I have a secret. I'm gay, and I'm submissive. My family can't ever find out, because if they do, they'll disown me at best. The son of the Winters Gang leader can't be gay...
And he definitely can't be in a relationship with Silvano Cresci, the new head of our most hated rival gang. I can't stop thinking about him. I can't stop lusting for him, and the way he made me submit, the way he could get me to the edge with just a few words and touches. I've never met anyone else who could push my buttons so well.
But I'm done with him. After he betrayed me, I vowed never to see him ever again.
Unfortunately, Silvano has other ideas--and I can't help but be drawn into his sphere again. He's so sure I'm going to be his perfect pet, but I refuse to go down without a fight.
But my body remembers all too well what it's like to be dominated by him, and he's getting harder and harder to resist...
Submit is a standalone MM mafia romance featuring dark themes and content such as toys, CNC, "kidnapping," smaller Dom/bigger sub, impact play, and more. Please visit the authors' websites or look inside for more details.
I write almost exclusive m/m, but I have a fondness for bisexual protagonists. I enjoy a lot of darker themes, so you'll see a lot of that around here.
When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.
If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)
"Hope you're prepared for me, because you can't ever get rid of me now, Silvano." Silvano's hand goes lower, gently covering my neck. "Didn't the past ten years prove to you that I don't want to get rid of you? My Kyran, tied and bound to me." His smile widens. "My Kyran, who loves me."
murder husbands type of pairings will always be my kryptonite. 🥹
I have some major beef with this book and Silvano. I hated him. 🤬🤬🤬 I’m not sure what Kyran saw in him and Kyran deserved way better than that asshole. I’m not even sure why they liked each other??? I think it’s pretty bad when I’m wishing they don’t end up together…😭
Even though I was able to finish this story, I never felt fully invested in anything happening in it. I would've enjoyed it a lot more if it had begun at the beginning of Kyran and Silvano's relationship rather than 10 years down the line. I would've had a better understanding of their relationship, and it would've made their feelings for each other more impactful. As is, it's decent, though not memorable. 2.5 stars, rounded up
UPDATE: Apparently, the prequel for this story is in a previous released anthology called O Deadly Night. How the hell was I supposed to know that? It wasn't mentioned in the blurb at all... but it does explain why the story was written the way it was. I knew I was missing something. It just didn't make sense for the story to begin where it did. I hate when authors do that. Not the continuing of a story that began in an anthology - that's fine - but you have to let the reader know, especially when you claim that the story is a standalone.
Loved it. Dark and kinky featuring two complex characters that I could very much get behind. If you're into believable D/s relationships, I definitely recommend.
This was as dark as the blurb promised but I don’t know… I wasn’t as into it as I expected.
The MCs are alright together but the chemistry definitely wasn’t off the charts. The supporting cast was alright too and the plot was as can be expected but yeah, for some reason I can’t pinpoint, I wasn’t invested.
I am, however, giving the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 for variety and being well written.
Expect - D/s dynamics - Humiliation kink - Bootlicking - Bondage - Impact play - Mafia politics - Pining - Enemies to lovers - Homophobic family (most everyone, really)
Audiobook review: 3.5 stars It was alright. Kyran’s voice actor definitely understood the meaning of growl.
I read the prequel (Expectations) that’s currently in the O Deadly Night Anthology and caught a serious case of „falling head over heels“ with Kyran and Silvano
So I’m extremely satisfied with their well deserved full novel and their HEA
Great Dark MM Mafia Romance ✨ Rivals2Lovers ✨ a ton of kink✨
TW and an elaborate foreword gave a good insight in what to expect and I highly appreciate this 💗
Silvano and Kyran did something to my heart! It’s not a secret that I adore the author duo and I love the way they tell a story! So this was another delightful read for me!
Silvano is such an amazing character, I loved to see his determination and devotion. Kyran - this big brute of a man- is truly a lost & hurt soul and deserves to be protected at all times!!
While we get all the hotness, the action and the hurt, there’s comfort, devotion and finally love!!
When I told my friend about their story this morning I started crying again bc this was top tier dark romance!!
Add on: great author note up front with explicit information you might want to check 👍
Este libro es rarísimo. Empezando con que los autores creen que ya conoces a los personajes o algo así porque no hay una correcta presentación de ninguno de los chicos, incluso de los personajes secundarios. También con el hecho de que, si bien la historia se entiende perfecto el drama y todo eso, es como que lo vas entiendo con mucha lógica y con suposiciones porque nunca te lo aclaran desde el principio, solo dan por hecho que vos ya lo sabes. Otra cosa que me hizo mucho sonido fue sus escenas de sexo. Tengo que admitir que me interese por la historia solo por las escenas de sexo que me prometían y si bien hubo algunas buenas descripciones, muchas de ellas eran super cortitas y en dónde se ponía bueno la cosa, ya se iban por otro lado y todo quedaba muy raro(???. En fin, me quedé con las ganas de una buena escena explícita.
Me leeré la siguiente historia solo porque es corta y también porque Evan me llamó bastante la atención.
Another day, another disappointing read about two men who have pined for each other, yet still slept with others during those 10 years…😒🥴
Still, I gave this a chance to see if Kyran would stand up for himself. Guess what? He didn't!🗿He is a doormat for Silvano. Kyran deserves someone better than Silvano, who constantly uses him and doesn't even care about him at all. Kyran should know better than to crawl back to Silvano, even after his father killed his brother's family and caused him pain…🌚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
All these stories start out with the MCs avoiding each other because they're bad for each other, but then inevitably fall into each other's arms. I know it, but sometimes I feel like it would be healthier if they separated and found happiness with other people.
I think our of the two, Silvano is definitely the more toxic one. Kind of feel bad for Kyran, really.
Saying that, I kind of hope the next book is about Christiano and Fox.
Smaller top/big bottom which is my bread and butter so i was excited but i had problems at some points like with the back and forth. Like kyran would be like im not going to him ever again but he did literally every single time so it got a bit old after the 3rd time lol. But they definitely had chemistry so that helped.
▪️About this book: -Dark MM Mafia Romance, Forbidden, Second Chance, BDSM, Small Dom/Big Sub, Humiliation, HEA.
▪️Thoughts: Submit is the first book and a complete standalone in the Mafia Doms series. Kyran Winters and Silvano Cresci are rivals who hate and also want each other to the point they will act on whoever crosses them. We got a brief introduction to Kyran and Silvano in Expectations-a Submit Christmas Prequel- O Deadly Night Vol.2 Anthology and the intense chemistry they have continues in this book. Kyran does battle more with his feelings, he doesn't want to let his family down therefore, he continues to hide to he is. On top of that, he feels guilt regarding his brother Neil and his family, but in the end he can't give up the need to keep submitting to Silvano time and time again. Silvano has known want he wants from the beginning, and what he wants is Kyran and he will do anything to finally have him by his side. Things do get a bit complicated for Silvano because he is a mafia don so he has responsibilities, but one thing that is very clear about Silvano is that he is a strategic person and he plans everything to finally have Kyran as his. This a dark mafia romance and contains TWs I do recommend to look at before reading this book in case it may not be something you are interested in. Overall it was a great read, these two characters did not have it easy they had to fight for their relationship and that makes the HEA worth so much. Finally in the end, Kyran embraces his new job by Silvano's side, submitting to him like he has always craved and wanted.
▪️Quote: 💬 I love his reactions. I love that this big, strong man gets off on being beaten and subdued. I love how he struggles. I love how ashamed he is to want this. And above all else, I love knowing that I’m the only person he would ever submit to.
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
A big sub and a smaller dom, a combination that never fails to send shivers down my spine like an electrified wire. The power dynamics, the contrast in size and strength, the thought of a big, strong sub submitting to the control of a smaller - ahh sweet caramel granny apple Pie
These two authors are just the best at handling mafia books. They balanced the mafia-romance so well. Their storytelling skills are exceptional, capturing the essence of the mafia world while also delving deep into the complexities of love and relationships. The way they weave together danger, passion, and anguish is truly captivating.
If you're a fan of mafia romances -dark romances-, you should absolutely read this, you won't be disappointed! While you're at it you can check their other works as well (Under His Heel series is a fav of mine)
The voice acting for this was insanely over the top. Though I didn't get anywhere near learning much about the back story, the MC thinking his LI had something to do with his brother's death, but being so horny because the LI doms him so good is cringe.
Submit was a very entertaining read, if there’s dark romance and mafia, I’m in, and this one definitely delivered. The story has a bit of a Romeo-and-Juliet-but-make-it-gay vibe: enemies to lovers, rival mafia families, forbidden desire, and a whole lot of tension.
I genuinely liked both protagonists. Kyrian and Silvano carry so much weight on their shoulders, living in a world where they can’t fully be themselves. Kyrian especially struggles with accepting his sexuality and his feelings for Silvano, and watching him unravel all that was really interesting. Their dynamic worked for me, and their connection felt intense in all the right dark-romance ways.
The plot itself was good, though it focuses more on the romance than on the mafia side, which wasn’t a bad thing, just something I noticed. What didn’t work for me personally was the amount of sex scenes; there were too many for my taste, but that’s 100% a personal preference.
Overall, it checked the boxes: dark vibes, mafia atmosphere, intense romance, and two compelling leads. A solid and enjoyable read.
I think I would have liked for the past between the MCs to be better developed (by flashbacks for example) so that it didn't feel so disconnected. It felt like we were missing a chunk of story about the characters themselves and their relationship and how it begin/evolved to the toxic thing it was in the beginning.
But overall I enjoyed some parts and the ending was good.
I'm excited that there's a book about Fox and Cristiano out already 😁
This could be a little cheesy at times, but it actually had more mafia elements intertwined in the plot than I had anticipated, and I was pleasantly surprised by that. I’d recommend this if you want a fun, spicy MM read!
This book is marketed as dark, but as a regular dark romance reader, it didn’t feel dark to me. That said, always check your trigger warnings. The authors did a great job at listening them in the beginning of the book.
“Didn’t the past ten years prove to you that I don’t want to get rid of you? My Kyran, tied and bound to me.” His smile widens. “My Kyran, who loves me.” ☹️💗💗
the tension. the angst. the drama. the feud. the PINING. absolutely beautiful.
Este libro tiene varias cosas que me han gustado muchísimo y que considero que lo diferencian del resto de libros sobre mafiosos que he leído.
When Silvano is there, all eyes are drawn to him. Or maybe that’s just me.
Adoro la relación que tienen al principio del libro. Como Kyran no para de insultarle pero no puede evitar irse con él y seguirle el juego. La tensión que tenían era BUENÍSIMA. También me encanta que llevaran 10 años con este tira y afloja. Le da una profundidad a la relación y una historia que me ha dejado con muchas ganas de saber qué más hicieron en ese tiempo. También me gusta mucho que su pique y sus contestaciones no cambien aunque ya estén oficialmente juntos. Tienen una dinámica muy divertida e interesante y me lo he pasado genial con ellos. También he sufrido porque sí, este libro tiene sus buenas dosis de drama.
“What do you want?” I ask him, my head lolling back against the couch as I stare up at him. “You,” Silvano answers easily. “At my side, at my feet. Bound and obedient, hanging on my every word.”
Creo que es lo que más me ha atraído de la pluma de las autoras, y lo que va a hacer que las siga leyendo. No esconde nada y suelta todo como es, sin filtros y de manera realista, sin adornarlo.
I love his reactions. I love that this big, strong man gets off on being beaten and subdued. I love how he struggles. I love how ashamed he is to want this. And above all else, I love knowing that I’m the only person he would ever submit to.
Al principio me asusté porque pensé que Silvano había participado activamente en la muerte de la familia del hermano de Kyran y no sabía si podría perdonarle eso. Por suerte, no fue así. No solo estaba en contra sino que salvó a Kyran, aunque no podía hacer nada más.
“Okay, so, this will sound crazy,” Fox says, “Mostly because I’m the one saying it. It’d sound perfectly banal and boring coming from some nobody. But. What if you don’t kill them?”
Y eso, sin duda, es lo que más me ha gustado de este libro. Silvano y Kyran son miembros de una familia de mafiosos, donde la lealtad y la familia siempre son lo primero, y en este libro, por primera vez en todos los libros de mafia que he leído, realmente hay un conflicto entre sus obligaciones familiares y su relación. Podría decir que no me ha gustado porque en muchas ocasiones Silvano se porta fatal con Kyran y viceversa, pero es tan interesante ver relaciones realistas entre mafiosos, donde se traicionarían por sus familias porque no todo es oh el amoooooor.
I feel powerful in a way I rarely do when it comes to him, and it pisses me off because it doesn’t feel right. How can it feel so fucking wrong? I outweigh him and outclass him; I could snap his neck before his bodyguard even realizes anything’s wrong. But all I want to do is kneel in front of him.
He acabado muy enamorada de Silvano, para qué nos vamos a engañar. Es una contradicción andante, cruel y despiadado, dominante, pero le repugna la sangre y es muy tranquilo. Las críticas decían que era un imbécil y trataba fatal a Kyran, pero a mí me parece que como lo trata es lo mejor del libro. Pese a que su prioridad es su familia, SIEMPRE se ve que le tiene en cuenta y hace todo lo posible por estar con él, protegerle y no disgustarle. Solo que a veces, es imposible, y literalmente no puede hacer otra cosa porque tiene obligaciones como futuro Don y LAS CUMPLE EN LUGAR DE DEJARLO TODO POR AMOR. Lo cual es cero realista y acabaría en tragedia siempre en la vida real.
Silvano has to be a part of it. He has to be. I can’t imagine living more of my life without him. Fuck my family, fuck their “values,” and fuck the mob for being so goddamn homophobic.
En realidad Silvano hace todo lo que puede por Kyran. A pesar de ser mucho más dificil y arriesgado y podría haber destrozado todo por lo que ha luchado, ha preferido elaborar y ejecutar un plan que permitiera al padre y hermano de Kyran vivir, porque sabía que Kyran no le perdonaría sus muertes. Aún así, no hay ningún perdón ni final feliz para ellos, ya que Silvano consigue meter al hermano en la cárcel, y Kyran tiene que terminar matando a su padre.
“Hope you’re prepared for me, because you can’t ever get rid of me now, Silvano.” Silvano’s hand goes lower, gently covering my neck. “Didn’t the past ten years prove to you that I don’t want to get rid of you? My Kyran, tied and bound to me.” His smile widens. “My Kyran, who loves me.”
Quiero decir, me encanta cuando lo dejan todo para estar con su amorcito, pero me ha flipado leer uno en el que eso no sea tan fácil. Sí, se quieren, pero hay mucho más en sus vidas que esa relación, y ambos deben navegarla mientras mantienen el resto a flote. En realidad, Silvano está enamoradísimo de Kyran y SE VE, solo que su familia es su prioridad. No quiere elegir, quiere ambas cosas.
“You’re my favorite fantasy, Kyran.“
Y es que están en guerra y no todo es tan fácil!!!! Tienen sus prioridades claras con sus familias, pero aún así hacen todo lo posible, énfasis en lo posible para no hacerse daño. Son mafiosos de verdad, no con una flor en el culo por el poder del amor, y me ha flipado ver esa dualidad en ambos de: te humillo delante de mi subordinado tras drogarte y secuestrarte para sacarte información, pero dejo a mi padre morir porque nunca iba a aceptar lo nuestro y mató a parte de tu familia. Ninguno de los dos es buena gente, pero hacen lo que pueden para sobrevivir y tenerse, y ha sido tan real que me ha llegado mucho.
“Anybody who can’t figure out how to keep their trap shut in front of the boss, his boyfriend, the bisexual underboss, the gay twink assassin, or my probably- gay bodyguard, is too stupid for my organization anyway.”
Además, todo eso hacía que los sentimientos de Kyran fueran una pasada de complejos. Odia a Silvano, pero también está enamoradísimo de él. Nadie le trata como él, nadie le entiende como él, nadie le valora como él. Le quiere pegar, pero no quiere que muera. A su lado se siente a salvo y al mismo tiempo como una presa, y es una sensación adictiva para él. Sabe que Silvano no tuvo la culpa de lo de su hermano, pero no puede evitar relacionarle con ello, al mismo tiempo que no puede evitar volver a sus brazos.
“I do love you,” Silvano says, ignoring me. “That’s why I made sure it wasn’t you my father murdered eight years ago. That’s why I let him die. That’s why I got myself tied up and beaten.”
Estos ocho años desde la muerte de su hermano han tenido que ser una tortura para él, con tantas emociones contradictorias, además del odio de su familia por la del hombre al que quería. Kyran, yo te entiendo; Silvano es un hombre fascinante.
“There’s no more of this… fucking other people bullshit,” I say, unable to keep the jealous words from spilling past my lips. “Not as long as we’re together.” Something in Silvano’s expression softens. “Kyran. I’ve done scenes with people and had unsatisfactory one- night- stands. But there truly has never been anyone but you for me.”
Las escenas hot son very good shit. Me han subido los colores en varios momentos.
Whatever. It’s true. I’ll do whatever he asks of me. I’ll always submit to him.
Yo iba claramente con los Cresci. Al menos Fox, Cristiano y el jefe Silvano no eran unos trozos de mierda homófobos como los jefes de los Winters.
I smile at Cristiano and Fox. “So. Do you two want to help me win back my empire— and my boy?”
Me han flipado Fox y Cristiano. He visto que tienen libro así que lo leeré pronto. Pero el siguiente es Evan, el divertido guardaespaldas, y a él vamos!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After reading the prequel "Expectations" in O Deadly Night: Volume 2: A Dark MM Charity Anthology, I instantly fell in love with Silvano and Kyran. They were so filthy, and complicated, and so fun to follow. And Submit was even better! I am so so glad these authors collaborate in a way that their books are absolutely stellar and just so so good.
I loved the push and pull in Submit. The way Kyran is the one more reserved and doubtful, and even afraid of committing to a relationship. Silvano, on the other hand, is the smaller top (Dom) who will do anything to get his man. I loved the spice and the chemistry between them. All the touches, and small things he did and Kyran chose to ignore or did not notice.
There was one time where I was angry with Silvano (and so was Kyran), but in the end, I could forbid him as he meant well (though the means to an end were questionable).
There were times where I was frustrated with Kyran but once I saw his family, it all clicked. Though his sister was godsent. Characters returning from Surrender were also well included and I loved seeing Fox and his Daddy.
There is just enough tenderness but also so much promised darkness and violence. I am happy that this book was sometimes so swoony (thank you, Silvano) but also bloody. I also lavished the overarching plotline and I am hoping for more books from the same universe. I cannot wait for other dons and bodyguards to find their loves (maybe even keeping them against their will hehe).
I wished the book was a bit longer. Not because it was rushed or anything, but because I did not want to part with our MCs and their banter, and comfort. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of this year!
I received an advance review copy for free - thank you so much! - and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Submit // R. Phoenix & Adara Wolf // Releases 11/30
I adore when authors can give their dark romance such meaningful duality, and Submit is the example of that. Silvano is degrading and adoring, calculating and loyal, filthy and worshipful all at the same time. Kyran is deadly and submissive, terrified and hopeful, resistant and committed. These love between these two is impossible and inevitable!
Now that I’m done waxing poetic about mafia romance - THE SPICE!! Oof, if you love a good h_m!li@tion shmink, Submit has it in spades. This is a high heat, high shmink read that balances smut and plot in a steamy steamy way! Check those shmink tags and prepare yourselves, 🥵.
Submit is a second chance dark MM mafia romance with a lot of pinning and a forbidden love between mafia rivals Kyran and Silvano. Kyran and Silvano met initially 10 years ago during a bank robbery (you have to read ‘Expectations’ the prequel novella to figure out how that encounter went about which is currently available in the O Deadly Night anthology in KU). Submit is set in the "present" time where we get to see their furtive encounters, the conflict, and the pinning. These guys don't have it easy and I went through all the emotions through their ups and downs. I am not usually someone that enjoys mafia but I loved this book and fell in love with the characters and was truly rooting for their happily ever after. The kink was also fantastic and super hot. It is not necessary to have read Surrender to understand the book but I will definitively will be reading it next because I loved the combination of dark romance + kink + mafia and so much pinning. It is a dark romance so do check TW/CW that the authors provide (which are very comprehensive). happy reading!
I think this book starts at the wrong part of Silvano & Kyran’s story. I really don’t care for the trend of prequels being released in an anthology, which I didn’t realize was the case here until I read the afterword in this book. While I was reading this I kept feeling like I was missing something.
Silvano and Kyran have 10 years of history but because it was all told and not shown I didn’t feel their connection. Kyran acted bratty and resistant toward Silvano, which seemed weird to me if they’ve been seeing each other for a decade. I didn’t get a good sense of their dom/sub relationship and the sex scenes fell flat for me because I was missing their connection. Maybe if I’d read the prequel I’d like it better but this time it was a miss
I loved every word of this story, starting with their Expectations prequel in O' Deadly Night 2 to the the last word of this novel.
I adore the character types they represent, and all the ways they differ from them, all the twisty, fun and devastating ways Kyran and Silvano are so tangibly real. Their voices had me reading both their POVs completely entranced, and the magic between them killed me. Their connection is powerful, and it made me absolutely sad for them at times, and absolutely exhilarated at others.
They are also HOT as HELL and the kinks they hit together? Oh boy (ha).
I could've read 400 pages of these two, and I'll miss them for sure.
Kyran and Silvano have been having clandestine trysts for years. But, it’s all coming to a head now that Silvanos position in his family’s mafia organisation is more prominent. Being from opposing mafia groups and having bad history between them, the electric chemistry that Kyran and Silvano have makes it’s hard for them to stay away from each other.
An entertaining, intense, dark read full of twists, action, passion, mafia feuds and kinky D/s scenes that will keep you captivated in the story. Do heed the warnings.
Amazing book!!! Highly recommended it! I love mafia books! This one is just … wow!!! There’s humour in it! Just know that there is some homophobic comment but for me it was fine in this book! Like the MMC! Both of them!!!! Just to inform that while reading it … two side guys are in another books from the same author !!! But in another serie!!! So happy I made that link!! ( title : surrender ) Goooooo read it!!! It’s soooo good !!!
Well I loved this book,,Karan has a very big secret that he has kept for 10 years so he thinks,,,Silvano is the new boss who is out and proud he keeps a watch on what he thinks is his and he has to move the chest piece in order to keep his boy with him,,,there is alot of action in this book you won’t get bored reading this book that’s for sure,,,I read this book for this author for my honest opinion
Sometimes the bad guys are just soooo good! I love the mafia world this dynamic duo has created and the kinky dudes that live in it. I went into this book unaware of the connections to other stories( I didn’t read the blurb -oops). I was so pleasantly surprised to see Fox and his Daddy come on the scene(pun intended). As always there was kink, blood, heat, murder, and mayhem. Everything I love about these authors and I’m here for it. Read the triggers if you’re squeamish