What do you think?
Rate this book
Mafia Babes #1
Petrichor
The Family comes first.
I’ve been part of the Leone family since Don Massimo took me in when I was a boy.
Now I sit beside his son, il capo, Don Sebastiano. Being a mobster is all I know and want.
Even when betrayal comes knocking at my door.
A teasing smile, the most striking cloud-gray eyes, an androgynous body wrapped in lingerie and a belly chain around his narrow hips. Can a man be pretty? I must be drunker than I thought to wonder such a thing.
Fly.
That’s what another man calls him before a whiskey bottle is smashed on his head. My tailored Italian suit is ruined, and Fly owes me now. When he proposes a way to repay his debt, I decide to go along with it even though my misanthropic nature protests vigorously.
I feel a sense of deep irritation when he acts unbothered by my menacing threats. Getting information from him before getting rid of him was my goal, but the urge to keep him close grows stronger, as does the desire to have another peek at those scraps of lace he likes to wear underneath his clothes.
Nevertheless, I won’t make the same mistake twice, because I’m Marco “the Knuckle” Moretti. And if he’s working for another family, nothing and no one will stop me from unleashing my vendetta upon him.
WARNING**This is book one in the Mafia Babes series, a dark, action packed, grumpy/sunshine, MM romance. Most characters in this series are morally gray, ruthless, and rough criminals. The first book features a short-tempered, rude, arrogant Mafia boss and a fearless, unstoppable, cheeky twink.
There are very rough s*x scenes between the MCs, a breeding kink, bi-awakening, c**k warming, and male lingerie. The story contains on-page descriptions of violence, torture, a physical assault, discussions of domestic abuse, and gun use. Morality’s gray area is quite stretched in this story. Please check the more detailed triggers at the beginning of the book.
Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but because of the recurrent characters reading them in order will give a more complete sense of the stories.
I’ve been part of the Leone family since Don Massimo took me in when I was a boy.
Now I sit beside his son, il capo, Don Sebastiano. Being a mobster is all I know and want.
Even when betrayal comes knocking at my door.
A teasing smile, the most striking cloud-gray eyes, an androgynous body wrapped in lingerie and a belly chain around his narrow hips. Can a man be pretty? I must be drunker than I thought to wonder such a thing.
Fly.
That’s what another man calls him before a whiskey bottle is smashed on his head. My tailored Italian suit is ruined, and Fly owes me now. When he proposes a way to repay his debt, I decide to go along with it even though my misanthropic nature protests vigorously.
I feel a sense of deep irritation when he acts unbothered by my menacing threats. Getting information from him before getting rid of him was my goal, but the urge to keep him close grows stronger, as does the desire to have another peek at those scraps of lace he likes to wear underneath his clothes.
Nevertheless, I won’t make the same mistake twice, because I’m Marco “the Knuckle” Moretti. And if he’s working for another family, nothing and no one will stop me from unleashing my vendetta upon him.
WARNING**This is book one in the Mafia Babes series, a dark, action packed, grumpy/sunshine, MM romance. Most characters in this series are morally gray, ruthless, and rough criminals. The first book features a short-tempered, rude, arrogant Mafia boss and a fearless, unstoppable, cheeky twink.
There are very rough s*x scenes between the MCs, a breeding kink, bi-awakening, c**k warming, and male lingerie. The story contains on-page descriptions of violence, torture, a physical assault, discussions of domestic abuse, and gun use. Morality’s gray area is quite stretched in this story. Please check the more detailed triggers at the beginning of the book.
Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but because of the recurrent characters reading them in order will give a more complete sense of the stories.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2025
187 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read
About the author
Paulina Ian-Kane
17 books377 followersI can't remember a time when I wasn't reading a book. Whether it was sci-fi, romance or a detective story didn't matter, because it was the perfect way to escape from reality for a little while. When I wasn't reading, I was imagining my own stories, and after a while I started writing them, hoping to give other people that little escape I still enjoy so much.
My books are full of dark humor, spicy kinky scenes, possessive, obsessed, protective MCs and always have happy endings.
I live in Japan with my two kids and my stinky, super cute Frenchie.
Find me online:
@paulinaiankanebooks on Facebook and Instagram!
My books are full of dark humor, spicy kinky scenes, possessive, obsessed, protective MCs and always have happy endings.
I live in Japan with my two kids and my stinky, super cute Frenchie.
Find me online:
@paulinaiankanebooks on Facebook and Instagram!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 19, 2025
Marco + Fly 🖤
Mafia | Age gap | Breeding kink | Lace | Brat | Gay for you
Hot hot hot and adorable
And that bomb dropped at the end 🙀
Give me book two right now!
....
"Only two people are allowed to talk to me like that, and you aren't one of them."
"Then add me to the list."
"Your hips can't stay still, Fly. You want my load inside you. Want me to breed you?... You want me to stuff you, want your belly to grow, heavy with my juice."
"Can you feel it? You're squeezing my dick so hard my cum is overflowing from your hole, but you're still thirsty for more, aren't you."
"My pretty butterfly likes to fight back just as much as he enjoys being pinned and taking it."
"Whiskey doesn't work anymore, only Fly does. He's my shot of morphine. The only thing that makes me forget about my troubles and pain. He's my erotic slice of heaven--of hell when all the doubts come back to haunt me."
"His guttural laugh almost makes me come. Oh. My. God. Nothing, fucking nothing has ever made me happier than hearing him laugh. Almost euphoric. I feel a sting directly in my chest as I lose half my heart to him."
"I saw you then, and I see you now in all your beautiful shades. And I'll keep seeing only you until my last breath."
"Wanna know what you look like when you come?
You look like fucking mine."
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Mafia
Mens lingerie designer/seamster
Gay for you
Breeding
"Butterfly"
Rough sex
Lace
Crop tops
Skirts
Tongue rings
Marco is uncut
Public sex
Touch him and die
Hands free 💦
💦 in pants
I didn't know where else to go vibes
Protector
Jealousy/Possessiveness
Mine
Caretaking
Hurt comfort
"Little shit"
Brat
Size difference
Face fucking
Marco fingers Fly while he has him thrown over his shoulder
TWs:
Marco gets bj from a woman after him and Fly hook up, trying to convince himself that he has no feelings for Fly. (They haven't had penetrative sex yet at this point but lots of bjs and cuddles.)
Fly goes to club after hearing the BJ and tries to get laid but is unsuccessful when Marco shows up.
After they both agree to exclusivity they are only with each other.
Torture
Murder
Death
3rd act breakup
Betrayal
Attempted rape of MC (not by other MC)
Beating of MC (not by other MC)
Mafia | Age gap | Breeding kink | Lace | Brat | Gay for you
Hot hot hot and adorable
And that bomb dropped at the end 🙀
Give me book two right now!
....
"Only two people are allowed to talk to me like that, and you aren't one of them."
"Then add me to the list."
"Your hips can't stay still, Fly. You want my load inside you. Want me to breed you?... You want me to stuff you, want your belly to grow, heavy with my juice."
"Can you feel it? You're squeezing my dick so hard my cum is overflowing from your hole, but you're still thirsty for more, aren't you."
"My pretty butterfly likes to fight back just as much as he enjoys being pinned and taking it."
"Whiskey doesn't work anymore, only Fly does. He's my shot of morphine. The only thing that makes me forget about my troubles and pain. He's my erotic slice of heaven--of hell when all the doubts come back to haunt me."
"His guttural laugh almost makes me come. Oh. My. God. Nothing, fucking nothing has ever made me happier than hearing him laugh. Almost euphoric. I feel a sting directly in my chest as I lose half my heart to him."
"I saw you then, and I see you now in all your beautiful shades. And I'll keep seeing only you until my last breath."
"Wanna know what you look like when you come?
You look like fucking mine."
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Mafia
Mens lingerie designer/seamster
Gay for you
Breeding
"Butterfly"
Rough sex
Lace
Crop tops
Skirts
Tongue rings
Marco is uncut
Public sex
Touch him and die
Hands free 💦
💦 in pants
I didn't know where else to go vibes
Protector
Jealousy/Possessiveness
Mine
Caretaking
Hurt comfort
"Little shit"
Brat
Size difference
Face fucking
Marco fingers Fly while he has him thrown over his shoulder
TWs:
Marco gets bj from a woman after him and Fly hook up, trying to convince himself that he has no feelings for Fly. (They haven't had penetrative sex yet at this point but lots of bjs and cuddles.)
Fly goes to club after hearing the BJ and tries to get laid but is unsuccessful when Marco shows up.
After they both agree to exclusivity they are only with each other.
Torture
Murder
Death
3rd act breakup
Betrayal
Attempted rape of MC (not by other MC)
Beating of MC (not by other MC)
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 16, 2026
MM Romance
Mafia Age Gap
2.5 Stars ⭐️
#The52BookClub-Title Starts With The Letter “P”
Note: I was going to DNF this at 65% so the first part of this review reads as that but then I finished it so it’s like two reviews in one 😂 The only spoiler is what happens at 55% that made me almost DNF.
Sighhhhhh. I was enjoying this until the author made a decision that changed everything and now I’m no longer interested in reading this book. So, this is a mafia age gap where Fly and Marco meet at a bar and have a tryst of sorts but shit happens and Marco’s expensive clothes are ruined leaving Fly in his debt. From here it goes a bit slow burn until Fly ultimately moves in with Marco. I have to say the slow burn part was a tad boring because there was way too much mafia stuff that I didn’t care about. But once they are “roommates” we get some nice moments between them and this book has a lot of cockwarming which I was a big fan of but then this went off the rails for me.
So around 55% Marco is getting nervous about how drawn to Fly he is. He’s always identified as straight, he’s been betrayed in the past and Fly is a lot younger than him so he decides that he’s going to go to a club and pick up a chick. He brings her home and is intentionally loud so Fly can hear them which was ridiculous because not only could Marco not get it up and had to think about Fly but what an absolutely shithouse thing to do to a guy you’ve let nurse your cock every night for weeks at a time. Not that it would excuse it but they hadn’t even gotten in a fight that day, Marco just got fed up of his brothers calling Fly his wife so he had to show everyone 🙄 So obviously Fly is crushed and there’s more backstory to him and Marco to why this crushes Fly so badly but I’m not getting into it. Fly decides to go out the next night to a club of his own but doesn’t realize Marco has a guy trailing him and when he’s in the alley bent over and about to get fucked, Marco shows up and pushes into him instead.
So a few things. The TWs mention rough sex and I usually love rough sex but not like this where you have the dominant rough one forcing himself on the younger submissive one who is actively saying no because his “man” hooked up with a chick the night before, loudly in their shared apartment. He also fucks him raw after being with someone else. I think if Fly had successfully thrown Marco off or fucked the other rando guy I would have been much more on board with this book because FAFO Marco. But the way this was written? No thank you. And Fly eventually folds like a cheap lawn chair and lets Marco ravage him which I would have been so down with had the blow job scene with the chick not happened. On top of that Marco treated that woman like absolute garbage and while yes I know this is mafia, the entire scene made me not want to keep reading.
BUT I’M A MASOCHIST…So I did 😂😂
And I started liking it again 🙄😂 I was never completely sold on this couple though because Fly was such a doormat but this had some of the filthiest cockwarming cum soaked sex scenes so I kept going. Things definitely picked up and it stopped curing my insomnia but the things happening were so stupid that they made me remember that Vitale brothers was a fluke and mafia so very rarely works for me. However, the way this ended made me want to immediately pick up book 2 🤣🤣🤣
This can be read as a stand-alone but the epilogue has a bit of an OMG type ending that flows into the next book. Will I be a masochist and pick it up? Probably.
I wish I could do half star ratings. Goodreads you got rid of messages so maybe like add a good feature? Maybe?
Lastly, to put a HP reference in a new MM book is a choice…Do Better.
Mafia Age Gap
2.5 Stars ⭐️
#The52BookClub-Title Starts With The Letter “P”
Note: I was going to DNF this at 65% so the first part of this review reads as that but then I finished it so it’s like two reviews in one 😂 The only spoiler is what happens at 55% that made me almost DNF.
Sighhhhhh. I was enjoying this until the author made a decision that changed everything and now I’m no longer interested in reading this book. So, this is a mafia age gap where Fly and Marco meet at a bar and have a tryst of sorts but shit happens and Marco’s expensive clothes are ruined leaving Fly in his debt. From here it goes a bit slow burn until Fly ultimately moves in with Marco. I have to say the slow burn part was a tad boring because there was way too much mafia stuff that I didn’t care about. But once they are “roommates” we get some nice moments between them and this book has a lot of cockwarming which I was a big fan of but then this went off the rails for me.
So around 55% Marco is getting nervous about how drawn to Fly he is. He’s always identified as straight, he’s been betrayed in the past and Fly is a lot younger than him so he decides that he’s going to go to a club and pick up a chick. He brings her home and is intentionally loud so Fly can hear them which was ridiculous because not only could Marco not get it up and had to think about Fly but what an absolutely shithouse thing to do to a guy you’ve let nurse your cock every night for weeks at a time. Not that it would excuse it but they hadn’t even gotten in a fight that day, Marco just got fed up of his brothers calling Fly his wife so he had to show everyone 🙄 So obviously Fly is crushed and there’s more backstory to him and Marco to why this crushes Fly so badly but I’m not getting into it. Fly decides to go out the next night to a club of his own but doesn’t realize Marco has a guy trailing him and when he’s in the alley bent over and about to get fucked, Marco shows up and pushes into him instead.
So a few things. The TWs mention rough sex and I usually love rough sex but not like this where you have the dominant rough one forcing himself on the younger submissive one who is actively saying no because his “man” hooked up with a chick the night before, loudly in their shared apartment. He also fucks him raw after being with someone else. I think if Fly had successfully thrown Marco off or fucked the other rando guy I would have been much more on board with this book because FAFO Marco. But the way this was written? No thank you. And Fly eventually folds like a cheap lawn chair and lets Marco ravage him which I would have been so down with had the blow job scene with the chick not happened. On top of that Marco treated that woman like absolute garbage and while yes I know this is mafia, the entire scene made me not want to keep reading.
BUT I’M A MASOCHIST…So I did 😂😂
And I started liking it again 🙄😂 I was never completely sold on this couple though because Fly was such a doormat but this had some of the filthiest cockwarming cum soaked sex scenes so I kept going. Things definitely picked up and it stopped curing my insomnia but the things happening were so stupid that they made me remember that Vitale brothers was a fluke and mafia so very rarely works for me. However, the way this ended made me want to immediately pick up book 2 🤣🤣🤣
This can be read as a stand-alone but the epilogue has a bit of an OMG type ending that flows into the next book. Will I be a masochist and pick it up? Probably.
I wish I could do half star ratings. Goodreads you got rid of messages so maybe like add a good feature? Maybe?
Lastly, to put a HP reference in a new MM book is a choice…Do Better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
6 FUCKING STARS !!!!!!!!
RTC
RTC
October 9, 2025
A filthy, gritty, dark, erotic mafioso story which I devoured. This book has been in my sights a while and it's turn finally came up. It definitely did not disappoint. Marco was a d*ck for the longest time and did some things I'd hit him over the head for, but he came around. Fly was a kinky, hot, gorgeous butterfly. He was a joy to read in all his insatiable glory. Together they were pure fire. The surrounding story and characters were consistent and interesting.
I will definitely be reading the next book.
*Favorites
*To reread
I will definitely be reading the next book.
*Favorites
*To reread
April 7, 2025
“Because I take care of him. I’m his man. He’s mine.”
I’m not the biggest mafia romance fan but this was a good start to the series, I loved fly. he was such a breath of fresh air 💗💗
“Say you’re mine. Now! Say it.”
“You’re mine,” he repeats”
I’m not the biggest mafia romance fan but this was a good start to the series, I loved fly. he was such a breath of fresh air 💗💗
“Say you’re mine. Now! Say it.”
“You’re mine,” he repeats”
November 30, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level:4
Point of view: Dual, 1st person
TROPES & TAGS
Mafia romance
Dark romance
Age gap
Size difference
High heat
Unconventional saviour
Sexual awakening
Needy bottom
“Little butterfly”
Lingerie
Tongue piercing
SPICE AND KINKS
Blowjobs
Swallowing
Cock warming
Breeding kink
Needy bottom
Multiple orgasms
Hands free orgasms
Cumming from Fingering
• Dynamic: strict top & bottom roles
TW/CW
Mild Dubcon
Mentions of child abuse
Death of a brother by fire
Betrayal
Slapping between MCs
Violence between MCs
Kidnapping
Mentions of SA
Rape threats
Stalker hookup
Violence
Torture
THOUGHTS
such a fantastic audiobook goshhhhhh. It brought this book to life. And the spice was amazing. I loved this book way way more than I anticipated. 9 hours went like nothing. It’s a happy ending as far as I think but the plot ends with a cliffhanger.
Spice Level:4
Point of view: Dual, 1st person
TROPES & TAGS
Mafia romance
Dark romance
Age gap
Size difference
High heat
Unconventional saviour
Sexual awakening
Needy bottom
“Little butterfly”
Lingerie
Tongue piercing
SPICE AND KINKS
Blowjobs
Swallowing
Cock warming
Breeding kink
Needy bottom
Multiple orgasms
Hands free orgasms
Cumming from Fingering
• Dynamic: strict top & bottom roles
TW/CW
Mild Dubcon
Mentions of child abuse
Death of a brother by fire
Betrayal
Slapping between MCs
Violence between MCs
Kidnapping
Mentions of SA
Rape threats
Stalker hookup
Violence
Torture
THOUGHTS
such a fantastic audiobook goshhhhhh. It brought this book to life. And the spice was amazing. I loved this book way way more than I anticipated. 9 hours went like nothing. It’s a happy ending as far as I think but the plot ends with a cliffhanger.
November 1, 2025
My first read by this author and it was wonderful, I absolutely loved it!
Marco has had a hard, tough life. When he was 9 his last living relative, his nonno, died, and he was left in a group home for a year where all we get is the vague sense that horrible things happened to him there.
When he was 10, though, he taken in by the Leon family Don, and so since then all he's known his the Leon family, and his two best friends/brothers, Luca - another boy who was taken in by the Don - and Seb, the Don's actual son and eventual successor.
All Marco has basically known is brutality - and on the day Marco and Fly meet, when Fly is a kid, Marco deals with a major betrayal by his current lover.
Ten years later, and Fly is back in NYC, looking for his older brother who was with him that day that he met Marco, who kind of unintentionally saved the two boys from their abusive fuck of a father.
After the boys went off on their own - having said they had someone to go to - Marco was too busy dealing with Delia, his lover who betrayed him, and he moved on with his life and mostly forgot those who boys.
Fly aka Joel never forgot Marco, though. The man who killed his abusive father, effectively saying him and his older brother, and who carried Fly out to safety when his older brother, who had a bruised or broken ribs, couldn't. Because Fly was seemingly blind - and he isn't as an adult, and we later find out why he can see as an adult and not as a kid.
While Fly has gone 10 years without knowing or seeing Marco, he's gone that long without his brother as well - they had someone to look after them, but the lady could only take in one of them, and so his brother, River, left him there and went off on his own.
Fly was hoping to find his brother again, and he also hears about Marco again as well and might show up at a well known mafioso bar in the hopes to one day run into him...
He's 22 now, an adult, and Marco doesn't recognize him. Marco is seemingly straight as well, but this one night in the bar bathroom, Marco is somewhat drunk and unsatisfied by the woman blowing him, and Fly offers - and is beautiful enough and slightly androgynous looking for Marco to let go of any notions of not being into men and lets Fly blow him. And it's, of course, the best blowjob Marco has ever had.
But of course he maintains that it was a one-time thing - as he's been a one and done guy in the 10 years since the betrayal of Delia - and that he's not gay and it was just a convenience thing (lies, of course.)
There was also some men in the bar of an opposing family, and Fly and Marc0 get into it with them, and Fly accidentally spills a drink on Marco's expensive, custom made shirt/suit instead of one of them men they are fighting.
Marco, in keeping with how mafia men are, is a real asshole and demands repayment - $3000 dollars - for his ruined custom made suit. Fly can't afford that, and so after he proposes to be a sort of assistant to Marco - or more like house cleaner/grocery getter/dealing with dry cleaning etc - to work off the price of the suit, Marco reluctantly agrees.
After one of the men from the other family is also revealed to be someone Fly hooked up with one or twice, the man will not leave Fly alone, and keeps harassing and even assaulting him. Marco tries to tell himself he doesn't care, but he takes care of Fly in his time of need anyway.
Fly can't help but be enamored with Marco, even if he is this big, scary mafioso man who could kill Fly so much as look at him. Fly just doesn't feel fear when it comes to him.
Marco takes a bit to warm up to, as he is a hardheaded asshole and is very slow to trust - if at all. But he and Fly have this amazing chemistry that you can't help but fall in love with.
This does have Marco trying to be someone else after he and Fly have been together a few times. It takes a bit, but once they start sexual stuff up again after that first time in the bathroom bar, Fly blows Marco every night for a week, and then after does some cock warming while he sleeps (before Marco takes him into the room Fly is staying in at Marco's place when he needs a place to stay).
Marco very deliberately, after getting fearful that he and Fly are getting to close, brings a woman back to his place where Fly is to have sex with her. She does blow Marco but he has to imagine Fly the whole time to even get hard and come. Nothing else happens after that.
He and Fly are not exclusive at that point, they've barley known each other a few weeks - and have only been having Fly blow Marco for a week and have done nothing else (besides the cockwarming) - so it's not cheating.
It's still shitty of Marco and Fly is rightfully angry - I love how he doesn't back down with Marco and gives as good he gets - and Fly goes out to try and have sex with another guy and move on from Marco, but at this point Marco is already possessive and unhinged when it comes to anyone with Fly, so he follows Fly to the club he's at and rips the guy off him before it goes too far.
So those are the only times these two are with anyone else while they're involved. Since they weren't committed yet and Marco was so opposed to admitting any type of feeling for Fly, I could let it go. After that - and explosive first penetrative time - they are with no one else but each other and they establish commitment.
They are both possessive of each other for sure but Marco is of course sexily possessive and obsessive - anyone who even looks too long at his Butterfly is asking for it.
There is also worry from Marco's end of Fly potentially betraying him and working for one of the other mafia families, and while it's understandable that Marco has those fears, I understand Fly's end too where he's upset that Marco isn't believing him and he gives him a good talking too as well once Marco gets his head out of his ass.
This was such a fun story, I couldn't get enough of it. Only sleep was able to pull me away from it. I absolutely loved Marco and Fly together as well. Yeah, Marco was a bit of a bitch for awhile in this, but he genuinely cared for Fly and beyond Seb and Luca, Marco doesn't care for anyone else and I'm always a sucker for "you're the exception to my rule" romances. Or more accurately "I don't like or trust anyone but you."
This also had a twist or two that surprised me and I was like "oh man why didn't I catch onto that earlier?" so this also gets points for that.
I'm excited to dive into the next story, and this was a definite win for me for this new-to-me author.
Onto the next! ❤️
Marco has had a hard, tough life. When he was 9 his last living relative, his nonno, died, and he was left in a group home for a year where all we get is the vague sense that horrible things happened to him there.
When he was 10, though, he taken in by the Leon family Don, and so since then all he's known his the Leon family, and his two best friends/brothers, Luca - another boy who was taken in by the Don - and Seb, the Don's actual son and eventual successor.
All Marco has basically known is brutality - and on the day Marco and Fly meet, when Fly is a kid, Marco deals with a major betrayal by his current lover.
Ten years later, and Fly is back in NYC, looking for his older brother who was with him that day that he met Marco, who kind of unintentionally saved the two boys from their abusive fuck of a father.
After the boys went off on their own - having said they had someone to go to - Marco was too busy dealing with Delia, his lover who betrayed him, and he moved on with his life and mostly forgot those who boys.
Fly aka Joel never forgot Marco, though. The man who killed his abusive father, effectively saying him and his older brother, and who carried Fly out to safety when his older brother, who had a bruised or broken ribs, couldn't. Because Fly was seemingly blind - and he isn't as an adult, and we later find out why he can see as an adult and not as a kid.
While Fly has gone 10 years without knowing or seeing Marco, he's gone that long without his brother as well - they had someone to look after them, but the lady could only take in one of them, and so his brother, River, left him there and went off on his own.
Fly was hoping to find his brother again, and he also hears about Marco again as well and might show up at a well known mafioso bar in the hopes to one day run into him...
He's 22 now, an adult, and Marco doesn't recognize him. Marco is seemingly straight as well, but this one night in the bar bathroom, Marco is somewhat drunk and unsatisfied by the woman blowing him, and Fly offers - and is beautiful enough and slightly androgynous looking for Marco to let go of any notions of not being into men and lets Fly blow him. And it's, of course, the best blowjob Marco has ever had.
But of course he maintains that it was a one-time thing - as he's been a one and done guy in the 10 years since the betrayal of Delia - and that he's not gay and it was just a convenience thing (lies, of course.)
There was also some men in the bar of an opposing family, and Fly and Marc0 get into it with them, and Fly accidentally spills a drink on Marco's expensive, custom made shirt/suit instead of one of them men they are fighting.
Marco, in keeping with how mafia men are, is a real asshole and demands repayment - $3000 dollars - for his ruined custom made suit. Fly can't afford that, and so after he proposes to be a sort of assistant to Marco - or more like house cleaner/grocery getter/dealing with dry cleaning etc - to work off the price of the suit, Marco reluctantly agrees.
After one of the men from the other family is also revealed to be someone Fly hooked up with one or twice, the man will not leave Fly alone, and keeps harassing and even assaulting him. Marco tries to tell himself he doesn't care, but he takes care of Fly in his time of need anyway.
Fly can't help but be enamored with Marco, even if he is this big, scary mafioso man who could kill Fly so much as look at him. Fly just doesn't feel fear when it comes to him.
Marco takes a bit to warm up to, as he is a hardheaded asshole and is very slow to trust - if at all. But he and Fly have this amazing chemistry that you can't help but fall in love with.
This does have Marco trying to be someone else after he and Fly have been together a few times. It takes a bit, but once they start sexual stuff up again after that first time in the bathroom bar, Fly blows Marco every night for a week, and then after does some cock warming while he sleeps (before Marco takes him into the room Fly is staying in at Marco's place when he needs a place to stay).
Marco very deliberately, after getting fearful that he and Fly are getting to close, brings a woman back to his place where Fly is to have sex with her. She does blow Marco but he has to imagine Fly the whole time to even get hard and come. Nothing else happens after that.
He and Fly are not exclusive at that point, they've barley known each other a few weeks - and have only been having Fly blow Marco for a week and have done nothing else (besides the cockwarming) - so it's not cheating.
It's still shitty of Marco and Fly is rightfully angry - I love how he doesn't back down with Marco and gives as good he gets - and Fly goes out to try and have sex with another guy and move on from Marco, but at this point Marco is already possessive and unhinged when it comes to anyone with Fly, so he follows Fly to the club he's at and rips the guy off him before it goes too far.
So those are the only times these two are with anyone else while they're involved. Since they weren't committed yet and Marco was so opposed to admitting any type of feeling for Fly, I could let it go. After that - and explosive first penetrative time - they are with no one else but each other and they establish commitment.
They are both possessive of each other for sure but Marco is of course sexily possessive and obsessive - anyone who even looks too long at his Butterfly is asking for it.
There is also worry from Marco's end of Fly potentially betraying him and working for one of the other mafia families, and while it's understandable that Marco has those fears, I understand Fly's end too where he's upset that Marco isn't believing him and he gives him a good talking too as well once Marco gets his head out of his ass.
This was such a fun story, I couldn't get enough of it. Only sleep was able to pull me away from it. I absolutely loved Marco and Fly together as well. Yeah, Marco was a bit of a bitch for awhile in this, but he genuinely cared for Fly and beyond Seb and Luca, Marco doesn't care for anyone else and I'm always a sucker for "you're the exception to my rule" romances. Or more accurately "I don't like or trust anyone but you."
This also had a twist or two that surprised me and I was like "oh man why didn't I catch onto that earlier?" so this also gets points for that.
I'm excited to dive into the next story, and this was a definite win for me for this new-to-me author.
Onto the next! ❤️
January 3, 2026
This dynamic is always gets me hot:
big scary mafia asshole x pretty, sassy boy who is not scared of him at all.
Marco is terrifying. Like, properly scary. Right-hand man to a mafia boss, built on violence, loyalty, and a strict internal code. He’s cold, brutal, emotionally shut down, and carries the weight of betrayal he experienced once from a lover he trusted years ago. The man does not do feelings. Or repeats. Or softness.
Then there’s Fly.
Delicate, sharp-tongued, lingerie-making, lace-wearing pretty boy with a brutal childhood and absolutely zero fear of Marco. And that’s what makes their dynamic so delicious—Fly never cowers, never tiptoes, never acts like Marco is something to be afraid of. Everyone else is. Fly isn’t.
Their connection starts ten years earlier, when Marco is sent to clean up after a scumbag associate who’s crossed a hard line. Mafia may be criminals, but they have a code,Marco kills the man, but when he finds two abused kids in the house a bitter older brother and a younger blind boy, He lets them go.
Fast-forward a decade, and the reunion is… chaotic perfection. A bar bathroom. A bad hookup. Fly walking in kicking the woman out and casually telling Marco he can do a better job blowing him 👀but first, Marco is to wash it before putting it in his mouth 🤣. Marco is baffled and at the same time intrigued because he is straight, absolutely has been till 38, and is also very much undone by this pretty menace who refuses to be intimidated.
Marco doesn’t recognize Fly. Fly knows exactly who Marco is, the man who killed his father and freed him in the process but he doesn’t tell him.
From there, it’s immediate, messy, and complicated. Marco keeps trying to frame it as temporary, transactional, meaningless. Fly keeps showing up anyway. Debt turns into cohabitation. Cohabitation turns into routine. Routine turns into Marco rushing home every night without admitting why. Other mafia men jokingly calling Fly his wife. Marco denying everything while doing nothing to stop it but he is afraid to trust as once bitten.
And yes Marco is a coward about it. A deeply frustrating, emotionally constipated coward.
There is a moment I didn’t enjoy: the pushing-away phase where Marco brings another woman home gets a blow job 😠 and deliberately hurts Fly to prove what they have “doesn’t mean anything.” I hate that trope. I hated reading it. Even if they weren’t technically together, I’m very firm on my rule—once MCs clock each other, no one else should be touching them. Period.
Fly’s retaliation almost hookup hurt too, even if it made sense.
But what saved it for me was Marco realizes he messed up. He spirals. Goes unhinged and He owns it.
The payoff works.
Add in the age gap, the brute-versus-pretty contrast, and genuinely vivid character descriptions (thank you author for letting me actually picture these people, I hate it when books don’t give me the proper description ), and this book checked a lot of boxes for me.
It also reminded me strongly of the Vitale Brothers books, which is a compliment. I loved the series.
By the end, I was satisfied enough that I didn’t hesitate I jumped straight into book two. Finding out River is alive? Immediate click. Fingers crossed the second book keeps the same energy.
Scary mafia man ✔️
Pretty fearless boy ✔️
Obsession ✔️
Messy feelings, good payoff ✔️
This one worked for me and I’m very curious to see if the series keeps this level.
April 20, 2025
4 ⭐️
Fly is everything! I fell in love with his personality and adorable quirks. The bag filled with things he loved to see, smell, and feel— yeah just take my heart and stomp on it while you’re at it. It’s the way he had such an intense appreciation to all the small things he encountered that made this so heartwarming to read.
I also like that Fly constantly stood up for himself, especially when Marco was mistreating him. It wasn’t a quick “I forgive you” it was a “you hurt me and that really upset me.” I honestly felt like Marco didn’t deserve Fly at times, but that quickly change towards the end of the book, especially after he swooped in to save Fly after the kidnapping// AND his proposal.
Def don’t get me started on Seb and Luca— especially with their genuine interest in Fly and their acceptance of him into the family. The later scenes of Seb wanting to fund Fly’s business and how he taught him how to use a weapon, and Lucas playfulness towards him— I just love when the best-friends love the boyfriend!
Fly is everything! I fell in love with his personality and adorable quirks. The bag filled with things he loved to see, smell, and feel— yeah just take my heart and stomp on it while you’re at it. It’s the way he had such an intense appreciation to all the small things he encountered that made this so heartwarming to read.
I also like that Fly constantly stood up for himself, especially when Marco was mistreating him. It wasn’t a quick “I forgive you” it was a “you hurt me and that really upset me.” I honestly felt like Marco didn’t deserve Fly at times, but that quickly change towards the end of the book, especially after he swooped in to save Fly after the kidnapping// AND his proposal.
Def don’t get me started on Seb and Luca— especially with their genuine interest in Fly and their acceptance of him into the family. The later scenes of Seb wanting to fund Fly’s business and how he taught him how to use a weapon, and Lucas playfulness towards him— I just love when the best-friends love the boyfriend!
April 29, 2025
This is a case of it’s not you, it’s me.
I can appreciate a sweet, submissive twink, but a sassy androgynous femme guy is more annoying to me than anything else. And this is really petty, but I can get into men wearing lingerie but bras have always seemed ridiculous to me. They don’t have what they are intended to hold and if they do have it, even more of a turnoff. It felt like the author was just trying to draw a woman with a dick so the straight guy could deal with it. Then I got to the point where they had sex and they were both just gross, hooking up with other people and yelling at each other.
The mafia side plot was cliche and boring and all that cazzo was getting on my nerves and I am Italian. Marco wasn’t ever described and he came off as such a chooch.
Bleh. Both leads were not my type and they had zero chemistry.
I can appreciate a sweet, submissive twink, but a sassy androgynous femme guy is more annoying to me than anything else. And this is really petty, but I can get into men wearing lingerie but bras have always seemed ridiculous to me. They don’t have what they are intended to hold and if they do have it, even more of a turnoff. It felt like the author was just trying to draw a woman with a dick so the straight guy could deal with it. Then I got to the point where they had sex and they were both just gross, hooking up with other people and yelling at each other.
The mafia side plot was cliche and boring and all that cazzo was getting on my nerves and I am Italian. Marco wasn’t ever described and he came off as such a chooch.
Bleh. Both leads were not my type and they had zero chemistry.
Read
May 19, 2025Manic pixie dream boy meets angry grumpy closed off mobster and after thousands of bjs, a bit of OM/OW drama and some violence, they indulge in their breeding kink and love. Fun, smutty, but not amazingly good. I enjoyed the "I'm straight, just let me ask that dude to blow me again". And the fem goodness Fly was.
December 18, 2025
I DNF'd the physical book around 40%. When I saw that the same narrators who voiced Dysfunctional by Isabel Lucero made this audiobook, I couldn't resist giving it a second chance.
It still has it's pacing problems, some character inconsistencies, plot holes..but the narration absolutely improved the way I received the plot, and perceived the MCs. I did finish the audio, and bumped it up from 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars (rounded up for our amazing narrators)!
The audiobook is absolutely worth your time, even if the physical book falls a bit short.
It still has it's pacing problems, some character inconsistencies, plot holes..but the narration absolutely improved the way I received the plot, and perceived the MCs. I did finish the audio, and bumped it up from 2.5 stars to 3.5 stars (rounded up for our amazing narrators)!
The audiobook is absolutely worth your time, even if the physical book falls a bit short.
April 15, 2025
DNF @59% Page 171
I am totally okay with cheating in mafia books, but it’s got to be a tit for tat. BOTH characters should get the opportunity to make shitty decisions. Fly is a doormat jumping on used dick from the night before WITHOUT protection. Yuck! 🤮
Too bad because the book had potential.
I am totally okay with cheating in mafia books, but it’s got to be a tit for tat. BOTH characters should get the opportunity to make shitty decisions. Fly is a doormat jumping on used dick from the night before WITHOUT protection. Yuck! 🤮
Too bad because the book had potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
reread #1
it's been a while and with the release of book 2, and with my exit from bookstagram, I needed a refresher.
omg, y'all! I picked up on SO MUCH MORE. so many little details stood out.
I LOVED this story and can't wait for River's!
𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘐𝘢𝘯-𝘒𝘢𝘯𝘦
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Length: 312
Source: Kindle Unlimited - borrowed
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Ms. Ian-Kane has gifted us with another mafia romance series and y’all. Y’ALL. I’m so friggin obsessed already. This one is a bit heavier, a bit more emotional, but just as amazing.
Marco and Fly. Ugh, these two were so flawed and fractured. But they were also incredibly drawn to one another. That pull was heavy and when the tension snapped. Good golly, y’all.
The spice was something else entirely. It was a story within the story. Raw and tense and rough and passionate. I FELT things. 🤣
The plot? I really enjoyed it! This is definitely more mafia heavy and I really enjoyed the dynamics. I’m VERY curious how this is going to play out with all the families. Seb and Luca and Carlos and Art. So many fun side characters!
And then that ENDING!!! I’m seriously SO FRIGGIN EXCITED for the next book.
—And lemme just say I CACKLED when I saw ‘Papa Lori.’ Omg, y’all. 💀🤣 iykyk AND that hint about a crossover. 💀💀💀
♡ mm mafia romance
♥ grumpy x sunshine
♡ breeding + other kinks
♥ twink in lingerie
♡ bi-awakening
♥ morally gray
♡ age gap
it's been a while and with the release of book 2, and with my exit from bookstagram, I needed a refresher.
omg, y'all! I picked up on SO MUCH MORE. so many little details stood out.
I LOVED this story and can't wait for River's!
𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘐𝘢𝘯-𝘒𝘢𝘯𝘦
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Length: 312
Source: Kindle Unlimited - borrowed
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Ms. Ian-Kane has gifted us with another mafia romance series and y’all. Y’ALL. I’m so friggin obsessed already. This one is a bit heavier, a bit more emotional, but just as amazing.
Marco and Fly. Ugh, these two were so flawed and fractured. But they were also incredibly drawn to one another. That pull was heavy and when the tension snapped. Good golly, y’all.
The spice was something else entirely. It was a story within the story. Raw and tense and rough and passionate. I FELT things. 🤣
The plot? I really enjoyed it! This is definitely more mafia heavy and I really enjoyed the dynamics. I’m VERY curious how this is going to play out with all the families. Seb and Luca and Carlos and Art. So many fun side characters!
And then that ENDING!!! I’m seriously SO FRIGGIN EXCITED for the next book.
—And lemme just say I CACKLED when I saw ‘Papa Lori.’ Omg, y’all. 💀🤣 iykyk AND that hint about a crossover. 💀💀💀
♡ mm mafia romance
♥ grumpy x sunshine
♡ breeding + other kinks
♥ twink in lingerie
♡ bi-awakening
♥ morally gray
♡ age gap
March 9, 2025
Good start to a new series by Paulina.
I like Fly’s character and personality. He’s a breath of fresh air.
I’m particularly interested in Art’s story and his creepy brother.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
I like Fly’s character and personality. He’s a breath of fresh air.
I’m particularly interested in Art’s story and his creepy brother.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
December 1, 2025
not bad pero tampoco la mejor lectura del universo, logró entretenerme
March 30, 2025
DNF @ P161 (56% - Ch.7)
April 21, 2025
At this point, I'll probably read anything Miss Paulina writes, because damn her books are such feel goods. This one was no different and I really liked it.
The epilogue tho?! Fly's brother?! Characters from Angels of Wrath (one of my favorite series mind you) probably will show up in this series? I can't wait!!
The epilogue tho?! Fly's brother?! Characters from Angels of Wrath (one of my favorite series mind you) probably will show up in this series? I can't wait!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
My kindle almost caught on fire from the first chapter.
Fly (to paraphernalia) “ohhh his body wants me but his brain is a little slow.. I can work with that.”
One of the reasons why I like @paulinaiankanebooks stories is because she doesn’t shy away from the violence. Many romance books that have an assassin, enforcer, or hitman will “close door” the bloody parts. She does not.
I and am incredibly grateful.
I knew when she said she wrote a mafia book that she would do it well and she did not disappoint.
🔥 all the spice
🔪 beatings and blood
🔥 high stakes
🔪 lasting consequences
🔥 c*m play
🔪 public play
🔥 possessive MC
🔪 world development
🔥 promises of future chaos
It’s out in a few days.
Side note:
If you liked Cara Dee’s mafia series you will like this book.
Fly (to paraphernalia) “ohhh his body wants me but his brain is a little slow.. I can work with that.”
One of the reasons why I like @paulinaiankanebooks stories is because she doesn’t shy away from the violence. Many romance books that have an assassin, enforcer, or hitman will “close door” the bloody parts. She does not.
I and am incredibly grateful.
I knew when she said she wrote a mafia book that she would do it well and she did not disappoint.
🔥 all the spice
🔪 beatings and blood
🔥 high stakes
🔪 lasting consequences
🔥 c*m play
🔪 public play
🔥 possessive MC
🔪 world development
🔥 promises of future chaos
It’s out in a few days.
Side note:
If you liked Cara Dee’s mafia series you will like this book.
April 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more in this world. However, it’s not without its faults, but I’ll start with the good.
I would classify this as a darker romance. There really isn’t any fluff, but that’s what I look for and expect when getting into a mafia romance. Marco does give Fly a cute nickname, but until the very end and epilogue, that’s about it. Now, there’s loads of possessiveness, obsessive behavior, and protective instincts throughout, but no fluff. And I liked that. It’s what I was in the mood for. Recently, I’ve been promised a darker read only to get sucked in and things change quickly to all hearts and flowers. Marco is capable of love and thoughtfulness and tenderness. But he’s been burned before, so now he doesn’t trust anyone but his family. Fly has some tall and thick walls to overcome. But I enjoyed their progression.
This had just a tad more angst than I usually want to read. Marco fights his feelings and instincts for a long time. And, he tries to sabotage their budding relationship with a heartless and thoughtless act with another woman. It’s from Marco’s POV, so it made it easier for me to read it without wanting to completely hate him for doing it (and it’s not full-on sex, nor does Marco do anything to her). He’s really fighting an internal battle. And, he does grovel a bit once he realizes what he’s done and how much it’s hurt Fly (and also once he realizes how much he hates the thought of Fly with anyone else). However, their first kiss still takes to 70%, which is too long for me since they’ve been intimate since about 50%. But Fly never wants to push him, so they just go at Marco’s pace.
Once they do get together, they are very spicy and passionate. The sex scenes were long and detailed. This author is great at writing them and really showing emotion.
The plot for this is pretty light, but not nonexistent to the point where I got bored. On the contrary, I was never bored. There’s enough happening between Marco, Fly, and the other guys that kept me engaged. There’s always a little mystery here and there. And when the plot does pick up, I think it’s a good conflict that can be developed over the course of the series. There are several supporting characters that I’m interested in reading more of, especially Luca and Art. I also love Fly’s business. It is unique and fun and fits his personality perfectly. And that bag of his, lol. It was so random, but it really helped paint a picture of who Fly is and how he lives his life. His character was sweet but fierce, sassy but caring, and gentle/vulnerable but strong. I really love both him and Marco, individually and as a couple.
Now the faults: This author has a note in the beginning requesting any typos or writing errors be emailed directly to them and not mentioned in reviews. Well…I can appreciate the ask so as to help improve, but that’s really not my job as a reader. The author does need better proofing and editing help. I get the impression that maybe English isn’t her first language, because of how prevalent the grammar and sentence structure issues are. That’s not a dig at all. English is very hard to learn, and sentence structure/punctuation is even harder. If it is her first language…my feelings are less forgiving for how many errors there are, so I’m going with the “give-the-benefit-of-the-doubt” route.
What I am saying, is that she needs a better proofing system. There are too many issues for me to be making notes and emailing them. That would also take me out of the story and completely defeat the purpose of me reading for entertainment. I’ve read her other series and don’t recall the grammar and punctuation being as bad as it is in this book. However, I still enjoyed it enough overall to rate it four stars, so that says a lot. And, it doesn’t turn me off from wanting to read the next in this series as well as continuing the other. In fact, I’ve read some of the Angels of Wrath books more than once, and I would read this one again as well. I do hope, however, that she finds one or two people to better proof future books, because there’s a lot of improvement needed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
I would classify this as a darker romance. There really isn’t any fluff, but that’s what I look for and expect when getting into a mafia romance. Marco does give Fly a cute nickname, but until the very end and epilogue, that’s about it. Now, there’s loads of possessiveness, obsessive behavior, and protective instincts throughout, but no fluff. And I liked that. It’s what I was in the mood for. Recently, I’ve been promised a darker read only to get sucked in and things change quickly to all hearts and flowers. Marco is capable of love and thoughtfulness and tenderness. But he’s been burned before, so now he doesn’t trust anyone but his family. Fly has some tall and thick walls to overcome. But I enjoyed their progression.
This had just a tad more angst than I usually want to read. Marco fights his feelings and instincts for a long time. And, he tries to sabotage their budding relationship with a heartless and thoughtless act with another woman. It’s from Marco’s POV, so it made it easier for me to read it without wanting to completely hate him for doing it (and it’s not full-on sex, nor does Marco do anything to her). He’s really fighting an internal battle. And, he does grovel a bit once he realizes what he’s done and how much it’s hurt Fly (and also once he realizes how much he hates the thought of Fly with anyone else). However, their first kiss still takes to 70%, which is too long for me since they’ve been intimate since about 50%. But Fly never wants to push him, so they just go at Marco’s pace.
Once they do get together, they are very spicy and passionate. The sex scenes were long and detailed. This author is great at writing them and really showing emotion.
The plot for this is pretty light, but not nonexistent to the point where I got bored. On the contrary, I was never bored. There’s enough happening between Marco, Fly, and the other guys that kept me engaged. There’s always a little mystery here and there. And when the plot does pick up, I think it’s a good conflict that can be developed over the course of the series. There are several supporting characters that I’m interested in reading more of, especially Luca and Art. I also love Fly’s business. It is unique and fun and fits his personality perfectly. And that bag of his, lol. It was so random, but it really helped paint a picture of who Fly is and how he lives his life. His character was sweet but fierce, sassy but caring, and gentle/vulnerable but strong. I really love both him and Marco, individually and as a couple.
Now the faults: This author has a note in the beginning requesting any typos or writing errors be emailed directly to them and not mentioned in reviews. Well…I can appreciate the ask so as to help improve, but that’s really not my job as a reader. The author does need better proofing and editing help. I get the impression that maybe English isn’t her first language, because of how prevalent the grammar and sentence structure issues are. That’s not a dig at all. English is very hard to learn, and sentence structure/punctuation is even harder. If it is her first language…my feelings are less forgiving for how many errors there are, so I’m going with the “give-the-benefit-of-the-doubt” route.
What I am saying, is that she needs a better proofing system. There are too many issues for me to be making notes and emailing them. That would also take me out of the story and completely defeat the purpose of me reading for entertainment. I’ve read her other series and don’t recall the grammar and punctuation being as bad as it is in this book. However, I still enjoyed it enough overall to rate it four stars, so that says a lot. And, it doesn’t turn me off from wanting to read the next in this series as well as continuing the other. In fact, I’ve read some of the Angels of Wrath books more than once, and I would read this one again as well. I do hope, however, that she finds one or two people to better proof future books, because there’s a lot of improvement needed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.
February 5, 2026
This was a good time! The audiobook was just what I needed when I decided to listen. Fly was a fun, sensitive brat and Marco was such a grumpy pushover. I enjoyed these two coming together and the cute moments like Marco making a special stop to get Fly ice cream and Fly wanting to make custom clothing for Marco. Overall this was a fun time and the audiobook was a great listen! 💙🩵🤍
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
☑️ Trigger Warnings.
February 3, 2026
Oh Paulina Ian - Kane, the way you right dirty talk is like no other 🔥the mouth on Marco 🔥and oh sweet Fiesty Fly who's the only one who could thaw Marco's cold heart.
If you're looking for a hot steamy MM Mafia romance with two amazing characters, look no further than right here because damn this book checked all the boxes. And im not gonna spoil the end, but DAMN!!!! I need book two like I need air...
If you're looking for a hot steamy MM Mafia romance with two amazing characters, look no further than right here because damn this book checked all the boxes. And im not gonna spoil the end, but DAMN!!!! I need book two like I need air...
January 7, 2026
“I’m Fly, not a little shit.”
“Flies like shit.”
“Are you calling yourself shit, Marco?”
While I think I loved Pragma just a little bit more, Petrichor was still a sweet and genuinely fun ride 💖
It has more drama toward the end, and like in many situations like it, a bit of healthy communication could have saved everyone a lot of heartbreak, but well, that’s not really what we’re here for, is it?
“Petrichor. That’s what the smell of rain on the ground is called. I connect it with you. You remained crystal clear in my mind all these years. While I faded in yours.”
That part was both heartbreaking and beautiful. I really enjoyed the symbolism throughout the book as it added an emotional softness that balanced the chaos somehow.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need: some idiotic, OTT “mafia” bosses paired with bratty bottoms, emotional tension, and a lot of delicious banter 🙃
Paulina Ian-Kane hasn’t ever disappointed me and Petrichor is no exception 🤍
An easy recommendation from me 😊
“Flies like shit.”
“Are you calling yourself shit, Marco?”
While I think I loved Pragma just a little bit more, Petrichor was still a sweet and genuinely fun ride 💖
It has more drama toward the end, and like in many situations like it, a bit of healthy communication could have saved everyone a lot of heartbreak, but well, that’s not really what we’re here for, is it?
“Petrichor. That’s what the smell of rain on the ground is called. I connect it with you. You remained crystal clear in my mind all these years. While I faded in yours.”
That part was both heartbreaking and beautiful. I really enjoyed the symbolism throughout the book as it added an emotional softness that balanced the chaos somehow.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need: some idiotic, OTT “mafia” bosses paired with bratty bottoms, emotional tension, and a lot of delicious banter 🙃
Paulina Ian-Kane hasn’t ever disappointed me and Petrichor is no exception 🤍
An easy recommendation from me 😊
November 29, 2025
Petrichor swept me right into the stormy, beautifully messy lives of Marco and Fly. Both of them have survived more than their share of hardship, and watching Fly slowly navigate Marco’s walls was incredibly moving. Their emotion and passion feel raw in the best way — the kind that hits you in the chest and doesn’t let go.
The side characters shine too, adding texture and heart without stealing the spotlight. And listen… when I hit that final word? I knew we weren’t done here. That tiny tease was basically Paulina Ian-Kane whispering, “Yes, babe, another book is coming.” And I am so here for it.
Heartfelt, gritty, tender, and beautifully written — highly recommend diving into this one. Enjoy! 🌧️💙
The side characters shine too, adding texture and heart without stealing the spotlight. And listen… when I hit that final word? I knew we weren’t done here. That tiny tease was basically Paulina Ian-Kane whispering, “Yes, babe, another book is coming.” And I am so here for it.
Heartfelt, gritty, tender, and beautifully written — highly recommend diving into this one. Enjoy! 🌧️💙
August 7, 2025
Well, I wasn’t expecting to cry but anything is possible with me. Devoured this in less than 12 hours so it’s safe to say I’m gagged and very glad I read this 🤭 RTC
—
“There’s something about those eyes. Now they look ice gray. That cool lightness should give them a frosty air, but that’s not the case with the way they are always so intent on everything. Filled with inquisitiveness and a genuine interest I can’t quite understand.”
“Rain has a way of making me feel at peace, almost as if it could wash all my stray thoughts away. When it comes down, the sky doesn’t seem so vast anymore.”
“You’re not going anywhere, pretty Butterfly. You’ll stay here and fucking take me.”
“I knew he wanted more than just to suck me. I could feel it how much he wanted someone near him. And I found myself unable to say no. A defenseless, pleading Fly turned out to be a fucking aphrodisiac.”
“Why only Fly? What I know is that he stands out. Everywhere he goes, he makes people take notice, just like butterflies do. A pretty butterfly. Not a fucking fly.”
“He’s more than pretty. Fucking sexy. The powerful desire I’m feeling can’t be quenched.”
“The anger boiling inside is the strongest one at the moment. But there’s something else, further down, almost reaching the depth of my soul, something dim and ephemeral I can’t quite grasp. He just gives me butterflies, the most beautiful ones.”
“Those beautiful iridescent eyes looking angry on my behalf, how could I not fall for them?”
“Now I know why I’m not drunk. Whiskey doesn’t work anymore, only Fly does. He’s my shot of morphine. The only thing that makes me forget about my troubles and pain. He’s my erotic slice of heaven—of hell when all the doubts will come back to haunt me.”
“His guttural laugh almost makes me come. Oh. My. God. Nothing, fucking nothing has ever made me happier than hearing him laugh. Almost euphoric.”
“The first time I met you I thought you were the worst and most wonderful thing I’d ever felt. An unconventional savior. My savior.”
“Petrichor.” I raise my voice over the incessant, delicate sound. “That’s what the smell of rain on the ground is called. Did you know that? The falling water hits the soil, magnifying the scent of it. It’s the most precious smell to me.” — “I connect it with you. You remained crystal clear in my mind all these years.”
“Because being with you makes me feel safe. Because I saw it in your eyes, the need to feel another soul. Because I felt the urge to be that soul, to nestle in near your heart and never leave. Because I love you, Marco.” (Crying)
“”Do you need him?” It’s Seb’s turn to question me. Need not love. But yes I do both.“
“But what I feel for him is much more powerful, consuming, a feral passion, an obsession—that will turn twisted if I can’t have him.”
“He’s my Butterfly, and I’ll never let him fly away from me ever again.”
“What are you doing here?” “I came for you.” — “I’ll always come for you.”
“You got so deep under my skin, you reached my dark soul, Joel Locke. Can’t leave me anymore.” “You left me!” — “Never again. I’ll lock you up if I have to until you realize that you, my Pretty Butterfly, belong to me.”
“Joel is gone; I’m Fly. Can you see me now?” — “I saw you then, and I see you now in all your beautiful shades. And I’ll keep seeing only you until my last breath.”
“I love you because you exist. Because you are here with me. By my side.” — “I am by your side as you are by mine. And I’ll stick there always. You are a Leone now, part of the family. Mine. And I protect what’s mine, pretty Butterfly.” (Literally kill me 😭)
“Don’t ever let me go.” — “Not in this life, amore mio. Not in the next ones. Ti amo.”
“I treated you like a fuckhole when we met in this bathroom, remember?” — “This time I’m going to fucking worship you, my Pretty Butterfly.”
“The no-backdoor rule still stands.” — ��I made a straight, ruthless mobster fall in love with me; anything is possible.”
“I had everything I wanted. Women, money, power, a family I’d die for, a job I fucking love, and I still felt so angry. I was missing something. Something vital. Until you walked into this very bathroom with those iridescent eyes and shameless mouth. It started to change.”
“It took time to finally make you mine, but I see you, amore mio—all of you. You are what I need most.” (Sobbing)
“I chose this ring because of its butterfly effect. Can you see the dark shadow caused by the way light is obstructed by your body? Light and shadow. It reminded me of what we have. Our story is not pure, nor flawless, but it’s fucking extraordinary all the same.”
“I’ve been waiting for you all my life, Marco Moretti. You chased all the agonizing loneliness away. I finally feel safe.”
“His fresh rain scent engulfs me as I cage him against the wall—the smell of happiness. He feels so fucking good in my arms, against me like he was meant to be there. We are the perfect match, made in blood and drops of rain. Inexplicably, our broken pieces fit together.”
“It is believed that butterflies stop flying when it rains because they could damage their wings, but I think that what they really do is savor the beauty of nature—just like my Joel—the sight of every single drop kissing the earth, the sound of crying water pelting down, the sweet, rich smell of petrichor.”
“Did you just propose in a bar bathroom?” I nod, kissing Marco’s neck. — “So what?” — “Did he kneel?” Luca asks. “In a public bathroom?” (This made me LOL)
“My home. My man. My ring. I look down at my diamond and giggle like a little girl.”
“Wanna know what you look like when you come?” — “You look like fucking mine.”
—
“There’s something about those eyes. Now they look ice gray. That cool lightness should give them a frosty air, but that’s not the case with the way they are always so intent on everything. Filled with inquisitiveness and a genuine interest I can’t quite understand.”
“Rain has a way of making me feel at peace, almost as if it could wash all my stray thoughts away. When it comes down, the sky doesn’t seem so vast anymore.”
“You’re not going anywhere, pretty Butterfly. You’ll stay here and fucking take me.”
“I knew he wanted more than just to suck me. I could feel it how much he wanted someone near him. And I found myself unable to say no. A defenseless, pleading Fly turned out to be a fucking aphrodisiac.”
“Why only Fly? What I know is that he stands out. Everywhere he goes, he makes people take notice, just like butterflies do. A pretty butterfly. Not a fucking fly.”
“He’s more than pretty. Fucking sexy. The powerful desire I’m feeling can’t be quenched.”
“The anger boiling inside is the strongest one at the moment. But there’s something else, further down, almost reaching the depth of my soul, something dim and ephemeral I can’t quite grasp. He just gives me butterflies, the most beautiful ones.”
“Those beautiful iridescent eyes looking angry on my behalf, how could I not fall for them?”
“Now I know why I’m not drunk. Whiskey doesn’t work anymore, only Fly does. He’s my shot of morphine. The only thing that makes me forget about my troubles and pain. He’s my erotic slice of heaven—of hell when all the doubts will come back to haunt me.”
“His guttural laugh almost makes me come. Oh. My. God. Nothing, fucking nothing has ever made me happier than hearing him laugh. Almost euphoric.”
“The first time I met you I thought you were the worst and most wonderful thing I’d ever felt. An unconventional savior. My savior.”
“Petrichor.” I raise my voice over the incessant, delicate sound. “That’s what the smell of rain on the ground is called. Did you know that? The falling water hits the soil, magnifying the scent of it. It’s the most precious smell to me.” — “I connect it with you. You remained crystal clear in my mind all these years.”
“Because being with you makes me feel safe. Because I saw it in your eyes, the need to feel another soul. Because I felt the urge to be that soul, to nestle in near your heart and never leave. Because I love you, Marco.” (Crying)
“”Do you need him?” It’s Seb’s turn to question me. Need not love. But yes I do both.“
“But what I feel for him is much more powerful, consuming, a feral passion, an obsession—that will turn twisted if I can’t have him.”
“He’s my Butterfly, and I’ll never let him fly away from me ever again.”
“What are you doing here?” “I came for you.” — “I’ll always come for you.”
“You got so deep under my skin, you reached my dark soul, Joel Locke. Can’t leave me anymore.” “You left me!” — “Never again. I’ll lock you up if I have to until you realize that you, my Pretty Butterfly, belong to me.”
“Joel is gone; I’m Fly. Can you see me now?” — “I saw you then, and I see you now in all your beautiful shades. And I’ll keep seeing only you until my last breath.”
“I love you because you exist. Because you are here with me. By my side.” — “I am by your side as you are by mine. And I’ll stick there always. You are a Leone now, part of the family. Mine. And I protect what’s mine, pretty Butterfly.” (Literally kill me 😭)
“Don’t ever let me go.” — “Not in this life, amore mio. Not in the next ones. Ti amo.”
“I treated you like a fuckhole when we met in this bathroom, remember?” — “This time I’m going to fucking worship you, my Pretty Butterfly.”
“The no-backdoor rule still stands.” — ��I made a straight, ruthless mobster fall in love with me; anything is possible.”
“I had everything I wanted. Women, money, power, a family I’d die for, a job I fucking love, and I still felt so angry. I was missing something. Something vital. Until you walked into this very bathroom with those iridescent eyes and shameless mouth. It started to change.”
“It took time to finally make you mine, but I see you, amore mio—all of you. You are what I need most.” (Sobbing)
“I chose this ring because of its butterfly effect. Can you see the dark shadow caused by the way light is obstructed by your body? Light and shadow. It reminded me of what we have. Our story is not pure, nor flawless, but it’s fucking extraordinary all the same.”
“I’ve been waiting for you all my life, Marco Moretti. You chased all the agonizing loneliness away. I finally feel safe.”
“His fresh rain scent engulfs me as I cage him against the wall—the smell of happiness. He feels so fucking good in my arms, against me like he was meant to be there. We are the perfect match, made in blood and drops of rain. Inexplicably, our broken pieces fit together.”
“It is believed that butterflies stop flying when it rains because they could damage their wings, but I think that what they really do is savor the beauty of nature—just like my Joel—the sight of every single drop kissing the earth, the sound of crying water pelting down, the sweet, rich smell of petrichor.”
“Did you just propose in a bar bathroom?” I nod, kissing Marco’s neck. — “So what?” — “Did he kneel?” Luca asks. “In a public bathroom?” (This made me LOL)
“My home. My man. My ring. I look down at my diamond and giggle like a little girl.”
“Wanna know what you look like when you come?” — “You look like fucking mine.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Screaming!!! This was amazing!
I listened to the audio of this book, and J. Tipstone & Mac Rae were superb , they truly brought the story and characters to life!!!
This mafia book was hot, hot, HOT. It was erotic, dirty, kinky, mixed with a brat and some violence , it was all around mesmerising.
Fly was beautiful and magnetic and impossible not to love, while Marco was tough and dangerous, which made him oh-so sexy. I’m obsessed with Paulina’s writing ,it’s so addictive and pulls you into the story so completely that you cannot stop reading/listening. I just want more.
No one writes sex scenes like Paulina, and I’m here for it.
I listened to the audio of this book, and J. Tipstone & Mac Rae were superb , they truly brought the story and characters to life!!!
This mafia book was hot, hot, HOT. It was erotic, dirty, kinky, mixed with a brat and some violence , it was all around mesmerising.
Fly was beautiful and magnetic and impossible not to love, while Marco was tough and dangerous, which made him oh-so sexy. I’m obsessed with Paulina’s writing ,it’s so addictive and pulls you into the story so completely that you cannot stop reading/listening. I just want more.
No one writes sex scenes like Paulina, and I’m here for it.
March 14, 2025
I cant express how much i loved this book. The author has a way of really sucking u in an making you feel for her characters fly and marco are absolutely perfectly imperfect and watching thrm come together was amazing! If you like dark romance morally gray bordering on black MC’s and a plot filled with twists turns and romance this is a must read!
March 18, 2025
Sexy, smutty, and dark. Just the way I like it. Marco is a force to be reckon with. Fly is such a feisty spirit. Them together are fireworks. I love Marco's controlling nature and Fly's instant love.
April 6, 2025
Marco + Fly
-mm mafia romance
-mafia enforcer/seamster
-grumpy/sunshine
-age gap
-male lingerie
once these guys got into it they were KINKYYYYY & er love to see it!!
-mm mafia romance
-mafia enforcer/seamster
-grumpy/sunshine
-age gap
-male lingerie
once these guys got into it they were KINKYYYYY & er love to see it!!
May 17, 2025
Review to come soon!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews