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Marchiano & Petrov Mafia #1
Mafia And Captive
An alternative cover edition can be found here
Taken on her wedding day. By a man as brutal as he was beautiful.
Juliana
I’d played kiss chase when I’d been younger, but never with the devil himself…
Never did I dream that my big day would turn into a bloody wedding.
Handsome, cruel, and ruthless, Marco Marchiano is the Capo of Chicago and is feared by all.
He terrifies me with his darkness, confuses me with his tenderness…and devastates me with his touch.
And with this man, I am forever falling.
Because he says the truth isn’t what I’ve been brought up to believe.
But I say…he’s the master manipulator.
Marco
Betrayed by a rival family, I don’t hesitate to take my revenge.
By taking their innocent Mafia daughter…the girl who’d flaunted her pureness and tantalized me with her guileless eyes.
I never bargained, however, on her standing up to me.
Nor her unbreakable bond with her family.
But I will stop at nothing to make her submit to me.
Because some say men should strive to serve in heaven.
But I say…it’s always much better to reign in hell.
This is a dark romance featuring the Italian Mafia, a possessive antihero, steam, chemistry, passion, and angst.
A full length, standalone novel within the interconnecting Marchiano Mafia Series, with a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
Taken on her wedding day. By a man as brutal as he was beautiful.
Juliana
I’d played kiss chase when I’d been younger, but never with the devil himself…
Never did I dream that my big day would turn into a bloody wedding.
Handsome, cruel, and ruthless, Marco Marchiano is the Capo of Chicago and is feared by all.
He terrifies me with his darkness, confuses me with his tenderness…and devastates me with his touch.
And with this man, I am forever falling.
Because he says the truth isn’t what I’ve been brought up to believe.
But I say…he’s the master manipulator.
Marco
Betrayed by a rival family, I don’t hesitate to take my revenge.
By taking their innocent Mafia daughter…the girl who’d flaunted her pureness and tantalized me with her guileless eyes.
I never bargained, however, on her standing up to me.
Nor her unbreakable bond with her family.
But I will stop at nothing to make her submit to me.
Because some say men should strive to serve in heaven.
But I say…it’s always much better to reign in hell.
This is a dark romance featuring the Italian Mafia, a possessive antihero, steam, chemistry, passion, and angst.
A full length, standalone novel within the interconnecting Marchiano Mafia Series, with a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2023
1299 people are currently reading
3228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
dnf
March 13, 2023DNF @ 27% - *YAWN* nothing new here, folks. A “monster”
who is obsessed with blood and blames an innocent teenager for the machinations of her mafia family…. 🙄 You know, the family who cared so little about her that she was forced into a marriage before she graduated high school. Yeah, dude… I’m sure she’s the evil mastermind. 👀🙄🤡
It’s almost comical that anyone would scream “plagiarism” in this genre. They are literally all the exact same. These “mafia” authors need new material.
And for the love of all things holy, stop putting me into these posers heads. Show don’t tell.
😐😐😐
NEXT!
who is obsessed with blood and blames an innocent teenager for the machinations of her mafia family…. 🙄 You know, the family who cared so little about her that she was forced into a marriage before she graduated high school. Yeah, dude… I’m sure she’s the evil mastermind. 👀🙄🤡
It’s almost comical that anyone would scream “plagiarism” in this genre. They are literally all the exact same. These “mafia” authors need new material.
And for the love of all things holy, stop putting me into these posers heads. Show don’t tell.
😐😐😐
NEXT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
I wanted to read a cool mafia book but this definitely wasn’t one.
The writing style didn’t engage me, it lacked flow and had way too many repetitions.
Both MCs, Marco & Julianna were blunt and there was zero chemistry between them.
We didn’t get to see how their feelings evolved. She hated him and out of nowhere, she didn’t! I didn’t understand at all her sudden change of behaviour. Maybe the author had Stockholm syndrome in mind but it’s not something that happens overnight I think.
Also, the end was too rushed.
What I’ll remember from the book:
- That Marco is a Made Man
- That Julianna belonged to him
Seriously, those things were mentioned like a hundred times 🫤
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: 2/5 ⭐️ for me.
The writing style didn’t engage me, it lacked flow and had way too many repetitions.
Both MCs, Marco & Julianna were blunt and there was zero chemistry between them.
We didn’t get to see how their feelings evolved. She hated him and out of nowhere, she didn’t! I didn’t understand at all her sudden change of behaviour. Maybe the author had Stockholm syndrome in mind but it’s not something that happens overnight I think.
Also, the end was too rushed.
What I’ll remember from the book:
- That Marco is a Made Man
- That Julianna belonged to him
Seriously, those things were mentioned like a hundred times 🫤
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: 2/5 ⭐️ for me.
December 31, 2023
That was unexpectedly good.
January 27, 2023
Juliana is a young, kind-hearted, and sweet mafia princess that has been groomed her entire life to be the perfect obedient mafia wife. She has fire in her heart and doesn’t immediately submit to the man her father has chosen for her to wed. Marco Marchiano is the cruel and ruthless King of Chicago as a feared Capo. The arranged marriage is a sign of an alliance between two enemy families. Marco is intimidating, heartless, and shows no mercy. Once the contract is signed, Juliana knows her life will never be the same. Everything goes from bad to worse during their nuptials when her family carries out their secretly planned attack.
“She was supposed to be my wife. Now she would be my revenge.”
Marco whisks Juliana away from the church and heads back to Chicago. Her family has betrayed him and he is set on revenge. She’s his captive and will break her in every single way. He wants her mind, body, and soul. There aren’t many moments that are sweet and romantic but Marco softens towards Juliana in his own twisted way. Even when she acts childish and attempts to escape multiple times, he punishes her but never hurts her in a way that she can’t handle. There is one punishment scene where Juliana has to make an impossible choice and witness a terrible scene that felt over-the-top awful, but it made sense that she needed this wake-up call. Marco couldn’t let her continue to get away with stupid decisions she made in desperation. My heart broke for Juliana though.
I’m excited to read Jessica’s book next (Juliana’s sister) and I hope this author continues writing in this universe as there are so many other characters I love and would enjoy reading about.
Tropes: Mafia romance, grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, age gap, arranged marriage, virgin heroine, pregnancy, happily-ever-after
Heat: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“She was supposed to be my wife. Now she would be my revenge.”
Marco whisks Juliana away from the church and heads back to Chicago. Her family has betrayed him and he is set on revenge. She’s his captive and will break her in every single way. He wants her mind, body, and soul. There aren’t many moments that are sweet and romantic but Marco softens towards Juliana in his own twisted way. Even when she acts childish and attempts to escape multiple times, he punishes her but never hurts her in a way that she can’t handle. There is one punishment scene where Juliana has to make an impossible choice and witness a terrible scene that felt over-the-top awful, but it made sense that she needed this wake-up call. Marco couldn’t let her continue to get away with stupid decisions she made in desperation. My heart broke for Juliana though.
I’m excited to read Jessica’s book next (Juliana’s sister) and I hope this author continues writing in this universe as there are so many other characters I love and would enjoy reading about.
Tropes: Mafia romance, grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, age gap, arranged marriage, virgin heroine, pregnancy, happily-ever-after
Heat: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2024
Якщо поєднати історію Луки і Арії, та Рімо і Серафіни, то вийде ось ця книга.
Зустріла її на просторах Facebook, писали що дуже нагадує Кору Рейлі.
Ну і звісно, я вирішила перевірити.🤭
У нас є дві родини, які вирішують об'єднатися щоб протистояти Братві.
Марко Марчиано - 27р, капо , має брата Алессіо який ж є його консільєрі, але це не всі, також є Даніо і Камілло, і сестра Дебора.
Ходить плітка що Марко дуже жорстокий, і навіть вбив своїх батьків.
Джуліана Бонарді - 19р, донька одного з молодших босів мафіозної родини Сантіно. Взагалі то вона мала вийти за майбутнього капо - Габріеля Сантіно. Але так сталось що Марко краща партія для неї.
Ну все по шаблону він монстр, вона його боїться, але все ж таки йде до нього в день весілля, але сім'я Сантіно влаштувало пастку, щоб вбити більше Марчіано, і так виходить що під вогонь потрапляє сестра Джуліани, Джессіка.
Марко вирішує забрати Джуліану, в якось помсти.
Ха, він веде себе прям, к справжній джентльмен 😂
Даже не з нею спати😐 саме так вчиняють жорстокі чоловіки, монстри😅
Він фотографує Джуліану, в весільній сукні якв залита кров'ю, та відправляє її батькам.
Все ж таки він завершує церемонію весілля, і тепер Джуліана його законна дружина.
Її хоче врятувати брат, і їм майже це вдається, але Марко перехоплює їх.
Та влаштовує брату і охоронцю тортури, і змушує Джуліану вибрати кого вбити.
Ось цей момент і вправду був жорстокий, плюс він ще привів її в кімнату, та змусив дивитись.
Джуліана наче змирилась зі своїм життям, звикла, і наче в неї трохи з'являються почуття до Марко, її подобаються його брати та сестра.
І в її день народження вона просить зателефонувати сестрі, спрчатку він каже ні, а потім все ж таки дозволяє.
І вона дізнається що тепер її сестра вимушена вийти за одного з Сантіно, але не Габрієля, а його молодшого брата Рафаэля.
Джуліана розуміє що це не все, і сестра їй чогось не каже.
Скажу так, мені сподобався момент з сестрою, він прям був максимально зворушливий. 🥹
Тому вона вирішує збігти і перевірити сестру.🙄🤦🏼♀️
Що батько, що мати у неї жахливі, звісно вона попадається, і її звинувачують що вона повія, і її покарають, і зроблять прикладом.
А що Марко, він за ради неї, все кидає та їде її рятувати.
Я продовжу читати, бо мені цікаво провести аналогію з іншими книгами.
І мені цікава історія її сестри.
Але написано, не дуже добре, героями, я не прониклась, не розумію, як в них виникло кохання.
Сцени +18, теж не дуже.
Зустріла її на просторах Facebook, писали що дуже нагадує Кору Рейлі.
Ну і звісно, я вирішила перевірити.🤭
У нас є дві родини, які вирішують об'єднатися щоб протистояти Братві.
Марко Марчиано - 27р, капо , має брата Алессіо який ж є його консільєрі, але це не всі, також є Даніо і Камілло, і сестра Дебора.
Ходить плітка що Марко дуже жорстокий, і навіть вбив своїх батьків.
Джуліана Бонарді - 19р, донька одного з молодших босів мафіозної родини Сантіно. Взагалі то вона мала вийти за майбутнього капо - Габріеля Сантіно. Але так сталось що Марко краща партія для неї.
Ну все по шаблону він монстр, вона його боїться, але все ж таки йде до нього в день весілля, але сім'я Сантіно влаштувало пастку, щоб вбити більше Марчіано, і так виходить що під вогонь потрапляє сестра Джуліани, Джессіка.
Марко вирішує забрати Джуліану, в якось помсти.
Ха, він веде себе прям, к справжній джентльмен 😂
Даже не з нею спати😐 саме так вчиняють жорстокі чоловіки, монстри😅
Він фотографує Джуліану, в весільній сукні якв залита кров'ю, та відправляє її батькам.
Все ж таки він завершує церемонію весілля, і тепер Джуліана його законна дружина.
Її хоче врятувати брат, і їм майже це вдається, але Марко перехоплює їх.
Та влаштовує брату і охоронцю тортури, і змушує Джуліану вибрати кого вбити.
Ось цей момент і вправду був жорстокий, плюс він ще привів її в кімнату, та змусив дивитись.
Джуліана наче змирилась зі своїм життям, звикла, і наче в неї трохи з'являються почуття до Марко, її подобаються його брати та сестра.
І в її день народження вона просить зателефонувати сестрі, спрчатку він каже ні, а потім все ж таки дозволяє.
І вона дізнається що тепер її сестра вимушена вийти за одного з Сантіно, але не Габрієля, а його молодшого брата Рафаэля.
Джуліана розуміє що це не все, і сестра їй чогось не каже.
Скажу так, мені сподобався момент з сестрою, він прям був максимально зворушливий. 🥹
Тому вона вирішує збігти і перевірити сестру.🙄🤦🏼♀️
Що батько, що мати у неї жахливі, звісно вона попадається, і її звинувачують що вона повія, і її покарають, і зроблять прикладом.
А що Марко, він за ради неї, все кидає та їде її рятувати.
Я продовжу читати, бо мені цікаво провести аналогію з іншими книгами.
І мені цікава історія її сестри.
Але написано, не дуже добре, героями, я не прониклась, не розумію, як в них виникло кохання.
Сцени +18, теж не дуже.
October 12, 2023
This was the worst book I have ever read.
Marco was the worst main male interest I haber ever read. He makes julia choose between killing her brother or her bodyguard (who she was close to). He treated her like trash most of the book, he didn’t care about her, he just wanted revenge, and his revenge has basically taking her virginity. If they fall in love is was because she clearly Stockholm syndrome ( he forces her to watch how the bodyguard is brutally kill, and doesn’t let her look away)
If you can, don’t read the book, is definitely not worth it.
Marco was the worst main male interest I haber ever read. He makes julia choose between killing her brother or her bodyguard (who she was close to). He treated her like trash most of the book, he didn’t care about her, he just wanted revenge, and his revenge has basically taking her virginity. If they fall in love is was because she clearly Stockholm syndrome ( he forces her to watch how the bodyguard is brutally kill, and doesn’t let her look away)
If you can, don’t read the book, is definitely not worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
(Thank you Peachy Keen and the author Isa Oliver for the eARC in exchange for a spoiler free review)
(Please check content note before reading).
I read Mafia and Angels before this and it wasn’t really my book but this book was indeed better than the previous.
I feel like the captive trope is hard to pull off, only certain authors have been able to make it so good but this book was definitely on the slightly above average mark.
I liked the fire between them, it wasn’t just a sweet girl and bad guy book because they had chemistry where the FMC didn’t just sit still and accept everything that’s done to her. I liked that Marco continuously pushed limits (although not enough) because I personally like a MMC who’s as dark as he can be.
The book could have had more because it’s the captive trope after all. But it is still readable.
Definitely better than the first book!
Marchiano Mafia reviews
Mafia and Captive - 3 ⭐
Mafia and Angel
(Please check content note before reading).
I read Mafia and Angels before this and it wasn’t really my book but this book was indeed better than the previous.
I feel like the captive trope is hard to pull off, only certain authors have been able to make it so good but this book was definitely on the slightly above average mark.
I liked the fire between them, it wasn’t just a sweet girl and bad guy book because they had chemistry where the FMC didn’t just sit still and accept everything that’s done to her. I liked that Marco continuously pushed limits (although not enough) because I personally like a MMC who’s as dark as he can be.
The book could have had more because it’s the captive trope after all. But it is still readable.
Definitely better than the first book!
Marchiano Mafia reviews
Mafia and Captive - 3 ⭐
Mafia and Angel
August 7, 2025
I don’t know if I like it or not. Marco was okay, but the love just came out of nowhere — I honestly didn’t get it!!
February 20, 2023
Great mafia read
This is a new author to me and someone reccd it here. I read it in one afternoon/evening. The hero was Ott possessive and absolutely obsessed with the heroine. He never looked at anyone else the whole book. Here are the deets!
V heroine
Captive heroine
Mine, mine, mine hero
No ow drama or smex
No cheating
No sharing
Mafia romance
Arranged marriage
Red wedding 🩸
🍆💦 Marks her as his
🍆💦 Rubs it in
HEA
Obsessed hero
Forced 🍆👄 punishment
Throws heroine over his shoulder
Makes her sleep in his bed
This is a new author to me and someone reccd it here. I read it in one afternoon/evening. The hero was Ott possessive and absolutely obsessed with the heroine. He never looked at anyone else the whole book. Here are the deets!
V heroine
Captive heroine
Mine, mine, mine hero
No ow drama or smex
No cheating
No sharing
Mafia romance
Arranged marriage
Red wedding 🩸
🍆💦 Marks her as his
🍆💦 Rubs it in
HEA
Obsessed hero
Forced 🍆👄 punishment
Throws heroine over his shoulder
Makes her sleep in his bed
March 12, 2025
I love me some mafia romance story and I love this book from the very beginning of the book. I couldn’t put it down it was so good. The story was good like we all know how mafia family are and I love how she stood up to him at every turn of the book and she kept him on his toes through out the whole story. I love the dog he was so freaking cute. I love that he was a family man and stood by his family for everything and she did too for her siblings. I dislike her parent for the event that took place. I can’t wait to read more of the story with all the different characters.
December 30, 2023
Marco fell flat for me and it felt like she just went From hating Marco to being in love with him. It seemed so disjointed at times too
December 15, 2024
Repetitive. Decent.
February 16, 2023
Oh my gosh! I've found a new mafia author queen!
I absolutely fell for Juliana and Marco's story!
Intense, steamy, emotional, it had everything this mafia romance reader desires!
There is so much action.
It's a fast paced read I didn't want to put down!
Now, I have to go check the other stories Ms. Oliver has written!
I absolutely fell for Juliana and Marco's story!
Intense, steamy, emotional, it had everything this mafia romance reader desires!
There is so much action.
It's a fast paced read I didn't want to put down!
Now, I have to go check the other stories Ms. Oliver has written!
July 17, 2025
Marco’s a bit thick in the head. (100% thick in the head)
February 11, 2025
2.5 …. Started out so interesting and then boom insta love …. Plzzzzzz spare me. This was all lust not love lol
February 3, 2023
Mafia and Captive by Isa Oliver is an emotionally gritty romance that will linger long past its conclusion. A true enemies-to-lovers romance with a brutal mafia Capo and an innocent but sassy mob princess.
As a mafia daughter, Juliana Bonardi has always known that she would marry not for love but to strengthen allegiances. Marco Marchiano has been raised to believe love is a weakness. Together they must navigate the perils of ruthless ambition and their own jaded beliefs to achieve their happy ending.
Juliana and Marco's chemistry is tumultuous and their journey difficult. As the story gradually unfolds you will understand the merciless world they live in and the "Made Man" mentality. I couldn't help but be sympathetic toward such flawed characters, especially Marco, who I found unnecessarily cruel at times. I loved how the author used subtle kindness and lingering touches to display Marco's love for Juliana. By the end of this edgy and beautifully written love story, you will have fallen in love with Marco's protective nature and Juliana's quiet strength.
A MUST-READ for any mafia romance reader!!
Content Warning: mafia violence/torture/murder
Spicy and descriptive captive romance with an 8 yr age gap
No cheating, sharing, or ow/om drama - virgin h
Dual POV
I am voluntarily sharing my honest review after receiving a free advance reader copy of this book.
As a mafia daughter, Juliana Bonardi has always known that she would marry not for love but to strengthen allegiances. Marco Marchiano has been raised to believe love is a weakness. Together they must navigate the perils of ruthless ambition and their own jaded beliefs to achieve their happy ending.
Juliana and Marco's chemistry is tumultuous and their journey difficult. As the story gradually unfolds you will understand the merciless world they live in and the "Made Man" mentality. I couldn't help but be sympathetic toward such flawed characters, especially Marco, who I found unnecessarily cruel at times. I loved how the author used subtle kindness and lingering touches to display Marco's love for Juliana. By the end of this edgy and beautifully written love story, you will have fallen in love with Marco's protective nature and Juliana's quiet strength.
A MUST-READ for any mafia romance reader!!
Content Warning: mafia violence/torture/murder
Spicy and descriptive captive romance with an 8 yr age gap
No cheating, sharing, or ow/om drama - virgin h
Dual POV
I am voluntarily sharing my honest review after receiving a free advance reader copy of this book.
March 2, 2023
Book title: Mafia and Captive
Author: Isa Oliver
Book Series: Marchiano Mafia #2
Genre: Romance
Tropes: Mafia, Alpha Male, kidnap, arranged marriage, revenge.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Thoughts: After a reading Isas debut novel I was eager to read more of her work. Book two in the Marchiano Series didn't disappoint. Juliana is kidnapped on her wedding day, the day turns into a bloody wedding. Held as Marcos hostage, Marco doesn't see her being feisty and standing up to him. The tension between the two was off the charts. Marcos determination to get Juliana to submit to him left me racing through this book to see the outcome. If you love dark mafia I recommend you taking a chance with Isa, she's one of my new favorite mafia authors at the minute and I cant wait to read more of her work.
Blurb: Taken on her wedding day. By a man as brutal as he was beautiful.
Juliana
I’d played kiss chase when I’d been younger, but never with the devil himself…
Never did I dream that my big day would turn into a bloody wedding.
Handsome, cruel, and ruthless, Marco Marchiano is the Capo of Chicago and is feared by all.
He terrifies me with his darkness, confuses me with his tenderness…and devastates me with his touch.
And with this man, I am forever falling.
Because he says the truth isn’t what I’ve been brought up to believe.
But I say…he’s the master manipulator.
Marco
Betrayed by a rival family, I don’t hesitate to take my revenge.
By taking their innocent Mafia daughter…the girl who’d flaunted her pureness and tantalized me with her guileless eyes.
I never bargained, however, on her standing up to me.
Nor her unbreakable bond with her family.
But I will stop at nothing to make her submit to me.
Because some say men should strive to serve in heaven.
But I say…it’s always much better to reign in hell.
This is a dark romance featuring the Italian Mafia, a possessive antihero, chemistry, passion, and angst.
A full length, standalone novel within the interconnecting Marchiano Mafia Series, with a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
#mafiaromance #bookstagram #books #reading #booklover #comingsoon #bookworm #romance #read #amazon #bookish #booknerd #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookaholic #booksofinstagram #booklove #bookblogger #booklovers #authorsofinstagram
Author: Isa Oliver
Book Series: Marchiano Mafia #2
Genre: Romance
Tropes: Mafia, Alpha Male, kidnap, arranged marriage, revenge.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Angst: 3.5/5
Thoughts: After a reading Isas debut novel I was eager to read more of her work. Book two in the Marchiano Series didn't disappoint. Juliana is kidnapped on her wedding day, the day turns into a bloody wedding. Held as Marcos hostage, Marco doesn't see her being feisty and standing up to him. The tension between the two was off the charts. Marcos determination to get Juliana to submit to him left me racing through this book to see the outcome. If you love dark mafia I recommend you taking a chance with Isa, she's one of my new favorite mafia authors at the minute and I cant wait to read more of her work.
Blurb: Taken on her wedding day. By a man as brutal as he was beautiful.
Juliana
I’d played kiss chase when I’d been younger, but never with the devil himself…
Never did I dream that my big day would turn into a bloody wedding.
Handsome, cruel, and ruthless, Marco Marchiano is the Capo of Chicago and is feared by all.
He terrifies me with his darkness, confuses me with his tenderness…and devastates me with his touch.
And with this man, I am forever falling.
Because he says the truth isn’t what I’ve been brought up to believe.
But I say…he’s the master manipulator.
Marco
Betrayed by a rival family, I don’t hesitate to take my revenge.
By taking their innocent Mafia daughter…the girl who’d flaunted her pureness and tantalized me with her guileless eyes.
I never bargained, however, on her standing up to me.
Nor her unbreakable bond with her family.
But I will stop at nothing to make her submit to me.
Because some say men should strive to serve in heaven.
But I say…it’s always much better to reign in hell.
This is a dark romance featuring the Italian Mafia, a possessive antihero, chemistry, passion, and angst.
A full length, standalone novel within the interconnecting Marchiano Mafia Series, with a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
#mafiaromance #bookstagram #books #reading #booklover #comingsoon #bookworm #romance #read #amazon #bookish #booknerd #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookaholic #booksofinstagram #booklove #bookblogger #booklovers #authorsofinstagram
December 11, 2023
Rating: 1 star
I want to preface and say that I like the writing style by the author. I find that my attention is 100% on the story. My problem lies within the character and plot.
Marco and Juiliana couldn't convince me that they belonged together even in the later books as they are intertwined throughout the series. Marco and Juiliana absolutely hate each other and although Marco falls first, Juiliana gave me no indication that she had fallen for him. The moment it happens is like a switch is flipped and suddenly she is head over heels. SINCE WHEN? Other than physical attraction she didn't mention even remotely liking him.
I do like the family members Alessio (much less now after I DNF'd his book), Camillo, Danio, and Deb.
This book was like Stockholm Syndrome in the worst way. The shower scene was steamy until you realize that he touched her without verbal consent. I hated that. The lack of absolute consent is something that is lacking severely throughout this series if you do pick it up.
I want to preface and say that I like the writing style by the author. I find that my attention is 100% on the story. My problem lies within the character and plot.
Marco and Juiliana couldn't convince me that they belonged together even in the later books as they are intertwined throughout the series. Marco and Juiliana absolutely hate each other and although Marco falls first, Juiliana gave me no indication that she had fallen for him. The moment it happens is like a switch is flipped and suddenly she is head over heels. SINCE WHEN? Other than physical attraction she didn't mention even remotely liking him.
I do like the family members Alessio (much less now after I DNF'd his book), Camillo, Danio, and Deb.
This book was like Stockholm Syndrome in the worst way. The shower scene was steamy until you realize that he touched her without verbal consent. I hated that. The lack of absolute consent is something that is lacking severely throughout this series if you do pick it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2023
DNF before I probably even hit page 100 and the only captive here was me before I stopped reading. First of all this book was just horrid and honestly I had to stop because I forgot whether a man or a woman potentially wrote whatever the hell I was reading. Seriously, this book included the line that went something along the lines of “-women aren’t allowed to wear tampons because they will break the hymen.” What the actual fuck? This is the part that made me stop reading alongside the main characters who I don’t remember aside from a rather boring first introduction as again I stopped reading rather early into this experience. Perhaps, the rest of this series is potentially good because normally in my experience the first book is always bad and once more my theory about this has been proven again.
June 4, 2023
Read Second one first
To be honest the 2nd book was better than this one. Marco is the Capo however no matter how many times it is said that he is a monster and the meanest in the mafia. His character doesn't live up to what is said.
Juliana thought she was going to be strong but in the end she was just another pushover. Where was a!l the darkness?
To be honest the 2nd book was better than this one. Marco is the Capo however no matter how many times it is said that he is a monster and the meanest in the mafia. His character doesn't live up to what is said.
Juliana thought she was going to be strong but in the end she was just another pushover. Where was a!l the darkness?
February 15, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what an absolute amazing book to read, the storyline was exhilarating and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Marco and Juliana and their arranged marriage. Juliana is only nineteen years old her father is involved with the Società, he has decided it was time Juliana was to get married, so he organised a deal with Marco the Don of the Marchiano family and his oldest daughter Juliana a contract of marriage. On the wedding day everything was set-up Marco and his brothers were there ready. Once the preceding started a gun shot noise erupted someone went down, Marco and his brothers and men started shooting back he grabbed Juliana and they all escaped, Juliana was not happy being kidnapped by a monster. Juliana was locked in the bedroom and food and drinks were taken to her. Over time she excepted her life as it was then when a parcel came for her she was so happy while Marco and his second in charge said no and that she has to get rid of it, she picked her parcel up and took it to the bedroom. Marco told Juliana his thoughts about their wedding that it was a set-up all along, Juliana didn't want to believe it, when she went to see her sister her father told her everything Marco told her and he locked her up in her old bedroom then he organised with the Società for the harlot to be killed to set a president. Will she be able to escape the clutches of her father, will she fall in love with Marco. It was a hot steamy story it was exciting, with action, suspense, drama, danger, enemies, lies, betrayal and plenty more emotions throughout, you won't be disappointed.
Wow, what an absolute amazing book to read, the storyline was exhilarating and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Marco and Juliana and their arranged marriage. Juliana is only nineteen years old her father is involved with the Società, he has decided it was time Juliana was to get married, so he organised a deal with Marco the Don of the Marchiano family and his oldest daughter Juliana a contract of marriage. On the wedding day everything was set-up Marco and his brothers were there ready. Once the preceding started a gun shot noise erupted someone went down, Marco and his brothers and men started shooting back he grabbed Juliana and they all escaped, Juliana was not happy being kidnapped by a monster. Juliana was locked in the bedroom and food and drinks were taken to her. Over time she excepted her life as it was then when a parcel came for her she was so happy while Marco and his second in charge said no and that she has to get rid of it, she picked her parcel up and took it to the bedroom. Marco told Juliana his thoughts about their wedding that it was a set-up all along, Juliana didn't want to believe it, when she went to see her sister her father told her everything Marco told her and he locked her up in her old bedroom then he organised with the Società for the harlot to be killed to set a president. Will she be able to escape the clutches of her father, will she fall in love with Marco. It was a hot steamy story it was exciting, with action, suspense, drama, danger, enemies, lies, betrayal and plenty more emotions throughout, you won't be disappointed.
January 28, 2023
This is Marco and Juliana's story and what a story it is! Juliana is the daughter of Cecilio Bernardi, an underboss for the Societa Mafia in L.A. Marco Marchiano is the Capo for the Fratellanza Mafia in Chicago. It's a small age gap, arranged marriage story and is absolutely fantastic. Wedding day excitement, chaos, danger and all kinds of twists and turns make this a great one sitting read! Once you start you won't be able to put it down. Can't wait for Jessica's story next.
January 15, 2024
I couldn't put this one down! I had to see how their relationship played out.
It was a quick read. Dark themes so check content warnings.
A mafia romance with a morally grey hero who forces the daughter of another mafia family to marry him. He does it for revenge- he hates her, she hates him so we know they bare destined to fall for each other!
Tropes:
Mafia
Age Gap
Virgin FMC
Enemies to Lovers
Boarders on CNC (IMO)
Kidnapping/Captive
Forced/Arranged Marriage
It was a quick read. Dark themes so check content warnings.
A mafia romance with a morally grey hero who forces the daughter of another mafia family to marry him. He does it for revenge- he hates her, she hates him so we know they bare destined to fall for each other!
Tropes:
Mafia
Age Gap
Virgin FMC
Enemies to Lovers
Boarders on CNC (IMO)
Kidnapping/Captive
Forced/Arranged Marriage
February 5, 2023
Oh what a whirlwind of a great book! I had such a hard time putting it down to get sleep. Marco and Juliana are the best mafia couple to come together. Marcos hard to Juliana’s innocent trying to find their way through. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book of the series.
I received this book from Hidden Gems as an ARC for my honest opinion.
I received this book from Hidden Gems as an ARC for my honest opinion.
August 28, 2025
No where near as good as Mafia and Maid in my opinion but it was an easy read and I managed to finish it so can’t complain too much.
February 4, 2025
So this was actually really bad !
June 28, 2025
honestly , are we even trying anymore
This was awful. The male mc was the worst 🤢 will not be continuing the series. It was that bad from the jump.
This was awful. The male mc was the worst 🤢 will not be continuing the series. It was that bad from the jump.
June 29, 2024
I didn't really feel when the characters fell in love. It was just randomly mentioned out of nowhere that she already loves him and I didn't see the process of how it happened.
Actually, the epilogue was the only part where I felt that they were in love, so it would have been really better if the book had kept the vibe that was in the epilogue, then I would have really believed that they were in love.
Moreover, characters actions didn't make any sense to me:
AND THE NEXT DAY, the day after what he did to her she wanted his comfort and had sex with him.
Also it didn't make any sense that there were some remarks that Juliana can stand up for herself like "Well, well. This little kitten had sharp claws" and I thought that she is the character who fights and doesn't let anyone bring her down but turned out it was a wrong impression the author gave because the whole book she was just a pushover and at the end she says how tough she is and I thought it was nonsense.
Speaking about how Marco had an obsession to punish Juliana because her brother came to rescue her, so he psychologically tortured her but it had no sense because the whole book he was described as really caring and protective of his family, SO AS THE OLDER BROTHER HE WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME DAMN THING FOR DEBI IF SHE HAD BEEN KIDNAPED THAT JULIANA'S BROTHER DID FOR HER. So the punishment and torture of Juliana and her brother who was just trying to rescue his sister was out of place.
This book needed better character development.
Actually, the epilogue was the only part where I felt that they were in love, so it would have been really better if the book had kept the vibe that was in the epilogue, then I would have really believed that they were in love.
Moreover, characters actions didn't make any sense to me:
AND THE NEXT DAY, the day after what he did to her she wanted his comfort and had sex with him.
Also it didn't make any sense that there were some remarks that Juliana can stand up for herself like "Well, well. This little kitten had sharp claws" and I thought that she is the character who fights and doesn't let anyone bring her down but turned out it was a wrong impression the author gave because the whole book she was just a pushover and at the end she says how tough she is and I thought it was nonsense.
Speaking about how Marco had an obsession to punish Juliana because her brother came to rescue her, so he psychologically tortured her but it had no sense because the whole book he was described as really caring and protective of his family, SO AS THE OLDER BROTHER HE WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME DAMN THING FOR DEBI IF SHE HAD BEEN KIDNAPED THAT JULIANA'S BROTHER DID FOR HER. So the punishment and torture of Juliana and her brother who was just trying to rescue his sister was out of place.
This book needed better character development.
February 22, 2024
DNF. do not read unless you’re ok with smut with a girl who hasn’t even finished high school.
the number one thing i absolutely hated about this was the fact that the main girl character is in HIGH SCHOOL when this story begins. that’s just gross. i graduated high school years ago and i cannot even imagine the idea of getting with a high schooler. that shit is disgusting.
in the words of Demi Lovato: STAY AWAY FROM HER. GET A JOB.
i get the point of this book is to be smutty but when the girl is in high school and there’s a whole prize on being “young” virgin …its giving perv vibes. the fact that she’s still in high school was an immediate turn off for me 🤮
on a writing critique: your classic wattpad writing.. it’s definitely got a juvenile theme to it as in i would not have been surprised if a teenager wrote this or it was legit from wattpad. it’s is very repetitive as in the main characters constantly repeat the previous sentence or general facts over and over again. so and so killed so and so. the mafia of this state. this guy is the son of so and so. this girl is the daughter of so and so. this book is the definition of tell don’t show.
the number one thing i absolutely hated about this was the fact that the main girl character is in HIGH SCHOOL when this story begins. that’s just gross. i graduated high school years ago and i cannot even imagine the idea of getting with a high schooler. that shit is disgusting.
in the words of Demi Lovato: STAY AWAY FROM HER. GET A JOB.
i get the point of this book is to be smutty but when the girl is in high school and there’s a whole prize on being “young” virgin …its giving perv vibes. the fact that she’s still in high school was an immediate turn off for me 🤮
on a writing critique: your classic wattpad writing.. it’s definitely got a juvenile theme to it as in i would not have been surprised if a teenager wrote this or it was legit from wattpad. it’s is very repetitive as in the main characters constantly repeat the previous sentence or general facts over and over again. so and so killed so and so. the mafia of this state. this guy is the son of so and so. this girl is the daughter of so and so. this book is the definition of tell don’t show.
May 10, 2024
I started this series because I wanted to read book two and figured I'd start at the beginning. I have read my fair share of mafia romances, but this is the worst one that I've read. I'm all about a morally grey character, alphahole, who is harsh/distant with the FMC until all the misunderstandings are cleared. Once they develop feelings they treat the FMC with respect and care. That was not the case in this book at all. Marco was so cold hearted towards Juliana even after realizing she had nothing to do with his assassination attempt. He treated her horribly from the get go up until practically the very end. When he made her watch the torture of her bodyguard, I had to put the book down and take a breath myself. He was so cruel to her, he broke her. And then, here comes Juliana that very night deciding to sleep with him after fighting him off so long. WTF?! Also, the repetitiveness of Marco continuously saying how Juliana was his to protect, his to keep blah blah blah. That one line (or something closely similar) was in the book in almost every chapter. We get it!! This would have been a DNF had I not wanted to read the next book.
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