What do you think?
Rate this book
Running from the Garden with Eden
I’ve read enough sexy romance books to know that when a knock comes at my door at three in the morning, with hot mafia men on the other side, things are about to get spicy. They say they’re here to take me as collateral for my missing husband’s debt, but when they find him dead, now I have to pay the debt. Maybe that means I'll be a mafia wife to the grumpy crime daddy, Tommy? Too bad he can't stand me.
I should be scared—terrified, even—of what could happen... Except I'm way too excited to play out my many dark romance fantasies.
Running from the Garden with Eden is a spicy PARODY mafia romantic comedy, intended for mature audiences. It is the first part of the Pelligini Crime Daddies duet, but can be read as a standalone novella with no cliffhanger. The story continues in Not My Bodyguard's Keeper.
I should be scared—terrified, even—of what could happen... Except I'm way too excited to play out my many dark romance fantasies.
Running from the Garden with Eden is a spicy PARODY mafia romantic comedy, intended for mature audiences. It is the first part of the Pelligini Crime Daddies duet, but can be read as a standalone novella with no cliffhanger. The story continues in Not My Bodyguard's Keeper.
- GenresSmutContemporary
154 pages, ebook
Published June 1, 2023
22 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Irene Bahrd
50 books183 followersIrene Bahrd is a feisty Capricorn and one of the most avid readers you will ever meet. Her favorite genres to read or write include romantic comedies, political romance, romantasy, and the occasional contemporary dark romance.
She started her writing journey as a dare from a friend, after recounting dating stories from her early twenties. They inspired her to write spicy romantic comedies and parodies that feature a variety of book boyfriends—though most are cinnamon roll golden retrievers. Many of her stories contain LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.
Irene can be found on Instagram and TikTok under @irenebahrdauthor
She started her writing journey as a dare from a friend, after recounting dating stories from her early twenties. They inspired her to write spicy romantic comedies and parodies that feature a variety of book boyfriends—though most are cinnamon roll golden retrievers. Many of her stories contain LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.
Irene can be found on Instagram and TikTok under @irenebahrdauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 31, 2024
Дуже смішна книга якщо чесно😅
Без якогось ваау сюжету, читається легко
Добре підійде для тих хто просто хоче релакснути і посміятись
Без якогось ваау сюжету, читається легко
Добре підійде для тих хто просто хоче релакснути і посміятись
November 14, 2024
Не скажу що аж прям сподобалась, але посміятися можна.
February 19, 2023
This was so fun!
It’s a satire, so don’t go into this thinking it’s going to be super serious like your typical mafia/captive/arranged marriage storylines. But you should expect a lot of laughs, a truly off the wall FMC and some swoony twin (yeah I said twin) captors!
It’s a satire, so don’t go into this thinking it’s going to be super serious like your typical mafia/captive/arranged marriage storylines. But you should expect a lot of laughs, a truly off the wall FMC and some swoony twin (yeah I said twin) captors!
February 22, 2023
Loved from beginning to end! The whole premise is ridiculous (it is satire after all), and I was totally here for it!! If you want a little spice and a ton of laughter, while poking a some fun at the mafia romance trope, this is a must read!
February 17, 2023
Mafia + Romance + Comedy!! Seriously!!! Let me just say this was such a freaking ball of laughter! The banter , monologues, no filter talk yes yes yes!!! And smut! Hello I'm here for it and so should you!
Such a fun read quick ,spicy and funny as hell!!! Eden you are my friend for life!!!! Gio my bestie and Tom ❤️
Such a fun read quick ,spicy and funny as hell!!! Eden you are my friend for life!!!! Gio my bestie and Tom ❤️
March 17, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Mafia Satire?? Yes please.
This was so much more than I anticipated. I laughed so hard at times, swooned a little and was down right rooting through the pages as I voraciously read.
Our characters were a whole treat. I loved them. Every. Single. One. They brought so much to the story and helped bring it to life.
Can we just bring up the chemistry these two MCs have?? Like holy shnikes Batman! They played off of each other, and had the perfect dynamic. His yin to her yang. And let's not forget those magical bedroom and other places where the magic happened. CHEFS KISS 💋💋💋
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Mafia Satire?? Yes please.
This was so much more than I anticipated. I laughed so hard at times, swooned a little and was down right rooting through the pages as I voraciously read.
Our characters were a whole treat. I loved them. Every. Single. One. They brought so much to the story and helped bring it to life.
Can we just bring up the chemistry these two MCs have?? Like holy shnikes Batman! They played off of each other, and had the perfect dynamic. His yin to her yang. And let's not forget those magical bedroom and other places where the magic happened. CHEFS KISS 💋💋💋
February 20, 2023
This book is laugh out loud hilarious! What a fun, entertaining read that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. Any mafia romance lover needs to read this funny twist because man… we romance readers really could be Eden 😂
10000/10.
10000/10.
March 28, 2023
Quick Fun Read
So if you like dark romance or spicy romcoms this is a fun quick read. You get all the aspects from a dark mafia romance, dripping in satire. Because this is a novella, the author does warn you in the beginning that it’s going to move fast. Understand that it does. The majority of this happens in about a 24 hour period. But when I tell you it was the best short novella. I needed this.
I love reading novellas when I need a pick me up or if I’m in a slump. I get the accomplishment of finishing a book and most of the time it’s held my interest enough so again, I finish. This book specifically I couldn’t stop laughing. I lost it when Eden referred to him as “Crime Daddy Tommy.” It was great.
Eden is just a ball of fire that you can’t help but want to be just like her. There actually is a story in here so that made it even more of a delight to read. You should read this book!
Trigger warnings are there. Please read and please be comfortable with them before you proceed. Happy reading! 🖤
So if you like dark romance or spicy romcoms this is a fun quick read. You get all the aspects from a dark mafia romance, dripping in satire. Because this is a novella, the author does warn you in the beginning that it’s going to move fast. Understand that it does. The majority of this happens in about a 24 hour period. But when I tell you it was the best short novella. I needed this.
I love reading novellas when I need a pick me up or if I’m in a slump. I get the accomplishment of finishing a book and most of the time it’s held my interest enough so again, I finish. This book specifically I couldn’t stop laughing. I lost it when Eden referred to him as “Crime Daddy Tommy.” It was great.
Eden is just a ball of fire that you can’t help but want to be just like her. There actually is a story in here so that made it even more of a delight to read. You should read this book!
Trigger warnings are there. Please read and please be comfortable with them before you proceed. Happy reading! 🖤
February 27, 2023
The book we didn’t know we needed
I never thought I’d read a book that is both a romcom and a mafia book, but I’m glad I did. Running from the Garden with Eden was delightful. Eden and Tom had me giggling from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. This poked fun at all of my favorite tropes and books in the best way. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to read something light and yummy, but only if you have a good sense of humor😛
I never thought I’d read a book that is both a romcom and a mafia book, but I’m glad I did. Running from the Garden with Eden was delightful. Eden and Tom had me giggling from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. This poked fun at all of my favorite tropes and books in the best way. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to read something light and yummy, but only if you have a good sense of humor😛
May 8, 2023
Where has this book been all my life?!
Seriously, if you’re a fan of dark humor, sarcastic quick witted FMC and a broody beastly MMC, with mafia mob mixed in there this novella is for you!
There were a few spicy scenes, and I have a feeling those are going to expand in the next book.
I highly recommend this book, and I will be continuing the series. Also the author Irene Bahrd is just hilarious and her writing style is spot on. It flows beautifully and at a great pace.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Seriously, if you’re a fan of dark humor, sarcastic quick witted FMC and a broody beastly MMC, with mafia mob mixed in there this novella is for you!
There were a few spicy scenes, and I have a feeling those are going to expand in the next book.
I highly recommend this book, and I will be continuing the series. Also the author Irene Bahrd is just hilarious and her writing style is spot on. It flows beautifully and at a great pace.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 5, 2023
A Satire Mafia Romance?
Hell yeah- I’m in every single time!
This definitely didn’t disappoint, a Mafia Rom-Com, I was obsessed from the very beginning. I absolutely devoured this one and I can’t wait for the next one. I have too many question that need to be answered ASAP.
Also this made me realize that being Adult-napped at 3 am by a mafia boss, maybe wouldn’t be so bad. 🤷🏼♀️
Another easy five-star from me.
Hell yeah- I’m in every single time!
This definitely didn’t disappoint, a Mafia Rom-Com, I was obsessed from the very beginning. I absolutely devoured this one and I can’t wait for the next one. I have too many question that need to be answered ASAP.
Also this made me realize that being Adult-napped at 3 am by a mafia boss, maybe wouldn’t be so bad. 🤷🏼♀️
Another easy five-star from me.
February 21, 2023
This book is definitely a five star read for me. Irene has written the funniest mafia romcom, and all I did was laugh while reading it. The way she put these characters together was phenomenal. It was a nice change from the seriousness of some of the books that I often read. I highly recommend this book.
February 23, 2023
This novella is so much fun. It’s a quick read with lots of laugh out loud funny parts. It’s not your typical mafia romance book, there is no over the top drama. It’s just simply fun. I cannot wait for crime daddy Gio’s book. Definitely worth the read.
February 21, 2023
Funny quick entertaining read. I love a sassy heroine and this book has it. Eden was a delight and Tom and Gio were enjoyable with their crazy antics as well
March 31, 2023
The best read!!!!
This book was so funny!!! It was the perfect amount of mafia mixed with spice and brilliant attitude from Eden!! I cannot wait to read the next one!
This book was so funny!!! It was the perfect amount of mafia mixed with spice and brilliant attitude from Eden!! I cannot wait to read the next one!
March 15, 2023
Satire at its finest! I was laughing from beginning to end and loved every minute of it! Who doesn't love an over-the-top flirty twin brother, a broody twin, and a crazy female lead? Also, the brat-taming, love triangle, and banter were major highlights for me. Definitely left me wanting more!
4.5 star rating. Thanks to the author for an advanced copy for my honest review.
4.5 star rating. Thanks to the author for an advanced copy for my honest review.
May 6, 2024
Спочатку були деякі забавні моменти, але потім все стало якоюсь маячнею.
January 14, 2024
it’s hilarious
April 14, 2023
I wish I could give it 6 stars. It definitely gets bonus points for making me laugh out loud. Irene is an amazing author and after reading her debut novel Mine with Extra Lime I had to read this one as well. This is definitely a fun and light read. I love a good mafia story but this book poked fun at them in all the best ways. I can't wait to see what happens next with these characters.
July 29, 2024
Brilliant read from Irene. If you want a spicy parody definately read this! Spice and a ton of laughter!
July 3, 2023
I love mafia/dark romance books. I love funny LOL romance books. I really love spicy romance books. When I read the words A Spicy Parody Mafia Romantic Comedy I was immediately intrigued...I am here to tell you this is a genre you didn't know that you needed in your life!! I loved it.
Eden is woken up at 3am by someone knocking at her door. Not just any someone - hot mafia men who are there to take her as collateral for her missing husband's debt. Some people would be terrified of this situation, but not Eden. She has read a ton of sexy romance books and knows this could be a good thing...or at least maybe a hot thing, right?
Too bad her captor Tom (or Tommy as she calls him since it sounds more mafia like) is a huge grump and not thrilled by the fact that he has to marry her to settle a debt. His identical twin Gio on the other hand falls for her instantly and spends most of the book trying to get her into bed. Not that Eden is complaining. The banter with the guys and internal monologue in Eden's mind is laugh out loud hilarious:
"I'm still naked, holding my ground like Khalessi rising from the flames. Hell Yeah, I'm Team Targaryen, she was a badass! She would be so proud of me right now."
This book was 100% satirical fun. It is a novella so it is a quick read. Do not take it too seriously - let yourself laugh out loud and enjoy the ride!!
Eden is woken up at 3am by someone knocking at her door. Not just any someone - hot mafia men who are there to take her as collateral for her missing husband's debt. Some people would be terrified of this situation, but not Eden. She has read a ton of sexy romance books and knows this could be a good thing...or at least maybe a hot thing, right?
Too bad her captor Tom (or Tommy as she calls him since it sounds more mafia like) is a huge grump and not thrilled by the fact that he has to marry her to settle a debt. His identical twin Gio on the other hand falls for her instantly and spends most of the book trying to get her into bed. Not that Eden is complaining. The banter with the guys and internal monologue in Eden's mind is laugh out loud hilarious:
"I'm still naked, holding my ground like Khalessi rising from the flames. Hell Yeah, I'm Team Targaryen, she was a badass! She would be so proud of me right now."
This book was 100% satirical fun. It is a novella so it is a quick read. Do not take it too seriously - let yourself laugh out loud and enjoy the ride!!
July 20, 2023
Running From The Garden With Eden is a really fun parody mafia romance novella. This quick read starts with Eden being woken up by someone at her door in the middle of the night. Her husband Brent had a debt to the mafia but as he has disappeared she is being "collected" to pay off the debt. Eden is an avid romance novel reader and sees all the tropes in real life. When mafia men show up she can't help but have some interesting thoughts about her situation. Eden also seems to lack a filter and says pretty much everything she thinks. It is hysterical!
Eden is taken to the Pelligrini estate where she is to wed Tom, one of Momma Sofia's sons. While Tom doesn't seem too interested in her, his brother Gio is another story. He is obsessed with her and even goes out of his way to acquire a special gift for her. Eden needs to navigate her physical attraction to the men in this family, while still standing her ground and not losing herself.
I loved this book. I couldn't stop smiling while reading it. Eden is fantastic and I love her responses to life. She would be such a fun friend!
I'm looking forward to reading Not My Bodyguard's Keeper, where the story continues.
Eden is taken to the Pelligrini estate where she is to wed Tom, one of Momma Sofia's sons. While Tom doesn't seem too interested in her, his brother Gio is another story. He is obsessed with her and even goes out of his way to acquire a special gift for her. Eden needs to navigate her physical attraction to the men in this family, while still standing her ground and not losing herself.
I loved this book. I couldn't stop smiling while reading it. Eden is fantastic and I love her responses to life. She would be such a fun friend!
I'm looking forward to reading Not My Bodyguard's Keeper, where the story continues.
July 1, 2023
This book is a very fast paced book. It honestly got right to the point without much introduction to anyone or anything. I’m not a huge fan of fast paced books but decided I would give it a go. Eden is abducted by Tom who’s part of the mafia, to marry her to settle a debt her husband made and left when he died. She was to marry Tom. But do you think it would go as smoothly as that. Lol. I wanted to rate this a 3 1/2 but you can’t do half on here. Eden honestly drove me insane lol. Her character was just to much for me. I found a lot of her gibberish she was spew off as irritating and relentless (the same as how Tom felt in the book lol). Gio (Tom’s twin brother), met her and somehow wanted to claim her as his after only l knowing her 30 minutes lol. Tom, one minute wanted her a a the next didn’t. It had some good spicy scenes and some parts made me laugh, but I definitely needed a little more. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a faced paced short mafia story.
March 19, 2024
Eden's husband is dead, and she's being forced into an arranged marriage with mafia boss, Tom. It's like something out of her dark romance novels - except not really. Tom doesn't want her, but his twin brother Gio does. But does she want him? Either of them? Maybe she just wants to sleep?
Running From The Garden With Eden is a dark mafia romance parody book. It's absurd with outrageous characters and comical situations that are sure to make for some light reading. In a way, it reminded me of the evening I went to a murder mystery dinner.
There are things I didn't particularly enjoy about the book, such as the lack of depth to the characters and the surface level story. However, considering it's a parody book, I imagine these things are intentional, and it just isn't my typical taste.
It was a fast read, and with a second book completing the story, I am anxious to dig in.
Running From The Garden With Eden is a dark mafia romance parody book. It's absurd with outrageous characters and comical situations that are sure to make for some light reading. In a way, it reminded me of the evening I went to a murder mystery dinner.
There are things I didn't particularly enjoy about the book, such as the lack of depth to the characters and the surface level story. However, considering it's a parody book, I imagine these things are intentional, and it just isn't my typical taste.
It was a fast read, and with a second book completing the story, I am anxious to dig in.
June 20, 2025
“In the day that you’ve known me, when have I ever listened to you?”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This story was a hot mess, in the best way possible, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Eden finds herself being adultnapped by a crime daddy and thrown into an arranged marriage, and istg her reactions to the whole situation had me lmao.
Most of the story takes place during a 24 hours period, but soooo much happens in this day. We have a love triangle, almost reverse harem, that lasted 3.5 seconds (ngl, I'm team Gio), and so much family drama and secrets.
I honestly can't wait to see what happens next with the Pelligini family.
Quote: “I’m yours, Eden. You’re mine. With this ring, I thee wed. The end. Fuck the priest, fuck the paperwork. Now, be a good little wife, hide in the damn closet, and shoot anyone that doesn’t knock first.”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This story was a hot mess, in the best way possible, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Eden finds herself being adultnapped by a crime daddy and thrown into an arranged marriage, and istg her reactions to the whole situation had me lmao.
Most of the story takes place during a 24 hours period, but soooo much happens in this day. We have a love triangle, almost reverse harem, that lasted 3.5 seconds (ngl, I'm team Gio), and so much family drama and secrets.
I honestly can't wait to see what happens next with the Pelligini family.
Quote: “I’m yours, Eden. You’re mine. With this ring, I thee wed. The end. Fuck the priest, fuck the paperwork. Now, be a good little wife, hide in the damn closet, and shoot anyone that doesn’t knock first.”
February 25, 2023
It starts with how Eden’s husband has been missing for 6 months! A sexy mafia man name Tom shows up at her house and makes her leave with him. She calls him “Tommy” To find out he has a sexy twin named Gio too!!! What can happen right? Well I’ll tell you right now Eden had me laughing all through out this Novella. She is hilarious and definitely a bestie I want in my life 😂 Then you put the two hot twins in it! Loved everything in this book! Chef’s kiss 😘 for sure!!! Every book I read from this author so far I loved!!! She doesn’t disappoint and knows the assignment! I can’t wait to read more books by her!!!
April 24, 2024
a mouth that matches Deadpool
This what’s the most roller coaster that ever roller coaster in the history of roller coasters.
Eden is a firecracker, not talking about the Fourth of July ones, nope she’s a Chinese new year. And the Twins idk which one is more cookoo for cocos!
I’m so down for fast paced short stories, but this one wasn’t fast paced, it was light speed. Fun and quirky with comebacks that can match Deadpool’s smart @$$ mouth.
The amount of references and puns Eden brings outs and just baffles everyone is cherry on top. Definitely a great short read. Recommend
This what’s the most roller coaster that ever roller coaster in the history of roller coasters.
Eden is a firecracker, not talking about the Fourth of July ones, nope she’s a Chinese new year. And the Twins idk which one is more cookoo for cocos!
I’m so down for fast paced short stories, but this one wasn’t fast paced, it was light speed. Fun and quirky with comebacks that can match Deadpool’s smart @$$ mouth.
The amount of references and puns Eden brings outs and just baffles everyone is cherry on top. Definitely a great short read. Recommend
February 26, 2023
This was a great little novella. Eden had me rolling throughout the whole book with her smart mouth. You didn't know what she was going to say next. Tom is your average mafia man who liked things he could control. The problem is he didn't know what to make of Eden and her mouth. The chemistry between them was pretty hot. I wasn't expecting how it ended but I think it ended like it needed to. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
May 15, 2023
comic genius
✨✨✨Review✨✨✨
5⭐️
4🌶️
I’m not even sure if I can adequately put into words how much I loved this book.
@ is a comic GENIUS her characters are so funny and her writing style is sublime.
Please understand before reading this that it is a satire. A masterful one. I laughed through the entire book. It was lighthearted, funny and simply the most enjoyable read.
I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
✨✨✨Review✨✨✨
5⭐️
4🌶️
I’m not even sure if I can adequately put into words how much I loved this book.
@ is a comic GENIUS her characters are so funny and her writing style is sublime.
Please understand before reading this that it is a satire. A masterful one. I laughed through the entire book. It was lighthearted, funny and simply the most enjoyable read.
I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
June 26, 2023
Great Story!
This one is short, cute, sexy, and fun!
Their connection is instant but she fights it some. He doesn’t what to make of it.
They balance each other out so well also!
And once they come together I the bedroom and give into their carnal desires? WATCH OUT for the fireworks! Wowza!
And the epilogue? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
It’s going to be fun to see them again in their next story!
This one is short, cute, sexy, and fun!
Their connection is instant but she fights it some. He doesn’t what to make of it.
They balance each other out so well also!
And once they come together I the bedroom and give into their carnal desires? WATCH OUT for the fireworks! Wowza!
And the epilogue? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
It’s going to be fun to see them again in their next story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews