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The Fallen #1
L'Héroïne déchue: Mafia et Dark Romance (The Fallen t. 1)
C’est l’homme le plus puissant d’Ibiza, et il est prêt à tout pour m’avoir.
On m’a élevée pour devenir l’épouse de mafieux idéale, mais quand mon mariage vire au cauchemar, je n’ai pas d’autre choix que de tout plaquer pour commencer une nouvelle vie.
Je me retrouve seule à Ibiza… un endroit qui dévore vivantes les innocentes comme moi. Je me fais dépouiller le jour même de mon arrivée, et il ne me reste que quelques euros et les vêtements que je porte.
Mon désespoir me conduit tout droit chez Damiano De Rossi. Il gouverne cette île d’une main de fer, et derrière son sublime visage je devine des ténèbres redoutables. Je lui demande un emploi, et il m’offre infiniment plus : dépravation, jalousie et un plaisir insoutenable.
Alors que toutes mes barrières cèdent devant lui, un secret est dévoilé au grand jour et nous nous effondrons comme un château de cartes.
Je sais ce qu’il me reste à faire. Fuir.
Mais quand j’essaie, je prends conscience… qu’il m’a déjà soumise à lui.
L'Héroïne déchue est une romance dark sur fond de mafia, réservée aux lecteurs de plus de 18 ans, avec un contenu pour adultes, des scènes crues et une chaleur torride. C’est le premier tome de la série The Fallen, mais il peut être lu indépendamment des suivants.
On m’a élevée pour devenir l’épouse de mafieux idéale, mais quand mon mariage vire au cauchemar, je n’ai pas d’autre choix que de tout plaquer pour commencer une nouvelle vie.
Je me retrouve seule à Ibiza… un endroit qui dévore vivantes les innocentes comme moi. Je me fais dépouiller le jour même de mon arrivée, et il ne me reste que quelques euros et les vêtements que je porte.
Mon désespoir me conduit tout droit chez Damiano De Rossi. Il gouverne cette île d’une main de fer, et derrière son sublime visage je devine des ténèbres redoutables. Je lui demande un emploi, et il m’offre infiniment plus : dépravation, jalousie et un plaisir insoutenable.
Alors que toutes mes barrières cèdent devant lui, un secret est dévoilé au grand jour et nous nous effondrons comme un château de cartes.
Je sais ce qu’il me reste à faire. Fuir.
Mais quand j’essaie, je prends conscience… qu’il m’a déjà soumise à lui.
L'Héroïne déchue est une romance dark sur fond de mafia, réservée aux lecteurs de plus de 18 ans, avec un contenu pour adultes, des scènes crues et une chaleur torride. C’est le premier tome de la série The Fallen, mais il peut être lu indépendamment des suivants.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
6972 people are currently reading
41325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,623 reviews
December 9, 2025
I’m starting to think I’m the problem. I literally did not care about a single thing that happened in this book. The insta love really needs to chill the fuck out. I’m so over it. Anyways…..im gonna go sit in a corner in silence because books are not booking rn.
August 18, 2023
3.75⭐️ OKAY SO there was a few cringy moments in this book (lol) HOWEVER WE ARE GOING TO OVERLOOK THAT because the storyline was actually really fun and intriguing?!?! I started this at 5pm yesterday and finished it before I went to sleep that’s how fun it was
June 5, 2024
3.5 stars
a mid romance with an invigorating mafia plotline. It has been quite some time since I immersed myself in a novel that compelled me to think, "this is genius." the mid-point plot twist was nothing short of brilliant, reshaping the storyline in ways that were both unexpected and captivating. the story is meticulously orchestrated, with a narrative that is smoothly woven and elegantly articulated.
the chemistry between the protagonists was undeniable, reaching its paroxysm as the book progressed. their banter was sharp and engaging, an aspect of the storyline that managed to lighten a iota the seriousness of the subplot. however, it is worth noting that the male protagonist exhibited a penchant for publicly humiliating the female lead in the early chapters. that behavior transcended mere grumpiness; it veered into a more sadistic path, apparently aimed at outlining her inferiority.
despite this —to say the least—troubling dynamic, the book remains an addictive read. the characters were well-constructed, each with their own demons and depth, including the secondary personages, who layered colors to the narrative. I cannot wait to delve deeper into this universe and explore more of what it has to offer.
—————-
irl book bestie told me to read it, so here we go..
“he can’t break someone who’s already broken.”
a mid romance with an invigorating mafia plotline. It has been quite some time since I immersed myself in a novel that compelled me to think, "this is genius." the mid-point plot twist was nothing short of brilliant, reshaping the storyline in ways that were both unexpected and captivating. the story is meticulously orchestrated, with a narrative that is smoothly woven and elegantly articulated.
the chemistry between the protagonists was undeniable, reaching its paroxysm as the book progressed. their banter was sharp and engaging, an aspect of the storyline that managed to lighten a iota the seriousness of the subplot. however, it is worth noting that the male protagonist exhibited a penchant for publicly humiliating the female lead in the early chapters. that behavior transcended mere grumpiness; it veered into a more sadistic path, apparently aimed at outlining her inferiority.
despite this —to say the least—troubling dynamic, the book remains an addictive read. the characters were well-constructed, each with their own demons and depth, including the secondary personages, who layered colors to the narrative. I cannot wait to delve deeper into this universe and explore more of what it has to offer.
”but I don’t want you to leave. stay with me, vale. stay with me, and you’ll never have to fight another battle again. I’ll fight them for you. I’ll protect you. I’ll avenge you.”
—————-
irl book bestie told me to read it, so here we go..
April 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ she was good but she wasn’t great, I needed a little bit more oomph to it. Also, they met and then a month later got their hea, like A MONTH?! Pls stop
November 9, 2022
5 unraveled ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✨
I'm in awe if this author's talent.
I was so blown away by this book .
Loved everything that is the hero and heroine.
The dynamic.
The storyline
The plots.
The side characters.
Everything was so well balanced. Alsooo the ins and outs of the mafia world were soo in depth like , Gabrielle are you in the Mafia 😅😅😅???
Now to the spice 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 yum literally DELICIOUS 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤.
AND I QUOTE
❝“I have this fantasy where I bend you over my desk, fill you with my c💦m, and make you spend the rest of the day with me dripping down your thighs.” ❞
I mean *chef's kiss*
And I'm absolutely not pissed because I'm waiting to read the next book with my last breath 🥵🥵🥵. *Grabby hands*
I'm in awe if this author's talent.
I was so blown away by this book .
Loved everything that is the hero and heroine.
The dynamic.
The storyline
The plots.
The side characters.
Everything was so well balanced. Alsooo the ins and outs of the mafia world were soo in depth like , Gabrielle are you in the Mafia 😅😅😅???
Now to the spice 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 yum literally DELICIOUS 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤.
AND I QUOTE
❝“I have this fantasy where I bend you over my desk, fill you with my c💦m, and make you spend the rest of the day with me dripping down your thighs.” ❞
I mean *chef's kiss*
And I'm absolutely not pissed because I'm waiting to read the next book with my last breath 🥵🥵🥵. *Grabby hands*
Read
September 12, 2022When I was reading I was expecting this extremely jealous possessive alpha male but to be honest that’s not the vibe I got from him. I didn’t find either characters interesting enough to continue so I had to stop. I wont rate as I didn’t finish.
November 23, 2025
“Before I met you, I thought romantic love made people crazy and weak. I was right about the first. Cazzo, I’m so fucking crazy about you. But love doesn’t make us weak. It’s the opposite. It shows us what we absolutely can’t lose—what’s worth dying for. I’d die for you, Vale.”
She kisses me again. “I’d prefer you live for me instead.”
★ᯓ 3.5 Stars ᯓ★
⤷Okay this surprised me, it was a bit corny at times but the plot ate down. I didn't like the insta-love aspect I felt like this story would have been better if it wasn't for that but 🤷♀️
✶ Damiano: He was a bit of a red flag honestly, wayyy too lustful. His POVs almost caused me an aneurysm 😞
The way he acted when he found out about Valentina pissed me off 🧍♀️
♥︎ Valentina: She ate tbh, what a badass I love her. The plan with Martina and Lazaro was sooo good, I loved reading that part 😮💨
Plot ate down, Immediately starting the next book bcuz I am HOOKED
♠️་༘࿐✮ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִ Pre-read ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ✮་༘࿐♠️
⤷ I need a good mafia romance
please be good please be good please be good 🙏
She kisses me again. “I’d prefer you live for me instead.”
★ᯓ 3.5 Stars ᯓ★
⤷Okay this surprised me, it was a bit corny at times but the plot ate down. I didn't like the insta-love aspect I felt like this story would have been better if it wasn't for that but 🤷♀️
✶ Damiano: He was a bit of a red flag honestly, wayyy too lustful. His POVs almost caused me an aneurysm 😞
The way he acted when he found out about Valentina pissed me off 🧍♀️
♥︎ Valentina: She ate tbh, what a badass I love her. The plan with Martina and Lazaro was sooo good, I loved reading that part 😮💨
Plot ate down, Immediately starting the next book bcuz I am HOOKED
♠️་༘࿐✮ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִ Pre-read ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ✮་༘࿐♠️
⤷ I need a good mafia romance
please be good please be good please be good 🙏
May 6, 2024
I really liked this—I had to go to sleep before writing my review last night. Mafia romances can feel repetitive/overdone. This felt fresh and different to me. The plot was interesting and I enjoyed Vale. She’s exactly how I like my fmc in a Mafia romance. Sure, she was a caged princess but she had a backbone and stood up for herself.
September 8, 2023
3/5⭐
2/5🔥
I've mixed thoughts about this, I didn't like it, but I liked it.
-Age gap
-Mafia
-Heroine on the run
-Captivity
Despite these tropes having in this book, I still wasn't intrigued. I heard that this book was a slow burn with a possessive male...
Where tho? like, is this the same book I'm reading or what?
Valentina and Damiano were very bland to me. There was not that much of chemistry between them.
The writing is great, it's easy to get into, and I'd say I'm more interested in the side characters. There was almost no plot twist. I was never engaged with their relationship. And Damiano😶 babes, he was not the possessive alpha male I wanted 😭
I really was rooting for this book🤧
2/5🔥
I've mixed thoughts about this, I didn't like it, but I liked it.
-Age gap
-Mafia
-Heroine on the run
-Captivity
Despite these tropes having in this book, I still wasn't intrigued. I heard that this book was a slow burn with a possessive male...
Where tho? like, is this the same book I'm reading or what?
Valentina and Damiano were very bland to me. There was not that much of chemistry between them.
The writing is great, it's easy to get into, and I'd say I'm more interested in the side characters. There was almost no plot twist. I was never engaged with their relationship. And Damiano😶 babes, he was not the possessive alpha male I wanted 😭
I really was rooting for this book🤧
February 7, 2023
3.5 stars
I actually liked this way more than I expected.
Here’s the highlights for me:
- we start with the heroine’s POV - this is so rare these days but really sets up the book to have a little tension.
- the hero’s 1st pov isn’t a complete simp fest. He’s intrigued by the heroine but not creating wedding mood boards quite yet.
- the hero never refers to himself as a monster. He never tries to tell us what a bad man he is. What a breath of fresh air
- the heroine is strong without being bitchy or OTT independent
Overall I enjoyed the writing style. The choices the author made early helped me move past stuff that would typically annoy me.
What were those things that bothered me?
- the h saves herself every time. I know some readers like that but what’s the point of the hero?
- and this hero was completely useless. For a man who wants to head the “clan” (aka: mafia) he was wildly inept. He had one job, to keep the 2 women in his life safe, and he failed several times.
- this book was really intent on rah-rah-rah Girl Power… but it felt lopsided. The hero never got a chance to shine. He was emasculated at all times. He bowed to her on everything and wasn’t even capable of the stuff that was in his hands. I expect a little more intensity of personality with a mafia hero. He was pretty beta.
- we got his POV too early. We meet him through the h’s POV around 15%… and their encounter builds a little tension, but it is IMMEDIATELY softened by his POV. There was no point to it and took away all the mystery and intensity. I wish she’d used his POV with more intent. (I do appreciate that we started with the h, tho)
- the hero was very tepidly jealous/possessive. I wanted the author to allow a little more give in the PC stuff so that the H could be more aggressive and intense. Beta men are bores. This is the mafia genre. Readers of the genre are expecting an intense possessive hero.
- I really hated that the heroine had to kill her tormentor at the end. This poor girl had already done so much killing, I wanted her to be spared that nightmare. I really wanted the hero to come through for her here. Womp-womp
Bottom line? I was overall pleasantly surprised that I liked this. The writing style worked for me, but I did feel like it was missing intensity, despite the dramatic start. I think if this author could get out of her own way with the PC stuff, we might have something here. I’ve already started the next book. 3.5 stars, rounded up because I’m stoked she started in the h’s POV, and this hero never once said he’d like to choke her with his c*ck. (The most overused line in dark romance.)
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing between MCs (the h is married when she becomes intimate with the H, so she does cheat on her monster of a husband)
- very mild OW drama that was over before it even really started
- no OM drama
- no dubcon
- no virgins - h has had sex once with her husband of 2 years and Hero is experienced
- scenes and thoughts and discussion/description of torture and murder
I actually liked this way more than I expected.
Here’s the highlights for me:
- we start with the heroine’s POV - this is so rare these days but really sets up the book to have a little tension.
- the hero’s 1st pov isn’t a complete simp fest. He’s intrigued by the heroine but not creating wedding mood boards quite yet.
- the hero never refers to himself as a monster. He never tries to tell us what a bad man he is. What a breath of fresh air
- the heroine is strong without being bitchy or OTT independent
Overall I enjoyed the writing style. The choices the author made early helped me move past stuff that would typically annoy me.
What were those things that bothered me?
- the h saves herself every time. I know some readers like that but what’s the point of the hero?
- and this hero was completely useless. For a man who wants to head the “clan” (aka: mafia) he was wildly inept. He had one job, to keep the 2 women in his life safe, and he failed several times.
- this book was really intent on rah-rah-rah Girl Power… but it felt lopsided. The hero never got a chance to shine. He was emasculated at all times. He bowed to her on everything and wasn’t even capable of the stuff that was in his hands. I expect a little more intensity of personality with a mafia hero. He was pretty beta.
- we got his POV too early. We meet him through the h’s POV around 15%… and their encounter builds a little tension, but it is IMMEDIATELY softened by his POV. There was no point to it and took away all the mystery and intensity. I wish she’d used his POV with more intent. (I do appreciate that we started with the h, tho)
- the hero was very tepidly jealous/possessive. I wanted the author to allow a little more give in the PC stuff so that the H could be more aggressive and intense. Beta men are bores. This is the mafia genre. Readers of the genre are expecting an intense possessive hero.
- I really hated that the heroine had to kill her tormentor at the end. This poor girl had already done so much killing, I wanted her to be spared that nightmare. I really wanted the hero to come through for her here. Womp-womp
Bottom line? I was overall pleasantly surprised that I liked this. The writing style worked for me, but I did feel like it was missing intensity, despite the dramatic start. I think if this author could get out of her own way with the PC stuff, we might have something here. I’ve already started the next book. 3.5 stars, rounded up because I’m stoked she started in the h’s POV, and this hero never once said he’d like to choke her with his c*ck. (The most overused line in dark romance.)
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing between MCs (the h is married when she becomes intimate with the H, so she does cheat on her monster of a husband)
- very mild OW drama that was over before it even really started
- no OM drama
- no dubcon
- no virgins - h has had sex once with her husband of 2 years and Hero is experienced
- scenes and thoughts and discussion/description of torture and murder
May 12, 2025
5 STARS
When I read Be With Me earlier last week, I was immediately kicking myself for not finding this author sooner. To say that I was hooked was an understatement. I immediately had to find and start her backlist. And when I tell you that I binge read this book in one night, I mean I BINGE read it. As someone who is constantly on the hunt for a good dark mafia romance, they get harder and harder to find. But I hit the jackpot with this author who is now an absolute auto buy for me.
Now if the blurb alone isn't delicious enough to hook you, I'm not sure that we're reading the same blurb. Because GAH.
Damiano and Valentina were absolutely sizzling together. Valentina is mafia princess who finds herself married to a monster due to a marriage contract set up by her don father. But when pushed too far, she escapes and finds herself hiding in Ibiza. With nothing to her name and in hiding and unable to use her real name, Valentina needs a job. And a popular nightclub seems to be the perfect solution. Unfortunately the nightclub is owned by a man who is as infuriating as he is handsome.
The push and pull between these two was absolutely delicious. I love their antagonistic start. But Damiano is not who he appears to be and when Vale realizes that she just walked into the lion's den, she has nowhere left to run.
I thought I loved the first half of this book but it was nothing compared to the second half. I devoured it and couldn't bring myself to set it down for even a minute. I loved these characters. I loved this story. And if you're a fan of dark mafia romance like me, prepare yourself for your new addiction because this series IS IT.
Find me on:
You’re a pig.”
He stands up and steps into my space. “No, I’m a wolf. And you’re a sheep that wandered into the wrong pasture.”
When I read Be With Me earlier last week, I was immediately kicking myself for not finding this author sooner. To say that I was hooked was an understatement. I immediately had to find and start her backlist. And when I tell you that I binge read this book in one night, I mean I BINGE read it. As someone who is constantly on the hunt for a good dark mafia romance, they get harder and harder to find. But I hit the jackpot with this author who is now an absolute auto buy for me.
Now if the blurb alone isn't delicious enough to hook you, I'm not sure that we're reading the same blurb. Because GAH.
Damiano and Valentina were absolutely sizzling together. Valentina is mafia princess who finds herself married to a monster due to a marriage contract set up by her don father. But when pushed too far, she escapes and finds herself hiding in Ibiza. With nothing to her name and in hiding and unable to use her real name, Valentina needs a job. And a popular nightclub seems to be the perfect solution. Unfortunately the nightclub is owned by a man who is as infuriating as he is handsome.
The push and pull between these two was absolutely delicious. I love their antagonistic start. But Damiano is not who he appears to be and when Vale realizes that she just walked into the lion's den, she has nowhere left to run.
I thought I loved the first half of this book but it was nothing compared to the second half. I devoured it and couldn't bring myself to set it down for even a minute. I loved these characters. I loved this story. And if you're a fan of dark mafia romance like me, prepare yourself for your new addiction because this series IS IT.
Find me on:
August 26, 2022
* ARC received in exchange for my honest opinion♥️
♥️ Mafia Romance
♥️ Possessive hero
♥️ Captive
♥️ Touch her and I’ll kill you
♥️ Heroine is inexperienced but not a virgin
♥️ Strong and Independent heroine
♥️ DubC0n
Valentina & Damiano 🥰🥰
I fell in love with this book within the first few chapters. I loved this so much, I have found a new insta buy author.
Valentina is a mafia princess on the run from her abusive husband and mafia family, when she runs into our Hero Damiano’s territory. She thinks he is a very protective business man. Both are keeping some secrets and when they get out..🥵
Valentina is feisty and catches Damiano’s attention in his nightclub in Ibiza. The chemistry between the two is sooo good.
Damiano has mad it on my top book boyfriend list’s and one of my favourite mafia men. He is a sexy, demanding, and protective mafia boss with such a kind side. Especially with his sister. I loved the “happy sigh he let out when I laid my head on his sleeping chest” scene. No stop. Where is my mafia capo? 😂
I’m buying a physical copy. I need this on my shelf rn!
Safety:
• Past memories of murder & brief mentions of death
• Abusive past relationship
• horrible relationship w/ parents
♥️ Mafia Romance
♥️ Possessive hero
♥️ Captive
♥️ Touch her and I’ll kill you
♥️ Heroine is inexperienced but not a virgin
♥️ Strong and Independent heroine
♥️ DubC0n
Valentina & Damiano 🥰🥰
I fell in love with this book within the first few chapters. I loved this so much, I have found a new insta buy author.
Valentina is a mafia princess on the run from her abusive husband and mafia family, when she runs into our Hero Damiano’s territory. She thinks he is a very protective business man. Both are keeping some secrets and when they get out..🥵
Valentina is feisty and catches Damiano’s attention in his nightclub in Ibiza. The chemistry between the two is sooo good.
Damiano has mad it on my top book boyfriend list’s and one of my favourite mafia men. He is a sexy, demanding, and protective mafia boss with such a kind side. Especially with his sister. I loved the “happy sigh he let out when I laid my head on his sleeping chest” scene. No stop. Where is my mafia capo? 😂
I’m buying a physical copy. I need this on my shelf rn!
Safety:
• Past memories of murder & brief mentions of death
• Abusive past relationship
• horrible relationship w/ parents
March 5, 2025
this book was so good! loved the plot, loved the tension, loved the smut. i have literally not one bad thing to say about it. go read it!
2025 re-read:
just as good as the first time i’ve read it! 💕
2025 re-read:
just as good as the first time i’ve read it! 💕
August 31, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC REVIEW
Safety gang:
- No OM/OW drama (h is married - arranged)
- No cheating (between the MCs)
- Sexual Assault
- Dubcon
- Violence/torture (descriptive)
- HEA
Safety gang:
- No OM/OW drama (h is married - arranged)
- No cheating (between the MCs)
- Sexual Assault
- Dubcon
- Violence/torture (descriptive)
- HEA
June 3, 2023
It started promising & them just fell flat :/ I was gonna dnf but then wanted to know how this wrapped up so I skimmed it but this was meh imo :/
There was potential but once the “spice” kicked in, everything got lost through it
There was potential but once the “spice” kicked in, everything got lost through it
August 7, 2025
What a great story. I love it!
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
September 14, 2024
“Stay with me, Vale. Stay with me, and you’ll never have to fight another battle again. I’ll fight them for you. I’ll protect you. I’ll avenge you.”
I finally cave in and started one of the most famous mafia romance series. Honestly, I have no idea what I was expecting from this book but it definitely was something else. It's a bit different from other mafia romances I have read and the background setting of Ibiza adds a certain charm to it. I actually liked it that way. The storyline was different and intriguing and I was drawn more to it than I was to romance. Vale and Damiano definitely has undeniable electric chemistry. Their romance wasn't as convincing because of the things Damiano did to Vale when she was being held captive.
“He can’t break someone who’s already broken.”
The characters were well developed but they were kinda forgettable. Vale was broken by the mental torture she had endured because of her psychopath husband but she was also fierce, badass and relentless. I liked her more than I liked Damiano. Damiano was good at first but the way he treated Vale after knowing her real identity was harsh and definitely not forgivable.
“Damiano’s words feel like rain. They soak the dusty earth and reach all the way down to the place where my soul has been hiding. One day, we may have a flower yet.”
I am intrigued to know more about this series' mafia world. I am desperately craving something different in this genre and I have a good feeling about the next books in this series.
October 16, 2022
My first ever mafia romance! Why didn’t anyone tell me writing these crazy alpha heroes would be this much fun?
If any of the below get you going, this book is for you:
- Jealous and possessive hero x 1000; this hero is a lunatic IN THE BEST WAY
- Fish out of water heroine who you can’t help but root for
- MINE
- Touch her and I’ll kill you
- Captivity
- Dub con
- Juicy mafia family politics and intrigue
If any of the below get you going, this book is for you:
- Jealous and possessive hero x 1000; this hero is a lunatic IN THE BEST WAY
- Fish out of water heroine who you can’t help but root for
- MINE
- Touch her and I’ll kill you
- Captivity
- Dub con
- Juicy mafia family politics and intrigue
February 8, 2023
My first book by Gabrielle Sands, and if she continues to write dark mafia romances, it definitely won't be my last.
I'm so addicted to this type of story and I don't want to stop reading them. At all.
I'm so addicted to this type of story and I don't want to stop reading them. At all.
July 12, 2025
5 THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A MAFIA ROMANCE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧
This was even better the second time!
There is a reason the synopsis is vague, there are plot twists you won’t see coming and it would spoil the story. I don’t want to ruin anything for you.
This reads like an old school mafia romance, because GS takes this story as far as she can, no political correctness, no concern for the readers sensibilities, just keeping a focus on telling a really good story. Is it a little OTT? not for me😂 but it’s a possibility.
As a reader I felt safe, because of the main characters, Valentina and Damiano are amazing and I trusted them! They are both flawed, and I loved both of them. Which to be honest, I rarely say! Damiano is a very hot character.
It is in dual POV 70/30 and it really works here, because Damiano is not a golden retriever on the inside, he is torn and rational, and that works so well in dual POV. I hate when they pine, in their inner dialogue from the very beginning.🤦♀️
The plot 5 ⭐️
The romance 5⭐️
The spice 5🌶️
I could not put this book down, it’s crazy entertaining, and it will take you for a ride, if you need an escape.
I wish more romance books were as engaging as this. I didn’t find it super dark, it’s more grey, however I am a little jaded. There is very graphic violence in some chapters, but it’s not the main focus of the book. The mafia resembles mafia, and there is nothing Disneyfied about this. ❤️
Somehow the author managed to make it romantic and suspenseful at the same time without compromising the story or the romance. Unsolicited advice, don’t read spoiler reviews.
The ending is 🙌 no whitewashing of anything!
Should you read it? Oh Yes.
Ps. I feel cheated, because I was so disappointed by “Be with me” and now I reread this, and I realize what it could have been.
I blame BOOKTOK.
This was even better the second time!
There is a reason the synopsis is vague, there are plot twists you won’t see coming and it would spoil the story. I don’t want to ruin anything for you.
This reads like an old school mafia romance, because GS takes this story as far as she can, no political correctness, no concern for the readers sensibilities, just keeping a focus on telling a really good story. Is it a little OTT? not for me😂 but it’s a possibility.
As a reader I felt safe, because of the main characters, Valentina and Damiano are amazing and I trusted them! They are both flawed, and I loved both of them. Which to be honest, I rarely say! Damiano is a very hot character.
It is in dual POV 70/30 and it really works here, because Damiano is not a golden retriever on the inside, he is torn and rational, and that works so well in dual POV. I hate when they pine, in their inner dialogue from the very beginning.🤦♀️
The plot 5 ⭐️
The romance 5⭐️
The spice 5🌶️
I could not put this book down, it’s crazy entertaining, and it will take you for a ride, if you need an escape.
I wish more romance books were as engaging as this. I didn’t find it super dark, it’s more grey, however I am a little jaded. There is very graphic violence in some chapters, but it’s not the main focus of the book. The mafia resembles mafia, and there is nothing Disneyfied about this. ❤️
Somehow the author managed to make it romantic and suspenseful at the same time without compromising the story or the romance. Unsolicited advice, don’t read spoiler reviews.
The ending is 🙌 no whitewashing of anything!
Should you read it? Oh Yes.
Ps. I feel cheated, because I was so disappointed by “Be with me” and now I reread this, and I realize what it could have been.
I blame BOOKTOK.
June 12, 2025
وای چه کتاب هیجان انگیزی بود!
August 8, 2025
these two had the chemistry of a rock.
March 11, 2023
This was excellent and exactly what I needed after a fluffy sweet romance. I’d say this was somewhat dark but not Pepper Winters dark if ya know what I mean!
The beginning didn’t linger for long and I absolutely loved that we saw Vale make her own way before meeting up with Dem. I felt so many emotions for her when she was on her own, penniless and terrified of what to do next.
I really enjoyed the push and pull/tease and test of their initial relationship and just when you were lulled into a sense of familiarity…BAM! The book takes a crazy turn and the action goes full force.
This is honestly probably the first mafia book I’ve enjoyed since I last read a JT Geissinger book! I’m shelving the next and also looking forward to the third that was set up at the end.
The beginning didn’t linger for long and I absolutely loved that we saw Vale make her own way before meeting up with Dem. I felt so many emotions for her when she was on her own, penniless and terrified of what to do next.
I really enjoyed the push and pull/tease and test of their initial relationship and just when you were lulled into a sense of familiarity…BAM! The book takes a crazy turn and the action goes full force.
This is honestly probably the first mafia book I’ve enjoyed since I last read a JT Geissinger book! I’m shelving the next and also looking forward to the third that was set up at the end.
February 8, 2024
This was okay. It was definitely very interesting from a plot perspective and quite different from traditional mafia romances, with a few twists I didn't anticipate and really enjoyed. But my main issue was the romance. They seem like the perfect couple on paper but the chemistry just wasn't there for me. I like the characters individually, but even though I could sympathise with their struggles, I didn't feel an emotional connection to them.
Overall, it was engaging and entertaining, and definitely did a good job of setting up future couples. I just don't feel connected enough to any character to be excited about continuing this series.
Overall, it was engaging and entertaining, and definitely did a good job of setting up future couples. I just don't feel connected enough to any character to be excited about continuing this series.
December 25, 2024
This was such a good mafia romance! Valentina is in a loveless marriage with someone in the mafia who makes her do unspeakable things. One day, she's pushed past her limit and knows she has to escape, so she finds herself alone and with no money in Ibiza. She gets a job at a club and meets the owner, who takes an interest in her. Little does she know he has a connection to the world she ran away from...
I really enjoyed reading this one! I love a romance that takes place in the mafia world and I loved how the heroine was trying to run from the mafia and finds herself in the arms of a man she should stay far away from. I'm excited to try out more from Gabrielle Sands!!
I really enjoyed reading this one! I love a romance that takes place in the mafia world and I loved how the heroine was trying to run from the mafia and finds herself in the arms of a man she should stay far away from. I'm excited to try out more from Gabrielle Sands!!
December 3, 2023
One of the best mafia romances I’ve ever read. No drama in that statement yall
March 24, 2024
3.5⭐ / 3🌶️
— vibezz
🪩 age gap [28H 21h]
🛟 hidden identity
🪩 MMC in isolation
🛟 strong FMC
🪩 actually good storyline in the bg
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Valentina is on the run from her family and her husband and all the horrible reality that's her life in the mafia. But she find herself right in the hands of another man that have the same ties into that world she vowed to escape, but this time, escaping is not that easy...
//
I'm pleasantly surprised to have liked this one as much as I did, the plot between the two MCs was really good, not at all insta-love, I might say it was insta-lust and it gradually (and believably) evolved into more as the story proceeded.
I appreciated Damiano character, it was not that overbearing all macho/alpha toxic man, he was possessive (🫠) but in a good way.
Valentina, love... this woman let me tell you has grown a pair. She is fierce she is beauty she will shoot you in the face 🙏
Now I'm really interested in all the plot running in the background between all the different characters involved 👀
— vibezz
🪩 age gap [28H 21h]
🛟 hidden identity
🪩 MMC in isolation
🛟 strong FMC
🪩 actually good storyline in the bg
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Valentina is on the run from her family and her husband and all the horrible reality that's her life in the mafia. But she find herself right in the hands of another man that have the same ties into that world she vowed to escape, but this time, escaping is not that easy...
//
I'm pleasantly surprised to have liked this one as much as I did, the plot between the two MCs was really good, not at all insta-love, I might say it was insta-lust and it gradually (and believably) evolved into more as the story proceeded.
I appreciated Damiano character, it was not that overbearing all macho/alpha toxic man, he was possessive (🫠) but in a good way.
Valentina, love... this woman let me tell you has grown a pair. She is fierce she is beauty she will shoot you in the face 🙏
Now I'm really interested in all the plot running in the background between all the different characters involved 👀
July 13, 2025
This was a good mafia story for me. Kept my interest all the way through reading it.
Mafia don married his daughter to a sadistic man. She shoots him, when he is going to make her kill a young girl. And then runs away from her family and husband.
Then she meets a man who seems to like her and treats her well. Only to find out he belongs to another mafia clan.
Mafia don married his daughter to a sadistic man. She shoots him, when he is going to make her kill a young girl. And then runs away from her family and husband.
Then she meets a man who seems to like her and treats her well. Only to find out he belongs to another mafia clan.
December 24, 2022
DNF at 95% spoilers
It was pretty good through the first half. A bit slow, but good. I liked all the characters well enough and surprisingly at the very end it was just so… cliche, or easy? That I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. He kinda sucked at protecting her (and everyone else).
And everything was just working out too well for them. The entire book led up to this moment any it was so… blah. They were also intimate at very weird times which threw off the vibe of the book in some places. He was literally torturing her and she still found him hot. Like bruh. At least he scared for a few minutes. The smut was subpar, and their first time together was an actual ick and I almost stopped then.
It was pretty good through the first half. A bit slow, but good. I liked all the characters well enough and surprisingly at the very end it was just so… cliche, or easy? That I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. He kinda sucked at protecting her (and everyone else).
And everything was just working out too well for them. The entire book led up to this moment any it was so… blah. They were also intimate at very weird times which threw off the vibe of the book in some places. He was literally torturing her and she still found him hot. Like bruh. At least he scared for a few minutes. The smut was subpar, and their first time together was an actual ick and I almost stopped then.
October 29, 2022
4.5 stars …. Recently married daughter of the Don Of NY- Valentina shoots her husband to escape his murder/torture cycle. She frees a young girl he had planned to torture. She flees the country and winds up in Ibiza. She goes to the club owned by the H looking foR a job. He allows her to audition for a job as a maid. Stuff happens. They find out each other’s true identity. Angsty times for a bit u til they destroy the villain and ready for a Mafia war that will happen in the sequels.Bogged a bit towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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