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To Be Saved
Behind the safe walls of the Vatican something dangerous is brewing.
As a priest of the Vatican, Giuseppe has taken vows of celibacy and obedience. But, there is something about him, something everyone sees but ignores because of the benefits it brings. There’s a monster inside of him, and he doesn’t know how to control it. Especially not when he sees Evelina for the first time. Her soul called to him, beckoning salvation or... is she his?
She wants nothing to do with him, nothing to do with the church or religion. But he wants her, and he will have her.
As a priest of the Vatican, Giuseppe has taken vows of celibacy and obedience. But, there is something about him, something everyone sees but ignores because of the benefits it brings. There’s a monster inside of him, and he doesn’t know how to control it. Especially not when he sees Evelina for the first time. Her soul called to him, beckoning salvation or... is she his?
She wants nothing to do with him, nothing to do with the church or religion. But he wants her, and he will have her.
- GenresDark Romance
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
14 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 3, 2025
mafia don and priest + horny feisty fmc ?? THID WAS EVERYTHINGGGG 💥💳
the characters and their stories alone had me so interested that i literally didn’t ever want to put this down 😩 combining the underworld crimes and its involvement with the vatican actually had my head SPINNING 🫨
🌶️🌶️🌶️
the characters and their stories alone had me so interested that i literally didn’t ever want to put this down 😩 combining the underworld crimes and its involvement with the vatican actually had my head SPINNING 🫨
🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 18, 2025
Okay, so. I just didn’t *get it*. I didn’t get a lot of the things that happened within this book, but I was entertained during a lot of it because it was messy…so what does that say about me?
I didn’t understand why the Vatican was beefing with Evelina or the elder Romanos. I didn’t understand how Evelina was still cooking the books for a shop she never returned to after the funeral. I didn’t understand how they then began beefing with Giuseppe. I didn’t understand how Giuseppe decided he was in love with Evelina; it was beyond instalove and confusing. I didn’t understand why Ivan was so obsessed with Evelina. He did not know that lady at all. I didn’t understand why Evelina had to go from one overbearing, obsessed, crazy man to another instead of getting herself together first. I didn’t understand why Evelina thought so poorly of herself and was so deeply insecure—girl that man is literally crazy and imperfect, who cares if you have bipolar disorder and like to toss your cat around? I didn’t understand how the paternity of the child was certain (phrasing it this way so as to not give away which characters are involved) but unprotected sex was had all around (unless I am misremembering?). I didn’t understand how someone who had simple short range firearms experience suddenly was using a sniper, which requires extended specialized training. I also didn’t understand why she needed to shoot a rabbit to prove she could shoot; whatever happened to cans and glass bottles omg? I didn’t understand how or why the younger Romanos faded out of this storyline entirely at one point. I didn’t understand how Evelina, who was being hunted/stalked the entire novel decided on a whim that it was safe for her to go out for coffee in a bikini top and try to roll the windows down. Girl, you were in danger the ENTIRE book. I didn’t understand how Evelina thought Ivan was chasing her through the house when he had a Czech accent and Giuseppe had an Italian accent. I didn’t understand why Maria was suddenly the Black Widow at the end with the knives. Most of all, I do not understand how a priest in the Vatican is the head of a mafia but this is the only area I will suspend belief in because the Vatican is corrupt enough for real irl for it to be true LMAO.
There was a lot of telling and not showing in this book. Not all of it worked for me, especially the love story, and I don’t feel like Evelina was mentally stable enough to make consenting decisions for herself in this capacity or truly decide what she wanted while receiving nonstop pressure from the men around her. I found Evelina very unlikable and childish and thought Giuseppe was a genuine nut but I didn’t buy that these people were in love. Ivan was entertaining because he was incredibly crazy, but he felt like a very caricature-y villain at times.
But I had fun! Idk, Ophelia Reign puts these crazy stories together and I only discovered her books this month but gollyyyy. I do think this could have been edited more and formatted better—when I read Eternal Echoes I noticed that sometimes it seemed like dialogue was missing or there were typos and that there tends to be more than one person speaking in a paragraph which makes it difficult to discern who’s talking, but that was the case here as well so now I think these are decisions being made. I typically don’t mention editing or formatting for indie authors but since reviews are for readers I wanted to put that disclaimer out there for any readers who become confused like I did.
3 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
I didn’t understand why the Vatican was beefing with Evelina or the elder Romanos. I didn’t understand how Evelina was still cooking the books for a shop she never returned to after the funeral. I didn’t understand how they then began beefing with Giuseppe. I didn’t understand how Giuseppe decided he was in love with Evelina; it was beyond instalove and confusing. I didn’t understand why Ivan was so obsessed with Evelina. He did not know that lady at all. I didn’t understand why Evelina had to go from one overbearing, obsessed, crazy man to another instead of getting herself together first. I didn’t understand why Evelina thought so poorly of herself and was so deeply insecure—girl that man is literally crazy and imperfect, who cares if you have bipolar disorder and like to toss your cat around? I didn’t understand how the paternity of the child was certain (phrasing it this way so as to not give away which characters are involved) but unprotected sex was had all around (unless I am misremembering?). I didn’t understand how someone who had simple short range firearms experience suddenly was using a sniper, which requires extended specialized training. I also didn’t understand why she needed to shoot a rabbit to prove she could shoot; whatever happened to cans and glass bottles omg? I didn’t understand how or why the younger Romanos faded out of this storyline entirely at one point. I didn’t understand how Evelina, who was being hunted/stalked the entire novel decided on a whim that it was safe for her to go out for coffee in a bikini top and try to roll the windows down. Girl, you were in danger the ENTIRE book. I didn’t understand how Evelina thought Ivan was chasing her through the house when he had a Czech accent and Giuseppe had an Italian accent. I didn’t understand why Maria was suddenly the Black Widow at the end with the knives. Most of all, I do not understand how a priest in the Vatican is the head of a mafia but this is the only area I will suspend belief in because the Vatican is corrupt enough for real irl for it to be true LMAO.
There was a lot of telling and not showing in this book. Not all of it worked for me, especially the love story, and I don’t feel like Evelina was mentally stable enough to make consenting decisions for herself in this capacity or truly decide what she wanted while receiving nonstop pressure from the men around her. I found Evelina very unlikable and childish and thought Giuseppe was a genuine nut but I didn’t buy that these people were in love. Ivan was entertaining because he was incredibly crazy, but he felt like a very caricature-y villain at times.
But I had fun! Idk, Ophelia Reign puts these crazy stories together and I only discovered her books this month but gollyyyy. I do think this could have been edited more and formatted better—when I read Eternal Echoes I noticed that sometimes it seemed like dialogue was missing or there were typos and that there tends to be more than one person speaking in a paragraph which makes it difficult to discern who’s talking, but that was the case here as well so now I think these are decisions being made. I typically don’t mention editing or formatting for indie authors but since reviews are for readers I wanted to put that disclaimer out there for any readers who become confused like I did.
3 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
February 8, 2025
This was my first book by Ophelia and I really enjoyed it.
The intrigue, the dynamic characters, the concept of the mafia and it having involvement with the Vatican…fabulous.
Evelina is feisty, strong-willed, and so much more. Combatting her mental illness and her childhood trauma makes her into a truly dynamic character that you can’t help but route for…even when you raise your eyebrows at her outbursts.
Giuseppe, a mafia don and a priest, I mean…what more could you ask for in a morally grey MMC? He’s determined, takes no sh*t, and is passionate.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to read more by this author.
The intrigue, the dynamic characters, the concept of the mafia and it having involvement with the Vatican…fabulous.
Evelina is feisty, strong-willed, and so much more. Combatting her mental illness and her childhood trauma makes her into a truly dynamic character that you can’t help but route for…even when you raise your eyebrows at her outbursts.
Giuseppe, a mafia don and a priest, I mean…what more could you ask for in a morally grey MMC? He’s determined, takes no sh*t, and is passionate.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to read more by this author.
April 1, 2025
**Please check the trigger warnings before reading To Be Saved**
*4.5 Stars*
This is my second book by Ophelia Reigns, and I loved it. When I heard she was writing about a dirty priest, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Evelina is a sassy, strong character with flaws like the rest of us. She's running from something, but she doesn't know where she's running to. She's just trying to survive day to day. When tragedy strikes, she's thrown into a whole new world, running from even more than before. Eventually, she finds solace with the one person she never thought she would.
Giuseppe is a priest with problems and trauma of his own. When his eyes land on Evelina, he's intrigued and must know more about her. He sets out to do that in ways that are a little over the top. He gets exactly what he wants when they both end up with the same enemy.
To Be Saved has a lot going on within the story, and I never felt bored or like something was missing. I loved Evelina, even when she was stubborn. Giuseppe was absolutely delicious. The spice was so hot. I loved how the side characters were important and continually a part of the story.
This was a great read that explored a lot of sensitive topics, and it was wonderfully written. I can't wait to read what comes next from Ophelia.
*I received an early copy of this book, and these are my actual thoughts that I am leaving voluntarily*
*4.5 Stars*
This is my second book by Ophelia Reigns, and I loved it. When I heard she was writing about a dirty priest, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Evelina is a sassy, strong character with flaws like the rest of us. She's running from something, but she doesn't know where she's running to. She's just trying to survive day to day. When tragedy strikes, she's thrown into a whole new world, running from even more than before. Eventually, she finds solace with the one person she never thought she would.
Giuseppe is a priest with problems and trauma of his own. When his eyes land on Evelina, he's intrigued and must know more about her. He sets out to do that in ways that are a little over the top. He gets exactly what he wants when they both end up with the same enemy.
To Be Saved has a lot going on within the story, and I never felt bored or like something was missing. I loved Evelina, even when she was stubborn. Giuseppe was absolutely delicious. The spice was so hot. I loved how the side characters were important and continually a part of the story.
This was a great read that explored a lot of sensitive topics, and it was wonderfully written. I can't wait to read what comes next from Ophelia.
*I received an early copy of this book, and these are my actual thoughts that I am leaving voluntarily*
February 19, 2025
Ugh this book was so fun to read. I love the intertwining of the church, religion, gangs and a non believer. Evelina is a fiery bratty take no shit woman whom I LOVE! Giuseppe (Joe) is such a simp for his woman but also will be dom, like the perfect combo.
Spoilers next:
I was surprised that I was not bothered by the pregnancy trope that occurs. I think because it felt fluid with who Giuseppe is and Evelina.
I was absolutely gutted when Ono died. Like SAD but I understood.
I love the action with Evelina, guns A BLAZING FOR HER MAN.
Ivan idk I couldn’t fully hate even though he is terrible.
The epilogue has me ready for the next story to follow Dominic and Laura. PLEASE I NEED IT.
Spoilers next:
I was surprised that I was not bothered by the pregnancy trope that occurs. I think because it felt fluid with who Giuseppe is and Evelina.
I was absolutely gutted when Ono died. Like SAD but I understood.
I love the action with Evelina, guns A BLAZING FOR HER MAN.
Ivan idk I couldn’t fully hate even though he is terrible.
The epilogue has me ready for the next story to follow Dominic and Laura. PLEASE I NEED IT.
December 26, 2024
10/10 no notes a must read
April 20, 2025
Ophelia is awesome and this read almost like a thriller for a lot of it which I really enjoyed. Ivan was a very good crazy villain and Giuseppe is a stone cold babe!
March 30, 2025
4.75 Stars
"There's no running from your own words. Explain."
"So if you value your tongue I suggest you stay quiet, lean your head against me and calm down."
"Show me. If you want to see what I would do, show it to me then."
"I am not a damsel and I refuse for my past to make me one. Do you understand?"
Please check content warnings before reading this!
Wow, thanks to the author for an ARC for this in exchange for an honest review!!
My oh my!! To be honest this was a wild dark ride! This story will not be for everyone, so please tread carefully when reading this! I had an absolutely good time when reading this. This story is an extremely fast paced dark mafia forbidden romance that literally keeps you captivated from the very first page. The thrills, action packed scenes, betrayal, twists and turns, crime, spice scenes, intense mafia scenes, interconnection of religion and interpretation of it, and uncertainty of how the story was developing was written in such a stellar way!!!! When I tell you, my jaw was on the floor and I was shocked at the turn of the events and the development of the characters as the story progressed. If you are looking for an intense dark mafia story that has all the unhinged desires lurking in your head. READ this!
Evelina and Giuseppe forbidden romance was absolutely hot as hell (no pun intended.) Giuseppe being a priest was the cherry on top because he was not your conventional priest... I loved their banter together because they both pushed each other's buttons so much that their intense attraction to one other heightened each scene. Some of their scenes (including the spicy scenes) were as foul and sexy as heck that I couldn't get it enough!! I was rooting for them from the beginning.
I support Evelina's rights and wrongs, she was such an interesting character and I liked her snarky remarks, attitude, and hard headedness. Her story is gut wrenchingly sad, but she truly is such a sweet teddy bear on the inside. I absolutely loved her inner dialouge, her vulnerability, and strength flowed off the pages in such a way that the reader carried her emotions as well. & Giuseppe the man that you are!! His attentiveness (a bit too attentive but with good intentions? LOL yes) to Evelina and obsession was absolutely on point, he had a very twisted way of being dominant with her, but in a way that spoke to her dominant personality which I loved so much. Man was on a mission and only had tunnel vision for Evelina!
I can't go into so much detail about this because of spoilers, but I highly recommend this story so much!!
"There's no running from your own words. Explain."
"So if you value your tongue I suggest you stay quiet, lean your head against me and calm down."
"Show me. If you want to see what I would do, show it to me then."
"I am not a damsel and I refuse for my past to make me one. Do you understand?"
Please check content warnings before reading this!
Wow, thanks to the author for an ARC for this in exchange for an honest review!!
My oh my!! To be honest this was a wild dark ride! This story will not be for everyone, so please tread carefully when reading this! I had an absolutely good time when reading this. This story is an extremely fast paced dark mafia forbidden romance that literally keeps you captivated from the very first page. The thrills, action packed scenes, betrayal, twists and turns, crime, spice scenes, intense mafia scenes, interconnection of religion and interpretation of it, and uncertainty of how the story was developing was written in such a stellar way!!!! When I tell you, my jaw was on the floor and I was shocked at the turn of the events and the development of the characters as the story progressed. If you are looking for an intense dark mafia story that has all the unhinged desires lurking in your head. READ this!
Evelina and Giuseppe forbidden romance was absolutely hot as hell (no pun intended.) Giuseppe being a priest was the cherry on top because he was not your conventional priest... I loved their banter together because they both pushed each other's buttons so much that their intense attraction to one other heightened each scene. Some of their scenes (including the spicy scenes) were as foul and sexy as heck that I couldn't get it enough!! I was rooting for them from the beginning.
I support Evelina's rights and wrongs, she was such an interesting character and I liked her snarky remarks, attitude, and hard headedness. Her story is gut wrenchingly sad, but she truly is such a sweet teddy bear on the inside. I absolutely loved her inner dialouge, her vulnerability, and strength flowed off the pages in such a way that the reader carried her emotions as well. & Giuseppe the man that you are!! His attentiveness (a bit too attentive but with good intentions? LOL yes) to Evelina and obsession was absolutely on point, he had a very twisted way of being dominant with her, but in a way that spoke to her dominant personality which I loved so much. Man was on a mission and only had tunnel vision for Evelina!
I can't go into so much detail about this because of spoilers, but I highly recommend this story so much!!
April 1, 2025
I went in thinking, oh, this is going to be a little scandalous, churchy read. Friends, was I scandalized? YES, but this was just so much more than the sinful acts. Is there sex, sure, but what was more prevalent was the abuse of the church, how people are judged, and how the Vatican's parishes exercised a great deal of control. In this case, illegal activities. And before anyone comes for me, while this is fiction, let's be clear, the church has participated in several seedy things, including money laundering and sexual abuse of minors, so what happened here in this novel is not a stretch. If you are squeamish about the church not holding up its vows well, maybe skip this one, but if you're open to seeing the dark side of Christianity, then you're in for a ride.
Guisepe has his demons but finds an interest in a grieving, quick-witted spitfire in Evelina, who drives this man to break ALL his vows and then some. If it wasn't her, it would have been someone else because these demons could only be suppressed for so long. He was defying things pre-Evelina; the church just had him on a leash. They made some unfortunate decisions, aka leveraged their mob connections, and everything unraveled from there. You'll have to suspend some belief with the fighting and gunfights, but just go with it. It does not have to make sense, because it's a mafia romance lol.
I've already asked if this is going to be a series because the way it ended, I can see at least another 2 books/couples. But I'm not trying to get blocked by the author, so I'll let her be (for now).
Format: e-ARC from the author
Romance tag: open-door with dub con and primal kink
CN: child abuse (sexual abuse), DV, sexual assault, on page spiraling (mental health - depression, ADHD, or bipolar or some combo), gun and knife violence, heavy surveillance, on protected sex with no conversation of health status, torture, religious corruption, microagressions, religious shunning, kidnapping, sex under the influence, rufing
Guisepe has his demons but finds an interest in a grieving, quick-witted spitfire in Evelina, who drives this man to break ALL his vows and then some. If it wasn't her, it would have been someone else because these demons could only be suppressed for so long. He was defying things pre-Evelina; the church just had him on a leash. They made some unfortunate decisions, aka leveraged their mob connections, and everything unraveled from there. You'll have to suspend some belief with the fighting and gunfights, but just go with it. It does not have to make sense, because it's a mafia romance lol.
I've already asked if this is going to be a series because the way it ended, I can see at least another 2 books/couples. But I'm not trying to get blocked by the author, so I'll let her be (for now).
Format: e-ARC from the author
Romance tag: open-door with dub con and primal kink
CN: child abuse (sexual abuse), DV, sexual assault, on page spiraling (mental health - depression, ADHD, or bipolar or some combo), gun and knife violence, heavy surveillance, on protected sex with no conversation of health status, torture, religious corruption, microagressions, religious shunning, kidnapping, sex under the influence, rufing
April 14, 2025
OPHELIIAAAAA!! I will be sending you my therapy bill 😭😭😭 idk why i thought you couldn’t make me cry again but alas, you’ve done it. So I’ve kinda had my fill of mafia books for the rest of my life but when it comes to this author… i think I’d read ten more & then some.
I absolutely loved the Italian language being mixed in English. Made me want to pick up an Italian book & learn some.
I loved that we get mental health representation. Check the trigger warnings. I don’t want to spoil it & say what the rep was exactly. i think the way Miss Reign laid out this story, i didn’t even catch onto the representation until it was told to us.
I think the plot was developed at a medium fast which i enjoyed. Be ready for some tears bc i was not expecting to be sobbing at work @ 0700. Really wasn’t.
Also can we get into the main reason why i was hyped for this book?! Besides the fact that it’s written by Ophelia lol. THE NAUGHTY PRIEST?!!! Should i say more? I won’t. Just know, Joe is tatted af & is so close to breaking his vow of abstinence.
I absolutely loved the Italian language being mixed in English. Made me want to pick up an Italian book & learn some.
I loved that we get mental health representation. Check the trigger warnings. I don’t want to spoil it & say what the rep was exactly. i think the way Miss Reign laid out this story, i didn’t even catch onto the representation until it was told to us.
I think the plot was developed at a medium fast which i enjoyed. Be ready for some tears bc i was not expecting to be sobbing at work @ 0700. Really wasn’t.
Also can we get into the main reason why i was hyped for this book?! Besides the fact that it’s written by Ophelia lol. THE NAUGHTY PRIEST?!!! Should i say more? I won’t. Just know, Joe is tatted af & is so close to breaking his vow of abstinence.
April 16, 2025
📿To Be Saved by @opheliareigns 📿
“I have doomed myself a long time ago, Evelina. If being with you is doom, I’m afraid I’m going to have to question if heaven is even real, because this is the only place I would want to go if I was to die. Here with you, between your legs, holding you in my arms.”
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮:🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚢: 𝙾𝚄𝚃 𝙽𝙾𝚆
📿📿📿📿
Another Ophelia and obviously I loved it!
This is my favorite one too!
I simply love Giuseppe and Evelina so much🩷🩷
The tension and temptation between the two were perfectly done! I loved how much their pasts built who they were. Evelina’s mental health was represented so well and I could feel every emotion she felt.
I obviously cried, (especially that ending), which isn’t new because Ophelia always makes me cry at least once 😂😂
Evelina is a bad@ss! She’s so strong willed and opinionated I absolutely loved my fmcs like that.
Giuseppe is everything I love in a MMC. Down bad for his woman would do anything for her.
I did not want their story to end. The ending was so perfect and I’d read this over and over!
📿📿📿📿
“I have doomed myself a long time ago, Evelina. If being with you is doom, I’m afraid I’m going to have to question if heaven is even real, because this is the only place I would want to go if I was to die. Here with you, between your legs, holding you in my arms.”
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮:🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚢: 𝙾𝚄𝚃 𝙽𝙾𝚆
📿📿📿📿
Another Ophelia and obviously I loved it!
This is my favorite one too!
I simply love Giuseppe and Evelina so much🩷🩷
The tension and temptation between the two were perfectly done! I loved how much their pasts built who they were. Evelina’s mental health was represented so well and I could feel every emotion she felt.
I obviously cried, (especially that ending), which isn’t new because Ophelia always makes me cry at least once 😂😂
Evelina is a bad@ss! She’s so strong willed and opinionated I absolutely loved my fmcs like that.
Giuseppe is everything I love in a MMC. Down bad for his woman would do anything for her.
I did not want their story to end. The ending was so perfect and I’d read this over and over!
📿📿📿📿
April 17, 2025
So a hot priest walked into a cafe…
What can I say about this read except VA VA VOOM! I loved reading!
It was mysterious, thrilling, steamy yet held an emotional tone that highlighted deep themes of mental health, trauma, and grief.
Evelina was a character with self-destructive tendencies and complex feelings to match; you know, my kinda girl. She was a strong yet vulnerable character that you empathize with and hope for her happiness.
Giuseppe is a secret tier unveils robustly to both reader and characters alike. When I say this guy had me doing a whole bunch of mental gymnastics when unveiled the unhinged mobster that sat behind the communion crackers. Your girl was SAT and ate up all his devotion for Evelina. Mama loves some unhinged-for-her men 😏
This book was such an emotional yet entertaining book with layers and plot twists. I shifted between blushing like a school girl, gasping like a fool, laughing or freaking out. Pretty much optimal reading experience.
Please be mindful of the triggers as this book was filled with dark and heavy themes.
What can I say about this read except VA VA VOOM! I loved reading!
It was mysterious, thrilling, steamy yet held an emotional tone that highlighted deep themes of mental health, trauma, and grief.
Evelina was a character with self-destructive tendencies and complex feelings to match; you know, my kinda girl. She was a strong yet vulnerable character that you empathize with and hope for her happiness.
Giuseppe is a secret tier unveils robustly to both reader and characters alike. When I say this guy had me doing a whole bunch of mental gymnastics when unveiled the unhinged mobster that sat behind the communion crackers. Your girl was SAT and ate up all his devotion for Evelina. Mama loves some unhinged-for-her men 😏
This book was such an emotional yet entertaining book with layers and plot twists. I shifted between blushing like a school girl, gasping like a fool, laughing or freaking out. Pretty much optimal reading experience.
Please be mindful of the triggers as this book was filled with dark and heavy themes.
December 31, 2024
This is a must-read, a can't-miss, don't-wait kind of book.
I had the opportunity to beta read this book and what an absolutely incredible experience!
This is outside of my normal genre picks and I was sucked in from the beginning. I fell in love with Evelina and loved her entire journey. She is such a believable character and I felt myself so drawn to her. Guissepe is just *chef's kiss*. I went to school with a seminary and the idea of one of those priests having tattoos is something I never considered. I will say the idea of having been able to get a priest to leave the seminary while very sacrilegious is an enticing fantasy. This book let me live out that fantasy!
This is my first mafia romance and wow can I see the draw. There is something very hot about the whole concept. This is my second read from Ophelia Reign and she is a queen! I have been hyping this book up already and if it even remotely catches your eye ... PICK IT UP! You won't regret this ride!
I had the opportunity to beta read this book and what an absolutely incredible experience!
This is outside of my normal genre picks and I was sucked in from the beginning. I fell in love with Evelina and loved her entire journey. She is such a believable character and I felt myself so drawn to her. Guissepe is just *chef's kiss*. I went to school with a seminary and the idea of one of those priests having tattoos is something I never considered. I will say the idea of having been able to get a priest to leave the seminary while very sacrilegious is an enticing fantasy. This book let me live out that fantasy!
This is my first mafia romance and wow can I see the draw. There is something very hot about the whole concept. This is my second read from Ophelia Reign and she is a queen! I have been hyping this book up already and if it even remotely catches your eye ... PICK IT UP! You won't regret this ride!
February 8, 2025
A mafia man who is also a priest???? Say. No. More. I went into this completely blind and have never been so happily surprised. The spice was insatiable🥵 Let’s just say Giuseppe knew how to praise in AND out of church 😉
Aside from that, the plot was good and I stayed locked in the whole time. I started in the morning and finished that night if that says anything. Evelina was a strong and fierce FMC. She’s one of those characters who “baddie energy” makes her easy to root for.
Giuseppe was a delicious and exciting man. His broody demeanor and protectiveness over Evelina was divine 🧑🍳💋
Overall, this provocative and twisty story is one that is sure to keep your attention! I’m very excited to go back and read other works by this great author!
Aside from that, the plot was good and I stayed locked in the whole time. I started in the morning and finished that night if that says anything. Evelina was a strong and fierce FMC. She’s one of those characters who “baddie energy” makes her easy to root for.
Giuseppe was a delicious and exciting man. His broody demeanor and protectiveness over Evelina was divine 🧑🍳💋
Overall, this provocative and twisty story is one that is sure to keep your attention! I’m very excited to go back and read other works by this great author!
March 16, 2025
This is my 2nd book by Ophelia Reign
To be saved is about a priest who is fighting temptation but also sees himself as God’s enforcer. Between the secrets of the Vatican and trying to protect his love, Joe has to make a choice.
Evelina is someone who has always struggled with herself and her trauma. From childhood to adulthood she’s only had a few people who always had her back. She finds herself caught between a war and is falling for someone forbidden in the eyes of the Vatican.
I gave this 4 stars because although it kept my attention for awhile. I found myself not really caring to read what was next. I did find the main character mildly uninteresting with how she treated people but other than that the action is mild and the plot was pretty good.
ARC review.
To be saved is about a priest who is fighting temptation but also sees himself as God’s enforcer. Between the secrets of the Vatican and trying to protect his love, Joe has to make a choice.
Evelina is someone who has always struggled with herself and her trauma. From childhood to adulthood she’s only had a few people who always had her back. She finds herself caught between a war and is falling for someone forbidden in the eyes of the Vatican.
I gave this 4 stars because although it kept my attention for awhile. I found myself not really caring to read what was next. I did find the main character mildly uninteresting with how she treated people but other than that the action is mild and the plot was pretty good.
ARC review.
July 8, 2025
4.25
So this is definitely not as scandalous as one would think this would be. Seeing as it’s a priest (Guiseppe) and him becoming obsessed with a woman (Evelina.) It is much more than that. And, this IS fiction after all. He’s also a mafia don and what happens in the Vatican is probably the most scandalous and outrageous. They really kind of start off as friends and it grows. There is also a lot of action and suspense going on. The fmc has mental health issues and you feel for her but she is also annoyingly bratty at times. It was shaky until the 18-20% mark and then the writing started to flow better. I loved everything about Guiseppe. He was morally gray but kind, commanding but attentive. He was very swoony. Overall, it was a good read and I enjoyed it.
So this is definitely not as scandalous as one would think this would be. Seeing as it’s a priest (Guiseppe) and him becoming obsessed with a woman (Evelina.) It is much more than that. And, this IS fiction after all. He’s also a mafia don and what happens in the Vatican is probably the most scandalous and outrageous. They really kind of start off as friends and it grows. There is also a lot of action and suspense going on. The fmc has mental health issues and you feel for her but she is also annoyingly bratty at times. It was shaky until the 18-20% mark and then the writing started to flow better. I loved everything about Guiseppe. He was morally gray but kind, commanding but attentive. He was very swoony. Overall, it was a good read and I enjoyed it.
February 18, 2025
If you need a fast paced book that has a bit of everything then read To Be Saved! The stakes are high, the emotions are unyielding, and the action will keep the pages turning. What I really enjoyed about this book, is that even though it was a crazy ride, it still felt real. The characters felt real. Evelina in particular was so relatable with her mental health and how she coped with different things happening around her. I saw myself in her and I just wanted to give her a hug. BUT SHE IS ANYTHING BUT A DAMSEL! Vulnerability does not mean weakness and Evelina proved that! The way Evelina and Giuseppe… connected 😏😏 …give me ALL OF THAT!!
March 9, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This book was absolutely amazing! The plot & storytelling are very well done and you can’t help but get excited for the next chapter all throughout. I was giggling and kicking my feet reading this. I truly came to care for all the characters to the point I almost teared up at the end (I’m not a book cryer) 😂 Evelina is such a strong, badass FMC and Giuseppe is so sweet yet so menacing at the same time 🫣 Because I’m selfish I wish we got more more more of Evelina and Giuseppe together BUT regardless, absolutely devoured this and literally cannot wait to read the next book in the series once it’s complete.
This book was absolutely amazing! The plot & storytelling are very well done and you can’t help but get excited for the next chapter all throughout. I was giggling and kicking my feet reading this. I truly came to care for all the characters to the point I almost teared up at the end (I’m not a book cryer) 😂 Evelina is such a strong, badass FMC and Giuseppe is so sweet yet so menacing at the same time 🫣 Because I’m selfish I wish we got more more more of Evelina and Giuseppe together BUT regardless, absolutely devoured this and literally cannot wait to read the next book in the series once it’s complete.
March 16, 2025
Arc review
This mafia romance helped me get out of my book slump. Not only does it have found family but it gives you the kicking squealing feeling while still having top tier conflict. Giuseppe and Evelina both grow as the main characters should and give a good depiction of what it is to love someone with all their flaws included. Heavy on the kill anyone who harms or gets in the way of them being together from both characters.
And don’t even get me started on the spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ophelia does such a great job showing after care and taps into some hidden and fun kinks you may not know you have 😋
I would and will be recommending this book to my friends and anyone who asks honestly.
This mafia romance helped me get out of my book slump. Not only does it have found family but it gives you the kicking squealing feeling while still having top tier conflict. Giuseppe and Evelina both grow as the main characters should and give a good depiction of what it is to love someone with all their flaws included. Heavy on the kill anyone who harms or gets in the way of them being together from both characters.
And don’t even get me started on the spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ophelia does such a great job showing after care and taps into some hidden and fun kinks you may not know you have 😋
I would and will be recommending this book to my friends and anyone who asks honestly.
April 14, 2025
This book will not be for everyone - there are plenty of trigger warnings including one that tiptoed the line for me, but overall this is a hot, well written story about two damaged people who find salvation in each other.
Evelina and Giuseppe, my goodness, they really could not have ended up with anyone else, and even though their initial attraction is primal, their feelings turn into a solid connection that neither can deny. Amidst mafia violence and their own individual traumas, this fast paced dark romance makes them work for their happily ever after.
I am looking forward to the second book in this series and more of Ophelia's writing!
Evelina and Giuseppe, my goodness, they really could not have ended up with anyone else, and even though their initial attraction is primal, their feelings turn into a solid connection that neither can deny. Amidst mafia violence and their own individual traumas, this fast paced dark romance makes them work for their happily ever after.
I am looking forward to the second book in this series and more of Ophelia's writing!
January 25, 2025
I just absolutely love everything Ophelia writes ! This book gave me kinks, mafia, priests, nuns, mafias (😂) love, no third act break up, FREAKING QUEENS! I absolutely love all the ladies in this book they are such bad asses !! The guys in here are just sweethearts …. Well the good guys lol if you want spice this book was SPICY !!! I think this is the most spice Ophelia has written 6/5 for the spice. this book was perfect and the ending was such a warm hearted one at that! I wasn’t expecting it honestly! 5 out of 5 for me !!!!
April 14, 2025
Mafia, a dirty priest, a feisty spitfire who is grieving and broken, the downright amazingness of this read, ugh!!
This book was freaking fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever been so captivated like I was by this book, by the plot, the characters, both main and side characters. The dynamic of how things work with Joe (Giuseppe) being a priest but also mafia leader. His absolute need to have Evelina, is so well written and I just couldn’t get enough!
The confessional scene where she breaks down broke my heart.
10/10 just read this book; don’t ask questions, just pick it up and read
This book was freaking fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever been so captivated like I was by this book, by the plot, the characters, both main and side characters. The dynamic of how things work with Joe (Giuseppe) being a priest but also mafia leader. His absolute need to have Evelina, is so well written and I just couldn’t get enough!
The confessional scene where she breaks down broke my heart.
10/10 just read this book; don’t ask questions, just pick it up and read
April 21, 2025
This book really should be classified as fantasy, because an immortal fae prince is more realistic than a 6’8 virgin priest who is also a mafia don, who can fuck like that.
My only complaint with this book was that the way the author writes dialogue makes it hard to follow who is speaking. It could also use a few more passes of an editor. But I didn’t pick up this book expecting perfection and the errors didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book.
My only complaint with this book was that the way the author writes dialogue makes it hard to follow who is speaking. It could also use a few more passes of an editor. But I didn’t pick up this book expecting perfection and the errors didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book.
May 19, 2025
Such a fun and wild ride!
Evelina and Giuseppe are my new favorite couple. I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before and it was refreshing to see a mafia book actually contain mafia aspects. The romance was good, the banter was better! The mental health aspect was top tier.
Evelina and Giuseppe are my new favorite couple. I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before and it was refreshing to see a mafia book actually contain mafia aspects. The romance was good, the banter was better! The mental health aspect was top tier.
May 29, 2025
Please Please Please check out the trigger warnings before reading this book. This book is taboo, dark, Mafia, and spicy. I loved every second of it. The forbidden love trope has always had my heart. Ophelia Reign’s writing is strong, entertaining, and detailed. I found myself easily getting lost into this book. Also, a poker face while reading smut was a must for this book.
April 6, 2025
This book kept me up LATE bcs I was feining for it like a crack head!!!! This was my first priest/mafia romance and it has opened my eyes to a whole new world! I’m a die hard romantasy girly trying to get out of my comfort zone this year and this book really made me feel like I’ve been missing out
Joe is so scrumptdillyitious.
Evelina is so fiery.
I don’t know who I want to be with more.
I’m so glad this book had an actual plot and wasn’t just straight pound town. The spice was definitely there and had my giggling and kicking my feet at some points! I’m so glad I received and arc for this book bcs not only did it open my eyes to a new genre but I also thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be looking forward to more books by Ophelia!
Joe is so scrumptdillyitious.
Evelina is so fiery.
I don’t know who I want to be with more.
I’m so glad this book had an actual plot and wasn’t just straight pound town. The spice was definitely there and had my giggling and kicking my feet at some points! I’m so glad I received and arc for this book bcs not only did it open my eyes to a new genre but I also thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be looking forward to more books by Ophelia!
April 24, 2025
Loved this book! It was entertaining and the spice absolutely hit the spot. Story line was intriguing. Sometimes I did get a lil lost sometimes but I do also have ADHD so it’s probably just me! 🤣 Definitely a good option for an indie read 😇
March 10, 2025
Such an amazing book their wasn’t,there wasn’t nothing I didn’t like
10/10 recommend
10/10 recommend
April 14, 2025
This was so much fun. The twist and turns kept me entertained and engaged. The spice had me 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Def a 5/5.
The mental health representation was also so nice and spot on.
Def a 5/5.
The mental health representation was also so nice and spot on.
Read
April 15, 2025DNF
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