Between Us: An arranged marriage romance

by Dea Verdi

For a long moment, silence stretched between them, until Alessandra gathered the courage to try and satisfy her curiosity. "Why did you agree to it—this marriage?"
She had an idea why, but she thought that as the heir to his Russian legacy, maybe he had a little more of a say in the matter of choosing his own wife.
"It's business," Roman responded in an emotionless voice, clearly wanting to end the conversation there.

Two worlds apart. Two rival families coming together through the sanctity of matrimony. Roman Leskov and Alessandra Rossetti find love despite the burden of their legacies and the unfortunate circumstances that bring them together.

Will their love be able to survive the atrocities of mob life?

477 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

Dea Verdi is an author of romance novels with a twist of suspense and darkness. She started writing fanfiction when she was in college. During the pandemic, she decided to try her hand at creating her own original characters.

When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with friends and reading too many romance novels.

Connect with her:

Email → DeaVerdi.Author@gmail.com

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/dea.verdi/

Reviews

[Siham · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are adorable together 🥺🥺🥺💗

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Marriage of Convenience and love among the shadows.

In a world where family loyalties are paramount and personal desires often fall to the wayside, this book explores the tumultuous relationship between Roman Leskov and Alessandra Rossetti.
The author paints a vivid portrait of two young heirs, each burdened by legacies that dictate their destinies in the unforgiving realm of organized crime.

As the book unfolds, the author intricately weaves a tapestry of espionage, power struggles, and the palpable tension between the Leskovs and the Rossettis. The backdrop of their marriage speaks not only of a strategic alliance but also of the sacrifices made for family honor. Yet, amidst the looming threats and the tyranny of their familial expectations, a tender romance blossoms. What begins as a union grounded in duty gradually evolves into something far deeper, prompting readers to ponder whether love can truly flourish under such oppressive circumstances.

The characterization of Roman and Alessandra is one of the novel's greatest strengths.
Roman, as the stoic protector, navigates the treacherous waters of mob life with a sense of duty that clashes against his emerging feelings for Alessandra.
Alessandra embodies resilience and strength, challenging her fate while grappling with her own insecurities and familial obligations.
Together, they represent not just the clash of two rival dynasties but also the struggle between heart and obligation.

Will their love withstand the shadows of their legacies and the haunting specter of violence that looms over their lives?
The author deftly explores this question, inviting readers on a heart-stopping journey filled with unexpected twists and the threat of betrayal at every corner.

In conclusion, this novel is a gripping exploration of love and loyalty amid the dark underbelly of organized crime. With beautifully crafted prose, complex characters, and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, it is a remarkable reminder that sometimes, love can be the most powerful force of all—even when it blooms amidst chaos.

Highly recommend for readers who enjoy riveting tales of romance entwined with danger and intrigue.

🦋

[AYLXUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything you want from a Mafia Romance is in this book!
Russian prince Roman is forced to marry Italian princess Alessa, family fued, 10 year age gap, enemiesto lovers, SMUT, HEA. I really appreciated the 2 small twist. Definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying—I rarely read books written in the third-person point of view. I usually prefer dual POV because it helps me connect with the characters on a deeper level. But Between Us? This book had me hooked from the blurb, and wow, it did not disappoint!

At first, the story moves a little slow for my taste, introducing us to Roman (Bratva) and Alessandra (Italian Mafia), two people from rival families forced into an arranged marriage. Their families have despised each other for generations, so naturally, I expected tension, resistance, maybe even a bit of hate-to-love drama. But what I didn’t expect was Roman.

From the beginning, he completely shatters every mafia hero stereotype. Instead of the cold, ruthless monster Ale feared, she finds a man who is kind, patient, and—dare I say—sweet? And let me tell you, I was obsessed. Ale, on the other hand, is a dutiful mafia princess who’s always done what’s expected of her. She never thought she’d actually like her husband, but Roman? He’s different. He’s hers.

The chemistry between them is insane. The tension, the tenderness, the steam—all of it was off the charts! And Roman? He truly sees Ale. When she tells him she wants to go to college (something completely unacceptable for a mafia princess), he doesn’t just allow it—he encourages her. He gets her a driver’s license. He buys her a car. He even whisks her away on vacation. For a while, it’s everything they never thought they could have.

But, of course, nothing this good lasts forever.

Their families refuse to let go of the past. Roman’s father and his men see Ale as a spy, an outsider who doesn’t belong. And her family? To them, every Russian is the enemy, ruthless, untrustworthy, and completely devoid of morals. The weight of their bloodlines threatens to tear them apart, and my heart was breaking right along with theirs.

But love—real, deep, unconditional love—doesn’t break that easily. Against all odds, they fight for each other. And in the end, they win.

This is the first book I’ve read by Dea Verdi, but if this is what she brings to the table? Consider me a lifelong fan. I loved every second of this story. Keep writing, Dea—because I’ll be reading everything you put out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Roman and Alessa got together the wrong way around but it stuck like super glue. I loved the way the author gave you just enough of the lives that I could feel what was going on but, did not dwell on the ugliness. I wasn’t expecting Alek and Laney to actually make it but sound like they balance each other and now need Tatyana to find her person. I can’t help but thing that Vitaly and Yana got what they deserved what comes around goes around.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Us is beautifully written, well balanced and perfectly executed by Dea Verdi. Dea Verdi continues to prove what a brilliant author she is with each book that I have read by her so far. This book has a fabulous plot, wonderful characters, and a breathtaking ending for the main characters. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. This novel is absolutely captivating from beginning to end. The main characters of this story are Alessandra and Roman. The chemistry between these two characters is undeniably irresistible to where neither one of them could no longer ignore the feelings that were developing for each other. I immediately fell in love with both Alessandra and Roman, I found them both to be quite interesting and intriguing at the same time. I loved getting to know Alessandra and Roman as well as witnessing their story unfolding throughout the pages of this book. I love that these two have a happy ending with them being happy together as a couple. I’m looking forward to reading more fabulous romances from Dea Verdi in the future. Between Us is most certainly a book that I would encourage other readers to checkout and give it a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to thank BookSirens and the author for the opportunity to read and review Between Us.

I loved the arranged marriage and strangers-to-lovers tropes, especially with the fresh Bratva elements for me. One of my favorite aspects was the lack of third-party drama or forced separation. Even during misunderstandings, Roman’s choice to trust Alessandra showed how deeply he loved her. His evolution—from resisting the idea of marriage to adoring and protecting her—was beautifully done.

Roman’s care for Alessandra was evident, not just in words but through his actions. Even when he scolded her, his immediate concern and protectiveness made it clear how much he cherished her. Alessandra didn’t have much growth, but her bravery in leaving her family to marry an enemy she had never met stood out. It reflected the reality of women often being expected to make such sacrifices.

While the mafia world was touched on, it lacked depth. There were too many names, and I would have preferred fewer characters and more focus on their actual work. A deeper dive into that would have made the world more immersive. Overall, I enjoyed the book!

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this amazing book! It's about a woman who got married out of obligation and a husband who needed a wife to uphold his reputation. They faced all these challenges trying to keep them apart. At first, it seemed like Roman didn't care much, but he unexpectedly found himself falling for her. She was a bit scared at the start, but soon enough, she was all in! Even though the story wasn’t very long, it had just the right blend of action and romance that kept me hooked!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between us is Roman Leskov, Heir to the Leskov Bratva and Princess of the Rossetti Italian Mafia, Alessa Rossetti's, story. It's a fantastic age gap, forced marriage, enemies to lovers, rival families story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This story is intense, dramatic, intriguing and full of heat. Another great read by this author!

[Kayla Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dea Verdi takes you on an addictive and thrilling mafia romance that resembles a rollercoaster filled with passion, suspense, and betrayal. This story centers around Alessandra and Roman, who are forced into an arranged marriage to unite their families. What starts as an obligation quickly becomes a captivating love story with tension and fiery chemistry.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was how the enemies-to-lovers dynamic was beautifully executed. While their union begins with resentment, the evolving relationship is full of depth, chemistry, and, most importantly, growth. The character development between these two characters was absolutely phenomenal.

This book perfectly balances action and romance, including suspenseful moments of danger and power struggles. These moments continuously kept the pages turning. Overall, this was an electrifying read with a passionate romance and multiple twists to keep you on edge. If you love mafia romances with a strong, slow-burn love story and plenty of high stakes, this book is a must-read! I'm excited to see what more Dea Verdi has for us.

[Amanda Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Us is a mafia romance by Dea Verdi. This is my first book that I have read from the author, and it wont be my last. After I read this book, I bought another one of her books. Between Us follows the sotry of Roman Leskov, from the Russian Bratva, and Alesssandra Rossetti, Italian mafia, from two rival families coming together in marriage as a business arrangement. They define the odds and find love, but will their love survive the mafia live. As someone still in their mafia era, this has everything Im looking for in a mafia romance book: arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, good spice, suspense, and a strong protective MMC. This story does a good job weaving together the romance of Roman and Alessandra with the inter workings of the mafia world. I loved the romance between Roman and Alessandra-their chemistry was full of fire and spice. Roman is probably one of my favorite mafia man. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters and I hope that there are sequels that explore their stories. This booked had me hooked once I started reading. I received and advanced review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being born into the mafia, most women know that an arranged marriage is inevitable, but being forced to wed the enemy? That’s a nightmare Alessandra never saw coming. A union between the ruthless Russian Bratva and the formidable Italian mafia seems doomed from the start, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. But what makes this story so captivating is that it doesn’t follow the predictable path. As Alessandra and Roman navigate their forced union, what starts as an obligation turns into an undeniable connection—one laced with tension, longing, and an unexpected, all-consuming love. Of course, love in a world like theirs never comes easy. As passion ignites between them, danger lurks in the shadows as deception, betrayal, and power struggles threaten to tear them apart. With suspense, kidnappings, fiery chemistry, and enough twists to keep you glued to the pages, this book is an absolute must-read that you won’t want to miss!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I have found Dea, her writing is so fluent and she has writes with passion and intensity. A perfect mafia book, from the first page it drew me in. Roman Leskov and Alessandra Rossetti are forced together to marry, unitng the Russians and the Italians. At first they both resent the idea but slowly begin to fall in love. They depend in one another as they face caos and war within the city if Chicago.

There was never a dull moment, full of action, betrayal's, steam, angst and passion. I couldn't get enough! A well executed rival mafia story that left me breathless, hoping they would survive. A little rushed at the end, so I'm hoping more books will emerge in this world, as I felt this could become a series with lots of options available. Would totally recommend.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristi Shepps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alessandra has grown up know an arranged marriage was the likely scenario with her the type of work her Dad is doing. What she didn’t expect is to be used as a bargaining chip. Now she is going to be married to the enemy. Thrown into a relationship Alessandra has to navigate through the whole thing with no one to depend upon but Roman, her handsome new husband she knows nothing about. I loved seeing Alessandra and Roman’s relationship develop and grow as they learn not only about each other but also themselves. The world they were born into will try everything to rip them apart and destroy them, but love overcomes all. I highly recommend this mafia romance for anyone who loves an enemies to lovers, a protective MMC and opposites attract! I loved seeing Roman and Alessandra’s relationship bloom despite everything.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with the characters and could really feel their emotions throughout the books. When he thought she was cheating and they were both so distraught?! It wrecked me in the best way. Edge of my seat waiting to see how she would get caught in the middle of a world she didn't know much about. Her struggle to trust and be trusted as she was forced to marry into a family she was told were savages really struck a cord with me.
Personally not a huge fan of the 3rd person POV because I think it left me more detached.
I really enjoyed seeing all aspects of the conflict because it made the plot so much more interesting. Lots of mafia romance out there but a good plot with unforseen twists is hard to find!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magic book club · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

Dea Verdi is someone whose books I look forward to because I know I will enjoy them. She is incredibly talented, she knows how to draw you into a story and make you read it in a few hours. This book is no exception either, I enjoyed the story about Roman and Alessa, about opposing clans and families, about loyalty, love and respect.

The only thing I could complain about is that it was a little rushed at the end, at least I had that feeling, and that the chemistry between the main characters was lost somewhere. In essence, the book was really good, I enjoyed it and it has all the recommendations from me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

OMG! Wow, this was an exhilarating book to read I was hooked from the start until the very end, the games one rival family will play even if he has to use his heir by being forced to marry one of the enemies daughter Alessandra Rossetti the little princess to marry Roman Leskov, there was a bit of turmoil in the Bratva for mixing the breed of an heirs child. Roman sick of the Pakhan playing games and near the end a rush to the hospital has everyone holding their breaths. Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, intense, dramatic, intriguing and full of spicy, electrifying passion romance. Highly recommended reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Soleil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author. This book was really good. I really like both main characters. Their relationship was developed. I felt the chemistry and love between the two characters. I agree with others that gave this book high stars. It had the tropes I love a real age gap, virgin h, and others. The only thing I was disappointed with is the epilogue. I didn't like the fact they were going to wait many years in the future to have children. I wanted them to have children sooner. I will not be reading the other books by this author because there really is not a real age gap between the characters in her other books to me. This book was very romantic. The author wrote a great book.

[Angela Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong FMC forced into marriage, while already engaged. She had no idea where this would take and what it would mean. Though with a new fiancé she was able to find herself, do things she'd been forbidden and be loved so unconditionally that she found her HEA, not such a natural find with Mafia ties, but she found love
MMC, not wanting to play a role he is forced into, with a Bride he didnt want. He finds protecting her to be a task he hadn't quite expected, and a fight he thought was being dealt with. He found safety from the enemy through his plans and with that he found his HEA in the wife he wasn't expecting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and deeply love the two protagonists, Roman and Alessandra; their interactions, the way their relationship grows page after page, until they discover that they love each other, and it is a Love with a capital "L". I liked the various relationships with the secondary characters, Matteo, Alek, Tatiana, I hated Luca. I was disgusted by Nero for how he treated his daughter, and Vitali for his double game. I highly recommend this book, the story hits you and keeps you glued there until the last page. Dea Verdi my new favorite writer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author Dea Verdi and BookSirens for giving me the ARC.❤️
I recently finished this book. It beautifully combined tropes like arranged marriage and age gap, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it all came together.

What stood out most was the marriage dynamic — intense, emotionally layered, yet strangely comforting. Despite the gritty backdrop of mafia politics and power plays, the story stayed rooted in emotional connection and slow-burn chemistry between the leads.

Their relationship evolved with patience and passion — moments of tension, vulnerability, and quiet understanding made it more than just a trope-driven romance.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good

I like the way it played out. I loved the main characters, Alessandra and Roman. But it also has good side characters, and that’s important a book. I’d like to know more about Alek, Matteo, Tatyana, and even Luca.

Although I was hoping for a more respect on Nero‘s part for his son-in-law Roman. And for Roman and Mateo to actually have a friendship. But I guess in their lifestyle that’s probably too much to hope for.

Here is hoping there’s a story for
Tatyana,
Matteo,
Stepan,
and even Luca.

Would make for a nice little series. I will be searching to see if there is. If there isn’t, Dea Verdi please write a book for each of these side characters.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story from the beginning, two people forced to marry, one Russian, Roman Leskov and one Italian, Alessandra Rossetti.
The relationship between them both is a surprise as they really like each other quite fast.
When Alessandra gets kidnapped and it looks like the Italians did it tempers flair but nothing is it seams.
I know the story is a long one but it needs it to explain all the dangers and traitors involved.

I received a free book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gives you an arranged marriage with an unexpected turn. There are fireworks all throughout this one! Anytime you mix the Bratva and the Mafia you can expect strife, but throw in the Armenians and you've really got trouble. This is something Roman and Alessandra found out firsthand, up close, and personally. This one is a must read and I'm dying to find out if there will be a follow up for Roman and Alessandra's siblings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ES · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Such an interesting Mafia romance filled with betrayal and never-ending plot twists.

I just felt like it was a bit too long that it lost some of its allure. It also seemed like Alessa and Roman's relationship didn't really progress or evolve. After about the 2nd week of being married, it pretty much stayed the same.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erika Komáromi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover piqued my curiosity. It turned out very nice! And it was confirmed. the rivalry and tension between two families was fantastic. I wanted to read it so quickly, because the story captivated me and I was very curious about the end! We were part of the process of an arranged marriage. With a good ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Between Us by new for me author Dea Verdi

This is an arranged marriage between Italian & Russian families. Characters have a 10 year age gap. Alessandra has been very sheltered and protected in the world she grew up in - her arranged marriage to Roman brings a sense of freedom for the first time.

Theirs is a slow burn love story !

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russian and Italian, and there's no amount of like between them! Neither wants the other! Or… ;-)

I enjoyed both main characters.
Roman is turning out to be… Thought I would tell you? No way.
This is so good, you have to read it yourself!

Alessandra. OMG what a fantastic FMC! Her strength!

I loved Roman and Alessa together!!!

My fourth story by Ms. Verdi, and I can't wait to read more!

[Kawkaawwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind, and it turned out to be an interesting read.
liked the fmc and mmc, and their relationship,But it lacked some emotional depth, the bond between them didn’t quite hit as deeply as I hoped. but the writing style made up for it. Even though it was long and nothing really unpredictable happened, the writing kept me hooked. I found myself wanting to keep reading just to see what would happen next.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The line between buisness and pleasure can blur bit whe it comes to rival mafia families arranging a marriage, could love ever be on the cards for Alessandra and Roman? Well written steamy desires, enemies to lovers and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.