Texting Mr. Mafia

Texting the Marino Mafia #1

by Flora Ferrari

When I leave a note for the mafia don at his table, I beg for his help. I never expect him to text back or to tell me he wants something in return…My dad’s got us into trouble again. His get-rich-quick schemes always mess up the family. Now, loan sharks are circling, and I’m unsure what to do. When I see Elio Marino at the restaurant where I am a waitress, I almost lose it. My mind. My soul. I fall hard, but I have to be smart. This isn’t a fairytale. He’s tall, way taller than me, ripped with muscle, mature, and brooding as hell. I know I can’t have what I want deep down, but I need his help to make the loan sharks back off. When I give him my number, I never expect his texts to get steamy. I never expect him to demand my address—demand to see me. I know I have to be smart about this. I’ve got no relationship experience. I’m a curvy virgin. I just want to save my family.His texts are getting more and more possessive. The loan sharks are gaining on us. Somehow, Elio is tied up in it all. I know I should listen to my head, but my heart is so damn loud.

Texting Mr. Mafia is an insta-everything standalone romance with a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Smut, Contemporary, Erotica

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

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Reviews

[Bri’anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I really want to meet my goodreads reading challenge, I am so tempted to remove this book cause I'm ashamed to have anyone know I read it. It's so incredibly bad. I sometimes like to turn off my brain and indulge in bad trashy romance novels but this was too low quality even for me. The quality of the writing is so bad and the language used felt like it was written by a 12 year old who was just starting to learn about sex. I am baffled as to how this has such a high rating. An example of the type of things the MMC would say are "Your young virgin pussy is going to feel so f-ing perfect around my dick" and that's pretty much how deep his love talking got. She was consumed with the idea of giving him a baby and kept talking about her womb tingling with the knowledge. Do yourselves a favor and do not read it. I think the only reason I didn't DNF this is because it was 2 in the morning, I couldn't sleep and was obviously a bit delirious with lack of sleep.

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. First and last book for me on this author. Almost DNF’d this one but powered through.

1st time they 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 78%
The maturity level was awful! She was 19 - he was 42. You would think they were both 16….

They both refer to each other throughout the entire book as my man or my woman. There was no real threat. Maybe I’ve just read some dark books but for mafia this was awful. All the “bad guy” did was knock on her door and threaten her. That’s it. But “my man” protected like it was so much worse. I don’t even know what to say. It was just so immature and had no real drama or danger. And let’s enter the Virgin. Because of course at 19 she is. When she speaks to “her man” about having 🌶️ time she can’t even say the words. She would say, “you know” - could not even say the words! How immature. 🚩

If you want a no real threat, over protective, repetitive chapters… This is it. Every chapter - she says my man, not Elio. I need my man with me. I want my man. I need to tell my man how inexperienced I am. Blah
Him - he threatened my woman. I need my woman. I have known her 3 days but we love each other and are getting married and making babies… also any real descriptions were glossed over. I’m a bad man, but then never goes into any details. Nothing is actually covered. It just skips over.

Nope.

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many bad reviews for this book that I went in expecting the worst. But while it wasn’t a literary masterpiece and there were times that the writing was a bit juvenile, I actually enjoyed the STORY itself. The hero was older, celibate and totally obsessed with the heroine. That right there is gonna snag my attention! It’s also smutty with a hero determined to knock the heroine up! Yum!

The heroine was plucky, if a bit naive, but she wasn’t obnoxious or annoying. Honestly this was pretty typical for an insta love mafia romance, and if that’s your jam, you’ll probably like this one! It’s got plenty of heat to go with the sweet, an obsessed hero head over ass for the wary, innocent heroine.

Safe. Hero is celibate and no details on his past are given other than he occasionally dated for appearance sake. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow/om, no cheating, sharing, or abuse. HEA with epilogue

[Whitney Alexander · Rating 1 out of 5]

.5 stars

Honestly if I could give this .5 stars I would.

The timeline for this story is so weird, and the amount of times the words fertile and womb are used in the dirty talk/ sex scenes has me cringing away. I hatred the writing, it felt like something I would have read on Wattpad. Also the words the author used to describe facial expressions or voice inflictions didn’t really match up with the type of emotion was being written in the scene.

I had a really hard time with this book, I almost DNF for this reason, but I pushed through (even though I wish I hadn’t)

[Hailey Siedel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this book was not good. I did like the Instalove aspect because I was in the mood for it but then it got out of hand. Too crazy.

Things I Didn’t Like:
-MMC & FMC describing their moments of passion as steaminess
-MMC referring to her intimate area as a hole instead of any other word
-Referring to her parents to the MMC as Dad and Mom and not my dad and mom
-FMC kept talking about her womb aching
-“You’re my brave, beautiful virgin.” -Said by MMC
-So Much Texting, I know that’s in the name of the book but love confessions over text? It seemed like they texted more than they ever talked

⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.75/5

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quickish Review

I was all into giving this a chance because of the texting angle. And he’ll
texting about your feelings or the things you want to do to the FMC? Cool. Texting the illegal activities you are engaging in to “defend” her? Absolutely not. Between that and the absolutely cringeworthy descriptions of sex scenes (and I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination), and I couldn’t. But hey YMMV.

[Page Passion · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read and enjoyable overall. I think may be burned out on Mafia subgenre of romances and going into the new year should take a break from them 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett is used to her parents being at each others throats but being physically threatened by a loan shark is not something she ever wants to do again. When she finds out that Elio Marino is with the mafia she thinks maybe she might have a solution. Slipping him a note asking for help is a long shot but when he agrees and he starts texting her, she finds that there is more to him than she thought.

Elio is older than Scarlett, he never felt the desire to claim a woman but everything about Scarlett drives him wild. First though he needs to take care of the loan shark problem along with some issues going on with his own family first. Will Scarlett be willing to take a chance with a member of the mafia?

A good portion of the story is in text form. I thought this fun, a bit implausible but pulls you in right away and you are anxious to see what happens with Scarlett and Elio. I would check out more from this author for sure. Entertaining read.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out really promising but quickly went downhill and if it wasn't short, I would have DNFed it.

First, I don't mind age gaps but when the MMC turns it into a fetish, my opinion changes. The amount of times he called her young and "fertile" was frankly, disgusting. I thought that would be my biggest issue but then the word "cream" got involved. If I never have to see someone say "cream my cock" again, it will be too soon. Not to mention what went down after he learned she was a virgin.

In conclusion, the actual story wasn't good enough to overcome the issues. I thought it was cute and silly at first but that quickly fades. It gives massive ick vibes from there.

[Brittany (Brittinbookland) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was SO bad. Like BAD bad. I just wanted something quick and easy to read with all that's been going on in my very busy life this week.

I've had little time to read, so I just kept going with it instead of starting a new book in hopes it got better. It did not. That was my mistake.

The writing and the dialog were Cringe City. The characters said and did things that felt random and out of place. The reactions felt off most of the time.

They literally fell in love and were ready for marriage and kids within 3 days. If this were some kind of fated mates scenario, MAYBE it would have been a bit more understandable, but these were just 2 random people in a chance encounter. I can not do instalove. It's just not for me.

It gets 2 🌟 just because I managed to finish it.

[Kari Southwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did I just put myself through and why? I don't know how I read this whole thing but I must be a sucker for punishment.
Where to start? If you're looking for a cutesy, insta-love, over the top romance, then you're going to be fine. If you're looking for a true Mafia romance with a hardened Don and his plus size woman? Try again.
The writing was terrible and the descriptions were just very immature. The word usage made me feel like a teenager wrote this book and just decided to say Mafia Don. All their expressions of true feeling were done via text message instead of in person, like a true Don would do. I can only say DON'T DO IT

[Mysti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dumb as hell. Believe the title. It's TEXTING the mafia. No sex until the very end, and it was not worth reading for. Just childish texting. Don't bother with it. Oh - and calling this family "mafia" is a stretch. They're a high school boy band at most.

[Jinn C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

What did I just read : lengthy review: spoilers

Texting Mr mafia : curvy girl age gaps romance :
Immediately by the title, I knew it wasn't going to be a fantastic book and that was OK. I was in a light reading mood anyways. Every now and then I'll get in what I like to call a coffeehouse or a lunch break mood where I want to read a light, fluffy small story with less than 200 pages, this was not it. This "book" is 263 pages and honestly, I dnfe'd around the 130 page mark, and I'm surprised I lasted that long. Call it boredom, desperation to cling to a story, but then I came to my senses. Let's start with the age gap, they're 22 years apart. I am a little biased because I personally don't prefer reading age gaps where the fmc is 19 and the mmc 42. I was willing to overlook it and create their own ages in my head, however I was not able to do that because their ages were mentioned several times and the fmc Scarlett doesn't only act and talk her age but she is incredibly stupid, naive and immature. You would think she was meant to be 16. One of the reasons I dnf'ed is because "I can't even say it, I'm inexperienced you know down there" She couldn't even say she was a virgin for Christ's sake. The mmc Erio is supposed to be 42 but his inner monologue is so immature and gives off pervy vibes. Young, voluptuous, FERTILE, curves. If I took a shot every time her body weight was mentioned I would be have alcohol poisoning. Now on to the storyline, Erio and his brother Luca are supposed to be big bad mafia but honestly this could've just worked as a billionaire series. The storyline was all over the place and tried to fit too much in. I have been reading mafia romances for years and I understand because of social media that particular subgenre has become popular so authors think they can and should write it. WRONG. This is my first and most certainly last book by this author. I left 2 stars instead of 1 because I honestly feel like the negative reviews get pushed all the way down where people don't see them . I personally could not get past the characters to enjoy any of the plot or anything else so if pervy, 22 year age gaps where the fmc is still pretty much a child ( emotionally especially) is your scene then you may enjoy this book. Rant over.

[Jessie ツ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a listen-to-while-i-get-stuff-done-around-the-house kind of book. Trashy, super safe, very insta-everything, ott, and ofc had its cringy moments. Nevertheless, it kept me entertained while I was cleaning 🤞🤨

Mildly entertained that is. If I had just sat there & tried to read this, I might have dnf’ed.

For me, it’s the right amount of ott (where u don’t have to take anything too serious) but enough drama to keep me listening. 😗

THINGS I DIDNT LIKE
-the word steamy (or some variation of it) appeared 20 times, pls be fr ur both adults who talks like that 😭

-the fmc liked to sing. yup, there was a scene where the mmc said “sing for me” and she did. Gross😊! Let’s never do this again. I HATE when characters sing and the author puts actual lyrics etc (not just talking about them singing)

Tropes & Such
-Mafia x waitress
-age gap [H, 42; h, 19]
-H helps h with family problem
-no opd, no cheating
-hea + 3 epilogues

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elio and Scarlett!

So hot,!Elio is a dark man and Scarlett is his ray of sunshine, very good story and I hope to read more,Scarlett needs help and Elio is there in her time of need.He finds his singing angel and she changes his life but it also changes his family but in the long run it is better! Please read this story,if you like mafia stories has much has I do m you will enjoy too!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Texting Mr Mafia

Curvy girl, BIG age gap, Mafia, virgin, she needs protecting. I usually don't like mafia stories. But some of the blurbs were so hot I couldn't resist getting this on KU.

[annette k · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy

Elio and Scarlet connected from across a room. He's a leader, but can he save her from fate? He's taken with this beauty and she is in over her head, but it doesn't stop them.

[E Levine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly not sure how I didn’t DNF it. They fell in love literally instantly and said it 3 days later and 3 days after that he proposed??? The whole book was 3 weeks. The spicy scenes were cringy and even though she was inexperienced she was acting like a 15 year old and even his monologues about it made him seem weirdly naive too. The mom talking for the dad was uncomfortable and Scarlets parents were beyond messed up in their own right too. Far too casual about how her dad was found dead in a rolled up carpet

[Sara Waldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can't explain

Words can't explain how I feel about this book. I really enjoyed it. I thought I would never liked books like this. I can't wait to read the second book.

[Pamela Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf

Okay so… this book was boring. And kept waiting for it to get better. I made it to 70% only cuz i fast forwarded some of it. Its so awful to be honest. The texting, the age gap the love at first site, the whole thing. Its like it was written by some 16 yr old as a fantasy. Wont be going forward with this series

[Camille · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the third Floria Ferrari book I have read and I just can't anymore. I think this will be the last one I read from her. She is not horrible, I would call her a developing writer, but her stories and characters are underdeveloped and feel juvenile at times. The stories and descriptions can come off as sounding like a teen girl wrote them. Case in point, in this story she has a 42-year-old Mafia Don, a DON, texting a 19-year-old girl like they are both in high school still. he language feels like that of a possessive teenage boy. Maybe it is because I teach high school, but the male lead in this story sounds no more mature than some of the 14 and 15-year-old boys I teach. The relationship in this story is problematic to say the least. From the premise of it to the sex scenes. The sex scenes she writes are a little cringy (in all of her books) and I am okay with age-gap romance, but all I could think of while reading this story is about the adults who pray on teenagers. It was gross. I was disturbed because it made me think about how upset I would be if one of the teenagers I teach got harmed by a sexual predator. This story felt like that to me, a sexual predator story or a story of someone with little life experience being taken advantage of. This was uncomfortable. I am sorry this one was a hard no for me.

Ferrari also doesn't do angst and drama well because she never dives deep into it and allows the characters to process any trauma, she just uses such things as a plot device. It is never used to further character development or deepen the story. her characters never process the emotions of what they go through. Sorry to be harsh but it is just how I see it. Others can have another opinion and that is fine, but if you are looking for a story with romance, heartache, love, a well-developed story, depth, meaning, and growth, this book is not the place to look.

If you are looking for a superficial light romance, then Ferrari may work for you. Otherwise, I would suggest trying another book or author. I think this author can grow, but it will take some time and work.

[Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flora Ferrari’s “Texting Mr. Mafia” is a roller-coaster of emotions, budding romance, and suspense. This light-hearted and upbeat tale follows the unexpected connection between the curvy virgin with no relationship experience and the brooding, mature Elio Marino.
The story kicks off with Scarlet leaving a note for Elio, seeking his help to deal with her father’s latest financial mess. Little does she know, this simple act sets off a series of events that lead to text exchanges that is as steamy as it is unexpected. Ferrari weaves a tale that keeps you turning the page for more.
The characters are vividly portrayed, with our leading lady navigating the complexities of the budding relationship with her special charm. The chemistry bеtwееn the two heroes’ crackles through the pages, and you can't help but root for them despite the unconventional circumstances.
Ferrari expertly blends an older man/younger woman romance with a touch of suspense, creating a story that is as engaging as it is delightful. The pacing is spot-on, with each text message exchange between the characters propelling the story forward and keeping readers hooked.
What makes “Texting Mr. Mafia” truly shine is its ability to balance the seriousness of dealing with loan sharks and family troubles with a light-hearted budding relationship. Scarlet’s inner dialogue adds a refreshing layer of authenticity, making her a relatable and enduring character.
In a sea of romance novels, "Texting Mr. Mafia" stands out with its unique way, engaging characters and the perfect blend of steamy romance. Flora Ferrari delivers a feel good read that will leave you with a smile on your face and eagerly anticipating her next literary adventure. So, if you a Flora Ferrari fan grab your favorite snacks, settle into a comfy chair, and get ready for a wild ride with “Texting Mr. Mafia.” You won't be disappointed!

*I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Text Me You Love Me series each can be read as a standalone with a sexy mafia and the one who captures his attention so make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Scarlet is so sweet but has a father who keeps them in trouble she works as a waitress her father is always trying to take the short cut way getting rich without putting in the hard work yet again he has gotten their family into a lot of trouble financially the kind that brings danger not just danger but violence to them all and she can see only one way out ask the mafia don by leaving a note while serving his table. Elio sexy as all get out mafia don ruthless when needed, dangerous deadly, takes care of those he loves, and willing to help others for a price which is the case for the waitress. He never found a women to hold his interest long enough for a relationship until the night in the restaurant and the curvy waitress captures is undivided attention to top it off she needs his help of course he will help her but he wants her in return he knew the moment he laid eyes on her she belonged to him so if helping her made her his then help he would but at what cost, would she come because she wants protection or because she is slightly interested considering he is much older than her, will he find her father making him pay the price, will help her mother get off the meds, wills she see more to him than mob boss an she see the man, and can they find something more than help and debt like happiness?

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding story about a waitress and a soon to be don falling for each other after seeing each other from across a crowded restaurant. The two are brought even more together by him promising to find out and deal with the loan shark who threatened the waitress as well as other family business which no one at the time would have thought would be coming from the same person.
At the end everything comes out. The waitress finds out that the one she thought was her father wasn’t her real father. The waitress is a virgin but the two have sex. The waitress through her singing helps the don recover from his stroke. Even her mother gets out of the pills habit. The mother of the soon to be don tells about her past.
Ten months after everything happened the woman is singing to their baby girl when he comes in. The couple is so happy and in love. The brother of the new don has decided to work instead of drinking and womanizing. The old don's health is improving due to the woman singing to him, it was like something clicked when she was singing. The couple is so in love with one another that when he’s close he can’t help touching her.
Seven years later in the restaurant where everything started, the whole family is there to listen to the wife of the don sing. They have three children. The old don listens to her singing remembering the first time he heard her. The old and the new don’s talk before the don’s son grabs the new don’s hand.
This story was wonderfully written. It has outstanding characters and is a great page turner. The story has some action, suspense and intrigue in it as well as steamy romance with a happily ever after ending. An amazing story to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Receiving More Than She Asked For -
When Scarlet sought help from Elio with regard her father’s debt, she naively expected Elio just pay it off, but what she got in return was a man who was prepared to lay down his life for her. Elio had given up on relationships and having a family, but his world turned upside down from the moment his eyes connected with Scarlet. When Elio decided to help Scarlet resolve the predicament she found herself in, he never thought it would lead to him uncovering a secret within his in family or throw a wrench into a business deal that he had reservations about.

Fortunately , spending time with Scarlet helped him to get to know her better, which also heightened the intensity of his attraction for her. Even though Scarlet was lusting after Elio during the time they spent together, her insecurities made her question his feelings for her, but his patience and determination managed to convince her to give him a chance. Luckily once all their issues were resolved, it gave them the opportunity to embark on their journey towards the happy and fulfilling life they both craved.

This was one truly engaging story that had me on the edge of my seat, whilst I eagerly turned the pages waiting to see what was goin* to happen next. I was hooked and completely invested in the story from the first page until the very last word. If you are looking for your next awesome book to sink your reek into for a few amazing hours, then I suggest you grab a copy of this book now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyenne Galovits · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. There were definitely ups and downs with this book. The story itself I really enjoyed. I liked the plot, even if it was predictable and expected. Some of the phrasing during spicy time is an acquired taste, and honestly, it isn't a book I'd say is very spicy. Compared to what I typically read, this was definitely on the mild side. I read the passion a little more than I felt it, and that may be just me. Overall, though, it was a good read, just not something I'd reread over and over.

For a mafia book, this is definitely something I'd recommend for someone who's looking for a start something on the fluffy insta love side. It's definitely not something I would recommend to someone who's passionate or experienced reading mafia romance, seeing as a lot of the info was glossed over the darker parts that make a really good book weren't there.

I read a lot of mafia books and the fact Elio didn't kill the man even though the "terrible" stuff this guy did to "his" woman... I saw him as weak. The guy pushed the fmc against the wall and covered her mouth, lightly threatened her it wasn't really death worthy but the book was trying to portray this over the top possessive mmc and that this was a terrible thing to happen so him not killing the guy was disappointing. I like the murdery, psychotic book boyfriends, though that's just a personal preference. (Any reviews I leave are for myself, so I know what books I did and didn't like)

[A79senlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some features you can expect in a Flora Ferrari novel:

1. Insta-everything
2. OTT possessive alpha males (who turn into cinnamon rolls for their ladies)
3. Inexperienced but strong women
4. Scorching love scenes
5. Dirty talk
6. Happy endings
7. Multiple epilogues

In this book, it’s acting mob boss Elio Marino (standing in for his father, who had a stroke) and waitress Scarlet Smith who fall at first sight. Scarlet has been threatened by a loan shark over money owed by her deadbeat father and Elio is only too happy to help, giving her a safe place to stay and even tracking down her missing parents. Elio has his own problem to deal with as well: The Family has been pushed into a deal with a local gang without the usual vetting, based on his father’s wishes, but there’s something awfully fishy about the whole situation. Why is his father so adamant that the deal go through? Why will he only speak to Elio’s mom and not Elio or his brother? Why is Elio’s mom acting so strangely? And how does this all tie in with Scarlet’s loan shark issue (because it does)?

All those answers await inside, as well as some absolutely filthy 🥵 talk from Elio and a love that blossoms largely through texting. So grab a tray of ice cubes and dive in!.

I received a free copy of this book and have chosen to leave a review.

[SpeedReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

FASCINATING edge of your seat story

• Plot 📖📖📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥
• POV: Dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️
• Epilogue? ✔️✔️✔️ 2 weeks, 10 months & 7 years later (last epilogue not either MC)

I really enjoyed this story. I’m not exaggerating with the title. Literally NOTHING in this story was predictable and I just had to stay up too late to finish it in one night 🤣

I loved the MMC who wanted to rescue the FMC even though he didn’t know her because his heart knew she was his. She was in a very scary situation and her parents, the ones who should have been there to protect her weren’t. (Her dad is scum)

I loved the side characters, especially his mom 🥰

Their chemistry was off the charts and I just loved them together. I loved who the MMC felt like he was glued to his phone and smiling so much.

When the truth was exposed, it was admittedly pretty far-fetched but it still made for a good story (and let’s be honest, we don’t read these for the reality of them 😉)

I highly recommend this one! Flora’s series just keep getting better and better! Please keep them coming! 🥰

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a hard time reviewing this one.

This was a good book. It just wasn’t for me. It was hard for me to get into. It was hard for me to reconcile Elio being so coddling to Scarlet and then some sort of”Devil” around his enemies. Scarlet saying she knows he has to do “bad things” and she is ok with it, but then asking him to go against his instincts and save the person who tormented her. I don’t know. It is hard for me to read “Mafia” with a cinnamon-role alpha. Again. This was a GOOD book. I guess I just read too much dark mafia. Where the MMC is a truly bad man and is ONLY “good” to the FMC. Even then it is kind of touch and go. Like the 30 Days series. That one is intense but so good. I gave this book 4 stars because it is not the books fault I have scarred my sweet sensibilities with torrid books. The steam is good, and the Elio has a VERY dirty mind. His mouth is 🤌 so that is why I stuck with it. The whole book spans about a 3 day time period so this is about as insta as you can get. Read it. There is a tiny bit of violence, but the author gives a long build up before you get to it so you can choose to skim and not read that or continue to the dark side. If you are looking to dip your toe into the slightly tinted grey side of mafia romance this is an EXCELLENT book to start with.

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

All is not as it seems.
Awesome. Scarlett has had to grow up fast and at nineteen life has made her the adult in the family. Her “dad” comes and goes depending on his latest get-rich-quick scheme and her mother is addicted to pills, thanks to the same man. When said man packs up and leaves once again leaving her and her mother to deal with his mess Scarlett gets a late night visitor who threatens her for the money owed to him. Elio is having a meeting at a restaurant when he sees her and knows that she is his. Forever. When she slips him a note asking him for help and her number he is intrigued. He agrees to help her and her mother. He arrives at their apartment to keep watch only to discover a few hours later that her mother has left to find her “dad”. Elio moves Scarlett in with his parents with a cover story in place. His dad had a stroke a few months ago and is a shell of who he used to be although, his mom acts like he whispers to her. Truths come out of every direction and no one is left unscathed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.