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Imperfect Choices #1

Wretched Choices

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When he finds out her secrets, the mafia princess has nowhere left to run...

Isabella

When I realized my life was in danger, I did as I was told and ran, hiding my identity and starting a new life as a journalist.

But my old life won’t let me go, pulling me back in with a story no one else wanted to investigate. I take the dangerous gift I was given, my hatred for the mafia life driving me, and do what I did best.

I poke and snoop, and after my first win, I set my eye on a bigger target, the infamous Salvatore Catalano, the don of La Cosa Nostra.

With his hands on me, I’m forced back into the world I escaped and used as a bargaining chip to form an alliance with my father. This is the last place I want to be, but maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye.

Salvatore

I set out to be better than my father, but with a war on the horizon, the chances are seeming smaller and smaller that I can be the don I want to be.

Then I find her snooping around my office and around every corner since that first day. I can’t keep my hands or mind off her, especially after finding out her little secret that so happens to fit perfectly into my plan to save the world I had created.

I give her one chance to take the deal on the table, marry me to prevent the war, or be shipped back to dear old dad, taking a punishment far worse than I can imagine.

But if she stays…can I protect her from myself?

Will Isabella say ‘I do’, or will her new life be left in pieces, burned to the ground all thanks to a war she never intended to be a part of?

Wretched Choices is book one in a duet of the Imperfect Choices series. Please see inside for the content warning as some content may not be suitable for all readers.


284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

66 people are currently reading
327 people want to read

About the author

Mila Chase

7 books28 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Marcie M.
128 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2024
wretched choices!

ARC REVIEW
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is the first book I’ve read from @authormilachase and I’m so glad I did!!

This book follows Isabella and Salvatore. Isabella escaped the mafia world after the death of her mother and started a new life in the states as a journalist. She’s kept her secret hidden for years until she crosses paths with mafia don Salvatore. Once he discovers her real identity, he forces a marriage for an alliance but Isabella doesn’t want to be brought back in that world. But under certain circumstances, she discovers he’s the lesser of the evil and marries him. Their journey starts off rocky but once they finally give into their attraction…woah🔥🥵!! Salvatore still has dark secrets he has yet to reveal to Isabella but she was willing to stand by his side until towards the ending of the book. It does end on a cliffhanger so beware. This book really got me emotional towards the end🥺. There are still so many secrets and unanswered questions I can’t wait to devour in the second book! Please check out @authormilachase book and as always, check your triggers.

Marriage of convenience
Forced proximity
Age-Gap
Virgin but not naive heroine
Touch her and ☠️
Reverse mouse and cat play
Breath play
Profile Image for Stefanie Simeone.
157 reviews22 followers
August 25, 2024
This book had me guessing what was going to happen next at each chapter. I love badass mafia with legitimate business. The writing is so descriptive and the story pulls you in. The characters are meant for each other. There is a book 2 so I assume this is a cliffhanger. Hopefully the next book will reveal their outcome.
Profile Image for Jessica - Whisper Willow Reads.
42 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
I thought the story was good and had interesting aspects. But some of the writing was hard to get through. It felt a bit dry. I plan to read book 2 because I want to know the rest of the story. But I don't think this was quite the book for me.
Profile Image for Sam_books18.
124 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2025
5/5 5/5 Spice I loved this duet series! If you like a mafia romance you will love these books! You have a forced proximity and someone who ran away from an arranged marriage. Isabella and Salvator’s chemistry you can cut with a knife. The trauma from their past will come to affect their future. Will they end up together or will Isabella run to a new life? You will have to check out Mila Chase if you haven’t and they are on Kindle Unlimited! 🖤
Profile Image for Lakshmi Praveen.
499 reviews26 followers
August 12, 2024
Sooo, my first time read of Mila and I was going in blind! Oh my god, it was so freaking worth it. I loved every second of this book. It has all what you need in a dark mafia romance, the violence, the touch her and die vibes , the murky past and all the smexy times. Salvatore and Isabella deliver such a punch which i absolutely adore and love. Yes my dark heart is happy with such dark thoughts ,get over it. But holy moly yes yes yes. The intricate weave of both the FMC and MMC worlds which intwines and meshes had me saying , " just one more chapter!" And then BOOM . I screamed so loudly it was worth it. I can't wait for the conclusion of this story, on pins and needles!!! Go Mila!!
Profile Image for Kaylene Cherry.
83 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2024
First time reading Mila Chase. Lucky enough to be given an ARC of this book. Wasn’t disappointed!!

The dynamic between the 2 characters was so good.

You have Salvatore, son of a Mafia Boss. Only now he’s the boss. But he’s trying to change the image of what the family and its businesses stand for.

Isabella knows that world ALL TOO WELL as she herself is a Mafia Don’s daughter who went into hiding. She wants nothing to do with that life. Little does she know she’s about to be dragged right into it.

There was definitely a love hate relationship going on there. She was both scared and intrigued by him. He was weary and intrigued by her.

They get married, was it what they wanted? Hell no! But it’s what Salvatore needed to align with her father and save his territory. Isabella wasn’t exactly thrilled as it drew her back not only to the world she escaped but her father as well.

Salvatore has demons in his closet, demons he fights everyday but one day his demons are released and his enemies and Isabella discover just what his demons lead him to do.

Salvatore and Isabella fought it as long as they could but they fell in love, though neither one knew the other was in love but there is a threat to them both that threatens to destroy them both.

It was full of hot men, strong women and hot sex. The darkness in this book wasn’t as dark as I thought but still it had its moments that’s for sure. The touch her and die vibes were coming through loud and clear and I loved how protective he was for her and how understanding she was for him.

The add on characters of Marco, Gabriel, and Dante made you see another side to Salvatore. They also kept him in check.

Great book. Can not wait for book 2. I need it like yesterday!!!!!!!!!

48 reviews
October 17, 2025
This book was a rollercoaster of secrets.

Isabella left the mafia world and swore she would never go back until she took on a story that involved Salvatore. He told her to stay away but she was determined to figure out the secrets of who the new don is for La Cosa Nostra. The consequence of finding out cost Isabella her freedom and an arranged marriage. Salvatore swears nothing will come of their relationship but she will abide by his rules and be a faithful wife. However, he has secrets and demons that he tries to suppress while figuring out the depth of his relationship with Isabella. But you know what they say, you never know what you have until you lose it.

Isabella and Salvatore start of on the wrong foot when he blackmails her to marry him. They start to form a unique relationship. Isabella is a strong independent woman that is proud of the life she has built for herself. She demands to still work while being married. Whenever they fight, she always sticks around to be his rock. But for how long can she keep doing it?

This was a great book! Quick read but their relationship is a hot mess, honestly. I love Isbella and how patient and supportive she is. She doesn't stand down and constantly ensures that she is there for Salvatore to fall back on, if only he would allow it. I was devastated at the end, but I can't wait to see what happens to them in the second book. To have the courage and strength to still want a person when they have done you wrong numerous times, is remarkable. Especially when life throws obstacles in your life that you have always wanted but your partner believes that he/she doesn't deserve it.

Definitely a recommended read! Thank you Mila for the ARC read! ❤️
Profile Image for Lauren Right.
11 reviews
September 18, 2024
I received this book as an ARC. After reading the brief synopsis, I was excited to give "Wretched Choices" a whirl.

We are introduced to the FMC from the start. Isabella is a plucky journalist with past that haunts her. She meets the MMC when she goes snooping around looking for information for an investigation she is currently working on. Enter Salvatore, the hardened yet handsome mafia leader.

For most of the book, I liked Isabella, however Salvatore leaves a lot to be desired. While he is described as being devastatingly handsome he lacks personality and charisma. Isabella constantly thinks back to her past and how terrible it had been and the loss that she's encounter. When thrust back into that world she doesn't seem to miss a beat despite all of the supposed turmoil and anxiety she seems to feel. The scenario, as it is laid out is baffling. The ending, even more so. I really wanted to like the story and there were parts that I enjoyed however, I am left confused and frustrated more than anything. Salvatore's character needs to be developed further so that he is even slightly more likeable. As he is, it is shocking that someone like Isabella would have any feelings beyond revulsion for him. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever beyond being protective of Isabella. Maybe that was intentional, I couldn't say. I just find him to be vapid, vain to a fault, and simply growls and prowls constantly throughout the book.
Profile Image for SherrecePQ Tanner.
346 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2024
Well first and foremost, I NEED THAT SECOND BOOK ASAP. OMG I devoured this book, as Salvatore had me in a choke hold good and proper. I love dark/unhinged romance, and this fit that brief.

Isobel/Isabella is a journalist, having escaped the life she was born into, and trying to bring "the bad guys down" at the same time. However, in her desire to do this, she doesn't plan on being undone by the dark and delicious Salvatore. Their first encounter is nothing short of hot. But, what is he hiding.

Salvatore is a "legitimate business owner", but he is also head of the Mafia, so there is darkness, and as the book unfold, we become aware how deep that darkness goes and reasons why. He is enamoured with Isobel, and of course wants to know everything about her, so imagine his surprise when he finds out the life she has tried so hard to cover up. This plays well into the deal he strikes with her, after him and his organisation are threatened by those loyal to his Father.

The last few chapters of this book, literally broke me, had me crying, and I did not see it coming. Hence why I cannot wait for the second book. Salvatore and Isabella's connection is so delicious and spicy, and from the very first time, OMG it's just so hot. The chemistry is off the charts, and I don't know about you, but a possessive/alpha arsehole can definitely pop into my wheelhouse any old time. Wow wow WOW. Highly Recommend.
Profile Image for shadowarc13.
208 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Wretched choices. A Tense and Thrilling Romance. This narrative centers on the compelling and intricate dynamic between its two protagonists. Salvatore, the ambitious new head of a Mafia dynasty, seeks to reform his family's brutal traditions, while Isabella, a Don's daughter who has long since escaped the criminal underworld, is unwillingly pulled back into the life she tried so desperately to leave behind.
Their relationship is a potent mix of fear and intrigue, fueled by a strategic alliance a forced marriage brokered to secure Salvatore's territory. This union not only forces Isabella to confront her past but also the powerful and dangerous man she is now bound to.
As their complex bond deepens, an external threat emerges, testing their reluctant love and forcing them to face the hidden truths that could destroy them both. The story is rich with desire, danger, and powerful character dynamics, exploring themes of loyalty and redemption through a romance defined by Salvatore’s fierce protectiveness and Isabella's deep understanding. Can’t wait to continue the second book shattered choices! 💛
Profile Image for Brie Olson.
3 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2024
ARC REVIEW

Wretched Choices is the first book I have read of Mila Chase's and I can say with absolute truth that I loved it.

It was so worth the cat and mouse chase throughout the book, and I cannot wait for book 2. DISCLAIMER it does end of a cliffhanger which was awesome for her to do, keep her readers on the edge of their seats. This book has everything you need in a dark mafia romance; the amount of violence in the book was the perfect amount it didn't overshadow the plot or the romance of the MCs. The MMC has this notion of life that he had to be a completely different from his father, while the FMC knows the Mafia world and couldn't force herself back in to that life. The love hate relationship between the MMC and FMC was amazing I loved the banter and the push and shove between them. I couldn't put this book down it made my dark little heart bleed red. Mila you have outdone yourself. Loved this!

TROPES:
Marriage of convenience
Forced proximity
Age-Gap
Virgin but not naïve heroine
Touch her and die
Reverse cat and mouse play
Breath play
Profile Image for mary ♡.
223 reviews72 followers
August 10, 2024

ARC Review

Tropes:
Marriage of convenience 🥀
Forced proximity 🥀
Age-Gap 🥀
Virgin but not naive heroine 🥀
Touch her and 💀 🥀
Reverse mouse and cat play 🥀
Breath play 🥀
Mafia Romance 🥀

From the very first page, this story had me hooked, a runaway mafia princess and a Hot don named Salvatore? Count me in!

I am desperate for book two, I need it like yesterday I have too many unsolved emotions because of the end
The suspense is killing me, and I can’t wait another second to find out what happens next.

"Because I can't win without you. Without you, I will lose. You are the one holding power over me in this game."

The tension between the two main characters was utterly captivating. The way she kept teasing him and how he lost control every time because he can't stop thinking about her 🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️

This book made me go through all of the emotions my jaw is still on the floor.
My heart aches for Isabella and Salvatore, I absolutely can't wait for the second book.
Profile Image for Bibsbookcorner.
174 reviews
October 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

The premise of this book was good, I just felt it was a little slow to read through some parts.

Salvatore, typical leader of the mafia, wants things done his way with no exceptions. He will coerce anyone to fit his ideas and that includes his wife. He never wanted to settle down, but to keep his empire and obtain a good alliance, it must happen.

Isabella, princess to another mafia leader, is trying to escape her past. She is on the run from her father for what he did to their mother. She knows she cannot live this lifestyle and her mission is to get revenge and take down anyone in the mafia. Her next target, Salvatore. However, she wasn’t ready for his demands, including becoming his wife.

This book played out as I expected it too, ending on a bit of a cliffhanger but we all know what should happen in the next book. Hopefully Salvatore sees reason and can fix what he’s broken!
Profile Image for Gemma (Bookishgem94).
200 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2024
Isabella is a journalist with a past she never wants to go back to. Salvatore is the dark and dangerous mafia boss. When these two finally meet and Salvatore discovers who Isabella really is he gives her two options, become his wife or go back to her past. The tension between them is very strong and neither can get each other out of their heads. Salvatore is a very possessive and dominant man and will take what he wants when he wants it and he wants Isabella. The passion between these two is dangerous and very steamy. It did break my heart for Isabella at the end and I can't wait for book two for her to bounce back and take the lead. This is so nicely written and i love how everything goes into detail. There is so much that is going to happen in book two and i am here for it especially after that cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Nicole.
337 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2025
Isabella grew up in a world she wanted nothing more to do with, so when she escaped to the US under a hidden identity and became a journalist, she made it her mission to uncover and expose the type of corruption she was raised with. Her newest target, Salvatore Catalano, the leader of La Cosa Nostra.

Salvatore is determined to be better than his father was, but when he finds a reporter snooping around his office, it leads to him making an offer she can’t refuse: either marry him to stop his rivals, or he returns her to her father and his world.

Despite the way they come together, the energy between Isabella and Salvatore is too hot to handle, and what they start building together is absolutely beautiful, but with their enemies stacking up against them, will their growing bond be enough to keep them together?

I was able to get a copy of this book for review, and it was a great enemies to lovers story with incredible chemistry, and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing. It does end on a cliffhanger, so you’re going to want to get your hands on book 2 to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Sarah Mclennan.
85 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2024
**ARC Review**

This book hooked me from the very first page with its thrilling mix of romance and suspense. The story follows Isabella, a runaway mafia princess who becomes a determined journalist, and the enigmatic don, Salvatore, head of the mafia. Their fiery chemistry is palpable, making their first encounter unforgettable and setting the stage for a tumultuous relationship.

Isabella's quest to expose the criminal world she escaped from adds significant depth to her character. As she navigates her new life, she finds herself drawn into Salvatore's dark allure, and the tension between them keeps you engaged. Just when you think you have the story figured out, the final chapters deliver shocking twists that left me emotionally shattered—I truly did not see it coming!

Now, I'm left desperate for the sequel! The unresolved tension and lingering questions about Salvatore's true motives have me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what happens next for Isabella. I can’t wait for book two to see how this gripping story unfolds!
Profile Image for Chaotic Bookworm.
517 reviews
August 23, 2024
Wretched Choice is book 1 of the Imperfect Choices series, a dark mafia romance that follows the story of Isabella escaping the mafia world and starting a new life, becoming a journalist, she has kept her secret for years until she takes a story no one wants and crosses paths with Salvatore.

This is the first of Mila’s books that I have read and I was not disappointed, what a fantastic read. This book has everything that you could want in a dark mafia romance, secrets, violence, enemies to lovers, forced marriage, twists, spice and plot! I loved that Isabella is a smart and not naive, being a mafia princess yet trying to expose the mafia world had you cheering for her throughout, and Salvatore is one of those characters where there is so much more to him then meets the eye and not just your regular mafia don.
I am definitely excited to see what happens next in book 2.
Profile Image for Kawkaawwa.
85 reviews
May 12, 2025
The story was fresh and really interesting.
so we follow Isabella, a journalist who escaped her mafia-connected father, and Salvatore, a businessman/mafioso. Isabella isn’t just any journalist! she investigates criminals, (and I loved how strong and determined she was). She gets caught by Salvatore while on a mission, and from the moment she catches his eye, things kick off fast.

I loved the pacing and the action—it kept me hooked—but the development between the main characters felt a bit sudden and off. It didn’t quite fit naturally, which left me a little flustered.

By the end, Salvatore turns into a real asshole, and my heart broke for Isabella—especially with what happened to her baby. He’s got some serious groveling to do. I want to see him crawl for forgiveness.
Profile Image for Em.
261 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2025
📚✨ Wretched Choices by Mila Chase
⭐️4/5 | 🌶️3/5

This book had me guessing what was going to happen next at every chapter...and I LOVED it. There’s just something about a badass mafia man with a legitimate business that gets me every time.

The love-hate dynamic was so addicting. She’s scared and intrigued by him. He’s weary and intrigued by her. The tension?? Chef’s kiss.

Now I’m left desperate for the sequel! The unresolved tension and the questions about Salvatore’s true motives have me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what happens next for Isabella. (Good thing I already have the ARC for book two)

🖤 Reading Mood: dim lights, danger lurking, slow-burn tension, and that delicious sense of “should I trust him?”
Profile Image for Janna Suresca.
12 reviews
September 10, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️


I was given the opportunity to receive Mila Chase’s ARC of Wretched Choices: Book 1. I really love how Isabella is an independent woman with a successful career as a journalist getting real stories. When Isabella met Salvatore, I hated him with her. He is a piece of work that just has to fight Isabella on everything and being problematic. But he is just hiding how much he wants Isabella and vice versa! Once they started clicking made the story go by even faster. The ending caught me by surprise and all I can say that I can’t wait for the next book so all my questions can be answered.
2,339 reviews10 followers
January 26, 2025
Wretched Choices by Mila Chase is book one of a duet. It is the story of Salvatore and Isabella. She’s a journalist after a story….one involving Salvatore. But, when he catches her rifling through papers in his office, everything changes…

Absolutely riveting read!!! Salvatore gets what he wants, regardless of anyone or anything else. Isabella is holding back a number of secrets…secrets that no one can ever discover. Exciting, danger-filled, shocking story that kept me invested in all of the characters until the very end…but, there’s more to come!!!! Ends with some unresolved issues!!
Profile Image for Wilmalys.
438 reviews9 followers
October 16, 2025
3.5⭐️

I feel conflicted about this one.
I enjoyed the overall concept of the story, and I liked Salvatore and his friends but the writing was not the best.

Isabella runs away from her mafia family and Salvatore forces her to marry him for an alliance. I like a forced mafia marriage so I enjoyed that part...

Salvatore's dad was a total asshole and abused his mother, when he finds out he vows to never be like him and to never give him an heir. ..

I would've enjoyed it more if the writing had been better, some things just didnt add up, and the pace felt off..

The overall idea was good though, and I did enjoy their relationship....
Profile Image for Traci.
224 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2025
Notes for me

Salvatore and Isabella

Nothing really new.

They marry. She ends up pregnant and he says horrible things to her because his father was horrible.

Her ex kidnaps her and beats her. She loses baby. S stays with her while she’s unconscious but doesn’t stay.

She realizes the marriage is over and leaves him.

Cliffhanger.

I skipped quite a bit of the book.

Safety

12% in and he’s already mentioned sleeping with a Senator’s wife and Ashley who works for him. He plans to end it with the wife because rumors have started. Both he and Ashley agree it’s no strings attached. Face to black with her servicing him. 🤮 he had only met Isabella at this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meana Faerie.
114 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2025
Isabella is a great FMC, who is just trying to escape her past. Unfortunately it's caught up with her, thanks to her nosey nature, and not being able to leave well enough alone.
Salvatore wants her to stay away, but she just can't, and he can't resist her.
The twists in this book were good, and I liked the main characters. I liked how I wasn't yeeted off a cliff at the end as well, since it's the first in a duology. It was more of a: To be continued...
Good overall story though, and would recommend it.
Profile Image for love,care and self - ashlea.
470 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2024
Well this book has left my a little bit broken, it was gripping and had me from the first page, the connection and chemistry between these two leads is something else, and I need more!!!

The side characters add a extra little something in to the mix but don’t interfere which add intrigue into them, and the true villian of the story fuels you with hatred! 😡

Overall this was a great read and I am itching for the next book, I need to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Julie.
978 reviews8 followers
August 18, 2024
I was so excited to read this book! I love all things romance where there is mafia involved.

This is the first book I've read by Mila Chase and I didn't really know what to expect and absolutely love it! It ticked all my check marks. Mafia Princess, dark mafia romance, touch her and d*e, sexy times and so much more.

The FMC Isabella and MMC Salvatore were a chef's kiss and I can't wait to read book 2 as I need more now please. Give me some more mafia romance by Mila Chase any day!
1,209 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2024
I loved reading this mafia book!! Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down!! The characters are wonderful and the storyline hooked me from the start. A definite page turner for me! I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book summary for some information. If you enjoy mafia books, you need to check this one out! I can't wait to read more books by this author!! highly recommend reading this book!
Profile Image for Linsey Toney.
621 reviews41 followers
September 8, 2024
Wretched Choices is book one in the Imperfect Choices and it is a great read! That said Mila why did you leave us with a cliffhanger lol... I can't wait to read book 2!!! I would absolutely recommend adding this book to your TBR. This book has it all! It's well written, great characters, shocking twists, mafia, and romance. This book was so hard to put down. I am so excited to read more books from this author!!

As always please read the warnings for this book! Your mental health matters!!
Profile Image for Faiza BEGUM.
382 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2025
This is my first time reading Mila and I’m glad I’ve found her and started reading her books.

This book is about Isabella and Salvatore. From starting this book kept me edging so badly that at a point I had to cool myself down. It’ll keep you hooked like you’ll be left thinking that what’s gonna happen next. Plot and twist will leave you stunned. This is really a good book. Im gonna grab 2nd book cause who can wait 😍. Also know that this book end in a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for AyaMeadows.
113 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2025
ARC REVIEW
The chemistry btw them is so HOT 🔥 🥵
And the plot is good .Who doesn't want a mafia boss ? with a strong baddie journalist 💅🏻. I liked the book .The dynamic was good . God i had time where i hated Salvator a bit then love him again .bc i don't think Isabella deserved what happened to her and GoD the open ending left me on the edge .And itchy to find out what is going to happen
absolutely loved the beach scene 🤭

So it's 3.75 ⭐️
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