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The Shadows of Cosa Nostra Chronicles #1.5
Hustler in the Mafia
He refused to take what I offered and locked me in his glided cage. Which only left me wondering what his ulterior motives could be.
Florina.
Running for my life made me rely on instinct. So, I ran back to the villa I had fled from two years ago. I only expected to hide in the shadows until the danger passed. But the man who found me offered something I didn’t see coming.
Marco.
I saw her, and I wanted her. She reminded me of myself, and my instinct was to catch her and lock her inside my four walls. She put up an unbreakable facade. Underneath it, I knew she hid her soft, pulsing heart. But the question would she stay, or would she see my protection as a prison to escape?
Will Florina agree with Marco’s terms and stay? And will Marco protect her when she needs it the most?
Hustler in the Mafia, the standalone novella in The Shadows of Cosa Nostra Chronicles takes place between book 01 and 02. This is a Mafia, instalust, enemies to lovers, age gap romance featuring a possessive alpha male and an abused but strong Rromani girl. While this spicy, dark mafia romance promises a HEA, readers may find some themes concerning. Please refer to the trigger warnings.
Florina.
Running for my life made me rely on instinct. So, I ran back to the villa I had fled from two years ago. I only expected to hide in the shadows until the danger passed. But the man who found me offered something I didn’t see coming.
Marco.
I saw her, and I wanted her. She reminded me of myself, and my instinct was to catch her and lock her inside my four walls. She put up an unbreakable facade. Underneath it, I knew she hid her soft, pulsing heart. But the question would she stay, or would she see my protection as a prison to escape?
Will Florina agree with Marco’s terms and stay? And will Marco protect her when she needs it the most?
Hustler in the Mafia, the standalone novella in The Shadows of Cosa Nostra Chronicles takes place between book 01 and 02. This is a Mafia, instalust, enemies to lovers, age gap romance featuring a possessive alpha male and an abused but strong Rromani girl. While this spicy, dark mafia romance promises a HEA, readers may find some themes concerning. Please refer to the trigger warnings.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2025
15 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Raz
6 books76 followersFollow Sophia for more updates.
Sophia met her forbidden MMC and crossed continents for love. She was born and raised in South-East Asia and now lives in Europe with him and their daughter. Sophia’s own love story inspired her to rediscover her passion for writing.
She writes about love beyond cultural and racial boundaries. A defiance of what is ‘expected’ in favour of what is right. Her strong-willed, unapologetic, principled FMCs don't settle for less than they deserve, even if it means breaking social convention or cultural rules. Sophia’s MMCs, while being jealous, possessive heroes, will place the heroine at the centre of their world and are willing to change and learn to gain trust and respect.
When Sophia is not writing, she’s busy being an entrepreneur or enjoying quality time with her family. Aside from that, she loves to have an authentic connection with her readers, so feel free to reach out to Sophia.
Sophia met her forbidden MMC and crossed continents for love. She was born and raised in South-East Asia and now lives in Europe with him and their daughter. Sophia’s own love story inspired her to rediscover her passion for writing.
She writes about love beyond cultural and racial boundaries. A defiance of what is ‘expected’ in favour of what is right. Her strong-willed, unapologetic, principled FMCs don't settle for less than they deserve, even if it means breaking social convention or cultural rules. Sophia’s MMCs, while being jealous, possessive heroes, will place the heroine at the centre of their world and are willing to change and learn to gain trust and respect.
When Sophia is not writing, she’s busy being an entrepreneur or enjoying quality time with her family. Aside from that, she loves to have an authentic connection with her readers, so feel free to reach out to Sophia.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 21, 2024
This was such an amazing novella!
Sophia has such a smooth way of writing that just makes her books very fluent to read!
It had the perfect amount of spice, action and romance!
I love how she represented her characters too! It feels realistic to the standards of being connected to the mafia too and i absolutely love that!
The FMC is incredibly strong and had to do alot of horrible things to survive! What was also the past of the MMC which it why he understood she did the things she had to do to survive. She is also incredibly smart and having an MMC that is too gives a perfect edge to their banter in this story.
And lets be honest who doesn’t love an MMC that knows what he wants and goes for it no matter what!
I absolutely love how he understood her and accepted her knowing all of those things about her! Their romance might be not be the most typical one you see in books but it absolutely is a beautiful one!
This novella is also absolutely perfect to get you to go read her other books what if you haven’t yet i would absolutely recommend doing so! And i cannot wait till book 3 comes out!
🥀Tropes🥀
✨Italian mafia
✨Survivor FMC
✨Instand obsessed MMC
✨Touch her and 💀
Sophia has such a smooth way of writing that just makes her books very fluent to read!
It had the perfect amount of spice, action and romance!
I love how she represented her characters too! It feels realistic to the standards of being connected to the mafia too and i absolutely love that!
The FMC is incredibly strong and had to do alot of horrible things to survive! What was also the past of the MMC which it why he understood she did the things she had to do to survive. She is also incredibly smart and having an MMC that is too gives a perfect edge to their banter in this story.
And lets be honest who doesn’t love an MMC that knows what he wants and goes for it no matter what!
I absolutely love how he understood her and accepted her knowing all of those things about her! Their romance might be not be the most typical one you see in books but it absolutely is a beautiful one!
This novella is also absolutely perfect to get you to go read her other books what if you haven’t yet i would absolutely recommend doing so! And i cannot wait till book 3 comes out!
🥀Tropes🥀
✨Italian mafia
✨Survivor FMC
✨Instand obsessed MMC
✨Touch her and 💀
December 22, 2024
This novella was a lovely little surprise ✨
We have a strong FMC who has suffered in the past but she keeps fighting each and everyday and we have our possessive MMC who would burn the world for the FMC and not leave a flame touch her.
If you are new to Sophia’s book this novella is a lovely way to start your journey into this world.👏🏼
We have a strong FMC who has suffered in the past but she keeps fighting each and everyday and we have our possessive MMC who would burn the world for the FMC and not leave a flame touch her.
If you are new to Sophia’s book this novella is a lovely way to start your journey into this world.👏🏼
December 30, 2024
"To all the girls who don't want their future defined by where they were born.
You are more than the crib that held you."
Loved the dedication 👏 👌
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶
What do we have to serve
🖤 Mafia romance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 He falls first
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Instalust
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Badass FMC
🖤 Homeless FMC
This is a beautiful novella. The story of Marco and Florina was depicted beautifully.
"She was like a precious little bird. Il mio passerotto."
To be honest, I don't read Instalust that much but oh boy this was delicious.
"Because the look on his face told me he was anything but a saint."
Florina was so beautiful and badass but my heart wrecked reading what she has been through.. Marco should have cooked peppe. I'm not insane but I wanted it.
Florina was badass and the way her chapter explained her spitfire, that she is not broken no matter what life threw at her.
Marco was such an amazing man. He was so patient when it comes to seep through the caged heart of Florina.
Marco made her realise that she is worth the love and care and she doesn't have to go on knees to get that. He will give her the world, she just have to name it.
Please give it a try and fall in love with Marco 🖤
You are more than the crib that held you."
Loved the dedication 👏 👌
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶
What do we have to serve
🖤 Mafia romance
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 He falls first
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Instalust
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Badass FMC
🖤 Homeless FMC
This is a beautiful novella. The story of Marco and Florina was depicted beautifully.
"She was like a precious little bird. Il mio passerotto."
To be honest, I don't read Instalust that much but oh boy this was delicious.
"Because the look on his face told me he was anything but a saint."
Florina was so beautiful and badass but my heart wrecked reading what she has been through.. Marco should have cooked peppe. I'm not insane but I wanted it.
Florina was badass and the way her chapter explained her spitfire, that she is not broken no matter what life threw at her.
Marco was such an amazing man. He was so patient when it comes to seep through the caged heart of Florina.
Marco made her realise that she is worth the love and care and she doesn't have to go on knees to get that. He will give her the world, she just have to name it.
Please give it a try and fall in love with Marco 🖤
December 23, 2024
𝓗𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓯𝓲𝓪 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼:
🖤Dark mafia romance
✨Insta-lust
🖤He falls first
✨Possessive MMC
🖤Age gap
✨Strong Romanian FMC
🖤Dual POV
I am genuinely surprised how much I enjoyed this novella! First of all it was a quick read, yet the story development was very good! I didn’t find it lacking, even though ofc I would love to read more as always.
This one was probably my first insta-lust book, but this worked so well! I actually liked it. 🤭 Also I loved the fierceness of the FMC. She truly is a strong woman enduring so much sh*t in her life. Anddd we know already that I love an obsessed man, so Marco was a success for me. 🤭
I really enjoyed how Marco broke through FMC’s tough walls. Especially how he accepted her for who she truly is, even after the struggles they faced. To be truly loved and cared for the first time was so touching. And to let someone in and love you uff. Powerful stuff! 🥹
Honestly if you enjoy mafia romance, want a quick read with a great plot and storyline, not forgetting about the steam. Then this novella is ✨PERFECT✨ for you. 🫶🏼
The only reason I didn’t give it full 5 stars is just the rough background of the FMC. It was written super well, it was just darker background for me and not something I usually read. Nonetheless a great read. 🫶🏼
Thank you so much Sophia for this gift. I enjoyed reading this one, and can’t wait to read more of your books. 😘
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 4.5/5
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼:
🖤Dark mafia romance
✨Insta-lust
🖤He falls first
✨Possessive MMC
🖤Age gap
✨Strong Romanian FMC
🖤Dual POV
I am genuinely surprised how much I enjoyed this novella! First of all it was a quick read, yet the story development was very good! I didn’t find it lacking, even though ofc I would love to read more as always.
This one was probably my first insta-lust book, but this worked so well! I actually liked it. 🤭 Also I loved the fierceness of the FMC. She truly is a strong woman enduring so much sh*t in her life. Anddd we know already that I love an obsessed man, so Marco was a success for me. 🤭
I really enjoyed how Marco broke through FMC’s tough walls. Especially how he accepted her for who she truly is, even after the struggles they faced. To be truly loved and cared for the first time was so touching. And to let someone in and love you uff. Powerful stuff! 🥹
Honestly if you enjoy mafia romance, want a quick read with a great plot and storyline, not forgetting about the steam. Then this novella is ✨PERFECT✨ for you. 🫶🏼
The only reason I didn’t give it full 5 stars is just the rough background of the FMC. It was written super well, it was just darker background for me and not something I usually read. Nonetheless a great read. 🫶🏼
Thank you so much Sophia for this gift. I enjoyed reading this one, and can’t wait to read more of your books. 😘
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: 4.5/5
January 18, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ .5
Hustler in the Mafia is the novella in between Nanny to the Mafia and Princess of the Mafia. It follows Marco and Florina and their quick, spicy, and unexpected story.
This was a fun read to have between different books that I have been reading lately and for some reason, I always turn to Mafia books since they are a fun read when you feel like you’re in a slump or want something crazy, adventurous, and exciting. And I’m sorry, but these mafia men will always have my heart. There’s just something about them that I can’t get enough of 🔥
It does help reading the first book, to know who the other characters that are mentioned in this book, but it can be read as a stand alone and it’s still very enjoyable. I am not one for rushed books in general, but knowing that this was a short Novella, I was expecting it and I surprisingly enjoyed it and felt like it flowed fairly well.
If you love to read not just one book, but a series of book, and one in particular that has to do with hot, sexy Mafia men, these are your books to grab and read now 💋
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ .5
Hustler in the Mafia is the novella in between Nanny to the Mafia and Princess of the Mafia. It follows Marco and Florina and their quick, spicy, and unexpected story.
This was a fun read to have between different books that I have been reading lately and for some reason, I always turn to Mafia books since they are a fun read when you feel like you’re in a slump or want something crazy, adventurous, and exciting. And I’m sorry, but these mafia men will always have my heart. There’s just something about them that I can’t get enough of 🔥
It does help reading the first book, to know who the other characters that are mentioned in this book, but it can be read as a stand alone and it’s still very enjoyable. I am not one for rushed books in general, but knowing that this was a short Novella, I was expecting it and I surprisingly enjoyed it and felt like it flowed fairly well.
If you love to read not just one book, but a series of book, and one in particular that has to do with hot, sexy Mafia men, these are your books to grab and read now 💋
January 1, 2025
This novella was just what I needed now. It was fast paced, felt cozy (cabin fibes) and spicy! It takes place between book 1 and 2 and there are some characters from the first book in this one, so it's handy to read book 1 Nanny to the Mafia first!
We met Florina quickly in book one and now she has her own quick story! And I loved it that we got some background from her now! I love how fierce she is! She isn't one to tell no to. She knows what she wants and how she's gonna get it! Que in our strong and handsome MMC Marco. Brute at first sight but with an heart of gold. I loved how instant protective he was over Florina and knew she was something special.
This novella is a quick and fun read to get a little more insight in some side characters from the first book.
Thank you Sophia Raz for this ARC to read and review.
We met Florina quickly in book one and now she has her own quick story! And I loved it that we got some background from her now! I love how fierce she is! She isn't one to tell no to. She knows what she wants and how she's gonna get it! Que in our strong and handsome MMC Marco. Brute at first sight but with an heart of gold. I loved how instant protective he was over Florina and knew she was something special.
This novella is a quick and fun read to get a little more insight in some side characters from the first book.
Thank you Sophia Raz for this ARC to read and review.
April 2, 2025
Rating: 5⭐️, 2🌶️
This novella, Hustler in the Mafia by Sophia Raz joined together so many aspects of the first book in the Cosa Nostra Chronicles extremely well while also setting the scene in preparation for the second book.
It gives you a deep dive into our MMC, Marco, giving you some background history and context into his story while following his journey of falling in love with our FMC, Florina.
Our FMC, Florina, has had an extremely hard life, living and surviving off her whits. This all changes when her path crosses with Marco’s and he sees her as an eagle disguised as a sparro, waiting to discovered so she can become his little coconut.
It’s a beautiful, heart wrenching story where he saves her and she gives him life.
This is definitely a must read for the series and will probably make Marco your favourite MMC of them all so far. He’s definitely my favourite so far!
This novella, Hustler in the Mafia by Sophia Raz joined together so many aspects of the first book in the Cosa Nostra Chronicles extremely well while also setting the scene in preparation for the second book.
It gives you a deep dive into our MMC, Marco, giving you some background history and context into his story while following his journey of falling in love with our FMC, Florina.
Our FMC, Florina, has had an extremely hard life, living and surviving off her whits. This all changes when her path crosses with Marco’s and he sees her as an eagle disguised as a sparro, waiting to discovered so she can become his little coconut.
It’s a beautiful, heart wrenching story where he saves her and she gives him life.
This is definitely a must read for the series and will probably make Marco your favourite MMC of them all so far. He’s definitely my favourite so far!
September 7, 2025
Such a great read. I was looking forward to Florina’s story based on the prologue in Nanny and this was even better than I expected. This wasn’t very long but it was still really powerful. I really loved how protective Marco was of Florina and how respectful he was of her and his unwillingness to take advantage of her. I loved his pet names for her, they both fit her perfectly. The spice in this was extra hot and fit the tone of the story perfectly. Florina and Marco making space in their hearts and their lives for each other was incredibly satisfying and I loved the way this ended. This was a really wonderful addition to the series.
December 22, 2024
Hustler in the Mafia was so good! The spice was amazing, and Sophia wrote the Insta Lust trope so well! I loved the confidence and strength of the FMC. I loved the determination and respect that the MMC had for her. Even though this was a quick story, we got a lot of feelings and background between the characters. I enjoyed having characters from the series in this. I missed Antonio bad 😂 This was a great novella, and I highly recommend reading it and the rest of the series!!
January 4, 2025
I read this book prior to reading any other in this series. I will be reading the other books prior to this one.
I resonated with this woman so much. Not in the literal sense but the sense that "when they are done they will leave" sense, and I think a lot of women will understand that, too.
I resonated with this woman so much. Not in the literal sense but the sense that "when they are done they will leave" sense, and I think a lot of women will understand that, too.
June 24, 2025
A fun novella you have got to try out if you love a short mafia romance book where the fmc came from nothing and had to fight her way for survival while the mmc all hot an broody finds her and decided to keep her!
December 31, 2024
ARC REVIEW
literally when I got the email about I was overexcited to get this book I needed this story from day one it’s a must read like I devoured this in one sitting.
literally when I got the email about I was overexcited to get this book I needed this story from day one it’s a must read like I devoured this in one sitting.
April 7, 2025
This is such a great novella!! It pulls in characters from Nanny to the Mafia in the best way! I just love how obsessed Marco is with Florina!
10/10 recommend!!
10/10 recommend!!
January 6, 2025
Fast paced, a very nice novella. I enjoyed reading the story of Florina and Marco. I loved seeing how she didn't believe that she deserved to be loved and he was patience enough to teach her that she was made for him.
I wished this novella was longer, but alas very complete anyway.
I wished this novella was longer, but alas very complete anyway.
July 31, 2025
As soon as I finished reading Nanny to the Mafia , I wasn’t ready to leave this world yet , so read Hustler in the Mafia straight away and I’m so glad I did as this novella was hot . Pace was much faster but it just added to the characters , as their personalities and stories was filled with action with Florina running for her life so she kept moving to stay out of danger and Marco being in the Cosa Nostra, which came with its own danger.
I was so happy that Florina who we meet very briefly in the prologue of book 1 got her own story. She had a not so great life and didn’t trust anyone so was always in survival mode. She wasn’t shy when it came to him though as she knew what she wanted , meeting Marco took her some time to adapt as she wasn’t used to anyone actually caring for her.
Marco Bova right hand to Antonio I absolutely loved him. Right from when he first appears on page his intensity was hot and he was such an Alpha and just took charge of the situation. It was instant attraction when he meets her and just wanted to protect her and keep her safe.
He calls her his little coconut, my romantic heart did a little dance every time he said it.
Looking fwd to reading the next book in this new fave series of mine. As I’ve fully embraced this world.
I was so happy that Florina who we meet very briefly in the prologue of book 1 got her own story. She had a not so great life and didn’t trust anyone so was always in survival mode. She wasn’t shy when it came to him though as she knew what she wanted , meeting Marco took her some time to adapt as she wasn’t used to anyone actually caring for her.
Marco Bova right hand to Antonio I absolutely loved him. Right from when he first appears on page his intensity was hot and he was such an Alpha and just took charge of the situation. It was instant attraction when he meets her and just wanted to protect her and keep her safe.
He calls her his little coconut, my romantic heart did a little dance every time he said it.
Looking fwd to reading the next book in this new fave series of mine. As I’ve fully embraced this world.
March 3, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I got passion, smoking hot smut, and a good man; what more could I ask for Christmas. She's spent her life running from her past and he spent his missing something until he catches sight of her and decides to keep her. I love a good book with a hot man and this did not disappoint. in some ways I get her skittish behaviour; and the way he understands her . There's no way to explain how I felt.
I got passion, smoking hot smut, and a good man; what more could I ask for Christmas. She's spent her life running from her past and he spent his missing something until he catches sight of her and decides to keep her. I love a good book with a hot man and this did not disappoint. in some ways I get her skittish behaviour; and the way he understands her . There's no way to explain how I felt.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews