Detached

Gallo Mafia #1

by Jayla Talbot

EmmaI gave up my whole life to help my sister. Because I was the responsible one. Not because I was born to be or wanted to be, but because I had to be. There was no one else. So when fate sent me a gorgeous man with green eyes and a crooked smile. One who drove me crazy. Made me want to be bad for once; I couldn’t resist. What was the worst that could happen?MatteoShe had no idea who I was. The depraved things I’d done. The monsters I ruled over. Being with her was like taking a deep breath. She was fresh air and sunshine. Where I was death and darkness. I let myself give in, and then I walked away before that darkness leeched into her. Before I ruined her light. But some mistakes can’t be undone. ******'Detached' is a novella and the first part of a duet. This book ends on a cliffhanger. The duet completes with 'Bound. ' Neither can be read as a stand-alone. This is a dark romance and will not be to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note for content warnings.

Genres: Dark Romance, Fantasy, M F Romance, Novella

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2023

About the author

Jayla lives in Southeast Michigan with her husband and young son. She writes steamy romance. When she's not writing you can find her hiding behind her kindle or streaming the latest rom-com.

Reviews

[Naaytaashreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I’d made my decision; I’d chosen love. I’d chosen blood, so I’d spilled his to keep my sister safe."


This was a short read but it was so good.
Of course it was instant love, but it was pure goodness of entertainment.

[Azla · Rating 5 out of 5]

”My life was now divided into two easily defined segments. Before I met him and after. Before I took the test and after. Before I had to make a life-changing decision, and after.
Because I knew whatever I decided, I would never be the same again. I’d have to live with it forever.
Live in the after.”

[Victoria Rebecca Hawkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma
I gave up my whole life to help my sister. Because I was the responsible one. Not because I was born to be or wanted to be, but because I had to be. There was no one else. So when fate sent me a gorgeous man with green eyes and a crooked smile. One who drove me crazy. Made me want to be bad for once; I couldn’t resist. What was the worst that could happen?

Matteo
She had no idea who I was. The depraved things I’d done. The monsters I ruled over. Being with her was like taking a deep breath. She was fresh air and sunshine. Where I was death and darkness. I let myself give in, and then I walked away before that darkness leeched into her. Before I ruined her light. But some mistakes can’t be undone.

This Mafia book was a phenomenal read from beginning to end. The plot of the book flows well for such a short story. I love how it didn't feel rushed and the Characters were brilliantly put together. The storyline was that good it made it difficult to put down. Jayla Talbot is a fabulous author and she has gone and written another fantastic book.

[Emmy Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book on TikTok and knew I needed to read it immediately. What I wasn’t expecting was what Matteo would do. Break our poor girl Emma’s heart.

I loved them together. Emma and Matt. I honestly was devastated by Matteo’s choice. This book had me so stuck to my chair that I couldn’t wait to start the next book.

I think books 1 and 2 could’ve been combined, but I love how they split the two timelines.


I highly highly highly recommend this book!

[book._.lover2210 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detached by Jayla Talbot is a dark romance that kicks off the Gallo Mafia series. The story follows Emma, who’s kind of put her life on hold to care for her sister. She’s selfless, and it leads her into the dangerous world of Matteo, a man who’s pretty messed up but can't seem to stay away from her. The attraction is instant, but Matteo’s fear that his dangerous life will ruin her keeps pushing him to pull back.

This book dives deep into the pull between two people from different worlds, and it’s clear from the start that things aren’t going to be easy. It’s got all the tension, the dangerous allure of the mafia, and that will-they-won’t-they vibe that keeps you hooked. But here’s the kicker—it ends on a cliffhanger, so you’ll need to grab the sequel, Bound, to see how it all plays out.

If you’re into dark romance with lots of emotional struggle, Detached does a good job setting up the story. Just know it’s not all light and fluffy—it has some heavy themes, so check the content warnings before diving in. This book touches on loss of family, drug use, and contains references to violence, which may be triggering for some readers.

I’d give this a 3/5 stars—it's a decent read but doesn’t blow you away. The characters are intriguing, but the plot can feel a bit predictable at times. As for the spice level, it's also a solid 3/5—it’s steamy, but nothing that’ll make you blush uncontrollably. Overall, it's a good setup for the next book, but not quite a standout on its own.

[Madelyn Amerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible. Felt like the plot was a little underwhelming and the first book was definitely rushed. Could have easily been one book and I'm not sure why the author dragged it out. Pretty good plotline and angst tho

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matteo and

Wow! OK. This was good. Very fast passed and intense, but the plot flows so easily that nothing feels rushed. I quinda didn't like the end, but I get it.
Highly recommended

[Karine Sardarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how in movies you see flashbacks of happieness and memories?
Yep. That's what it was.

I wasn't interested in their lifes at all and they act silly,
but their moments of happienes was sweet.

Enough so I'll read the second part.

[Saja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed 100 more pages
So short but amazing for what it is.
Loved the tension
Needed to be longer.
Enjoyed if very much
4/5 ✨

[Mobibooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is more like novella and it made me wanted to know more
So yap heading to the next book😀

[daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book happened too fast, that i didn’t even notice!

[Misty Dillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't the book I thought it would be!!

[Jaz Vel. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh nothing too special, I know it’s a short story but it was lacking, ends on a but if a cliffhanger but don’t know that I have the desire to even read the next

[Abir El · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it<<3