Taken by Sin

Donati Mafia #1

by H.L. Swan

I was only visiting the orphanage for a charitable donation.

Okay, okay. It was a tax write-off.

But when my greedy eyes landed on Magnolia and I heard she was about to be plucked from the system, I knew what I needed to do.

I wanted her.

And now, I have her.

My name is Sin, and she is mine.




I’ve aged out of the system, knowing only what I’ve learned being raised by nuns in a catholic orphanage.

I’ve lived a sheltered life and now that I’ve met Sin, he wants to expose me to every lustful act known to man.

My name is Magnolia Finley, and my entire world is about to change.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Also writes under Scarlett Swan.

H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.

She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.

Stay connected with her on socials!

Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was obsessed with this from start to finish. The ending shocked me- immediately on to book 2

[Lynnmarie542_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sin:
I was only visiting the orphanage for a charitable donation.
Okay, okay. It was a tax write-off.
But when my greedy eyes landed on Magnolia and I heard she was about to be plucked from the system, I knew what I needed to do.
I wanted her.
And now, I have her.
My name is Sin, and she is mine.

Magnolia:
I’ve aged out of the system, knowing only what I’ve learned being raised by nuns in a catholic orphanage.
I’ve lived a sheltered life and now that I’ve met Sin, he wants to expose me to every lustful act known to man.
My name is Magnolia Finley, and my entire world is about to change.

I devoured this book.
It had me in a chokehold the entire time! The building of the relationship with Sin and Magnolia was beautiful. And I just adore Bria!
The build of the story right up to the plot twist that had me gasping was amazing.
Spice was low but there. And seriously the story line didn’t need it to keep my interested! 🤌🏽💋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

[BUDAful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swan does is again!

Originally featured on Kindle Vella, Taken by Sin is now available as a complete and captivating novel, delivering a gripping tale of passion, danger, and obsession. Magnolia, a sheltered orphan thrust into independence at 18, crosses paths with Sin, a tattooed mafia kingpin with an intense fixation on her. Their encounter in the orphanage library sparks a tumultuous connection that drives the story.

Sin’s dangerous allure and Magnolia’s innocence create an addictive push-and-pull dynamic, heightened by the tension of the mafia underworld. As secrets unfold and love is tested, readers are left wondering: will Magnolia and Sin survive all that’s coming their way?

Book 1 sets the stage for a thrilling and emotional journey, promising an unforgettable series filled with twists, passion, and high stakes. Fans of forbidden love and dark romance will be hooked from start to finish.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Evie Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I have to say, it was very different from other mafia romance books I've read. Typically, the mafia romance I read tends to be very dark and very spicy. The dark elements in this were pretty light. It was pretty refreshing to read a mafia romance where you don't feel like you're on your toes the entire time. I would say beware. This is very low on the angst! There were a few moments where the story had your pulse pick up a bit, but that was quickly extinguished just a page or 2 later! So, if you're looking for super angsty super dark, this is probably not the choice. Despite the teasers and blurb eluding that you should prepare yourself for a deviant level of spice, i would say the spice was like a .5 on the scale. Steamy, appropriate to the scene that leads to it and tasteful. Overall, this was a good read, and I think as long as you don't jump in with preconceived ideas of being able to compare it to other mafia romances you've read, you will enjoy it.

This is definitely going in my list of books i like to refer to as "light dark romance."" For anyone that would like to dip their toes into dark reads, this is a great option!

[BookishBarbie (Annette) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by H.L. and these characters have me obsessed!! I even loved the sister. #IYKYK
This mafia read was on the lighter side, but I loved every bit of this story.
Magnolia is an orphan who's about to age out, and when she catches the attention of Sin, there is no turning back. The day she was to be released, a driver pick her up and takes home. But it's not the home she was expecting. Learning how to live a regular life was difficult since all she knew was the orphanage, but Bria was a huge help and had no issues with spending Sin's money. But the chemistry between them is so delicious, it will have you wanting more!!
I love how much Sin is obsessed with Magnolia and explains to her the life he lives. Of course over time feelings come to the surface and the little spice is mind blowing. And that cliffy had me screaming for more. I can't wait until the next book in the series. Must read!!

[Camille (bookish.cami) · Rating 4 out of 5]

HL Swan is definitely kicking the year off with a BANG cause this book is so good! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down I devoured this book in one sitting.
Sin is definitely among my many book boyfriends! I love the fact that there is a slight kidnapping involved but not in a bad way and how he was obsessed with her from the moment he laid eyes on her.
Magnolia was in an orphanage, and she hasn't really been out in the general public so when Sin gives her this opportunity to be free, she doesn't really know what to do and they both defiantly don't trust easily.
There are a few spicy spots in this book but that ending!!

[Carrie Lamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that I got to be able to read this amazing book literally loved this mafia style book ❤️ I had to do a video review on how I felt like literally I loveeeee Sin and Magnolia ❤️❤️❤️ I also loved Bria ❤️❤️❤️ Like this book I couldn’t put down once I started reading!!! The ending though had me feeling like danggggggg I knew it but kinda hope that there is a happy ending to this story lol 😂 I hope there is a book two but if it’s a series I can’t wait for second book now because I’m like I need to know what happens next lol 😂 If you haven’t read it I recommend it you won’t be disappointed and honestly I recommend reading all this authors books because her books are amazing!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

I’m so stunned at the revelations just finished reading ! Magnolia raised in an orphanage and Sin the handsome mafioso who takes her in. This book went pretty fast for me. From the first page it gripped me and took me on a nice ride . There were some obstacles in the way and a few horrible moments. These two definitely had a connection and they both fell but what got to me was that ending and everything coming to head . I can’t wait to read what happens next!

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

H. L. Swan does it again. I love any book she writes. Each time I genuinely feel connected with all the characters! I will forever be a fan of the books she writes! I highly recommend any and all of H. L. Swans books!

[carries_bookish_corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are new to mafia this book is a great starting point. Sin and Magnolia were great characters and I loved how obsessed he was with Magnolia from day one. The plot and writing are great and it’s a read you can read in one sitting.

[BookinBritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re more than beautiful. You’re… everything.”

Holy my goshhh! So in love with Sin & Mags' story!
Gives a Mafia spin on Romeo & Juliet with just the right amount of spice and build up between the two characters.
I cannot wait to see where their story ends up!!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite surprised with this book. It's completely different to other mafia romance books, it has an interesting plot, great main characters and a WTF cliffhanger ending.

I definitely recommend this book. Can't wait until the next installment comes out.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. It was a snoozefest through the majority of the book. It took me 3 days to read the final 40 pages. The last little bit was so unbelievable (I had whiplash from Magnolia's hot and cold attitude with Sin) I took off a star. Ultimately, I could care less about any of these people.

[Kaylyn Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cutesy mafia story. It is told from the FMC’s first person POV.

Had me giggling, annoyed, in awe, and frustrated all at different time and some at the same time.

I did like the way the breaks are indicated for the change in scenes.

🌶️🌶️ - there is a couple of spicy scenes and they are well written. It is more plot/story than spice.

Thank you to the Bookish Girls Services for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this for H.L. Swan!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Brader · Rating 5 out of 5]

First 5 star of 2025

This was amazing. I was a little annoyed at first, and then bam, the ending hit me like. Plot twist must must read.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of the year and it did not disappoint. I am eagerly waiting to see how the rest of the story unfolds.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️

What a great short read! I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a super quick read (finished in a one sitting). This was my first read by H.L. And it won’t be my last!

I will say this book was way different than all the other mafia books I’ve read. It was on the lighter side, but I loved it. A great book to read if you’re need a refresh, or just something light, fun and quick to read!

I loved how much Sin was obsessed with Magnolia. This couple was seriously meant for each other!

Highly recommend reading this one!

[Stef(midnight_reads_addict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to say about this book. I’m obsessed with Sin, Magnolia, and all the side characters within the story. This was my first read by H.L. Swan and I’m already planning on reading more from her. I knew this would be one of those books that will stick with me for a long time before I even finished it.

Mafia romances were my first love in the book world. I couldn’t stop reading them. I’ve read a lot but this one stands out to me in so many ways. This is a perfect introduction into mafia romance and it’s a perfect read for those who read a lot of mafia romances. Also that ending I literally didn’t see coming I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Happy Reading!

[Readingwithdesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swan does it again! This was a 5 star banger before the end! I’m so glad I got to read it early! Thank you to the bookish girls services and the author!!