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Bad Guy
Luke Daniels has done his fair share of bad things. But when the FBI offers him a deal in exchange for infiltrating the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew, Luke has no choice but to accept the challenge.
Beautiful, smart and tough, Sophia Costa wants out of the Crew. Appointed boss by her brother after he’s sent to prison, she wants no part in the murder, deceit and secrecy typical of Mafia life.
Just as things heat up between Luke and Sophia, a mysterious hitman targets Sophia, and Luke’s handler starts to wonder if Luke is up for the task.
As the lovers face the possibility of losing everything in order to be together, the line between loyalty and betrayal blur.
Beautiful, smart and tough, Sophia Costa wants out of the Crew. Appointed boss by her brother after he’s sent to prison, she wants no part in the murder, deceit and secrecy typical of Mafia life.
Just as things heat up between Luke and Sophia, a mysterious hitman targets Sophia, and Luke’s handler starts to wonder if Luke is up for the task.
As the lovers face the possibility of losing everything in order to be together, the line between loyalty and betrayal blur.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 12, 2025
This is my first book with a Mafia, and I gotta say I enjoyed it! It's really fast-paced, quick, fun read, and not to mention gripping!
Once I got into the story I could not put it down, I had to know what happened next! I also could not see how the story was going to end, I couldn't guess where it was going and I loved that fact!
There is plenty of action and suspense, multiple points where it made my heart race in anticipation and made me keep turning pages because I needed to see how it would all play out.
It is two POV's but is mostly from the MMC, Luke's and I could feel his struggle right along with him. He is in the gray area and doesn't know which side to choose but knows he has very little choices. The romance kinda takes a backseat, it's very light and somewhat insta love but honestly it was sweet and cute and I liked it.
I also feel bad for the FMC, Sophia, and all she wants is out, she wants a better life and he gives her that chance. They both have their flaws of course and have made many mistakes and have a dark past, but they want to be better and want a fresh start. So it definitely makes you root for that.
Their is plenty of danger, and I did not see a way out for them. I couldn't figure out how it would all wrap up nicely. And it takes a lot and the ending is bittersweet but wrapped up fairly well, though I do feel like the story could continue but maybe not🤭 I suppose it leaves it up to your imagination. Not to mention it ended with a bang, some last plot twists, and it all comes to a climax! Such a good read overall!
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, few mild swear words, death, murder, violence (nothing graphic), drug rings, it's all put in a bad light though, alcohol consumption.
Once I got into the story I could not put it down, I had to know what happened next! I also could not see how the story was going to end, I couldn't guess where it was going and I loved that fact!
There is plenty of action and suspense, multiple points where it made my heart race in anticipation and made me keep turning pages because I needed to see how it would all play out.
It is two POV's but is mostly from the MMC, Luke's and I could feel his struggle right along with him. He is in the gray area and doesn't know which side to choose but knows he has very little choices. The romance kinda takes a backseat, it's very light and somewhat insta love but honestly it was sweet and cute and I liked it.
I also feel bad for the FMC, Sophia, and all she wants is out, she wants a better life and he gives her that chance. They both have their flaws of course and have made many mistakes and have a dark past, but they want to be better and want a fresh start. So it definitely makes you root for that.
Their is plenty of danger, and I did not see a way out for them. I couldn't figure out how it would all wrap up nicely. And it takes a lot and the ending is bittersweet but wrapped up fairly well, though I do feel like the story could continue but maybe not🤭 I suppose it leaves it up to your imagination. Not to mention it ended with a bang, some last plot twists, and it all comes to a climax! Such a good read overall!
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, few mild swear words, death, murder, violence (nothing graphic), drug rings, it's all put in a bad light though, alcohol consumption.
February 10, 2025
The line between good and bad is dangerously blurred after an FBI informant is tasked with infiltrating a dangerous Mafia crew. But when the mob boss turns out to be a woman, he’s forced to question who the real bad guy is.
About the Book: Luke Daniels has done his fair share of bad things. But when the FBI offers him a deal in exchange for infiltrating the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew, Luke has no choice but to accept the challenge.
Beautiful, smart and tough, Sophia Costa wants out of the Crew. Appointed boss by her brother after he’s sent to prison, she wants no part in the murder, deceit and secrecy typical of Mafia life. Just as things heat up between Luke and Sophia, a mysterious hitman targets Sophia, and Luke’s handler starts to wonder if Luke is up for the task.
As the lovers face the possibility of losing everything in order to be together, and the lines between loyalty and betrayal blur.
Our Review: With its fast pace and crisp dialogue, Bad Guy is the next must read for devotees of mob-based fiction. The characters jump off the page with their logical and relatable goals and conflicts. An added plus is when the lines between who is truly good and who is truly bad keep the reader’s attention until the very end. Putting the roses on this particular cake is the snazzy cover art. Well done all the way around!
Based on a scale of 1-5, Bad Guy merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
About the Book: Luke Daniels has done his fair share of bad things. But when the FBI offers him a deal in exchange for infiltrating the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew, Luke has no choice but to accept the challenge.
Beautiful, smart and tough, Sophia Costa wants out of the Crew. Appointed boss by her brother after he’s sent to prison, she wants no part in the murder, deceit and secrecy typical of Mafia life. Just as things heat up between Luke and Sophia, a mysterious hitman targets Sophia, and Luke’s handler starts to wonder if Luke is up for the task.
As the lovers face the possibility of losing everything in order to be together, and the lines between loyalty and betrayal blur.
Our Review: With its fast pace and crisp dialogue, Bad Guy is the next must read for devotees of mob-based fiction. The characters jump off the page with their logical and relatable goals and conflicts. An added plus is when the lines between who is truly good and who is truly bad keep the reader’s attention until the very end. Putting the roses on this particular cake is the snazzy cover art. Well done all the way around!
Based on a scale of 1-5, Bad Guy merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
July 5, 2025
This gripping tale delivers a gritty underworld romance that hooks you from the start. With a morally gray protagonist in Luke Daniels—an ex-criminal turned reluctant FBI informant—the story balances high stakes and emotional depth. Luke’s infiltration of the ruthless Costa Crew becomes increasingly complex when he meets Sophia Costa, the reluctant Mafia boss who's yearning for escape.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but with a mysterious hitman lurking and federal loyalties tested, the narrative tightens like a noose. Sophia’s strength and vulnerability add layers to her character, and Luke’s internal war between duty and desire makes him compellingly flawed.
As secrets unravel and betrayals mount, the novel explores whether love can survive a world built on lies. Fast-paced, gritty, and emotionally intense, it's a ride for readers who love crime thrillers with a pulse of forbidden romance.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but with a mysterious hitman lurking and federal loyalties tested, the narrative tightens like a noose. Sophia’s strength and vulnerability add layers to her character, and Luke’s internal war between duty and desire makes him compellingly flawed.
As secrets unravel and betrayals mount, the novel explores whether love can survive a world built on lies. Fast-paced, gritty, and emotionally intense, it's a ride for readers who love crime thrillers with a pulse of forbidden romance.
July 26, 2025
Not my first foray into Mafia fiction but certainly this one was different. I enjoyed this 4 star read and enjoyed some of the undercurrent themes that were explored but mostly loyalty and trust. The main characters were extremely interesting. Seemingly from different backgrounds but in actual fact similar in many ways. There was a great cast of other and minor characters that kept the book charged and interesting. I enjoyed the writing. I enjoyed the conversations and the way they were written felt very natural. The ending could be called a little bit of a surprise but I had an uneasy feeling during the book and it seems my hunch was right. Great little book and I look forward to reading more by Ana Diamond who I would like to thank along with Book Sirens for my ARC of this book.
June 9, 2025
What a gripping book about loyalty, struggle for power, consequences of betrayal - set against the backdrop of characters confroning both external threats from rival factions and internal conflicts regarding their identities and choices. The tension escalates with incidents of violence and the looming presence of law enforcement, making everyone think about the fragile balance between survival and morality in the world.
I feel like those who enjoy books featuring relationships that undergo significant strain and transformation, especially in high-stakes environments, would likely fall in love with the dynamics between characters like Luke and Sophia here in this book.
I feel like those who enjoy books featuring relationships that undergo significant strain and transformation, especially in high-stakes environments, would likely fall in love with the dynamics between characters like Luke and Sophia here in this book.
July 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. It was a fast paced mafia story, and it was quite short at under 200 pages. The events kept moving quickly. The characters were well developed from the beginning, which can be tough to do in a short book. There was also a bit of romance.
Bad Guy is a great mafia thriller!
Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Content warnings: death, parental death, broken bone, gun violence
Bad Guy is a great mafia thriller!
Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Content warnings: death, parental death, broken bone, gun violence
March 8, 2025
This is a very good, action packed, mafia romance that pulled me right away and kept me hooked. Luke infiltrated the Costa Crew as an informant for the FBI. But things take a turn when he meets Sophia. He’s attracted to her and he also likes the crew members. It’s a very entertaining story with a very interesting plot.
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this story of a bad guy who becomes reformed after falling in love with the mafia boss lady. While undercover from the FBI, Luke became a member of the Costa Crew in order to get information on them and take them down. However, he ends up creating friendships with the members, and falling in love with the boss. The book ended much differently that I thought it would which was a pleasant surprise. The book kept me hooked from page one, and I ended up finishing it in one day!!
February 10, 2025
Bad Guy is the first book by Ana Diamond I have read, and I am sure it won’t be the last. The moment I began Reading it, it pulled me deep into its world. It is a nice, warm, and cozy read That kept reminding me of several TV shows I have seen.
A couple of the TV shows Bad Guy reminded me of was The Cleaning Lady with Sophia Costa the head of the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew and its headquarters in a bar. There were also parts of Bad Guy that reminded me of Tulsa King.
Luke Daniels is offered a deal by the FBI to infiltrate Costa Crew and help bring down its members. Luke is not happy with the arrangement but doesn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Luke may have done some bad things in his life but he is not a hard criminal.
Sophia Costa never wanted to be the head of the Costa Crew but after her brother was sent to prison he named her as the boss. Sophia’s dream has always been to go to college and make a different kind of life for herself. But life in the mafia is the only thing Sophia has ever known.
Luke senses something good in Sophia and doesn’t think that she is the person the FBI makes her out to be. Luke doesn't believe that Sophia has done any of the things that she is being accused of or at least nothing real bad.
The descriptions were so well done I had no trouble picturing everything I was reading in my head which made the story more interesting and enjoyable. The characters were all likable in their own ways. The characters played a big part in the reason I couldn’t stop reading Bad Guys once I began. The mystery and suspense were other reasons that kept me racing to the end.
I recommend Bad Guy to all mystery fans! Grab a copy of Bad Guy today!
A couple of the TV shows Bad Guy reminded me of was The Cleaning Lady with Sophia Costa the head of the local Mafia’s infamous Costa Crew and its headquarters in a bar. There were also parts of Bad Guy that reminded me of Tulsa King.
Luke Daniels is offered a deal by the FBI to infiltrate Costa Crew and help bring down its members. Luke is not happy with the arrangement but doesn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Luke may have done some bad things in his life but he is not a hard criminal.
Sophia Costa never wanted to be the head of the Costa Crew but after her brother was sent to prison he named her as the boss. Sophia’s dream has always been to go to college and make a different kind of life for herself. But life in the mafia is the only thing Sophia has ever known.
Luke senses something good in Sophia and doesn’t think that she is the person the FBI makes her out to be. Luke doesn't believe that Sophia has done any of the things that she is being accused of or at least nothing real bad.
The descriptions were so well done I had no trouble picturing everything I was reading in my head which made the story more interesting and enjoyable. The characters were all likable in their own ways. The characters played a big part in the reason I couldn’t stop reading Bad Guys once I began. The mystery and suspense were other reasons that kept me racing to the end.
I recommend Bad Guy to all mystery fans! Grab a copy of Bad Guy today!
June 6, 2025
Bad Guy is a Mafia story told from the POV of Luke. Luke is working for the FBI; he must get into the famous Costa Crew. Only he doesn't count on meeting Sophia Costa who doesn't want to be part of the Crew anymore. Sophia's brother has gone to prison, and she is now the boss of the crew, but she wants nothing to do with the bad things that the crew does at all. There is a romance that forms between Sophia and Luke in this one y'all and it is a sweet and slightly spicy romance (not really this one was pg rated on the actual spice front) that will leave you wondering if Sophia and Luke will make it as a couple. You will have to read the book to find out if they make it or they don't!
I enjoyed the writing style of this book as I love a story between Mafia and non-Mafia people. I was surprised when I learned Sophia was the boss in this book as I always read the books with male Mafia Bosses, but this was a good change for this book. There is a fast pacing and action-packed story and you will be engaged from the beginning to the end of the book. I recommend this one to fans of action-packed stories with a clean romance and mafia-based reads!
I enjoyed the writing style of this book as I love a story between Mafia and non-Mafia people. I was surprised when I learned Sophia was the boss in this book as I always read the books with male Mafia Bosses, but this was a good change for this book. There is a fast pacing and action-packed story and you will be engaged from the beginning to the end of the book. I recommend this one to fans of action-packed stories with a clean romance and mafia-based reads!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews