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Venice Mafia #3
The Fixer
Leo
I vowed over my dead wife’s body that I would never fall in love again.
But now, to repay a debt, I’m being forced to marry Rosa Tran.
Sweet and innocent. Tempting enough to drive me mad.
But I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.
I might not have a choice about this marriage, but Rosa will never be my wife.
Rosa
When my brother gets tangled in the mafia’s deadly web, there’s only one thing I can do to save his life.
Marry Leo Cesari, the Venice mafia’s powerful and ruthless head of security.
Leo is sixteen years older than me.
He’s scarred and wounded.
Dangerous.
And he’s the only man I’ve ever wanted.
I might not have a choice about this marriage, but I’m going to make my new husband fall in love with me.
The Fixer is a standalone age-gap, arranged marriage mafia romance with a sunshine heroine and a grumpy wounded hero who will do whatever it takes to protect her. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
I vowed over my dead wife’s body that I would never fall in love again.
But now, to repay a debt, I’m being forced to marry Rosa Tran.
Sweet and innocent. Tempting enough to drive me mad.
But I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.
I might not have a choice about this marriage, but Rosa will never be my wife.
Rosa
When my brother gets tangled in the mafia’s deadly web, there’s only one thing I can do to save his life.
Marry Leo Cesari, the Venice mafia’s powerful and ruthless head of security.
Leo is sixteen years older than me.
He’s scarred and wounded.
Dangerous.
And he’s the only man I’ve ever wanted.
I might not have a choice about this marriage, but I’m going to make my new husband fall in love with me.
The Fixer is a standalone age-gap, arranged marriage mafia romance with a sunshine heroine and a grumpy wounded hero who will do whatever it takes to protect her. No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2024
473 people are currently reading
5122 people want to read
About the author
Tara Crescent
116 books1,081 followersTara Crescent writes steamy contemporary romances for readers who like hot, dominant heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
When she's not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
When she's not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
May 5, 2024
Sometimes you just need a cute, sweet, subtle mafia romance that isn’t so dark. This fit that bill perfectly.
For a mafia book this was very low stakes. There wasn’t really any major drama between the two main characters, which I enjoyed. Once he decided to (arrange) marry her he was all in. And no hesitation on her part to be his wife. The third act conflict came from an outside source and I always sigh with relief when that happens.
The female narrator was great. I think her voice fit the character perfectly. The main issue I have with the male narrator is I need him to be more emotional during well…emotional scenes. It’s a common thing from Wen Ross. He’s not bad at all, I just need more from him.
For a mafia book this was very low stakes. There wasn’t really any major drama between the two main characters, which I enjoyed. Once he decided to (arrange) marry her he was all in. And no hesitation on her part to be his wife. The third act conflict came from an outside source and I always sigh with relief when that happens.
The female narrator was great. I think her voice fit the character perfectly. The main issue I have with the male narrator is I need him to be more emotional during well…emotional scenes. It’s a common thing from Wen Ross. He’s not bad at all, I just need more from him.
did-not-finish
February 10, 2025The "I'm not like other girls!" energy was at level 200 and the insta-lust smacks you square in the face on page 3 with these two wanting to hump each other's brains out at first glance with the much older hero all smiles and come hither looks. Not the kind of Mafia age gap I'm looking for. Nope.
April 15, 2024
Super solid Mafia book!!! I enjoyed this, the characters are memorable and I’ll for sure read more from Tara down the road. I like her writing!
***thank you good girls PR for the audio ALC & arc copy
***thank you good girls PR for the audio ALC & arc copy
February 6, 2024
- Mafia
- Marriage of Convenience
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Age Gap (H41/h25)
This is the third book in the Venice Mafia series and while it can be read as a standalone, there will be spoilers from the previous books. I personally did not read the first two and I followed along just fine.
I found this one to be on the lighter side of the mafia romances I read read lately, but it was still very good. It would be a perfect for anyone who is just diving into the world of mafia romance.
I loved the relationship between Leo and Rosa. Leo was so supportive of Rosa and her fashion business and I loved how he made sure her family knew just how proud he was of her. And Rosa, I loved how she was patient with Leo and never forced him to talk about the things that were bothering him and was instead just there for him.
Thank you Good Girls Pr and the author for an eARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
- Marriage of Convenience
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Age Gap (H41/h25)
This is the third book in the Venice Mafia series and while it can be read as a standalone, there will be spoilers from the previous books. I personally did not read the first two and I followed along just fine.
I found this one to be on the lighter side of the mafia romances I read read lately, but it was still very good. It would be a perfect for anyone who is just diving into the world of mafia romance.
I loved the relationship between Leo and Rosa. Leo was so supportive of Rosa and her fashion business and I loved how he made sure her family knew just how proud he was of her. And Rosa, I loved how she was patient with Leo and never forced him to talk about the things that were bothering him and was instead just there for him.
Thank you Good Girls Pr and the author for an eARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
September 5, 2025
Loving this series so far! Leo is everything — smart, intense, and honestly, I need him to come fix my life 😂 The story is hot, fast-paced, and totally addictive.
May 2, 2024
More like 3 1/2 stars
This was a new to me author and I really enjoyed the book! I love mafia romance and this one had an arranged marriage which is my favorite trope.
Rosa is a fashion designer who has friends in the Venetian mafia. He brother ends up doing business with and getting in trouble with one of the mafia families. So now Rosa and her whole family are in danger.
That’s where Leo steps in. He agrees to marry Rosa so she and her family will be protected. But he tells Rosa that their marriage is in name only 🙄😏 yeah ok.
The drama was good but I love how the book focused on Leo and all the sweet and caring things did for arise. It also focused on the trauma he carried from a situation in his past.
This was a new to me author and I really enjoyed the book! I love mafia romance and this one had an arranged marriage which is my favorite trope.
Rosa is a fashion designer who has friends in the Venetian mafia. He brother ends up doing business with and getting in trouble with one of the mafia families. So now Rosa and her whole family are in danger.
That’s where Leo steps in. He agrees to marry Rosa so she and her family will be protected. But he tells Rosa that their marriage is in name only 🙄😏 yeah ok.
The drama was good but I love how the book focused on Leo and all the sweet and caring things did for arise. It also focused on the trauma he carried from a situation in his past.
![Profile Image for Yves V.H. [Slow reading].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1710076694i%2F170151541._UY200_CR5%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 10, 2024
I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The FMC was (very) thirsty. In other books, I wouldn't mind it as much but that's because the FMC has other personality than just being obsessed with a guy. She also supposed to have a goal that she will make the MMC fall in love with him but I don't know where that went. I don't really understand the plot that much. It had a good idea but it was not executed well. The MMC also confuses me. He does this push and pull but not in an attractive way.
Thank you, Good Girls PR and author for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Thank you, Good Girls PR and author for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 3, 2024
ARC review
Thank you to Tara Crescent & Good Girls PR for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Why didn’t I pick up this series earlier? Granted, this is technically the 3rd book & I did not read the first 2 but you didn’t really need to. However, I’m gonna go back & read the first 2 since this 3rd book was great!
It had drama, love, forced proximity, arranged marriage & damn the spice! Wowwww! The story line really kept you locked in & kept you wondering what was going to happen next.
It may have seemed “unrealistic” in that things happened so quickly such as talking about getting engaged, then 4 hours later, you are engaged. But leave these minor details behind & the book is as realistic as it can be.
Some might also consider it fast paced in that parts don’t connect or doesn’t make sense but it’s most likely bc she has 2 other books before this one… but like I said, you don’t really have to read the first 2 to fully comprehend this 3rd book.
Rosa & Leo may have not connected at first & there may have been a lot of back & forth but that’s what you get when you force someone into a marriage/ relationship when you’re still grieving & can’t really get over a traumatic event.
Overall, I really liked this book. I will definitely be reading the other 2 along w/ the rest of Tara’s books.
Thank you to Tara Crescent & Good Girls PR for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Why didn’t I pick up this series earlier? Granted, this is technically the 3rd book & I did not read the first 2 but you didn’t really need to. However, I’m gonna go back & read the first 2 since this 3rd book was great!
It had drama, love, forced proximity, arranged marriage & damn the spice! Wowwww! The story line really kept you locked in & kept you wondering what was going to happen next.
It may have seemed “unrealistic” in that things happened so quickly such as talking about getting engaged, then 4 hours later, you are engaged. But leave these minor details behind & the book is as realistic as it can be.
Some might also consider it fast paced in that parts don’t connect or doesn’t make sense but it’s most likely bc she has 2 other books before this one… but like I said, you don’t really have to read the first 2 to fully comprehend this 3rd book.
Rosa & Leo may have not connected at first & there may have been a lot of back & forth but that’s what you get when you force someone into a marriage/ relationship when you’re still grieving & can’t really get over a traumatic event.
Overall, I really liked this book. I will definitely be reading the other 2 along w/ the rest of Tara’s books.
February 22, 2024
Ooh Venetian Mafia? Yes please. I did find myself usually Google often because I'm apparently not so adept at Italian geography as I thought I was!
I loved Leo and Rosa together! I enjoyed the pace of the book and all the little twists and turns. It was easy to follow the plot and the characters were enjoyable. Hugh drove me crazy, but in the end, I understand the reason behind the whole heist/mystery.
Thanks to Tara and GoodGirlsPR for the opportunity to obtain an ARC!
I loved Leo and Rosa together! I enjoyed the pace of the book and all the little twists and turns. It was easy to follow the plot and the characters were enjoyable. Hugh drove me crazy, but in the end, I understand the reason behind the whole heist/mystery.
Thanks to Tara and GoodGirlsPR for the opportunity to obtain an ARC!
March 18, 2024
i love mafia
February 8, 2024
This book by Tara crescent feels too fast.
There was a marriage right away. Also the first time that Rosa met Leo, she accidentally flashes him by her dress straps were too loose and it fell down exposing her breast.
Thank you Tara Cresent and PR girls for this ARC. I already exchanged my voluntary review for this book- The fixer.
Arranged marriage, age gap & mafia all In this one book.
There was a marriage right away. Also the first time that Rosa met Leo, she accidentally flashes him by her dress straps were too loose and it fell down exposing her breast.
Thank you Tara Cresent and PR girls for this ARC. I already exchanged my voluntary review for this book- The fixer.
Arranged marriage, age gap & mafia all In this one book.
February 7, 2024
I received this as an ARC (thank you so much good girls.pr & Tara Cresent 🥹)
Shockingly this was my first mafia romance read, which is wild!
While this was the 3 book in the series, and having not read the first 2 (will be reading soon), I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The story all still flowed.
There were many tropes, slow burn, age gap, forced proximity, she falls first/he falls harder, and arranged marriage.
I flew through this book, as I enjoyed the drama, the banter and the inevitable romance between Rosa & Leo.
I’m always a fan of a possessive MMC 😈
My one small complaint was some things felt a tad rushed and I would have liked to seen a little more character development from both Rosa & Leo.
All in all it was a great, quick read. Good balance of drama, romance and spice 🌶️
Shockingly this was my first mafia romance read, which is wild!
While this was the 3 book in the series, and having not read the first 2 (will be reading soon), I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The story all still flowed.
There were many tropes, slow burn, age gap, forced proximity, she falls first/he falls harder, and arranged marriage.
I flew through this book, as I enjoyed the drama, the banter and the inevitable romance between Rosa & Leo.
I’m always a fan of a possessive MMC 😈
My one small complaint was some things felt a tad rushed and I would have liked to seen a little more character development from both Rosa & Leo.
All in all it was a great, quick read. Good balance of drama, romance and spice 🌶️
August 28, 2024
5/5
Роза та Лео / princess and orsacchiotto mio
• Вона рятує свого брата виходячи заміж за Лео,а Лео хоче щоб її ніхто не турбував,тому пропонує їй вийти заміж аби запобігти серйозним проблемам
У цих двох була дуже цікава перша зустріч,Роза яка очікувала лише Вал , а тут у дверях і Лео,ще й в такий дуже епічний момент 😂
(не буду спойлерити)
Лео не хоче вступати у відносини,адже боїться зробити боляче Розі,та й плюс винить себе у смерті колишньої дружини та викраденні Анжеліки (дочки Вал)
ТАКОЖ
Розі таке не подобається,бо Лео сказав що між ними лише фальшивий шлюб,де на публіці вони любляча пара,а за закритими дверима ніхто один одному
ПРОТЕ
Роза хоче справжнього шлюбу,щастя,кохання і зробить усе щоб закохати Лео у себе
Вона починає діяти :
- Операція «Змусь Лео Чезарі закохатись в Розу Тран»
• Він робить вигляд що йому байдуже,але є одне але ...ось шматочок тексту з книги :
- " Хто заступиться за неї? Хто хвалить її успіхи? Хто сказав їй, що вони нею пишаються? Ніхто. І вона звикла до цього, змирилась з тим, як це було завжди, і любить їх так сильно, що жертвує рештою частиною свого життя, щоб зберегти їх в безпеці.
Вона заслуговує кращого.Я не можу запропонувати їй кохання. Але я можу бути поруч з нею так, як її сім'я не може.
А також ці слова :
— Ти про всіх турбуєшся, — говорю я тихо. «Дозволь мені потурбуватися про тебе».
• Він обіцяв своїй покійній дружині вірність та любов і не дозволяє порушити обіцянку навіть після смерті,але ж життя продовжується,ми закохуємось у інших,живемо далі,працюємо,хоча це вже інше життя після смерті близької людини
АЛЕ
Справедливо відчути себе живим та щасливим,а не заборонити собі і обмежувати у певних речах.
Я думаю він це згодом зрозуміє, адже поки я на 30% книги і далі я очікую на багато цікавих моментів.
Десь під кінець НАРЕШТІ я дочекалась коли він все розповість їй
свою таємницю,відкриє душу і довіриться їй
Ця історія як феєрверк,всі емоції тут як тут і не потрібно нічого додавати 🫶🏻
- "Ти думаєш, мене хвилюють діаманти? Ти коштуєш більше, ніж якийсь проклятий камінь. Прикраси можна замінити. Люди не можуть".
Роза та Лео / princess and orsacchiotto mio
• Вона рятує свого брата виходячи заміж за Лео,а Лео хоче щоб її ніхто не турбував,тому пропонує їй вийти заміж аби запобігти серйозним проблемам
У цих двох була дуже цікава перша зустріч,Роза яка очікувала лише Вал , а тут у дверях і Лео,ще й в такий дуже епічний момент 😂
(не буду спойлерити)
Лео не хоче вступати у відносини,адже боїться зробити боляче Розі,та й плюс винить себе у смерті колишньої дружини та викраденні Анжеліки (дочки Вал)
ТАКОЖ
Розі таке не подобається,бо Лео сказав що між ними лише фальшивий шлюб,де на публіці вони любляча пара,а за закритими дверима ніхто один одному
ПРОТЕ
Роза хоче справжнього шлюбу,щастя,кохання і зробить усе щоб закохати Лео у себе
Вона починає діяти :
- Операція «Змусь Лео Чезарі закохатись в Розу Тран»
• Він робить вигляд що йому байдуже,але є одне але ...ось шматочок тексту з книги :
- " Хто заступиться за неї? Хто хвалить її успіхи? Хто сказав їй, що вони нею пишаються? Ніхто. І вона звикла до цього, змирилась з тим, як це було завжди, і любить їх так сильно, що жертвує рештою частиною свого життя, щоб зберегти їх в безпеці.
Вона заслуговує кращого.Я не можу запропонувати їй кохання. Але я можу бути поруч з нею так, як її сім'я не може.
А також ці слова :
— Ти про всіх турбуєшся, — говорю я тихо. «Дозволь мені потурбуватися про тебе».
• Він обіцяв своїй покійній дружині вірність та любов і не дозволяє порушити обіцянку навіть після смерті,але ж життя продовжується,ми закохуємось у інших,живемо далі,працюємо,хоча це вже інше життя після смерті близької людини
АЛЕ
Справедливо відчути себе живим та щасливим,а не заборонити собі і обмежувати у певних речах.
Я думаю він це згодом зрозуміє, адже поки я на 30% книги і далі я очікую на багато цікавих моментів.
Десь під кінець НАРЕШТІ я дочекалась коли він все розповість їй
свою таємницю,відкриє душу і довіриться їй
Ця історія як феєрверк,всі емоції тут як тут і не потрібно нічого додавати 🫶🏻
- "Ти думаєш, мене хвилюють діаманти? Ти коштуєш більше, ніж якийсь проклятий камінь. Прикраси можна замінити. Люди не можуть".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
ARC REVIEW - HONEST AS ALWAYS
𝓣𝓲𝓽𝓵𝓮: 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐹𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝓎 𝒯𝒶𝓇𝒶 𝒞𝓇𝑒𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓃𝓉
𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓽𝓮: 𝐹𝑒𝒷𝓇𝓊𝒶𝓇𝓎 𝟣𝟧, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 𝟦/𝟧 ⭐️ | 𝟤/𝟥 🌶️
When Rosa Tran 25, caretaker of everyone in her life, fashion designer, and all around sunshine and bubbles & Leo Cesar 41, billionaire head of security for the Venetian Mafia first meet sparks fly, chemistry sizzles, and they are both very attracted to each other.
Rosa does little to hide her attraction and is very bold in telling Leo exactly what she wants when they see one another again. While Leo acknowledges his attraction to Rosa, he refuses to entertain anything beyond that.
This all changes when Rosa’s brother gets in over his head with a rival Mafia, forcing Rosa and Leo into an arranged marriage in order to save her brother’s life. What starts out as a business arrangement quickly grows into more.
There’s laughs, there’s heartbreak, there’s healing, and there’s lots of spice!
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲!
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 3 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦.
𝓣𝓲𝓽𝓵𝓮: 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐹𝒾𝓍𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝓎 𝒯𝒶𝓇𝒶 𝒞𝓇𝑒𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓃𝓉
𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓽𝓮: 𝐹𝑒𝒷𝓇𝓊𝒶𝓇𝓎 𝟣𝟧, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 𝟦/𝟧 ⭐️ | 𝟤/𝟥 🌶️
When Rosa Tran 25, caretaker of everyone in her life, fashion designer, and all around sunshine and bubbles & Leo Cesar 41, billionaire head of security for the Venetian Mafia first meet sparks fly, chemistry sizzles, and they are both very attracted to each other.
Rosa does little to hide her attraction and is very bold in telling Leo exactly what she wants when they see one another again. While Leo acknowledges his attraction to Rosa, he refuses to entertain anything beyond that.
This all changes when Rosa’s brother gets in over his head with a rival Mafia, forcing Rosa and Leo into an arranged marriage in order to save her brother’s life. What starts out as a business arrangement quickly grows into more.
There’s laughs, there’s heartbreak, there’s healing, and there’s lots of spice!
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲!
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 3 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘧𝘪𝘢 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦.
April 14, 2024
Another mafia romance, say less! Leo never thought he would get married again…but then he finds himself in an arranged marriage to save Rosa and her family after her brother’s mistakes. Having previously met at a friends wedding, the tension and wanting between these two was already there. It only burns hotter as their story develops and I loved it.
This is the third book in the Venice Mafia series but it can be read as a standalone. I personally did not read the first two and I did not find it hard to follow while listening to this audiobook.
I loved the narrators and the dual narration! They were perfect for the audiobook!
- Mafia
- Arranged Marriage
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Age Gap
- Possessive MMC
- Grumpy Sunshine
This is the third book in the Venice Mafia series but it can be read as a standalone. I personally did not read the first two and I did not find it hard to follow while listening to this audiobook.
I loved the narrators and the dual narration! They were perfect for the audiobook!
- Mafia
- Arranged Marriage
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Age Gap
- Possessive MMC
- Grumpy Sunshine
February 19, 2024
It was nice. The age gap was not a major turn off -it was actually handled pretty well.
Still -I’m taking a break from Mafia-Romance. I can’t seem to get excited enough for them like I usually did.
Still -I’m taking a break from Mafia-Romance. I can’t seem to get excited enough for them like I usually did.
April 16, 2024
Received ALC for honest review:
This is hands down my favorite installment in the series!!!! Leo is baby daddy and I am sat for him! We love a protective, scarred, mafia enforcer, problem solver, troubled past, teddy bear!
This is hands down my favorite installment in the series!!!! Leo is baby daddy and I am sat for him! We love a protective, scarred, mafia enforcer, problem solver, troubled past, teddy bear!
June 16, 2024
I freaking loved this book.
A mariage of connivence where he falls harder…have mercy I beg
A mariage of connivence where he falls harder…have mercy I beg
February 11, 2024
The Fixer is my first read from Tara Crescent, and it was a pleasant surprise. I will have to go back and read the prior books of this series. The story is filled with passion and angst - a coming together of two souls in an age-gap arranged marriage. The plot's pace is rapid as Leo and Rosa find themselves engaged after several hours of meeting each other, so that threw me for a loop. However, my heart melted as the two learned about one another, and their budding attraction grew to passion. As the virgin heroine, Rosa was very fierce and not as naive as I expected her to be, which was a plus.
What I liked:
Leo was so freaking swoon-worthy with his alpha bravado
'My Wife"
Rosa is a badass
The back-and-forth banter - push and pull
The mafia setting and plot
What I Didn't Like:
The pace of the engagement was a bit fast
The secondary plot with Rosa's family was a bit confusing to follow
I would have liked to see a bit more spice.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The writing was well-developed, and Leo and Rosa's passion and love were endearing. Leo was a protector out of love, not out of possession, which I thought was really refreshing. I highly recommend this one.
What I liked:
Leo was so freaking swoon-worthy with his alpha bravado
'My Wife"
Rosa is a badass
The back-and-forth banter - push and pull
The mafia setting and plot
What I Didn't Like:
The pace of the engagement was a bit fast
The secondary plot with Rosa's family was a bit confusing to follow
I would have liked to see a bit more spice.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The writing was well-developed, and Leo and Rosa's passion and love were endearing. Leo was a protector out of love, not out of possession, which I thought was really refreshing. I highly recommend this one.
February 13, 2024
#ARC REVIEW
I'm really happy to be chosen to read this book exclusively, as an ARC read, and I want to thank good girl pr and author tara crescent for this amazing opportunity.
Now, let's get into the exciting story of Rosa, a fashion designer, and Leo, a former mafia guy who unexpectedly becomes a billionaire.
From the beginning, there's a big age difference between the two main characters providing a treat for those who enjoy this trope.
Rosa is a lovely young woman who's never been interested in sex, at least not until she crosses the paths with Leo. Leo seems like a tough guy, but he's been through a lot.
The book also deals with sadness, showing a guy who takes care of everyone but forgets about himself. I won't spoil the plot, but I really recommend reading this book when it comes out on February 15th. You won't be disappointed.
This is the first book I've read by Tara Crescent, and it makes me want to check out the other two books in the series. It's very well-written, and the story is really interesting. I liked the characters and the plots are incredibly engaging.
The spicy parts—wow! She's a virgin, so you can imagine what happens next. I won't say more. Enjoy your reading!
#arrangedmarriage
#grief
#agegap
#mafiaromance
#dualpovs
#virginFMC
I'm really happy to be chosen to read this book exclusively, as an ARC read, and I want to thank good girl pr and author tara crescent for this amazing opportunity.
Now, let's get into the exciting story of Rosa, a fashion designer, and Leo, a former mafia guy who unexpectedly becomes a billionaire.
From the beginning, there's a big age difference between the two main characters providing a treat for those who enjoy this trope.
Rosa is a lovely young woman who's never been interested in sex, at least not until she crosses the paths with Leo. Leo seems like a tough guy, but he's been through a lot.
The book also deals with sadness, showing a guy who takes care of everyone but forgets about himself. I won't spoil the plot, but I really recommend reading this book when it comes out on February 15th. You won't be disappointed.
This is the first book I've read by Tara Crescent, and it makes me want to check out the other two books in the series. It's very well-written, and the story is really interesting. I liked the characters and the plots are incredibly engaging.
The spicy parts—wow! She's a virgin, so you can imagine what happens next. I won't say more. Enjoy your reading!
#arrangedmarriage
#grief
#agegap
#mafiaromance
#dualpovs
#virginFMC
February 15, 2024
The fixer was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the mafia world she built. Leo is a hero with a good heart and eyes for his future arranged wife but also holds some past trauma close to his choice. While his thoughts and actions were unreasonable at times, I couldn't really fault him much, given what he experienced with his first wife. Rosa was beyond patient and nurturing even when he was trying to keep her out of his heart. I liked her spirit and soothing nature. There's definitely some political powers in play that give the sense of danger and urgency as to why they must quickly marry but I felt like i could follow it without reading other books in the series. I really loved their attraction and tension and felt this was so strong. All in all a great book!
February 14, 2024
Italian Mafia > Russian Mafia
Leo and Rosa’s chemistry is so incredible. I love their personalities separate as well - the spin on their roles in their own occupations are interesting. I enjoyed hearing about Rosa’s design business and wish we saw more of it! Leo’s heart and blatant passion for protecting those he loves was great, but I felt it was slightly overplayed some.
The spicy scenes - girl, buckle up! I wish there had been maybe one more, but what is featured will get you hot and bothered so be careful when you read this in public.
4.5⭐️ 4.5🌶️
Leo and Rosa’s chemistry is so incredible. I love their personalities separate as well - the spin on their roles in their own occupations are interesting. I enjoyed hearing about Rosa’s design business and wish we saw more of it! Leo’s heart and blatant passion for protecting those he loves was great, but I felt it was slightly overplayed some.
The spicy scenes - girl, buckle up! I wish there had been maybe one more, but what is featured will get you hot and bothered so be careful when you read this in public.
4.5⭐️ 4.5🌶️
February 3, 2024
I couldn’t put it down 🤭
So it’s a arranged married, age gap, slow burn, she falls first but he falls harder 🤭
I loved how possessive he was of her since the beginning and the tension leading up to it 🤭 “orsacchiotto mio” surprised me with his dirty talk 🥵 but my favorite was him always taking care of her because she always took care of everyone 🥹🩷
5⭐️
Thank you Tara and good girls pr for letting me arc read 🩷
So it’s a arranged married, age gap, slow burn, she falls first but he falls harder 🤭
I loved how possessive he was of her since the beginning and the tension leading up to it 🤭 “orsacchiotto mio” surprised me with his dirty talk 🥵 but my favorite was him always taking care of her because she always took care of everyone 🥹🩷
5⭐️
Thank you Tara and good girls pr for letting me arc read 🩷
February 17, 2024
4.5 ✨
I really enjoyed this one! I love how instantly Leo became protective of Rosa. #touchheranddievibes
Also, I love how Rosa never backed down from falling in love with Leo (even though he definitely tried so hard not to have her fall in love).
Tropes
🩶Age-gap
🩶Arranged Marriage
🩶Grumpy x Sunshine
🩶 Mafia Romance
I really enjoyed this one! I love how instantly Leo became protective of Rosa. #touchheranddievibes
Also, I love how Rosa never backed down from falling in love with Leo (even though he definitely tried so hard not to have her fall in love).
Tropes
🩶Age-gap
🩶Arranged Marriage
🩶Grumpy x Sunshine
🩶 Mafia Romance
February 8, 2024
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
This was my first Tara Crescent read and I love a mafia romance so I couldn’t resist signing up for the ARC. I loved Leo and Rosa together! Leo was the perfect package: respectful, supportive, encouraging, and protective of Rosa from the beginning on. Rosa was a ball of sass and I loved how independent she was. Unlike most mafia romances I’ve read, Leo acknowledges he is struggling with his mental health and he was going to seek help, which I thought was awesome.
I do wish I had read the first two books in the Venice Mafia series first. This was easily read as a standalone; however there were lot of characters to keep up with and the pace of the book is pretty fast. I feel like I would have enjoyed the story more knowing the characters better. Overall, I really enjoyed Rosa and Leo’s story!
The Fixer releases 2/15/24 so be sure to add it to your TBR!
Thank you to Good Girl PR and Tara Crescent for the ARC ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
This was my first Tara Crescent read and I love a mafia romance so I couldn’t resist signing up for the ARC. I loved Leo and Rosa together! Leo was the perfect package: respectful, supportive, encouraging, and protective of Rosa from the beginning on. Rosa was a ball of sass and I loved how independent she was. Unlike most mafia romances I’ve read, Leo acknowledges he is struggling with his mental health and he was going to seek help, which I thought was awesome.
I do wish I had read the first two books in the Venice Mafia series first. This was easily read as a standalone; however there were lot of characters to keep up with and the pace of the book is pretty fast. I feel like I would have enjoyed the story more knowing the characters better. Overall, I really enjoyed Rosa and Leo’s story!
The Fixer releases 2/15/24 so be sure to add it to your TBR!
Thank you to Good Girl PR and Tara Crescent for the ARC ❤️
February 16, 2024
This was my first ARC read and loved it. Age-gap, marriage of convenience, she falls first but he falls harder mafia romance. Do I need to say more. This was also my first time reading a mafia romance and it makes me want to read the first two books of this series and more mafia romances. I enjoyed the depth to characters and the drama that goes along with a mafia kingdom. Literally chefs kiss. Also the spice… 😏😏😏 Perfection. I definitely recommend this book and want to read the rest of the series soon!
February 27, 2024
Oh, how I loved Leo and Rosa and the nicknames they had for each other! Loved the pace of the book, and the story kept me wanting more.
Thank you, Tara and Good Girls PR, for the ARC
Thank you, Tara and Good Girls PR, for the ARC
February 17, 2024
3.5⭐️
Thank you Good Girls PR and Tara Crescent for this ARC read.
I’m very new to the Mafia game and I liked some parts of this book.
It was incredibly easy for me to like Rosa Tran. She is the virgin heroine who finally comes into her own person when backed and pushed into a wall. With her being the oldest sibling, shes asked to marry a man who is almost twice her age, to protect her family.
There were definitely some steamy scenes in this one
😉🚨🥵
Tropes:
💍Arranged marriage
💍Mafia romance
💍MY WIFE 💦💦💦
💍Billionaire romance 🫠🫠🫠
💍Age Gap (my fave 😍)
💍Virgin Heroine
Thank you Good Girls PR and Tara Crescent for this ARC read.
I’m very new to the Mafia game and I liked some parts of this book.
It was incredibly easy for me to like Rosa Tran. She is the virgin heroine who finally comes into her own person when backed and pushed into a wall. With her being the oldest sibling, shes asked to marry a man who is almost twice her age, to protect her family.
There were definitely some steamy scenes in this one
😉🚨🥵
Tropes:
💍Arranged marriage
💍Mafia romance
💍MY WIFE 💦💦💦
💍Billionaire romance 🫠🫠🫠
💍Age Gap (my fave 😍)
💍Virgin Heroine
October 21, 2024
This was only my second ever ARC and I wasn't sure what to expect having never read any of Tara Crescent's works before.
Not going to lie, was extremely confused at how fast paced and skimmed over everything was until I realized Tara was giving the reader the background and recap of the first two novels of this series (which I've since nabbed) so be aware that while this could technically be a standalone, I noticed what I assume were nods to previous stories and I'm excited to get the references.
Now, into the story.
Leo and Rosa have bumped into each other on multiple occasions, which has created interest on both sides, but Leo seems extremely reluctant to the point of "clearly there's a dark secret here" which the reader is clued into early enough to avoid reader frustration but, like any good author, Crescent only gives us a small taste of the story, adding iota by iota until you, the reader, fully comprehend the tragedy faced by his younger self.
Meanwhile Rosa is saddled with well-intentioned-but-still-assholes parents and a brother who isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer and gets himself (ergo his family) in hot water with the southern Mafia.
Shocking as this may be to you, potential reader of a Mafia romance novel, Leo is also part of La Cosa Nostra, Venice division, and (STOP READING HERE AND GO TO NEXT CAPS TO AVOID SPOILERS) offers to protect the family by marrying Rosa, thereby making the entire family protected as family members of a Venetian mobster.
You'll be surprised to know that Leo is set on having a marriage in name only but cannot resist Rosa and the happily ever after calling his name.
(RESTART HERE, SPOILER AVOIDERS)
Were parts of this story predictable? Yes. But honestly, that's part of why I love romance novels of this ilk. I like trying to guess the twists and am proud when I'm right and shocked in the best way if I'm wrong. I missed quite a few of the twists in this one, and they all made obvious sense once revealed without me scratching my head and trying to figure out how we got from A to Z.
This was a fun, steamy, spicy, delectably morally gray romance with a reluctant yet possessive man who is every sexy masculine thing in private while defending his queen and letting her shine in her own right in public. Rosa is a badass who didn't let her family dissuade her from her passions and goals despite their attempts to deter her.
And when I tell you the steamy scenes were spicy, whoooo do I mean it. No fade to black here, but Crescent also didn't stray to the opposite end of the spectrum of 'this is so explicit I'm honestly a little uncomfortable' (which has been known to happen, shockingly given my penchant for romance novels).
This is a well written, entertaining read and now I must end my review because I read one of the spiciest scenes and need to go find my husband. 😂
Not going to lie, was extremely confused at how fast paced and skimmed over everything was until I realized Tara was giving the reader the background and recap of the first two novels of this series (which I've since nabbed) so be aware that while this could technically be a standalone, I noticed what I assume were nods to previous stories and I'm excited to get the references.
Now, into the story.
Leo and Rosa have bumped into each other on multiple occasions, which has created interest on both sides, but Leo seems extremely reluctant to the point of "clearly there's a dark secret here" which the reader is clued into early enough to avoid reader frustration but, like any good author, Crescent only gives us a small taste of the story, adding iota by iota until you, the reader, fully comprehend the tragedy faced by his younger self.
Meanwhile Rosa is saddled with well-intentioned-but-still-assholes parents and a brother who isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer and gets himself (ergo his family) in hot water with the southern Mafia.
Shocking as this may be to you, potential reader of a Mafia romance novel, Leo is also part of La Cosa Nostra, Venice division, and (STOP READING HERE AND GO TO NEXT CAPS TO AVOID SPOILERS) offers to protect the family by marrying Rosa, thereby making the entire family protected as family members of a Venetian mobster.
You'll be surprised to know that Leo is set on having a marriage in name only but cannot resist Rosa and the happily ever after calling his name.
(RESTART HERE, SPOILER AVOIDERS)
Were parts of this story predictable? Yes. But honestly, that's part of why I love romance novels of this ilk. I like trying to guess the twists and am proud when I'm right and shocked in the best way if I'm wrong. I missed quite a few of the twists in this one, and they all made obvious sense once revealed without me scratching my head and trying to figure out how we got from A to Z.
This was a fun, steamy, spicy, delectably morally gray romance with a reluctant yet possessive man who is every sexy masculine thing in private while defending his queen and letting her shine in her own right in public. Rosa is a badass who didn't let her family dissuade her from her passions and goals despite their attempts to deter her.
And when I tell you the steamy scenes were spicy, whoooo do I mean it. No fade to black here, but Crescent also didn't stray to the opposite end of the spectrum of 'this is so explicit I'm honestly a little uncomfortable' (which has been known to happen, shockingly given my penchant for romance novels).
This is a well written, entertaining read and now I must end my review because I read one of the spiciest scenes and need to go find my husband. 😂
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