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Boneless Redemption Duet #1
Forbidden Obsession
Dominic
Echos of my name were built on fear as an unquenchable thirst for vengeance guided my hand. I carved out my place in a world without mercy. Those who crossed my path begged for it, but I never gave it. My father said there’s no room for love in the dark, twisted corridors of my soul. Women were meant to be used for pleasure and never meet your acquaintance into the next day. He was right—until Penelope Cattaneo walked into my life. Her innocence should have repulsed me, clashed violently with the blood staining my hands. But instead, she became my singular obsession, a light I couldn’t extinguish even if it revealed the monstrous shadows I’d cast over my empire.
Penelope
They assumed I was just a girl, cocooned in my world of colors and dreams, untouched by the chilling reality of power and violence. But I’d seen things—heard things whispered in my parents’ home that stole the chill I should’ve felt when I ran into Dominic Lucas. He was my professor—a seemingly debonair man during the day, but after an encounter with him, I knew he was a nightmare dressed in Armani. Still, something ignited within me—an exhilarating fire dancing perilously close to alarm. He was a labyrinth with no exit. And yet, I wanted to lose myself in the enigma that was Dominic Lucas. And even as danger loomed like a promise, I couldn’t help but Could a monster ever love me, or would his passion consume us both?This is part one of a two part duet. In this ObsessionRelentless PursuitRead the Forbidden Obsession prelude first to witness Dominic and Penelope's first meeting.
Echos of my name were built on fear as an unquenchable thirst for vengeance guided my hand. I carved out my place in a world without mercy. Those who crossed my path begged for it, but I never gave it. My father said there’s no room for love in the dark, twisted corridors of my soul. Women were meant to be used for pleasure and never meet your acquaintance into the next day. He was right—until Penelope Cattaneo walked into my life. Her innocence should have repulsed me, clashed violently with the blood staining my hands. But instead, she became my singular obsession, a light I couldn’t extinguish even if it revealed the monstrous shadows I’d cast over my empire.
Penelope
They assumed I was just a girl, cocooned in my world of colors and dreams, untouched by the chilling reality of power and violence. But I’d seen things—heard things whispered in my parents’ home that stole the chill I should’ve felt when I ran into Dominic Lucas. He was my professor—a seemingly debonair man during the day, but after an encounter with him, I knew he was a nightmare dressed in Armani. Still, something ignited within me—an exhilarating fire dancing perilously close to alarm. He was a labyrinth with no exit. And yet, I wanted to lose myself in the enigma that was Dominic Lucas. And even as danger loomed like a promise, I couldn’t help but Could a monster ever love me, or would his passion consume us both?This is part one of a two part duet. In this ObsessionRelentless PursuitRead the Forbidden Obsession prelude first to witness Dominic and Penelope's first meeting.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2024
302 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 8, 2024
I enjoyed this 180-page dark mafia romance! It follows Penelope attending college who has a crush on the dark delicious Professor by day but a mafia underboss by night under his father and heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra Familia.
I enjoyed the plot of this and the cliffhanger at the end I did not see it coming. I need to know what happens in the next book. As it was a short read I was able to smash it out. The tension between the FMC and MMC is delicious. The way she was challenging him and convincing him sent me feral. Once this man gave in I loved every minute of their relationship. Personally fast-paced books I struggle with as I always want the tension and plot to be drawn out but happy with this.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Forbidden
🔹Mafia
🔹Professor / Student
🔹Cliffhangers
🔹Delicious Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 180
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Boneless Redemption Duet
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Italian), Professor / Student, Age Gap (7yrs), Who Hurt You, Mine,
Obsessive MMC, Masquerade Ball,
Tension, Stalking, Alcohol, Cursing, Sexual Content, Praise, Shower Scene, Outside Scene, Death, Violence, Murder and Guns
Mentions: CSA
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
I enjoyed the plot of this and the cliffhanger at the end I did not see it coming. I need to know what happens in the next book. As it was a short read I was able to smash it out. The tension between the FMC and MMC is delicious. The way she was challenging him and convincing him sent me feral. Once this man gave in I loved every minute of their relationship. Personally fast-paced books I struggle with as I always want the tension and plot to be drawn out but happy with this.
If you love:
🔹Dark Romance
🔹Forbidden
🔹Mafia
🔹Professor / Student
🔹Cliffhangers
🔹Delicious Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle
Pages: 180
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Boneless Redemption Duet
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Italian), Professor / Student, Age Gap (7yrs), Who Hurt You, Mine,
Obsessive MMC, Masquerade Ball,
Tension, Stalking, Alcohol, Cursing, Sexual Content, Praise, Shower Scene, Outside Scene, Death, Violence, Murder and Guns
Mentions: CSA
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 18, 2025I just can't keep reading this
Nothing was making sense.
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━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Nothing was making sense.
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
March 24, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
Spice: 3 peppers
I’m in my mafia romance era, clearly.
THE BONELESS REDEMPTION is a dark romance duet starring Dominic and Penelope, both interesting characters on their own, and an interesting slightly taboo couple together. Penelope because she’s apparently a good girl, too innocent to be part of Dominic’s dark and dangerous life, but really she has secrets of her own. But especially Dominic, who is many things. So many that I don’t think I’ve read a character like him before. He’s a professor by a day, but also secretly the son of a Don of the Italian mafia, and by night he’s the Black Rose vigilante taking down members of his father’s clan. A vigilante professor isn’t hard to imagine. I mean, how many superheroes have day jobs? But a man involved in the mafia who’s also a professor is a first one for me, and I was really intrigued.
What makes Penelope and Dominic a little bit taboo isn’t their age gap, which for most might even not seem like such a big gap, but the fact that she’s a college student and he a college professor. Technically she’s not his student if not for a brief time, but still, there’s this divide that makes things quite forbidden. And what makes things more complicated for Dominic is that he doesn’t want to involve her in all the darkness that is a part of his life. Oh, if only he knew.
These elements, and the fact that the book wasn’t very long, made it a very fast and enjoyable read. I do think the book would have benefited from being a little longer, that way some characters, their relationships and the connections within the various mob families could have been fleshed out a little more, but I’m very excited to read the second book because the ending blew my mind. Good thing it’s already available!
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy. Opinions are my own.
Spice: 3 peppers
I’m in my mafia romance era, clearly.
THE BONELESS REDEMPTION is a dark romance duet starring Dominic and Penelope, both interesting characters on their own, and an interesting slightly taboo couple together. Penelope because she’s apparently a good girl, too innocent to be part of Dominic’s dark and dangerous life, but really she has secrets of her own. But especially Dominic, who is many things. So many that I don’t think I’ve read a character like him before. He’s a professor by a day, but also secretly the son of a Don of the Italian mafia, and by night he’s the Black Rose vigilante taking down members of his father’s clan. A vigilante professor isn’t hard to imagine. I mean, how many superheroes have day jobs? But a man involved in the mafia who’s also a professor is a first one for me, and I was really intrigued.
What makes Penelope and Dominic a little bit taboo isn’t their age gap, which for most might even not seem like such a big gap, but the fact that she’s a college student and he a college professor. Technically she’s not his student if not for a brief time, but still, there’s this divide that makes things quite forbidden. And what makes things more complicated for Dominic is that he doesn’t want to involve her in all the darkness that is a part of his life. Oh, if only he knew.
These elements, and the fact that the book wasn’t very long, made it a very fast and enjoyable read. I do think the book would have benefited from being a little longer, that way some characters, their relationships and the connections within the various mob families could have been fleshed out a little more, but I’m very excited to read the second book because the ending blew my mind. Good thing it’s already available!
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy. Opinions are my own.
March 22, 2024
If you are looking for a short and smutty guilty pleasure duology look no further 👀🔥 This is a DARK mafia romance with the forbidden romance trope!
He’s a professor and she’s a student… however, what she doesn’t know is that he’s also extremely dangerous 👀 as the underboss and heir of the notorious Lucas Cosa Nostra Família, Dominic is surrounded by the dark & sinister💀 One of my favorite elements of the story though is that he is actively fighting against his fathers own empire (sort of like an infiltrated Batman taking out the bad guys!). His attraction to Penelope is instant. Not only that, the fact that she absolutely WANTS him makes it even more difficult to resist. He tries to scare her off, but even after seeing his dark side, she knows what she wants and won’t give up!👀 The story is very spicy, I did find it a bit odd that the moans were written out but still had lots of fun reading 🔥 … prepare yourselves for a tall, dark& handsome MMC that screams DANGER 😈 it ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger I’m so curious for the next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
He’s a professor and she’s a student… however, what she doesn’t know is that he’s also extremely dangerous 👀 as the underboss and heir of the notorious Lucas Cosa Nostra Família, Dominic is surrounded by the dark & sinister💀 One of my favorite elements of the story though is that he is actively fighting against his fathers own empire (sort of like an infiltrated Batman taking out the bad guys!). His attraction to Penelope is instant. Not only that, the fact that she absolutely WANTS him makes it even more difficult to resist. He tries to scare her off, but even after seeing his dark side, she knows what she wants and won’t give up!👀 The story is very spicy, I did find it a bit odd that the moans were written out but still had lots of fun reading 🔥 … prepare yourselves for a tall, dark& handsome MMC that screams DANGER 😈 it ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger I’m so curious for the next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
March 21, 2024
Forbidden Obsession is the wickedly hot first installment in this new dark mafia romance duet, and follows a mafia vigilante in hiding as a college professor and a feisty college student who is obsessed with him 👀
At less than 200 pages, this book was extremely devourable—I binged in one sitting!! Super excited for the next one because seriously, OMFG—that cliffhanger!!
What to Expect:
—Dark Mafia Romance
—Forbidden Love
—Who Hurt You?
—Age Gap
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
At less than 200 pages, this book was extremely devourable—I binged in one sitting!! Super excited for the next one because seriously, OMFG—that cliffhanger!!
What to Expect:
—Dark Mafia Romance
—Forbidden Love
—Who Hurt You?
—Age Gap
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
January 1, 2025
Wow! That was bad!
January 30, 2024
This was a such a great book!! It was my first book by this author and I must say I was impressed. This book has the action we all love with a mafia book and the characters are great as well. Dominic is the son of a Don, he's second in command but the difference between the two is that Dominic is trying to be good. He's a professor at the local college and keeping a low profile. He always listened to dad about what was important in life. He wasn't supposed to be distracted by a woman but it happened. I don't want to ruin to much about this story but it's fantastic!
Penelope is a great character. She has supportive friends, who honestly made me laugh at times, and a focus on her college life. She never expected to fall for her Professor but it happened. He whisked her away and showed her how good life could be. I can't wait to read the next book and see how this all plays out!
Penelope is a great character. She has supportive friends, who honestly made me laugh at times, and a focus on her college life. She never expected to fall for her Professor but it happened. He whisked her away and showed her how good life could be. I can't wait to read the next book and see how this all plays out!
January 26, 2025
Cute love story I guesss but the smut was kind of cringe to me at times😩
March 21, 2024
23%
Just no, 23% is as far as I go could and I already started skimming! This is a bad sign. I only have so much time to read and try not to waste my reading time on a bad book! Run from this book. Shirley
Just no, 23% is as far as I go could and I already started skimming! This is a bad sign. I only have so much time to read and try not to waste my reading time on a bad book! Run from this book. Shirley
March 31, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
Spice rating: 3
This one is for the dark romance girlies looking for a short less-than-200 page read filled with organized crime intrigue, forbidden attraction (with a <10 year age gap) and hot spice!
FORBIDDEN OBSESSION follows Dominic Lucas--professor by day, mafia man by night, and vigilante putting down members of his own clan during his free time. His is a life of danger, only one more reason for him to keep the young woman tormenting his thoughts and who is VERY CLEARLY into him away. But Penelope is not so easily pushed away, and the lady may be hinding more secrets than even she and Dominic are aware.
As I mentioned, this book is rather short! It lends itself to quick binges, and it has the right balance of darkness and romance to keep readers engaged. I really loved Dominic's inner struggle with his mafia heritage, which pushes him to become a vigilante striking against his own people. Another thing I really enjoyed was Penelope's character. She does have her vapid college girl moments, but she was also far from the "innocent" type that is usually seen in this sort of romance book. Penelope knows exactly what she wants and does whatever it takes to get it. I found that determination admirable!
However, I do think the story overall would have benefitted from being longer. The author has some fantastic foundations for a great mafia romance story, but I feel like we only scratch the surface because of how quickly everything moves. Another thing I would have liked--and this is a personal pet peeve of mine--was for Dominic and his father to have Italian names for accuracy to the fact that the Lucas family is part of the Italian mafia.
In spite of this, this was a very enjoyable read and THE CLIFFHANGER!! Very curious to see this story to its conclusion.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy for review. Opinions are my own.
Spice rating: 3
This one is for the dark romance girlies looking for a short less-than-200 page read filled with organized crime intrigue, forbidden attraction (with a <10 year age gap) and hot spice!
FORBIDDEN OBSESSION follows Dominic Lucas--professor by day, mafia man by night, and vigilante putting down members of his own clan during his free time. His is a life of danger, only one more reason for him to keep the young woman tormenting his thoughts and who is VERY CLEARLY into him away. But Penelope is not so easily pushed away, and the lady may be hinding more secrets than even she and Dominic are aware.
As I mentioned, this book is rather short! It lends itself to quick binges, and it has the right balance of darkness and romance to keep readers engaged. I really loved Dominic's inner struggle with his mafia heritage, which pushes him to become a vigilante striking against his own people. Another thing I really enjoyed was Penelope's character. She does have her vapid college girl moments, but she was also far from the "innocent" type that is usually seen in this sort of romance book. Penelope knows exactly what she wants and does whatever it takes to get it. I found that determination admirable!
However, I do think the story overall would have benefitted from being longer. The author has some fantastic foundations for a great mafia romance story, but I feel like we only scratch the surface because of how quickly everything moves. Another thing I would have liked--and this is a personal pet peeve of mine--was for Dominic and his father to have Italian names for accuracy to the fact that the Lucas family is part of the Italian mafia.
In spite of this, this was a very enjoyable read and THE CLIFFHANGER!! Very curious to see this story to its conclusion.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy for review. Opinions are my own.
January 30, 2024
This book this book this book!!! FABULOUS!! I absolutely loved it. There is intrigue, hot dirty sex and mafia family drama. You don’t want to miss this one trust me.
Dominic Lucas is a professor by choice and a mafia underboss by birth. He is tall, dark, handsome and distinguished but don’t let the suit fool you, he is one dangerous man and he is not to be played with. Dominic meets Penelope when he runs into her literally. He’s drawn to her but he pushes her away because she’s not ready for what comes by being connected to him. Needless to say, his reluctance is futile because they end up in a situationship anyway. Penelope is not as innocent and docile as she appears. The woman just seems to be made for Dominic. She grounds the man and gives him peace. He in turn makes her feel safe. Can this couple overcome the obstacles that life will bring them? Will they survive the fallout of their family drama? I sure as hell hope so!! I can’t wait to find out what happens. I’m so invested!!
5 hot dirty stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review!!
Dominic Lucas is a professor by choice and a mafia underboss by birth. He is tall, dark, handsome and distinguished but don’t let the suit fool you, he is one dangerous man and he is not to be played with. Dominic meets Penelope when he runs into her literally. He’s drawn to her but he pushes her away because she’s not ready for what comes by being connected to him. Needless to say, his reluctance is futile because they end up in a situationship anyway. Penelope is not as innocent and docile as she appears. The woman just seems to be made for Dominic. She grounds the man and gives him peace. He in turn makes her feel safe. Can this couple overcome the obstacles that life will bring them? Will they survive the fallout of their family drama? I sure as hell hope so!! I can’t wait to find out what happens. I’m so invested!!
5 hot dirty stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review!!
January 30, 2024
I've been wanting to read a dark Mafia Romance for a while. Isabella Alexander is a new to me author and I had the opportunity to read the prelude to this book. Baby Isabella did not miss. I was on the edge of my seat reading the prelude but this book had me hanging on by a thread. The suspense and the sex was off the charts. The story line kept me intrigued just like the prelude did but more so. I didn't think I would be into Dark Mafia Romance but Isabella has a new fan in me!! I love both the MMC and the FMC. Dominic Lucas is everything. He's confident,sexy and he's his own man of not a little torchered. Penelope Cattaneo is beautiful, funny, and determined to get what she wants. The chemistry between these two characters jumps off the page. I can't wait to see what this author does next. Great job Isabella!!!!!
June 29, 2025
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Dark romance
Mafia romance
Forbidden
Professor/Students
Age gap
This is another quick read! Read it on a 3 hour plane ride. It has tension, obsessive MMC, touch her and die vibes. The MMC Dominic was a professor by day and an mafia underboss by night. He wanted out of the life but his father would not allow it. Penelope was a student who was not afraid of much. She wanted him and she stopped at nothing to get him. This is a spicy short read! Ends on a cliffhanger!!!
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Dark romance
Mafia romance
Forbidden
Professor/Students
Age gap
This is another quick read! Read it on a 3 hour plane ride. It has tension, obsessive MMC, touch her and die vibes. The MMC Dominic was a professor by day and an mafia underboss by night. He wanted out of the life but his father would not allow it. Penelope was a student who was not afraid of much. She wanted him and she stopped at nothing to get him. This is a spicy short read! Ends on a cliffhanger!!!
March 29, 2024
I devoured Forbidden Obsession in one day!! This dark mafia romance is spicy, and a super fast easy read. Forbidden Obsession is book 1 in a duet.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. They are definitely attracted to each other although the MMC tries to deny it. Once he finally gives in it gets 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I will say the cliffhanger is brutal!! But fortunately, this duet is complete and I am running over to binge book 2 now!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters. They are definitely attracted to each other although the MMC tries to deny it. Once he finally gives in it gets 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I will say the cliffhanger is brutal!! But fortunately, this duet is complete and I am running over to binge book 2 now!
February 18, 2025
65% DNF
Please, I got so much 2nd hand embarrassment while reading this book. The word choices had me cringing 😭😭
"He coated my palette with light, sweet, flavourful nut" IM SORRY WHAT 😂😂😂
"Is this shiny, wet puss- all for me?
"Yes"
"And who owns this puss-"
"You"
"Who"
"Dominic"
BRUUHHH
"Grggggggh"
Please, I got so much 2nd hand embarrassment while reading this book. The word choices had me cringing 😭😭
"He coated my palette with light, sweet, flavourful nut" IM SORRY WHAT 😂😂😂
"Is this shiny, wet puss- all for me?
"Yes"
"And who owns this puss-"
"You"
"Who"
"Dominic"
BRUUHHH
"Grggggggh"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
Dark romance anyone? I absolutely LOVE Mafia Romance! This was the perfect combination between romance and thrills. Perfect for lovers of age/gap, Professor/College, and forbidden love.
This is the story of Penelope and Dominic, both ready to give into this FORBIDDEN OBSESSION. We have Penelope the student, not as innocent as people may perceive her. And then there's Dominic, the professor/mafia man, which makes him more intriguing to the women surrounding him, not that it's known to many of his after hour activities.
I loved Dominic's character, his ways with Penelope, his growth in character and slowly giving into the possibility of a connection with someone. The book was rather short but we have the details pretty well compartmentalized, not only did we get spice between the characters but we did learn about their inner struggles, and the plot surrounding the two. I am super intrigued about the next book in the series, especially with the cliffhanger we find at the end of the book!
Huge thanks to the author for collaborating with me. All opinions are my own.
This is the story of Penelope and Dominic, both ready to give into this FORBIDDEN OBSESSION. We have Penelope the student, not as innocent as people may perceive her. And then there's Dominic, the professor/mafia man, which makes him more intriguing to the women surrounding him, not that it's known to many of his after hour activities.
I loved Dominic's character, his ways with Penelope, his growth in character and slowly giving into the possibility of a connection with someone. The book was rather short but we have the details pretty well compartmentalized, not only did we get spice between the characters but we did learn about their inner struggles, and the plot surrounding the two. I am super intrigued about the next book in the series, especially with the cliffhanger we find at the end of the book!
Huge thanks to the author for collaborating with me. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2025
You can read my review of Forbidden Obsession on my blog, here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2....
This is a spoiler-free review!
Guys... I have led myself astray once again after a download binge from a past Stuff Your Kindle Day. I do not even think I have the words to express how much this book was just simply... not a book. The idea of any type of plot was firmly thrown out of the window, and when you thought there was about to be at least a skeleton of structure in this book, it was abandoned in favor of some of the worst smut scenes I have laid my eyes on. The male and female leads were not likeable or enjoyable, and I spent the majority of the book begging for it to be over.
Penelope Cattaneo is a college student that has caught the eye of Dominic Lucas, an Italian professor with desire to dish out justice in place of continuing his family's torrid legacy and reign. The minute he laid his eyes on Penelope, she was the only thing he could focus on, and not for nothing, Penelope's life arguably became better and worse because of it. Penelope's traumatic past still has its claws in her, and with her current familial issues, the presence that Dominic brings into her life somehow becomes the only stable constant.
I literally felt like I was holding myself hostage while reading this book - I cannot bring myself to DNF a book, so I had to see it through, no matter how much interest I was losing in the story. The author attempts to make these intense plot devices seem shocking, but it is nothing to write home about, and I found myself more amused at the attempt than invested in these characters. I am not sure what else I could have expected from a book like this, but I was at least hoping for some more solid plot work, considering the mafia involvement.
The smut scenes were basically unbearable - the dialogue was ridiculous, and the descriptions felt as though they were pulled from Wattpad circa 2013, and not in the good way. Sure, some of the scenes have some actual meat to them, but for the most part, they fall flat or are utilized in an attempt to distract the reader from the lack of plot in the book. It is an incredibly short book, and yet it took me longer to finish it compared to a 400-page book. If you are looking for a quick, spicy read, Forbidden Obsession may be the filler you are looking for - I will probably read the final installment just to see how it ends.
You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads (maddymartinelli), Instagram (@thepaperworlds), Twitter (@thepaperworlds), and following this blog in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!
March 8, 2024
FORBIDDEN OBSESSION is the first instalment in Isabella Alexander’s contemporary, adult BONELESS REDEMPTION dark ,erotic, Mafia romance duet focusing on heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra Professor Dominic Lucas, and Penelope Cattaneo.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dominic and Penelope) FORBIDDEN OBSESSION follows the forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Dominic Lucas is professor and student advisor as well as the heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra but Dominic has a dark and dangerous secret, a secret that is threatening the criminal underworld. Penelope Cattaneo is a student, a young woman who has set her sights on our story line hero but a woman whose own past is heart breaking and dark.As Penelope’s seduction of Dominic quickly turns into something more, the secrets and family history threaten the future for our story line couple. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance between Dominic and Penelope, and the potential fall out as an assassin is taking aim at the people in charge.
The world building follows Dominic as he is pulled deeper into the world of the Cosa Nostra. With his father still in charge, the animosity between capos and Dominic is threatening any sense of peace in the Lucas Cosa Nostra but Dominic has a secret that could be the biggest threat to all. Dominic’s relationship with Penelope may be threatening his ability to get the job done but Penelope is hiding a secret of her own, that may threaten any future with out story line hero
The relationship between Dominic and Penelope began several months earlier when our heroine attempted to seduce her student advisor. Desperate to know the who, what and why of Dominic Lucas, Penelope finds herself in a precarious position, pleading innocent when it comes to the world of the Cosa Nostra. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including friends, family, and enemies, security and guards.
FORBIDDEN OBSESSION is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and relationships. The fast paced premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are dynamic and determined; the romance is seductive and intense. FORBIDDEN OBSESSION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned
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NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dominic and Penelope) FORBIDDEN OBSESSION follows the forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Dominic Lucas is professor and student advisor as well as the heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra but Dominic has a dark and dangerous secret, a secret that is threatening the criminal underworld. Penelope Cattaneo is a student, a young woman who has set her sights on our story line hero but a woman whose own past is heart breaking and dark.As Penelope’s seduction of Dominic quickly turns into something more, the secrets and family history threaten the future for our story line couple. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance between Dominic and Penelope, and the potential fall out as an assassin is taking aim at the people in charge.
The world building follows Dominic as he is pulled deeper into the world of the Cosa Nostra. With his father still in charge, the animosity between capos and Dominic is threatening any sense of peace in the Lucas Cosa Nostra but Dominic has a secret that could be the biggest threat to all. Dominic’s relationship with Penelope may be threatening his ability to get the job done but Penelope is hiding a secret of her own, that may threaten any future with out story line hero
The relationship between Dominic and Penelope began several months earlier when our heroine attempted to seduce her student advisor. Desperate to know the who, what and why of Dominic Lucas, Penelope finds herself in a precarious position, pleading innocent when it comes to the world of the Cosa Nostra. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including friends, family, and enemies, security and guards.
FORBIDDEN OBSESSION is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and relationships. The fast paced premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are dynamic and determined; the romance is seductive and intense. FORBIDDEN OBSESSION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned
own a copy
January 30, 2024
My goodness!!! This is a dayum good book because honey, Dominic had me in a trance. He’s powerful, mysterious, commanding, and can satisfy you physically, just ask Penelope because she enjoyed every minute of it. Penelope tries to play the sweet and innocent card but she is far from it. She has her own skeletons and when some come to light, it will make you go "hmmm?" I can’t lie, that ending caught me off guard so bad. Oh what a tangled web that Penelope and Dominic have weaved. As much as he was in control, she got under his skin, in his head, and in his heart, and it may have been all for naught. But they played each other and very well I may add.
This story is engaging, intriguing, and keeps you on the edge. Vanilla it is not!!! Hot, erotic, and dark mixed with some light and love, but it will have you wanting more. All kinds of feelings, emotions, and horniness will be on the brain after reading this story. There is a cliffhanger and I’m so ready to see what happens in book two. Secrets and more secrets followed by betrayal, lies, and the truth is wrapped up in the middle. Love is mimicked but it could be real but after things come to light, you definitely have to question it. However, I can't wait to see how Dominic will turn up once he realizes the betrayal by a lot of people close to him. Things that make you go hmmmm? This is a amazing story with great characters and a good storyline. Just like Dominic, it draws you in. Congratulations to the author on your debut story. For it to be your first book, honey, you came out of the gates swinging. Wonderful job.
I received this book as an ARC and I chose to leave an honest review.
Go ahead and get this book. You will definitely enjoy the journey as you read. The Italian stallion with mysterious, dark, and edgy ways. Dominic don't play but when he do, he plays very well.
This story is engaging, intriguing, and keeps you on the edge. Vanilla it is not!!! Hot, erotic, and dark mixed with some light and love, but it will have you wanting more. All kinds of feelings, emotions, and horniness will be on the brain after reading this story. There is a cliffhanger and I’m so ready to see what happens in book two. Secrets and more secrets followed by betrayal, lies, and the truth is wrapped up in the middle. Love is mimicked but it could be real but after things come to light, you definitely have to question it. However, I can't wait to see how Dominic will turn up once he realizes the betrayal by a lot of people close to him. Things that make you go hmmmm? This is a amazing story with great characters and a good storyline. Just like Dominic, it draws you in. Congratulations to the author on your debut story. For it to be your first book, honey, you came out of the gates swinging. Wonderful job.
I received this book as an ARC and I chose to leave an honest review.
Go ahead and get this book. You will definitely enjoy the journey as you read. The Italian stallion with mysterious, dark, and edgy ways. Dominic don't play but when he do, he plays very well.
September 4, 2025
I just came across this one. A new author. A kind of a different take of the Mafia world in her version. This author has such great promise in her writing and I hope in her future works, there'd be more of her much improved and well crafted works to come.
Sadly I didn't connect with this duet. An interesting plot with such potential. An intriguing start. Then along the way it lost me. Pacing kind of moved fast. I like a quick narrative flow. I even hate slow burns. They bore me. Yet for me, at least a fast-paced book should offer readers some substance, with some kind of building tension in every page.. some excitement and anticipation with deeper themes.
Also, a supposedly "obsessed" hero, but kept on pushing away the heroine even leaving her. His reasons were quite understandable actually. He didn't do relationships, didn't want distractions and not wanting her getting mixed up with his dark world. For a dark soulless hero, he might have had some honourable reasons, but still.. What vexed me was how easy for him to do and decide on it.. staying away mostly from the start and leaving her afterwards without much ado or saying goodbye. Heroine doing mostly the stalking, chasing, clinging. Regardless if much later on, he caught feelings and checking on her, but still being resolved to not be with her for good. Oh well, maybe I just got used to reading obsessive heroes who would do everything to be with their heroines. This is a romance fiction after all.
Heroine ugh🙄. A supposedly independent and intelligent one, but not my kind of heroine. She was kind of bold, reckless and stupid in my opinion, especially when her hormones would take over. Being young and horny, weren't excuses enough. The hero kept pushing and warning her away. I guess I'm still riding on the old-fashioned way of heroes doing the chasing. Not judging but I'm not into my heroines in romance books, chasing or seducing heroes to get noticed.
Another thing, if we could do away with the simulated written sounds during intimacy, much better😛. Uncomfortable, yet kind of amusing to read. I wonder how they sounded in the audio book version. Just thinking how the narrator went about it, makes me smile 😁.
Overall, this duet is a promising start for a talented new author. Finely written in some parts.
Sadly I didn't connect with this duet. An interesting plot with such potential. An intriguing start. Then along the way it lost me. Pacing kind of moved fast. I like a quick narrative flow. I even hate slow burns. They bore me. Yet for me, at least a fast-paced book should offer readers some substance, with some kind of building tension in every page.. some excitement and anticipation with deeper themes.
Also, a supposedly "obsessed" hero, but kept on pushing away the heroine even leaving her. His reasons were quite understandable actually. He didn't do relationships, didn't want distractions and not wanting her getting mixed up with his dark world. For a dark soulless hero, he might have had some honourable reasons, but still.. What vexed me was how easy for him to do and decide on it.. staying away mostly from the start and leaving her afterwards without much ado or saying goodbye. Heroine doing mostly the stalking, chasing, clinging. Regardless if much later on, he caught feelings and checking on her, but still being resolved to not be with her for good. Oh well, maybe I just got used to reading obsessive heroes who would do everything to be with their heroines. This is a romance fiction after all.
Heroine ugh🙄. A supposedly independent and intelligent one, but not my kind of heroine. She was kind of bold, reckless and stupid in my opinion, especially when her hormones would take over. Being young and horny, weren't excuses enough. The hero kept pushing and warning her away. I guess I'm still riding on the old-fashioned way of heroes doing the chasing. Not judging but I'm not into my heroines in romance books, chasing or seducing heroes to get noticed.
Another thing, if we could do away with the simulated written sounds during intimacy, much better😛. Uncomfortable, yet kind of amusing to read. I wonder how they sounded in the audio book version. Just thinking how the narrator went about it, makes me smile 😁.
Overall, this duet is a promising start for a talented new author. Finely written in some parts.
February 16, 2024
Forbidden Obsession
This was almost a 4 star book but not quite. I’d give it 3.5 stars maybe, but not 4. The beginning was awkward and didn’t flow. Nor did it make me want to keep reading. There was an immediate error that caused discord. I kept reading because I had promised to review the book, and I am glad I did because once the story got moving, I did enjoy it, although it read more like a draft than a finished book. The concept was very interesting, a Mafia Prince who is a secret assassin trying to bring the Family down. This is a great hook.
I would suggest a couple of things. First, I think that the book needs to be written in one more draft as it’s still pretty rough. Second, a good Beta reader would spot incongruities and inconsistencies. Or a competent editor would do the same, and would help make the book leaner.
I didn’t take points off for this, but I really hate cliffhangers because they involve turning a book into a duet or trilogy. It’s very rare that a book actually needs to be drawn out into a duet. Most of the time, it’s just lazy editing and the story can become a leaner single volume and be better for it. So a good editor would have helped here.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Dominic and Penelope
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). Lots of build up, and parts were named.
Safety? N- mention of childhood S.A.
Triggers- Graphic violence, language, explicit erotic content.
Tropes- Mafia Prince, Teacher/Student, Safe Stalking (by her, then later by him), Age Gap, Crash-Into Hello.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This was almost a 4 star book but not quite. I’d give it 3.5 stars maybe, but not 4. The beginning was awkward and didn’t flow. Nor did it make me want to keep reading. There was an immediate error that caused discord. I kept reading because I had promised to review the book, and I am glad I did because once the story got moving, I did enjoy it, although it read more like a draft than a finished book. The concept was very interesting, a Mafia Prince who is a secret assassin trying to bring the Family down. This is a great hook.
I would suggest a couple of things. First, I think that the book needs to be written in one more draft as it’s still pretty rough. Second, a good Beta reader would spot incongruities and inconsistencies. Or a competent editor would do the same, and would help make the book leaner.
I didn’t take points off for this, but I really hate cliffhangers because they involve turning a book into a duet or trilogy. It’s very rare that a book actually needs to be drawn out into a duet. Most of the time, it’s just lazy editing and the story can become a leaner single volume and be better for it. So a good editor would have helped here.
Here’s the breakdown:
MMC/FMC- Dominic and Penelope
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Mafia Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). Lots of build up, and parts were named.
Safety? N- mention of childhood S.A.
Triggers- Graphic violence, language, explicit erotic content.
Tropes- Mafia Prince, Teacher/Student, Safe Stalking (by her, then later by him), Age Gap, Crash-Into Hello.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
February 17, 2024
I have to say this might be my first book by Isabella Alexander and I'm a FAN! This book was FABULOUS I literally drowned in this book! It was well written it was and the plot had me flipping through! Such an easy read for sure!
Forbidden Obsession is the First book in the duel Boneless Redemption. This is a dark mafia romance with an age gap and its SPICY!
Dominic is the son of a Don, yet his a professor at a local collage but under his Armani suit he's still a dangerous man. Though his father had always told him there is no such thing as love for them and women are just for means of pleasure. His world is turned upside down when he sets his eye on Penelope.
Penelope might look like the good and innocent girl but she is anything but, looks can be deceiving. Yet she just might be what Dominic needs and unknowingly was waiting for. This girl is funny, determined and a bit of a stalker. But who wouldn't want to stalk a dark handsome man who happens to be your professor! 👀
I really enjoyed how their relationship progresses and the events that happen, we have a bit of everything so make sure to get ready for this ride because the cliffhanger will have you demanding the next book to come! We need that book as of yesterday and can't wait!
Isabella outdid herself in this book! 🖤
(Thank you for my copy of this book, the above are my honest thoughts. Hope you enjoy! 🖤)
Forbidden Obsession is the First book in the duel Boneless Redemption. This is a dark mafia romance with an age gap and its SPICY!
Dominic is the son of a Don, yet his a professor at a local collage but under his Armani suit he's still a dangerous man. Though his father had always told him there is no such thing as love for them and women are just for means of pleasure. His world is turned upside down when he sets his eye on Penelope.
Penelope might look like the good and innocent girl but she is anything but, looks can be deceiving. Yet she just might be what Dominic needs and unknowingly was waiting for. This girl is funny, determined and a bit of a stalker. But who wouldn't want to stalk a dark handsome man who happens to be your professor! 👀
I really enjoyed how their relationship progresses and the events that happen, we have a bit of everything so make sure to get ready for this ride because the cliffhanger will have you demanding the next book to come! We need that book as of yesterday and can't wait!
Isabella outdid herself in this book! 🖤
(Thank you for my copy of this book, the above are my honest thoughts. Hope you enjoy! 🖤)
February 6, 2024
Part of the Boneless Redemption Duet so make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Dominic sexy as all get out professor by day or what most in the world thinks him to be but he is also the mafia underboss, ruthless, dangerous on a good day, deadly everyday and he isn’t a man you want cross because he won’t take it kindly. Penelope is a sweetheart when she wants to be but the innocence is for show, she stands up for herself, feisty so when the beautiful professor runs into her literally she can’t forget his tattoos or him. The attraction between them can be ignored no matter how hard they try to not think about each other or they try to stay away from each other the stronger the pull until they find themselves caught up but the secrets, the betrayals, will keep you on the edge of your seat but can they stay together, will he be the protector she needs, and can they find happiness behind all the shadows?
February 11, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "FORBIDDEN OBSESSION" my first book by this author & she didn't disappoint so full intrigue, suspense violence danger, secrets, lies, steam, betrayal, angst, humor, twists that keeps you in the edge of your seat an addicting page turner.
Penelope Cattaneo everyone assumes she been a sheltered innocent girl but she hears whispers about secretive things in her parents home, so when she accidently runs into Professor Dominic Lucas who's also a Mafia Underboss gorgeous, dangerous, she was immediately attracted to him but he thinks she's not ready for his world but can't get her out of his mind.
Penelope isn't as innocent as she appears she has her own secrets she's feisty, doesn't back down, her attraction to Dominic is all consuming that can't seem to stay away from one another the pull between these two is scorching hot.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting, interesting, intense Mafia Romance you can't put down so much happens, your on the edge of your seat, will Dominic & Penelope get a HEA, their story has you craving more of these two.
I'm so looking forward to "RELENTLESS PURSUIT" next book to see what happens next this amazing well written duet it can't come soon enough.
AWESOME INTENSE MAFIA ROMANCE I LOVED IT 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
Penelope Cattaneo everyone assumes she been a sheltered innocent girl but she hears whispers about secretive things in her parents home, so when she accidently runs into Professor Dominic Lucas who's also a Mafia Underboss gorgeous, dangerous, she was immediately attracted to him but he thinks she's not ready for his world but can't get her out of his mind.
Penelope isn't as innocent as she appears she has her own secrets she's feisty, doesn't back down, her attraction to Dominic is all consuming that can't seem to stay away from one another the pull between these two is scorching hot.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting, interesting, intense Mafia Romance you can't put down so much happens, your on the edge of your seat, will Dominic & Penelope get a HEA, their story has you craving more of these two.
I'm so looking forward to "RELENTLESS PURSUIT" next book to see what happens next this amazing well written duet it can't come soon enough.
AWESOME INTENSE MAFIA ROMANCE I LOVED IT 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
February 1, 2024
"Beware: This book is not your typical love story. Dominic Lucas, a man of both brains and brawn, is a professor by day and a mafia underboss by birth. Tall, dark, handsome, and oh-so dangerous, he's the kind of guy who'd make you question your life choices before even saying 'hello.'
Penelope, the unsuspecting damsel, literally stumbles into Dominic's life. Don't be fooled by her sweet facade; she's got her own set of secrets and a spine of steel. Dominic tries to resist the gravitational pull towards Penelope, convinced that his dark world isn't a fit for her innocence.
Penelope and Dominic's chemistry is undeniable, and their connection goes beyond the superficial. He finds grounding in her, and she discovers a sense of security in him. It's a match made in a twisted, unpredictable heaven. With Dominic juggling the dual roles of a sophisticated professor and a menacing mafia figure and Penelope peeling back layers of complexity beneath her seemingly sweet demeanor, the plot thickens with every turn of the page.
I love how the author skillfully weaves a narrative that leaves you craving more. The book did end on a cliffhanger, and now I can't wait for the next one.
Penelope, the unsuspecting damsel, literally stumbles into Dominic's life. Don't be fooled by her sweet facade; she's got her own set of secrets and a spine of steel. Dominic tries to resist the gravitational pull towards Penelope, convinced that his dark world isn't a fit for her innocence.
Penelope and Dominic's chemistry is undeniable, and their connection goes beyond the superficial. He finds grounding in her, and she discovers a sense of security in him. It's a match made in a twisted, unpredictable heaven. With Dominic juggling the dual roles of a sophisticated professor and a menacing mafia figure and Penelope peeling back layers of complexity beneath her seemingly sweet demeanor, the plot thickens with every turn of the page.
I love how the author skillfully weaves a narrative that leaves you craving more. The book did end on a cliffhanger, and now I can't wait for the next one.
February 1, 2024
Dominic Lucas was tall dark and dangerous making the object of many a college girl’s fantasies. He was a man with many faces. The only son of a mafia don and by day a professor but his nights were spent acting as a vigilante. The last thing he was looking for was any kind of relationship and especially not one with a student and the trouble she could bring him, but he just couldn’t keep away from Penelope. Penelope Cattaneo was a student but there was more to her than met the eye. She was definitely a girl with secrets bubbling away under the surface. She’d taken one look at Dominic and pursued him relentlessly determined to have him.
This was a college romance with a hint of the forbidden but there is so much more between Dominic and Penelope than simply student and teacher. The chemistry between them was electric right from the start but Dominic man was on a mission but what really was his end game? What reason lay behind his actions? Wiith a plot full of intrigue and family drama this book held my attention from the start and after that ending I can’t wait for the next book to find out if I’m right about the twist I think is coming.
This was a college romance with a hint of the forbidden but there is so much more between Dominic and Penelope than simply student and teacher. The chemistry between them was electric right from the start but Dominic man was on a mission but what really was his end game? What reason lay behind his actions? Wiith a plot full of intrigue and family drama this book held my attention from the start and after that ending I can’t wait for the next book to find out if I’m right about the twist I think is coming.
February 3, 2024
4 STARS for Forbidden Obession by ( new for me author ) Isabella Alexander
This is a Mafia dark romance readers should review content warnings.
The cover is a great visual of Dominic with a great book blurb for a summary - definitely got my attention.
There is a lot going on in this story - mafia , student / professor , age gap , stalking and plenty of chemistry.
Dominic Lucas ( Ghost / Black Rose ) is heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra Family. The family has plenty of enemies and when they start showing up dead with no explanation it starts a spiral for power. By day he is an advisor at the Manhattan Excellence and Art University by night he is the Grim Reaper.
The stalker in this story is actually a female - Penelope Cattaneo is a stalker having developed a serious crush on Dominic. The attraction is off the charts for these two but it’s a push / pull relationship until Dominic finally lets her in . This is the guy that doesn’t do relationships.
Forbidden Obsession does end with a cliff hanger can’t wait to find out what happens next !
A page turner !.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a Mafia dark romance readers should review content warnings.
The cover is a great visual of Dominic with a great book blurb for a summary - definitely got my attention.
There is a lot going on in this story - mafia , student / professor , age gap , stalking and plenty of chemistry.
Dominic Lucas ( Ghost / Black Rose ) is heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra Family. The family has plenty of enemies and when they start showing up dead with no explanation it starts a spiral for power. By day he is an advisor at the Manhattan Excellence and Art University by night he is the Grim Reaper.
The stalker in this story is actually a female - Penelope Cattaneo is a stalker having developed a serious crush on Dominic. The attraction is off the charts for these two but it’s a push / pull relationship until Dominic finally lets her in . This is the guy that doesn’t do relationships.
Forbidden Obsession does end with a cliff hanger can’t wait to find out what happens next !
A page turner !.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2024
This is the 1st story in the Boneless Redemption Duet. What an amazing dark mafia romance about Dominic whose father is the Don of the Lucas Cosa Nostra family who is struggling with the man killing their men, The Black Rose. Dominic is the underboss who was forced into this life so his way of leveling the field is to remove those who are apart of the underworld as the Black Rose. Dominic has another way of life as a professor at a local college giving him the cover needed as a man living on the right side of the law. When told over and over women are only good for pleasure so when he crosses paths with a student, Penelope his rules are slowly broken down by Penelope and they find themselves in one dangerous situation where he shows her the truth of his darkness. Penelope has a history she never fully shares but Dominic takes action against a man from her life that did wrong by her. It’s beautiful to see how Dominic allows Penelope to become a part of his life and when her powerful greedy grandfather comes for Penelope we are left on a cliffhanger not knowing what his power will cause Dominic, his family and at what cost to Penelope and her life!
January 31, 2024
4.5 Stars!! When you lead a double life, so people think you are normal and not in the mafia, your life is very complicated. Such is the life of Dominic. If he had his choice, he would just be full time at the university where he is an advisor. His father though wants him by his side as the underboss of a ruthless crime family. Then there is Penelope who is a student but when she has an accident and meets Dominic, she can't get him out of her head. She is drawn to him, and he is also drawn to her though he doesn't need any more complications in his life. He definitely doesn't need to become involved with a student. The draw though is strong, and he decides to take her on a trip and get her out of her system except he just wants her more. When he learns his father has arranged a marriage for him, he leaves her but will it last? Story ends with a cliff hanger. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
February 1, 2024
Dominic Lucas is the underboss to the Lucas Cosa Nostra. He's also their worst nightmare.
Penelope is a student obsessed with Professor Lucas. She knows he has a dark side, and while she should be scared, she keeps going back for more.
This is not your typical mafia book. Sure, it has those elements, but also an enemy, hidden in plain sight. Dominic is a complex character and plays his part so well that sometimes it's easy to forget that he is the Black Rose.
Penelope is a bit of an enigma. She has her own tragic backstory, and while she could be a broken woman, she has taken charge of her life - mostly. The fact that she's so drawn to Dominic could be considered a character flaw or just another layer to her story.
This book ended too soon. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was hit with a twist I didn't see coming. Fortunately, we don't have to wait too long for the next.
Penelope is a student obsessed with Professor Lucas. She knows he has a dark side, and while she should be scared, she keeps going back for more.
This is not your typical mafia book. Sure, it has those elements, but also an enemy, hidden in plain sight. Dominic is a complex character and plays his part so well that sometimes it's easy to forget that he is the Black Rose.
Penelope is a bit of an enigma. She has her own tragic backstory, and while she could be a broken woman, she has taken charge of her life - mostly. The fact that she's so drawn to Dominic could be considered a character flaw or just another layer to her story.
This book ended too soon. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was hit with a twist I didn't see coming. Fortunately, we don't have to wait too long for the next.
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