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Corrupted Dynasties #2
Of Oaths and Secrets
He’s the ruthless reaper of the Mafia. She’s the light he never expected. Together, they’re bound by vows that could either save them—or destroy them.
Nora
In a world where love is a luxury and duty is a prison, my father’s demands seal my fate—an arranged marriage to one of the infamous Lucchese brothers. But I never expected to choose Rafaele, Il Mietitore, the ruthless reaper feared by all. Behind his cold, controlled exterior lies a darkness even my bright spirit may not be able to survive. Yet, despite the danger, something in him calls to me. Maybe it’s because, like me, he hides scars beneath the surface. I’ve made my choice. Now, I just have to live with it—or die trying.
Rafaele
They call me Il Mietitore—the Reaper. I am the hand of death in a world bound by blood and betrayal. I don’t need love, and I certainly don’t need a wife. But when Nora Falcone chooses me, everything changes. She’s everything I’m not—light, warmth, and life in a world where I deal only in death. I didn’t want this marriage, but now that she’s mine, I’ll protect her from the shadows that follow me. Loyalty binds us both, but in this world, that might not be enough to save her from the darkness that lives inside me.
In a world where love is a luxury and duty is a prison, my father’s demands seal my fate—an arranged marriage to one of the infamous Lucchese brothers. But I never expected to choose Rafaele, Il Mietitore, the ruthless reaper feared by all. Behind his cold, controlled exterior lies a darkness even my bright spirit may not be able to survive. Yet, despite the danger, something in him calls to me. Maybe it’s because, like me, he hides scars beneath the surface. I’ve made my choice. Now, I just have to live with it—or die trying.
Rafaele
They call me Il Mietitore—the Reaper. I am the hand of death in a world bound by blood and betrayal. I don’t need love, and I certainly don’t need a wife. But when Nora Falcone chooses me, everything changes. She’s everything I’m not—light, warmth, and life in a world where I deal only in death. I didn’t want this marriage, but now that she’s mine, I’ll protect her from the shadows that follow me. Loyalty binds us both, but in this world, that might not be enough to save her from the darkness that lives inside me.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2025
80 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
R.G. Angel
35 books1,375 followersOn top of being an International Bestselling Author, I’m a trained lawyer, world traveller, coffee addict and cheese aficionado.
When I’m not busy doing all my lawyerly mayhem or writing Contemporary Romance with heart, heat and a little darkness, alpha heroes and strong heroines and because I’m living in rainy (yet beautiful) Britain, I mostly enjoy indoor activities such as reading, watching TV, playing with my crazy puppies.
I hope my stories will make you dream and will bring you as much joy as they brought me by writing them.
If you want to know any of the latest news join my reader group R.G.’s Angels on facebook or subscribe to my newsletter!
When I’m not busy doing all my lawyerly mayhem or writing Contemporary Romance with heart, heat and a little darkness, alpha heroes and strong heroines and because I’m living in rainy (yet beautiful) Britain, I mostly enjoy indoor activities such as reading, watching TV, playing with my crazy puppies.
I hope my stories will make you dream and will bring you as much joy as they brought me by writing them.
If you want to know any of the latest news join my reader group R.G.’s Angels on facebook or subscribe to my newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐
This is really good and had me swooning and giggling like a school girl. 🤭
Nora's father intended to marry her off to one of his capo's sons, but ultimately, it's still up to her to choose which son she wants to marry. So, she picked Rafaele (34), thinking that since he's a "psychopath," her heart would be safe with him. He’s not going to love her, and she’s not going to love him either. 🫣
Rafa doesn't know how to deal with emotions. He's fine with torture, doesn't mind violence or his profession, but when it comes to feelings and caring for someone else, he's at a loss. Yet, for someone who was totally new to all of this, he's really a good husband and he knows how to put in the effort to be good, respectful, and protective of his wife.
Nora (22), on the other hand, did her best to be a good wife. She was understanding, supportive, and caring about him as well. I love how she's so fierce and that she didn't let her illness stop her from doing the things that she loves. I love that she pursued her education and went after what she wanted.
The first 40% of the book was really slow. There's palpable tension between them every time they're in the same room. But Nora was trying her best to guard her heart. She was determined not to become like her mom, who got lost in love for her dad, only to find it wasn't reciprocated. Meanwhile, Rafa was busy with the Famiglia and all his tasks, and he just doesn't want to feel anything for his wife.
But the pull between them was just too strong to ignore, I guess. Because they didn't last long, and their relationship progressed into something more, albeit slowly, and took some time.
There are quite a few time jumps here; sometimes it takes days, weeks, or months and it leaves readers wondering what went on during those gaps. Of course, with these time jumps, we only catch glimpses of them in a few scenes. A significant portion of the first half was spent with them apart. This section also focused more on telling than on showing. But whenever they do get together, it's usually a sweet/swoony moment.
Maybe the author wanted to highlight that even with the growing attraction, the MCs chose to take their time getting to know one another instead of jumping straight into their feelings. And for some reason, their slow pace just made me like them even more and convinced that what they have was genuine.
And in the second half, they eventually decided to be honest and be together for real. There’s a lot of communication, respect, trust, and faithfulness, and above all, love for one another.
I really love them both on their own and together as a couple. Rafa might come off as ruthless and fearsome, but when it comes to her, he's really just a big softie. Nora was definitely fierce, sassy, and had a strong backbone. I'm really happy that she's not just a wife; she has a hobby too—baking! Plus, she's pursuing her master's in college. It's great that she has her own identity and isn't just defined by being a good mafia wife.
I could probably go on and on about how amazing this book is, but that would seriously take a while! 😂
Anyhoo, I do like this, but I can't give it five stars because the first half was a bit slow and some time jumps were way too long. Plus, there were some little things that didn’t get cleared up until the very end, when I wanted them to be cleared the moment they were supposed to.
Overall, despite my personal issues, it was totally worth the read, and I'm glad I found this. 🩷
Book info:
- Organized crime romance
- Arranged marriage
- Age gap (12)
- Violence, torture, gore, death
- Mention of SA (side char, off page, past)
- Kidnapping
- Chronic Illness rep (Lupus and Fibromyalgia)
- Surprise pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Dual V! 🤭
- Slowburn
- Open door
- HEA (six yrs later, married with a daughter)
Notes:
- OW. Not really, Rafa's brother tried to stir up some drama at their wedding. He brought a woman and told Nora that the OW was Rafa's favorite when he hits up this particular club. This scene happened in chapter 7 but didn’t get cleared until chapter 21, and all Rafa said was that he never touched the OW, and that’s pretty much it. Tbh, if I were Nora, I'd totally ask him why his brother thought the OW meant anything to him when it wasn't the case at all. Idk, I kinda needed more explanation, but I suppose I should be fine with his line.
- I just want to say that I looove how she wasn't portrayed as a weak woman. At first, she accepted that her marriage was just a business arrangement and felt pretty indifferent towards Rafa. She never sought his attention or worked hard for his praise; she simply did her own thing and was a good wife to him when he needed her. She's definitely her own person, and I’m really glad to see a heroine like her! 😍
This is really good and had me swooning and giggling like a school girl. 🤭
Nora's father intended to marry her off to one of his capo's sons, but ultimately, it's still up to her to choose which son she wants to marry. So, she picked Rafaele (34), thinking that since he's a "psychopath," her heart would be safe with him. He’s not going to love her, and she’s not going to love him either. 🫣
Rafa doesn't know how to deal with emotions. He's fine with torture, doesn't mind violence or his profession, but when it comes to feelings and caring for someone else, he's at a loss. Yet, for someone who was totally new to all of this, he's really a good husband and he knows how to put in the effort to be good, respectful, and protective of his wife.
Nora (22), on the other hand, did her best to be a good wife. She was understanding, supportive, and caring about him as well. I love how she's so fierce and that she didn't let her illness stop her from doing the things that she loves. I love that she pursued her education and went after what she wanted.
The first 40% of the book was really slow. There's palpable tension between them every time they're in the same room. But Nora was trying her best to guard her heart. She was determined not to become like her mom, who got lost in love for her dad, only to find it wasn't reciprocated. Meanwhile, Rafa was busy with the Famiglia and all his tasks, and he just doesn't want to feel anything for his wife.
But the pull between them was just too strong to ignore, I guess. Because they didn't last long, and their relationship progressed into something more, albeit slowly, and took some time.
There are quite a few time jumps here; sometimes it takes days, weeks, or months and it leaves readers wondering what went on during those gaps. Of course, with these time jumps, we only catch glimpses of them in a few scenes. A significant portion of the first half was spent with them apart. This section also focused more on telling than on showing. But whenever they do get together, it's usually a sweet/swoony moment.
Maybe the author wanted to highlight that even with the growing attraction, the MCs chose to take their time getting to know one another instead of jumping straight into their feelings. And for some reason, their slow pace just made me like them even more and convinced that what they have was genuine.
And in the second half, they eventually decided to be honest and be together for real. There’s a lot of communication, respect, trust, and faithfulness, and above all, love for one another.
I really love them both on their own and together as a couple. Rafa might come off as ruthless and fearsome, but when it comes to her, he's really just a big softie. Nora was definitely fierce, sassy, and had a strong backbone. I'm really happy that she's not just a wife; she has a hobby too—baking! Plus, she's pursuing her master's in college. It's great that she has her own identity and isn't just defined by being a good mafia wife.
I could probably go on and on about how amazing this book is, but that would seriously take a while! 😂
Anyhoo, I do like this, but I can't give it five stars because the first half was a bit slow and some time jumps were way too long. Plus, there were some little things that didn’t get cleared up until the very end, when I wanted them to be cleared the moment they were supposed to.
Overall, despite my personal issues, it was totally worth the read, and I'm glad I found this. 🩷
Book info:
- Organized crime romance
- Arranged marriage
- Age gap (12)
- Violence, torture, gore, death
- Mention of SA (side char, off page, past)
- Kidnapping
- Chronic Illness rep (Lupus and Fibromyalgia)
- Surprise pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Dual V! 🤭
- Slowburn
- Open door
- HEA (six yrs later, married with a daughter)
Notes:
- OW. Not really, Rafa's brother tried to stir up some drama at their wedding. He brought a woman and told Nora that the OW was Rafa's favorite when he hits up this particular club. This scene happened in chapter 7 but didn’t get cleared until chapter 21, and all Rafa said was that he never touched the OW, and that’s pretty much it. Tbh, if I were Nora, I'd totally ask him why his brother thought the OW meant anything to him when it wasn't the case at all. Idk, I kinda needed more explanation, but I suppose I should be fine with his line.
- I just want to say that I looove how she wasn't portrayed as a weak woman. At first, she accepted that her marriage was just a business arrangement and felt pretty indifferent towards Rafa. She never sought his attention or worked hard for his praise; she simply did her own thing and was a good wife to him when he needed her. She's definitely her own person, and I’m really glad to see a heroine like her! 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
''I hadn't planned for you''
Safety warnings:
- H 34 / h 22
- Arranged marriage
- Dual V
- Slight OW drama (meaningless)
- Chronic Illness representation (Lupus & Fibromyalgia)
- Violence/torture
- D*ath
- Mention of s*xual assault of a minor
- Mention of cheating (not by MC's)
- Surprise pregnancy
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Rafaele was such a mystery in the beginning. You could feel like there was so much more to him than what the entire world thought and what you were told.
Nora is being forced to choose between Rafaele and his younger brother Leo. She's told by literally everyone that it is in her best interest to marry the younger brother and not Rafaele, the unfeeling psychopath.
When she chooses Rafa and I loved the line when he finds out her decision ''Congratulations to me, and thoughts and prayers for her''
Things are progressing very slowly between them. He makes very little effort to be around her as he is already affected by her presence while she is desperate to make things work since this is her life now. He keeps trying to make himself believe that she means very little and will never be a priority but his tiny actions for her make you think otherwise.
This is somewhat of a slow burn since he is pushing away a lot but when things start to progress with them, it's steamy and full of chemistry.
When you find out that not only the OW drama his younger brother tried to bring up during their wedding is meaningless, you feel a sense of happiness, but it turns into bright joy when he reveals he is a virgin and never ever has had any experience with anyone. All his firsts are now with Nora.
Nora is hiding a secret though and she keeps it for a LONG period of time within the book, up to the point where he finds out after she has pregnancy complications.
There are some underlying subplots you saw coming from the beginning but there were in RG Angel's fashion a newer set of twists within what you already knew, making it all even more fun to read about.
We get a nice look into their future with them having their daughter and living their best lives.
''I hadn't planned for you''
Safety warnings:
- H 34 / h 22
- Arranged marriage
- Dual V
- Slight OW drama (meaningless)
- Chronic Illness representation (Lupus & Fibromyalgia)
- Violence/torture
- D*ath
- Mention of s*xual assault of a minor
- Mention of cheating (not by MC's)
- Surprise pregnancy
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Rafaele was such a mystery in the beginning. You could feel like there was so much more to him than what the entire world thought and what you were told.
Nora is being forced to choose between Rafaele and his younger brother Leo. She's told by literally everyone that it is in her best interest to marry the younger brother and not Rafaele, the unfeeling psychopath.
When she chooses Rafa and I loved the line when he finds out her decision ''Congratulations to me, and thoughts and prayers for her''
Things are progressing very slowly between them. He makes very little effort to be around her as he is already affected by her presence while she is desperate to make things work since this is her life now. He keeps trying to make himself believe that she means very little and will never be a priority but his tiny actions for her make you think otherwise.
This is somewhat of a slow burn since he is pushing away a lot but when things start to progress with them, it's steamy and full of chemistry.
When you find out that not only the OW drama his younger brother tried to bring up during their wedding is meaningless, you feel a sense of happiness, but it turns into bright joy when he reveals he is a virgin and never ever has had any experience with anyone. All his firsts are now with Nora.
Nora is hiding a secret though and she keeps it for a LONG period of time within the book, up to the point where he finds out after she has pregnancy complications.
There are some underlying subplots you saw coming from the beginning but there were in RG Angel's fashion a newer set of twists within what you already knew, making it all even more fun to read about.
We get a nice look into their future with them having their daughter and living their best lives.
Read
February 7, 2025ooh dual v?! new to this author! wish me luck. hope it's safe. 🥹
EDIT:
I have finished the book. It was okay. :>
Safety:
Both Virgins ( I think both have never been kissed; author said mmc has never done anything intimate with anyone therefore he is a complete V, I think that is the same case with the FMC)
No OM; there is an unwanted OW -
During the wedding of h & H, There is this woman named camilla who was brought by the MMC's brother as his date to just stir some shit. He told fmc that ow is his brother’s favorite. The girl MMC spends most of his time with at The Sacristy (not very clear to me but I think it is the strip club owned by their father that MMC runs)
FMC kinda felt sorry that she chooses MMC instead of his manho brother to marry because she though he has a "girlfriend" (OW)
Around 70% of the book he told this to fmc before doing the deed;
“I never touched Camilla. I never touched any woman before you, Nora.”
Assurance; checked, but it was never further mentioned even in his monologue who tf is camilla in his life nor what role does she play aside from that one appearance during the wedding.
It also weirded me tf up how these mafia men have a meeting at the strip club?!? like hello?! maybe somewhere private would be better. bc you are talking abt some confidential shit
MMC during his meeting with the other mafia men at the strip club;
"The strippers are moving, showing everything they have, but my body doesn’t react. They do nothing for me, and I couldn’t care less."
Good. He is loyal then. :P
More than that, no further OPD
______________________________
Thoughts:
Age: 22 heroine | 34‽ Hero
It was okay. Maybe the writing style is not for me.
The MMC is not possessive enough for my liking and at times I feel like there is no chemistry at all. Like they were very detached with eo. The intimate scenes didn't work for me either. I cannot explain it but it was kinda bland. It is fast-paced. It feels like it ended as soon as it started yk. The action also was packed on the last few chapters while there is nothing much going on in the middle. No build up for me in terms of the chemistry.
The FMC lived with autoimmune diseases since she was young; have both fibromyalgia and lupus and it was shown subtly all through the book.
The exit of MMC's father in the book was sudden, I thought he would be a material to cause conflict later on but it does make sense at the end.
The character development of the brother was great! as well as the build up of his character and how was he described. I think I did not see that abt the main charas. I believed he would have a book later on the series. I hope The secondary couple (Lucia and Paolo) would have one too though.
Overall, I think it was okay. It kinda bored me, so I had to stop multiple times.
This is the kind of novel I might not read again but would be typed on my 2025 reading spreadsheet; Try and It might work for you!! 🤍 Happy reading!
EDIT:
I have finished the book. It was okay. :>
Safety:
Both Virgins ( I think both have never been kissed; author said mmc has never done anything intimate with anyone therefore he is a complete V, I think that is the same case with the FMC)
No OM; there is an unwanted OW -
During the wedding of h & H, There is this woman named camilla who was brought by the MMC's brother as his date to just stir some shit. He told fmc that ow is his brother’s favorite. The girl MMC spends most of his time with at The Sacristy (not very clear to me but I think it is the strip club owned by their father that MMC runs)
FMC kinda felt sorry that she chooses MMC instead of his manho brother to marry because she though he has a "girlfriend" (OW)
Around 70% of the book he told this to fmc before doing the deed;
“I never touched Camilla. I never touched any woman before you, Nora.”
Assurance; checked, but it was never further mentioned even in his monologue who tf is camilla in his life nor what role does she play aside from that one appearance during the wedding.
It also weirded me tf up how these mafia men have a meeting at the strip club?!? like hello?! maybe somewhere private would be better. bc you are talking abt some confidential shit
MMC during his meeting with the other mafia men at the strip club;
"The strippers are moving, showing everything they have, but my body doesn’t react. They do nothing for me, and I couldn’t care less."
Good. He is loyal then. :P
More than that, no further OPD
______________________________
Thoughts:
Age: 22 heroine | 34‽ Hero
It was okay. Maybe the writing style is not for me.
The MMC is not possessive enough for my liking and at times I feel like there is no chemistry at all. Like they were very detached with eo. The intimate scenes didn't work for me either. I cannot explain it but it was kinda bland. It is fast-paced. It feels like it ended as soon as it started yk. The action also was packed on the last few chapters while there is nothing much going on in the middle. No build up for me in terms of the chemistry.
The FMC lived with autoimmune diseases since she was young; have both fibromyalgia and lupus and it was shown subtly all through the book.
The exit of MMC's father in the book was sudden, I thought he would be a material to cause conflict later on but it does make sense at the end.
The character development of the brother was great! as well as the build up of his character and how was he described. I think I did not see that abt the main charas. I believed he would have a book later on the series. I hope The secondary couple (Lucia and Paolo) would have one too though.
Overall, I think it was okay. It kinda bored me, so I had to stop multiple times.
This is the kind of novel I might not read again but would be typed on my 2025 reading spreadsheet; Try and It might work for you!! 🤍 Happy reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
Yeminler ve Sırlar aka His Tesoro Vol2. 🌟
İlk iki bölüm boyunca şöyle acımasızım böyle kontrol manyağıyım, yok şöyle asarım böyle keserim şeklinde içsesini dinlediğimiz Rafaele (34)' nin bir yüzükle minnoş bir ev kedisine dönmesinin aşırı soft, klişe ama yine de akıcı hikayesi.
Bazı hastalıkları olan Nora (22)' nın evlenme yaşı çoktan geçmiştir ama babası ilginç bir şekilde ona bir güzellik yapar: Reaper olarak anılan, Don' un oğlu Rafaele veya kardeşi golden boy Luca' dan birini evlenmek için seçecektir. Herkes tabii ki Luca' yı seçeceğini düşünür ama şok! Rafaele dahil herkese şok!!
Bu kadar feminist bir mafya okumayı beklemiyordum, hikaye bazen Hint dizileri kadar inandıcı sahneler yaşatsa da garip bir şekilde aktı gitti. Sadece Noracığım o kadar hastalığın var hala pasta kek peşindesin ona bir tetiklendim.
Kurgu deyip geçelim güzel soft bi mafya romansıydı.
İlk iki bölüm boyunca şöyle acımasızım böyle kontrol manyağıyım, yok şöyle asarım böyle keserim şeklinde içsesini dinlediğimiz Rafaele (34)' nin bir yüzükle minnoş bir ev kedisine dönmesinin aşırı soft, klişe ama yine de akıcı hikayesi.
Bazı hastalıkları olan Nora (22)' nın evlenme yaşı çoktan geçmiştir ama babası ilginç bir şekilde ona bir güzellik yapar: Reaper olarak anılan, Don' un oğlu Rafaele veya kardeşi golden boy Luca' dan birini evlenmek için seçecektir. Herkes tabii ki Luca' yı seçeceğini düşünür ama şok! Rafaele dahil herkese şok!!
Bu kadar feminist bir mafya okumayı beklemiyordum, hikaye bazen Hint dizileri kadar inandıcı sahneler yaşatsa da garip bir şekilde aktı gitti. Sadece Noracığım o kadar hastalığın var hala pasta kek peşindesin ona bir tetiklendim.
Kurgu deyip geçelim güzel soft bi mafya romansıydı.
November 26, 2025
Well well well look who actually finished a book. Guys, I didn’t dnf!!
Ok, down to business. No, I didn’t dnf but unfortunately I didn’t quite love this one as much as I wanted to.
I’m all about a stoic, dangerous MMC who everyone is afraid of and he has no feelings until he meets the FMC who he immediately falls for. In the beginning I had high hopes because Rafaele was hitting all those marks. But as I got further into the story, he started to lose me. He was so unsure of feeling feelings that it almost made him…timid? I don’t think that’s the right word but it’s the closest my little goldfish brain can come up with. He just wasn’t giving off the confident, alpha vibes that I wanted.
Take for example Cian from Lucy Monroe’s Demanding Mob Boss. That’s how you write an unfeeling psychopath that only has feelings for the FMC. He had no experience with feelings but he didn’t let it stop him from taking what he wanted which was the FMC. Rafaele just got a little too unsure of himself and it wasn’t attractive.
Now, where Rafaele did excel over Cian was that he was a big ole V! He’d literally never touched a woman before the FMC. No kissing, not even a hug. She’s the only person he wanted to touch him and I loved that.
As for Nora, the FMC, she just straight up got on my nerves. I cannot stand when the FMC makes all her decisions based on her fears and avoids being honest with the MMC. I understood her fears but she let them hold her back for practically the whole book and it was annoying and got quite boring. I don’t like wishy washiness and she was a full on washing machine.
I also don’t like when health issues are just thrown in to the story with no realism. Nora suffers from both Lupus and Fibromyalgia. We see her dealing with flare ups several times, but you know what we don’t see? Her being educated about her own health issues or trying to do anything about it. She is overweight but continues to bake and eat cakes every day. Being overweight exacerbates both lupus and fibromyalgia. We don’t read about her trying to exercise or do literally anything to help combat her symptoms. She just lays around reading books all day, bakes cakes and fucks Rafaele.
Oh and let’s talk about fucking Rafaele. They’ve been having unprotected sex for weeks and she is shocked, SHOCKED I tell you when someone suggests she might be pregnant. She, and I quote “hadn’t even considered the possibility of being pregnant”. Umm. Why? You’re a grown ass woman having unprotected sex. You have two very serious autoimmune diseases that will affect both you and a baby, why in the HELL would it never cross your dumb little mind to prevent a pregnancy when you are struggling so much with your health? Then she wants to continue hiding her conditions from Rafeale out of fear that he’ll look at her differently. God please save me from stupid women in books. The man deserves to know he has a wife who is now in a high risk pregnancy. If you can’t handle being honest with your husband about your health issues, you are not ready to be a mother because you’re just acting out of immaturity and selfishness.
I guess I’m probably supposed to suspend reality when reading this stuff but maybe authors should just write better shit.
Anyway, the book wasn’t what I wanted it to be but I did get through it so I’m giving it 3 stars.
Safety: Both are full on V’s and each other’s firsts with everything. No OM drama. A bit of OW drama but not really. Rafaele’s brother brings a woman from the brothel to their wedding and tells Nora that she’s Rafaele’s favorite to spend time with. Obviously he’s never touched her but Nora doesn’t know that until later and it’s never cleared up what his actual interactions with her were. He clearly knew who she was but why? If he’s never touched a woman and wasn’t interested in sex before Nora, why was he familiar with a sex worker from the brothel? Who knows? Not me and not Nora. Just one more thing for me to be annoyed about.
P.S. Why do so many women in mafia romance books fall asleep so hard that they can be carried to bed without ever waking up? Does any adult woman (not men, we know those fuckers will sleep through anything) actually sleep that hard that they won’t be disturbed by being carried around? You couldn’t lift my finger without me immediately waking up. Maybe it’s just the mom brain that never quite turns off. 🤷♀️
Ok, down to business. No, I didn’t dnf but unfortunately I didn’t quite love this one as much as I wanted to.
I’m all about a stoic, dangerous MMC who everyone is afraid of and he has no feelings until he meets the FMC who he immediately falls for. In the beginning I had high hopes because Rafaele was hitting all those marks. But as I got further into the story, he started to lose me. He was so unsure of feeling feelings that it almost made him…timid? I don’t think that’s the right word but it’s the closest my little goldfish brain can come up with. He just wasn’t giving off the confident, alpha vibes that I wanted.
Take for example Cian from Lucy Monroe’s Demanding Mob Boss. That’s how you write an unfeeling psychopath that only has feelings for the FMC. He had no experience with feelings but he didn’t let it stop him from taking what he wanted which was the FMC. Rafaele just got a little too unsure of himself and it wasn’t attractive.
Now, where Rafaele did excel over Cian was that he was a big ole V! He’d literally never touched a woman before the FMC. No kissing, not even a hug. She’s the only person he wanted to touch him and I loved that.
As for Nora, the FMC, she just straight up got on my nerves. I cannot stand when the FMC makes all her decisions based on her fears and avoids being honest with the MMC. I understood her fears but she let them hold her back for practically the whole book and it was annoying and got quite boring. I don’t like wishy washiness and she was a full on washing machine.
I also don’t like when health issues are just thrown in to the story with no realism. Nora suffers from both Lupus and Fibromyalgia. We see her dealing with flare ups several times, but you know what we don’t see? Her being educated about her own health issues or trying to do anything about it. She is overweight but continues to bake and eat cakes every day. Being overweight exacerbates both lupus and fibromyalgia. We don’t read about her trying to exercise or do literally anything to help combat her symptoms. She just lays around reading books all day, bakes cakes and fucks Rafaele.
Oh and let’s talk about fucking Rafaele. They’ve been having unprotected sex for weeks and she is shocked, SHOCKED I tell you when someone suggests she might be pregnant. She, and I quote “hadn’t even considered the possibility of being pregnant”. Umm. Why? You’re a grown ass woman having unprotected sex. You have two very serious autoimmune diseases that will affect both you and a baby, why in the HELL would it never cross your dumb little mind to prevent a pregnancy when you are struggling so much with your health? Then she wants to continue hiding her conditions from Rafeale out of fear that he’ll look at her differently. God please save me from stupid women in books. The man deserves to know he has a wife who is now in a high risk pregnancy. If you can’t handle being honest with your husband about your health issues, you are not ready to be a mother because you’re just acting out of immaturity and selfishness.
I guess I’m probably supposed to suspend reality when reading this stuff but maybe authors should just write better shit.
Anyway, the book wasn’t what I wanted it to be but I did get through it so I’m giving it 3 stars.
Safety: Both are full on V’s and each other’s firsts with everything. No OM drama. A bit of OW drama but not really. Rafaele’s brother brings a woman from the brothel to their wedding and tells Nora that she’s Rafaele’s favorite to spend time with. Obviously he’s never touched her but Nora doesn’t know that until later and it’s never cleared up what his actual interactions with her were. He clearly knew who she was but why? If he’s never touched a woman and wasn’t interested in sex before Nora, why was he familiar with a sex worker from the brothel? Who knows? Not me and not Nora. Just one more thing for me to be annoyed about.
P.S. Why do so many women in mafia romance books fall asleep so hard that they can be carried to bed without ever waking up? Does any adult woman (not men, we know those fuckers will sleep through anything) actually sleep that hard that they won’t be disturbed by being carried around? You couldn’t lift my finger without me immediately waking up. Maybe it’s just the mom brain that never quite turns off. 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
There’s no one like you, Nora, and I’m the one who gets to keep you.
There are a lot in my life that make me grateful, and at the top of my list as a reader is knowing authors who could make you feel all the feelings - happy, sad, laughter, anger, angst... - in one chapter.
I am so grateful to be on the ARC team for RG Angel because this would restore my faith in Romance. am I biased? you bet your bookshelf I am.
Of Oaths and Secrets is book 2 in the Dynasties series. While I liked book 1, I absolutely fell totally and hopelessly in love with both the main leads - Rafael and Nora, and the side character Paolo.
⚜ rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌟
⚜Genre: Mafia Romance
⚜Theme: Arranged Marriage
⚜Targeted audience: New Adult
⚜Characters: Rafael, Nora
⚜Representation: Chronic illness (lupus and fibromyalgia), plus-size h
⚜ driven: Character-driven
⚜Pace: medium
⚜TW: violence, torture, threat of loss of pregnancy
⚜ tropes: age gap, arranged marriage, Virgin H and h, hidden secret, he falls harder, touch her and die
⚜ POV: double first person
⚜ spice: 🌶🌶
⚜standalone: yes
⚜Ending: HEA
⚜Book read: ARC. found on KU
⚜ Favorite quotes:
*I made my choice, and now I have to live with it. I might as well face it on my own terms.
*Nora must know she’ll never make the list of priorities, and that’s something she’ll have to accept.
* I’m not sure whether I want to conquer her or simply let her be the force of nature she clearly is
There are a lot in my life that make me grateful, and at the top of my list as a reader is knowing authors who could make you feel all the feelings - happy, sad, laughter, anger, angst... - in one chapter.
I am so grateful to be on the ARC team for RG Angel because this would restore my faith in Romance. am I biased? you bet your bookshelf I am.
Of Oaths and Secrets is book 2 in the Dynasties series. While I liked book 1, I absolutely fell totally and hopelessly in love with both the main leads - Rafael and Nora, and the side character Paolo.
⚜ rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌟
⚜Genre: Mafia Romance
⚜Theme: Arranged Marriage
⚜Targeted audience: New Adult
⚜Characters: Rafael, Nora
⚜Representation: Chronic illness (lupus and fibromyalgia), plus-size h
⚜ driven: Character-driven
⚜Pace: medium
⚜TW: violence, torture, threat of loss of pregnancy
⚜ tropes: age gap, arranged marriage, Virgin H and h, hidden secret, he falls harder, touch her and die
⚜ POV: double first person
⚜ spice: 🌶🌶
⚜standalone: yes
⚜Ending: HEA
⚜Book read: ARC. found on KU
⚜ Favorite quotes:
*I made my choice, and now I have to live with it. I might as well face it on my own terms.
*Nora must know she’ll never make the list of priorities, and that’s something she’ll have to accept.
* I’m not sure whether I want to conquer her or simply let her be the force of nature she clearly is
November 17, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
🤍 Mafia
🤍 Arranged Marriage
🤍 Age gap ( 22 l 34 )
🤍 Virgin heroine x HERO
🚩 No cheating or sharing, no OW
slight OM - nothing more
lovveddd it 🤍🫢🤞
🤍 Mafia
🤍 Arranged Marriage
🤍 Age gap ( 22 l 34 )
🤍 Virgin heroine x HERO
🚩 No cheating or sharing, no OW
slight OM - nothing more
lovveddd it 🤍🫢🤞
November 19, 2025
5/5 omggggg dual virgins & chronic illness rep in a dark mafia?!
TROPES:
-dark mafia
-arranged marriage
-dual virgins
-chronic illness (lupus & fibromyalgia)
-grumpy/sunshine
-age gap 22h/34H
-he doesn't like physical touch (unless it's her)
This book was absolutely a treasure. Nora is given a choice. She's to choose between two brothers to marry- one being a playboy, the other being a psychopath. She chooses the psychopath (as would I tbh). Things get off to a rocky start- she's hiding her chronic illnesses, he's adorably awkward because he doesn't know how to be around women, but they slowly come to know and trust each other. And their chemistry? They both may be virgins... but damn, they're FIRE together.
I really, really enjoyed this one. Binge read it last night and I'm still hungover from it!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: dual virgins
OM/OW drama?: no true OM/OW drama. H's brother tries to start shit by saying H has a favorite at a brothel & invites the girl to the wedding... but H never touched her, or any other woman.
Cheating/sharing? none!
Triggers: murder, torture, pregnancy, health problems, she gets kidnapped when she's due to have birth & develops preeclampsia but her & baby both survive
Kinks: praise, rough sex, dirty talk, "good girl", he's a pro eater
HEA?: yes!
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
TROPES:
-dark mafia
-arranged marriage
-dual virgins
-chronic illness (lupus & fibromyalgia)
-grumpy/sunshine
-age gap 22h/34H
-he doesn't like physical touch (unless it's her)
This book was absolutely a treasure. Nora is given a choice. She's to choose between two brothers to marry- one being a playboy, the other being a psychopath. She chooses the psychopath (as would I tbh). Things get off to a rocky start- she's hiding her chronic illnesses, he's adorably awkward because he doesn't know how to be around women, but they slowly come to know and trust each other. And their chemistry? They both may be virgins... but damn, they're FIRE together.
I really, really enjoyed this one. Binge read it last night and I'm still hungover from it!
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: dual virgins
OM/OW drama?: no true OM/OW drama. H's brother tries to start shit by saying H has a favorite at a brothel & invites the girl to the wedding... but H never touched her, or any other woman.
Cheating/sharing? none!
Triggers: murder, torture, pregnancy, health problems, she gets kidnapped when she's due to have birth & develops preeclampsia but her & baby both survive
Kinks: praise, rough sex, dirty talk, "good girl", he's a pro eater
HEA?: yes!
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
February 7, 2025
It was an okay read. I enjoyed the H more than the h.
January 25, 2025
As per usual RG Angel has once again completely blown me way in all the best ways !
Of Oaths & secrets was & I’m sure will be one of my top reads this year.
I can’t wait to add it to my book collection ❤️🖤
This book had me on the edge of my seat. There are the usual expectations from an arranged marriage, dark romance but the characters & writing really bring of sins & secrets to life. Making it such an enjoyable read. I just loved both of them.
I was rooting for them from the very beginning.
Family is duty where loyalty is rewarded ~ Blood can be just as poisonous as any enemy. Betrayal means retribution, bloodshed & the kiss of 💀
Tropes you'll love:
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage Opposites Attract
🖤 Grump x Sunshine
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 FMC with Disability Morally Gray Hero
Rafaele ‘The silent Reaper’ A name he wears with pride. A cold calculating unaliver 💀
He’s ruthless, power is control. He excels at causing pain ~ Unlike his playboy brother Leo, he doesn’t need to partake in partying, drugs or women to feel alive.
Paolo is his confidant & right hand man, doubled up as his best friend. There’s an unspoken truth between them, one that forms over years of friendship. His loyalty unwavering, they were raised more like brothers. They learnt the ropes, cementing their place in the dark ma€ia world.
Nora grows up in the ma€ia world, She wears a mask, trying to fit into a world that doesn’t have time for weaknesses. she’s recently finished her degree in English literature & is hoping to get her masters degree. Her Dad is reluctant for her continuing her education. In their world shes supposed to be married now or at the very least engaged.
Her mother is judgemental, cold & detached from life, seeking solace at the bottom of a glass.
Nora spends more time with the ‘help’ baking is her escape, giving her a sense of belonging & purpose.
She’s kind caring & initially comes across as being very meek & mild, that is until she needs to unleash her fierce side.
On her twenty second birthday her fate has arrived & she has to marry ~ She’ll marry into the Lucchese bloodline , she’s given a rare choice. Choose Rafaele or Leo. Much to everyone’s shock, she chooses Rafaele.
Nora is the opposite of Rafaele in every way, she’s the light to his darkness. Shes curvy & short to his tall, she’s soft to his hardness , she’s caring to his emotionless & cold exterior ~ You know what they say about opposites attract?
While they navigate their way through their marriage, getting to know one another. Both trying to figure out where they fit in. They have a natural pull towards each other.
Nora starts to discover that Rafe isn’t the monster he portrays,behind closed doors he’s kind, gentle & considerate. He’s shown more kindness to her than most people who have known her for many years.
Both are keeping secrets from each other ~ Secrets have a way of coming out of the ground. Enemies come out of the shadows.
Together Nora & Rafaele are indestructible, two broken souls who find each other, making the other whole.
This book was so captivating. You could taste the tension and their desire from their very first encounter.
I can’t recommend it enough
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Of Oaths & secrets was & I’m sure will be one of my top reads this year.
I can’t wait to add it to my book collection ❤️🖤
This book had me on the edge of my seat. There are the usual expectations from an arranged marriage, dark romance but the characters & writing really bring of sins & secrets to life. Making it such an enjoyable read. I just loved both of them.
I was rooting for them from the very beginning.
Family is duty where loyalty is rewarded ~ Blood can be just as poisonous as any enemy. Betrayal means retribution, bloodshed & the kiss of 💀
Tropes you'll love:
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage Opposites Attract
🖤 Grump x Sunshine
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 FMC with Disability Morally Gray Hero
Rafaele ‘The silent Reaper’ A name he wears with pride. A cold calculating unaliver 💀
He’s ruthless, power is control. He excels at causing pain ~ Unlike his playboy brother Leo, he doesn’t need to partake in partying, drugs or women to feel alive.
Paolo is his confidant & right hand man, doubled up as his best friend. There’s an unspoken truth between them, one that forms over years of friendship. His loyalty unwavering, they were raised more like brothers. They learnt the ropes, cementing their place in the dark ma€ia world.
Nora grows up in the ma€ia world, She wears a mask, trying to fit into a world that doesn’t have time for weaknesses. she’s recently finished her degree in English literature & is hoping to get her masters degree. Her Dad is reluctant for her continuing her education. In their world shes supposed to be married now or at the very least engaged.
Her mother is judgemental, cold & detached from life, seeking solace at the bottom of a glass.
Nora spends more time with the ‘help’ baking is her escape, giving her a sense of belonging & purpose.
She’s kind caring & initially comes across as being very meek & mild, that is until she needs to unleash her fierce side.
On her twenty second birthday her fate has arrived & she has to marry ~ She’ll marry into the Lucchese bloodline , she’s given a rare choice. Choose Rafaele or Leo. Much to everyone’s shock, she chooses Rafaele.
Nora is the opposite of Rafaele in every way, she’s the light to his darkness. Shes curvy & short to his tall, she’s soft to his hardness , she’s caring to his emotionless & cold exterior ~ You know what they say about opposites attract?
While they navigate their way through their marriage, getting to know one another. Both trying to figure out where they fit in. They have a natural pull towards each other.
Nora starts to discover that Rafe isn’t the monster he portrays,behind closed doors he’s kind, gentle & considerate. He’s shown more kindness to her than most people who have known her for many years.
Both are keeping secrets from each other ~ Secrets have a way of coming out of the ground. Enemies come out of the shadows.
Together Nora & Rafaele are indestructible, two broken souls who find each other, making the other whole.
This book was so captivating. You could taste the tension and their desire from their very first encounter.
I can’t recommend it enough
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 25, 2025
Of oath and secrets is like a rainbow in a storm.
Nora has to choose between two men to marry. She’s told the choice is hers but everyone expects her to choose the charming brother that’s a little clueless. Instead she chooses the older brother, the one with the responsibilities of his family on his shoulders.
Rafaele is going to takeover being head of the family someday. He’s a tough, hardened soldier. When Nora picks him to be her groom, he’s as surprised as everyone else. He see something in Nora that he’s never felt before.
I really enjoyed the relationship blossoming between these two. The world they live in is ugly and Nora isn’t as naive as she first seems. She’s the only one for Rafaele even if neither of them believe it.
Morally grey challenge book thirteen.
Nora has to choose between two men to marry. She’s told the choice is hers but everyone expects her to choose the charming brother that’s a little clueless. Instead she chooses the older brother, the one with the responsibilities of his family on his shoulders.
Rafaele is going to takeover being head of the family someday. He’s a tough, hardened soldier. When Nora picks him to be her groom, he’s as surprised as everyone else. He see something in Nora that he’s never felt before.
I really enjoyed the relationship blossoming between these two. The world they live in is ugly and Nora isn’t as naive as she first seems. She’s the only one for Rafaele even if neither of them believe it.
Morally grey challenge book thirteen.
February 8, 2025
I'm gonna need whatever ritual Nora did to get a Rafaele pls
January 18, 2025
ARC review
5⭐|3🌶|9%🌶 frequency
What I read about “Il Mietitore" in book 1 of this series wasn't what I expected him to be 🙈 Sure, I'm convinced he is the man other people see him, but he also is so different, especially with Nora. I loved him from the beginning. He is so wonderful. So empathic. And yes, he is also romantic 😍
Of course, he would ☠️ me if he would read my review and tell everyone what I think about him 🤣 But what can I do? It's how I see him.
It's an arranged marriage. But at least Nora is "allowed" to choose if she wants Leo or Rafaele. Leo is Rafa's younger brother. Younger, better looking, pIayb0y par excellence. And honestly, if you ask me, he is a huge a$$hol€ and wimp 🙈 I mean, hey he is a maf!a guy, he should be able to stand some things... Right? Also, Rafaele always has to correct the BS he does 🤬 I'm not sure, but I think I would love to read a book about him and a woman who hates his 🍑 to h€II and he falls for her and needs to grovel till his knees are 🩸 🙈 Maybe I'm a $ad!$t? 😎
But ok, this is Nora and Rafaele's story...
Everyone thinks Nora would pick Leo, because of younger and better looking and so... But because of obvious reasons, it's no secret she doesn't choose him. Does anyone like that? No 🤣 But it's her decision. And it's the best she could do. As I said Rafa is just perfect 🩷
I could write an essay about him 🙈 That would definitely include the wedding gift he has for Nora. OMG 😍 Should I say it? It's not a huge secret because it was one of the things that made me need to read this book (so yes, the author said it already), but no. No, I won't. But it's just so cute 🩷
I don't just need a book for Leo, I need one for Lucia and Paolo, too 😎
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|3🌶|9%🌶 frequency
What I read about “Il Mietitore" in book 1 of this series wasn't what I expected him to be 🙈 Sure, I'm convinced he is the man other people see him, but he also is so different, especially with Nora. I loved him from the beginning. He is so wonderful. So empathic. And yes, he is also romantic 😍
Of course, he would ☠️ me if he would read my review and tell everyone what I think about him 🤣 But what can I do? It's how I see him.
It's an arranged marriage. But at least Nora is "allowed" to choose if she wants Leo or Rafaele. Leo is Rafa's younger brother. Younger, better looking, pIayb0y par excellence. And honestly, if you ask me, he is a huge a$$hol€ and wimp 🙈 I mean, hey he is a maf!a guy, he should be able to stand some things... Right? Also, Rafaele always has to correct the BS he does 🤬 I'm not sure, but I think I would love to read a book about him and a woman who hates his 🍑 to h€II and he falls for her and needs to grovel till his knees are 🩸 🙈 Maybe I'm a $ad!$t? 😎
But ok, this is Nora and Rafaele's story...
Everyone thinks Nora would pick Leo, because of younger and better looking and so... But because of obvious reasons, it's no secret she doesn't choose him. Does anyone like that? No 🤣 But it's her decision. And it's the best she could do. As I said Rafa is just perfect 🩷
I could write an essay about him 🙈 That would definitely include the wedding gift he has for Nora. OMG 😍 Should I say it? It's not a huge secret because it was one of the things that made me need to read this book (so yes, the author said it already), but no. No, I won't. But it's just so cute 🩷
I don't just need a book for Leo, I need one for Lucia and Paolo, too 😎
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
February 16, 2025
Okay this was super cute☹️
February 7, 2025
“He’s utterly magnetic, dominant, protective, every bit the man who makes the world stop when he enters a room. And somehow, he’s mine.”
“Without her, nothing else matters. Nothing. I would walk into hell itself to save her. If death is what it takes, so be it.”
This book surprised me in the best way! I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of these two or out of this story, but as soon as I started reading it, I fell in love with them! When you’re in the mafia world, there are expectations and Nora was at the age to marry, but her father made an arrangement that she could choose between two brothers. One, a cocky playboy or the other, whose nickname is “The Reaper.” Drawn to Rafaele she chooses him knowing it could never lead to love. He’s cold, calculated and the next Capo, but there is absolutely a spark between them. And this arranged marriage, turned into so much more.
I loved Nora’s strength and bravery. She may be little but she is fierce! And I love the way this man just understood her. Protected her. And literally almost burned the whole world down for her. I absolutely loved this book! I read it in a day! Of Oaths and Secrets is out now and it’s a must read! P.S. Check out the tropes! No wonder I loved it so much haha! Thank you for the ARC!
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Opposites Attract
🖤 Grump x Sunshine
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 FMC with Disability
🖤 Morally Gray Hero
“Without her, nothing else matters. Nothing. I would walk into hell itself to save her. If death is what it takes, so be it.”
This book surprised me in the best way! I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of these two or out of this story, but as soon as I started reading it, I fell in love with them! When you’re in the mafia world, there are expectations and Nora was at the age to marry, but her father made an arrangement that she could choose between two brothers. One, a cocky playboy or the other, whose nickname is “The Reaper.” Drawn to Rafaele she chooses him knowing it could never lead to love. He’s cold, calculated and the next Capo, but there is absolutely a spark between them. And this arranged marriage, turned into so much more.
I loved Nora’s strength and bravery. She may be little but she is fierce! And I love the way this man just understood her. Protected her. And literally almost burned the whole world down for her. I absolutely loved this book! I read it in a day! Of Oaths and Secrets is out now and it’s a must read! P.S. Check out the tropes! No wonder I loved it so much haha! Thank you for the ARC!
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Opposites Attract
🖤 Grump x Sunshine
🖤 Curvy FMC
🖤 FMC with Disability
🖤 Morally Gray Hero
February 5, 2025
Book Review: Of Oaths and Secrets by R.G. Angel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
R.G. Angel once again proves her mastery of emotional, edge-of-your-seat storytelling with Of Oaths and Secrets, the second instalment in the Corrupted Dynasties series. This arranged marriage Mafia romance is nothing short of exceptional, blending heart-wrenching emotion with the thrilling darkness of the Mafia world.
The story follows Nora, a woman living with an autoimmune disease, a detail R.G. Angel has woven into the narrative with authenticity and care. As someone with a close friend battling such a condition, I was deeply moved by how realistically and respectfully it was portrayed. Nora’s resilience and determination not to fall for her dangerous husband make her an unforgettable heroine.
Enter Rafaele, known as the Reaper, a powerful, fearsome Mafia kingpin whose icy heart begins to thaw under Nora’s spell. His devotion, once awakened, is breathtaking—he’d paint the world red for the woman who stole his heart, a heart he believed was made of stone. His layers of secrets only heighten the suspense and drama, making his character utterly captivating.
The chemistry between Nora and Rafaele is electric, and watching their passion bloom amidst a backdrop of lies, betrayal, and destruction is enthralling. The raw, gut-wrenching moments will have you reaching for tissues, while the swoon-worthy scenes—particularly those in the library—will leave you breathless.
R.G. Angel expertly balances the danger and darkness of the Mafia world with a deeply emotional romance, delivering a story that grips you from start to finish. If you’re craving a five-star-plus read filled with passion, heartbreak, and redemption, Of Oaths and Secrets is an absolute must.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
R.G. Angel once again proves her mastery of emotional, edge-of-your-seat storytelling with Of Oaths and Secrets, the second instalment in the Corrupted Dynasties series. This arranged marriage Mafia romance is nothing short of exceptional, blending heart-wrenching emotion with the thrilling darkness of the Mafia world.
The story follows Nora, a woman living with an autoimmune disease, a detail R.G. Angel has woven into the narrative with authenticity and care. As someone with a close friend battling such a condition, I was deeply moved by how realistically and respectfully it was portrayed. Nora’s resilience and determination not to fall for her dangerous husband make her an unforgettable heroine.
Enter Rafaele, known as the Reaper, a powerful, fearsome Mafia kingpin whose icy heart begins to thaw under Nora’s spell. His devotion, once awakened, is breathtaking—he’d paint the world red for the woman who stole his heart, a heart he believed was made of stone. His layers of secrets only heighten the suspense and drama, making his character utterly captivating.
The chemistry between Nora and Rafaele is electric, and watching their passion bloom amidst a backdrop of lies, betrayal, and destruction is enthralling. The raw, gut-wrenching moments will have you reaching for tissues, while the swoon-worthy scenes—particularly those in the library—will leave you breathless.
R.G. Angel expertly balances the danger and darkness of the Mafia world with a deeply emotional romance, delivering a story that grips you from start to finish. If you’re craving a five-star-plus read filled with passion, heartbreak, and redemption, Of Oaths and Secrets is an absolute must.
February 6, 2025
Another very strong entry in this series! Love reading about these slightly broody mafia men! We get a strong and confident fmc and a slow burn that shows their affection to grow naturally.
Perhaps a bit slow to begin and some time jumps that I wished I could've dived into the details more rather than skip over.
The mafia plot is still present and not forsaken and provides growing tension. I loved Rafa's bits of dry humor! He's just swoonworthy! Seeing a hardened enforcer melt is just always the best!
Absolutely recommend this installment and can be read as a standalone.
Perhaps a bit slow to begin and some time jumps that I wished I could've dived into the details more rather than skip over.
The mafia plot is still present and not forsaken and provides growing tension. I loved Rafa's bits of dry humor! He's just swoonworthy! Seeing a hardened enforcer melt is just always the best!
Absolutely recommend this installment and can be read as a standalone.
February 6, 2025
YES it’s been so long since I’ve read a mafia romance this good , I loved everything the characters were so well done and the story was captivating I couldn’t put it down . Rafael was perfect I love him so much . This may be my new favourite mafia romance ath the moment .
February 18, 2025
Nora and Rafael
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this book as much as I did. Nora acted like a martyr at first and that didn’t resonate with me. But it’s evident that she’s doing the best she can with what life has dealt. She’s not a doormat or a people pleaser. She has a toxic mother who has led her to believe she isn’t lovable. Rafaele never thought he’d find love and was surprised but suspicious when Nora chose him.
The plot is full of passion, emotion but not a lot of angst, suspense or romance. These two navigate around each other carefully. The plot builds their relationship and their characters and proves that they belong together.
Love the side characters, esp Paolo and Lucia. Great epilogue, no 3rd act breakup (hate them!) and a lovely HEA.
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this book as much as I did. Nora acted like a martyr at first and that didn’t resonate with me. But it’s evident that she’s doing the best she can with what life has dealt. She’s not a doormat or a people pleaser. She has a toxic mother who has led her to believe she isn’t lovable. Rafaele never thought he’d find love and was surprised but suspicious when Nora chose him.
The plot is full of passion, emotion but not a lot of angst, suspense or romance. These two navigate around each other carefully. The plot builds their relationship and their characters and proves that they belong together.
Love the side characters, esp Paolo and Lucia. Great epilogue, no 3rd act breakup (hate them!) and a lovely HEA.
February 8, 2025
amazing
Another fabulous story by RG! Was thoroughly shocked by the twists in this one.
Spoiler
A VIRGIN MMC! Yes please!
Another fabulous story by RG! Was thoroughly shocked by the twists in this one.
Spoiler
A VIRGIN MMC! Yes please!
February 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a great mafia romance with plenty of drama, suspense and action. I enjoyed the characters and really liked seeing some get what was coming to them.
This was a great mafia romance with plenty of drama, suspense and action. I enjoyed the characters and really liked seeing some get what was coming to them.
June 20, 2025
Just want to point out the H does not in fact wear glasses, contrary to the cover 🤣
December 1, 2024
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
RTC
RTC
February 2, 2025
OF OATHS AND SECRETS is the second instalment in RG Angel’s contemporary, adult CORRUPTED DYNASTIES erotic, dark, Maria romance series. This is capo Rafaele ‘Reaper’ Lucchese, and twenty-two year old Nora Falcone’s story line. OF OATHS AND SECRETS can be read as stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
NOTE:Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Rafaele and Nora) OF OATHS AND SECRET focuses on the arranged marriage between capo Rafaele ‘Reaper’ Lucchese, and Nora Falcone. As the heir to the Lucchese throne, Rafaele Lucchese is expected to marry and produce an heir but Nora Falcone, is given the option between Rafaele and his younger brother Leo, a man who spends most of his time drinking and wh*ring around. Choosing Rafaele, Nora suspects she will spend her life in a loveless marriage to a man who is unable to show love in return but all is not well between the Mafia families, and the Russian Bratva is one step away from declaring war. Betrayal comes from outside and from within, and Rafaele finds himself in charge of a family that requires a deep cleanse from the top down.
The world building focuses on the building relationship between Rafaele and Nora; the build up to war between the Mafia, and Bratva; and the ultimate betrayal by the people who promised their fealty and trust.
The relationship between Rafaele and Nora is one of arranged marriage. Nora is a well-educated and wholly aware young woman who knows life makes no promises. Having endured her mother’s attempts to destroy her self esteem, Nora is under no illusion that marriage to Rafaele will be anything but a marriage in name alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is an another large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Rafaele’s brother Leo, their father : Nora’s mother Guilia, and father Maurizio Falcone: Rafaele’s right hand man Paolo; aunt Maria, and her daughter Sofia. The requisite evil has many faces.
OF OATHS AND SECRETS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, dark and heart breaking; the romance is fated and captivating; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
NOTE:Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Rafaele and Nora) OF OATHS AND SECRET focuses on the arranged marriage between capo Rafaele ‘Reaper’ Lucchese, and Nora Falcone. As the heir to the Lucchese throne, Rafaele Lucchese is expected to marry and produce an heir but Nora Falcone, is given the option between Rafaele and his younger brother Leo, a man who spends most of his time drinking and wh*ring around. Choosing Rafaele, Nora suspects she will spend her life in a loveless marriage to a man who is unable to show love in return but all is not well between the Mafia families, and the Russian Bratva is one step away from declaring war. Betrayal comes from outside and from within, and Rafaele finds himself in charge of a family that requires a deep cleanse from the top down.
The world building focuses on the building relationship between Rafaele and Nora; the build up to war between the Mafia, and Bratva; and the ultimate betrayal by the people who promised their fealty and trust.
The relationship between Rafaele and Nora is one of arranged marriage. Nora is a well-educated and wholly aware young woman who knows life makes no promises. Having endured her mother’s attempts to destroy her self esteem, Nora is under no illusion that marriage to Rafaele will be anything but a marriage in name alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is an another large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Rafaele’s brother Leo, their father : Nora’s mother Guilia, and father Maurizio Falcone: Rafaele’s right hand man Paolo; aunt Maria, and her daughter Sofia. The requisite evil has many faces.
OF OATHS AND SECRETS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, dark and heart breaking; the romance is fated and captivating; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
February 5, 2025
I asked for Lucchese and here he is!
OF OATHS and SECRETS is the second installment in the Corrupted Dynasties Series and can be read as a standalone.
With Rafaele Lucchese's tiny but providential participation in the first book, I was anxiously counting the days to the story that would make Il Mietitore swallow his words of advice....
Nora Falconi was a delicious surprise, composed, preseverant, fighting everyday with a body resolute to sabotage her and resigned with a future she had little to no vote in, certain of an arranged marriage where, against all odds, she would be given a bizarre option, picking one of the Lucchese brothers to be her husband.
She would go for the safest alternative, to preserve her heart and remain herself, untainted by the grief, sorrow and misery of what could've have been and wouldn't.
Let me just express how much I loved our protagonists, so different, representing polar spectrums in every way possible but, oddly enough, complementing each other so perfectly!
This is a tale where simple aspects count immensly in the great sheme of contaditory things.
Nora choosing Rafaele and his internal convolution in understanding such decison and, unexpectedly, mesmerized with a wife he didn't see coming. He was the man who took care of problems and he did it efficiently and no woman would be worthy of shifting his attention. But Nora was an enigma, seemingly stoic to his reputation, calm, collected and cold deneanor, one capable of instilling fear and terror everywhere he went........but not her.....
The comfort of being in each other's presence, the shared interests, in literature, intellingent talks and getting to know one another becoming the light of their days.
To experience Rafaele's emotional side come out, one the man itself didn't even know existed because, for the very first time in his life, Il Mietitore was interested in more than his job and obligations to the family.
Flourishing side by side along with their feelings and the imperative to care, protect and keep, Nora and Rafaele turned into the proverbial power couple, feared, respected, in charge and fully in love!
Beside his gentle wife, so delicate, his equal, a force to be reckoned with, the Capo found his solace, the reminder he was more than a killing machine. Nora unearthed her strenght, wills and wants with the man feared by all, mysterious, lethal, immune to everything but the job....and her, fierce protector, loving husband and doting father, the perfect family, her own.
May 15, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐ for ‘Of Oaths and Secrets’.
A marriage of convenience, one of my favourite tropes and one that was executed well. The story and the relationship of the MC’s wasn’t rushed, the new dynamic between the both of them is carefully explored and readers get a very clear picture from the sideline.
This story will pull your heartstrings, make your stomach flip and makes you yearn and long for precious moments. Hoping they’ll sort their minds out and open up to each other, allowing themselves to be vulnerable.
It’s beautiful how both characters feel a pull against one another, but keep each other at arms length. Their inner struggles, monologue and even sometimes dialogue is a refreshing insight that will pull you into the story more and more. Watching them give into their attraction for one another was beautiful.
Rafael
A fearless leader yet a tender and devoted husband and father.
Willing to do anything for those who have shown him loyalty. Extremely loyal and protective himself.
I love the insights we got into both sides of his personality. One being brutal and dangerous. The other soft, tender and vulnerable.
His softened self shifting to his ruthless self at the end of the book. Willing to burn burn every bridge with every ally on his mission to get what he wants. I like that fierceness, a determined drive. Shedding family members if they betrayed the famiglia without turning a blind eye.
Nora
I liked her, she was sweet and I loved that she had “flaws”. Though my only issue with her was that she got swallowed into Rafaele’s plot a lot, making her disappear into the background of the story rather than being on the forefront.
If you’re someone who reads and sees whole movie mind reels play everything out. This book was so descriptive and so much fun, allowing thoughts and images to run freely through your mind.
The story is descriptive that it gives a pleasant visual for the brain. All perfectly sketched out.
Personal preferences:
there’s a bit of repetition. Especially nearing the end.
The chapters aren’t always as evened out when it comes to pacing in the first half of the book.
Sometimes a little timeline confusion as we have jumped a few weeks/months into the future with no mention of it.
A great moment in the book;
“The moment we step through the doors, the energy in the room shifts. Heads turn. Conversations quiet. It’s as if the very air rearranges itself around him, creating space, creating awe.”
Last note; we all need people in our lives like Paolo and Lucia. Ones that are funny, supportive and will not bite their tongues.
A marriage of convenience, one of my favourite tropes and one that was executed well. The story and the relationship of the MC’s wasn’t rushed, the new dynamic between the both of them is carefully explored and readers get a very clear picture from the sideline.
This story will pull your heartstrings, make your stomach flip and makes you yearn and long for precious moments. Hoping they’ll sort their minds out and open up to each other, allowing themselves to be vulnerable.
It’s beautiful how both characters feel a pull against one another, but keep each other at arms length. Their inner struggles, monologue and even sometimes dialogue is a refreshing insight that will pull you into the story more and more. Watching them give into their attraction for one another was beautiful.
Rafael
A fearless leader yet a tender and devoted husband and father.
Willing to do anything for those who have shown him loyalty. Extremely loyal and protective himself.
I love the insights we got into both sides of his personality. One being brutal and dangerous. The other soft, tender and vulnerable.
His softened self shifting to his ruthless self at the end of the book. Willing to burn burn every bridge with every ally on his mission to get what he wants. I like that fierceness, a determined drive. Shedding family members if they betrayed the famiglia without turning a blind eye.
Nora
I liked her, she was sweet and I loved that she had “flaws”. Though my only issue with her was that she got swallowed into Rafaele’s plot a lot, making her disappear into the background of the story rather than being on the forefront.
If you’re someone who reads and sees whole movie mind reels play everything out. This book was so descriptive and so much fun, allowing thoughts and images to run freely through your mind.
The story is descriptive that it gives a pleasant visual for the brain. All perfectly sketched out.
Personal preferences:
there’s a bit of repetition. Especially nearing the end.
The chapters aren’t always as evened out when it comes to pacing in the first half of the book.
Sometimes a little timeline confusion as we have jumped a few weeks/months into the future with no mention of it.
A great moment in the book;
“The moment we step through the doors, the energy in the room shifts. Heads turn. Conversations quiet. It’s as if the very air rearranges itself around him, creating space, creating awe.”
Last note; we all need people in our lives like Paolo and Lucia. Ones that are funny, supportive and will not bite their tongues.
February 5, 2025
R.G. Angel has become one of my favorite authors and this book made me love her and her books even more! I love that she represents plus size women and also a main character struggling with a disability. If you love and/or looking for these specific tropes, then this book is for you!:
✔️ Dual Pov
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Arranged Marriage in the mafia world
✔️ A plus-size heroine
✔️ Touch her and die levels of obsession
✔️ A virgin hero AND heroine 👀
✔️ Surprise Baby twist
Ms. Angel does a great job in describing both pov of Nora and Rafaele-"Il Mietitore" and showing their frustrations and inner struggle with their insecurities and fears. I love Nora and her strength, even when she was afraid or hurt she did not let that bring her down she is the perfect match for Rafaele. I am not sure if this was the author's intention or if she was inspired by Beauty and the beast but I did get that vibe in certain scenes. Everyone is afraid of the "beasts" and saw him as "ugly" but Nora saw right through him from the beginning and stood her ground when she made her decision to choose Rafaele. Nora is so "Belle" coded because even when she was afraid at first she stood her ground and both her beauty and strength captivated Rafaele. Like Beauty and the Beasts (at least my interpretation) the beasts just wanted to be loved and have someone see the real him and past his insecurities. In terms of spice, it was spicy I will give it 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️ chili peppers. This was a slow burn but when they finally got to the scene it was nooiicccce and super sweet!!!! 🤭😏😉
The timing and pace of the book was fitting. Towards the last few chapters I was definitely on the edge of my seat and nervous about the outcome of what was going to happen to my now favorite couple. I was very surprised also about Leo, Ms. Angel did a wonderful job of making me hate that man in the beginning but towards the end I was rooting for that man! 😂 . I love that Rafaele also stood his grown and believed in his brother and didn't give up on him which shows his loyalty. I hope that Leo has his own book as well he deserves his time to shine! Paolo was also a trip! he was definitely the best fit to be Raffaele's best friend I need more of him as well.
Overall, this book is a 5 star for me and made me sad that I finished since now I have to wait for the next book. I recommend this book and the other books from Ms. Angel (I told y'all I cannot get enough, I had to binge).
✔️ Dual Pov
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Arranged Marriage in the mafia world
✔️ A plus-size heroine
✔️ Touch her and die levels of obsession
✔️ A virgin hero AND heroine 👀
✔️ Surprise Baby twist
Ms. Angel does a great job in describing both pov of Nora and Rafaele-"Il Mietitore" and showing their frustrations and inner struggle with their insecurities and fears. I love Nora and her strength, even when she was afraid or hurt she did not let that bring her down she is the perfect match for Rafaele. I am not sure if this was the author's intention or if she was inspired by Beauty and the beast but I did get that vibe in certain scenes. Everyone is afraid of the "beasts" and saw him as "ugly" but Nora saw right through him from the beginning and stood her ground when she made her decision to choose Rafaele. Nora is so "Belle" coded because even when she was afraid at first she stood her ground and both her beauty and strength captivated Rafaele. Like Beauty and the Beasts (at least my interpretation) the beasts just wanted to be loved and have someone see the real him and past his insecurities. In terms of spice, it was spicy I will give it 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️ chili peppers. This was a slow burn but when they finally got to the scene it was nooiicccce and super sweet!!!! 🤭😏😉
The timing and pace of the book was fitting. Towards the last few chapters I was definitely on the edge of my seat and nervous about the outcome of what was going to happen to my now favorite couple. I was very surprised also about Leo, Ms. Angel did a wonderful job of making me hate that man in the beginning but towards the end I was rooting for that man! 😂 . I love that Rafaele also stood his grown and believed in his brother and didn't give up on him which shows his loyalty. I hope that Leo has his own book as well he deserves his time to shine! Paolo was also a trip! he was definitely the best fit to be Raffaele's best friend I need more of him as well.
Overall, this book is a 5 star for me and made me sad that I finished since now I have to wait for the next book. I recommend this book and the other books from Ms. Angel (I told y'all I cannot get enough, I had to binge).
October 12, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Torture
🚩Kidnapping
🚩Chronic Illness
🚩High Risk Pregnancy
🚩Drugs
🚩Guns
Tropes:
💕MF Romance
💕Mafia Romance
💕Arranged Marriage
💕Strangers to Lovers
💕He Falls First
💕HEA
💕OW Drama
💕Family Betrayal
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Summary:
FMC is given a choice of two men to marries. Upon meeting them she chooses the MMC. He is the Enforcer and future Capo of her family. Everyone is surprised she choose him as his brother is very attractive but there is something about the MMC that the FMC likes. Upon marriage both the FMC and MMC are challenged in their feelings for each other. As the gradually begin to fall in love there is also mafia issues that the MMC must take care of. The FMC has a secret of her own.
Review:
This is my first book by this author and I loved it. I have reread it several times always starting from the beginning. The characters are well developed, and you see their continued development. The FMC is not a weak woman, and it is through her love that you see the MMC grow. I loved the side characters as well.
This book will take you on a journey from the beginning of a relationship to the maturity of it. You will root for both the FMC and MMC. You will cheer for the protectiveness of the MMC towards the FMC. You will love the relationships the MMC has with his best friend and how his best friend pushes him towards the FMC. I wonder if there will be a book for the bestie.
Truly enjoyable.
Mafia Romance Authors Recommendations:
Neva Altaj
T J Maguire
Maggie Cole
Luna Mason
Isa Oliver
Cora Reilly
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Torture
🚩Kidnapping
🚩Chronic Illness
🚩High Risk Pregnancy
🚩Drugs
🚩Guns
Tropes:
💕MF Romance
💕Mafia Romance
💕Arranged Marriage
💕Strangers to Lovers
💕He Falls First
💕HEA
💕OW Drama
💕Family Betrayal
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Summary:
FMC is given a choice of two men to marries. Upon meeting them she chooses the MMC. He is the Enforcer and future Capo of her family. Everyone is surprised she choose him as his brother is very attractive but there is something about the MMC that the FMC likes. Upon marriage both the FMC and MMC are challenged in their feelings for each other. As the gradually begin to fall in love there is also mafia issues that the MMC must take care of. The FMC has a secret of her own.
Review:
This is my first book by this author and I loved it. I have reread it several times always starting from the beginning. The characters are well developed, and you see their continued development. The FMC is not a weak woman, and it is through her love that you see the MMC grow. I loved the side characters as well.
This book will take you on a journey from the beginning of a relationship to the maturity of it. You will root for both the FMC and MMC. You will cheer for the protectiveness of the MMC towards the FMC. You will love the relationships the MMC has with his best friend and how his best friend pushes him towards the FMC. I wonder if there will be a book for the bestie.
Truly enjoyable.
Mafia Romance Authors Recommendations:
Neva Altaj
T J Maguire
Maggie Cole
Luna Mason
Isa Oliver
Cora Reilly
March 3, 2025
I’ve always prided myself on control, on reading people, but Nora is proving to be more than just an enigma— she’s a challenge. My wife. And damn if I don’t feel a shiver of possessiveness when I think those words. My wife. Mine. I’ve never cared deeply for anything or anyone, but this feeling as I watch her is something entirely new. Something I’m not sure I want to control.
This is the kind of book I can’t bring myself to put down. Rafaele and Nora are complete opposites, but perhaps that’s why their arrangement works out ever so beautifully.
Everyone in the famiglia knows Rafaele as the Reaper, the ruthless, merciless sottocapo who has no qualms ensuring his enemies die a slow painful death at his hands. When Nora chooses him to be her husband, everyone’s shocked. There’s no way the girl willingly chose the man with a heart of stone, right? It has to be a mistake for sure.
But what if he actually has a soft side?
Trust me when I say you’re gonna be craving a lover like Rafaele so bad after reading this. He remembers every little thing she says. She mentions something casually in a conversation? “My wife said she likes it, I think I’ll get her one, it’ll make her happy.” RAW. Next question.
Seriously though- this book was quite something. I’m someone who isn’t fond of babies and uncomfortable with topics like pregnancy, motherhood, and what-not. This book had me literally melting towards the end. The way the three of them are, how Rafaele is, everything- I think my ovaries just exploded (and that’s definitely an achievement for me, I’m almost never like that).
A solid 5 stars for this one. I really hope Paulo has a book too (he’s so hilarious! From the moment he first appeared in the story, I just knew his story would be good). Can’t wait to check out the rest of RG’s books <3
I’d like to thank RG Angel and Midnight Readers Book Promotions for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the kind of book I can’t bring myself to put down. Rafaele and Nora are complete opposites, but perhaps that’s why their arrangement works out ever so beautifully.
Everyone in the famiglia knows Rafaele as the Reaper, the ruthless, merciless sottocapo who has no qualms ensuring his enemies die a slow painful death at his hands. When Nora chooses him to be her husband, everyone’s shocked. There’s no way the girl willingly chose the man with a heart of stone, right? It has to be a mistake for sure.
But what if he actually has a soft side?
Trust me when I say you’re gonna be craving a lover like Rafaele so bad after reading this. He remembers every little thing she says. She mentions something casually in a conversation? “My wife said she likes it, I think I’ll get her one, it’ll make her happy.” RAW. Next question.
Seriously though- this book was quite something. I’m someone who isn’t fond of babies and uncomfortable with topics like pregnancy, motherhood, and what-not. This book had me literally melting towards the end. The way the three of them are, how Rafaele is, everything- I think my ovaries just exploded (and that’s definitely an achievement for me, I’m almost never like that).
A solid 5 stars for this one. I really hope Paulo has a book too (he’s so hilarious! From the moment he first appeared in the story, I just knew his story would be good). Can’t wait to check out the rest of RG’s books <3
I’d like to thank RG Angel and Midnight Readers Book Promotions for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2025
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
Once again, this incredible author created a sensational story about family, commitments, loyalty, invisible struggles and love.
Nora’s physical appearance doesn’t suggest or even hint at the struggle she has faced for so many years. She tells herself to simply get on with her life and her strength and determination are so admirable. I also loved how wise and caring she is to all around her.
Rafaele has always done the hard tasks asked of him, without complaint or question. As the second in charge to his father, the capo, he has a lot on his plate but taking a wife is something he’d never given much thought. Meeting Nora changed that, yet, it is a slow-burn romance making it a lot more believable. I love these two together so much.
The mystery of who are the rats giving shipment details away becomes quite involved and very exciting. I would not have liked to have been around Rafaele when everything blew up.
Mixed in with these more intense scenes is some great humour; like when Rafaele thinks to himself… “Well, I guess I’m getting married… Congratulations to me, and thoughts and prayers for her.” 😄 This lightness balances the story extremely well.
I now want Leo’s story and Paolo and Lucia’s, too.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Once again, this incredible author created a sensational story about family, commitments, loyalty, invisible struggles and love.
Nora’s physical appearance doesn’t suggest or even hint at the struggle she has faced for so many years. She tells herself to simply get on with her life and her strength and determination are so admirable. I also loved how wise and caring she is to all around her.
Rafaele has always done the hard tasks asked of him, without complaint or question. As the second in charge to his father, the capo, he has a lot on his plate but taking a wife is something he’d never given much thought. Meeting Nora changed that, yet, it is a slow-burn romance making it a lot more believable. I love these two together so much.
The mystery of who are the rats giving shipment details away becomes quite involved and very exciting. I would not have liked to have been around Rafaele when everything blew up.
Mixed in with these more intense scenes is some great humour; like when Rafaele thinks to himself… “Well, I guess I’m getting married… Congratulations to me, and thoughts and prayers for her.” 😄 This lightness balances the story extremely well.
I now want Leo’s story and Paolo and Lucia’s, too.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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