What do you think?
Rate this book
Bonetti Brothers #1
Bones
Luca 'Bones' Bonetti
My rightful place is at the head of the Bonetti empire. With my father dying, the pressure is on to prove I’m the man he can trust with his legacy. He has but one stipulation. I, Luca Bonetti, certified playboy, must take a wife.
When I find a stunning brunette attempting to steal from me, everything changes. Sweet little thief. She may be beautiful, but she chose the wrong man to mess with. I have two choices. Kill her or use her to get what I want more than anything.
What I hadn’t bargained
Her refusal.
Her little body tempting me at every turn.
Her sassy little mouth.
What she doesn’t realize is the harder she fights, the more it thrills me. I love a challenge. And breaking in my butterfly will be nothing short of exhilarating.
ChelleRoseAuthor
ChelleRoseAuthor
My rightful place is at the head of the Bonetti empire. With my father dying, the pressure is on to prove I’m the man he can trust with his legacy. He has but one stipulation. I, Luca Bonetti, certified playboy, must take a wife.
When I find a stunning brunette attempting to steal from me, everything changes. Sweet little thief. She may be beautiful, but she chose the wrong man to mess with. I have two choices. Kill her or use her to get what I want more than anything.
What I hadn’t bargained
Her refusal.
Her little body tempting me at every turn.
Her sassy little mouth.
What she doesn’t realize is the harder she fights, the more it thrills me. I love a challenge. And breaking in my butterfly will be nothing short of exhilarating.
ChelleRoseAuthor
ChelleRoseAuthor
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2024
493 people are currently reading
1584 people want to read
About the author
Chelle Rose
39 books285 followersI hate talking about myself. I'm awkward AF and write super spicy books with twisty plots. Most of my books are dark romance so always check the content warnings!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
December 26, 2024
Part 1
2,5 🤔🤔⭐️s
This tough mafioso guy, with so many billions, caught a girl trying to steal into his impenetrable mansion.
All he knew about her was her name, and under certain circumstances he decided to marry her!
Is it reasonable not to do a background check on her???
Moreover, it was insta love and the heroine’s trauma was not deeply explored.
2,5 🤔🤔⭐️s
This tough mafioso guy, with so many billions, caught a girl trying to steal into his impenetrable mansion.
All he knew about her was her name, and under certain circumstances he decided to marry her!
Is it reasonable not to do a background check on her???
Moreover, it was insta love and the heroine’s trauma was not deeply explored.
February 27, 2025
This book was horrible.. and that’s exactly what I wanted it to be. It felt like someone told AI to create a Walmart version of hunting Adeline. I didn’t have to utilize a single active brain cell on it. I loved it.
November 18, 2024
Overall I felt this book had a great plot, and the relationship between Athena and Bones was great.
But it felt like it went from 0 to 100 in no time at all, and the connection wasn’t there. I understand the trauma behind it, and that was tackled well, but I felt like the characters needed more time.
Also there is an overuse in the word giggle, it was used constantly and felt like it would throw off a scene.
Overall the writing was well done and I loved the whole world that we get thrown into though.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️/5
But it felt like it went from 0 to 100 in no time at all, and the connection wasn’t there. I understand the trauma behind it, and that was tackled well, but I felt like the characters needed more time.
Also there is an overuse in the word giggle, it was used constantly and felt like it would throw off a scene.
Overall the writing was well done and I loved the whole world that we get thrown into though.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️/5
May 29, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️.75
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
✨️ "My Wife"
🖤 Dark Romance
✨️ Touch Her & ☠️
🖤 Forced Proximity
✨️ Mafia
🖤 Angsty
✨️ALC REVIEW✨️
Narrators: Joe Arden & Amanda Willow
⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a fan of Joe Arden. With everything that came out in the last 8 months regarding him, I didn't have high hopes that I would enjoy his performance. The beginning felt much more forced, but as the audio progressed it felt more natural. Together Amanda and Joe did a fantastic job on this audiobook! They truly gave life to not only this story but these characters!
Athena and Luca "Bones" Banetti couldn't have been more different in every way possible. But Athena found herself in the clutches of Bones after her latest errand from her "boyfriend". Having sticky fingers can always change how things can go, but having WHOLE sticky HANDS, is a brand new situation she found herself in. She was literally dangling off one of the walls of Luca's property, when they came face to face. She knew that things weren't going to end well, but she sure as heck did wha she could to stave off the worst consequences. She just didn't realiize those consequences would come with even bigger ones along the way.
Athena was such a resilient woman! Luca called her Butterfly, but what he didn't realize at the time was just how much she truly resembled one. She had been through literal HELL and back. And she would unfortunately make a brief stence back there. I loved the spirit that Athena had, because she literally could get through ANYTHING. She didn't know where her life was going but she didn't see the complete 180 it would be doing. Once she was able to breathe and spread her wings she really grew into herself. She was able to live life without the restraints that she had previously! I constantly rooted for her throughout the book, she deserved nothing but all the best in the world. She had not only been neglected, abused (mentally and physically) but left without any kind of education.
Luca came in like the executioner from the very beginning. Even though that isn't what he was known for, he maded a point to use his initimidation to his advantage. Reaper was the one that everyone should be petrified of. But his story will come later. Luca was a take no crap person who refused to hear anything you had to say that didn't even come close to resembling the truth. He ruled his part with an iron fist and for good reason. He had those under him that were taking advantage of not just him but also Athena. That would not fly in his world, so he made sure that they knew exactly what they had invited in. As tje book progressed he became much more of a human being rather than the executioner that he played so much of the part. He was able to see exactly what Athena had been through and wasn't willing to subject her to that anymore.
I really enjoyed who he became in the last half of the book. He became a man who you would be prooud to have near you, much less the one you would call husband. He had the soft side that Athena needed, but also the stern side that she craved.
I really enjoyed being able to see how much his family embraced Athena and brought her into their fold. His mother was the matriarch of the family you always dreamed of having in your life. Even though his Dad had passed, his mother was always making sure that he was present and mentioned in the most important of times.
I am very excited to see what the next book entails!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️.75 /5
⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
There are several scenes that can be disturbing, so I HIGHLY implore you to proceed with CAUTION.
Athena and Luca definitly had their proclivities as to what made them tick (IYKYK). There were multiple scenes where they enjoyed each other outside the bedroom. Dressing Rooms, and the pool to name a few.
Thank you so much to Chelle Rose and Blue Nose Audio for the free ALC copy 🫶🏻. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
🌶️🌶️.75
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
✨️ "My Wife"
🖤 Dark Romance
✨️ Touch Her & ☠️
🖤 Forced Proximity
✨️ Mafia
🖤 Angsty
✨️ALC REVIEW✨️
Narrators: Joe Arden & Amanda Willow
⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a fan of Joe Arden. With everything that came out in the last 8 months regarding him, I didn't have high hopes that I would enjoy his performance. The beginning felt much more forced, but as the audio progressed it felt more natural. Together Amanda and Joe did a fantastic job on this audiobook! They truly gave life to not only this story but these characters!
Athena and Luca "Bones" Banetti couldn't have been more different in every way possible. But Athena found herself in the clutches of Bones after her latest errand from her "boyfriend". Having sticky fingers can always change how things can go, but having WHOLE sticky HANDS, is a brand new situation she found herself in. She was literally dangling off one of the walls of Luca's property, when they came face to face. She knew that things weren't going to end well, but she sure as heck did wha she could to stave off the worst consequences. She just didn't realiize those consequences would come with even bigger ones along the way.
Athena was such a resilient woman! Luca called her Butterfly, but what he didn't realize at the time was just how much she truly resembled one. She had been through literal HELL and back. And she would unfortunately make a brief stence back there. I loved the spirit that Athena had, because she literally could get through ANYTHING. She didn't know where her life was going but she didn't see the complete 180 it would be doing. Once she was able to breathe and spread her wings she really grew into herself. She was able to live life without the restraints that she had previously! I constantly rooted for her throughout the book, she deserved nothing but all the best in the world. She had not only been neglected, abused (mentally and physically) but left without any kind of education.
Luca came in like the executioner from the very beginning. Even though that isn't what he was known for, he maded a point to use his initimidation to his advantage. Reaper was the one that everyone should be petrified of. But his story will come later. Luca was a take no crap person who refused to hear anything you had to say that didn't even come close to resembling the truth. He ruled his part with an iron fist and for good reason. He had those under him that were taking advantage of not just him but also Athena. That would not fly in his world, so he made sure that they knew exactly what they had invited in. As tje book progressed he became much more of a human being rather than the executioner that he played so much of the part. He was able to see exactly what Athena had been through and wasn't willing to subject her to that anymore.
I really enjoyed who he became in the last half of the book. He became a man who you would be prooud to have near you, much less the one you would call husband. He had the soft side that Athena needed, but also the stern side that she craved.
I really enjoyed being able to see how much his family embraced Athena and brought her into their fold. His mother was the matriarch of the family you always dreamed of having in your life. Even though his Dad had passed, his mother was always making sure that he was present and mentioned in the most important of times.
I am very excited to see what the next book entails!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️.75 /5
⚠️ CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
There are several scenes that can be disturbing, so I HIGHLY implore you to proceed with CAUTION.
Athena and Luca definitly had their proclivities as to what made them tick (IYKYK). There were multiple scenes where they enjoyed each other outside the bedroom. Dressing Rooms, and the pool to name a few.
Thank you so much to Chelle Rose and Blue Nose Audio for the free ALC copy 🫶🏻. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
January 4, 2025
I struggled. I wanted to like this, I'd seen some really good teasers, but I stopped reading at chapter 4. I couldn't force myself to read anymore.
Why she tried scaling a fence with barbed wire I do not understand and then he demands her strip and get in a cage, he doesn't want to f**k her but then whips off his shirt to start interrogating her so he can turn around and tell she can wear his t-shirt.
Why she tried scaling a fence with barbed wire I do not understand and then he demands her strip and get in a cage, he doesn't want to f**k her but then whips off his shirt to start interrogating her so he can turn around and tell she can wear his t-shirt.
June 16, 2025
3 "ridiculous plot but memorable" stars
Athena, the FMC, coming from a horrible life of abuse, which is unveiled within the plot, and having been coerced into stealing, finds that she steals from the wrong one (or, is he right? If he is, then he is right only with his eventual touch-her-&-u-die stance).
Before, giving the rest of this review, I will stop and pay credit to Josie Ellis's review, saying:
“I had a pretty little blue butterfly when I was a boy. You remind me of it. Stunning but fragile. Too fragile for life. One torn little wing, and it’s grounded."
Athena, the FMC, coming from a horrible life of abuse, which is unveiled within the plot, and having been coerced into stealing, finds that she steals from the wrong one (or, is he right? If he is, then he is right only with his eventual touch-her-&-u-die stance).
Before, giving the rest of this review, I will stop and pay credit to Josie Ellis's review, saying:
"It felt like someone told AI to create a Walmart version of [H]unting Adeline." Well, shit, now I really got to read that one.
Anyway, Athena's would be victim, Luca Bonetti, quickly turns her into one. Then she's his captive bride. And 🤦🏾♀️, really Luca, and his brothers, turn out to be very morally grey, loving blood, tears, death, and power. How, his captive bride? Oh, never mind consent/non-consent wavering, or sociopathic tendencies, Luca Bonetti is the 2nd oldest, set to be his fathers heir, because he is the most sane of his brothers, and his father & family are still traditional: in order to ascend, Luca must marry.
Athena is stunningly beautiful. fragile, his butterfly as soon as he has her under his power, so why not make her his wife?[S]he whispers, “I told you, I don’t like the cage.”
“I know, baby. I know, and after today I swear to you, you’ll never be in another one.”
Luca's Butterfly's wings were not torn but that were stained with a past so unholy that I had to rage inside, because Athena's backstory is of child abuse, SA, and incest *Trigger warning, FYI* and it is realistic because these atrocities happen too often in real life families. This darkness included in this plot eclipsed any qualms a reader might have about Luca's moral grey-ness, and all I wanted him to do is avenge Athena (she isn't 100% weak but she doesn't live up to her namesake, either).
If there was more development and time taken with their relationship, a better crafted reason or run-up for why they initially get together, then this book may have gotten a 4 or 5 from me...
Walmart Hunting Adeline, indeed.
Tor Thom narrating Luca "Bones" Bonetti also made it worth getting through. ❤️
Happy Reading.
October 10, 2024
Captivating, Dark & Irresistible!
I absolutely loved this dark mafia romance!! It pulled me in from the beginning and had me captivated.
We have Luca aka “Bones” Bonetti as the MMC, who has to marry to take over the as the head of the mafia family. His father is dying and he chooses Luca out of the 4 brothers to take over when he passes. His one stipulation is for him to be married first.
When he finds Athena the MFC trying to climb his gates and steal from him, his first thoughts are to get rid of her permanently. That all changes with his father’s stipulation for him to takeover and he decides to keep her for himself. His beautiful “butterfly” who becomes his wife.
Athena had an abhorrent past of abuse by her own father and when that past catches up to her, she doesn’t expect to be saved. Will Luca be able to find and save her?
He goes from wanting to break her and possess her to wanting to protect her from her past and give her the world.
Luca- “I was wrong. Butterflies aren’t too fragile for life. You will survive the monsters of our world, because I’ll protect you until my last breath. No one will ever hurt you again, because you’re mine.”
This is now one of my favorite mafia romances and I can’t wait for the rest in the series. The Bonetti brothers are all unhinged in their own way and I’m here for it!
I absolutely loved this dark mafia romance!! It pulled me in from the beginning and had me captivated.
We have Luca aka “Bones” Bonetti as the MMC, who has to marry to take over the as the head of the mafia family. His father is dying and he chooses Luca out of the 4 brothers to take over when he passes. His one stipulation is for him to be married first.
When he finds Athena the MFC trying to climb his gates and steal from him, his first thoughts are to get rid of her permanently. That all changes with his father’s stipulation for him to takeover and he decides to keep her for himself. His beautiful “butterfly” who becomes his wife.
Athena had an abhorrent past of abuse by her own father and when that past catches up to her, she doesn’t expect to be saved. Will Luca be able to find and save her?
He goes from wanting to break her and possess her to wanting to protect her from her past and give her the world.
Luca- “I was wrong. Butterflies aren’t too fragile for life. You will survive the monsters of our world, because I’ll protect you until my last breath. No one will ever hurt you again, because you’re mine.”
This is now one of my favorite mafia romances and I can’t wait for the rest in the series. The Bonetti brothers are all unhinged in their own way and I’m here for it!
June 23, 2025
I loved the concept of Bones and was excited about a series of all of the Bonetti brothers. The meet-cute between Bones and Athena was a standout moment, but unfortunately the story began to unravel for me soon after. Bones’ sudden shift from wanting to kill Athena to wanting to marry her felt too abrupt, with little development to support the enemies-to-lovers arc. Athena’s backstory also raised questions - her speech and adjustment felt too polished for someone raised in a cage, and her father’s ability to infiltrate a mafia circle and stage a rescue without detection stretched plausibility.
While I don’t expect strict realism in dark romance, the plot holes pulled me out of the story. The narrators delivered strong performances, but even that couldn’t carry a story that felt rushed and uneven. Great premise, but the execution didn’t quite land. I’m hopeful the next installment dives deeper and offers more substance.
While I don’t expect strict realism in dark romance, the plot holes pulled me out of the story. The narrators delivered strong performances, but even that couldn’t carry a story that felt rushed and uneven. Great premise, but the execution didn’t quite land. I’m hopeful the next installment dives deeper and offers more substance.
February 7, 2025
In this book Athena tries to steal from Luca, who doesn't like to be stolen from but he is in need of a wife. Luckily for him, one literally fell onto his property.
This was one of the cutest dark romance I've ever read. When he gets to know her Luca is a complete simp for Athena, and his POV is downright adorable.
Athena's story is terrible, and the way in which she starts to trust Luca but is still afraid to tell him anything is written very well. The shame she feels about her trauma is heartbreaking but unfortunately realistic.
The only thing I disliked about this book hits a particular pet peeve of mine. We have an FMC who has gone through terrible trauma at the hands of men, so the way in which she starts to talk back felt like way too fast and not the way a traumatised FMC would act.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and am excited about the next few books about Luca's brothers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was one of the cutest dark romance I've ever read. When he gets to know her Luca is a complete simp for Athena, and his POV is downright adorable.
Athena's story is terrible, and the way in which she starts to trust Luca but is still afraid to tell him anything is written very well. The shame she feels about her trauma is heartbreaking but unfortunately realistic.
The only thing I disliked about this book hits a particular pet peeve of mine. We have an FMC who has gone through terrible trauma at the hands of men, so the way in which she starts to talk back felt like way too fast and not the way a traumatised FMC would act.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and am excited about the next few books about Luca's brothers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2025
He’s the heir to the mafia family.
She’s been abused by her father and now her current boyfriend. Current boyfriend makes her steal things or he will send her back to daddy.
She attempts to steal a car from the MC, gets caught and thrown into a cage.
MC gets told his mafia father is dying and that he needs to find a wife before he dies or he won’t inherit the mafianess.
MC really wants to inherit the mafianess of the family so he tells girl that he won’t kill her for trying to steal from him if she agrees to be his wife.
The bones are here. The skeleton of the novel is here, it just needed some polishing. They go from hating each other to being obsessed and in love the next day. It didn’t make sense nor was it believable. I didn’t feel the chemistry or the pull, they really needed more time to bring that relationship together.
Hes also supposedly a playboy but has no problems swearing off of all other women forever for a girl that he doesn’t want to marry, but has to because his mafia father told him he had to. He married this chick and then turns into a gooey golden retriever that occasionally breaks people’s bones.
Again, the trauma, the backstories, the actual story is good but needs more, more depth, more feeling.
I DNF at 51% cause life’s too short and I have too many books to read to try and finish something that doesn’t suck me in. I can’t even recall their names while writing this review.
She’s been abused by her father and now her current boyfriend. Current boyfriend makes her steal things or he will send her back to daddy.
She attempts to steal a car from the MC, gets caught and thrown into a cage.
MC gets told his mafia father is dying and that he needs to find a wife before he dies or he won’t inherit the mafianess.
MC really wants to inherit the mafianess of the family so he tells girl that he won’t kill her for trying to steal from him if she agrees to be his wife.
The bones are here. The skeleton of the novel is here, it just needed some polishing. They go from hating each other to being obsessed and in love the next day. It didn’t make sense nor was it believable. I didn’t feel the chemistry or the pull, they really needed more time to bring that relationship together.
Hes also supposedly a playboy but has no problems swearing off of all other women forever for a girl that he doesn’t want to marry, but has to because his mafia father told him he had to. He married this chick and then turns into a gooey golden retriever that occasionally breaks people’s bones.
Again, the trauma, the backstories, the actual story is good but needs more, more depth, more feeling.
I DNF at 51% cause life’s too short and I have too many books to read to try and finish something that doesn’t suck me in. I can’t even recall their names while writing this review.
September 14, 2025
Audiobook 🎧 3.5 stars ⭐️
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Touch her & die, Obsessive/Possessive, Trauma and Healing, Banter, Captor/Captive, Forced Marriage, fast burn.
Micro tropes: My wife
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all - CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS. I went into this blind and listened to the Audiobook. It is very dark with detailed parental r@pe on page and further sexual abuse.
Athena - or butterfly - is ‘ordered’ by her boyfriend to steal a car from some rich dudes house. In her attempt to get in Luca - aka Bones - catches her and immediately cages her. Little does poor Athena realise that she was attempting to steal from the son of the head of the Mafia - not just any old rich dude.
Bones finds himself in a pickle and needs a wife - fast. His instant attraction Athena and her being in his clutches brings around the idea to force her into a marriage with her. What he doesn’t realise is that her truama responses cause his protectiveness to kick into high gear and he finds himself falling hard and fast.
The audiobook on this was 10/10 and I would highly recommend giving it a whirl. The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Darkness: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Vibes: 4/5
Tropes: Mafia Romance, Touch her & die, Obsessive/Possessive, Trauma and Healing, Banter, Captor/Captive, Forced Marriage, fast burn.
Micro tropes: My wife
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all - CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS. I went into this blind and listened to the Audiobook. It is very dark with detailed parental r@pe on page and further sexual abuse.
Athena - or butterfly - is ‘ordered’ by her boyfriend to steal a car from some rich dudes house. In her attempt to get in Luca - aka Bones - catches her and immediately cages her. Little does poor Athena realise that she was attempting to steal from the son of the head of the Mafia - not just any old rich dude.
Bones finds himself in a pickle and needs a wife - fast. His instant attraction Athena and her being in his clutches brings around the idea to force her into a marriage with her. What he doesn’t realise is that her truama responses cause his protectiveness to kick into high gear and he finds himself falling hard and fast.
The audiobook on this was 10/10 and I would highly recommend giving it a whirl. The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Darkness: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Vibes: 4/5
October 18, 2024
I love a dark mafia romance, and this one didn't disappoint. What I love most is the MMC Luca, aka BONES is this playboy, a ruthless mafia guy, but as soon as he spends time with the FMC, he is this sweet and loving guy, still brutal by all means. I love when the MMC has to be married, but it's not something that he himself has ever envisioned.
Really enjoyed this one, Luca stumbles upon Athena, trying to steal from him. Her story is heartbreaking, and the big bad mafia man falls head over heels for her.
Cannot wait for book 2. Reaper (one of Luca's brothers) is so unhinged and even more of a walking red flag than his brother.
ARC REVIEW
Really enjoyed this one, Luca stumbles upon Athena, trying to steal from him. Her story is heartbreaking, and the big bad mafia man falls head over heels for her.
Cannot wait for book 2. Reaper (one of Luca's brothers) is so unhinged and even more of a walking red flag than his brother.
ARC REVIEW
June 10, 2025
4.5✨
First things first
I went into this one completely blind and so glad I did. BUT definitely check those TWs if you have them.
With this one being a shorty, IMO, I felt the pacing was done so well. I was emotionally invested. Bones is as bad as they come and because of that, I did not expect moments in this story to be so cute and swoon worthy. He develops a soft spot for Athena.
And with that, the heavy moments are still there and I felt done with care. Athena..give that girl a hug. She is a survivor in every sense of the word.
The audio performance really captivates you from the start. It's not often an audiobook can make me cry but Joe and Amanda accomplished that.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio and Chelle Rose for the early audio.
First things first
I went into this one completely blind and so glad I did. BUT definitely check those TWs if you have them.
With this one being a shorty, IMO, I felt the pacing was done so well. I was emotionally invested. Bones is as bad as they come and because of that, I did not expect moments in this story to be so cute and swoon worthy. He develops a soft spot for Athena.
And with that, the heavy moments are still there and I felt done with care. Athena..give that girl a hug. She is a survivor in every sense of the word.
The audio performance really captivates you from the start. It's not often an audiobook can make me cry but Joe and Amanda accomplished that.
Thank you Blue Nose Audio and Chelle Rose for the early audio.
June 13, 2025
Y'all know I'm obsessed with dark romance and this book doesn't disappoint! Athena is sent to steal a car, gets stuck on a wall… and ends up in a cage owned by bone-breaking mafia bad boy Luca Bonetti. Sounds wild? It is. And somehow, this crazy man decides the best way to take over as Don is by marrying you.
I absolutely devoured this book. Check your trigger warnings—our FMC has a traumatic past—but don't let that fool you she is a bad a$$ in her own right! This story is intense, emotional, and totally addictive!
Now I’m just sitting here, not-so-patiently waiting for book 2.
I absolutely devoured this book. Check your trigger warnings—our FMC has a traumatic past—but don't let that fool you she is a bad a$$ in her own right! This story is intense, emotional, and totally addictive!
Now I’m just sitting here, not-so-patiently waiting for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
I completed this book on audible so had the great joy of Joe Arden’s voice throughout.
This story was very hard to listen to, but the book fully covers the triggers that are covered in the story.
Athena has had a very hard life in captivity being hidden away by her predator father till she meets Luca well comes across Luca she’ll we say.
Luca is a mafia gang boss who soon turns very very soft when it comes to Athena and it’s so heart warming.
This was a 5 ⭐️ read for the story, the audio and the author’s way of writing.
This story was very hard to listen to, but the book fully covers the triggers that are covered in the story.
Athena has had a very hard life in captivity being hidden away by her predator father till she meets Luca well comes across Luca she’ll we say.
Luca is a mafia gang boss who soon turns very very soft when it comes to Athena and it’s so heart warming.
This was a 5 ⭐️ read for the story, the audio and the author’s way of writing.
October 15, 2024
Omg this book….if official I'm in love with a walking red flag. It's fast paced. Well written. Spice is on point. The twists and turns had me. I couldn't put it down and in fact I may have squealed at one point with happiness and also floored with silence with some turns. Just amazing. Read it….read it now 😆
October 24, 2024
This book definitely took me on a journey - there was some real dark and messed up parts in this book that made it even better. From the beginning I wanted to know more about Athena’s life, how Bones would treat her and if her father would be brought to justice! All these questions were answered!
October 31, 2024
Chelle did it again! I’m so obsessed with her writing style. The way she makes you feel the characters, their pain, and trauma. This one definitely didn’t disappoint! The story is so sweet and (as always) the smut was on POINT!
October 10, 2024
HELL YES!
Bones is EVERYTHING. My new favourite MMC written by Chelle Rose. I cannot wait for the brothers books. LOVED IT
Bones is EVERYTHING. My new favourite MMC written by Chelle Rose. I cannot wait for the brothers books. LOVED IT
October 15, 2024
This book gave me everything I love: Inked men with issues, an FMC who fought every single demon she had, and a happily ever after. The spice was spicing and the passion could light a river on fire.
December 29, 2024
Holy moly. Obsessed. Finished it in one sitting. Couldn’t get enough of it.
June 18, 2025
book itself? probably 4 stars. THE AUDIO 5 stars. hes unhinged we love that. we looove that. I love how he helped heal her and the relationship that grows even though hes crazy.
October 27, 2025
Uncomfortable to read with the themes of rape and imprisonment. Definitely not for me.
June 25, 2025
10/10 no notes. This was pure fucking dark perfection 🙌🏻🙌🏻
June 19, 2025
I knew I would love the audiobook from the narrator choices, I didn’t expect to love the story as much as I did.
It’s sinful, tragic, spicy, and at a few times, sweet. This is very dark, and the triggers need to be taken seriously.
Joe always delivers the psycho so well, but his passionate narration levels up the character and Amanda Willow is a strong heroine.
“All I see is you butterfly 🦋 You consume every part of me”
“You are my peace, my salvation, my everything.”
This was a fantastic duet.
It’s sinful, tragic, spicy, and at a few times, sweet. This is very dark, and the triggers need to be taken seriously.
Joe always delivers the psycho so well, but his passionate narration levels up the character and Amanda Willow is a strong heroine.
“All I see is you butterfly 🦋 You consume every part of me”
“You are my peace, my salvation, my everything.”
This was a fantastic duet.
February 6, 2025
missing trigger warnings
Writing was okay, character development of the MMC was a little awkward and didn’t really make sense. The FMC also didn’t make sense, and there really wasn’t good chemistry between the love interests.
Also, there are quite a few triggers that were NOT listed in the trigger warnings so watch out- this was very upsetting and the author should absolutely make sure all triggers are posted on their list.
Writing was okay, character development of the MMC was a little awkward and didn’t really make sense. The FMC also didn’t make sense, and there really wasn’t good chemistry between the love interests.
Also, there are quite a few triggers that were NOT listed in the trigger warnings so watch out- this was very upsetting and the author should absolutely make sure all triggers are posted on their list.
November 13, 2024
First book in the Bonetti Series, Athena and Luca Aka Bones. Dark Romance. Dark mafia, walking red flag. He is a dangerous man who finds a sneaky little snake who isn’t afraid of him at all. He’s part of the mafia and she has grown up in a life of trauma.. if you like trigger warnings like I do, this one is for you
If you have read any of Chelle’s books you will know that you are promised to get 3 D’s with your MMC. Dark, Dangerous and Delicious. And she didn’t let me down in this one, and never will🖤
Hes amazing and I will come for anyone who tries to steal him lol. Chelle I just loved this book more than words can explain. I love your writing and I love the guaranteed emotions with every book you write. I know I’m guaranteed a plot twist of 5 in every book as well too.
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Darkness🖤🖤🖤🖤
Bring me the rest of the Bonetti Brother, butterfly. 🖤☠️🦋
Love your favorite fan girl,
Heather 🖤
If you have read any of Chelle’s books you will know that you are promised to get 3 D’s with your MMC. Dark, Dangerous and Delicious. And she didn’t let me down in this one, and never will🖤
Hes amazing and I will come for anyone who tries to steal him lol. Chelle I just loved this book more than words can explain. I love your writing and I love the guaranteed emotions with every book you write. I know I’m guaranteed a plot twist of 5 in every book as well too.
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Darkness🖤🖤🖤🖤
Bring me the rest of the Bonetti Brother, butterfly. 🖤☠️🦋
Love your favorite fan girl,
Heather 🖤
October 16, 2024
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🔥🔥🔥🔥
☠️Touch her and die
☠️He falls first
☠️My Wife
☠️Forced Marriage
☠️Captivity
What a start to a series. Bones: A Dark Mafia Romance is the first book of Bonetti Brothers Series by Chelle Rose. There are four Bonetti Brothers – Bones aka Luca (MMC), Psycho aka Massimo, Reaper aka Nico, and Kage. In addition, they have a younger sister who is not involved in the family’s business. Then there is Athena aka Butterfly (MFC). She tries to steal Bones car and is caught by him. Bones is immediately attracted to Athena. Athena has no idea who Bones is and has been caught in a deadly trap. Instead of killing Athena for trying to steal his prized car he puts her in a cage in his basement which triggers her past life which is very deeply disturbing.
After putting Athena in the cage in his basement, Bones meets with his father, the head of Bonetti Mafia. His father informs him that he is dying of cancer and if he wants to be the head of the family after his death that he must get married. Bones is not the oldest son (Psycho is the oldest son) but he is the chosen one. That is when he decides that he is going to marry Athena. This is when the sparks start. 🔥🔥🔥 They have instant chemistry for each other. Unknown to Bones, Athena his butterfly has some deep dark secrets that hold her hostage. This is a good book, and I cannot wait to read the others.
Spice - 🔥🔥🔥🔥
☠️Touch her and die
☠️He falls first
☠️My Wife
☠️Forced Marriage
☠️Captivity
What a start to a series. Bones: A Dark Mafia Romance is the first book of Bonetti Brothers Series by Chelle Rose. There are four Bonetti Brothers – Bones aka Luca (MMC), Psycho aka Massimo, Reaper aka Nico, and Kage. In addition, they have a younger sister who is not involved in the family’s business. Then there is Athena aka Butterfly (MFC). She tries to steal Bones car and is caught by him. Bones is immediately attracted to Athena. Athena has no idea who Bones is and has been caught in a deadly trap. Instead of killing Athena for trying to steal his prized car he puts her in a cage in his basement which triggers her past life which is very deeply disturbing.
After putting Athena in the cage in his basement, Bones meets with his father, the head of Bonetti Mafia. His father informs him that he is dying of cancer and if he wants to be the head of the family after his death that he must get married. Bones is not the oldest son (Psycho is the oldest son) but he is the chosen one. That is when he decides that he is going to marry Athena. This is when the sparks start. 🔥🔥🔥 They have instant chemistry for each other. Unknown to Bones, Athena his butterfly has some deep dark secrets that hold her hostage. This is a good book, and I cannot wait to read the others.
March 4, 2025
The thing about this book is it has a great storyline. It’s just executed poorly. It’s soooo short that there isn’t enough story building to make any of it make sense. Now I did choose to read this because I wanted something short and quick but I feel like they tried to pack in way too much for such a short book.
Luca catches her, claims he will kill her, and then within hours decides she will be the one to marry him? It’s just rapid fire with each scene. There’s no downtime between anything important so it felt like we missed backstory and emotion from the characters. The inner monologues didn’t help convey enough of their reasoning.
The way her dad just suddenly shows up out of nowhere and somehow Jimmy was involved? It definitely could have been something that happened but the abruptness to it felt unbelievable.
I wish something had been wrapped up with her mom. I kept expecting there to be a part where the dad claims that he killed her and that was why it seemed she had just disappeared. There were a couple hints that this was maybe the direction it would go from the fight the parents had the night before she was gone to the mom leaving behind her great grandmas blanket. It just felt like that could have helped Athena heal and offer her relief that she wasn’t just abandoned and left behind with a terrible father.
Luca catches her, claims he will kill her, and then within hours decides she will be the one to marry him? It’s just rapid fire with each scene. There’s no downtime between anything important so it felt like we missed backstory and emotion from the characters. The inner monologues didn’t help convey enough of their reasoning.
The way her dad just suddenly shows up out of nowhere and somehow Jimmy was involved? It definitely could have been something that happened but the abruptness to it felt unbelievable.
I wish something had been wrapped up with her mom. I kept expecting there to be a part where the dad claims that he killed her and that was why it seemed she had just disappeared. There were a couple hints that this was maybe the direction it would go from the fight the parents had the night before she was gone to the mom leaving behind her great grandmas blanket. It just felt like that could have helped Athena heal and offer her relief that she wasn’t just abandoned and left behind with a terrible father.
December 26, 2025
I have been reading Chelle Rose's books for about a year now. Each book I have readed is a dark romance masterpiece. Her newest book, Bones, is now included on this list.
I know that this is a much darker book from her and I have to say I love it. I used the TW as a checklist of how good this book will be. I have no TW warnings. Chelle Rose, this book is what a dark romance reader like me craves.
Chelle Rose, you made me fall in love with each of the De Luca brothers, drooled over Gage, Sebastian, and Mav, and now I am completely obsessed with the Bonetti brothers in this new series. I loved Luca "Bones" and Athena "Butterfly" story but I cannot wait for Reaper and his living dead girl story.
I know that this is a much darker book from her and I have to say I love it. I used the TW as a checklist of how good this book will be. I have no TW warnings. Chelle Rose, this book is what a dark romance reader like me craves.
Chelle Rose, you made me fall in love with each of the De Luca brothers, drooled over Gage, Sebastian, and Mav, and now I am completely obsessed with the Bonetti brothers in this new series. I loved Luca "Bones" and Athena "Butterfly" story but I cannot wait for Reaper and his living dead girl story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews