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Wicked Men #2
Wicked Fame
A sweet and steamy romance between a tortured artist and a criminal… Francesca My life used to be simple—painting, art school, and planning for my future career as a famous artist. Then one night, I witnessed a crime that led to me being watched by a dangerous criminal. He follows me day and night. Slowly, he’s discovering all my darkest secrets and revealing the cracks in my soul. He’s the villain, the monster, the man I should stay away from. But I need him. Gabriele She comes into my life through a job gone wrong. And I’m drawn to her like no other. I have no interest in being her muse or savior. Nor any interest in being her lover. My profession ensures we can never be together, but my heart won’t stop demanding her. As I become entangled in her dark, beautiful mind, I can no longer resist what we are turning into.
334 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2023
65 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Clinton
10 books114 followersSasha Clinton discovered romance novels at the age of thirteen and has been addicted to the genre ever since. After getting a degree in Chemical Engineering and realizing that there was no way she could ever be an engineer, she decided to follow her passion and write romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 13, 2023
"Wicked Fame by Sasha Clinton is a good read, but not without its flaws. The relationship between Francesca and Gabriel carries a forbidden and fluffy mafia romance appeal, which I enjoyed but the story is marred by noticeable plot holes and missing developments, challenging my full immersion in the narrative. Some elements felt disconnected and implausible, even for a romance novel.
I have reservations Francesca's, as I found her less likable, possibly influenced by my perception from the first book. Francesca was also annoying for me by her characterization as the supposed matchmaker for Ethan and Ella. This aspect added to my dissatisfaction, as I couldn't reconcile her role as a matchmaker with the complexity of Ethan and Ella's conection and relationship, which started long before Francesca's involvement. It also felt like Francesca was used as a scapegoat in the previous story, and her role in Wicked Fame didn't fully redeem her character for me. Despite these issues, the relationship between Francesca and Gabriel is cute and beautiful, showing a good dynamic between them. (also love the little bit we got of Ethan and Ella).
If the book had been more properly developed, I might have given it a higher rating, especially considering my love for Ethan and Ella from the previous book in the series. However, as it stands, I would give Wicked Fame around 3 stars. While the series, in general, has its merits, this particular installment didn't resonate with me due to its questionable storyline and my lack of fondness for Francesca. Still, I'm ready to read a potential third book in the series, especially as it focuses on Elliot, and I'm curious to see how his story (and Zara’s) unfolds."
I have reservations Francesca's, as I found her less likable, possibly influenced by my perception from the first book. Francesca was also annoying for me by her characterization as the supposed matchmaker for Ethan and Ella. This aspect added to my dissatisfaction, as I couldn't reconcile her role as a matchmaker with the complexity of Ethan and Ella's conection and relationship, which started long before Francesca's involvement. It also felt like Francesca was used as a scapegoat in the previous story, and her role in Wicked Fame didn't fully redeem her character for me. Despite these issues, the relationship between Francesca and Gabriel is cute and beautiful, showing a good dynamic between them. (also love the little bit we got of Ethan and Ella).
If the book had been more properly developed, I might have given it a higher rating, especially considering my love for Ethan and Ella from the previous book in the series. However, as it stands, I would give Wicked Fame around 3 stars. While the series, in general, has its merits, this particular installment didn't resonate with me due to its questionable storyline and my lack of fondness for Francesca. Still, I'm ready to read a potential third book in the series, especially as it focuses on Elliot, and I'm curious to see how his story (and Zara’s) unfolds."
July 24, 2023
Sometimes you meet someone you need in the most unlikely ways.
Francesca is an artist and a hotel heiress and Gabriele works for the Mafia.
She has been self medicating and stumbles into a situation that she can't talk herself out of. She's too important to get rid of so they watch her.
I don't know why I kept thinking of Roy and Keeley with these two but very dark. Their personalities were so opposites with grumpy sunshine. But their chemistry was🔥 and they were into the same things. (Check tw).
Francesca and Gabriele both had very huge personal obstacles in their way of being in a healthy relationship. And they were both in pretty dangerous positions but their support and encouragement and just being there helped them. Even the most gruff and strong looking person needs help even the most put together successful person. Life is hard.
Check out if you like:
✨ Mafia
✨ Grumpy sunshine
✨ Pain and pleasure
Thank you sashaclinton for the e-ARC.
Francesca is an artist and a hotel heiress and Gabriele works for the Mafia.
She has been self medicating and stumbles into a situation that she can't talk herself out of. She's too important to get rid of so they watch her.
I don't know why I kept thinking of Roy and Keeley with these two but very dark. Their personalities were so opposites with grumpy sunshine. But their chemistry was🔥 and they were into the same things. (Check tw).
Francesca and Gabriele both had very huge personal obstacles in their way of being in a healthy relationship. And they were both in pretty dangerous positions but their support and encouragement and just being there helped them. Even the most gruff and strong looking person needs help even the most put together successful person. Life is hard.
Check out if you like:
✨ Mafia
✨ Grumpy sunshine
✨ Pain and pleasure
Thank you sashaclinton for the e-ARC.
June 29, 2023
Wicked Fame is book 2 in the Mafia Romance wicked men series by Sasha Clinton.
Wicked Fame follows Francesa, a hard working painter by day and a hotel heiress at night.
The world thinks that she is a good girl but the world doesn't know what she is hiding.
Francesa then meets Gabriel, who changes her life, she should stay away from him but they are drawn together.
Wicked Fame had me hooked from the very first page. The story was easy to follow and the chemistry between the two of them was steamy and I kept reading until the end.
I highly recommend wicked Fame and can't wait to read more by Sasha.
💖Wicked Fame is released on amazon on 5th July 2023.
💖I received a free arc e book copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Wicked Fame follows Francesa, a hard working painter by day and a hotel heiress at night.
The world thinks that she is a good girl but the world doesn't know what she is hiding.
Francesa then meets Gabriel, who changes her life, she should stay away from him but they are drawn together.
Wicked Fame had me hooked from the very first page. The story was easy to follow and the chemistry between the two of them was steamy and I kept reading until the end.
I highly recommend wicked Fame and can't wait to read more by Sasha.
💖Wicked Fame is released on amazon on 5th July 2023.
💖I received a free arc e book copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
August 17, 2023
bad author. very unlikeable female main character. and the male main charecter has a weird obsession with her that makes him so weak and unlikeable asw. i need to stop listening to tiktok and start reading the reviews on goodreads.
July 17, 2023
Dnf-50%
October 2, 2023
I’ve never wanted to punch a FMC in the face more in my entire life
March 26, 2024
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 4.2/5 ✩ ࿐ྂ
Well, here I am again.Oh god being an introvert is HARD! Anyways, welcome to another book review where honestly, I didn’t think I could like a book so much that I put THIS over my exams. I know, not the best idea but do I regret it? Fuck no! Well, maybe a little. I honestly went into this book after the first, expecting something bad? I don’t even know myself what I was expecting but this book wasn’t half bad. The characters had . . . growth to say the least. It did make me shed a few tears but they were from attachments and how I can never have such people in real life. I’ll try making this as spoiler free as possible, but then again, I’m sorry if I may have hinted at something in the book. Which I might do definitely!
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼/𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓼
: ̗̀➛Mafia
: ̗̀➛Grumpy x Sunshine
: ̗̀➛Dual POV
: ̗̀➛Pain and pleasure
: ̗̀➛Forbidden love
: ̗̀➛Wounded/scarred hero/heroine
: ̗̀➛Dark
: ̗̀➛Steamy
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂
Clears throat, In life, when you’re at the toughest moment you could ever imagine and you need something that can change it, sometimes the way you meet that change can be in the most concerning and unlikely ways. Now that is this book in simple words. Francesca is you in this context, meeting Gabriele completely changed her life in a way she would have never expected when they first met. She should stay away from him but they are drawn together.
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼
𝓖𝓪𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓮 𝓡𝓾𝓼𝓼𝓸
Gabriele had his life planned—set in stone—ever since he was saved by the Mafia and started a new life.I don’t remember the boss’s name! He’s one of the most trusted Mafioso and has devoted his life to his boss. Meeting Francesca turned all his plans into ruin. I mean, how can someone be addicted to someone within seconds? That's Gabriele. Upon meeting her, not only was he amused to say the least, her life reflected that of his deceased mother. He is her muse, her escape.
𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪 𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻
Francesca is an artist and a hotel heiress, she’s been using substances to get herself inspired to paint for a long time. Her character struggles to do the one thing that came easy to her once, painting. Staring at an empty canvas with puffy and bloodshot eyes has become her time pass for months. Francesca is a pretty bold character that I genuinely enjoyed reading, her POV’s always made the book better for me and seeing how her struggle is something very commonly seen in real life—including my life—makes me feel engrossed in the book even more. Seeing her engage in such self-destructive behavior and being privy to those thoughts is heavy
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼
”I reach out to caress her cheek. For the first time ever, she recoils.”
“What kind of wife would you like, Gabriele?”
“One who is content.”
“Then you’re a better man than most.”
“We don’t have to rush this.” Please don’t rush this. I need more time to explore my dark desires with Francesca.”
“I hate other people seeing what’s mine. Do you want me to kill every man who laid his eyes on you?”
“The weird thing is, I never owned a calendar before. I bought one just to mark the days until I could be with her again.”
“I know too much about her, details that make her my Francesca rather than just a warm body with a pleasing face.”
“You’re the canvas I can paint my twisted desires onto, Francesca.” An unholy grin licks his lips. “And God help me, I love you for it.”
“Why is she so fucking perfect while also being the biggest red flag on the planet? Is this what they call irony? Is this what they call destiny? I should have never come here. There is no way that this won’t end badly. She will wreck me. I will ruin her. Our version of love won’t be romantic; it’ll be a twisted aberration.”
“You better not have hurt my sister.”
I did worse.”
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓔𝓷𝓭
Both Francesca and Gabrielle face significant personal obstacles to having a healthy relationship. They were both in a very dangerous situation, but her support and encouragement and her presence helped them. Even the strongest, toughest people need help, even the most successful people. Life is hard and this book just made me realize that even more than I already knew. Thank you for reading this and I hope this really helped someone to choose this book!
"You're my sanctuary in the storm, my oasis in this unending darkness"
“My place is in the mafia and yours is in high society among the rich and famous. The shadows won’t suit you. You’re too bright to hide.”
Well, here I am again.
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼/𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓼
: ̗̀➛Mafia
: ̗̀➛Grumpy x Sunshine
: ̗̀➛Dual POV
: ̗̀➛Pain and pleasure
: ̗̀➛Forbidden love
: ̗̀➛Wounded/scarred hero/heroine
: ̗̀➛Dark
: ̗̀➛Steamy
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂
Clears throat, In life, when you’re at the toughest moment you could ever imagine and you need something that can change it, sometimes the way you meet that change can be in the most concerning and unlikely ways. Now that is this book in simple words. Francesca is you in this context, meeting Gabriele completely changed her life in a way she would have never expected when they first met. She should stay away from him but they are drawn together.
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼
𝓖𝓪𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓮 𝓡𝓾𝓼𝓼𝓸
Gabriele had his life planned—set in stone—ever since he was saved by the Mafia and started a new life.
𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓬𝓪 𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻
Francesca is an artist and a hotel heiress, she’s been using substances to get herself inspired to paint for a long time. Her character struggles to do the one thing that came easy to her once, painting. Staring at an empty canvas with puffy and bloodshot eyes has become her time pass for months. Francesca is a pretty bold character that I genuinely enjoyed reading, her POV’s always made the book better for me and seeing how her struggle is something very commonly seen in real life—including my life—makes me feel engrossed in the book even more. Seeing her engage in such self-destructive behavior and being privy to those thoughts is heavy
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼
”I reach out to caress her cheek. For the first time ever, she recoils.”
“What kind of wife would you like, Gabriele?”
“One who is content.”
“Then you’re a better man than most.”
“We don’t have to rush this.” Please don’t rush this. I need more time to explore my dark desires with Francesca.”
“I hate other people seeing what’s mine. Do you want me to kill every man who laid his eyes on you?”
“The weird thing is, I never owned a calendar before. I bought one just to mark the days until I could be with her again.”
“I know too much about her, details that make her my Francesca rather than just a warm body with a pleasing face.”
“You’re the canvas I can paint my twisted desires onto, Francesca.” An unholy grin licks his lips. “And God help me, I love you for it.”
“Why is she so fucking perfect while also being the biggest red flag on the planet? Is this what they call irony? Is this what they call destiny? I should have never come here. There is no way that this won’t end badly. She will wreck me. I will ruin her. Our version of love won’t be romantic; it’ll be a twisted aberration.”
“You better not have hurt my sister.”
I did worse.”
╰┈➤ 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡🎨𝓔𝓷𝓭
Both Francesca and Gabrielle face significant personal obstacles to having a healthy relationship. They were both in a very dangerous situation, but her support and encouragement and her presence helped them. Even the strongest, toughest people need help, even the most successful people. Life is hard and this book just made me realize that even more than I already knew. Thank you for reading this and I hope this really helped someone to choose this book!
July 15, 2023
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, Sasha!
General Thoughts: I loved the prior one in the interconnected series, so I went in with high expectations. Sasha did not disappoint. This book felt a lot heavier and darker than the first. It's a dark mafia romance featuring some pretty heavy themes and some very wounded and scarred main characters. And yet, I also really enjoyed it. Sasha did a great job creating some very fleshed out, well developed characters who you couldn't help but fall for. If you like your books dark, hot, steamy, and filled with characters who grow that you can't help but root for, this is for you.
The FMC is going through a lot and uses drugs to self-medicate and cope. Seeing her engage in such self-destructive behavior and being privvy to those thoughts is heavy. But I really liked her as a main character. A wounded heiress artist was certainly a unique FMC.
Then there's Gabriele. Dark, violent mafioso who's also a bit of a cinnamon roll. The chemistry between the two was off the charts. And you couldn't help but fall for him. The characters were refreshingly dimensional.
Know this book is heavy and dark. If dark romance isn't your thing, than this one isn't for you.
Steam Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Steamy. Kinky. Some darker themes involved.
Romantic Tropes
-dark mafia romance
-wounded/scarred hero/heroine
-dual POV
-forbidden love
-steamy
-emotional read/ heavy read
-elements of forbidden love
-morally grey hero
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, Sasha!
General Thoughts: I loved the prior one in the interconnected series, so I went in with high expectations. Sasha did not disappoint. This book felt a lot heavier and darker than the first. It's a dark mafia romance featuring some pretty heavy themes and some very wounded and scarred main characters. And yet, I also really enjoyed it. Sasha did a great job creating some very fleshed out, well developed characters who you couldn't help but fall for. If you like your books dark, hot, steamy, and filled with characters who grow that you can't help but root for, this is for you.
The FMC is going through a lot and uses drugs to self-medicate and cope. Seeing her engage in such self-destructive behavior and being privvy to those thoughts is heavy. But I really liked her as a main character. A wounded heiress artist was certainly a unique FMC.
Then there's Gabriele. Dark, violent mafioso who's also a bit of a cinnamon roll. The chemistry between the two was off the charts. And you couldn't help but fall for him. The characters were refreshingly dimensional.
Know this book is heavy and dark. If dark romance isn't your thing, than this one isn't for you.
Steam Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Steamy. Kinky. Some darker themes involved.
Romantic Tropes
-dark mafia romance
-wounded/scarred hero/heroine
-dual POV
-forbidden love
-steamy
-emotional read/ heavy read
-elements of forbidden love
-morally grey hero
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
July 24, 2023
OHHHH Gabrielle.
I really enjoyed the first book on this series! I went in super excited to read Francesca’s story and I was not disappointed at all.
Francesca is truly a lost soul. She is an heiress that suffers from extreme self deprecating behaviors that cause her to self medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Gabrielle is in the mafia and is a dark, violent man but in my opinion a big teddy bear.
Our MCs are an unlikely pair but together make it almost impossible for the reader to not root for them and love them. Sasha does an excellent job at fleshing out her characters. She really makes you love them and want the best for them.
It’s giving: dark mafia romance, wounded & scarred FMC, mutual pining, knife play, dual pov, forbidden love, morally grey MC
This one is dark, if you’re not a dark romance reader this one may not be for you. Be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in.
I really enjoyed the first book on this series! I went in super excited to read Francesca’s story and I was not disappointed at all.
Francesca is truly a lost soul. She is an heiress that suffers from extreme self deprecating behaviors that cause her to self medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Gabrielle is in the mafia and is a dark, violent man but in my opinion a big teddy bear.
Our MCs are an unlikely pair but together make it almost impossible for the reader to not root for them and love them. Sasha does an excellent job at fleshing out her characters. She really makes you love them and want the best for them.
It’s giving: dark mafia romance, wounded & scarred FMC, mutual pining, knife play, dual pov, forbidden love, morally grey MC
This one is dark, if you’re not a dark romance reader this one may not be for you. Be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in.
July 22, 2023
I finished this book even though the first 50% was hard for me to get through. FMC seemed extremely dramatic, fake, and whiney. I get she was struggling... but everyone does. I just found her very annoying and manipulative. She got better but it was a rough start. I liked the ending, it was 'happy'. There were also a fair number of typos, which I normally don't mind but this book seemed excessive. I didn't read book 1, and I dont think its required. So a standalone novel, even though the brothers make appearances. Overall very dramatic to me...
July 16, 2023
I thought this couple was cute because they had like a good set of bonding moments and how Gabriele seemed to be warming up to her very slowly was nice. Even the banter was entertaining what killed this for me however was the fact there was other woman drama cause he had a fiance that started around the same time they met which just made me not like it as much.
July 25, 2023
This is the longest I took to finish a book. To say I hated the FMC is an understatement. I understand her past and usage of substance is something out of her control but her “addiction” to the MMC was so much worse. To the point when she started almost begging I had to stop reading. I believe in seeking help from other. but the way she went forward with it made it hurt to continue the book.
August 16, 2023
2.5: “Every artist has their muse. You might be mine, Gabriele,” I whisper. He coughs, disbelief threading through the sound. “I’m a gangster, baby, not some mythical creature.”
idk i don't think these books were for me. I was just bored. FMC annoyed me sm. Gabriele was really sweet for a 'gangster' but Francesca kinda ruined it for me.
idk i don't think these books were for me. I was just bored. FMC annoyed me sm. Gabriele was really sweet for a 'gangster' but Francesca kinda ruined it for me.
August 20, 2023
DNF
Despite really good writing and a promising premise I just didn’t connect with the characters, or how the story was progressing.
I also didn’t realise there would be such an age gap and that in combination with the context was a no go for me but for people who like that genre it would probably be perfect for them!
Despite really good writing and a promising premise I just didn’t connect with the characters, or how the story was progressing.
I also didn’t realise there would be such an age gap and that in combination with the context was a no go for me but for people who like that genre it would probably be perfect for them!
January 6, 2024
It deserves more hype than it was. I usually don’t read books with Mafia-Romance, but where i read them I end up loving them. It was a very interesting start and even the climax was amazing 😻. And also show a side that if something makes you don’t feel good enough to do it, don’t do it or even take a break, which is what the female lead showed us.
July 6, 2023
as far as mafia books go, this is decent. not insta-lovey, really, and a nice twist on the trope of 'sheltered girl x seasoned mafia guy' bc she's a depressed addict and he has a bad past w addicts. decent.
August 12, 2023
I wanted to love this book so badly. I’m only giving it 3/5 due to the fact that the plot felt very slow. I just felt as if it wasn’t giving enough to keep the story moving along without losing my interest. I don’t regret reading it, but I also won’t be recommending it or taking time out to reread it in the future. I will however say the smut was a solid 8.5/10. If you’re looking for an easy read, this is your go to.
January 21, 2025
Good enough, finished it all in a weekend. I like how it didn’t glorify the mafia, how the good ending is him escaping that world. It was pretty realistic even though it was clear that the male lead was written by a female author, I don’t hate it though. The cheesy romance was pleasant.
July 24, 2023
I really enjoyed the book, but the ending didn't suit the book for me.
July 24, 2023
ew why can’t I choose good books lately
Where is the chemistry ?
Lots of red flags
Where is the chemistry ?
Lots of red flags
Read
August 2, 2023He's called Torture Demon and he's proud of it.
January 31, 2024
This book had everything I liked in a mafia-romance novel. Kinky sex, chemistry, enemies to lover, possessive hero. I love the character development. How she overcomes self-doubt, loathing, and addiction to find her true passion and love.
Don't get me started with the hero. She fell first, but he fell harder. He is willing to do anything for her to ensure her safety and protection. I also love he is ready to be a chef even though it's to difficult to servive in catering Business, but he is willing to try just, so he could live a normal life with the love of his life.
Don't get me started with the hero. She fell first, but he fell harder. He is willing to do anything for her to ensure her safety and protection. I also love he is ready to be a chef even though it's to difficult to servive in catering Business, but he is willing to try just, so he could live a normal life with the love of his life.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews