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Venice Mafia #1
The Thief
Librarian Note: An alternative cover for this edition can be found here.
Steal back a lost painting and risk the wrath of a powerful mafia boss? Yup, I did that. In the seductive and shadowy underworld of Venice, one man rules with an iron fist. Ruthless mafia boss. King of Venice. Antonio Moretti.
I stole his priceless masterpiece, intent on returning it to the museum it was stolen from. And Antonio caught me.
But the mob boss isn’t a stranger. Ten years ago, when I wandered the docks of Venice the night after I buried my parents, he was the stranger who emerged from the shadows to protect me.
I should be afraid of him. I’m not. I should stay away from him. I don’t.
And so I’m drawn into his dangerous world…
But Antonio isn’t interested in hurting me. No, what he wants is far more terrifying.
He wants everything. All my broken jagged pieces.
And it turns out that all those years I pined for my fairy tale rescuer…Antonio Moretti, dark and ruthless mafia boss, king of Venice…Was waiting for me.
Steal back a lost painting and risk the wrath of a powerful mafia boss? Yup, I did that. In the seductive and shadowy underworld of Venice, one man rules with an iron fist. Ruthless mafia boss. King of Venice. Antonio Moretti.
I stole his priceless masterpiece, intent on returning it to the museum it was stolen from. And Antonio caught me.
But the mob boss isn’t a stranger. Ten years ago, when I wandered the docks of Venice the night after I buried my parents, he was the stranger who emerged from the shadows to protect me.
I should be afraid of him. I’m not. I should stay away from him. I don’t.
And so I’m drawn into his dangerous world…
But Antonio isn’t interested in hurting me. No, what he wants is far more terrifying.
He wants everything. All my broken jagged pieces.
And it turns out that all those years I pined for my fairy tale rescuer…Antonio Moretti, dark and ruthless mafia boss, king of Venice…Was waiting for me.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2023
944 people are currently reading
5027 people want to read
About the author
Tara Crescent
116 books1,079 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 380 reviews
April 30, 2023
3,5 💥🔥💘⭐️s
I am glad I gave this story a chance, tbh I didn’t find the cover appealing. Yet the blurb caught my interest.
It was an intriguing suspenseful romance read that held my attention until the last page.
It had plot, development, suspense, emotions, chemistry, spicy scenes and the mafia element was light.
I would have liked a broader development regarding the art stealings.
I am glad I gave this story a chance, tbh I didn’t find the cover appealing. Yet the blurb caught my interest.
It was an intriguing suspenseful romance read that held my attention until the last page.
It had plot, development, suspense, emotions, chemistry, spicy scenes and the mafia element was light.
I would have liked a broader development regarding the art stealings.
June 16, 2023
A One chance meeting and ten years later Lucia returns to Venice. Venice is run by Antonio and he still remembers there encounter. It becomes a game between them but who wins? Lucia still struggles with the past but wants to let him in. With danger right around the corner Antonio wants to keep her safe.
Told in dual POV. Mafia RM. I enjoyed that Antonio was different with Lucia and was always open and honest with her. That he pushed her boundaries but didn’t try and take over and be overbearing. I enjoyed the art thief concept. Lucia I felt was strong but reserved. Who wouldn’t love a bad boy and the final gift he gives her 😉.I liked the I would recommend and can’t wait to read The Broker.
Told in dual POV. Mafia RM. I enjoyed that Antonio was different with Lucia and was always open and honest with her. That he pushed her boundaries but didn’t try and take over and be overbearing. I enjoyed the art thief concept. Lucia I felt was strong but reserved. Who wouldn’t love a bad boy and the final gift he gives her 😉.I liked the I would recommend and can’t wait to read The Broker.
August 31, 2023
I LOVED IT!!
The only thing I didn’t like was how he pushed her away I mean I understand why he did it but what he said was really hurtful and unnecessary but overall I really liked the book and got me out of my slump I guess
Rtc ( if I feel like ranting more)
The only thing I didn’t like was how he pushed her away I mean I understand why he did it but what he said was really hurtful and unnecessary but overall I really liked the book and got me out of my slump I guess
Rtc ( if I feel like ranting more)
September 5, 2025
A fun, easy read with a light plot and interesting characters—Loved Lucia as the FMC, she really carried the story!
June 29, 2025
»You don't make the rules, Antonio.«
»Actually, cara mia, you'll find that in Venice, I do.«
★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I liked her although she had no survival instinct at all.
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒐 ⋆✮
He was cute but not how I pictured a dangerous mafia boss.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was okay-ish.
It was a quick read which I appreciate. But therefore it was not necessary developed. The characters felt flat and the plot goes on way too quickly. It felt rushed and not relatable at all. The characters often act without reasoning and many facts weren’t explained to my satisfaction. There is a 10 year time jump and both Lucia and Antonio remember each other that well? They just act as if there is no time jump at all which is not relatable. Their whole relationship is insta love and kind of chaotic. It was entertaining but not a good read to be honest. The solid basics were missing and I don‘t like books with unrelatable/flat characters.
But it was exactly what I expected from a 200 something pages long book from an (for me) unknown author. It was not super bad per se but it could have been better.
The setting was wonderful and I appreciate that the author actually knew her way around Venice.
Overall this was an okay read but I will not continue this series. I‘ve read better mafia romances.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Nope.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 3/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, italian mafia, ten year time jump, instant attraction/love, mafia boss x thief, found family, touch her and die, he falls first and harder
»Actually, cara mia, you'll find that in Venice, I do.«
★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
I liked her although she had no survival instinct at all.
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒐 ⋆✮
He was cute but not how I pictured a dangerous mafia boss.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was okay-ish.
It was a quick read which I appreciate. But therefore it was not necessary developed. The characters felt flat and the plot goes on way too quickly. It felt rushed and not relatable at all. The characters often act without reasoning and many facts weren’t explained to my satisfaction. There is a 10 year time jump and both Lucia and Antonio remember each other that well? They just act as if there is no time jump at all which is not relatable. Their whole relationship is insta love and kind of chaotic. It was entertaining but not a good read to be honest. The solid basics were missing and I don‘t like books with unrelatable/flat characters.
But it was exactly what I expected from a 200 something pages long book from an (for me) unknown author. It was not super bad per se but it could have been better.
The setting was wonderful and I appreciate that the author actually knew her way around Venice.
Overall this was an okay read but I will not continue this series. I‘ve read better mafia romances.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Nope.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 3/5
world building: 4/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, italian mafia, ten year time jump, instant attraction/love, mafia boss x thief, found family, touch her and die, he falls first and harder
August 26, 2024
непогана історія,були досить цікаві моменти,вже під кінець все пішло на мій погляд не туди ..
обов'язково прочитаю книгу про Валентину та Данте ❤️🔥
обов'язково прочитаю книгу про Валентину та Данте ❤️🔥
January 6, 2025
3.75 ⭐️s
Ahhhh this was cute.
Ahhhh this was cute.
Want to read
October 9, 2025dnf @ 23%
I'm bored... and sort of lost interest.
I'm bored... and sort of lost interest.
May 24, 2024
tbh, але у період вимкнення електрохарчування читалися й не такі книги.
книга, як той турецький серіал, що ти споглядала у дитинстві. дуже передбачувано, трішечки cringy, але щось у тому є❤️
+ головний герой послав до біса русню 🙌🏼
книга, як той турецький серіал, що ти споглядала у дитинстві. дуже передбачувано, трішечки cringy, але щось у тому є❤️
+ головний герой послав до біса русню 🙌🏼
April 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This is my first book by Tara Crescent and it won’t be my last. I’m always in for a good angsty mafia boss! I do appreciate that the FMC Lucia can hold her own, she’s cunning and clever. Quick, good read!
August 19, 2024
Finally, some good fucking food 🤌🏼
June 24, 2023
2.75⭐️ easy read, since it was short it was a little rushed but that was expected.
July 18, 2023
It's very underwhelming.
I thought this was going to be a bit of slow burn enemies to lovers. Where the FMC steals from the Mafia, and he tries to catch her. But it was nothing she barely stole from him as he set her up.
The art thief angle was brushed over, and it was a luke warm mafia story.
The plot was weak, and the author focused on the lengthy boring spice scenes (that i ended up skipping eventually).
There were no details on how she cases her picks or how she does things. Surely I'm not alone in expecting that level of detail from a book called "The Thief" 🤷♀️🤷🤷♂️
And there was no drama.
I was sure the bracelet was going to be a tracker, and she was going to be kidnapped, but nope. Antonio was a very weak mafia boss.
There was no depth to any of the characters it was brushed over again. Even the main characters back grounds. Out of nowhere, Lucia is an art thief. Her best friend is some amazing tech wiz. There were no explanations for that it was bizarre.
And the timeline was weird it seemed to be November for about 8 weeks it was weird.
Prob won't read anything else from the author. It seemed a bit fan fiction to me as there was no development, just scene here scene there with no depth to them.
I thought this was going to be a bit of slow burn enemies to lovers. Where the FMC steals from the Mafia, and he tries to catch her. But it was nothing she barely stole from him as he set her up.
The art thief angle was brushed over, and it was a luke warm mafia story.
The plot was weak, and the author focused on the lengthy boring spice scenes (that i ended up skipping eventually).
There were no details on how she cases her picks or how she does things. Surely I'm not alone in expecting that level of detail from a book called "The Thief" 🤷♀️🤷🤷♂️
And there was no drama.
I was sure the bracelet was going to be a tracker, and she was going to be kidnapped, but nope. Antonio was a very weak mafia boss.
There was no depth to any of the characters it was brushed over again. Even the main characters back grounds. Out of nowhere, Lucia is an art thief. Her best friend is some amazing tech wiz. There were no explanations for that it was bizarre.
And the timeline was weird it seemed to be November for about 8 weeks it was weird.
Prob won't read anything else from the author. It seemed a bit fan fiction to me as there was no development, just scene here scene there with no depth to them.
June 23, 2023
Fun Read
That ending was 10/10 (slightly bummed it happen off page but it was wonderfully evil amusing and fun.)
Fun and very mafia lite romance. Heavy on romance and very lite of the scary, hyped up, dark, violent mafia stereotype.
Perfect if your looking for something short and fluffy.
That ending was 10/10 (slightly bummed it happen off page but it was wonderfully evil amusing and fun.)
Fun and very mafia lite romance. Heavy on romance and very lite of the scary, hyped up, dark, violent mafia stereotype.
Perfect if your looking for something short and fluffy.
June 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I loved and enjoyed every sentence of this book💗
Im glad I didn’t judge the book by its cover this time..
I loved and enjoyed every sentence of this book💗
Im glad I didn’t judge the book by its cover this time..
April 21, 2025
Quick Review:
⭐️ 4/5 stars – It’s giving shadowy Venice, stolen art, and sexual tension thick enough to smear on toast. The vibe is moody and dangerous with just enough vulnerability to make you ache.
🌶️ 3/5 Spice Rating – The spice sneaks in like “oh this is hot,” and then suddenly you’re like wait—he just said WHAT? It’s all dominant energy, tension that hurts, and the kind of filthy obsession that makes you clutch your pearls.
🖤 3/5 Darkness Rating – It’s dark-ish. There are triggers, it is emotionally bruised and morally gray. But it’s what you would expect for a mafia-controlled Venice romance. You’ll feel the weight, but it won’t gut you.
⸻
What I Loved:
Honestly, the vibe was immaculate—Venice felt like this haunted, seductive third wheel to the whole story, and I was so here for it. Lucia is this perfect blend of soft and sharp, grieving but still fierce, and Antonio? He’s giving darkly obsessed, ultra-controlled mafia boss with just enough softness buried under all that danger to make you swoon. The tension builds like a slow burn you don’t even notice until you’re fully lit up, and the “stealing as foreplay” trope? Refreshing. It’s got that delicious mix of grief, lust, and power that shouldn’t work together but totally does. Plus, the tiniest thread of found family gave it a surprising softness that hit at just the right time.
⸻
The Story (No Spoilers!):
It’s about this emotionally wrecked, morally upright art thief named Lucia who sneaks around stealing back stolen paintings like some hot, Italian Robin Hood. She swore she’d never go back to Venice (because, trauma), but life throws her a curveball and boom—she’s back in the city of canals, secrets, and very complicated feelings. And guess who runs the whole damn underworld now? Antonio Moretti. Yeah, that Antonio—the one who saved her once, never forgot her, and is now basically danger wrapped in silk. Let’s just say, they’ve got unfinished business and a painting between them, and things are about to get very interesting.
⸻
Final thoughts:
The whole book feels like slipping into silk sheets with secrets stitched into them. It’s not sweet, but it’s not cruel—it just lingers in that delicious place between power and want. Tara Crescent’s writing is lush and voicey, with just the right amount of grit. The pacing keeps things moving, but it still makes space for those punch-you-in-the-gut emotional moments—no fluff, just feels and tension. It’s cinematic and seductive, full of charged moments and that low-key threat of everything unraveling in the hottest way possible.
⭐️ 4/5 stars – It’s giving shadowy Venice, stolen art, and sexual tension thick enough to smear on toast. The vibe is moody and dangerous with just enough vulnerability to make you ache.
🌶️ 3/5 Spice Rating – The spice sneaks in like “oh this is hot,” and then suddenly you’re like wait—he just said WHAT? It’s all dominant energy, tension that hurts, and the kind of filthy obsession that makes you clutch your pearls.
🖤 3/5 Darkness Rating – It’s dark-ish. There are triggers, it is emotionally bruised and morally gray. But it’s what you would expect for a mafia-controlled Venice romance. You’ll feel the weight, but it won’t gut you.
⸻
What I Loved:
Honestly, the vibe was immaculate—Venice felt like this haunted, seductive third wheel to the whole story, and I was so here for it. Lucia is this perfect blend of soft and sharp, grieving but still fierce, and Antonio? He’s giving darkly obsessed, ultra-controlled mafia boss with just enough softness buried under all that danger to make you swoon. The tension builds like a slow burn you don’t even notice until you’re fully lit up, and the “stealing as foreplay” trope? Refreshing. It’s got that delicious mix of grief, lust, and power that shouldn’t work together but totally does. Plus, the tiniest thread of found family gave it a surprising softness that hit at just the right time.
⸻
The Story (No Spoilers!):
It’s about this emotionally wrecked, morally upright art thief named Lucia who sneaks around stealing back stolen paintings like some hot, Italian Robin Hood. She swore she’d never go back to Venice (because, trauma), but life throws her a curveball and boom—she’s back in the city of canals, secrets, and very complicated feelings. And guess who runs the whole damn underworld now? Antonio Moretti. Yeah, that Antonio—the one who saved her once, never forgot her, and is now basically danger wrapped in silk. Let’s just say, they’ve got unfinished business and a painting between them, and things are about to get very interesting.
⸻
Final thoughts:
The whole book feels like slipping into silk sheets with secrets stitched into them. It’s not sweet, but it’s not cruel—it just lingers in that delicious place between power and want. Tara Crescent’s writing is lush and voicey, with just the right amount of grit. The pacing keeps things moving, but it still makes space for those punch-you-in-the-gut emotional moments—no fluff, just feels and tension. It’s cinematic and seductive, full of charged moments and that low-key threat of everything unraveling in the hottest way possible.
April 27, 2025
What Can you expect from THE THIEF 2ND ANNIVERSARY EDITION
🖼️ MORE CAT-AND MOUSE GAMES
❤️🔥MAFIA HERO
🖼️ WHO DID THIS TO YOU?
❤️🔥HE FALLS FIRST (AND HARD!)
🖼️ MORE SEXY TENSION
❤️🔥MORE THIEVING
🖼️ ART THIEF HEROINE
Lucia & Antonio met 10 years ago, on a night Lucia was at her most vulnerable: drunk and sad, having just buried her parents, she was walking the dark and dingy streets of Venice, seeking solace at the bottom of the bottle of Vodka. A man approached her and attempted to rob and assault her. Antonio, coming of the shadows, saves her. Always the gentleman, he took care of her and gave her a safe place to rest and work off the delirium of grief and alcohol. Antonio puts her to bed, stays with her a while, places a card with his phone number on it and a "Call Me" and leaves.
The next day, waking up alone, Lucia decides to leave Venice and never return. 1o years later, Lucia finds her heart longing to be with her best friend Valentina and her goddaughter, Angelica. THe pain and hurt of the loss of her parents is so pround, that she has built icy walls around her heart - refusing to allow herself to love anyone; protecting herself from potential loss.
Did I mention that Lucia is an art thief? a modern Robin Hood, if you will. stealing precious art from people who stole them, only to return them back to where they came from. And Antonio? well, the Mafia Don (or " padrino" as they call him) just so happens to be in possession of some very famous, and very much stolen art.
This is their story - how, after 10 years, they find each other again. Their childhoods could not be more different, however their trauma, pain, grief, loss and heartache is so similar. Despite all the hurt Anotnio has experienced, and all the danger and crime that is in his life now, he is ultimately a good person. He loves fiercely and is always looking at how to improve his community and give back. He give Lucia comfort and adoration in ways she's never experienced before.
With Lucia, Antonio feels seen; chosen.
The story is so well written and the plot is so good! The side characters, Valentina and Dante have a story of their own to tell (in the next book of the series, "The Broker") and you can feel how the author sets their story up beautifully for the reader to want more, more , more!
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
🖼️ MORE CAT-AND MOUSE GAMES
❤️🔥MAFIA HERO
🖼️ WHO DID THIS TO YOU?
❤️🔥HE FALLS FIRST (AND HARD!)
🖼️ MORE SEXY TENSION
❤️🔥MORE THIEVING
🖼️ ART THIEF HEROINE
Lucia & Antonio met 10 years ago, on a night Lucia was at her most vulnerable: drunk and sad, having just buried her parents, she was walking the dark and dingy streets of Venice, seeking solace at the bottom of the bottle of Vodka. A man approached her and attempted to rob and assault her. Antonio, coming of the shadows, saves her. Always the gentleman, he took care of her and gave her a safe place to rest and work off the delirium of grief and alcohol. Antonio puts her to bed, stays with her a while, places a card with his phone number on it and a "Call Me" and leaves.
The next day, waking up alone, Lucia decides to leave Venice and never return. 1o years later, Lucia finds her heart longing to be with her best friend Valentina and her goddaughter, Angelica. THe pain and hurt of the loss of her parents is so pround, that she has built icy walls around her heart - refusing to allow herself to love anyone; protecting herself from potential loss.
Did I mention that Lucia is an art thief? a modern Robin Hood, if you will. stealing precious art from people who stole them, only to return them back to where they came from. And Antonio? well, the Mafia Don (or " padrino" as they call him) just so happens to be in possession of some very famous, and very much stolen art.
This is their story - how, after 10 years, they find each other again. Their childhoods could not be more different, however their trauma, pain, grief, loss and heartache is so similar. Despite all the hurt Anotnio has experienced, and all the danger and crime that is in his life now, he is ultimately a good person. He loves fiercely and is always looking at how to improve his community and give back. He give Lucia comfort and adoration in ways she's never experienced before.
With Lucia, Antonio feels seen; chosen.
The story is so well written and the plot is so good! The side characters, Valentina and Dante have a story of their own to tell (in the next book of the series, "The Broker") and you can feel how the author sets their story up beautifully for the reader to want more, more , more!
I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion.
May 3, 2025
This was a dual POV Mafia romance that followed Antonio and Lucia. Meeting once on a grief Stricken night for the fmc, she had just lost her parents and wanted to wallow in her grief. She finds herself in a bad part of town and in a difficult situation, in steps The MMC and rescues her and is there for her in her time of need. He listens, gives advice without judgment and is there when she doesn't want to be alone. In the morning though, she decides that Venice is too hard of a place for her to be with the memories of her parents. So she leaves for 10 years. She decides to return to be there for her friend and goddaughter, but the MMC is also the king of Venice and realizes that she's back. There's a little bit of a cat and mouse aspect and thieving becomes a game between the two of them. She is still very hesitant about letting people in due to the death of her parents and the toll it took on her. He is very patient with her and understanding and knowing that he can't push her too far. It's definitely interesting to see how he has a soft side for her but not many others. He definitely has to keep up his persona as the ruthless King of Venice. But as much as she says bad boys aren't her thing, she's got it bad for him.
☀️ Second chance
🧡Cat & Mouse (hunter/hunted)
☀️Who did this to you
🧡He falls first
☀️Sassy FMC
🧡 Mafia boss × Art Thief
☀️ Second chance
🧡Cat & Mouse (hunter/hunted)
☀️Who did this to you
🧡He falls first
☀️Sassy FMC
🧡 Mafia boss × Art Thief
August 14, 2024
Sadly, this didn’t do it for me. 2.5 ⭐️
I couldn’t connect with the characters or the story. There was just something missing, more of the plot needed to be developed, there was just no major storyline to it. They got together, she kept fighting her feelings and pushing him away, he kept pursuing her and allowing everything to happen. He’s not a dominant mafia boss, he was very mellow and would let Lucia walk all over him.
Lucia was a bit annoying, kept saying she wanted to keep her distance but when he actually stopped contacting her, she got all pissed about it. It was just very childish.
Also, the reason why
Idk, there was just something missing for me here. But I will keep reading the series, I’m curious about Dante and Valentina.
I couldn’t connect with the characters or the story. There was just something missing, more of the plot needed to be developed, there was just no major storyline to it. They got together, she kept fighting her feelings and pushing him away, he kept pursuing her and allowing everything to happen. He’s not a dominant mafia boss, he was very mellow and would let Lucia walk all over him.
Lucia was a bit annoying, kept saying she wanted to keep her distance but when he actually stopped contacting her, she got all pissed about it. It was just very childish.
Also, the reason why
Idk, there was just something missing for me here. But I will keep reading the series, I’m curious about Dante and Valentina.
May 3, 2025
Okay this book right here, was GREAT!!!
This is a first from this author and let me tell you, I could NOT put it down! I loved the mafia boss story and I was OBSESSED with the chemistry between Lucia and Antonio!
From the beginning of this book, Tara didn’t waste ANY time giving us what we wanted and that was confirmation that Lucia and Antonio were IT!
I loved their reconnecting and how the whole cat and mouse played out with these two.
I loved the mafia turf war, the suspense of it all, and the drama!
To see how the connection between the two grew and how well Antonio loved and cared for her really got me. He LOOOOOOVED this girl and just wanted to give her the world although he doubted it all with his fear of putting her in harms way.
Now the way it all played out was addicting! I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for all the upcoming ones! Oh, and did I mention there is a BONUS SCENE?!!! Yesssssss!!!
Tara, you really did an amazing job with this one and you have made a new fan!!!
This is a first from this author and let me tell you, I could NOT put it down! I loved the mafia boss story and I was OBSESSED with the chemistry between Lucia and Antonio!
From the beginning of this book, Tara didn’t waste ANY time giving us what we wanted and that was confirmation that Lucia and Antonio were IT!
I loved their reconnecting and how the whole cat and mouse played out with these two.
I loved the mafia turf war, the suspense of it all, and the drama!
To see how the connection between the two grew and how well Antonio loved and cared for her really got me. He LOOOOOOVED this girl and just wanted to give her the world although he doubted it all with his fear of putting her in harms way.
Now the way it all played out was addicting! I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for all the upcoming ones! Oh, and did I mention there is a BONUS SCENE?!!! Yesssssss!!!
Tara, you really did an amazing job with this one and you have made a new fan!!!
June 23, 2023
Overall, this book was good fun. I'm glad I gave it a shot despite the cover which I don't love. I'm going to just ignore the negative implications behind romanticizing the mafia, this is a dark romance so it is what it is.
Here's my pros and cons:
Pros:
- The portrayal of BDSM was really great - safe, sane and consensual.
- The MMC was not controlling or overbearing.
- The FMC had a mind of her own, and her character felt very developed.
Cons:
- The author kept telling us that the MMC is so dangerous, the most dangerous man in Venice. But she never showed us that. Overall, he's just a really nice guy lol
- I prefer more slow burn / enemies to lovers and this was very insta-love. The whole story took place in the span of 5-6 weeks.
Here's my pros and cons:
Pros:
- The portrayal of BDSM was really great - safe, sane and consensual.
- The MMC was not controlling or overbearing.
- The FMC had a mind of her own, and her character felt very developed.
Cons:
- The author kept telling us that the MMC is so dangerous, the most dangerous man in Venice. But she never showed us that. Overall, he's just a really nice guy lol
- I prefer more slow burn / enemies to lovers and this was very insta-love. The whole story took place in the span of 5-6 weeks.
March 31, 2024
Don't ask me to go deep. I felt like it didn't give what it promised in the synopsis. Art heist and the big bad Mafia man? Sounds like temptation and I gave in. I'm just a girl 🥺🎀
They had chemistry, the MCs I mean, but it didn't convey through the pages. I think the FMC needs therapy. Not in a negative way, but in a "Girl, you need to get your head out of your arse" kinda way. Shw was annoying a lot of times. And stop keeping secrets, motherfuckers. And YOU, Padrino or whatever. That wasn't a nice thing to say.
I hate that microtrope where one hurt the other because they think they were "protecting" the other. Stop bullshitting. Be fucking for real, dude.
Ik I cursed a LOT, here. But they tested my patience.
But the bright side? I ACTUALLY FINISHED A BOOK IN TWO DAYS AGAIN!!!! That's good enough for me. 💃
P.S. The bonus scene sounded promising, but I didn't feel like being betrayed by promises again like the synopsis 🙄🫴
They had chemistry, the MCs I mean, but it didn't convey through the pages. I think the FMC needs therapy. Not in a negative way, but in a "Girl, you need to get your head out of your arse" kinda way. Shw was annoying a lot of times. And stop keeping secrets, motherfuckers. And YOU, Padrino or whatever. That wasn't a nice thing to say.
I hate that microtrope where one hurt the other because they think they were "protecting" the other. Stop bullshitting. Be fucking for real, dude.
Ik I cursed a LOT, here. But they tested my patience.
But the bright side? I ACTUALLY FINISHED A BOOK IN TWO DAYS AGAIN!!!! That's good enough for me. 💃
P.S. The bonus scene sounded promising, but I didn't feel like being betrayed by promises again like the synopsis 🙄🫴
April 27, 2025
Dual POV • art thief x mafia boss • who did this to you • second chance-ish • power play & kink • found family • stealing as foreplay • HEA
After being saved by a mystery man on the same day she buried her parents, Lucia runs from Venice. She decides to return ten years later for a job as an art curator (and art thief) and she meets Antonio, her rescuer from years ago and mafia boss.
I really enjoyed this story! The banter was on point, the spicy scenes were good, the tiny touch of suspense was there. The only thing I wish was written in the story was the heist in England. I definitely plan on reading the next book in this series!
After being saved by a mystery man on the same day she buried her parents, Lucia runs from Venice. She decides to return ten years later for a job as an art curator (and art thief) and she meets Antonio, her rescuer from years ago and mafia boss.
I really enjoyed this story! The banter was on point, the spicy scenes were good, the tiny touch of suspense was there. The only thing I wish was written in the story was the heist in England. I definitely plan on reading the next book in this series!
dnfed
May 4, 2025I was given an ARC of the second anniversary edition in exchange for an honest review.
And I mention that it was the second anniversary edition because I (wrongly, I hope) assumed that would mean it had been re-edited and polished more. But the first few pages seem to prove me wrong. There was constant changes in the tense, one second it’s past tense then present then past again within the same sentence. It was also all tell no show. I thought I was reading a blurb or something at first.
The FMC is doing the “I bet you are wondering how I ended up in this situation” thing, but in a book while telling us exactly what she is doing. It really did not work for me. And unfortunately I couldn’t get much further in.
I’m a bit disappointed because the blurb sounded great but it just wasn’t written in a way that worked for me.
And I mention that it was the second anniversary edition because I (wrongly, I hope) assumed that would mean it had been re-edited and polished more. But the first few pages seem to prove me wrong. There was constant changes in the tense, one second it’s past tense then present then past again within the same sentence. It was also all tell no show. I thought I was reading a blurb or something at first.
The FMC is doing the “I bet you are wondering how I ended up in this situation” thing, but in a book while telling us exactly what she is doing. It really did not work for me. And unfortunately I couldn’t get much further in.
I’m a bit disappointed because the blurb sounded great but it just wasn’t written in a way that worked for me.
April 24, 2025
Just finished the second anniversary edition that was released this year and it did not disappoint! I love myself a good mafia book and enjoyed that this wasn’t the typical storyline we always get in a mafia book. These two certainly had chemistry. That being said, I can’t wait to read the next story with the ending Tara left us with.
February 15, 2024
Loved it. I love the action, the love building, the possessiveness of Antonio but it wasn’t too much. It was all nicely done. You have a little angst but not much which is what I prefer. I like the plot & how it keeps you captivated in the story, you can tell the story was moving forward without being super repetitive.
April 24, 2025
This was an absolutely fantastic read for me. I enjoyed the back and forth between theses two so much and enjoyed how much they cared for one another. I liked seeing the main girl finally stop fighting her feelings and seeing the man accept that she is his for the long run. Everything in this book was amazing and I couldn’t get enough
May 3, 2025
So much room for potential, but this book just fell short for me. I really enjoyed the base story line, but there were some parts that seemed so repetitive and unnecessary, and others that felt so rushed where we would have benefited from more.
March 12, 2024
this book was so instant, idk I didn’t like it
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