Gorgeous Villain: Special Edition

Marchetti Mafia #3

by Charity Ferrell

The untouchable mafia princess falls for her family’s rival.
How cliché, right?
But that’s my love story.
Unfortunately, it’s filled with betrayal, violence, and tragedy.

As the daughter of the biggest crime boss in the country, I’m off-limits.
A forbidden fruit no man risks taking.
Except Antonio Lombardi.

My world turns upside down when I witness him killing a man.
He catches me before I can run and touches me with his murderous hands.
After he lets me go, he becomes obsessive.
My stalker.
A man who claims ownership of me.

When our families go to war, he’ll win by any means necessary.
And it starts with him holding a gun to my head and forcing me to become his wife.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Audiobook, Adult, Crime

428 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2024

About the author

Charity Ferrell is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, #1 Amazon, and #1 Apple bestselling author.

She resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her dog, on a Starbucks run, shopping online, or spending time with her family.

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Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gigi Marchetti has a pea-sized bladder, which shines Antonio Lombardi’s spotlight on her.

A mafia princess, no one will ever be good enough for Cristian’s daughter. In fact, so much as thinking about her could sign your unaliving warrant. But she’s worth it. Antonio’s relentless pursuit and willingness to take on Monster for Gigi was hot AF!!

Loved the constant action, clandestine meet-ups, and steamy AF chemistry.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy the story. But too much sexual content in the story for me. Which I ended up skipping through.
I probably give this author a miss now.
4 stars 🌟 for the story - 1 for content not needed🙄😂

[Lauren Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars 3/5 Spice

Tropes:
Mafia Romance
Single Dad
Forced Marriage
Rival Families
Secret Relationship
Romeo & Juliet vibes

listen, i read gorgeous prince five times in 11 months so when i tell you i was so ready for this story i am not joking. & it did not disappoint. i loved going backwards in the timeline of the series & seeing all these important moments from antonio & gigi’s pov. the way these two were just the perfect puzzle piece for each other. dark & rough but together a perfect scene. 🫠 i loved gigi so much. she was still our snarky gigi but we saw her hard moments & her weaknesses & the way she just *knew* what she wanted when it seemed impossible. & antonio & amara 😍 we love a mafia man being soft. i loved every second of these two. this was a romeo & juliet retelling that has a lot of twists & turns & unhinged men but at the end i cried happy tears. just so good.

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
❤️mafia romance
🖤single dad
❤️forced marriage
🖤rival families
❤️ forced proximity
🖤touch her n die 💀

Gorgeous Villain is the third installment in the marchetti mafia series. Although, it can technically be read as a standalone, it makes for a better reading experience if you read in order. This is GiGi n Antonio’s story.

The Fmc, GiGi Marchetti, is the mafia princess. She is the daughter of Christian Marchetti, who we meet in book 1 , Gorgeous Monster. Gigi, is snarky, and knows what she wants … even if it goes against her father.

The MMC, Antonio, is the son of Vincent, head of the Lombardi family, rivals with the Marchetti. Antonio was one possessed hero. He went to great lenglengths to keep Gigi protected, when everything blew up. He was borderline obsessed with Gigi and I loved every moment of it.

I absolutely loved Gigi and Antonio’s story, even though I thought at times Antonio was out of his mind and became unhinged. But then what morally grey hero isn’t?! .

I love how the book kinda had moments that reversed the timeline from previous books so you can get glimpses of what occurred from their pov.

I look forward to reading Damien and Pipas book next. Thank you to charity for allowing me to read in advance.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gigi has a big heart and is full of sass. As Christian Marchetti’s daughter, she may appear untouchable and while her father will do anything to ensure her a comfortable and safe life, she but also feels stifled by her father’s protection. She will stand her ground and fight for what she wants, will step up and take responsibility, and embrace her Marchetti legacy. Antonio Lombardi is considered intimidating and smart, known for his ruthlessness and reliability in getting a job done. We see he is loyal to his family name and will try to keep up his family’s interest. We also see a tender side to him when it comes to his six-year-old daughter, Amara. When Antonio and Gigi meet, they push each other’s buttons with Antonio daring to cross boundaries in getting what he wants. Yet as other events occur around them (some in parallel with the prior books), we see their relationship may be as ill-fated/star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet’s. I did feel like something was missing in the buildup to their relationship as it felt based a lot on their physical reaction to each other, more so on Gigi’s part as early on Antonio admits there are some parts to Gigi’s personality that surprises him but we don’t seem to get that same feeling from Gigi. Yet we do see how Antonio will go to lengths to keep her safe and will admit time and again he’d kill or die for her. Gigi also brings out more emotion from him behind his love for his daughter and she keeps him on his toes at times. Along the way we get warring families, betrayals, suspense, and plenty of mafia actions. We also see the other Marchettis and their familial bonds. There is also a hint at the next couple, and I look forward to seeing how that pans out.

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book.. I loved the whole twist on the Romeo and Juliet theme. It was executed perfectly. The characters were great and Charity did a great job with this book!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want an Antonio. He definitely is my favorite hero from this series, nudging Benny out of first place. This man was so obsessed and possessive of his woman, and I was here for it!! Not to mention the legnths he went to make sure his dark princess was not only safe but happy. Honestly, I got nothing negative to say about him.

Gigi was awesome as well, and I loved how she stood up and chose her man even though she knew her father and brother wouldn't approve.

All in all, this was a great read that I would definitely recommend even though Antonio is a little unhinged, but hey, so was Benny and Christian😅

I am definitely looking forward to Damian and Pippa's book. I have a feeling it's going to be a wild, angst filled ride.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story!! Antonio and Gigi are my favorite now!!! I loved the strength and courage of Gigi. And combined with his courage and the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, Antonio is the perfect boyfriend/fiance/husband. This storyline was exciting, taking us back a bit and then to the present. I loved our characters chemistry, meeting new characters, and all the action and drama!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this story after finishing the last book, the wait was worth it!!

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia men are just elite… deal with it. ;p

[kyndal ૮ • ﻌ - ა · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

i am so glad gigi finally got her happy ending, and i am so sad that this series in over with :(
i love how antonio is known as a ruthless killer but soft is only with his daughter and gigi is interesting to see.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Gigi’s story and once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. “Gorgeous Villain” is a thrilling, emotional and non-stop Mafia romance that had me turning the pages.

Gigi Marchetti is the daughter of the Marchetti Monster and has always been kept under watch by her family but also having some independence from the Mafia world. While out one night, she catches the eye of Antonio Lombardi, a rival Mafia family. But Antonio doesn’t care that she’s off limits and proceeds to work his way into her feelings and bed. But with all kinds of threats coming to the Lombardi and Marchetti family, it’s impossible for the two to be together without starting a whole new war.

From the first chapter, I was hooked on Gigi and Antonio’s story. Their relationship is forbidden but nothing was going to keep them apart once Antonio laid claim to her. Gigi is fiery, independent and I loved how she was able to stand up for herself. She’s not a normal mafia princess when it comes to her family. Her father never used her as a pawn and tried to live her life as much as possible. Antonio was a force to be reckoned with when it came to his family, his daughter and to Gigi. Nothing in the world would stop him from protecting what was his and he had me swooning for him more than once. The timeline goes back to some things that happened in the first two books to give a better look on how Gigi and Antonio found each other and how their relationship shaped the future and their family. The chemistry between the two was undeniable and I loved the teasing and stolen moments they had together. This book ticked all the boxes for me when it comes to a great Mafia romance and I’m looking forward to more from the Marchetti family and all of the side characters who I’m hoping will get their own stories.

[Katelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely would reread this book as we see the secret relationship of rival families Gigi and Antonio unfurl. Their is a lot of instalust and love going on here, which I don't normally love. But it worked beautifully in this book giving them this unshakable bond that's to be tested over time. Gigi had a beautiful mixture of vulnerability and perceived strength expected of the Marchetti princess. I was surprised how much I enjoyed her. Antonio is a man obsessed and lives up to that role. His protective nature is swoony as he navigates the crap storm of his family's poor choices. I loved the scenes of him as a dad where he can let down his guard and just enjoy peaceful moments. Most importantly he was always willing to sacrifice and make difficult moves for his princess. There was so much to love about this book and little glimpses of future couples that have me invested in more of this series

[Vishous · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
dear lord, this was worse than the first one but I ATE.IT.UP!
I would have rated it 4 ⭐ like the first two books, but this was unnecessary too long.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the series and let me say... wow
I loved Gigi and Antonio’s story.
Kind of a mafia Romeo and Juliet with a much better ending
Antonio is so alpha male and Uber possessive, and I loved it.
Gigi is everything a mafia princess should be. She definitely takes after her father.
These two had amazing chemistry, the villain and the princess.
Wonderfully written, amazing characters and a great mafia world to get lost in.
A must read
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[Genoveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonio and Gigi’s story is definitely a fave read. Antonio is a little unhinged lol but that made him even more likable. Gigi’s attempt to fight her attraction was laughable because that fight was so weak lol but honestly I don’t blame her I wouldn’t fight hard either.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about the way mafia romances hit. I am utterly obsessed with this entire series and I’ve been patiently waiting for Gigi’s story for a year.

It did NOT disappoint.

Antonio is a slightly unhinged mafia man. Him and Gigi’s relationship starts as a secret and they keep it from everyone. He will go to great lengths to protect her and keep her safe.

Gigi, is a strong and feisty girl. She knows what she wants and she gets what she wants. But she also has a tender hearted side where she would burn the world for Antonio.

I loved going back in time and seeing all the events from others pov throughout the stories. Their love story is one for the books and will live rent free for a long time in my head.


Tropes:
Forced marriage
Mafia romance
Single dad
Rival families
Secret relationships

[Sultana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cristian and Benny who??? It’s Antonio for life🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🔥🔥🔥

[daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

a mafia romeo & juliet 🤭🤌 this was INSANELY good.
i love how the characters in this series are full of personality but also have such different traits, this makes it so enjoyable to read each new character & book.

i could not put this book down, i loved how it was set over years, this made everything seem as realistic as possible in terms of the grudges that were held between the family and the reasons for them being forbidden. also, really enjoyed how plot heavy this is, despite the romance & relationships in these books the plot is so enticing and keeps you so gripped. when i got to 50% into this book and there was another 225 pages left i was like i literally cannot see how this is going to have a HEA but that’s also what made this so so good! i was so hooked! 😭

i loved gigi & antonio together and i feel like from the very beginning they did just have a natural pull together. this was so romeo & juliet coded from the way they spoke to each other, their love & the feelings they felt as well as the forbidden love. but i also really enjoyed how this love started a little later in life unlike r+j, antonio had a little girl and gigi had been promised by her father to never be forced to marry into their world unless she chose to.

when they were cute, they were SO cute but i also adored how witty they were back & forth & also how they both had their own separate personalities away from their relationship.

the sneaking around had me on the edge of my seat but i honestly think this was my favourite part of the book, as its set over so many years, seeing them constantly go periods of time without each other and then reunite was so fun to read.

it was so different to see a mafia mmc who didn’t want to rule if not necessary, who would happily choose a woman over his empire & this was shown so many times & so well throughout the entirety of the book. everyone kept questioning his loyalty to his family, because all along his loyalty was to the girl he was in love with.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous Villain is Romeo meets Juliet but with the added bonus of super Scorching, Smoking Hot, Sexy, Spicy steam that will having you fanning yourself from the heat alone.

“He’s the Romeo to my Juliet—minus the dying part, hopefully.”

Gorgeous Villain by Charity Ferrell is book 3 in Marchetti Mafia series.
Although it is a Standalone, seeing as it interconnects with Gorgeous Monster and Gorgeous Prince, it would be best enjoyed in order of series.

Following Giana ‘Gigi’ Marchetti and Antonio Lombardi’s journey had author Charity leading you on quite the adventurous whirlwind rollercoaster ride.
From page one right until the very last the story brought an array of elements including action-packed entertainment, drama, mystery, suspense from all the secrets, lies and deceit.
All the whilst riding the strong waves of angsty-ness given the emotional charged moments that led to an outpour of emotions and feelings shown throughout in what ultimately turned out to be quite a fast paced narrative.
Then again with the inclusion of time jumps varying from weeks to months, it was to be expected.

Honestly with all that was going on, author Charity ensured there was never a lull, keeping you moving forward in this real page turner.
Whether it be following Gigi and Antonio in their crazy, lustful yet somewhat toxic relationship.
These two really knew how to put on a show from the constant back and forth, pushing and pulling, whilst going through many ups and downs. Only to result in some wide-eyed, eyebrows raised, jaw dropping, hair pulling (from frustration) moments at times. Especially with the constant butting of heads, seeing as Gigi and Antonio were two headstrong characters.
Yet despite all that you still couldn’t help but root for them, even when their family members were not, given the Romeo and Juliet vibes from the feuding it brought forth.
Add to that their electrifying chemistry on top of their physical connection courtesy of the steamy moments they shared, was it any surprise they had the fires aflame.

As for the character development, Charity came through not only opening Gigi and Antonio up to us.
But also delving deep with the exploration showcased through the peeling back of layers.
With their individual POV chapters, it allowed their inner monologue to shine bright, loud and clear, allowing us the readers to get an understanding of not only who they were.
As well as exploring their personal lives within a somewhat day to day basis, including seeing what made them tick and their interactions with others that came in the form of secondary characters including Gigi’s family members Cristian and Natalia and Benny and Neomi.

Whilst the story did feel a little long a couple of times throughout, considering the length of the story being played out for.
It couldn't be faulted since it was understandably so, seeing as Gigi and Antonio’s story began long before Cristian and Natalia and Benny and Neomi’s. It meant going right the way back to the beginning of the series, as there were peeks of the other Marchetti family members story along the way. But this time showcased from Gigi and Antonio’s POVs.

Just like with Gorgeous Monster and Gorgeous Prince, author Charity Ferrell came through with yet again great read from Marchetti Mafia series that was Gigi and Antonio’s story Gorgeous Villain.
What’s even more great is knowing there will be another book that is Pippa and Damien’s story, Sinful Sacrifice, for which she has me excited for.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m truly at a loss for words. Antonio is so completely different than Cristian and Benny and some of the filth that came out of his mouth had me blushing like never before.

It’s so interesting to see how two rival families in the same business are so completely different. While Cristian and Benny are powerful and ruthless… Antonio was an absolute unhinged man, and that is exactly how I envisioned both of their families as well.

The overlapping timelines was executed so well, and it was great to see all the things play out from a different perspective.

Gigi was made for Antonio her growing up in the world she did put her in a position to know how to control him in ways no other woman would… and I use the word control him loosely, but as stated before Antonio is UNHINGED!

I loved everything about this series.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not destined for a happily ever after.

Mafia princess and one of the sons of another mafia family turned rivals. I enjoyed Gigi and Antonio’s story. I first bits mostly follow the timelines of the first two books. It was fun to see what GiGi was actually up to during that timeframe. All in all a good read if you enjoy mafia romance. I do recommend reading this series in order if you plan your read them.

[lolagreenbriar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but not awesome either.. I really enjoyed reading the first enemies to lovers that are attracted to each other but they’re rivals part. I didn’t really like the stalking part from the male character I think it was way too much and some of his sentences were a bit above the line and made me uncomfy.
The smut was wayyyyy too present imo and it became a bit boring since it was on almost every page I read…..

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had me intrigued from the beginning, needing to know what happenes between these two. I was not disappointed! There's so many twists in this story as the characters make their way to their HEA. They certainly have to work for it. I don't want to ruin anything so I'll leave it at that.

Both narrators for this audiobook did a splendid job bringing that characters to life, and I'd happily listen to anything either one of them works on.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

I was disappointed that half the book is a recap of book 2. Some overlap/background would have been fine but it wasn’t until 50% that the story started to move forward and then felt rushed.

[ProfoundBeauty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic end to this series!

[Karen M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll read anything to get me out of this reading slump. This was surprisingly pleasant.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Marchetti Mafia series.
I absolutely loved this series and it was everything Mafia.
This was Antonio's and Gigi's story. We have met these characters in previous books.
If Single Dad, Mafia Romeo and Juliet vibe, touch her and unalive you tropes your thing then you will love this.
Both from two powerful families that are enemies.
But an incident made him see her and that was her fate sealed.
These two were very strong characters so they clashed a lot. I loved that they both were matched well in the back and forth witty banter. They should dislike each other but their electric chemistry is pulling them together. Gosh the spice was hot. I loved his little daughter, Amara. You can see the softer side of him when around her. He was actually perfect book boyfriend. I just loved him. The alpha and protective side comes out when it comes to Gigi and Amara.
There is lots of Action, drama, mystery, secrets, twists, suspense, betrayal, emotions, love and plenty of spice.
Now I can't wait for Damian and Pippa's book.

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Holy moly. This book.

This book was so dark, filled with so much suspense, spice, and murder.

It was a great mafia dark romance, full of rival families, wild spice, forced marriage, and so much drama.

It will definitely stick in my head for a long, long time!

You get:
• Dual POV
• Spicy
• Mafia
• Murder/Suspense
• Single Dad
• Forbidden Love
• Rival Families

You want a book full of chaos? Pick this one up next! Available on KU, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally getting Gigi’s story and Charity did not disappoint! After getting to known both her father and her brother, this installment of the series focuses on Gigi and her journey to love. At first it was slightly confusing, but then I quickly realized that her story starts before her father’s, and once I caught on, the book made much more sense while reading. Gigi met Antonio, the son of another and slightly rival family, and while it might have been possible for them to be together in the beginning, that’s all thrown out the window when Antonio’s brother takes Gigi’s best friend and her father’s wife, and the families call war on each other. Antonio isn’t quick to let Gigi go though, and when his father’s second-in-command threatens to take over the family instead of him, he knows he has to keep her and the others he cares about safe. I absolutely loved this storyline and the character development for these two. I love how Gigi stands up for herself and protects her family, while also realizing that she will have to let them go in order to move forward with Antonio and his family. In the end, I love how things ended for these two and I hope that we will get more from this series or characters in the future!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.