Stolen Seconds

Tethered Fates #2

by Gheeti Nusrati

After Irina Morozov learns of her brother's existence, her only mission is to bring him home to assume his role as heir to the Bratva. However, the task becomes complex when Irina clashes with Luca Canaveri, the heir to the Camorra.

"No one can stop me from having you, Irina. Not even you."

From their first confrontation, Luca sets his sights on Irina. Despite her resistance, their friends, her secrets, and his criminal ties, Luca is determined to pursue her. When Irina's true identity as the daughter of the Pakhan is revealed, everything begins to unravel.

"But you and I can never be. We're on different sides of the same coin."

In a world marked by betrayal, secrets, and violence, Irina will have to decide if blood is truly thicker than water.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Contemporary

Paperback

First published December 1, 2024

Reviews

[patrycja ୨୧ ‧₊˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

trashy entertainment at its finest. aaron warner has a brother who's just as delusional as him in the italian mafia but he doesn't know it yet

[Calypso✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review🤍

✨Stolen Seconds by Ghatti Nusrati is a breathtakingly beautiful story that captivates you from the very first page. UGH MY MAN LUCA! 🫶🏽This man has my heart!! How he is with Irina warms my heart🥹. He has this vulnerability of him that is just chefs kiss.🤌🏽Irina my girl! She is soo badass! She was going through it and her push and pull thoughout book was relatable and understandable. I just wanted to hug her! ❤️‍🩹The chemistry was fire and intense!🔥

What truly sets this book apart is its emotional depth. It’s not just a romance—it’s a story about cherishing the moments that matter most and finding light even in the darkest times.💕The plot is well-paced, with twists that keep you engaged and an ending that leaves you deeply satisfied. I CRIED SO MUCH! Ughh my emotions were everywhere.😭

This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. ✨Ghatti Nusrati has crafted a masterpiece that’s both heartwarming and soul-stirring. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a mafia romance with much push and pull.🙌🏽

Tropes:
• SECRET ROMANCE (one sided af bc Irina is THAT girl)
• MAFIA
• OBSESSED MMC AT FIRST MEET
• BLACK CAT FMC X PSYCHO GOLDEN RETRIEVER MMC
• TOUCH HER & DIE X TOUCH HIM & DIE
• PUSH & PULL

[Kyvora · Rating 5 out of 5]

- ARC REVIEW -
[Found family, Mafia Romance, “Touch her and see what fucking happens,” Family wars, and even more.]

As someone who has read hundreds of books before, I can say with undeniable certainty that Stolen Seconds is one of the best books I’ve ever had the pleasure of receiving before its known release date.

From the beginning of chapter one to the end of the Epilogue, I was kept intrigued and on my feet the entire time. The story of Irina and Luca has been something that I have been waiting for ever since I finished “Tainted Ties” back in 2023 and, to be truthful, it exceeded my expectations. The love story of these two intertwined souls is chaotic and messy, foraging off of an unexpected invitation to the other’s heart. From their first interaction to the very last, you can just tell how much love and overwhelming desire they have for each-other, and even with the denial of these feelings towards each-other, neither one can stay away from the other. Whether it be thinking about them, physically seeing them, or even feeling their presence spiritually, nothing was going to keep them apart from one another.

This story did not only revolve around a couple, but it involved around an entire “Found Family” and as you continue to read the enticing story that the author has thankfully put out into the world, you yourself— or in my personal experience, you start to connect with the entire family. Roman and Aurora Mancini, Irina and Luca, Sofia and Enzo, or even Nicolai. Everybody in this story is connected in someway… whether it be love, friendship, or family— and in this extremely rare case, a bond that cannot be ruined no matter the amount of times people try to ruin it. They all love each-other… one way or the next.

In conclusion, reading this sent shivers down my spine, had me sitting up at 4AM while reading a scene that I’ll NEVER forget.

Get this book when it comes out. You will have a ton of regrets if you don’t. All I can say… is wow. You really live in the moment of the characters while reading this book.

To Gheeti Nusrati,

The feelings you are capable of igniting with just words on a page is a power one can only hope to have. You have the ability to create a story, and not only that… you have one hell of an imagination. To create a story is one thing… but to be able to write *TWO* stories combined into one book, with each having a sole focus and not blending in to one another is a whole other thing. The way you write is beautiful, and the stories you have to tell are 100% worth the wait and anticipation. By the way… you had my mouth dropped at the end of the Epilogue and I will definitely be looking forward to the next book. Keep doing what you’re doing, and never stop.

[Olivia Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is super rushed, and makes no sense

[Alina Kravets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stolen Seconds — це книга, яка захоплює з першої сторінки й не відпускає до останньої. Емоційно насичена історію, яка балансує між напругою мафіозного світу та внутрішньою боротьбою персонажів.

Пара: Ірина & Лука

Тропи:
🤍Таємний роман
🤍Мафія
🤍Одержимість з першої зустрічі
🤍"Торкнися її — помреш" × "Торкнися його — помреш"
🤍found family

Ірина Морозова - принцеса Братви, постає не просто героїнею, а силою, яку не можна ігнорувати. Її внутрішні конфлікти, травми та сила духу роблять її багатогранною.

Лука Канавері - спадкоємець Каморри, вражає своїм вмінням приймати Ірину такою, як вона є, не намагаючись її змінити. Його відданість і емоційна глибина роблять кожен момент між ними незабутнім.

Їхні стосунки — це справжня хімія: вибухова, складна, але чесна.

Книга вирізняється не лише романтичною лінією, а й темами родинних зв’язків, лояльності та пошуку свого місця у світі. Особливо торкає тема "found family", яка показує, що справжня підтримка може виходити далеко за межі кровних зв’язків.

Ця історія зворушує до сліз .

"- Якщо це не кохання, то це має бути щоссь близьке до того. Питання що ти відчуваєш?
-То, чого ніколи раніше не відчувала"

Це книга для тих, хто любить темні, але чуттєві історії, де герої не шукають порятунку один в одному, а навчаються любити попри все.

[Nihyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW~

5 fucking stars!!!!!

Hands down to one of the best mafia romance I’ve ever read, I am little picky when it comes to mafia romance but goddamn, I am so damn in love with Irina and Luca. I have been anticipating this book ever since I saw the spark between them in ‘Tainted Ties’ and the book, devoured.

While reading the book I silent screamed so much, screamed and talked about particular scenes to my friends who got no idea what I am reading but damn, this book got me hooked from the very first chapter or should I say Irina and Luca got me hooked from ‘Tainted Ties’

Like the angst, sexual tension, anger, push and pull, the pining, IT WAS AMAZING.
All the scenes were so precious to me that I just couldn’t move on. The last few chapters were hanging by a thread, and oh my god, I am in love. I can’t express it enough, but I am in love.

AND, I AM EXCITED FOR ENZO’S BOOK!!!

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love was never part of the plan for Irina Morozov: Bratva princess, badass, and overall queen of my heart. But after meeting Luca Canaveri, the next Camorra head, all her plans go out the window as she struggles to navigate her love-hate relationship with the snarky mafia prince, newfound family, and loyalty to her Bratva roots back home.

Let’s back up for a moment though. We first meet Irina as Aurora Mancini’s best friend in Tainted Ties, and I immediately knew I was going to love her. Like Aurora, she’s smart, confident, and completely immune to the alphahole machismo that men tend to exude. Irina is a force to be reckoned with. Not your typical Bratva princess, she’s fierce, unapologetic, and ready to face whatever—or whoever—comes her way, including Luca, who she literally knocks off his feet.

Luca, on the other hand, is like a golden retriever on steroids. Fierce, loyal, and earnest, he’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and put in the work to pursue the elusive beauty. He truly stole my heart with his devotion to his sister, his unwavering loyalty to Roman as a brother, and the tender way he cared for Irina when she needed him most.

“I wanted her to know I loved her in this life, and I’d love her in the next.”

The emotional intimacy between Irina and Luca more than made up for the lack of on-page physical intimacy, which I actually LOVED. I don’t think I’ve read any books this year without open-door scenes, and while I usually appreciate those, I think it’s a testament to Gheeti’s incredible writing that she created such a compelling and emotionally charged story without any spice. The overarching theme of found family was also deeply touching. I loved how everyone has come together to form this pseudo-family unit, relying on and supporting one another. The development and expansion of relationships throughout the series have been so well done.

And of course, I can’t review this book without mentioning my baby Nico! Nicolai was such a sweetheart. I adored his story, and I really hope it’s not over yet for him. I’m seriously rooting for a Nicolai book someday—maybe with Eva? (Hey, a girl can dream!)

“I’d raise hell for you if it meant you were mine.”

I laughed, I cried (a lot), and in the end, every page of this book was truly worth it.

The next book in the series will focus on Enzo and Sofia, and I just KNOW I’ll need to stock up on tissues before it’s released. Based on the past two books and the glimpses we’ve seen of their journey, I can already tell it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster. Bring it on, Gheeti—I’m so ready!

[. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ dana ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC: i can’t wait for yall to read it. Ngl It’s one of the best books ive read this year. Each page has its own magic. It hook you and makes you want to be IN THE BOOK. The plot is great and exciting (screaming and giggling and all) the characters are 🔥🔥🔥 who doesn’t want an obsessed masculine man and a strong confident woman.( im more obsessed with nico and enzo) Lastly, the writing THE WRITING TTHHEE WWRRIITTIINNGG. gheeti challenged herself and won. The story is sooo well written n poetic, easy to read and i personally wanted to highlight each line.

Here is some of my favourite lines (i need more🙂‍↕️)


>>““My name on her tongue was a caress, not gentle like a lover, no. Her voice drove deep into my bones until they splintered and cracked. Until she’d ruined me completely.”
Ruin me, sweetheart.””

>> “Didn’t she know, her defiance was enough to get me on my knees and crawl to her? I had cut myself to prove that exact point, needing her to understand the depth of how far I’d go to have her.”


>>“You are the source of all my desires.”

>>”she means everything to me”,”she is everything “

>> “I want you to remember this moment every time you see yourself.” I locked eyes with her. “That I’d willingly carry your pain and if that was all you ever gave me, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it.”


>> “I love you,” “With all the broken and scarred parts of me, I do.”
“How can you be broken when you’ve made me whole?” 🥹


>> “You are the scar that’s engraved into my soul, piccola ribelle, so even in death, I’ll feel your presence.”


Thank you gheeti for this opportunity im always grateful. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Louisa Borsutzky · Rating 3 out of 5]

So glad that I’m done with this book. Not that it was terrible, but it was kinda hard to get through. The first 40% were pretty good, and the last 15% too. But the middle part kinda dragged on and on. Also, the story seemed so shallow sometimes.

“I don’t care about any of it. Whose daughter you are or what you���ve done. None of it matters to me,” I pushed, willing her to meet my gaze. “I’d raise hell for you if it meant you were mine.”

Still, there were some really cute moments between Luca and Irina. Every normal person would have probably run, but Luca just decided that he would never let her go. Seemed a little fast for me sometimes, especially after he decided he would never let her go after seeing her once. But, go dude, I guess.

“If only you could see yourself through my eyes, then perhaps you’d understand the level of desperation I feel for you. Wanting you. Needing you.”

And the book had lots of beautiful quotes in the end and the beginning. So, if someone wants to read a book without having to think about it too much, this is the one.

“I’m not okay,” I whispered, my throat tightening. “Because the woman I love took a bullet meant for me.”

And, after Luca thought she died because of the bullet she took for him, he started to imagine her still being there. He never once doubted the fact that she could still be alive. I guess that’s all one needs to know about them.

“You are the scar that’s engraved into my soul, piccola ribelle, so even in death, I’ll feel your presence.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for me!

[Alyza Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER‼️
Don’t read this series if you don’t wanna become addicted to these books🙈
This book was so beautifully written, irina was a very strong character and has so much depth to her, & how she perceived love was a unique perspective, something that I resonated with so much since it was very realistic. Her relationship with her father also something that I think many people can relate too & not as generic as a typical mafia story. There were so many quotes that truly tugged at my heartstrings, you could FEEL the emotion & exactly what the characters were experiencing when they said them. The book was so beautiful, the tension, the emotions, the friendships, everything was just amazing. I loved how moments of Roman & Aurora appeared in the book, I missed them so much!! If you liked there book, just know you’ll love this one!! The cliff hanger at the end killed me though, I need to know what happens next😭😭 cannot wait for the next book, this one was everything❤️‍🩹

[Leila Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reviewer Here

My emotions were played with the entire time.....I do not appreciate it at all. I was ready to yeet my phone across my room. Lord I screamed in my pillow too many times reading this

Yet I loved every second I DEVOURED this book.

Lucas is a feral golden retriever and I'm totally here for it. Irina and Luca as feral as they both are have me soft for the both of them. The emotional intimacy that they had was just chefs kiss. The lack of spicy was honesty refreshing because it didn't take away from the knowing intimacy they had.

Irina finding her true family in Roman, Luca, Enzo, Nico and Aurora made my hear warm

Now for the way it ended we have to have some words because wtf....

On the constant reread list it goes. Excited for the next book in the series.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay but not my favourite.

[vanne 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Torrance Northfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Omg I love this book o can’t wait for the next book!!
I need more of these characters! What’s going on with enzo and I need more of nico’s backstory!!

[Bisma Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:
after reading tainted ties, and it being one of my favorite books i’ve read, i was SO excited for the release of stolen seconds. and the wait was well worth it! this book completely blew me away. i was hooked from the first page, and by the second half, i was an emotional mess (in the best way possible). the story was everything i could have hoped for luca and irina—it was heartfelt, beautifully written, and packed with so much emotion that i stayed up all night reading.

one thing that stood out to me was how certain moments from earlier in the story came full circle later on, with an emotional shift that perfectly reflected the characters’ growth. it was such a powerful and moving touch that had me crying even more.

if you’re looking for a story that will grip your heart, make you feel deeply, and remind you why you love reading, this is the one. i’m already excited for the next book!🩷

[Maria Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆•••ARC REVIEW•••☆
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.”

Excuse me. This has absolutely no business being this good. 👏🏻👏🏻This isn’t just enemies to lovers it’s ENEMIES to lovers and i was living for every moment of it!

First of all Irina, ummmmm i’m obsessed with everything about her. She was probably my favorite part of this book. She was strong and resilient and gave as good as she got. I loved her spirited banter with Luca. You could feel the electricity spark right off the pages

Second of all Luca, sirrrr i need you in my life. he is simply perfection. I love him, i need him. his need for control was just so fun, his ambition was actually entertaining and not boring. He is just everything and an softie for his girl!

Luca and Irina were ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! They push each other's buttons, but they cannot avoid how attracted to each other they are. I could not stop reading as I was obsessed from the first pagey believed how they fell for each other. Their relationships with their families were fun and this plot was non-stop action, which I loved.

The plot was so chef’s kiss, kept me on my toes. The family drama , dynamics, and power plays were all so well done. The development of the romance, the character arcs… all perfection.

It was so entertaining to see how it all unfolded. My personal favorite of the series so far. I can’t wait to read the next one.

“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶,𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰.”

“𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦?”

Tropes
🥀Secret Identity Romance
🥀Mafia Romance
🥀Obsessed MMC
🥀Black Cat FMC X PSYCHO Golden Retriever MMC
🥀Touch Her & Die X Touch Him & Die
🥀Push & Pull

[Catarina Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an incredible ride.
5 stars ⭐️
Irina and Luca were everything.
THE WAY MY HEART STOPPED TOWARDS THE END. 🥹
They were both so unhinged. I kept rooting for Irina to just give in. I loved all the tension and how he was so obsessed with Irina. There were no wild spicy scenes but honestly the book didn’t need them. The writing made the book and their love come to life. You just knew there were fireworks and all that jazz when it came to these two.
The love for Niko from Roman and the longing of a relationship from Irina truly tugged at my heart. I felt every emotion. Im hoping we get more of Niko. And the epilogue was everything my heart needed. 🤍
🤍black cat FMC & psycho golden retriever MMC
🤍mafia
🤍touch her & 💀
🤍touch him & 💀
🤍push and pull
🤍obsessed MMC
🤍secret romance

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this woman Irina is a cat with nine lives! I have never been so wrecked in my life while reading a book! This HEA is so hard earned especially when the two love interest didn’t even seemed entertained by love to begin with. How fucking hawt is it that they both ride bikes!!! The banter between Irina and Luca were top tier. Gheeti really knows how to write “pining” really well and the love hate was on point as always! Such an addicting series and I can’t wait for Luca’s story!

[Stephanie Pierce · Rating 2 out of 5]

What in the actual f are the girlies on tik tok on???
This was complete garbage 😂😂
I am officially done w/ tik tok suggestions.

[astrid · Rating 1 out of 5]

there is nothing to say because nothing happened here.

[athra.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irina Morozov is one of the most layered and compelling protagonists I've encountered in a dark mafia romance. Her character is a fascinating paradox: broken yet unyielding, self-sure yet weighed down by the trauma of a fractured relationship with her father. The quote, "Appearances were a deception. One could alter it and hide what was inside..." perfectly encapsulates her emotional armor—an impenetrable wall that hides a chasm of pain. Irina’s journey isn't just about survival in a ruthless underworld but also about navigating the wreckage of her own heart.

What truly sets this book apart is how it delves into Irina’s brokenness with a raw and unflinching honesty. It feels refreshing to see a main character who doesn’t need to be perfect or "fixed" to command respect and admiration. Irina’s pain, especially the wounds from her strained father-daughter relationship, shapes her into the fierce and self-assured woman she is. Yet, that same pain chips away at her piece by piece, creating a tension that makes her both human and heartbreakingly relatable.

Luca Canaveri, the enigmatic heir to the Camorra, is the perfect counterpoint to Irina. What makes their relationship so compelling is how he doesn’t sugarcoat her pain or try to fix her. Instead, he embraces it—he lives for it. Unlike typical mafia heroes who are drawn to physical beauty alone, Luca is captivated by Irina’s mind, her resilience, and the fire she carries despite her scars. His fascination with her isn’t about possession but understanding, a rare quality in this genre. The moments where Luca acknowledges her brokenness without pity, choosing instead to revel in her complexity, are some of the most powerful in the book.

What’s most striking is that this isn’t a smut-driven narrative. While the chemistry between Irina and Luca is undeniable, the book's true strength lies in its story—a story about war, not just between rival mafia families but also between wants and needs. Irina's internal conflict between her duty and her desires is as intense as the external battles she faces. It’s a story about love that doesn’t heal wounds but thrives in spite of them, and about finding connection in the most unlikely of places.

This book stands out as a dark mafia romance because it doesn’t shy away from the ugly, raw truths of its characters. Irina isn’t a heroine waiting to be saved, and Luca isn’t a hero in shining armor. Their love story is jagged, imperfect, and deeply human, making it all the more unforgettable. If you’re looking for a book that’s not afraid to explore the depths of pain, resilience, and unconventional love, this one is a must-read.

[Nisma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ARC Review]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t even know where to start because Stolen Seconds by Gheeti Nusrati completely took over my life—I DEVOURED it in less than 24 hours 🙈. My emotions were all over the place, and I was ready to throw my Kindle more times than I’d like to admit. Every twist, every heart-wrenching moment had me screaming internally when I was reading this in public, and into my pillow when I was at home.

One of my favorite parts? The Russian words sprinkled throughout the story! Since I’m learning Ukrainian, I understood so many of them, which added an extra layer of enjoyment for me. It made me feel even more immersed in the world and the characters, and I loved that touch!

Luca…oh, Luca. He’s like a feral golden retriever—loyal, wild, and everything I didn’t know I needed. The emotional connection between him and Irina was chef’s kiss. And what blew my mind? The plot was SO addictive that I didn’t even realize there wasn’t any spice until I finished. I was too caught up in the raw intimacy and emotional tension to notice, and I honestly honor your choice to step away from writing spice. You proved that a story can be just as captivating, intense, and equally heart-wrenching without it.

Irina’s journey to finding her true family in Roman, Luca, Enzo, Nico, and Aurora was so heartfelt. Every scene with them made my heart swell, and it really made me feel like I was apart of that found-family dynamic.

And THAT ENDING…, I need to discuss it with someone. All I have to say about the ending is Wtf. My heart is still in pieces, and I’m not sure how to recover. And now, I’m desperately waiting for Enzo’s story—I need more!

This is a solid 5 stars from me, and I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone when it’s released. Thank you for writing such an emotional, unforgettable story and for selecting me to ARC read it—I loved every second, even if it left me completely wrecked!

[nat ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

is it normal to cry in a mafia series with the two books that are out and there are still more books left? no no it's not but that is what has happened. I can't imagine what will happen in the third book. my heart will actually break I think.

this follows Irina Morozov and Luca Canaveri. Irina is aurora's bestfriend and Luca works with Roman and we met them briefly in the first book. Irina comes back to Italy because her father told her that they found something very important and she must bring it back to Russia. the only thing is her best friend does not know that she is part of the bratva. Luca has been captivated by her since the moment that they met and she wants nothing to do with him but he loves riling her up.

their banter is PHENOMENAL. I was laughing out loud with them. their angst and tension. the way that this man is so very protective of her after meeting her one time. again this is a closed door romance book but I loveddddd the angst and banter it did not even need the spice. she gave us a little something to keep us wanting more which is why I love this series.

at the 75% I SOBBBED. it felt like I was in a fever dream. these two have my entire heart. their entire story was so beautiful. they balance each other out. they are perfect for each other. and my favorite moments in this book were the scene in the museum under the stars, the sauna scene and the scars scene. those scenes live rent free in my mind.

5 ☆

[Kristen Lozano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Gheeti, for giving me an ARC copy. I’ve been so excited to read this book ever since I finished Tainted Ties last year.

This book was way more intense to read than the previous one. I loved it despite all the stress it gave me. I love both Luca and Irina as characters and it was fun and sweet watching them both fall in love. I was a little surprised that it wasn’t spicy at all, considering Tainted Ties definitely is. And while I do miss the spice, the romance between the two was so sweet to read that I didn’t mind it. Sometimes the push and pull of love and hate did get a little dragging at times, but overall I did enjoy Luca and Irina’s character development.

I love love loved seeing Aurora and Roman from the first book. I always get so excited to know that the first couple is doing well and still in love. I am a little upset that the book kinda ended in a cliffhanger, so I really hope she releases the next one soon.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this one and I’m addicted to this series. I seriously can’t wait until the next one.

[Chelsey Zarraga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of RuNyx, a.k.a The Dark Verse series

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 STARS

- No spice
- Mafia princess
- slow-burn
- lost sibling bond
- action
- suspense

Honest ARC review 🫶🏻

Oh boy, where do I start? Luca is officially in my book-boyfriend list 🫶🏻

Pros:
- the plot was amazing
- beautifully written and amazing characters
- there were so many times that Luca reminded me of Tristan Caine ( 🏍️ iykyk)
- loved how the FMC faced her fears and anxiety
- the way that Luca cared for her when she didn’t feel “pretty” ugh my heart 🥺
Cons:
- I felt like the story missed essential information about other characters in the book (then again, I didn’t read the first book)
- some background information (past) about the main characters felt missing

Overall, it was a beautiful book to read, laughed, and gasped! Loved that it didn’t have any explicit scenes but always wanted a mafia book. Definitely pick this book up! I will miss these characters so much!
Also,

THE ENDING OH MY GOODNESS I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LIKE HOW WHY! WHAT DID THAT MEAN!
thank you for the ARC!

[Dalia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t slept at all, exhaustion heavy on my muscles, but how could I when it was insignificant compared to spending hours memorizing Irina?
I could’ve stared at her for another few hours and it wouldn’t have been enough✮⋆˙

I know a 5⭐ read when i giggle from the very first page. LUCCCCAAAAAA omg this man is amazing the dark romance first green flag ive ever read and my girl Irina the misunderstood villian? Thats MY GIRL guys i literally CRIED SOBBED EVERYTHING THIS BROKE ME the last 100 pages broke me in ways i cant explain i love the found family i love Roman i love Aurora i love Luca i love Irina i love Enzo and Sofia and Nikolai and Eva. This is how dark romance should be written.

.꒰ིྀ “I’d raise hell for you if it meant you were mine.”꒱ིྀ

[Miriam Jaimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s

I absolutely DEVOURED this book!! It was SO good & I loved every minute of it!! I loved the characters & their story. The side characters were amazing and I cannot wait for some of their stories.

I just loved Luca & Irina so much. The development in this book was next level. Gheeti outdid herself and I cannot wait for her next book! She took her last book & said “watch this.” It was SO good & her writing was perfection!

That ending has me on the top of my toes! I cannot wait for the rest of their stories! I know the next book is going to HURT.

Thank you so much for the ARC! I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this book!!

[⋆˚࿔Rosaᥫ᭡. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙, 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑎 𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒 , 𝑠𝑜 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ, 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒.”

It was much better than the first book. I loved every part of it, especially the last chapters. They made me cry so hard🥹. Both Luca and Irina deserved their happy ending😔💗 .

But the ending made me really scared of Enzo's story…

[mystsee ୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

─ 4 ☆ : actually love seeing a protagonist being avoidant and having commitment issues like me #lovethat ; but omg, luca and irina couldnt have a moment of peace in this book 😭 so much emotional depth in this book and rn im on my most emotional days so i didnt enjoy that lmaoo, only reason i choose 4 stars for this book #crybaby 😔🖐️

[Mariha Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 💫⏳

EXCUSE ME???? This had no business being this good. I ended up bawling my eyes out in the last few pages🙂↕️