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Ruins: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance
SANTO
I've lived in darkness for as long as I can remember. In this life, light is a luxury no one can afford, least of all me. A wife is a weakness and love is a liability I can't risk. But then Vasilisa was handed to me- beautiful, dutiful and so much more than I ever expected. Her light threatens to unravel the shadows I've carefully constructed around myself. She chips away the ice, drawing me in, even as I fear what she'll find beneath. How can I protect her from the dangers of this world when the greatest threat to her might be me?
VASILISA
Marrying Santo was never about love- it was about duty. Yet, from the moment I met him, I couldn't look away. Intimidating yet intelligent, distant yet magnetic, Santo is a man of contradictions. Behind his cool exterior, I see flickers of someone else, someone darker that I can't help but want to understand. I've always dreamed of a love that could rival the fairytales, and for a moment, I thought Santo could be my ever after. But as I step deeper into his world, I realize that uncovering the man behind the mask might cost me everything.
I've lived in darkness for as long as I can remember. In this life, light is a luxury no one can afford, least of all me. A wife is a weakness and love is a liability I can't risk. But then Vasilisa was handed to me- beautiful, dutiful and so much more than I ever expected. Her light threatens to unravel the shadows I've carefully constructed around myself. She chips away the ice, drawing me in, even as I fear what she'll find beneath. How can I protect her from the dangers of this world when the greatest threat to her might be me?
VASILISA
Marrying Santo was never about love- it was about duty. Yet, from the moment I met him, I couldn't look away. Intimidating yet intelligent, distant yet magnetic, Santo is a man of contradictions. Behind his cool exterior, I see flickers of someone else, someone darker that I can't help but want to understand. I've always dreamed of a love that could rival the fairytales, and for a moment, I thought Santo could be my ever after. But as I step deeper into his world, I realize that uncovering the man behind the mask might cost me everything.
- GenresRomanceMafia Romance
633 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
23 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 18, 2025
Part 1
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
Neither great nor bad.
It had some good moments but too lengthy…
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
Neither great nor bad.
It had some good moments but too lengthy…
April 19, 2025
"I don't care what it costs - blood, fire, or ruin. She's mine. As long as she's safe, the rest of this city can burn"
This book was fantastic. If you’re a fan of obsessive, protective men and high-stakes romance, you’re going to love this. The mafia life adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue, and I found it so interesting to read about. Every character stood out in their own way and were unique, layered, and well-developed.
There’s also a bit of mystery woven throughout the plot that kept me flipping pages and fully invested. Honestly, this book pulled me out of a reading slump, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one comes out. I just know anything Amanda writes is going to be amazing!
This book was fantastic. If you’re a fan of obsessive, protective men and high-stakes romance, you’re going to love this. The mafia life adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue, and I found it so interesting to read about. Every character stood out in their own way and were unique, layered, and well-developed.
There’s also a bit of mystery woven throughout the plot that kept me flipping pages and fully invested. Honestly, this book pulled me out of a reading slump, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one comes out. I just know anything Amanda writes is going to be amazing!
May 1, 2025
I have to start with a massive thank you to Amanda Zuelo for the incredible privilege of reading her debut novel!
Now everyone, buckle up and enjoy this ride of a review because sh*t is about to get real.
I’ve just spent 600+ pages on an absolutely wild rollercoaster, and let me tell you—I LOVED every single second of it. Like every other mafia girly, we’re no strangers to the arranged marriage trope in our beloved genre. But what makes Ruins stand out is Vasilisa and Santo—their twin-flame love feels written in the stars for all eternity.
Santo, Santo, Santo… where do I even begin? Raised as the Don’s son, Santo’s entire life has been steeped in death, violence, and the weight of power. He’s harsh, he’s brutal—but the way he is completely consumed by Vasilisa? One of the most attractive, captivating things I’ve ever read.
It’s always the toughest men who turn out to be the most feral, POSSESSIVE, gentle, and romantic at heart. His relationship with Vasilisa is beautifully frustrating to watch unfold, as they both battle their past traumas and preconceived notions of love—until they are so desperate for each other there’s no possible way they don’t end up completely entwined.
And Vasilisa—my girl. Born into the mafia life but emerging an absolute queen. She’s reserved, soft-spoken, and heartwarmingly genuine, perfectly balancing Santo’s intensity. But make no mistake—she knows exactly who she is and refuses to compromise. I loved how she fiercely advocates for herself, even when facing off against her (sometimes brute-force) husband. Where other mafia wives might fade into the background, Vasilisa stands her ground with quiet, powerful resilience. I admired her so much.
This series is off to a blazing start, and I cannot WAIT to see what Amanda Zuelo has in store for us next in the Sovereign Series! 🖤
Now everyone, buckle up and enjoy this ride of a review because sh*t is about to get real.
I’ve just spent 600+ pages on an absolutely wild rollercoaster, and let me tell you—I LOVED every single second of it. Like every other mafia girly, we’re no strangers to the arranged marriage trope in our beloved genre. But what makes Ruins stand out is Vasilisa and Santo—their twin-flame love feels written in the stars for all eternity.
Santo, Santo, Santo… where do I even begin? Raised as the Don’s son, Santo’s entire life has been steeped in death, violence, and the weight of power. He’s harsh, he’s brutal—but the way he is completely consumed by Vasilisa? One of the most attractive, captivating things I’ve ever read.
It’s always the toughest men who turn out to be the most feral, POSSESSIVE, gentle, and romantic at heart. His relationship with Vasilisa is beautifully frustrating to watch unfold, as they both battle their past traumas and preconceived notions of love—until they are so desperate for each other there’s no possible way they don’t end up completely entwined.
And Vasilisa—my girl. Born into the mafia life but emerging an absolute queen. She’s reserved, soft-spoken, and heartwarmingly genuine, perfectly balancing Santo’s intensity. But make no mistake—she knows exactly who she is and refuses to compromise. I loved how she fiercely advocates for herself, even when facing off against her (sometimes brute-force) husband. Where other mafia wives might fade into the background, Vasilisa stands her ground with quiet, powerful resilience. I admired her so much.
This series is off to a blazing start, and I cannot WAIT to see what Amanda Zuelo has in store for us next in the Sovereign Series! 🖤
April 25, 2025
“I don’t care what it cost - blood, fire, or ruin. She’s mine. As long as she’s safe, the rest of this city can burn. I’d do anything for her.”
My first mafia romance and I’m here for it.
Santo (29) and Vasilisa (20) are forced into an arranged marriage by their families. They only meet once prior to their wedding day and then they are living together in Santos’ mansion.
He is an extremely possessive MMC who doesn’t like anyone to even look at Vasi. The depth of their relationship growth from the beginning to the end was a highlight for me.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the mafia aspect of this one, but it had me intrigued the whole way through. I was so interested in that storyline that I would have even liked more of it. It added a lot of tension and mystery to the entire plot.
I really enjoyed the side characters. I loved all the times where Vasi was with the guards and we got to know them a little better!
This was a wonderful debut novel for this author! I was gifted an arc in exchange for a review.
My first mafia romance and I’m here for it.
Santo (29) and Vasilisa (20) are forced into an arranged marriage by their families. They only meet once prior to their wedding day and then they are living together in Santos’ mansion.
He is an extremely possessive MMC who doesn’t like anyone to even look at Vasi. The depth of their relationship growth from the beginning to the end was a highlight for me.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the mafia aspect of this one, but it had me intrigued the whole way through. I was so interested in that storyline that I would have even liked more of it. It added a lot of tension and mystery to the entire plot.
I really enjoyed the side characters. I loved all the times where Vasi was with the guards and we got to know them a little better!
This was a wonderful debut novel for this author! I was gifted an arc in exchange for a review.
May 7, 2025
What a debut! This has been one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it didn't disappoint. If you're a fan of mafia books, then make sure you pick this one up. The spice hits just the right note, not too much or too little, in my opinion. Swoon-worthy moments, action, touch her and die vibes, and moments that almost made me toss my book were in here too! I can't wait for the next one. I know who I'm hoping for it to follow!
July 7, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book for so many reasons, most of them being because Santo!!!
As a tiny woman, sometimes it's hard to find FMC's that I can relate to when it comes to body image and our own insecurities we all face. Meeting Vasilisa was like meeting a version of myself and it drew me even closer to the main characters in this book!
I love how Santo tried so hard to resist Vasi early on. From the moment he saw her grace it was pretty much game over for him. Something about her reminded him of his mom in a way and I think because of that, there was no winning against the fight he put up!
I love how sweet and heartwarming this book was while also being savage af and ruthless in other ways. The plot twists are twistin' and the spice is spicin' for sure!!!!
As a tiny woman, sometimes it's hard to find FMC's that I can relate to when it comes to body image and our own insecurities we all face. Meeting Vasilisa was like meeting a version of myself and it drew me even closer to the main characters in this book!
I love how Santo tried so hard to resist Vasi early on. From the moment he saw her grace it was pretty much game over for him. Something about her reminded him of his mom in a way and I think because of that, there was no winning against the fight he put up!
I love how sweet and heartwarming this book was while also being savage af and ruthless in other ways. The plot twists are twistin' and the spice is spicin' for sure!!!!
June 7, 2025
best arranged Mafia romance story ever! Amanda did amazing with this and I wanted more from it! I will definitely stay tuned for her next story and I really can't wait to see what she comes up with.
April 24, 2025
I was gifted this book but this review is entirely of my own opinion and thoughts. I rate it a 4.5!
I was hooked from the very beginning. So good. Literally my fav mafia books are where the mmc is a bada** don’t mess with him but he’s gentle, caring and romantic for just her, the mfc and this is that type and I loved it! That part with the desk and a fairytale, ugh so good, those small things are the best and give me butterflies.
~And then, I feel it-that quiet hum in my chest. Not jealousy. Something deeper. Possessiveness~
Ugh, yes please. It’s the perfect amount of dark, yes there’s torture, they are the mafia, of course they do that, but some other books just go way over the top, takes me out of the story, this is tastefully done.
I liked Cassandra, she seems genuine, I just wish I got more of a background with her, she pops up a lot in the book but not much detail about her and how she became friends with Santo. I do wish vasilisa was a bit stronger, I love kind hearted warm mfc butttttt at times she’s too patient and caring, like have some confidence, idk, he’s being an a**, say something, do something. She does get a little backbone during the middle but it’s short lived. Ugh Santo is an idiot, I kinda wished she shacked up with someone else, wouldn’t that be a surprise!
Not a lot of spice at first but you get a good amount it towards the end! A lot of it is repetitive, like we get it, you are a monster and she’s a princess, you can’t have her but it’s like bro, you want her, just do it haha. This book could have been edited down a bit but nonetheless I devoured it, I loved it! Haven’t had a good mafia book in awhile. Read it, like now!
I was hooked from the very beginning. So good. Literally my fav mafia books are where the mmc is a bada** don’t mess with him but he’s gentle, caring and romantic for just her, the mfc and this is that type and I loved it! That part with the desk and a fairytale, ugh so good, those small things are the best and give me butterflies.
~And then, I feel it-that quiet hum in my chest. Not jealousy. Something deeper. Possessiveness~
Ugh, yes please. It’s the perfect amount of dark, yes there’s torture, they are the mafia, of course they do that, but some other books just go way over the top, takes me out of the story, this is tastefully done.
I liked Cassandra, she seems genuine, I just wish I got more of a background with her, she pops up a lot in the book but not much detail about her and how she became friends with Santo. I do wish vasilisa was a bit stronger, I love kind hearted warm mfc butttttt at times she’s too patient and caring, like have some confidence, idk, he’s being an a**, say something, do something. She does get a little backbone during the middle but it’s short lived. Ugh Santo is an idiot, I kinda wished she shacked up with someone else, wouldn’t that be a surprise!
Not a lot of spice at first but you get a good amount it towards the end! A lot of it is repetitive, like we get it, you are a monster and she’s a princess, you can’t have her but it’s like bro, you want her, just do it haha. This book could have been edited down a bit but nonetheless I devoured it, I loved it! Haven’t had a good mafia book in awhile. Read it, like now!
May 9, 2025
This book had me sucked in from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. Vasilisa and Santo are something else, and I freaking loved them! Their story starts off with a slow burn, but the instant chemistry radiates off the pages and doesn’t let up even after the last one.
The tension and chemistry was amazing, but man did I want to just strangle Santo at times and knock some sense into him. Santo is calculated and controlled, until it comes to Vasilisa. Then he just loses all his senses. The moments where he caved and showed his sweet and caring side? I was melting. And when he showed his possessive side? Instant puddle, I was done for.
I loved watching Vasilisa find her way and push for what she wants and deserves. She was quiet and reserved in the beginning, but through the story she blossomed into a total badass with a bit of a feisty and spicy side to her. She had me laughing quite a few times and I was here for her and cheering her on!
The secondary characters truly added depth to the story, and their relationships and bonds had my heart.
This book was such an intriguing and well written read! It does have some TW, so be sure to check those out!
I appreciate the opportunity to have received an early gifted copy and my review is honest and voluntary.
The tension and chemistry was amazing, but man did I want to just strangle Santo at times and knock some sense into him. Santo is calculated and controlled, until it comes to Vasilisa. Then he just loses all his senses. The moments where he caved and showed his sweet and caring side? I was melting. And when he showed his possessive side? Instant puddle, I was done for.
I loved watching Vasilisa find her way and push for what she wants and deserves. She was quiet and reserved in the beginning, but through the story she blossomed into a total badass with a bit of a feisty and spicy side to her. She had me laughing quite a few times and I was here for her and cheering her on!
The secondary characters truly added depth to the story, and their relationships and bonds had my heart.
This book was such an intriguing and well written read! It does have some TW, so be sure to check those out!
I appreciate the opportunity to have received an early gifted copy and my review is honest and voluntary.
June 1, 2025
This story was definitely intriguing and had a lot of potential.
Vasilisa and Santo are the main characters that are arranged to be married. Individually their characters were great. Their chemistry as a couple was a major slow burn and I’m not one for slow burns - I would say they only really got together 60% into the book but once they got together it was worth it.
I loved how Vasilisa went from being dutiful and innocent to strong and spoke her mind. Seeing her bloom into this confident woman who took no shit was amazing as for more than half the book she was giving “doormat”. Santo had me questioning whether I should DNF 😭 his character displayed so much jealousy that at times were funny as he kept sending people away on “vacations” when they got too close to Vasilisa but other times I found it annoying. I loved his vulnerability and getting a peak into his thoughts where he was at war with himself thinking he wasn’t good enough - this made me see a little sense in his actions that I previously questioned. I also wished he grovelled a little more
Overall it was a good debut novel and I will definitely keep an eye out for the next one. If you’re into slow burns,morally grey MMCs, blooming FMCs,and a dark plot - then this is the read for you.
Vasilisa and Santo are the main characters that are arranged to be married. Individually their characters were great. Their chemistry as a couple was a major slow burn and I’m not one for slow burns - I would say they only really got together 60% into the book but once they got together it was worth it.
I loved how Vasilisa went from being dutiful and innocent to strong and spoke her mind. Seeing her bloom into this confident woman who took no shit was amazing as for more than half the book she was giving “doormat”. Santo had me questioning whether I should DNF 😭 his character displayed so much jealousy that at times were funny as he kept sending people away on “vacations” when they got too close to Vasilisa but other times I found it annoying. I loved his vulnerability and getting a peak into his thoughts where he was at war with himself thinking he wasn’t good enough - this made me see a little sense in his actions that I previously questioned. I also wished he grovelled a little more
Overall it was a good debut novel and I will definitely keep an eye out for the next one. If you’re into slow burns,morally grey MMCs, blooming FMCs,and a dark plot - then this is the read for you.
April 27, 2025
‼️MAY CONTAIN SPOLIERS‼️
I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read Ruins before its official release!🫶🏼
Amanda has crafted a captivating, passionate story that gripped me from the first page, it was truly an incredible read! 🥰
The spice, the love, the chemistry, the PLOT!!! I went in blind and I’m soo glad I did it really acheived all my expectations.
Thank you to Amanda for the chance — it was truly a pleasure to read.
Below are just a few of my favourite lines:
“ For the first time.. I find myself looking forward. To the possibilities. To the unknown. To the future and all I can see in that future.. is her.”
“If my wife speaks to you, you answer her”
“If you so much as utter another word about my wife, I will slit your throat- and f*ck her in your blood”
“She’s mesmerizing. And I am utterly wrecked by her”
🖤 An Arranged Marriage Mafia Trope 🖤
🖤 Spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Family Secrets
🖤 Overprotective, Possessive MMC
🖤 “My wife”
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
🖤 Emotional Tension and Power Shifts
🖤 HEA
I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read Ruins before its official release!🫶🏼
Amanda has crafted a captivating, passionate story that gripped me from the first page, it was truly an incredible read! 🥰
The spice, the love, the chemistry, the PLOT!!! I went in blind and I’m soo glad I did it really acheived all my expectations.
Thank you to Amanda for the chance — it was truly a pleasure to read.
Below are just a few of my favourite lines:
“ For the first time.. I find myself looking forward. To the possibilities. To the unknown. To the future and all I can see in that future.. is her.”
“If my wife speaks to you, you answer her”
“If you so much as utter another word about my wife, I will slit your throat- and f*ck her in your blood”
“She’s mesmerizing. And I am utterly wrecked by her”
🖤 An Arranged Marriage Mafia Trope 🖤
🖤 Spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Family Secrets
🖤 Overprotective, Possessive MMC
🖤 “My wife”
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
🖤 Emotional Tension and Power Shifts
🖤 HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
My girl Amanda!! So freaking excited for your debut novel. I love arranged marriage and mafia books and this had the perfect mix of both. I absolutely loved our FMC the last 20% of the book the most 🙌🏻 she handles business! I would’ve given it 5 stars if it weren’t as long - that’s my only issue is it seemed to have parts that were kind of circling for a while and I would’ve liked it to get to the good stuff sooner! I enjoy the different timeframes and stages we go through though so there’s no insta love.
MIRROR SCENE? Hellooo 🔥😍
Slow burn - but spicy when the time comes 🥵
Touch her and die
Where is my wife
I’m so grateful to have gotten an ARC and it lived up to the hype for sure . ALSO - I just realized I am in the acknowledgments and I’m kicking and SCREAMINGGG
🙌🏻🔥
MIRROR SCENE? Hellooo 🔥😍
Slow burn - but spicy when the time comes 🥵
Touch her and die
Where is my wife
I’m so grateful to have gotten an ARC and it lived up to the hype for sure . ALSO - I just realized I am in the acknowledgments and I’m kicking and SCREAMINGGG
🙌🏻🔥
August 23, 2025
Ruins
I devoured this book! It definitely is a thicken but totally worth the read.
Mafia, slow burn, with an arranged marriage. I mean it can’t get any better than that! Let me tell you once the spice hit though, it hit hard and I ate it up.
Vasilisa is one that believes in fairy tale love. She knew the life she was brought up in but always wished for something more for herself. She has the biggest heart and turns out she might be exactly what Santo’s needs.
Santo my man! Raised in a life he never wanted and forced to avenge his mother. He is a loner, grumpy, and very powerful man! Also has a dark side he tries to hide from. But when he finds Vasilisa it turns his world upside down. But is it for better or worse?
I devoured this book! It definitely is a thicken but totally worth the read.
Mafia, slow burn, with an arranged marriage. I mean it can’t get any better than that! Let me tell you once the spice hit though, it hit hard and I ate it up.
Vasilisa is one that believes in fairy tale love. She knew the life she was brought up in but always wished for something more for herself. She has the biggest heart and turns out she might be exactly what Santo’s needs.
Santo my man! Raised in a life he never wanted and forced to avenge his mother. He is a loner, grumpy, and very powerful man! Also has a dark side he tries to hide from. But when he finds Vasilisa it turns his world upside down. But is it for better or worse?
May 2, 2025
OMG WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE!!! 4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
First of all, Santo is everything we crave from our MMC! He was POSSESSIVE and OBSESSED over his woman!!! He is everything we need in a MMC for real!!! If he is not going to unalive anyone who even looks at her, and wouldn’t burn the world down for her, do we even want him??
I am always nervous for the FMC, but Vasilisa started off shy but blossomed into a mafia queen!!
This arranged marriage mafia romance was written so well especially as a debut novel!!! Amanda Zuelo is definitely an author to watch out for, I can’t wait to see her journey!
*I was blessed with an arc copy for my HONEST review*
First of all, Santo is everything we crave from our MMC! He was POSSESSIVE and OBSESSED over his woman!!! He is everything we need in a MMC for real!!! If he is not going to unalive anyone who even looks at her, and wouldn’t burn the world down for her, do we even want him??
I am always nervous for the FMC, but Vasilisa started off shy but blossomed into a mafia queen!!
This arranged marriage mafia romance was written so well especially as a debut novel!!! Amanda Zuelo is definitely an author to watch out for, I can’t wait to see her journey!
*I was blessed with an arc copy for my HONEST review*
June 29, 2025
Excuse me?! This was SO GOOD. And it's a series, thank goodness! I need more of this world!
I LIVE for mafia romance. Mafia members (in books lol) are usually doing some crazy stuff on the outside but they are super protective of the love interest. And that is what I got with Ruins.
I thoroughly enjoyed Santo and Vasi. What a couple. I loved their connection. It gave me all the feelings! 🖤
Santo. Gosh, I was obsessed with his obsession for Vasi. It was so good.
Vasi is one of my favorite FMCs in a while. I loved her quiet strength.
I need more. Amanda Zuelo has started something awesome with Ruins, and I can't wait to see where this series goes!!
I LIVE for mafia romance. Mafia members (in books lol) are usually doing some crazy stuff on the outside but they are super protective of the love interest. And that is what I got with Ruins.
I thoroughly enjoyed Santo and Vasi. What a couple. I loved their connection. It gave me all the feelings! 🖤
Santo. Gosh, I was obsessed with his obsession for Vasi. It was so good.
Vasi is one of my favorite FMCs in a while. I loved her quiet strength.
I need more. Amanda Zuelo has started something awesome with Ruins, and I can't wait to see where this series goes!!
April 16, 2025
Holy jeez! I knew this was gonna be good and I was going to enjoy it but I had no idea just how amazing it would be!! This book was so good! It takes #1 for my favorite mafia series because the depth of the story and the details that I wouldn’t have even thought of they added a whole other level to the book. The characters are so well developed with their own history and problems to overcome individually that really adds so much to the book instead of all of their problems being focused on their relationship. I don’t even have words. I am just in love. I can not recommend this book enough.
May 8, 2025
love love love LOVE!!!!
I loved every single bit of this book. The characters, the in depth character building, the twists and turns, the spice, all of it!!! Did I mention the spice? 🤌🏼
I am a sucker for a Dark Mafia Romance and this one just climbed to my top 5!!!
Amazing job Amanda! To have known you since the beginning and being blessed to be an ARC reader for you has been amazing. I cannot wait for the next one. ❤️
I loved every single bit of this book. The characters, the in depth character building, the twists and turns, the spice, all of it!!! Did I mention the spice? 🤌🏼
I am a sucker for a Dark Mafia Romance and this one just climbed to my top 5!!!
Amazing job Amanda! To have known you since the beginning and being blessed to be an ARC reader for you has been amazing. I cannot wait for the next one. ❤️
May 18, 2025
Had to DNF approximately 60% in.
The story premise was intriguing and while I am not normally a romance reader, I was obsessed with the mafia vibe. In fact, the first half of the book, while slow to get started was very heavy on the mafia violence, opulence and excess. Where it went downhill for me was the overtly graphic sex scenes. I knew what I was getting myself into, so I have nobody to blame but myself. I definitely do not blame the author. Her world building was amazing. I want to find a house like Santo's that thing was described as a palace and a fortress and I was there for it.
Overall, I was not the target audience, but I wish the author the best and I can see this being a very popular series for the right demographic.
The story premise was intriguing and while I am not normally a romance reader, I was obsessed with the mafia vibe. In fact, the first half of the book, while slow to get started was very heavy on the mafia violence, opulence and excess. Where it went downhill for me was the overtly graphic sex scenes. I knew what I was getting myself into, so I have nobody to blame but myself. I definitely do not blame the author. Her world building was amazing. I want to find a house like Santo's that thing was described as a palace and a fortress and I was there for it.
Overall, I was not the target audience, but I wish the author the best and I can see this being a very popular series for the right demographic.
August 11, 2025
If you love OTTP men, mafia and arranged marriages, you have GOT to add this to your TBR now! Santo and Vasilisa are absolutely amazing together. Santo is one of those book boyfriends you love to hate at first because he is the perfect villain (he’s just in the marriage for his own personal gain) but surprise surprise - guess who falls first? 🤪 Vasilisa is so sweet but also is a take no shit kinda girl and I love that about her! I cannot wait for book 2! 🫶🏻
November 18, 2025
Ruins was a solid re-entry into romance for me after spending time in other genres. Amanda Zuelo’s writing is engaging, and I really liked the premise of an arranged mafia marriage—it had all the tension and drama I was hoping for. That said, parts of the story felt a bit repetitive, and at times the plot lost some momentum. That might be on me drifting from romance lately, but overall, I still enjoyed the world she built and the potential for the series.
April 25, 2025
Went into this book as palate cleanser but I turned into an obsessed fan for this series. I was fangirling over every detail of this book. There were parts of the book where it had my feet kicking like a little girl or I was crying over the main characters past. This book is a 5 🌶️ 🌶️ and a 5 ✨✨✨ read.
May 14, 2025
Wow!!! What an amazing ride! This is the authors debut and she did not disappoint. There were twists and turns, tension and passion. If you like the mafia romance genre you should really give this book a chance! The spice was just right. The chemistry between the MCs was so good. The spice was there and just right. I can’t wait to see what the author does next!
May 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the story and loved Santo and Vasilisa's characters, both individually and as a couple. It was great to see Vasilisa show how strong she was when people saw her as a delicate little thing.
I really enjoyed the friendships that Vasilisa developed with the mafia men, despite Santos' jealousy. It was funny how he sent people on vacation who interacted with his wife in a fun way.
Santos character development throughout was great to see. His relationship with Vasilisa definitely helped that.
I enjoyed the happy ending and Cosa Nostra and Bratva aligning however considering it was a lengthy book for me personally I would have liked a bit more detail at the end about what Angelo and Maksim were hiding from Santo and more details of the deal Vasilisas dad struck with the Armenians.
Overall, it is a great debut novel that I would recommend if you love an obsessive, morally grey, mafia romance 🖤
Thank you to the author Amanda Zuelo for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the friendships that Vasilisa developed with the mafia men, despite Santos' jealousy. It was funny how he sent people on vacation who interacted with his wife in a fun way.
Santos character development throughout was great to see. His relationship with Vasilisa definitely helped that.
I enjoyed the happy ending and Cosa Nostra and Bratva aligning however considering it was a lengthy book for me personally I would have liked a bit more detail at the end about what Angelo and Maksim were hiding from Santo and more details of the deal Vasilisas dad struck with the Armenians.
Overall, it is a great debut novel that I would recommend if you love an obsessive, morally grey, mafia romance 🖤
Thank you to the author Amanda Zuelo for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
I got a chance to ARC read this book and I am absolutely in love with it and with these characters. The way the book is written is so in depth and articulate that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Can't wait until book 2 in the series! I'm hooked!
July 2, 2025
love a good romance
You had me at mafia and dark romance. This was an amazing read. With an arranged marriage to find a true love that they both share. The story line had me entranced and then the spice. I devoured this book!
You had me at mafia and dark romance. This was an amazing read. With an arranged marriage to find a true love that they both share. The story line had me entranced and then the spice. I devoured this book!
July 19, 2025
As someone with ADHD and hyper fixates on random things but still insists on squeezing in reading time… this book made me neglect my latest show, just to finish the book. The tension, the healing, the plot! I loved every aspect of it! Very fun mafia read and I can’t wait for the next book!
July 25, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ I would have rated this higher (probably a 4) if it wasn’t so long. 620 pages was loooong. I felt like for about 15% from the 70-85% mark, nothing really happened. So it really dragged out.
Otherwise, it was a pretty good Mafia book !
Otherwise, it was a pretty good Mafia book !
August 12, 2025
AMANDA DID HER THANG WITH THIS ONE!! When I say the slow burn was burning I literally felt the heat between Vasilisa and Santo!!! This has definitely become one of my top 5 mafia romances 10/10 always recommending 🙂↕️
August 19, 2025
thrilling
I loved the fast the plot was going and how slow burn it was. Filled with so much longing and desire! That man yearned for her 🙌🏼 I love an obsessed MMC and a bad ass FMC everything in this book was perfect 🤩
I loved the fast the plot was going and how slow burn it was. Filled with so much longing and desire! That man yearned for her 🙌🏼 I love an obsessed MMC and a bad ass FMC everything in this book was perfect 🤩
December 23, 2025
I read this beauty a few months ago and bought the second book recently 😍 This was a Mafia romance I didn't know I needed until it stole me and wrapped me up into the pages of its story. It gripped me and took me on such a wild ride!
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