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Cruel Kings #1
Wicked Villain
He’s a mafia king feared by empires.
I’m the woman he chose above all others.
And once his obsession takes hold, escape is no longer an option.
Stefano Vignali is dangerous, powerful, and untouchable—
A king in a world built on blood and loyalty.
One mistake draws his attention.
One choice binds me to him.
His power isn’t meant to be gentle.
Neither is the kind of love that demands loyalty at any cost.
I try to disappear.
To build a quiet life far from his world.
To keep my son safe from the man who would burn cities to claim me.
But no secret stays buried in a dynasty of violence.
Now Stefano is back, and he's furious, possessive, and determined to make me his wife.
Even if it means starting a war.
Even if it means destroying everyone who stands between us.
Because villains don’t love softly.
They love with obsession.
And they don’t lose what belongs to them.
Wicked Villain is Book One in the Cruel Kings trilogy, featuring one couple and their continuing relationship arc. This book ends on a cliffhanger. Visit the author's site for content warnings.
I’m the woman he chose above all others.
And once his obsession takes hold, escape is no longer an option.
Stefano Vignali is dangerous, powerful, and untouchable—
A king in a world built on blood and loyalty.
One mistake draws his attention.
One choice binds me to him.
His power isn’t meant to be gentle.
Neither is the kind of love that demands loyalty at any cost.
I try to disappear.
To build a quiet life far from his world.
To keep my son safe from the man who would burn cities to claim me.
But no secret stays buried in a dynasty of violence.
Now Stefano is back, and he's furious, possessive, and determined to make me his wife.
Even if it means starting a war.
Even if it means destroying everyone who stands between us.
Because villains don’t love softly.
They love with obsession.
And they don’t lose what belongs to them.
Wicked Villain is Book One in the Cruel Kings trilogy, featuring one couple and their continuing relationship arc. This book ends on a cliffhanger. Visit the author's site for content warnings.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
66 people are currently reading
4981 people want to read
About the author
Kelliann Nelson
3 books52 followersmy dark romance stories explore the thin line between protection and possession
and the quiet power of obsession.
stories and life ↓ intentionally told
kelliannnelson.com
and the quiet power of obsession.
stories and life ↓ intentionally told
kelliannnelson.com
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March 27, 2025Trust the negative reviews people. This one sucked lemons.
March 24, 2025
Wow! Just wow! I read a lot of mafia books and to be totally honest out of all the genre styles I tend to be most critical of this one because it’s easy for the tropes to all create a very similar story.
I am OBSESSED with this story! I was tense, I was scared, I was laughing, and I was in awe especially of 9 year old Enzo. The whole story line was intriguing from the start. Val and Stef were just two supposedly normal people who fell hard for one another until she discovered he was part of a mafia family. She left him immediately taking with her a few gigantic secrets. 10 years later Stef uncovers one of those secrets and is determined to get to the truth of it all, even with the looming date of his arranged marriage coming to solidify his status as top dog in the mafia world.
There was a ton of suspense and action and while I had an idea from the beginning as to what could be going on I never saw the depths of what was going to happen. I am so invested now in this series and cannot wait for more!!! Thank you for the gift of this arc!
4.75 🌟
I am OBSESSED with this story! I was tense, I was scared, I was laughing, and I was in awe especially of 9 year old Enzo. The whole story line was intriguing from the start. Val and Stef were just two supposedly normal people who fell hard for one another until she discovered he was part of a mafia family. She left him immediately taking with her a few gigantic secrets. 10 years later Stef uncovers one of those secrets and is determined to get to the truth of it all, even with the looming date of his arranged marriage coming to solidify his status as top dog in the mafia world.
There was a ton of suspense and action and while I had an idea from the beginning as to what could be going on I never saw the depths of what was going to happen. I am so invested now in this series and cannot wait for more!!! Thank you for the gift of this arc!
4.75 🌟
March 23, 2025
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶
Why you will love this book…
💛Dark Mafia Romance
🖤Forbidden Love
💛First Love
🖤Second Chance Romance
💛It’s always been you
🖤Hate to Love vibes
💛Billionaire Romance
🖤Broken, Morally Black MMC
💛He falls first
🖤Badass, Single Mom MFC
💛Hidden Identity
🖤Arranged/Forced Marriages
💛Secret Baby
🖤Forced Proximity
💛Spicy
🖤Praise Kink
💛Cliffhanger
If you like a good story that builds, the characters are off the chain, chemistry between the main characters, family drama, and it is a mafia romance…this book is for you. Wicked Rivals is the first book in the Savage Syndicate Trilogy by Kelliann Nelson. This book does end in a cliffhanger, and I just cannot wait until the next book.
This is the story of Stefano Vignali (MMC-the second son of the Vignali family) who is the head of his family because the Commission killed his father and brother. How he has embraced his new position has surprised his enemies and makes him a dangerous man. Unknown to Stefano who has arranged to marry one of the Commission’s mafia princesses, who is the daughter of Don Capaldo (who is dying from cancer). This marriage would make Stefano’s power HUGE!!!!
Unknown to Stefano the love of his life Valeria (MFC) has been living in Brooklyn running a café and has a secret (his nine-year-old son Enzo). For me Enzo has the best lines and steals the book. Once the secret is spilled both Stefano and Valeria worlds start to unravel. Talk about a book full of secrets and many twists and turns.
The chemistry between Stefano and Valeria is very hot. 🔥🔥🔥Stefano must face that he has a child that he knows nothing about. His interactions with Enzo are fun to read. Enzo and Stefano are very much alike. I must say I did not see the book ending that way. I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to he next adventure between these three characters…Stefano, Valeria and Enzo.
Spice - 🌶🌶
Why you will love this book…
💛Dark Mafia Romance
🖤Forbidden Love
💛First Love
🖤Second Chance Romance
💛It’s always been you
🖤Hate to Love vibes
💛Billionaire Romance
🖤Broken, Morally Black MMC
💛He falls first
🖤Badass, Single Mom MFC
💛Hidden Identity
🖤Arranged/Forced Marriages
💛Secret Baby
🖤Forced Proximity
💛Spicy
🖤Praise Kink
💛Cliffhanger
If you like a good story that builds, the characters are off the chain, chemistry between the main characters, family drama, and it is a mafia romance…this book is for you. Wicked Rivals is the first book in the Savage Syndicate Trilogy by Kelliann Nelson. This book does end in a cliffhanger, and I just cannot wait until the next book.
This is the story of Stefano Vignali (MMC-the second son of the Vignali family) who is the head of his family because the Commission killed his father and brother. How he has embraced his new position has surprised his enemies and makes him a dangerous man. Unknown to Stefano who has arranged to marry one of the Commission’s mafia princesses, who is the daughter of Don Capaldo (who is dying from cancer). This marriage would make Stefano’s power HUGE!!!!
Unknown to Stefano the love of his life Valeria (MFC) has been living in Brooklyn running a café and has a secret (his nine-year-old son Enzo). For me Enzo has the best lines and steals the book. Once the secret is spilled both Stefano and Valeria worlds start to unravel. Talk about a book full of secrets and many twists and turns.
The chemistry between Stefano and Valeria is very hot. 🔥🔥🔥Stefano must face that he has a child that he knows nothing about. His interactions with Enzo are fun to read. Enzo and Stefano are very much alike. I must say I did not see the book ending that way. I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to he next adventure between these three characters…Stefano, Valeria and Enzo.
March 22, 2025
Wicked Rivals is the first of The Savage Syndicate series by Kelliann Nelson and sets the tone for not only an epic story about family but also a beautiful romance. Ms. Nelson’s words instantly pull you into her world and you’re immediately invested in the characters. The story kicks off when our MMC, Stefano, receives an envelope with pictures and a note. It threatens the woman and child in the pictures if he doesn’t cancel his upcoming wedding. This is an engagement that he contracted to gain more power to exact his revenge against the man responsible for ending his family. The pictures are of a woman he hasn’t seen in 10 years and a young boy, that reminds him of himself. Stefano returns to a place when life was simpler with his past love and fault-mouth barista, Val. But before he can get answers, bullets start flying. Stefano takes Val and her son, Enzo, to his home for protection until he can eliminate the threat. Val doesn’t want this life for her Enzo, she plans to run and once they’re safe, she’ll explain everything to him. Stefano, is a complicated man. He has worked and lived for one purpose, revenge. Things change when Stefano sees Val again and learns he has a son. Val is a strong and fierce woman. She embodies the term “mama bear” when it came to protecting her son. As a 9 year old, Enzo sure was a scene stealer. I loved Stefano and Val’s reunion, the fighting, bantering, and making up made for a thrilling read. The twist behind the shooter’s reasoning for everything was quite a surprise. And, how Val’s secret was revealed at the end was incredible. Mind the cliff! I can’t wait till May for Savage Enemy.
Thank you to Kelliann Nelson and The Author Agency for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Wicked Rivals.
5⭐️
3🌶️
📚ARC Review📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera🐦🔥
Thank you to Kelliann Nelson and The Author Agency for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Wicked Rivals.
5⭐️
3🌶️
📚ARC Review📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera🐦🔥
March 26, 2025
***ARC Reviewer***
5🌟
KELLIANN ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Gah, I always considered myself a lover of mafia romances, and I felt as if nothing could surprise me, but man, oh man, did this book surpass my expectations! Made me fall in love with the genre all over again. 😍
I DEVOURED this book, and if it wasn't for my kiddos getting sick, it definitely would have been finished in 1 day instead of the 3 it took.
This is the first book in the Savage Syndicate Triology.
Val & Stefano's Story
Wicked Rivals starts off 10 years after Val walked away from Stefano. Stefano is due to be married but can't seem to get the one that got away out of his head. He receives an envelope with pictures and a threatening message about Val & her son, and there's no mistaking that the boy is Stefanos.
The fire that still burns between Stefano & Val was nothing short of explosive. They both claimed to be angry with the other but can't seem to get their bodies on the same page as their brain. The "rage" (AKA sexual tension) they both shared for each other was almost palpable, I mean, nothing says "I hate you" more than angrily slamming your lips against said person.
I loved how fiercely Val protected Enzo and how she didn't back down from Stefano. She was going to do whatever it took to keep her son out of this lifestyle. Mafia boss be damned.
My Enzo darling did not play about his mama. Every time this kid talked, it was always with the directness of a man. Don't mess with this boys, Mama
That cliffhanger left me wanting more!! Book 2 can't get here fast enough!!
Mafia romance lovers, PLEASE go read this book now!!
#mafiaromance #darkromance #arcreview #newbook #newrelease #debutnovel #bookseries #romancebooks #romancereader #theauthoragency #kelliannnelsonauthor
5🌟
KELLIANN ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Gah, I always considered myself a lover of mafia romances, and I felt as if nothing could surprise me, but man, oh man, did this book surpass my expectations! Made me fall in love with the genre all over again. 😍
I DEVOURED this book, and if it wasn't for my kiddos getting sick, it definitely would have been finished in 1 day instead of the 3 it took.
This is the first book in the Savage Syndicate Triology.
Val & Stefano's Story
Wicked Rivals starts off 10 years after Val walked away from Stefano. Stefano is due to be married but can't seem to get the one that got away out of his head. He receives an envelope with pictures and a threatening message about Val & her son, and there's no mistaking that the boy is Stefanos.
The fire that still burns between Stefano & Val was nothing short of explosive. They both claimed to be angry with the other but can't seem to get their bodies on the same page as their brain. The "rage" (AKA sexual tension) they both shared for each other was almost palpable, I mean, nothing says "I hate you" more than angrily slamming your lips against said person.
I loved how fiercely Val protected Enzo and how she didn't back down from Stefano. She was going to do whatever it took to keep her son out of this lifestyle. Mafia boss be damned.
My Enzo darling did not play about his mama. Every time this kid talked, it was always with the directness of a man. Don't mess with this boys, Mama
That cliffhanger left me wanting more!! Book 2 can't get here fast enough!!
Mafia romance lovers, PLEASE go read this book now!!
#mafiaromance #darkromance #arcreview #newbook #newrelease #debutnovel #bookseries #romancebooks #romancereader #theauthoragency #kelliannnelsonauthor
March 7, 2025
✨E-ARC Review✨
I will never say no to a mafia romance👀.
This book follows Val and Stefano, and let’s just say Val is most certainly the one that got away. 10 years ago Val up and left Stefano as she didn’t want to be involved with his dangerous lifestyle as a Mob boss. Now that’s totally and completely fair in terms of Val but what she didn’t know that she would be taking something important with her.
10 years later and present day we meet Stefano who is due to be married but his thoughts are consumed with Val since the day she left. Prior to his nuptials Stefano receives an envelope containing pictures of Val and a child, and of course this is a mafia romance so a threat is also attached for Stefano to call off the wedding or suffer the consequences. Stefano instantly sets out to find Val and his son that he never knew he had.
I completely understood both sides of the argument in this situation: Val of course kept Enzo from knowing his father as of course his world was dangerous, and Stefano was absolutely furious that he was robbed with opportunity of knowing his child and as a result Stefano came off as cold to Val which again he was angry about the situation.
Now one thing I will say, Enzo is only 9 years old in this book, and he is fiercely loyal and protective of his mama for a kid at a young age but at moments when I was reading he came off as someone who was close to adulthood and it just made me think that I possibly would of preferred Enzo to be slightly older for some of the things he said and situations he was in etc.
Val and Stefano are absolutely explosive. While these two battle it out like cats and dogs for a bit of this book you can’t deny that nothing ever really fizzled out between the two. But of course they definitely got a lot to work out which I hope we will see in the next book.
This book is left on a cliffhanger, which honestly I’m itching to get my hands on as I need to know what comes next.
Congratulations to the author on the debut book and thank you so much for providing this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
I will never say no to a mafia romance👀.
This book follows Val and Stefano, and let’s just say Val is most certainly the one that got away. 10 years ago Val up and left Stefano as she didn’t want to be involved with his dangerous lifestyle as a Mob boss. Now that’s totally and completely fair in terms of Val but what she didn’t know that she would be taking something important with her.
10 years later and present day we meet Stefano who is due to be married but his thoughts are consumed with Val since the day she left. Prior to his nuptials Stefano receives an envelope containing pictures of Val and a child, and of course this is a mafia romance so a threat is also attached for Stefano to call off the wedding or suffer the consequences. Stefano instantly sets out to find Val and his son that he never knew he had.
I completely understood both sides of the argument in this situation: Val of course kept Enzo from knowing his father as of course his world was dangerous, and Stefano was absolutely furious that he was robbed with opportunity of knowing his child and as a result Stefano came off as cold to Val which again he was angry about the situation.
Now one thing I will say, Enzo is only 9 years old in this book, and he is fiercely loyal and protective of his mama for a kid at a young age but at moments when I was reading he came off as someone who was close to adulthood and it just made me think that I possibly would of preferred Enzo to be slightly older for some of the things he said and situations he was in etc.
Val and Stefano are absolutely explosive. While these two battle it out like cats and dogs for a bit of this book you can’t deny that nothing ever really fizzled out between the two. But of course they definitely got a lot to work out which I hope we will see in the next book.
This book is left on a cliffhanger, which honestly I’m itching to get my hands on as I need to know what comes next.
Congratulations to the author on the debut book and thank you so much for providing this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
March 25, 2025
I love a Mafia Romance and this was brilliant and I absolutely devoured this!!!
Stefano Vignali is the head of his family after losing his Father and Older Brother because of the Commission, then his Mother took her own life he's now having to take over the reigns of the Mafia world. He has to marry one of the commission's mafia princesses, who is the daughter of Don Capaldo this marriage should make Stefano's power immense.
10 years ago Stefano met the love of his life Valeria but he kept his mafia life a secret from her and never told her his full name. So she ends it with him after finding out knowing they can never be together. So she leaves but what she doesn't tell him was that she was pregnant when she left so unbeknownst to him, Valeria has kept their son a secret from him so for 9 years he's never known he has a son, Enzo. Oh wow this is full of twists and turns and oof the secrets!! Once Stefano has Valeria in his grasp again he's never letting her and their son go. But what about the engagement to another woman? Is Val also keeping secrets? Is there another reason she let him go all those years ago?
Honestly this book was everything!!! The chemistry was off the scale and the spice was just enough to add to the story. Oh my Enzo is something else, for a 9 year old his actions will make him a fantastic man in later years!! I did not see that ending coming and that cliffhanger 😭 I screamed nooooo at my kindle!!!! I cannot wait for the next book and read more about Stefano, Valeria and Enzo.
Stefano Vignali is the head of his family after losing his Father and Older Brother because of the Commission, then his Mother took her own life he's now having to take over the reigns of the Mafia world. He has to marry one of the commission's mafia princesses, who is the daughter of Don Capaldo this marriage should make Stefano's power immense.
10 years ago Stefano met the love of his life Valeria but he kept his mafia life a secret from her and never told her his full name. So she ends it with him after finding out knowing they can never be together. So she leaves but what she doesn't tell him was that she was pregnant when she left so unbeknownst to him, Valeria has kept their son a secret from him so for 9 years he's never known he has a son, Enzo. Oh wow this is full of twists and turns and oof the secrets!! Once Stefano has Valeria in his grasp again he's never letting her and their son go. But what about the engagement to another woman? Is Val also keeping secrets? Is there another reason she let him go all those years ago?
Honestly this book was everything!!! The chemistry was off the scale and the spice was just enough to add to the story. Oh my Enzo is something else, for a 9 year old his actions will make him a fantastic man in later years!! I did not see that ending coming and that cliffhanger 😭 I screamed nooooo at my kindle!!!! I cannot wait for the next book and read more about Stefano, Valeria and Enzo.
March 30, 2025
The time would come when she found her place by my side in public, on her knees in private, and in my bed every night.
To be honest, I knew this book was going to pull all the air out of me when I saw the first line.
“I should have f-cked her again.”
What happened to “Hi”? “Hello”? Well, at least now our full attention is on the book. That was hella smart.
Did I mention he calls her il mio bellissima diavola? Which is Italian for “my beautiful devil”? (those duolingo classes really paid off)
This story is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. You get to see a mother’s unconditional love for her son and the extents she’d go to in order to protect him, you get to see Stefano and Valerie arguing one minute and making love the other *cough cough*- you get it all. There are quite a few twists, and even when you feel like you have an idea where the story is headed, things end up taking such unexpected turns! And Oh. My. God. The Cliffhanger. *heavy silence follows*
As much as I’d love to go on and on about how much I love the interactions between Stefano and Valerie (the arguments are so hot and the spice is worth dying for), and how funny some occasions are, I cannot share spoilers here, so you’re gonna have to read it to find out more.
Also, this is a DEBUT-?!?! Like, HUHH-? This book (both the writing style and the plots and twists), were just perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book (releasing in May, if I’m not wrong, though please check the author’s page for the exact details), and find out how we’re gonna deal with our new headache.
To be honest, I knew this book was going to pull all the air out of me when I saw the first line.
“I should have f-cked her again.”
What happened to “Hi”? “Hello”? Well, at least now our full attention is on the book. That was hella smart.
Did I mention he calls her il mio bellissima diavola? Which is Italian for “my beautiful devil”? (those duolingo classes really paid off)
This story is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. You get to see a mother’s unconditional love for her son and the extents she’d go to in order to protect him, you get to see Stefano and Valerie arguing one minute and making love the other *cough cough*- you get it all. There are quite a few twists, and even when you feel like you have an idea where the story is headed, things end up taking such unexpected turns! And Oh. My. God. The Cliffhanger. *heavy silence follows*
As much as I’d love to go on and on about how much I love the interactions between Stefano and Valerie (the arguments are so hot and the spice is worth dying for), and how funny some occasions are, I cannot share spoilers here, so you’re gonna have to read it to find out more.
Also, this is a DEBUT-?!?! Like, HUHH-? This book (both the writing style and the plots and twists), were just perfect. I can’t wait to read the next book (releasing in May, if I’m not wrong, though please check the author’s page for the exact details), and find out how we’re gonna deal with our new headache.
February 18, 2026
DNF 36.% Nope. Not happening.
• The storytelling was weird, at least to me it felt like that. Fillers everywhere, and the inner monologue was so repetitive it felt like the same thought copy pasted on loop.
• She hasn’t seen the mmc in 10 years, but the same night she and her kid almost get killed, the fmc decided sleeping with him was a great idea. The man she “hates.” Sure. Totally normal behavior. I get that this is mafia romance, but come on. 😂
• Let’s not forget the mmc is literally getting married the next day, maybe two days later. The fmc knows this and still goes for it and has sex with him. Marriage of convenience or not, it felt forced and pointless. Also, after ten years apart and a near shooting where her kid almost got shot, most mothers wouldn’t even think about sex with the ex at a time like that. Be serious. 😒
• I didn’t finish the book, but according to other reviewers, it ends on a cliffhanger where we find out that the fmc is a mafia princess too.
So she basically left the mmc ten years ago while pregnant because he lied about being in the mafia… while she’s doing the exact same thing now. She’s in the same situation, yet she’s the one who feels entitled to be mad. She hides his kid for ten years, feels zero guilt, and still acts offended. The audacity is honestly impressive.😂
• The storytelling was weird, at least to me it felt like that. Fillers everywhere, and the inner monologue was so repetitive it felt like the same thought copy pasted on loop.
• She hasn’t seen the mmc in 10 years, but the same night she and her kid almost get killed, the fmc decided sleeping with him was a great idea. The man she “hates.” Sure. Totally normal behavior. I get that this is mafia romance, but come on. 😂
• Let’s not forget the mmc is literally getting married the next day, maybe two days later. The fmc knows this and still goes for it and has sex with him. Marriage of convenience or not, it felt forced and pointless. Also, after ten years apart and a near shooting where her kid almost got shot, most mothers wouldn’t even think about sex with the ex at a time like that. Be serious. 😒
• I didn’t finish the book, but according to other reviewers, it ends on a cliffhanger where we find out that the fmc is a mafia princess too.
So she basically left the mmc ten years ago while pregnant because he lied about being in the mafia… while she’s doing the exact same thing now. She’s in the same situation, yet she’s the one who feels entitled to be mad. She hides his kid for ten years, feels zero guilt, and still acts offended. The audacity is honestly impressive.😂
November 8, 2024
Spoiler Alert!!!! If you are looking for reason to read this book, but don't want spoilers. Don't read my review.
First of all. How DARE you leave me on a cliff hanger!! I started this book yesterday at 11:45AM and finished at 9:32PM in SHOCK. Like mouth open auditable gasp full on toddler tantrum! Stefano & Valarie were HOT. Not just the steam pages but like in general. And Enzo? GIRL he did not play about his mama.
The way that this book kept you locked in and wanting more. I wasn't half way through the book hoping that we could get more of each character.
Talk about plot twist when Valarie told us she was not who she said she was. I didn't like that she faulted Stefano for doing the same, but i'm sure she had her reasons. I can not wait for the next book to learn more about her story and see where this whole thing goes.
The love between them is obvious but Valarie is so stubborn and won't open up about her past that she can't see that Stefano wants her and only her. The story line was superb and i craved the good girls more and more. Hopefully the two of them get their happy ending in the next book....maybe?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First of all. How DARE you leave me on a cliff hanger!! I started this book yesterday at 11:45AM and finished at 9:32PM in SHOCK. Like mouth open auditable gasp full on toddler tantrum! Stefano & Valarie were HOT. Not just the steam pages but like in general. And Enzo? GIRL he did not play about his mama.
The way that this book kept you locked in and wanting more. I wasn't half way through the book hoping that we could get more of each character.
Talk about plot twist when Valarie told us she was not who she said she was. I didn't like that she faulted Stefano for doing the same, but i'm sure she had her reasons. I can not wait for the next book to learn more about her story and see where this whole thing goes.
The love between them is obvious but Valarie is so stubborn and won't open up about her past that she can't see that Stefano wants her and only her. The story line was superb and i craved the good girls more and more. Hopefully the two of them get their happy ending in the next book....maybe?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
Wow!! This was so, so good!
Why you will love this book…
💛Dark Mafia Romance
🖤Forbidden Love
💛First Love
🖤Second Chance Romance
💛It’s always been you
🖤Hate to Love vibes
💛Billionaire Romance
🖤Broken, Morally Black MMC
💛He falls first
🖤Badass, Single Mom MFC
💛Hidden Identity
🖤Arranged/Forced Marriages
💛Secret Baby
🖤Forced Proximity
💛Spicy
🖤Praise Kink
💛Cliffhanger
This is the first time I’m reading a book by this author and it definitely will not be my last! This story was gripping, dark, twists and turns and so much angst and heat!!
Valeria/Valerie and Stefano were lovers 10 years ago. But Stefano kept a big secret from Valeria/Valerie (Val) and it tore them apart. Fast forward to today, and Stefano not only finds that she’s been living just one city over, but she has a son. Their son!
So well written and well paced. The dual POV is so well done as well. I like when the author with give the perspective of either character of the same scene you’ve just read. She doesn’t over do this, and it’s great.
Val and Stefano are given a second chance but their secrets are finally coming to light - and their renewed love for each other may not be enough to save them.
The book ends on a cliffhanger - grrrrr! I can’t wait to find out what happens.
Why you will love this book…
💛Dark Mafia Romance
🖤Forbidden Love
💛First Love
🖤Second Chance Romance
💛It’s always been you
🖤Hate to Love vibes
💛Billionaire Romance
🖤Broken, Morally Black MMC
💛He falls first
🖤Badass, Single Mom MFC
💛Hidden Identity
🖤Arranged/Forced Marriages
💛Secret Baby
🖤Forced Proximity
💛Spicy
🖤Praise Kink
💛Cliffhanger
This is the first time I’m reading a book by this author and it definitely will not be my last! This story was gripping, dark, twists and turns and so much angst and heat!!
Valeria/Valerie and Stefano were lovers 10 years ago. But Stefano kept a big secret from Valeria/Valerie (Val) and it tore them apart. Fast forward to today, and Stefano not only finds that she’s been living just one city over, but she has a son. Their son!
So well written and well paced. The dual POV is so well done as well. I like when the author with give the perspective of either character of the same scene you’ve just read. She doesn’t over do this, and it’s great.
Val and Stefano are given a second chance but their secrets are finally coming to light - and their renewed love for each other may not be enough to save them.
The book ends on a cliffhanger - grrrrr! I can’t wait to find out what happens.
March 19, 2025
(Exaggerated flappy hands) OMG!!!!
There are only a few ways to explain how on the edge of my seat Wicked Rivals had me.
Well, I fell off that seat and flat on my ass on the floor!
Stefano and Valerie FIRE🔥
From the very beginning, Valerie caught my attention. She is such an attentive mother, smart, alert, and a hard worker. I really liked that about her.
Stefano is set to marry another woman in 2 days, all for his revenge plan.
When he was passed an envelope that changes everything, a face he hasn't seen in 10 years with a child's face that matches his own.
"My plan for vengeance, the rage that fueled my every move, it seemed almost insignificant with this woman in my arms and our son under my roof."
This story was absolutely fantastic, I loved the suspense, the angst, the heat and unbelievable spicy connection, and a certain 9 year old boy who is set burn the world down for his mama!
I CAN'T wait for the next book that continues Stefano and Val's story Savage Enemy.
I definitely recommend 👌
There are only a few ways to explain how on the edge of my seat Wicked Rivals had me.
Well, I fell off that seat and flat on my ass on the floor!
Stefano and Valerie FIRE🔥
From the very beginning, Valerie caught my attention. She is such an attentive mother, smart, alert, and a hard worker. I really liked that about her.
Stefano is set to marry another woman in 2 days, all for his revenge plan.
When he was passed an envelope that changes everything, a face he hasn't seen in 10 years with a child's face that matches his own.
"My plan for vengeance, the rage that fueled my every move, it seemed almost insignificant with this woman in my arms and our son under my roof."
This story was absolutely fantastic, I loved the suspense, the angst, the heat and unbelievable spicy connection, and a certain 9 year old boy who is set burn the world down for his mama!
I CAN'T wait for the next book that continues Stefano and Val's story Savage Enemy.
I definitely recommend 👌
March 16, 2025
Okay, once I started I couldn’t stop with this one! I mean… Stefano. 🥵
The chemistry Valerie and Stefano share is something that two people rarely find and it all started 10 years ago… They were both young and dumb while also keeping a lot of secrets about themselves from each other. When Valerie breaks things off due to Stefano’s mafia world upbringing, she later finds out she is pregnant and DOESN’T tell him.
Oh girl. You know this ain’t ending well for you…
When they are reunited due to a threat to everyone’s safety, things get hot and heavy veryyyyyy quickly. The problem… Valerie doesn’t want her son in the mafia world, which is exactly why he never met his father. Stefano is out looking for vengeance for his own families downfall and won’t stop until he is the king of New York.
I was so not expecting the end of this book and it also ends with a cliffhanger! WHYYYYY!!!
I’m ready for book two now!
The chemistry Valerie and Stefano share is something that two people rarely find and it all started 10 years ago… They were both young and dumb while also keeping a lot of secrets about themselves from each other. When Valerie breaks things off due to Stefano’s mafia world upbringing, she later finds out she is pregnant and DOESN’T tell him.
Oh girl. You know this ain’t ending well for you…
When they are reunited due to a threat to everyone’s safety, things get hot and heavy veryyyyyy quickly. The problem… Valerie doesn’t want her son in the mafia world, which is exactly why he never met his father. Stefano is out looking for vengeance for his own families downfall and won’t stop until he is the king of New York.
I was so not expecting the end of this book and it also ends with a cliffhanger! WHYYYYY!!!
I’m ready for book two now!
March 24, 2025
Nearly ten years ago Val ran from Stefano when she found out the truth about him and his family. She ran to protect herself and her unborn child. Now Stefano knows of his existence and he won’t stop until he has them both. But he’s due to be married and someone is threatening the lives of both his son and Val unless he calls off the wedding. Can he break off his engagement without starting a war? And will Val come back to him willingly or will her past cause her to run again?
God I have missed Mafia! This book had me gripped from the start and kept me gripped throughout. Stefano is ruthless and dangerous and oh so alluring! But the way this book ended?! I’m gunna need the next one asap because oh my God!! I need to know what’s going to happen now more than I need Stefano to call me his good girl 🥵🥵
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
God I have missed Mafia! This book had me gripped from the start and kept me gripped throughout. Stefano is ruthless and dangerous and oh so alluring! But the way this book ended?! I’m gunna need the next one asap because oh my God!! I need to know what’s going to happen now more than I need Stefano to call me his good girl 🥵🥵
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
March 22, 2025
Talk about a cliff hanger leaving my jaw on the floor! Jesus Christ I need book two.
Update…
Recently I’ve been in a bit of a slump and didn’t know what to pick up to get me out of it. This book! Yes, this book did it for me. Devoured. Y’all know mafia romance will forever have my heart and this story didn’t disappoint. Well, other than the massive MF cliffhanger at the end. 😠 This is my first Kelliann Nelson book and the first in the series. Damn, did she set this series up. I need book two like yesterday. Val and Stefano were everything. Val is the one girl who got away, his one and only true love. She chose to walk away from a life she didn’t want for her son. A son Stefano knew nothing about. 🤯 The ways this man is ready to destroy the world to protect her is just everything. I love them obsessive and possessive. This book had so many twists and turns. I can’t said I didn’t call one of them…I hated that creepy f*ck! But the twist with Valeria, dude!! Who knew. I can’t wait to see where this story takes us. @theauthor.agency SIGN ME UP!
Thank you both for the chance to ARC read this story. 🤍
Update…
Recently I’ve been in a bit of a slump and didn’t know what to pick up to get me out of it. This book! Yes, this book did it for me. Devoured. Y’all know mafia romance will forever have my heart and this story didn’t disappoint. Well, other than the massive MF cliffhanger at the end. 😠 This is my first Kelliann Nelson book and the first in the series. Damn, did she set this series up. I need book two like yesterday. Val and Stefano were everything. Val is the one girl who got away, his one and only true love. She chose to walk away from a life she didn’t want for her son. A son Stefano knew nothing about. 🤯 The ways this man is ready to destroy the world to protect her is just everything. I love them obsessive and possessive. This book had so many twists and turns. I can’t said I didn’t call one of them…I hated that creepy f*ck! But the twist with Valeria, dude!! Who knew. I can’t wait to see where this story takes us. @theauthor.agency SIGN ME UP!
Thank you both for the chance to ARC read this story. 🤍
March 23, 2025
Wicked Rivals kicks off The Savage
Syndicate series with an intense mix of romance, family, and revenge. Stefano, set to marry for power and vengeance, receives a package threatening a woman and child- Val, his lost love, and their son, Enzo, whom he never knew about. Rushing to protect them, Stefano takes them in, but Val refuses to let Enzo be dragged into the mafia world. Their reunion is explosive, full of tension, passion, and unexpected twists, especially when Val's secret is revealed.
And that cliffhanger? Brutal. Now, I'm counting down to Savage Enemy in May!
Syndicate series with an intense mix of romance, family, and revenge. Stefano, set to marry for power and vengeance, receives a package threatening a woman and child- Val, his lost love, and their son, Enzo, whom he never knew about. Rushing to protect them, Stefano takes them in, but Val refuses to let Enzo be dragged into the mafia world. Their reunion is explosive, full of tension, passion, and unexpected twists, especially when Val's secret is revealed.
And that cliffhanger? Brutal. Now, I'm counting down to Savage Enemy in May!
March 19, 2025
I just want to start by saying I LOVED this book!
It’s been 10 years since Val & Stefano have seen each other with many secrets from then and now waiting to be uncovered. Their reunion is explosive and what they go through is intense. And the ending? The best cliffhanger that will leave you wanting book 2 now! I can’t wait for the second instalment.
- Dark mafia romance
- Second chance romance
- Forbidden love
- First love
- Hate to love
- Secret baby
- It’s always been you
It’s been 10 years since Val & Stefano have seen each other with many secrets from then and now waiting to be uncovered. Their reunion is explosive and what they go through is intense. And the ending? The best cliffhanger that will leave you wanting book 2 now! I can’t wait for the second instalment.
- Dark mafia romance
- Second chance romance
- Forbidden love
- First love
- Hate to love
- Secret baby
- It’s always been you
March 11, 2025
Get ready for one wild ride. This story is action packed, sexy and addicting. I was hooked right from the start. Stefano and Val story is filled with passion, danger, secrets and suspense. This is such and amazing read. I am anxiously waiting for the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2025
Loved it from start to finish and the suspense and thrill was intense and the want was palpable from the start the way they both wanted was spicy for sure..
January 3, 2025
There's a fine line between brave, strong and sassy to being a brat, careless and stupid.
Val is on the edge of that fine line.
I wont go into details, but lets just say i'm not too hype about Val and her point of view that makes her take actions that just not go hand to toe with how the author wanted to potrayed her as strong, brave and sassy, right to the end!
And nine year old Enzo.
Just one question from me about this nine year old boy.
When Enzo said, “If you ever point a gun at Mama, raise your hand at her again, I won’t stop until one of us is dead.”
For a boy, who in his nine years old life never know violence, raised by a cafe owner mom, he didnt live his nine year life in mafia household, he wasnt being raised as made man, I mean, is it normal for a boy who, the author wrote as never knew violence or living on the run, practically momma's boy, is it normal for him to say that to an adult man?
I mean, to say he got it from his father, just dont cut it. And this may fiction, but for the author to blatantly wrote Enzo charachter as waaay too old for a nine year old boy... Thats too much of a fiction.
Unfortunetly it doesnt stop with this one sentence.
And stefano... I tought he have resources. He didnt think to check Val's background?
I have too many question at the end. And thats not good, cause it means the story have too many holes.
And i can see who the stalker/kidnapper from miles way.
For the cliffy ending, the fact that the author is holding out the second issue for the next book, just giving hint for Val's secret, i'm not sitting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Val is on the edge of that fine line.
I wont go into details, but lets just say i'm not too hype about Val and her point of view that makes her take actions that just not go hand to toe with how the author wanted to potrayed her as strong, brave and sassy, right to the end!
And nine year old Enzo.
Just one question from me about this nine year old boy.
When Enzo said, “If you ever point a gun at Mama, raise your hand at her again, I won’t stop until one of us is dead.”
For a boy, who in his nine years old life never know violence, raised by a cafe owner mom, he didnt live his nine year life in mafia household, he wasnt being raised as made man, I mean, is it normal for a boy who, the author wrote as never knew violence or living on the run, practically momma's boy, is it normal for him to say that to an adult man?
I mean, to say he got it from his father, just dont cut it. And this may fiction, but for the author to blatantly wrote Enzo charachter as waaay too old for a nine year old boy... Thats too much of a fiction.
Unfortunetly it doesnt stop with this one sentence.
And stefano... I tought he have resources. He didnt think to check Val's background?
I have too many question at the end. And thats not good, cause it means the story have too many holes.
And i can see who the stalker/kidnapper from miles way.
For the cliffy ending, the fact that the author is holding out the second issue for the next book, just giving hint for Val's secret, i'm not sitting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
📕: Wicked Rivals by Kelliann Nelson
I loved this book the twist and turns that kept me at the edge of seat.. Valerie has secrets she been keeping and when Stefano first finds out he has a son he sees red since how he found out ..Valerie is strong and feisty and will do anything to protect Enzo.. I loved Enzo and understood why he was so protective of his mom..This an amazing book I can’t wait to read book two and see the story continue!!
📕: Wicked Rivals by Kelliann Nelson
I loved this book the twist and turns that kept me at the edge of seat.. Valerie has secrets she been keeping and when Stefano first finds out he has a son he sees red since how he found out ..Valerie is strong and feisty and will do anything to protect Enzo.. I loved Enzo and understood why he was so protective of his mom..This an amazing book I can’t wait to read book two and see the story continue!!
January 29, 2025
You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. OKAY LET ME START OUT WITH I HATE CLIFF HANGERS ….NOW THAT I GOT THAT OUT I FEEL A LOT BETTER 😊!!!!!! Valerie has been walking a tight rope trying to stay one step ahead of her past ten years ago she walked away from the man she loved, gave birth to their child and made a life for them but as we know things don’t always go as planned. Fast forward and she comes face to face with none other than Stefano sexy as all get out mafia boss oh also the man, she ran from realizing he had a son gave him the determination to make them a family, but he is engaged to someone else and facing his past or dealing with it to make a path for their future. The magnetic pull is still there like it was the day they met their second chance, and he intends to grab it he isn’t let her walk away with his boy she isn’t happy about any of it. Valerie spent her life protecting her son taking every safety measure and all her hard work is throw just gone out the window but with all the issues of her family where are they headed, will they get their second chance, can he keep them safe, at last we have to wait ….. ☹ have I said how much I really hate cliff hangers whyyyy must they make us wait I have no patience…just saying.
January 28, 2025
Please, proceed with caution as this review may contain small spoilers. I advise to check the trigger warnings if there are any themes are triggering or harmful to you.
I would love to start by saying it would be a crime not to take the time to sit down and enjoy this enthralling, dangerous and dark mafia romance. I absolutely LOVED reading Wicked Rivals! It was a page turner and can keep you guessing! This is an amazing work!
Reading Wicked Rivals is quite a rollercoaster of emotions as we follow our MC's, Valerie and Stefano. Troubled pasts, love askew, and so much tention, you could cut it with a knife.
As we get to get inside both of their minds and get to understand everything from both sides, it continues to draw you in, wanting to cheer for them, but watching the stuggles with in the life of a Mafia boss and a woman who has also just tried to survive and keep safe, away from the dangerous and bloody life of the Mafia.
When your only motovation is the love to protect what is yours and keep them safe, you would do anything. And with hard choice to be made, it clouds life and the things you think you need or want, but if you can't have it all, what are you going to risk?
Growing your empire for nothing, but revenge or to chase the life you wanted? Keep your child safe and have a good relationship with them or risk them hating you and to grow to respect you, for both of them losing the woman who love them?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would love to start by saying it would be a crime not to take the time to sit down and enjoy this enthralling, dangerous and dark mafia romance. I absolutely LOVED reading Wicked Rivals! It was a page turner and can keep you guessing! This is an amazing work!
Reading Wicked Rivals is quite a rollercoaster of emotions as we follow our MC's, Valerie and Stefano. Troubled pasts, love askew, and so much tention, you could cut it with a knife.
As we get to get inside both of their minds and get to understand everything from both sides, it continues to draw you in, wanting to cheer for them, but watching the stuggles with in the life of a Mafia boss and a woman who has also just tried to survive and keep safe, away from the dangerous and bloody life of the Mafia.
When your only motovation is the love to protect what is yours and keep them safe, you would do anything. And with hard choice to be made, it clouds life and the things you think you need or want, but if you can't have it all, what are you going to risk?
Growing your empire for nothing, but revenge or to chase the life you wanted? Keep your child safe and have a good relationship with them or risk them hating you and to grow to respect you, for both of them losing the woman who love them?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2025
Trying a new author in my favorite genre always makes me a little nervous. Though I had reservations, it thankfully turned out to be a good decision. Valerie’s a single mother (by choice), strong, complex, and fiercely protective of her child. While I don’t approve of mothers keeping their children away from fathers, in this instance, it offered some protection for them, albeit temporarily. In the appropriate environment, Enzo is clearly identifiable as Stefano’s son. Perhaps she should have chosen a home further from his domain, if she really wanted to hide forever. By concealing Enzo’s background, she created a major disadvantage for both of them. However, Val has a lot of secrets she’s hiding… Typical of this genre, the Vignalli family is rife with betrayal, violence, and deceit; Stefano, though, has his own designs on the family’s future. In a desperate, political, loveless marriage to Benedetta, he’s unknowingly jeopardized his true love and heir, placing them in mortal danger. Someone is actively working to prevent the wedding, intensifying the family’s difficulties. The captivating story and the sizzling chemistry between Stef and Val remained powerful, even years after their separation. The mystery of the who, why, and how of the mayhem and danger to Val and Enzo kept me turning the pages, and although it ends on a cliffhanger... (Oh, I know! Ugh, seriously?) ... I really want to know how this will turn out for everyone. I look forward to continuing this story, and thank the author for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my review and suggest you grab this one at your earliest opportunity. Enjoy!
October 8, 2024
I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait for the next book. Val is fierce, and I love strong female leads. She knows what she believes is the best course of action and makes it happen. Her character is beautifully written, without the typical traits that can make strong women unbearable in books.
Stefan is incredibly dynamic, the epitome of a Don. I love how he analyzes his actions and is self-reflective from the very beginning. While his belief system may include some questionable ideas, he is relentless, unwavering, and strategic. He is definitely my new crush.
This is sure to become your next favorite read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stefan is incredibly dynamic, the epitome of a Don. I love how he analyzes his actions and is self-reflective from the very beginning. While his belief system may include some questionable ideas, he is relentless, unwavering, and strategic. He is definitely my new crush.
This is sure to become your next favorite read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2025
Where to begin with this one. I really wanted to like this book. The blurb was interesting. That was the reason I wanted to read it. Along with that great book cover.🤩 But I have to be honest, I wanted to quit reading after a couple of chapters.😨 However, I wanted to give the book a fair chance when I find myself in these reading situations. I kept going, hoping, there would be something that would kick the story into gear, but for me, it didn't get there. There's questions, things that didn't click very well. There are two stories at play here, which was very obvious. I won't spoil that. But everyone has secrets. Everyone lies. There is no trust. Just a past between two people who once were involved and then it was over. Now it's 10yrs later and they meet again after secret threats to Stefano about getting married in 2 days and open gunfire at a coffee shop. Be aware there's a cliffhanger here. I didn't know there would be one. If I had known that, I probably wouldn't have read it. Just letting you know.
The way this was written, it began to run on and on like it didn't quite know where to go to next. Certain chapters should have happened first, not after sending another courier for these endless yellow envelopes that Stefano, our MMC, had received as 'threats'. How many can he possibly get?! Send a text! The timeline was wonky. It didn't build up direction but instead spent far too long spinning it's wheels on overthinking, in big chunks, about getting away from this dangerous man, Stefano, who's a liar, who would ruin her son's life etc etc from Valerie. I got tired of being in Val's head tbh.😮💨🙄 Escape. Now. Escape. Girlll for not wanting to be a damsel in distress you sure were waiting to be rescued at a certain point later on.😝 A crowbar to the head and you're hoping it won't be a concussion. Sheesh! Be glad you're alive. Smh.
Stefano Vignali, a high powered mobster, overly ambitious, arrogant, an ego that has no end. He wants to run the east coast. But the one who took the cake here, for me, has to be Valerie Salena. Strong, sassy, nah. Try controlling, arrogant, bratty, has an ego worse than Stefano. And incredibly foolish! Knowing the danger, the threats that the mob world holds, including a current one happening in this story (remember what happened at the coffee shop) that brings Stefano and Valerie back together again and Val still did what she did. Ugh!! If your ex began to ask you about people in your life who might want to hurt you, hurt your 9yr old son, wouldn't you share that with him? You don't ask why? That was Val's response. You start talking about anyone and everyone. I didn't like Val. Too careless. And of course, Stefano is mad about barely finding out about his son. I don't blame him. If she wanted to start a new life, then why not do it. Don't wait 10yrs when danger suddenly appears. It was always there. And the newest threat, yeah it was pretty obvious. I knew who the bad was. But Stefano, a powerful resourceful man, couldn't figure it out.🤷🏻♀️🤷🏼 Also, background check, buddy. In your world everyone needs one. There are no angels. No innocent baristas here.🚫
And 9yr old Enzo. Dude! No 9yr old talks like that. This felt incredibly out of place. "If you ever point a gun at Mama, raise your hand at her again, I won't stop till one of us is dead." Teenager. Sure. A kid who isn't around violence or shady men... who's 9, not so much. Unless. Time for the Nature vs Nurture debate. Red flags everywhere.🚩🚩🚩🚩 Serial killers start thinking this way, don't they. The giving of a gun to him later on.😳 You're the parent Stefano, put your foot down.
In the end, I think this story could have been edited a little bit more. Just a thought. It was too drawn out for it being only 3 days. Too much on some situations and not enough with others. I didn't feel these two adults were overly in love. In the past yes. But now, now there's too much hidden and betrayals are already happening. Maybe Stefano was, I guess. He seemed more invested. Her. Not really. Val is a hypocrite.🫡 Stefano was able to be vulnerable at one point. But he could also be a cold man set on revenge at any cost. There's too much contradictory feelings at play. There's spice but it read out of place for some reason. I don't know about this one. Maybe it will work for others. Who knows. If it does, then please, enjoy.
👤Thank you to Ms Nelson and Booksprout for an early book. These are my honest thoughts on the story that I read.👤
The way this was written, it began to run on and on like it didn't quite know where to go to next. Certain chapters should have happened first, not after sending another courier for these endless yellow envelopes that Stefano, our MMC, had received as 'threats'. How many can he possibly get?! Send a text! The timeline was wonky. It didn't build up direction but instead spent far too long spinning it's wheels on overthinking, in big chunks, about getting away from this dangerous man, Stefano, who's a liar, who would ruin her son's life etc etc from Valerie. I got tired of being in Val's head tbh.😮💨🙄 Escape. Now. Escape. Girlll for not wanting to be a damsel in distress you sure were waiting to be rescued at a certain point later on.😝 A crowbar to the head and you're hoping it won't be a concussion. Sheesh! Be glad you're alive. Smh.
Stefano Vignali, a high powered mobster, overly ambitious, arrogant, an ego that has no end. He wants to run the east coast. But the one who took the cake here, for me, has to be Valerie Salena. Strong, sassy, nah. Try controlling, arrogant, bratty, has an ego worse than Stefano. And incredibly foolish! Knowing the danger, the threats that the mob world holds, including a current one happening in this story (remember what happened at the coffee shop) that brings Stefano and Valerie back together again and Val still did what she did. Ugh!! If your ex began to ask you about people in your life who might want to hurt you, hurt your 9yr old son, wouldn't you share that with him? You don't ask why? That was Val's response. You start talking about anyone and everyone. I didn't like Val. Too careless. And of course, Stefano is mad about barely finding out about his son. I don't blame him. If she wanted to start a new life, then why not do it. Don't wait 10yrs when danger suddenly appears. It was always there. And the newest threat, yeah it was pretty obvious. I knew who the bad was. But Stefano, a powerful resourceful man, couldn't figure it out.🤷🏻♀️🤷🏼 Also, background check, buddy. In your world everyone needs one. There are no angels. No innocent baristas here.🚫
And 9yr old Enzo. Dude! No 9yr old talks like that. This felt incredibly out of place. "If you ever point a gun at Mama, raise your hand at her again, I won't stop till one of us is dead." Teenager. Sure. A kid who isn't around violence or shady men... who's 9, not so much. Unless. Time for the Nature vs Nurture debate. Red flags everywhere.🚩🚩🚩🚩 Serial killers start thinking this way, don't they. The giving of a gun to him later on.😳 You're the parent Stefano, put your foot down.
In the end, I think this story could have been edited a little bit more. Just a thought. It was too drawn out for it being only 3 days. Too much on some situations and not enough with others. I didn't feel these two adults were overly in love. In the past yes. But now, now there's too much hidden and betrayals are already happening. Maybe Stefano was, I guess. He seemed more invested. Her. Not really. Val is a hypocrite.🫡 Stefano was able to be vulnerable at one point. But he could also be a cold man set on revenge at any cost. There's too much contradictory feelings at play. There's spice but it read out of place for some reason. I don't know about this one. Maybe it will work for others. Who knows. If it does, then please, enjoy.
👤Thank you to Ms Nelson and Booksprout for an early book. These are my honest thoughts on the story that I read.👤
February 27, 2025
“Wicked Rivals” is the first book in the “Savage Syndicate Series.” This is Kelliann’s debut novel and I could not put it down. Ten years ago Stefano and Valerie had a fairytale romance, until she found out his real name and who his family is! She ran, carrying his child …. Now Stefano is back, her life and her son’s life are at risk due to his impending arranged marriage.
“This kid was my son.
Everything I had sacrificed in my life, every solemn oath I swore to myself—all of it went out the window with that truth.
I didn't want children not because I wouldn’t make a good father but because any child of mine could never fully claim his future as his own.”
Now he is standing in front of her …. he’d completely transformed from being her Stefano Salvatore into Stefano Vignali, the ruthless mafia boss. “The bitter taste of regret filled my mouth. I hated to admit even to myself, but Stefano had become exactly the kind of man I wanted. Powerful, dangerous, someone who made me feel safe.
And yes, sexy as hell.”
When her coffee shop, Con Amore, is shot up whilst Stefano is onsite. To protect her and Enzo, he takes them back to his place until they can find out who is behind the attacks and neutralise the threat. The chemistry between Stefano and Val is still there and underneath all the issues, so is their love for each other. He would rather risk the possibility of war, rather than marry a Mafia Princess, as arranged, in two days. Val and Enzo are his life and he will do anything to protect them.
Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. The heat between Stefano and Val is off the page. There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a dark mafia romance!
You cannot help but fall in love Stefano and Val. Will they get a chance to have a normal relationship, and if so, will it work out considering the situation? You will have your fingers crossed, especially with so many twists and turns! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
“This kid was my son.
Everything I had sacrificed in my life, every solemn oath I swore to myself—all of it went out the window with that truth.
I didn't want children not because I wouldn’t make a good father but because any child of mine could never fully claim his future as his own.”
Now he is standing in front of her …. he’d completely transformed from being her Stefano Salvatore into Stefano Vignali, the ruthless mafia boss. “The bitter taste of regret filled my mouth. I hated to admit even to myself, but Stefano had become exactly the kind of man I wanted. Powerful, dangerous, someone who made me feel safe.
And yes, sexy as hell.”
When her coffee shop, Con Amore, is shot up whilst Stefano is onsite. To protect her and Enzo, he takes them back to his place until they can find out who is behind the attacks and neutralise the threat. The chemistry between Stefano and Val is still there and underneath all the issues, so is their love for each other. He would rather risk the possibility of war, rather than marry a Mafia Princess, as arranged, in two days. Val and Enzo are his life and he will do anything to protect them.
Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. The heat between Stefano and Val is off the page. There is never a dull moment! This book is everything you expect from a dark mafia romance!
You cannot help but fall in love Stefano and Val. Will they get a chance to have a normal relationship, and if so, will it work out considering the situation? You will have your fingers crossed, especially with so many twists and turns! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
January 30, 2025
Wicked Rivals book one in the Savage Syndicate series was an action-packed, passionate, roller coaster of a book and I loved every minute of it! FMC Valerie is a strong, independent single mom who runs her own cafe in Brooklyn. She hides her past as well as her own secrets as she raises her stoic, intelligent, and loving son Enzo in a place that she has always thought of as home.
MMC and mafia boss Stefano is part of her past and Enzo’s father, which he is shocked to find out, just two days before his arranged, only business wedding to a mafia princess. There is a stalker, threats to Val and to his son, as well as unforgotten feelings between Stefano and Val that resurface quickly once he goes to her cafe to confront her.
I appreciated the fast pace of this story and how there was enough action and tense parts to keep the plot moving. There was the perfect amount of inner dialogue from the FMC and MMC, as well as plenty of character development. I really felt like I got to know Val and Stefan, as well as some insights into their son Enzo.
And when Val and Stefan were together, they had major chemistry… the office/study scene was HOT!!! I loved their banter and she was so stubborn and sassy but not in an annoying way at all. And Stefan has been pining for her, he never got over her, and never wanted anyone else even after 10 years apart!
“She belonged to me. And she would only be safe with me. No world existed in which I would not be in our son’s life. No reality remained in which she didn’t spend all her nights in my bed.”
“The time would come when she found her place by my side in public, on her knees in private, and in my bed every night.” This man!!!!
Enzo was a great character too and while intense for a nine year old, I found it very believable, as I have an intensely protective and serious son, who was even like that at a young age. Enzo is definitely the product of the strong, smart, passionate FMC and MMC, and the world that they come from, even though he did not grow up in it.
This was a great read, perfect balance of action, emotion, and well written steam. I read it in less than 24 hours and could not put it down! There was a major cliffhanger and I cannot wait for book two in the series, Savage Enemy! We need more Val and Stefan asap Ms. Nelson!!!
MMC and mafia boss Stefano is part of her past and Enzo’s father, which he is shocked to find out, just two days before his arranged, only business wedding to a mafia princess. There is a stalker, threats to Val and to his son, as well as unforgotten feelings between Stefano and Val that resurface quickly once he goes to her cafe to confront her.
I appreciated the fast pace of this story and how there was enough action and tense parts to keep the plot moving. There was the perfect amount of inner dialogue from the FMC and MMC, as well as plenty of character development. I really felt like I got to know Val and Stefan, as well as some insights into their son Enzo.
And when Val and Stefan were together, they had major chemistry… the office/study scene was HOT!!! I loved their banter and she was so stubborn and sassy but not in an annoying way at all. And Stefan has been pining for her, he never got over her, and never wanted anyone else even after 10 years apart!
“She belonged to me. And she would only be safe with me. No world existed in which I would not be in our son’s life. No reality remained in which she didn’t spend all her nights in my bed.”
“The time would come when she found her place by my side in public, on her knees in private, and in my bed every night.” This man!!!!
Enzo was a great character too and while intense for a nine year old, I found it very believable, as I have an intensely protective and serious son, who was even like that at a young age. Enzo is definitely the product of the strong, smart, passionate FMC and MMC, and the world that they come from, even though he did not grow up in it.
This was a great read, perfect balance of action, emotion, and well written steam. I read it in less than 24 hours and could not put it down! There was a major cliffhanger and I cannot wait for book two in the series, Savage Enemy! We need more Val and Stefan asap Ms. Nelson!!!
February 9, 2025
WICKED RIVALS is the first instalment in Kelliann Nelson’s contemporary adult SAVAGE SYNDICATE erotic, Mafia romance series. This is barista Valerie Salera, and Mafia boss Stefano Vignali’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Valerie and Stefano) WICKED RIVALS follows Valerie Salera as she struggles to stay one step ahead of her past. Approximately ten years earlier, Valerie Salera walked away from the man that she loved, taking their unborn child with her. Fast forward to present day, Valerie will come face to face with the past in the guise of Mafia boss Stefano Vignali, the man from whom she ran. Valerie kept their son a secret, now Stefano is determined to reclaim the family he lost but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and she is prepared to run to save their lives. Engaged to someone else, Stefano must come terms with the past, heading towards a new future.
The world building follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple, and the secrets and lies that broken them apart. Valerie has spent her life protecting her son but Stefano’s reappearance in her life has threatened every safety measure she had in place.
The relationship between Valerie and Stefano is a rekindling romance but a relationship with too many unanswered questions and mysterious unknowns. Valerie kept their son a secret, and Stefano is determined to start anew. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters include Stefano’s current fiance Benedetta and her father Mafia boss Benedict Capaldo, school teacher Donnie Luka, as well as several Mafia men, security, and the members of the Commission.
WICKED RIVALS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and captivating; the romance is impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic. WICKED RIVALS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a 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 (Valerie and Stefano) WICKED RIVALS follows Valerie Salera as she struggles to stay one step ahead of her past. Approximately ten years earlier, Valerie Salera walked away from the man that she loved, taking their unborn child with her. Fast forward to present day, Valerie will come face to face with the past in the guise of Mafia boss Stefano Vignali, the man from whom she ran. Valerie kept their son a secret, now Stefano is determined to reclaim the family he lost but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and she is prepared to run to save their lives. Engaged to someone else, Stefano must come terms with the past, heading towards a new future.
The world building follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple, and the secrets and lies that broken them apart. Valerie has spent her life protecting her son but Stefano’s reappearance in her life has threatened every safety measure she had in place.
The relationship between Valerie and Stefano is a rekindling romance but a relationship with too many unanswered questions and mysterious unknowns. Valerie kept their son a secret, and Stefano is determined to start anew. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters include Stefano’s current fiance Benedetta and her father Mafia boss Benedict Capaldo, school teacher Donnie Luka, as well as several Mafia men, security, and the members of the Commission.
WICKED RIVALS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and captivating; the romance is impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic. WICKED RIVALS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2025
WICKED RIVALS is the first instalment in Kelliann Nelson’s contemporary adult SAVAGE SYNDICATE erotic, Mafia romance series. This is barista Valerie Salera, and Mafia boss Stefano Vignali’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Valerie and Stefano) WICKED RIVALS follows Valerie Salera as she struggles to stay one step ahead of her past. Approximately ten years earlier, Valerie Salera walked away from the man that she loved, taking their unborn child with her. Fast forward to present day, Valerie will come face to face with the past in the guise of Mafia boss Stefano Vignali, the man from whom she ran. Valerie kept their son a secret, now Stefano is determined to reclaim the family he lost but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and she is prepared to run to save their lives. Engaged to someone else, Stefano must come terms with the past, heading towards a new future.
The world building follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple, and the secrets and lies that broken them apart. Valerie has spent her life protecting her son but Stefano’s reappearance in her life has threatened every safety measure she had in place.
The relationship between Valerie and Stefano is a rekindling romance but a relationship with too many unanswered questions and mysterious unknowns. Valerie kept their son a secret, and Stefano is determined to start anew. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters include Stefano’s current fiance Benedetta and her father Mafia boss Benedict Capaldo, school teacher Donnie Luka, as well as several Mafia men, security, and the members of the Commission.
WICKED RIVALS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and captivating; the romance is impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic. WICKED RIVALS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
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 (Valerie and Stefano) WICKED RIVALS follows Valerie Salera as she struggles to stay one step ahead of her past. Approximately ten years earlier, Valerie Salera walked away from the man that she loved, taking their unborn child with her. Fast forward to present day, Valerie will come face to face with the past in the guise of Mafia boss Stefano Vignali, the man from whom she ran. Valerie kept their son a secret, now Stefano is determined to reclaim the family he lost but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and she is prepared to run to save their lives. Engaged to someone else, Stefano must come terms with the past, heading towards a new future.
The world building follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple, and the secrets and lies that broken them apart. Valerie has spent her life protecting her son but Stefano’s reappearance in her life has threatened every safety measure she had in place.
The relationship between Valerie and Stefano is a rekindling romance but a relationship with too many unanswered questions and mysterious unknowns. Valerie kept their son a secret, and Stefano is determined to start anew. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.
The secondary and supporting characters include Stefano’s current fiance Benedetta and her father Mafia boss Benedict Capaldo, school teacher Donnie Luka, as well as several Mafia men, security, and the members of the Commission.
WICKED RIVALS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and captivating; the romance is impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic. WICKED RIVALS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
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