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Gangsters paradise #8
Game On: A Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Hilarious Female Stalker, Suspense Spicy Romance Trilogy
When the hunter falls for her prey, things go from deadly to downright ridiculous.
Danika Smith is a hitwoman with a flawless record, a sharp sense of humor, and the patience of a saint—unless you annoy her, in which case, good luck.
Her latest job? Take down the father of Emilio De Luca’s unwanted, arranged fiancée.
Her method? Stalk the big, sweet mafia man until he unknowingly leads her right to her target. Easy, right?
Well, it was easy… until Danika got to know Emilio.
Sure, he’s built like a tank and technically terrifying on paper, but in reality? The guy’s more teddy bear than grizzly. Between his soft heart, slightly-too-liberal whiskey habit, and tendency to rescue stray cats like it’s his side hustle, Danika is starting to have a hard time remembering she’s supposed to be using him—not liking him.
And liking him is dangerous. Almost as dangerous as Emilio trying to cook dinner.
Now Danika’s in a bit of a
Her mission? Falling apart faster than Emilio’s last attempt at fixing an over cooked turkey dinner.Her target? Still not found (annoyingly).Her heart? Apparently not as bulletproof as she thought. As Emilio bumbles his way closer to discovering her identity and secrets—and Danika finds herself enjoying his company—she’s faced with a terrifying she might be willing to put a man's needs above her own revenge mission.
Worse, she might actually be falling for the big guy in question.
Stalking The Mafia Man is the first book of three following Danika Smith, a recently retired hitwoman who needs a mark to stay sane, and Emilio De Luca, a sweet and soft mafia man, who's currently pretending to be in charge of his family of menaces. This story, is hilarious, slow burn spicy, and thrilling. It follows Danika as she seeks revenge against an old enemy, whilst Emilio does whatever he can to get out of his unwanted arranged marriage, to that same mans daughter. Expect lots of fun flipped tropes, in this found family and female stalker story with mild forced proximity & strangers to friends to lovers. In a MF, romantic comedy & suspense trilogy.This series is full of interconnected standalones, duologies, trilogies, and more — a world of powerful families, deadly rivalries, and unforgettable love stories. Each character in each main family (and the fun side characters) gets their own story with a complete ending but I think it's more fun to read them all and see all the great cameos and shenanigans that occur.
Danika Smith is a hitwoman with a flawless record, a sharp sense of humor, and the patience of a saint—unless you annoy her, in which case, good luck.
Her latest job? Take down the father of Emilio De Luca’s unwanted, arranged fiancée.
Her method? Stalk the big, sweet mafia man until he unknowingly leads her right to her target. Easy, right?
Well, it was easy… until Danika got to know Emilio.
Sure, he’s built like a tank and technically terrifying on paper, but in reality? The guy’s more teddy bear than grizzly. Between his soft heart, slightly-too-liberal whiskey habit, and tendency to rescue stray cats like it’s his side hustle, Danika is starting to have a hard time remembering she’s supposed to be using him—not liking him.
And liking him is dangerous. Almost as dangerous as Emilio trying to cook dinner.
Now Danika’s in a bit of a
Her mission? Falling apart faster than Emilio’s last attempt at fixing an over cooked turkey dinner.Her target? Still not found (annoyingly).Her heart? Apparently not as bulletproof as she thought. As Emilio bumbles his way closer to discovering her identity and secrets—and Danika finds herself enjoying his company—she’s faced with a terrifying she might be willing to put a man's needs above her own revenge mission.
Worse, she might actually be falling for the big guy in question.
Stalking The Mafia Man is the first book of three following Danika Smith, a recently retired hitwoman who needs a mark to stay sane, and Emilio De Luca, a sweet and soft mafia man, who's currently pretending to be in charge of his family of menaces. This story, is hilarious, slow burn spicy, and thrilling. It follows Danika as she seeks revenge against an old enemy, whilst Emilio does whatever he can to get out of his unwanted arranged marriage, to that same mans daughter. Expect lots of fun flipped tropes, in this found family and female stalker story with mild forced proximity & strangers to friends to lovers. In a MF, romantic comedy & suspense trilogy.This series is full of interconnected standalones, duologies, trilogies, and more — a world of powerful families, deadly rivalries, and unforgettable love stories. Each character in each main family (and the fun side characters) gets their own story with a complete ending but I think it's more fun to read them all and see all the great cameos and shenanigans that occur.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
133 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 7, 2025
I love my FMCs unhinged and genuinely badass, and Danika fits the bill. I adored her. But I felt like I had to wait quite a while for anything fun to happen. It took over a quarter of the book for the FMC and MMC to "meet." The author says at the beginning that this story accidentally turned into 3 books. I can’t help but feel like splitting this story wasn’t the best choice over a strong edit. Maybe the other two books are tighter.
So, overall, my biggest issue was that the book overall felt long‑winded. The descriptions were long and detailed. They weren’t bad, but I tend to enjoy a snappier pace, especially as things are getting started. There were a ton of characters, too. I know this is part of a broader universe, but it’s said multiple times (description, front matter) that it can be read as a standalone. I actually felt like I was missing things.
The writing voice is enjoyable, but the FMC and MMC sounded identical. There’s also a repetitive pattern of “Short pointless question? Short answer for emphasis.” that started to grate on me. The notes throughout the book were a unique touch, but using images for them made the Kindle experience feel disjointed.
When it picks up, it picks up fast. I liked how the story flipped the script on the usual mafia tropes. I can say that the more dominant FMC tying up the MMC isn’t my personal cup of tea, but I know other readers enjoy it and there’s not a lot of it out there. The spicy scenes were descriptive but not especially explicit.
Also, there’s a good cat.
Finally, aside from the story itself, the beginning of the book also has way too much front matter. Like pages listing the author’s other books, and then a couple more links scattered throughout the book itself. Maybe that helps with sales, but it’s too much for me. Reading is one of my few respites from the constant advertising of life, so this really rubbed me the wrong way.
3/5 for me. I don't think I'll read more of the trilogy but I don't regret finishing this one.
Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So, overall, my biggest issue was that the book overall felt long‑winded. The descriptions were long and detailed. They weren’t bad, but I tend to enjoy a snappier pace, especially as things are getting started. There were a ton of characters, too. I know this is part of a broader universe, but it’s said multiple times (description, front matter) that it can be read as a standalone. I actually felt like I was missing things.
The writing voice is enjoyable, but the FMC and MMC sounded identical. There’s also a repetitive pattern of “Short pointless question? Short answer for emphasis.” that started to grate on me. The notes throughout the book were a unique touch, but using images for them made the Kindle experience feel disjointed.
When it picks up, it picks up fast. I liked how the story flipped the script on the usual mafia tropes. I can say that the more dominant FMC tying up the MMC isn’t my personal cup of tea, but I know other readers enjoy it and there’s not a lot of it out there. The spicy scenes were descriptive but not especially explicit.
Also, there’s a good cat.
Finally, aside from the story itself, the beginning of the book also has way too much front matter. Like pages listing the author’s other books, and then a couple more links scattered throughout the book itself. Maybe that helps with sales, but it’s too much for me. Reading is one of my few respites from the constant advertising of life, so this really rubbed me the wrong way.
3/5 for me. I don't think I'll read more of the trilogy but I don't regret finishing this one.
Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2025
'The pressure building inside me didn’t ease. It only tightened like a noose around my lungs.— it was all just a reminder of what I was about to become.
A prisoner in my own life.'
I loved this book. It was such a fun romance and a bit of an adventure. While I love the plot of an assassin falling for their target, or falling for someone they are using to get close to their target, this story feels unique because it's a hitwoman, and the mafia man is a sweet cinnamon roll. Danika is awesome and I love a strong, capable heroine. I also loved Emilio. He was honorable and sweet when it came to Danika. He had power and responsibility that was never supposed to go to him and the chains around him only kept tightening under his uncles' threats. I was hooked to the story from the start. By the blurb, I thought I'd be more interested in Danika, but Emilio hoarded my attention whenever he was on page.
“Marriage isn’t supposed to feel like this,” I muttered under my breath. “I’m supposed to be in love. The kind of love I’d kill for. Not the sort I’d kill myself to prevent.”
An exciting and suspenseful read. I loved the two of them together- the dynamic between them, the banter, and their chemistry.
'I was only partially [screw]ed up. She was operating on a whole different level.'
I also love the bonuses the author decided to include- character guides and Emilio's apartment layout.
I couldn't wait to see where this would go. That cliffhanger! Book two now please! 5 stars
A prisoner in my own life.'
I loved this book. It was such a fun romance and a bit of an adventure. While I love the plot of an assassin falling for their target, or falling for someone they are using to get close to their target, this story feels unique because it's a hitwoman, and the mafia man is a sweet cinnamon roll. Danika is awesome and I love a strong, capable heroine. I also loved Emilio. He was honorable and sweet when it came to Danika. He had power and responsibility that was never supposed to go to him and the chains around him only kept tightening under his uncles' threats. I was hooked to the story from the start. By the blurb, I thought I'd be more interested in Danika, but Emilio hoarded my attention whenever he was on page.
“Marriage isn’t supposed to feel like this,” I muttered under my breath. “I’m supposed to be in love. The kind of love I’d kill for. Not the sort I’d kill myself to prevent.”
An exciting and suspenseful read. I loved the two of them together- the dynamic between them, the banter, and their chemistry.
'I was only partially [screw]ed up. She was operating on a whole different level.'
I also love the bonuses the author decided to include- character guides and Emilio's apartment layout.
I couldn't wait to see where this would go. That cliffhanger! Book two now please! 5 stars
June 18, 2025
At first it was hard to get into. Too many descriptions… if that’s even a thing. But slowly I came to like the writing style and overly detailed scenes. Danika is a tough cookie who can take care of herself. Emilio is a mob boss but also has a soft spot for cats and doesn’t like treating women poorly. Overall I’m really enjoying the book (shh I haven’t finished it yet).
I got this book for free from Tierney Storer and had to read it through book sprout because it wouldn’t let me add it to my kindle. That’s really the only con. I don’t even know what page I’m on in the book because on book sprout it’s one long chapter where you just scroll up until the chapter is done.
I got this book for free from Tierney Storer and had to read it through book sprout because it wouldn’t let me add it to my kindle. That’s really the only con. I don’t even know what page I’m on in the book because on book sprout it’s one long chapter where you just scroll up until the chapter is done.
June 24, 2025
It was a freebie on stuff a kindle day. So my expectations weren't that high to begin.
It was an okay read, but it had me questioning a lot if I would continue.. I read this, but it ended on a cliff, but that's not enough for me to continue this series and to read more.
I liked that Danika was e hit woman with a crazy mind of her own. But I read so many dark mafia books that it sounds very very strange how this mafia boss handles everything.. Like he didn't even sound like a mafia boss and didn't really act like it, but that's part of the charm in this book I guess.
I will go on to the next freebie and hope for the best.
It was an okay read, but it had me questioning a lot if I would continue.. I read this, but it ended on a cliff, but that's not enough for me to continue this series and to read more.
I liked that Danika was e hit woman with a crazy mind of her own. But I read so many dark mafia books that it sounds very very strange how this mafia boss handles everything.. Like he didn't even sound like a mafia boss and didn't really act like it, but that's part of the charm in this book I guess.
I will go on to the next freebie and hope for the best.
December 18, 2025
DNF 36%
I was excited for the story, but the only thing I like so far is her beating people up.
There are a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors.
What else lead to not finishing? It's 36% and they have not met yet. He's done absolutely nothing of interest. A stalker breaks into his house, twice, and he does nothing to figure out who it is - just leaves her another note. Can't figure out why he would think it was a woman. Surely, if a man was stalking him he'd do something.
Now she's added new characters and a new POV.
The book is just not speaking to me - maybe I'll pick it back up again later.
I was excited for the story, but the only thing I like so far is her beating people up.
There are a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors.
What else lead to not finishing? It's 36% and they have not met yet. He's done absolutely nothing of interest. A stalker breaks into his house, twice, and he does nothing to figure out who it is - just leaves her another note. Can't figure out why he would think it was a woman. Surely, if a man was stalking him he'd do something.
Now she's added new characters and a new POV.
The book is just not speaking to me - maybe I'll pick it back up again later.
April 9, 2025
loved it !! love this series !! a great start for a new trilogy within the series !! love Danika and Emilio... this is their story... a fast fun paced action packed rom/com drama... Danika is an assassin , okay maybe retired !! Emilio is a mob boss but, a teddy bear... she has a revenge target... he's trapped in an arranged engagement... so funny !!! and his side hustle ? cats... he loves cats... so good !!! next book !!! please ....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2025
Empezar una saga de libros por el número 10 es de guapas (o de gente que no se entera, como yo xD).
No tengo ni idea de cómo llegué a este libro, creo que por una promo de Instagram o una reseña... ni idea. El caso es que hablaban de que la stalker era ella y me pareció interesante. No sabía lo que me esperaba.
Me ha entretenido muchísimo, ha sido divertido hasta hacerme reír en voz alta mientras leía y son dos personajes que me han parecido que encajaban totalmente.
Siento que tiene vibes de Butcher&Blackbird, si eso te gustó, es posible que esto también te guste.
No tengo ni idea de cómo llegué a este libro, creo que por una promo de Instagram o una reseña... ni idea. El caso es que hablaban de que la stalker era ella y me pareció interesante. No sabía lo que me esperaba.
Me ha entretenido muchísimo, ha sido divertido hasta hacerme reír en voz alta mientras leía y son dos personajes que me han parecido que encajaban totalmente.
Siento que tiene vibes de Butcher&Blackbird, si eso te gustó, es posible que esto también te guste.
April 10, 2025
This is a different type of Mafia romance but none the less a great story within its rights. It has passions, comedy and the typical suspense and drama that you find in other stories but this one unlike the others and had me sitting up and taking notice. It is well written, has great characters that I enjoyed reading and connecting with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2025
Ghost of a FMC stalks a golden retriever family man of a Mafia Don MMC. The running internal dialogue of the FMC and the banter between the MMC and FMC really got me through this story. Absolutely loved how unhinged our FMC is and how much that just does it for the MMC. Def a rom-com some parts were just so unserious. The pacing kind of took me out of the story a few times but overall good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
The first third is slow, definitely setting the scene and getting to know the characters. After the MCs finally meet things get going and I really enjoyed their relationship deployment and their growth as individuals. Danika is absolutely tragic but she's amazing in her own way. I have to read book 2 since this is a cliff hanger and I really need them to get their HEA because they are perfection together.
March 29, 2025
This is the best Mafia book I have read in a very long time. The story is like nothing I have read before. On the one hand is is hilarious, on the other hand it is an emotional roller-coaster with a lot of suspense and twists. I totally loved the characters and can hardly wait for the next book!.
April 12, 2025
This story was mostly lighthearted and humourous, but some of it was a bit dark due to the mafia themes. It is part of a series of interconnected stories and while it's not necessary to have read the others first, I felt my reading experience would have been better if I had.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2025
This was such a fun book. Read it all in one sitting. Loved that this was a mafia book but also not one. She stalked him and he is like a crazy cat person with the golden retriever personality. The banter was super fun and made me laugh out loud quite a few times. Can’t wait for more from this world.
June 27, 2025
First off I just gotta say this book had me kicking my feet and giggling. It was so SO funny!!! I loved everything about this book- the characters, the plot, the little details, EVERYTHING. if you are looking for a book that has comedy, a twinge of darkness to it, golden retriever/black cat vibes, spiciness, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!!
dnf-books
June 28, 2025DNF @ 23% (for now)
When I saw it was ‘female stalker’ was really hoping it was the girl-obsessed trope - sadly it’s not. It was funny from what I read, but it was just sooo drawn out and long winded. I’ll probably come back to it at some point - hopefully it will come to audio at some point bc I'll def pick it back up then.
When I saw it was ‘female stalker’ was really hoping it was the girl-obsessed trope - sadly it’s not. It was funny from what I read, but it was just sooo drawn out and long winded. I’ll probably come back to it at some point - hopefully it will come to audio at some point bc I'll def pick it back up then.
July 1, 2025
This book was enjoyable and fun. Great addition to the series. The characters were well written and likeable. Plot was perfection. The world building excellent . Recommend this read.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2025
This book is absolutely HILARIOUS. If you liked the lights out/butcher and black bird vibe then you will LOVE this book. This book had me laughing out load and kicking my feet all while being insanely hooked. I loved the FMC dialogue with her little cactus friend. I can’t wait to read more of the series!!
August 12, 2025
This was a unique story in that the FMC was the stalker/hit-man and the MMC was the target. The FMC also had a golden retriever personality. The characters had great banter and it was funny. The book was a bit long-winded and it seemed to take forever for things to happen, at least when things started happening they happened fast.
September 12, 2025
The idea is actually pretty interesting , and I liked Emilio and Danika—they felt refreshing. But some parts just didn’t land for me. Honestly, it was hard to read because it felt more like a rough draft, like not much time went into proofreading. I might’ve kept going with the series, but probably only if the rest were free. The story has potential, it just needed more polish.
March 30, 2025
I’ve read several Tierney Storer books and she always knows how to make a steamy couple that you can’t get enough of! Emilio loves his cat and his spit fire girl. Danika is a baddie! I love how Tierney writes amazing strong women and supportive men! Her books are always worth reading!!!
April 28, 2025
A little bit rough around the edges, but surprisingly not all that bad. The premise is fun and the main characters are definitely loveable. But there are too many side characters and it drags on way too long. This doesn't need to be a trilogy, of that I am sure.
June 16, 2025
I loved this book! Read it in one day and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author! Mafia books tend to be my go to and this did not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2025
4.5⭐️
apparently there’s a second and third book??
i mean the ending is not very closed but it’s also not entirely opened for it to be necessary to read the following book… i really liked it tho, so i might read the second one
apparently there’s a second and third book??
i mean the ending is not very closed but it’s also not entirely opened for it to be necessary to read the following book… i really liked it tho, so i might read the second one
October 8, 2025
Well wrote story line!! First time reading. Enjoyed author a lot! I love me some mafia men, makes for great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2025
So so so good ! Only critique is that I have to wait for book 2 ! This might be my new favourite trilogy of the Gangsters paradise series. Totally worth the read
April 11, 2025
yess please
This was so much fun to read!
It was funny and deep at the same time. Light and emotional. I really wish I could be this funny.
Can’t wait for the next one!
This was so much fun to read!
It was funny and deep at the same time. Light and emotional. I really wish I could be this funny.
Can’t wait for the next one!
June 5, 2025
So good! I love a good stalker good but a reverse stalker book where she is the unhinged psycho stalker….chefs kiss! Slow burn spice and great banter left me wanting more, but that ending!!!
June 14, 2025
This book was such a good book! I loved every second of it! Everything I have read from Tierney Storer has been amazing and I’ve loved it!.
August 4, 2025
This is my first book from this author and not my last. I really enjoyed this book
November 27, 2025
So fun!!
I’m only taking a star away because it’s a trilogy and I had hoped we would get more resolution before end of book 1… but I am defo reading the rest
I’m only taking a star away because it’s a trilogy and I had hoped we would get more resolution before end of book 1… but I am defo reading the rest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews