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Fallen God #2

When He Takes

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I've fallen for a monster. A man who doesn't ask for what he wants—he takes. And now, he's taken me.

Rowan Miller isn’t who I thought he was. He's Nero De Luca, the ex-consigliere of a notorious New York mob family, and he's been lying to me from the moment we met.

If I return home to Darkwater Hollow, it will be a death sentence.

But staying with Nero means diving headfirst into the perilous underworld of New York—a place I’m ill-equipped to navigate.

I should despise Nero for his betrayal, and a part of me does. But as I’m drawn deeper into his world, I begin to see that not all darkness is the same.

Now, I’m caught between two worlds and two versions of a man I thought I knew. Can I trust Nero to protect me from even greater dangers?

Or is my only chance at safety escaping his iron grasp and running away?

~~

When He Takes is book 2 of the Fallen God duet. Rowan and Blake's story begins in book 1, When He Desires.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

1768 people are currently reading
4375 people want to read

About the author

Gabrielle Sands

13 books3,001 followers

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5 stars
3,879 (43%)
4 stars
3,216 (36%)
3 stars
1,452 (16%)
2 stars
215 (2%)
1 star
55 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 665 reviews
Profile Image for Lilyya ♡.
654 reviews3,730 followers
September 6, 2024
4.75 stars

”maybe that’s the problem with never having loved anyone before her—I made love into something mythical, something that can conquer all.
but maybe love is simpler than that. maybe it’s just doing the right thing for the other person, even if it tears you apart.”


Nero & Blake's epic love story ended in apotheosis, a crescendo of emotional intensity that left me craving more. I loved every instant of their journey, from tender moments of vulnerability to the fiery passion that ignited between them. with every tear they made me shed, every gasp the well-woven plot twists pulled from me, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I turned the pages. & every toe-curling scene that left me intensely blushing. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in this world, as the introduction of the next couple hinted at a fresh spin-off series. fingers crossed that the author will confirm that the Ferraro brothers will get their own series - I'm hooked!

”a fallen god walks among us.”
Profile Image for Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews).
913 reviews1,195 followers
September 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (ARC review)

''A fallen god walks among us''

''Safety warnings"
- H 30 / h 23
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Kidnapping
- Forced marriage
- Captivity
- Violence/gore
- Torture
- Mentions of past trauma
- Loss of loved ones
- Emotional abuse
- HEA

We finally get the conclusion to this epic duet! I loved this one more than the first book and I already loved that one too.

Nero would do anything, and I mean ANYTHING for Blake. It's not just something you see him tell her or others but things you see him do no matter how heartbreaking or painful it is.

The mighty god has fallen in this one, and there seems to be some blissful hope that he can make things better for himself but honestly, I was not aware on how it would be achieved so thank fuck for Blake and her brilliant mind at the end.

The main mission they ended up on seemed so nerve wracking and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen at every corner. The enemies were smart but our MC's and co were smarter.

There is a bunch of angst in this book, the pain of the reveals in book 1 is causing Blake doubts and the need to get away but as time progresses to sees how much she does not want to be away from Nero, no matter how much his world scares her.
Profile Image for Fairuz ᥫ᭡..
507 reviews1,280 followers
September 5, 2024
Okay, let me just say it upfront—this book kind of let me down. The first one in the duet was way better, and I had higher hopes for Nero’s story. It wasn’t all bad, but I kept waiting for that wow moment, and it just didn’t hit until later. Alessio, though? He stole the spotlight for me, and I'm low-key more excited for his book than anything. I’m looking forward to Cosimo and Fabi’s stories too, but Alessio? I NEED that book like, yesterday. 🤞

✧ Dark Mafia Romance 🖤
✧ Forced Marriage of Convenience 💕
✧ Second Chance Romance 💘
✧ Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine 💖
✧ Forced Proximity 🔥
✧ Slow Burn 💗
✧ Touch her & die

Now, Rafe? Yeah, he’s probably my least favorite MMC, and I’m still bitter about the fact that Nero and Sandro had to pay for his mistakes. Like, how unfair was that? 😤 And don’t even get me started on Sandro’s death. WHY did he have to die?? I’m still grieving over that, and honestly, there was no reason for it. 😭💔

Let’s dive into the plot:
The book picks up where When He Desires left off. Blake’s world is turned upside down when she learns that Rowan Miller is actually Nero De Luca, a former consigliere for a New York mob family. She’s hurt and angry about his betrayal, but soon enough, they’re back in New York, married, and getting pulled into a dangerous web of mafia politics. 🖤

Their chemistry is still there, but the tension between them really drove this book forward for me. The forced marriage of convenience trope? Love it. 👏 And Nero groveling for Blake's forgiveness? Delicious. I mean, he literally spent the whole book trying to make things right with her. His protectiveness over her is swoon-worthy, especially with the touch her and die energy. It’s intense, but if you’re into possessive mafia men, Nero’s your guy. 🔥

The mission they take on together, going undercover to take down the Bratva, added some much-needed action and suspense. The forced proximity trope here works so well, especially when Blake and Nero are stuck pretending to be a power couple while also dealing with their trust issues. It kept me on my toes, but I do think the second half was stronger than the first. The slow burn in their relationship got even slower, but when the sparks finally flew? It was worth it. 😌

Blake herself? She was cool at first, but by the end, she felt a bit…whiny. She was more dynamic in the first book, and here she just fell a bit flat for me. I expected more growth from her character. Nero, on the other hand, really developed throughout the book, and seeing him try to redeem himself was one of the highlights. His dark humor though? 😂 Chef’s kiss.

And Alessio, I can’t NOT talk about him. That man is a machine—literally pulled out a machine gun in one scene like it was nothing. 😂 He’s such a complex, mysterious character, and I’m already obsessed. Gabrielle, PLEASE give us his story ASAP. 🙏

CW:
- Kidnapping
- Captivity
- Violence
- Gore
- Torture (not to MCs)
- Past trauma (emotional abuse, death of a parent)

In conclusion:
Was this book bad? No. But was it amazing? Not really. The plot had some great twists but Blake didn’t hold up as well as I’d hoped. Nero’s groveling was solid, though, and the action kept things interesting. I think Alessio really saved this book for me—he’s such an intriguing character, and I can’t wait for his story. 😍
Profile Image for nikki.
770 reviews706 followers
September 2, 2024
Well, this was an upgrade from the last book but definitely a bit of a disappointment overall. I just feel like I'd expected so much more from Nero's duet and felt let down when it didn't live up to my expectations. Again, this book got better after around the 60% mark - that angst in the last 15% was what changed my mind and made it a bit better. The smut was pretty hot too. I'd say I'm being generous with my ratings for both books since I've read all of Gabrielle's books by now and do like her writing style. It's just that I'm tired of the double standards in romance books and sometimes it gets frustrating to see the same shit recycled again and again. With that being said, this wasn't a bad book or duet, but it wasn't the best either. Do with that what you will. Honorable mention to my unbothered king Alessio Ferraro. I already love him because he checks so many of my boxes. Unhinged enforcer?✔️ Doesn't have friends and doesn't mingle much?✔️ Isn't a hoe?✔️ Is tatted head to toe? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK✔️ I'm gonna feel robbed if Alessio doesn't get his own book😭🤚🏻 Also, I'm curious about Fabi and Cosimo👀 Not too keen on Romolo because he's giving MAJOR hoe vibes🙄

P.S. Cleo acted like a cunt in this book and made me MAD. Like, she had no right to be such a judgemental bitch without knowing who Blake actually was. Blake was too kind and forgave her easily. Blake was too forgiving overall. Periodt. I really wished we could've gotten some jealousy scenes from Nero after seeing Blake with another man and not being creeped out by him. Sue me. Call me a hypocrite. But I do love me some OM drama OOPS🤷🏻‍♀️

safety squad:
- no OW/OM drama (except for jealousy scenes from both the h and the H. Personally, I don't like it when the h gets jealous and unfortunately, there were more of those scenes which frankly, annoyed me. But this is just a personal preference)
- no cheating/sharing
- forced marriage
- betrayal
- mafia romance
- no condoms
- HEA
Profile Image for annie.
336 reviews2,040 followers
November 27, 2024
i absolutely loved it! it was really angsty, and even though the groveling wasn't the typical one, it had me giddy. pairing up forced marriage with instant groveling is seriously such an amazing pair, i love it sm 😭

⌞ NeroBlake ⌝

the starting chapters were making me feel really sad as Nero went to New York to sacrifice his life just to protect Blake. he was all ready to die, but thank god the Ferraro family decided to make him their chore boy. MAN WASN'T EVEN BOTHERED BECAUSE HE GOT ANOTHER CHANCE TO MAKE AMENDS WITH BLAKE.

he's seriously so very whipped and didn't even care if he had to clean up for the family his whole life. Nero De Luca is seriously so very fine, and i still don't care if he's a liar, manipulator, and murderer because he's 6'5 and the greenest red flag ever. Blake's fears were seriously making so much sense, and she did put up a tough front. i just felt so bad for her.

so they were assigned a task to complete, and then the Ferraro family would make Nero their Capo. ofc he did it (which was v risky), but something was still nagging me. i wanted him to work for Rafaele rather than this family, and ugh 😭 did i mention i love Blake?

she was promised a favor by Vita - the don's wife - and she asked her to let Nero be Rafaele's consigliere again 😭 UGHHH THEY HAD THE PERFECT ENDING.

⌞ side characters ⌝

also, love Rafaele and Cleo here. they're the best fr, and i thought Alessio would be unhinged or shit, but man was actually pretty cute. i can't wait for the Ferraro family's books, and ngl i want Gino & Vita's (the parents) book too. I THINK THEY'LL EVENTUALLY GET IT because the author hasn't revealed the 4th book of the series, and the brothers each will get their book, so i really wish it's about Gino & Vita because they're so in love ajjsjs

When He Desires - 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Laurens.Little.Library.
546 reviews4,038 followers
February 18, 2025
Babes, wake up. I just found my new favourite mafia romance duology

Book 1: 5⭐️
Book 2: 4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Anushka.
420 reviews31 followers
September 6, 2024
Goodness HOW MUCH I DESPISE THE FMC.. bloody bitch needed to get her head checked. She, single handed my ruined my entire book experience.
Profile Image for LoveBooks .
262 reviews161 followers
August 29, 2024
˚₊‧꒰ა 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭. ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

୨୧ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ୨୧
⤥ mafia romance
⤥ obsessed/possessive hero
⤥ reverse grumpy/sunshine
⤥ slow burn
⤥ twists, turns, and spice

¡! 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 ¡!
⤥ kidnapping
⤥ captivity
⤥ violence
⤥ past trauma

꒰ঌ 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ໒꒱
To everyone afraid to leave an old version of themselves behind: Do it.
Reinvent yourself. You might discover you are more vast and complex than you ever imagined.

⊹ ⪩ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⪨ ⊹
This book was an absolute whirlwind! I couldn’t put it down for a second. Nero and Blake's story was packed with twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Watching Nero pour his heart into making things right with Blake was so satisfying, and her character growth? Absolutely beautiful. Their partnership in taking down their enemy felt like watching an epic action movie, and the angst was just perfect.

I’m over the moon that they got their happy ending—especially Nero, who totally deserved it. I’m so attached to these characters that saying goodbye feels impossible. And can we talk about Allesio? I desperately need his story next; he’s such an intriguing character!

If you haven’t read this yet, you’re in for an addictive ride from start to finish.

ʚ♡ɞ 𝐅𝐚𝐯 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬/𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 ʚ♡ɞ
“What I want is Nero—a criminal who’d die for me, who’d kill for me, who’d give up everything for me.”

“I’m in love with you. And I know you’re not sure if you feel the same way about me because I’m not the kind of man you ever imagined yourself with.”

“I’d rather face your scornful looks and your righteous anger than exist in a world where you’re not mine.”

“I realized is that it’s not about shutting out the darkness completely. It’s about finding a way to shine your light, even when the darkness is all around you.”

“At the end of the day, I don’t want easy or safe. I just want him.”

❝𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.❞

❥𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: so lucky to be part of Gabrielle Sands arc-team.🤍
Profile Image for Oleksandra.
259 reviews16 followers
April 13, 2025
Крутецька дилогія про прийняття себе та своїх демонів з купою екшену, драми та любові

Неро - бубка всіх бубок, найкращий книжковий мафіозі евер

Блейк - чудова дівчина, яка змогла знайти свій шлях, щоб була і вона, і ми, читачі, задоволені 😋

Схоже, що я трішки травмована попередньою серією, яку читала, тому тільки і можу радіти що тут не все так темно, як могло б бути))
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,314 reviews13.7k followers
June 23, 2025
Loved the conclusion though Blake really tried me in the first 75% ngl. Nero absolutely carried this book and Blake won me over in the end.
Profile Image for Vika Zvolynska.
45 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2025
Ця частина нереально крута. Я тут і переживала за гг, в мене були мурашки і метелики від деяких моментів ❤️‍🔥

Неро тут така булочка. Бачити як він кохає Блейк і хоче її захистити розривало серце❤️‍🩹
Він так старався, щоб вона себе комфортно почувала.


Блейк в цій частині була така бойова.
Її спілкування з Алессіо заставило захопитись нею.🤌🏻🤌🏻
Але були моменти, коли її хотілось трошки врізати. Я розумію, що для неї Неро відкрився з іншої сторони, але ж він старається для неї, а вона деколи себе поводила як сучка.

Ще мені капець як зайшов Алессіо. Такий собі псіх🤭
Дуже цікаво про нього прочитати книгу🤌🏻


Я не можу змиритися з тим, наскільки вона до біса прекрасна.

— Ти все для мене. Ти моє перше кохання. І останнє.

5/5❤️‍🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
256 reviews
September 3, 2024
Really disappointed in the book…part of the reason it took me so many days to finish it. The morally high horse fmc who has absolutely zero issue with lying to the man she supposedly loves until the last 15 pages of the book is really annoying. Her prejudices and box thinking was already getting old in the first book but now is just a drag. Why Nero had to turn into such a sob story and keep fighting for that fmc no one knows. Man you could do better! How fmc doesn’t have a single nice thing to say to the mmc until the last pages is making the whole story just unbelievable. It makes no sense and was actually difficult to read
Profile Image for Yevheniia Briulo.
97 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2025
That was amazing . The situation when a second book is more dynamic and intense. I loved every page of it. I like mafia au but my preferences are very selective. So I really like the action in this book. And let's be honest it's a total pleasure to see bratva the way they pictured here. Their murders were so satisfying.
Development of Blake and Neuro relationship was so on point. When she finally have time to see who he really are and she still loves him.
And side characters...omg...I love how everyone were so worrying when Blake left and took part in every moment brainstorm to make them think. That was so sweet. Cleo and Rafael are amazing couple but my heart was stolen by Alessio. My man, I need a book about you.
Profile Image for Tsyhanchuk Anastasiia.
64 reviews10 followers
September 22, 2025
Це такий клаааас🥹
Мені все дуже сподобалося!
Неро таким милим став, а Блейк сильною😍
Короче все чудово

Алессіо це просто 🛐
І Рейф так само 🛐

Такі буські🥰
Profile Image for soph ⋆༄.
242 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2024
You were good… but not great. I was expecting half a book of groveling (as the author advertised) but there was little groveling in actuality. He kinda just let her stew and recover on her own…? Main female character was still boring. Nero was fine, but I loved him so much more in the other series. :( disappointed because I LOVED the other series so much. Wish we saw the other characters and not solely rafe and Cleo
Profile Image for (betts) ⚜.
461 reviews204 followers
September 26, 2025
5⭐ / 3🌶️
[📱+🎧] ebook + audio
audiobook 🎧 — duet, Aiden Snow & Lucy Rivers

read count —
#1: september 2024 [📱]
#2: september 2025 [📱+🎧]

— vibezz
🥃 forced marriage
💍 angst & groveling
🥃 ~my wife~
💍 second chance
🥃 both jealous and possessive

mini blurb — ✍🏻
The conclusion of the Fallen God Duet. Right when he thought he said the last goodbye to his old life, Nero Rowan is pulled right back in to save Blake. But every action has their own consequences and his might just be the deadly type. Will New York remember the name of the infamous "Angel of Death"?

//

I still look the same—at least, I think I do—but sometimes, the way we’re perceived has nothing to do with our appearance.
There’s subtext swirling through the air.
A fallen god walks among us.


This is heavy on the consequences both Nero and Blake faces from the fact happened in the first book, Nero is forced to be back in his world, the world that he was born in it, forged and made him the man that he's now.
But I loved reading about is character development where he realized he might have romanticized the lifestyle and everything that means it. All that glitters is not gold, yeas he was feared and respected, he had a high position and status but was his life full the way it is now with Blake? Seems to me he was full of material shit that added nothing to him and now that he knows what means having Blake in is life, now that there's a crack between them and he lost the love she felt for him, he really understand what having a meaningless life means
But rest assured my man he's nothing if not relentless and his eyes sparks with love and determination to win her back, after all, now that there's no need to hide the "morally gray" part of him from her he's willing to try everything.

I enjoyed the little undercover/mission impossible/mr&mrs smith story, it was fun and it only added to the twist and tension 👀

Blake, my girl she went trough a blender lmao, she felt betrayed, scorned, lied to and manhandled against her will. She had every right to be pissed at him and plotting to get away every time the occasion presented himself. The girl had a plan and she too was willing to do everything to get the hell out of it.

But feelings, unfortunately, cannot be put aside 🥹❤️



This was the perfect conclusion, I loved reading about the new character introduced with the Ferraro Family, you had my curiosity in When She Loves but now you have my attention ✨👀✨

Alessio got me hooked from the start, I have a weak spot for the deranged ones lol
I know for sure the arranged marriage between Cosimo and Rafe's sis Fabiana is gonna deliver 🤌
Rob as usual ghosted everyone, he's too busy being a fuckboy lol
Profile Image for ✧.
500 reviews
September 1, 2024
*3.25 stars

---

Nero finally getting his happy ending and even then he doesn’t believe it, I’m crying. How fitting having Dante’s Inferno in the story ahahaha. Cleo and Rafe scenes in this were cute.

---
tbr

I cannot wait for this!!! Rafe and Cleo pls be there too.

Profile Image for Sundy Tr..
251 reviews11 followers
September 8, 2024
Part 2 of Nero & Blake’s story was quite enjoyable. It’s also a slow-burn, with a lot more mafia action and suspense and a couple interesting side characters (I hope they get their own book in the future).
I liked the way we witnessed Blake’s struggle and how smartly she planned her actions. I wouldn’t have minded to see her angry for a bit longer though. Nero is a sweetheart with a delightful sense of humour, I really like him. The chemistry is amazing.
I also like the fact that there is spice but it’s only complimentary to the story.

-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Courtney.
674 reviews22 followers
September 13, 2024
Nero and Blake are one of my favorite couples. The second book concluded the story in a truly satisfying manner. I had anticipated that this book would deliver precisely what was needed. In the first book, I enjoyed the dynamic between Blake and Rowan, with Blake only knowing Rowan as "Mr. Nice Guy." I knew I would adore the moment when she encountered Nero in the second book. I loved all the emotions Blake was feeling internally, but whenever she saw Nero being a badass, she turned to mush, and it brought out a whole other emotion. I can't wait to see what's to come for any of the other characters. Personally, I would be thrilled to see more of Alessio's character.
Profile Image for Cassandra’s Book Nook.
46 reviews31 followers
August 31, 2024
Amazing! One of the most epic slow burns I have read in a long time. The last 100 pages had me on the edge of my seat! This was the perfect conclusion to Nero’s story and I’m so glad Rafe and Cleo were in it, especially Cleo’s parts!
I really hope we get some more with all these characters! Better than The Sopranos.
Profile Image for ☽。⋆ Shells (jlreads_).
1,155 reviews83 followers
August 31, 2024
2nd book releases a month after book 1. Commending the author for the hard work and dedication for this duology ✨️

In all honesty, When He Takes is much better than the 2nd one. I think probably because the plot has been established, and it's now more on the mafia/ mob setting.

More characters— intriguing characters appear, especially Cleo, Vita, and Alessio. I'm really intrigued by them.

Unfortunately, Blake has failed to endeared me throughout the novel. Her character is enjoyable in the first half, but in the end half, not so much. I just think that her characters are just so weak. With that being said, I also didn't like the romance that much because of it.

The last 30% also felt a little bit plain for my liking. I think that's the only thing I could say.

Overall, this was an okay read.

Thank you, author, for the e-arc opportunity.
Profile Image for swedishruler B.
332 reviews153 followers
August 31, 2024
I can’t give it a 5 but it wasn’t bad. The ending is not how I would had liked it but I guess more to come.
I would read Alessio book lmao he’s funny.
The best thing about this book was Nero and his crazy. I was laughing at his dark humor the whole time.
Profile Image for Clairsreads.
445 reviews60 followers
December 7, 2024
This duet really had it all. Action. Adventure. Love. Loss.
I was on the edge of my seat and literally could not put it down if I tried.

Picking up where we left off with Blake and Nero on the run and heading back to New York to fcae the consequences of his actions so many months ago. Now that Blake knows Nero’s true identity the trust between the two is fractured and while Nero wants to win her back he knows there is so much more at stake by returning to his old stomping grounds.

After a twist of fate that gives Nero a second chance at not only life but with Blake the two realize they have to work together in order to accomplish a common goal. Both Blake and Nero have to face their own guilt and feelings for each other as they attempt a dangerous mission that puts not only their relationship but their lives in danger.

This book and this duet literally had every single of my favorite tropes when it comes to a mafia romance. It was edge of your seat suspense and action as well as top notch spice and stellar plot and character building. I loved all the cameos from characters we have known and loved as well as new additions that I can’t wait to see whats to come next from. Blake and Nero had such a dynamic connection that once they finally realized was inevitable…..sparks flew.

Getting caught up on this mafia series was so satisfying and scratched my mafia itch in all the best ways. This spin off and the original series are so underrated and I will forever shout about them from the rooftops.
Profile Image for sweetness_v.
358 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2025
3.5 stars

It’s a quick read overall
And i really liked Nico

But they had this long ass story spanning over 2 books so them figuring their shit out at the very end and then confessing their love just annoyed me a bit, this book was 95% just Nico trying to win Blake back.
He made some efforts but idk something was still missing🤷🏻‍♀️

But my question is, did Nico go back to being Rafe’s consigliere?
Profile Image for Sarah♡books  .
417 reviews112 followers
September 3, 2024
5/5 🌟

This is the 2nd book in this duet and I lovvedddd it 🤍

Go and read it 🤞😻💥
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