I can't stay away from her, no matter how hard I try, and she is falling for the monster I am.
Aurora Vitale is everything I shouldn’t want—fiery, rebellious, and the distraction I can’t afford, yet every attempt to push her away only fuels my desire. She is also the little sister of my best friend. And this complicates things a lot.
I’m Giovanni Lombardo. People know me as the cold-hearted enforcer for the Italian mafia. But I am forged by tragedy and hardened by crime, and she is the one person who makes me question everything.
Our dangerous game is more than just a fight for control. Her presence ignites a dark passion in me that I can’t control, even as I battle my own demons and the threats closing in.
Aurora’s falling for the monster I am, but with danger lurking and my world on the edge, I must protect her at all costs.
In this deadly dance, I have to decide if I can save her—and myself—before it’s too late.
Note from the Publisher: Taboo Flames is Book 2 in the Sicilian Sins series but can be read as a standalone. This book has it all. This is a dark mafia romance with a possessive alpha-hero, a lot of smut and a lot of tension.
Omg this book!!!! Holy moly, I mean what a ride. This book gives off so much emotion I am sitting here thinking about what I should write, along with if I should cry of joy or hurt. This book kicked a$$. From the storyline to the 🌶️.
It does start off with a lot of 🌶️, and a little more then I would like and I started to think I need more of a storyline and it was like the book started talking to me and saying hold on cause here it is going to come!!!! And 💥 boom.
You have a mafia king Giovanni and then the princess of the Mafia Aurora. Both from different sides and Giovanni is best friends with Aurora's brother. You have an age gap and so much more. As they both start to come together you see the power within each other and him falling for her and opening up. Which I have to say I love a mad man go soft for that one girl 🫶🏼. Fill my heart with joy.
The way this author plays everything out is just great! I feel like the whole time I am sitting at the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next And I think I found my new book boyfriend cause Giovanni sounds scrumptious and I need to be talked to like that too 🤣
I need to run to read book 1 where all of them are stand alone so you are able to start wherever and then the next one comes out on my birthday. Happy birthday to me!!! I will be getting that one too. This book is on KU too so run and get it, I promise you will not be disappointed. Great first read of the month!!!
Best part in the book: I smile coldly at Elijah. “Seems you really don’t know anything after all. Because if you did, you wouldn’t have lied to me.” Then I nod at one of my men. “Rough him up, then drive him to his house and set it on fire. Let him watch as his family burns and then shoot him.” “He also has a mistress in a nearby motel,” Fiore added. “She should be part of the bonfire then,” I say coldly. “No, no! Please! The
Loved it! Mystery. Suspense. Mafia action. And finally, romance.
The story begins with Aurora Vitale, a spoiled rich mafia society brat, headed to a masquerade party with her friend Kara, when she comes to the aid of another young woman being manhandled by a squirrely guy across the street from the party's entrance. She borrows a baton from a security guard and proceeds to beat the guy senseless before giving the girl money and sending her on her way out of town. This act of heroism will come back to bite Aurora later.
After entering the party venue, Kara runs off and leaves Aurora, who proceeds to step out on the second floor balcony, where she is quietly accosted by a tall, burly, impeccably dressed wolf. She thinks she recognizes his voice but can't place it, and he takes her to the building's roof for a better view of the city. It's there that she utters a phrase that's particularly familiar to the wolf, and he is shocked to recognize her. The wolf is none other than the best friend of her older brother, and she knows she's in trouble. Giovanni is none too pleased with her behavior, vows to immediately take her home, and it's all downhill from there.
The story is hot and exciting with Aurora's constant sassy attitude and Gio's mostly vain attempts to tame and protect her without alerting her brother. The story will maintain your interest and attention from beginning to end. The writing is excellent and true to the genre. I enjoyed it immensely. I think you will, too.
Holy hotness! This book was full of action, drama, betrayal, dominance, threats, super smexy times, Lies, hard truths, hurt, denial, and even love. It had all the feels and kept this reader on a constant emotional rollercoaster ride until the very end. The MMC, Gio, is an Enforcer who thrives on brutality and feels no remorse. He has a history of abandonment that runs to deep to remember and he doesn't ever plan to form attachments again. Aurora, the FMC, has crushed on him since she was a little girl, stalking him to learn as much as possible. She is a Bratty, mauve, Mafia princess who has had everything handed to her with brothers ready to fight her every battle.
Watch the sparks fly as this innocent girl makes choices that sent her life on a course to cross with Gio's. The flame is hot and explosive. Yet as the smoke clears, and layers of deception are peeled away, who will remain standing?
This was an enthralling tale with plenty of twists and enough heat to melt your Kindle. Buckle up!
* I received a gift copy of this book and volunteered this review.
After reading book 1, Spice and Revenge, I knew I had to read book 2!
I was hooked after the first chapter. A lot happened, and it showed how badass Aurora is!
The book starts out with Aurora getting ready for a night out with a "friend," but she soon gets abandoned by said friend and meets a handsome masked man, the night out is a Masquerade of sorts. She's having a flirty conversation, and it eventually leads to a surprising discovery.
The masked man is none other than her older brothers best friend, Giovanni, who is 13 years older than her. She's 22.
Giovanni has never seen her as more than anything but his best friends baby sister. She's forbidden, but after he had a taste, he couldn't get her out of his head.
He's not one for love, he never has a woman more than once, but he knew that she was going to ruin him and the same goes for her.
If you want to see how this story unfolds and how their forbidden romance grows and blossoms, please read this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Taboo Flames, the third book in The Sicilian Sins series, follows the sinfully enticing romance between Aurora "Rory" Vitale and Giovanni Lombardi in a sizzling age-gap, forbidden love story. Giovanni’s realization that his best friend's little sister isn’t so little anymore ignites an undeniable attraction, while Rory discovers that there’s much more to her brother’s best friend than she ever imagined. Though part of a series, this book can be enjoyed as a standalone without any confusion. Their dynamic is electric—Rory brings a lighthearted energy, while Giovanni, possessive and intense, adds a dangerous edge that keeps readers hooked. Their journey is packed with mafia drama, twists, betrayal, and plenty of spice, making it an exciting and wickedly entertaining read. Fans of forbidden love and high-stakes romance will find themselves captivated by this story.
Age Gap, Mafia Romance, Best Friends sister, Grumpy MMC, Strong FMC. I am sucker for a Mafia romance and Taboo Flames covers some of my favorite Tropes. Giovani is a grumpy mafia men who shoots first and asks questions later. Aurora is your spitfire who also comes from a mafia family and is one of the Vitale princesses that are protected by their brothers. An innocent kiss at a masquerade balls that snow balls into what is the love story of Gio and Rory. She's 22 and he is 35 she is also out of the question because her brother is Gio's friend. What we see unravel is how even though something is bad doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't go for it. Gio will do anything to keep her safe. I love how the story though it was less than 300 pages gave you the details to fall and root for their love. "Despite knowing that Gio has a dark side, he’s still my safe space."
This a mafia romance at its best. Dark, spicy, action packed, danger lurking around the corner - whats not to love?
Aurora finds herself alone at a masquerade party after her friend leaves her. There she meets a dark, masked handsome man who turns out to be her brothers best friend Giovanni. This pair have chemistry in spades and more, but theirs is effectively a forbidden love and a dangerous one. Aurora is a distraction that as mafia enforcer Giovanni can't afford to have.
The journey that Aurora and Giovanni embark on is one filled with dark desires, passion and steam+++. Aurora is strong, sassy and most certainly not the quite obedient mafia princess she should be. Giovanni though really is your over protective, touch her and die Mafia type. So alongside the passion and steam you get danger, secrets, lies and betrayals in a great mafia romance.
A chance encounter at a mask party has Rory chasing her crush. Only problem, her crush is her brothers best friend. Meanwhile, Gio can't get Rory out of his head after the kiss they shared. He knows he should stay away, but its easier said then done. While Rory is no damsel in distress, Gio promises to protect her at all cost. Will they find happy ever after or will something from Gio's past tear them apart?
I love Vivian Flame's books! You really get to know the characters and feel what they feel. If you're looking for a book you can't put down, that once you start you have to figure out what happens next, this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Too Hot 🥵 this was a steamy page turner and the suspense was really intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It was addicted . Aurora "Rory" Vitale and Giovanni Lombardi the chemistry between them was sexual tension and the physical attraction was action packed of drama. When they first lay on each other it was love at first sight and it was going to be a forbidden love. He was a powerful man and he was undesirable. One night with him will never be the same and it will her life forever. With danger, love, revenge, love respect, and betrayal. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
My biggest hang up with this book was after one of their fights, Gio tells Aurora he is going to give her a small glimpse of who he is, I'm thinking he is finally going to tell her about some of his shady past. Nope, he takes her to a hotel and pays another man to sleep with her while he watches. The characters are very one dimensional and there was far too much sex. Also it doesn't feel super 'taboo' to me. It was sold as a 'my best friend's sister' plot, which it is, but besides occasionally mentioning it, the brother isn't really in the picture so it doesn't feel as forbidden as you would expect. The author does have a way with words though, the way the spice was written was quite nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Aurora Vitale is the spoil rich girl who does what she wants. She goes to a nightclub with her girlfriend Kara. She sees this guy hassle this girl that doesn't want to go with him and she steps up and beats him with a baton.
She meets a wolf at the nightclub and she recognize the voice, it's her crush Giovanni Lombardi and also her brother best friend.
Aurora goes after what she wants and she want Giovanni and he is the bad boy mom warned you about. The back and forth between these characters is what makes this story good.
The ultimate betrayal Giovanni faces that caused harm to Aurora makes him see things is a new light.
This is an age gap story. A little taboo and lots of spice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating 3.5 Do you love reading about alphaholes obsessed with their friend’s younger sister and who have total “touch her and die” and “only mine” vibes? Do you like spice with your spice? This book is it! There’s a weird instant chemistry between the MMC and the MFC that can’t keep them from clinging to each other, pushing the other away, and then pining and returning! Fast-paced-ish with a spit-fire of a MFC who honestly holds her own despite everyone wanting to baby her. Plot became predictable but it was still enjoyable to read to figure out how it all played out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taboo Flames is book 3 in The Sicilian Sins series and is Aurora/Rory Vitale and Giovanni Lombardi's story. It's a sinfully wicked, age gap, forbidden, brothers best friend story that is sizzling hot! Giovanni finds out just what it means when his best friends little sister isn't so little anymore and Rory discovers there's more to her brother's best friend than she thought. And they both want it all! Their journey is loaded with drama, excitement, lies, betrayal, twists, turns and soooooo much heat. From start to finish this has been one heckuva ride!
This is an entertaining mafia romance and is Giovanni and Aurora's story. Aurora is a mafia princess, who speaks her mind and Giovanni a mafia enforcer, who tries to look out for her. This story is well-written and exciting with secrets, suspense, action, danger and chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taboo Flames is a good story featuring Gio as the main male character. His life has been shaped by his past and how he was raised. It is a good story with drama, betrayal and plenty of action. You can't help but feel for Gio, even though his character is dark. What took away from the story for me was Aurora. Her actions and attitude most times were juvenile and I couldn't get the connection between her and Gio.
A great story spanning a childhood crush to death threats to possessiveness to betrayal to death and more. Rory is definitely a strong woman who doesn’t mind sticking up for the little guy but becomes weak with the chemistry between her and Gio. Seeking past truths can get you in trouble but so can burying them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I went into this book not knowing much at all about it or that it is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone I was not confused at all. I really enjoyed it. You’ve got Giovanni and Aurora, she’s his best friends little sister so it’s a forbidden kind of relationship. There’s mafia elements with some violence and there’s some good spice as well. I love the dynamic between Giovanni and Aurora, she’s more lighthearted and he’s possessive and seemingly doesn’t have many feelings, I loved watching this unfold and would definitely read more.
Her Prince Charming? Aurora has been in love with Gio forever. When he unknowingly kisses her at a masked ball he realizes she’s no longer his best friend’s kid sister. She’s his! He’s possessive, insatiable, and everything she wants and needs. But forces are against them. Will she have her Prince Charming or will everything be destroyed?
Well, I couldn’t put this book down, blew through it quickly. Author gives you everything in this book, forbidden romance, spicy scenes (holy hot), drama and emotions from each character. Gio & Aurora were forbidden but they couldn’t fight their chemistry for each other. Enjoyed this read and wanted more of the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set aside a day for this graphic, KINKY MATURE ADULTS ONLY forbidden dark mafia romance in Sicily when 22-year-old Aurora Vitale comes home from college in the United States and runs into her childhood crush. There are wry chortles.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Sicilian Sins series. I enjoyed Aurora and Gio’s story. It’s a best friend’s little sister, forbidden, dark, mafia romance. The drama, twists and turns, betrayal and lies kept me totally “into” this story. It’s emotional and spicy. The plot is well developed and very entertaining. An amazing read.
Taboo Flames is Book two in the Sicilian Sins series but can be read as a standalone. This book has it all. It’s a dark mafia romance with a possessive alpha-hero. And Giovanni and Aurora’s story. I thought it was an intriguing read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
I enjoyed this intriguing mafia romance with drama, suspense, mystery, attraction, chemistry, and great characters. The MCs are defined, engaging, and made for each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was dark,brutal and deliciously spicy! I love a good mafia, gangster romance and this one did not disappoint. Giovanni knows he shouldn’t want her, she’s his best friends little sister but he just can’t help himself. He is damaged and dark and absolutely dreamy. A possessive, burn the world for her, morally grey junk of deliciousness. Aurora( Rory) is strong, resilient and takes no one’s sh*t! I absolutely loved her. She pursues what she wants including Gio. Loved every second of this book. It was definitely dark so check your TW but it was soooo good! Highly recommend it for those that love dark mafia romances with a HEA 🖤❤️
"Taboo Flames" Book 2 in the Sicilian Sins Series by Vivian Flame
Realese Day October 30th Save the Date
"I can't stay away from her, no matter how hard I try, and she is falling for the monster I am."
Aurora Vitale is everything I shouldn’t want—fiery, rebellious, and irresistible: the distraction I can’t afford, yet every attempt to push her away only fuels my desire. She is also the little sister of my best friend. And this complicates things a lot.
I’m Giovanni Lombardo. People know me as the cold-hearted enforcer for the Italian mafia. But I am forged by tragedy and hardened by crime, and she is the one person who makes me question everything.
Our dangerous game is more than just a fight for control. Her presence ignites a dark passion in me that I can’t control, even as I battle my own demons and the threats closing in.
Aurora’s falling for the monster I am, but with danger lurking and my world on the edge, I must protect her at all costs.
In this deadly dance, I have to decide if I can save her—and myself—before it’s too late.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ OH MY GOSH 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Whoa!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Someone take me to me Italy 🇮🇹 🤭 I just can't deny how much attraction I have to Italian man. And reading this series has me yearning 🙃 Yes I have a type. 😉 Vivian Flame.. You did it again!!! I devoured this book 📖 It's soooo good. 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 I love being your Arc Reader 🖤🖤🖤 You had me on the edge of my seat! I found myself holding my breath multiple times and sweating... LOVE IT!!!
🖤 Dark Romance Mafia 🖤 Tension 🖤 Smut 🖤 Possessive Alpha-hero 🖤 Hidden Secrets 🖤 Sir 🖤 Steamy 🖤 Brother Best Friend 🖤 Childhood Traumas 🖤 Lies 🖤 Forbidden Love 🖤 Grumpy-Sunshine
Is a must-read. 👌♥️ Highly recommend!!!🔥🔥🔥
This is the follow-up to "Spice and Revenge," but can be read as standalone
I received an advance review copy for free by the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.