My Mafia King

by Shayne Ford

Carmina Leto is in Las Vegas, looking for a job and a way to fix her life and run away from a crazy ex and her abusive father, when she stumbles into a handsome stranger.

As her ex threatens to ruin her plans, she asks the man she knows virtually nothing about to pretend he's her boyfriend so she can push her stalker away.

Little does she know the man in question is none other than a feared Capo and the Kingpin of Las Vegas.
What starts like a stroke of fate makes it impossible for them to pull away from each other.

Author's notes:

This is the first book of The Lost Story Duet. It's a mafia romantic suspense that depicts mafia life and a slow burn beautiful love story that starts as an unusual friendship and morphs into so much more.

Damaso Salla is haunted by a story from the past that hasn't had the chance to happen.
His ways are decisive and often times fatal as a mafia boss, but he is protective and patient with Carmina.
The story gets more spicy in the second book of the duet.
The first book ends in a cliffhanger.
HEA at the end of the duet.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2023

About the author

Get a steamy freebie when you sign up to my newsletter. ––> https://geni.us/freebiesignup

Shayne writes epic love stories with spice, plot, bits of darkness, and suspense.

Most of the time, her lead men are morally gray, and her stories are slow burn and anchored in reality, making her cast authentic and unforgettable.

All-time popular series: like the Night of the Kings, Shades of Love, and Night of the Diamonds Series showcase steamy, suspenseful romance at its best.

Her vast catalog is growing with delicious stories of all kinds that beg to be read over and over again. If you like your stories sprinkled with spice, suspense, and a dash of real life, you are in good company.

Her creative mind works overtime to come up with the stories that await patiently to be brought to life. Her love for books began when she grew up surrounded by books.

She likes to spend hours and hours in bookstores, brushing her fingers over amazing covers, and enjoying the unmistakable smell of newly printed books and freshly brewed coffee.

Never in a million years would she have thought that her stories would come to life someday and entertain so many people.

Her passion for the written word is only matched by her love for animals and nature.

When she's not writing, she's outside, walking and connecting with nature. She considers herself lucky to share her life with her amazing furry kids, who are very much book lovers as they are perfect companions.

Take a look at her lead men.

New Mafia Romance

CALLAN (The Bard Dynasty) A Standalone Mafia Romance

EWAN (The Bard Dynasty) A Standalone Mafia Romance


The Classics

The Ultimate Bad Boy Billionaire finds his match (JAMES)–The Night of the Kings Series
The Billionaire who doesn't believe in second chances changes his mind when he meets her(MCKENNA)–The Shades of Love Trilogy
The enigmatic, irresistible, hard-to-please King of Manhattan (REMI) lures her into a world of secrets and delicious affairs–The Night of the Diamonds Series
The magnetic mafia boss who wants a fake wife and makes the ultimate sacrifice for her. (MAX DE LUCCA)–The Forbidden Husband Mafia Duet
The sultry Billionaire who falls in love with a dancer (CAMERON)–The Night of the Diamonds Series
The Billionaire obsessed with a married woman caught in a web of lies (SEBASTIEN––Love is War)~The Boxset.
The Billionaire who saves a woman married to a mobster (BARON)–The Lions at Dawn Series (books 2 to 4)
The mercurial, perfect mix of fire and ice (ALEXANDER) who becomes obsessed with her –The Night of the Kings Series
The old soul trapped in a young body who sweeps his woman off her feet (SHADE)–The Golden Heir Trilogy
The rag-to-riches story where he is the answer to freeing her from a dark past (JADEN)–The Dark Heart Trilogy
The jaded Bad Boy Billionaire who moves away from a complicated past when he meets her (EDWARD)–The Night of the Kings Series
The powerful force who storms into her life and whisks her away from his brother (KIAN)–The House of Lions Series
The man charming a woman who lost hope that she'll ever find her man(TIAGO)–The Night of the Kings Series
The three Billionaires who dare a woman NOT to be with them and there's a prize in play (KAI, ALEJANDRO, FRANCISCO)–The Love Your Enemy Series
The Secret Billionaire she has a fiery affair with (no cheating involved) RHETT–The Kiss Duet
The Las Vegas mobster who becomes her protector (DAMASO)–The Lost Story Duet
The younger, ex–convict who turns her world upside down (JAX)–The Last Good Man–A Standalone Story
The Billionaire who swore off feelings for a woman until he meets her (DAVID)–The Night of the Kings Series.


And then....

The two best friends, Jagger and Braxton who find the perfect woman to fall in love with and ask to join them in their quest for freedom before exploring their feelings for each other. (WILD HEART SERIES)

The Rockstar Romance bursting with emotions. The slow-burn story of

Reviews

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWISTED Mafia King
I could feel the tension between Carmina and Damaso from the start. It gave me anxiety, made me anxious and had me chewing my damnn nails. The anticipation of the unknown danger at every turn for Carmina and the situation she fled from, only to have more to follow and add to her crappy life circumstances. Mix in the dangerous environment of Damaso and Carmina has definitely taken on more than she ever planned for in her eighteen years of life. With her sights set on saving her sister she is a very determined young woman. Jumping head first into the risk of doing what is right and hope like helll it all comes to fruition as it did in her(Carmina's) thought filled head. But with the unexpected twists, danger and the things not yet revealed I'm to far into to this duet trying to envision what is to come and how will the undeniable chemistry and the awakening of new senses take a play in the conclusion to this Lost Story duet that has me lost for words and demanding the unwritten answers.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Exciting. Filled with drama, a budding love, dominating, protecting and willing to teach her the ropes in the casino. Carmina is 18 and a virgin and even though Damaso desires her she is innocent in so many ways. There is something magical about her that Damaso needs in his life. She’s on the run and Damaso protects her. There is just something about her. Innocent, pure and beautiful and he gives her a job. He just needs to be close to her all the time. He is enjoying her company, her freshness, her ability to adapt to any situation. Is he falling in love? Could be. Shayne Ford knows how to get you to the end of the book and it just stops and you just want to say Aargh! It is not said in the book, but Damaso will not stop her from leaving, but giving her the opportunity to stay. He needs to protect her. Great story.

[Kathleen Pall Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sole purpose for reading this book is to give an honest review. The perk however, is reading another kick ass story. I feel with every new book, the author just keeps expanding her writing horizons. The details of the story are always on point, the mafia story line is sooo sooo good. Carmina and Damaso's attraction to each other is right there, you can almost feel the push and pull. The background of Vegas is part of the magic that contributes to a
incredible read . My only disappointment is that I hit the end of the book... damn.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Ford's series, and I'm loving her duets just as much if not more!

Like her last duet, "The Lost Story" duet is packing a PUNCH!

Ms. Ford has a way of pulling you into her character's world and you're invested in them. Rooting them on! Watching for that happily ever after you desperately need.

Carmina deserves to be pampered!

Being the "mom" to her sister at such a young age! Protecting her.

Now, she needs protecting, and Love!

Will Damaso be the ONE?

I'm dying! I hope their conclusion is coming SOON!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book hits hard and makes a lasting impact. I found Carmina and Damaso and their story totally captivating. There is such a rich lushness to this book. All the drama, tension, emotion, steam, danger, and suspense are as thick as they are plush. As this is book one of two, beware the cliffy that awaits and the fierce burning desire for the next book just as soon as you can get your grabby and needy hands on it.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mafia King is the 1st book in a duet and I was so excited to start it I ended up staying up most the night to finish it so that should tell you how FAVOLOSO it is. I can't wait for the second book to hit my in box.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining and intriguing suspenseful dangerous story line. And the characters are very interesting. As Damaso and Carmina get to know each other. I read a copy without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this enjoyable Mafia Romance with drama, danger, attraction, secrets, and violence. The MCs are defined, complex, engaging, and are attracted to one another, and reluctant to take the next steps. I found this book entertaining and engaging. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Ystewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Disappoints!

Shayne Ford, you never disappoint! I’m ready for the next chapter of this duet,
Hopefully the time is near! Wonderful!

[gwendolyn Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My God this was so good. Shayne has given you a twisted tale with more Drama than the law allows. If you say Carmina has bad karma, in my opinion she does. Life keep throwing her more crap than an eighteen year old should have to bear. That Ex that she is trying to get away from is a piece of cow manure. Her father isn't much better. Good thing when she made it to Vegas she found the right man to protect her, even though she didn't know who he was. I enjoyed the beat down by her and him that was given to the Ex but this is only the beginning. Like I said, the drama just keeps on coming. Shayne is keeping us on our toes. We get the attraction that's right there. The indecision whether this is a good idea or not. The innocence on her part. A sister waiting in the wings. A BFF who tells it like it is and so much more. This ends in a cliff hanger but I bet you you jump first. Get caught up in the twist of fate, you won't be disappointed.

[DEBBIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC while I was in Mexico on vacation. I say this because reading was not on my list of things to do. I did manage to find some time to start the book. I found myself making time to read through the book. I was distracted from what I was supposed to be doing just so I could read this page turner. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. My Mafia King is an excellent slow burn story. Carmina and Damaso’s chemistry was well developed and the cliff hanger definitely had me hungry for more. It will be hard waiting for the second book to come out. Write fast Shayne.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmina Leto has to get away from a crazy ex and her abusive father so makes arrangements for her young sister to stay elsewhere and then goes to Las Vegas. She is heading for an interview when her ex turns up. Carmina runs into Damaso and ask’s him to pretend to be her boyfriend. Shayne’s book just keep getting better with each one. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Carmina and her Mafia man.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Carmina and Damaso. The author does a fantastic job developing the story and pulled me in with all the drama, danger and suspense and kept me glued to the pages. She brings the heat with their sizzling passion and paints her scenes perfectly. It's a great slow burn romance and I can't wait for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[ronda davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayne Ford writes the best stories! My Mafia King is book one in The Lost Story Duet. Carmina and Damaso are great, believable characters! Ms. Ford sure knows how to bring the heat and spice! Ready for book 2!

[Stacy Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Ford has outdone herself with this new twist from a made mafia man!! Can’t wait to read what happens with these two!!

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mafia King is the first book in the Lost Story Duet which is an intriguing slow burn mafia romance between Carmina Leto, a desperate and innocent eighteen year old who escapes to Las Vegas in order to earn money to remove her younger sister Tina from their drunken and drug addict father’s home so as to start a new “normal” life for them, and Damaso Salla, the powerful capo and kingpin of the Las Vegas division of his mafia family’s territory who is drawn to Carmina as she reminds him of his first love which ended in tragedy. He takes Carmina under his protection and care after he finds her ex-boyfriend abusing and threatening her in his hotel and casino. Their story has well defined characters, a complicated relationship, secrets, mafia suspense and action, steamy attraction, and a forbidden romance. I highly recommend this well written book by Shayne Ford. The final book in the duet is My Mafia Queen.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mafia King
By Shayne Ford
Main Characters: Carmina and Damaso
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Carmina is an eighteen-year-old who has left her home life such as it was leaving her drinking father and her 12-year-old sister. She hopes to make enough money and get a place to live in Las Vegas and then she wants to rescue her younger sister from her father and seek custody. I usually do not care for Mafia stories but since it came from one of my favorite authors, I decided to try it. I loved it. I usually like my H's to be all good. I have to admit that I spent some time trying to figure out how old Damaso was. I know he was older but if Shayne told us I missed it. This story does end on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for part 2.

[Debbie Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger Beware!!!

Carmina is running from a horrible home life and an abusive ex. All she wants is too find a good job and get her sister away from all the drama.

She lands in Vegas and meets Damaso who helps her with a job and place to stay.
Carmina feels safe with Damaso but does not know he is a Mafia Man and the attraction between them is instantaneous.
When Damaso meets Carmina he is reminded of a love he lost many years ago. He wants a different life but knows there is no way out of the Mafia.
He wishes he could give Carmina something different for her and her sister.
Danger follows Carmina in the form of her abusive ex who will stop at nothing to get her back.
This story has it all, love , mystery, danger and a
CLIFF HANGER!!!
What a great story. I can't wait for the next installment.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good

Solid 4 star rating.

This was a good read. I actually liked the main characters. Although Car was young and somewhat naive, she still held her own in a way that was admirable. Damaso was actually likable. He was hard around the edges, but the way his character was written, it fits him perfectly. He's no Saint, but he's also no fake, not like the ex who tries to be hard and an alpha but is really just a puppy trying to play with the big dogs. You can clearly feel the chemistry between the two of them. This was a slowwww burn, if any. There were no smexy moments whatsoever. Which was actually fine with me since the storyline was captivating.

I can't wait to read what happens next. I can already see so much bad stuff happening before there's any HEA.

[Christine Fass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romance and age gap are my jam, I loved this book. My Mafia King is the first book in The Lost Story Duet. It gave us just enough background on both Carmina and Damaso to really suck the reader into the story. Damaso sees a youthful infatuation from his past in Carmina, she not only looks like this missed connection but has a similar demeanor. Damaso happens to be in the right place at the right time to help Carmina escape a dangerous situation, unfortunately it also puts her into an even more dangerous environment. This first book is a tease, it isn't spicy but sets up the magnetic connection our couple has. I am dying to get my hands on the next book!

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'My Mafia King' is the first book in Shayne Ford's newest duet "The Lost Story". Just a heads up, if you're like me and don't particularly care for slow-burn romances, this one has enough drama, intrigue, and moving parts that held my interest without the slow-burn seeming to tap its foot throughout the entire read. Have you heard that saying, "If it weren't for bad luck, they'd have no luck at all"? Okay, then you can relate to Carmina's life. That is until she meets Damaso Salla, and then things start to change. Ms. Ford has hit this one out of the park. Since this one ended on a cliffhanger you know I'm chomping at the bit for the next release.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heart pounding romance from Shayne Ford. Damaso and Carmina. I love Carmina. She is so sweet and innocent, yet so brave and strong. She is so determined to get her sister out of their bad home life. Damaso is a mafia kingpin. Capable of many things, good and bad. He is so patient and gentle with Carmina. Their attraction is instant and real. Ahem.
I am invested in these two and their story. How will they get their HEA? Bring me book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[K.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

While reading, I was drawn to the story, the characters, and the development. I really like Damaso. He embodied the full duality of being who he is and what he does. There's more to him than just being a mobster. There's depth in his character. The same goes for Carmina except I felt like there was too much depth. I found myself skipping whole pages of her thoughts and questions. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading Book 1. The writing is really good!

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY MAFIA KING: A Mafia Romantic Suspense (THE LOST STORY DUET Book 1) by Shayne Ford. Riveting story with emotionally charged drama, complex characters, and intense connections. I enjoyed the slow burn of Damaso and Carmina’s attraction and how patient and understanding and protective he was. Looking forward to My Mafia Queen.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darmano and Carmina!

This was a beautiful story! Where a young girl wants to make her and her sister's life better but she has to exscrape her home and sister to try and fine it,she runs into Darmano and he says he will help her after listens to her story and he care 's for her but he is fighting it.I can't b wait for the second part!

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best Mafia story I've ever read and not the worst. It lacked what I expect for a Mafia read and the pacing is slow. There is also very little drama and spiciness.
Part 2 is going to have to pick up a quick pace right off and end with a well-thought out HEA or it just won't be a great read.

[Holly Webber-long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia Boss Protects Beautiful Abused Girl

Engaging storyline with a mafia boss rescuing a young woman from a violent ex boyfriend. The plot kept my interest entirely. I was especially pleased that the author didn't feel the need to use unnecessary cursing/superfluous sex. I'm reading the next book in this series immediately!!😁

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely love anything Shayne Ford writes. The way she pulls you into the story and weaves her magic is absolutely spell bound.
Carmina and Salla story has a lot of depth and if you have read her books before you will definitely love this one.
If you haven't read any of her books, read this one it's magical and it will want you reading more.

[Joan Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indecisive

She is so young having to make such adult decisions. Her thought process is not reachable without the right help.
He made many wrong decisions. If he wanted to help her, he has enough resources to help her start over.

I wish the heroin was at least 21. The character is too young for this story. Alsi, how old is he.

[Kristy Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Spice Level: none
TW/Tropes: slow burn, mafia, age gap, child neglect, verbal abuse( not by Hero), physical abuse (not by Hero), virgins Heroine, mentions of sex trafficking, mentions of death of a parent, mentions death of a loved one, cliffhanger