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Desolation
Elodie
My parents are the lowest of the low. Addicts, alcoholics, and worse. Things I’ll never tell anyone. I spend most of my time just trying to be invisible. It's a lot easier when no one sees me. I only have a few months till graduation and then on to the photography school I have always dreamed of.
So I stay invisible at school too. Except for Drake. He sees me. Too much.
Drake
Elodie is the most beautiful person I have ever met, inside and out. But to her, I’m just another person to avoid. I want to know everything I can about why. So I will watch, and bide my time. My family has mafia connections and I’ll use them. She will be mine. I will remove every obstacle I can to get her. No matter what or how long it takes.
Desolation is a MF dark contemporary romance for readers 18+. Due to dark themes, sexual situations, and adult language please see the trigger warning list as your mental health is very important.
My parents are the lowest of the low. Addicts, alcoholics, and worse. Things I’ll never tell anyone. I spend most of my time just trying to be invisible. It's a lot easier when no one sees me. I only have a few months till graduation and then on to the photography school I have always dreamed of.
So I stay invisible at school too. Except for Drake. He sees me. Too much.
Drake
Elodie is the most beautiful person I have ever met, inside and out. But to her, I’m just another person to avoid. I want to know everything I can about why. So I will watch, and bide my time. My family has mafia connections and I’ll use them. She will be mine. I will remove every obstacle I can to get her. No matter what or how long it takes.
Desolation is a MF dark contemporary romance for readers 18+. Due to dark themes, sexual situations, and adult language please see the trigger warning list as your mental health is very important.
- GenresDark
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
21 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Ravin DeMarco
7 books57 followersRavin DeMarco is a baby author from the Midwest who loves reading and writing in equal proportions.
When not writing, Ravin enjoys her time behind the camera lens, capturing all the spooky vibes she can to go along with her year-round aesthetic.
With her very spoiled husky at her side, Ravin dives into creating fantastical multi genre worlds that her readers can't get enough of.
She can be found at home, like the hermit she is, cuddling with her fur babies, drinking coffee, or making playlists and character inspirations for her books.
When not writing, Ravin enjoys her time behind the camera lens, capturing all the spooky vibes she can to go along with her year-round aesthetic.
With her very spoiled husky at her side, Ravin dives into creating fantastical multi genre worlds that her readers can't get enough of.
She can be found at home, like the hermit she is, cuddling with her fur babies, drinking coffee, or making playlists and character inspirations for her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 28, 2024
IM IN LOVE WITH DRAKEU! MY GOD THIS MAN IS PERFECT, I CANT EVEN BEGIN TO TALL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVED THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN HIM AND ELOPIE. T ENJOYED THIS BOOK SO MUCH, THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN MADE IT SUCH A GOOD EASY READ. BUT LET ME TELL YOU, THIS BOOK WILL HAVE YOU ADDICTED! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! ITS ALSO THE FIRST BOOK IVE READ THAT HAS TRIGGERES ON THE PAGE AND LETS YOU KNOW WHERE TO SKIP TOO IF YOU DONT WANT TO READ IT, THIS ALLOWS-SO MANY MORE READERS TO ENJOY THE BOOK EVEN IF THEY HAVE RIGGERS.
DRAKE ... FELL FREE TO STALK ME ANYDAY!
OUT IST OCTOBER
DRAKE ... FELL FREE TO STALK ME ANYDAY!
OUT IST OCTOBER
September 23, 2025
This ‘review’ is a mess but here we go.
Omg this was the most useless mafia in a mafia book I’ve ever read!!
So much cringe.
Let me just leave this line right here that happened at 97%, I was seriously considering dnfing.
“Once we get out there, I set her down kissing her breathless and everyone cheers.”
I wish I knew how to add gifs to a review so I could accurately show some of the facial expressions I had when reading this book.
Also after breaking up a sex trafficking auction, killing everyone and freeing the victims. Sirens are sounding, what does the head of this mafia family do? Does he have the cops in his pocket, on the payroll? No he shouts “Everyone scatter.”
The h got kidnapped, forcibly made to marry someone, beaten and raped for a year and came back like, well anyway so.. ✌🏻it was sooo weird!
So there was ZERO OWD which I loved but Drake never told us if he was a virgin or not. Unbeknownst to her he’s been obsessed with and stalked her and been looking after her since he first saw her when she was 10 and he was 12, so like did he even look at anyone else ever? TELL US!
The year that the h was kidnapped the H got multiple dick piercings and when the h made a comment about if a woman did them he liked that she sounded jealous and said ‘and what if it was, we’re the ones naked in a tub together’ Like no, fuckin answer her please. But then later when he’s thinking about the h he says ‘the woman I have waited for since I was 12 years old.’ I would have loved it to be really clear about this.
Don’t even get me started on the fact she was missing for a year after being taken and forced to marry the mafia rival to save her friend, she wasn’t seen in public but they technically knew where she was. Did they storm the building to save her? Fuckin hire John Wick or anything?? Nope here’s what was said about that
“When we found that out, we had to drop the plan to go in after her. We can’t start a war over him marrying Elodie. No matter if she was forced. She said the words, she made the choice. So we have to figure out a different way to do it and we can’t do that without being able to talk to Elodie. She has to leave on her own.”
She said the words???? Yeah with a gun to her head and the threat of her friends life like wtf where is the touch her and die, burn the world down to save her behaviour Drake???
Someone else please read this and then dm me so we can bitch about it lol
Omg this was the most useless mafia in a mafia book I’ve ever read!!
So much cringe.
Let me just leave this line right here that happened at 97%, I was seriously considering dnfing.
“Once we get out there, I set her down kissing her breathless and everyone cheers.”
I wish I knew how to add gifs to a review so I could accurately show some of the facial expressions I had when reading this book.
Also after breaking up a sex trafficking auction, killing everyone and freeing the victims. Sirens are sounding, what does the head of this mafia family do? Does he have the cops in his pocket, on the payroll? No he shouts “Everyone scatter.”
The h got kidnapped, forcibly made to marry someone, beaten and raped for a year and came back like, well anyway so.. ✌🏻it was sooo weird!
So there was ZERO OWD which I loved but Drake never told us if he was a virgin or not. Unbeknownst to her he’s been obsessed with and stalked her and been looking after her since he first saw her when she was 10 and he was 12, so like did he even look at anyone else ever? TELL US!
The year that the h was kidnapped the H got multiple dick piercings and when the h made a comment about if a woman did them he liked that she sounded jealous and said ‘and what if it was, we’re the ones naked in a tub together’ Like no, fuckin answer her please. But then later when he’s thinking about the h he says ‘the woman I have waited for since I was 12 years old.’ I would have loved it to be really clear about this.
Don’t even get me started on the fact she was missing for a year after being taken and forced to marry the mafia rival to save her friend, she wasn’t seen in public but they technically knew where she was. Did they storm the building to save her? Fuckin hire John Wick or anything?? Nope here’s what was said about that
“When we found that out, we had to drop the plan to go in after her. We can’t start a war over him marrying Elodie. No matter if she was forced. She said the words, she made the choice. So we have to figure out a different way to do it and we can’t do that without being able to talk to Elodie. She has to leave on her own.”
She said the words???? Yeah with a gun to her head and the threat of her friends life like wtf where is the touch her and die, burn the world down to save her behaviour Drake???
Someone else please read this and then dm me so we can bitch about it lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
Desolation by Ravin Demarco is a contemporary mafia read that will have you hooked from the very first page.
I am not typically one for a slow burn read, but I adored this one. Drake and Elodie are absolute perfection.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
I am not typically one for a slow burn read, but I adored this one. Drake and Elodie are absolute perfection.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
October 5, 2024
Overall: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟. 5
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Plot: 📖 📖 📖 📖
MMC: 🍆 🍆 🍆
FMC: ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I was selected as an ARC reader by Ravin and I am so excited to being another arc reader for a new author. A mafia, billionare, friends to lovers with major PSTD. The triggers enticed me even more and the playlist Ravin created, loved it. Listened while reading the book.
My review: Classic example of a twisted live story that in the beginning, I'd say first 5 chapters was hard to get into until Drake rescuing Elodie who, in my opinion had a decent character build. I wish there was more to the great rescue/kidnap however you want to look at it. Drake's character build was your vanilla version of Zade Daddy vibes but by the end of the book is your classic book boyfriend meets morally grey.
Ravin did a decent job writing this book once it all starts to fall into place. End of chapter 18 into 19; have tissues ready it gets emotional. Trigger for rape scene is needed with this book. Drake's determination was felt throughout once you get through the rescue chapter but Elodie just seemed ungrateful but after her poor choices; the relationship between the two is unbreakable. This book is spicy but it's a slow burn spicy, have the patience and give it a chance. I would of rated this higher but the first few chapters and Journaling type of writing didn't work for me for this storyline BUT it engaged me more when the plot and character builds really started to develope so I ignored it and only took off half a star.
I'm hoping this turns into a series and Anthony is next!
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Plot: 📖 📖 📖 📖
MMC: 🍆 🍆 🍆
FMC: ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I was selected as an ARC reader by Ravin and I am so excited to being another arc reader for a new author. A mafia, billionare, friends to lovers with major PSTD. The triggers enticed me even more and the playlist Ravin created, loved it. Listened while reading the book.
My review: Classic example of a twisted live story that in the beginning, I'd say first 5 chapters was hard to get into until Drake rescuing Elodie who, in my opinion had a decent character build. I wish there was more to the great rescue/kidnap however you want to look at it. Drake's character build was your vanilla version of Zade Daddy vibes but by the end of the book is your classic book boyfriend meets morally grey.
Ravin did a decent job writing this book once it all starts to fall into place. End of chapter 18 into 19; have tissues ready it gets emotional. Trigger for rape scene is needed with this book. Drake's determination was felt throughout once you get through the rescue chapter but Elodie just seemed ungrateful but after her poor choices; the relationship between the two is unbreakable. This book is spicy but it's a slow burn spicy, have the patience and give it a chance. I would of rated this higher but the first few chapters and Journaling type of writing didn't work for me for this storyline BUT it engaged me more when the plot and character builds really started to develope so I ignored it and only took off half a star.
I'm hoping this turns into a series and Anthony is next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
4.25⭐️/2.5🌶️
Wow! Desolation is the first book I have read by Ravin, and I loved it! The writing style was impeccable, the characters were strong (I loved how Drake and Elodie complemented each other), and the smut was top-tier.
The way El's trauma was handled and how Drake supported her made me feel all the emotions 🥹
I am going to go back and go through the rest of Ravin's books 🙃
Wow! Desolation is the first book I have read by Ravin, and I loved it! The writing style was impeccable, the characters were strong (I loved how Drake and Elodie complemented each other), and the smut was top-tier.
The way El's trauma was handled and how Drake supported her made me feel all the emotions 🥹
I am going to go back and go through the rest of Ravin's books 🙃
November 28, 2024
My heartfelt praise to Ravin DeMarco for this soul-gripping, all -consuming tale of pain,sorrow and love.
A multilayered plot,excelent world building and captivating characters that kept me so engrossed in the story that everything around me vanished.
The author knew how to perfectly balance a love story with a dash of sweet and heavy triggers that added depht and intensity to the story .
A special note for Elodie,she gives a new meaning to the phrase"turn your weakness into strenght "!
An absolute MUST READ!
A multilayered plot,excelent world building and captivating characters that kept me so engrossed in the story that everything around me vanished.
The author knew how to perfectly balance a love story with a dash of sweet and heavy triggers that added depht and intensity to the story .
A special note for Elodie,she gives a new meaning to the phrase"turn your weakness into strenght "!
An absolute MUST READ!
September 19, 2024
Ravin is a completely new author to me, and I went into Desolation blind. It's a mafia book but a little different than I thought it would be. Based around two YA who are complete opposites and come from two different ways of life. One who is the risch son of a Mafia Don, the other a poor lonely girl who has nobody and struggles with daily life. Drake (MMC) becomes Elodies (FMC) Knight in shining armor. What she doesn't know is he's always been there in the shadows helping her from a far for years. And when she needed him the most he did everything to get her safe. But before they can be together things take a turn and they must do what they can to get back to one another. Elodie is it for Drake and he won't let her go. Elodie learns Drake isn't giving up on her after all this time and that been by Drakes side is where she should be. I did enjoy this book and I look forward to reading more of Ravins books
Please read the TW before reading
Please read the TW before reading
October 1, 2024
Dark Mafia Romance
This is book one in a new series by this author and it is a decent start. For the most part I really liked the story except for one majorly dumb decision that was made by Elodie. It seemed unnecessary and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. There is also only a small amount of spice in this book. There was opportunity for more but those were not seized. However, I will definitely continue to read the series.
This is book one in a new series by this author and it is a decent start. For the most part I really liked the story except for one majorly dumb decision that was made by Elodie. It seemed unnecessary and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. There is also only a small amount of spice in this book. There was opportunity for more but those were not seized. However, I will definitely continue to read the series.
October 5, 2024
True love obsession
Desolation is proof that Ravin DeMarco can make magic with anything she writes. Her first series proved she was amazing at writing paranormal romance, and Desolation proves she can definitely hold her own in the contemporary romance genre.
Elodie and Drake are two of my favorite characters, and their story will tear you heart in two and then patch it back together with the love and devotion between the two.
I do warn you to check the trigger warnings because, at times, this story can get a bit intense, but so good.
Desolation is proof that Ravin DeMarco can make magic with anything she writes. Her first series proved she was amazing at writing paranormal romance, and Desolation proves she can definitely hold her own in the contemporary romance genre.
Elodie and Drake are two of my favorite characters, and their story will tear you heart in two and then patch it back together with the love and devotion between the two.
I do warn you to check the trigger warnings because, at times, this story can get a bit intense, but so good.
October 10, 2024
Desolation by Ravin DeMarco
A Dark Mafia Romance
The love story of Elodie and Drake and how it unfolds. This book does have trauma, abuse, and skin trade. There may be a few pages you want to skip depending on your triggers. Elodie grew up in an abusive home with parents who did not love her. She did not know that her parents had sold her to the heir of a rival Petrucci mafia familia when she was 10 to be his wife when she graduated. The MMC is hot and steamy and part of the Bianchi mafia familia. Drake had been stalking her for years to keep her safe. He would do anything to protect her, especially from Dominic.
Expect this to be a different style of writing than Ravin’s previous book, Return of the Banshee Queen. It has a good plot, but the MFC does make some careless mistakes that gets her into serious trouble and trauma. There was also a year gap with no information about the MFC and the events in her life. Some sentences were a little wordy for me, but overall the book was an easy read. 4.25 🌟
A Dark Mafia Romance
The love story of Elodie and Drake and how it unfolds. This book does have trauma, abuse, and skin trade. There may be a few pages you want to skip depending on your triggers. Elodie grew up in an abusive home with parents who did not love her. She did not know that her parents had sold her to the heir of a rival Petrucci mafia familia when she was 10 to be his wife when she graduated. The MMC is hot and steamy and part of the Bianchi mafia familia. Drake had been stalking her for years to keep her safe. He would do anything to protect her, especially from Dominic.
Expect this to be a different style of writing than Ravin’s previous book, Return of the Banshee Queen. It has a good plot, but the MFC does make some careless mistakes that gets her into serious trouble and trauma. There was also a year gap with no information about the MFC and the events in her life. Some sentences were a little wordy for me, but overall the book was an easy read. 4.25 🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
My favorite part of this book was Drakes family. I loved seeing this big scary family family genuinely care and love each other. His dad and brother were so supportive of him, stalkerness and all. Love seeing a healthy family relationship, especially when said family is mafia.
Drake was obsessed with Elodie and I mean he stalked her for years kind of way. He always did the best he could to keep her protected and safe. Once he got her he treated her like a princess. He was obsessed with her but I feel like in a healthy way if that makes sense. All he wanted was to love and care for her and that's exactly what he did.
Elodie has been through it. This girl has suffered at the hands of people that were supposed to care and love her. The best thing to happen to her was Drake. He showed her how she deserves to be treated and little by little she got her spark back. I admired how she never gave up. Even when she was bruised and bleeding she fought and never gave up on her dreams.
Those two together were really cute together. They had a good connection and good chemistry. They brought out a good happy side in each other. There's a couple of characters that I'm really interested in so hopefully we get a story on them especially daddy gio🙃.
Drake was obsessed with Elodie and I mean he stalked her for years kind of way. He always did the best he could to keep her protected and safe. Once he got her he treated her like a princess. He was obsessed with her but I feel like in a healthy way if that makes sense. All he wanted was to love and care for her and that's exactly what he did.
Elodie has been through it. This girl has suffered at the hands of people that were supposed to care and love her. The best thing to happen to her was Drake. He showed her how she deserves to be treated and little by little she got her spark back. I admired how she never gave up. Even when she was bruised and bleeding she fought and never gave up on her dreams.
Those two together were really cute together. They had a good connection and good chemistry. They brought out a good happy side in each other. There's a couple of characters that I'm really interested in so hopefully we get a story on them especially daddy gio🙃.
September 17, 2024
First of all, the acknowledgement page, thank you Ravin. I see you too.
WOW I loved this book. I felt all kinds of emotions. This book is definitely a great short read if you are into the dark Mafia Romance theme.
Lots of Trigger Warnings ⚠️ so please be sure to read down the list of TWs at the beginning of the book.
I felt such a connection to the main character that reading this made me feel as though I was living through this with her. There were lots of twist and turns, slow burns, and moments I was not expecting nor was I ready for. Oh, and let me just say, the love scene was 🥵🌶🔥 but respectful.
All-in-all, this book has me craving more. Cant wait to read other items from this author.
WOW I loved this book. I felt all kinds of emotions. This book is definitely a great short read if you are into the dark Mafia Romance theme.
Lots of Trigger Warnings ⚠️ so please be sure to read down the list of TWs at the beginning of the book.
I felt such a connection to the main character that reading this made me feel as though I was living through this with her. There were lots of twist and turns, slow burns, and moments I was not expecting nor was I ready for. Oh, and let me just say, the love scene was 🥵🌶🔥 but respectful.
All-in-all, this book has me craving more. Cant wait to read other items from this author.
May 29, 2025
3.5 ★
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲. “𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.”
First off I loved the dedication !!! This was a cute, fast paced mafia read !! I honestly really enjoyed both MMC and FMC as well as the whole found family trope. Also the character development in El ? She went through so many traumatic things throughout her whole life and all Drake wanted to do was care for her. Drake was cute af. A man who’s been obsessed with her since he saw her at 12 years old ? LOVE THAT.
******spoilers
I do wish there was more background information with both MMC and FMC. I also do wish their first time wasn’t a flashback 😭😭 maybe bc I do love smut when it comes to reading romance books but I definitely do feel like that was missing.
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲. “𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.”
First off I loved the dedication !!! This was a cute, fast paced mafia read !! I honestly really enjoyed both MMC and FMC as well as the whole found family trope. Also the character development in El ? She went through so many traumatic things throughout her whole life and all Drake wanted to do was care for her. Drake was cute af. A man who’s been obsessed with her since he saw her at 12 years old ? LOVE THAT.
******spoilers
I do wish there was more background information with both MMC and FMC. I also do wish their first time wasn’t a flashback 😭😭 maybe bc I do love smut when it comes to reading romance books but I definitely do feel like that was missing.
September 20, 2024
This is a lighter take on a mafia themed romance but I found it really refreshing after reading so many darker books. Don’t get me wrong there are still traumatic aspects and on page moments that might have some clutching at their pearls, but overall this was a really enjoyable read.
Drakes obsessive nature for his Bug is really endearing, he’s possessively protective which Elodie needs in her life where no one has cared. I especially like that though Drakes family are Mafia, they have morals and are actually decent people which makes a change from other stories, they all protect what’s theirs, sadly not all the time for Elodie though as you will find out when reading .
Drakes obsessive nature for his Bug is really endearing, he’s possessively protective which Elodie needs in her life where no one has cared. I especially like that though Drakes family are Mafia, they have morals and are actually decent people which makes a change from other stories, they all protect what’s theirs, sadly not all the time for Elodie though as you will find out when reading .
September 27, 2024
Rating: 4.75 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Captivating story ✅. Short chapters ✅. Morally grey characters ✅. What more could you ask for? This book may be short, but it was a complete page turner!! I haven’t ever read a book like it. The characters were just above YA age, there was spice but not an overwhelming amount. I really enjoyed the way Drake treated Eloise throughout the whole novel… He’s the epitome of a great book boyfriend. I only have one tiny critique: that they skip a year and while I understand, I think we need more insight into FMCs daily life during that time. She speaks of it once, but I think I needed a little more. This book is such a quick read, and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of novel. Please check trigger warnings on this one!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Captivating story ✅. Short chapters ✅. Morally grey characters ✅. What more could you ask for? This book may be short, but it was a complete page turner!! I haven’t ever read a book like it. The characters were just above YA age, there was spice but not an overwhelming amount. I really enjoyed the way Drake treated Eloise throughout the whole novel… He’s the epitome of a great book boyfriend. I only have one tiny critique: that they skip a year and while I understand, I think we need more insight into FMCs daily life during that time. She speaks of it once, but I think I needed a little more. This book is such a quick read, and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of novel. Please check trigger warnings on this one!!
October 7, 2024
A fast-paced mafia romp with loveable characters and the sweetest found family in the darkest of places.
FMC Elodie has a really tough life; the most awful family, little hope besides her photography course and now apparently a stalker too? It's okay though, because Drake turns out to be thoughtful, kind, generous - oh, and the second in-line to an established mafia Family. But that's okay, because they're the good guys...
There's a lot happening in very quick succession in this book, and you never feel like you're waiting for the story. I love the wholesome intent behind the MMC's actions, he truly does care for her wellbeing in so many little ways (I've just been reminded of the Kindle holder & page turner!)
Do be sure read the content warnings; this story has some very dark themes and even darker moments with a large helping of emotional turmoil. Or if you're like me, you can just call it a shopping list :D
FMC Elodie has a really tough life; the most awful family, little hope besides her photography course and now apparently a stalker too? It's okay though, because Drake turns out to be thoughtful, kind, generous - oh, and the second in-line to an established mafia Family. But that's okay, because they're the good guys...
There's a lot happening in very quick succession in this book, and you never feel like you're waiting for the story. I love the wholesome intent behind the MMC's actions, he truly does care for her wellbeing in so many little ways (I've just been reminded of the Kindle holder & page turner!)
Do be sure read the content warnings; this story has some very dark themes and even darker moments with a large helping of emotional turmoil. Or if you're like me, you can just call it a shopping list :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
Desolation
Ravin Demarco
Elodie wants to be photographer, she has awful parents, that are cruel to her.
Drake wants Elodie, he would do anything for her, she doesn't know how much or what he's done to make sure she has what she needs.
If you like Mafia storylines and you don't have triggers this is the book you need to read.
This book kept my attention and had me yelling at some characters and feeling the pain that some had to go through (I wanted to jump into the book and take her parents out myself) that takes great writing to have you feel that much good/bad emotions.
Highly recommend this book
Ravin Demarco
Elodie wants to be photographer, she has awful parents, that are cruel to her.
Drake wants Elodie, he would do anything for her, she doesn't know how much or what he's done to make sure she has what she needs.
If you like Mafia storylines and you don't have triggers this is the book you need to read.
This book kept my attention and had me yelling at some characters and feeling the pain that some had to go through (I wanted to jump into the book and take her parents out myself) that takes great writing to have you feel that much good/bad emotions.
Highly recommend this book
September 27, 2024
Ravin has done it again! And by that I mean made me fall in love with fictional characters to the point that I’m happy when they’re happy and I cry when they are hurt.
I love how protective Drake is and how hard he tries to keep Elodie safe. Gives me all the warm fuzzies 🥰
This book was truly a masterpiece! El and her found family make me so happy. She goes thru a LOT of trauma… but Drake is right there for her, making her feel safe and loved and treasured.
Y’all should read this book! It’s going on my “will definitely read again” list. I promise you won’t regret it!
I love how protective Drake is and how hard he tries to keep Elodie safe. Gives me all the warm fuzzies 🥰
This book was truly a masterpiece! El and her found family make me so happy. She goes thru a LOT of trauma… but Drake is right there for her, making her feel safe and loved and treasured.
Y’all should read this book! It’s going on my “will definitely read again” list. I promise you won’t regret it!
September 29, 2024
Desolation by Ravin DeMarco grabbed my attention immediately within the first chapter.
I could feel the emotions coming off the page like I was personally with the characters.
This dark mafia took me on an emotional Rollercoaster I was not prepared for.. I laughed, cried and was in love all by the end of the book.
The more I read the more I fell in love with Drake and Elodie. The way Drake watched out for Elodie years before actually trying to be her friend had my heart doing cartwheels.
I could feel the emotions coming off the page like I was personally with the characters.
This dark mafia took me on an emotional Rollercoaster I was not prepared for.. I laughed, cried and was in love all by the end of the book.
The more I read the more I fell in love with Drake and Elodie. The way Drake watched out for Elodie years before actually trying to be her friend had my heart doing cartwheels.
October 5, 2024
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy.
This brought a lot of feelings in regard to my childhood to the front and center. Really wish I had a Drake to try and take care of me.
Elodie isn't someone who, despite our similar background, I saw at first as being strong. She hid behind her hair and her clothes to not draw attention. But then her story began to unfold and I could see just how strong she really was. Dealing with abusive parents, working hard to earn her own way into college. Knowing how to calm herself when no one else was able to walk her through it. Setting sights on her passion (photography) and not letting anyone deter it.
I wasn't sure what to make of Drake at first. In the end my opinion on him didn't really change. He was sweet, charming and definitely had Elodie's best interests at heart, but for me, I was expecting something more.
All in all the story was good. Taking down mafia bosses is ALWAYS fun. Looking forward to the next one!
This brought a lot of feelings in regard to my childhood to the front and center. Really wish I had a Drake to try and take care of me.
Elodie isn't someone who, despite our similar background, I saw at first as being strong. She hid behind her hair and her clothes to not draw attention. But then her story began to unfold and I could see just how strong she really was. Dealing with abusive parents, working hard to earn her own way into college. Knowing how to calm herself when no one else was able to walk her through it. Setting sights on her passion (photography) and not letting anyone deter it.
I wasn't sure what to make of Drake at first. In the end my opinion on him didn't really change. He was sweet, charming and definitely had Elodie's best interests at heart, but for me, I was expecting something more.
All in all the story was good. Taking down mafia bosses is ALWAYS fun. Looking forward to the next one!
October 14, 2024
Desolation by Ravin DeMarco was my first ARC read ever, and I really enjoyed reading this one. If you like fast paced books, you will like this one. It is about 197 pages, and I liked that it gets right to the point of the plot.
This book does contain some dark content, so please check trigger warnings before reading.
There is also a playlist for this book, so if that is your thing, you will love it. Plus there are a lot of really popular artists on the playlist, and i loved all the songs on there.
The main characters in this book are Elodie and Drake. Elodie comes from a very dysfunctional family, in which she does not feel safe, and Drake comes from a very wealthy mafia family. Drake has always protected Elodie even though she doesn't know it. Before they can even begin to get close, things take a turn for the worse and they must fight to survive their crazy life to make it back to each other.
This book does contain some dark content, so please check trigger warnings before reading.
There is also a playlist for this book, so if that is your thing, you will love it. Plus there are a lot of really popular artists on the playlist, and i loved all the songs on there.
The main characters in this book are Elodie and Drake. Elodie comes from a very dysfunctional family, in which she does not feel safe, and Drake comes from a very wealthy mafia family. Drake has always protected Elodie even though she doesn't know it. Before they can even begin to get close, things take a turn for the worse and they must fight to survive their crazy life to make it back to each other.
September 26, 2024
A great mafia romance that captures you from the beginning. Poor Elodie ☹️ can't believe what she had to grow up with but thank god for Drake. Drake saved her in so many ways. I loved how his family accepted Elodie straight away. Also Gio hanging up all her photos was adorable. Would love another book with Gio and Reba finally admitting their feelings for eachother 🥰
October 1, 2024
Hard knock life
Elodie is the daughter to two abusive parents who only care about their drink and drugs. Whenever something doesn't go right they physically take it out on their daughter.
Elodie only wants to survive so she can get away. She managed to get herself a full ride for college and in just a few weeks she will be free....or not...
Drake has been watching out for Elodie as much as he is able. She lives in the wrong neighborhood and he has never seen what he know happens so he couldn't act. However, he does make sure she gets safely to school and work. He also, made sure her passion for photography was able to blossom by making sure she had a good camera to use. Though he remains in the shadows he has fallen for her.
When she finds her parents sold her to the mafia will she be able to find a way out? Will she make it to school? What will Drake be willing to risk and will it be worth it?
This book had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. This is such a strong FMC who stands by the people she cares about even if it puts herself at risk.
This story is tragic but filled with beauty and hope.
Elodie is the daughter to two abusive parents who only care about their drink and drugs. Whenever something doesn't go right they physically take it out on their daughter.
Elodie only wants to survive so she can get away. She managed to get herself a full ride for college and in just a few weeks she will be free....or not...
Drake has been watching out for Elodie as much as he is able. She lives in the wrong neighborhood and he has never seen what he know happens so he couldn't act. However, he does make sure she gets safely to school and work. He also, made sure her passion for photography was able to blossom by making sure she had a good camera to use. Though he remains in the shadows he has fallen for her.
When she finds her parents sold her to the mafia will she be able to find a way out? Will she make it to school? What will Drake be willing to risk and will it be worth it?
This book had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. This is such a strong FMC who stands by the people she cares about even if it puts herself at risk.
This story is tragic but filled with beauty and hope.
October 4, 2024
Desolation by Ravin DeMarco is dark mafia romance novel. This book excited me from page one. I have followed this author from her first book to this one and was thrilled to see her venturing out into a different genre. She definitely nailed it with this book. Not only is the novel well written and developed it has an original plot. The characters are brought to life on the page and you feel like you know them.
Elodie has an interesting back story and has dealt with a lot in her past and present. She meets our MMC Drake. He is possessive from day 1 but you can tell how much he cares for her. There is loads of push and pull from these two as they both are strong willed and determined.
This is an excellent read for those who like dark mafia romances. I am so glad Ravin DeMarco gave this genre a chance and I can not wait for more.
Elodie has an interesting back story and has dealt with a lot in her past and present. She meets our MMC Drake. He is possessive from day 1 but you can tell how much he cares for her. There is loads of push and pull from these two as they both are strong willed and determined.
This is an excellent read for those who like dark mafia romances. I am so glad Ravin DeMarco gave this genre a chance and I can not wait for more.
October 4, 2024
This book was amazing. I honestly couldn’t put it down. It pulled me in right from the very beginning. It is definitely different from Ms. DeMarco’s first series but man is it good. We meet Elodie and lord does she pull your heartstrings. She is this incredibly sweet girl that has a rough life. As the story progresses we see a lot of things take place that definitely has you on a roller coaster of a ride. We meet Drake soon after meeting Elodie and I absolutely loved his personality. His family is absolutely the best and they are amazing side characters. This book does have some triggers that some may need to watch out for. It is a little darker at times as well. But, I absolutely loved it. It says book one so I am truly excited to see what the next is about and who is in it. Absolutely a must read that will have you gripping your seat.
September 18, 2024
I was able to pick this up today and finish it. I was very shocked at the punch this book packed. The fmc was strong and independent and also went through a lot. The mmc just wanted to love and care for the fmc. This is a mafia romance check your tw before reading 📚
Read
October 4, 2024Desolation is a dark mafia romance that features two compete opposite main characters. Be sure to check your warnings before reading! Drake knows that Elodie is it for him. He's been helping her from afar for awhile now, even if she didn't know it. Their home lives and lifestyles are so different, yet they find a common ground too. Once Elodie realizes that Drake had helped her out so many times previously, she can't help but be drawn to him. But wanting to be together and being able to are two different things. The two have to overcome obstacles in order to be together. These two characters were very well written and they seemed to come to life while reading. A phenomenal must read for sure!
October 10, 2024
The emotions this book will have you feeling alone is enough for all the stars. It is immediate love, but the depth to this story makes up for it
September 16, 2024
Arc reading. Thank you!
Quick, fun read. Obsessive, golden retriever MMC. Love a good mafia romance. Lots of triggers, but done well.
🌶 1.5/5
Quick, fun read. Obsessive, golden retriever MMC. Love a good mafia romance. Lots of triggers, but done well.
🌶 1.5/5
October 2, 2024
This book is incredible. Way up there on my top reads for the year. I absolutely loved it. I had some second thoughts when Ravin posted some commentary she was getting, but I went ahead with it anyway. And I am SO glad I did.
Elodie is one of the strongest MFC I've come across. I loved how we got to see how she copes with her mental and physical health. Drake... oh, Drake. This bad boy MMC, who becomes putty in Elodies hands, is so cute. I can't imagine what he went through that whole time, knowing he couldn't do anything about it. And on top of that, chapter 18/19? My heart broke. I wanted to scream. But man, was the plot and angst on point. The action scenes and the heartbreak scenes and the happy scenes. All of it.
This book had some very memorable scenes, some of which I'm sure the author wasn't aware would stick so well. If you read this, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. I recommend you read this as soon as possible.
Elodie is one of the strongest MFC I've come across. I loved how we got to see how she copes with her mental and physical health. Drake... oh, Drake. This bad boy MMC, who becomes putty in Elodies hands, is so cute. I can't imagine what he went through that whole time, knowing he couldn't do anything about it. And on top of that, chapter 18/19? My heart broke. I wanted to scream. But man, was the plot and angst on point. The action scenes and the heartbreak scenes and the happy scenes. All of it.
This book had some very memorable scenes, some of which I'm sure the author wasn't aware would stick so well. If you read this, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. I recommend you read this as soon as possible.
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