/Reimagining, Rich AF, Royalty, Second Chance, Stalker Vibes, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying, Virgin h, Why Choose

💋 Kinks: Bondage/Restraints, CNC, Domination, Double 🐱 Penetration, Finger Licking Good, Hand Necklace, Impact Play, Inanimate Object, Somnophilia

⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.

🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Humility is part of the Fairytale Virtues world, a multi-author collaboration. However, no other books need to be read.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sinfully enticing read. This retelling of Aladdin I think will surprise you in a really good way. Filled with darkness, drama, tension, emotion and heat that grabs your interest quickly and holds it firmly until the last page is turned.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humility by Brooklyn Cross is book one in the Virtues Fairy Tales Series. It’s a Dark Retelling of Aladdin! Oh my god! This book has skyrocketed to the top of my favorites that Brooklyn has ever written. I’m still spellbound over this book, it’s so good! When I sat down to read this I never imagined that I would lose my day, I was engrossed. I could not stop reading till I finished. This had everything I could have wanted… why choose, a revenge plot, forced proximity and second chance to name a few. I will mention to check your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. I loved this book so much! The worldbuilding and plot was so enticing; the writing was phenomenal. (Trust me, I read a lot of retellings and this is one of the best.) The characters were written beautifully; you could feel their emotions through the pages. Jasmine was strong, determined and absolutely knew her worth. I loved her interactions with the love interests unique to each. Also did I mention the mafia aspect? The whole experience was just top tier. And the spice was so…so good, a chef’s kiss if you will. I can’t begin to recommend this book enough. I just finished this book and can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Em Yardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark Retelling of Aladdin with mafia vibes. This book is plot driven, funny moments where you laugh or chuckle out loud, drama, why choose, second chances, spice, touch her and die.

I absolutely love Jasmine in this retelling she is strong, fierce and has a temper and a half just like a “Tiger”. The guys Angelo, Dario and Enzo are all different in their own way like a piece of a puzzle that all fits together with Jasmine’s heart.

I’m not one for retellings but this was fantastic definitely going to be a re-read for me.

⚠️ there may be triggers so check before
reading.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness: 🖤🖤
Burn:🔥🔥🔥
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Multi
Ending: HEA

[Cherin Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. What a rollercoaster! Angelo and Jasmine’s relationship started off very rocky. With him bullying her as she was a child, but that quickly revealed itself as love. And when I tell you “touch her and die” vibes… I MEAN it. This was hot, steamy and I could not put it down. I bawled at some parts and at others I wanted to jump into the book and strangle Angelo myself. The ending leaves me wanting more! I need to know how life goes on with the four of them. I would definitely recommend this to ANYONE looking for a dark mafia romance.

[Amy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was stunningly written by Brooklyn Cross.

I wanted to find a word other than spicy to use to describe this book... lascivious. The spice in this was sensational.

But the story line... takes you on a rollercoaster!! One of my favs... we go from Bully to "Touch her and die".. SWOOOOOON!! Yes please!!

Check your TWs, but if you like Dark, Mafia, Bully, "touch her and die", enemies to lovers, Disney, and why choose. . Then hurry and grab this!!

[Katherine caraballo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelo , Dario & Enzo are it for me! I am spiraling down the why choose genre. The way Angelo gave BD energy all day to the way Dario was lovey dovey & the way Enzo was the jokester. I enjoyed reading their story. I loved how Jasmine showed she wasn’t the one to play with even if she was nice & sweet. She truly is a tiger !

[Samantha Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I love a good retelling story. And if the author knows what they are writing, then it's even better. From the moment Angelo bu!!ed Jasmine I knew he would be the one. Let's not forget the little easter eggs I have seen in this book. Can't have a retelling book without them. I absolutely love this authors work. Once you think you know what's about to happen she jerks the wheel to the left with a shocking suprise. #foreverdario

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Aladdin retelling! Check TWs! Jasmine has been bullied by Angelo her whole life until things change. She gives him and Dario his best friend her heart and then they disappear from her life. Jasmine then runs away when her father is forcing her hand in marriage. Jasmine is making a new life for herself and there is a new guy Enzo but Jasmine is unaware that Enzo is connected to the two men who broke her heart. Highly recommend!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS ONE! This is my first retelling of Aladdin, and it was awesome!
Mafia, why choose, touch her and die, just ALL THE VIBES!
An absolute rollercoaster, wild steamy and throughly entertaining with an incredible plot!
A definite no doubt about must read.

[Celeste Fleetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶🌶

✨ Máfiá
✨ St@lking
✨ Why choose
✨ Second chance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Touch her and ☠️
✨ Arranged marriage
✨ Revenge
✨ Breeding
✨ Sömnö
✨ CNC
✨ DVP

As you can see the the above list, this book has everything! This is a dark Aladdin retelling with mafia vibes.

🖤 Jasmine (aka Tiger) is 21, but as a mafia princess she has little independence or agency over her life. Years ago her heart was broken when Angelo and Dario suddenly leave her. Now when she is threatened with an arranged marriage for the second time she makes a run for it. She starts over in a small town and has to learn to fend for herself but her hot landlords are a blast from the past.
🖤 Angelo is a mafia prince. He bullied Jasmine when they were kids and then realized he was in love with her as teens. During the first few chapters of the book I did not like him but by the end he was my favorite of Jasmine’s men. He is the most OTT jealous possessive guy in the bunch and willing to do truly anything to win her back and keep her. He is the dom of the group in any play.
🖤 Dario is Angelo’s bodyguard and best friend. He has always been in love with Jasmine but didn’t think he was good enough for her because of their disparate social status. After leaving Jasmine he grew cold and hardened but with her he is a soft, sweet, poetry reading guy.
🖤 Unlike Angelo and Dario, who have known Jasmine since they were were kids, Enzo meets her when she’s 21 and runs away from home. He is light hearted, easy going, and has major love at first sight feelings towards her. He is willing to risk his life and Angelo’s wrath by forcing his way into the relationship.

This was such a fun read! I loved Jasmine’s character growth from bullied child, to teen, to adult finding her independence. She’s always been fierce, strong, and stands up for what’s right, but it was really great to just watch her find her independence and come into her own.

✨ Quotes:
🖤 “I’m not a good man, Tiger. I have done terrible things, and my soul has hardened into stone. To keep you, I will do my worst. I will ki!! whoever I need to. I will lock you up and throw away the key if necessary, but I need you. I hope that one day you’ll understand that whatever I choose to do next will be because I love you.” ~ Angelo.
🖤 Fück I felt so much better. I didn’t even feel like mürdéring Enzo in his sleep anymore. Who said ki!!ing wasn’t good for the soul? ~ Angelo.
🖤 “First, I’ve always st@lkéd you, this should not be surprising. I followed you everywhere unless I was detained with work. Even in your home I would drag you into any dark corner I could find. I would climb into your room every night to fück you, and if you were already asleep I’d stay and watch you until the sun started to rise.” ~ Angelo.
🖤 “I’m starting to come around on Enzo’s thought process. It’s nice that you’re such a fücking ass. It makes the two of us look great in her eyes.” ~ Dario.

✨ Thank you for allowing me to ARC read Humility. It is out NOW!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This retelling was just incredible.

This amazing author has twisted the story of Aladdin into a dark, suspenseful and spicy mafia tale that was truly magical.

Plus, all of the little snippets of other fairytales woven into this story just blew my mind. As they appeared in the story I was either shocked or giggling over the unique and creative way they were used.

Jasmin is an absolute fiery and fierce young woman. The strength she possesses in her attitude and personality made her a force to be reckoned with. The way she fights back at her bullies and those in authority that want to keep her down because she’s a girl, had me giggling and cheering her on every single time. She is one hell of a badass woman!! Plus she liked to throw things when she was mad and I was 100% in agreement with it.

Angelo, Dario and Enzo are each unique in their own way. Angelo is the fierce alpha leader who will kill to protect Jasmin, Dario is the strong bodyguard with a heart of gold, and Enzo is the sweet and goofy guy. The way these three interacted with each other was hilarious at times but other times you never knew if they were going to kill each other. It made for some very funny moments and hilarious snarky comebacks.

I loved the way each man interacted with Jasmin and the connection and bond they form as a group. Their banter was filled with so much snark and fierce emotions, but the intensity of their desire and passion just oozed off the pages and had my body aching for release.

The smutty moments contained within the pages of this story was so freaking HOT I was sure that I was going to combust.

This story was really well written and filled with such fiercely raw emotions, suspense, drama, violence, angst, pain, passion and an all-consuming love. Plus, the twists and and turns throughout had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails with anxiety. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride that I never wanted to end!

Loved it!

[amys.readsx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love this because Brooklyn wrote it, but oh ma gawd, I'm obsessed!

This was a dark Aladdin retelling with a Mafia twist. It had all the vibes of a fairytale retelling but was something else entirely, which I absolutely ate up.

This follows Jasmine, a mafia princess who is trying to push her way out from under the rules of every other Mafia family. She wants to make her own choices and not have them made for her. When an arranged marriage is threatened, her childhood bully, Angelo realises his love for her and does everything in his power to get her. But not just him, his body guard, Dario, has fallen for her too! Fast forward a few years and multiple mistakes later, and she is alone, and yet another arranged marriage is on the cards. Jasmine is such a strong badar§e character whose strength is undermined due to the fact that she's a princess. So she runs. Right into Enzo, an easy lovable guy who is on the run with Angelo and Dario. And thus ensues the delectable fight for their relationship. Enzo is sweet and instantly falls for Jasmine, making Angelo a very grumpy alphahole. Dairo is definitely my favourite. Hard on the outside but soft on the inside for Jasmine.

Each of these guys are different and bring something their own to the group. I loved all the tension and grovelling from the guys and the action-packed danger that follows them.

This book was so enjoyable, and I loved the mafia element to the story. I was immersed into this world and got so excited every time I saw a little mention of another fairytale in a twisted fun way. If you're looking for a dark and twisty fairytale retelling, then look no further. This was full of action, it had humour to have you chuckling, angst, grovelling, hot alphaholes that would unalive you for touching their girl, a stong fmc, why choose, and delicious spice to have you heated 🔥😍.

[Gemma Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book and who doesn’t like a modern day retelling of a classic Disney film – Aladdin.  Brooklyn Cross has put her own unique retelling of this classic tale by giving it an edgy, hard, spicy retelling with a mafia twist. This is a why choose with our fmc not having to choose who she wants in the end.  Do check for the trigger warnings before jumping into this book as some content will not be for everyone. 

I honestly when I first starting reading this wasn’t sure how this story was going to play out and it blew me away.  This book is a builder in the sense of both the story and our characters. 

Jasmine is a mafia princess who is tormented as a child by Angelo and his loyal friend Dario, but things change and feelings come into play, but can Jasmine really trust these two after giving them everything and then one day changes and everything changes. 

Jasmine is a strong independent womaning struggling in a man’s world with the perception on how she should act and who she should be, when her very life is yet again about to change she does the only thing she can do and runs starting a new life.

A new life throws someone new into her life but also blasts from her past.  Watch as Jasmine becomes stronger and stands alone but also starts to trust these men again, but a secret in unveiled and threatens what these four have built….

This book will have your emotions running high, with the added twist of suspense and spice that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

[Kricketland · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Humility
GENRE: Dark Romance
AUTHOR: Brooklyn Cross
TROPE: Why Choose, Enemies-to-Lovers, Mafia
TYPE: Series (Virtues Fairytales Book 1)
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5

Humility is a dark mafia-style retelling of Aladdin with a why-choose triple threat of love interests. I will fully admit that I am not a huge fan of fairytale retellings, but I surprised myself and thoroughly enjoyed Humility. I loved Jasmine so much! Jasmine is strong, has a temper, and grew into her own with a backbone, not putting up with any bull, just like the "Tiger" Angelo had nicknamed her. The combination of the three personalities of Angelo, Dario and Enzo held my interest and had me rooting for them until the very end. I was here for the tension, angst and spice! Humility was a quick read for me, mainly because I did not want to put it down to go to sleep. I am giving Humility a rating of 4.5 / 5 Stars.

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humility is Jasmine's story, the mafia princess who falls for the bad boy, or should I say, boyS! And I have to say, she has mighty fine taste 😏

It may be a fairytale retelling, but this is Brooklyn Cross's book, so it's definitely not plain sailing or sunshine and roses, some of it is really freaking sad and my heart hurt for each of them.

But then the humour - oh man I had so many giggles! Angelo has such a huffy murder0us temper, Dario is excellent at winding him up and Enzo is new to the group but fits in so well. And Jasmine, who although I thought quite quiet and soft at the start, oh boy does she become a tiger! She's an absolute gem at making Angelo suffer and she's not shy at throwing things!

A good read, likeable and loveable characters, lots of giggles, it's hot and I'm jealous of Jasmine.

4/4.5 stars

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humility

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes

~Why Choose
~Enemies to Lovers
~Fairytale Retelling
~Mafia
Touch her and die

Review

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love a good why choose romance, enemies to lovers, and fairytale retelling.

This fairytale retelling was based on Aladdin and in a mafia setting. I don't think I have read an Aladdin retelling before, and if I have, it wasn't as memorable as this one.

I was hooked right from the start, and I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series!

*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*

[Samantha Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Good!

This was such a good read. I’m a sucker for a retelling and I really enjoyed how Brooklyn worked elements of Aladdin into this book. This was a good WhyChoose with a fierce and strong FMC. Jasmine really stole the show with her strength and determination. She didn’t hold back in her feelings or I’m going after she wants. And I enjoyed watching her grow and never settling for less than what she deserved.

All of her men were equally strong to read, but Enzo forever has a place in my heart.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humility is the first book in a brand-new multi-author,shared series. This can be read as a standalone.

When this first announced, I was so excited. This is definitely a first for a whychoose, whychoose, mafia, reimagining of the classic story, Aladdin, BUT IT FIT SO FREAKING WELL! The chemistry, the banter, the smex, even the whole plot itself was absolute chef's kiss! This was veeeery dirty as well. I feel we started this started this new series with a bang. Definitely looking forward to checking out the upcoming books in this series!

[Shonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Humility” is modern day retelling of my all time favourite Disney movie “Aladdin” but with a mafia twist.

I’ve read a lot of retelling of our favourite fairy tales, but “humility” is definitely my all time favourite. Brooklyn cross is a mastermind and she always delivers with every single release.

Jasmine Falcone is a mafia princess. When an arranged marriage threatens her independence she decides to take off on her own. What Jasmine doesn’t count on is running into her blast from the past Angelo along with his loyal friend Dario.

I loved jasmine she was fierce and a force to be reckoned with her connection with her guys was undeniable. This story is filled with heat and tension and has plenty of twists and turns along the way. If you’re fan of retellings then I highly recommend you pick up this amazing story. I can’t recommend it enough!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller-coaster that was! *fans self*

Humility by Brooklyn Cross is a deliciously dark Aladdin retelling with a mafia twist.

The drama and suspense will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath until the very last page. And let's not forget the spicy scenes of pure perfection that will leave you begging for more.

Thank you Brooklyn Cross for the opportunity to read this book. I highly recommend Humility.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So i went into this book thinking i wouldnt like it. Im not huge into reverse harem and really not a big mafia fan but this book took me by complete surprise and i loved every single minute of it. A great story, just enough smut, it was mafia but not like over top- just enough to know its there. Each MMC has his perks and reasons to adore him. The MFC is strong and independent and mouthy. I loved the whole thing!

[deannathebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

So… first thoughts are basically that the mmcs are kind of dicks, But I have hope!there’s definitely something between all of them I can’t wait to find out how it all plays out. I LOVED this book so much I can’t even put it into words. I was unsure at first but once I got into it it was amazing a definite 10/10 The only thing I’ll say is READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS some stuff is a bit taboo but it was an amazing read for me thank you Brooklyn

[Jess Boschock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark retelling of Aladdin, mafia style. Let me tell you this book sucked me in until the very end. The world that Brooklyn creates is beautifully written. I love the darkness, intensity, the drama. This book is such a great read you will not be able to put it down. Everything I expect from Brooklyn Cross. Such a phenomenal writer and this book is definitely 5 stars all way.

[Jacqueline Fromm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why have I waited so long to read Brooklyn's books.
If you know me most of my reads are Mafia related, this one is a bonus as it is a fairytale retelling and a why choose.

Jasmine the mafia princess grew up with Angelo and Dario who made fun of her and tormented her throughout childhood. That is until Angelo realized he did not hate her, he loved her and Dario always loved her just knew alone he did not have a chance.
They all fell in love until life ripped them apart for years. That is until Jasmine is running from life and it drops her right in their laps again along with Enzo. She quickly lets go of the past and their new story takes off. I loved that she has a different dynamic with each on, the spice is not over the top. It was the perfect book. As always be mindful of your triggers and be prepared to be glued to your seat till you finish it.

[The Bookworm Hermit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when retellings are not true to the original when there is a twist. Plus all the Easter eggs were so fun to find. I enjoyed that Jasmine's nickname was tiger. It was like the Aladdin story came full circle. This has an arranged marriage that she runs from to find herself tied up with boys from her past. I love the writing and how the story evolved.

[Trista Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Brooklyn Cross, and I absolutely devoured it! I loved every single bit of this book, and couldn't get enough. All I want for Christmas is Angelo, Dario, and Enzo. That's it. 1920202029202/5 stars for me.

[Kayla Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! I wasn’t really a fan of Angelo at the beginning because he was so mean to her and Dario never did anything about it but when the emotions exploded……exploded they did.

[Angie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing read from an amazing author. Dark retelling of Aladdin with a RH twist! I loved everything about this book. Brooklyn Cross took it to another level with adding in some characters from past books! (No spoilers here so you gotta read to see it) 😘

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. It is not your typical fairytale and has some dark elements but I can’t get enough. I honestly want more of these characters! I would love to see another epilogue with them. Angelo had me all over the place but I loved him along with Dario and Enzo. I loved that Jasmine wasn’t just a princess. She was feisty and stood up for herself. Such a great read!