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Dario
Dario
She’s mine. I watch her work and want her to put everything down and come to me. May doesn’t belong in a place like this, working for my enemy. I’ll fix it and hand her everything she wants. Unfortunately, my sweet little waitress graduated with a degree in criminal justice. By all rights, we couldn’t be more wrong for each other, but I’m not letting that stop me.
May
I didn’t know who he was, but I knew he wasn’t a good guy. Every time he entered the diner, a shroud of darkness cloaked him. His persona screamed dangerous animal to anyone around and even sent customers running. I’m a good girl. My moral compass breaks the second he appears, and all the rule following and aspirations of being in law enforcement fly out the window. I just want to be his.
She’s mine. I watch her work and want her to put everything down and come to me. May doesn’t belong in a place like this, working for my enemy. I’ll fix it and hand her everything she wants. Unfortunately, my sweet little waitress graduated with a degree in criminal justice. By all rights, we couldn’t be more wrong for each other, but I’m not letting that stop me.
May
I didn’t know who he was, but I knew he wasn’t a good guy. Every time he entered the diner, a shroud of darkness cloaked him. His persona screamed dangerous animal to anyone around and even sent customers running. I’m a good girl. My moral compass breaks the second he appears, and all the rule following and aspirations of being in law enforcement fly out the window. I just want to be his.
- GenresMafia Romance
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
191 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 12, 2023
2.5 ⭐
Characters:
- Dario (29) mafia boss, no other background was given. Sure as crap not a freaking saint, I think readers can assume that in his chapters. But I don't think he's a manhoe. 🤷♀️
- May (21) has 3 jobs and fresh graduate with a degree in criminal justice. V-card holder 🙄 dated one guy. Sister of the FMC from book 1. She's a pretty woman that her boss from one job and her landlord were being creepy perverts towards her.
I didn't like the MCs. Dario was an asshole and sexist towards May at the beginning. He was still an asshole even when he got her. Resorting to threats that he would hurt her sister if she didn't go with him and sometimes manhandling her (I've never read that she was fine with this kind of treatment or maybe I missed it) For someone who's so obsessed with his "queen" he sure as shit didn't know how to make her feel at ease (does making her come, count?) He steamrolled his ways and didn't give a crap if she was fine with everything he does.
May, I'm so annoyed with her character and at times I felt like she has multiple personalities. One minute she was fuming about Dario's overbearing attitude then in a flash she would throw all of her common sense at the window. She would cling to him like a needy cat and it was so irritating to read. She was weak, pathetic, and aroused all the time. The body betraying syndrome was rage-inducing and I was utterly disappointed that she has no other personality aside from being a caring sister and a horny FMC.
Overall, this novella is so frustrating and didn't work for me. Turns out that book 1 is waaaay better than this. I probably would still read the third and last book in this series, just to see if the story would get better.
Book info:
- Mafia romance
- Stalking
- Death of a parent
- Killing
- Mention of human trafficking / flesh trade
- Illegal surveillance (May's landlord installed cameras in her bathroom)
Characters:
- Dario (29) mafia boss, no other background was given. Sure as crap not a freaking saint, I think readers can assume that in his chapters. But I don't think he's a manhoe. 🤷♀️
- May (21) has 3 jobs and fresh graduate with a degree in criminal justice. V-card holder 🙄 dated one guy. Sister of the FMC from book 1. She's a pretty woman that her boss from one job and her landlord were being creepy perverts towards her.
I didn't like the MCs. Dario was an asshole and sexist towards May at the beginning. He was still an asshole even when he got her. Resorting to threats that he would hurt her sister if she didn't go with him and sometimes manhandling her (I've never read that she was fine with this kind of treatment or maybe I missed it) For someone who's so obsessed with his "queen" he sure as shit didn't know how to make her feel at ease (does making her come, count?) He steamrolled his ways and didn't give a crap if she was fine with everything he does.
May, I'm so annoyed with her character and at times I felt like she has multiple personalities. One minute she was fuming about Dario's overbearing attitude then in a flash she would throw all of her common sense at the window. She would cling to him like a needy cat and it was so irritating to read. She was weak, pathetic, and aroused all the time. The body betraying syndrome was rage-inducing and I was utterly disappointed that she has no other personality aside from being a caring sister and a horny FMC.
Overall, this novella is so frustrating and didn't work for me. Turns out that book 1 is waaaay better than this. I probably would still read the third and last book in this series, just to see if the story would get better.
Book info:
- Mafia romance
- Stalking
- Death of a parent
- Killing
- Mention of human trafficking / flesh trade
- Illegal surveillance (May's landlord installed cameras in her bathroom)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Oh man, I thought Alessio was 🥵🥵 but Dario is the freaking king... Or boss if you will. Dario is the boss of the Conti family and rules without a queen by his side. But that changes when he sees a sweet waitress at a diner where he has work to do. May hates her boss, but she needs the money so she stays. One day a goodlooking stranger turns her whole life around. But she swore she wouldn't fall for a thug. But love always wins. Dario has to work to convince May that he is the one for her and she for him.... By any means necessary 😉 I really loved this second story in this new series and I can't wait for Enrico's story and maybe we get Lucas HEA too!!?? 🥰🥰 instalove, he falls first, sweet, steamy, romantic , fun to read, awesome characters, J/P obsessed H, safe and with a great HEA 😍😍😍😍 If you love mafia romance lite without drama that is the series you have to read 👍👍👍
August 24, 2023
sadly this book was kinda boring. I was excited for May and Dario’s story but half of the book was the exact same plot like in the first book only from Darios/Mays perspective and that sucks. I skipped a lot of pages because you already know what happened when you have read June and Alessios book.
July 18, 2023
Safe
No cheating
No OW
OM drama (h's ex boyfriend wants her back in his life. He dumped her in college when her life was falling apart, but she never was intimate with him and never loved him. Then there is her sleezy boss after her, she has no interest in him at all)
h is a virgin
No history at all for the H
sporatic separation (she works at the diner, and he goes there to drink coffee and learn more about her)
No gross condom use
push away from h (sometimes playful)
HEA
CM Steele is a very safe author and I love her for it. Even though the sequences of events can drag in some places and go at warm speed in other, finding a safe romance with low angst and no OW comparisons is hard to find. For that reason, she is one of my favorite authors.
I have to admit that I thought I would like Dario more than Alessio, but I preferred Alessio's story. Although May and Dario are made for each other, and their official getting together is half way through the book, so the interactions were sporatic in the first half. You cannot deny that Dario is all in for his queen. He is a true alpha caveman for his May. He kills for her, protects her, will do everything including a little blackmail to secure his future wife and mother of his children, his queen, the love of his life, to be by his side forever.
The story is simple and happens at the same time Alessio and June's story happen. She is a waitress making ends meet, and she meets a handsome man that winks at her. She gasps but has no idea how badly he wants her. He wants her by his side and away from the men that want to hurt her. She fights his advances and loves to provoke him, in a way it is a one sided enemy's to lovers meet cute but very lite. There is no mean spirited behavior just passion to the point of madness not to mention that May is sassy and that sass gets him hard. The sex in this is hot, and it really shows how much he enjoys pleasing her. They have a lot of dirty talk but the love is there for sure, otherwise the sex scenes would be flat and mean nothing. Dario forces her to marry him, and she does, but secretly, I think she loves the forcefulness of her now husband. It reminds me of a lighter version of a historical bodice ripper, when the hero forces his woman to marry him, but secretly the heroine pushes away because she is scared to have her heart broken, but wants the hero to be her man in every way at the same time. It's similar in that sense and I enjoyed it.
This was low angst, an easy read and I am now curious about January and Enrico's story and I am curious for Luca's love story too!
Happy reading everyone!
No cheating
No OW
OM drama (h's ex boyfriend wants her back in his life. He dumped her in college when her life was falling apart, but she never was intimate with him and never loved him. Then there is her sleezy boss after her, she has no interest in him at all)
h is a virgin
No history at all for the H
sporatic separation (she works at the diner, and he goes there to drink coffee and learn more about her)
No gross condom use
push away from h (sometimes playful)
HEA
CM Steele is a very safe author and I love her for it. Even though the sequences of events can drag in some places and go at warm speed in other, finding a safe romance with low angst and no OW comparisons is hard to find. For that reason, she is one of my favorite authors.
I have to admit that I thought I would like Dario more than Alessio, but I preferred Alessio's story. Although May and Dario are made for each other, and their official getting together is half way through the book, so the interactions were sporatic in the first half. You cannot deny that Dario is all in for his queen. He is a true alpha caveman for his May. He kills for her, protects her, will do everything including a little blackmail to secure his future wife and mother of his children, his queen, the love of his life, to be by his side forever.
The story is simple and happens at the same time Alessio and June's story happen. She is a waitress making ends meet, and she meets a handsome man that winks at her. She gasps but has no idea how badly he wants her. He wants her by his side and away from the men that want to hurt her. She fights his advances and loves to provoke him, in a way it is a one sided enemy's to lovers meet cute but very lite. There is no mean spirited behavior just passion to the point of madness not to mention that May is sassy and that sass gets him hard. The sex in this is hot, and it really shows how much he enjoys pleasing her. They have a lot of dirty talk but the love is there for sure, otherwise the sex scenes would be flat and mean nothing. Dario forces her to marry him, and she does, but secretly, I think she loves the forcefulness of her now husband. It reminds me of a lighter version of a historical bodice ripper, when the hero forces his woman to marry him, but secretly the heroine pushes away because she is scared to have her heart broken, but wants the hero to be her man in every way at the same time. It's similar in that sense and I enjoyed it.
This was low angst, an easy read and I am now curious about January and Enrico's story and I am curious for Luca's love story too!
Happy reading everyone!
July 26, 2023
I liked the first book better. The hero in this one was definitely more caveman and OTT for his heroine—he literally kills for her. BUT, this one kinda fell a bit flat since large chunks were copy/pasted from the first book. It was just a repeat of scenes and interactions in Alessio. And I get that there’s an overlapping timeline so some scenes will be repeated, but at least change it to a different perspective, not just repeated verbatim. It just felt lazy to me and I was bored since I’d already read the same scenes in alessio.
It wasn’t a bad story, it just felt too repetitive to me since I had just read alessio. I did really like the lengths Dario was willing to go to get his woman.
Safe. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned at all, but he doesn’t come off as a manwhore and in alessio, as well as this book it states he doesn’t like being hit on and doesn’t give women any attention. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. Some OM drama (villains and an ex bf—heroine never was intimate with.) no ow, no cheating or sharing or abuse between MCs. On page violence against bad guys by hero. HEA with epilogue years out.
It wasn’t a bad story, it just felt too repetitive to me since I had just read alessio. I did really like the lengths Dario was willing to go to get his woman.
Safe. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned at all, but he doesn’t come off as a manwhore and in alessio, as well as this book it states he doesn’t like being hit on and doesn’t give women any attention. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. Some OM drama (villains and an ex bf—heroine never was intimate with.) no ow, no cheating or sharing or abuse between MCs. On page violence against bad guys by hero. HEA with epilogue years out.
July 18, 2023
Out on business, Dario comes across the woman who he knows is meant to be his.
May is stuck working a job she hates due to circumstances but the draw she feels towards Dario cannot be denied.
His lifestyle makes her hesitant but he will not let her go.
This was an entertaining, mafia read in which the mafia king finally finds the woman who will be his queen. With insta love themes, moments of passion and a HEA, this is an engaging story overall.
May is stuck working a job she hates due to circumstances but the draw she feels towards Dario cannot be denied.
His lifestyle makes her hesitant but he will not let her go.
This was an entertaining, mafia read in which the mafia king finally finds the woman who will be his queen. With insta love themes, moments of passion and a HEA, this is an engaging story overall.
July 26, 2023
Dario is the second book in C.M. Steele’s The Conti Family series. In it, Ms. Steele chronicles the romantic journey of Dario Conti and May Belle Beaman. Readers me both Dario and May as secondary characters in the first book in this series. While on a mission to face Reggie Coleman, owner of a restaurant, who owes a financial debt to the Conti Family, her spies May. Unaware of her connection to June, the female protagonist in another book, Dario is physically and sexually attracted to her. Dario sets his sites on May, a strong caring and independent woman. Unbeknownst to May, Reggie Coleman and her landlord Johnson were working together to traffic May, June, and their roommate January. Dario and his soldiers work at eliminating all threats. Are they successful? How will May react when she realizes that Dario is a crime boss? Will May accept a relationship with Dario? Can they find happiness? How will the sisters react when they realize their significant others are the Conti cousins?
Yet again, Ms. Steele penned another enjoyable crime family romantic suspense. Readers met the two lead characters, May Belle Beaman and Dario Conti, in the first book. Readers witness a definite chemistry between them. The plot line is well thought out and allows readers to witness the evolution of their romance. She builds suspense with the antagonists (Coleman and Johnson) who nefarious goals of kidnapping May and her roommates for human trafficking. She use of a dual point of view contributes to building palpable romantic tension. Lastly, Ms. Steele’s descriptive language creates vivid and endearing scenes; thus, capturing her readers’ attention.
Yet again, Ms. Steele penned another enjoyable crime family romantic suspense. Readers met the two lead characters, May Belle Beaman and Dario Conti, in the first book. Readers witness a definite chemistry between them. The plot line is well thought out and allows readers to witness the evolution of their romance. She builds suspense with the antagonists (Coleman and Johnson) who nefarious goals of kidnapping May and her roommates for human trafficking. She use of a dual point of view contributes to building palpable romantic tension. Lastly, Ms. Steele’s descriptive language creates vivid and endearing scenes; thus, capturing her readers’ attention.
July 13, 2025
Didn't care for this one...
Let me start by saying I love alpha males. Possessive? Check. Obsessed?Check. Jealous? Check. What I don't care for is railroading. That is what happened in this book. I didn't care for the way he just forced May into the relationship. There was nothing sweet about the way he pursued her. He could have treated her well, but instead, he didn't give her a chance. He even believed she was trying to get together with her sleazy boss. When he found out otherwise, he could have apologized. Explained what he was thinking, but he didn't. He just used the attraction she felt for him to bend her to his will. There is nothing that I hate more than body betrayal syndrome. For once, I'd like the FMC to say... "Yes, I think you're attractive, and I want you, but it's not enough. You can't just treat me like crap and I just let myself be seduced. Nope, put in the work." Unfortunately, that never happens. I know it's an instalove novella, but because it's an instalove novella, I expected love to play a part, not an afterthought when he manipulated, lied, and cheated to get her. That just didn't work for me.
Let me start by saying I love alpha males. Possessive? Check. Obsessed?Check. Jealous? Check. What I don't care for is railroading. That is what happened in this book. I didn't care for the way he just forced May into the relationship. There was nothing sweet about the way he pursued her. He could have treated her well, but instead, he didn't give her a chance. He even believed she was trying to get together with her sleazy boss. When he found out otherwise, he could have apologized. Explained what he was thinking, but he didn't. He just used the attraction she felt for him to bend her to his will. There is nothing that I hate more than body betrayal syndrome. For once, I'd like the FMC to say... "Yes, I think you're attractive, and I want you, but it's not enough. You can't just treat me like crap and I just let myself be seduced. Nope, put in the work." Unfortunately, that never happens. I know it's an instalove novella, but because it's an instalove novella, I expected love to play a part, not an afterthought when he manipulated, lied, and cheated to get her. That just didn't work for me.
July 20, 2023
Amazing!!!b
Dario is just the type of Hero I’ve been looking for!!! He takes what he wants and makes no exceptions about it and when it comes to May, he wants her above all.
May, not sure if what to make of her feelings for Dario, does what she needs to to save her sister.
Read and see how their live story unfolds and be sure to be ready for some heat.
Dario is just the type of Hero I’ve been looking for!!! He takes what he wants and makes no exceptions about it and when it comes to May, he wants her above all.
May, not sure if what to make of her feelings for Dario, does what she needs to to save her sister.
Read and see how their live story unfolds and be sure to be ready for some heat.
March 21, 2024
Dario & May
I knew it!!! I love that Alessio and Dario wound up with sisters! It will only make this family closer and tighter than ever before. Dario is crazy. Crazy possessive. Even before he truly knew who May was, he was on the edge. It only increased as they got closer. Crazy possessiveness, super hot chemistry and a take no prisoners attitude. So good.
I knew it!!! I love that Alessio and Dario wound up with sisters! It will only make this family closer and tighter than ever before. Dario is crazy. Crazy possessive. Even before he truly knew who May was, he was on the edge. It only increased as they got closer. Crazy possessiveness, super hot chemistry and a take no prisoners attitude. So good.
April 28, 2024
Dario and May
I had to take a moment to think about this review.
But honestly, I couldn't feel the spark between Dario and May.
He saw her, fell hard, and took her. May, despite an initial attraction, didn't really care for him. So much so that Dario had to force her into marriage. It's not a bew concept, though.
I had to take a moment to think about this review.
But honestly, I couldn't feel the spark between Dario and May.
He saw her, fell hard, and took her. May, despite an initial attraction, didn't really care for him. So much so that Dario had to force her into marriage. It's not a bew concept, though.
May 30, 2025
Me encanta lo obsesionado que esta con May y lo posesivo, nada sano este comportamiento y no se recomienda, pero que hombre de veras, si sentí que Alessio era intenso, Dario le dijo quitate que ahí te voy, jajajaja, gran lectura, son lecturas cortas pero entretenidas, como para pasar el rato o terminar un bloqueo lector.
July 18, 2023
3 stars
Alessio’s book was better. This is very much a repeat. Some good mafia war stuff. But all the talk of breeding. Just yuck.
And the virgin becomes the crazed sexx fiend, once the barrier is broken? Please. This is so the same as so many new books this year.
Not much original here.
Alessio’s book was better. This is very much a repeat. Some good mafia war stuff. But all the talk of breeding. Just yuck.
And the virgin becomes the crazed sexx fiend, once the barrier is broken? Please. This is so the same as so many new books this year.
Not much original here.
July 18, 2023
Dario the conti crime family 2
Absolutely exciting romantic, enjoyed the entire book, I'm glad the siSters found there forever loves , and the bad guys got there just reward . really enjoyed it .😍
Absolutely exciting romantic, enjoyed the entire book, I'm glad the siSters found there forever loves , and the bad guys got there just reward . really enjoyed it .😍
August 3, 2023
So freaking good
This is one of my favorite authors. I love all her work.
Dario is the head of the mafia and he stumbles upon May at her job in a sleazy diner. She looks at him and knows that he is trouble but she wants him too.
This is one of my favorite authors. I love all her work.
Dario is the head of the mafia and he stumbles upon May at her job in a sleazy diner. She looks at him and knows that he is trouble but she wants him too.
August 6, 2023
sizzling from the start
This super fast read was sizzling from the start. Dario and May were and intriguing couple. I enjoyed their banter and his relentlessness in having her and in insuring her safety. Good read.
This super fast read was sizzling from the start. Dario and May were and intriguing couple. I enjoyed their banter and his relentlessness in having her and in insuring her safety. Good read.
August 22, 2023
He's the boss for a reason.
The instant Dario lays eyes on May he knows she waz meant to be his queen. Now he just has to convince his good girl that its okay to be with a bad man. If not he may just ha e to manipulate her to get what he wants.
The instant Dario lays eyes on May he knows she waz meant to be his queen. Now he just has to convince his good girl that its okay to be with a bad man. If not he may just ha e to manipulate her to get what he wants.
March 25, 2024
Love it
Oh the bad boys who have hearts that beat only for the women in their lives.
Short novellas are becoming an addiction. Men who are possessive, protective and obsessed with their families are the way it should be. If this was the way it was more women would be happy, but it’s a fairytale.
Oh the bad boys who have hearts that beat only for the women in their lives.
Short novellas are becoming an addiction. Men who are possessive, protective and obsessed with their families are the way it should be. If this was the way it was more women would be happy, but it’s a fairytale.
June 1, 2024
Dario (The Continued Crime Family)
I think it is not necessary to relive part of the last book. I know I personally was waiting to start reading from where book 1 left off. Was disappointed...
I did enjoy book two and the way Dario takes care of business .
I think it is not necessary to relive part of the last book. I know I personally was waiting to start reading from where book 1 left off. Was disappointed...
I did enjoy book two and the way Dario takes care of business .
June 12, 2024
The Bargain
Dario is obsessed with May and will make her his queen but first he has a few things to take care of in the background before he can claim her in this brash and dirty tale.
Dario is obsessed with May and will make her his queen but first he has a few things to take care of in the background before he can claim her in this brash and dirty tale.
July 20, 2023
I liked Alessio more than this. Dario was too OTT and what’s up with the female characters in this book. They talked liked trash.
August 4, 2023
WOW! Soo soo good and soo soo H.O.T I love Dario and May, they're just soo perfect for each other! Such a steamy, wonderful and beautiful love story! I absolutly loved it! 😍❤️❤️🔥🔥🥰
August 6, 2023
Quick insta love mob book 2/5 hot potato’s. Nice to see the opposite side from the first book since both relationships happened simultaneously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
Dario
Dario is something else. I feel like he would have burned the world to the ground to keep May safe.
Dario is something else. I feel like he would have burned the world to the ground to keep May safe.
August 28, 2023
Quick dark romance read. Loved it.
[2 guard dogs on "black" crochet book blanket.]
[2 guard dogs on "black" crochet book blanket.]
December 9, 2023
Wow
Well, Dario definitely did it differently with May, but of course, love conquers all. When you meet your other half, you just know, and you don't give that up.
Well, Dario definitely did it differently with May, but of course, love conquers all. When you meet your other half, you just know, and you don't give that up.
February 12, 2024
A-freaking-mazing
Dario was super intense and untrusting. But he was sure about wanted to be with May. The epilogue when their son knocked on the door was amazing… awww
Dario was super intense and untrusting. But he was sure about wanted to be with May. The epilogue when their son knocked on the door was amazing… awww
March 7, 2024
Great
Dario and May.
I loved reading this story.
I loved reading the Conti Crime Family book2.
I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
I loved the twists.
Read it
Dario and May.
I loved reading this story.
I loved reading the Conti Crime Family book2.
I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
I loved the twists.
Read it
August 3, 2023
I just love these type of men.
When they see something they want, they take it.
In Dario’s case not knowing that the woman he wants from the first time seeing her, is a relative makes it more fun.
May, sees him for the first time and instantly feelers something for him. Not knowing his background or who he is.
She does have a little bit of feistiness in her and she just adds more fuel to the chemistry.
Another match made and I love it.
When they see something they want, they take it.
In Dario’s case not knowing that the woman he wants from the first time seeing her, is a relative makes it more fun.
May, sees him for the first time and instantly feelers something for him. Not knowing his background or who he is.
She does have a little bit of feistiness in her and she just adds more fuel to the chemistry.
Another match made and I love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews